ed of
them or think themselves wiser than they,--in the first place, let their
parents admonish them in words, [for they are by nature of authority
sufficient for becoming their judges,] and let them say thus to
them:--That they cohabited together, not for the sake of pleasure,
nor for the augmentation of their riches, by joining both their stocks
together, but that they might have children to take care of them in
their old age, and might by them have what they then should want. And
say further to him, "That when thou wast born, we took thee up with
gladness, and gave God the greatest thanks for thee, and brought time
up with great care, and spared for nothing that appeared useful for thy
preservation, and for thy instruction in what was most excellent. And
now, since it is reasonable to forgive the sins of those that are young,
let it suffice thee to have given so many indications Of thy contempt
of us; reform thyself, and act more wisely for the time to come;
considering that God is displeased with those that are insolent towards
their parents, because he is himself the Father of the whole race of
mankind, and seems to bear part of that dishonor which falls upon those
that have the same name, when they do not meet with dire returns from
their children. And on such the law inflicts inexorable punishment;
of which punishment mayst thou never have the experience." Now if the
insolence of young men be thus cured, let them escape the reproach which
their former errors deserved; for by this means the lawgiver will appear
to be good, and parents happy, while they never behold either a son or
a daughter brought to punishment. But if it happen that these words and
instructions, conveyed by them in order to reclaim the man, appear to
be useless, then the offender renders the laws implacable enemies to the
insolence he has offered his parents; let him therefore be brought forth
[27] by these very parents out of the city, with a multitude following
him, and there let him be stoned; and when he has continued there for
one whole day, that all the people may see him, let him be buried in
the night. And thus it is that we bury all whom the laws condemn to die,
upon any account whatsoever. Let our enemies that fall in battle be
also buried; nor let any one dead body lie above the ground, or suffer a
punishment beyond what justice requires.

25. Let no one lend to any one of the Hebrews upon usury, neither
usury of what is eaten or wha