Sermons upon Deuteronomy

Now Moses addeth a second law: That the fathers should not be put to death for the children, nor the children for the fathers, but that every man should bear the punishment of his own sin. This Law was ordained because of a wicked & beastly custom which then reigned among the men of the East country, who made it a matter of no conscience to put the children to death for §30the fathers offences, and so to shed the blood of the innocent. God therefore meant to withhold his people from following such barbarous dealing of the Paynims and Infidels. And it is a point which we must diligently note. For we might muse why it is said, that the father shall not be killed for the child, nor the child for the father. It seemeth that it is needless to forbid this thing, because we know that where sin is found, there the punishment ought to be laid §40without seeking any farther. Now therefore forasmuch as we are given to understand, that men have bin so blockish as to put him to death who was in no fault, so as the father hath sometimes been drawn to death with the child; we perceive thereby that God hath not without cause established this law. It is true in deed that this is spoken unto Judges and unto such as bear the sword in their hand: that the children should not be put to death for the sin of the §50fathers, nor the fathers for the sin of the children: but yet notwithstanding God in general warneth us also, that we ought not to hate the children for their fathers sakes. Whensoever we see a wicked man, forasmuch as he is a reasonable creature, we ought to pity him, and not to hate him, although we must always detest the vice, and punish the person for his misdeeds. But if we hate the father for the sons sake, or the son because of the father, albeit we have §60not the sword in our hand, yet nevertheless this wicked affection which we have, is all one as if we did put the father to death for the child. And so let us note well, that this law appertaineth unto us all. And although we be not armed with power and authority to punish whom we list. Yet notwithstanding God putteth us in mind not without just cause, that he which hath offended must bear his own punishment, and not any other guiltless person besides.

Nowe Moses addeth a seconde lawe: That the fathers should not be put to death for the children, nor the children for the fathers, but that euery man should beare the punishment of his owne sinne. This Lawe was ordained because of a wicked & beastly custome which then raigned among the men of the East countrey, who made it a matter of no conscience to put the children to death for