Sermons upon Deuteronomy

And hereof we may gather, that when GOD chose that people, it was not (as we have already said herebefore) either for §50desert or worthiness that he found in them. And indeed Moses casteth it in their teeth [saying;] Should you think that GOD is bound to you? If he have advanced you above all other nations, & given you any dignity or excellency: should you therefore boast your self thereof? Nay you be a stiff necked people, which cannot bow; you be (saith he) rebellious and froward, and therefore it is to be concluded, that God was not moved to choose you, but of his own §60goodness.

And hereof wee may gather, that when GOD chose that people, it was not (as we haue alreadie saide herebefore) either for §50desert or worthinesse that hee founde in them. And indeed Moses casteth it in their teeth [saying;] Shoulde you thinke that GOD is bound to you? If he haue aduanced you aboue al other nations, & giuen you anie dignitie or excellencie: should you therefore boast your selfe thereof? Nay you be a stiffe necked people, which cannot bowe; you be (saith he) rebellious and froward, and therefore it is to bee concluded, that God was not mooued to choose you, but of his owne §60goodnesse.

Now that we have found such frowardness in the people of Israel; let us repair to ourselves: for the meaning of God is to teach us at other folks cost. They which be dead so long while since, be at this day set as it were on a stage, God putteth them to reproach, that they might serve for an instruction to us. We hear that the people of Israel were froward & stubborn, and we see how God condemneth them, & discovereth their shame. To what end? For our good & for our learning. Now then, seeing that the children of Israel be put to shame here after such a sort, let us learn to examine well whether there be the like faults in us: and surely when we have searched all things throughly, we shall find that we be no less faulty than they. For where is the readiness to serve our God when he calleth us? We be so slow and so reckless, as is pity to see. Neither is there only slowness and slackness in us: but also we cease not to kick against him. Howe many wicked fancies have we, which turn us away from the simplicity of faith? Howe much are we tempted of our wicked lusts, which serve to make us to kick against our God? How be we held down in this present world, whereas we should mount up unto heaven? Howe do we break all manner of order which our Lord hath set amongest us for our welfare? And albeit that for a time, we pretend some good desire and inclination: yet it lasteth not, we be changed from it with the turning of a hand, so as we be carried now this way, now that way, & every little overthwart is enough to make us mislike of Gods word. And have we once conceived such misliking, in the end we become like venomous Toads against God: and we see so many examples thereof as is horrible. Now therefore, when we have well looked into our state, we shall be constrained to confess that we be no better than this people. Wherefore let us beware that the word of God which is preached, be not a Testimony against us at this day. Yea and let us not think it strange, though God reprove us sharply, and send us such rebukes as he did to the Jews: neither let us say, with such, as settle themselves in their filthiness, Howe now? God pincheth us too hard. Alas we had need to be called upon a hundred fold more than we be. What must we then do? We must be more quiet towards our God than we have been;