A17698:992
Sermons upon Deuteronomy
The sermons of M. John Calvin upon the fifth book of Moses called Deuteronomy faithfully gathered word for word as he preached them in open pulpit; together with a preface of the ministers of the Church of Geneva, and an admonishment made by the deacons there. Also there are annexed two profitable tables, the one containing the chief matters; the other the places of Scripture herein alleged. Translated out of French by Arthur Golding.The sermons of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the fifth booke of Moses called Deuteronomie faithfully gathered word for word as he preached them in open pulpet; together with a preface of the ministers of the Church of Geneua, and an admonishment made by the deacons there. Also there are annexed two profitable tables, the one containing the chiefe matters; the other the places of Scripture herein alledged. Translated out of French by Arthur Golding.
London: printed by Henry Middleton for George Bishop, 1583
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But by the way we have to note, that God judgeth not of theft after the manner of men. For they that are in authority and estimation, shall not fail for all that to be condemned before GOD,1 yea even though no man accuse them but only the crying out of the poor for vengeance, whom they have devoured. And although they say never a word, yet the afflictions which they suffer shall cry out loud and shrill §60enough before God, and make an indictment substantial enough without uttering any word. So then we must not bring our own imaginations hither to judge of thefts, nor think our selves escaped from Gods hand, when we be not punished by men nor by worldly justice: for GOD looketh far deeper. And therefore let us bear in mind at a word, that all manner of harm and all manner of coveting to rake to our selves that which is none of our own, is called theft in respect of God throughout the whole holy scripture. And in deed when as GOD threateneth by his prophet Isaiah▪ 2that he which hath spoiled and robbed, shall have his turn [to be spoiled and robbed likewise:] he speaketh not of the pe•ie thieves that are carried to the gallows: but of the great princes and monarchs that bare ••ay in the world.3 Also in the first chapter •hen he speaketh to the holy people that were the Church of GOD: Thy princes and governors (saith he) are companions of Thieves. Yet notwithstanding it is certain that they were not arraigned: Nay, they themselves arraigned other men: and yet nevertheless they failed not to be condemned before GOD. So then the thieves that are honourable here beneath, fail not to be accursed by the Law, and God hath given sentence of them in this text. Therefore we must be fain to cast down our eyes knowing that it shall not boot us though our thievery be excusable before the world, nor though it be concealed or faced out. For yet for all that, Gods Law shall have his course, & the execution of it is ready at hand. God hath not forbidden any thing, which he calleth not to account. Thus ye see what we have to remember upon this text.