VERS. XLVI.
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And ye your selves touch not (the burdens) with one of your fingers.
THAT the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (as we have already said) were the Doctors of Traditions, is a little confirm'd by this, that what our Saviour reproacheth them for, were meerly Traditionals: this particularly, that they laded men with such yokes of Traditions, and yet they themselves would not touch or move them with one of their fingers.
This exposition indeed vulgarly obtains, you lay grievous burdens upon others, which in the mean time you indulg your selves in, and will not undergo them by any means. This interpretation I cannot but admit, but yet must inquire whether there be not some∣thing more included in it. For whereas he that would prescribe light things to himself, and burdensome to others was commonly accounted and call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a wicked cunning fel∣low i 1.1. And whereas there is frequent mention of this or that Rabbin 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 who would lay this or that burden upon himself, which he would acquit others of; it may be a question whether this exposition so commonly receiv'd, doth indeed speak out the whole sense and meaning of these words.
I apprehend therefore our Saviour might not only rebuke the remisness and indulgence they gave themselves, but further their strictness and tenaciousness about their own de∣crees; they made light of the commandments of God at their own pleasure, but would never diminish the least tittle of their own. That they might remove or take away any part of the Divine Law they employ both hands, but as to their own Constitutions they will not move one finger.