Sermons upon Deuteronomy

But we must apply this text to the same use that Moses putteth it: which is, that after the example of God, we must have this unpartialitie in us, so as we will not be drawn one way nor other by the things that appear in men. And this is a very profitable or rather needful doctrine. True it is that this is spoken expressly to Judges and governors, in as much as God hath taken them near to himself by setting them in his own seat, and by willing them to execute his office in this world: and therefore ought they also to have the greater care to follow uprightness, that they suffer not themselves to be perverted by the things that are to be seen in men. But yet for all that, every man for his own part ought to take warning to follow Gods example, and to frame himself thereafter,¹ according also as Saint Paul sendeth us thither, when he speaketh of bondmen and of men of base degree that are easy to be oppressed, because men take leave to do evil when they see that a silly soul cannot revenge himself, and that if he have any wrong done unto him he must be fain to put it up patiently: by reason whereof they presume the more boldly to say, O, as for him, when I have done the worst to him that I can, he hath no means to hurt me. Thus are we the bolder when we see that men are base & have no maintenance. But in this case Saint Paul sayeth that we must lift up our eyes to heaven, and that forasmuch as there is no respect of persons before God, we must not think we shall escape unpunished when we abuse the privilege & authority that he giveth us. He then that despiseth his neighbour ought to think thus: yet notwithstanding, we have a common judge in heaven, & although I be now rich & honourable to the worldward, although I be in authority & estimation, yet when I come thither, all this gear must cease: and although my counterpartie be now despised, & have no man to stand by him, yet hath he a defender in heaven. ⟨p. 20⟩Lo here (say I) what ought to beat down all pride in us, to the end that none of us advance himself, nor take more upon him than is lawful, ne think he hath leave to do evil, under colour that our counterparties are of no credit and authority.

But wee must apply this texte to the same vse that Moses putteth it: which is, that after the example of God, wee must haue this vnpartialitie in vs, so as wee will not bee drawen one way nor other by the thinges that appeare in men. And this is a very profitable or rather needefull doctrine. True it is that this is spoken expressely to Iudges and gouernours, in as much as God hath taken them neere to himselfe by setting them in his owne seate, and by willing them to execute his office in this worlde: and therefore ought they also to haue the greater care to followe vprightnesse, that they suffer not themselues to bee peruerted by the thinges that are to bee seene in men. But yet for all that, euery man for his owne part ought to take warning to follow Gods example, and to frame himselfe thereafter,