Sermons upon Deuteronomy

True it is [say they] that we be wretched and silly creatures: but yet hath our God helped us, to the end that we should trust in him. Therefore let us on forward as he commandeth, and let us not doubt but he will be the same man to morrow that he is to day. The remembrance of his promise lasteth longer with him than for a day: and seeing he hath avowed himself to be our father, it is not to shake us off as the bastes do that forget their young ones, or as the fowls do which forsake their birds whom they bred: but our God is a father to us both in life and death. Now then, let us always flee under the shadow of his protection, and assure our selves that his power shall never be diminished towards us.

True it is [say they] that wee be wretched and silie creatures: but yet hath our God helped vs, to the end that wee should trust in him. Therefore let vs on forewarde as he commandeth, and let vs not doubt but hee will be the same man to morrowe that he is to day. The remembrance of his promise lasteth longer with him than for a day: and seeing he hath auowed himselfe to be our father, it is not to shake vs off as the bastes doe that forget their young ones, or as the fowles doe which forsake their byrdes whom they bred: but our God is a father to vs both in lyfe and death. Now then, let vs alwayes flee vnder the shadowe of his protection, and assure our selues that his power shall neuer bee diminished towardes vs.

But we have also to mark how Moses saith, That Og king of Bashan came flinging forth to give battle. wherein he showeth that the people [of Israels] war was just and lawful. For although they had express commandment from God, to arm themselves and to put Og king of Bashan to the sword, not at their own pleasure, but upon the authority of him that hath all power: yet was it Gods will to minister a just cause thereof unto them, that they might be the more assured in their conscience. And thereby we be warned (as I have said heretofore) not to attempt any thing against right and reason. If we will have GOD to bless our doings, and to make them prosper, and bring them to good end: let us beware that we stir not so much as one finger unadvisedly, or contrarily to that which is showed us by Gods word. For what is it that can make us rightly hardy in all things? The having of a good warrant in our own consciences, that we have walked according to Gods commandment, and gone no further than equity and right will bear. If we be sure of that: then may we look for help from above, and we shall not be disappointed. But if we neglect the difference between good and bad, and run to things upon a head: it is good reason that God should beguile us, and that we should be confounded in our doings. Thus ye see what we have to mark here, when Og king of Bashan came forth as an enemy to provoke the children of Israel, in such wise as their war became just. For no doubt but this enemy was offered him of Gods hand, as we saw that Sehon was yesterday, whom God hardened because he was minded to overthrow him. After the same manner happened it to Og the king of Bashan.