1 But the children of Israel transgressed, &c.) Here is rehearsed the offence of one man, and that done in secret, the fault whereof is ascribed to the whole people: and not that only, but the punishment is laid upon many, that were innocent in the fault. But it seemeth not agreeable to reason, that all the people, which were ignorant of the crime, that was both private and secret, should be charged withal. I answer, it is no strange thing, that the sin of one member should redound to the hurt of the whole body. If the reason thereof were hidden from us, yet it ought abundantly to satisfy us, that transgression is imputed to the children of Israel, when the fault is restrained but unto one man. But because it cometh to pass oftentimes, that not the worst men, by winking at their brethren's offences, do nourish their sins, and so part of the fault is worthily laid upon all them, whom their dissimulation and forbearing linketh in society with them. By this reason S. Paul layeth to all the Corinthians, the private offence of one man: and inveigheth 1against their pride, who being stained with so great reproach, yet durst be bold to boast and glory. But here it is easy to reply, that all men were ignorant of the theft: & therefore there is no place for that common saying, That he is guilty of the crime, that may let it from being committed, and doth suffer it to be done. I confess in deed, it is not manifest, why this private offence should be imputed to the whole people, except perhaps for that they had not diligently punished offenders before times: whereupon it might grow, that this wretch was made bolder to commit this horrible crime. And verily, evil weeds do spring up and bud out as it were by stealth, and bring fourth hurtful fruits, if they be not plucked up betimes. Although the reason why God maketh all the people guilty of theft, is more high and secret: because he would have them to be admonished in time to come, with an unwonted document and instruction, that by the wickedness of one man, all the rest may be made guilty, that they may learn more diligently to beware & take heed of vices. Wherefore, there is nothing better in this case, than to hold our minds in suspense, until the books be opened, where the judgements of God shall be openly seen, which are now shadowed with our darkness.
1 But the children of Israel transgressed, &c.) Here is rehearsed the offence of one man, and that done in secret, the fault whereof is ascribed to the whole people: and not that onely, but the punishment is laid vpon many, that were innocent in the fault. But it seemeth not agreeable to reason, that all the people, which were ignorant of the crime, that was both priuate and secret, should be charged withall. I answere, it is no straunge thing, that the sinne of one member should redound to the hurt of the whole body. If the reason thereof were hidden from vs, yet it ought abundantly to satisfie vs, that transgression is imputed to the children of Israel, when the fault is restrained but vnto one man. But because it commeth to passe oftentimes, that not the worst men, by winking at their brothrens offences, doe nourishe their sinnes, and so part of the fault is worthily laied vpon all them, whom their dissimulation and forbearing linketh in societie with them. By this reason S. Paule layeth to all the Corinthians, the priuate offence of one man: and inueiheth 1against their pride, who being stained with so great reproch, yet durst be bolde to boast and glorie. But here it is easie to replie, that all men were ignorant of the thefte: & therefore there is no place for that common saying, That he is guiltie of the crime, that may let it from being committed, and doth suffer it to be done. I confesse in deede, it is not manifest, why this priuate offence should be imputed to the whole people, except perhaps for that they had not diligently punished offenders before times: wherevpon it might growe, that this wretch was made bolder to commit this horrible crime. And verily, euill weedes doe spring vp and bud out as it were by stealth, and bring fourth hurtfull fruites, if they be not plucked vp beetimes. Although the reason why God maketh all the people guiltie of theft, is more high and secret: because he would haue them to be admonished in time to come, with an vnwoonted document and instruction, that by the wickednesse of one man, all the rest may be made guiltie, that they may lerne more diligently to beware & take heede of vices. Wherefore, there is nothing better in this case, than to holde our mindes in suspense, vntill the bookes be opened, where the iudgementes of God shall be openly seene, which are nowe shadowed with our darkenes.
- 11. Cor. 5. 4. 5. 6.
