Sermons upon Deuteronomy

& yet notwithstanding we see that the greatest number goes to wreck, and that the number which remaineth is very small. Yea, but yet doth God continually bring to pass, that his Church abideth unquenched, and that there is still some remnant left, according to this saying of Isaiah,¹ that he will reserve still some little seed. And therefore let us beware that we be of the seed which God reserveth to himself, when he punisheth those which turn away from him, notwithstanding that they did erst bear the name and title to be of his house, and in deed God did direct the promises of salvation unto them, but they received them not. Wherefore let us take heed that we run not into disorder with the greater number.

& yet notwithstāding we see yt the greatest number goes to wrecke, and that the number which remaineth is very small. Yea, but yet doth God continually bring to passe, that his Church abydeth vnquenched, and that there is still some remnant left, according to this saying of Esay,¹ that he will reserue still some little seede. And therefore let vs beware that we be of the seede which God reserueth to himselfe, when hee punisheth those which turne away from him, notwithstanding that they did erst beare the name and title to bee of his house, and in deede God did direct the promises of saluation vnto them, but they receiued them not. Wherefore let vs take heede that wee run not into disorder with the greater number.

1. 1Isaiah 1.9.Esay 1.9.

And it is said expressly, that God will shroud him, dwelling between his shoulders. Here Moses showeth why God will maintain the tribe of Benjamin, which notwithstanding might seem to be utterly perished: namely for that he would dwell upon his shoulders. For the temple was builded in the tribe of Benjamin. Although the kingdom was in the tribe of Judah, and that the kings house also was set there: yet in the parting of their inheritances, the mountain of Zion fell to the lot of the Beniamits. God then dwelt upon his shoulders or between his shoulders; as if a man should bear some burden upon his neck, so doeth God declare that Benjamin did partly bear him as I have told you, because it was his will to dwell upon him and to have his Temple there. And he speaketh of his shoulders as in respect of mount Zion. And so forasmuch as Benjamin did bear God upon his shoulders, that is to say, because the Temple wherein it was Gods will to be served, was builded in the tribe of Benjamin, and the people were to assemble on Zion to do homage unto God, and Benjamin served to that purpose: therefore it is said that God was (after a sort) upon his shoulders. That then is the reason why Benjamin was well beloved of God. Not that he had any whit deserved it: for whereof came it that God chose mount Zion for his dwelling place? Even of his own free love, which he bare to Benjamin. So then let us not dream that Benjamin prevented Gods grace with any worthiness: but Moses declareth, that Gods uttering of his love and favour towards the tribe of Benjamin, & that there should be a manifest record and token thereof in the building of the Temple there, and that the tribe of Benjamin should ever continue under Gods protection; are things linked together. Insomuch that although that tribe seemed to be left up to the spoil, and that their enemies had gotten the overhand of them: yet would God show himself pitiful to maintain them still.