A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 103. Of putting despisers of Gods Law to death.

THe punishment here mentioned of despisers of the law, is in generall set down under this phrase a 1.1 died. Of the derivation of the Greek word, See Chap. 7. v. 8. §. 51. It is here spoken of a violent death inflicted by a magistrate who stood in Gods room, and bare his image, and it sheweth that even in case of religion, for despising the divine law, the despiser might be put to death. A capitall punishment might be inflicted on such an one. This was not only permitted, but also enjoyned, Lev. 20. 1, &c. Deut. 13. 5. Answerably hath that course been practised, Numb. 15. 36. Lev. 24. 23.

This was thus enjoyned by God, and practised by his people.

• 1. To prevent further mischief: for if such should live longer, they might be brought to do more hurt.
• 2. To keepe others from being infected; a limb that begins to be gangrene, useth to be cut off, to prevent the infecting of other parts.
• 3. To be a terror to others, Deut. 13. 11.
• 4. To be a means of salvation to the parties themselves, 1 Cor. 5. 5. Iosh. 7. 17.

This justifieth the practise of Magistrates in like cases. Only let them take care that that which is lawfull in it self be done in a right and due manner: for it is a

matter of great consequence to take away the life of a man. Therefore,

• 1. The cause must be just.* 1.2
• 2. It must be weighty.
• 3. It must appear to be so.

Here the crime is set down to be despising of Gods law: and to this have the proofs* 1.3 before alleged speciall reference.

• 1. God is the highest Soveraign over all: he is King of Kings, 1 Tim. 6. 15. So as despising his law is the highest treason that can be.
• 2. Gods lawes are the rule of righteousnesse: from them all lawes take their e∣quities.
• 3. If despisers of Gods law should be sufferred to live, God would be provoked to take the sword into his own hand: and Gods stroak would reach far and cut deepe.

In this particular we may see how little respect States and Governours have to God and to his law. Many that are very severe against dispising humane lawes, suffer Hereticks, Idolaters, Blasphemers, Apostates, and sundry other like to them, to walk up and down unpunished. How can such expect divine protection? How can they not but expect divine Vengeance?

As publick Magistrates, So Masters, Parents, Tutors, School-Masters, and others in authority shew themselves in this case much blame-worthy, in that they can suffer such as are under them to despise Gods Lawes unpunished, and yet be severe enough in other cases.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.2

  Cautions a∣bout putting to death.
• * 1.3

  Why despisers of Gods Law put to death.