Sermons upon Deuteronomy

Now then, such as are Justicers have their lesson here in writing: that is to wit, that they must maintain right and equity towards all men that are committed to their charge. For (as hath bin declared afore) the office of justice is an honourable service. They that are set in authority are not advanced to that high estate to the intent they should trample their subjects under their feet, or make none account of them: but contrariwise they be bound unto them, and it is a kind of service. For God hath not made principalities for a few mens pleasures, to the end that all mankind should be their underlings: but for the common welfare and benefit of all men. Then if governors understand not that they be bound by Gods will and by the order of nature, to them of whom they have the charge: they must be fain to yield an account unto God for their abusing of his gift and of the honour that he bestowed upon them. Thus much concerning the first point that we have to mark here.

Nowe then, such as are Iusticers haue their lesson here in writing: that is to wit, that they must maintayne right and equitie towardes all men that are committed to their charge. For (as hath bin declared afore) the office of iustice is an honourable seruice. They that are set in authoritie are not aduaunced to that high estate to the intent they should trample their subiectes vnder their feete, or make none account of them: but contrariwise they bee bounde vnto them, and it is a kinde of seruice. For God hath not made principalities for a fewe mens pleasures, to ye end that all mankind should be their vnderlings: but for the common welfare and benefit of all men. Then if gouernours vnderstand not that they be bound by Gods will and by the order of nature, to them of whom they haue the charge: they must be faine to yeeld an account vnto God for their abusing of his gift and of the honour that he bestowed vppon them. Thus much concerning the first point that we haue to marke here.

And herewithall let us mark also, that if they be so greatly bound unto men: much more straitly, are they bound unto God. If a man be grieved in a matter of five shillings or less, and the justice cause him not to have right: we see what is said here. But now, if the name of God be blasphemed, if his honour be defaced, if wicked and detestable things be done, and they that sit in the seat of justice and bear the sword in their hand withstand it not, but are careless what injury be done unto God: are they to be excused? No: for if they suffer but a poor man to be trodden done, so as he have but one penny loss: they shall be blamed for it before God. But yet much more precious is the Majesty of God, and the thing that concerneth his honour and service. Sith it is so, that Magistrates be bound to minister right to every man, in things that are small and in manner of no value: let us mark well that they ought in any wise to procure the maintenance of Gods honour, more carefully without all comparison, specially when the case concerneth the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereunto all the whole world is not to be compared, in as much as Gods glory shineth forth there. And that is the second point which we have to mark upon this strain.