Sermons upon Deuteronomy

But yet for all this, he which hath infinite power, he which hath all sovereignty over us in all things without exception, even he (I say) doeth use a measure,§50 he stoopeth unto us, and he beareth with us, that we may see he would press and overcharge no man. And what then shall we think of a man who is less than nothing, if he will needs marry his son or his daughter at his own lust and pleasure? It is verily contrary to the whole order of nature: nay it is a blasphemy against God for a mortal creature, and a worm of the earth, to presume so far as to take more upon him, that GOD himself §60hath taken upon him. So then such as have children, let them take diligent heed when they intend to marry them, that they observe this reason: blenesse and rightfulness, so as they do not compel them to marry.

But yet for all this, he which hath infinite power, hee which hath all soueraigntie ouer vs in all things without exception, euen hee (I say) doeth vse a measure,§50 hee stoopeth vnto vs, and hee beareth with vs, that wee may see hee woulde presse and ouercharge no man. And what then shall we thinke of a man who is lesse than nothing, if hee will needes marrie his sonne or his daugther at his owne lust and pleasure? It is verily contrarie to the whole order of nature: nay it is a blasphemie against God for a mortall creature, and a worme of the earth, to presume so farre as to take more vppon him, that GOD himselfe §60hath taken vppon him. So then such as haue children, let them take diligent heede when they intende to marrie them, that they obserue this reason: blenesse and rightfulnesse, so as they doe not compell them to marrie.

Now moreover it is said in this place: That the Judges may persuade the man, and if they see him to stand stiff in his opinion, then the woman shall pluck off his shoe from his foot, and spit in his face, as by way of reproach: and she shall say, GOD do so unto all them which will not raise up a stock in Israel. Now here we have farther to note, that God would have the Judges speak unto the man to persuade him as far as they were able. And if the man would not consent unto them, they should content themselves with this kind of punishment. Whereby we see that the Magistrates and other Justicers ought to abstain from using any force and violence in that thing which they cannot simply command. As for example: if there be a thing which is good, and yet there is no law for it: and I being of power and authority would constrain a man to do what I think good; were there any reason in it? For the law constraineth him not to do it, and I ought not to pass those bounds. Let us therefore note well, that such as are armed with the sword, must contain themselves within their bounds: and not challenge to themselves any Lawless liberty to say: What? I command nothing but that which is good, and therefore ye must do it. No: For there is no constraining, where there is no Law. When there is a Law a man must hold himself to the rule thereof: but yet in the end the point that must be come unto, is to presume to bring men into no further subjection than the Law bindeth them unto. Ye see then what we are farther to bear in mind upon this place.