Sermons upon Deuteronomy

Furthermore let us mark also, that whereas Moses is commanded to strengthen Joshua: therein God showeth us the effectual working and force of his word. The encouraging of a man, specially to so excellent a work, is no small matter. And by what mean is that done? By good teaching, and by holy exhortations. Thus are there two things to be noted in effect. The one is that such as are set in authority have need to be instructed and strengthened, that they may be able to do their duty. The second is, that Gods word hath this use and property to frame those which else should be unmeet, and to strengthen them when they be weak: and to be short, to make them fit in all points to execute their office, and whatsoever is appointed them by God.

Furthermore let vs mark also, that whereas Moses is commaunded to strēgthen Iosua: therein God sheweth vs the effectuall woorking and force of his worde. The incouraging of a man, specially to so excellent a worke, is no small matter. And by what meane is that done? By good teaching, and by holy exhortations. Thus are there two thinges to be noted in effect. The one is yt such as are set in authoritie haue neede to be instructed and strēgthened, that they may be able to doe their duetie. The second is, that Gods word hath this vse and propertie to frame those which els should be vnmeete, and to strēgthen them when they be weake: and to be short, to make them fit in all poyntes to execute their office, and whatsoeuer is appoynted them by God.

Therefore let them that are called to any charge or authority look well to themselves. For they be not abler men than Joshua was, who had done a notable act already now forty years ago, in outstanding the rebellion of the whole people, notwithstanding that they would have stoned him, and that he saw so great, and (as ye would say) so infinite a multitude against him, which was not of an hundred men, neither of rascals, or of no estimation, but there were moe than six hundred thousand men that did set themselves against him: and yet for all that he bare out the brunt, with invincible constancy, and maintained Gods quarrel. Joshua had done this deed forty years afore: and yet notwithstanding he is fain to be encouraged still, he is fain to receive new instruction, he is fain to be confirmed yet better and better. Now then, what shall those do which are as silly beasts, & can do nothing? If a man examine them thoroughly, although there be some good seed of virtue in them, alas, they come far short of the perfection that was in Joshua. Then if they cannot find in their hearts to be taught, and to be strengthened that they may the better serve God: are they not worthy to be put to reproach, so as they may not discern what uprightness and Justice mean, but commit so gross crimes as even little children may laugh them to scorn, and all the world be