Sermons upon Deuteronomy

Wherefore let us learn in few words, that such as have an eye to mens persons, that is to say, regard the outward show, cannot hold their own to deal uprightly and indifferently; but that they must needs be moved either with fear or with favour, to give the upper hand always to the wicked person that standeth in the wrong. And why? For fear least he should be revenged: and else for hope to be benefited again at his hand for the favour that he shall have received. And therefore let us remember, first that God requireth a stoutness in them that are Judges. If they see a rich man or a man of honour: well, let them take him as he is, and yet nevertheless judge the case as it requireth. But this stoutness of mind is seldom to be found any where. For although the Judges do purpose with themselves to follow the law, yet are they commonly seized with a kind of fearfulness, by means whereof they be daunted when it cometh to the point that they should stand to their tackling. And therefore is there good cause why such as sit in the seat of Justice, should resort to God, & carefully pray him to strengthen them in such wise, as they may not be like to reeds that are shaken with every wind, but freely follow the course that God hath appointed them, without swerving or bowing any manner of way. Let us mark then first of all, that we must have this stoutness of not being afraid at the sight of any mans greatness or countenance, that his authority or riches do not any thing avail him, but that the case may stand in firm state, without having our eyes dazzled to say, This is a great man, and therefore I must favour him.

Wherefore let vs learne in fewe wordes, that such as haue an eye to mens persons, that is to say, regarde the outwarde showe, cannot holde their owne to deale vprightly and indifferently; but that they must needes bee mooued either with feare or with fauour, to giue the vpper hand alwaies to the wicked person that standeth in the wrong. And why? For feare least he should be reuenged: and else for hope to be benefited againe at his hand for the fauour that he shall haue receiued. And therefore let vs remember, first that God requireth a stoutnesse in them that are Iudges. If they see a riche man or a man of honour: well, let them take him as he is, and yet neuerthelesse iudge the case as it requireth. But this stoutnesse of minde is seldome to be found any where. For although the Iudges doe purpose with themselues to follow ye law, yet are they commonly seased with a kind of fearefulnes, by meanes wherof they be daunted whē it cōmeth to ye point yt they should stand to their tackling. And therefore is there good cause why such as sit in the seate of Iustice, should resort to God, & carefully pray him to strengthen thē in such wise, as they may not be like to reedes yt are shaken wt euery winde, but freely follow ye course that God hath appointed them, without swaruing or bowing any maner of way. Let vs marke then first of all, that we must haue this stoutnes of not being afraide at the sight of any mans greatnesse or countenaunce, that his authoritie or riches doe not any thing auaile him, but that the case may stand in firme state, without hauing our eyes dazeled to say, This is a great man, and therefore I must fauour him.