Of the Head Cornerstone, Chapter 6
CHAP. 6.
1 THese Fathers aforesaide, and so many as were of them descended, beeing yet free, now begin to grow into bondage. Concerning which, whereas it pleased God afterward to deliuer them thence, wee are first to consider of that their bondage: then, how it pleased God to deliuer them from it. In that their bondage wee are to consider in what sort they came into it: and then, what was their estate therein. In what sort they came into it, we are therefore the rather to consider, that so we may the better see, by what right it was that nowe they were in that estate: whether themselues had so deserued; or whether vniustly it was imposed vponupon them. If themselues had so deserued, then must it bee, eyther by some fault of theirs: or else by their folly. That it was by no fault of theirs, whereby they had trespassed against the Aegiptians, the matter is cleere, for that they were another people, of another Countrey; such as neuer had any dealing with them, and were altogether vnknowne vntounto them: and so farre, all manner of wayes, from deseruing ill at their handes, as that on the other side, by one of their company, they had deserued maruellous well. That it might be their folly, might of the two bee rather conceiued, for that themselues came downe thither, there to inhabite, among a mightier people then they: and, that more is, much sundered from them, partly in their manner and Trade of liuing; but especially in their Religion. Neuerthelesse, in this also they are thorovghly cleered: partly by the Nature of their case; and partly by good warrant besides. In the Nature of their case wee finde; first, that they were driuen thither by strict necessity: then, that they had a speciall friend there also besides. The warrant that otherwise they had, was partly from beneath: but chiefly from aboue. That which was but from beneath, was neuerthelesse the word of a Prince; then the which there is not lightly any security greater on earth: and yet was that farther strengthened besides, euen by those great desertes of Ioseph, both vntounto the whole Land of Aegipt; and especially, to the Dignity and Coffers of the Princes themselues. That which was from aboue, was the authority of God himselfe; both encouraging the leader of them, not to feare to remooue thither; and telling him withall, that himselfe would goe downe with him thither, and afterward Gen. 46, 3, 4.bring him thence also againe. So it remaineth, that it was vniustly imposed vppon them: a sufficient patterne to shewe vntounto all, what curtesie the Children of GOD, whatsoeuer their deserts may bee, may at any time looke for at the handes of the World. What was their estate therein, that we may the better finde, we hauehave neede to consider; first, what is was by the mallice of Man: then, what it was by the goodnesse of God. What it was by the mallice of Man, wee are to gather out of the ill dealing that was vsed towardes them: and out of the time that it continued. The ill dealing that was offered vntounto them, was, partly before there was motion made for their deliuerance: and partly after. In that which was before, wee are to consider, what it was: and, whereuppon it was that so they were dealt with, what it was is plainely enough declared, both for the substance of it: and for the manner of their proceeding therein. The substance of it was, to diminish and lessen the people of Exod. 1, 8. 16.Israell, whom now they saw to grow so fast vponupon them: and to obtaine their purpose therein, not to spare any oppression or death it selfe, that themselues should thinke needefull to such a purpose. Their manner of proceeding therein, was first such as might hauehave some other pretence to shaddowe their doing: then, such as bare none other face, but plainely shewed it selfe what it was. That which might hauehave some other pretence to shaddow their doings, was, that their oppression of them with immoderate labour: wherein notwithstanding they might seeme to hauehave none other meaning, but onelyonly to hauehave their owne businesse doone. That which bare none otherface, but plainely shewed it selfe what it was, was that cruell course of theyrs, to destroy their Men-Children so soone as they were borne: which neuerthelesse for a time walked more secret; but afterward shunned not the open light neyther. It walked more secret, when vnderunder-hand they would hauehave had the Mid-wiues to hauehave Ibid. 15, 16. Ibid. 17-22.done it. It shunned not the open light, whē as God so wrought with those Midwiues, that they would not be the Instruments of so barbarous cruelty: taking order then, openly to doe it howsoeuer. That whereupon they so dealt with them, rested on Ibid. 7. Ibid. 8-10.two principall branches: one, that they multiplyed or grewe so very fast; the other, that the Aegiptians themselues began now to conceiue some feare of them. That ill dealing that they had after that motion, was made for their deliuerance, was no Exod. 5, 4-18more but the exacting of much more of that seruile labour of them then before, and that cleane beyond all reason: and sharpe punnishment notwithstanding when they did it not, though farre aboue their ability to doe; nor any thing holpen therein by Pharaoh when they complained thereof vntounto him. The time that this theyr misery continued, is not certainely knowne: but we hauehave good Story of it, for aboue the space of fourescore yeares. For it was begun before Moses was borne: and Exo. 1: 2. 2: 1, 2himselfe was fourescore yeares old, when first it pleased God to set in hand with their deliuerance by him. A good patterne to shew, how needefull a thing patience is for Acts 7, 23, 30.the Children of God: and that in the best of vsus all there is more euill then wee are aware of. For if God doe vse oft-times to put his Children to so great sufferinges heere, and for so long a time together, and none of vsus all may account our selues exempted from it, then neede we all to be prouided: and that cannot be, but onelyonly by some rare and speciall good patience. Againe, because God is wise and gratious, and in his wisedome best knoweth what measure of such exercise we all doe neede, and in his goodnesse will not afflict vsus farther than for our good is needfull for vsus: hence may we gather, that the euill that is in vsus (euen in the best of vsus all) is maruellous great, when God findeth so great afflictions so needfull for vsus. What it was by the goodnesse of God, we hauehave it two principall pointes declared: one, while as yet hee suffered not the Aegiptians so farre to execute their malice against them; the other, when he did let them loose vntounto it. He suffered them not to doe it, when as hee so wrought with those Grace-Women or Mid-Wiues, that they woulde Exo. 1, 17, 20.rather disobey the King (excuse it as they could) than commit so barbarous crueltie on filly Infants; and in that for so doing he blessed them for it, it sheweth howe well it pleased him, that so they did. He did let them loose vntounto it, when as their malice now did so farre obtaine, that at their pleasure they might drowne in their Riuers all Ibid. 22.the Men-Children of the Israelites, from time to time as they should be borne. But euen then also did he shew his goodnesse towardes them, both in that he did neuerthelesse Ibid, 7. 20.so much increase them: and besides, that in that their distresse, he gaue them the harts to seeke his fauour, and to bemone their case vntounto him; and himselfe thereupon Ibid. 23. 24. Ibid. 25.did in gracious manner consider vppon them. A good assurance to vsus also, that it is of the speciall fauour of God, if eyther he so vphold vsus, when any way wee are assaulted: or giuegive vsus an heart, in the time of our affliction, to seeke vntounto God, and to intreat his fauour towards vsus.
2 How it pleased God to deliuer them from that their bondage, to the end that we may the better finde, wee are to consider; first, in what manner hee wrought it: then, how in the end it was effected. In his manner of working it, wee are also to note; first, how he prouided the parties by whom he would doe it: then, how hee set in hand with the woorke it selfe. The parties were two, Moses and Aaron, Bretheren: Moses beeing the younger, but the principall party in this businesse; Aaron beeing the elder, but not comming in to this, but by occasion. In Moses the cheese and principall party, wee are to marke, first howe hee did preserue him from death: then, how he did farther frame him vntounto the businesse that afterward he had to doe for him. Hee preserued him from death, in that beeing at that time borne, when the Male-Children (by the Kinges Commaundement) were so busily sought out to be destroyed, he neuerthelesse gaue the heart (at least) to one of his Parents, to endeuour to keepe him so long as they could: and then himselfe prouided otherwise for him. That which his Parents (or at least his Mother) did for him, was, that he was secretly kept within by them, for three months: and then laid forth in a Basket (prouided for the purpose) in the side of a Riuer, among the Flagges, Bul-rushes, Exod. 2, 14or such like, growing there, leauing his Sister a good pretty distance off, to hauehave an eye vntounto him. That which himselfe prouided otherwise for him, was, that Pharaohs Daughter, comming that way by other occasion, should finde the Childe, and take it for her owne: and so by her fauour giuegive it protection and safety from death; and yet notwithstanding (though vnwitting to her) leaue it with the Mother to be Nuiced for her. How he did farther frame him vntounto the businesse that afterward he had to doe for him, we hauehave set downe briefely (and so farre as is sufficient) in the word of God: but else-where also, in some few points, more specially. That which wee hauehave set downe in the word of GOD, is part of it in the Originall Story: and part againe, in the recitall of it after. In the originall Story we hauehave no more (that we may certainely gather thereon) but onelyonly that he was afterward brought to Pharaohs Daughter, and was as her Sonne: and that after it, in processe of time, he was endewed with a minde, desirous to see how his Bretheren did vnderunder their burthens; Ibid. 11-22.and that he could not well abide, eyther any iuiury done vntounto them by the Aegyptians, or disorderly dealing among themselues: but that after that, God did humble him a long time after, putting a feare into his heart, to get himselfe thence to saue his life, which now was in danger for the Aegyptian which he had slaine: & thenceforward to become a Sheepheard to another in a strange land for a long time after. Both which were good praeparatiues vntounto that businesse: such an inclination vntounto his Bretheren, the better to regard their hard estate when afterward he should be imploied to helpe them therein; his humiliation, to be a needfull checke vntounto him, for attempting it with blood so inordinately before the time, and (as it seemeth) in confidence of the earthly credit and reckoning that then he was in, God meaning another course, and more to the aduancement of his glory therein. In the recitall of this Story after, by Saint Stephen in that his Apology, and by the Apostle to the Hebrews, we hauehave further deliuered vntounto vsus, both that hee was some-what farther furnished: and the precise time of certaine principall matters therein. His farther furniture is noted to be; first, that he had education in his youth, that being come to mans state, Acts. 7. 22.he was learned in all the wisedome of the Aegyptians; and was mighty in word and deede: and that that going forth to visite his bretheren, was not of an ordinary desire onelyonly, as wishing them well, but of a speciall zeale, refusing to be accounted the Sonne of Pharaohs Daughter, chusing rather to suffer aduersitie with the people He. 11, 24-26.of God, then to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season, and esteeming the rebuke of Christ greater riches than the Treasures of Aegypt, hauing respect vntounto the recompence that in sayth he saw afterward to follow. Those principall matters in the Story, which hauehave heere their precise time annexed vntounto them, are two: one, his departure out of Aegypt, at what time he is sayde to bee forty yeares olde; the other, A… 7, 13, 30.how long hee aboad in seruice and keeping of Sheepe, which is noted to bee forty yeares more. That which else-where we hauehave noted in some pointes more specialally, is no more but certaine of that which Iosephus noteth of him, not disagreeing from the Scripture it selfe: but farther explaning or opening the same. For first, as touching his education, he saith that it was as carefully and as throughly performed, Antiq. lib. 2. cap. 5.as they were able: as like enough then, when he was most likely of all others besides, to succeede the King in his Kingdome, the Kinges Daughter hauing already adopted him to be hers, and she hauing no Children of her owne. Then, for his greatnesse besides, that the Ethiopians ouer-running the Land of Aegypt, the Aegyptians were directed, and themselues thought good to make him the Generall of their Army against them. Who beeing so appointed, and perceiuing that the enemies suspected no daunger from the Wildernesse towardes them, because it was ful of Serpents and venomous Creatures, by a pollicy came that way vponupon them with all their forces at vnawares, and so giuing them a great ouerthrow there, and pursuing his victory into their owne Countrey also, hee so deliuered the Aegyptians from their tyrrany, and set them free from them againe. Whereby hee became so great and famous among them, that the King himselfe hauing him in iealousie also, they accused him of that slaughter of the Aegyptian, and meant so to hauehave put him to death, but that hee in time got from them before. And because the Apostle saith, that hee preferred the Heb. 11, 26.rebuke of Christ, before the treasures of Aegypt, it appeareth thereby, that some way or other he was in the way of good possibility or likehood rather, in time to come to enioy those treasures, in the course that then he was in: and so are these Histories of him the more they make for this point, so much the more to be regarded of vsus; as opening vntounto vsus in particular, that which the Apostle doth set downe but generally.
3. How he set in hand with the worke it selfe of their deliuerance, to the end that we may the better finde, we are to note, first what passed betwixt God and Moses about that matter: then what passed betwixt those whom it pleased God to vse in that businesse, and those with whom they were to deale therein. In that which passed betwixt God and Moses about that matter, we are to consider, first in what sort to that end he appeared vntounto him: then, how hee dealt with him in the businesse it selfe. In that his appearing, we are in like sort to note, first what hee did of himselfe: then, what he did farther, by such occasion as Moses gaue him. Of himselfe he appeared, in a bush, all on fire; and yet nothing at all consumed: a verie fit manner of appearing in respect of the businesse that then was in hand. For it may be probably thought, that Moses, if not at that present, yet verie often was carefull on behalfe of the people, who now had beene so long so hardly dealt with Exod. 3, 1, 2by the Aegyptians: and God doth now so appeare vntounto him about their deliuerance, that euen out of it Moses might gather, that although they were hardlye dealt with; yet were they not thereby diminished. A Bush also is fuller of branches and twigges for the bignesse of it, than most part of Trees are: and so, in that respect too, so much the f…er for such a purpose, because the children of Israel did so exceedingly multiply, as shortly after it did appeare. In that which farther he did by such occasion as Moses gaue him, we are first to marke what occasion it was that he did giuegive him: then, what it was that he did thereupon. The occasion that Moses gaue him, was, that he began to draw neere, to see what the matter was: and it is both wisedome and duty for vsus all (when God doth represent Ibid. 3.them vntounto vsus) to hauehave a good eye to all the workes of God, and to see what wee may gather to our owne edifying out of the same. That which God did heereupon, rested in two principall points: first, directing him how to behaue himselfe there; then giuing vntounto him his reason why. He directed him, not to approach Ibid 4-6.ouer neere; and to put off the shooes from his seete: so stirring him vp to a speciall reuerence of that presence; and with the inward reuerence of the heart, to ioyne the outward vsage withall. The reason that he gaue him why, was, because the ground whereon he stoode, was at that time holy, for that himselfe by his presence did sanctifie it then; and to that end (and withal to make a way to that which followed) he tolde him that he was the God of his Father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob: whereat Moses hiding his face, may teach vsus also, highly to reuerence his presence in all our assemblies; and, if he hid his face from his countenance onelyonly, then that we should not curiously (or malapartly rather) search out his secrets. As touching the businesse it selfe for the which now he appeared vntounto him, it was to let him vnderstand, that now hee meant to set in hand with the deliuerance of the people of Israel, and that he would vse his seruice therein. Which he did no sooner impart vntounto Mrses, but that presently hee shrunke from it (himselfe to be any dealer in it) all that he could. So that there was much businesse with him before that he could be perswaded to meddle with it. So are we to note, first how God did now impart his purpose vntounto him: then, with what difficulty Moses at length yeelded vntounto it. The purpose of God, which now it pleased him to impart vntounto Moses rested in two principall points: one, that now he meant their deliuerance; the other, that hee would do it by Moses. As Ibid, 7, 8.touching the former, first he telleth him, that he is not ignorant how ill they hauehave beene dealt with there: then, that now he is come downe to helpe them; and to bring them thence, into a speciall good Land to dwell in. As touching the latter, he first repeateth the former member to him againe: and then telleth him, that he Ibid. 9, 10.resolued on him to do it. With what difficulty Moses at length yeelded vntounto it, to the end that we may the better finde, we are first to note, what businesse there was in the meane season: then, how he was in the end resolued. The busines that was in the meane season, was that Moses alledged so many difficulties: and that the Lord was faine to satisfie him in eueryevery one. So are we to see, what are the difficulties that he alledgeth: and how the Lord dooth satisfie him in eueryevery of them. The difficulties that he alledgeth, were, one of them, as touching the whole matter generally; others, as touching certain considerations thereof more specially. As touching the whole matter generally, his difficulty was, that himselfe was no such person, as was any way meet to such a purpose. So that how ready soeuer, in flesh & bloud, he was before to hauehave taken vpō him the deliuerance of the people, while he was in that ruffe in the Court (which it seemeth, by killing that Egyptian; reprouing Exod. 2, 11. 13.a wrong doer of his own people; & by the conceit that he had of himself, supposing his brethren would hauehave known, that by his hands God would deliuer thē, he could Acts. 7. 25.hauehave beene content, readily then to hauehave taken in hand:) yet now when hee hath his calling indeede, and the forwardnesse of flesh and blood is abated in him, he is in spirit (whereby he better seeth and waigheth the burthen of it) very vnwilling to meddle with it. As touching which difficulty of his, the satisfaction that the Lord doth giuegive him for that matter, is, that first he telleth him that neuerthelesse Exod. 3, 12he must plucke vp his heart to do it; and addeth this reason, that himselfe wil be with him: then, the better to confirme him in it, he telleth him farther, that that his manner of appearing vntounto him may bee sufficient to resolue him in it; and that Tr…l.he should so assuredly deliuer them thence, that he and the people should afterward worship him there, neare to that Mountaine. Those others that touched certaine considerations thereof more specially do some of them respect the credite of his message with the Children of Israel: others seeme rathers to respect the dignity of it with Pharaoh the King. Those that respect the credit of his message with the children of Israel are two: one, of a defect that he conceiueth, that the message it selfe was not clee…ed off as yet; the other, that he doubteth would after arise of their incredulity. That which he conceiueth, the message it selfe was not cleared of yet, was, that God not hauing tolde him his name yet, as hee conceiued, when he should come to the children of Israel with that message from the God of theyr Fathers, if they should aske him what his name was, himselfe could not as yet tell them: so now he asketh what in such case he should say vntounto them. So, in this his vnwillingnesse to be thus employed, he dooth not content himselfe with the Ibid. 6.name that God in his owne hearing, did giuegive vntounto himselfe before, when he sayde he was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob; not with that which Moses himselfe did attribute vntounto him imediatly after, calling him the Lord: but now enquireth Ibid 7.of some other name of God that should be more peculiar and proper vntounto him, whereas indeede neither of these could be attributed to any other but only to him. Ibid, 13So now must he hauehave, as the Prouerbe is, A ioynt in a Rush: or otherwise, a Rush it selfe shall be no Rush with him now. God neuerthelesse in this also will yeelde vntounto him. For first, he doth satisfie his desire therein: and then informeth him farther, as touching the message he had to do. He satisfieth his desire therein, in that he giueth himselfe another name: and yet not so, but that he continueth the others withall. That other name which now hee giueth vntounto himselfe, is in the Ibid. 14.Hebrew Eheje: as euer being of himselfe; and of whom all others hauehave their beeing for the time that they are. Those other names that he retaineth withall, are, The Lord; and that he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob: adding farther Ibid. 15.withall, that this should be his Memoriall, or, as we say, his Stile of Honour, for euer. A wonderfull goodnesse, that to be the God of so silly men, should hauehave such a place in the honourable Stile of so glorious a God. As touching the message that he had to doo, his information is, first as touching the children of Israell: then, as touching the King of Egypt. As touching the children of Israell, how he must deale with them: and what effect the same should take with them. His dealing with them must be this, first he must go and gather the Elders of the people Ibid. 16-18.together: then, he must tell them, that the God of their Fathers hath appeared vntounto him, and sayde, that he had good regard vntounto them, and to the sufferings they had in Egypt; and therefore, that now he would bring them forth thence, and giuegive them a very good land of their owne. The effect that this should take with them, was, that they should well accept of that message, and gladly receiue it. As touching the King, he and the Elders of Israel must go together vntounto him, and tell Ibid. 18. & 5, 3him, that now the God of their Fathers had appeared vntounto them, and commanded them to come forth a three dayes iourney into the wildernesse adioyning, and there to Sacrifice vntounto him; otherwise, that one way or other, they should be in daunger to kindle his wrath against them: that therefore they desired him to vouchsafe them that fauour, that with his good licence so they might. What effect this shoulde take with him, the Lord himselfe before hand doth tell them: namely, that he would Ibid. 19-22.not let them go, till he should be by the strong hand of God vppon him, compelled unto it; yet in the end God would make them so gracious, or giuegive them such fauour with the Egyptians, that at their departure, requesting whatsoeuer precious things of them they would, the Egyptians should so readily bestow the same vppon them, that thereby they should hauehave with them (in a manner) euen all the whole spoyle of the Land of Egypt. That which he doubted, would after arise of their incredulity, was Ibid. 4. 1.that when in this sort he should come vntounto them, neuerthelesse they would not beleeue him: nor that the Lord had appeared vntounto him. A maruellous matter, that he should yet put so manifest doubt in this, when as the Lord himselfe a little before, in plaine tearmes had otherwise told him: and that the Lord did so quietly put vp, that he was so directly crossed by him. The satisfaction that the Lord dooth giuegive him in this, is very great; furnishing him with three great signes and woonderfull workes, to testifie vntounto them, that his vocation therein was (without question) of God indeede: whereof he gaue him present experience for a couple of them: and affured him of the like certainty for the thirde besides. Those two, whereof hee Ibid, 2-8.gaue him present experience, were, one of his Staffe, by casting it downe presently to be turned into a Serpent, and by taking it vp to be turned into his staffe againe: the other, by putting his hand into his bosome, to be taken out leprous; and then, putting it into his bosome again, and pulling it forth, to be as whole as it was before. That wherein he assured him of the like certainty, was, that if neede should be, they not crediting the two former, then should he take vp in the fight of them some water Ibid. 9.out of one of the Riuers, and poure it on the dry land, and it should be turned to blood. Those others that seeme rather to respect the dignity of his message with Pharaoh the King, were other two: in the former of which, he nameth a speciall impediment in himselfe, whereby he is a great deale more vnfit to bee sent of any message, then that he may become such an office vntounto a King, and from so great a Maiesty as his; in the other hee doth not name any thing in particular, but seemeth to sticke on that point still. That which in the former he doth specially name, is the impedement of his speach: a thing indeede, in the common iudgement of all, as vnmeete Ibid, 10for an Ambassadour to be imployed from one Prince to another, especially, if the Princes be great, as lightly any other is taken to be. The satisfaction that in Ibid. 11-12.this God doth giuegive him, is, that he knew well enough of his impediment, and could hauehave made him otherwise if he would, but that he would take him as he was, & himselfe would so be with him, as that he would sufficiently supply whatsoeuer want was in him thereby. A very good Caueat vntounto vsus all, to take heed that we neuer be ouer curious in such Seruants of God as it pleaseth him at any time to send vntounto vsus; as to reiect them, or to be offended in them, for some speciall impediment that in them we finde: when as that mighty King of Aegypt, must be content with stammering Moses; and that from the God of all glory, who of all others was able to hauehave sent much better furnished if himselfe so would. In the other he nameth nothing, but seemeth Ibid. 13.to rest on that still: and so beseecheth GOD to make choyce of some other more meete for his purpose, and more beseeming the worthy Honour of him that sendeth. At which his tergiuersation the Lord was now offended with him: and yet so beareth with his weakenesse therein, that he ioyneth Aaron his Brother in Commission Ibid. 14. 17.with him, Aaron being of ready vtterance; but so, as that hee must first direct him what he should say, and that Aaron should then deliuer it. In which one example, those that are discontented with such alike thing now among vsus (namely, that when in so many places the needfull maintenance of the Ministery is so much with-drawne from it, that there is not sufficient remaining to maintaine an able man in eueryevery of them, there bee now, by the more able sort of the Ministery, certaine Homilies or Sermons prouided, by the meaner sort to bee to the people deliuered) might finde wherewithall to content themselues: that prouision of ours, hauing, in this, so pregnant an example for it, as neede to be; and so much more pregnant, as that GOD did not then neede, to vse the help of a couple, for the labour of one in that, so much as the Church now doth need it, in this.
4 Those that it pleased God to vse in that businesse, were, as now we see; Moses, and Aaron his Brother, and so now to finde what it was that passed betwixt them and those with whom they dealt, we are to see; first, how these addressed themselues to that businesse: then, what passed betwixt them and those others. Howe these addressed themselues to their businesse, is declared vntounto vsus, first of eyther of them a part by themselues: then, of them both together. A part by themselues; first, it is shewed how Moses addressed himselfe vntounto it: then, how the like was done by Aaron also. As touching Moses, beeing now in the Wildernesse, and hauing there (as it seemeth) his family with him, hee would first returne to his Father in Law: and then, set forward thence into Aegypt. So first addressing himselfe to goe to his Father in Ibid. 18. 20.Law, and so taking his Wife and Children with him, two speciall thinges did befall him by the way: one, that now again the Lord (assuring him first, that all those were dead that before sought his death) gaue him speciall warning, both to doo all those signes that hee had willed him to doo (but yet that himselfe would Ibid. 19, 21, 23harden his heart, that hee would not let them go:) and at length to tell him, that Israel was his first borne, and that for detaining of him, not suffering him to go to serue him, he would therefore destroy his first borne also: the other, that the Lord was offended with Moses, for that his Sonne was yet vncircumcised Ibid. 4…-…6.(and so it may seeme there was not that care of Religion in Moses, that he ought to hauehave had) especially when now he should goe about this so speciall a seruice of God: and when he was thereupon circumcised, then was his wife so much offended with him, as that for that cause it seemeth he then left her behind him. In which Ibid. 27, 28meane time, God had willed Aaron to go meete his Brother Moses in the wildernesse; which Aaron also accordingly did: and so Moses and Aaron met together on the way; and Moses imparted the matter vntounto him that now they both were to go about. So comming first to the Children of Israell as they were directed, and now to marke what passed betwixt Moses and Aaron on the one side, and them on Ibid. 29-31the other; first, they found them in very good tempet: but afterward out of temper cleane. When Moses and Aaron came first vntounto them, and did their message, and confirmed the same with the signes appointed, both they beleeued; and, for those great fauours of God, worshipped also. Out of temper they were, when Moses and Aaron hauing beene with Pharaoh, and he imposing more labour vponupon them, they made suite to hauehave the same remitted, but yet obtained no fauour therein, and were besides worse entreated than before. For then, first lighting Ibid. 5, 20, 21on Moses and Aaron, being in their way, with open mouth they cryed out vppon them: and, when afterward they came vntounto them againe from the Lord, to assure Ibid. 6, 1-8.them of that which before was told them, and did now deliuer the same more specially vntounto them, they neuerthelesse did not regard them, for the oppression and anguish that now they were in, by their greeuous seruitude now doubled vppon them. And so it is the manner of vsus also, though at the first we be glad of deliuerance offeted vntounto vsus: yet when persecution commeth withall, then to withdraw our selues againe, and to storme against those by whom our deliuerance was so attempted. Comming to Pharaoh the King, they hauehave a great deale more businesse with him: neuerthelesse they giuegive him not ouer, but follow on him still, vntill in the end they hauehave obtained. But the businesse they hauehave with him is diuers: the King first becomming more grieuous vntounto the people thereby; then, but framing himselfe to hang off from the obedience that is required. In both which we are to note, in what sort Moses and Aaron on the one side, and he on the other, prosecute the course that they hauehave in hand. In the former of these therefore, Moses and Aaron come vntounto him, and had as it were two encounters betwixt them. For first, they required, in the name of the Lord, the God of Israell, Ibid. 5, 1.that he would let the people go, to holde feast vntounto him in that wildernesse that was neere vntounto them. To which the King answered, that he knew no such Lord Ibid. 2.at whose command he should let Israel go: and therefore neither would hee let them go. Then they tolde him, that their God, the God of the Hebrewes, had appeared vntounto them, and required, that they should go▪ three dayes iourney into the wildernesse, and Sacrifice vntounto him: and thereuppon, did also beseech him, that he would giuegive them leaue so to doe, least for neglecting the same, God did cast some punishment on them. Which when they had sayd, then did Pharaoh not only giuegive an hard answere to them: but also tooke present order, for the farther straightning of all the people. His answere to them was, that the people were many; and therefore it was no wisedome to giuegive them spare time from their labour: Ibid. 4. 5.that themselues did ill, to put such things into their heads; and therefore himselfe commanded them now, to returne to their burthens againe. In the order that he presently tooke for the further straightning of all the people, we are to consider what it was; and how immooueable himselfe was to alter the same. To find out what it was, we are to note, what it vvas as it proceeded from him: then, what it vvas as it vvas executed on them. As it proceeded from him, the selfe same day he called for the Ouer-seers of the people, and first tolde them what he woulde hauehave them to doo: then, he sheweth them, what was his meaning or purpose therein. That which he would hauehave them to doe, was, that they should see to it, that Ibid. 6-8there were no more Straw giuen to the people: and yet that no part of their wonted task of …rick that they made, should, for it, be diminished vntounto them. His purpose and Ibid. 8, 9.meaning he shewed to be, because they would needs hauehave leaue to go and sacrifice to their God, he would now hauehave those labours of theirs so increased vponupon them; for that he perceiued they were but idle, and this would be a good readie way to make them little to regard such vaine toyes. A notable patterne of the children of the world, whether Princes or others, first how loath they are to let those that are vnderunder their charge, to hauehave any good conuenient libertie or time to serue the Lord: then, how they account the seruice of God to be but as a needlesse thing, in comparison of their other meaner affayres; and to bee giuen thereunto, is but the fruite of a weake and an idle braine. Himselfe goeth some-what farther, giuing (most wickedly) Ibid. 9.the verie lie vntounto the manifest truth of God: accounting, that such as are Religious, do no more but pretend it, hauing no such meaning in them indeede, measuring others, belike, by themselues. And such are our worldlings too, in the inward secrecy of their hearts: but Pharaoh professed no regarde of the Lorde, and therefore was so much the more open hearted therein; ours professe both the knowledge and feare of God, and therefore are loath in such cases to say all that they thinke. As this his Commandement was forth-with executed on them, they were so pinched with the rigour of it, that the people of Israel were faine to disperse themselues ouer all the land of Egypt, to plucke vp Stubble, where they could get it, Ibid. 10. 14.to serue their turne instead of Straw: and yet notwithstanding were punished besides, for that they wre not able to do. How immoueable himselfe was to alter the same, is euident inough, in that when they came and complained thereof to the King, he sent them away as they came, charging them to be idle, and nothing at all Ibid. 15, 18.casing them in that vniust and greeuous vexation they had.
5 When he did but frame himselfe to hang off from the obedience that was required, we are to see, first in what sort it was required by them: then, how it was denied by him. It was required by them, first but onelyonly by one signe that they did before him: but then after by the smart of punnishments cast vponupon him and his. When it was done by that one signe, we are to note, first what was done by Moses and Aaron: then, what was done by the King himselfe. As touching Moses and Aaron we are also to note, first how Moses, being somwhat discoraged, by that farther vexation of the people, and by their clamorousnesse against him and his brother thereupon, doth now som-what stagger, til he be by the Lord againe confirmed. So it shall not be amisse, to marke how hee is againe (as it were) renewed: then, how he doth proceede in his businesse. To finde how he is againe renewed, wee are to note, what it is whereon he complaineth: and how God doth satisfye him againe. He complaineth first, that God, as it were, hath not done well to send him about it, when as the people hauehave thereby since beene in worse case for it; and yet himselfe Ibid. 5, 2…, 23hath nothing at all deliuered them yet: then, when againe the Lord would send him, that now again he obiecteth that impediment in his speech;. and that Pharaoh thereupon Ibid. 7. 3.will nothing regard him. To the former of these God doth tell him, that neuerthelesse, now he shall see, that he will giuegive them a mighty deliuerance: and Ibid. 5: …4. Ibid. 6. 1-7.then doth he more specially set foorth the same aboue any worke of might or power that yet he had done for their fathers before. For the latter of these, that hee had Ibid. 7, 4-8.alreadie appointed him to be as Pharaohs God, and Aaron to be his Interpreter: and so yet would hauehave him but acquaint Aaron withal, that he should say vntounto him; and that Aaron should deliuer the same vntounto Pharaoh. Moses therefore being thus resolued, now both he and his brother do more readily take direction againe of the Lord: and then proceede in their businesse it selfe. The direction that God gaue Ibid. …. 12. 7, 1, …, 5-8, 11, 12them, was the same still that he gaue before, and onelyonly repeated to them againe: as, himselfe continuing the selfe-same course that before he was in, how much so-euer they would now hang backe from the s…me. Th… proceeding w… in the signe that they gaue him: and in that did Pharaoh … the obedience that was required. In the signe that hee gaue him …, first of this story it selfe: then, how it may …e … f…y it selfe, the … that they gaue him … their message … him as the Lord …, and … reckoning Ibid. 7▪ 13.of it … did before, Aaron … the … Moses; … in the sight of them all, and it was turned … Serpent. That Pharaoh … Ibid. 14-1….stifly hang off from the obedience that was required … plain … he sought … Inchantors to do the like, so … obs… the glory of the Mi…cle … was wrought before him: then especially, when Aarons r…d deuoured … so tooke backe againe (with a mighty hand) the glory to God; yet notwithstanding hee remained disobedient still. That farther …pplycation is, that where… when the Romish Magitians of these daies doe see, that, for the … against …, we bring both Scriptures and Fathers, they then, to the discredit of the Truth, … to retaine their followers still, do, after a sort, the like …oo, and so harden the h…rt… of their followers still: but then, on the other side, … that Serpent of Moses deuoured theirs, so those Scriptures and Fathers that are brought for the Truth, doe quickly decipher and deuour those that are pretended and forced against it. The punnishments, cast vponupon him and his, were many, but most of them, vntill he did dismisse them or let them go: and one after, when he would hauehave taken them back againe. Those that were cast vponupon him and his vntill he would dismisse them … let them goe, were all done by the Ministery of Moses and Aaron together … but some of them chiefely by the hand of Aaron; the residue, chiefely by Moses alone. Concerning which, it shall be good, first to note somewhat out of this order that God obserued: then, to come to the story of those punnishments which by eyther of them was on the Egyptians inflicted. Out of this order that God obserued, doing all those great workes not only by Moses, but partly by Aaron also; and more specially vsing the hand of Aaron onelyonly in certaine of them, we hauehave a good Caueat against that backewardnesse that we find in many, to vndertake the seruice of God: especially when the same is of some dfficulty, and seemeth to bee ouer-great a burthen for vsus to beare. For in such case wee commonly shrinke from it; or neuer lightly yeeld our obedience vntounto it, vntill we hauehave, to our owne contentment some helpe adioyned. So was it with Moses in the businesse that now we hauehave in hand, as we saw before. God would hauehave vsed his Ministery only therein: but he still hung off, till Aaron his elder Brother was put in Commission Exod. 7: 10.with him. Had he taken it vppon him as the Lord did call him, there is no question, but that he should himselfe hauehave beene sufficient enough vntounto the burthen, because the Lord promised, himself to be with him, and he is not wont to lay more on any than himselfe doth giuegive them strength to beare: and so should he also hauehave had the glory of it that God did meane him. But now hanging off so much as he did, so it came to passe, that not onelyonly Aaron was now ioyned in Commission with him: but also that by his hands chiefely, diuers of those great workes were performed. Neuerthelesse when God had sufficiently s…bbed Moses therein, and he withall did patiently take it, then did God afterward vse the Ministery of Moses especially in all the residue.
6 So comming to the story of those punnishments that by their Ministery were cast on the Egyptians, the first three of them were done by the hand of Aaron chiefely: the others by Moses. In those that were done chiefely by Aaron, it seemeth that God would vouchsafe vntounto Pharaoh a very strong call by those three plagues, that by his Ministery especially hee cast vponupon him: the two former of them, in some thinges agreeing together; the last, in those thinges varying from both. Those thinges wherein they agreed, are two: one, that Pharaoh was warned of them, before they were cast vponupon him; the other, that when they were so cast vponupon him, then were they crossed by those Sorcerers. In that Pharaoh was … they were ca… vppon …; the other, that when they …. In that Pha… … of GOD: … strongly, … that hee … by … the … before; and the … power there…: I… that they … by … recompence vntounto … the truth of God obsc…ed by them: But …, in …; so i… some other they vntryed also: the one of …; but the other, making him somwhat … so … regarded, we are to note; first, what it wa…▪ …, how it was … regarded. It was, that for the space of seauen dayes all the … of Aegypt, … and standing, were … once turned into bloud, …. …▪ 1…-28.and all the F…sh therein …: a good …inde of punnishment, to put them in minde of that barbarous cruelty of theirs, in drowning so many Children of the Israelites in those their Riuers; turning so bloody now to themselues, whom they had made to bee so bloudy in others before. That it was but little regarded, it shall be good to consider, not onelyonly, that so it is saide: but also, whereunto it is ascribed. It i… plainely s…, that his heart was so hardned, that neuerthelesse hee returned home: and … little before he made no reckoning of another great work done before him, … now did he make as little of this. It is ascribed vntounto the illusion …id. …: 25. T….of those Sorcerers, for that they also turned some Water into blood: such belike, … they had taken out of some of those pits, that the Aegyptians were faine to digge, to supply theyr necessity in this want of theyr Riuers. But herein we are to consider farther, that he had faire oddes in this also, if he had had the grace so to hauehave taken it. For it was but their inchantmentes on the one side wherein hee builded; and those are euer knowne vntounto all, to bee but a base kinde of woorke, eue… vntounto those that seeke vntounto them, and to the workers thereof themselues: and on the other side, they eueryevery where had a very euident and strong declaration, that the other was a worke of a mightie power indeede, when as the Aegyptians throughout the whole Land; were faine to digge them Ibid. 27.pits for Water, to preserue themselues and their Cattle aliue. Hereby therefore it may appeare, that we are so corrupt by Nature; that we attribute more oft-times to such base conceites as our selues doe knowe to bee but little worth: than vntounto those vndoubted truths which our selues do see to be of vndoubted credite. In that other that made Pharaoh somewhat to stoope, wee are likewise to note; first, what it was: then, how farre forth hee stooped vntounto it. The plague it selfe, was Ibid. 8: 1-6that strange and wonderfull number of Frogges that came out of their Riuers (so soone as Aaron had stroken one of them) which not onelyonly couered the face of the Earth: but also annoied all the people in the Countrey, in their houses, and in all their Chambers, Vessels, and such like; and euen in the Kinges Pallace likewise. How farre forth Pharaoh stooped heereto, that we may the better find, wee are to note, that first for the time after a sort he yeelded: but then, shortly after, turned on it againe. He so farre yeelded, that calling for Moses and Aaron, he both desired them to pray for him, that this strange scourge might be taken from him; and Ibid. 8.promised them withall, that now he would let them goe to sacrifice to the Lorde their God: and yet notwithstanding had those Sorcerers by their Incantations before the like in his presence. In his turning on it againe we are to note, not onelyonly Ibid. 7.that so he did: but also, that he did it against a speciall good helpe that hee had to stand better vntounto it. As touching the former, the Text is plaine, that after hee Ibid. 15.was eased a while of that plague, he quickly turned vntounto his former bad Bias againe. The helpe that he had to stand better vntounto it, was, most of all in the manner that was vsed in taking of this aforesaide plague from him: but partly, in a sensible experiment that was left behinde it, shewing how noysome a thing it was, when it was vponupon them. The manner that was vsed in taking it from him, was, that Moses Ibid. 9-13.would needes hauehave Pharaoh himselfe to appoint the time, when he would hauehave him to pray vntounto God, to g… the plague re…; to the ende that …e might know, there was no God like vntounto the Lord that God of … and … appointed the next day, Mos… …st promised th… it accordingly. The sensible experiment … was …▪ and pl…ly enough shewed, howe noysome … thing it was when i… lay vponupon them, … there was stick a multitude of them, that when nowe they … d…d, they were faine to gather them to certaine heapes: and then were they so gr…; Ibid. 14.that the whole Land was annoyed with the … of them. I… the … of those plagues, that it pleased God by the handes of Aaron, especially … vponupon them, we are to consider of it; first, as it was inflicted on them: … Pharaoh was affected at it. As it was inflicted … thē, it did … I said, somthing … ry from both the others: and so are we to consider what it was i… it selfe; & wherei… it varried from both the others. It was in selfe an exceeding great … Ibid. 1….of Lice, vponupon Man and Beast: then all the Dust of the Land beeing tur… that kinde of filth. It varried from the other two, in two principall thinges▪ one, Ibid. 16.that now there was no warning before hand giuen vntounto Pharaoh of it; the other, that the Sorcerers were now to seeke, not all of them able to … bee … Ibid. 18.among them; and so, their best skill very plainely … heerein. Howe … Ibid. 19.was affected at it, we neede not much doubt, he i… …uer so like to himselfe. For though now the Sorcerers themselues did plainely finde, and so acknowledged … Pharaoh himselfe, that it was the hand of God: yet notwithstanding he would not yeelde, but remained as afore, disobedient still. In those that were done by the handes of Moses; especially, it seemeth that it pleased God to vouchsafe him two other speciall and mighty callings, much like after the same manner: in eyther of them first giuen him warning twice; then, bringing … third vponupon him without any warning. In the former of these two callings, and in the first of those plagues that by the Ministery of Moses were cast vponupon him, hee did for a time some-what relent: but not in the others. In that wherein he did something relent, we … to consider; first, of the plague that was cast vponupon him: then, of his relenting themupon. In the plague that was cast vponupon him, we are also to note, first, how he was admonished of it: then, how he was accordingly stricken with it. That he might bee admonished of it, the Lord willed Moses to get vp betime, and to goe vntounto Pharaoh, and in his name to require him to let his people goe: otherwise, that the Ibid. 8: …0-24.next day he would send in vponupon him and vponupon all the Land, an innumerable multitude of noysome and hurtfull Creatures (the common translation calleth: them Flyes) so that all the Land should be filled with them, and the Earth it selfe corrupted by them: yet that in the land of Goshen, where his people dwelt, there should be none: that so he might the better see that he was the Lord. Which fore-warning taking little place with him, the next day was that plague brought in vppon them. His relenting was, that now calling for Moses and Aaron, first he was content, that they should go & sacrifice to the Lord in that Land of Aegypt: but, when that was by Moses refused, then he yeelded they should goe and doe it in the Wildernesse; but, by the intercession of Moses, being eased of those noysome Creatures, then would hee not performe his graunt vntounto them. The two others were; first, a Ibid. 9: 1-1…▪great murren of Beasts: then, strange and painefull Biles and Blaines on Men and Beastes, in neyther of which we finde, that hee relented any thing at all: although that in the former of them, both he had a warning before, and afterward saw, that the Israelites againe were not touched with it; and in the latter, that the Sorcerers themselues were not able to stand before Pharaoh, for those botches that themselues also had. In the latter of them the plagues were so strange and fearefull, that in eueryevery of them he somewhat relented, lesse or more. In the former of those whereof he had warning before, which was of Raine, Haile, Thunder, and Lightning, in very strange and fearefull manner, mingled together (insomuch, that the wise man sayth, that those Creatures then, for certaine of them, did forget theyr owne Nature, or as we say, went cleane out of kind) we are to note; first how earnestly Wis. 19: 17-20hee was moued to better aduisement: then, how little pl… it tooke with him. Hee was earnestly admonished; first, for his person: then, for his Cattle … he had in the …. For his owne person, that if hee would not …. 9: 13-1….… himselfe, yet the Lord would cast so fearefull plagues vponupon him, as should … euen to the heart: and that he might hauehave destroyed him before, when by that …ren he destroyed so many of their Cattle, but that the Lord reserued him to heauier iudgements. For his Cattle and whatsoeuer else hee hath in Ibid. 19.the …des, hee is wa…ed to get them in: and otherwise giuen to vnderstand, that whatsoeuer should bee left in the fielde, whether Man or Beast, it would by that … of Haile be destroyed. How little place it tooke with him; we see most in himselfe: but partly, in diuers of his Seruants. In himselfe, that although hee Ibid. 22-35.now saw his owne Land, and the thinges that were thereon to be much destroyed; with that strange and greeuous storme; and the Land of Goshen vntouched therewith: yet went his repentance no farther, but onelyonly to send for Moses and Aaron, and when they were come, to acknowledge that God was iust, and he and his people Sinners, desiring now, that they would pray for him, and promising they should tarry no longer; and so, when he was once eased of it, then was hee the same that he was before. In diuers of his Seruants we see likewise, that although others of their Fellowes held on the same course with their Maister; yet they were so farre Ibid. 20. 2….touched with it, that they fetcht in their Seruants and Cattle, to auoyde the euill that was threatned: and yet, neither was the word so directly sent to them, as to him; neyther did it so much import them as it did him, by many degrees, In the l…er, which was by those Gr…shoppers that so ouerwhelmed the face of the earth, Ibid. 10: 1-20.and destroyed the most part of that which the storme had left them before, Pharaoh had a good & a strong call, not onelyonly by Moses and Aaron, but also by many of his owne Seruants and Subiects, who were earnestly in hand with him about the same also: and yet, when by their meanes Moses and Aaron were brought backe vntounto him againe, to hauehave some farther talke of the matter, both then he brake with them in a very small matter; and afterward, when himselfe was faine to seeke vntounto them to be eased of that scourge also, though he promised faire if he might obtain it, yet when he had sped, he went from it again. Now therefore, without any warning before giuen vntounto Pharaoh, the Lord biddeth Moses to addresse himself to the Ibid. 10: 21-28third of this cal, which was a thick and palpable darknesse for three daies together: yet only on the residue of the Land of Egypt, and nothing at all wheresoeuer the Israelites dwelt among them. Concerning which, we are first to see how far the same worketh with Pharaoh: then, to note some speciall thinges heere in Moses besides. As touching Pharaoh, though he were so terrified with it, thet now he sendeth for Moses againe about that matter: yet for a small trifle he breaketh with him now againe also; and chargeth him besides, neuer to see his face any more. As touching Moses, they are two principall matters, that are to bee more specially noted in him: first, how little in one point he yeelded to Pharaoh; then, how readily he ioineth with him in another. That wherein hee yeeldeth so little vntounto him, was in Pharaohs demaund to leaue their Cattle behind them: and that so, both themselues Ibid. 10-24.and their Children might nowe goe forth and worshippe the Lord as they desired: whereunto Moses would not yeelde, so much as to leaue one hoofe behinde them. Ibid. …5, 26.A point of constancy that hath of late beene wanting much, with many of the greater sort of Ecclesiasticall persons among vsus, when their iust and needefull liuinges hauehave beene so deepely called in question: which if they had had, it could not hauehave beene so ill which the estate of the Church among vsus as already it is, and like to be daily more and more. And as Moses was nothing the longer staide in Aegypt, for that he would nothing yeelde heerein: so it may bee that ours hauehave so much the more hastned the ouerthrow of themselues and others, as they hauehave bin ready to yeelde, what prophane couetousnesse would not sticke to demaund. That Ibid. 28, 29.other wherein so readily he ioyned with him, was, when hee charged him to see his face no more: he presently telling him, that no more hee would; and then by and Ibid. 11: 4-8.by after opening vntounto him how it should bee performed, but nothing at all to his contentment. Wherein Moses had a particular knowledge whereon hee spoke; yet is there a generall warrant for all true Ministers, if occasion be in such sort offered, then also to do the like: namely, if the great men of the world grow to that loathing of them, or vntounto that indignation against them, that they abandon them from their presence, then, to giuegive them to vnderstand, that soone they may hauehave their desire therein, but to their confusion withall.
7. How in the end it was effected, wee hauehave deliuered vntounto vsus, first, in that which the Lord did in that matter on their behalfe; then, in that which was by themselues acknowledged. That which the Lord did in that matter on their behalfe, was, first to make the Egyptians themselues to let them go: then, to free them out of another danger of them, that himselfe did afterward bring them into. That whereby he made the Egyptians themselues willingly to let them go, was, that sudden death of all the first borne of men, & of the first bred of their Catle, throughout the whole Land of Egypt, to come vponupon them that night ensuing; but yet, that all the children of Israel should bee freed from it. Concerning which, wee are to note, first in what sort it was denounced vntounto him: then, how it was accordingly performed. In the denouncing of it vntounto him, wee are to note, that Moses doth so readily ioyne with Pharaoh, not to see his face any more, as Pharaoh then, in menacing manner, had forbidden vntounto him, that thereby it appeareth there was some speciall cause whereupon he did it. So are we first to examine, whereupon it may seeme that he did it: then hauing that ground-worke, in what sort hee did it. That, whereupon it may seeme that he did it, and the ground-worke he had vntounto it, was, as it seemeth, that God had now made him priuie what he would do: which was, that now he would so very speedily, and in such sort send them away, as that indeede it was not likely, that euer hee should see his face againe. For whereas it was now the fourteenth day of that month, when Pharaoh and Moses had this talke Ibid. 11: 4.betwixt them, and in such sort parted (for now he saide vntounto him, that the next night following should this plague be cast vponupon him) and it is plaine by that which followeth, that God had made him priuy vntounto it, before the tenth day of that present: hereby Ibid, 12: 3.it is likely, that of that foreknowledge of his, he was now so readie so to ioyn with him. So we hauehave something to note as touching this thing it selfe: then, somewhat beside, of another thing concurring with it. As touching the thing it selfe, it is to be marked, that although Moses himselfe had a particular knowledge thereof: yet he imparted not so much vntounto Pharaoh. That himselfe had a very particular knowledge of it, it appeareth in this, that hee was directed to hauehave the people in such a readinesse against that time, as that they had to make a quicke dispatch that night euen of their Supper. In that hee did not impart the particulars of that his Ibid. 11.knowledge vntounto Pharaoh, but onelyonly the effect or substance of it (which notwithstanding he then did deliuer verie plainly vntounto him) and vsed (that we read of) no speciall perswasion or entreating of him, in time to see to it: we are to note, that in many of the iudgements of God that are towards vsus, it may verie well be, that we also hauehave no more, but onelyonly a plaine denouncing of them, and no entreatie nor perswasion at all to auoide them; no, not of the best Seruants of God that are. That other thing that concurred withall, was, that the people were now also before hand directed, Ibid. 11: 1-3.to aske of the Egyptians whatsoeuer precious thinges they had that they liked; that so their long seruice not yet considered, might now at the length be somewhat better rewarded: and were assured withall, that they should readily obtaine what they desired. In the performance of it, we are to note, first how God prouideth for the safetie of his owne people: then, how hee powreth forth his wrath on the others. In that which was done for the safetie of his owne people we are to consider, what was therein appointed for themselues: and what for their children. That which was appointed for themselues, was for their safetie then: wherein, wee are to consider, what course was taken for the accomplishment of it; and how auaileable it was vntounto them. The course that was taken for it, was, that now by this occasion hee ordained and appointed vntounto them their other Sacrament, the Pascall Lambe: a figure of Christ, and sending vsus all, for all our safety, onelyonly to him. Wherein Exo. 12: 1-28.we are more specially to note, that whereas it might bee of either kinds of their smaller Cattle, that is, either Lambe or Kid (for the worde, with them, signifyeth both) yet needs must it be without blemish: and then to be vsed as was appointed. In that it must be without blemish, wee are giuen to vnderstande, that it is onelie Ibid. 5.the most holy and mighty God, in whom there was any safety to be found; and that they could in no wise be holpen therein, by men nor Angelles: all men being sinners by nature; and God finding some imperfection in his Angels also. The vse of it that was to them appointed, was first, but onelyonly for the blood of it: but then, immediately after, for the Lambe or Kid it selfe. The blood thereof, was to be sprinkled on the posts of the doores of all the Israelites, and they that were within, must Ibid. 7.be safe thereby. And true it is, that the blood of Iesus Christ being sprinckled in our hearts by faith in him, wee also are safe vnderunder that protection. The Lambe or Kid it selfe, that is, the flesh thereof must be not so idely gazed vponupon, or worshipped, but eaten: as we also must so feede on the flesh or man-hoode of our Lambe Ibid. 4, 8.Iesus Christ. But heerein are we more specially to consider, who they were that must eate thereof: and in what manner it must be eaten. As touching the parties we finde, that both all are called vntounto it; and yet, that exceptions are taken to some. In that all are called vntounto it, and vnderunder paine to be rooted out or cut off from among Ibid. 47. Num. 9: 13.the people, it is plaine thereby, that God will not hauehave the workes of his wisedome at any time neglected by any of his (especially, not so speciall a worke as this:) a thing that had neede to be better regarded, of all our Recusants and Non-communicants; and of all godlesse persons besides. The exceptions that are taken, are, first of Forraigners: then of the Israelites also. Forraigners were not to bee at all Ibi. 43-45, 48 Numb. 9: 13.admitted vntounto it, till first they were circumcised and so become Israelites by profession with the rest. Neither do our Sacraments appertaine vntounto any but onelie to those that are of the Faith, or professe themselues to bee Christians. When exception is taken to the Israelites themselues, as to some of them exception is taken: Num. 9. 6-12.so is there a remedie ministred vntounto them; and by that occasion, to others also. The exception that is taken, is vntounto those that are Legally vncleane: a plaine document to vsus also, that so long as we are in our vncleannesse, not repenting vsus of our sinne, or woonted corruption, in Religion or life, so long are we vnmeete to come to the holy Communion. The remedie that is ministred vntounto them, and by that occasion to others also, is, that both those that were then vncleane, and such as were in their iourney, should both sorts of them (on paine aforesaide) take the selfe-same day of the next month ensuing. A plaine and fearefull conuiction to those that so long absent themselues from the holy Communion, whatsoeuer pretence it may bee they hauehave to their owne contentment. As touching the manner of it, we are first to consider of the preparation that was to go before: then, of dispatching the thing it selfe. The preparation that was to go before was partly of that which was to be eaten: and partly of those that were to eate it. That which was to bee eaten, was chiefely the Lambe or Kid that now we speake of: but partly also, the bread that was to be vsed with it. The Lambe or Kid must not be sodden nor raw, but rosted with fire: and must bee whole, in no wise parted to seuerall houses; nor so much as one Exod. 12: 8. 9bone of him broken. And truely the Lambe of our redemption, Iesus Christ, was roasted indeede, being made the obiect of Gods Iustice and wrath for vsus: but is in Ibid. 4-46. Numb. 9: 12.no wise to be deuided, but to be eaten in one house onelyonly, and others if they will to come vntounto him, and to make part of that Houshold the Church, but hee to be diuided to none other. As also that we may the better see, that it was he that was thus prefigured, it is plainly noted, that not a bone of him also might be broken. The Iohn 19: 36.bread that was to be vsed there-with, might not be such as was most commonly vsed Exodus. 12: 8. 15-20.with them, and to the most part of men the most toothsome, which was such as was leauened; but vnleauened onelyonly, such as the most part little vsed, not so acceptable to most mens tast, and yet the daintier bread of the two: and this must bee vsed all the weeke following. Euen as we also comming to feed on our Pascal Iesus Christ, or professing him should not abide in our woonted mediocritie of zeale towardes God, and regard of our wayes among men, though that stand best with most mens liking; …t w… should presse to bee very singular in them both, a farre better course by many degrees: euen all the whole time of our feasting heere in Iesus Christ. In those that were to eate it, we find, that being to goe a iourney, they were to be accordingly prouided. Their iourney was, presently to depart from the Lande of Ibid. 31. 41.Aegypt, and to goe (by the Desart or Wildernesse of Arabia) vntounto the Land that God promised to giuegive them: as we also in like sort are, vponupon the eating of our Pascall Iesus Christ, to depart from all euill, and (by the Wildernesse of this World) to hasten to our true Sanctification heere, and to that most blessed estate which is already prouided for vsus in the World to come. Their preparation was, most of it ho…e they should bee furnished: but part of it also, with what speede it shoulde bee dispatched. The furniture also that to them was appointed, was most of it onelyonly for their better dispatch of the way: but part of it not onelyonly for it, but against the enemy too. That which was onelyonly for their better dispatch in the way, was, that theyr Ibid. 11.loynes must be girded; and their shooes on their feete: as we also are to take in …r affections vntounto the thinges of this Worlde; and to addresse our selues patiently to suffer, whatsoeuer commeth in the way of our calling. That which was not onelyonly Ibid. 11.for it, but against the Enemy too, was, that they shoulde hauehave theyr staues in theyr handes, whereby they might, both ease themselues so much the better in the way, and in some reasonable manner to bee able holde off the Enemy also: as we in like sort by the Scriptures may both ease and comfort our selues, when we begin to faint or bee weary; and very well repulse the enemy also. The speede Ibid. 11.that was to be vsed herein, was, that they must dispatch that meale of theirs in hast; so to be ready forth-with to be gone, so soone as opportunity thereto should bee offered vntounto them: as wee also should euer make a quicke dispatch of all our bodily necessities; that so we also might be in a readinesse to all opportunities, for better matters, the best that wee can. The dispatching of the thing it selfe, or spending of it, was ordained to be such, that they might not hauehave such respect to themselues therein, as Flesh and Bloud is wont to vsurpe; whether to feede our owne pleasures when wee come to the daintier meats: or in a kind of thriftinesse also to make store thereof. To preuent the former, there was order taken, that they should Ibid. 8.eate it with bitter or sower Hearbes: for the latter likewise, that they should leaue Ibid. 10.nought till the morrow (but take in of their Neighbours to help to spend it, if their owne Family were too little) so to preuent all miserable sparing in the worship of Ibid. 3, 4.God. How auaileable he made the same vntounto them, may sufficiently appeare, not Ibid. 13, 23.onelyonly for that the Lorde so promised; and Moses accordingly deliuered the same to the people: but also, for that the people are before-hand taught, so to acknowledge Ibid. 27. Ibid. 13: 1, 11-16.in the ages ensuing; and for that the Lord doth thereuppon claime the first borne and bred of the Children of Israel to bee his for euer after. That which was appointed for their Children, was, that those their Parents should teach them the mystery and meaning of it: as a matter of speciall moment; and eueryevery yeare, Exo. 12: 26, 27 13: 8-10at the time appointed, to be obserued. Wee also should teach our Children the mystery and meaning of our Sacraments, as matters of rare and singular moment, and neuer to be neglected by any: a course that in these daies were so much the more needfull, at eueryevery where we finde it too rife, that, for want thereof, notwithstanding that in our infancie (when we could not otherwise doe) we all receiued the one, yet many of vsus doe very much neglect, and others altogether refuse the other; a shreud probability, that if Baptizme were to bee againe receiued, those that make so light of the Communion now, would then make as light of Baptizme also. His owne people being thus set in safety before, hee presently thereupon so poured foorth that wrath of his vppon the Aegyptians, that there was not an house, wherein there was not one dead: insomuch that they presently got vppe; cryed out amaine; gaue the Ibi. 12: 29-36Children of Israell leaue to depart; hasted them forward; and gaue them whatsoeuer they asked, to be rid of them now. The danger that the Lord himselfe did afterward bring them into, was partly, while yet they were in Aegypt it selfe, but yet going out of it: and partly in the Red Sea when they left the Land of Aegypt. While Ibid. 37.yet they were in it, whereas from Rameses where they were, they had a ready way betwixt two Seas (one, on their right hand, and another, on their left) lying East-ward from them, it pleased God, not to carry them that way, being the vsuall and readiest Ibid. 13: 17, 18way, least if the people should be encountred with the Philistims that dwelt in those partes, they might so be discouraged (a good example to hauehave regard to those that be weake: and a good warning withall to the Children of the World, that they doe not rashly iudge of the gouernment that God vseth oft-times among his people; as the Aegyptians and Pharaoh himselfe shortly after in this thing did:) but …ed them cleane downe farther into the Land towards the South, along by that Sea side, that Ibid. 14: 3, 5.on the right hand came in vponupon them, where they set forward, which now they altogether held on the left hand onelyonly. In this their passage, it pleased God to vouchsafe them two speciall fauours: one, that hee gaue them the same extraordinary guide, by that Cloude and Piller of Fire; the other, that when they were closed vp (as it Ibid. 13: 21, 22were) in the Iawes of death, hauing the Red Sea before them, mightie Rockes on the right hand and on the left, and their Enemies pursuing vponupon them hard behinde, Ibid. 14: 1-22.and so closing them vp on eueryevery side, it pleased God now to open vntounto them miraculously a passage by Sea. Those in the Red Sea, were two others likewise: one, Ibid. 23-25.that he so lingered the Aegyptians Charrets and Forces, that although they hasted after them to ouertake them, yet they were neuer able to doe it: the other, that in Ibid. 26-28.the ende hee quite ouerthrewe them there in the Sea. A comfortable patterne for these dayes also, that whereas that iniurious vsurpation of Rome, hauing of late vnderunder their bondage those that are the more reformed Churches now; and diuers there be that feare, seeing it doth so hotly pursue them still, it will one day get them vnderunder againe: by this example (and by the course of Scripture besides) there is very good hope ministred vntounto vsus, that although they neuer so busily labour it still; yet notwithstanding they shall neuer hauehave their desire therein, no more then Pharaoh obtayned in this. That which themselues acknowledged, was, that vponupon this their deliuerance, sorting themselues according to their Sexe (Moses himselfe leading the Exo. 15: 1-21.Men; and Mary his Sister, the Women) they altogether, with Songs, Timbrels, and Daunces, gaue thankes vntounto God for those his mercies.