A17717:222
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.
Therefore, when we bear such haired against any, this is sure an evil root, and it must needs bring forth like fruit. Ye see what the point is, whereunto we must come, if we will have the right understanding of this commandment of GOD. Now withal, let us note by the way, that when it is said, That charity covereth the multitude of sins, that this is not so to be taken, that we must flatter one an other, and by lying nourish the vices which are in us: but this is spoken for this purpose, that we blab not forth the faults of others; as desirous to defame them: whereby we might ⟨p. 80⟩happily discourage then, and be an occasion (peradventure,) that they shall abandon all shame, and give them selves over to utter impudency: as we see many desperate persons do. Let us note then, that the holy Ghost meaneth not to make us flatterers, or maintainers of the vices which are in our neighbours, or to make us liars: but he will that we endeavour, with all our might, to correct and amend the faults which are in them: and yet so, that we bear charitably with them, without driving them to despair, when they shall be spotted with many vices. For when a man shall see that one disgraceth and shameth him, and that despitefully: he will desperately give him self over unto all mischief, and harden him self therein. We are therefore the cause, that those which have heretofore followed some evil trade of living, harden them selves therein, and in despite of God and man, persist in their wickedness, if rudely and undiscretelie, without any affection of charity, we reprehend them. Wherefore let us take great heed, that when we reprehend the vices of any, we do it with such mildness and gentleness, that they which are reproved may know, that for a love we bear them, we would withdraw them from the way of destruction.1 And lo why S. James hath applied this place to them, which by gentle corrections, by sweet and amiable words, seek to draw and allure their neighbours to God. Therefore, when I shall see one led away unto wickedness, if I warn him of his faults, and by admonishing of him, can win him into the right way: lo (saith he) how this sentence shall be accomplished, That charity covereth the multitude of sins. I grant that Solomon speaketh hereof unto an other end:
Therefore, when wee beare such haired against any, this is sure an euill roote, and it must needes bring foorth like fruite. Yee see what the point is, wherevnto wee must come, if wee will haue the right vnderstanding of this commaundement of GOD. Now withall, let vs note by the way, that when it is said, That charitie couereth the multitude of sinnes, that this is not so to bee taken, that wee must flatter one an other, and by lying nourish the vices which are in vs: but this is spoken for this purpose, that wee blabbe not foorth the faultes of others; as desirous to defame them: whereby we might