Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 5 (1 of 3)

Of the Head Cornerstone · Chapter 5 (1 of 3)

p. 54CHAP. 5.

1 AS touching the more speciall Story of the peculiar people of God, to the Aend, that we be the lesse deceiued therein, it is to bee knowne, that some few there are, who may seeme to appertaine to that company; but doe not: and yet are not altogether to bee left out neither, but in place conuenient to be remembred. So are wee not in such sort to deale in this Story, as that eyther we mingle both these together, or so follow on those which properly belong hereunto, that wee altogether leaue out the others (as otherwise it were a slip, that on either side were easily made:) but first considering of those that properly belong to this Story; then are we, in like sort to consider somthing of the others also. Againe, those that now we speake of, and account to be no part of this Story, are such notwithstanding, and the consideration of them such likewise, that they may not so conueniently tarry till we hauehave altogether finished the other; and much lesse take place before them: and therefore are we, at such time as it may seeme meetest to remember them, to make digression from the other to take in these; and so to returne to the other againe. The time likewise when it is meetest to remember these, will bee, as I take it, when those that were to be his peculiar people, were vouchsafed that praerogatiue so farre, that both themselues were growne to bee, for the number of them, a competent people, and that the Lawes of God were giuen them. For number they were a competent people, when it pleased God, by the Ministery of Moses, to deliuer them out of Aegypt: but the giuing of his Lawes vntounto them (which was much by the Ministerie of Moses also) extended it selfe (in a manner) to all the time of Moses gouernment, and while the people were in the Wildernesse; many of those Lawes being deliuered vntounto them, in the first Booke of Moses called Deuteronomy, and towardes the ende of Moses life, and of their Pilgrimage there, it also being (a little before his death) his Farewell vntounto them. So are we first to see the Story of Gods peculiar people, so long as the gouernment of Moses lasted: and then, for a time, to digresse to those others; and so to returne to these againe. The better to see the Story of Gods peculiar people, it shall be good, first to consider somewhat of the whole: then to deale more specially in it. That which wee are to consider as touching the whole, doth partly respect the substance of it: and partly certaine accidents thereunto appertaining. That which concerneth the substance of it, is no more but this, that now it pleased God to take vntounto him one peculiar people out of all the Nations, Kingdomes, or peoples of al the earth, and to keepe himselfe onelyonly to those for a certaine time. So that, as before he estranged himselfe vntounto all mankind generally, taking vntounto him no one people in all the World, but onelyonly certaine seuerall persons: so now also hee taketh but one, and p. 55estrangeth himselfe to all the rest. And it seemeth that so hee did, the better to crosse that common corruption that is among vsus, that we thinke our selues reasonable good, and not altogether vnmeete for the presence of GOD. For this cause it seemeth (to Bteach vsus how exceeding foule we are, and how vnmeete to hauehave any thing to do with his Holinesse) both that he did so estrange himselfe then vntounto all generally, and now when hee tooke one people vntounto him, yet kept so aloofe from them also (as afterward we are more fully to see) that thereby he did meane to gather them vntounto a better consideration of themselues, and in this his estranging of himselfe from them, to finde out their owne vncleannesse. The accidents that doe belong hereunto, are especially two: one of the time: another of the Bookes, wherein we are to looke for this Story. That of the time is no more but this, that after that God betooke himselfe vntounto these, and chose them to be his peculiar people, he also kept to them notwithstanding their great prouocations to the contrary, for the space of about two thousand yeares: and then cast off them for their great iniquity, and enlarged his Kingdome vntounto all Nations generally. The Bookes wherein we are to looke for their Story, are all the residue of the Byble, both of the Old and New Testament, to speake of: so that all the whole Byble goeth (in a manner) onelyonly of them.

2 More specially we are to consider, first how it pleased God to raise this people Avntounto him: then, in what estate they afterward stood. To finde out, howe it pleased God to raise that people vntounto him, because it was not done at once, but was a worke of some continuance, or asked some time in the course that God thought good to take, we are therefore more distinctly to marke, both how hee began at the first: and how he proceeded vntill he had brought them to bee so many, that nowe they were (euen for multitude also) a reasonable people. To finde out how he began at the first, we must hauehave recourse to the calling of Abraham, because that in him they also had their first call vntounto the Dignity that now we speak of. A Story that is but briefely set down; but yet so much the rather to be considered of vsus, for that it is a matter of speciall importance: and first, as it did proceede from God; then, as it was obeyed by them. As it did proceede from God, we are to consider, first of the Persons: then, of the thing it selfe. The Persons are, first, of him that calleth: then, of those that are called. Hee that calleth, is onelyonly God, and can be none other: for that, as he that maketh a feast, is to make the choice of his Guests as himselfe thinketh good; so God much rather is in such cases to take to himselfe whom it pleaseth him. And although this calling of his be no more but an outward testification to them, of that which was determined long before in the secret purpose of God: yet both they were to account this to bee the very first beginning of their good estate towardes God (and so consequently, that it was of his calling on them, and not of their seeking to him;) and we likewise are so to resolue our selues herein, that whatsoeuer good estate wee account our selues to hauehave in BChrist, the same must be by his goodnesse preuenting vsus, and not that we doe any way first seeke vntounto him. Those that are called, are principally Abraham himselfe: and then diuers others besides. Abraham was of the Line of Sem, and the tenth from him, reckoning Sem himselfe for one: and so of the line of Heber also, and the seauenth from him, reckoning Heber himselfe likewise for one; of whom the cheefest of the people that came of Abraham, were afterward tearmed Haebrewes also. Which Abraham dwelt among the Chaldaans, and (as it seemeth, for it is otherwise expounded by some) in a Citty or Countrey there called Vr; a Man of lxxv. yeares olde, when by the vertue of Gods Commaundement he was to leaue his owne Countrey, and to soiourne in a strange Country, himselfe not knowing where as yet: and both his countrey, Kindred, and Fathers house being infected with Idolatry, not vnlike but that himselfe was at that same time such likewise, and so doe diuers places of Scripture seeme Ioseph. antiq. li. 1. Cap. …. Lyr. et C… in Gen. i… … locum.Gen 1to charge him, though others againe doe surmise and set downe the cleane contrarie of him (but without any warrant of the word of God, or approbation of the better sort) as that he was a professor of the truth, and a reproouer of the grosse Idolatry that there was vsed. Those others besides were of two sorts, some of them of that present time: others, that did afterward follow. Those that were of that present time were only p. 56such, as one way or other did belong vntounto Abram: as Terah, his Father, in goodwill; and all his owne retinue, in duty. For as touching Lot, though he also belonged to Abram, yet as his neere Kinsman, beeing his Brother Harans Sonne, yet whether he went as of himselfe of good-will with his Vnckle, or whether Abram tooke him with him as one of his charge (being as yet vnderunder-age to gouerne himselfe) that is not so farre as yet I hauehave found declared by the Text it selfe. And as for all these, though they were no part of that people with whom God made that couenant that followeth (at least, but onelyonly for their owne persons, and but so farre as they claue vntounto Abram, and not for their Children:) yet may we account, that these also had some calling of God, though not immediatly from God vntounto them, yet in that Abram was so called, and these did in such sort belong vntounto him at the time of his calling, as that thereupon they might not well leaue him, and besides had (euen thereby onelyonly) an open way made them, by right to enter into the fruition of some good part of those mercies that were bestowed on Abram. A good example for vsus, that euen to conuerse with those that are in the fauour of God, or any way to hauehave our being with them, doth make vsus oft-times to bee partakers of great blessinges with them (as with Noah in the Arke before:) and that men may be of the people of God that are not of Abram by lineall descent, nor a Church that can plead continuall succession of their Byshops from the Apostles. Those that did afterward follow, were principally Cthose that were descended of him by Isaac and Iacob: then in a second degree, so many besides, as of other Nations or Families, should at any time in Religion ioyne themselues with them. In the thing it selfe wee are to consider, what is required of him: and what reasons are vsed to mooue him thereunto. The thing that is required, resteth on two principall charges: one, concerning that which he must forsake or leaue; the other, concerning that which now he was to addresse himselfe vntounto. That which he was to forsake and leaue, was all his whole Countrey generally: then more specially, both his owne Kindred, and Fathers house. That which now hee should addresse himselfe vntounto, was to another Countrey, but (not at large) whether himselfe would, nor as yet named vntounto him: but onelyonly, which God himselfe should shewe him. An example that giueth maruailous good instruction to vsus: but yet such, as is not so cleere neither, but that something may seeme to be somewhat strong against it. The instruction that it giueth to vsus, is, that we in like case should leaue the waies and fashions of our Countrey, Kindred, and Fathers house, both in matters of Religion, and in life and conuersation, so farre-foorth as they doe not agree with the word of God: and goe with God, in such sort as his word doth teach vsus, vntounto such waies as it shall please him, by that word of his to appoint vsus vntounto. That which may seeme to be strong against it, is no more but this, that whereas hee led them to another people, as bad as those from whom he brought them, how it may be grounded on this, that wee also should leaue so dangerous company, when as these are not forsaken heere, but changed rather. The aunswere whereunto may be, that although the Inhabitantes of the Land of Canaan, were as bad as the others, and worse too; yet could they not be so dangerous to Abram, as the others might bee, for that our owne Countrey fashions are stronger against vsus then are the waies of any strangers whatsoeuer: and then the instruction that before wee spake of, may easily appeare to hauehave ground-worke enough on this. Out of which we may also gather, that whereas marriage with these was afterwards forbidden, so specially to the people of God, when as notwithstanding they might marry with others as bad as they: euen we also, when wee would marry, hauehave greater cause to beware of the adhaerents of the Church of Rome, then wee neede to hauehave of diuers others that we might hauehave among vsus as bad as they, because we are by former education in more danger of them, then in like proportion we could bee of others. The reasons that he vsed to mooue him thereunto, are all of one kind, taken of the vtility that dependeth thereon, and in that case should redound vntounto him: both generally concerning his whole line; and more specially as touching one principall branch rhereof. As touching his whole line generally, the benefit consisteth in two Dprincipall pointes: one, that they should be many; the other, that they should bee a blessed people. As touching that one principall braunch, it was, that among those p. 57that should come of him by lincall descent, some one there should be, in whom all the Kindreds of the earth should be blessed: which is performed in Iesus Christ. Which blessings are, being rightly considered, so very great, and in so gracious manner promised withall, that it appeareth plainely thereby, that for that small seruice, God did vouchsafe him a very great and rich reward. As this calling of theirs was obeyed by them, we are to consider, who they were that obeyed the same: and how hard a thing it was, that thereby they performed. Those that obeyed were principally Abraham himselfe: then also, all his other company besides. Abraham himselfe was the onelie Man that was called: and he obeied his call immediatly, presently yeelding himselfe to doe as the Lord required of him. His other company besides, were but his family without any question for all but one: but one there was, who it may be, was not to bee taken as one of his Family. Those that without question were of his Familiy, were Sara his Wife, and all his Seruants (together with their Wiues and Children also, as it seemeth) which how many they were, wee hauehave not set downe, but it seemeth they were a great company: both because a few yeares after, when Lot was parted from him, he was able to bring forth to the field aboue three hundred of his owne company (as afterward we shall see) and for that it was the manner of diuers in olde time so to trauell and soiourne abroad with great heards and flockes of Cattle great and small, and with …. de Sch…so great families withall, as should be needefull to tend them accordingly. All which obeied this calling also: yet not immediatly from God; but by the subiection that they were in to him that was called. That one, that it may be, was none of his family, was Lot his Brothers Sonne: who if hee were at his owne libertie, and yet would goe with his Vnckle Abram, then was he but as a friend or soiourner with him. But if hee Lyranus. …a…eta…us.were but at vnderunder-age, and so vnderunder the charge of Abram, as it were by tuition his Father being dead already) which may well stand with the Text; or that Abram had Ioseph. An…q. lib. 1. cap. 8. Cbrysostom….adopted him, beeing without Children himselfe (which is the opinion of diuers likewise) in both these cases he might well be taken as one of his Family: and then his obedience was like to that which was yeelded by others that were of his Family vndoubtedly; as also on the other side, if he were but a friend, yet thē also it was in respect of his friend. The difficulty of the thing that was herein performed, did respect Abram most: but in some part the others also. It respected Abram most, because he was well stricken in yeares when he was to begin this iourney: beeing then threescore and fifteene Fyeares old. It respected those others somewhat withall, because it is both troublesome and irksome to most mens Nature to leaue their owne Countrey, and euer to bee but strangers abroad: especially, when as there was not that promise made vntounto them that was vntounto Abram, and themselues might hauehave but a small part of it. Yet notwithstanding did these digest this part of their difficultie, & Abram this, and the other too, in so very good manner, that euen the example of these alone doth yeelde vsus a great and a burning light to shew vsus the way, that in all such cases we ought to walke.

3 How it pleased him to proceed, vntill hee had brought them to bee so many, that then they should bee (euen for multitude also) a reasonable people, wee hauehave Aset downe in all the residue of Genesis following, that is, from the beginning of the sixt verse of the twelfth Chapter, vntounto the end of whole Booke, and in the first fourtien Chapters and one and twenty verses of the fiftienth also of the Booke of Exodus Gen. 12: 6-50. 26. Exod. 1-15: …1Gen 12:6–50Gen 12:26Exod 1next ensuing, vntill their full deliuerance out of Aegipt. Concerning which wee may note, that the Story diuideth it selfe into two principall parts: one, so long as they stood free; the other, when once they were in bondage. So long as they stood free, the Story doth chiefly treat of the cheife and principall Fathers, Abraham, Isaak, Iaacob and Ioseph: of which, the first two neuer but kept in the Land of Canaan or neere vntounto it; the others, spent much of their time abroade in other Countries. In the Story of those that neuer but kept in the land of Canaan, or neere vntounto it, wee are to consider, that some things there are, that doe more properly appertaine to this course or order of Story that now wee are in: others againe, that doe not so fitly belong there-unto; but are rather to bee taken aside from these, or to bee handled apart by themselues. Those that do more properly appertaine to this p. 58course of Story that now wee are in, doe either respect their Seede: or themselues. That which chiefly respecteth their Seede, is but one; namely how God proceeded with these, in raising vp a people vntounto him: and first with Abram; then after, with Isaak his Sonne. In Abram wee finde, that himselfe did first inordinately hast thereunto: but then, that afterward God brought it about in orderly manner. Hee did inordinately haste thereunto, when hee stept aside to Agar his seruant: wherein notwithstanding it shall be good to consider, first of the occasion thereof (that we may take the better heede:) then after, of the thing it selfe. The occasion thereof doth seeme to rest on two principall pointes: one, that God had already tould him that hee should growe to so great a people; the other, that not onelyonly Sarai his wife, but himselfe like-wise did therein leane ouermuch to humane reason. That God imparted that secret vntounto him before, wee finde that very cleare, not onelyonly in Gen. 12. 2. Gen. 12. 7.Gen 12:2Gen 12:7his promise at the first, to make of him a great Nation: but also, when the Land it selfe was promised, both at his first entring into it; and when that promise was renewed vntounto him againe. It was renewed twice before hee made this slip: once, so soone as Lot was parted from him, at which time it was also tould him, that his Gen. 13. 14-17. Gen. 15. 4, 5. Ibid. 8. 21.Gen 13:14–17Gen 15:4Gen 15:5Seede should bee as the dust of the earth; then againe, when as to rescue Lot, hee Bhad ouercome those foure Kings and all their forces, and then telling him likewise, that his Seede should bee as the Stars in heauen, and confirming the same vntounto him by a solemne couenant. That they rested too much likewise on humane reason it appeareth plainely in Sarai: and reasonable plainely in Abram also. It appeareth plainly in Sarai, for that shee, euen in plaine termes, did so frame her reason (namely Gen. 16. 2-3.Gen 16:2–3for that shee was barren, and God did giuegive him no Children by her) when both shee perswaded Abram to take that course, and afterward did her selfe bestow her seruant vponupon him to bee his wife. It appeareth reasonable plainly in Abram also, for that thereupon he tooke Agar vntounto him, and therein followed Saraies aduise. Ibid. 2. 4.So the thing it selfe is no more but this, that they being so many waies assured, that God did meane some Seede vntounto him, and then considering the barrennesse of the one, and the great age of both, it may seeme, that as reason in such case would bee ready to infer, that there was no likelihood at all of the body of Sarai already, nor of his neither, vnlesse hee tooke it soone now: so they did likewise yeeld vntounto it, and thereupon resolued to assay it by Agar their seruant, when now they had bin about Gen. 16. 1-4Gen 16:1–4ten yeares in the Land, and as yet had no Childe at al, notwithstanding all those promises before. An example plaine inough in it selfe, both of the great weakenes that it in vsus: and how likely we are, if God doe at any time shew vsus before, what good he doth meane vsus, inordinately to hasten vntounto it. So came it to passe, that whereas both Sarai did so far aduise him, and himselfe did so far yeeld thereunto, he lay with his seruant Agar, and got her with Child, who thereupon did beare Ismaell vntounto Gen. 16. 16.Gen 16:16him, when now hee was 86. yeares old. How God did afterward bring it about in orderly manner, it followeth in the Story, a few yeares after: first, how he gaue them knowledge of it; then, howe hee perfourmed the thing it selfe. In giuing them knowledge of it, wee are to consider both in what sort it was deliuered: and how hardly it was receiued. It was deliuered twice vntounto them: first vntounto Abram alone; then, vntounto Abram and Sarai too. It was deliuered to Abram alone, what time as Circumcision was first ordeined: and shortly after, to them both together, when Abram did receiue those Angels that went to destroy those sinfull Citties. In that first deliuery of it, wee are to consider first of the occasion of it: then, of the deliuery it selfe. The occasion of it was, that God was now againe renewing vntounto Gen. 1…: 1-14Gen 1:1–14Abram his former promise of giuing vntounto him so worthy and so great a posterity: and for his better confirmation therein, both ordeined Circumcision vntounto him to be a Sacrament of the same; and somwhat altered his name with all, by adding a syllable more vntounto it (of Abram, making it Abraham) and did the like for Sarai also, though not altogether in the same manner, but only by withdrawing a letter from it. VponUpon this occasion he told Abraham, that Sarai his wife should no more be cald Sarai, but Gen. 17: 15, 16Gen 17:15Gen 17:16Sara: and gaue in the reason of it, for that he would so blesse her, that of her he should hauehave a Son (notwithstanding that great age of them both) and that of her should p. 59Ccome a mighty people, and among them euen Kings likewise. In that other deliuery of it we hauehave in like sort set down vntounto vsus, first the occasion of it: then, therewithall the thing it selfe. The occasion of it was, that when hee sawe passing by him as it were three way-faring men hee both earnestly intreated them to turne in vntounto him, Gen. 18: 1-8.Gen 18:1–8and withall gaue them such entertainment as then hee had, and thought meete for them. At which time though hee knewe none other at the first, but onelyonly that they were but men; yet soone after he found that they were other manner of guests then hee was aware of: and the Apostle seemeth to hauehave that in remembrance, when exhorting Heb. 13, 2.Heb 13:2the bretheren to lodge strangers, hee saith that in so doing some had receiued into their houses Angels vnawares. The thing it selfe is no more but this, that Gen. 18: 9-15Gen 18:9–15they were eating, they enquired for Sarai his wife, and both tould him withall, that by that time twelue-monethmonth hee should hauehave a Childe by her: and reprooued her likewise for laughing at it, adding for confirmation thereof, that it should be done by the power of the Lord himselfe, vntounto whome nothing should bee impossible. How hardly this promise was receiued of them wee hauehave likewise set downe vntounto vsus: Gen. 17, 17, 18.Gen 17:17Gen 17:18and first for Abraham; but then after for Sarah also. For when first this promise was made, then did Abraham both secretly laugh thereat with himselfe (and yet, as it seemeth, not of infidelity, but rather for ioy) and, as doubting somwhat of so good successe therein, he desired, in effect, that Ishmael might be he in whom God would vouchsafe to shew him that mercy: and yet by and by after, when hee was satisfied Gen. 17, 23.Gen 17:23for that matter, he tooke vponupon him and his, that part of the couenant that God commaunded, and so declared that in some measure hee did expect the accomplishment of it. So Sarah likewise, when this promise was againe renewed did in such sort laugh thereat, that the Lord did reproue her for it, as proceeding of some infidelity: Gen. 18, 12-15Gen 18:12–15but being once reprooued, wee doe not reade that shee stood any longer in it, but hauehave some likelihood that in wardly she rather yeelded, for that she denied her-selfe to hauehave laughed, as her-selfe condemning it if so shee had done. And so may the faithfull now bee some-times likewise somewhat doubtfull of the promises of God towards them, and yet bee of the faithfull also, so long as in the end they preuaile in those conflicts of theirs. Howe he perfourmed the thing it selfe doth afterward follow; together with another thing so ioyned vntounto it, that thereby the perfourmance of this promise is made more cleerer. The thing it selfe was then perfourmed, Gen. 21, 18.Gen 21:18when according to the promise before, Sarah conceaued and bare him a Childe, when Abraham was nowe an hundred yeeres old, and Sarah herselfe foureskore and ten: whome, according as God had bidden him before, he called Isaack, circumcised him at eight daies old, and after weaned him with speciall feasting. That other thing that is so ioyned vntounto it, that thereby the perfourmance it selfe is made more cleere, is, that thereupon, or shortly after, both Ismael and his Mother too, were both cast out or sent away: wherein Abraham might more fully see, that God meant to perfourme all his whole mercy vntounto him in his Son Isaack, when now by his commaundement hee must abandon his other Sonne Ismael. But because Dthis Story is of more speciall importance, therefore it shal be needful heere, to consider somewhat further of it: and first of the cause or occasion of that his casting out; then, howe the same was thereon perfourmed. The occasion of it was, that Sarah sawe Ismael in such sort playing with Isaak, as did then offend her, and, which afterward the Apostle termeth persecution. So that it seemeth, that Ismael vnderstanding that Isaack was to bee preferred before him, hee did in such sort scoff at it, as in such case vngracious Imps are woont to doe: and it may be, that in the way of playing or dallying with him, he did further also bewray his griefe against the childe conceiued, as hardly brooking that himselfe should be defeated of his expectation, and of the louelove that he saw his Father did beare him, had not this child now in his old daies beene borne vntounto him. A right patterne, how hardly the childeren of the world, do at any time brooke the children of adoption and grace. This occasion being giuen, Sarah thereupon lay vponupon Abraham to cast out or to send away, both Ismael and his mother withall: adding thereto, that with her sonne he should not inherit, nor part stakes with him there. Whereat while Abraham did somewhat sticke, he was p. 60admonished by God himselfe, that so hee should doe: and told withall, that hee also should grow to a mighty people, that so he might the better see that God had care of him likewise, though otherwise that couenant of speciall mercy hee would establish with Isaac onelyonly. Whereuppon Abraham, did accordingly send them away as his Wife before desired, and God himselfe had now commaunded. A very good warning to all the Children of the World, how brittle an hold they hauehave in those thinges that they looke for with the Children of God: that how high soeuer they holde their heades among them, and often ouer-looke them now; yet one day the time will bee, when they must be sundered from them, and cleane cast out from that vaine expectation of theirs.

4 In the Story of Isaac also the matter is plaine, that God raised vp no seede vntounto him, but in long processe of time: and then left him but one neither; vntounto whom also Ahe gaue no Issue but of long time after. Which that we may the better perceiue, wee are more specially to consider, first how God did exercise their patience in the meane season: yet, how afterward he did performe his promise vntounto them. He exercised their patience in the meane season, first by seeming vtterly to cut off all hope of such matters: then, by holding them a long time after in suspense also. Hee seemed vtterly to cut off all hope of such matters, when hee called on Abraham for to sacrifice his Sonne Isaac vntounto him: concerning which wee are first to consider of the Story it selfe: then, what other thinges we are to gather out of the same. In the Story it selfe we are to see, how farre it pleased him, first to try him; then, how glad a man he afterward made him. Hee tryed him first, both in that which himselfe set downe: Band in one accident that fell by the way. In that which himselfe set downe, hee tryed him likewise both in the thing it selfe: and in the manner of prescribing the same. In the thing it selfe he did try him, in that he required of him, that he beeing the Father, Gen. 22. 1. 2.Gen 22:1Gen 22:2should neuerthelesse slay vntounto him in the way of sacrifice, his Sonne Isaac whom his heart loued: in eueryevery point (whosoeuer doth mark it) a strong temptation, and a maruellous heauy burthen. In respect of the manner that was prescribed, it was a strong temptation also, both because Ishmaell had nowe beene sent away before, and so had he none left but Isaac onelyonly: and for that, God did not require it there presently for to be done, but appointed so great a distance of space thence (for it was so farre off, that it was the third day before that he saw it, and saw it not then neither but a farre off) as that in the meane season his fatherly affections, the strangenesse of the precept, the vnnaturalnesse of the fact, the griefe of his Wife, the possibility of Issue in reason extinct, and such like doubtfull and pensiue thoughtes, might in the meane season passe too and fro in his troubled heart, and make the temptation so much the stronger, and the Gen. 22. 7.Gen 22:7burthen heauier vntounto him. That accident that fell out by the way, was, how his sonne questioned with him about his businesse, when they were but they two together, perceiuing that yet they had nothing to sacrifice, and thereupon asking his Father, where, the sacrifice was that he meant to offer: little knowing that it was meant, it should bee himselfe; and (no doubt) sharply pricking the pittifull heart of his wofull Father, euen with the same question alone. How glad a Man he afterward made him, doth most of all appeare in the dealing of God towardes him: but partly also in his owne acknowledging of it. In the dealing of God towards him, there bee two matters of speciall moment: one, that God spared his Sonne vntounto him; the other, that he promised otherwise to be so good vntounto him. In that he spared his Sonne vntounto him, and that euen then, Gen. 22. 9-12.Gen 22:9–12when now by likelihood hee had abandoned all hope to saue him, and when himselfe was now at the very point to dispatch him, it was no doubt more ioyfull vntounto him, then any heart is able to conceiue, but onelyonly to such as at any time are in such like manner exercised also. That further goodnesse that thereupon he promised vntounto him, was, that Gen. 22. 12. 15-18.Gen 22:12Gen 22:15–18seeing now he had giuen so good a testimony that he did louelove him indeede, he would surely blesse him accordingly for it: and so renewed his former blessing vntounto him againe; and swore by himselfe, that fully hee would performe it vntounto him. How farre Abraham acknowledged this goodnesse of God towards him, appeareth in this, that thereof he gaue the name to the place; namely, that in that Mountaine of the Lorde, p. 61Gen. 22. 14.Gen 22:14the Lord himselfe would be sure to prouide: acknowledging thereby, that when himselfe was so intangled with that perplexitie, and so ouerwhelmed with the sorrow and griefe thereof, that he could not tell which way to turne him, euen then it pleased God Cmuch more graciously to bring thinges about, and to prouide for his quieting againe, then he could any way hauehave expected, or almost hauehave wished. Those other thinges that we may gather out of the same, are two: one, howe it was a figure of Christ; the other, how we are so follow the same. It was a figure of Christ in this, that as Isaacs life did now lie a bleeding, when his Father had bound him, and laide him vppon the Altar to slay him; but then notwithstanding hee came downe againe both safe and sound: euen so Christ was in deed sacrificed to God for our sins; but yet the third day he tooke vntounto him his life again, and liueth for euer. So that in him it may most truely be said indeede, that God hath wonderfully prouided when otherwise wee were compassed about with the snares of death, and had beene vtterly lost for euer. As it is an example for vsus to follow, we are to consider, what it is that wee should doe: and what Issue it is that therein wee might looke for. The thing that we should doe, is, in our calling, or so farre as God shall at any time require of vsus, to part with our pleasure or ioy here, or whatsoeuer it is that is dearest vntounto vsus: and the Issue thereof that then wee may looke for must needes bee this, that God will not take our comfort from vsus, and will besides bestow vponupon vsus much greater blessinges. In which case also the Lorde will not faile to prouide much better for all such, then they are aware of, and farre aboue their expectation. Hee exercised their patience farther also, by holding them in suspence long besides, in that it was so long before Isaac was married: and afterward also before he had any Children. It was forty yeares before that he was married: Gen. 25, 20. Ibid, vers, 26.Gen 25:20and twenty yeares after, before that he had any Children also. Notwithstanding all which erist of time, we do not read that he vsed any ill meanes, or made any inordinate hast, for the accomplishment of the one or the other. Wherein, the greater prouocation that in the iudgement of flesh and bloud he might account he had thereunto (in respect of those promises of God that such a people of him should be raised, and among others that blessed one also, by whom all the Kindreds of the earth should bee blessed) the better example we hauehave therein, euer in all thinges patiently to attend the Lordes good leysure, had neuer to vse inordinate hast for the accomplishment of his good pleasure in vsus. How yet notwithstanding he afterward performed his promise vntounto him wee hauehave plainely set downe: first, for his marriage; after, for his Issue likewise. As touching his marriage we are to note, both how Wife and godly a care was taken by those that were dealers for him therein: and howe good successe it had, or how readily it did come on so soone as euer the time was come that God had appointed. What wise and godly care was taken by those that were dealers for him in that Dmatter, appeareth first in Abraham himselfe: then soone after, in his Seruant also. In Abraham himselfe wee finde first what course hee thought best for his Sonne in that matter: then, what order he tooke for the effecting of it. The course that he thought best for his Sonne therein, was, that he should not hauehave any Wife of the people of that Land wherein he soiourned, but of his owne Kindred that hee left behind him. The Gen. 24, 3, 4.Gen 24:3Gen 24:4reason whereof may seeme to be, for that God promising that land to his seede, it was most likely thereby that God was purposed to destroy them: and therefore that it was not good for any of his line, that had to await for so speciall a blessing, to match with those that were like to be so deepely accursed. The order that he tooke for the effecting Gen. 24: 2-9.Gen 24:2–9of it, was, that both hee made choyce of a meete man for it (the eldest Seruant of all his house, and which had the rule of all that he had:) and did not onelyonly earnestly charge him, but also swore him, by the Lord of Heauen and Earth, to bee faithfull therein. In his Seruant it appeared likewise, both in the meanes that hee vsed therevnto: and in his dealing in the matter it selfe, when he came vntounto it. The meanes that he did vse thereunto were of two sortes: one, more vsuall; another, but seldome vsed Ge. 24. 10-14.by many. The vsuall was, that he took with him both for **Ibid 32, 54.company and bbIbid. 22. 53.such things as he needed, what he thought conuenient to such a purpose in liberall manner: to the number of ten Camels; hauing all his Maisters goodes vnderunder his hands. That other that is more seldome vsed, was, that he resorted to God by prayer. Wherein, we are p. 62more specially to consider, not onelyonly that hee prayed: but also what was the thing hee desired. In that he sought vntounto God by Prayer, in the businesse that then hee had in hand, it ought to teach vsus, not to go so loosely and want only about our marriage, as it is the manner of most men to doe: but with great aduisement, and in best manner to addresse our selues vntounto it, and by Prayer to sue vntounto God for his blessing therein. In the thing that he desired, we hauehave one point of it that is but general, and such as others that feare God, would, and doe in such case, vsually aske: namely, that hee would so prosper his iourny, as that therein he would extend his mercies to Abraham his Maister. But another there is, that is extraordinary and very rare; but yet such withal, as argueth a speciall point of godly wisedome in him that made his choice thereof: which was, that he craued that God would direct him to such an one, as when he should require a point of curtesie of her (which was, that hauing drawne a Pitcher of Water at a Well, whereby hee rested him and his Camels, shee would giuegive him leaue to drinke thereof) she should of her selfe willingly and readily offer him more then hee had craued, as to draw for his Camels also. Which indeede was such a point, as not onelyonly might be a speciall token to him from God; but should argue withall, a Woman of speciall good disposition: and such as Christ himselfe did not finde in that Woman of Samaria, when he asked a little Water of her to drinke when he was weary; but on the EIohn. 4. 5-17.John 4:5–17other side, much vnseasonable wrangling and gibing at her hands, to adde a great wearinesse vntounto that which he had already. His dealing in the matter it selfe when it came to his handes, was partly heere by the Well where hee rested: and partly in the house where hee was to hauehave the Maide. In that his dealing which was heere by the Well, we hauehave the occasion first set downe: then, how he did follow vponupon it. The occasion was, that the selfe-same token, which in his Prayer he had desired, was now giuen vntounto him by Rebecca, a faire young Woman, that immediatly after his Prayer so made, came thither for water, and readily yeelded that curtesie vntounto him, that in his Praier he had desired. So iust occasion being thus giuen, first he inquired further of her, of what stocke she was, and finding her to be of that stock that his Maister had prescribed vntounto him, he bestowed certaine Iewels vponupon her, and bowed himselfe and gaue thankes vntounto God: and then further inquired whether they had any lodging for him at her Fathers house. But then Laban her Brother vnderstanding thereof, and seeing the Iewels that were giuen her, went forth vntounto him, and intreated him and his company in. At which time how he behaued himselfe in the house, wee are now againe to consider, and that in two principall pointes: one, that when they had set meate before him▪ yet notwithstanding hee would not eate, till hee had done his arrant vntounto them, and … seene some ende of his businesse; the other, that when his businesse was done, …y could not intreat him to trifle out the time any longer with them. In both, a… i… hath behaued himselfe much to his owne, and his Maisters credit; and hath g…in a good example to all other Seruants, howe to hauehave themselues in then Maisters businesse: so is it as strong a reproofe to many of vsus that are of the Ministery, whose seruice when it pleaseth God to vse to get out among men a Spouse vntounto Christ, we seeke not to God to blesse vsus therein, nor put ornaments on those of whom wee may iustlie conceiue good hope; but readily giuegive our selues vntounto feasting before that euer we do our businesse, and if wee speede some-what well sometimes, for the same wee wast much time besides. The successe that this businesse of marriage had, was answerable to the wise and godly care, that on both handes was taken for it. As Abraham was perswaded, that God would blesse and prosper the action: so did hee nothing faile Gen. 24, 7.Gen 24:7him therein. His Seruant prayed, and required a speciall token: scant had hee done: when the selfe-same token was giuen vntounto him. As himselfe did see, that shee was a beautifull or a comely young Woman: so when he inquired of what linage shee was, he found her to be such, as his Mayster desired. The matter was no sooner propounded Fto her and her friendes, but that seeing the hand of God so plainely therein, they readily yeelded to all that was demaunded of them. The one day hee came thither about her, and till noon wist not where to heare of any such as he should hauehave: but …re night he had his desire to ful contentment; and the next day went homeward with her. And howsoeuer it pleaseth God, sometimes for our tryall or needfull exercise, to holde p. 63vsus off long, in diuers such cases: yet the time being come that hee hath ordained, thus readily can hee bring about, whatsoeuer hee meaneth to any of his. As touching his Issue, we hauehave there also set forth vntounto vsus, what meanes hee vsed to obtaine the same: then, howe farre it pleased God to blesse him therein. That hee vsed some speciall meanes to obtaine the same, it importeth that he was occasioned so to doe: and so are we to consider, first of the occasion that hee had thereunto; then, of the meanes that thereon he vsed. The occasion was no more but this, that his Wife was barren: and the meanes that thereon he vsed, was to pray for her vntounto the Lord. How farre it pleased Gen. 25: 21.Gen 25:21God to blesse him therein doth likewise follow: namely, that it pleased GOD to graunt him his desire; but yet in such sort, as whereby he did somewhat exercise them Ibid.withall. He did graunt him his desire, in that shee did thereupon conceiue: and was afterward deliuered likewise of two Sonnes at one birth. In that exercise that he ioyned withall, we are first to consider of it, as it touched them: then, as the same, giueth instruction to vsus likewise. As it touched them, it did first respect herselfe alone: then both him and her together. That which respected her alone, was, that while she was with Child, shee perceiued some strange accident in her body, by the reason that the Children wherewith she went, stroue together in her Wombe, and shee could not tell Ibid 22.what to make of it: whereupon, being troubled therewith, she repaired to the Lorde, and so did vnderstand by him, what the matter did meane. That which respected them both together, was no more, but that in those Children the course of Nature or common Cen. 25. 23.order should bee a little inuerted: both for that they should bee deuided among themselues, and grow into two seuerall peoples; and for that the elder of them should be inferiour vntounto the younger. As it giueth instruction to vsus likewise, we learne therby, that dissention and variance may be euen in the Wombe of the Church it selfe, and among the Children of one and selfe-same venter: but there-withall (to the comfort of those that are of the Couenaunt) that the elder, and those that are heere clearely in the iudgement of flesh and blood, shall bee the lesse and inferiour to them in the fauour of God.

5 Hauing seene that which respecteth their seede, that is, howe leasurely, and in what processe of time it pleased God out of them to raise some people vntounto him, with Awhome he would establish that speciall couenant that then he spake of: now are we in like sort to consider of such things as concerne themselues. And those are (as before I noted) but onelyonly two: namely, of what desert they were towards God; and what estate, while here they liued, he vouchsafed vntounto them. Of what desert they were towards God, it were but vaine for any to search, as hoping to finde, that by some worthinesse that was in them, they had deserued these so great fauors of God: for because that, of that kinde it is most certaine, that we could finde none at all. But on the other side, our search must be, how vnwoorthy in themselues they were, and how great infirmities did breake forth in them: and yet notwithstanding, how it pleased God to worke forth in them diuers good graces, for himselfe to crowne with speciall fauour. Which things we hauehave most apparant in Abraham: but partly also in Isaac his sonne. As touching Abraham, we are in this respect to note, first such thinges as of this kinde to him appertaine before his calling: then, such others as appertain to the time that followed. Concerning those that belonged vntounto him before his calling, those are especially two: one, of his owne person; the other of his Marriage. Concerning his own person, it is to be noted, that we read of no speciall goodnesse or worthinesse in him, when first hee was called: but may rather doubt, that because his kindred were Idolatrous, and he hitherto brought vp and liuing among them, and because that long after Idols was found in Iacobs family, he also might be such as was not altogether without al staine therein. For as for that which Iosephus setteth downe of Abraham as himselfe Ant. l. 1. c. 8.thinketh good, or but reciteth out of others (Berosus, Hecataeus, and Nicolaus Damascenus) or that others of later time are woont to alleage out of the Iewish Rabbius of Hierony. in quaest. & lo. hebr. Lyr. in Gen. 11. &c.Gen 11his worthinesse, zeale, and open profession of the true God before, as diuers of these things doe shew themselues to be but fabulous; so the best of them also doe want the warrant of the written word: and both of them proceede of such Interpreters, as themselues p. 64were ignorant (at least in part) of that great goodnesse of God, that so often vseth so graciously to deale with those that nothing deserue that fauour. Concerning his marriage, it is the iudgement of many of the learned, that Sarah his Wife was the Gen. 11. 29.Gen 11:29same that elsewhere is called Iista, and then was she his brothers daughter: and himselfe Gen. 20, 12.Gen 20:12confesseth to Abimelek that she was his sister, hauing both one Father, but diuers Mothers. But if then such marriages, were not onelyonly forbidden after by the law of God, but were also against the law of nature before, it cannot be auoided, but that such a marriage must needes be some speciall blemish vntounto him. Concerning those others Bthat appertaine to the time that followed, we finde two speciall blemishes in him: one, that he denied his wife; the other, that he lay with Agar his bond-maid. In the denial of his Wife he offended twice: once, to Pharaoh the King of Aegipt; another time to Abimeleck King of Gerar. In both which he bewrayed infirmitie in him, both in the Gen. 12: 11-13. Ibid. 20. 2. 11Gen 12:11–13occasion that he tooke so to doe: and in the thing it selfe that thereon he did. The occasion that he took thereunto, was the hard opinion that he had of both those peoples: and his owne feare ensuing thereon. The hard opinion that he had of both those peoples, was in effect all one in them both: namely that there was so little feare of God among them, that they would not sticke to let themselues loose to inordinate lust, and to the accomplishment thereof in so full and licentious manner, as that bounds of honesty should not be able to stay them. The feare that hee had ensuing thereon, was, that she being of speciall beauty, he thought if they did acknowledge themselues to be Man and Wife, some of them would not sticke to slay him, that so they might more quietly enioy her. The thing it selfe that thereon he did, was, that hee forsooke the iust defence of his Wife: and brought hoth her, and himselfe withall to deny a trueth; and to take such a course besides, as whereby her honesty was by themselues betrayed, had not God otherwise holpen, vnwitting to them. That hee lay with Agar his seruant, though it were not any thing at all of the lusts of the flesh, nor without the consent of his Wife; but rather that her selfe did first moue him vntounto it, and but only thereby to enter into the fruition of those promises of God that concerned his Seede: yet, in that Wedlocke was plainly broken thereby, it was so great and so foule a slip, as hardly might be thought at any time to bee found in such a one as hee. As touching Isaac his Sonne he also both denied his Wife, as his Father had done before him: and leaned Gen. 26: 7.Gen 26:7ouer much to the course of Nature in seeking to preferre the elder of his Sonnes before Gen. 27, 1-4.Gen 27:1–4the younger, when as God before had told them, that he had otherwise determined of them. Those good graces that it pleased God to work forth in them for himselfe, Cen. 25. 23.to crowne with speciall fauour, are diuers also: which do most of all appeare in Abraham; but partly also in Isaac his Sonne. In Abraham we hauehave two sortes of them: some towards God; others towards men. Towards God a speciall good faith: and out of the same, proceeding both obedience vntounto his word; and a thankefull acknowledging of his goodnesse towardes him. His obedience was seene, first in his owne country: then in the land of his pilgrimage also. In his owne country it appeared, in that when God did require it of him, hee left the same, (beeing then well strooken Gen. 12, 4.Gen 12:4in age) and came to soiourne withall that he had in a strange Countrey. In the land of his Pilgrimage it appeared likewise, first in not sparing some part of his body: then, in not sparing his children also. It appeared in not sparing some part of his body, whē he took vponupon him circumcision: which besides the losse of tbat part of the skin might well CGen. 17, 23-26.Gen 17:23–26be a further tryall to the iudgement of flesh and bloud, at all to meddle with any such couenant, as must hauehave the Scale therof imprinted on that part of the body, concerning which, euen nature it selfe doth by shame chace vsus away, almost from all manner of dealing therewith, or speaking of it. In not sparing his owne Children, it appeareth also, first in Ismaell: then in Isaac. In Ismael it appeareth, for that though hee did Gen. 17, 18. Ibid. 21, 14.Gen 17:18tenderly louelove him: yet, at the commandement of God, he readily did it. In Isaac it appeared much more plainely, for that when Ismaell was sent away, and nowe none left but Isaac onelyonly; in whom also the promise did stand of raising vp that Seede that God did speake of, yet euen then did hee yeelde to part with him also: and not onelyonly simply (or howsoeuer) to part with him, but euen to offer him vp vntounto death; and that to be done by his owne handes also. His thankfull acknowledging of the goodnesse of God towards him, was seene likewise when hee rescued Lot, and brought backe all p. 65the spoyle againe, both in that hee gaue to Melchisedek the Priest, the Tith of all: and especially when the King of Sodome requiring but his people againe, and yeelding that he should hauehave all the spoile, he would in no wise hauehave any part of it, onelyonly for this, least hee might seeme to hauehave beene made rich with those thinges that were theirs, and so that God should not hauehave all the whole glory of all his wealth and aboundance of thinges that he enioyed. Towardes men we finde in him good tokens likewise, that are very plainely recorded of him; some towardes a speciall Kinsman of his; others, towardes strangers besides. That speciall Kinsman of his was Lot, towards whom Abraham exercised the part of both of a Father for a time: and afterward of a good friend also. He exercised the part of a Father vntounto him, in that he did not onelyonly take him with him, but also (as it seemeth) dealt so faithfully Gen. 13. 5, 6.Gen 13:5Gen 13:6with him in his substance, that shortly after hee grewe so rich, that they could not both soiourne together, but were faine to part the one from the other. That afterward he exercised the part of a friend also, it doth plainely appeare, both in his manner of parting with him; and that afterward hee did rescue him also. His parting Gen. 13, 8.Gen 13:8with him was in such sort, that when there fell some disagreement betwixt their Seruants, he both intreated him, that there might bee no disagreement betwixt them, being so neere of Kin as they were: and gaue vntounto him the choice of the Countrey, that hee, though hee were inferior vntounto him, should neuerthelesse make choyce in what in part of it hee had rather soiourne, himselfe contented and offering vntounto him, to take such part of it as hee should leaue. That afterward hee did rescue him also, when by those Kinges he was taken away, therein we finde not onelyonly a speciall louelove Gen. 14. 14. 15Gen 14:14Gen 14:15to his Cozen: but also both valor, and wisedome too, in the performance or accomplishment of it. What care hee had of Strangers also, appeareth likewise, both in his intreaty for the sinfull Sodomites: and that he would in no wise be chargeable to the Hethites neyther. In his intreaty for the sinfull Sodomites wee see it was great, Gen. 23. 3-20.Gen 23:3–20crauing, sparing of them if they had any reasonable number among them that had Dcare of vpright dealing: and therein descending by degrees, from fifty to tenne seuerall persons; the Lord thereunto answering, that if but so many righteous persons were found among them, he would for their sakes spare all the rest. That he would in no wise be chargeable vntounto the Hethites, it appeareth likewise, for that when Sarah his wife was dead, and he was desirous to hauehave a place of his owne among them wherein to bury, though willingly they would hauehave bestowed that vppon him that he most desired without any Money; yet would he in no wise so take it of them, but with all reuerence refusing their liberalitie and curtesie towards him, he craued that he might giuegive them the worth of it, and so in that sort he tooke it of them, and then did bury Sarah therein. In Isaac we hauehave some things in like sort recorded, though Gen. 22. 7.Gen 22:7(in respect of yeares that he liued, being 180. in all) they are but few: as that when he was to be sacrificed, hee knew so well what appertained to the seruice of God, that himselfe espyed what was wanting therein: another time, hee went out to meditate: Gen. 24. 63. 26, 25.Gen 24:63Gen 24:26Gen 24:25afterward, hee openly built an altar and worshipped: and though hee were much inclined to Esau at the first, yet when hee saw that God had turned that to Iacob which he meant to Esau, wee would not then alter the same: and last of all, hee 27, 33.gaue speciall charge vntounto Iacob, as touching the choice of his wife, and then also did blesse him withall. Which things, if they seeme to bee fewer and of lesse moment 28, 1-4then a man would expect, in such a compasse of time, of so great a Father as this (especially considering the diligence of Moses, in matters that are not of so great moment as these) he may doe well then to remember, that the lesse desert wee find in them towards God, the greater is the goodnesse of God, who yet notwithstanding was gracious vntounto them: and that it may bee, that euen for that cause hee would exercise and extend his goodnesse towards such, to teach vsus to gather, that alwaies his first mercies to vsus are extended towards vsus, altogether of his owne goodnesse to vsus, and nothing at all our deserts or goodnesse to him.

6 What estate, while heere they liued, he vouchsafed vntounto them, may likewise be gathered, out of the Story that of them is left vntounto vsus: and it shall be good, so p. 66Amuch the rather to consider of it, that we may the better know what portion in such things we also may looke for at the hands of God; and not by such ignorance thereof as is in many, suffer our selues in expectation to aym at such matters as that thereby wee sow to our selues the seedes of discouragement (and sometimes of dispaire) when after we finde not in those matters, God to be so good vntounto vsus, as wee in our owne vnaduised conceit, had thought that he would. And when wee finde that Btheir estate in earthly thinges also was such as would content many of vsus, if so wee might hauehave it; but on the other side, failing of it, we doubt that then we stand not in any fauor with God: in both these cases we are to consider, that the Church in those dayes was but young (and therefore so in those earthly things, to be dallied withall to their further training on, till they waxed more strong) that they also were chiefe and principall Fathers, and therefore that those things comming of the blessing of God might be much more due vntounto them (by the course that God hath taken) then a tenth part of them, in like proportion, could bee due vntounto vsus; and that God himselfe might then be disposed, for many good causes, to bee, in those matters much better to them, then afterward hee would bee to those that should followe. Being in this sort aduised before, now may wee enter into a more speciall consideration of their estate: and first, what it was generally; then, what it was in diuers particulars. Generally, it was a meere pilgrimage to them both: and yet notwithstanding much eased vntounto them. It was a meere pilgrimage to them both, in that they were among a strange people, and had among them neither house to dwell in, nor Land to occupie of their owne: but were to carry Tents with them, wherein to harbour themselues and theirs; and to feede their Cattle where best they might without anoyance to those that did there inhabit. And so doth both God him-selfe terme that estate of theirs and Abraham likewise, did make none other reckoning of it. It Gen. 15, 13, 17. 8. Gen. 23. 4.Gen 15:13Gen 15:17Gen 15:8Gen 23:4was notwithstanding somewhat eased vntounto them, both in those promises that then were made them of things that afterward should be done: and in their present estate besides. Those things that afterward should bee done, which well might ease the bitternes of their Pilgrimage now, were, that their posterity should there inhabit: and that they should mightily preuaile against their enemies. In their present estate besides they had like-wise to comfort them withall, two of those things that most men desire, and striue what they can to attain vntounto them: namely great wealth; and speciall honour with the people that there did inhabit. Of Abrahams substance Gen 13. 2. Gen, 13, 6.Gen 13:2or wealth it is said, not onelyonly that hee was very rich in Cattle, and in Siluer and Gold: but also, that his wealth was so great, that Lots goods going with his (as for a time they did) the Land was not able to beare them both. Of which also there is a further proofe shortly after ensuing, in that for the rescuing of Lot, hee was able on the suddaine to bring foorth to the field 318. exercised men, or (as wee terme it) Gen. 14. 14.Gen 14:14trained Souldiers, of his own family. That his honour also was great among them, it appeareth likewise, both with certaine of the Princes that dwelt thereby: and with those also that were of the Land where he did soiourne. Those Princes that dwelling there by did him great honour, were Pharaoh King of Aegipt: and Abimelek King of Gerar, among the Philistims. The King of Aegipt had him in that reuerence, Gen. 12: 19, …0Gen 12:19that though he were somewhat offended with him: yet when hee was to depart Cout of Aegipt, he gaue speciall charge to his owne people, for the safe conueiance of him and his, and of all that hee had, out of his Kingdome. The King of Gerar likewise, though he also had like cause of offence with Abraham, yet both hee Gen. 20: 14, 15Gen 20:14Gen 20:15gaue him many great guiftes (to win his fauour) and the liberty of all his Kingdome, to dwell where he list: and afterward also did seeke vntounto him to be in league Gen 21. 22 32Gen 21:22with him, euen for the honour and feare that he had him in. Of those that were of the selfe same Land where he did soiourne, first we finde that some honour was done vntounto him without relation of any thing that was the occasion of it: then, much more by such occasions as then were offered. That which otherwise without recit…ll of Gen. 14. 13.Gen 14:13any occasion was done vntounto him, was, that those three Bretheren, which (as it seemeth) were principall men in those parts were not onelyonly confederate or in league with him: but accordingly also went to war with him vnderunder his conduct, in that p. 67Ibid. 24.voyage that Abraham made for the rescuing of Lot his Nephew. The occasions were two: one, that peece of seruice that was done vponupon those foure Kings, which a little before had ouer-run a good peece of that Country; the other, his request to hauehave among them a burying place for him and his. When hee was returned from that aforesaid peece of seruice, the honour that then was done vntounto him, was done by two Kings: the King of Sodom; and the King of Salem. Bera the King of Sodom (one of those fiue that were beaten and spoyled by the other foure) did both meete him when he returned, a great way off (for the Valley where it is said that hee did Gen. 14, 17. Th… A…. Gen. 14. 21.Gen 14:17Gen 14:21meete him, did begin at the South end of the Sea of Galilie the breadth of three full Tribes from Sodom:) and, besides that, was content to leaue him all the spoyle, and craued no more but onelyonly his people; and not those neither, but onelyonly of good will, and by his owne speciall suite Melchisedek King of Salem (who also, as it seemeth, was Sem, and then his auncient a great deale) did him great honour, both bringing foorth Bread and Wine, as it seemeth to refresh him and his company: and Gen: 14. 18-20.being besides a Priest of God, pronouncing a speciall blessing vponupon him. VponUpon his request to hauehave a burying place among them, both all the Hittites generally, and Ephron a principall man among them more specially, did not onelyonly vse great reuerence Gen. 23. 3-16.Gen 23:3–16vntounto him, and acknowledged him to be of speciall great dignity among them: but also gaue him free choise to bee where hee would, in the best that any of them had; and when hee had named the place vntounto them, they would needes hauehave giuen it freely vntounto him. Then comming to Isaak, wee may see, though his Story be very briefly set downe, yet that hee also was very rich: and in speciall honour besides. That hee was very rich it doth plainly appeare, both for that Abraham left him (in Gen. 25. 5.Gen 25:5effect) all that he had: and for that afterward also God did further so blesse him, that he waxed mighty, and still encreased till he was exceeding great. That he was Gen. 26, 12-14Gen 26:12–14had in speciall honour besides, though it may sufficiently appeare in this that he was Dso rich (for that it is the manner of all men generally, the greater that men are in such respect, the more to hauehave them in estimation) yet one other Story there is that doth more specially declare the same: namely that Abimelek the King of the Philistims, Gen. 26. 26-31Gen 26:26–31come to him also to seeke his fauour, and to be in league of friendshippe with him. Those particulars which now we speak of, are onelyonly such exercises as whereby it pleased God to keepe them vnderunder, or to make triall of their Faith, as himselfe thought good. Wherein because it pleased him euer withall, to affoord some help vntounto them, therefore are wee to consider of both together: that is, not onelyonly what their exercise was; but also, how it pleased God to helpe them therein. First therefore to begin with Abraham, whose Story also is most largely set downe, if we mark it well, wee may soone incline to thinke that it was in a manner a continu…ll temptation, so long as hee liued, but that euer hee had comfort mingled withall. And whereas the promise that God had made him, did rest in twoe principall points, one of the Land, the other of his Seed, we finde that his triall was also in those. And Gen. 12. 10.Gen 12:10first for the Land (one good part of the promise of God) hee was almost no sooner entred into it, but that he was chased out of it againe, with a speciall discredit to the Land it selfe: namely, that Famine that then did oppresse it. Which also while hee sought to auoide, then was he asmuch troubled again with a perturbation of his own that arose thereupon: so great a feare euen of his life, that both himselfe denied his Wife (a manifest breach of no small part of the married mans duty) and made her Gen. 12. 13.Gen 12:13likewise to doe the same. When he was returned againe, he was shortly after driuen to aduenture his life, and all that he had, about the rescuing of Lot his Nephew: and he could not doe that neither, but that thereby needs must hee hazard the enmity of those foure Kings and of their people, that now had taken him away; and bred Gen. 14. 1. 9.Gen 14:1Gen 14:9himselfe enuy at home likewise. That storme also was no sooner ouer-blowne, but that he found other trouble besides; both in his owne Family at home; and in another part of the Countrey likewise. In his owne Family he found himselfe charged by Sarah his Wife, with the ill dealing of her Maide, that dispised her Mistresse when Gen. 16. 5.Gen 16:5her selfe had conceiued: whereas notwithstanding neither was hee (for ought that we read, and seeing he did no further defend her) iustly to bee charged with it; and p. 68herselfe had giuen the first occasion. That other part of the countrey besides, was that part where Abimelek the King of the Philistims dwelt: where while hee soiourned hee was troubled againe with that perturbation of the feare of his life altogether as deeply as he was before, and to his great reproofe withall. So likewise for his Seed, first hee Gen. 20. 11. Ge, 20. 10. 16.Gen 20:11was kept so long from it, that not onelyonly his Wife, but also himselfe, thought it needfull to make supply inordinately: and was full out one hundred yeares old, what time the EGen. 16. 2-4. Gen. 21. 5. Ge. 22. 20-…4.Gen 16:2–4Gen 21:5promised Child was borne, fiue and twenty yeeres after that the promise was first made vntounto him. Whereas in the meane season Nachor his Brother, to whome there was no promise made, had nine in all, besides the Children of diuers of them: and hee on the other side, before he had any, in fearefull manner was giuen to vnderstand, that when Gen, 15, 12, 13he had them, they should be in hard estate vnderunder others for many yeeres. And when the time began to draw neere that now he should hauehave some part of the promised seed, first himselfe in that old age of his, and all his Meynie (of that Sex) must be circumcised: a Sacrament neuer heard of before; and imprinted on such a part of the bodie, as Gen, 17, 10, 11that it must hauehave beene an hard matter for flesh and bloud, readily and soundly to yeeld vntounto it. Last of all the promised Childe once being giuen him, both the other that hee had before (whom also he dearely loued) must first be abandoned and sent away: then the promised Childe likewise must be slaughtered by the handes of his Father (hauing Ge. …1, 11, 12.none but him now, and likely to be able to get any mo) in the way of Sacrifice vntounto God. But yet in these did not God forsake him, but euer ministred comfort withall. Gen, 22, 2,Though in that Land he was touched with Famine, yet was hee prouided for in another. Though himselfe stoode in such feare of his life, as that hee vsed inordinate meanes to preserue the same: yet was he vnderunder such a protection, as that he needed not so to fear; and so did it presently shew forth it selfe in plentiful measure. His life indeed Ge, 12, 17-20.he ventured for Lot, and (in reason) did hazard the mortall hatred of those Princes and people, that he subdued: but, besides the victory that he had gotten, the Lord himselfe Gen. 14. 16. Gen, 15. 1Gen 14:16also bad him bee of good comfort, and to stand in feare of none of them all. In that domesticall blast of Sarah towardes him, God likewise so ordered the matter, that first by his owne discreet and moderate answere vntounto her, the mallapartnesse of the seruant Gen, 16, 6, Ibid, vers, 9,was chastised: and then, when thereupon for a time she fledde, she was by the speciall commaundement of God brought home vntounto her obedience againe. In that other perturbation of his, when againe he so feared to be made away for his Wife, that himselfe denied her as afore, and caused her also to do the like: yet then likewise he found the protection of God so ready towards him, that as againe he might plainely perceiue Gen: 20: 3-16.that hee needed not so to hauehave feared; and yet not without some touch to himselfe. As touching those crosses that concerned his Seede, though he were kept long from any: yet his expectation was often satisfied with those comfortable promises in the meane season; and it was so fully answered in the end, that thereby hee might well account himselfe to be sufficiently recompenced for whatsoeuer delay was vsed before. And though then he heard of the hard estate of that race of his for a time: yet he heard Gen, 15, 14,withall, that after they should hauehave a notable deliuerance, and that the Lord himselfe would auenge the iniuries that were done vntounto them. In his Circumcision there was nothing irkesome to flesh and bloud but onelyonly the paine: or else, the shame, so farre to Fdeale with that part of the body. The paine was not great, and that but for a fewe daies; and the shame was more than needed, when it was such a thing as God required: and the matter being duely considered, both they were sufficiently recompenced Gen. 17, 4-8,Gen 17:4–8in the Couenant that with them was thereupon made; and the nature of the Couenant was such, as that no other part of the body was so meete as it, whereon to imprint the seale of the Couenant. Though Ismael were to be sent away, and that must needs be some griefe vntounto him: yet the promise that was made concerning him, was enough to counteruaile the other in plentifull measure. And as for the offering vp of Isaac (who Gen. 21, 13,Gen 21:13now alone was left vntounto him) God did no more but prooue him therein: and when it came to the point indeede, hee would not so take him, but sent him home with him againe, Gen. 22, 11 12, 15-18.Gen 22:11laden with great promises of wonderfull recompence for the same. The Story of Isaac is much shorter, and so doeth not yeeld vsus so many examples as doth the other: but yet neither is it without for the quantity of it. For hee also was driuen out p. 69with a Famine (to the South-west corner of the Land) there to soiourne among the Gen. 26. 1.Gen 26:1Philistims for a season; and there he also was in such feare of his life, that in the deniall of his Wife, hee did follow the selfe same steps that Abraham his Father had gon before: Ibid. 7.he therefore susteineth the like reproofe; and shortly after, is both required to get Gen 26. 9. 10. Ibi. 16. 1…-21.Gen 26:9Gen 26:10him thence, and diuert discurtesies (about certaine Welles) are offered vntounto him: and in his Children both it was long before he had any; and he found himselfe exceedingly crossed by the hand of God in his purpose that hee had to the …, and thereuppon Gen. 25. 20. 26. Gen. …7. 4. 33. Gen. 28. 5. &c. Ge. 26. 2-5. 12Gen 25:20Gen 25:26Gen 7:4Gen 7:33Gen 28:5was faine to lacke the younger also for many yeares after. But yet in all these thinges God w… with him now, euen as he was with Abraham before. For though the Famine droue him out of the heart of the Land: yet in that corner had God prouided wel enough for him, and gaue him encrease of an hundered fould. Hee was in feare, euen Ibid. 10. 11.of his life: but the euent declared, that it was much more than needed, and that there was more feare of God there, then hee was aware of. He was required to get him away: but, both it was, for that by the goodnesse and blessing of God hee was growne Gen. 26, 13. 14Gen 26:13Gen 26:14so great; and those that then were weary of him, did shortly after themselues seek vntounto Ibid. 22. 32 33 Ibid. 24. Gen. 25. 23-26.Gen 25:23–26him. They did him diuers discurtesies there: but God did elsewhere giuegive …m the thing he desired; and promised greater mercies vntounto him. As touching his Childeren albeit the time were somewhat long before hee had any: yet then he had two at once; and each of them did afterward grow to a seuerall Nation. And though in his owne purpose he were beguiled: yet because therein he yeelded so much to the vsuall course of nature, that he went against that ordinance of God, that was before determined of them, hee was more quietly to beare it; and God besides did mightily blesse the other Ibid. 23.also. Last of all, though his younger sonne were long away from him: yet afterward he returned notably blessed, both in Childeren and goodes besides. His Childeren GGen. 32. 9. 10. Gen. 30. 43.Gen 32:9Gen 32:10Gen 30:43were, twelue Sonnes, and one Daughter: and for his goodes it is plainely saide, that hee was encreased exceedingly, and had many Flockes, and Maid-seruants and Men-seuraunts, and Cammels, and Asses. Which also whosoeuer woulde more specially know, he might easily gather a scantling thereof, by the present that he sent to his Brother Esau: namely two hundered Shee-Goates, and twenty Hee—Goates; two hundered Gen. 32, 14. 15Gen 32:14Gen 32:15Ewes, and twenty Rammes; thirty Milch-Cammels, with their Colts; forty Kie, and ten Bullocks; twenty Shee-Asses, and ten Foales. For where such store was sent for a present, there must the whole stocke be maruailous great.

7 Those other thinges that we hauehave in the Story of these, of which I said a little Abefore, that wee must take them aside from the others, or to handle them apart by themselues, doe most of them appertaine to the Storie of Abraham: but some of them also, to Isaac his Sonne. In the Story of Abraham we hauehave some other things concerning his life: and somewhat likewise concerning his death. Concerning his life, some there be that doe but concerne his earthly estate there: but some others there are, that are of higher consideration. Those that concerne his earthly estate there, are two: one, concerning his manner beeing among them; the other, moe Children which he afterward had. In his manner of beeing among them, first his aboad seemeth for the most of his time at the first, to hauehave bin only as soiourning for some short time, now here, now there, as himselfe thought good, or as occasion was offered vntounto him: but that after he made, when he grew more olde, in such places as wherein he did soiourne a longer time. That at the first he made his aboad in those places wherein he came but onelyonly for some short time, it appeareth, for that we read of diuers times that so he did: and for that the Lord himselfe (after that Lot was departed Gen: 12. 6. 8, 9 2, 3, 18. Gen. 2. 14-17. Gen. 21, 34. Gen. 20▪ 1 & 21, 23. Gen. 22: 1…,Gen 2:14–17Gen 21:34Gen 20:1Gen 21:23Gen 22:1from him) did specially wil him to take such a course, as wold enforce him so to do. That afterward when his age was greater, he rested longer where he did soiourn, it appeareth likewis, for that it is said, that he remained a long season among the Philistims (which may seeme to bee at Gerar, or neere vntounto it;) and for that it is shortly after saide likewise, that Abraham did dwell at Beersheba; where dwelling, likewise may well import a long aboad. Then, though hee were a stranger among them; yet did he not altogether keepe aloofe from them, nor estrange himselfe so farre, but that he was in league with diuers of them, as by other occasion wee hauehave before: an p. 70example to vsus, not to refuse such neighbourly help, as at any time it pleaseth GOD to … vsus, though it be of such people, as nothing at all doe ioyne with is in puritie of Religion, but rather are as farre from it almost as may bee. Those other Children that afterward hee had, were by K… another Wi…e, whom after the death of … he tooke: by whom he had fix other Sonnes, and among them, diuers that …. Ioshp….… the principall Fathers of other peoples, as generally the learned doe note. But those Children of his, by that …tter Wife, he sent away towardes the East, from Isaac his Sonne, giuing them but certaine portions onelyonly, and keeping the inheritance …5, 5, ….for Isaac alone: as GOD also vseth oft-times to deale, sending away the Children Bof the world with good portions of these earthly thinges; but reseruing those better thinges in the world to come, for those that are vnderunder the Couenant by adoption and grace. Those that are of higher consideration, are of two sorts: some, that doe concerne himselfe or his; and some, that doe concerne others besides. Those that doe concerne but him and his, were certaine speciall fauours of God towardes him: and those were, either in those promises that hee made vntounto him; or in the meanes that he did vse to confirme him therein, that by infidelity he should not leese the benefit of them. Those promises that hee made vntounto him, were either of the Issue that he would giuegive him: or the Land, whither now he called him. For his Issue it was promised, first for them all, or the whole body of them generally (meaning Gen. 22. 2. 13, 16▪ …5, 2-4. 18 10, 14.Gen 22:2Gen 22:13Gen 22:16Gen 22:5Gen 22:2–4Gen 22:18those especially that were vnderunder the Couenant) not onelyonly, that they should bee many; but also that they should bee very blessed besides: then, for one speciall one among them, which was Christ, that in him all the Families of the earth should bee blessed. Concerning the Land, whither now hee was called, that also did hee promise, that he would giuegive to him and his in time to come. The meanes that hee vsed to confirme him therein, were diuers: first by a speciall Seruaunt of his; then, by Gen. 12. 7. 13. 14, 15, 17, 15, 7Gen 12:7Gen 12:13Gen 12:14Gen 12:15Gen 12:17himselfe. In that first hee did it by one speciall Seruant of his, wee are to consider, first of such thinges as belong to the substance of the comfort that was giuen vntounto him: then of some circumstances thereunto appertaining. Those thinges that belong to the substance of it, are two: one, that came of his liberalitie; another that came of a principall spirit. That which came of his liberality, was, that he brought forth Bread and Wine vntounto Abraham: belike, not onelyonly a token of his good-will Gen. 14, 18.Gen 14:18towards him; but also, both to do him that honour, and to refresh him and his company, vponupon their returne from that their voyage. For as touching that which diuers hauehave gathered heereupon, to draw this fact of his vntounto an oblation or offering, because that hee was a Priest of God: seeing that it hath no warrant in the word that there is vsed, by the propriety of the tongue it selfe, therefore we are not to trouble our selues with it. That which came of a principall spirite, is the blessing that then he vttered: wherein first he pronounced Abraham to bee a blessed man, and to hauehave Ge. 26, 19. 20.that blessing of his from the most high God, possessor of Heauen and Earth; and then blessed that most high God likewise, for giuing that victory vntounto Abraham ouer those his enimies. The circumstances are two: one, of the time; another of the person that did it. That of the time was, that then hee had this blessing giuen him, when as he returned from that his voyage, wherein because by his doings and good Gen. 14. 17, 18Gen 14:17Gen 14:18successe therein, he might easily prouoke both enmity abroad of those that he spoiled, and enuy at home of his Neighbours there: therefore of necessitie must this blessing come vntounto him so much the more welcome, because it came in so fit a season. The person that did it, or by whom it pleased God to bestow this blessing vponupon him, is (as it seemeth) deliuered vntounto vsus, not by his owne, or proper name; but by an appellatiue: being called Melchi-zedek, and King of Salem; but beeing indeede (as is most likely) that most reuerend and honourable Patriatke, the Sonne CGen. 14. 18.Gen 14:18of Noah, that is knowne by the name of Sem. Of which point, although I know there is question, not onelyonly among the learned now, but also among the learned of olde: yet, as I take it, there neede to be no doubt conceiued, of those that will indifferently ponder the weight of argument, that is for the opinion of those that do account the same to be Sem. And then, if it pleased God to vse so honourable a Patriarke to the better confirming of Abraham his seruant: needs must the comfort p. 71be so much the greater. Whereas therefore he is there said to be a king of a principal Citty thereby, called Salem then, but Ierusalem since, & a righteous King …sides, (for that is the interpretation of his name) and, besides this his Royaltie, w… also a Priest of the Liuing God; hence doth it follow, that the comfort that he shold giuegive, should in both those respects be very great: that so great a man, & so good a Prince, should deale with Abrahā so as he did; and that a Priest of the highest God, shold so behaue himselfe vntounto him. When he came himselfe to do it, there we finde, that first he did it vponupon occasion offered by Abraham; then, againe, of himselfe alone. Where as he did it by occasion offered by Abraham, we are to consider, both of the occasion that Abrahā gaue: & how God therupon did confirme him therin. Abrahā gaue occasion twice a once, for his seed; another time, for the land that was promised. And God likewise did confirm him therein; first for his seed: then, for the land. In the former of these, the occasion that Abrahā gaue to be further confirmed, was that when God by occasion had made him promise of speciall fauour, he thereupon Gen. 15. 2, 3:Gen 15:2Gen 15:3replyed, that seeing he had no child, but a stranger must be his heire, such speciall fauour proceeding from God, could be to little vse vntounto him. For that may seeme to be his meaning, then that he inferred, that he might looke for no great fauour, when as he had not yet so much as a childe to succeede him, but must bee faine to make his seruant his heyre. That occasion being offered; we are to note what confirmation or strengthening was giuen him: and therein, not onelyonly how God at the first did giuegive it; but also, how he did euen then reward the faith of Abraham for resting thereon. The manner that he vsed in giuing the same, was that he told him, Gen. 15: 4 5.Gen 15:4that he should not neede to make that stranger his heyre for want of children: and therewithall bringing him forth in a starry night, and willing him to looke vp, and to tell the Starres if he could, he tolde him that the seede that he should hauehave should be so many, that they also could not he numbred. The reward that Abraham had Gen. 15, 6.Gen 15:6for beleeuing the same, was, that it was accounted to him for righteousnesse: out of which the Apostle gathereth matter of great moment, for our free Iustification by Gal. 3: 17.Gal 3:17Faith, altogether without the workes of the Law. In the latter of them, the occasion that Abraham gaue him, was, that when God againe tolde him that hee had brought him out of Vr of the Caldes to giuegive him that land to inherit, he thereupon Gen. 15. 7, 8.Gen 15:7Gen 15:8did aske him againe, whereby he should know that he should inherite. Where we note by the way, that the Fayth of Abraham, which is commended (and that most Dworthily) and so rewarded a little before: yet notwithstanding may seeme, in this matter to hauehave some doubting now. The confirmation that heereupon was giuen vntounto him, was by a set and speciall Couenant that God would make with him. For which cause God willed Abraham to prouide such thinges, as whereby men were Gen. 15. 9. 21.Gen 15:9Gen 15:21wont to enter into a set and solemn Couenant one with another: and then did make the Couenant accordingly with him. Which if we thinke good more specially to consider, then may we note, first that God would hauehave these things prepared: then, what vse was afterward made of them. In the preparation of them are these two: that GOD himselfe did so require; and that Abraham did accordingly. In Mat paciscendi veter… erat, occidere animalia & in dues dividere partes, interque à regio… compositas partes et fr…stra trans…re: quibus ceramonijs dign… morte decernebatur, si quis foedus aliquando rupisset, & pacta negligeret Alois. lip. in Carenasus in Gen. 15. 9.Gen 15:9that God himselfe did so require, it appeareth thereby, not onelyonly that God was readie to strengthen his faith; but also, that therein he condiscended to that manner of dooing it, which in such case was vsed by others. In that Abraham did accordingly, it sheweth not onelyonly his obedience therein: but also (and a matter worthie the noting) that although his faith were great, and so is to vsus commended; yet did hee not thinke good to refuse this further strengthening that God did meane him. A needfull lesson for many of vsus, that vponupon the presupposed strength that alreadie wee hauehave, we little vse any of those meanes that God hath giuen vsus, whereby to strengthen our weakenesse withall. Comming to the vse that afterward was made thereof, there do we finde, that some part of it was accidentall, and not seeming to bee meant vntounto it: but all the residue, such as doth so fitly accord with the businesse that was in hand, as that it may well be accounted more proper vntounto it. That which was but accidentall, and not seeming to be meant vntounto it, was, that when Abraham had diuided those Beasts, and laide both them and the Fowle in order, awayting p. 72when the Lord would come and go betwixt them, as the manner was, certaine rauening Fowle did prey vponupon them, so that Abraham was faine to tend the same, and to Gen, 15. 11.driue them away: a figure belike (and so is the iudgement of diuers) how readie the enemies of the people of God would euer be to prey vponupon them, especially when they should seeme to be forsaken or rent in peeces; and yet that in no wise they may hope to rest vppon them, for that they hauehave a strong defender, and one that doth continually tend them. And that it was Abraham that droue them away, it may signify vntounto vsus, that seeing it pleased God to make that Couenant with him, hee dooth afterward so accept of him to such purpose (and much more of Christ) as that for his sake, he euer bestoweth that goodnesse vponupon them. Of that which doth so fitly accorde with the businesse that was in hand, as that it might well be accounted more proper vntounto it, some part of it sheweth how God dealt with Abraham a little before the Couenant: then, how he made the Couenant it selfe. In the former we are to consider, first how it pleased God to affect Abraham before: then, what after hee sayde vntounto him. That wherewithall hee did affect him before, was an heauy sleepe: and EGen. 15. 12.Gen 15:12very fearefull darknesse withall. That which God after said vntounto him, is altogether propheticall, and concerning him and his Seede: concerning which, first hee setteth downe their estate for a certaine time generallie; then, doth he more fully open certaine particulars thereunto appertaining. Their estate is so set downe, that somethinges are grieuous and heauy: and some others againe, of speciall comfort. Grieuous Gen. 15, 13.Gen 15:13and heauy needs must it be, when he told him, that for a surety his seed should be not onelyonly a Stranger in a forraine Countrey, and that for the space of foure hundred yeares: but also, that they should bee in bondage vntounto them, and intreated ill at their hands. Comfortable it was likewise, that God himselfe would punish those Gen, 15, 14.that intreated them ill: and that afterward he would bring them forth againe with great substance. Those particulars that belong thereunto, which afterward he doth more fully open, are two: one, concerning Abraham himselfe; the other concerning his Seede that followed. That which concerneth Abraham himselfe, was that this affliction should not touch him, but that hee should goe to his Fathers in peace, Gen. 15. 15.Gen 15:15and be buried in a good age. That which concerneth his seede, was, that they also in the fourth generation should returne thither againe: and a reason giuen therewithall Gen. 15, 16.Gen 15:16why it should not be by and by, for that the iniquity of the Ammorites was not full. In the latter, that is, how God did make the Couenant it selfe, first wee hauehave a circumstance of the time set downe: then, that which dooth appertaine to the substance of it. The circumstance of the time is, when the Sunne was set, and Vet… Transia. & Tremel. Gen 15. 17.Gen 15:17that it was darke night: so, as it seemeth, causing Abraham for a time to awaite his laysure, vntill the day was fully past, and the night already come in. VntoUnto the substaunce of it doe appertaine these two: the visible representation that then was giuen; then the opening of the same. The visible representation that then was giuen, was in these two: a smoaking Furnace, and a burning Torch; and both those passing betwixt the halues. By which (not to trouble our selues with the iudgement of diuers Rupertus and Cal…ne do referre it to the estate of the people: first in their bondage; then, by their deliuerance. But Tremelius and Innius, doe (better as I take it) referre it to the parties betwixt whom the Couenant was made: which must needes be Abraham, that desired to be confirmed therein; and God that thus did confirme him in it.herein) it should seeme to be the likeliest of all, that the parties betwixt whom this Couenant was made, should seeme to bee shaddowed heereby: and then, allotting the burning Torch to represent God the partie that made it, who euer is a most cleere and burning light; the other may well signifie Abraham and his posterity, who, though by instruction kindled neuer so much, yet are they neuer notwithstanding but smoaking. The opening of this visible representation, wee may well take to be that which followeth; for that it is, saide, that God at that time did make a Couenant with him: and therewithall sheweth in what wordes hee made the same. All which tending to this ende, that vntounto his seed he would giuegive that Land, he boundeth Ffoorth the same vntounto him, first by two speciall Riuers: then, by the people that there did inhabite. Those Riuers were, the one of them that of Aegipt, comming downe by the Cittie Rinocorura, which shutteth vp the borders of Aegipt, on the South and South-west of this Land of Canaan; the other, Euphrates, that deuideth p. 73Gen. 15, 18. ….Gen 15:18from the maine Land on the North and North-east: the Land beeing otherwise bounded from the West and North-west by the Middle-earth-Sea, which in Scripture (in respect of those Seas or Lakes which they had within the Land) is tearmed somtimes the great Sea. The people were those which then dwelt in the Land: of Ge. 15. 19-21.whom there are certaine of them, whose dwellings are thought to bee knowne vntounto vsus; and others againe, whose dwellings we know not, but that they were of the people then. By those that are known, the South part of the Land is promised, not onelyonly within, both the South boarder of it, as by the Kenites, and the heart of it too, as by the Hethites and Iebusites, but some part without also, among the Edomites, as by the Kenezites; then also, the most of tract on the other side of Iordan, as by the Rephaims, Ge. 10, 15-19.Amorites, and Girgasites: and by the Canaanites, though some part of it particularly, yet euen the whole generally, for that the most part of them descended of Canaan the Sonne of Cham, and afterward went all vnderunder that name generally. The Kadomites and Perizzites as yet I finde not where they were placed: but it is certaine, they were in this compasse; and likely also, that then they were of speciall account. Of himselfe he did it a while after, when Abraham was ninety yeares old and nine: and that, both by changing their Names; and by ordaining circumcision withall. In changing their names, hee began with Abram, whom by interpretation before an Gen, 17, 5-15. Rob. Steph. in iudice.high Father, him now he called Abraham, that is, a Father of a multitude, or of many: then, comming to Sarai, that is, My Lady or Mistris, her now he called Sara, that is a Lady or Mistresse. In ordaining of Circumcision we are to note, first that he would yet further confirme him thereby: then, in what manner hee did the same. That God would further confirme him thereby, after all those promises made, and so often repeated, and now after the changing of both their names likewise, out of it we may fruitfully gather, that in matters of difficultie it is hard for men to beleeue, in such confidence and strength, as they ought to doe; when as God himselfe, that knoweth what is in vsus, worketh so hard vponupon vsus therein: and then, if Abraham needed so strong confirmation, who notwithstanding before had shewed, in diuers great trials, so notable and so rare a Faith, what staggering may not we doubt in our selues, if negligently we vse those meanes that the wisedome of God hath prescribed vntounto vsus, and if wee doe not carefully labour to strengthen our selues the best that we can? In his manner of doing the same, we are to note two principall matters: one, how fit a signe he tooke vntounto the purpose that hee had in hand; the other, how farre hee would hauehave Gthe same to extend. The purpose that he had in hand, was some part of it but likely onelyonly: and some part of it were certaine. That part of it that was but likely, was that God may seeme to hauehave had some meaning to humble Abraham himselfe thereby, and all his people that should afterward followe: and therefore that hee made choice of that part of the body, as whereunto reason would hardly yeeld. Certaine it is not, because we hauehave there no warrant for it, that then he had any such meaning: and yet notwithstanding it is likely enough, both because God is wont so to deale, and our Nature doth so require; and for that there be of our best Interpreters that so doe take it. And then out of it we are to gather, euer to hauehave all our senses, and all the powers and faculties of man generally, in all thinges subiect vntounto the will and pleasure of God: for that the dealing of God with his people is wont to be such, as that otherwise we are like in all thinges almost to stumble. That part of it that is certaine, Ge, 17, 10-11.that he meant to hauehave it a signe of the Couenant that he made with them: which Couenant was recited a little before; namely, that both he would make him so fruitefull, that out of him he would raise many Nations (and among them Kinges likewise) and Ibid, 6, 7.that he would be God vntounto him, and to his seede after him. In which respect (namely of such a propagation which was the chiefe part of the Couenant then) none other part of the body could hauehave beene so meete as it, whereon to imprint the Seale of that Couenant. How far he would hauehave the same to extend, is by himselfe plainly set down; namely, to all the Males of that Familie of his; and therein, euen to the Childe that was eyght daies old. Wherein it shall be good more specially to note, first on whom hee did not lay it: then on whom hee would hauehave it to lie. Those on whom he would not lay it, were all others that were none of that people, and among themselues, the p. 74Women-kinde also. In that hee did not lay it on any, but onelyonly on those that were of that people, we may to good vse note (as others also hauehave done before) that we and others of the Gentiles, when wee receiued the Law of God, were not bound vntounto this circumcision, by this ancient ordinance of God: and therefore that no body neede in such case to make any conscience of obseruing the same; though otherwise there be some other places, that (not beeing taken by the originall) may seeme to require the same of all. Women also may seeme therein to be spared, not onelyonly in respect of that other ceremony of Purification, which was afterward by the Law cast vponupon them: but also, for that (betwixt the Male and the Female) such propagation doth originally or first proceede onelyonly of the Male, and not of the Female but secondarily. Out of which there be that gather, that originall sinne is from the Man, and not from Catena Alois…. Lipp…m. in Gen.the Woman: a good point to be noted, both in the Incarnation of Iesus Christ; and to helpe to rectifie the iudgement of those that hauehave thought sinne to hauehave proceeded from the Body vntounto the Soule, and not from the Soule to be Body. For if Originall sinne proceede but from the Father (and therewithall the better part of man likewise) and onelyonly the Body or the inferior part of Man from the Mother: then hauehave we Ha reasonable good light therein, how the Incarnation of Christ, may be without sin, seeing that hee tooke but Flesh of the blessed Virgine, and had not Man, but the most holy to performe that which otherwise by course of Nature is done by the Father. Whereby also it may appeare, that Men neede not so to labour to get the blessed Virgine also to be without sinne, that so they might finde, how Christ might take his Flesh of her, and yet not hauehave it stained with sinne vntounto him. For by this wee are taught to gather, that sinne proceedeth from the Soule or inward Man: and that the Flesh or Body is stained from it, or by the vniting thereof vntounto it. Those on whom he would hauehave it to lie, were all the Males of that people: not excluding little Children therein. If all that were of that people must vse it: we also may in no wise account vsus the people of God, vnlesse we despose our selues to obserue whatsoeuer ordinances he giueth to vsus. If it were to bee imprinted on Children also, who neuerthelesse were vnmeete for procreation as yet: wee also neede not to doubt, but that, in the way of any Couenant of God, we may hauehave good hope, whatsoeuer vnlikelihoodes may be for the time. And if yet they were therein forborne for a time: we also may learne, both to beare with the weaknesse of others; and if ours dye, before they may conueniently hauehave the Seale of the Couenant (as no doubt many of theirs did, before they were eight daies old) nothing to doubt of their estate towardes God thereby. Those that doe concerne others besides, were some of them neerer to Abraham: but other… againe, much further of. Of those that were neerer, some of them were sundred from him: but one there was, that still kept his former estate with him. Those that were sundred from him, was first of all Lot: then, a good while after, both Ismael his Sonne, and his Mother withall. In the sundring of Lot from him, wee hauehave both the occasion of it set downe: and in what sort it was performed. The occasion of it was, that both Abraham and hee were growne so rich, that they could not both Gen. 13, 5-9.Gen 13:5–9dwell together: a good example, how hard it is, for those that are rich to keepe together: and how good a Tutor or Gardian Abraham was to his Nephew Lot. For if Abraham and Lot could not do it, it is like to bee much more hardly performed by others. In what sort it was performed, resteth in two principall points: one, that Abrahā, though the elder and greater, yet did he giuegive the other his choyce; the other, that Lot Ge. 13, 10, 11too… the choice that was giuen him, and finding the Coastes of Sodome and Gomorrah best to like him for the fruitfulnesse and riches of them, he thereuppon made his choyce of those. In that that Abraham was so moderate, and condescended so farre vntounto his Inferior, it layeth before vsus a good example, for all men in such like cases to follow. In the choice of Lot, although it were indeede the fairest in the iudgement of Flesh and bloud; yet, afterwardes proouing so ill as it did, it may teach vsus likewise, that in such case wee may chuse the fairest in sight, and yet hauehave the worse if wee lay thereunto the proofe of it after: and seeing, that euen at that time also it was certainly Gen. 13. 13.Gen 13:13knowne, that the inhabitant… were very bad in their waies, it may teach vsus withall, how dangerous a thing it is, so far to side our selues to those that are ill. In the sundering p. 75Iof those two others wee finde, that first it was attempted by Agar, before that euer the Child was borne: but afterward effected indeed, by the appointment of God himselfe. When it was attempted by Agar, before that euer the Childe was borne, it was crossed or made voyde by God himselfe, and she returned home to her Mistris againe: and so for this matter, wee hauehave it more specially declared, both how farre her selfe did attempt it; and in what sort God did crosse it. In her attempting of it, first we hauehave the occasion set downe: then, how she did worke thereupon. The occasion was, that Sarai her Mistris now began to deale hardly with her concerning which, we Gen. 16, 6.Gen 16:6hauehave likewise set downe, both vponupon what reason she did it: and what order shee vsed therein. The reason whereupon she did it, was, that Agar, after that shee had conceiued by Abraham her Maister, now began to despise her Mistris: a matter that is so oft in experience (in cases that are some-what of that kinde, but yet much farther 4from the right of any allowance then this) as that we neede so much the lesse to stand vponupon it, and yet is it good to such ende to marke it. The order that shee obserued therein, was, that first shee opened her minde vntounto her Husband, and had his good 56leaue therein, before she did any thing vntounto her Seruant. That so she first acquainted her Husband with it, and had his expresse licence therein, that was a course of good moderation, and good patterne for married Women in such case to followe. But that she seemeth to hauehave made that complaint to her Husband impatiently, charging him to be some cause thereof (which notwithstanding she quickly found to be otherwise) in that she committed a double fault: one, that so wrongfully shee charged Gen. 1…, 5.Gen 1:5him; the other, that she tooke it not to her selfe, as iustly required, in that she did first giuegive the occasion, both councelling her Husband to take that course, and 2her selfe to that end giuing her Seruant vntounto him. The occasion being so farre giuen 3by her Mistris, she thereupon fled or ranne away from her: wherein we are to note, 6not onelyonly that so she did; but also in what manner shee did it, fleeing into the Wildernesse it selfe. In that so shee did, shee shewed her selfe little to regard, that her selfe had iustly deserued, that her Mistris should in such sort vse her, for that so contrary to her duty she had made so light of her. In that shee fled into the Wildernesse, 4it sheweth, how desperately she did, or how little regard shee had then of her selfe, that did not put her selfe in seruice to some other, nor sought to soiourn among the people, or in some Cittie: but so abandoned her selfe to the solitary and dangerous Gen. 16, 17.Gen 16:17Wildernesse; or at the least, tooke that way home-ward to Aegipt, which as it seemeth was not the nighest, and, beeing alone, very dangerous also. How it pleased God to crosse it, is in such sort set downe vntounto vsus, as that first we hauehave set down, how the Angell of the Lord dealt with her in that matter: then, how farre shee did yeelde thereunto. The Angell first of all dealeth with her in that present matter: then in another of greater moment. Concerning that present matter, first he searcheth out in what case she standeth: then he doth prescribe vntounto her, what she shall doe. He searcheth out in what case she standeth, both by asking a question of her: Kand by awaiting her answer vntounto it. In the question we hauehave noted vntounto vsus, in what sort he calleth her: and what it is that hee inquireth of her. Hee calleth her by the …name of Agar, Saraies Maide: thereby giuing her to vnderstand, that in estate shee was a Seruant, and ought to behaue her selfe accordingly. He inquireth of her, both whence she came, and whither she would: so to gather her to a better consideration, both that she left the place that she should not; and that vnaduisedly she had entered this iourney, not knowing her selfe whither she went, or able to giuegive no reason of it. And we in like sort are euer to marke what our estate or condition is, and constantly withall patience to abide therein: and to know withall, that if at any time wee leaue it, we know not then whither we goe, neyther are able to giuegive any reason for our remooue. In the answere that she gaue vntounto him, she acknowledgeth her selfe to bee Saraies Seruant; and answereth but the first part of the question onelyonly; namely, that shee fled from the face of her Mistris: so acknowledging her fault therein; and confessing (in effect) withall, that she was going shee wist not whether. That which the Angell doth hereupon prescribe vntounto her, resteth in two principall pointes, one, to returne to her Mistris againe; the other, to submit her selfe vntounto her: a very good patterne p. 76of the dutie of all, in all such cases. That other matter of greater moment was concerning the good purpose of God towards her, in those should come of her: first, how great a posterity she should hauehave; then, concerning that very Child wherwith she went then. Her posterity he told her, should be very great: and so many that they 10.could not be numbred. Concerning that Child wherewith she went thē, first he speaketh vntounto her of some things appertaining to his birth or first cōming into the world: then, of some others that shew what kind of one he should afterward be. Those that appertain to his birth, or first comming into the world, are two: one, that shortly she should be deliuered of him; and the other, by what name shee should call him. In 11,the former of which, her folly is reasonable plainely rebuked, that being so neare her time as she was, she put her selfe to the hazard of such a iourney … impatiencie also, in that beeing so neare the time of her deliuerance, which was like to winne her fauour of all, yet she did not beare for a time, especially being then so short as it was, and her selfe of necessity needs must know it. In the latter, we may also note the goodnesse of God, who himselfe being so great, doth neuerthelesse so graciously regard them: and the better to fasten this in the heart of this desolate Woman, did impose that name to her Childe, that should signifie so much vntounto her. Those that are to shew what kinde of one hee should afterward be, doe shew what hee should be first in himselfe: then, towards other. For himselfe, it is said, that hee should be a fietce and sharpe man: as indeede such are the Childeren of the flesh, towards the Childeren of the couenant: and meetest for God wherewithall to exercise his 12.Children. What he should be towards others, wee hauehave set downe in these two: one, that his hand shoulde bee against all Men, and all Monnes handes likewise against him againe, (and such peace is there euer betwixte the Childeren of Lthe worlde, and the true Childeren of GOD;) the other, that (notwithstanding) hee should encrease and prosper, euen in the face of all his bretheren, as ours also do for many of them, euen to the discouragement sometimes of the faithful. How farre shee yeelded hereunto, appeareth in these two: first how thankfully she receiued Psal. 73, 2-14.Ps 73:2–14this warning and fauour of God; then, in her returning to her Mistresse againe. Shee receiued that warning and fauour of God so thankfully, that she made the place it selfe a memoriall of it, by the name that she gaue it: not onelyonly to her-selfe; but euen to the people that did afterward followe. A good patterne for vsus, so to aduance the Gen 16, 13, 14Gen 16:13Gen 16:14glory of God in our time, that it might liue among those that succeede vsus, when wee are gon. That shee returned to her Mistresse againe, it is not here in plaine tearmes recorded: but yet notwithstanding plainely implyed in that it is afterward saide, both that she brought forth her Sonne vntounto Abraham, and that Abram gaue it the name. A good example for vsus likewise, if at any time wee hauehave slipped or started aside, from 15our duty or calling, yet in some good time to returne vntounto it againe. How it was afterward effected indeede, and by the appointment of God himselfe, to the ende that we may the better conceiue, we are first to note the occasion of it: then, to come to the thing it selfe. The occasion of it was, that Ismael did laugh, or mocked Isaac: which the Apostle accounteth a kinde of persecution, and saith that so it was then also; Gen. 21. 9. Gal. 4, 29.Gen 21:9Gal 4:29as we in like manner doe finde that so it is still: namely, that Hipocrites in the Church of God (as Ismael in the house of Abraham) are euer grieuous to the true Childeren of God. In the the thing it selfe wee are to note two principall matters: one the punnishment that it brought vponupon them; the other, the moderation wherewith it proceeded. In the punnishment that it brought vponupon them we are giuen to vnderstand, first what it was: then, howe it proceeded. It was the casting of them both out of the Gen. …1, 9-14.Gen 1:9–14doores: as our mockers also may not euer hauehave place in the Church of God. The course of proceeding was, first that it was of Abraham required: then, that it was by him perfourmed. Of Abraham it was required first by Sara: then, by God himselfe. When Sara did require it, we are to see both in what sort she did require it; and what effect it tooke with Abraham. When she did require it, shee did it in such tearmes, as that it may seeme, that there was some businesse betwixt them about the right of Gen. 21. 10.Gen 21:10the inheritance, because Sara, when she required that the bond-Woman and her Son p. 77should be cast out, shee added withall, that the Sonne of the bond-woman should not inherit with her Sonne: which it may seeme Agar was practising; and that the Boy himselfe, being now about foureteen yeares old, was by her induced to aspire vntounto it. So the Sinagogue and her children are euer ready to encroach vponupon the right of those that are better then themselues, though they see their right therein to bee neuer so cleare: as in these dayes of ours, the profaner sort doe eueryevery whery almost, not seeke to share or part with the Ministerie, but to possesse themselues (in effect) of all their liuings. The effect that it tooke with Abraham, was somewhat, though not so much MIbid. 11.as God did require of him immediately after. Somewhat it was, because it was grieuous vntounto him on behalfe of his Sonne, to hauehave that required of him. And so many of the better sort of our Superiours, are loath to cast out those profane persons, that hauehave inuaded the maintenance of the Ministerie: though the Church it selfe, yea and the glory of God withall, doe neuer so iustly require the same. When God did require it, hee did adde comfort withall: and so are wee to note first in what sort hee did require it; then what was the comfort that hee gaue therewith. In that hee did require it, there be two things to be noted: one that it was the very same that Sara had required Ibid. 12.before (and for the matter wee spake of before, it is not vnlikely, but that our Superiors will finde, that what the Church requireth now as due vntounto them, that also will GOD himselfe require then) to which end also it doth appertaine, that hee doth so precisely will him withall, to doe whatsoeuer she required, both as touching the Boy himselfe and his Mother; the other, the reason that hee giueth therewith, which was, that it was but Isaac onelyonly, by whome that seede should bee deriued, on which God would bestow those speciall blessings that before hee spake of (and so may ours in like sort reason, that it is not that which is the needfull maintenance of the Ministery, but their other lands and goodes that God will blesse vntounto them.) The comfort that hee gaue Ibid. 13.therewith, was, that hee would make the other a great people also, because he was his seede: and so may of ours hope, that if they be of the seede of Abraham, professors of the Gospell but after their manner, yet will God so blesse them also, in the things of this world, that they neede not to meddle with the Ministers portion, no more then Ismael because of that, should neede, to intercept any thing that belonged to Isaac. In Abrahams performance hereof, we are to note, first the substance of the thing it selfe: then, the manner of doing it. The substance of the thing it selfe was, that hee did it Ibid. 14.as it was required: and so should our superiours too, send away all our Ismaels, from the inheritance or portions of those our Isaaks. The manner of doing it resteth in two points: one, that he rose vp betime to doe it (and so should ours▪ euen the same morning, Tremel. I…n.it seemeth, being that night admonished of it; the other, that hee gaue them so little with them for ought that wee read (though it be thought that all is not mentioned) that it seemeth thereby he did not gratifie them (no more should ours) with any part of that which belonged vntounto Isaac, though otherwise his affection was great Gen. 17: 18. & 21, 11.Gen 17:18Gen 21:11to the one, and not vnlikely but to be somewhat to the other also, but yet did he giuegive them but bread and water, to enter them into their iourney, and so did leaue them to Gods prouidence. In the moderation wherewith it proceeded wee are to note, first that they were in hard estate for the time: then, that God did comfort them with better shortly after. Their hard estate for a time, was first in this their casting out: then, in some other things that immediately followed. Their casting out, was a woorse Nmatter, than, it may be themselues perceiued: so to be sundered from the peculiar people of God, and from the blessings that to them were promised. Of those that immediately Ibid. 14. 15, 16.followed, one was common to them both, which was their wandering in the wildernesse: others more propper to either of them, as the Boy ready to perish by thirst; and the Mothers sorrow thereon, getting her-selfe somewhat out of the way, that she might not see her Childs departure. But now when they were in this distresse, God came in with that his comfort vntounto them: first deliuering them from their present distresse; then, comming forth with farther fauours. For their present distresse, first it Ibid, 17, 18.is noted, that the Lord heard the cry of the Childe, called to his Mother, badde her to be of good comfort, and to go take her Childe againe; and that hee would make a great Nation of him: then, that the Lord opened her eies, so that shee espied a Fountaine p. 7819.neare vntounto her, whereby to relieue their present necessity (as we also see not our good, in things that are nearest vntounto vsus, vntill the Lord do vouchsafe to open our eies, that so wee may finde it.) Those farther fauours were, that the Lord was with the Childe after, so that he had presently a dwelling there in the wildernesse, grew to be valiant and ready of his hands, and by his Mothers procurement was married to an Egyptian 20, 21.woman. Hee that still kept his fourmer estate with him, was Isaac his Sonne, of whome we hauehave no farther to consider here, but onelyonly while his Father liued, during which time, the Story goeth but of his Father, and not vponupon him. In whome we hauehave two speciall things to be considered: one, what crosses were in his way; the other how it pleased God to help him therein. The crosses he had, did some of them arise directly from others: and some of them arose, as it were, but onelyonly of themselues. Those were, Ismael first, and Abraham after. Ismael, as we heard, did in such sort gibe at him Gen. 21. 9.Gen 21:9euen in his Fathers house, & without any cause giuen by him, that the Apostle calleth it persecution: and Abraham his owne Father who tenderly loued him, bound him and Gal. 4. 29.Gal 4:29layed him on the Alter, and was ready to slay him vntounto the Lord. To hauehave arisen of Gen. 22. 9, 10.Gen 22:9Gen 22:10themselues we may account these two: that Ismael his base Brother came vp so fast or Ibid, 21, 20. 21 & 25, 16, 18.prospered so well, while he yet stucke still in his fourmer estate: and that hee hauing such an issue promised, his Father notwithstanding as it seemeth did not seeke to prouide a Wife for him, till he was almost forty yeares old; and then had no Childe neyther Gen. 24. 4 & 25, 20, 21, 26.Gen 24:4Gen 25:20Gen 25:21Gen 25:26(his Wife being barren) till twenty yeares after. Howe it pleased God to help him therein, is to be seene in eueryevery of them. For Ismael and his mother withall, were Ge. 21, 12, 14presently cast out thereupon: Abraham was stayed from doing any hurt vntounto him; and besides had a blessing of great price giuen him, whereof Isaac also was to be partaker; Ge, 22, 15-18.and if it were long first, yet afterward hee shewed himselfe to be carefull of it, and to Gen, 24, 1-9.hauehave a speciall good regard vntounto it: though Ismael in earthly things got vp very soon, yet were there better laid vp for Isaac: and albeit the Ismaelites did sooner encrease, Oyet multiplied the others shortly after exceedingly also, and without comparison were the more blessed people by farre. Concerning his death it is noted, first of what age he was when he died, namely one hundered threescore and fifteen yeares old; then Gen. 25, 7. 10.Gen 25:7Gen 25:10withall, that hee was not onelyonly full of yeares, or as we say, of a great age, or that he had liued (in his owne contentment) euen to the full, but also had an hundered yeares in the seruice of God, to those that he had liued before (and hope that God will prolong euen our yeares too in his seruice, albeit we be old when we come vntounto it:) then, that Isaac and Ismael his Sonnes did both ioyne together in burying of him (as not onelyonly the Children of God, but euen the Children of the World also, in such kinde of duties are oft-times forwarde enough) and that they buried him in that very place which to such purpose before hee had bought, and where himselfe had buried Sarah his wife.