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 ...

§. 161. Of Children punished for their Fathers sins.

IT is more than probable, that among those first born, very many were young Children, which never had done themselves any hurt to the Israelites; so as* 1.1 Children may suffer for their Fathers sins. The law threatneth as much; Exod. 20. 5. And God herein manifesteth the extent of his Justice, Exod. 34. 5. This may be exemplified in the Children of Dathan, and his complices, Numb. 16. 27, 32. And in the Children of Ieroboam, 1 King. 15. 29. and sundry others.

Divine vengeance is hereby much aggravated. As Gods mercy by the extent thereof to the seed and Children of such as believe on him, is much amplified (Gen. 17. 7. Prov. 20. 7. Psal. 112. 2.) so is the Judgment aggravated by this extent.

Obj. This may seem to be against justice, and against Gods express Word, who hath said it, and sworn it, that the Child shall not dy for the sin of the Fa∣ther, Ezek. 18. 2, 3. &c.

Answ.

• 1. The Justice of God is manifested by the universal Contagion, and corruption of all Children of men. Is it not just with men to destroy the young cubbs of Foxes, Wolves, and other mischievous creatures, by reason of their rave∣nous nature?
• 2. Besides, Children appertain to Parents; they are theirs. In this respect it i•…•… not against Justice to punish them in their Parents case. Children of Traitors are deprived of their patrimony, by reason of their parents demerit.

As for Gods avouching not to punish the Child for the Father, that is spo∣ken of penitent Children, and withall it is intended of the personal sins of Pa∣rents, and the eternal punishment thereof: which punishment, no Child shall bear simply for his parents Personal sin.

This should the rather move parents to take heed of provoking Gods wrath, in respect of their Children. Have piti•…•…, O parents, on your selves and Children, and take heed of treasuring up wrath for them.

This also gives occasion to Children to be humbled, even for their parents sin. This was it that much humbled good Iosiah, (2 King. 22. 19.) and it was ac∣ceptable in Gods sight.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Children may suffer for their Fathers sin.