Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 5 (2 of 3)

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 5 (2 of 3)

p. 788 Those that were farther off from him, and yet within the bounds of his Story, Awere most of them now liuing already: but some of them vnborne as yet. Those that were now liuing already, were, first two of the Neighbour-Princes, both in one case to speake of: then, two seuerall peoples of the same Land, in diuers cases. The two Neighbour Princes were, Pharaoh the King of Aegipt, for the one: and Abimelek, the King of Gerar, for the other. That they were both in one case to speake of, I therefore account, because they both would hauehave taken away their soiourners wife, but that the Lord did stand fast with him against them both. Where first it shall be good to consider of such things as are common to them both: then, of such others as are more proper to either of them. Common to them both it was, that for her great beauty, first they were desirous to hauehave had her, and yet though they were Ge. 12. 10-16. 8, 19, 10, 12. 45. Ge. 12, 19, 10, 20, 8-10, 14-16.but Heathen men, not as his wife, but as they thought shee was but his Sister: then also, that being admonished thereof by the Lord, they restored his Wife vntouched to him againe. And so our great men in the world, are ready inough some-times to take women vntounto them, not much regarding by what right they hauehave them, and therein to offend much farther, then either of these: and so like-wise much more bouldly to deale with Church-liuings, married (as it were) before, vntounto the Churches p. 79whereunto they belonged; especially, when the Incombents themselues, for their owne safety, or to auoid some speciall danger, durst not claime their right vntounto them. Neither do they, when once they hauehave gotten them, so readily part with them againe, as in that case these two Kinges then did: notwithstanding, whatsoeuer reproofe they find, in the better sort of the learned now, and of the Fathers themselues of old; or in the holy Scriptures, which themselues will not deny to bee the vndoubted word of God. Proper vntounto Pharaoh it is, that he entreated Abraham well for her sake, and thereupon gaue him both Catle and seruants plentifully BGen. 1…. 16,Gen 1:16(therein farre passing in that kind of humanity, many of ours) that God did cast 17.great plagues for that fact of the King, both vponupon the King himselfe, and vponupon all his house besides (and, in this case of ours, he is without question the same God still) 18, 19, 20.and that hee parted not with that booty, as it seemeth, but in great perturbation of his mind; therein giuing vsus a reasonable good scantling, what in such case wee may looke for in most of ours, if at any time they come so farre, as to part with such booties againe. Proper vntounto Abimelek it was, that he did it singlenesse of heart (as the Lord himselfe acknowledgeth) and yet that he is specially and straitly charged Ge. 20, 4, 6-7.vponupon paine of death to himselfe and to all that he had, to deliuer to that straunger his Wife againe (specially noting that hee was a Prophet, and that hee should pray for him, insinuating withall, that he did stand in neede of it:) that when he deliuered her he gaue them great guifts besides; and yet iust reproofe to them both (so 14, 15, 16.would ours also be dealt with) for concealing their wedlocke: and that till this was done, the Lord had stroken them all with barrennesse, but then did cure that defect 17, 18.vntounto them. Those two seuerall peoples of the same Land were the Sodomites, and their neighbours-by, for the one: and the Hittites or the sonnes of Heth, for the other. As touching the Sodomites and their neighbours adjoining, there bee two principall thinges of them declared: first their chasticement; then their destruction. In their chasticement, the cause of it seemeth first to be noted: then, the chasticement it selfe. The cause of it is, as it seemeth, the same that goeth a little before: namely, that the men of Sodom (and so belike the residue also, because they Gen, 13: 13.were both in their chasticement, and in their distruction, partakers with them) were wicked, and exceeding great sinners against the Lord. Their chasticement was, first that they were constrained to serue another Prince bordering on them (and they that cannot better vse their liberty, are worthy to be abridged of it) the space Gen. 14▪ 4.Gen 14:4of twelue yeares: and that, when they endeuoured to deliuer themselues from that Ibid 5-11.yoke of bondage, they were then ouerthrowne in battle, and their Countrey cleane spoyled besides; sauing that Abraham, to recouer Lot his Nephew, did after ouertake those that had done it, preuailed against them, and brought backe againe the Ibid. 13. 16.spoyle they had taken, In the story of their distruction we hauehave in like sort set down both the occasion of it, and the thing it selfe. The occasion of it is declared to Abraham by those three Angels whom he receiued: and it is (in effect) as the other; Cen. 18, 16-21namely, because they were so exceeding great sinners. But therein it shall be good to consider, both in what manner it was opened to Abraham: and what moderation is there declared to hauehave beene vsed therein. In the manner of the opening of it we are to note, both that God would not conceale it from Abraham: and what the reason was why he would not. That he would not conceale it from Abraham, Ibid. 17.it is a reasonable good testimony vntounto vsus, that from those that are his indeede, hee will not conceale what hee is to do, of any of those thinges that any way concerne them or theirs. The reason why he would not conceale it from him, is partly giuen out of the fauour that Abraham was in with God: and partly out of the vse that Abraham Cwould make thereof vntounto others. In respect of that fauour that he was in Ibid. 18.with God, the cause is giuen, for that he should bee a great and a mighty people, in whom all the Nations of the earth were to bee blessed; and for that hee knew him, Ibid. 19.(which seemeth to be, for that Abraham did so often giuegive so good testemony of his faith and obedience towardes God, as that God which otherwise perfectly knoweth both the wayes and hearts of all, had neuerthelesse a more speciall knowledge of him) that he walked vprighly before him; a kind of knowledge that is to be wished, p. 80God might hauehave of eueryevery of those that more specially professe themselues to be his seruants. In respect of the vse that Abraham would make thereof vntounto others, it Ibid.is saide likewise, that to that end hee imparted so much vntounto him, that hee might charge his Children and Family after him to obserue or keepe the way of the Lord, by exercising themselues in iustice and iudgement, and that so the Lord might performe vntounto him what he promised. In that part of the story which sheweth what moderation was vsed towardes them, wee are to note, first how it was debated before: then how it was performed after. In the debating of it before, we are in like sort, first to consider of the motion of Abraham on that behalfe: then, of the aunswere of God vntounto him. In his motion on their behalfe wee may note, that purposing to make some kind of intercession for them, and to that end drawing neerer vntounto the Lord, he then did it, when two of them were gone about that businesse already. So are we to consider, first of the circumstance of that time: then, how farforth Ge. 18, 22, 23.hee entreated for them. In the circumstance of that time we may note, that notwithstanding they were gone, and the Lord telling him before what their purpose was, whereby hee might easily gather that now already they were gone about it: yet had he that good opinion of the equity and mercy of God, that euen yet he doubted not but that good might be done. Comming to consider how far-foorth he entreated for them, we are to note two thinges: first that he made no motion at all for his Nephew Lot; then neuerthelesse, that he had a speciall care for the better sort among them generally. In that he neuer made any motion for his Nephew Lot (whom notwithstanding he loued so dearely that a little before hee did for his sake hazzard the liues both of himselfe and of all his company, and therein aduanced Ge. 14, 13-16.himselfe mightily and strangely too, to an hard and venturous peece of seruice, as we saw before) we may take it as a good example to vsus, how to forget all respect of flesh and bloud in the iudgements of God, & in all such things besides as doe specially concerne the glory of God: as the High Priest is afterward directed neuer to moorne for the death of his friendes whatsoeuer. Neither might Aaron the Father, nor Eleazar, nor Ithamar brethren moorn, for Nadab and Abihu so pitifully taken Leuit. 10, 6. Eze. 24. 16. 17. Ibid. 22, 23.Lev 10:6Ezek 24:16Ezek 24:17away as they were: and long after that, neither might Ezechiell moorn for his Wife; nor the people for Ierusalem it selfe. That neuerthelesse hee had a speciall care for Dthe better sort among them generally, it appeareth plainly in that he bent his speech to moue the Lord, first not destroy the good with the ill: then also, for a few good, altogether to spare many ill. If he should destroy the good with the ill, he doth in plaine tearmes shew, that he accounteth it such a thing, as he would neuer hauehave him Gen. 18. 25.Gen 18:25to do: and that being the Iudge of the whole world, it were far vnseemely for him, and plainely that it were no vpright iudgement. That for some few good he would likewise hauehave the whole people to be spared, it appeareth most plainely, in that beginning Ibid. 23, 32.but with fifty, hee neuerthelesse commeth (by degrees) at length to ten: earnestly mouing, that the whole company might be spared for them. In the aunswere of God vntounto him we are to note, that he also saith nothing concerning Lot, though hee dealt notwithstanding very graciously with him: and so may wee hope, that God oft-times is mindfull of those that doe appertaine to any Seruaunt of his, though themselues do neuer desire to hauehave the course of Gods iudgements, for them intermitted. As touching the rest, he doth graciously yeeld to all his demaundes, Ibid, 26-32.shewing himselfe ready to spare them all, if there in those Citties he might find but fifty, fiue and fourty, fourty, thirty, twenty, yea or but ten iust persons among them all: and then, as hauing yeelded to whatsoeuer might in any reason bee requiered, and Abraham seeking no farther neither, hee departed from him; as also Abraham thereupon returned homeward againe. Out of which we may gather, that God is Ibid, 33.exceeding mercifull vntounto vsus, euen to the vttermost that our selues can thinke any reason to looke for at his handes (a great deale more also, though this example reach not so farre:) and that God vseth to spare many ill, for some very fewe good among them; so making the world (though themselues do not see it) very deepely behoulding vntounto those fewe Children of God that are among them. In the performance of their destruction, after that so farre it was debated before, wee are p. 81to note, first how themselues, by their owne exceeding great iniquity, did … themselues to be most worthy of it: then, how accordingly it fell vponupon them. They declared themselues to be most worthy of it, by certaine foule iniquities of theirs, which brake forth of them on a present occasion that then they tooke. So wee are to consider, first what that occasion was: then how naughtily they dealt thereupon. The occasion was, that those two Angels of the wrath of God that were sent to destroy it, taking vponupon them the likenesse of men, trauailing from one place to another, and being earnestly inuited by Lot to take their entertainment of him, did in Gen. 19, 1, 2, 3Gen 19:1Gen 19:2Gen 19:3the end yeeld vntounto him, and so went in as to lodge, and soiourne for that night with him. A good patterne of hospitality in Lot: and how notably the same was now rewarded, in that hee so receiued Angels, when as hee thought they had beene but men. How naughtily they dealt thereupon my sufficiently appeare, both by the foulenesse of their sinne it selfe: and by their owne impenitencie therein. The sin it selfe was most odious especially in the very nature of it: but very much also in that it was offered to such as it was. The nature of it cannot but be exceeding euill, both EIbid. 4. 5because it was very beastly, carnally to know their owne sex, and because therein it was directly against nature it selfe. It was exceeding euill likewise, because it was offered both vntounto strangers: and to such, as by one of their owne Citty now were taken to harbour. Their impenitency therein is wonderfull also, first in that which they did themselues: then, in that they would not bee said by others. That which they did themselues, was, that they came so many about it, euen the whole Citty to speake of: and nothing shamed, in so extreame beastlinesse, one of another; neyther the younger sort of them, nor yet the elder. Those others that would hauehave staied them were, first Lot himselfe: then, those guests of his, the Angels. Lot, to the end Ibid. 6-8.that he might stay them, to avoide one euill, doth of himselfe offer another: offering vntounto them his two Daughters, maidens as yet, to abuse at their pleasure, so that those his guests might be spared. In which we may note some thinges in him: and some others, in them likewise. In him wee may finde some thinges commendable: and some others, reprouable also. Commendable it was, that hee had so speciall a care to preserue his guests from such villaines: and that, notwithstanding they were now so very badly giuen (which also himselfe doth not winke at, nor bear with them in it) yet he doth terme them his bretheren, and doth gently entreat them. Reproueable it was, that hee yeelded so far vntounto them, that he allowed them a lesse sin, to stay them from a greater: and that therein he would hauehave yeelded his own daughters vntounto their filthy lusts, whome by the nature of his charge, he aboue others ought to preserue. Whereby also it seemeth, that he had no remembrance of God, in that, in so great distresse as this, he sought not vntounto him. In them may we note that they were maruelous wickedly set vponupon their sin, when as neither the abuse of those yong women would content them: nor that pittifull and vnnaturall fight, to see the Father so ready to prostitute his Daughters vntounto them, could make them giuegive backe from the wicked pupose they had in hand. Yet afterward the Israelites, enraged in 2 King. 3, 27:2 Kgs 3:27their minds against the Moabites, and in the heate of battaile against them at that present, when they saw the King of Moab being then in desperate case, and very sore distressed by them, to sacrifice his owne sonne that should hauehave raigned after him, to obtaine in that distresse some helpe of his Goddes, so abhorred the fact that they presently left him, and went their waies. But these are so farre from relenting, that Gen. 19. 9.Gen 19:9they bid him stand backe; vpbraid him that he was but a stranger; charge him that now at his pleasure hee would ouer-rule them; threaten to deale worse with him then with those others; and accordingly make towards him inforcible manner, euen to breake open the dore vponupon him. The Angels therefore now beginning to take the matter in hand, first take-in Lot, and shut-too the doore against the rest: and Ibid. 10, 11.then stroke that whole company with amazednesse of heart, and blindnesse of sight, that they could in no wise finde the doore, and in the ende were weary of seeking it. So they shewed thēselues very plainly, that they were most worthy of the wrath that was cast vponupon them: & how accordingly it fel vponupon them is now to be seene. Where first we are to note one speciall manner that God vseth: neuer to be so grieued with p. 82the wicked, but that still he retaineth his fauour to those that are his. Heere therefore may we see, that the safety of those whom he will preserue is first regarded: and then, are those ouer-whelmed with wrath, whom he meant for their sinnes to destroy. So are wee first to consider of those whom it pleased him to vouchsafe such fauour: then of those that had no such fauour offered vntounto them. Concerning those to whom he vouchsafed to offer such fauour, wee are first to see, who they were: then, in what sort they were dealt withall. In searching out who they were, wee are to note, that such fauour was offered to moe, then afterwarde enioyed the benefite of it. So that some there were that did enioy it: and others, that did not. Those that did fully enioy it, were three persons onelyonly, and those of Sodome: whereas, Gen. 19. 25. Deut. 29, 23.Gen 19:25Deut 29:23not onelyonly it, but Gomorrah also, Admah, and Zeboim, three other Citties, were all destroyed at this time also. And those three persons were none other, but onelyonly Lot, and his two Daughters: whom the Story will afterward shew, not to hauehave beene so very good, but that we may see, that it was to be imputed onelyonly to the fauour of God, and nothing at all to their goodnesse, that they were not with the rest destroyed. To finde in what sort they were preserued, wee are to note, that the dangers were two: and as the dangers themselues were diuers; so were they diuersly preserued also. Their former danger was in Sodome, where then hee dwelt: which that they Gen. 19, 12▪ 13 15.Gen 19:12Gen 19:13might escape, the Angels did now plainely tell him, that they would destroy that Citty, for the great iniquity that was therein, and that the Lord had sent them to doe it: and thereupon willed him, out of hand, if he had any there whom he would bee loath to hauehave destroyed, to get them away; and themselues also to hasten away so fast as they could. And when Lot made not such hast as the danger that he was in did then Ibid. 16, 17.require, then those Angels tooke him, his Wife, and his Daughters, by the handes, and led them forth, and bad them fly for their liues, and neither to looke backe, nor to stay in all that plaine Countrey, but to speede them soone to an Hill that they shewed him, that they might bee safe there. Their latter danger was such, as now, by that commaundement of the Angels, Lot himselfe did feare to be towardes them: namely, that if he might not be safe but till he came thither, or (as others take it) but there; hee doubted it was more then they could reach in time; or else, that some ill might light on him there. Heereupon he besought the Aungels (but gathering his speach Ibid. 18. 20.then, as onelyonly to one) that as he had found exceeding great fauour in his eyes, so to preserue his life from that common destruction of the rest: so it would please him now in that fauour of his, to spare him his flight vntounto that Mountaine, least they not beeing able in time to reach it, might so be ouertaken with that destruction with the others; but rather that hee would giuegive them leaue to fly to a Citty that was there, but a little from them, pleading that it was but a smal matter to grant them so much, or as others take it, that the Citty it selfe was but small. Whereunto the Angell answered, that GIbid. 21, 22.he had now yeelded to gratify him in that point also; and for his sake would spare that Cittie, and therefore bad him to make hast thither; telling him withall, that hee could doe nothing till hee were there. Whereuppon, in processe of time after, the Citty it selfe was in their tongue, called Small or Little; that beeing the meaning of Zoar, whereby it was called. Those that did not enioy it, though it had beene offered vntounto them, were some as yet remaining in Sodome: and one, of this company that the Angels had thus brought foorth. Those that yet remained in Sodome, were those twoe Men that should hauehave married those Daughters of Lot: who, when their Father in Ibid. 4.Law that should hauehave beene, tolde them that the Lorde would presently destroy that Citty, and therefore willed them foorth-with to get them out of it, made light of it, as though he had but iested with them. As many of vsus likewise, do oft-times make but small reckoning of such iudgementes as the Seruantes of God hauehave espyed, and tell vsus to bee hanging ouer our heades. That one of this company whom the Angels themselues had brought forth, and yet miscarried, was the principall person but one, euen the Wife of Lot himselfe: who, contrary to that they were bid, looking backe, Ibid, 16,was thereupon turned into a Piller of Salt; by that iudgement of hers to season others, who by so faire a warning as it, would not take any season her selfe. Those others that had no such fauour offered vntounto them, were all the other Inhabitantes of those foure p. 83Ibid, 23, 25.Citties, of whom it is sayde, first that Lot and his company getting to Zoar, by that time the Sunne hegan to get vp, and so beeing out of danger now, then presently the Lord cast downe Fire and Brimstone on those Citties, and vtterly destroyed them withall the Inhabitants of them, & whatsoeuer grew on the ground besides: then Ibid. 27, 29.also, that Abraham getting vp betimes in the morning, and comming to the place where he had stood before the Lord, and entreated for them, and now looking towardes those Citties, and the Countrie about them, himselfe was in some part an Eye-witnesse of that their destruction, seeing the smoake of that fire, arising as the smoake of a Furnace; but yet that God, when he ouerthrew those Citties wherein Lot dwelt, did remember Abraham, and for his sake, sent Lot away safe, hauing before made promise vntounto him, among other things, that he would blesse those that blessed him, among whom Lot wee may easily conceiue was one, beeing so neere him, and otherwise so much beholding vntounto him as many waies wee knowe that he was. As touching the Hittites or Sonnes of Heth, wee hauehave in them a good example of humanity to strangers: wherein we are in like sort to see, vponupon what occasion the same did arise; and in what manner it was performed. The occasion consisted of two principall branches: one, the death of Sarah, Abrahams Wife; the other, that Abraham thereupon made motion vntounto them, to hauehave a burying place Hamong them. As touching the death of Sarah, it is declared, of what age she was Gen, …3, 1, 2.when shee dyed, namely, 1 27. yeares olde: and where it was that it pleased God to take her hence, namely, in Hebron, or the Territories of it, an ancient Citty in the Land of Canaan. As touching the motion that Abraham thereupon made vntounto them, to hauehave a burying place among them, we hauehave noted vntounto vsus, at what time he Ibid. 2, 3.did it: and in what manner hee did. For the time, it was not (as sometimes with vsus in our idlenesse and vanity, omitting such needefull businesse as then wee should do, and occupying our selues before we need in such matters) vntill the time that she was already departed this life: nor, vntill hee had done that duty of mourning for her. The manner of it was, first as touching some place or other generally: Ibid. 4.and, when he found them so willing, as to giuegive him choice where himselfe would be, then for one place more specially. In his motion for some place among thē generally, he first graunteth, that himselfe is but a stranger, and soiourner among them: and therefore woulde desire no more but to hauehave some burying place, proper to him and his among them; yet, that so much hee would gladly hauehave. Wherein there is no question, but that hee had no superstition at all in buriall: but that because himselfe was priuy, that God had promised that Land to him and his, this was a fruit of the Faith that he had in that promise of God: thus before hand taking, so far as hee could, possession thereof, not by the those dead bones of hers, but by that liuing Ibid. 5. 9.Faith of his. When hee saw them so well inclined vntounto that motion of his, that they gaue him free choise among them, then he directed his speach for one place more specially, and named that speciall place vntounto them, desiring them that they would bee meanes for him vntounto the owner thereof, that for his money and full woorth of it, hee Ibid. 10. 13.might hauehave it of him: and, when that also was presently offered vntounto him of free gift, by the owner himselfe then present; yet, doing obeysance for their great curtesie, hee still persisted, not to hauehave it but for his money. The perfourmance of it was a great part of it in their readinesse before: then, in the finall and actuall agreement of both Ibid. 5, 6, 11. 14, 15.parts after. Their readinesse before, both to the first motion generally, and to the other which was more speciall, both in the whole company of them, and in Ephron the owner of that peece of ground that hee most desired, was both an example of good humanity vntounto straungers: and a good patterne withall, of what dignity the seruants of God may bee, euen among the strangers of this World, if they can rightly carry Ibid. 16-20.themselues among them as they ought to doe. In the finall and actuall agreement of both parts after, the one party did set a price thereon, and parted with it; the other gaue the price that was set, and accepted of it: and both these in the presence and …ght of all the company. Wherein both Abraham declared not onelyonly his equitie I… that he would so fully pay for whatsoeuer he had; but his wisedome also, in that he …ould not loosely doe, what he thought good and meet to be done: and Ephron likewise, p. 84… Heathen Man, both a great and a louing regard to that honourable Father, though but a meere stranger to him; and his equity too, in affoording so good assurance, for what hee was willing to part with vntounto him. Abraham therefore, when Ibid. 19.this peece of ground was made sure vntounto him, did there bury that honourable Matron Sara his Wife. Those that were vnborne as yet, and yet notwithstanding hauehave their beginning within the compasse of this Story, are a couple of peoples that were great and naturall enemies to the people of God (and of whome afterward there is speciall mention:) which were the posterity of Moab and Ammon. Concerning whome, …. 19, 30-3….wee hauehave here set downe, in what sort they had their beginning: namely, that their owne Father begat them at vnwares of his owne Daughters; Moab of the elder, and Ammon of the younger of them. A beginning not altogether vnmeet, for such a people, as afterward they prooued to be: and, an example withall, both how easily one of the better sort may foulely fall, if hee take not good heede, and more in such solitarie dennes of ours sometimes, than among that sinfull people of Sodom; and how vngracious Imps so bad copulation is euer most like to yeeld vntounto vsus.

9 Abraham, now being already departed as we saw before, and such other things Abeing remembred as to his Story did appertaine, both of those that were nearer vntounto him, and of others farther off from him, now are wee to come to Isaac his Sonne, and to see the Story of his time also. Concerning which wee are to note, that of him there is nothing so much set downe, as either of Abraham his Father before, or of Iacob his Son after: and that the compasse of his time is much furnished with relation of others, partly with some mention of Ismael his halfe-brother, and of Esau his elder Sonne; but especially with Iacob the younger. So are we first to consider what we hauehave set down of himselfe: then, what we hauehave (in the compasse of time) set downe of those others. That which is set downe of himselfe is most appertaining to his life: but some part appertaining to his death too. That which is appertaining to his life is some part of it, as it were but generall: and some part of it, more speciall. That which wee may account to be generall, is, that which concerneth his whole estate, not respecting one thing or other specially, but onelyonly the whole: as namely, when it is said, that after the death of Abraham, God did blesse Isaac his Sonne. Which is not meant of any one blessing in particular, but that as God was with his Father before, and in all thinges prospered his Gen. 25, 11.Gen 25:11affaires and waies among the people, with whome he soiourned: so was hee now with Isaac his Sonne, euen as hee was with his Father before. As also it doeth a while after, more plainely appeare, when Abimelek King of Gerar, fearing his might because hee saw him to encrease so much as he did, had charged him to depart out of his countrey. Ibid,: 6. 16,For then, not onelyonly God himselfe did bid him notwithstanding to be of good cheere, and told him that hee was the God of his Father Abraham, and nowe would Ibid. 24.be with him also, and blessed him: but euen Abimelek himselfe likewise, together with one of his speciall friends, and the Captaine of his Army, came and desired to hauehave a Ibid. 26-28.league with him, euen onelyonly because they did so plainely see, that the Lord was with him. That which is more speciall, is most appertaining to such time of his as wherein hee made no preparation yet for his death: but partly also vntounto such time, as when himselfe doubted that hee had not long to liue, and was therefore desirous, for one thing specially, to take some order before. That which belongeth to the former of these, resteth in two principall branches: one concerning his marriage; the other concerning his owne habitation. Concerning his marriage, first the time onelyonly is noted: then, some other things of greater moment. For the time it is said, that he was Ibid, 25. 16. 20. 26.full forty yeares old when as he was married to Rebecca; then, that it was twenty yerees more, before hee had any Childe by her also: a speciall good example to teach all men with much patience to await the performances of Gods promises towards vsus, when as notwithstanding those great promises before, concerning a great posterity to be from his Father and him deriued; yet, as his Father had not him till fiue and twenty yeares after, so hee also was now threescore yeares olde before hee had any. Those other things of greater moment, are some concerning himselfe; and some others concerning Rebecca his Wife. Such as concern himselfe were these two: one that hee humbly besought p. 85Ibid. 21.the Lord on the behalfe of his Wife because she was barren (a good patterne Ibid. 21.for vsus also, in all our necessities to seeke vntounto God;) the other, that the Lord was intreated of him, so that his Wife soone after conceaued, and was with Child by him. As wee in like manner need not to doubt, but that God will heare vsus likewise, in such things as are needfull for vsus, if wee shall truely seeke vntounto him. Such as concerne Rebecca his Wife, are those things that did befall her, both while she was wlth child with those twins with whome she then went: and when shee was deliuered of them. While shee was with Child with them, shee sensibly perceiued, that the Childeren stroue together in her wombe. Whereupon being troubled, and somewhat dismayed Ibid. 22.at the straungenesse of it, shee enquired of the Lord what the matter meant (a good example for Women in all cases of Child-birth, and for vsus all besides to follow, in all our troublesome thoughts likewise, and whatsoeuer other necessities at any time wee hauehave:) and the Lord then told her, that there were two speciall peoples Ibid. 23.in her wombe (and so euer in the Church here) as a reason sufficient, that it was no great maruaile if they did not better agree; and that the most vsuall or ordinarie course should so farre giuegive place in them, that the younger should grow the mightier, and the more woorthy, and that the elder should accordingly bee in subiection vntounto him. A comfortable patterne to those that are the more dispised sort in the world here, if they do soundly cleaue vntounto the Lord: that though the world maligne them and can neuer let them be quiet by them; yet are they the better with God, and so shall be acknowledged too, when the time by him appointed shall come. When the time was come, that shee was to be deliuered of them, the former of them came forth ruddish and hayrie: and therefore, seeing that being so hairie nowe, euen at his birth, hee attained to that which other Childeren commonly hauehave not till they be of Ibid. 24, 25.some growth, nor then neither but in much scanter manner, therefore they called his name Hesau, as already come to perfection. After whom came forth the other, holding his brother by the heele: and for that cause they so tearmed him Iacob, signifying Tremel. Iun.to hold by the heele. Concerning his owne habitation or being, we are first to Ibid. 26.consider where it was: then, what was the manner of it. As touching the former, wee are to note, that hetherto hauing remained in this Land where Abraham left him, and which was promised, in time to be theirs, now by occasion he left the same, and went vntounto Gerar a Citty of the Philistims, and was of purpose (as it seemeth) to Gen. 26: 1-6.Gen 26:1–6hauehave gon thence vntounto Aegypt, as Abraham his Father on the like occasion had done before. The occasion of which his remoouing was a Famine, that now in his time also (as in Abrahams before) fell on that land wherein hee soiourned: for auoyding of which, being of purpose to go into Aegypt, but admonished by the Lord that hee should not so doo, hee went but onelyonly to Abimelek King of Gerar and soiourned there. A sufficient example, both that God doth sometimes proue his dearest Children with such necessities: and yet that themselues may not shrincke from them neither. But being there, hee was not able thereto continue, but after a time was fain to returne into the maine Land againe, the Philistims hauing but an out-side of it. So are wee more specially to note, what was the Story of his being there: then, what followed when he came thence. Being there it is very plaine, that God did exercise him diuersly: but yet therin also did shew himselfe very gracious vntounto him. The exercise was, partly by his owne infirmitie: and partly, by the enuy of others. Of his owne infirmity it was (and the same very great) that hee also now denied his Wife, as his Father had done before, first in Aegypt, then here also. But this was great infirmity in him, not onelyonly because that hee might well hauehave beene warned by that infirmity Ge. 12: 12. …0, 2.of both his parents before, and by that reproofe which they had for it: but also, because the Lord himselfe had promised to be with him, and to blesse him; and gaue such prerogatiue to his seede besides. And if such infirmity were found in so great Gen. 26, 3, 4.Gen 26:3Gen 26:4Fathers as those, and in such matters withall: wee are the lesse to bee discouraged, if the like nowe and then fall out in vsus. Of the enuy of others it was, that when they Dsaw him so mightily to encrease, they then quarrelled with him about trifles, and Ibi. 12-17. 20 …1.would not rest till they got him forth from among them. That neuerthelesse God did shew himselfe to be very gracious vntounto him in both, it doth in it selfe very plainly p. 86appeare: first in that time of that his infirmitie; then, in the time of that their enuy. In the time of that his infirmity, hee did not onelyonly preserue his Wiues chastity in the Ibid. 8-11.meane season; and otherwise brought forth the trueth of the matter (which himselfe concealed so much as hee could:) but also put such a feare into their hearts, of some speciall vengeance to be cast vponupon them, if any of them had done that villanie vntounto her, as that straight order was presently taken, that they should be safe from all such daunger. In the time of that their enuy, God did not onelyonly preserue him safe, that they did him no hurt to speake of, but onelyonly some little trifling displeasures: but did specially blesse him besides. Those trifling displeasures wherewith he suffered him to bee exercised by them (while otherwise hee preserued him from all speciall hurt) were of two sorts: one, by the King himselfe, or by them all generally: the other by particuler persons onelyonly, and those inferiours. By the King himselfe, or by them all generally, hee was commaunded to depart thence: and the reason is giuen, for that Ibid. 16.hee was growne much stronger than they. By particular persons, and those but inferiours, there were two pelting displeasures offered vntounto him: one, that they filled vp with earth those old Welles or watering-places, which the seruants of Abraham Ibid. 15.his Father had in Abrahams time digged before; the other, that the Sheepheards or Heards-men of Abimelek stroue with his seruants twice about others, newly digged Ibid. 19-21.by him, challenging those to be theirs likewise. That speciall blessing that God besides bestowed on him, was either concerning his own substance: or else concerning those hard neighbours of his. Concerning his substance, it is plainely noted, both Ibid. 12-14.that sowing in those parts, hee reaped an hundred fould encrease, and so did maruailously encrease: and that in his greater and smaller Cattle, and in his owne family besides, hee was now growne exceeding great. Concerning those hard neighbours of his, first God himselfe did then againe appeare vntounto him, and bad him be of good Ibid. 24, 25.comfort, assuring him, that for Abraham his Fathers sake hee would hauehave a speciall care of him, and in all his distresse euer be with him; and this so comfortably, that Isaac himselfe being well encouraged thereby now, there builded an Altar and worshipped: then also, hee put that feare of him into the heartes of Abimelek and some Ibid. 26-31.others of the chiefe about him, that they came soone after vntounto him, and sought to hauehave league of amitie with him, which also hee did not onelyonly confirme vntounto them; but hauing before set his seruants to assay if they could not light on som spring there, and they nowe bringing him word, that they had light on a good fresh spring, hee thereupon, by the oath of amity or good neighbor-hood, which at that time passed Ibid. …2. 33.…t…xt them, gaue name to that place, and so calling the place Shibah, that is, an Oath, the Citty that afterward grewe vp there, was thereupon tearmed Beer-shebah. When himselfe doubted that now hee had not long to liue, and thereupon himselfe Ewa… desirous for one thing especially, to take some good order before hee departed, hee called his elder Sonne vntounto him, and told him, that now being old and not knowing the time when God would call him, hee was now purposed, while yet he liued, Gen, 17-3-6.and was of good sense and perfect memorie, to leaue a speciall blessing vntounto him. So hee bad him take his Bow and Quiuer, and goe and kill him a peece of flesh, that hee might hauehave such meate as was to his appetite, & so would he bestow that blessing on him. Esau did as his Father bad him: but by the pollicy of his Mother, both his Ibid, 7-31.Father was beguiled, and himselfe preuented therein by his Brother. Whereby it may seeme▪ that God was therein disposed to hauehave a speciall preseruatiue for the people of Israel that were out of Iacob to be raised, against the pride that otherwise might arise in their hearts, in respect of the prerogatiue that they should hauehave, not onelyonly aboue those that came of Esau, but aboue all others besides. For though God himselfe did meane the same to Iacob: yet did his Mother and hee hast so inordinately thereunto, that thereby it was notably stayned to him and his. That which is set down of his death, is no more but at what age de died: and, who did bury him. Hee dyed at the age of one hundred and fourescore yeares: and was buried by Esau and Iacob his Sonnes. As touching those others that in this compasse of Isaacs Ge. 35: 28, 29.time are mentioned also, and first to begin with those that are lesse remembered, who are, as we said, Ismael and Esau, of Ismael we hauehave no more in effect set down p. 87but that as God before had promised Agar his Mother, and Abraham his Father Gen 1…, 10. 11. 12, …7: 20.Gen 1:10Gen 1:11Gen 1:12Gen 1:7Gen 1:20afterward also, that he would blesse him and make him great, that twelue Princes should come of him, that hee should grow to a mighty people, and take-vp a great portion of those partes to dwell in, as also that they should bee a Martiall people, hauing Warre in a manner with all men, and in a manner all men againe with them likewise: so hauehave we heere a likely beginning, towards the accomplishment of all that was promised. For heere it is said, that he had twelue Sonnes (who also are by name recited) that they became Princes of their owne peoples, and had a large Gen. 25, 12, 18Gen 25:12Gen 25:18part of those Countries to dwell in: which albeit Adrichomius doth as it were confine In Pharan, 43,or streighten close to the read Sea, on the East side of that Sea; yet Tremellius and Iunius doe much farther enlarge it, euen to Susiana, lying on the Persian Sea, In Gen. 10, 7.Gen 10:7and bordering on Persia it selfe. In his life also, being 137. yeares, there is a good probable token of some speciall fauour of God towards him. Of Esau we hauehave some-what more then so. But as the Apostle did afterwarde account him a prophane or godlesse person; so hauehave wee nothing of him (to speake of) but that Heb. 12, 16.Heb 12:16which doth much tend thereunto: and yet notwithstanding, both that Iacob his Father did affect him more then the other; and that God did vouchsafe to giuegive him a speciall blessing besides. That we hauehave nothing of him to speake of, but such as are probable arguments that he was prophane indeed, may indifferent plainly appeare, first in the whol course of his life: then, in certain particular actions of his besides. FThe course of his life seemeth to be, that he gaue himselfe to Hunting, being, Gen. 25. 27.Gen 25:27as he was, so skilfull therein: a great wasting of precious time, which vnderunder so godly a Patriarke as his Father was, no doubt might hauehave beene much better spent. Those his particular actions besides, that boad such a matter, are of two sorts: some that argue a small care that hee had, in certaine matters of weight that did much concerne him; others, that hee had but small feeling of his owne sinne neyther. Of the former sort there were two: one that so easily, or fondly rather, he parted with his birth-right; the other, that hee did in such sort marry. As touching his Birth-right, his Brother did no sooner moue him in it, but he was as ready to yeeld Ibid. 29-34.it vntounto him: and though he was at that time hungry, yet, besides that it came vntounto him for lacke of better gouernment; both hee might otherwise hauehave supplyed his want therein, and hee might well hauehave conceiued, that his Brother would not hauehave failed him in that point neyther, though he for that matter had stoode to his owne. In his marriage hee did not onelyonly match himselfe with a couple at once, and afterwardes tooke him a third besides: but also made his choyce of such, as, Ibid. 26, 1, 2. 28, …-9.for the better of them, hee had little comfort in the promise of God, being as she was, of Ismaels race; and for the others, being of the inhabitants of that Land, nothing at all, but discomforture onelyonly, because they were an accursed people, Gen. 9, 25, 10, 15. Ex. 23, 23, 27Gen 9:25Gen 9:10Gen 9:15Exod 23:23Exod 23:27should be in seruile estate vntounto others, and were in the end to be destroyed. That wherein he seemeth himselfe to hauehave little feeling of his sinne, was extreame hatred to his Brother, for preuenting him of the blessing, purposing with himselfe to Gen, 27, 43.kill him for the same. For himselfe parting with his Birth-right before, and by likelihood vnderstanding since, that the blessing was to go to his Brother also: as in the latter of them he was to rest in Gods ordinance, and to hold himselfe contented therewith, though himselfe had deserued none other; so in the former hee might plainely see, that by his owne folly before, he had iustly deserued now to be excluded. Yet hee considereth not his owne sinne: but boileth in wrath against his Brother: That his Father did affect him more then he did the other, is plainely set downe: and lesse maruell should it bee vntounto vsus, if good men sometimes doe Gen. 25. 28.Gen 25:28beare a naturall affection more vntounto such, as in whom they see no great matter towardes God; then to such as themselues do know to be much the likelier, to be of farre greater price with him. That God did vouchsafe him a speciall blessing besides, it is plaine likewise, both for that hee grew so fast to so great a people, that soone after they became a Kingdome: and had eight Kinges one after another (but Ge. 36. 1-4….of diuers families) successiuely raigning, before there was any King at all, in the line of Iacob, or Israel. A manifest example, that in earthly thinges God is ofttimes p. 88more liberall to the Children of this World, then vntounto those whom himselfe by adoption and grace, hath taken a great deale neerer vntounto him. That which we hauehave set downe of Iacob, is (as I said) without comparision, a great deale the …re, occupying many whole Chapters it selfe alone: but yet extending it selfe oft-times to such particularities, as that, in the course that wee are in, it may wel be abridged. It is i… effect no more but this: that now by occasion he was faine to leaue this his GCountrey for a time; and returned not againe, but a little before his Fathers death. So that his whole story, within this compasse, is but of that iourney of his: first setting vsus downe the occasion of it; then, the story of his iourney it selfe. The occasion of it, was first of all the hatred of Esau his Brother: but then also, a speciall regard of his owne bestowing in marriage. The hatred of his saide Brother was such towardes him, as that Rebecca his Mother feared he should hauehave beene slaine if there be had staied. Whereupon seeking in time to preuent it, shee first laboured to get her Sonne in mind to withdraw himselfe out of the way for a time: and then, to perswade her husband also, himselfe to send him forth likewise. She sought to perswade her Sonne to get him out of the way for a time, by shewing …. …7, 44-47.the daunger that he should bee in staying there, his Brother being resolued to slay him. But then, comming to her husband, we do not find that she spake any thing to him of that matter (and then hauehave wee therein, a patterne in her, of a speciall good moderation of her affections: and so consequently, both a proofe of her wisedome; and a care that she had not to cast her Son Esau cleane out of fauour:) but onelyonly vttered what regard she had, to hauehave Iacob matched in marriage, better then was Esau before. Therefore concerning that regard that they both had to bestow him better in marriage, as she did take this opportunity to moue him in it, and he did readily yeelde vntounto it: so it is good to marke withall, how ready a way there was before laid forth vntounto both. For we read before, that those two Wiues of Esau which he had taken of the women of that Countrey-breede, were a great Ibid. 1. 2.heart-breake vntounto them both: and therefore lesse maruell, and no new thing neither, that now she plainely tould her husband, that shee for her part could hauehave no ioy to liue, if Iacob were in such sort matched; nor that Isaac did thereupon so readily Ibid. 48.call him, and, without any longer drift of the matter, sent him away. So by this occasion Isaac calling for him, and now of his owne voluntary and free consent, Gen▪ 28, 1-5.Gen 28:1–5confirming vntounto him those blessings, which before, being himselfe beguiled he bestowed indeede vponupon him, but thought that he had bestowed them on his elder sonne Esau, and charging him not to match himselfe with any of the Canaanites; but to go to his Vnckle Laban, and there to marry some Daughter of his, besought the Almighty God to blesse him, that hee might encrease and grow to a mighty people, and inherit the Land, that God before had promised to giuegive vntounto Abraham and to his seed, wherein he had beene but a soiourner yet. In the story of this his iourney we finde, that for a time he was (in comparision) but in bare or meane estate: but afterward that he was greatly encreased. He was (in comparision) but in bare or meane estate, both at his going thither: and for most of Hhis time there. As touching his going thither, although himselfe were then in meane estate: yet is it very apparent withall, that God was then also very gracious vntounto him. That himselfe was then in meane estate, may sufficiently appeare in this, that whereas we hauehave no mention of him at all, but onelyonly at his setting forth, and in two places besides as he was on his way, in none of those hauehave we any mention of others with him, much lesse of any attendance: & himselfe doth afterwarde Ibid. 10, 11, 29, 1, 2.confesse, to the glory of God for his great encrease then, that at this time that now we speake of, he passed ouer Iordan but onelyonly with his staffe, as scant a furniture as any way lightly can by conceiued. A matter (in my mind) that is not lightly to Ibid. 3…. 10.be regarded; considering withall, that at this time he was sent to prouide himselfe of marriage: and therefore more specially to be considered, both in what respect it may seeme strange vntounto vsus; and, what our selues may gather out of it. It may seeme strange vntounto vsus, that he was sent forth so barely, both in respect of the common vsage of all (to speake of) in all such cases: and in respect of some thinges p. 89also that did concerne that case of his more specially. The common vsage of all (to speake of) is knowne to be, if Parents send forth their Children, any thing far, and to their friendes, euer to doe it, something like, as themselues are able: especially, if it be about their preferment in marriage withall. The things that more specially concerned that case of his, were of two sorts: one, time past; others of the time then present. That of time past, was the example of Abraham a little before, whereunto Isaac himselfe was priuie. For when Abraham was aboue such a matter for his sonne Isaac (who also was then almost out-right fourty yeares Gen. 24. …. 22, 32. 53.Gen 24old, and therefore not to be conceiued, but that he minded in what …re his Father went about that businesse) hee sent the chiefe Steward of his house about it▪ who also had with him ten Camels, and other attendance of men besides: and went so prouided, that he gaue Iewels and rewardes very liberally as occasion was offered. Those that were of the time then present, were two: the one, how conuenient (if not cleerely needfull) it might seeme for Iacob now, to hauehave beene sent foorth with much better regard then so; the other, how able Isaac was, so to hauehave done. How conuenient it might seeme, that Iacob had beene sent forth with much greater regard then so, ariseth out of two principall considerations: one, that now it appeared that God had made choice of him, on whom to bestow that speciall blessing: the other, the danger that he might be in by the wrath of his Brother. Seeing that God had now made it knowne, that hee had made choice of him for that speciall blessing, hee was accordingly to bee regarded: though not for outward pompes sake; yet so farre as was requisite, that his parents might therein shewe, that they also reuerenced that councell of God resting on him. Seeing also that he Iwas in some danger, or at least might bee, by the wrath of his Brother, though it may be that other-waies they prouided for it: yet that also might in such a case, in good respect, iustly require a better attendance, at the least for that first part of his way, if not that necessity did so require, yet for the outward conueniēcy of it to such as knew not how the danger was otherwise preuented, or might be intended not to know it. How able Isaac was, so to hauehave done, besides that, there may be no question of it with any, for that he is so generally known to all to hauehave bin mightie and rich, the consideration of two onelyonly thinges, may bee sufficient to cleere it to all: one, the reckoning that Abimelek made of him; the other, the time when this was done. The reckoning that Abimelek made of him, was in plaine tearmes, that he was then growne a great deale mightier then he; and thereupon, notwithstanding Ge. 26. 16-28.the discurtesitie that then hee did him, soone after hee sought to hauehave a league of amity with him: and yet was Abimelek himselfe a King. It was at such time as Isaac was so old, that now he thought he had not long to liue, and as it seemeth, about an hundred seauen and twenty yeares old: in all which time, hauing Ibid. 25: 5.all his Fathers substance before, and the blessing of God so resting vppon him, as afterward it did, it could not (lightly) be, but that in substance or goods, hee farre exceeded Abraham his Father. All this notwithstanding, Iacob is sent forth from home as bare as may be, or, as we say, like No-body else. What our selues may gather of it, is now to be seene: and first, if it did arise from beneath; and then, if it did come downe from aboue. If it did arise from beneath, it may seeme to come, eyther of the simplicity of those dayes: or else of some set purpose. If of simplicitie of those daies, not regarding thinges of that kind, in such sort as the manner of the world now is: then, hauehave wee in that example a great reproofe to many of our doings now, when as simple and meane men to speake of in comparison of Isaac, must hauehave such attendance on their Children, and must hauehave them so set forth to the eye of the World; and not onelyonly in so weightie businesse as was this, but in eueryevery trifling occasion whatsoeuer. If of any set purpose (and yet from beneath) then is it likeliest to bee of some peturbation, which notwithstanding wee may rather hope to bee farre from such parties as those. But men are men: and the best of all, subiect sometimes to humane passions. If it should be so, I see not any peturbation that should worke such effect, were so likely to arise vntounto any as Isaac himselfe: both because it is plainely set down, that he bare more p. 90affection to Esau, and his Wife vntounto Iacob; and because Isaac was beguiled so farre Gen. 20, 28.Gen 20:28as he was by Rebecca and Iacob together. For first as touching his affection, inclining …e to the one then to the other, it is in al reason so pardonable … all that such … of it by any, may well be allowed (among men) for iust cause of offence. KThen also, that they so ioyned together to beguile her, they beeing both by the …we of God and of Nature too, his Inferiors, and such as should in all … manner h…ue intreated him rather, and hauehave vsed reasons to perswade him, (especially hauing … g…d as they had) then so to worke vponupon him in that want of his fight, and so to lead him, contrary to his owne minde, as themselues thought good▪ this also might easily bee▪…ken for so disorderly dealing in them both, as that … were not to behardly censured by any, if hee were throughly offended at it. For albeit God had indeede determined on that which they sought for: yet, both they when they had better meanes, did seeke to atchieue it inordinately; and God himselfe could otherwise hauehave brought it to passe, and nothing needed that inordinate course of theirs. If in such displeasure he now sent him away so barely, and yet not altogether in the way of reuenge, to that inordinate dealing of theirs, but in some part of iust punnishment of it: as it were no more, then they both deserued, so may we gather, that in all such inordinate dealing of ours, wee may well expect a seourge, euen of the best men that are, and most ready to yeeld to Gods holy ordinance when once they know it (as we see that hee then did, for that he would in no wise varry) and though the ordinance of God himselfe were Gen 27. 35, 37 39.Gen 27:35Gen 27:37for the thing that so we sought, but inordinatelie. If it did come downe from aboue, that might it doe, either by some good minde in the parties: or else, immediatly from God himselfe. The good mind that I conceiue might bee in the parties, was, if so they rested on the prouidence of God, that eyther Isaac and Rebecca did thereupon in such sort send him away; or Iacob himselfe did thereupon take that course that he did: which if they did, whethersoeuer of them it was that should doe it, there is no question, but that very commendably they might so doe. And as therein they did notably humble themselues: so were they thereby as much exalted afterward for it. If it came immediately from God himselfe, therein also hauehave we a notable Document, not to be grieued when God doth offer to abase vsus, when as we may see, that in his secret purpose (as the euent doth shew, when it commeth) there is so notable exaltation to ensue therupon. That God was now also very gracious vntounto him, he gaue sufficient proofe thereof, both neere vntounto the beginning of this his iourney: and neere vntounto the ende of it againe. Neere to the beginning of it, it was, that God appeared vntounto him at Bethel, where the first night hee tooke vppe his lodging. At which time, Iacob was faine to take vp his lodging in the fieldes (not being able to reach the Cittie which was before Ge. 28. 10-15.him) and when he was faine to make the hard stones (laid to such purpose, or couched together, so well as he could) to be his bolster or stay for his head, and in Gen. 35. 3.Gen 35:3that his distresse called on God, as it seemeth, by that which followed. God therevppon, euen that very night in so comfortable manner appeared vntounto him, as that thereby both in visible demonstration, and in plaine tearmes besides, he gaue him to vnderstand, that not onelyonly for that iourney he would be with him, both going and comming, and bring him safe to his iournyes ende, and home againe: but Lalso would giuegive him that land where then hee lodged, make his seede to breake forth to the East, West, North, and South; and that in it all the Kindreds of the Earth should be blessed. Which also was so comfortably done, and so farre affected Iacob himselfe, that not onelyonly he acknowledged that there was in that place a Ibid. 14-22▪more speciall presence of God then he was aware of; and thereupon tearmed it the house of the Mighty God, and the Gate of Heauen: but also euen then presentlie raised vp a memoriall of it, of the stones whereon hee had rested, and after a sort consecrated them thereunto; and bound himselfe likewise in respect of those great promises of God to him then made, that the Lorde in the meane season giuing him what to eate, and wherewithall to be cloathed, bringing him home in peace to his Fathers, then he should bee his GOD, and that place should then bee vntounto him p. 91the house of God, or that he would worship there, and that he would truely giuegive him a Tith of all he should bestow vponupon him. In which it shall not be amisse, more specially to note some-thing as touching that apparition of God vntounto him: and then, how himselfe was affected at it. As touching that apparition of God vntounto him, by a ladder that from the earth reached vppe vntounto heauen, by which the Angels of GOD went vp and downe; as in particular it might assure Iacob for that his iourney, GOD giuing his Angels charge of him, both as hee went forwarde, and as hee should returne againe: so in generall it may bee very well a figure of Christ, GOD, and Man, coupling Heauen and Earth together, and reconciling God and Man: by whom also the graces of God descend vntounto vsus, and by whom onelyonly our Thankesgiuinges and Prayers, and our whole seruice of him besides, doe from hence get vp vntounto him. Neither did those present fauours, nor promises of good thinges to come, any other way descend vntounto Iacob at a present, but only by Christ, ordained then in the secret purposes of God, though he came not till long after, in the Flesh: as also God himselfe doth afterward direct vsus, by him to deriue whatsoeuer fauours they are he bestoweth vponupon vsus. As touching Iacob, how Esay 7. 10-15.Isa 7:10–15hee was affected at it, it is good to note, that as here he did shew himselfe to hauehave a good Faith towardes God; so it appeareth in like sort, to bee not a little clogged with his owne infirmity. He did shew himselfe heere to hauehave a good faith towards God, in that he did so readily acknowledge such a presence of God there, and yeilded himselfe to be so well affected therewith, as then he was. That neuerthelesse it was not a little clogged with his owne infirmity, appeareth likewise, in that hee doth put ouer the matter so much as he doth, till he see the accomplishment of it so farre as to that his iourney appertained; and, hauing so great promises as hee had, neuerthelesse doth so specially stand vponupon this his (so needefull) bodily maintenance in the meane season. Neere to the end of his iourney, which was about some three hundred miles or better (for all which space wee heare of no farther comfort giuen him: and that which is giuen vsus by Christ already, is to serue vsus for all our Pilgrimage heere) it pleased God againe to giuegive him another tast, that hee did prosper this his iourney vntounto him. But heere where the Text saith, that he went, as our translations are, into the East-Countrey, and the originall it selfe doth say, that hee went into a Land of the Children of the East; and our Interpreters heereunto adde for expositions Msake (as in in other such places besides) that Haran was East from whence Iacob came; and yet in truth, it is rather North-East, and some-what more bending to the North, then to the East: Here it were good to note, once for all (as also for that place of Numbers 23: 7.) that in such places it seemeth, that the Coast of the world is taken by the Text more generally; namely, that all those Countries are counted the East in respect of those other two principall partes of the World, and not in respect of this one little Countrey more specially. That other tast that now God did Gen. 29. 1, 13.Gen 29:1Gen 29:13giuegive him towardes the end of this his iourney, was, that not onelyonly now hee found himselfe to be come right to the place where he would be: but also, that there at the first hee heard that his Vnckle Laban (to whom hee went) was well; and presently met with one of his Daughters there in the fielde, by occasion whereof himselfe also was fetcht in by Laban himselfe. So it pleaseth God to ordaine to his Children very often, euen in the thinges of this World also, that hauing had in the way of his seruice some heauy beginning, they neuerthelesse finde a comfortable ending. Being come now to the time of his being there, where he was (for the most part of his time) but in hard estate likewise, we are now to see the Story of it: but first, how hee was at the first kindly receiued; then, how afterward he was ill entreated. For his first receiuing it is cleere, that hee was very well vsed. For besides, that Laban did Ge. 2…. 13-1….readily and gladly receiue him, and when he heard by what occasion he was so driuen thither, though he found him to be but in bare estate, yet he acknowledged him to bee his neere Kinsman: hee had not beene past a month with him, when himselfe began to breake with him what Wages hee should giuegive him for his seruice, during the time of his aboad with him (alleadging withall, that though hee were his Kinsman, yet was there no reason he should serue him for naught) and when hee vnderstood p. 92that hee required Rachell his Daughter in marryage, hee also did not deny her vntounto him. But now immediatly after began his hard vsage by his Vnckle: and yet, on his p…t towards God, not altogether vndeserued neither. Yet was that no excuse vntounto Laban, who dealt indeede very hardly with him: first, in his marryage; then, in his Wages. In his marriage the hardnesse that towardes him he vsed, may seeme to be no more but one point of hard dealing onelyonly; but beeing better considered, so it appeareth, that there was another in it besides: one, that most readily sheweth it selfe at the first; another, that dependeth thereon. That which most readily sheweth it selfe at the first, is, that when he had couenanted with him for Rachell, hee in her steede, vnwitting to him, giueth Lea vntounto him: a matter that might Ibid. 18, 23.more easily be done as the vsage is saide to bee then, bringing them in to their Husbands both without light, and couering them with a vaile besides; so farre yeelding vntounto the shamefastnesse of young Women, as loath belike thereby to teach them to be ouer-bold, or to put away shamefastnesse from them, or, as wee say, to make ship-wracke of it. By which his doing, he did not onelyonly a manifest wrong to his NNephew: but also shewed himselfe to make but ouer profaine an account of marriage, and from thence did a wrong vntounto the ordinance of God it selfe. That which depended thereon, was, that he draue Iacob thereby to a second marriage, because he had set his affection on Rachell before: who otherwise, it may be, at least for any thing that he may be entented to know to the contrary, would hauehave contented himselfe with one alone. As touching his Wages he shewed himselfe at the first, to be a good vpright man in all such cases: but afterward it prooued not so indeede. Hee seemed to be an vpright man in all such cases, for that himselfe first began to put Iacob in minde of bethinking himselfe what wages hee would looke to hauehave for doing Ibid. 15.him seruice: graunting, that albeit himselfe were Vnckle vntounto him, yet was it no reaso that he should take his seruice of him for naught; and so aduising him, to bethink himselfe what he should giuegive him. So is it with diuers of vsus likewise, who in generall doe euer seeme to meane eueryevery man his due at our handes: and in our owne mindes finde not oft-times that we hauehave any other meaning; and yet when we come to particulars, then start wee from the rule of equity cleane, eyther altogether blinded, or else very partiall when it toucheth our selues. That so it fell out with him also, notwithstanding this faire shew of his at the first, doth plainely appeare, first in deceiuing him in that very party for whom he had couenanted his first seauen yeares seruice, as we hauehave already seen: & afterward, in his other Wages besides. Concerning which other wages of his, how hardly he dealt with him, we hauehave not set down originally, but yet rehearsed by Iacob twice, and in such sort, as it seemeth he would not doe it, vnlesse it were true: and farther adding, that God himselfe did in effect acknowledge so much also. He repeated vntounto his Wiues first, that their Father had much deceiued him in his wages, and very often to his preiudice and losse (so far as Gen. 31, 7, 8.Gen 31:7Gen 31:8in him lay) altered the same; and then told his Vnckle himselfe, that he had oft changed his Wages, and, but that God did prouide otherwise for him, hee would hauehave Ibid 41-42.sent him away empty also: both which, were so priuy to the dealing that passed betwixt them, that it is not likely that hee would say otherwise to them, then the truth was indeede. That which he alleadgeth God himselfe to hauehave acknowledged, resteth in these two pointes: one, that Laban dealt hardly with him; the other, that Ibid. 9-13.God himselfe brought it to passe, that Labans flockes did still so breede, as was so much to Iacobs behoofe. That this hard dealing was not altogether on his part towards God vndeserued, it seemeth to bee reasonable plaine likewise by the meanes that he vsed to attaine to the fauours that God did promise him: both concerning his posterity to come; and his present estate then. Concerning his posterity to come, whereas God had promised him it should be so great, that in his seede all the Gen, 28, 14.Kindreds of the Earth should bee blessed: hee both hastened thereunto by taking that liberty to hauehave many Wiues (then indeede much vsed, but euer swaruing from Gods holy ordinance;) and besides that, seemed to hauehave ouer slender regard of that holy seede, in imparting himselfe vntounto so many, on so small occasion as then hee did. OFor he meant no marriage at all to Lea, at the first, though afterward hee continued p. 93Ge. 29. 28, 35with her, and among others, by her had Iudah: and Bilha first, and Zilpha afterward, Gen. 30. 1-4, 9Gen 30:1–4Gen 30:9were brought vntounto him in aemulation. Concerning his present estate, then it rested in two principall pointes: one, to attaine to the wages, that for his seruice was couenanted with him: the other, his returne home-ward againe. To obtaine the Wages which to him was promised, or rather to better it all that he could, hee might Ibid. 37-42.seeme to vse inordinate wayes, when hee prouided those speckled branches, and set his spotted Cattle before the others: and especially, that hee vsed such pollicy about the best and strongest of his Vnckles goods. For his returne home-ward hee tooke his iourney secretly on the suddaine, not onelyonly vnwitting vntounto his Vnckle, Gen. 31, 17-21Gen 31:17–21vnderunder whom he had so speciall a charge: but also when hee was about speciall businesse farre distant from him. In all which thinges he had so plaine and pregnant promises of God, and so good experience of his power to performe them, and of his great fauour to him besides, that the lesse it would become any Childe of God by such meanes to seeke to attaine his desire in any thing whatsoeuer, the more vnseemly was it in him, and shewed his infirmity to be the greater, that in such sort he sought the accomplishment of them: a manifest patterne, that it was not any speciall good thing in him, for the which God was so fauourable vntounto him, and so stood with him; but onelyonly of his owne meere goodnesse towardes him, and for that he had promised Abraham to vse such fauour to his posterity. And how truely might Balaam, euen Num, …3. 21.onelyonly in this respect say, that God saw no inquity in Iacob, no transgression at all in Israell? So his bare estate being finished, and nowe the time being become, wherein hee was much increased, the Story so lieth, that first it directeth vsus to consider of that his encreasing: then, of his returne thereupon. Concerning that his encrease, we are to note, what it was: and whence it came. What it was, is set downe vntounto vsus, not onelyonly generally: but more specially also. Generally it is saide, that hee did Gen. 30. 43.Gen 30:43exceedingly encrease. More especially we finde that encrease of his to be set downe vntounto vsus, both in the people to him appertaining: and in his goodes or substance besides. His people were, first such as were neerer vntounto him: then such as were somewhat farther off. Those that were neerer vntounto him, were Lea and Rachell; Zilpha Ibid. 29, 16-30 Ibid. 31-35. and 30. 1-21.and Bilha: and those Children those that now already hee had begotten of them, which were eleauen Sonnes, and one Daughter. Those that were somwhat farther off, were all those his Seruants, both Men and Women, that he had to attend his businesse, wherein he is saide to hauehave abounded also: and himselfe confesseth, that nowe Ibid. 30-43. Gen. 32, 10.Gen 32:10he was growne into a couple of bandes, or company enough to cast himselfe into a couple of reasonable battailes if neede shoulde bee; as also, the substance hee had importeth, that his Seruauntes must needs be many. For (now to come to it) although it be not set downe what it was: yet the present that he sent his Brother of that which presently came to hand, sheweth that his substance therein was great: Ibid, 13-15.those beeing of so many seuerall kindes, and all so plentifull in themselues. In his returne wee hauehave set downe, first the occasion of it: then, the manner. The Poccasion of it wee may conceiue to be, partly in himselfe: but plainely wee finde in to proceede of others. Wee may conceiue it partly to be in himselfe, for that all men generally are desirous to returne to their Country, and vntounto their naturall friends (and so doth Laban, who may seeme to know his mind therein, directly Gen 31, 30.Gen 31:30tell him:) especially, when they hauehave attained to a better estate then before they had; and when themselues may so bee free, whereas they were in seruice before. Those others were, both men beneath: and God aboue. The men were, first Labans Sonnes: then Laban himselfe. His sonnes repined at Iacobs wealth, as hauing …bid, 1.gotten it all from Laban their Father, and enriched himselfe by their Fathers losse. Laban himselfe also bare him not now the like countenaunce that hee did before: and likeliest to proceede of that cause also. God also himselfe (euer Ibid, 2.ready to helpe in time of neede, all such as he hath betaken himselfe vntounto) did now bid him returne againe to his owne Countrey, and kindred: and withall promised, that himselfe would be with him. In the manner of his returne, wee are to consider, how he began it at the first: and how he prosecuted the same to the end. He began it so at the first, as might indeede yeelde him some commendation of wisedome p. 94among men: but would note him withall of great weakenesse in faith towardes God. He might hauehave commendation of wisedome among men, for that he did carry himselfe therein so cunningly as he did: both in taking so fit a time; and in vsing it so warily too. Hee tooke a fit time to his purpose, for that it was when his Vnckle Laban was forth, about speciall businesse: and, three dayes iourney off besides. Gen. 30, 36. 31, 19-22.Gen 30:36Gen 30:31Gen 30:19–22He did warily vse it, both in preparing the way to his purpose: and in taking the benefite of it when it was prepared. He prepared the way vntounto it, in that both he sent for Rachell and Lea to come vntounto him where hee was in the fieldes: and in that he vsed such speech vntounto them as he did, when they were come. That he sent for them thither, rather then brake the matter vntounto them at home, was a great deale more Ibid, 4.fit for his purpose, both for security; and, if they should consent vntounto him, then to hauehave then in readinesse also. In his speach vntounto them hee seemeth to endeauour to perswade them in these two thinges: first, that they had iust occasion now to depart; then, that they had neede so to do it, as that their Father might not hinder them neither, so neere as might be. To perswade them that they had iust occasion now to depart, hee alledgeth; first, that of late their Father did not beare him the like countenance, now, that he was wont to doe before (and that might boad, that hee was Ibid, 5.halfe weary of their company now:) then also, that God had now bin with him, & had willed him to depart thence vntounto his owne country againe. To perswade them, Ibid. & 13.that they neede so to depart, as that it were not to bee left to their Fathers curtesie, whether he would hinder thē or not, first he laieth before them certaine hard dealing of his before, so to put them in some feare of it at this time also: and then remoueth a certaine let out of the Way, that might otherwise bee some hindrance vntounto them. To shew their Fathers hard dealing to him before, he referreth himselfe to their own Gen. 31, 6.Gen 31:6knowledge; first, whether himselfe had not to the vttermost of his power serued their QFather: then, how hard their Father had dealt with him again. As touching the former of them, it is a cleere thing in the iudgment of al, that the good & faithful seruice of any, is well to be regarded of those that hauehave the benefit of it. As touching the latter, he noteth two thinges in him: first that he mocked him, which was, as it seemeth, Ibid. 7. 8.in not keeking couenant with him: the other, that oft-times hee changed his Wages, so to wring him euer to the worse. The let that might hinder them from this perswasion, was, that by some ill meanes of his he might so farre hauehave enriched himselfe of their Fathers substance. Concerning which, first he telleth them generally, that it was Gods doing, and not his: namely, that God did not suffer him so to Ibid. 7, 9.wring him to the worse, by so oft changing his wages, though himselfe would faine hauehave done it; and that it was God, and not he, that so tooke away their Fathers substance, & bestowed the same on him. Then, more specially he acquainteth them with a speciall vision he had concerning that matter, and some what else concerning theyr present businesse then. Concerning that vision, that God himselfe on a time called on him by night, and bad him see, howe that at Ramming-time those that engendred, Ibid. 11. 12.were all such or so marked, as was to him for his Wages allotted; and that himselfe did then see it to be so indeede: and withall told him the reason of it, which was for Ibid. 10.that Laban did deale so hardly with him. Concerning their present businesse, that he told him besides, that he was the same God Almighty that appeared vntounto him at Ibid. 12.Bethel, vntounto whom he erected a Monument, and made a vow: and now willed him, Ibid. 13.to get vp, and to depart thence, and returne home-wards againe. By which speach of his, they were both so fully resolued, that themselues did acknowledge, that they Ibid. 14-16.had naught else to looke for at the hands of their Father; that he had dealt vnkindly with them, making sale of them to his own aduantage: now therefore, that whereas God had giuen them that which they had, to the vse of themselues, and of their children, it was no reason that he shold vse the same at his pleasure. So their conclusion is, that by their assent hee should readily doe whatsoeuer the Lord had appointed vntounto him. They being thus perswaded, and so a ready way beeing now made vntounto his returne, hee did as readily take the benefit of it. For presently he made away, taking his Wiues and Children with him, and all the Cattle and goodes that there hee had gotten, and got not onelyonly ouer Euphrates the Riuer, but euen to Mount Galiad, (about p. 95Ibid. 17-21.three partes of fiue, of all the way that he had …o returne, before that he could come to his Father) before that Laban did ouertake him. For Laban hearing of Ibid. 2…. 23, 25it the third day after, and presently following with such forced as hee was able to make, after seauen d… trauell, came thither also: Iacob hauing made a stand, and pitched his Tentes there before; there belike, to refresh himselfe and all his company, and his Cattle withall, after that their iourney. In this sort to hauehave begun his returne, howe it may note him of weaknesse in faith before God, if now wee would finde, it shall be good to consider of this his doing: first, as if it had beene Rbut the common case of any; then, as it was more proper to him. If it had been the case of any, yet both Equity and Ciuility had required, that hyred seruantes, and friendes that had beene of so neere alliance, if a… any time their occasions required that they should depart, or otherwise were so disposed themselues: yet, they should doe it in good manner so neere as they could; seruants taking theyr leaue of their Maisters, and friendes not parting with any of their friendes, …ut in ciuill and friendly manner. And though the case be such, that those maysters or friendes, hauehave already sufficiently declared themselues, that they would not willingly part with such Seruants or friendes: yet is it euer to be hoped, that by goods meanes they may he entreated; especially, if their occasions bee iust, or but theyr owne mindes resolutely bent thereupon. As the case was more proper to him, hee had taken his Maisters Daughters and Seruants in marriage: and had speciall promises of God besides. Hauing taken his Maysters Daughters and Seruantes in marriage, though himselfe (not beeing so neere) had farther liberty: yet both his Wiues and their Children did owe more duty, from the which hee might not well exempt them. Hauing so good promises of God as hee had, both before at his first setting out, and now againe, when hee was to returne, howe much better and Gen. 28, 15, 31, 3.Gen 28:15Gen 28:31Gen 28:3more seemely had it beene for him, so confidently to hauehave rested thereon, a… that in no wise he would depart, but in the best manner he could deuise, to the glorie of him that in all thinges stood so fast vntounto him, and for his owne credite withall? Might not he hauehave hoped, that God would much better hauehave blessed any orderly and honourable dealing of his, then this his inordinate and base departure? His returne being thus begun, now are we see, how hee did prosecute the same to the end: first, how he dealt with two speciall impediments in the way: then, how hee held on the course of his iourny. Those two impediments that were in the way, were one of them this pursute of his late Mast. his vnckle Laban: the other of his brother Esau. This pursute of Laban stood for a time in some contention betwixt thēselues: but ended at length with good agreement. While it stoode in some contention betwixt themselues, each of them disburtheneth his griefe to the other: Laban first; and Iacob after. Laban disburdened his stomacke to Iacob not onelyonly in word but also in deede. When he doth it onelyonly by word, he then receiueth an answere from Iacob: where we are to consider, first what he layeth to Iacobs charge; then how Iacob doth giuegive him his answere. That which hee layeth to Iacobs charge, resteth in effest, in two principall poynts: one of them, much amplyfied also; the other (to speake of) but briefely touched. In that which is so carefully amplyfied, it is not amisse to marke, not onelyonly what it is: but also what may seeme to be the reason, why he was so carefull to amplyfie it. It was no more but this, that he stole away so secretly from him. That which may seeme to be the reason, why he was so carefull to amplyfie it, was, for that himselfe did know, that by the reason that so Ge. 31: 26-29.often before he had dealt so hardly with him, he had in that least aduantage against him: as thereby hauing giuen him so iust cause to doubt him, that now of necessity hee must thinke lesse with him, that so he sought to cleere himselfe of him. And experience doth often teach, that such is the manner of the Children of the world, in many of their dealings with the Children of God, readily to make Mountaines of Mole-hils, when they are disposed to quarrell with them. In that which is but briefely touched, it is in like manner good to marke, not onelyonly what the same was: but also, what may seeme to be the reason why he was so short therein. The charge it selfe was, that hee had stoln away his gods too. That hee was so short p. 96Ibid. 30.therein, it was, as to me it seemeth, not that himselfe made not great reckoning of Ibid. 33-35.them (for he made great search for them;) not for that he thought it would bee but a scorue with Iacob, for him to shew that he put any confidence in such (for Iacob himselfe doth shew by yeelding to death for him that had done it, that he also Ibid. 32.made not so light of such matters neyther:) but onelyonly for that hee thought himselfe therein to hauehave the aduantage against him, in as large manner as hee could wish; and the same so plainely too, that it would be cleere beyond the helpe of any excuse. For so also the Children of the world resemble running waters, making most noyce where they are the shallowest, and beeing the stillest, where, by their depths, they are most daungerous. The aunswere of Iacob to this his Vnkles charge, was …, and plain: first shewing the cause why he got away so secretly from him; then, yeelding for the matter of theft, altogether as much as himselfe could desire. That so secretly hee fled away from him, hee could him the reason Ibid, 31.was, for that he feared that some way or other hee would deale hardly with him: and, it might be, euen by force take away his Daughters from him. As concerning that matter of theft, hee craueth no sparing, but readily yeeldeth that it bee punnished with death, if it found with any of his: and further addeth, that hee would not hauehave him to spare, but to search through all his thinges, and if he found Ibid. 32.any thing at all that was his, with good will to take it vntounto him againe. That Laban, not onelyonly in word, but also in deede, dis burthened his stomacke to Iacob, may appeare plainely enough in this, that he made so great a search throughout the seuerall Ibid, 33-35.Tents of eueryevery one: not onelyonly of his owne Daughters and maid-seruants, with whom he might be the boulder (albeit that now, hauing giuen them in marriage, he had so farre abandoned his Aucthority ouer them) but also of Iacob himselfe too, which, of the two, was much the harder. Now therefore Iacob, when his Vncle had made such search, and yet found nothing to charge him withall, hereupon began to disburthen his heart to him likewise: both as touching This former dealing with him before; and as touching that present dealing with him then also. As touching the former, it shall be good for vsus to marke, not only what it was that was sayd: but also, what wee may gather thereof, in respect of Ibid. 36-41.the parties to whom it was spoken. That which was sayd, was in effect no more but this, that he had painfully and faithfully serued him twenty yeares-long: and Ibid. 36-41.yet, that euer he dealt vnkindly, and hardly with him. Being spoken, as it was, to Laban himselfe, and in the presence of his friends he brought with him, and of his owne company besides (who by all likeli-hood knew for the most part of them, whether he spake truely or not) we are not to doubt, but that hee spake the very truth: and then hauehave we therein, both a good patterne of a good Seruant in him; and withall how God is wont oft-times to try them. A good pattern we hauehave of a very good Seruant, in that hee dealt so well with his Maister: when his Maister notwithstanding dealt so ill with him. Hee dealt well with Maister both in his faithfulnesse, and painefulnesse too. His faithfulnesse was such, that in twenty yeares space, he neuer so chaced either those flockes of sheepe, or heards of Goats Ibid. 38, 39.that he had vnderunder his handes, nor otherwise handled them eyther so hardly or so vnskilfully, that at any time they cast their young: neyther yet suffered his Maister to hauehave any losse in his stocke, neither himselfe at any time taking any part of them; nor making his Maister to beare what wilde beastes or theeues had gotten, but himselfe making good vntounto him all such casualties whatsoeuer. His painefulnesse also was such (a good example for all Seruants generally, and especially for so many of vsus as feare God in the Ministery) that hee spared not to attend his charge for any distemperature of wether, neither for the burning heate of the day, nor for the cold frost in the night: and that himselfe brake his sleepe so oft in that his businesse, that he brought himselfe to that case thereby, that hee could not rest when fainest hee would. How God is wont oft-times to try good Seruaunts also, doth heere likewise indifferent plainely appeare: when as this man did so hardly deale Ge. 30: 27, 28.with so good a seruant, when as himselfe did sensibly feele that he was so much encreased by him, and therefore was so loath to part with him; and when as he was p. 97his Vnckle besides, and now his Father-in-Lawe likewise. But when God had tryed him a while, he did plentifully reward him after: whereas on the other side, the world neuer so rewardeth those that serue it most, but that it depriueth them (for all their seruice) of much better thinges then it doth giuegive them. As touching Ibid. 36, 37, 42the latter, that without any sufficient cause he had thus hotly pursued him, & made such search: and euen now, if God had not stood with him, he would surely hauehave sent him empty away. Thus hauing both disburthened their mindes each to other, then began they to fall to agreement: Laban first offering the same; and Iacob then ioyning with him therein. But seeing the motion came first from Laban, VIbid. 29.who notwithstanding, as it seemeth by his owne words, was at that time the stronger in the fielde, it shall bee good to consider, what may seeme to hauehave giuen the occasion, that he should first make this motion: then, what was the motion it selfe. The occasion may well seeme to be, that the Lord met with him the night before, Ibid. 24.and did plainly shew himselfe to take part with Iacob against him: which also himselfe in plaine tearmes confesseth. A point of wisedome, which many in our 29.age cannot yet learne: when they plainely see, the word of God to iustify that profession which goeth vnderunder the name of the Gospell now, yet neuer regarding to come to agreement with those that professe it, and withall, stand to the maintenance of it; but still continuing enemies vntounto them. The motion that heereupon hee made was for good neighbour-hood and friendship betwixt them: concerning which, first he sheweth how he can now quiet himselfe towards Iacob for this his so priuy getting away from him before: and then commeth forth with the motion it selfe. He sheweth that now hee can quiet himselfe towardes him, because that his Wiues being his Daughters and their Children, in effect, or in some Ibid. 43-45.manner, his likewise, and so all their substance, in that sence, much respecting him also: he could not now be any way auenged of him for that his disorderly departure, but that he must therewith also giuegive a wound vntounto himselfe. In the motion it selfe we are to consider: first, of that which concerneth the substance of it: then of one other accident, that after a sort it selfe also belonged vntounto it, and immediately came in thereupon. In that which concerneth the substance of it, it shall be good to note; first, howe either of them dealt therein apart by themselues: then of that wherein they ioyned both together. For the former of which it is declared, that Laban first made the motion: then, that Iacob did readily accept of it. The motion as Laban made it, was, that there might bee a couenant betwixt them, to put them in minde, from that time forward of good and friendlie dealing betwixt them: wherein wee are more specially to note, what good dealing it is that he doth more specially require; and in what sort he would hauehave the same to be ratified betwixt them. The good dealing that hee required, was in two principall pointes: one to bee performed by Iacob onelyonly; the other to bee performed by both. That which was to be performed by Iacob onelyonly, was, that hee should take vntounto him none other Wiues: but onelyonly rest contented with those that now already Ibid. 50.he had of Laban. That which was to bee performed by them both, was, that neyther of them should passe ouer that Hill to the hurt of the other. Hee would hauehave Ibid. 52.the same ratified betwixt them, not onelyonly by the God of Abraham: but also by the Goddes of Nahor; yea, and by the Goddes of Terah too, the Father of them Ibid. 53.both. So it seemeth they are all alike with him (aswell, as with such like, in this age of ours:) and yet can hardly thinke, that hauing them all, hee hath any to spare, but Wrather that yet also hee hath not enow. As touching Iacob, Laban had no sooner mooued the matter, but that he by and by, was as ready to reare vp a stone for a Monument Ibid. 45, 46.of it: yea, and to will his company also to doe the like, who accordingly quickly gathered and laide together an heape of stones meet for the purpose, That wherein they both ioyned together was in the couenant it selfe, and in the Monument of the same: both putting to their hands to the erecting of it, and both agreeing Ibid. & 47-49 51, 53.in the Name whereby it should after be called, and iumping together in the sense and meaning of it, sauing that eyther of them vsed their owne languge therein. That other accident, that (after a sort) it selfe also belonged vntounto it, and immediately after p. 98came in thereupon, was the kind dealing of each to other: Iacob feasting his Vnckle Ibid. 54▪ 55.and his company there; and Laban likewise the next morning, before his returne, kindly taking his leaue of them all. In that other impediment, which was of his Brother Esau, we are likewise to see, what the impediment it selfe was: and how he got himselfe cleered of that also. The impediment it selfe was, the feare that he had of his Brother Esau, which now as it seemeth, did arise vntounto him, partly, out of that old displeasure of his Brothers against him: and partly, out of a certaine report that lately he heard. That old displeasure of his Brothers against him, was about his Birth-right and blessing; both which Iacob as wee saw before, had gotten from him: and Esau againe, though he made no great businesse for his Birth-right, yet when he saw hee had beguiled him of his blessing also, then hee was so grieued with him, that hee purposed to slay him for it. A good patterne, what manner of Dregs they are, that sin is wont to leaue behinde it: plunging our hearts in some speciall feare, when fainest we would be freed from it. The report Ibid. 32, ….that then hee lately heard which increased the same, was, that when himselfe had sent his Brother word of his returne, and how God had blessed him in that his seruice abroad, hee heard by those that hee sent him, that his Brother met him with foure hundred men. How he got himselfe cleered of this his feare, that now we may the better finde, we are to note, that as there were (as it were) two braunches of it; so did hee likwise endeuour to cleere himselfe in eyther of them: in the former, by so kinde sending vntounto his Brother; in the latter, by diuers other good meanes besides. In such sending before to his Brother (giuing him to vnderstand Ibid. 3-5.where hee had beene all this time of his absence, and how God had blessed him) he did therein, as it is the manner of the deerest friendes to do, acquainting one another with their estate as occasion is offered: and so witnesseth vntounto his Brother a louing and dutifull heart towardes him; so the rather to procure the like in his Brother to him againe. In those meanes that hee vsed in the latter, that is, when his former feare was by that report of his Messengers confirmed and increased in him, we are first to see, what comfort hee bad before against it: and yet notwithstanding, what meanes he vsed. The comfort that he had, was, first in those former Xpromises of God: but thē also, in that late vision of Angels which ther he had. Those former promises of God, were of great security to him, both when first hee was entred into this iourny, & when now he began to returne again: of which also he had for the time good experience already: the vigor whereof ought yet to hauehave bin so strong in his hart, that he should not hauehave bin so much afraid. In that vision of Angels, which it pleased God then to vouchsafe him (for the Angels of God, as by the Ge. 32, 1, 2.distance of the place it appeareth, did meete him, soone after that Laban went from him, as also in the Text it selfe it followeth immediatly after) hee might also gather, both that the Angels of God were neerer vntounto him then hee was aware of: and that then especially they were made to appeare vntounto him to some speciall comfort, and in token of Gods protection; and therefore most likely, seeing that was now his greatest feare, that it was to strengthen him therein. The meanes that neuerthelesse be vsed, were diuers and good: wherein we are to consider, not onelyonly what they were; but also what successe they had in the end. Seeking out what they were, there we find, that first his care was to saue but onelyonly some part of that which he had; but yet, that by and by after, hee aduanced himselfe to the care of all. To saue but onelyonly some part of that which he had, he presently vponupon that message being strucken with great feare, diuided all that he had both people and stock, Ibid, 7, 8.into two parts; to the end, that while Esau should fall on the one to destroy it, the other might scape in the meane season: a manifest token that yet he was weak, and did not put any great confidence in those notable promises that God had giuen him. That neuerthelesse he by and by after aduanced himselfe to the care of all, it appeareth in that which presently followed: first seeking to God by Prayer; then comming downe vntounto inferior meanes besides. In his prayer hee acknowledgeth, Ibid, 9-12.that he is altogether vnworthy of those fauours, that God had already bestowed on him; vvhereas hee went ouer that Riuer Iordan at the first, but onelyonly with his p. 99staffe in his hand, he now was growne so very great: but then, whereas it had pleased him before, to vouchsafe to bee the God of his Fathers, Abraham and Isaac, (when as indeede he was the Lord ouer all) and now since he had beene so fauourable to him also, that not onelyonly for that present time, himselfe had willed him to returne, and promised to be with him, but also for the time to come, had promised to make him a great people; it would therefore please him, to deliuer him out of the handes of his Brother Esau, least that he in his wrath might happily put them all to the Sword. Hauing in this sort sought vntounto God, and then comming downe to inferior meanes, we finde those to bee two: one, the presentes that hee sent before; Ythe other, a fit behauiour besides. As touching the presents that he sent before, we hauehave set downe; first, what he did therein: then, what comfort immediatly after hee receiued thereon. That which he did therein, we find to be this, that the selfe-same night he tooke forth vntounto him two hundred Shee-Goates, and twenty He-Goates; two hundred Ewes, and twenty Rammes; thirty Milch-Camels, with their Coults; forty Kine, and ten Bullockes; She-Asses twenty, and ten Foales: and these he sent away before him, by seuerall Messengers, and in seuerall companies, with some reasonable distance betwixt them, to be all deliuered to his Brother Esau, as a token and present from him. A present sufficient in it selfe, to witnesse that hee was growne very great: and out of which Esau might likewise gather, that his Brother had a brotherly and a louing respect vntounto him. The comfort that he immediatly after receiued thereon, was, that now passing ouer the Riuer Iabok, and getting ouer the rest of his company and Cattle besides, and beeing alone, an Angell, in the likenesse Ibid. 2…▪of Man, came and wrestled with him, to the end that himselfe might gather, that hauing stood in the handes of an Angell, or preuailed with God, hee neede not to doubt, but that he should also preuaile with Men; and now withal gaue him the name of Israell, thereby the better to confirme him therein: but yet hee so touched one of his Sinnewes (partly to chastice his infirmity before, and for the time ensuing, to be a preseruatiue to him against Pride, whereinto otherwise hee might hauehave falne by this) that thereby he came halting away, and so continued all his life after. Which his posterity following, might better hauehave applyed to their edifying, by humbling themselues in the infirmity of that their Ancestor: then, in forbearing to eate of that Sinnew, in such beasts as they fed vponupon. The fit behauiour that wee speake of, was partly appointed by him to others: and partly performed by himselfe also. Those others to whom hee appointed such behauiour as the case nowe required, were first those Seruants of his whom he sent before him with his present to his Brother: then also, his Wiues and Children. That which he appointed to his Seruants, was, to go in Ge. 32: 16-20such order as he appointed, eueryevery company by it selfe, keeping a reasonable distance betwixt them: and, when they met with his Brother, to do all dutifull reuerence vntounto him; and in their speeches to tearme him the Lorde of Iacob, and Iacob his Seruant. His Wiues and Children he also directed vntounto their order: and by likelihood, directed them also to that dutifull reuerence, that immediatly after, when they came in Esaus presence, they yeelded vntounto him. That which was by himselfe performed, was, that hee also behaued himselfe most dutifully and lowly vntounto his Brother (notwithstanding those promises of security before: as many of vsus, on any part of such Ibid. 3.ground of security otherwise, would not) often bowing himselfe vntounto him before he came at him; and in all his speech with him, calling him Esau his Lord, and himselfe Ibid. 5. 8, 13. 14, 15.his Seruant. A very good patterne, how we should humble our selues one to another when we hauehave offended: euen the Children of God that hauehave the promises, to Zthe Children of the World that hauehave them not. These good meanes of reconciliation being by Iacob vsed, now are we to see what successe they had in the end: and first, at the very first meeting of them; then, in the residue of that small time that they were together. The first meeting of them was comfortable, for that so soone as they drewe some-what neere, Esau ranne to meete his Brother, imbraced and kissed him very kindly, and wept for ioy: and beholding his Wiues and Children, gentlie inquired of them also (and by likelihood yeelded some curteous welcome to them Ibid. 4. 5.likewise▪ according to the manner that in those partes was at that time vsed) as also p. 100of the presents which he had met, in curteous manner offering therein, not to bee so Ibid. 8. 11.chargeable vntounto him, yet, at his instance, gently accepting them in the end. In the residue of that small time that they were together, hee offered to his Brother two other curtesies before he departed: one, that himselfe and all his company would go on with him, & cleere the way before him; the other, when Iacob had desired him not Ibid. 12.so farre to trouble himselfe, that yet hee would appoint some of his company to attend him. Which when Iacob, but in dutifull manner refused also, then hee returned Ibid. 13-15. Ibid. 16.home-ward againe. So may Esau bee a good patterne to vsus, not to maintaine enmity still: especially when as in any good manner we are sought vntounto to be reconciled. These two impediments being remooued, now are wee to see, how he held on the rest of his iourney, returning home-ward. Concerning which, although it be not certaine in what time he finished the rest of his iourney, yet it seemeth that he made no great hast to get home: but yet notwithstanding went on forward still, till in the end he attained vntounto it. That he made no great hast to get home, it appeareth both by building an house at Succoth, and by buying a parcell of Land at Sichem: Ibid. 17. Ibid. 19.and so may it be some instruction to vsus against that immoderate desire that Parents and Children sometimes hauehave of beeing together, and of the ydle visiting that friendes doe oft-times make one of another; in the meane season omitting diuers more needfull points of their duties: especially where as Iacob was, when nowe he came from his Vnckle Laban, fourescore and seuenteen years old, and Isaac his Father one hundred fifty and seauen. How notwithstanding hee went on forward still, till hee got home in the ende, wee are to note, that for a time hee held on the straight or direct way thither: but then was hee turned a little aside. Hee held on the straight way thither, first to Succoth, neare vntounto Iordan, but yet on the East-side of it: then to Sichem on this side Iordan, and a good way within, in the heart of the Land. At Succoth he builded an house for himselfe to soiourne in for the time, and Ibid, 17.boothes for his Cattell: belike conceiuing well of the place to such a purpose, and so giuing it the name accordingly. To Sichem hee came safe, himselfe and his; and there bought a parcell of ground, and worshipped God: but there did he finde some A2trouble now; first in a villanie done to his Daughter, then also, about the reuenge of it by two of his Sons. As touching that villanie done to his Daughter, it is good to note, what may seem to be some occasion of it: & then, what was the villanie it selfe. Gen. 34, 1.Gen 34:1It may seeme to be some occasion of it, that her parents did suffer her, and herselfe would needes goe forth into the Citty, to see the young Woemen of that Countrey: and then is it a good warning to vsus, that such as professe a care of religion, and of an honest and orderly carriage of themselues in all their wayes, to take good heede, so neere as they can, that they neuer come into the company of the looser sort: not, but that oft-times it is done without hurt ensuing thereon, by the goodnesse and help of God; especially, when any way wee hauehave iust cause so to doe: but that, when as of lightnesse or vanity we doe it, hauing no iust cause vntounto it, wee then step without the bounds of Gods protection; and hee oft-times doth not let it escape vnpunnished. The villany it selfe was, that she was defloured; and that by one of the chiefest in all the Citty: and yet not otherwise, but that withall he did afterward very earnestly desire Ibid, 2-6.to hauehave her in marriage. In the trouble that hee found by occasion of the reuenging of this villainy, we hauehave set downe; first, what was the reuenge it selfe: then howe hee was troubled at it. The reuenge it selfe was, that Simeon and Leuie, the Bretherrn of Dina, being very much grieued with it, and yet dissembling the same Ibid. 7-29.for a time, and in the meane season, seeking to frame an occasion that was offered, to serue their owne cruell designes, within fewe dayes after getting all the men of the Citty within their danger, put thē all to the Sword, vtterly spoyled the Citty besides, and tooke away their Sister with them. A very strange and fearefull example, what wonderfull great measure of wrath may in the Iustice of God bee due, euen vntounto whole peoples and Citties, for the offence and trespasse of one: and that not doone to any of their owne, but to a straunger; and the fame much mittigated againe (in the iudgement of flesh and blood) by a speciall louelove to the party most wronged, and an earnest desire, in the noblest of them all, to hauehave her in marriage. The trouble p. 101that Iaacob found heerein so farre as himselfe did … the same, was for the danger that now he found himselfe to be in: which was, that the odiousnesse of this strange and barbarous crueltie of theirs, would make all the people thereabout to gather Ibid. 30. 31.themselues together, and vtterly to destroy them all; which notwithstanding was little regarded, by the executioners of that fierce and strange reuenge. Hitherto, keeping the readiest way, his iourney still lying towards the South, and some-what inclining to the West, now by occasion he is turned aside, much towardes the East: but then he thence goeth forward againe. When now hee is turned towardes the East, we are first to consider the occasion of it: then the Story of that part of his iourney. The occasion of it was, that God now did will him to goe to Bethel, where G…. 35, 1,God before appeared vntounto him, when he fled from the wrath of his Brother Esau: there to make his aboad for a time; and there to erect an Altar vntounto him. Thus was God, in great mercy ready now to giuegive him directions what to do, when he was in B 2great perplexity, & doubted heauy things to be towards him. The Story of that part of his iourny, deuideth it selfe into two principall parts: first, their going thither; then what was done there. In their going thither, we are to note somthing concerning thēselues: & somthing concerning others. That which concerneth themselues, is, in how good manner they addressed themselues thither, both Iacob himselfe, & al his cōpany so far as they went: wherein notwithstanding it may seeme, that something was by them omitted. That yet neuertheles they did very wel so farre as they went, appeareth first in Iacob himselfe: then in his company. For Iacob himselfe gaue commandement Ibid. 2.to all his company to put away from them all the straunge Goddes they had among them; then also, to cleanse themselues, and to change their Rayment, or to put on their better or cleaner Apparrell: giuing them withall to vnderstand, that Ibid. 3.now they would go vp to Bethel, there to Sacrifice to the mighty God, who had heard him in the day of his trouble, and was euer since with him in all his iourney. His company likewise thereupon, forthwith deliuered vntounto him not onelyonly all those their Idolles themselues: but also all their ear-rings beside, which (belike) they had vsed in some Rite or Ceremony of such Goddes as they serued before. Which when Iacob had secretly buried, to abolish the memory of them, then setting in hand with their iourney, they readily came to the place they desired: both hee, and all his company with him. That which may seeme to be omitted, was, that wee read not of any repentance, sorrowing, and speciall cleansing; or else with-drawing of themselues to be enioyned to Simion and Leui, that presently before had done that great slaughter on the Sichemites, and had made such a spoyle of all that they had. So that this must either be accounted by them no more then a iust reuenge for the villany done vntounto Dinah: or else, had it also neede to hauehave beene specially regarded when they went to worship God; being otherwise such a strange out-rage as it was, and so freshly bleeding as yet. That which concerneth others, was, that God did put such a feare into the hearts of all the people thereabout, that none of them made head after these to be auenged on them for the barbarous cruelty, as they might take Num. 23, 21.Num 23:21it done to their Neighbors: another pregnant Testimony, that God seeth no iniquity in Iacob; no transgression in Israel. That which was done there, did most of it concerne their present businesse: but one thing there was of another kinde. That which concerned their present businesse, was first no more, then for the which hee now came thether: but then, by occasion, some-what else besides. That for the Gen 35. 7.Gen 35:7which he now came thether, was no more in plaine tearmes, but onelyonly to build an Altar vntounto the Lord, which also he did; but no doubt, implyed withall, that both he and his company there worshipped also; and that the reason was, because God had so comfortably shewed himselfe to him there, when he did flee from the wrath of his brother. In that which he did more as occasion was offered, we are to consider; first, what was the occasion that was giuen: then, what it was that hee did C 2besides. The occasion that then was giuen, was; that God did now agayne so comfortably appeare vntounto him there: which also we finde, both in the manner of his appearing vntounto him; and in those fauours that at this present hee did vouchsafe him. As touching the manner of his appearing now vntounto him; whereas it is after p. 102Ibid. 13.faide, that when he had done, be then ascended vp from him, thereby wee perceiue, that he did not now appeare vntounto him so high from him, as hee did in that place before: but more familiarly and neerer vntounto him on the earth beneath. The fauours that at this present hee did vouchsafe him, were, in that little space at two seuerall times deliuered vntounto him. For first he blessed him: and confirmed vntounto him nowe againe that new and more honourable name that before hee gaue him, which was, Ibid. 9, 10.that thence-forth he should not onelyonly bee called Iacob, but Israell also. Then againe Ibid. 11. 12.he told him, that he was the God almightie; and willed him to encrease and multiply: giuing him to vnderstand, that much people should come of him, and, among them, euen Kings too; and▪ as touching that land wherein he was, as before he had giuen it to Abraham and to Isaac, so did he confirme the selfe-same graunt to him likewise, namely, that his seede should hauehave it indeede. Which being sayde, then there he left him. That which heereupon Iacob did besides, did partly respect Ibid, 13.the time present: and partly also the time to come. For the time present, hee reared vp a monument heereof, of the stones there: and thereon made an offering besides. Ibid. 14.For the time to come, hee honoured the place with the Title or Name of Ibid. 15.The House of God. That one thing that was of another kinde, was, that Debora the Nursse of Rebecca (who, as it seemeth, hauing before returned to her Country againe, for good will to her Nursse-childe, was now comming backe with thys her Sonne Iacob to see her againe) dying heere, they buried her vnderunder an Oake there, & called that Tree the Oake of Lamentation. Concerning which, although there be Ibid. 8.no more saide in the Text, yet because the name of that Tree doth directly lead vsus to this, that there they made some lamentation for her; it seemeth there were some speciall good parts in the woman; at least, some speciall kindnesse towards them. For she could not be but of verie great age, Iacob himselfe being now almost an hundred yeare old, and, Rebecca his Mother about forty before she had him. But as this consideration of her age might in some respect giuegive them reasonable contentment, not to take her death so heauily: so doth it the stronglyer leade vsus to gather, that seeing yet notwithstanding they did so lament it (and we read of no such lamentation Ibid. 19, 20.for Rachel shortly after, whom notwithstanding he specially loued) both that there was some speciall cause why so they did; and that Iacob and his companie, so farre as in them was, did kindly and thankefully requite the same. Hence going on forward in his iourney, we hauehave mentioned of two places yet before he came home: the former of them, not farre from Beethlem; the other, beyond the Tower of the D. 2flocke, which was neere vntounto it also. In that which was not farre from Bethleem; Rachel trauelled, and brought foorth another sonne, whom her-selfe woulde hauehave Ibid. 16-18.tearmed the Childe of her sorrow (for shee dyed of him) but his Father tearmed him deare vntounto him, and so was he called Beniamin. So Iacob buried Rachel there: and erected a Monument in memory of her. In that which was beyond the Tower Ibid. 19, 20.afore▪saide, Ruben his eldest Sonne committed that fault with his Fathers Concubine Billa, for the which he was afterward depriued of the right of elder-ship: & so had Iacob the end of his iourney mingled with sorrow. Immediately after which (for any thing we read of, that came betwixt) Iacob came to his Father to Hebron. But Gen 25 37.Gen 25:37neither is the certaine time knowne when it was; and sure we are, that some things that follow, were done before the death of Isaac, though heere so closely the return of the one, and the death of the other, do ioyne together.