A17717:123
Sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the.X.Commandments of the Law, given of GodSermons of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the.X.Commandementes of the Lawe, geuen of God
Sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the.X.Commandments of the Law, given of God by Moses, otherwise called the Decalogue. Gathered word for word, presently at his sermons, when he preached on Deuteronomy, without adding unto, or diminishing from them any thing afterward. Translated out of French into English, by I.H.Sermons of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the.X.Commandementes of the Lawe, geuen of God by Moses, otherwise called the Decalogue. Gathered word for word, presently at his sermons, when he preached on Deuteronomie, without adding vnto, or diminishing from them any thing afterward. Translated out of Frenche into English, by I.H.
London: printed by Thomas Dawson for John Harison, 1579London: printed by Thomas Dawson for Iohn Harison, 1579
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.
When the Prophet Isaiah would put men in mind of their base estate,1 to induce them to relieve their poor brethren, he saith: Thou shalt not despise thine own flesh. See where I ought to view, and behold my self as in a looking glass: namely, in as many creatures as are in the world. Mark we this for one point. But yet there remaineth more, that is, that the image of God is imprinted in all men. Then I despise not only mine own flesh: when I shall oppress any one, but I violate the image of God as much as lieth in me. So then let us diligently note, that God would in this place declare unto them which are in authority, and credit, to them which are rich, and to such as be in some degree of honour above others, that they ought not to abuse those which are under their hands, that they ought not to trouble and torment them above measure, that they ought always to think on this, that we are all descended from the line of Adam, that we have one common nature, that the image of GOD is imprinted in us all. Lo, what we have to note, and above all other things to bear in mind, seeing Jesus Christ is descended hither below to be made of no reputation, to condemn our pride and loftiness, and to show us, that there is no way to serve GOD but in humility, and that ⟨p. 44⟩he hath made us all members of his body, as well servants, as those which are masters and superiors, showing that there is no difference, when the question is of coming unto GOD, and having respect unto him, and his service. We must therefore be followers of him. And because we are all, both small and great, members of his body, and that he is our head, there is great reason, that every one apply him self to his neighbours. And sithence GOD hath declared him self our father, in more familiar wise than he did unto them which lived under the Law, let us be so much the more persuaded to maintain a fraternity and brotherhood among us. And this have we further to bear in mind upon this place. There resteth yet one point to be observed touching this, that GOD hath ordained a memorial and remembrance to the Jews, that they were sometimes in Egypt as poor slaves and bondmen. Now we know, that in that place they were evil and cruelly handled.
When the Prophete Esaie would put men in minde of their base estate,1