Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 4

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 4

p. 34CHAP. 4.

1 THose others besides, of whome the story doth afterward treat, are al AGen. 4: 17.Gen 4:17the residue: first, two speciall lines of Adam, seuerally: then, the whole race both of those and of the others, all ioyned together. Those two speciall lines of Adam that are set downe seuerally, are, the one of them by this vngracious Kaine: the other by Seth, whom hee had in the place of Abell. Concerning that line that was by Kaine, it is set downe to the sixt descent from him: and the principall matters that are reported therein are diuers: one of them about Chanck his first begotten: the others about Lame…h the first from him in lineall descent. That which was about Chanok his first begotten, was, that after hee had a Sonne hee then began to builde a Citty, and called the same, after the name of that Sonne of his, Chanok. Wherein, as before in diuers others, so in this also hee hath yeelded himselfe a right patterne of the Children of the world, as in one thing that commonly haunteth the nature of all, and is more tollerable: so in some others that are more reprooueable. That one thing that commonly haunteth the nature of all, and is more tollerable, is the common care that Parents hauehave for their Children to leaue vntounto them so well as they can: whereof wee hauehave some patterne heere in that wee read not of any care that hee had of building, vntill hee had a Sonne; but hauing a Sonne, then not only hee builded, but hee would builde a Citty also, more a great deale then hee should neede. Those others that are more reprooueable, are two: one, that is open inough of it selfe; another that is not so easily espied of all. That which is open inough of it selfe, is, that hee seemed to hauehave a desier to aeternise so much as he could the name of his Sonne, or to leaue it to all posterities that were to come: a kind of vanitie, that sitteth neere to flesh and blood, and can hardly be sundred from the wisest and godliest that are. That which is not so easily espied of all, is that now he beginneth to settle himselfe in a stayed place, or at least doth labour the same; whereas alreadie hee knew well inough that God had inflicted this chastisement on him, that still he should wander on the face of the earth, for that his vnnaturall and wicked deede: nothing at all (in any good remorse of conscience) submitting himselfe to that hand of God; but striuing against it, and labouring to crosse it so much as he could. But as we hauehave no mention or knowledge of it since (which also might be by the flood which after ensued) so may wee the rather think, that God did crosse that purpose of his, and held him vnderunder the execution of that his former sentence in a wandering estate, and so would not suffer him to enioy a quiet setling of himselfe in any such building. Those that concerne Lamech, the first from him in lineall descent, doe partly respect that present time, when the story beginneth to record any part of his Gen. 4: 19-24.Gen 4:19–24doings: and partly the time that afterward followed. That which respecteth that present time when the story beginneth to record any part of his doings, was, that Bhee first corrupted wedlok, in that hee tooke him two wiues, first of any others that wee doe reade of: a matter that is of that nature, as that though it well become p. 35that first beginner of it, to hauehave descended of so gracelesse a line; yet so plausible vntounto the corrupt nature of all, that afterward it rested not there, but proceeded further and smitted many of the principall Fathers in the Church it selfe. So perilous a thing it is for any, to begin any kinde of ill whatsoeuer. Of those things that respect the time that afterward followed, one of them doth concerne his Childeren: and another importeth, that as hee had first corrupted Wed-locke, so was hee afterward ill troubled with it. That which doeth concerne his Children, is, that God notwithstanding did specially blesse them: and not onelyonly the Sonnes of his former Wife, with whome it seemeth his marriage was without reproose; but also the Childeren of his latter, the one of them cleerely, the other also in the iudgement of some. The speciall blessing that was bestowed on the Sonnes of the former, was of inuention: by Iabal the elder, of well ordering of Cattle, and of the trade thereunto appertaining; by Iubal the younger, of certaine instruments of Musicke, by the string, and winde, as the Harpe, and the Organ. The Childeren of the latter were two likewise: a sonne that was called Tubal-Caine; and a daughter that was called Nahamah. On the Sonne the text is plaine, that there was a speciall blessing of inuention bestowed likewise: namely, of working of Brasse, and Iron, and applying the same to our vse. On the daughter also, by her name it may seeme, that there was some speciall beauty bestowed, because that so in the Hebrew toung her name doth signifie. But because it could not vsually so soone be seene, whether shee would proue to be so answerable vntounto that name (at least if that name were so timely giuen her) therefore on her part it importeth no more, but that in her childe-hoode there were some good tokens in her of some special beauty: and on theirs that did so name her, that beauty was with them as also with vsus, a speciall ornament vntounto a Woman. And so may we see that on the Childeren of either of these two wiues of his, there was a much like blessing bestowed: namely on either of them onetthat appertained to needfull vse, as vponupon Iabal of the one, and Tubal-Came of the other; and on either of them another that tended chiefly to delectation, as vponupon Iubal the inuention of Musicke, and vponupon this Nahamah that speciall beauty. That which importeth, Tremel. Inn.or at least may so seeme, that as hee was the first that corrupted Wed-locke, so was hee afterward ill troubled with it, is that same speech that hee had vntounto his Wiues: concerning which we are to note, both what it was; and at what time it proceeded Cfrom him. What the speech was that he had vntounto them (as touching the sense or meaning of it) is not yet resolued among the learned: but it may seeme (and that is the iudgement of some) that he did not therein speake of any such slaughters as hee had already committed, as many imagine (especially of the Iewes:) but rather that he did vaunt forth himselfe, what he were both able as yet and willing also to doe, if he were therunto prouoked. And because that he doth so specially direct his speech therein to his Wiues, it is not vnlikely, but that their contentions and ill dealing with him, did make him so to breake forth vntounto those menacing speaches: and so declare as it may seeme, that himselfe found some trouble now, in taking a couple of Wiues vntounto him; pulling vntounto him (as the Prouerbe is) more with one hand thereby, than now he was able to put of with both. As touching the time, when this speech proceeded from him, by order of the text it seemeth to be after that his Childeren by them were come to mans state or to ripe yeares already (because it seemeth by the order of the story, that they had inuented those things before) and so consequently most likely to be in the old or declining age of Lamech; at which time he might be indeed more likely to find cumber in such case, somewhat answerable in proportion to that, whereunto his own inordinate lust in the flower of his yeares had prickt him before: a needfull document to others also, so to moderate the lusts of their youth, that in such case they doe not onelyonly consider, what would best fitte their inclination then, but also how it will fit them after; least that while in the former they omit the latter, they afterward be cloyed with the fruites of the former, and now do find ten times more griefe, than euer they had contentment before, notwithstanding that then with brags and crackes they face out that weake declining cause of theirs so well as they can.

p. 362 In that other speciall line of Adam that was by Seth, we are to consider, first Aof the manner wherein it is deliuered vntounto vsus: then, of the principall matters that are noted vntounto vsus therein. In the manner of deliuering the same vntounto vsus, wee may see, that some part of it is (as it were) annexed vntounto the story of Kaine aforesaid: but then, both that it and the rest, is, altogether, immediately after set downe vntounto vsus. That part of it, that is (as it were) annexed vntounto the story of Kaine aforesaid, is sette …. 4: 25, 26.downe in the end of the fourth Chapter (which Chapter, as wee hauehave seene, doth otherwise in a manner treat of Kaine onelyonly) and in two of the last verses thereof: and sheweth vntounto vsus, both that Adam had Seth an other sonne, instead of Abell that was slaine before; and treateth of one speciall matter besides appertaining vntounto the time of Enos his sonne. But then both this part of that line of Adam (together withall Bthe rest of it vntounto Noah) is a fresh set downe againe in the next Chapter following: and such an entrance then made vntounto it, as though the race of Adam did there onelyonly begin, and that those that before were spoken of, were now set by. Which manner of deliuery wee are so much the rather to marke, for that it may something helpe to iudge of one point of difficultie in the matter it selfe which after ensueth. The principall matters therefore that are noted to vsus therein, do some of them appertaine vntounto that patt of this line of Adam that is sette downe immediatele after the story of Kaine, and as it were annexed thereunto: and some others, vntounto that other recitall of it, when it is all taken together. Those that do appertaine vntounto that part of it, that ioyneth so neere to the story of Kaine, are two: one of them concerning Seth himselfe; the other following immediately after the birth of Enosh his sonne. Concerning Seth himselfe the story doth shew, that he was giuen vntounto them, after that Abell (by his vnnaturall brother) was taken away: and that they did so take him to, as given them in the place of Abell, and thereupō gaue him his name accordingly. Out of which we may gather, both that God is wont to make supply, whensoeuer any are in such case destroyed: and that our selues likewise may looke for the same at his hands, that though tyrants rage neuer somuch; yet God will euer so make supply that still there shalbe a seede among vsus. That which followeth imediately after the birth of Enos his sonne, is a matter of greater difficulty, for that it is of two diuers and contrarie readings: the greatest part of the learned, both of old, and of this present age of ours, reading it one way, namely, that then (that is, in his time) men began to call on the name of the Lord, or that the name of the Lord began then to bee called vponupon: others, of old and nowe also, of speciall account for learning likewise, reading it cleane otherwise, namely, that then the name of the Lord began to bee profaned in calling thereon, or in the worshippe that was done vntounto it. For as touching that of the Septuagint, that did reade, that this man (that is, Enosh) did hope to call on the name of the Lord, and such others as goe that way to worke, giuing to Enosh that commendation, besides that in the first part they plainly swerue from the original, in reading that Enosh did it, in the residue also they ioyne with the former, and so are in effect (for the matter thot now wee speake of) all one together with it. Therefore concerning these two, it shalbee good so to consider of either of them, as that wee may the better see in what sense it may best bee taken: whether, that then the name of the Lord began to be called vponupon; or else, then beganne to bee among men profaned. As touching both which, there is no question, but that the former hath many mo partakers, then hath the latter: but yet notwithstanding it seemeth to me, that the latter is not to be despised neither. For though the former doth ouercome Cin number of iudgements: yet the matter seemeth to hauehave the Texte it selfe somuch the more to incline to it then vntounto the other, that those iudgements of theirs may so much the rather be called in question. Which that it may the better appeare, and that a readier way therewith all may be made to iudge betwixt them, it shall be good (as I said) to consider of either of them apart by themselues: both howe farre they are supported in the iudgements of men; and how they stand in the Text it selfe. And first as touching the former of them, not onelyonly most of the Hebrews of olde, but the Fathers likewise, and most of the learned now, do so take it (and that sense is a great part of the ground-woorke of those notable Bookes of S. Augustine of the Citty of p. 37God especially for certaine of them:) and in Plantines Epitome of Pagnines Hebrew Lexicon the other signification of the word is so cleane left out, that thereby it may seeme, that those learned that hee professeth himselfe to hauehave vsed in gathering of it, were then of opinion that no such sense was due vntounto it. But if we come to the Text it selfe, then, besides that in diuers other places it doth so signifie (and so of necessity must, the circumstances of those places requiring the same) wee hauehave otherwise the principall matter wanting that should be for that sense of theirs; and somewhat besides, that seemeth to stand some-what strong against it. That which is wanting in the Text, to confirme that sense of theirs, is, that no where wee hauehave any mention at all of any such Church or Congregation of faithfull or godly people in in those dayes, that either now or at any time else (before the calling of Abraham) were any way assembled together to the worship of God. Some there were, who shortly after were called the Children of God, who (we may thinke) were the better sort among them; and no doubt there were some speciall persons in both those lines (not only of Seth, but of Kaine also) whose hearts it pleased God to touch with some speciall feare of him: but yet we reade it not so reported, that wee may safely conceaue that there was, not only not any one such people, but also not somuch as any one family (or but one silly couple of any one family till wee come to Noah) that professed the feare of God; but only some fewe seuerall persons, here and there one without any fellowes. And then, if otherwise wee cannot finde any thing that importeth any such company, needes must wee hauehave somuch the lesse helpe for rhe warrant of that sense aforesaid. That which we hauehave in the Text against it, is partly in this place: and partly elsewhere. In this place, somewhat there is in the pointing or distinguishing of the sentence going before: and some-what in the whole course of the matter it selfe, before, and after. That which is in the poynting of the sentence going before, is, that it is shut vp from this member that followeth, with one of the Kings or principall sorts of the Hebrewe distinctions: which (though some of the learned do otherwise) yet Arias Montanus maketh a full distinction. DAnd then if it be a full distinction (as in that place by nature it may seeme to be) the more liberty that therein there is, to refer it vntounto the Story of the whole Chapter going before, or to the Story that after followeth; somuch the lesse must be the necessity, of tying it onelyonly to that, which next and imediately goeth before it. But then, whereas the most of the Chapter treateth of Kaine and his line, and giueth good cause to suspect corruption by them; and but very little of it, of Seth and Enos, and otherwise reporteth no goodnes of them: hence must it follow, that as if it bee referred vntounto the whole, then it should rather imply profaning; so if it be referred but only to the latter and lesse part of it, yet there also it findeth not any ground-woorke of true Inuocation. In the whole course of the matter it selfe, before & after, both in this Chapter it is said, that Kaine and Abell came with their oblations to God (and then was not this the first woorke, that of that kinde was done by any) and a little after, where the whole Genealogy or line is set downe, besides that, there is no such commendation giuen to either of them, that so special recital of the Line of Adam there, doth as it were set by (as before I noted) whatsoeuer was gon before, as not worthy of any such special commendation. Else-where also, namely in the Epistle to the Hebrews where the Apostle maketh a diligent, and a speciall good recitall of the godly Fathers of old, especially such as were most auncient, there he altogether omitteth this, and passeth imediately from Abell to Enok: whereas notwithstanding in this sense that now is giuen it, it had made specially to his purpose; and therefore most likely, that seeing hee did omit it, (hee for his part) did not so take it. Which things considered, it were somuch the more hard to conceaue, why Iunius should now returne vntounto that former course againe, after that Tremellius in these dayes of Fra. Iunius. Iun. Tremelius.ours had so well broken the Ice vntounto him, and himselfe had ioyned with him therein, but that being so much giuen to that new platforme of Church-gouernment, that in these late dayes hath ben so vehemently vrged by diuers, it is lesse maruaile, if thereby he were somuch the readier to incline to this sense, as on that occasion in diuers other places also he is, in such like cases. As touching the latter, certaine it is, that in p. 38voices it is nothing so strong as the former: but yet such as may seeme, to hauehave the Text more fauourable, then hath the other. As for voices, I knowe no moe but those Hebrews of old: and a couple of these daies of ours (but those, as I take it, of speciall good account) Tremellius abroad, and a countriman of our owne at home. But then comming vntounto the Text, wee see that immediately after (the first Chapter onelyonly Mr. …comming betwixt, which onelyonly is of the line of Adam by Seth vntounto Noah) there is complaint of vnaduised mariages, and of great corruption that came in thereby: and that so great, that God thereupon did fully resolue to destroy them from the face of the earth (a very fewe onelyonly reserued to begin the world againe) as also imediately after hee did. Which great corruption imediately following might seeme much rather to shew, that this place might speake of the beginning of it, and so bee a Transition vntounto it (but that so many of the Learned doe otherwise take it) then to speake of any such speciall Inuocation of God to bee then begun, of which wee finde nothing else-where besides: and as though, they had degenerated before, and now were called backe vntounto it againe; whereas it was but onelyonly 235. yeares then, since that Adam himselfe was made.

3 Those that doe appertaine vntounto that other recitall of this Line of Adam by Gen. 5: 1-3….Gen 5:1–3Seth, are of two sorts: some of them gathered out of the whole; others, out of Asome speciall persons. Out of the whole wee may note, both that one Line is specially pursued: and that the time is diligently noted withall. In that one Line that is so specially pursued wee may note, both that according as the promise was made of the Seede of the Woman that should bruise in sunder the Serpents head, so there was giuen a good hope vntounto them for the perfourmance of it, when they sawe that Line so carefully continued: and that seeing none other is (to speake of) set downe besides, of them, therefore there is lesse account to bee made; especially in comparison of the other. In that reckoning of the time, wee may note likewise, not only that while they were fewe, God did giuegive them the longer life, that so the world might so much the sooner be replenished: but also, that as afterward it would helpe well to direct the people of God to their promised Sauiour, and to many other matters of good importance besides; so it was not of any to bee neglected, seeing that heere it is so carefully obserued. Those speciall persons out of which we are to note somewhat more specially, are two: Enock and Noah. Of Enock we hauehave two things noted: one, of his godly disposition; the other, of a speciall reward that it pleased God to bestow vponupon him. Concerning which, we are first to consider somewhat of either apart by themselues: and somewhat of them both ioyned together. Taking them apart by themselues, and first beginning with his godly disposition, some things there are, that lie plaine inough vntounto all: but one thing there is, that yet I finde not to bee noted by any. Those that lie plaine inough vntounto all, are of two sorts: some that doe appertaine vntounto all; and one that doth more specially belong to certaine of vsus. Those that doe appertaine vntounto all, are two: one that hee was godly disposed: the other, how long hee did continue therein. That hee was godly disposed, wee are first to see how it appeareth: then, what speciall point of godlinesse is ascribed vntounto him. It appeareth in this, that heere it is said, that he walked with God, and else-where this his walking with God is termed to Heb. 11: 5.Heb 11:5be pleasing of him: A good example for al to follow, to withdrawe our selues from Bthe common course of the world, and to frame our selues to walke with God. That speciall point of godlinesse that is ascribed vntounto him, is that hee rebuked the vngodly of his time (as S. Iude recordeth) and freely denounced the heauy iudgements of Iud. 14: 15.Judg 14:15God against them. His continuance herein is noted to bee three hundred yeares: a long and a wearisome time no doubt, to see so much iniquity as hee did, and that hee in reproouing the same was on all hands (as no doubt hee was) so little regarded. That one thing that doth more specially belong to certaine of vsus, is, that he is noted withall, to hauehave begotten diuers Children, as well as others: whereby it appereth, that the estate and vse of matrimony doth not hinder, but that therein men may sincerely walke with God; and so consequently, that wedlocke is not to bee so p. 39far abandoned from holy orders, as some hauehave beene perswaded of it. That other thing that I finde not as yet to bee noted by any, is, that although this Henock bee but only in the fixt descent from Adam (or the seauenth from him, as S. Iude doth terme him, reckoning then Adam for one:) yet is he the first, vntounto whome the Text hath yet giuen that commendation; at least by name. For as touching Abell, though afterward we hauehave good commendation of him (Christ himselfe calling Mat. 23: 35. Heb. 11. 4.Matt 23:35Heb 11:4him righteous, and the Apostle attributing faith vntounto him) yet in this place we hauehave no such thing of him, but onelyonly that hee worshipped (which is said of his Brother also) and that it pleased God to accept thereof, which as it was not for any goodnes in him, so likewise it might hauehave beene, though in him there had beene no goodnes at all. And as for that other reading of most men, that Then men began to call on the Name of the Lord, neither is that commendation giuen vntounto any by name: neither is that (as I doe take it) the sense of the place, as before is declared; or at least, because that diuers of the Learned both old and newe, doe not so take it, but in an other contrary sense, therefore is not it to stand as vndoubted to any. The reward that was bestowed vponupon him, was, that he did not taste of death as others did, but was taken vp of God: wherein, as hee was vouchsafed a rare praerogatiue, so to bee exempted from the common course of others, in so speciall a matter as it; so is it a comfortable example to all, to see that godlinesse is so deare and welcome to God, as by the reward that heere at this time hee bestowed on Enock, we may finde that it is. If now we take them both together, then are there two notes besides, that comfortably we may gather out of the same: one, that lyeth reasonable plainly; another, that doth more hardly follow. That which lieth reasonable plainely, is, that seeing there was at that time such an vniting of that godly disposition of the one, and so speciall acceptance of the other, as in such case wee may looke for Cthe like: so wee may not sunder them neither; but if wee will expect the latter, wee must then awayt the same in the way of the former. That which doth more hardly follow, is a collection that diuers do gather out of other such like places as this (as out of the seauenth daies rest, and out of the freelege of the seauenth, and fiftie yeares; out of the compassing of Ierico, and such like) and some out of this likewise, or at least somewhat towards it: namely, that (omitting▪ curiously to enquire of the secrets of God, or by such things as at the most are but meerly coniectural, to set down a certainty or likelyhoode either, and considering onelyonly in all such cases, but of possibilities, and of them no further neither, but as may stir vsus vp to godlinesse within the bounds of Christian sobriety) it may very well bee, that fiue thousand yeares of the world being spent already, and the better halfe of the sixt like-wise, as true righteousnesse is now, by the power of the Gospell, so begun to bee restored againe, that many doe walke with God nowe that followed the course of the world before; so may the time be very neere, wherein the power of death shall cease, and the faithfull bee taken vp to eternall glory, and that as in this Story hee that liued longest of all the Fathers which was Methusalem, did imediately follow after him that walked with God, which was Enock his Father (for that some doe rather giuegive that honour to Adam, it is by adding vntounto his yeares so many moe, as were inough to giuegive him the victory in that matter, instead of his infancy and youth, that he should hauehave liued by the common course of others of that age before hee came to that ripenesse of yeares wherein God first made him; and not that hee liued so many indeed:) so may that eternity that wee now speake of, follow as neere vntounto this our walking with God, that the power of his woord doth now set vp on earth among vsus. Of Noah wee hauehave nothing to this place appertaining, but only concerning the name that was giuen him, and the prophetical interpretation of the same: namely, that he should comfort them or giuegive thē rest concerning the labour & trauel of their hands on the earth which God had cursed. Of the which, though the difficulty of the place hath bred diuers interpretations, yet I maruaile that that which seemeth to bee the onelyonly sense of it, is so generally missed of all that yet I hauehave seene, both old, and new. For it is not to bee doubted, but that sith Moses maketh so speciall mention of it, but that some matter of speciall importance p. 40doth lie therein: both of greater importance, then a readier course in husbandry; and neerer to the marke, then by that generall destruction of all that fell in his time, to giuegive the better sort rest from their labours that they had with the wicked. Namely, that seeing it is the manner of the Scripture, when it giueth foorth any personall representation of Christ that was the promised Seede, or bringeth foorth any, in some thing or other to represent the person of him before hee came (as Iosuah, in bringing Din the people into the promised rest; Sampson in his inuincible strength; Dauid, in his reiection for a time, but afterward attaining by degrees vntounto the Kingdome, Salomon, in his owne wisdome, and in the happy estate of his Kingdome; and diuers other such like) thē but so to point to those patterns, that although thereby it raise vsus vp to a good and comfortable expectation, yet doth it not leaue vsus there, but pointeth vsus farther to looke for the residue, and for the full accomplishment of all, in some other that was to come: euen so in this also may wee very well think, that whereas Noah was likewise a figure of Christ, both in preseruation of those that were saued from the flood, and in the Couenant that with them was made, these woordes of Lameck his Father, doe so point to that peece of comfort or rest, that it pleased God by that meanes to deriue to others by him, that neuerthe-lesse they send vsus further for the further accomplishment of them, vntounto him whome hee represented, Iesus Christ; in whome wee knowe, that from God to Man is deriued, the fulnesse of all quietnesse and comfort, and in none other but onelyonly in him.

4 As touching the whole race of Man generally, both of these that are last mentioned, Aand of the others going before, whereas it pleased God, vtterly almost to destroy them all, the Story first treateth of that generall destruction of all: then, of those that after succeeded, vntill the time that he chose (from among them all) one peculiar people vntounto himselfe. Concerning that generall destruction of all, first we hauehave the Gen. 6: 1-4.Gen 6:1–4cause of it set downe vntounto vsus: then, that iudgement of God it selfe. The cause of it is alleadged to be the great corruption that then was among them: concerning which, first we hauehave one thing noted as the occasion of a great part of that their corruption; then that their corruption it selfe. So are we first to consider of that occasion: then, of that corruption it selfe. In the occasion of it, as there is some thing set downe so plaine that there is no question of it: so is there somewhat againe that is not so plaine, but that therein the learned are of diuers iudgements. That which is set downe so plaine, that there is no question of it, neuerthelesse is not so cleare in it selfe, but that some doubt may thereof arise: and so are we first to consider of the thing it selfe that now we speake of; then of that doubt that thence may arise. The thing it selfe that now we speake of, is, that euen the better sort of them, had so little care of their owne abiding in their better course, or of leauing a godly seede behinde them, that for beauties sake they matched with the looser sort: and so did both themselues degenerate; and left a mungerell seed behinde them. A faire warning to all that followed, not only how euill a counsellour the desire of beauty is in matters of marriage: but also, that so many as hauehave care of their childeren, to hauehave them brought vp in the feare of God, had need so to waine themselues from desire of beauty in choice of their Wiues, that Bfor it they doe not match with those that by their owne carelesnesse on that behalfe, doe before hand giuegive sufficient proofe, that they would but little regard it in their childeren also. The doubt that hence may arise, is, whether we may thinke that God bestowed more beauty on the daughters of those men that were of the looser sort: than on the daughters of those that feared God. Concerning which, we neede not to think that God bestowed those ornaments of nature, as comelines and beauty, more on the one sort than on the other; but that he bestowed those indifferently, and alike on all: but that the looser sort tooke to themselues more liberty to trim vp themselues, to the eye of flesh and bloud, in apparrell, haire, iewels and such like (as the manner of the world euer is) than the godlier sort did; and that so, and none otherwise, they were more viewly, and pleased the eye of flesh and bloud, more than the others, that more carefully kept within the bounds of better sobriety. That which is not set downe so plain, but that there is (euen with the learned) some question of it, is concerning those p. 41that most of out Translations tearme the Giants. But whereas the word doth also signifie such as reuolt, go backe, or fall away; it seemeth to me, that such as so tooke it, hauehave the circumstances of the Text more to fauour that sense of the word in this place, than those that take it in the other: because that by those intemperate and vnaduised matches that the better sort (for beauties sake) made with the looser, much better occasion was giuen to speak of Apostates, or such as abandoned all godlinesse then, than of men outgrowne in stature; and so much the rather, for that in the Text it seemeth to be reported chiefly of those, that were of greatest account among the rest. For the greater that any doe grow vp among others here in this world, the more doe they in such matters forget themselues, and him too that maketh them great, if the grace of God be not the greater with them. In the discription of the corruption it selfe we are to note, first how great it was said to be: then, how the Lord was moued at it. In the Gen. 6: 5-7.Gen 6:5–7greatnesse of it, it shall be good to note, not onelyonly how farre they were faln then: but also, what light is thereby giuen vntounto all, howe to finde what wee also are by nature. How farre they were falne then, is plainly set downe, when it is said, That all the imaginations of their heart were onelyonly euill continually. The light that thereby we hauehave giuen vsus, to finde what we also are by nature, euen all generally, is, that thereby wee are conuinced to be starck naught: and that we hauehave at all no goodnesse in vsus. For if all the thoughts of our hearts be onelyonly euill, then, not onelyonly, no one of our thoughts is excepted; but also there is no good concurring with it: and if it be so euer likewise, then can there be no time pickt out, when we are not so farre steyned. How the lord was greeued with that foule vniuersall corruption of all, is set downe vntounto vsus, both in Cone speciall speech that himselfe did vtter thereof; and in some other things that Moses did report of him concerning the same. That one speciall speech that God himselfe vttered thereof, was, that his Spirit was driuen to contend with them about the same: which needs must argue, that the corruption was very great, when as to vtter the indignity of it, we are giuen to vnderstand, that the most patient Spirit of God, was driuen to contend with them about it. Those other things that Moses reporteth of him concerning the same, are two: one, that he repented and was grieued, that hee had made Man: the other, that withall he vttered himselfe to hauehave taken this purpose, that now therefore he would destroy both man himselfe, and all thinges else besides that were made to his vse on the face of the earth. Both which being neuer so little considered, do plainly imply, that the corruption was maruellous great, that could breede (as it were,) such a griefe in him, and procure from his so vnspeakable goodnesse, so heauie a iudgement. In that iudgement it selfe that it pleased God to bring vppon Gen. 6: 8-16.Gen 6:8–16them for the same, we are to consider, first how it pleased him to prouide for those whome hee would spare: then, how hee brought that fearefull destruction on all the rest. In his preseruing of those that he meant to spare, we are first to consider of the Story it selfe: then what we may gather out of the same. In the Story it selfe we hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus, who they were whome it pleased God to saue: and howe it pleased him to saue them. As touching the former of these two, they were but Noah and his family (nor, by likely-hood, all those neither) no moe but himselfe and his wife, his three Sons, and their Wiues also; eight persons in all: and a certaine number of the creatures of the earth withall, where with to begin the world againe. How it pleased him to saue them, wee hauehave set downe in two principall points: one, what occasion he tooke thereunto; the other, by what meanes hee would doe it. The occasion that hee tooke thereunto, was his owne fauour towards him: and the integrity of Noah himselfe. As touching the former, it is saide, that Noah found grace or fauour in the eies of the Lord: out of which cheifly needes must it come, that hee was so well preserued. As touching the latter, both it is said that he was iust, and without intermission walked with God: and that same integrity of his is afterward giuen in as an occasion (or some Ibid. 7: 1.part of it) whereupon it pleased him to deale so graciously with him. In the means whereby hee would saue them, we are to consider both howe God affoorded the same vntounto them: and how those that should bee saued thereby, tooke vntounto them the benefit of it. How God affoorded the same vntounto them, appeareth in this, both that he willed him to prouide or builde a Vessell that might brooke the waters, and otherwise be p. 42meete to such a purpose: and taught him also how to make it. Those that should be Dsaued thereby, did all take vntounto themselues the benefit of it; but diuersly: Noah, both by making of it as God appointed, and by entring thereinto when hee had made it; all the others (both the people themselues for ought that we knowe, and the other creatures) but onelyonly by entering thereinto when the time was come that required the same. That which wee may gather out of this story of their preseruation, doth most of it arise vntounto vsus out of that gracious dealing of GOD: but some part also, out of Noahs behauiour therein. Those things that we are to gather out of that his gracious dealing, do some of them arise out of it selfe, without any other consideration: but one there is that ariseth out of an other consideration ioyned withall. Those that arise but out of it selfe, without any other consideration, are two: one, that before hee would cast foorth his wrath on those that hee would destroy, hee did first prouide for the safety of those whome it pleased him to saue: a comfortable example to those that in any imminent danger, for some speciall corruption or sinne, doe truly repent and seeke vntounto God; that how-soeuer God will indeed powre foorth his wrath on those sinners, euen to the full, yet will hee euer remember those that are his, and neuer faile first to prouide such safety for them that no part of that wrath shal any way touch them; the other, that hee gaue that guift vntounto those that hee would saue (not onelyonly to Noah himselfe, but also to those that were with him, and to the other creatures besides) all to drawe vntounto that refuge that was prouided, and to enter in vntounto it: a good pattern likewise of that gracious woorking of his, in all those whome hee hath ordained to eternall life, or to any other speciall blessing heere, to take holde of the meanes that are offered, and to enter into the fruition thereof; which many others, other-wise as wise as they and wiser too, do much neglect, euen to the astonishment oft-times of so many as behould the same. That one which ariseth out of another consideration withall, is much like vntounto that which wee noted before in Enock. For as hee being the first that by vndoubted certainty had commendation of speciall godlinesse in this Text giuen him, had also the first honour of a speciall reward thereupon bestowed vponupon him: euen so this Noah being the next, hee also is vouch safed the next honour of that kinde, and that same in very great measure; that therein hee should sustaine the person of the Saviour that was to come, and that in him the race of Mankinde should yet endure and grow againe to a blessed increase. That which ariseth out of Noahs behauiour therein, is, that out of that notable faith that was in him, hee imployed himselfe to prouide the meane that God appointed, neuer leauing till hee had made that Vessell that was prescribed: which no doubt hee could neuer doe, but with some speciall assaults with himselfe, which his owne weakenesse would minister vntounto him; and many discouragings, mockings, and tauntings of the profaner sort of his time, as professing himselfe to bee more wise and to see further then all the rest, and so buisily prouiding, that on dry land hee were not drowned. As also in these dayes of ours, if any so feare the Ethreatnings of the worde of God (which indeede are sure in their time to bee perfourmed) that to auoid the danger thereof, they nowe begin while they hauehave time, to make innouation of their former waies, and to leaue the troden path wherein they were woont to walke before: as they could not do it but with great conflicts euen in themselues, so were they sure to hauehave much discouragement by others also; as fearing much more then they neede to doe, hauing so mercifull a God as wee hauehave, and ouer carefully prouiding for help, where is (in the iudgement of all the rest) no daunger at all.

5 How hee brought that fearefull destruction on all the rest, that we may the better not onelyonly perceiue, but also applie to our owne vse, it shalbee good for vsus (in this AGen. 6: 17-22 7: 1-24.Gen 6:17–22also) first to consider of the story it selfe: then, what we are to gather out of the same. In the story it selfe, it shall bee good to consider, not onelyonly of such things as are plainely set downe, but of some others also that wee may account to bee imployed therein. Those that are plainely set downe, are two: one, that sheweth what was done; the other, the time thereunto appertaining. That which was done, was, that God so vnlosed the fountaines of the earth, and so opened the windowes or water-fals of the p. 43heauens, and so brought in such abundance of water vponupon the earth, that thereby hee destroyed both man and beast, worme and fowle, whatsoeuer breathed on the face of the earth (sauing onelyonly those that were in the Arke) and so mightily increased the waters thereof, that they were fifteene cubits higher then the highest hi…s that they had. The time when this Flood was brought in vponupon them, was, when Noah was 600. yeares old, when the world had now stood 1656 yeares: and it continued one whole yeare and ten daies, from the time that Noah went into the Arke for his defence against the same, and then came foorth out of it againe, when the earth was dried, and meete for the vse of those that should inhabit the same. Those that may seeme to be implied doe concerne either all generally: or more specially certaine of them. Those that concerne all generally, are two: one that it is not vnlikely, but that many others began now to be sorry that they had not been better aduised, and now to seeke how to helpe themselues so well as they could; the other, that yet notwithstanding now they found no helpe at all, neither in the Arke it selfe, nor any way else. That it is not vnlikely but that many others began now both to bee sorry for the present distresses wherein they were falne, and to seeke for help, it may bee conceiued out of the common nature of man: and out of the time that they had thereunto. For the nature of man is such, that although they hauehave not any true repentance of their sin; yet are they sorry whensoeuer they finde themselues thereby to bee brought into any danger: and then, though not in Brespect of their sinne, as it was offensiue to God, yet in respect of the euill whereinto they are falne thereby, and wherein nowe they see themselues likely to perish, they both are sorry whensoeuer they are falne thereinto, and seeke for help (so long as they hauehave any hope thereof) the best that they can. That they had good time thereunto, wee may well conceiue likewise, because the Flood did not rush in vponupon them at once (and yet if it had, euen that also might well hauehave left them, or at least most of them, some leisure also, both to hauehave sought vntounto God, and to hauehave made some shift for them selues) but grewe vponupon them by little and little. For it came but by raine from aboue, and by an extraordinary flowing of the fountaines beneath: and these no faster neither, but that forty daies therein were spent, before the water grew so high where the Arke was builded (which seemeth to bee no high place neither, because such are not lightly so conuenient for the vse of those that should bee imployed in such a woorke) that it was able to beare vp the Arke, that it might floate a loft thereupon. That yet notwithstanding now they found no helpe at al, neither by the Arke, nor any way else (notwithstanding all the mercies of God, when the time of vengeance was come) appeareth likewise, for that there were no moe in the Arke, but onelyonly those eight persons before named, and for that the Text doth plainly declare, that al the rest perished, and that Noah onelyonly and those that were with him, were preserued from that destruction. Those others whome this consideration toucheth more specially, are of two sorts: some, that were neere vntounto Noah by some speciall coniunction; others that holpe him to builde the Arke that now wee speake of. Those that were neere vntounto him by some speciall coniunction, were his kindred and owne family: which by likelihood were a speciall good company, because hee seemeth to hauehave been a Father of speciall account a…g them; and yet wee reade of none of them all, that in this matter claue vntounto him. That there were diuers likewise that Noah tooke vntounto him to help him to build the Arke, it is most likely (and certaine it is, that it was done in the eie and sight of diuers, and to the priuity of many moe:) and yet wee reade of none of those neither, that tooke to themselues any benefit of it; and by the Text it is most certaine, that none of them did it. Those things that out of this story wee are to gather, do some of them arise out of those things that are plainly set downe; and some out of those that are but only implied. Those that are plainely set downe, are these two: that in the end God brought in that heauy destruction that hee threatned before; and that in such time as before was noted. In that he brought in that heauy iudgment at length vponupon them, wee may note two speciall lessons: one, how offensiue sinne is in the iudgements of God; the other, how certaine it is that whatsoeuer hee threatneth though it bee kept off for a time, yet notwithstanding (for the most part) in the end it commeth. How offensiue sinne is in the iudgements of God may sufficiently appeare p. 44in the greatnesse of the punishment, that for the same was inflicted vponupon them, Cin that they were all (those fewe excepted, which also were not preserued for that they were better then the others, but of the speciall goodnesse of God, and to begin the world againe) so cleane destroied: not onelyonly those that were so notorious sinners among them; but euen those also that liued more orderly, and all their young children withall, that actually as yet had done no sinne. For seeing that so heauy a iudgement proceeded, from so good and gracious a God, needs must it bee some speciall great cause that vrged the same. How certaine it is, that whatsoeuer he threatneth, though it kept off for a time, yet notwithstanding in the end (for the most part) it commeth, may appeare in this likewise, that though this were so straunge a iudgement (to destroy almost all, and that with so great, and so straunge a flood) and in the beginning almost of the world, before that the people were yet (to speake of) any way taught or called vponupon to hauehave taken better waies: yet was it notwithstanding, as before it was threatned, when the time was come, brought in vponupon them. For then may we much more strongly conclude, that such iudgements as are more vsuall with his iustice, and on our parts more iustly deserued (now that wee are so thoroughly warned, both by the Lawe and Prophets before, and by Christ and his Apostels since) if at any time hee threatned them vntounto vsus, hee will likewise, if wee do not repent, in his due time bring them vponupon vsus. As touching the time, diuers there are that out of the proportion of it, doe gather a ghesse of the end of the world, accounting it to bee a thing not vnlikely, that such a quantity of time as was betwixt the first Adam and that generall flood, should bee likewise betwixt the last Adam Christ, and that generall destruction by fire which is to come: and so that the flood, which came in the yeare of the world one thousand sixe hundred fifty and sixe, from the first creation of Adam, will goe neere to shew, about what time the end of the worlde shall bee, namely about the like time from Christ; one thousand and sixe hundred of them being spent already, and, by the reckoning of some, a good many moe. But of that there is no certainty: as those also themselues that note it, would hauehave none to make any other reckoning of it. But seeing that other tokens (of which Christ spake before, willing vsus, when wee should see those come to passe to lift vp our heads, and telling vsus that then our saluation should bee neere) begin so fast to bee accomplished, so that wee presume not to set downe any certainty of it, wee may well stir vp our selues thereby the neerer that so wee may thinke it to be, the more to withdrawe our wonted louelove from the things of this world, and to fasten it on those better things that do appertaine to the Kingdome of God. Those that were but only implied, did some of them concerne all: others, more specially but certaine of them. Those that concerned them all generally, were, that though many of them then did by likelihood hartely sorrow for their former sinnes, and sought for helpe: yet was Dthere no such mercy shewed to any one of them all. A speciall good pattern to shew vsus likewise, that if wee slip the time of mercy, though then we sorrow neuer somuch, yet may it prooue a very fruitlesse sorrow vntounto vsus, and nothing at all helpe vsus in the distresse that then wee are in. Those others whome it concerned more specially, were the residue of his kinsfolke and family, and those that holpe him to builde the Arke: of whome wee finde none of them all that tooke any benefit to their owne safety, of so good opportunity as thereby they had to hauehave auoided that imminent danger. Which may in like sort resolue vsus in this, that the best men that are, can oft-times do no good at all in matters of this kinde (such as concerne the kingdome of God, or any way a true and liuely faith) with those that are neerest of all vntounto them, or otherwise in duty bound vntounto them: and that as those builders of the Arke builded for others, and not for themselues; euen so now also, and in all other ages besides, many there bee that doe well help others to the Kingdome of God, and yet themselues do still hold on the way that leadeth to eternall death.

6 Such a cleane riddance once being made of those former inhabitants of the world, that had so far defiled the earth with their sinne, and a perpetuall document being giuen thereby, howe feerefull indignation is in the iust iudgements of God, p. 45due vntounto the sinne of Man, now are wee to consider of those that remained, and of the race that comming of them succeeded the others that went before, vntill the time that out of them all hee chose one peculiar people vntounto himselfe: where first wee are to consider of those that now remained; then of those that out of them were afterward raised. Concerning those that now remained, wee are first to consider of them so far as appertaineth vntounto the story that wee hauehave in hand, concerning them all generally: then, as another other story requireth, which toucheth certaine of them more specially. So far as appertaineth vntounto this story that wee hauehave in hand concerning them all generally, wee are first to consider of them as they were in safety while others perished: then, how afterward it pleased God to deale further with them As they were in safety while others perished, we are to note two speciall things: by what meanes they were in such safety; and in what manner they had the same. The meanes were none others, but onelyonly such as whereby it pleased God to saue them, by gathering them-selues into the Vessell that to that end was prouided for them; and when they were there, by their continuing and abiding therein. And so we also neither are, nor can bee otherwise saued, but onelyonly by such meanes, not as wee or others hauehave deuised, but onelyonly by such as God hath in Iesus Christ prouided for vsus: by gathering our selues vntounto the helpe that is prouided; and by our fast abiding therein. In …hat manner they had this safety will then sufficiently appeare, when Bwee shall consider in some respects, both what manner of persons themselues were: and in what manner they were in the Arke during the time that the flood indured. What manner of persons themselues were, I extend onelyonly to this, that no commendation of godlinesse is there giuen to any of them, but onelyonly to Noah: a right patterne therein also of our redemption in Iesus Christ, for asmuch as hee onelyonly hath all the godlinesse that is among vsus; and wee hauehave none at all of our own, but are saued onelyonly by his. In the manner wherein they were there, I note that they were but in homely case in some respect: and yet much better, then to hauehave perished with al the rest. In homely case they were in some respect, because they were shut vp as it were in prison, and by the closenesse of the vessell in the strong sauor of the beasts that were with them and of their ordure; and must needes imploy them-selues both in homely seruice, both in deliuering foorth such foode as they had to all those creatures, and in clensing their roomes from their filth as neede required: and this for the space of one whole yeere, and somewhat better. And wee also, though we hauehave a full and an absolute Redemption in Christ, yet if we be indeede in the fellowship of those that are saued, we hauehave heere in this world, but a loathsome estate to flesh and blood: but yet much better, then otherwise to perish with the wicked. In somuch that whosoeuer hee be that hath a pleasant estate heere, and is not occupied in such imploymentes as are ircksome and greiuous to flesh and blood, and those also such as are for righteousnesse sake, and in the way of his owne proper calling, though wee cannot say, that hee is none of the number of them that shall bee saued (because afterward he may be called to that estate, though yet hee be not) yet this is sure, that as yet hee is not in the way that leadeth thereunto, and so consequently cannot as yet (without presumption) make any sure reckoning of it: A needfull lesson for all our worldly and delicate professors of Iesus Christ, that will needs force to themselues a kinde of assurance that they are in the Arke with him, and do nothing at all intermeddle with those affaires that in no wise they can auoide if they bee there; neither yet are touched with those annoyances that are so far from being auoided to those that are there, that as Noah himselfe notwithstanding that hee was deere vntounto God was not freede from them, so Christ his better, and deerer then hee, had experience of them in plentifull measure, and hauing giuen vsus example therein, doth looke that wee also should follow. Howe it pleased God afterward to deale further with them, resteth in two principall pointes: one, as Ctouching that their present estate then; the other, as touching another estate of theirs ensuing. As touching that present estate of theirs wherein they were then, wee hauehave two principall matters deliuered vntounto vsus: One, how it pleased him then to finish that Gen. 8: 1-12.Gen 8:1–12hard estate of theirs; the other, how fully also hee did settle or content himselfe with that which already now hee had done. How it pleased him to finish that … estate p. 46of theirs, is plainly set downe, in that now hauing asswaged the waters, and dried the ground, he called them forth of the Arke, and gaue them liberty, now to bee on the Earth againe. And so is it sure for vsus also, that when God hath heere in like sort exercised those that are his, with such vexations and discontentments as his wisedome hath thought meetest for them, then will he behold them with his fauourable countenance againe, and refresh them much more, then euer hee did put them to griefe before. How fully he did settle or content himselfe with that which already now hee had done, doth likewise appeare in this that he did so graciously accept of the sacrifice that Noah, so soone as he was come forth of the Arke, did offer vntounto him. Which that we may the better perceiue, we had need more distinctly to consider, both of that sacrifice of Noah: and of his acceptance of it. In that sacrifice of Noah we are to consider, both that he sacrificed then vntounto God: and in what manner he performed the same. In that he sacrificed then vntounto God, we are to learne, not to shrinke from the worship and seruice of God, for whatsoeuer aduersity he bringeth vponupon vsus: but to honour both his wisedome and goodnesse therein, and for the same to be thankfull vntounto him. The manner wherein he offered that sacrifice of his, is but in this, that notwithstanding, now there were but a small store of Creatures left, to replenish the earth againe, yet euen of them also did he take of diuers kindes one, and offered the same in sacrifice to God. Out of which we also are to learne, that though our …ne store be neuer so scant, yet must we take heede that in Gods matters wee bee not too sparing, how scantsoeuer that our store may otherwise be. In Gods acceptance of it we may plainely see, that he lost not his labour, both for that the Text beareth witnesse that it was welcome vntounto him: and especially, for that thereupon the Lord set downe with himselfe, that notwitstanding that man was very sinfull, and thereby would much prouoke his heauy displeasure: yet would he neuer so destroy the World againe; but that all the seasons of the yeare should euer afterwards hold their wonted course. And so may we also affure our selues that if in such case we shall truly worship the Lord, both Dit shall be so welcome vntounto him, and he will so graciously reward the same, by withholding from vsus so grieuous plagues for the time to come, that we also may account our labour therein, though it were neuer so much, yet to be very well bestowed. As touching that other estate of theirs ensuing, wee are to consider, what it was: and in Gen. 9: 1-17.Gen 9:1–17whom they were made pertakers of it. That estate of theirs that now by the goodnes of God they had ensuing, did first respect their encrease or multiplication: then, their owne good estate besides. That which respected their encrease or multiplication, was that God gaue them liberty now to encrease and multiply: and himselfe also did blesse them thereunto. That which respected their owne good estate besides, was partly in certaine good thinges that God did giuegive them: and partly in putting them in good security of keeping one il thing away frō them, that now they did or might hauehave feared. Those good thinges that God did giuegive them, were some of them in respect of inferior Creatures: but one there was, which most respected some good order among themselues. Those good things that GOD did giuegive them in respect of inferior Creatures, were two: one, the superiority ouer them; the other, a needfull vse of them. Superiority ouer them he did giuegive them, in that he did put into the hearts of all those creatures the feare of Man: and gaue them all into his handes. The vse of them was for the most part, and so farre as any estate of theirs should require pennitted vntounto them: but yet in one little point restrained. The vse of them was permitted vntounto them so far as any estate of theirs should require, in that they were allowed so farre to take them to their needfull sustenance, as the fruites of the earth before. That little point which was restrained vntounto them, was but onelyonly to forbeare the blood of them: so, not onelyonly to invre them to obedience, in forbearing somthing forbidden vntounto them; but also to teach them to detest all manner of crueltie, and wanton riping into the blood or life of any. That which did most respect some good order among themselues, was, that Magistracy was at that time also by God ordained, in that he appointed that whosoeuer had shed any Mans bloud, euen by man also should his bloud bee shed. For seeing that eueryevery where he forbiddeth priuate reuenge, and yet heere appointeth that such offenders by man should be punished, it doth necessarily follow, that publike Magistracy is thereby p. 47erected: and although but this onelyonly vse thereof be there named; yet may we so much the sooner see, that other points of that duty bee necessarily imployed withall, as wee daily finde by experience, that Murtherers can neuer bee sufficiently auoyded, vnlesse other disorder besides bee also restrained. That one ill thing, that they did or might Ehauehave feared, of which they were put in so good security that it should bee kept from them, was such a generall destruction of the World againe, by such a Floud, as nowe so lately they had seene before. Concerning which, and to put them in good security for that matter, both he maketh them a plaine promise, that he will neuer so destroy the World againe: and also giueth the Raine-bowe vntounto them for an assurance or pledge thereof. In whom they were made partakers of these good thinges that God vouchsafed to bestow vponupon them, is plaine enough in it selfe likewise, now that wee vnderstand that there is no attonement betwixt God and Man, nor any fauour of God towardes vsus, but onelyonly by Christ: and therefore, that as before was noted, in that so easy chasticement that was cast on man for their sinne, that it imported there was a reconciliation already made in the secret purpose of God; so in this likewise wee may see, that herein both Noah and all his company then, and the whole race of mankind since, did so much tast of the goodnesse of God in Iesus Christ, that euen all the Children of the World that enioy those fauours (as there are none that can bee without them) are all beholding to Christ for the same.

7 In that other Story that more specially concerneth but certaine of them, we hauehave Gen. 9: 18-27.Gen 9:18–27deliuered vntounto vsus one speciall slip or ouersight that of infirmity was by one of these Acommitted, that was so lately deliuered from that fearefull destruction: and some other matters of speciall account thereupon likewise offered vntounto vsus. That one speciall slip or ouer-sight that was committed by one of those that were so lately deliuered, was committed by Noah himselfe: and the matter was, that planting a Vineyard, and drinking the Wine thereof, hee was so ouertaken therewith, that hee lay in his Tent vncouered, to the shame and griefe of those that wished him well and were sorry to see it. Wherein wee are more specially to consider of the fault that therein hee made: and howe the same grew to bee knowne vntounto others. In the fault that therein hee made, wee are to consider, that if such a Father in so fresh remembrance of so straunge and heauy a iudgement of God against sinne, could bee so ouertaken, then may wee, if we take not the better heede, much more easily fall into such, and greater also. In that it was then knowne vntounto others (though it were but in his owne Tent onelyonly that he lay so vncouered) and since likewise is made so knowne vntounto all; wee may note likewise, that when there is any such sinne committed; then may the knowledge thereof easily get foorth to our owne discredit though it were done but in our owne howses, and those that are about vsus bee otherwise neuer so neere vntounto vsus: and that if God would not spare the knowledge thereof vntounto him, that so for the sauing of his credit it might hauehave beene smothered at home, then may wee much lesse looke for any other at the hands of God, but that if we also will not feare in secret to commit so shameful things, hee then doe spare vsus as little in bringing them foorth vntounto the open light of the Sun. Those other matters of speciall account that thereupon likewise are offered vntounto vsus, are Bbut such as hauehave some dependance on this other going before: but some of them hauehave it something neerer; and others somewhat farther off. Those that hauehave a neerer dependance on this ouersight of Noah, are two: one of them, concerning Cham the yongest Sonne of Noah; the other concerning Sem, and Iaphet the elder. That which concerneth Cham, is, that finding his Father so vnseemly to ly, he did not himselfe couer his nakednesse, but went foorth and tould his brethren of it: a naughty humor that yet also raigneth in many of vsus (and of late hath masked much vnderunder the visour of a most zealous care of reformation) not our selues to couer such faults as wee finde (or suppose wee finde) in many of our Fathers, but to disclose the same unto others; and not onelyonly to disclose them, but also to lay them out to the vttermost, and the moee we can disgrace them thereby, the greater pleasure to take therein. That which concerneth Sem & Iaphet, is, that they hearing thereof, tooke it so ill, that they were not only sorry themselues, but being carefull also to couer the same, tooke a garment on their p. 48shoulders, and turning their faces away from the fight thereof, went backward, and laid the garment thereon: A good example for others to follow, when-soeuer they doe in like sort finde any of their Fathers to bee so ouerseene, and some of their brethren to make but a game or pastime at it, or at least so to trauell therewith, that they cannot rest vntill they hauehave vttered it vntounto others. Those that hauehave their dependance thereon somewhat farther off, doe concerne that which ensued thereon: namely, that Noah knew both the one and the other; and then pronounced accordingly of them. In that he knew (when he awaked) both the one and the other, that is, who had dealt so ill with him, and on the other side who had dealt well, it is good for vsus also to note, that it is wisedome to auoide the one, and to vse the other; so much the rather, as heereby wee may gather, that GOD will suffer neither of both still to lie hid, but one time or other will bring them both into open light, that so eyther of them may then receiue whatsoeuer is meetest for them. In that which hee pronounced accordingly of them, we are to consider thereof, first as it was vttered by him: then as afterward it prooued indeede. As it was vttered by him, wee see he pronounced a curse to the one: and a blessing vntounto the others. In the cursse that he pronounced to the one, wee are to see, what it was, and vntounto whom it was chiefely directed. What this cursse was, is first set downe generallie: then more specially. Generally it is said, that he is accursed: wherein wee may see, that some curse or other is due to those that shall in such sort offend. More specially it is set down to be, that he shal be a base Seruant vntounto his Brethren: an estate that is due to those that do so little reuerence those whom they should; and yet, being so easie as it is (being in such abiection but vntounto his Bretheren) such as boadeth Ca great deale worse else-where, if they doe not repent. That it was not directed vntounto himselfe that made the offence, but vntounto one of his Sonnes (euen to the fourth, which seemeth also to bee the youngest) as namely to Canaan, it is an example, both that a Man may offend and procure wrath to come from the presence of God for his fault, and yet hee himselfe not bee touched therewith that made the fault: and that if our selues offend, wee may easily ouerthrow our Children thereby. In the blessing, wee are in like sort to consider, who they were that had the blessing: and what was the blessing on them bestowed. In searching out who they were that had the blessing, as appeareth euen at the first, that they were his other two Sonnes, Sem and Iaphet, that had so couered that nakednesse of his; and not put off vntounto their Children, but bestowed euen on themselues: so may we in like sort gather, that in doing the like, we may account to meete with some blessing, one or other, such as the wisedome of God shall thinke meetest for vsus; and that our selues in our owne daies, may see some effect thereof to the comfort of our selues and others. The blessing that was bestowed vponupon them, was part of it, proper to either: and part of it, common to both. That which was proper to either, was, first as touching Sem his second Son, that the Lord his God, or the God that should bee worshipped in his line or family, was the blessed or true God: then, as touching Iaphet his eldest Sonne, that God would in time bring to passe (or at least, that himselfe, as the iudgement of some is, doth wish the same) that Iaphet also should dwell in the Tents of Sem, or came to so true a profession and knowledge of the selfe-same true and liuing God, and thereby of such better thinges in the World to come, that they also should account themselues but Pilgrims heere, as much as any of the faithfull besides, and so should dwell (both in that profession, and hope) in the Tents of Sem. That which was common to them both, was, that Canaan should be Seruant to eyther of them, both to the one & to the other: so that eyther of them should hauehave both the vse of his seruice; and the honor to be his Lord. As afterward it prooued in deede, we are to consider, first of the curse that heere is vttered: and then of the blessing that was giuen withall. As touching the curse that heere is vttered, we are in like sort to consider, that being pronounced, not of his owne priuate affection, but by direction of the good Spirit of God prophetically, we must needs account, that the same was accordingly fulfilled, whether we hauehave the performance of it afterward set downe in the Story or not: as also wee hauehave in the Scriptures following Iud. 1. 16. 4. 11 1. Sam. 15. 6. 1. Chro. 2, 55.Judg 1:16Judg 1:4Judg 1:111 Sam 15:61 Chr 2:55diuers other such places besides. For we hauehave diuers places that shew, that the Kenites which were of Iethro the Father in Law of Moses, did afterward dwell with the people p. 49of God: but no Story at all of their first comming vntounto them; but rather a plaine deniall to ioyne with them therein, when Moses did specially desire the same. So likewise Num. 10. 30.Num 10:30there is in the time of Dauid, and towardes the end of his raigne, a plaine relation of a slaughter that Saule in his time had made on certaine of the G…b…ites: but 2. Sam. 21. 1, 22 Sam 21:12 Sam 21:2yet we hauehave no originall Story of it. And so may it be in this likewise: that wee may not looke to finde the full accomplishment of this curse that was cast on C… in any History that is left vsus thereof; and yet to be sure, that it was accomplished euen to the full. Which it behooueth vsus heere to marke somuch the rather, for that otherwise Dthat which is by the learned giuen in for the accomplishment of this curse, the more it is considered of, the shorter may wee finde that it commeth of that which the curse may seeme to import. Whereunto though it bee no hard matter to adde somewhat more: yet it may be, that vntounto those that shall enter into any set consideration of it, euen all will seeme to be little enough. Neuerthelesse it shall be good to consider of it, and to see how farre it reacheth: and first of that which is by the learned noted to be the accomplishment of it; then what it is that may further be conceiued thereof. In that which is by the learned noted to be the accomplishment of it, we are to consider, not onelyonly what it is: but also in what respect it may seeme to be short of that which the curse dooth seeme to import. What it is may soone be seene, for that it is no more, but that subiection, that the Cana…ites were brought vntounto, vnderunder the Israelites: when first they had destroyed so many of them; and afterward made many of the rest tributaries vntounto them, and some fewe of them (as namely the Gibe…ites) their Seruants in deede. Though this be the thing that most of the learned account to be the accomplishment of that curse aforesaid, yet may it seeme to bee short, both in it selfe: and in comparison of others also. In it selfe may seeme to come short, first in respect of the parties vnderunder whom C… was deuoted to be: then, in respect of the Nature of the subiection that there is described. The parties vnderunder whom he was deuoted to be in such subiection, were first his owne Bretheren: then also, to both his Vnkles besides, who were Sem and Iaphet. But in this subiection that yet wee hauehave found, besides that it was but of his posterity, euen they also therein were subiect to none, but onelyonly to certaine of the race of Sem: and then doe we want in this, both that which should be to his owne Bretheren; and that which should bee to Iaphet also. The Nature of that subiection that he should be in, is by Noah in such tearmes set downe, as that wee may well looke for villanage or seruitude of the lowest degree, and such as wee finde not in that same that now we speake of: and first if not in the Gabeanites which were in most seruitude of any of them (because that both they were but a small portion of them, and in no such seruitude neither;) then much lesse in those that were but tributaries vntounto them, holding as they did so many good Citties, Townes, and Castles, for that small tributarie subiection of theirs. The comparison that I speake of, is of those Israelites themselues, first in Aegypt: and then in the Land of Canaan also. In Aegypt they were in great bondage vntounto that part of the race of Cham: and that same much greater, then euer was this race of Cham therein vntounto them. In the Land of Canaan also both the Canaanites generally, and the Aramites and Philistims more specially, (whereof the former were in part descended from Canaan himselfe, and the latter from Eone of the other Sonnes of Cham, and so were their neere Kinsmen, and had a good peece of their Land) had them in so long and hard subiection, that the Children of Israell could not much more be said to hauehave had the Canaanites vnderunder their subiection, then the Canaanites and other neere Kinsmen of theirs, had the Israelites in subiection to them. That which may be further conceiued, is partly of the persons themselues: and partly of the Land which they had to inhabit. The persons themselues were, eyther Canaan, the common Auncestor of them all: or those that were of him descended. As touching Canaan himselfe, because the curse is directed so specially to him, therefore it cannot bee denied or thought to be against the sence of it, if himselfe were of so abiect a Nature, as the same were fulfilled onelyonly in him: but of that we hauehave no Storie at all; and so we are not to perswade our selues, that it was accomplished in him, vnlesse we had some warrant for it. But because it was in such sort spoken, therefore we may assure our selues, that if it were not fulfilled any way else, then was it vndoubtedly p. 50fulfilled in him, though wee hauehave no speciall Story of it. Concerning those that were of him discended (in whom by most likelihood wee are to looke for the accomplishment of it, because we hauehave not the accomplishment of the blessing neither, so farre as … hauehave any Story of it, in Sem and Iaphet themselues, but onelyonly in those that descended of them) seeing the other sense that before we spake of, commeth so short, that it were good to consider of some other, if the Text doe affoord the same, thus much wee know by all experience, and by the allowance of the Law of God it selfe, that such as had any Bond-men or Villaines, had likewise power to vse them almost as they would. Insomuch, that if they should beate any such to death, although then they were to be punished if they dyed vnderunder their hands: yet if they liued but a day or two after, then was there nothing to be laid to their charge for the same. By which, if wee measure the subiection or seruitude that the Canaanites were by this curse deuoted vntounto, then the Story is cleere therein, that they were so fully giuen into the handes of the Children of Israell, that not onelyonly they might vtterly destroy them, Man, Woman, and Child, not sparing any; but also they were very earnestly and often aduised so to doe, and to leaue at all no memory of them: then the which, there was neuer granted greater power vntounto any, of whatsoeuer Bond-men he had; though the meanest and the most abiect that euer was, or that could bee conceiued by any. But then this also was (as the other before) but onelyonly to that small portion of the race of Sem: and not to his Bretheren, nor yet to his Vnckle Iaphet, as the curse that on him was Flaid doth plainely require. The Land that they had to inhabite, was of them (the most ancient Inhabitants thereof that are knowne) called also the Land of Canaan, wherein if we may be allowed to looke for the accomplishment of this curse aforesaide, or but so farre as we shall find the other to giuegive vsus iust occasion to seeke further, then may we find, both that it hath beene vnderunder such seruitude, as may more fully aunswere the curse that now we speake of, in eueryevery point: and that whereas one doubt there is that may be conceiued, both it may be sufficiently answered, and withall declared, that in some respect it were not amisse, so farre to make the Land it selfe liable vntounto it. That it hath beene vnderunder such seruitude as may more fully answere this curse in eueryevery point, I take it to be apparant in the Story of it: both because it hath beene very much in bondage vntounto forraine powers; and because it was in bondage to those that here are spoken of. Both which are so plaine in themselues, especially in those foure chiefe and principall Monarchies, and in the bipartite estate of the third, that it is not needfull but onelyonly thus briefly to point vntounto it. That one doubt that may be conceiued, is, that then, when it was in subiection, it was not inhabited by the Canaanites, to whom this curse appertained, but by the Israelites that were the blessed: and it cannot be denied, but that so it was indeede. But then it is to be considered withall, that now we make our inquiry but onelyonly for the Land it selfe, how farre it may yeeelde vsus a good accomplishment of the curse aforesaide: and that they being the peculiar people of God, and therefore ordained to speciall holinesse, and carrying about with them such corruption of Nature as needed to be by such meanes amended, it was to good purpose, that such a speciall and perpetuall seruitude should be so allotted vntounto the Land that they should inhabit, that so whosoeuer it were that raigned, yet they should euer be in subiection, and thereby euer so tast of correction, that afterward they might the more plentifullie reape the fruites of the same, vntounto their owne vnspeakable comfort. The blessing that was giuen withall, is a great deale more easie, both for that the latter part of it (that I meane which is common to them; namely, that eyther of them should hauehave the vse & honor of Canaans seruice) is so neere coupled to the curse of Canaan already declared, that whatsoeuer light it hath obtained, this also is made partaker of it; and because the former of them (that which is proper to eyther of them) is made plaine enough by the Story ensuing: both as touching the blessednesse of the God of Sem; and that Iaphet in time to come should be allured to his Tentes also. For as touching the former, that whereas, euen as people encreased, so would they degenerate, and set vp many false Goddes among them, insomuch that the true God which made them and fed them, should neuerthelesse on all handes be much forgotten and neglected among Gthem; yet in some of the race of Sem should be worshipped, and many waies declare p. 51himselfe to be their God: the Story that followeth doth plainly declare, that the Lord, that most true and liuing God, and euer blessed, did afterward betake himselfe to one speciall people, and chose them to bee his owne peculiar, among whom also hee was knowne and worshipped; and that the people that so he chose, did descend of neither of the other, but onelyonly of Sem, Abram beeing in lineall descent the ninth from him. Whereby there was, (as it were) a Standard aduanced to all, and a plaine declaration of these two pointes, both that the true and liuing God would bee knowne in the World, and among the Sonnes of Men; and in which of those three progenies they had to seeke him: a great helpe to those that would gladly seeke vntounto him; and sufficient to make all those inexcusable that did not regard him. For although the Progeny of Sem was very large, and it be not declared out of which of all those Families God would chuse that peculiar people of his: yet when he did chuse them, then he dealt in such sort for them, that it might indifferent plainely appeare, euen at the first while they were but few, and afterward most cleerely when they were moe, that there was indeede such a God among them. So likewise as touching the latter, of that bringing of the race of Iaphet to dwell in the Tentes of Sem, wee see that Europe, which way Iaphet did most of all spread, was brought long since to the knowledge of that true and blessed God; and hauehave so made their dwelling therein, that whereas the most of the others (that once also were brought to the selfe-same knowledge) hauehave since gone backe, yet doe these (for the most part of them) still remaine vnderunder the same. And whereas the Nature of the Word importeth, that they should bee sweetely allured thereunto, as Parents vse to flatter their Children, and to bring them on by speaking them faire: so we may see, that not by force of Armes, but onelyonly by the power of the sweete and comfortable word of God, were they brought vntounto the obedience of the faith at the first, and thereby are still preserued in it.

8 Concerning those that descended of these, first they are somewhat sorted vntounto Avsus: then, hauehave wee one speciall Story of them. And we finde that they are somewhat sorted vntounto vsus, first in that they all hauehave their genealogies so plainly described, Gen. 10: 1-32.Gen 10:1–32that wee may easily see from whome they descend: then also, in that diuers of them are sorted vntounto the land of their habitation likewise. In that they hauehave their genealogies so plainely described wee are to note two things: first, that it pleased God to shew himselfe to hauehave a care to performe the promise that in those matters hee made vntounto them; then, that we also are not to neglect (much lesse to abandon) the knowledge of them. The promise that in those matters hee made vntounto them, was principally of the promised Seede: but partly also of the prerogatiue that lately wee sawe Bwas giuen to certaine of the line of Sem ouer the Canaanites. In respect of that promised Seede, besides that the whole race of Sem is set downe as the others are in the tenth Chapter generally, in the eleuenth one line of it (that whereof the promised Seede should come) is set downe more specially euen to the time of Abraham himselfe, Gen. 11, 10-26Gen 11:10–26the ninth from Sem: and so carefull a reckoning of the time ioyned withall, that therein we may see (being laide to that which goeth before) that vntounto the calling of Abraham which imediately followeth, there were nowe spent of the world aboue 2000. yeares. In respect of that prerogatiue of certaine of the race of Sem ouer the Canaanites, the line of Canaan is likewise more fully recited. That if wee should neglect the knowledge thereof, we did therein offend, there is no question, sauing onelyonly that else-where wee are forbidden to striue about such matters. But that is meant of those that are vncertaine or needelesse: not tending to trueth and godlinesse, but breeding hurtfull and needelesse contention. Whereas these (on the other side) are such, as are most certaine, and many waies so needefull besides, that the neglecting thereof hath not gon so far vnpunished with the greatest learned before nor since, but that thereby they hauehave bewraied their ignorance in great matters besides. In the sorting of them into the land of their habitation wee are to note, that for a couple of them, it was done but generally: but for certaine of the third of them, much more specially. Those two for whome it is done but generally are Iaphet and Sem, the posterity of the former of them being allotted vntounto p. 52those Countries or Regions which they were wont to call the Iles or Regions of the Gentiles, which then did ly North-west from them, and since is properly (for the most part of them) called Europe; and of the latter, from those partes East-ward. but yet so breifly, as but a small part of their habitation is there named. Those that of the third progeny of them (which are those that descended of Cham, his yongest Sonne) had their habitation more specially set downe, were two: one of the Sonnes of Cush his eldest Sonne, which was Nimrod; and the race of his yongest gest of all, which was Canaan. Nimrod seemeth to bee the yongest Sonne of his Father also; but yet the first that grew so mighty and the mightiest of all of his time: so hath hee his habitation more specially set downe, euen in the heart of the Country where then they were. Canaan his yongest Sonne had many Children, and hath the bounds of his habitation distinctly set downe: and in such sort, as that the Children of Israel might then see, what was the Land that they might looke for. That speciall Story that wee hauehave of them, was, that before they diuided themselues, they would needes hauehave made both a proud and presumptious worke, had not God defeated their endeuours so as hee did. So are we therein to consider, both of that endeuour of theirs: and how it pleased God to defeat them therein. Their endeuour Cwas, to make them-selues a Citty and Tower of speciall height, both to get themselues a name; and to bee such a strength vntounto them, as that they should not neede to bee scattered abroade on the face of the earth: so endeuoring (in the pride of their hearts) to aduance themselues, and to shrowde themselues vnderunder the protection of their owne strength; and withall giuing vntounto vsus a right pattern, what is that inward and secret meaning, out of which all the sumptuous buildings of the world are wont to proceede. In Gods defeating of that endeuour of theirs we are to note, both what hee did concerning the same: and what a token or marke thereof was left vntounto others in that their building. That which hee did, resteth in two principall points: one, how hee addressed himselfe vntounto it; the other how hee did the thing it selfe. Hee addressed himselfe vntounto it, in that hee tooke knowledge of their doings (to which end it is said, that hee came downe to see what they were doing) and then resolued what himselfe would doe therein. The thing it selfe that then hee did, to hinder that presumptious deede of theirs, was, that whereas all were of one Language till then, hee foorth-with so diuided their tongues that both they were faine to leaue off their building, for that now but few of them vnderstood one another, and to sort themselues together to such seuerall companies, as wherein to they saw thereby that the Lord had sorted them now. And so by the reason hereof both they left off building, and dispersed themselues in seuerall companies, to inhabit and to replenish the rest of the earth as it pleased God in time to encrease them, and therewithal to spread them further abroade. The token or marke that hereof was left vntounto others in that their building, was the name that now was giuen it, being Babel or Babilon, which doth signifie Confusion: giuing all men to vnderstand, that the iust desert of such proude attempts wheresoeuer, and that which properly belongeth vntounto them, is, in the end, to come to confusion; to the shame of those that did attempt them, and to make others the more wary thereby, that somuch the rather they euer tooke heede of such presumption. And therefore is it somuch the stranger (but yet therein a better patterne, of how incorrigible a nature wee are) that after-ward notwithstanding the building of that Citty and Tower was so prosecuted by others, that for magnificency or strangenesse of the woorke, it afterward became an astonishment or wonder vntounto the world. But of that more (if neede shall bee) when wee come to the time whereunto it belongeth. And thus much as touching the generall Story of the whole world, for the space of two thousand yeeres and moe, so long as God had not chosen (as yet) any one peculiar people vntounto himselfe; but only had certaine seuerall persons (nowe and then one, without any number that yet wee reade of) whome it pleased him more specially to touch with his good Spirit, and whome it pleased him to make to shine as lights vntounto others, in the midst of a Drude and godlesse people.

p. 539 Which that wee may the better digest, to the glory of God, and to our own Aedifying withall, it shall be good now a part to consider, what face of a Church we may bee able hence to gather: that so searching out the same here at the beginning, and hereafter likewise hauing some tecourse thereunto, when neede shall require, wee may the better knowe what it i…, and howe to bee in all respects perswaded of it, and first who they are that belong thereunto: then of what face they are amongst men, or what is their appearance vntounto the world. In searching out who they are that belong thereunto, wee are to take heede, that wee rest not onelyonly in the truer members: but that wee admit into this company all others also that are outward professors, though otherwise we be not able to finde any true sincerity in them. Of those that were the truer members of the Church, wee hauehave in all this time but fewe, for whome wee hauehave any good warrant to giuegive that honour vntounto them: but diuers others of whome wee may bee so perswaded. Those that are of the former sort, are none that wee knowe of by name in all this time, but onelyonly Abell, Henoc and Noah: but of the others (such as of whome we may bee so perswaded) Adam and Eue, Seth, Enos, Sem, Iaphet, and Heber; and, it may bee, some others of the Fathers besides. Of those that were outward professors, first it is to bee noted, that in this compasse of time we finde no one People, Citty, or Family: then also, that besides those that are before mentioned for the truer members, wee finde but fewe of whome we may bee herein assured. But Kaine certainly was one of the outward professors: and we may hope that so were all those other Fathers before recited. And if that place in the end of the fourth of Genesis bee to bee vnderstood in the better sense, then wee may account of diuers others that then began to gather them-selues vntounto the outward profession of true Religion. If it bee taken in the worse part: yet both it selfe implieth, that there were some before; and that afterward some are named to be the Children of God, it seemeth so to import likewise. In searching out of what face they were among men, or what was their appearance vntounto the world, wee are first to consider of the chiefe and principall matter: and then of certaine others that may not well bee omitted neither. Of what face or appearance they were in the cheife and principall matter, is to bee found in the Religion that they professed. Which that wee may the better finde (and to such confusion of some, and strengthning of others, as this Age of ours doth most require) it shall bee good first to consider, what it was not: then, what it was. To finde out what it was not, wee are to note, that as yet none of those points of the Romish religion (wherein they hauehave sundred themselues from other Churches) was professed by any: as namely, not the Masse, Bnor praying for the dead, or to others then God himselfe, nor worshipping of Images, nor any other of that kinde. What it was, is declared but breifly neither: but one point there is, that is plainely set downe; and another that certainely seemeth to bee implied. That which is plainely set downe, is, that they sacrificed vntounto the true and liuing God: as Abell, Kaine, and Noah. That which certainely seemeth to bee implied, is, that they rested or fastned their faith on the promised Seede. For though wee hauehave it not (in all this compasse) reported of any of them: yet both elsewhere it is so reported of all the godly Fathers generally; and it is an inseperable propriety of all the Faithfull, gladly and readily to take houlde on what-soeuer Couenant of grace it pleaseth God to offer vntounto them. Whereas therefore it pleased God before to offer that Couenant vntounto them, it doth necessarily follow, that so many as sought after God, did readily also rely thereon, so soone as they got any knowledge of it: and very likely, that the knowledge thereof was carefully preserued among the better sort of them, and deliuered from one to another. Those other matters that were not altogether of so great moment as this, and yet such as might not well bee omitted neither, are two: one, of what reckoning they were among others; the other, what gouernment they had among themselues. Of what reckoning they were among others, doth chiefly appeare in Abell, and Noah: and partly also in Sem, and Heber. For Abell was slaine by his brother Kaine: and Noah despised almost of all. Sem also and Heber, if they were of the godlier sort as (for p. 54the one of them at least) it is most likely, and whatsoeuer godly people were at that time in those parts besides, notwithstanding, all that godlinesse of theirs: yet, as it seemeth, that they were all troden downe (to speake of) by that speciall vsurpation of Nimrod, and made to be of no reckoning, in comparison of that gallant crew of theirs. What gouernment likewise they had among themselues, is so much the rather to bee marked of vsus, as that it is certaine that now there was no Pope among them, nor one generall Head ouer all the rest; neither yet any part of that newe Plat-forme, that of late was so peremptorily vrged vntounto vsus: and yet notwithstanding, that God had his people among them; and so may hauehave with vsus likewise (if there bee nothing wanting besides) though in our gouernment we hauehave neither of those. The better sort of them (by all likelyhood) would bee in obeysance vntounto those Fathers that were the Heades ouer those Families in which they were: and, when others tooke vponupon them more then it be came them to doe, yet if afterward it pleased God to establish that Soueraignty of theirs, then (no doubt) would the better sort bee in obedience to them likewise, in all things lawfull.