is es * “ay 3° —— A 4 * Ber? . AX pi . * J * az - ag os * —— = - 2 < * * - = \ ; “~~ >« tS > — —* ~ ~ _ * = - ~~ =. fh « Sa — A - . — — “= - — > “ewe ~ . = = _ - —— j -_ 7 ar ~— — a - = —— ~ A — — — — q — —— — — =, 7 — — — = = wie 2 = — > — — —— = — —— pe —_—~— ~ = : + “4 , Wi * Mas, nt 8 pe ares ee eae ‘ —9*— —— — * — — — Pi na 4 — —— 2k iene — 2 - - — Ca — * — * — Lae rf v] ey ob . 2) A Commentarie of | a vw) Fobn Caluine , vpon * iaaese the firft booke of Mote: cal- led Genefis : s : Tranflated out of Latine into Exiglifh,by Thomas Tymme Minster, eT TGES rd) > ¶Imprinted at Lon- don, for Johz Harifon and George Bifbop. 1 | Witte : \ 4 7 — lam N 9 » — — = ——— X Sy * af — Mee Tmo || fA i Se Se ef Re ey | Minutes aha —— SPS oR ARIES ED —— A) hae ea Tee sie Sh 77 uu Ailes ite —— A ie Re Bede elp SH | as Sey ee 8* = —* —— of 5 os 4 « J * * we > * —— hadi Al ——— — —— SQ AGS pee eh i a awe URE —— Taw : —— Ail eae pte — > “ ~ == Oa 7 fC P \ : : — * 8 A ⸗ 8* = — * * = 1 ORR — * — 14478) ° oe —————— (INE OP = rig nails Be i ae — 3 “4 a oak beet a a ah tt BB Sore Se f ne: — — Anno. — Bape mou al Ui ga ERY =e = uit gS > a | a =) Lit a To the right Honorable, my — good Lorde Ambrofe,€arle of War- wicke,Baron Lifle, Maifter of her maicfties Ordinance, Kusght of the moft noble order of the Garter,and one ofher highnefle Prnie Count, . And tothe right honorable: Ladie his wife, en= creafe of honour and true knowledge in MOAR IST eDRESVS: my | F the eApoftle Paule,(right hénorable)condemne the 326 | negligence of men,becaufe they behold not the ensdent 783 | [pectacle of the glorie of God whichis fet before their SD) eves in the workemanfhip of the worlde, by which they wickedly fuppreffe the light of trueth:no leffe foule and Shameful was that ignorance of the orginal and creation of Mankind which almoft in euery age and time fo greatly preuailed.T he which tgnorance immediately enſued the burlding of Babylon by the for- getting of thofe things which ought to haue beene dayly and howerly fpoken off . For at what time godleſſe men were banifoed from their natine foile and diſperſed, they therewithall abandoned the pure worlhip of God: Infomuch that to what part of the earth ſo euer they came,they had no care to bring with the that which they had heard oftheir forefathers , concerning the creating and repairing of the worlde . And fo it came to paffe,that no nation except only the poſte- vitie of eAbraham.kuew by the [pace of two thouſand yeares,either from whence or when mankind had his origmall. eAs for the labour which Prolome beſtowed in tranflating the books of Mofes into the Greeke tongue,it was at that time more laudable than fruitful: whe as the light which he went about to bring out of darkues,was newer atheleffe through the careleſueſſe of men extinguifhed. Whereby wee may perceine, that they which ought to haue endenored themfelues, tokuowe the workemaifter of the worlde’, fought rather by their vn godlmelfe howe they might be wilfully blinde and ignorant .In the -meane time the liberal Sciences florsfhed,mens witts were Jharpe & quiche greate paines eucry may was taken: and yet nothing was ſpo- ‘Ren ofthe crzation of the worlde. eArsftorle the prince of Philo ſo- phers,dreamed of the eternitie of the World. Plato,his meget er | G4 | hoo TheEpiftlee . —— foooting fomewhat more neere unto the marhe, wandered no with Randing fomewhat from the trueth. But whether they and allother nations with them,were wilfully blinde , or whether they were igno- rant through their owne negligence : this booke of Mofes deferueth to be effeemed as a moft precious Iewell , which certifieth vs not on- by of the creation of the worlde, but alfo, howe, after the mortall fall of man;God adopted a ( burch to him felfe:which was the true wore foip of bim,and with what exercifes of Godlineffe the fathers occu- pred them felues : howe,pure religion,through the wicked negligence of men was for atime decayed, and afterward reftored to her former fiate: when God made a free conenant of eternall faluation with a certeine people : Howe, of one man withered, and almoft halfe dead, there ſprang feede, which fodainly grewe into a huge people: and fi- nally, by what wonderfull meanes , God aduanced and defended his chofen familie, though it were poore and deftitute of al helpe, and ennironed with thoufands of enimies on euerie fide. Howe neceffarie the kuowledge of thefe thinges is, your honours by the vfe and experience thereof may deeme. Therefore, the eArgument being fo diuine, and accordingly handled by that not able inſtrument of gods Church ,lohn Caluine,(whofe workes proclaime his praife) and no comentarie upon the fame afore this time englifoed,l bane thought good tofet forth the famein our vulgar tongue, under your ho- nours protettion,that amore general profite being thereby reaped of my conntrie men it may bee fomewhat the farther from oblinion. And becaufe Iknowe what godly delight your Noble and vertuous Lady taketh inreading [uch bookes, I pre fume to ioyne her with your Honour herein,that others of her ſex hearing of ber honorable name, may followe her Godly ſteppes with like xeale in that religous exerci[e.For what Chriftian will not thinke it a Booke worthte the reading, which be feeth warranted by your names?T herefore partes ty the godly zeale found out in you by effett,and partely your honours courteous liking afore time of msy pains this way taken, harteneth me to adueture the offer of this poore prefeut, as a tohẽ proceeding from awell wifbing minde. Thus hauing bene too tedious unto your Ho- nourc, I moft humbly take my leane,befeeching the Lord God,to de- fend you both with his fhield,to ſuſtein you with inuincible fortitude, togouerne youwith his [pirit of prudence, and to powre upon you all mannor of bl. efjings ‘ Your honors moft humbl¢ ' * ‘Thomas Tymme. 3— a A Table alphabeticall, conteining ‘thofe thinges which are ptincipally to be noted! 1393 in this Booke. A — went out of his countrey by Gods commaundement. 261 Abraham was called by grace, 262 Abrahams thankfulnefle,, |. 272 Abraham a pilgrim, ie | Abraham was conftant in godlinefle. 274 Abraham aduentured his life to wor⸗ thip God. 275 Abraham is opprefled with famine.) / 2.75 Abrahams infirmitie. » 277.and 336 Abraham putteth on armour by gods appointment. 301 Abraham offereth tithes to Mel chife- dech. - 308 Abraham neuer founde righteoufnes but in faith. 321 Abraham toke not Hagar for fist luf. Abraham is' bind the father of re > Gentiles by faith. 356 Abrahams obedience... +)... 3:73 Abrahams houfe was wel ordred. 374 Abrahdm: maketh -intercefsion for the Sod omites. 324 Abraham was 60. yercs. —— Abraham doth homage vnto the king * of Gerar. | 457 Abrahams temptation. 472 Abraham mourned with meafure for « Sarahy> / 488 Abraham ped widotty a wife * I faac. goo Abraham dieth ina good age. · 923 Abimilechs obedience. 441 Abfolution Papifticall. as —* ae ——— aca * own nai 74 "Adare highly difpleafegh — 3 Adulterers fhalbe puniflied. Adulterie was punifhed in olde time by death. 758 Aduerfitic is more profitable to the godly. than profperitie. 64% Aff. tions of the flefh are. mortified by the holy ghoft, 137 Ambition is the mother of rebellion, 93 Ambition, 242 Ambition an olde WRG 296 Anabaptifts confuted. 225 Angels are miaifters of the wrath and . fauour of God, 413 Angels are our defence as Gods mic nifters. 664 Anger banifheth reafon, 288 Apottacie in Adam. . 93 Appatell ought not to exceede, 119 The Arke builded. 185 Aftronomie 1s not to be condéned. 39 Babel builded. gag Bargaines muft be made by charitie, 361 Barrennes of the earth commeth of » our finne. Re ee pe Baptifme fuccedeth —— 366 Baptiſme may not be contemned. 368 Beaftes are punifhed for mans ma Beaftes.are moltiplyed by Gods bike fing. 217 Beaftcs ate giuen for Sede to man. , 219 ‘Beautic is nottobedefpifed. 170 Beautie & vertue are to be linked toz gether in choife. 170 Beautic is often times dearly bought. » tye ae 766 B b th with it bane, cautic bringe vith i Lom q.1)), The Table. Bloodthed eryeth for vengeance.r4¢ Buriall hath euer ben vied. 489 Buriall of the deade, is an argument of the refurrection. 719 Buyers and fellers ought to obſetue equitic. 493 C “Caterpillers & noyfome beafts came by mans ſinoe. $3 Caine and Habell were twinnes. 125 Caines anger is vniutt. 135 Caines vathankefultneffe. 135 Caine a vagabonde, 143 Caines ambition: 149 Caroall copulatié is one of the fruits of fione. 125 Ceremonies are vaine without the ſpirituall worfhip, 272 Chaftifementis Gods medecine. 115 Chaftitic is ourcleanenefle. 695 Chaunce doth not direct vs,but gods prouidence, s10 Cham a fcorner. 229 Cher ubins and their fignification.122 Children are the bleſſing of God 450 - §27.and 617 Children ought not to mary without the confent of parentes. 5 4.503. and | 694 Chrift prefigured in Adam. 76 Chrift is our treafure. 97 Chrift maketh our obedience accep- » table to God. 131 Chrift was the laft prieft. 305 Chrift appeared often times vnder the - forme of an Angell. 382 Chrift is figured: by Jacobs Ladder Chrift came of the tribe of Iudah.750 Chrift is not glorious concerning the ficth. - 750 The Church hath weake procedings. 17 God hath a Charch alwayes referued for himfclfe. 153 Chriftians haue no fellowfhip with infidels. 698 Concupifcence corrupteth the fight of Eue. . ot Contempt of parentes punifhed, 23 Confeflion of-our fianes obtaineth pardon. 3386 Contraétes ought to be with the cons {ent of both parties. 514 Confeſſion ought to be vnfained.160 Contention betweene the reprobate and the clect. sf stes.4s 989. Conctoulnefle is infatiable. Circumfition is called gods couenant 361 Circumcifionis a figure of mortifica tion. 365 Cuſtome is a daungerous cuill. 14% and 181 D Dayes naturall and artificial), 35 Death is horrible for divers caufess r Death is the end of miferies. is Death is the laft line. 17 Death belongeth vnteall men. 16% Death is ioytull through hope 330. Death is the common Jot of all men. 523 Death is aduantage by Chrift. 752 Delperation is the reward of too Jate repentance. 144 Diuorces ouzht not tobe made for light caufes. 9d Diflimulation ought to bee auoided. 745 Difsi ulation begetteth errour. 823 Diuifion of tongues is Gods iuft pu- nifhment, 248 Dronkennes isafilthy finne. 27 Dronkennes punifhedin Lot 430 Dronkards degenerate from reafon. 228 Dreames reucaled the will ofiGod in old time. Ti 4g E The Table. pee 48 E The Earth made fruitefull hy God.33 The Earth is fubiectvotomas. 47 The Earth is accurfed for Adams fake. Itt Eareringes,were badges of fuperftiti- on. 712 Eleétion hath euer had aduerfarics. $33 Election is the firtt originall of holie nes. 34 Electiõ depẽdeth not vpõ works. $77 Elect and reprobate. §37 Enuic in Rachel. 622 Ephraim was by grace preferred bee = fore Manafscs. 877 Er the fonne of Iudah deflroyed.750 Efau taketh a third wife. §93 Excommunication of Adam. 120 Excufing of faultes is our wont. 103 Excufes are fubtillie made by the wic ked, 139 Excufes may not helpe in iudge | _ Ment. 140 Exteroal| and internall worthip bees long vrto God. 272 Externall confefsion is a companion of faith. 712 Euill muſt be reũſted at the ſiſt. 431 F Faith purifieth mens hearts 130 Faith iuftifieth freely. 130 Faith isthe free gift of God. 130 Faith and feare muft be linked toges thers 183 Faith is the feafoning of al facrifices. 210 Faith is confirmed by fignes. 26 Faith ftandeth vppon Gods promifes. 255 - Faith is oftentimes tryed. 292 Faith is imputed for righteoufnes.318 Faith by the merite thereof doth nog iuftifie. 316 Faith and a pure eonfcience cannot be feperated. 35$ Faith is our victorie. 473 Faith faileth when the promifctaia leth. 47 Faith hatheuer fome imperfections. 508 Faith is the difference betweene (piri- tuall and carnall fonnes. 53% Faith keepeth vs withia our limmits. 548 Faith is not without feare. 667 Faith hath her propertic. 27% Feare of death commeth by nature. 11⸗ Feaſtes are lawful. being withour exe ceſs e. 455 The Flood a generall puniſhment of all mankinde. 147 The Floode camein the {pring time, 193 Fornicators are blefsed with generaa tion to their farther deftructio .47 Fornication defileth vs. 695 Fullocfse bringeth forth fercenes.s 5% G Gentlenes fome time cauſeth cruels tic, 63 Generation is included in all liuing things. 4! God would haue man to be tépted.97 God is prefent euery where. 100 God ftriueth to bring men fo repene tance. 174% Godis more mertifull in {paring, than feverein punifhing, 233 God c6maundcth not without a pros mife. 255 God protectcth his feruants, 288 God is difpleafed with finne. 292 God neuer forfaketh the Godly. 410 God givech without meafure. 418 God can do nothing conjrari¢ to his will, 420 q.iii. God The Table, God (aueth and dcfiroy thwhome hee wall. * ; 96 Nase God is with v$many wayes. | 463 God is the giver of all good thinges. ssg.and 687 God neuer Ste ge his children of their hope. $99 God wrefteleth with man by tentati- “ons. pee TS God remitteth finnes without reſer⸗ ’ ging any part thereof. 883 Gods prouidence. 834 Gods promifes are moft firme. 726 Gods merci¢ and truth are linked to= ether. 669 Gods worde paſſeth all the benefites of this life. ' 554 Gods longe fufferance in fparing fin- 906.5 ners, 331 Gods children neuer wantenemies, 267 Gods worde ought to be the warrant * of all our 5s tions: | 209 Gods worde ought to hauchis digni- - tie. Gods fufferaunce was the caufe of al dams fall. 85 Gods great care for man. 45 Good workes of them felues are nor acceptable ynto God, 139 Good Workes,ate imperfect... - 195 Good intents are not without 40.336 Giants in the earth. 174+ The Giftes of God are to be reueten⸗ cedin his creatures. . 401 The Giftes of God are taken from vs » when we doabule them. 718 Grace is free and dependeth not ypon merites. Grace and arewarde will not agree together. 483 H Hagar comforted in affliction, 344 Hatred iscontrarie toloue, 6 17 ‘Hardacs of harte is worle than — 194 . deled luft. eae Heuah was made of mans ribbe. 76 Heuah was made fubieét- vnto —* Heuah ſigniſieth the rancher of life. #18 Henoch was ftrangely tranflated.163 Honettie perfwadeth not fo muchas profice. 699 Hope maketh death — 330 Hofpitalitie is the cheefe woorke of charitie. 378 The Hovfholdes of -the faithfull ate churches. 365 Houfholdes muftbe brought yp in the feare of God. 39.5 Hipocrites feeke to excufe their faule by blaming Others. 44t Hipocrites make mofte accompte of earthly blefsings. 132 Hipocrites are moft daungerous when » they defire freendly conference. ny ——— worſhip God in Outwarde fhewionly. : 27% Hiftories are profitable to be known. — | Ge Tacob & Efau ftrive in their mothers: wombe. 2 VED §28 Iacob was chofen by mere grace 530 Jacob getteth the ble{sing by difceie. §73 facobs vifion. 595 Iacobs rhankfulnes, 60} [acob confecrated a ftone. 602 Jacob fhunned Idelocfle, ; 6it Jacob taketh Leah and Rachel tobee his wiues. 616 facobs afflictions. 9 Jacob prayeth for Pharao, 855 lacob bleſſeth lofephs fonnes. 876 Jacob dyeth. * 909 idelnefle condemned.» 68 Idolatrieas naturally in mane 648 ‘Adolaters haue alway) acloake., 652 Image The Table. Image and Similitude wich their * ference. The Image of God is —232 in man 44 Immortalitie of the ſoule. 441 Impaciencic preventeth Gods pro- uidence, 33 Imitation of the Fathers is petillous. 616 Imperfe tions i in-the belt mens 570 Tofidelitig!is the roote of falling £6 God. 7 Infidelitie. begetteth difobedience 103 Jofamy 3 is put aay by vertuous lite. oid §47 Infantes Sying Witheut circumcifion were vader the’ promſe. Integritie of the heart is the chiefeſt ‘part of righteouſneiſe. 180 Aaſtrumeatet of wicked are punithed. (Jo —— of Artes * gift of God. 1jt Tnuocation is 4 priticipal point of the worfhip of God... > 156 Incefte bettie Lot & his daughters. 426 deivsies: ‘may not bee.recom penced » with Iniuries. | 634 Jofeph i is fould for moneys 742 dofephes temptations. 766 Ioſeph was indued with the gifte of prophefie. . 776 Jofeph was aduanced to honour.794 Jofeph maketh himfelfe — to his brethren... Ifmael temporally bleffed. 3 4. ca Tfaac receiueth the conenaat. 372 Ifiac was circumeifed. 452 Iſmael playeth the {corner. 4532 Mfmaels pride punifhed. 4st ‘Maac is c6maunded to be killed. 475 Afiac was verie rich, 4952 ‘Tfaac giueth thaalees vt voto God, ..553 ‘Ufracl a Prince and ruler, t 2 Yara 367 . Knowledge ofall men is defired. 99 —— without God is accurled. Kings courtsare full of corruptions, 279 F Labouri is mitigated with ioy. 112 Labor of the hands — not belong to all men. . 13 Lameches crueltie. 153 © Lawes are to bee obeyed for conſci- ence fake. 34% Lawfull ſwearing. G02 Leshs thankes gnaing, 617 Leuy defiled with bloud: 2701 Light was before the world was fur- hilhed: feo peB Light without Gispia or — 29 Libertines’ errour. 63 Life without God,is death. “ ) Life of the!Lawe. tafe —— is the —— of deaths: ogi Liberall artes proceeded from * uen. — —— not be gottẽ by dean 3482 Lot is faithful to his ouektes., “d Lottes wife turned: into a⸗ al falte. Lot feekinga Paradife found hele 2 * Loue of our felues ouerthroweth es | quitie. 9 612 Long life is the gift of God... . 75% Luft of the flefhis reftrained by Maz riage. ‘90:47 M Manis a paterne of Gods wyfedome ' 42 Man is the image of God. 45 ‘Mans original] leadeth him to, con corde. 46 (Mans life at the firſt. 7° q .v. Man- The Table: Mankiride fhall conquer Sathan. 109 Mans thoughts are corrupted. 213 Man ought not forbid the rife of gods gifts, — 220 Man compared with God is moft vile. 398 Mans foule is immortall. {24 Mans life is a conrinuall warre. 674 Mans lifeis buta pilgrimage. 856 Manicheus error. 85 Men naturally excufe their faltes. 9 Mens mindes are in the hand of God. 658. 683 Mechifedech bleffed Abraham. 302 Melchifedech a king and a prieſt. 303 Meichifedech a figure of Chrift. 304 Mſeties leadevs torepentance. 116 Minifters ought to be prouided for. 86 2 Mothers muft giue their childré fuck themfelues. 454 The Moone borroweth her light of the Sunne. 36 Moone is leſſe than the ftarre Satura 38 Mourning at funerals. ote Murder is the frute of malice. 238 Murther is knowne by one meanes or other. 138 - Murthercricth for vengeancee 141 Murther fhalbe punifhed. 221 Murther may be committed without bloodfhed. 740 Martherers are not heard of God.147 Mules were founde out by Hanah. 727 Muficke is of it felfe camendable. 152 N Nakednes the caufe of fhame. 102 Nations are conquered for their finns 338 Noah was preferued by Gods free mercic, 180 Noahs conftancie. 181-199 Noahe temptations. 189 Noahs obedience. 190 Noahs drunkenneffe is punifhed with perpetual] fhame. 228 Noah carricth the Lords leifure. 208 Nobilities originall. 175 Nouatus error. qu Othes, and their end. 561 Obedience: moft acceptable to God : 102 Obedience better than facrifice. 128 Obedience in Abraham. 265 Obedience in Abimilech. 44t Onan finneth in corrupting his feede. ‘ 75+ Oracles are not at this day to be loo- ked for from heauen. $29 Origioall finne. 9s.and 213 Originall finne poffeffeth all the parts of mansbodicand foule = 102» } P Papiftes are Ifmaelites. 460 Parents are to be honored. 229 Pacience hath her fruite. 14% Paradife and the fituation thereof. 58 Pelagius error. $4 Peace in death is Gods blefsing. 330 Peace putteth away contentions. 839 Peace ought to be inſued. 657 Peace of con{cience commeth by the woord of God, 556 Perills are to be auoyded. 544 Perfeucrance ought to be in the faiths full. 276 Platoes error. 38 Plaics and games are daungerons for virgins. 694 Poligamies original. 150 Punifhments are blefsings. 908 Pofteritie is the gift of God, 684 Pouertie bringeth diverts commodie fics. 55° . Prayer The Table. Prayer matt be grounded vpon Gods Reprobates are ewer in extremitice. worde, 417 144 Prayer mutt bee fubiect to Gods will Repentance belongeth not to God.t78 §06 Reft or fabath, whach was the ſeuenth Prayer and faith muft bee ioyned to- day. s.and 4 gether, 669 Reft {pirituall, is the mortification of Preaching of the Gofpellis effectual. — the fleſh 5§ §78 Reft commeth after long traualle.q<9 Prognofticators abufe the {cripture. Righteoufnes of faith. 318 35 Righteoufnes of the handes,what ir is, The Promifes of God encourage vs to 438 yelde obedience. 187 Riches are the blefsingofGod. 631 Profperitie maketh men dronken. 313 Riches bring troubles with them, 550 Profperitic commeth from the Lord. Riches bring enmitie betwene freods, 46-4 286 Profperitie and aduerfitie are often= Riches area let to many in their cals times 1oyned together. $50 > lin 284 Profperitie commeth of God and not Rulers ought to be chofen for their by fortune. 764° vertues. - 793 Private profite cloaked with acom= S mon welth. 699 | ; Pride is the handmaide of ynbeleef . Sacraments hauc their effect. ixt | . 651 Sacraments and the worde may not be Pride at funerals exeeedeth the pomp ſeparated. 225 in mariages. 250 Sacraments are helpes vnto faith. 362 Pride begetteth contempt of God.t75 Sacraments & the worde mutt be ioy⸗ ned together. 362 R Sacrifices and their firft original]. 128 Satyts. 55 The Rainebow was before the floud- Sathian caufeth wedlock to be defpifed | 226 7? Rachell an idolater. 649 Sathan was not created with other cre- Rachell dieth in trauell of childe. 7138 © atures. | $3 Rebecca vied difceit by a rath zeale. Sathan made the ferpent to fpeake. 26 559 Sathan at the firft vieth flacterie. 90 Rebecca was barren foratime. 526 Sathanisanenemie toall men. 109 Rebellion againft he prince, is rebel- Sarah in daunger of defiling. 280 ' lion againft God. 298 Sarab polluted the wedlock bed. 336 Rebellion againft the prince is intol- Sarai is named Sarah. 369 lerable. 343 Sarahsage,death,and buriall. 486 Reconciliation ought not to be refus Scorners hurt more than bodily per- fed when our enemies defire it. 561° fecution. 456 Reprehenfion muft be vfed with mo= Seruetus error. 23 deration. 833 Serpent was only the diuels mouth. 82 Reptobates haue not true repentance. Serpents ought to put vs ia minde of 580. our fall. 106 Scth id J — ‘The Table. Seth was borne a-finner after the e fich. 161 Seruitude andthe original therof.270 Seruants ferrftrife ofté times betwene » their Matters. 288 Securitie is'a mortal] euil. 414 Seuen Sacraments in the papafiesgs2 Seruileand free in the Church. 459 Signes and the word muſt be ioyned together. | 8 43. Signes, and theyr vic. 225 Signes confirme faith. 226 Sinnes are not greater of lefle accor⸗ ding tothe outwardfhewe. 94 SinnejcSmeth not by imitation. 9§ Sinne prouoketh God. 178 Sinne caufeth yntemperate weather. ipa - / 2 arg Sinne without the bridle of Gods:fpi- rite increafeth. ' 229 Siane crieth inthe eares of God. 392 « Sinne of ignorance and of wilfulneffe. 43? Our Sianes ought euer to be before ° eyes. - 887 Simplicitie of the heart whatitis.458 Shame infued Adams fall 99 Slaunders happen to the beft. 652 The Sodomits outrage, 4095 Sodome was deſtroied by miracle.421 Societie may bee had fometime with the wicked. $21 Sorrow bringeth vnthankfulnes, 718 Sorrowe and {ubiection layed on the woman. 110 Sonnes of God in deede and in name. 170 Soule of manimmortall. | 424 The Spirite of God , fufteineth all thinges, 238 Spiritual worship is the true worthip. 131 The Sunne and Moone bring double profit, 30799 Sufferance of inigries endeth ftrife. so aby — Superftition forgeth Gods. 273 Superftition hath preuailed inal az ges. 99D 0? music! soe Sig 649 Superftition and difdaine are linked together, © 6) but 828 Swearing is gotten by cuftome, 805 Swearing lawfull'and vnlawfull. 02 “f Temperance ought to bein wedlock, "170 Tentations of two fortes. 473, Tentations belong to Gods ‘flocke. 738 Tentation of Adam,why: 84 Thankes giuing to God for his bene- fits. 9 pres 209 Thank(giuing the beſt factifice. 513 Thamars vaile condemneth whoree dome. 756 Three degrees in mans creation, 58 Theeues are afearde of euery mans face. 3901 143 Threateninges of God drawe men to repentance. J 4460 Tree of life a ſacrament. 62 True obedience. 265 Tyllage was comaunded by God.i27 Tythes and their end. ~ 607 Tyrants are Nemrodes. 241 Vv : Vaine {wearing prouoketh God to wrath. 310 Vertue is more precious than beautie, . 613 Viral fpirit. ) licds@ Vifions and dreames reuealed the wil of Godin old time. 439 Vifions and their end. 554 Vnfeafonable weather is the punifh- ment of finne. : 114 Vothankefullneflein Caine, 9 236 Vothankefulneflein Hagar. 339 Vowcs The Table, Vowes lawfull and ynlawfull, Vowes papifticall. 60 Vprightnefle is required of Goddes children. < 353 603 Ww Warre is often times taken in hande for priuate gaine. 309 Waters ouer our heades are fhut vp with the fluces of Gods prouie dence. Wedlocke was ordayned by God. 75 Wedlock doth nor feperate children Ww ° from their parentes. 78 Wedlock commended. 160 Wickednefle being ripe , God puni⸗ fheth. 393 Wickednes infueth the want of gods feare. , 443 Whooredome in Iudah, 756. Whooredome was punifhed in olde time. by death. vst 4 Whordomes punifiment in this life is fhame. 77 Womé are too proud in apparel. 509 Woman is ordeiaed to bea helpe and ftay of mans life. Iu Wordlinges liue with the deuill. 165 World is not eternall. 28 VVorld without forme. 27 Worde of God giucth power of bee ing toall creatures, 34 Word giucth life to the Sacraments, 97 VVorkes are rewarded by God of faz uour, 483 Workes without faith are finful.130 Wilde beaftes are brideled from hur- ting vs. 21g Windes and waters obey God. a0 Whues may not rule their hufbandes too far, 77% FIN IS. ERRATA, Page. Line. Fault, Correfion, Page.Line. Fault, Correction, $3 13 left — left 135 4 Matures nations 60 35 fonne . fonnes 217 12 this thus 97. 16 haft haft 267 29 befaide maybe faid 109 26 hafting ~ halting 273 9 chy the 184 34 ine Pine 286 34 he it 139 26 them him 427 37 theyare they are not 189 26 bef laſt ~ 443 14 fAincercly ſiniſterly 395 36 Wwascom= wyasnot cu- rates SARE adh ITED, | BAD iy. o0) a0 5.0 ON” $7f. ae . Te egiestshie skasieeWl RS 2 custome LW eae J eae ee — BLOW —— amie amg swodtier Sho7V vor ~ il Ke qoixg soovtigot © daontgebodto 1 MONY “ev seth, TuODUy nal Mz or gt ether § o noun $3; dab vena Mois IW ot * a AK — X bolded be — aye vial * —— om Sev notbiida prarogel 100 dob — auou, | §2 fy 2103369 voile ai pte dial wodtiwaIOW qa ec vvabet D——— — nou belabiid a12 eaieo7 ane sini bo, , 24: LE aioe " losin Li dale —— — — dod terla rine wr bawest “itt non totter sd —— uae — tiad) lit ion FMAM gap Stee; —— {Tuas — Bie da lla! J— ean — th —— Bee oor | ar: AES ——— coi —— — | Be Rh} * 6) Wat: at 8b O88 Ge Hye NE Nth YY Torral ee oA s > . * of 5 a As Pies 5 * SG THE AA RGV MENT. To tte ots Ff 17 — Eing the vnſpeakeable wifedome of God doth fhine inthis wonderfull woorkemanfhip of heauen and earth, the hiftorie ofthe worlde created cannot, according to the worthinefle thereof, be fufficiently handeled. For fo Fender and fhallowe is our capacitie,that ve cannot comprehende fo great lar ge- neffc of matters: much leſſe can our tongue make a full and perfecte declaration ofthem. But ashe deferueth praife, whiche modeftly and reuerently exereiſe him felfe in the confid eration of Gods workes,al- though he atteine to leff€then were to be wifhed: cuenfo if I, according to my abilitis fecke to helpe others in this kinde of exercife, I trufte that my endeuour will be no leſſe allowed of good men, then the fame fhall be ac- cepted of God. Ithought it goodto make this enterance for my cxcufe : but withall alſo to admonifh the Readers to brin g with them,a fober,trac- table, gentle, and humble fpirite, if fo be they will profite- well with mee ‘inthe meditation of Gods workes. Wee beholde the worlde with our yes, wetreade vpon the earth with our feete, wee feele with our handes an innumerable forte of Gods workes, we fmell a fweete and pleafaunt ſauout of hearbes and flowers, weinioy a huge heape of giftes, and’benefites : but there is fuch an infinite reach of the power , — and wifedome of ‘God in the verie fame thinges Ly BEM 5 we haue knowledgé¢, as amazeth and aftonnifheth all our fenfes. Therefore let men content them felues, if they haue a fmall tafte according to their capacitie . And we mufte fo runne to this marke,during the race of our whole life, that euenin our extreame olde age we repent ys not of our going forwarde, how little focuer we bee entered into our race. . -Mofes began his booke atthe creation of the worlde with this purpof, that in the beholding thereof he might fet God as. it were vifible before our eyes. But here certeine peruerfe heades buſſe them felues,and {cormng - Jy demaunde, from whence, this was reucaled to Mofes? Therefore they hi nke that he telleth a tale of certeine ynknowen matters, bycaufe he was _ meither.a beholder of thofe thinges whiche he fheweth , mor yer hath lear- ned by reading that they eit - Notwithftanding their yngodlineffe may eafily be puttofilence. For if fo be they therefore doe difcrediré this hiftoric, Gicautfe itis fetchte from a long difcourfe of ages and times :they hall alfo ouerthrowe the prophefies, whereby he forefhewed the verie fame thinges which happened fo many ages afterwarde . Thofe thinges,1 faye, _arecuident and plaine,which Mofes teftifieth of the calling of the Gentiles: _the fulfillin —— was almoſt two thoufande yeares after his death. _Could not he, which by the holy Ghoft, forefawe a matter which fhould be done in fo long time to come, vnderftande whether the worlde were created by G ODor no, {pecially he being taught by a heatenly (Choolemafter}For “he doeth nor vtter_here his owne dreames: buthe isthe inftrument of te holy Ghofte, to publifhe thofe thinges which were neceffaric to be aah efallmen . W ercas it eemeth ab rde vato hens, chat in his time at i “ ») 18 Gene. 18. AB. THE ARGYMENT. Lift the order of the création was by hint defcribed arid declared, which bes fore was vnkaowen:they doe therein groffely erre. For he hath not brought to light chinges neuer heard of before: but he was the firft chat committed to writing thole thinges ,whiche fathers by the {pace of many yeares had fer euer to their children, as it were by tradition,from hinde to. hande. Doe we thinke that man was fo placed in the earth, thar he coulde be ignorant of his owne original, and of the beginning of all thofe thinges which were giuci vato him? There isno manoffounde iudgement thatwill doubte, ut that Adam was well inſtructed concerning all thinges. Burwas he afterwarde dumbe? Werethe holy patriarches fo ynthankfull, that they woulde burie in filence fo neceflarie a doétriné ? Did Noe becing ads monifhed by fo notable a iudgement of God, negleéte to commit the {ame to pofterities ? Abraham is exprefly named to be a teacher and an inftru€tor of his houfholde, And we knowe, that when Motes was farre off, yet nots withftanding the knowledge ofthe couenauntmade withthe Fathers was commonly vnderftoode of all the people . For he doeth not reueale any thing as newe, whenhe fayththat the Ifraelites came of a holy ftocke, whiche G O D had chofento him felfe : but he onely fheweth that which all men knewe,whiche the olde men themftlues had receiued of their grandfathers, and whiche was amangeft them without all controuerfe . So that, we ought not to doubte, but that the creation of the worlde asit is here defcribed, was Knowen before by the olde and Fepetaalt tradition of the Fathers. But bycaufe there is nothing more readie ,then for the truth of GOD tobecorrupted of men, that it may as it were degenerate from it felfe in longe continuance oftime: to the ende a pure and fincere hiſto- tic might bee reteined, it pleaſed the Lorde to committe the fame to wri- ting. Therefore Mofes confirmed the credit of that do€trine, which he pur in writing , which otherwife by the lightneffe of men might haue bene for- 5* . Butnowel returne againeto the purpofeof Mofes, or rather to the purpofe of the holy Ghofte, which fpake by hits mouth. Wee knowe not God, which is inuifible,but by his workes . . Therefore the Apoftle Heb. ts. 3. notably calleth the worlde, thinges whiche did not appeare . This isthe reafon why the Lorde,to call vs to the knowledge of him, fetteth before our eyes the workemanfhip of heanen and earth,and makethhim felfe af- Rom.t. 20 ter a forte to be feene in the fame.For his eternall Diuinitie alfo and power, Pial. 19. 1. fhineth therein, as fayth the Apoftle. And moft truce alfo is that faying of the Prophet Dauid, that the heauens though they haue no tongue, are pro- clamers of the glorie of God:and that this excellent order of Nature in be- ‘ing filent crieth out, howe wonderfull his wifedome is. This is fo much the more diligently to bee noted, bycaufe fo fewe vnderftande the right wa to knowe Gof and many ftaying them {clues vpon the creatures, regarde pot the Creatour himſelfe. For men for the moft parte haue thefe two ex- arcame faultes , namely, that fome not regarding God, applie afl their witte and vnderftanding to ig confideratié of Nature:and otherfome neglefting the workes of God,are carried with foolifh and mad eurioſitie to feeke out elleace Both dy amills . Te be occupicd in the fearching out, fai ree Pes . . 4 THE ARGYMENT; Sey thou art kept from beholding the author, is diligence il beftowed:but to en= IY soy Nature in cache condition and part, & not to acknowledge the author ot the benefite, istoo filthic ingratitude. Therefore, they whiche without godlineffe fearch out the caufes and natures of thinges , and by {peculation remouc and feparate God, and the fenfe of — farre from them, fhall one daye vnderftande the meaning of Paules wordes, whiche Luke re- Ad. xg. ry, porteth , how that God neuer lefte himfelfe without witneſſe. For they thal not eſcape vnpunithed, bicaufe they were fo deafe and fenfclefle,to conceive fuch manifolde teftimonies. And they which in no place fee God,who cuer where giueth fignes and tokens of his prefence,declare them ſelues to be wil fully ignorant.But although {corners doc nowe * by their cauills,their horrible iudgement fhall one day declare, that for no other caufe they know not God, but bicaufe they are willingly & maticioufly blind.Astoa- ching thofe which doe proudly pafle ouer the worlde, and ſecke to finde God in his bare eflence, it-can not be but they mufte needes intangle them-~ felues at the laft with maoy abfurde imaginations . For God which other~- wilt is inuifible, hath after a forte put vpon him the image of the worlde, therein to offerhimfelfe to be feene of vs. They which vouch{afe notto be- holde in the fingular figure of heaven and earth ſuck excellencie,fhall afe terward through their doting errours fuffer iuſt punifhment for their proud contempt. Wherefore, fo foone as we heare with our eares the name ofGod, or fo often asthe cogitation thereof commeth in our mindes, let vs apparell himalfo with this beautifull exceilencie and furniture:and let the world bee vno vs 2 fchoole, if we-defire to knowe God aright. Hereby alfo their wic- ~ kedneffe is-duerthrowen, whiche barke againft Mofes, bycaufe he fheweth thatthe world was made in fo fhort a compaſſe of time. For they demaund what moued God fo foudénly to create the world:why he was fo long idle imheauen: and thus fcorningto their owne deftruction,they exercile their witte . The aunfwere of a certeine godly man is fet downe in the Tripartite hiftorie, which I cuer allowed .. For when a certeine wicked dogge ſcor- ned God in ‘like manner, the fame made aunſwere, that he was ‘not then f- dle, bicaufe he had made and ordeined hell for curious perfons . For by what reafons fhalrthou fatiffie their peruerfe frowatdnefle to whome ſobri- etie iscontemptible and hateful 2 And verily they whiche do fo liccntioully reioyce in vexing and difquieting the reft of God , fhall feele through their great wickednefle his eternall force in preparing bell fire. As touching ws , itought not to feeme fo abfurde a thing vnto vs,that God being conten= ted with him lf, created the worlde no ‘id r, whereofhe had no néede, then whenit fo feemed good vnto him. And feeing his will is a role of all wifedome, we ought to contente our felues with the fame alone. For Au- guſtine truely ſathe, that the Manicheis are iniurious vnto God, in thit they require a further caufe then hiswill. And very — * he admo⸗ nitheth that we ought to inquire no more aftcr the times paſte finding out, then after the diftances of places. We are not ignorant that the circuite and compaffe of heawen hath his bounds and limites, and that the earth is laced inthe middeft of the fime as arownde ball. They which are offended, that God creaged the worlde no fooner, may as well debate the matter with > Bij. v * ticb. 1% 3. 1. Cor. 1.21 THE ARGVMENT. = why he made not aa innumerable fort of worldes. And bicaufe they account this an abfurde thing, tharmany ages haue pafled without a world, let them knowe that this is great corruption of their nature, bicaufe 1n comparifon of the exceeding greatnefle,which remaineth —* and emptie, heauen and earth haue but avery little (pace. But bicauſe both the eternitie of times, and alfo the endleffenes of the glorie of God fhould be a double Labirynth, let ys content our felues with this modeftie, that we defire notto proceede further then the Lorde calleth vs, by the guidance and direction of his wor- kes . And whereas I make the worlde as a looking glaffe, wherein. we muft beholde God , Lwoulde not haue-it fo taken, as though either oureyes were of fight quickeenough to beholde that, whiche the workmanfhip of heaven and earth reprefenteth : or elfe thar the knowledge whiche maye be had thereby , maye fuffice to faluation. And bycaufe the Lorde calleth vs voto him without any profite by his creatures, fauing that wee are made thereby inexcufable : he hath added ( as it was-ncedefull) a newe remedie,or atleafte wife he bath holpen the rudenefle of our witte by an other helpe. For by the Scripture,our guide & {choolemaiftrefle he doth not onely fhew yato ys thofe rhinges, whiche otherwife we fhoulde not knowe, but alfo doth almoft conftrayne vs to beholde the fame: no leſſe then dimme and thicke fig hted eyes are holpen with fpectacles. And here vnto, as we haue haue faide alreadie, Mofes driueth his argument. Forif fo be the dumbe iuftrument of heauen and earth were fatficient, the dodtrine of Mofes were {aperfluous . Therefore bere commeth a cryar, which ftirreth yp our atten- tiueneſſe, to the ende we may knowe , that we are placed here in this world to behold the glorie of God : and that noronely as wimefles, but alſo that we may enioy all rhofe riches, whiche are here offered ynto ys: cuen asthe Lorde hath ordeined and appointed them to our vfe. And he doth not ones ly general ly affirme,that God is the creatour of the worlde: but alfo thew- eth throughout the whole hiftorie, howe wonderfull ishis wifedome, his’ goodnelle, his power, and {pecially his great carefulneffe for all: mankinde urthermore , fecing the euerlafting woorde of God is his liuely and ex- preſſe image,he calleth vs therevnto. So thatis brought to pafle which the Apoftle teacheth, how tharit is no otherwife vnderftoode but by faith, thar the worlde was made by the worde of God. For faith properly groweth of this , that we beeing taught by the miniftcric of Mofes wander not nowe in foolithe and vaine{peculations: butdoc beholde the true and onely God in his proper image. Notwithftanding it may be obieéted, that the do¢trine of Paule is not agreeable with this,when heefayth: Seeing the wozlde by wwifedome, Knewe not Godinthe wiſedome of od, it pleafed Godby the foolifhnes of preaching to ſaue them that beleeue. For fo he giueth ve to vnder{tand, that God is fought in vaine by the guidance of vifible things: and that there refteth nothingels, but that we come directly ynte Chrifte. Therefore we muft not begin at the elements of this world, burat the Gol» pell , which fetreth before vs Chrift alone with his croffe, and holdeth.ys im the fame. | aunfwere, that in vaine they feeke knowledge in the workeman- fhip of the worlde ,except they be fuch as being humbled already with tha ' | preaching THE ARGYVYMENT, preaching of the Gofpell,haue learned to fubmitte their whole witteand yn= 21 derftanding of minde to the foolifhneffe of the croſſe, as Paule tearmeth it. We ſhall, fay , finde nothing neither aboue nor beclowe, whiche Lifterh vs vp fo far as vnto God, vatill Chrift haue inftructed ys in his ſchoole. And this thing can not be, except we beall firſt plunged in the deepe gulph of hell, - & be carried out of the {ame by the charriot of his crofle aboue the heavens: that there, by faith,we may comprehende that,whiche the eye neuer fawe, theeare neuer hearde, and which atnotime hath entered into our heartes b}COt-tp & minds.For the carth is not there fet before ys, which may yeald to ys fruit for daily fuftenance,but Chrift him felfe offereth him felfe vato vs to eternal life : neither doth the heauen through the brightnes of the Sunne & ftarres illumine our corporall eyes,but the fame Chrift the light of the world,& the Sunne of righteoufnes fhineth in our mindes:neither doth the ayer giue vs a vaine {pace to breath, but the {pirite of God him felfe doth giue — anda quickening power ynto vs.To be fhort,there the vifible kingdome of Chrift occupicth all thinges, and his {pirituall graceis powred vpponall. But this letteth not but that we,applying our fenfes tothe confideration of hea- uen and earth,doe from thence alfo defire thofe things, which confirme vs in the truc knowledge of God. For Chrift is che image wherein God hath not onely his breft to be feene, but alfo his handes and his feete. By his breft l meane that fecret loue , by which he embraced ys in Chrift. And by his handes & feete I meane thofe workes, which our eyes beholde. So foone as we are departed from Chrifte,nothing is fo grofle or ſinall, wherein we muft not of necefsitie be deceiued. Alfo Mofes, although he begin in this booke at the creation of the worlds yet notwirhftanding,he doth not ftay vs in the fame. For thefe thinges alfo oughtto be ioyned therewith , that the worlde was made by God, and thar man, after he was endued with the light of vnderftanding, and adorned with fo many priuileges, fell by his owne faulte , and fo was depriued of all thofe benefites, which he had obteined : alfo,that through the mercie of GO D he was reftored to the life which he had loft, and that through the benefite of Chrift;that there might be alwayes fome remnaunt vppon earth, whiche ha- uing hope of eternall life,might woorfhipG O D vppon truft of the fame. And this is the feope of the whole+hiftorie,that God hath fo faued mankind, that he hatha {peciall care for his Church. For this is the argument of the booke: that after the worlde was created, . man was. placed as it wereon2 theater or ftage, who beholding from aboue and beeneath the wonderfull woorkes of God, might reuerently woorfhip the authour. Secondly, thar all thinges are ordeined for mans vic , to the ende he,being the more bound vnto God, might addié him felfe wholy vnto the obedience of his lawe and will. Thirdly, that he was endued with vnderftanding and reafon, that hee differing from brute beaftes,might meditate and thinke vppon the betrer life: and that he might go the right way vato God, whofe image he bare, After this followeth the fall of Adam,whereby he feparated himfelfe from God, whereby it came to paffe that he was depriued of all perfection. Thus Mofes de(cribeth man to be voide of all goodneffe, bliade in minde, . Y, Seer riot Bl peruetle THE ARGYMENT. peruerfe in heart, corrupte in euerye parte , and vnder the guilte ef cternall death . But ftraite after he addeth the hiftorie of the peau where Chriftfhineth with the benefite of redemption.Herevpon he fette foorth ynto vs both the fingular prouidence of God in gouerning and de- fending his Church , and allo commendeth vnto vs the true woorthippe of God: declareth wherein confifteth the faluation of men : and exhorteth vs by the examples of the Fathers to the inuincible fufferance and bearing of the crofle. Whofoeuer therfore will rightly profit in reading this booke, let him thinke vpon thefe principall pointes. And fpecially let him note, that after Adam by ad all deftroyed him felfeand all his pofte- ritie , this is the foundation of our filuation, this is the originall of the Church,that we being taken out of moft deepe darkenefle, haue through the mecre grace of God obteineda newe life : that the Fathers throughe faithe are made partakers of this life, euen asthe fame was offered vn- to them by the worde : and thatthis woorde was founded vpon Chriftes alf that now by the fame promife of faluation,whereby Adam was lifted yp and comforted inthe beginning, allthe godly which liued afterwarde were fatteined . Therefore that the euerlafting fuccefsion of the Churche fprang from this founteine, that the holy Fathers imbraceing one after an other through faith the promife offered vuto them, were gathered into the houfholde of God, that they might be’ all partakers of lifein Chrifte. This ought diligently to benoted, tothe ende we may knowe what isthe fellowfhip of the true Church,and what is the participation of faith among the fonnes of God . Seeing Mofes was appointed tobe a teacher of the Ifraclites, there is no doubt but that properly he had reſpect vnto them, to the ende they might knowe that they were a people elected and chofen of / God : and that they might fetch the certeintie of this adoption from the co- uenant, which the Lorde had made with their Fathers: that they mighte knowe that there was no other God and that there was no other trae faith.’ But he would haue this felfe fame thing al {0 to be declared through out all ~ ages,that whofoeuer will woorſhip God aright,and wall be counted mem- bers of his Church, muft follow no other way then this which is here fhew- ‘ed. And as this is the beginning of faith, to knowe that this isthe trae God: whome we worship: fo itis no {mall confitmation of the fame, that we are- fellowes with the patriarches:bicaufe as they had Chrift to be the pledge of their faluation,when as yet he wasnot come: fo let vs alfo holde: fafte by God , which reuealed him felfe a great while ago yntothem. Hereofallo’ - we may gather the difference betwene the pure and lawful worhhip of God, and all falf and forged woorthippings, which were afterward deuifed and - inuented both by the fraude of Sathan and alſo by the peruerte pre- fiimption of mea. Moreoucr we mutt confider the gouernment of. the churs che,that the reader may be afcerteined thar’ God hath bene alwaves the ke- per and preferuer of the fame t notwithttanding fo,thathe hathvexercifed-it ynder the warrefare of the crofle:And here the proper exercifes of the church. few foorth them ſel ues: and we haue a race fet before our eyes as it were’ ina glafls,wherin we ought ro rune witli’ the holy Fathers vhto the marlẽ of bleffed immortalitie. Nowilet-ws heare what Mofes faith. the f — «THE FIRST BOO = -of Mofes comnionly called _Genefis, q CHAPTER, 1; ts N the beginning GOD created the heauen and wf the earth, 2 Andthe earth was without forme and voyde, sand darknefle was: vpon the dcepe, andthe Spi- = 84 rite of God moued vpon the waters. oi ge Phe God fayd; Let therebe light: and there was light. 4. Atid God fawe the light that i it was good, and God fepae rated’ ‘the ight from the darkenefle, ¢' AndG OD calledthe light day, and the darkbneffe he — night. So —* euening and the morning were the firft ay ,<2 a9 2 ng Againe God aide \Beeahere bea — * in the mid- deft of the waters:and let it feparate the waters from the waters. 7 Then God madethe firmament, and parted the waters, which were vnder the firmament, from the Ww aters which were } ‘aboue the firmament. And it was fo. 8° And:God called the firmament heauen ‘ So * euening the morning were the ſecond day. 9 “God faydeag avaine , Let the waters vnder thie Heauen be gathered into one place, ‘and let the drie landeappeare. And it wasfo. | 10 ‘And God called the * land, Earth, and he called the gathering together of the waters, Seas and God fawe that it sbood. IIb ny! aa 1 Then God fides Let the orth bud: forth the Pree sii B.iiij. 23 IGHN CALYVINE * J 4 of the hearbe that feedech feede, the fruitfull tree which bea- reth fruit according to his kinde, which may haue his feede in it felfe vppon the earth. And it was fo. i2 And the earth brought foorth the bud ofthe hearbe that feedeth feedeaccording to his kinde, alfo thetree that yeeldeth fruite, which hath his feedein-itfelfe according to his kinde: and God {awe that it was good. | 13 Sothe euening and the morning were the third day. 14 And God fayd, Let there be lightes in the firmament of the heauen, to feparate the day from the night, and let them be for fignes and for feafons,and for dayes and for yeares. i5 And let them be for lightesin the firmament of the hea- uen, to giue light vppon the earth. And it was fo, | 16 God then madetwo great lightes: the greater light. to rule the day, and the lefle light to rule the night: he made alfo the ftarres. : 17 And God fet.them in the firmament. of ths heauen, to fhinevponthe earth, 6 ssc > othr NR See, 18 And torulein the day and in the night, and to feparate the light from the darknefle: and God fawe that it was good, 19 Sotheeuening and the morning were the.fourth daye. 20 Afterwarde God fayde, Let the waters bring foorthin abundance cuery creeping thing that hath life:and let the foule flie ypon the earth in the open firmament of the heauen. _ 21 Then God created the great Whales & cuery liuing thing and mouing, which the waters brought foorth in abundance according to their kinde,and euery fethered foule according to hiskinde :and God fawe that it was 200d. 22. Then God blefled them faying, Bring foorth fruit and multiplie, and fill the waters in the feas, and let the foule mul- tiplicin the earth. 1— by bine 23 So the euening and the morning were the fifteday, 24 Morcouer God faide,Let the earth bring foorth the li- wing thing, according to his kinde, cattell ,and that whiche creepeth,and the bealte of the earth,according to his kinde: and itwas for) bow Lae: 19 211940 iorl}5907 Sees 2g And God madethe beaft of the earth according tohis kind,and the cattell according to his kindé,and euery tree ping thing VPON GENESIS, thing of the earth according to his kinde: and God fawe that it — * 26 Furthermore God faid, We will make'man in our imace according to our likenes, and let them rule ouer the fith of the fea, and ouer the foule of the heanen, and ouer the beaſtes, and ouer all theearth,and ouer every thingthat crecpeth and mo- uethontheearth. ide) oe iat cas 27' ' Thus God created theman inhis image 3 in the image of God created he him: he created them male and female. 28. And God blefled them :and God fayde to them , Bring foorth fruite and multiplie, and fill the earth, and fubdue it, and rule ouer the fithe of the fea, & ouer the foule of the hea- ucn,and ouer euery beaft that moueth vpon-theearth . (29°! And) God faide, Beholde, I haue giuen vnto you euery hearbe bearing feed,which is vpon al the earth,and euery tree, wherein isithe fruite of a tree bearing feed, that fhall be to you formeate. 9)... go. . Bikewifeto euery beaftof the earth,and to every foule of. the heauen, and to euery thing that moueth on theearth, which hath life in it felfe,euery greene hearb fhal be for meate. Andit was fo. i eh aided ju. And:God faweallthat he had made, and lo it was very good. So theeueniag andthe morning were the fixt day. voThe Commentarie of Maitter —— Nobn Caluine. ei [In the beginning.) ¥ is to frivolous € baine to expound this wove (beginning) of Chꝛiſt. Foꝛ thisis the fimple pura pole of Votes ,to ſhewe that thie worlde, as it ts to be feene at this Dap, Was not fintthed ſtreight after the beginnina, but that it wasicreateda doyde and confuled heape and mirture of heauen and earth. So that his fpeach may be in this wife refolucd:Gahen Oodinthe beginning created heatten and earth, the earth was emptie and veide . And'bp this tew2de (created) heteacheth that the fame me, made, which * not u tag | | v. — odre. “© . 25 26 IQHN* CALVUNE: before, For Boles vſeth not tho Hebrue worde, which ſignifi⸗ eth to faſhion 92 to foꝛme, but fo make, o2 create. Wherefore thefenfe ts,that the wo2lde was nade of nothing. Whereby their banitic ts onerthzowen, which think that the wold was a matter alwaves without foꝛme, and gather nothing elfe bp the narration of Moſes, then that the twoz2lde was newly ane orned, and framed with that forme, which t wanted before, Dats twas a common imagination in olde time among hea⸗ then nen, toboonelpobfcurely and. darkelp hearde the fame thereof: according fo the maner of men, who falfifte the truth of God with ſtraunge imaginations . Wut itis very abfurde and not tollerable for Ch2ifian men fo labour i in detending this filthi¢:errour, as Steuchus doeth. rhe wo:ld »y. -Bherefore let this be-the: firll fenttence, thatthe worlde is $netce ernall. tot eternall: but that it was created of God. Where is no dout but that be calleth that.confufed heape, beauen ¢ carth, tobts che aftertwarde be nameth the waters The reafon is, bitauſe that matter Was the fade of the! vohdle worlde. And this ts agenerdll partition of the woꝛlde. God!) Moles vſeth the Hebeue worde Gods in the pluvall number; ‘BAhereby fore haue gathered that bere thze perfons are nofed to bein God. ut vycaule this femeth fo me not fo bea founde pofe of fo areata matter, J will not Land bpon the worde. WBut the reas bers are rather tobe twarned, thatthey refraine from ſuche violent ¢ rackte gloſſes. They thinke that thep haue teſtimo⸗ nie againſt the Artians; fo proue the dininitie of fhe Sonne and of the ſpirite: and inthe meane fime they fall into the ers rour of Sabellius:bycauſe Moſes addeth freight after that Elo⸗ him, 02 God fpake, and that the Spirit of Elohim, 02 of God, refted vpon the waters: If any mã like to haue p th2e perfons noted, there Hal beno diftincion of them. Foꝛ ut ſhaltollowe bath that the ſonne was begotten of bun felfe, and alfothat the ſpirite is not of the Father but of him ſelfe. It fufficeth me that the plurall number (Gods) foundeth the potwers of God, Which he declared urcreatinethe worlde. And the Scripture, JF confelle,toonghit reckoneth vp smmany- powers of God: pets notwithſtanding it alwayes calleth vs/ to the Father, to bis: tdlozde,,and fo the Spirite,as alſo we ſhall fe anon,» Mut thofe abfurditics which ¥ bauc touched do ay bs from to2els ting VPON GENESIS.,. : ting ſubtily fo the perfons,that tuhiche oles hath more ſim⸗ - 7 ply p2onounced of God bunfelfe, And J put this without cons trouerfie , that Ood ts termed bere according tothe circum⸗ tance of the place,by fuch a title as might expreſſe bis power, Lobich befoze was included after a forte in bis eternall eſſence. 2 (And the earth was without formeand voyde.] % it ers pounding thefe tivo Epithetes( without forme,and voyde) twill nof be ouer curious, The Hebrues ble them, twhen they note any thing to be emptie, voyde, confufed,and nothing worthe. Whereis no doubt butithat Molſes oppoten oꝛ (ct bothe thefe againt all creatures, whiche belong to the fozme,beautic,and perfection of the woꝛlde. Let bs, ¥ fay, take away from the woꝛld all thofe things which afterward he wil adde:then thal Wwe haue the fame, arude, vnfurniſhed, 02 rather a deformed and confuled beape of matter, Wherefore ¥ place that which be bath added freight after,bolw that darkneſſe was bpon the face of the deepe, in parte of that confufed boydeneffe : bicauſe the light began fo giue fome ſhewe buts the worlde. After the fame manner be calleth the depe and the waters, becaufe in the fame beape there was notijing. founde 02 fable, nor any thing diftinet, [And theSpiriteofGod.] 4nterp2eters haue diuerſly weeſted thes place; Sortie hereby bnoeritande the winde the tubiche is focolde,that tt needeth not any refutatte on, Otherſome hereby vnderſtand the eternall ſpirite of Gon, the whiche is well: but all men vnderſtand not the meaning — Of Poles his woꝛdes Whe barictie ofinterpeetations com⸗ meth of the WebsucParturwle; Ifosemee.| I will firk hewe what Moles meancth in my iudgement. Mohaue beard, that before God created the worlde, tf was a vaſt and rude beape. Now he teacheth that the power of the ſpirite was neceſſarie in ſuſteyningthe ſame. For this doubt might come to minde, how a diſordered heape could ſtand: when as weſee now, that the worlderis preſerued by a moderation and temperature. Therefore he ſaith, that the fame maſſe, though it were difor Dered, was fo2 a time made ſtable and firnte by the ſecrete effi⸗ cacie of the fptrite, sow, there are two ſignifications of the Pebsueworde; which belong to this prefent place: either that the fpirttok Goo mouedoe ſtirred it felfe upon the waters,(to xxerciſe bis ſtrength:) o2 elfe that be reſted vpon gemt ſuſ⸗ eine Pfal, 104. L9. Scructus his crrour. IOHN CALVINE feine then, Becauſe it doth not creatly belong fo the ſumme of the matter whiche of thefe thou doeſt chofe :let the ticader take that which liketh him belt. Wut af that confufion of thinges had neede of the fecrete infpiration of Ood, leat it ſhouid by and by decay : how ſhould fo fatre and diſtinct an 022 per ſtand of it felfe, except itreceiued frength from another 2 Wyerefore this faving mu needes be fulfilled, Sende foorth thy ſpirite and they fhalbe made,and thou {halt renue the face ofthe carth: Guenas on the contrarie parte; fofone as the Lode taketh alway bis {pirite, all thinges turne and pale ta duff, 3 [Then God faide, ] Nowo Moles bzingeth in God here to be the firft ſpeaker, as though-be had created the maſſe of Heauen and carth without the word. Wut John telkifieth that none of thoſe thinges, whiche were made, were made Without if. And itis certeine, that by the fame efficacte of the fy02d, the world Wwas begonne, by which if twas perfected : buf Ood did not res ueale bis worde but in the beginning of light : bpcaufe in diſ⸗ tinction bis wiſedome beainneth to be ſſene. Whe whiche one thing alone is (ufficient to confute the blaſphemie of Seruetus. Whe filthie dogge barketh here, that this was the firſt begin, ning of the worde, uhen God conunaunded that there ſhoulde be liaht. As though the cauſe were not befoze the effect. And fing by the worde of God thoſe thinges had their beeing fous — denly, which were not before, we mult rather gather the eters nall eſſence thereof, Wherefore the Apottles iuſtly prone the diuinitie of Chit hereof, that he being the woꝛd of Con, all things were created by him. Seructus imagineth,that there was a new qualitie in Oon when be began to ſpeake. But we mult thinke farre otherwiſe of the two2d of God, as pit is the wiſedome refting in God, and withont the whiche Gon could neucy be : the effect notiwithikanving tobereof appeared; when thelight was created, [ Lettherebe hight. IIt was neceflas ric that there ſhould be light, befo2e the worlo could be fo excel⸗ lently beautified and furnithed : and this allo twas the begine ning of the diſtinction. And tobereas the light twas befo2e the Sunne and the Pone, the fame twas not fo appointed with⸗ out caufe and gw@dconfideration, Foꝛ we are not moze readic to VYPON GENES Irs, to any thine, then to tpe the power of Gon to inffrumentes, 29 whoſe minilterie and ſeruice be vſeth Lhe Sunne and Mone gine light vnto vs. Tle thꝛough our opinion include fuche force in them, that.if they be taken out of the world, there map feeme to reſt no light. Therefore the Lorde in the verie order of the creation, tettifieth that be hath the light tn bis hand,the God can which he can giue vnto vs without the Sunne 02 Weone, And * lighe itis certeine thatthe light was fo created, that darknettes had |e. alſo their courfe andturne, But it may be demaundedtwhe- or Moone. ther light and darkenelle tere thoughout the whole woride interchaungeably 02 by courfe : 02 whether they had the halfo circle of darkeneſſe, when the light Hined in another place 2 ‘But there ts no doubt but that the ſucceſſion was interchan- geable : pet tobether the day was euerie where at once, and the night enerte where; 3 leaue vntouched, for that it isnot ſo neceflaric fabe knolwne, : 4 [And God fawe the light.) oles bere fetteth before bs the confideration tobich Ood had of his woꝛke with delectati⸗ on, But this he doth fo2 our fake, fo the end we might knowe, that God hath made nothing, Without fome certeine reaſon and counfell, And it is not mete that we fo vnderſtande the words of Moles, as though be then began to knowwe that bis woke Was god, tuben the fame was finiſhed: but the fenfe is, thatthe twozke which we nowe bebolde, is appzoucd of Gon . Tuhereloꝛe this onelp reſteth vnto vs 5 that we fap our (clues bppon the tudgement of God, And this ts a verie pofttable admonition. F 02, whereas man ought to bende all bis fenfes to emb2ace the twozkes of Ood, we fee howe areate libertie betaketh to him felfe in (peaking eutll of them. ¢ [God called the light,], That ts to ſay, God would that there Hoult be fome interchangeable courfe of days ¢ nights, the which alfa by ¢ by followed, when the fir dap had an end. Foꝛ God toke alway the beholding of the light,thatthe niabt might begin another pay. Motwithfanding, that which Mo⸗ fes ſapeth may be turned tivo wayes : either that there was the eucningand the mozning of the firft day ;o2 elle that of the euening and mozning the firtte bay Was perfeaed. Cb che focuer of thefe tivo thou chofelt , makety no * m e 5 ITOHN CALVINE 3 fer concerning ‘the fenfe : For be fimply meaneth,that the bay was confitting of tive partes, And be beginneth the aay at euening according to the vſuall maner of his countrie. But if perteineth nothing to our purpoſe to diſpute whether this was the belt and moſt conuenient order. Me know that darks neſſe was befo2e time: when God withdrewe the liaht be dia ſhut vp the day. J doubte not but that the mofte ancient Fae thers baue follotned this reaſon, who accompted the evening appeothing.to be the end of p day, and the beginning of the day follotuing : howbeit Moſes, in this place, went not about fo make a Late, the breache whereof thoulde be greate wicked⸗ neffe, but as is ſayde alreadic, be framed bis fpeache to the cus ſtome receiued. Wherefore, as the Jewes folifhly condenine all the reafons of other inen,as though God appointed this as lone: cucn ſo in like maner are others vaine babblers, in af⸗ firming,this o2der to be p2epotterous, which Moſes commen⸗ beth here. ¶ The firft day, }Bere their erroz is manifeftly cons futed,tobich woulde haue the world to be made in a moment, Foꝛ tt ts to violent a cauill, that Doles foxintrucions fake, bitributeth all thofe thinges whith he made atwonce pinto fire dayes. Wut rather God himfelfe,to applic his workes tothe capacitic of men, twke vnto himfelfe the (pace of Tire daves. We lightly paffe ouer fhe erceeding glorie of Gov, which thi- neth bere : whereof comnieth this, but becaufe we are ta dull fo confider bis qreatnefle? In the meane time the vanitie of our mind carrieth vs another way . To cored this vice God vſed a motte apfe rentedie, when he diſtinguiſhed the creation of the worlde info cetteine degrees, to make bs the moze at: tentiue. To cltablith this imagination, a place ts verie igno⸗ Eccle.18.1. rantly cited out of @cclefiatticus : He whiche liueth for ever made all things together. Foꝛr the Gꝛeeke Aduerbe now! , whi⸗ che he bfeth bath no fuche fianification : neither is it reſerred to tutte,but to the generalitie of thinges. 2 * Or ſptea ¶X Let there be a firmament. IThe woꝛke of the ſecond dap diag ouct. ig this voyd ſpace thꝛoughout the compatle of the earth, that there might be a diuifion betweene beauen and earth. And ſee⸗ ing by thele words, ( In the middeſt oꝛ betweene) the extreme confuſed heape is noted, we ought qreatelp to eilceme <1 diſtin⸗ ’ VPONGENESIS. Diftinttion. Alfo;the Hebrue worde doth not onely comprehend 33 the wholerecion.of theatre, but allo whatſoeuer is ouer vs, ninth fometime is taken of the Latines fo2 Heanen, » Whus the difpofition of heaucn and of the aire is agnerally calleda Spreading over: the which fometime fiqnifteth both at once, and ſometime butane of porge tas Mall better appeare in that Which follotweth, so” jo Pfal.r04.4 » GSothis Spreading. ouet , , Dawid allaneth when he faith, that The Lorde fpreadeth out the heauenslikea cortaine, 3f any man demaunde whether this voydneſſe was not firfte: J anfinere, How fo euer all thinges were not repleniſhed swith tuaterss pet notwithſtanding now firtk of all the diftante twas | ordeined, whereas before there twas acdifojdered confufton . Moles erpreffeth a lpeciall ole, that he may put a ‘difference betiveene waters and waters : of tubich wordes there arifeth a great Doubt . Foꝛ tf ts againſt common ſenſe and altogether incredible, that there are certeine tuaters aboue the heauen. Wherefore fome runneinto an Allegorie, and interpret the fame of Angels: but very diforderedlp. For this is to me an vndoubted principle; that Moles fpeaketh herconcly of the biftble forme of the wozlde ; let them that lift learne Altrolo⸗ gie and other ſecrete Aries elſewhere. The purpofe of the’ ho⸗ lie Gholt in this place was, fo teache all men generally with⸗ out exception: in fo muche that the ſame which Gregoric pꝛo⸗ nounceth of pictures and images falfiy and amiſſe, truelp bee longeth tothis biftoue of tbe creation, fo that it is bake bes longing euen fo rude and fimple idiotes. Therefore, whatſoeuer things be ſpeaketh of, they belong to the beautifull furniture of that theater tubiche be ſetteth ‘befoze our eyes, Wiberebpon ¥ affirme,that fuche waters are bere vnderſtod, as the rude and vnlearned alfo may bebolde. Foꝛ whereas fome fay, that they’ doe imbace by farth, that ‘thing which they reade bere concerning the twaters whiche are aboue the beauens, howe ignorant foeuer of the fame thep be, itis not apperteining to pᷣ purpofe of Moles, Anoto fearch further fora matter that ts mamfett and apparent, 1s ſuper⸗ -flnous We fee that the clouds which bang in the aire are fo pla ced oucr our beads, that they leaue vnto vs place of so iv cP 5 TOHN> CALWVINE 2Cher Which denie that this is w2ongbt.by the: wonderfull pronidente of Gon, are: vainely puft vp with the vanitie of theirowne witte. We knolwe that the raineis naturally ins gendered : but. Noes floud fuffictently declareth, howe fone Awe ſhallbe ouerwhelmed with the force of the cloudes,if fo be The wa- » the finfes 02 flondgates of heauen were not thut by the hande itcts ouc#r sucheads Df God. And not without cauſe the Pophete Maud recko⸗ ar hut vp. neth bp this among bis miracles, that He layeth the beames of — —— Pfal.3 3.7. by the flu* his chambers in thie waters,and in another place be calleth bps tot pon the heauenly waters to praife God. Sæing therefore cdence. Sad bath created the cloudes, and hath placed them far aboue Pial.104.3° 085 it ought not to be pretermitted ¢fo2gotten, that they are _ Batten by the poiver of God, left they being polw2ed downe, do violently ouerwhelme bs, and {pecially fering thep haue no⸗ (thing fetagaint them fo reffratne thei, but the liquid and waniching aire, whiche woulde cafilp gine place, onlefle this woꝛde pꝛeuailed, Let there be afpreading ouer among the wa⸗ ters But to the wo2rke ofthis day, Doles hath not adden this mote, howe that (om ſawe that it was god: peraduenture becaule the p2ofite thereof was not petertant, vntill the ‘waters of the ¢atth were come into their proper place, the which was done the laſte bay : and therefoze tt 1s there twiſe repeated, eb , , : . 9. {Let the waters vnder heauen be gathered into one place.J This alfois anotable miracle,that the twaters by their der ‘parture, bane giuen place of inhabiting onto men . Foꝛ the Philoſophers alfo will graunt, that the waters had thetr nae turallplace, when as Moles ſayth here , thep coucred and o⸗ uerwhelmed the whole carth. Firſte, bycauſe the water is an glement,it muſt be circular, that is, routide compaffing.and becaufeitis amoze weightie element then the aire, and ligh- ter then the earth, it ought tocoucr the fame by compalſing it round about, alfo wheras the waters of the fea being bought into beapes giue place vnto men, tt is as it were fupernatus rall:and therefoze the Scripture in this point oftentimes commendeth the gwdnefte of Gov: Hehath gathered the wa- ters of the fea together as vppon an heape, and layeth vp the depthes inhistreafures, Feare ye not me,fayth the Lorde, eT ‘ue wi Jere. 5.22 V PON’ GENESIS. © | will yenot beaftaide atmy prefence, whiche haue placed the. ° fande for the boundes of the fea;by a perpetuall degree thatit cannot pafle it,and though the waues thereof rage, yet can not they preuaile >, Who. hath! (hut vp the fea with doores,wliett it iſſued andcame forth,asout of the wombe's'when I made the _ cloudes,asa couering thereof) and ‘darknefle as the {waddling bandes thereof: when I ftablifhed my commaundement ypon it, and fet barres and doores# arid fayde, Hitherto fhaltthou come, but no further; iandshere Mall it (tay thy proude waues? Let vs knowe therefore that ive. dwell on the dey parte,be cauſe God hath remoued the waters by his commandement, that they might not dꝛowne tie whole earth. ; . nt [Let the earth bud foorth, Hitherto the earth was naked and barren: and now the Lone with his worde maketh the fame fruitefull. Foꝛ although it was alreadic appointed to bring forth fruite: pet ndtwithſtanding ontill a nee bower poceeded from the mouth of God; it was meete if ſhoulde res lob.38.8. maine derie and voyde. For the fame was not nafurallpaptto . . bring forth any thing : neither div tt ‘beginne to budde vn⸗ tillthe mouth of fhe Lowe twas opened, Foꝛ that which Da⸗ uid ſpeaketh cf the heaucns , ought alfo tobe erfehdé vnto theearth: how that the fame was made by the worde ofthe | . Lode, and all the hoatteof them by the beeath of his mouth, Andin that hearbes and tres were made before the Sunne and More, if came not fo to paſſe by chaunce. Wie fe that the carth is nowe made fruttefull bp the Dunne, Df the which o2¢ der ofmature Dod twas not ignorant, which alfo he afterward ordeined: but tothe ende we might teferre all thinges bate him he gaue no effice atthat time to the Sunne ¢ Bone, He giveth bs leaue to acknowledge the force which be giueth vn⸗ fo thent, euen as he vſeth their feruice: but becaufe we are Wont to attribute that to their nature, which they haue front anotherzit was neceſſarie that the ſtrength ahd power which they feme to giue nowe vnto the carth,fhoulde be before they were created. With our tongue we confeffe that the firft caufe is (ufficient enough of it felfe, and that tt hath middle and in⸗ fertour canfes : but in verie Dede Wwe imagine that Cod is impotent and laine, vnlelle be be holpen by the fame: , —* 34 'TIOHN CAL VINE" ¥ what is he that reacheth bepond the Sune, toben he confides reth the feuitfulneffe of the earth: Therefore that thing whieh we haue ſaide was done of God by depe confideration , was moꝛe then neceſſarie: as we may learne by the very o2der of fie creation, howe that God worketh by bis creatures, not as one that Candethin nave of the helpe of others,but bicaule fo if pleaſeth him. When he ſayth, Let the earth bud foorth the bud of the hearb, that feedeth feede,the fruitfull tree which beareth fruitet be gineth to pnderftand, that not onely bearbes and frees were then created, but alſo that they both bad the power of propagation and ingendering giuen onto them, that of them there might {pring forth others. Wherefore bicauſe wwe fee daily that the earth noth powee fo2th of her Lappe vnto vs riches in fuch plentifull wife , bicaufe tue fee that bearbes doe beare feede, and that the fame fede beeing conteinedin the bofome of the carth, is nouriſhed vntill it ſpꝛinge fo2th, and that fome trees doe ſpring forth of other fome : we mult note The wor- that all this commeth of the ſaide worde. Jf therefore we des de of God Maund, Bow if commeth to paſſe that the earth is fruttfull, giucth power of cing to all crea - Gures. that the bud fp2ingeth from feede, that fruits conte fofull ripes neffe, and that things of ail kind. feaue increaſe bebinde them every peare: there Mall no other canfe be founde then this, but bicauſe God bath ſpoken once, thatisto fap, be bath vttered bis euerlaſting decree: but the earth , and thole thinges whi⸗ che poceede from the fame, peeld obedience ta the conunandes ment of Ood which they alwayes heare. _14 [ Let there be lights in the firmament.) ofes paffeth ta the fourth day, wherein the farres tere made, Firſte he had created the light : but notwe be appointeth a newe order of nas fure,that the Sunne might bea continuall giuer of liqht, and that the Bone and Starres might thine bp nighte. And hee attributeth this office onto them, that tve may knowe that alt creatures ſtande at bis twill, and erequute that which be coms maund2th . Foꝛ Poles reporteth no otber thing, but that God had apointed certeine inftruments,twhich gaue that light by their courfe and turne which was alreadie created before, SL his ts the onlp difference,that the light twas difpertt befoze, wheras now it procecdeth from lightfome and thining bodies, sath Wwhiche — VPON GENESISUO' 5 which fo this vie and purpole obep God. To feparate thie day 7 F © from thenight, ) Be meaneth the artifittall vay, which begins 31) and neth at the rifing of the Sunne,and endeth at the letting of the arificiall. fame. 302 the naturall pay, of the tubiche be made mention before, conteineth in it the night. Herby thou maiſt gather that the turnes and interchaungeable courfes of dayes and nighs tes (halve alwaves continuall : bycaufe the woꝛde of Cov, which would haue the days to differ from the nights, moderas teth the courte of the Sounne to this end yf And let them be for fignes, ] We mutte note this , that Doles docth not curts oullp diſcuſſe ſecret mypfteries:but repoꝛteth thole things twht- che are knowen even tothe ruder forte, and are in common A double ble, And there is a double profiterecciued bythe courfe of the prof re- Sunne and Done: the one is naturall, the other belongeth to —* Py ciuil o2der . Under nature 3 compꝛehende alfo tillage. Foy fp althougbe folvinge and reapinge require the arte. and in⸗ suone duſtrie of men: pet notivithfanding this is naturall,that the « Moona Sunne the nerer if commeth, the moe tt warmeth our feate Where we inbabite, that it bzingeth the moſt temperate time of the Spring , that it caufeth Summer ¢ Winter: but tubers as men reckon among them felues for memozte fake peares andmonethes, whereas thep make of the faide veares, dates, reckoning from ypeare fo. peare,cither by the creation of the worlde, or by the birthof Chzitt,o2 elfe by the reigne of Chats fran p2iuices , and whereas they haue certeine fired and ap⸗ pointes dapes,that is,(¥ fap,) proper to ciutl regiment. Pens tionis made bere of cither part. Notwithanding toby Holes calleth then fignes, J will ſhewe tn fev wordes: bicaufe cers teine courious perfons abufe this place,to colour thetr baine pꝛognoſtications: J fapithep are Chaldzans and fanaticall perfons, whiche ſoreſhewe all thinges by the ſighte and de⸗ ‘ monttration of ffarres. . Bycauſe Boles fayeth ; that the cee ; Sunne and Mone are appointed for fianes : they thinke jurc this thatthep can date what ſoeuer they luffe out of them. Wut place. they are eafily confuted. Foꝛ they are faide fo be fignes of certeine things ; and not to be noters and foreſhewers of all things after our obon wil. and what other things doth Moſes fay are ſigned, but thoſe which — tothe over of nature? a C..ij. F03 36 Efi.g4.ts ler. 10, 2. oe oe | ITOHN'GAL VINES Foꝛ the fame Dod Whiche ordeineth ſignes here; tettifiethby the Prophet Clay, that he beingeth the fiemes of Houthfaters to naught:and torbiddeth them to feare the fignes of heauen. WBut bycaule itis euident, that Males goeth not beyonde the accuffomed inannec af mon, J tay from longer difputation, The Web ue worde which they tranlate;Certcine tunes;is Dis uerflp fakenof the Hebrues: foo it ſignifieth both the time; and the {pate , and alfo the afemblies them felues’. The Rab- bines doe commonly crpound this place of their feſtiual daves: but J doe further ertende tt, as fire, to note the opportuni⸗ ties of times Lubich in Frenche are called Saifons and in Eng⸗ lilch Seafons: and alfo al wordly ana forreigne aſſemblies. Furs thermore, Doles —— vnſpeakeable godneſſe of © D D herein, that not onely the Sunne and Mone doe illu⸗ “mine the earth,but alfo in the vaplie tle of our life,doe in ſun⸗ . Bote wiſe giue vnto bs other commodities , Jt remaincth that Wwe putely entoping the manifold benefites of Ood,may learne not to pꝛophane theough our diſordered abule, (uch erceilent treatures: In the meane time,let bs beholde this wonderfull workemaiſter, who bath fo ercellentlp difpofed and placed all pes ha they doe anſwere one an other —* a mot ſweets conſent. 1s LAndJet thiern be 8* — atis neceffarie to ree peate againe that tbich J ſaide before : that Motes doeth not Mhe Moone boroweth her lighe from the Suanc. bere intreate philofophicalip,boiwe great the Sunne ts inthe firmament, and howe bigge 02 hotwe little the Pane is: but | howe great light we recetue from them . Foꝛr in this place be wohetteth our memoric,leat we forget thoſe qtftes of © D D Whiche We enior. Lherefore tt doeth further bs nothirig, to buderttand the meaning of Moles, ito flie aboue the heauens With the wings of pꝛeſumptuous currofitic: oncly let bs open our epes to beholde this light, twbhiche Gon ſetteth before bs in carth . 5p whiche reafon (as J admonifhed befo2e) their twice kednelſe is ouerthrꝛowen, whiche reprehend Moles; fo2 that he ſpake not morecractly , Stor he had rather vefpect tove,then tothe Garres, euen as it became a Dinine. And he twas not ‘ince that the one had not ſutticient ſhining brightnes in her ſelle to Ulumine the. sat vnlelſe fhe re the ame o VPON GENESIS: fume front tye Sunne: but he counted it fufticient to teache 3 * © that thing whiche we all plainelp beholde; namely that the Moncis a giuer of light onto vs. Whereas the Aftronomers fay that the Bone is an obfcure and ſhadowed bodie, Jgraunt the fame to be fo farte forth true,that J may dente the Done tobe darke. Foꝛ firttof all; ſeing that the Mone is higher then the Clement of fire,it muſt needes bea fiorie bodie Here⸗ vpon it followeth, that ifcontepneth init light: but becaufe it bath not fufficient light to extende vnto bs : if bozroweth that which it wanteth front the Sunne, He faith coparatiues fy that if giueth leſſe light: becauſe that isa finall po2tion of light wwhithe it lendeth forth — the light of the Sunne is ereeding) 21002 a 16 T Thegreater light bride the lay: 7 1 fain before that Mav fes doth not here curioufly intreat of the ſecrets of nature,as a Philoſopher: as ts to be (ene in thele words, Fire of all be af fiqneth to the planets ¢€ farres their feate in the firmament of heauen But the Aſtronomers make a diſtinction oꝛ difference of the Spheares: and do teache alſo that the fixed ſtarres haue their proper piace it the firmament, Moſes maketh tuo great lightes ; but the Aſtronomers proue by trong reafons , that the farre called Saturne, whiche appearcth ta bethe leak as mong all the reft,bp reafon of the farreneſſe thereof, ts grea⸗ ter then the Done, This is the difference: Doles wrote conv monlp and platnelp thole thinges whiche all the ſimple; owe of learnitig and knowledge, vnderſtand by rommon ſenſe: but they ſearch out with great labour all that is within the reach and compalſſe of mans wiſedome and bnderftanding. Wut vet epronos that diligence 02 ſcience is not fo be difalowed o2;condemiMeds mic is nor as certeine pheentike perfons ave: wont to doe, who boldly res vtrcrly vo iect whatſoeuer is to them vnknowen. Foz Atrologte isnot a. — bnely pleafant to be knowen butalfo verte profitable, at cans ”* hot be denicd but that the fame Art doth fet forth the wonders Full wiſedome of God, Wiherfore,'as wiſemen are fo be prai⸗ fed, whiche haue profitably laboured in this point ; cuen ſo they which haue leiſure and abilitic oughtnot to neglect this hindioferercife . either is it the purpoſe of Poles to dꝛawe | om the ttudie thereof, thoughe be omitted thafe ai C.iij. 38 NO HN vCrcL Vi DN By fwhich ateproper folAre: Wat beraule he was drdeined to be a teacher not only of therude and ignorantxbut alſo of the lear⸗ ned he coulde no otherwile diſcharge bis duetie, then by fras ming his ſpeache and reaſons after a common and groſſe maz het’. It he ſhould haue ſpoken of things commonly vnknow⸗ en ithe vnlearned might haue complayned, chat theſe things were karre aboue their capacitie. To be thozt;feing the ſpirite of Ood doth here generally inftructall men if is no maruell if he do elvetially choſe thofe things which may be vnderſtod The ofall men, $f fo be an aſtronomer ſeke the:true pzopogtions Moore i+ ‘of theftarres? be all finde that the Mone is lelle then the the (arre Satatre callen Saturne ;. But this is hidden: fo2 tt appeareth called Saz Ofbertutfe fo our eyes, Therefore Motes rather frameth him⸗ turnc. ‘felfe to common vſe. Ffo2r ſeeing the Morde docth after a forte reache fwrth bis band vnto vs, wohen be bringeth to: paſſe that We inioy the brightneſſe of the Sunne and Mone: how great ingratitude were it, willingly to chut our eves againk expe⸗ rienco it felfe'z: Wherefore, there ts no caufe why curious pers fons Mould derive the bnfkilfulneffe of Mofes;becaule-he maa keth the Dane the ſecond light. For he doth not call vs bp bn⸗ to heauen, but onely propoundeth thole thinges which are bes fore our epes + Let the Aftronomers haue fo thenvfelucs q higher knowledge: neuerthelefle,they whiche from the Done receiue the light of the night are repzoucd by the verie ble, of ingratit we vnleue they acknowledge the godneſſe of God. s PT orate inthe day.) Be doth not aicribe any ſuch rule tothe Sunne and Mone, as map diminiſhe any thing of the eros polwer-of Ooo; but bicaufe the Sunne doeth gouerne the dap br compalling the earth about,and the Pane the night inlike manner: therefore be-attributeth onto them,rule, And let os remember that this pincipalitic is fuch 5. that the Sunne is Plrohiy Neuertheletie a ſeruant/ euen as the Done ts a hand maide. In essour. fthemeane time let vs reiect the doting errour of Plato, tuba giueth bnto Starres reafon,anda minde. Let bs content our felues With this fimple erpofttion,that Ood doeth gouerne the bapes anv nightes by the feruice of the Sunne and Mone: bie cauſe thepate ds it were bis charriotes, twbich gine conueni⸗ * light to euerie fime, Lge! 20 rLet ad VYPON GENESI'3} 24 20 [Let the waters bring forth euerie creeping thing] ihe 39 Hite day, foules and fithes werecreated, The bletting of Gow is added, fhat they may of them ſelues bing forth fore ofthe famekinde, Whis is another manner of propagation and ine creafing then is that whiche is in bearbes and tres ; fo: trees bane theit frength and bertue to fructifie, ¢ bearbs fo grows greene whiche pociede of (ede : but foules and fithes haue generation | Motivithanding ; this Terncth to be different from reafon ,Iwhere be faith that Birdes proceeded from the. waters: and therfore hereof fcofters take occaſton to cantl. But although there were ne other reafon but this ; that tatt pleas fed God: sucht we nof fo content our ſelues with his iudge⸗ ment? Why may not he which created the worlde of nothing, bring forth Wirdes out of the water's And What more abſur⸗ bitée (J pray vounis there in the originall of Birdes from the water, then Phere is fo2 light to prociebd from darkeneiſe⸗ SCherefo2e, they whiche doe fo pervicrilp rontrolithbe Creator, mult loke for his vengeance fo their oeltruction. Howbeit, if — by naturall reafotis's weknowe that the ater is more neere vnto the aire; their is the earth, Wut we mult rather’ gine eare vnto Moſes our inſtructout, wha Would bing vs ints admiration, by the tonfiverationofthe workes of Gov. And verily thetosd0; though be be the aur thour of nature, pet notwithſtanding be hath not foilotued the order thereof in creating the worlde: but choſe rather-tothew fo 2th thole documentes of bis power; which might conſtraine bs fotwmnder, «222080 ontario) dan ax 2 ed dotneg “ at’ [Then God treated ‘the greate whales, ) Hete ariſeth a Queftion, quettion-of the worde of treating. Foꝛ at the fir ,welay that e wo rlde was made Of nothing bicaulso it as created - And now Moles faith that khole thin zes were treated, wdiche are athioned of another matter “Ahoy Whiche ſar wat Mies aolnere· re truely anid properiy created bienuſe the Waters were by Ho matiner of meanes ‘apt and fitte fo procrdate and ingender thei Take nothing elle but a ſtarting hole :-fo2' this thoulde neverthelette and, that if was the firtt mattor of both: whi⸗ Che the pioprictie of the tworde doeth not admitte. Wet doe not rélivditie the wozue — ap to the creation: a oe | | iiij. — — 4Q- 10; MM CAL VY HGE, ¥ rather fay that it dependeth of that deſormed and confuſed male, Apbiche was as it were-the {pring or founteine of the twhole wozlde, God therefore created Gales, and other fiz foes, not thatthe beginning of (he creafion,is to bereckoned from that moment of tine, wherein they receiuc their for⸗ me: but becaufe they arecontepned in the whole bodie thu che is made of nothing, So in reſpect of hape, the foꝛme one⸗ ty was added; but therreation neuertheleſſe is. truely faide ta belong to the whole and alfo tothe partes, Thoſe fithes whir che are bere franflated and formed Myhales, may in my iudg⸗ ment be better called, Tunies. Foꝛ it agrecth with the worde of the Peb2ue tongue Thaninm, TAhen he faith, Whichet the waters brought foorth; J be proceedeth in commending the of ficatie.o€ the wo2de, in that-the {waters were fo.quicke of hea⸗ ring, that they beeing dead, in themſelues, ſoudenly boyed vp liuing creatures, Bowbeit Moſes expreſſeth more,as that an innumerable forte of fithes doe ſpꝛing from the waters, bes taufe the fame word of God ſtandeth gull of tence whereby be once cournaundedthat thing. ri rhen God bieſie a mem Of inbat force this blete fing issheiv an by neclareth, Jaz Ood aoth not pray 02 bletle after themanner of men; whiche with a becke onelp bringeth that to paffe, whiche men with long. wifhes and defires ſeeke. Wherefore he blesleth 5 when he commaundeth bis creatures: to growe and tointreale : thabis to fay,be powꝛeth fruitful⸗ nefle intathem by bis ingzde, But it feemeth fonde, that God fpeaketh to fifbes and to creeping thinges. 3 anfwere,, that © themanner of ſpeche was no othertwile, but thatit might be onderffmde, Foꝛ the force of the tv02d which was directed bite to the fithes was not tranfifozie op vaine,as the erperiment it lelte teacheth ; but rather being eonceiued in their nature batp — ace nee Rarely ete 24 bet the earthbring foorth, }, Pecommeth to to the pe Ot dap, twherein the bealtes of the earth tvere created, and then man. ‘Let theearth , (fapethbe,) bring foorth liuing creas tures, But from tobence bath a dead element. —— in this part there is no leſſe miracle, then if, God had begon fa eate ot thing thot thinges, whiche bs capTANRED (9 to ; "VP ON GENES18: rome forth of the carth And he oth not take matter out of the 41 garth as though be ſtode tn need thereof:but that he might the better conioyne and knit all the. partes of the worlde, with the Qneftions whole tt felfe, Potwithttanding, it maybe demaunded, why bere alfo he docth not avde his blefling? Jaunlwere,that we mutt in thisplace fuppole 02 vnderſtande that whiche Wofes ·odete. expꝛeſſed befo2e,in the like place : although be doe not now res peate the fame worde for worde. ¥ fay further, that it is ſutfi⸗ cient to note that thing;becaule Moles ſayth, that lining thins aes were made after their kinde | 3fo2 this diftribution a oa brought nowe with it ſome fable thing, And it may hereofbe | gathered;that generation was included, tn all lining thinges, clues. Foꝛ to what ende ferue the particular kindes,but to multiplie al! jiuing generally? (Cattel.] Someofthe Hebrues put this difference hinges » betweene cattell, and the beaſtesof the earth : that cattell are they which graze and fede on bearbes : and that they are beattes which eate fich. Wut theLozve. alittle after aſſigneth to cither of thent the common fending bppon hearbes. And we Map petweiug in diuerſe places'of the (cripture, that thefe fine wordes are confounded, and vſed as if they tvereallone; Wut Jdoubt not, but that Moſes after he had called the one Bekemoth added the other name for a moe fallerpofition ; By creepind thinges, vnderſtande bere thoſe creatures which are of a terreſtriall nature 26 [We will make man.] Although this be fpoken inthe future tenfejal men not withſtanding wil confeſſe; that this is a ſpeech of one taking as it were deliberation. Hitherto he hath fet Cod before: vs commaunding finiply: and nowe when be tomimeth to the moffe errellent worke of all the reft,be taketh tonfultation, God might haue commaunded here alfo by his bare woꝛde whatſoeuer be would hane done: but his purpofe was to cine thisto the excellencie Of man, that be would after a fort deliberate about bis creatiom This is great honoꝛ hts the be voucheth fafe to gine onto bs; fo the conſideration whereof Pofes by this (peach went about fo pꝛouoke bs, Foy God doeth not nowe beginne to bethinke him, what forme be Were bette giue bnfo man, and what giftes: were mete to a⸗ tat neither doeth he — As vppon a on wilt /b, mate TOHN CALV EINE Ae matter: but euen as we avmonifhed befoze,that the creation of the wozld, was diftributedinto fir dayes fo2 our fake, fo the eeendoe our mindes map be the better reteined, in themeditation of ons workes: euen fo noiw;fo commende vnto bs the woꝛ⸗ thineſſe of our nature, he faking confultation about the creas ting of man,declareth that he taketh fome greate and fingular, thing in bande, here are many thihges in this corrupt nas ture, which may being contempt: butaf thou twey all thinges rightly, man of all other treaturesis a cerfeme notable pate ferne, of the wiſedome, righteouſneſſe, and godneſſe of God, In fo much that he is rightly called ofthe aunctent Fathers wingonoouG:,that 1s to ſay, little wozlde , Moreouer, ſeeing Man is a , the 1.02) needed not any other counfeller,there is no Doubt but tee af that be him felfe, did deliberate: with bint felfe.and the Jewes oo ave beric fond, in feigning that Oop communicated his worde with the earfho2 with Angels. As though the earth werea conucnient counfeller . And to aferibe the leaſt part of fo nos table a woꝛke to Angels, ts abbominablefacrilege. there Wwillthey finne, that we arecreated after the image of the earth 02 of Angels 2 Doth not Moles otterly exclude all creatures, when he repo2teth that Adam was made after the image of Gove » MDtherfome, which thinke themſelues more Wife, being twice moze foltth;fay that © D Dtpake after the maner of princes, of bimfelfe in the plurall number. As il that barbarouſneſſe, tubiche bath crept inbut of a ſhort time, reig⸗ ned then in the worlde. But it is well that their doggiſh wice Kedneflcis iopned with fo qreate blackiſh dulneſſe, that they may betw2ay their foliſhneſſe euen fo childꝛen · Wherefore Chꝛiſtians doc verie aptly affirme vpon this teftimonte,that there are mo perfons in God, and that Gon calleth vnto him no forreigne perfor. Hereof we gather,that be ſfindeth within bun ſomewhat which is diſtintte: that bis eternal wiſedame and power may reft in him. {In our image . Interpꝛetours doe not agree about thefe words, neuertheleſſe the greater ſort hoe agree, that this worde (image ) is diſtinguiſhed from Image and likeneſſe. And this is almotte the common diftincion,that the fimilitude image conſiſteth in the ſubſtance : and the fimtlitude in theace whag diffe- dlventes Ther which Wwill-bzichy define, affirnw ene uw * VrON GENESIS: the image,are conteined the giftes which God hath beſtobbed 43 bppon ‘mans Nature ; and they erpounde likeneffe to be free cti⸗ gifts, but Auguftine is moze curious then the reft,infomuely chem, that befozaeth a Trinitie in man. Foz wheras Ariltotle recs koneth bp thre powers of the foule, namely, onderftanding, memno2ie,and will: he taking holve of the fame,from one Gris nitie afterwarde deriueth many. Bfany reaver be diſpoſed to delight himſelle with fuch fpeculations, let him reade the io, and 14. bokes of the Trinitie: alfo his 11, boke of the citic of @od. J confele that there is fometwbat in man which refems bleth the father, fhe fonne,and the holy qhott: alfo Jdo not bts ferlp reiect that diſtinctiõ of the powers of the foule: although a moꝛe b2tefe partition,as that which confifteth of tivo parts, which is mo2e bfuallin the {cripture,is moze apt € connenient to thedoctrine of godlineſſe. Wut the definition of the image of God ought to haue moze firmnefie,then to ſtand vpon ſuch cue rious fubfilties. %,befo2e 7 define the image of God,doe denie that tt noth differ from his fimilttude, 3fo2 when Moſes repeas teth the fame afterivarde, omitting this worde fimilitude 02 likenelſe, be is'contented that he bad called Avant bis image. Sf any man obicct,that. Moſes fought to be baefe, when be twice repeateth the name of image,there is no mention made of finilitude. THe know alfo that the Hebrues commonly vee torepeate one things with diuerſe wordes. Furthermore, the crt felfe ſheweth, that the ſeconde worde was added ik cede of an explication:Let vsmake man (faith be)in our owne image, after our owne likenefle: that is to fay, that be map be like vnto God,02 that he may beare the image of God, Lobe Moꝛt, in the fifte chapter be making no mention of the imaae, in eve thereof putteth downe this worde fimilitude, Mots Wwithffanding;the difference betweene the wordes beina ta⸗ ken alway, we baue not as pet fet dolune Onto bs, what either the mage,o2 what the fimilttude is. The Anthropomorphites were fo qroffe, whiche fought the fame image in nians bodie, _Mherefoze lef that blinde errour lye deade. Otherſome, ſome⸗ what more fubtilp, who although they doe not tmaaine Cod tobauea bodie, pet notwithſtanding they place the image of God in fhe bodie of man ; becaule ſo wonderfull a — ™ 1 ip twecne TOHN CALVINE 24 tip chineth therrin ¶ But this opinionageéeth not with the Acripturesas we ſhalſee. As vntrue ts the expoſition of Chrys foltome, who referreth,to rule,that which was gine to many that bemight after a forte bea feconde OD D bponearthin gouerning the worlde. This is fome portion of the tmage af God but pet a verie ſmalane. Becauſe the image of God is razed out nbs by the fall of Adam: we map iudge what it Colo.ʒao was by the reſtoring of the fame againe. Paule faith that, We Ephe 4.23 sre through the Goſpell tranffigured into the image ol God. And according fo his meaning, {ptrituall regeneration is nos thing clfe,but a repairing ofthe fameimage. And whereas be placed the famein righteouſneſſe and true holineſſe, tt is by afiaure called Syxecdoche,wwhen parte is put: fo2 the whole. Foꝛ although this be the principal part, pet notwithſtanding it is not the whole . Wherefore by this (peeche the whole intes gritie of Mature is noted, when Adam was tndued with a right vnderſtanding, when all bis affections were o2dered by reafon, when all bis fenfes twere vncorrupted, and when be trucly ercelled in all graces, Do that, the chiefe feate of Gods image, twas inthe minde andin the heart, where it bad the preeminence ; notwithſtanding there was noparte wheres in ſome ſparckes did not appeare . Foꝛ there was a tempera⸗ ture in all partes of the foule, whiche conſiſted of equalitic, In the minde, the light oftruc vnderſtanding reigned: and to this nas iopned, as a companton, the fincerttie of the minde. Allthe fenfes were prompte and framed to the obedience of reaſon. Jn the bovie there was a certeine equall p2opo2tion to that order. Pow although certeine obfcure lineaments and niarkes of that image remainein bs: pet nofivithanding, they are fo cozrupted e lame, that we map truly fap that it is blottedout, Foꝛ belive the defoꝛmitie, whiche appeareth in -euerte parte fo be foule,this mifchiefe ſheweth forth it felfe, that there ts no parte which ts not infected with the pollution of ſinne. [in our image, according to our likenefle,) Wheres as fone woulde baue this tobe fpoken, becauſe the image of God twas ſhadowed onely/ vntill he came to bis perfection > J know nof whether tt may ftand o2 no, Thematter is true : but pet ¥ thinke that Moles had no luche meaning, This alfo is 7: VPON GENES?DS, — is truely fatdesthat Chriſt is the onely image of the Father: 45 { but pet notwithfanding the words of Moles receiue not this fenfe, to fap; In the image, that is, In Cha. Wo2couer,man, te th though in an other refperte,is faide to bethe image of GOD, V2" Wherein certeine of the Fathers arc deceiued, who thought ra die that they did beate dolwne the Arrians with this weapon, that verle r-- Chit onely was the image. Wut this difficultic alfo mutt be {ps“cs- cofidered, why Paul denieth a woman to be the image of God: Whereas Moles atucth this honour generally to both kindes, Whe folution is briefesbycaule Paule there toucheth the fate onely by way of difperfation , Wherefore he rettraineth the unage of God fo rule 02 gouernment, tobereby the man bath fuperiozitic ouer the woman: and berilp it ſignifieth no other thing, but that man hath the ercellencic inthe degree of ho⸗ nour . but Moles here intreateth of the qlozie of Gon, which ſpecially fhineth in mans nature ; when minde, will, and all the fenies, doe. fet before bs the diuine order. And let them rule. Bere be toucheth parte of that dignitie, where with be decreed fo adoꝛrne man; namely, that be might baue the rule o⸗ ver all lining thinges. Foꝛ he made hint Lode of the world, aud made the beatts expreſſely fubtect vnto him:who bicauſe they haue their pooper obedience aſſigned them, feeme not fo be vnder the rule and becke of others. Notwithſtanding the pluralt number, Let them rule, theweth that this was not at- uen to Avamatone, but alſo to all bis poſteritie. And hereby we gather; to what ende all thinges were created: namely, that men might want none of al thofe things which were con⸗ ucnient and neceſſarie for the vſe of life. Alto in the verte o2der of the creation, the fatherlp.care of God towardes man ts bet⸗ ter bebelde: bycaule, before be faſhioned him, be furnifhed the woꝛrlde With all thinges neceflarie: yea with exceeding plentie ⸗ of riches. Sop he was rich before be was bone. Wiherrio2e, 3:0 | if God were fo carefull forbs. before that we bad our beœing. care for nowe that we are inthe worlde be will not leave bs deſtitute man. of fmde, andofother neceflaries of this life, Ano Whereas of tentimes be keepeth his bands as tt were fat Hutt, that ts to 27 { ThusGod created the man in his image.)] — An a * J wt : 46 TOHN'CALVINE ~ — as he maketh mention againe of p image of God it is no dains repetition, Foꝛ if is a finqular token of the godneiſe of Gov, whiche can neuer be fufficientlp declared . And withall he admoniſheth bs , front tubat ercellencie we are fallen,that be might kindle in bs a defire to recouer the fame. When he ade beth freight after,that God created them male and fernale,he conunendeth vnto vs the matrimoniall ftate, whereby the focictic of mankinde is mainteined . Foꝛ this fozme of fpeach, God created man, male and female created he them,is as much Martiage in effect,as if be had (aid, that the man is halfe a man,and that is here cõ- fo mended. 2 this caufe woman twas ioyned fo him fora mate, that they two might be oncseuen as he moze plainely declareth in the feconde Chapter. Whis alfo ts the meaning of the Prophete Mala, 2.15 Walachte, wen be faith that Ood made one man,and pet that ‘ he had abundance of the Spirite. Foꝛ there be intreateth of the faith of wedlocke, which the Jewes did violate theoughe their bauing of many wities: to the end he might correcte this bice,be calleth that couple of the man and the woman, whiche God topned in the beginning, one man :that euery man might learne to content himlelfe with his twife. 28 [ And God blefled them, ] This bleſſing of God is as it were the founteine, from whence mankinde flowed. and we muff not confider it in the qeneralitic it felfe onelp ; but alfe in cuery of the particulars, Foꝛ we are fruitful to beget poſte⸗ rific, 02 elfe barren , euen as God giueth ſtrength and vertue to ſome, and depriueth others of the fame . Wut the purpofe — of Poles is to teache here fimply , that Aoam with his wife {were made fo increafe (ede, that men at the laſt might reples ⸗ niſhe the carth . Be was able fo couer the earth with a great mulfifude of men at once: but be woulde haue bs all to come fo2th of one founteine, to the ende we might baue the moze defire of mutuall conco2de, and that we might fhe more wil⸗ linglp imbzace one an other as our olune fleſhe. Andas men are created toinhabite the earth : fo alfo we ought to be cers teinly perfuaded , that God hath appointed out fomuch of the earth, as map fuffice to receiue them for their babitation, And the inequalitie which is contrarie to this temperature,is nothing elle but a corruption of Nature, twhiche ise of ie \ i i ™, VPON GENESTS. fine , In fhe meane time nottwithftanding this blefting of +7 { ad preuaypleth, in fo muche,that the earth on euerie five hath ber inhabitants,and an erceeding multitude of men may finde fo2 thent felues an habitation in one parte of the woride 02 o ther. Wut we muff note that whiche Jſaide concerning wed⸗ locke, God wil haue mankind fo be multiplied by generation: but not by cõmon copulation,as do bute bealts. $02 he hath lopned the man to the wife, that thep may b2ing forth dinine, that is to fay,latwfull fede. Wherefore let vs note, to whom God fpeaketh when he commaundeth them to growe, and to whome be appointeth bis bleſſing. be hath not ciuen libertie fo nen and women, that they map fall into Wandering luſts 4). ar without erception and Mame : but beginning at holie ¢ chafte refrained wedlocke, he commeth to generation, Foꝛ this alfo is two2- from vn- thie to be noted, that Moſes byteflp toucheth here thofe things hat lutts which afterward he handleth moze largely: and that be fo oie yed⸗ o2dereth the hiſtorie, that neuertheleffe it may appeare what °°“ was done firſt 02 laſt. Notwithſtanding, ſome demaund whe- Queftion ther foznicato2s and adulterers alfo do beget by the power of God: the tubiche fit be true, the bleſſing of God is ertended Antwere fo them alfo.. Jaunſwere that this ts a cozruption of Gods infitution, And whereas Ood bzingeth fede and generation out of this filthie puddle alfo, nolefle then out of the pure founteine of wedlocke, this turneth fo their greater deftructic on, Meuerthelelie,that pure and lawfull o2der of beeactting remaineth firme, whiche Ood appointed in the beginning: the fame is the law of nature, twhiche common fenfe teacheth fo be inuiolable. [And fubdue it. ] Be confirmeth that which de {aide befoze concerning rule and dominion, Man twas yan herb created alreadie fo2 this caufe,that be might fubdue the earth he earch fo him felfe: but then at the latte he had poffetion of hig in bic right, when he beareth what the Lorde hath giuen vnto bim; °™ and this thing Wales moze fully erp2effeth in the verfe fol- lowing, when be baingeth in Ood gtuing bearbs and fruites, _ For tt ts a great matter, that we fcarfelp touche nething of the benefites of God, which we doe not knowe fo be permit⸗ ted vnto vs of hint, ꝓFfoꝛ otherwiſe we doe not eniop any thing with a gad confcience, but when as we receiue the fame, eet | ¥ : cr i | ‘ 48 Rom, 14, 23, -. MONNICAL VINE. Me were Front the hand of the Lord. And therfore Paule teacheth that in eating and drinking Wwe doe alwayes finne, vnleſſe we haue faith. Thus tue are taught to craue at the handes of OD D alone, what ſoeuer is neceflarte for bs, And by the berie bie of the aiftes we are ererciledin meditating of bis godneſſe, and of his fatherly care. Foꝛ to this purpoele perteine the wordes of Cod, Weholde J haue prepared ſuſtenance for thee before thou walk niade : acknowledge mee therefore to be thy Father, who prouided for thee fo diligently twhen as pet fhou watt not created . Moꝛeouer, mp carefulnefle hath furs ther evtended it felfe : if was thy parte fo be carefull: pet note withſtanding J haue taken that bpd me which belonged vnto the. CUbercfo2e, although thou arte appointed as a carefull bifbande tithe worlde, pet neuertheleſſe there is no cauſe Why thou ſhouldſt be much careful for § fulfenance of beaſts. Wereof fone gather, that ontill the time of the floude, men were contented with hearbes ¢€ fruif,and that tt was not latye full for them to cate fleſhe. And this femeth to be the moze p2obable, bycauſe Ood affer a forte ſhutteth bp the ſuſtenance of man within certeine boundes andlimifes . JFurtherimoze, after the floud be granteth expreſſely the eating of fleth. How⸗ beit thefe reafons are not trong vnoughe. For on the contrae ric parte if may be alledaed,thaf the men of the firſte ane oſfe⸗ red facrifices of beaſtes. Foꝛ this ts the latwe of true ſacrifi⸗ cing, fo offer vnto God nothing elfe but thoſe thinges, whiche be bath qraunted vnto our ble. Furthermore they were cloa thed with Ckinnes : therefore if was latwfull fo2 them to kilt beatkes Wherefore J thinke it (hall be better if twe fay nothing concerning the fame, Let it fuffice bs that hearbes and the fruites of frees twere giuen vnto them fo2 ordinarie fode, Notwithſtanding, there is no doubt but that the fame ferued plentifully for their fuftentation and delicate fare. Foꝛ thep thinketwifely , which fay,that the earth twas fo cozrupted afs ter thefloud, that we haue fcarfe any meane talke of that firtt bleffing: yea ſtrait after the fall of man if began to bring fwꝛth wilde and vnſauourie fruits ; but after the floud a greater als teration was made, Howſoeuer it is, Gov woulde not fotfer and nouriſhe men bp deintily and fparingly: but be OT th — Cie A ay VPON GENES $107 thele wordes ptoclamety liberall plentic, wbiche miatt wane 49 nothing belonging to a fweete and pleafaunt lifes 40; Boles declareth how beneficiall the 102d hath beene towarves them; gtuing vnto thenralbthinges that they could Wwilhe, that their ingratitude might thereby be tleane voyde of ercufe, » 31 CAnd God fawe all that he had made.) Adgaine, in the tonclufion of the creation, Moles faith, that Gop app2oucd alt that be bad made. Mheras he faith, that Gov ſabo he peaketh alter the manner of men, #02 fhe Lorde would haue this his iudgement alfo to be vnto vs as aruie and exampie, that na Man might Dare to ſpeake or thinke other wife sf bis lwo2kes, Foꝛ it ts not mete fo2 bs fo diſpute whether that ought to be approued Which be bath allowednbat boe ought rather to ſub⸗ ſcribe vnto the fame without all controuertie, The repetition alfo ſhe weth howe lafcinions the rathnette of men is : others wile it bad beene fufficient inough to haue faid once; that Gor was pleafed With his wo2kes . But God doeth fire times ree peate the fame, that be might as it were twith fo Inany beidles teftraine our pꝛeſumptuous boldenetie, whiche continually is Occupied. Po2rcouer Poles erpretieth now, more then be did befoze, for be addeth the Hebrue worde Meod,that is to fay, Exceeding, Guerie day had his fimple appeobation. Powe after that the wazkmanthippe of the world was fully perfec. ; ted, and all things perfectly finithed,he ponounceth that thep were erceding and perfeetip god: to the end we map knolwe, that there is in the proportion of ods wazks, fuch excellent perlection,as nothing neede be added vnto the fame, CHAPTER, cy, “Hus the Heayens and-the Earth were finifhed; and all the hoafte ofthem)> |.) | | 4! For inthefeuenth day God ended his worke 2 | whichehe had made, andthe feuenth day he relſed from all his workewhicli he had madé 3 So God blefled the feuenth day, arid: fandiified it, hecauſt that imit hehad reſted fromall his worke}which God had erea- Wed, and mades i, oe depiecy itive fen. ula : aay ass | ; D. 4 Thefe . ‘TOHN CALWINE - 7 So Theleare the’ gerterations of the Heauens;& ofthe Esith; when they were created , in the day that the Lorde God made the Earthjand the Heauens. 5 And) eneric plante ofthe fielde before it vas in the earths and euerie hearbe of the fielde before it grewe : forthe Lorde God had not caufed itito rayne vppon the earth, neither w as there a man to till the ground. 6 He: amy{te went vp from the earth, and — all the eart 7 The Lorde GOD. alfo made the man of the duft of the ground,and breathed in his face the breath of lite, and the man wasa living ſoule. 8 And theLord God planted a garden Eaftward in Heden, aul there he put the: man whotmhehad made. 9 (Foroutof the ground made the Lord God to growe,eue= * tree pleaſaunt to ‘the fi ght,and good for meate: ‘the tree of life alfoin the middſt of the garden,and the tree of knowle dge o good and cuill) - 10! And out of Heden went a riuer to water de garde. and from thence it was diuided yand became into foure heades. a Thename of one is Pifhon : the fame compafleth the whole lande of Hauilah,where is golde. © 12 And the golde of that lande is — there is alſ 0 — um, and the Onix ftone, 13 And the name of the fecond riuer is Gihon: ithe fame come paffeth the whole land of Cuth. 14 Thenamealfo of the thirde riuer ts Hiddekell : this ¢ O- eth Ldpeaingh the Eaft fide of Afhur, and the fourth riuer is Pe- rat ts Thenthe Lord God tiolke the man,and put him into the garden of Heden;that he might drefleit, and keepe it, 16 Andthe Lord God commaunded the — ing,Thow fhalt cate freely of eueric tree of the garden, _ 17 Butas touching the tree of knowledge of good and euil, thou (halt not eate of it: for whenfoeuer ‘thou cateft thereof, 7 thou fhale die the death; _ 18. Alfothe Lorde God faide , Tt is not good that the man fhould be himfelfe Gunes I will make him an helpe omar? for f Me — } him. 4 _19 SotheLord God formed of the earth euerie beat of the fielde,and euerie foule of the heauen , and — them vnto the man, to fee howe he woulde call them: for howfoener the man named the liuing creature,fo was the name thereof. _20 The man therefore gauenames ynto all cattell and to the foule of the heauen,and to euerie beaft of the fielde : but for A- dam found he not an helpe meete for him. Sut i Therefore the Lorde God caufed.an heauie fleepe to fall vpon the man: and whiles he flept, he tooke one of his ribbes, and clofed vp the fleth in ftead Teocek | 22 And theribbe whichthe Lord God had taken fromthe man, made he a woman,and broughthertotheman, — * 23 Then the man faide,T his noweiis bone ofmy bones, and ficfheof my flethe. She fhall be called woman,becaufe the was taken out of matey a) | ben 24 Therefore fhall man leaue his father and his mother,and fhall cleaueto his wife,and they thall be oneflefhep . --.- . 2g And they were both naked, theman and his wife, and werenotiathameds 32) orient adv 36 noi Aro aed oF tC Thus the heauens and the earth were finitheds} Moſes ily repeateth , that the wozkemanthip of beaten ano arth twas finthedin fire Dayes , And there is in thee tivo | members a generall partition of the wozlde;as we haue fayde’ in the beginning of the fir Chapter. But now be addeth thele woꝛds, [And all che heafte of them , |] @therebp be meaneth hat the worlde twas furnithed with all bis oxnaments.9o20 ouer his Cpilogue doth verie plainely oucrthzowe their erraz, Awbich imagine that the worlde was made in amoment. For De pronounceth that the end was not made befo2e the-firt day, ABy this worde Boatte 02 Armie, Moles giucth vs fo vnder⸗ tan, that this worid twas perfect and garntthed in al points, muche like vnto aboute twhiche is well fillen and kurniched Avith all: manner of fuffe and pꝛouiſion. The heauen without ‘the Sunne, the Pong,and farres,thoulde be like onto a boyd: nd empti¢c palace .\-Jflobe the earth wanted lining crea⸗ tures, trees, and plantes; it ſhouide be 8 vnto a voyde, * —W M · "gig TOHNCAUVINEBOS Yo 5% aid emptie houle,Goo therefore ceaffed not fromthe creation of the worlde,before ſuch time as he had in euerie pointe ints ) ched and fulfilled the fame, that nothing might le Wanting in the lat mieafure thereof; 2 92 oro ewok aes 2 And he relted the feuenth'day,} aden have tof with⸗ Quetion, dut cauſe demaunded, What manner of ceaſſing 02 ref this was 302 tf is certeine,that in refpect that God by his power luſteneth the worloes and gouerneth the ſame by bis proui⸗ Bence, nouriſheth all creatures and increateth thenvalfa, he is daily working: Bicauſe if Gad doe but a litte holve backe bis bande, all thinges thall by and by perth, and conte fo nothing: * as is ſaide in the Pſalme. And God is not rightly acknowled⸗ iO* ‘een £0 be the Creatonr ofbeauen and earth, but when as we attribute onto him the continuall ſuſteining of all thinges : according to this ſaying of the Apoſtle, In him we Ie; moue, Anfwere and haue our being, The folution ts knowne, that God ceaſſed krom all his woke, becauſe he left off from creating nee foxes of thinges But that the ſenſe may the moze euident⸗ ly appeare, vnderſtande that berauſe nothing might be wan⸗ ting to tie perfection of the woꝛlde, God ſet to his hande the firt Day fo finiſh his tuo2ke for euer: and thus muche doe the wordes of Moles founde. [Fromwll hisworke which he had made. Forhe noteth the Kate of the workemanſhippe as God twonldehaue the fame to Fande sas if be Mhoulde fay, “that then the Tame twas accompliſhed whiche God had pur⸗ poſed with hrnfelf. jn ſunme, this perteineth only to erprefle the perfection of the creation of the Wwozlde : whereby we mar not gather that God fo cealled, that be went fo2 ever frombis workes, which hue and haue their being onely in him. Furs thermore we mutt note, that no other things, but thoſe which ferue foz the lawfull and proper furniture of the tuozlde , are comprehended in the workes of the fire Daves. We ihall bears Gor faping ‘hereafter, Let the earth bring foorth bryers and thornes, Whereby he giueth to vnderſtand that the earth Mall baue ancther manner of ſhewe, then it had in the begin: ating. But the olution is cate io be mave,that many thinges which are (ene at this dap inthe worlde, are rather corrup⸗ tions thereof, then parte of the furniture, Fa; fe ſone asiman Oh : : Departs : 4 ) , ) | > ' =. WPRON GENESIS) departed from bis firſte originall, it mutt needes be that with⸗ 3 all the world byand by did degenerate from bis nature. The like iudgement we nut haue concerning fiease, lice, krogges, caterpillers, graſſehoppers, and ſuche like burtefull thinges. In all theſe thinges, J fay, there is a certeine deformitie of the worlde, which ought not to be reckoned in the order of nature, Al! renee fwing thefame procedeth rather of the firme of men, then from ree the hande of Gon. Thele thinges alfo are created of God: but — vet of him as a reuenger and puniſher of our ſinnes. But 930 trom the {es confidereth not Cod here as armed and prepared to puniſh finse of the finnes of men: but as a woꝛkemailſter, a builder, and a was. riche hufbande, which leafte nothing vndone that might finith and kurniſhe bis worke. At this day, when we fee the worlde cozrupted,and as if were fallen alway froin his creation, let ts remember that faping of Paule, that Lhe ereature ts ſubiecte vnto banitie,not of bis otune twill, but th: ough our fault: and fo let bs grone and fighe, uben we are admoniched of our int damnation. _<.3 [And God bleſſed the ſeuenth day.) J It femeth that this blefling is bere attributed to Good, after the manner of men; Rom-t.r fo2 they bleffe bim, whome they honourably ertoll , Bowbeit in this ſenſe it thoulde not vifagree with Goo, byraute pis blefling is ſometume that fauour, which he he weth towardes thofe that are bis: euen as the Peb2ues call! him Whe bleter of God, tubich is tn ſpeciall grace and fauour {with Don, as, Gea.24.32 when it ts fapde, Come in thou blefled of the Lorde. Euen fo ine may erpounde that to be the Lordes bleſſed day, which he. loued,that the excellentie and worthineſſe of bis works might be celebrated therein. Moꝛeouer, J doubt not but that Moſes by this worde of fanctifping,intended by andby to expreife fhat which be bad faped: So all ambiquitic is taken alway : becaufe the feconde worde is the erpolition of the firfte. $02 the Hebrue worde fignifieth to feparate and felecte from the. common number, Therefore God fanctifieth the ſeuenth day, Wwhhen Cod maketh the fame notable,that if may by a ſingular “Fight and peiuilege excell among the reſt. Whereby it al⸗ fo.appeareth, that Gon bad alwapy a reſpect andronfideration otmen. J fayde.hefaze,thatfire ** were ſpente in ne) hil D, if, tTOHN CALVINE’ & 54 the worlde: not that Gov had neede of fucceffe of time, fo injom a thoufand peares were as amoment:buttotheendhe > might hole bs in the confideration of his workes. He had res fpect alfo to the fante ſcope inbis ref. Foꝛ be. o2dcined and aps pointed that day which was exempted from the reff, to this —* biel {peciall bie, Catherefore this blefting,is nothing elſe, but ates she Lorde, lemne confecration, whereby God deriueth to himfcife all thelaboures, erercifes,and buftnefies of men the ſeuenth dap, This is the latwfull meditation of the whole life of man, wherein be erercifeth him ſelfe daily to confider the erceeding godneſſe, righteouſneſſe, bertuc,and wiſedome of Ood,in this macqntficent viewe of beauen and earth, Wut becauſe perad⸗ venture men might be fometwhat negligent in the conſide⸗ ration hereof, euery feucnth dap was ſpecially chofen anv ap⸗ pointed , to fupplie that whiche might be tuanting fo dai⸗ ly meditation, Firſt therefore Gon refed ; then be bleſſed this reft, that in all ages it might be holy among mem: 02 elſe, he Appointed euerie feuenth day to bea day of reſt, that his ers ample might be a perpetuall rule. We muſt altwapes remem⸗ ber the ende. Foꝛ God did not ſimply commaund man to kœpe the ſeuenth day holy, as thoughe he were delighted with reſt: but tothe ende be being free from all offer buſineſſe, might: the moze willingly and gladly applic bis mind to the Creato2: of the wo2rlde, Furthermoꝛe this is a holy reff, which deliue⸗ reth men front the impedimentes of the world, that thep map: Wwholp bende themſelues tothe feruice of God; And nolue,’ becauſe the ſſouthfulneſſe of menisfe creat, to celebrate the’ righteouſnes, power, and wiſedome of God, and fo weigh and: confider his benefites, that being well admoniſhed they are’ neuertheleffe flouthfull, there ts no light prouccation added by the erample of Ood,and the commandemtent is made thers by amiable. Foꝛ Codcannot moze gentely allure vs to bia obedience, oꝛ moze effectually ſtirre bs bp, then toben he in⸗ uiteth and erhozteth bs to the invitation of him felfe. ffurz: thermore we mutt knowe that this is a common erercife, not of one age, 02 Of One people onely, but belonging to all man⸗ kinde Aftertwarde,a nelwe commaundement concerning the. —— was giuen in he late, the whiche ſhoulde ane ar S VPON GENESIS? liar fo the Xetwes fo2 atime, Foꝛ it was a legall ceremonie 53 MHadowing the ſpirituall reff, the trueth whereof appeared itr Chri. Therelore often times the Lord tettifieth,that he bath giuen the figne offanctification in that olve people, Wheres fo2e when we beare that the Sabboth oꝛ reftis abꝛogated by H comming of Chritte, we mutt vie a diſtinction, what perteis neth to the perpetuall regiment of mans life, and tobat pice perly belongeth to the olve ſigures, the bfe tohereof was abo⸗ dithed, when the trueth was fulfillen. Spirituali ret isthe i102 fification of the flethe, thatthe fonnes of Gov Might no Spiritual moze line Onto thentfelues,o2 pleafe their otone twill, dee TF is the caufe it figured that Sabboty, ſav it was fempozall, inp 7°! pn lohereas commaundement tas ginen to man from the be- ficthe. ginning, fo erercife themfelues in the worſhip of Gon, the fame fo2 tuff confiveration ought to remaine ontill the cnd of the wwo2lde, [Whiche God had created and made J Bere the Jewes according to their manner, fondly trifle and fay, that God being preuented by the cuening of the late day, leafte certeine creatures bnperfedt:as the Satyres.and otber Bons ſters, as though be were one of the common fort of craftefmen which had neede of time. 15y this their fo monttruous anerz (SR tout they declare,that they are catt into a reprobate fenfe,that ey hep mighte be made abozrible erample of the wrath of Gov, which As touching thefenfe and meaning of Boles, fomte talie it have the thus,Zhat Gon created his tworks, that be might makethem: beede ry becaute fo fore as he gaue them power to be, he Did not With: thc boa Dealve his hand from preferuing thent, Wut this is a ard ers goate, poſition. No more dor Jſubſcribe vnto their opinion, whiche referre it vnto man, whome God made ouerfer and ruler of all his workes, that he might applic them tovfe , and might after a fort garnithe them by bis induttric: ¥ rather thinke , that an ablolute forme of Gods wopkes is noted, as if be ban fapde,that God fo created his workes, that nothing wanted -. to perfection : 92 ele, that the creation pꝛocceded thus farre, Ontill it tuas a woꝛke perfectly finithen, 4 [{Thefearethe generations of the heavens. ] Lhe pure pole of Moles was deepely to ingraue in our mindes the ori⸗ Sinallof heauen and: earth, the whiche he tearmeth by the my | Dit, name 36 LOHN CALVINE sé name of generation Foꝛ there bane bene alimapes Hnthanks full aid wicked perfous, which haue gone about fo obfcurethe glorie of Oon, either bp feigning the worlde to be euerlaſting. oꝛ elſe by taking away theremembzance of the creatiõ. hus the diucll by bis craft and fubtiltic; turneth away from Gov thofe whiche excelled others in witte, that eucry one minhtbe a God to himſelfe. Cuiberefore tt is no ſuperfluous repetition, wyhiche doeth inculcate a thing fo nereffaric, that the woride had his being fo fone as it was made; that ſuch knowledge might Direct bs tothe founder ¢ autho2; Cinder the names of beaticn and earth , he compochendeth the whole furniture, by a figure.callen Synecdoche, of the which be made mention bee fore, Some of the Hebrꝛues thinke, that Motes bere at the lak erprefleth the eſſentiall name of GOD, bycauſe bis maieſtie moze brightly ſhineth in the tyozid being finiſhed ¢ furniſhed. ¢ [{Andeuery plante of the feede.] This verte belongeth to that which tent befo2e, and in reading ts fo be topned thers with. Foꝛ he topueth bearbes and plantes to the earth as ape parell, wherewith the Lord adozned the fame,leat the nakeds neffe thereof ſhould be vncomlie and deformed. dnd although be bath ſhewed that bearbes and trees were created the thirde bay, pet neuerthelelic he doth not without caule make mentis ... gnofthent here agatne:to the end we may knowe, that at that fime thep both fpang,and were p2eferued,¢alfo tnereafed, af - ter an other ſorte then we fee them to be atthis dap . Foꝛ of fedeboth bearbes and trees doe (pring: etther elfe the qraffes, 02 flippes, doc come forth ofan other rote, 02 dee gromeby hating young out of the grounde : wherevnto is ioyned the induſtrie and handeofmen , Wut then there was another cauſe. God. then cloathen the earth, not after our vſuall mas ner nowe ; bycaule there was no feede,no rofe, ne plant, tobte the might grote o2 ſpeing: but thep foudeinip appeared by the commaundement of God, and by the potver of bis worde. The ſtrength continued tn them, that they mighte fande in their owne nature, not hy this vegetatiue growing, which we nowy bebole , not bp the benefite of rapne , not by the wate⸗ } : ’ ring o2 filth of man: but bicaufe God watered the earth teith a vapour, Foꝛ be excludeth two things srayne, from an } 4 VPON GENBS y's, RR I id tt 8 § iE 37 ———— vand the tilthe afi mon, Whiche is form elpe of nature Mhen he faith, that Ood had not vapned ag * ne alſo ſheweth that itishe wohiche opencth anvthutteth the ra Heauen: and —— and deouth are in his hand 9 The Lorde God alfo madethe man.}Chat which he had omitted before in the creation.of man, he nowe expoundeth howe that bis bodie twas taken cut of the earth· He had ſaide that it was made after the image of God.Mhis is excellente and incomparable nobilitiesby the pretence whereot, leaſt men Mans oris ſhoulde waxe proude, their firfke oztginall is: fet bofore them: = is (uf whereby they may kuowe that the fozmer benefite came ofan )“°"*° other; Jro2 Detesifaith that man was in the beginning/ WE aowac his of the carth, Let folifhe men go nowe and boalſte of the excel: pride. lencie of their nature. Concerning other beailes it was fair, Let the earth bringfoorth eneryliuing thing, Powe Adams bony is faide to be of dull, and wanting ſenſe, leatte any matt fhoulde be deltghtedbeponde meaſure in his fietye. For what- ſoeuerhe be thatlearneth not humilitiebtrebp, is moze ther fenfloffe: That whiche afteriwarde came from another; Doth binde vs no lefie bute God. otwbrit, his purpoſe alfo was bp fome excellent note fo put a difference befivecne matt and bꝛute beaſtes. Foꝛ theſe had their beeing out of the earth ina moment, Wut in Chat, man was fathioned by little and little, bis dignitte herein is hewed fo be ſpeciall. For why ooth not God comnaund him Co come out of the earth alive ſtrait way, but onely bycatife he might bya terteine priuilege excell ail the thinges whiche he brought out of the earth 2 [ And brea- thed in his face the breath of hte. J What iundgement foctier uiany of {he auncient Fathers are of, J doubt not to ſubſcribe bits theis opinions whiche expound this place ofthe Gufitine life of man: and fo 4 interprete breathiug here to be the fame which they call the Uitall ſpirit. $f any man obiect and fay, viet! (pi- that, Therſore there ought not a difference to be put between rire. mait and otber lining creatures , ſceing Moles. reporteth no- thing bere, but that thing bohiche is allo common foul; J | — seeaneieiie -\ ead of thr foule onelp TOHN CALVIWNE ⸗ 58 act be mentioned; tobilch inſpireth the body, and giuekh br fo thefame firength aid mouing: pet notwithitanding it lets teth not;but that the fowletap baue her place and degree, and that therefoze if ought to be fenered froin the reſt. Firſt Moles fpeaketh of bꝛeatbing: then be addeth, that a ſoule ts giuen to man, whereby be may line, and be endued with fenfe and reas fon: Nowe we knowe that the bertues of mans foule are diz Merfeandfund2te. Tiberefore itis no abſurditie, tf Boles fouche nowe,onely one of them, and omitteth the vnderſtan⸗ ding partes mention Whercof was made in the fir! Chapter. >> coc! Mnd thereare thote dear es to be noted tn the creation of man: ‘Three dee Firfte, that he was a deade body made cut of the grounde: fee Se 0 —2 condly, that he was enducd With a liuing (cule, whereby be ation, | HAD Ditall motion:and thirdly , that Cod ingraued bis tmage iin this foule; wherevnto is iopned immortalitie. [ And the man was made a liuing fouls, |} The purpoſe of Moſes in theſe ivo des is nothing elſe, but to fet forth the vegetation and making quicke of the earthen betel, whereby tt came to pafle 9. Cof.1s. that man began to liue. Paule hath made a coutparifon bee * tweene this liuing foule, andthe quickening fpirite, tobtché Chit giueth to the faithfull,tons other env but toteach that the fate of man was not mane perfect in the perfor of Adam: but » this is the fingular benefit of Ch2t, that we may be res nued into a beauenly life, tubich alfo before the fallof Adam, twas but earthly:bycauſe it haa no fable and firme conftancie, - 8 [Andthe Lorde God planted a garden ,] Nowe Moe fes addeth, what condition anv rule oflining was giuen vn⸗ to man, And firtt of all he ſheweth in what parte of the wo2ld be was placed, and what a happie and pleafant habitation be had allotted vnto bim, be faith that the Lorde Ood planted, be applying himlelfe by a groſſe and rude ſtyle to the capacitic of the common people . Foz, bycaufe the maieſtie of © D D cannot be (ufficientlp expꝛeſſed as it is, the Scripture is - Paradie {pont fo deferibe the fame after the manner of men. Kcaxced is God therfore had planted Paravite, which be had garniths - Sleslaune © alone with muche pleaſantnede, with plentic of all fruites, and fruic- an With all maner of the belt giftes . Foꝛ this caufe it is cate full place. ed A garden,both becaule of the pleaſantnes of the ftuation, Tae | JIA aD — “VPON GENESTS&: "a 4 and alſo becaute of the beautie of the foꝛime and fathion’. The 59 | old Interpretour hath rot without wile confiteration ternied ! the fame Paradile: bothe in reſpect of the Pebsue wor: and alfo becaufe Xenophon, difpating of the magnificent ¢ furrips : tuous gardens of kings, vſeth the fame name, which he fayth is a woꝛde of the Perfiantongue, The fame region wasa pick? and chopee place taker out of the whole woꝛlde, tohiche | the Lorde gaue Onto Adami as the firft begotten of all men, (in Heden,} Jf is euident inough that Hicrome hath tratit.: lated fhis amiſſe, in adding theſe words, From the beginning: becaufe Motes fapeth afterwardes , that Caine dwelt in the South partorthat place. Aud we mull note that when he play’ ced Paradile in the Eaſt, he ſpeaketh in refpect of fhe Jewes: for he ſpeaketh vnto bis people. Ga herebpon ſirſt toe gather, that tf was a firme region whiche the 1020 appointed fo the » firft nian to Divcil in. Di the Which J therefoze ſpeakẽ by way of admonition, becauſe there haue been fome which did firetrh this garden though out all parts of the world. And Igraunt that iffobe the earth bad uot bene accurfed fo2 the ſinne of man, all and euerie parte thereof, as it was bleſſed from the” beginning, ſhoulde haue bene the notte beautifull ſpectacte bothe ok all plentie,and alfo of pleaſauntneſſe: to be thozte, it had not ben vnlike to Paradiſe, in comparifor of the deformi⸗ lie twhiche we now behoid. Wut lering Moles in this place ers preffeth by name the fituation of the region: they do verie abe furdly tranfterre that whiche is fpoken of a certeine ſpeciall place,tothe whole worlde, Gnd there is no doubt, as ¥ noted euen nowe; but that God chofeout the motte plentifall anv ſweete place,as the firtt fruites of the earth, whiche m fine of fpeciall honour be gaue bnfo Adam, fo whome he gaue the honour of the fir begotten among inen, Furthermore toe ga⸗ ther that this garden twas in the earth, and rot ſituate it the areas fone Dreamed. Foꝛ if fo be if had not bane aparte of our woꝛld if ould not haue been fet againſt ludea, tetvaids the@atl, Aud the Allegories of Oricer, andof fiche like ere fo bereiected: tobiche Sathan by His molk peſtilent ſubtutie went about to bring Into the Churche thatthe doctrine of the = be.boubltuliann vorde of aleerteitic. It —J map * BOHN CA LVIENE * © maybe that lome being conftrepnedby necefiitic, haue : info. an Allegoricall Cente: becanfetbey neuer founre fache a place iv the world as Moles deſeribeth: but we fe that many, thoough a foligh defire of ſubtile curioſitie, haue bane to much addicted to Allegories. As tonching this prefent place, thep- ſearch out the trueth in vaine without the letter. For the pure poſe of Moſes was onely to ſhewe, that God created man for this cauſe,that be might haus the rule and dominion ouer the carth, thereof be might gather the fruite, and might learne by dailx experience, that the twozlde was ſubiecte vnto him. Kabat doth it proſite to flic in the aire, and fo leaue the earthe, where God hath oeclared bis god will totvard mankind? Wut ſome man wil fay that The interp2etation chcerning the hea⸗ uenly blifetsnio2¢ fubtile and deepe. Jaunſwer, Seeing the: eternallinberitance of manis in heauen, it isrightand mete that we fend thitherivard ; notwithſtanding, we muff abive a while in earth, vntill we confiver the place of fotourne, whiche the Loꝛde Would haue man fo ble for atime, Foꝛ now we are conuerſant in this hiſtorie, which teacheth that Adam was 026 deinen of Gop te bean inhabitant of the earth, thatleading a. tempozall life in the ſame, he might thinke bpon the heavenly clove: that the Lorde had liberally inriched him with an tn numerable forte of benefites, by the falte tuberenf be might gather and percetue bis fatherly loue. And by and by Moſes twill adde;that be was commaunded fo till the fieldes,and mas heth mentional{ of fhe. fruites, which were permitted vnto hin to cate, Allwhiche thinges, neither agree With the circle of the Mone,noꝛ pet with the regions of the aire.And although we baue faid,that the place of Paradile twas fituate betweene the rifing of the Sunne (which tue call the Catt) and Iudæa: yet notwithſtanding fome more certeine matter: concerning the region map be Demaunded, They whiche affirme that the: fame was neere vnto Mefopotamia, and vpon reaſons whi⸗ che are not altogether to be contemned:becauſe it is probable that thefonnes-of Heden were nexte adiopning to the floun: Tigris, But becanfe the defcription thereof thalt folloty anon by Motes hinielfe, it is better to deferre that which map be laide thereof till wecome therevnto. The olde ee a 4 — VPON GENESIS. 4 hath falfificn this place,in making of the proper name Heden, Hl Pleaſure. J denice not but that the place was fo called of the Belights that were therein: but itis cafic to be gathered that the place bad aname giuen vnto it, that it might be kuowen from others. J 9 9 (For out of the ground, made the Lorde God to growe.] SU his perteineth to the thirds day of the creation. But Moſes expreſſelyxſaveth, that the fame plate twas replenifhed with all manner of fruitefull trees, that the plentifull ſtorehouſe of all things might be there. The whiche the Lorde brought to patie of purpofe,to the end the qreedie defire of man miaht be Awithoufercufe,if the fame. not beeing contented with fuch no⸗ fable plentic , barietie , and delicacie of fruites,as it came to patie, fhould fet tt felfe againt the commaundement of God. The holic Gholke alfo vppon depe confiveration bttereth by Males, how great the felicitic of Adam was,tothe end bis fil thie intentperancic,may the moze plainly appeare, who could not content himſelfe with fuch plentic,but be muſt breake tw to the forbioven fruite, And it was thameful maratitude, that being info happie ¢ delectable a ſtate, he could not be content: pea it was mo2e then beutiſh luſt, which could not be fatiffied With fo great abundance, Where was no angle o2 commer of pᷣ earth which was at that time barren,nap there was none,but the fame twas verie rich ¢fruitfull:but pᷣ bleſſing of Cov whi⸗ chin fome other place was but meane, wonderfully had pow⸗ red out if ſelfe inte this place. Neither twas there plentie onely fo2 meate, but there was added alfo.a creat € Delicate ſwete⸗ nes fo2 the taſte of the mouth, delectable comlines fo fhe epe. Therelore, by fuch gentle and liberal permiflion, tt voth cut: dently inoughe appeare, howe infattable the defire of man twas, [And the tree of life, ] Be called it,the tree of life, not be- cauſe tf gineth life buto man, {with the tobich be was endued The frit ‘before s:butthat it might be atoken € a memoztall of the life Gcrament Which he had receiued at the handes of God, Wie knowe that it is noftraunge and vnwonted thing, fo2 God to teftific and Declare vnto vs his power by erternall fiqnes . He doth not tranſlerre bis power into crfernal fiqnes: but bp them he reas cheth out bis bande vnto bs ; — — 8— Ann 6: ‘TOHN CALVINE him without we be holpen. We woulde therefore — ſhould remember, ſo often as be taſted of the fruite of that tre whence be bad life : tothe ende be might knolwe that be div not line by bis owne potver, but by the benef te of God alone. Finally, in that tree there was a vifible feftimonie of that fens tente, where it is Capa, that We liue, moue, and haue our bes ing in Gov. Wherefode, if (6 be Avant, being as pet vncorrup⸗ fed, and of a pure nature, ftmde in neede of monifozie fignes, fo lead hint fo the knowlege of Gods grace,bow much moze nev Haue we of figns at this day,in fo great imbecillifie of our na⸗ ture,being fallen from the truc light? Moꝛeouer, J miſlike not that tobich certeine of the boly fathers haue fet dobon, as Au- guſtine, and Eucherius, how that the tre of life was a figure of Chriſte, ashe is the euerlaſting woꝛde of Ood: pea and that it could no other wiſe be a fiqne of life, the in prefiguring of bint. Foꝛ we muſt note what John fayth inthe ſirſt chapter of bis Oofpell : howe that The life of all things was included in the worde, and efpecially the life of men, whiche ts topned With reafon and vnderſtanding. Wherefore Adam twas ade moniſhed by this figne, tochallenge nothing to himſelfe as bis otune,that be might tubolp depend bpon the forme of God, and might fecke life in no other then in him, Wut and if A⸗ dam, bad lifelaped bp inno other then in the worde of God, at what time be had the fame in perfect ſtate: and coulde no o⸗ - thertwife keepe the fame, then by acknotwledging bim to be the Guthour therof: from tobence thal we recouer the fame, when if is loft 2 Let bs knowe therefore, that fo fone as we depart from Chiff there remaineth to bs nothing but death.zF know that otherfome reftraine it fo corpozall life: and thinke that the vegetatiue o2 quickening force of the bodice was in the tree, inſamuch that whoſoeuer did once cate of the fruit thereok Mhoulde neuer languithe with age. But 3 fap that they do os mitte that which is the principall thing in life ; namely the grace of bnderlading. Foꝛ we mul always confider fo what ende man was made, and what manner of life was appointed vnto hi. His life twas not to haue onely a flozithing and gro⸗ Wing body, but alfo to excell inthe gifts of the minde. Concer⸗ ning the tre of knelolege of ga and euil toe muu thus deters mine, ~~ on ne a x— —* ees ‘VPON Grwys rs 6 f{ mine, thatman was not reftrained from the fame, betaute 3 4 od would hauc him to wander ¢ fray without iudgement of things, like buto the bute beaſtes: but becaufe he thouine not bemoꝛe wiſe then twas meete and conuenient, and leatt be trufking fo bis otune fenfe,¢ cafting off the poke of Goo, thouln make hin felfe a Judge of god and euil. Wis finne proreded of an euill conftience: wherevppon it follotweth, that indaement was giuen buto him, therby to vifcerne bettwrene bertucs and bices. And, other wiſe, that which Moſes faide befo2e,could not fande, bow that be twas created after the image of God: fo2 fo much as the image of God cõpꝛehendeth onder if, the knows lege of him, who ts the chiefe felicitie, 2 herfo2¢ fhe Libertines —— are twiſe ntad,¢.montters of men, which imagine that we are 05 reſtored into the ate of innocencic,if fo be euery one be carted © cour. without indgement, at their ofune til, Now we know what P abſteining frd the tree of knowledge of god € enill meaneth: namely, $ Adan might not by aflaying this or that thing ha⸗ zard bis wiſdome:but being addicted to God alone, might be wife only by bis obedience, Therfore knowlege is taken abuse ſedly in euil part foz mifcrable erperimét, which man bought vpon biméelfin departing fro the only wel of perfect wiſdome. Anod this ts the beginning of fre twil, when Adam would be of himſelfe alone : pꝛeſumed to allay what be was able to doe. 10 (And out of Heden went a riuer.] Mofes fapth that there flotwed one riuer fo water the garden, whiche riuer diuided it felfe intofoure heades. All men doe agree that Euphrates and Tigris were tino of the heades . Concerning the other five there is great controuerfie, Many think that thefe fourc beads were Pithon, and Gihon, Ganges, and Nilus ; whoſe errour not withſtanding is fufficiently enough confuted by the il fauce of places, dnd there are fome which (eke for one of thele heades fo farre as to the riuer of Danubic : as though the bay bitation of one man extended it felfe from the furtheſt part of Afiato the ende of Europa, Wut fo2 fo much as divers other famous riuers paſſe by the fame region, their opinion is bet fer tobe allowed, whiche thinke that tive of thent are noted, although their names be now wo2ne ont of bie, Hewbeit, the Doubt is not pet faken away, 302 Poles diuideth one 8 » TOWN CALVINE * 64 bp bvhich the garden was watered, info foure heades. And it is well enough knowen, that the beades of Euphrates ant Tis gris were farre diſtant aſſunder. Dut of this knot fome thus vnfolde them felues : affirming, that by the deftruction any ſpoyle which the floude made, the face of the carth was chauns ged: and therfoze thep gheſſe it might come topaffe that the courfes of the riuers twere troubled and turned another way: The whiche opinion femeth to mee, to deſerue to be reiected vtterly. Foꝛ although J qraunt, that the earth, fo fone as it Was accurfled , was brought from ber naturall beautic ints muferable filthineffe and defozmitie , and fo a lamentable ſtate:and that afterwardes it was fpopled in many places through the floude : pet nofivithftanding J fap that ttis the fame earth tobiche twas created at the beginninge. Moreo⸗ uct’, Poles tn iny iudgement applied his Topographic or des fcription of Paradife to the capacifie of bis age. Not⸗ withſtanding nothing ts done,ercept we find that place there, where the rivers Tigris and Euphrates diuide and part them felues oufof one chanello2 ſtreame. Firſt note that thereis — no mention made of a ſpringe 02 founteine, but thereisfapde onely tobe one river, And by the foure heades ¥ bnderfkanne as Well the originals, and {p2inges, thereof the riuers take their beginninges, as the entries and mouthes, whereby thep flowe into the Sea. Nowe the riuer Euphrates twas fo ioyned in olde time with the riuer Tigris in one courfe, that it might iuſtly be called one riuer diuided into foure heaves : efpecially if that be qraunted vnto me which is apparent to al men,that Motes (peaketh not aptly, noz after a Philoſophicall manner, but rudely, that the moft fimple of all map vnderſtande. Euen fo in the firtt Chapter be calleth the Sune and the Pane the two ppincipall lightes : not bicaufe the Mane is greater then the other Planctes, but bycauſs in our fiaht it is deemed fo be greater, Moreouer he ſcemeth tofake alway all doubt, when be ſayth that the riuer bad foure heaves, bicaufe tt twas dis uided out of the place. That meaneth this, but that ont of one twatercourte the chatiels were divided either abouc 02 beneath:Paradifé 2 Powe F twill et downe the figure before vrour eres, fo the ende in reading pe map vnderſtande, tobere Jiudge > VPON GENESIS. CAPD In | pf Aludge that Potes hath placed Paradilſe. 65 FE * PS S <4 a oe » Plinic in bis firt boke waiteth that the riuer Euphrates was . fopt bp from the Orchens that it coulde not haue bis courte * Fight of into the fea, but by the riuer Tigris, And Pomponius Melg, to! {e in his thirde boke, faith that the Caine Euphrates hath afirme ,.-¢. , > AND Directs patlage,and that it floweth not forth of other ris mile Ita- uers, but forfaketh them. But Nearchus, whome Alexander lian or made Admerall of his Pauic, and who by, bis ,conducte failed Es! » throughout all thofe countries , ath that the mouthe of the reais Aluer Euphratesand Babylon, are thꝛe thoufand,s thre bur: jes, deed futlonges diftant, And be placeth the mouth or enttie * KE ~~ J rOHN CALYINE ~ — of the riuer Tigris in the extreame part of the Sufis: by twhich- part be returning from bis long and worthie nauigation,meg the King withbis Panic, as Arrianus reporteth in. bis eight bake of the geſtes of Alexander . The whiche fentence Strabo alfo confirmeth in bis 15 ,boke. Qotwttanding whetherſceuer Euphrates, falleth 02 floweth, itis certeine that the ſame and the riuer Tigrisrunning together are diuided. Howbeit Ar- rianus in bis feuenth bake writeth, that not onely one chancel ofthe riner Euphrates runneth into the-riner Tigris, but alfo many bꝛokes and viches:bycaufe waters fall apace from the billie qroundes into the bale, As touching the meeting of the two rivers which J haue nofed inthe figure, the opinion offonte is,that the licuetenant Cobaris cauſed them fo to mete by acutte,leatt Euphrates hauing his wholefoace by bis fwifte courte, Hould inuave Babylon, ut be ſpeaketh as ofa Doubts full matter, It is moze credible, that men by arte and induſ⸗ trie followed the courfe of nature, in making diches and cuts tes, when thep faves ee rates ran from the bigher ground of bis owne acco2de into Tigris, Mozeoucr,if tue may credite Pomponius Mela , Semiramis bought the riuers u- phrates and Tigris ta Mefopotamia, Whiche before paddy and bnivatered : which is by no. manner of meanes credible. Pore truc is that which Strabo, a diligent and painefull wets fer,affirmeth, that thefe two rtuers ioyne inone at Babylon; and aftertwardes,diuiding them felues by their feucrall thas nels,are carried into the red fea,And be meaneth that the ſayd coniunction of the tvoriners none ts ‘beyond Babylon, not far from the towne called Mafsica,as ive may read in the fifte boke of Plinie From thence the one river taketh bis courte through Babylon, and the other runneth bp Seleucia, tino fas mous and verie rich cities, Jf we graunt that the ſayde mee⸗ ting together of f rivers Tigris and Euphratesjisbpnature€ from the beginning: all abfurditieistaken away, Ifthere be anp region bnder heauen which ercelleth in pleafauntneffe,in —* of all manner of fruites/in fertilifie, in delightes , and : other giftes, the fame the Writers’ doe (pecially celebrate — long (iw and commend 4 TUherefoze the titles of commendation bes ; : VION GENESTS. (CAP. If, : to the faine; wher with Poles commendeth Waravife.and ~ 7 itis likely that the region of Heden twas fituate in thofe parts. as may appeare by the Pꝛophetes Eſaie, anvEzechiel , And bes Whereas Moles fayth, that there tent a river out of Heden, a7ag SB thereby vnderſtand the flowing of the water: as ifbe ſhould fay, that Adam dwelt on fhe banke of the river, 02 in that land which twas watered on evther fide, if twe thinke god fo take aradiſe for that, twbich is compaſſed about with the riuers. lubett it maketh no greafe matter, whether Adam dwelt on this five the place where the wafers ioyne in one, folvards Babylon and Seleucia, 02 in the vpper parte; itis fufficient that be inhabited that ferrifozie tubiche was well watered. Wut howe the riuer was diuided into foure heades, tt map — eafily be perceiued. Foꝛ there are tlue rivers which iopne tos gether ur one, afterwardes thep go into diuers parts, So one riuer is in the place where both topne together:and there are two beades inthe vppermoſt chanels, ¢ tivo alfo towards the fea,after thep begin to be diuided againe in greater length, here remaineth a queſtion concerning thefe names Pifhon and'Gihon.., . Foz it ſeemeth not agreeing to reafon, that we giue to euery riuer double name. But it ts nonelwe thing, - that riuers chaunge their names, {pecially where thereis any notable note of difference , The riuer Tigns it felfe,Plinic being the authour, about the beade o2 fountcine thereof, is called Dighto : and after that be bad made. many chanels , ¢ ispried together againe,tt became Pafitigris, Thereſore thereis no abfurditic, if toe fay that it was diuerſ⸗ lp named of the courfe thereof, Mo2couer,there ts fome affints tie betweene Pafin and Piſhon: tn fo muche it ts not vnlikelp, that the name of Pafitigrisis the imitation of the ancient aps pellation,. dndin the fifte boke of Quintus Curtius conters ning the Actes of Alexander, where mention is made of Pafi- tigris, fome bokes haue.that it is called of the bo2derers Pha· fin. either doc the reſt of the circumitances diſagree, wheres by Moles pointeth out the of the fe riuers,Pilhon compatteth about the land of Hauilah, tobere golde groweth. Compaſſing is rightiv attributed to Tigris, bycauſe of the craked: courte that it frteheth lower then Mafeposamia, And the land of * q a y. ule 68 TOHN CALVINE: | . \ uilah ,is taken bere in my iudgement, for that region whiche is nere vnto Perfia, Foz in the 25.Chapter following, Boles g will ſhewe, that the limaclit-s dwelt from Hauilah vnto Sur, whiche is nere adiopning to Cgypt, thereby men goc ints Aflyna, Dhebvorder of Hauilah is fette againſt the frontier of Sur, which Moles maketh nere vnto Egypt, and towards Aflyria alfo, WAherebpon if follopeth, that Hauilah fendeth fo Sufia,and to Perfia, Foꝛ it mutt sedes be lower then Afly- ria towardes the Perfian fea, Furthermoꝛe, it is farre from Cayppt: bpcaule Poles reckoneth bp many nations, twhiche inhabited betweene the borders of thofe tivo places, Alfo the: Arabians, of whome mention is made there, were neighs bors vnto the Perfians, ow,that whiche Poles affirmeth concerning golde and peecious ones cometh fo notable pur⸗ pote, igre remaineth Gihon, whiche (as Motes affirmeth) | watereththe land of Chus : whiche all interpreters call Ae⸗ thiopia, Wut the region of the Madianites, and the region of Arabia whiche are borderers, are by Wofes called after the’ ſame name , After the faine manner bis wife in another place: is called att Acthiopian, And feeing the lower courfe of Eu⸗ phrates tendeth fo that parte, ¥ fe not toby it ſhould be coun’ ted for an abfurditic,if it be tearined by the name of Gihon, And thus the fimple meaning of Mofes ts , that the garden, twhiche Adam policed, was plentifullp watered the chanell of a riuer palling thereby, twhiche was after wardes dinided into foure heades , 15 [Then the Lord God tooke the man, ] Powe Mofes ad⸗ deth vᷣ the earth was giuẽ to man fo2 this caufe,that be might occupie him felfe in tilling the fame. UA berbpon tt follotveth, that inen twere created fo doe ſomewhat, that thep might not be ible ¢ Onoccupied. This twas a labour pleafannt and full of delight, free from all wearineſſe and prkefomnefle . Notwith⸗ ſtandiag, ſeeing God would haue nian to be exerciſed in tilling of the earth, he condemned in his perfon,all idleneſſe WMhere⸗ foze there is nothing moꝛe contrarie to the oꝛder of nature, _ then to ſpende our life in eating, indzinking , and in feeping: And int the meane time to bufie our felues with no erercife. Poles addeth that Adam was made gouernour and — VPON GENESIS. CER U3. 6 of the garden,thereby to declare, that bpon this convition we ? pollſelſe thofe thinges which the Love giueth onto bs, that we being content with the moderate and temperate vie of thent, may lap bp in ſtoare the remainder. He which polſeſſeth land, mutt fo receiue the pearely fruit thereof, that be (uffer not the ground through carelefleneffe to decay, but ought to endeuour him felfe to leaue the fame to bis polleritie as god, 02 rather better then be found it, Let him ſo cate the fruites thereof, he walte nothing through riotte, noz (uffer any thing to perich Though negligence, And to the end this ſparingnes may baue place amongeft os, and that we may be diligent in fauing thofe bencfites which the Lorde hath qiuen onto vs ; let cuery y man confer that be is the Loaves ſtewarde, in all thofe thin- — * Ges, which he hath onder his hand. And fo it twill come to patie 2S” that bethall neither diſſolutely behaue biméelfe,no2 coꝛrupt, their ri- {hough abufe,thole thinges which God will haucfaued. — chcs. » 16 [And the Lorde God commaunded,] Poſes now teas cheth that man was made ruler of the earth, with this ercepti- on, that be thoulde never theleſſe be ſubiect vnto God. A lave is giuen vnto hint in token of ſubiection. Foꝛ it made no mate fer to God, if he had eaten of all p fruits of the arden without exception, Sherefoze the forbinding of one tree , was a profe andfriall of obedience, And by this meanes Dod woulde haue all mankind to be enured, even from the beginning, with the reuerence of bis Maieſtie:euen as it was necdefull , be beeing adorned and inriched with fo many ercellent giftes, ſhoulde be kept in awe and obedience, leaſt be ſhoulde burt forth into \ twantonnes and rebellion , here was an other (pecial reafon which we touched befo2e : namely,that Adam ſhoulde not des fire to be moze wiſe then was conucnient , But this general purpote of God is tobe obferued, whereby be woulde make man fubtect to his goucrnment .Wherfore the abfteining fro the frutte of one tree, was a certeine leading to obedience : to the end man might knowe that be bad a Gutder and Lorde of bis life, vpon home be ought to depend, and whofe beftes it beboued hint fo obey. And berily this is p only rule fo liue wel and with reafon, for mento bend and franie them flues to ferue God, Notwithltanding, r+ ſeemeth to diſagree ne Past Cy, \ 70 IOHN CALVINE the lentence of Paul, when he faith that the law is not giuen * w fo2 the tuft nian, Fo2 if it be ſo:adam being as pet perfect and vncoꝛrupt, had no neede of the latwe , Wut the folution ts cafie fo be made . Foꝛ Paule diſputeth not there, but pronounceth ‘pf the common ble of life, that they tobich runne of their owne acco2de, are not fo be compelled by the neceſſitie of the latwe ; arcozding fo the conmton prouerbe, Df euill manners fp2ing god lawes. Neuertheleſſe he doth not denie but that Ood ap⸗ pointed a law for man froin the begitming,that be might take to him felfe bis due and lawefull right. Ifany man obtect the t.Cor3-7 other fentente of Paul. where he affirmeth that the law is the Miniter of neath: ¥ anflwere that the fame is accide nfali,and that af the coꝛruptiõ of mans nature. and that then a cOmans Dement was given vnto man, wherby be might know that be was vnder the qouernance of God, Wut J lightly paffe over thefe fmall matters. And let bs rentember that tobich Jſpake before, becaufe it is of greater weight: that then we hall frame our lives aright ,1f tue obep Ood, and make his twill the rule and guide of all our affections . [ Of cuery tree of the Garden, } To the end Adam might the moze willingly obey, (od conunendeth bis liberalitie, Beholde, fatthe be, J delts ver into thy band all the fruites of the carth, and-euéty kinde of tree. Dut of whiche erceeding plentie and varietie, J ree feruc one tree onelp, Alfo be terrificth him by theeatentng the punihment, fo2 the ratifptig of the lawe. Ut bereby the greas ter is the wickedneſſe of man, whom neither this louing coms memoꝛation of thefe gifts of Ood, 1102 the feare of puntihinent could refeine in bis dutie. Wut it may be demanded what kind of death the 102d mreaneth in this place? It ſeemeth fo me that we mutt fetch the definition thereof from the contrariec : we mutt, J fay, confiver from that life man did fall. Be twas in Mans life euerie parte and condition bleffed: therefore his life perteie atthe firt. ned both to bodie and ſoule Seeing ariahbtiudaementandthe iuffe moderation of affections twas tn bis foule, lifealforeigs nedthere : inbis bodice there was no manner of bice : uberes fore he was altogether free from death . Whe earthly life was fo bint tempozall, pet not withſtanding if be had not fallen, be pad gon to heauen, Without death, ficknefle, 0) any sour” ; . ; no a. Tim.e9 3 7 “ VPON CENESIS: CAP. 1}, /~ nolo death is therefoze hoꝛrible onto bs : firtt, bicaute we are * — empticd of all thofe graces, as touching the bodie:{econvlp, bi 7 death, vntill death it felfe btferly {wallow him bp, Fo2 p ſcrip⸗ ture fearmeth them dead men, which being oppreſſed with the tprannie of fin ¢ of Sathan, live to their deltrucion, Kiberfo2e it is a baine ¢ ſuperfluous queftion, how od thecatned death fo Adam af what time he thold touch the forbioen fruit: when as be deferred the puniſhment fo2 a long time. For then Adam Iwas giuen vnto death, and death beganne bis kingdome in him, vntill the grace whiche suerfhadotwcd him brought a res » 298 IIlt is not good that Adam fhoulde be alone, ] Mowe Poles ſetteth forth the purpofe of ODD in creating the wos Man: which was, that there might be men bpon the earth, whi che might haue mutuall focietic among them ſelues. howbeit it map be Doubted, whether this fentence ought to be ertended fo generation. Fo2 the wordes fimply haue this Ggnification, Bicaulſe it is not gwd fo2 the man to be alone, we mull create foz him a Wife, that he may be an belpe vnto bin. Potwiths ſtanding J take them thus:that God beginneth at the fir de⸗ gre of humane forictic : pet that bis purpoſe was to compꝛe⸗ hend others, in their order ¢ place, Therſore the beginning ts generall, That man is created that he might be a foctall creas ture liuing in focietic. Qolw mankind could not and without a woman:¢ therfore in the coniunction of men,that knot eſpe⸗ ciallx appereth, wherby the bafta, ¢ the Wife grow age | iiij. 7 Qusftion. Aaſwere. Woman as ordci- nedtobe ahelpand flay of 3, IOHN!' CAEVENEC ts . ‘ \e- info one bodic,¢ info one foule,cuettas nature it felfetaught ‘ Plato gather Philoſophers of moꝛe found iudgment to ſpeak. Mozeouer, although God vttered this concerning Adam, vᷣ it twas not profitable fo2 bint to be alone: Notwithanding Jdo not reftraine it to his perfon onelp, but rather thinke it to bea common rule of mans calling : that euerp man may take tt as ſpoken to hint felf, that folitarines ts not god, but in hun whõ ©ad hath exempted by a {peciall priutlege. Many thinke that a lſingle life is beſt, therefore leaſt thep ſhould be mulerable,thep abſteine from wedlocke. And not onelp heathen men haue de⸗ fined , that it ts a bappte life to liue without a wife, but alfo the firſt boke of Hicrome again louinian ts tuft full of tics ked repoches, wheriwith be qoeth about fo make holy matri⸗ monic batefull ¢ infamous,iet the wicked lerne to fet again ticle Wicked ſuggeſtiõs of fathan,this fentence of Cod, tubers with be bath appointed man fo a matrimontall life, not to bis. deftruction,but to bis faluation, [1 will make hin an helpe, } Af may be demanded why it was not faid inp plural number, Let vs make.as befoze in the creation of the man. Sone think, that by this fpeach, the difference which ts betweene both feres is nofed,and that fo it is (hewed, how much move excellent the man is, then the woman, But J like better of another infers pretation, which differcth ſomewhat, though it be not altoges ‘ther contrarte:namelyp,that toben in the perfon of man, mane Kinde was created,the cOmon worthines of the whole nature, twas With one fitle generally ado2ned, where it is fad, Let vs make manrand that it was not needfull tobe repeated in the creating ofthe tuontan, which was nothing elfe but the addi⸗ tion ¢ furniture of the man, Jt cannot be denied, but that the woman alfo was created after the image of God, though in fhe feconde degree, Mherevpon it followeth,that the fame which was fpoken in the creation of the man, pertetneth to woman⸗ kind, Now ſeeing Ood alligneth the woman to be anbelpe to the man, be doth nof only prefcribe vnto women a rule of their calling, } thep map the better do their dutie: but alfo pronouns ceth pᷣ matrimonie thalbe in beric Deed bnto men a notable fap ¢ helpe of life. Let bs therefore determine vᷣ the oder ofnature cusns life, Doth fo beare,that the woman is abelpeto pᷣ man. The cOmon Pꝛo⸗ a 4 - * VPON GENESIS. CAP. IT, 7 yroutrbis;that heis A neceſſarie cuill:but tue ought rather id tohearken onto the won of Ood, twhithe affirmeth that the woman is giuen to fhe man to be a companion and fellotve, Wwhiche may helpe him fo liue tell, J qraunt that inthis cor. rupt fate of mankinde, the bleffing of OD D, whiche is bere deleribed, appeareth not: but tue muſt account the caufe of this euill tobe this, namely, bicanfe tue haue altered the oder ofnature which Ood had o2deincd, For if fo be there ree mained that integritie whiche was in man atthe beginning, this o2dinaunceof God ſhould be cuidently feene, and motte ſweete melodic ſhould reigne in wedlocke: becauſe the man ſhould haue reſpect vnto Ged,and the woman ſhoubo be a hel⸗ per of bint fortward therevnto:they both ſhoulde imbꝛace with one confent bolie and friendly ſocietie Now it is tome to paſſe through our fault, and coꝛruption of nature, that this happi⸗ neffe of tucdlocke is fo2 the greateſt part decayed in vs: 02 at left wiſe ts nungled and infected iwith many inconueniences, 73 The orig nall and caufe of Sercofcome balies,troubles, bitternefle, contentions,and a contenti- buge beape of alleutites ; Hereof it contmeth that men are of: on in wod tentimes troubled with their thins, and do feele many lettes to come,by the meanes of them, Howbeit wedlocke could not be fo defiled thoough the wickednefle of men, that the bleſſing which God had once ratified by his worde, ſhould be wholp ae bolifhed and ext inguiſhed. Therfore in many inconveniences of wedlocke, which are the fruites of a Degenerate and corrupt nature,there remaineth ſomewhat of the godneſſe of Cod:and in the quenched fire,as tt terre, there rentaine and appeare notwithfanding fome ſparks. And bpon that principall point Dependeth the other , that women being taucht concerning their Dutic, may indeubdur themfelnes fo mainteine the o2der ‘which Gad bath appointed, inbelping their huſbandes. It is the mens part alfofo weigh and confiver with them ſelues, wohat duetie they in like manner owe buto the balfe parte of their kinde . $92 bothe {eres are mutually bounde either fo o- ‘ther: and fo2 this caufe the woman tg giuen tothe man fo be an helpe, that be may thetue hint (elfe tobe ahead and guide. Furthermore, we are fo note another thing, wien the woman tu this place is callen the * help, that neceMitte is ae <7 a cd, locks. Vv — YOHNCALVINE ~~ w ann. 74+ cheb; toherebute we are indaungered after the fallof Ap Faz the woman ould haue ben an belpto the man, although be had ſtod in bis perfec Kate, otw (wing the difeafe of luſt wanteth a remedie, we baue a Double benefite of God:but the latter is accidental. (Mecte for him, }o2(acco2ding to the Bee baue tert, ) Before him: D3, as it were,anfwerable vntohim, Foralthough certetne of the Rabines think this to be {poker affirmatiuely without any note of ſimilitude: ¥ notivith fam Ding take it inthe proper lente, as if tt were faid, that he is - ag tt were, xvTISorxov,o2 xvrisecPor,that is to fay, oppofite,or equiualent,o2 arfiwerable, For the woman ts faid to be ouer⸗ againe the man,o2 before the man,bicaufe thers like and ane ſwerable vnto him. And fhe note of fmilitude feemeth to me fo be added, becaule tt is. a bo2olved {peerh. The Oreks tnters peters haue faithfu ly giuen the fenfe. And ‘bere the erro of certeine is ouerthꝛowen, which think that woman was made only ſor to increaſe ¢ multiplic mankind:and do reftraine the word (Good ») wherof mention is made befoze,to generation: they thinke not that a wife was neceſſarie in refpect of Adam, becaule as pet be was free fro luſt:as though thee were giuen bnto him only to be a beofellow : ¢ not rather an infeparable companton of life; Wheras others erpound theſe words to be - asmuch,as if be had faid, That the might be readie at his come mandment;itis a very colo erpofition. Fo the purpole of Moe fes is to expꝛeſſe moꝛe:as appeareth by that which followeth. 49 [Sethe Lorde God: formed of the earth.J This is a moze large erpofition of the former fentence. Foꝛ be fatth that none of all thofe creatures tobich Cod bad madz, when a mule ter 02 viewe of them twastaken, twas founde to be a meete mate and pokefellotwe for Adam: nerther was there that aſfi⸗ nitie of nature, that Adam might chofe him a mate and conte panion of bis life from out of anp one kind. Neither happened this thzough iqnozance. Foꝛ creatures of euery kinde came fo2th before the prefenceofAdam: and he named them not at a denture, bul of knowledge be gaue to euery one bis ctone and p2oper name: pet notwithſtanding there was no equall p2opoztion betiveene him and them. So that, vnleſſe a wife of bis owne kinde bad beene given onto hint, be had beene left * - * VPON GENESIS. CAP. IL ftitute of a conuenient ¢ meete helpe. All thele wordes And brought them to the man, fiqniffe nothing elfe, but *8* he gaue vnto all creatures the affection of fubiection, that thep might willingly offer them {clues bnto nian : that they bees ing familiarly Viewed and confidered, be might put a Ddiffes rence betweene them, by giuing vnto them proper names,and agreeing to their ſeuerall natures. And this gentleneffe bad als fo remained int wilde bealtes tolwardes men, tf fo be Adam by bis falling from God, had not lok his fuperiozitic ¢ rule which God had citien onto him, Wut fo fone as be began to be obſti⸗ nate and rebellious againſt Ood, be felt the fiercenes of boute beattes againt bint. Foꝛ fome are berie hardly tamed, others fome remaine bntamed , and fome ferrifie bs thoough their ſterne crueltie, Potwithtanding there rematne till certeine reliques of that fubiection,as we thal fee in the ninth Chapter following. And we mult nofe, that Poles fpeaketh of thofe creatures alone, which come molt nere bnfo men : fo2 fiſhes line as it Were in another world. As touching the nantes whi⸗ che Adant gaue vnto them allo, J doubt not but that suerte of thent receiued their proper tame with berie god reaſon. But the vſe of thent with many other benefits alfo ts Worn alway. . 21 [ Therefore the Lord God caufed an heauie fleepe.] Als thouah this order of making woman feemeth ridiculous and fonde to wicked and vngodlie men, in fo muche that fome fap that Motes telleth but afable : pet not withſtanding to vs the Wwonderfull prouidence of Dad thineth. For to the end the cone topning of mankinde might be the moze firme,be would that out of one and the felfe fame beginning, as well the males as the females thould hauc their oziginall, Be made therefore hu⸗ mane nature tn the perfon of Adam,¢ therof he foꝛmed Heuah that the oman might be only a poztion of al mankind. This is the meaning of the woꝛdes, which we had befoze tu the firk Chapter, GOD created man, male and female created he them, 'Bereby Adam twas taught to knowe himfelfe, as by lootteiner i ina glaſſe: and Beuah in like manner, willinalp to fubmifte her felfe vnto the man,as taken out of him. Mhere⸗ as,iftivaferes bad pꝛoceded out of diuerfe beginnings, . ‘babginen eons of mutuall content, 0 of enuie, 03 75 IOHN.CALVINE — 76 oꝛ elſe of bꝛalles, and contentions. And what cauſe haue pe⸗ uerſe heades to gainſay this: The narration ſeemeth not er ⸗·f dible, becauſe it agreeth not with cuſtome. As though it bad moꝛe colour,that men are begotten daily of filthie and vn⸗ cleane feede; were it not knotone by ble anderperience, Wut they obiede, epther that the ribbe whiche was taken from A⸗ dam was ſuperfluous: or clfe,that thꝛough the abſence of the ribbe, his bodie ts lame. To both theſe let it be anſwered, that they finde great abſurditie. Wut if we ſay, that the Loꝛde and mailer of heauen and earth prepared a ribbe, wherof be might niake another body, J finde nothing in this anſwere diſagree⸗ ing with the pꝛouidence of Oop, Wowbeit, the other contecure ts better allowed: that fometwhat was taken from Adam, that be might tmbzace part ofbimlelfe toith the qreater liking and loue. He lo therefore one ribbe: but forthe ſame a greater retard was giuen vnto him, when be got a faithfull compas nion of life: pea, when be ſawe himſelfe to be perfect and come plet in bis twife, tubo before was but as.an balfe creature. And Animage herein Wwe fea frue image of our vnitie with the fonne of | of Chrifte Oop: for be alfo twas made weake, that bis members might be in Adam. endued with firength. In the meane fime let bs nofe;that As bam was calk into a Deep Mleepe,to p end he might fale no pain: alfo,that there twas no biolent rupture made,no2 that be felte no loſſe by the ribbe tubiche was taken alway : bpcaufe God fo filled bp the voyde place with fleth;that be might notwithltan⸗ bing baue fuffictent ſtrength: onely the hardneſſe of the bone twas taken alway. Alfo Poles vpon god confidcration vſeth this word made, oꝛ builded:to teach that at p lat in the perfon of the tpoman, mankind twas perfected, which before was like vnto a building begonne and not finithen, Dtherfome referre tt fo gouernaunce:as if Moles woulde haue fapd, that then the lawtull o2der of a familie was appointed ; the which atfiereth nof much from the former erpofition, Wedlocke © | 22 [And brought her to the man, } protve Poles ſheweth was ordei- vᷣ wedlocke twas ozbeined of God: the which is chiefly profitas nedof ble to be knotwn. Jfo2 fering Adam foke not a wife to him felfe God. at his owne till: but toke her whome the Lorde offered and appointed vnto hint; bercofthe holineſſe of matrimonie — g 7 WF VPON GENRESTS:' capi os the better appeare,becaufe we knotve that Godis the authour: 7 7 - thereof. 2he moze that Sathan hath gone about to defile mas: trimonte,the more let bs cfteemic and reuerence the faine,that it may baue due honour. Fo2 thereof it twill come: to pate, thar fhe child2en of God tuill with a god and quiet confcience ims b2ace wedlocke: and men and their wiues twill line chattely and honettly together. Sathan hath fought tivo thinges in the difcredite and abafeing of matrimonie:: that bp the hatred thereof be might bring ur the peſtilent taive of fole and finale life? and alfo might giue libertie to maried perfons to do what fyentlutt, | Theretore the wozthinelle of matrimonie being ſhewen, ſuperſtition muſt be taken alway : leaſt it bea lett and hinderaunce to the faith fulljtokape them from the vſe of the latofull and pure ordinaunce of Dod. Allo we mutt refiftcthe laſciuious wantonneiſe of the flethe, that menmay liue chafte. ly ith their wiues. Wut if there were no other reaſon but this,that except tue both fpeake and thinke honourably of maz trimonie,the authour thereof is vithonoured, the fame alone ſhoulde fuffice : forfuchit ts tohich Moles orferibeth here, Wi! Sathan is the datife why wa⸗ trimonié is defpiled “a3 CPhisisnowebone of my bones,} It is Demaunded;! «.» whence Adam had this knowledge: who at the time that he was formed, was in a deepe Ndeve, If Wwe fay that his twit was! — then fo quicke and ſharpe that he co uldetudge by coniecures, tt chal be but a weake-aumflwere.but-we neede not to voubte, but that God mave the truth of the mater knower onto hin, opther by fecrete revelation; oꝛ elfe by his worve,y F702 he Bid hot boꝛrowe the ribbeofthe man for his otvue necefitic of the which he mave the woman but be would bane then knit focether the more by this! bonde: the whiche coulde not be, excepte the matter were knowone bnto thet .. Boles doth not expreſſe howe it was knoWwen, Penertheletic, except wewill make the work of God fuperfluous, we mult aſture our ſelues p the authour did manifelt both that matter;¢ alſo the order · purpoſe of doing it. adam was call into a depe fee, not to ſᷣ end the originall of bis twife might be hidden from him, but fo take away the griele and paihe, vntill he had receiued the beneũte of theribbe taken alway, Alo Poles fetteth ootwne the name which Avant gaue vato bis wife, that bp this telti⸗ monie, oa Qo 11 149 TOHN: CALVING, Ny * monie and by this note; hemught commit to euerlatting mes moꝛrie the wiſedome of God." nein incor fT heretore {halt wan lemo his — Were lome dout whether Pores maketh God the ſpeaker of theſe words, oꝛ Adam:o whether be added this him ſelſfe as a teacher. Of the which three the laſt liketh me beſt. Therefore Moſes, al⸗ fer be had hiſtorically reported that which the Lorde had done, be ſcheweth alfo the endef Gods o2dinaunte, Whe ſumme is this: that among the degres ofhumans ſocietie, this is the: chicfe rand as it were motte holy, thatthe man cleane to bis wife.dndthis be amplifieth by adding a comparifon, thatthe hufband ought fo peferre bis wife before bis father, And the Ateather is fapde ta be fozfaken, not that matrunonie feparateth: Marriage’. childꝛen from their parentesj;orthatet taketh alway.other dus. doshnot ties of natures: faz fo Gon Mhoulde be contrarie to. him felfe, —* But ſœing the duetie of the childe towardes bis father ought from their Greatly to be imbraced, andought fimply tit ſelſe to be coun⸗ fathers. tedinuiolable and holv, Moſes notwithſtanding fo ſpeaketh of wedlocke; that it is lelle lawelull to forſake the wile, then tho⸗ Diaorces ꝑarentes: Thereſore thep which graunt diuorces fo be made ought not foplighf cauſes, doe in one pointe violate all the lawe ot tobe cop ature, and bing the fante to naught. Hf it be finne fo diuide —— the kather andthe fonne, tt is greater wickedneſſe to vndos ry the knotte, tubiche © DD hath: preferren before all. other. CAnd they ſhall beone fle(h].. Although it is not faine bere, And, they twofhall beone fleth : yet: notwithſtanding, inthe fenletbere is no ambignitic, Foꝛ D D appointed not many wiues to one nian, but one wife onely: and in a generall docs trine be ſaid WMile) in the fingular number. It reſteth therfore $ thematrimoniall knot confit betweene tivo: tubercof it do⸗ eth eaſtly appere;thatthere is nothing leſſe agreeing fo the or⸗ dinanee of Cod, thenthe hauing of many Wwiues, Now, when Mat.z9.5. one Sauiour Cheiſte diſallowing the voluntarte diuorces of the Jewes, alledgeth:-the caufe : namely, Becaufe it was not fo Malaz-t5- from the beginning : he commaundeth this fir inſtitution fo be as an euerlaſting rule, Wy the fame, Malachie alfo calleth backe the ewes that were in his time, to the firk inthitutions faying, Made he not them one from the beginning? And eee — A 38) 184 note 4 VPON GENES 1s CAP. III. “toting toe te tos plenttabin din cayertse, PD there is no doubt but thatth ofsmanyp wiues, is acg)s ruption of laufull Matrimonieeee bas ~' 25. C Andthey were both naked))] In that the nakennetfe of men is counted bacomlic,¢ Deformed) {which in beatts is com⸗ wmendable enough, tt feemeth to be againtk the dignitie of man, WMe can not fee a man naked Without ſhame: the like tame is not in te fight ofamatle,o2 adogge;d2abull, MPoreouer, euery man ts aſhamed of his nakednes, though be be not fae BE others: tobere then is that nobilitic; whereby Wwe erccil others? The caule of thisthame, bycanfe itis notve in bs, / Boles Helveth in the Chapter following), Poww it is sustici- ent to fapsthat in a mature bicoaruptepand notaefiled, there was nothing but that which was bone2able:tyberbponit,fol- - dotusth, that whatloeuer is in bs to our thame and reproch ⸗ fo be imputed to our otone fault; bicaufeour parentes han no⸗ ‘thing tn themfelues, which was ondoncit, 02 vnromue, vntill ſuch tiie, as thepdefilen themlelucs twithfinne,:.. | fod? gluse days tam Jo Wrdyo] or!t non] uo ouods bite .lloie> [fs seods bobs so ge uod eit agnobs cri | 7}: Owe the ferpent was mote fabtile: then any | bealt of the ficlde whiche ther Lorde God -had ARS Ge |: Mades.andhefaide tothe woman} Yea, hath RDS} God in derde ſaitleye ſhall not · eate of cuerie tree of the garden s/¢/) uorl bn, sod ry Aid the woinan faide to. theferpenty We cate ofthe fruite of the trees of thegatdeny ric. al .noijesones ya bns.zowe 3 But the fruite ofthe tree: vhiclvis ih the middefof the garden,God hath faide, ye fhall not eate of it , neither: fiz) ye o touche it, leat yéiditiso: chunoed bic) of msbA o2 oA ©) vor Then the ferpent laid tatheswoman; Ye lral not die atal: 5But God doth kriowe; that vhenye fhalleatethcrof,your _ Ges thalbe opened;& ye thalbeas Gad sjknibwinggdod & cuil, 22,6 Sothe woman, (loeing thatthe tree waslgood:tat ineate, & _ that it was pleafqunttosHe eyesjandlatresto bie defined toiger udtnowled ge) tdoke of the fiuitt-thereafandidad tate jad caue alſoto ber hullband withberjand he ded Cates> 26) oO) on Th 2 7 cn €o 142 TOHN:' CALVINE 340 7 Thensheeyssof — * pcr donate they acti that they: were naked,and: on esa together pe * themſelues Ss cto to °8 Afterward they — = * Lorde God -wal- _ vkingin the garden inthecoole of the day, and the man and his wife hidd then: felues' from tbe — ** of the Lorde God a- ' mong, the trees: of the: 9 But the Lorde God called: to — and fide tnto him, Where art thoa 2) dante? uit end Io Cantieg 10° Who faide; I heard thy voyce in the garden, * was af- fraide: becaufe 1 wasnaked, therefore Phidde my felfe, i And he ſaide, Who tolde thee that thou waft naked? Haft 9 Chow eaten ofthe tree, whereof I ommuaded es that thou « fhouldeft néveate in no cafe? |” ne ula Then'the mad aide; The —* which Ho gaueft tobe — 75— me ſhe gauemeofthe tree and I did cate. i3 And the Lorde God ſaide to the woman, Why haſt thou “done this 2 Atid ithe Woman faide,T he ferpent beouiled me, & id cate. 14. Then the Lorde God faide totheferpent, Becaufe thou ha{tdone this,thou art curfed aboue all cattell, and aboue euce rie beaſt ofthefielde: vpon thy bellic lhalt thou $0, and duſt | fhaltthoweate all the dayes of thy life, sas Lwilk snamnaiaasithécbedioamealieaeal a oa ~and-betweene thy: feede,and her feelle.i He thal ne head, and thou fhalt brufé his heele!: io o>: 16: Vintothe wotnan he faide,I-will greatly — thyſor · rowes, and thy conceptions. In forrowe thalt thou bring forth © children,and thy defire thalbe to thy huf bande , ; and he ſhall > mule duer thee. loons Jomilnn 17 Alfo to Adam he faid,Becaufe houhat obeyed the yoyce of thy wife, 8chatY eaten of the tree (wherof I commanded thee faying,‘Thoushalt not eate of it,)curfed isthe ‘earth for thy fakes sn forrowethalt thoweate of it all the dayes of thy life? - 18): Thornes alfo.and thiftles fhallit bring foorth vnto thees * ane thou Malt eate the hearbe of thefielde, | * ao An thefiveate of thy face fhal¢ thou eate bread, tilt thou returne to the carths for outofit — acu i9 ot r arte | é ⸗ p VPON GENESIS: CAPR TIX . art duft,and to duft thalt thou returne. tern «38 | $1 _ 20 (Andtheman called his wiuesmame Heuah sbecaufe the ; was the mother of all lining. _ 21 Vnto Adam alfo and to his wife did the Lord God make coates of {kinnes,and clothed them. : 22 And the Lorde God faide,Beholdethe man is become as one of ys, to know good & euil. And now,left he put forth hjs hande, and take alfo of the tree of life, and cate and liuc for uer: 23 Therefore the Lord God fent him foorth from the gars den of Heden,to till the earth,whence he was taken, 24 Thus he caft out man,and at the Eaft fide of the garden of Heden he fet the Cherubims, and the blade of afworde thas ken to keepe the way of the tree of life, 1 [Now the Serpent was more fubtile.] In this Chapter, Poles declareth , that man after he twas deceiued by the fabs tiltie of Sathan,and fel from his maker, was wholy changed, and made-fo degenerate, that the nage of Cod, according to the whith be was made, was quite € cleane defaced. Alfo, that With nan, the whole wo2lde,whiche was created fo2 bis fake, fell from bis firit oziginall; and that fo muche of bis naturall ercellencic twas deftroped. Wut bere arife many and hardo gueftions, Foꝛ wher Moles faith,that the ferpent was moze © fubtile then all other beaſtes, be ſſemeth to affirme, that the faide ferpent was not moued by the inſtinct of Sathan to de⸗ ceiue man,but by bis owne malice, Janſwere, that the natue rall(ubtiltie of the ferpent was no let,but that Sathan might abule the fame to worke the deftruction of man, Foꝛ be bar uing nade of an inſtrument, chofeout from among all the beattes one, whiche be ſawe to be motte mæete for him: fo be chort, bedeuifed a way, thereby his fubtile baytes might the moꝛe cafily allure the minde of Heuah. Be had as yet noconts munication With mer: he put vpon him the perfon of a beall, vnder the which he might bane accefle. Hotwithſtanding, uv terpreters doe not agree among themſelues, in what fenfe the ferpent is called more ſubtile. Foꝛ the Webrue worde fignift, * as Well prudent as craftie, Some therefoze will —* 7 8. he 1 TOHNW CALTVINE . x 2) taken in the god parte, otherfome inthe euill parte. Int Yo ~~ thinke that Mofes doth not note the vice fo muche,as he doeth fefte downe the praife of nature, becaufe Oodhad giuen fo this beak a ſingular quickenefie of witte abouc other beaſtes: but Sathan tarneth the difpofition which God gaue onto the ferpent to ferue his ſubtile pꝛactiſe. Dairy cauill and fap that there is moe crafte now in cevteine other beaſtes. Co whom Jaunſwere, that itthalbe no abſurditie, if we fap, that the gifte is taken krom the ſerpent, whiche bzought deftructton to mankinde : euen as we Mhall ſce affertward that be was others Wife puniſhed. Howbeit the defcribers of beattes differ not snuche from Moles in this deſcription: and experience agreeth verie Wel with the fame. And the Lord doth not in vaine conte Mat.io.is maund bis difciples to be wife as ferpentes. Wut if {eemeth fcarfe reafonable, that Moſes fpeaketh bere of the ferpent as lone, making md mention at all of Sathan. J confelle that out of this one place, can be gathered no other thing, but that men Mere deceiued by the ferpent. Wut there are teſtimonies of Scripture fufficient , whereby it is plainely andmanifedtly The(er- “proucd,that the ferpent tas onely the diuels mouth: becauſe pent was -not the ferpent, but he, ts the father of yes, a deceiuer, and oncly the, the authour of death . Notwithſtanding, the queſtion is not diucls as petaunflvered, Why Poles made no mention of Sathan· mouth. Iwillingiy ſubſcribe vnto their iuogement; which fay that the bolic Ghoſte dio then of purpole vſe obfcure figures , bes cauſe it was mete that the manifet light ſhould be deferred “fill the kingdome of Ch. Jn the meane feafon the prophets feltific, that the meaning of Moſes was well knowen onto them:twhen in diuers places, they lap the cauſe ofour deſtruc⸗ tion bpon the diuell. We haue fatd in another place,that Mos fes applieth thole thinges whith be bath tuzitten to the capacts ‘tie of the common people: and that vppon verie gad confines ration, 3fo2 be was to feache, not onelp the vnlearned mul⸗ titude : but alfo in bis time the Churche twas in the fate of infancie, whiche as pet twas not capeable of higher doce ‘trine, Wherefore it is no abſurditie, tf thep were ferde Wwith milke, tobome we knowe andconfelle to be as it were infantes accozding to the time, Melle, f we lke — —V —— >t. e SA. VPON GENESTSY ~'CAP TIT 8 of att other ſimilitude, Moles isnot tobe blames, ifbetbinke V3 ing bintfelfe tobe mate a ſcholemaiſter of the Love, Rande bpon childithe rudiments andinfructions . They which oil daine this ſimplicitie, condemme the tubole regiment of God in gouerning the Church. Wet this {uffice, that the Lorde, by the ſecret illumination of bis holy fpirite,fupplicd all the want of plaineneſſe in externall wordes: euen as it euidently appeareth by the Prophetes, who ſawe that Sathan was the proper enimie of mankinde,the woꝛkemaiſter of al enils,furs niſhed with all manner of fubtiltics and deceites to hurte anv to deftroy. Wherefore, although the wicked murmur andres pine, there is nothing in this kinde of ſpeache wherewith we mar be offendedinufly, if Pofes defcribe Sathan to be the prince of vnrighteouſneſſe, onder p perfon of his miniſter and inſtrument, efpecially at fuch time, as Ch2itt the beade of the Church, and Sunne of righteouſneſſe, had not pet openly thi ned, Pozcouer the filthines of mans ingratitude did hereby the better appeare : bicaule, when as Adam and Heuah knew that Gov had delivered puto them all lining creatures, to be vnder their fubiection, fuffered themfelnes nottvithftanding to be led atvay fo rebell againtt Godby one of thetr bondfers uantes. So often as they bebelde any lining creature inthe world, they ought to bane remẽbred, as well the mofk excellent power and gouernment of God, as alfo his fingular godneſſe: and on the contrarie parte, when they ſawe that the ferpent became ai Apottata from bis maker, they Docnot onely not punithe hint, but againſt latofull oder , they fubmitte theme felues fo it, being partakers of the fame Apoſtaſie. Cibat cant be moze bainous then this fo great wickedneſſe Thus J take the name of Serpent,nof Allegozically,as fome fondly do, but in the natural and p2oper fenfe, Many alfomeruell that Boe fes fimply and fodeinly ſheweth that men were caft info euer⸗ lafting deftruction by the motion of Sathan: and ſpeaketh not one worde howe Sathan him felfe fell fromt God. And hertot if came fo pafle,that fome hauing the ſpirit of giddines, HN gine that Sathan twas made cuill and pernerfe at the frie, as he is here defcribed to be, But the fall of Sathamis proued by other places of Scripture;and ms a wicked errour, * on JU, nS TOHN-CALVINE: BY et vnto D D the creation of an euil and * nafure: fo2 when be had made fhe worlde, he bimlelfe gaue teſtimonis fo all his workes that they were erceeding god. Wherefore, Wwe muff affure our ſelues without all controuerfie, that the beginning of wickedneſſe, wherewith Sathanis endued, came not of nature, but of defection, 02 falling from Ood , the founteine of all righteouſnes and truth, But Boles ouerpal {eth bis fall notwe, bicaule bis purpofeis , bztefely to ſhewe, the corruption of mans nature, fo the end wwe may knowe that Adam was nof made fo thofe manifolte mifecrics, with the whiche all bis poferitie are bered : buf that they fell info the fame thꝛoughe their otwne faulte . Ciben men confi> ber fo what, and how manp euils they are fubiecte,fhep cane not fay them felues, but they muſt frette and murmur ae gaint God, to whome they impute amiffe the iuſt puniſhe⸗ mentes of finne, We are nof ignorant of tbe grudging come plaintes of the Wicked again Ood, twhiche fay,that be bath _ dealt moze fanourably with hogges and dogges. Whereof commeth this, but bicaufe thep impute not to the fin of Adam, this milerable and pernictous fate, onder the whiche we are Wwearied, as it is meefe? But this is farre woꝛſe, that they café vpon God the internall vices of p foule,as hoꝛrible blinonefic, obftinacie again Ood, wicked defires, and violent falles fo | eutll:as though all the crokedneſſe of our difpofition were not accidentall, Thereſfore the purpofe of Moſes twas, briefly to comp2ebend and thew, bow far cur preſent condition differethy. from the firfte o2iginall: that with the bumble confeflion of our fault ve map learne fo betwatle our fins . Wherforꝛe thers is no caufe why we fhoulde meruell, that be doth not pro⸗ fecute all thinges tubich might be wiſhed and dDefircd of euerp one, when be ſtandeth vpon the hiſtorie onely which be pure pofcd ta ſhewe. Nowe we mufte Difpatche that queftion, in the which many vaine wittes verie much tocarte themfelues, Why God GAbp God (nffered Adam to be tempted: fering be was not fuftcred ignoꝛant iuhat a lamentable end the fame. thouldebaue 2 3 ogee '° that nowe, be bath let Sathan tole to pronoke bs fo finne, ive med, P alcribe it to iudgement and bengeance, after the fallof smart * bunts but in ast be fet him at liberticnature si pet 5" Gund . @. VPON GENESIS. CAP. 111: 8 dunde and firnte, there is an other cauſe. God therefoze ſutle⸗ 5 red fathan to tempt man, being made after bis image,¢ as pet faultlefie. Pozeouer he pelded to hun the ferpent, which others Wile would neuer haue obeped him, What was this elfe,but to arme an enimie fo the deftrucid of man: This femeth to be The error the occafion toby the Manicheis appointed tivo beginninges, of the Mas They haue ‘therefore imagined, that Satban was before dicheu. God had his being : and that. agatnt his twill,be fought to ins frappe man , and that he was not onely aboue man, but alſo aboue God hin felfe. Thus, to him the abfurditic which they feared,tiep.feil into. an evecrable moniter of errours: namely, that there are two Gods: there is not one only creator of the woꝛld:that therighteous Ged was ouercomofp mol vnrigh⸗ teous. But all they which thinke:godly.and reucrently of the power of Cod, acknowledge that this came not tepatlesbut bp bis ſuſferance. Foꝛ we mutt firſt of al graunt this.of neceMitics that God was not ignoꝛant what ſhoulde come to pate : and that be could haue lette the fame, ifit had ſo feemed god vnto bin, Sut when Iſpeak of ſutterance; JImeane thatbe had der termined with himſelfe what be would haue done Horeot are ſeth difagreement frõ marry, who imagine v Adam wos fo left to his free will that God would not haue had bis fall. They take) for granted fo them, which J dente not,bolw that there is nothing leffe probable, then foꝛ God to be counted the cauſe of finne, of fhe which be hath taken vengeance with fo many ſeuere puniſhments. But taben J fay that Adam fel not with- out the ordinance and appointment of Ood, J doe nof meane, that he bath bene af any tune pleated with fin, 02 that imply he would haue the conmmandement which be had qiuen, to be broke, For ſo much as the fal of Adam was the ouerthrow of right ¢ of god 02der,fo2 fomuch as contumacie ana the franf- greſlion of righteouſnes, was againſt God the Lalwmakersit is moffe certeine that itis againſt the twill of God, ever the- leſſe none of thefe letteth, but that be would baue man to fall Gods fuf- fo2 acerteine caule,though the fame be fobs bnknowen. Ft rice w © ogttfendeth the cares of fome, wherit is faide, that God would haue the fall of. Adam.WBut Ipꝛay vou what is hisſiuterauce . * Hobie bath power to ſtoppe and Hap: yea, who hath the tn Fu, Whole -“TOHN CALVINE \ 86 whole matter in bis hand, but his will 2 It were fo be withebe fhat men would rather (uffer themfelues to be iudged of Gon, then thoough wicked raſhnes to fake bpon them to iudge bint, Wut this is the arrogancie of Hefhe and bloud,to make GMD fubiect to the reaſon thereof, Jholde this as a Cure rule, that Where is nothing moze contrarie vnto Ood,then if we fay that man twas made of him, that his condition might be vncerteine and doubtiull. WAherefore Jam aſſured, that he had decreed with himſelle at the ürſt, as-it became a Creato2, what ſhould come fo patie of him, Hereof vnlearned gather amiffe,that man finned not of free will, Foꝛ be himſelfe fieleth, beeing conuin⸗ ced with the teſtimonie of his otune contcience,that be was ta fee in ſinning. It is: another quettion, Whether be finned of Neceffitic, 02: by chaunce: concerning the whiche reade in our Inttitutions, and our boke of Pꝛedeſtination. [Andhe fd to the worttan, } At this place the wicked ſcorne and mocke, ber cauſe Mofes maketh that beat to talke cloquentip, which ones ly hiſſeth obfcurely with a forked tongue, And fir of all thep demaunde at what tine bealtes began fo ware dumbe,ifthep Sathana «= lO then vle a diſtinct ſpeeche as we doe The aunſwere is ea⸗ made the ſie to be made: that the ſerpent was not eloquent by nature: ferpeot © but when Sathan by the fufterance of Gon) had gotten him a peak meete inftrument,be cauled bis tongue fo fpeake, whiche God alfo permitted, And J doubt not, but that Beuah perceiued ‘this tobe erfrao2dinarte : and therefore the greedily receiued that, tobereat the wondered. Motv,tf fo be men iudge that fo be fabulous and vaine Which is ſtraunge and bnwonted : God thal woꝛke no miracle, God caufeth bs to wonder at his pote. er, in doing fometwhat which differeth from common bie, FF therefore we derive the power of God, becaule the fame ts nat fantiltar onto bs,00 te not ſhewe ourfelues tobe farre Wide? MPoꝛeouer, it tt feeme incredible, that beaſtes fpake at the coms maundement of God; whereof commeth tf that man fpeaketh, but becaufe God hath formed bis tongue? Whe Goſpell prea- cheth,that voyces were heard in the aire withoutany tonaue, to fet forth the gloꝛie of Chriſto: this ſeemeth to be lefle pro⸗ bable to carnall reafon, then fo2 the tongues of bute beaſtes ) to fpedke, WMyhat then hall the wicked finde bere — of : : ogned txcoꝛne? Wobe bꝛieſe, WAhofoeuer maketh God in heaurn to y VPON GENESIS) CAP. 119: be the gouernour of the tuozlde, the fame twill not dente his: power tolvard the creatures , in ſo muche that be may teache b2ute beaſtes to ſpeake fenfibly at bis will and pleafure ; euen as fometime be maketh of eloquent men, dumbe perfons wut berein the craftie fubtilenes of Sathan betwzaypeth it felfe,that be doth not directly affaile the man, but bndermineth him in the perfon of bis wife. This fecrete manner of affailing and tempting is tw well knowen vnto bs at this day:and J would fo God it were fo, that we might learne p2udentlp to defende put felues . Foꝛ in that part, where be feeth bs motte weake, be entereth in bp Kealth,leat tue fhould feele him befoze be be entered whither be would, The woman doth not refute te talke With the ferpent, becaufe as pet there was no dcbate: therefoze the accounted him no lefle then a domefficall beaſte. It map be Demaunded, what moued Sathan to worke mans deftructionz Certcine curious Sophifters haue feianed, bee cauſe be forꝛeſawe that the fonne of God twas fo take bpon him humane fletbe , be enuied the fame alſo: but this is a friuo⸗ lous {peculation, Foz ſceing the fonne of Ood was made man, fodeliuer bs whiche were loft, from miſerable deſtruction: bow could be forefé that which hould not haue come to pafle, if man han not finned 2. Ifwe may receiue coniectures, it is niorelikeli¢c , that he was! moued with a certeine outragious madnelle, as tommonly the deſperate forte of men are , that be might carrie nia with yim for compante: into euerlaſting deſtruction: Mut toe ought to content ‘our ſelues with tits 87 The aufe why Sa= realon,that he being the etumic of God, iwent fo ouerthrowe cewe the. oder whiche he had ſet ⁊ becauſe be could not pull God out cod maa. ofhis throne , be aſſailed man, in whome his image hined, Man being ouctthowen, he knew thatthe horrible contuſion ofthe whole woelde ſhoulde follovoe euen as it came to patie. Wherefore he ſought to oppꝛeſſe the qloneof Gon in the pers » fonofman. Setting aſide all imaginations of maut, ict vs hoide fatte this doctrine twhicheis fimple and foun. ( Yea, hatlrGod in deed faid?] Chis fentence ts Diner fly expounded: pea, it is tuaeften, partly bicaule it is of it felfe obfcure + and partix bicauſe of the doubtfull figuification of the Peb2ue Sa IPs Bhs F. itif, 193d, 88 rit ... BMOHN»s CALVINE ) worde. The Hebreue worde, foz the whiche we hanebere shige worde (Yea) fometime fignifieth Although; and ſometime, How much miore, Dauid Kimbi taketh it in this lat ſenſe: and thinketh that there paſſed many words betiveen them bes foze the ferpent came thus far:that is tofay, be hauing fo2 ma⸗ np caufes fpoken eutl of God, concludeth at p lat to this effect, Hereby it noth much more appeare. howe enuious and malici⸗ gus be bath ſhewed himiclfe again you,bycaufe he bath fo2s bidden you the tree of knowledge of gad and eutll, Wut this — 3 J — —— erpofition, beſides that it is to farrefetcht,it is alfo'poucdto | be falſe bp the anſwer of Heuah. The Chalde Paraphraſt doth better expound it thus, Is it true that God hath foꝛbidden pouz and fo forth , And to fome it ſeemeth an ironicall,and fo others fome a fimple interrogatiõ. It Were a ſimple interrogatiõ whi che thould bing doubting thus ; Can it be.that God bath fo2s bidden any man toeateof the tree? And if were ironical whieh ſhould catt off taine feare,as thus: God carcth much whether ve cate of the tree or not:it is therefore a fonde thina;that you thinke that theifame is fſorbidden pon. Itherefore ſubſcribe to the former fentente,becaufe tt ts moze probable,that Sathan; to theende be might the moge fecretly deretue, went forwarde by little and. little tn circumiſtances and bywayes: thatibe might leade.the woman to thecontempte of Gods commaun⸗ dement. jrotv;fone thitkethatiGathan p2ecifely denieth iota be the worde af God ish ich men had heard «Dehers thinke(ta Wwyhome Frather agree; thathbnver the pretence of afking the caulſe, he noth indinectly diſcredite fhe: wo2de, Aud verily the _., old interpꝛetour bath tratifatedtt,W hy hath Godſayde⸗ The "act be whiche, althaugh doe no altonether allowe; vet not with⸗ A rule of truc obe= dicnce. ſtanding J doubte not vit that the ſernent tirreth up the wes man fe. demaund tutxauſe moecauſe other iſe be couldendt Withd zalve ber minde from Wow.» This tea oorie per illous temptation, when woe abe perſuaded thative ought not td o⸗ bey God, but fo farre as we haue a reaſon of the commaund e? ment. ffaritis a true rule sfiokediences when we being thre tented with the bare comanndemctit{perhiade dur ſelues that all which he commaundeth is iuſt and right. But tobofoouer Seliteth to be wiſe berxonde nwoaſure; ũriſte haketh off the ree xau — uerence ’ *\ —24 VPON GENES-IS.: CAP. III. uerence of Cod, and then is bp and by carried by fathan into o 89 penrebellion, [OF cuery tree of the garden. ] Lhe interpre+ tours expound this tivo teayes: Firll, that Sathan to increafe the enuie, feigneth that all the trees are fozbidden, Vea hath God commanded that pe ſhould not be fo bolve as to touch any ane treezSecondly they erpounde it thus, Therefore, ye bane not libertic to cate of euerie tree without erception , Lhe for⸗ mer erpofition doth better agree {with the difpofition of the diuell, that he might maliciouſiy amplifie the matter ; and it —s ge meth alfo to be vpholden bp the aunfiwere of Heuah. Fo2 when the fapth, We eate of all,one onely ercepted: fhe fameth to ouerthꝛowe the cauill concerning the generall prohibiti⸗ on... Wut becauflethis as moze apte to deceiue, to moue a queition concernttg the fimple and bare prohibition of God: it is moꝛe crevible , that Sathan, acco2ding fo bis craftineffe, beganne bis temptation bereat, Can it be that God would baue pou to gather fruiteofnoonetre 2 Wutin that the wo⸗ man maketh anfwere, that onc tre onely twas fo2binden, it utaketh fo2 the defence of the conunandement, as tf he Mould denie that it ought not to ſeeme bard or qravous s that God hadexcepted onetre onely amidſt fo greate varietie and plen⸗ ticof tres. Thus there ſhallbe in theſo wordes a graunting thatione trie was forbidden: alfo a refutation of the cauill, that it was uot hard to abſteine from one tre, Lohere, an in⸗ numerable forte tere at bande tobich were permitted. Heuah couldenint moze paunentip and valiantly repulle the teinpta⸗ tion of Dathan then when the obtecteth that (he and her hul⸗ band Were foliberally Dealt, withall at the Lordes handes, that thedibertic alreapie graunted might fuffice thenr For We meaneth that they Houlnbeto vnthankfuil, ifthey pot being contcnfeddvith (o greate riches, deſired more then was mete, Tai pemthe ſayth that Gop had forbidden them fo. cate,o2 to tonchs fometbinke the feconde worde to be added, as though ſe nated Gor of tw much ſeueritie: in that he forbad thet al⸗ (9 totonch, ut J rather interpzet, thatias pet the ſtandeth in abedieute, and expreſſeth ber godky affedion, in Keeping carey Gully the commaimdement of Gad, Onely He ſwaruech in de⸗ nouncing the — —— le halle * Vente: r,U, , he Ge esti 90 YTOHN CALVINE \ 9 ture:) whereas God had certeinly pronounced, Ye thall dy the ¥ ~ death, 0 that notve the woman began to doubt. She had not Seath before ber eyes, as it became ber, ifthe became diſobedi⸗ ent onto God:but the ſheweth ber lelfe to haue but a colde and finall feeling of the perill of death. 4 [Thenthe ferpent fayde to the woman. ] Nowe Sas than poceedeth further : and bycauſe befawe that there was a (mall bole open onto him, be giueth a direct aſſault. Fo2 bis manner ts nof fo goe Directly to worke, but when we of our Sathan at g{pne acco2de, lay our felues open and naked before him, Be fei nay, Doth at the firtte, allauit moze fubtily by Gatteric : but tober th be bath crepte in, be dare proudly eralte himſelfe again God. Cuen as here,the doubting of Heuah being taken away, be pearceth further, fo the ende be might make a fimple denial, Wie ought tobe inſtructed by fuche eramples to take heede of his baites and {nares ; to the ende ive twithianding thent in time, may driue him away farre from bs, leaft be haue acs ceffe fo come moze ne&re vnto bs. Nowe therefore he doth not afke doubtingly, as be did before, whether if were the cõman⸗ dement of God in berie deede which he allatleth: butihe opens Ipreproueth Oodofalpe, Foꝛ be affirmeth, that the woꝛde wherby death was thzeatened, is falſe and baine. Adeadlp temptation, when as Ood thoeatening deltruction, we doe not | onely carelefly neglect the (ante, but allo makea mocke and feorne of God himſelfe. Nats 18 S390 Cato 3% s [But God doth knowe.] Soine thinke that Sathan doth bere craftilp commende God, as though be woulve neuer for⸗ bid men to eate of tubolefoine frutte, Wut they are manifelp contrarie to themfelues : fo2 they alfo confefle,that inthe fo2s ⸗ mer member be did diſcredite God bfterly, as thouah be bad made a lye. Dtherfome thinke that Ood is reproued of malicis oufneile and enuie, becaule he would deprive men of molſt ers cellent perfection: ¢ the opinion of thefe is mo2e probable. Pes uertheles in mp indgement,Sathan goeth about to prone that which be had faid a little before, taking a reafon of the contrae rie, This tree, faith he, God hath forbiden vou, leit he ould be conſtrained to adinit pou info the ſocietie of his glozied theres foze the feare of punityment is fuperfluous , Jn funmme,be eth 44 era n ee . WPON GENESTS. CAP. re. , the fruite tobe burtfull, becaufe the fame is profitable 91 and wholeſome. WMhen be fapth that God doth knowwe : be res procheth God with gelouſie, as ifbe had giuen commaun ment foz the nonce concerning the tree, that be might kepe mnan in the lower degree, [Ye fhal be as Gods.) Some turne it, Ye thall be hke vntoAngels , It max alfo be put in the fingus dar number, Ye fhall be as God. Jdoubt not but that Sathan pꝛomiſeth onto them the diuinitie : as if he had fayde, God de» fraudeth you of the tree of knowwledae fo2 no other caufe, but becaufe bets afearde to haue fellowes . Wut, be placed not the dtuine glozie o2 equalitie with God in the perfect know⸗ ledge of gad and euill, without a colour : but it is a mere vi⸗ ‘fo; and Ddeceite tointrappe the miferable woman. Wecauſe all men are naturally defirous of knotwledae : it is thought that Koowlegs felicitie conſiſteth therein. Wut Heuah erred, wohiche tems is dctire pered nof the meafure of knowledge with the twillof Goo, of 2!) mca And tue are all daily ficke of the fame difeafe,in that Wwe defire to know move then is meete t then the Lord perinitteth :feing -the p2incipall pointe of twifedome is , framed ſobꝛietie to the ‘obedience of God. ⸗ CSo the woman feeing, The impure fight of Heuah being —E a bere infected with the popfon of concupifcence, was the meſſin⸗· ger € Wwitnefle of an impure heart . She might haue fincerely we gobs behelde the tree, that no lutt of cating might firft haue aſſailed of Eve. ber minde. $02 the fapth which the gaue to the worde of Cod, was a notable p2eferuer of the beart and ofall the fenfes, Pow after that ber beart fell from the faith and obedience of the worde, fhe by and by corrupted all ber fenfes,and wickednelle ſpread it ſelfe thzongh all partes,as well of the foule, as of the bodie. his therefore is a ſigne of wicked falling atway, that the woman iudged the tre to be god tocate ofthat Meer cedinglp delighted ber felfe with the beholding thereof,that fhe perfuaded her felfe that it was to be deſired to get wile, dome, by whiche the paſſed before a hundꝛed times, and neuer once was moued With the beholding of the fame. Foꝛ noue her minde wandereth intemperately, the bꝛidle and rapnes ts - fhaken off, and the draweth ber bevy with ber info the fame laſciuiouſneiſe. [And gauc allo to her husbande with * 92 IOHN CALYVINE Bp thefe wordes forte gather,that Avam was prelent w bis wile was tempted, and perſuaded by the ſerpent: the whi⸗ che is by no manner of meanes credible, Jt maybe notwith⸗ ftanding vᷣ he came ſtrait after:pea,before fuch time as the wo⸗ man had taffed of the fruite of the tree, the foloe the communts tation which fhe had with the ferpent, and infrared ber bul band with the ſame baites therewith the her felfe was decei⸗ ued, And becaufe Pofes Minplp reporteth that Avan did eate _ ofthe fruite Which be received at bis tines hand, the common opinion ts,that be was rather deceiued by ber altaring intiſe⸗ mentes, then perfuaded by the deceiuable prouocations of Dae than. To this ende the ſaying of Paule is alledged, Adam was not deceiuedj but the woman, ut Paule ſpeaketh there;onelp UTim2.74 comparatinely, Therfore he did not tranſgreſſe the lave whi⸗ * che was giuen vnto him onely to obey his wile:but alſo being drawne by her into peſtilent ambition,became partaker of the ſame fall and tranſgrelſion. And Paule in another place, ſavth not that ſinne caine by pz woman, but by Adam him felfe. Fur⸗ thermore the reprofe which kollo weth ſtraite after, Behold A- Rom.1512 dam is become as one of vs, plainely tettifictty that he alto ſo⸗ The be- inning of Adams fall from God, lithly defired moze thei was lawlul:and that he div give more credit fo the flattering ſpeaches of the diuell, then to the bolp word of God, Mow tf may be demanded, what § vᷣ finne of thent | both twas, Ff is very childiſh, that certeine of the auncient Fa⸗ thers haue Witten, how $ he twas intifed with intemperancte of eating, Jfo2, (ering he bad fuch flotving plentie of the bett fruits, what ¢ holv many cates € delights had be in one kind? Auguttine weiteth much better, who faith, » Wide was the beginning of al eutls,¢ that mankind twas loft theough pride. otwithanding a moze ful Definition of the fin, may be take out of that kind of temptatiõ, which Moles defcribeth: fo2 firſt of al, the woman ts led away frd the wo2d of God by the decets uable flatteries of the ferpent,through onbelefe , Wherefore fhe beginning of the fall, wheriwith mankind twas ouerthrow⸗ en, was a defection o2 ſwaruing from the commandement of — ‘Oop, ut note, that men then fell away from God, when leas uing his 10020, thep opened their eares fo the lyes of Sathan. Foz thereby Wwe gather, that God twill be ſcene and — is VPON GENESIS: CAP. ITLY: | —2 woꝛrde: and that therfore all reuerence of him is ſhaken off Loben bis woꝛrd is contẽned. This is a doctrine verie profitable Gods to be knotwen:fo2 the wo2d of Ood hath bis dignitie amonaett’,.. - a few: infomuch that men ruſhing headlong through the cons oughcra fempt thereof, arrogate notwithſtanding to them felues the havc bis chicfe place and degree among the worſhippers of God, Wut “Se as Dod doeth not otherwile manifett him felfe vnto men then by bis word: euen fo his mateftie confifteth no other wiſe, nei⸗ ther doth bis worſhip remaine pure amongeff vs, then when Wwe obcy bis word. Wherefore infidelitie tas the rote of fale tofdelisic ling from God,euen as faith only topneth bs vnto God, From the roore hence flowed ambition and pride, inſomuch that firtke the twos RXlalliog matt, then the man alfa deftred to cralte themfelues againtt "°™°°% Ood, Fo2 thep did in decd exalt themfelues againt God, when as they being not contented with the honour twhiche God had giuen vnto them, defired fo knotwe more then twas meee, that they might be equal with God. Wherein alfo monttruous ine gratitude belw2aped it felfe. They were made after the image and likencffe of Ood: this feemed a ſmall thing in their eyes, bnicile they were alfoequall. Nowe, thereis no cauſe why we ſhoulde labour in baine fo extenuate and ercufe the finne of Adam and of bis wife, as doe certeine vngodly men, 02 A⸗ —2 poſtaſie is not a ſmall offence, but a deteſtable wickedneiſe, 8. whereby man rekuſeth to be ſubiect vnto bis maker : nay, whereby be doth reiect and denie bun, Do2coner it was not A⸗ poſtaſie alone: but other hainous contumelies and rep2oches againſt God were topned therewith. Sathan accufeth Cod of a lye,of enuie,¢ of maliciouſneſſe: to the which foule and eres rrable flander,thep ſubſcribe: at the length they not recarding the conmmaundement of Ood,doe not onelp giue place to their luffe, but doe alfo make themfelues feruauntes of the diuell, To ſpeake more biefly : infioclitie opened the cate fo ambt- Ambig tion: and ambition was the mother of rebellion,that our pas 7 rents fetting the feare of Con afide, did call off the poke Of 07 ther of res bedience. Jn confideration hereof, Paul teacheth,that th2ouch b ‘and therefoze Auguſtine tuzifeth , that be ſtode fo2 the {pace of fire boures. Whereas otherfome coniecture, that the temptation of Satban twas deferred bntil the Sabbaoth day, that be might pꝛophane the UO RDES nay: itis bes rie weake. And the godlie are admonithen by thefe leffons, that they take not fuch patnes in doubtfull ſpeculations. Jas J cannot define of the tine: fo Jthinke if may be gathered bp the narration of Moſes, that thep div not long keepe the digs nitie which they had receiued. Foꝛ fo fone as be hath ſayde that they tucre made, making no mention of any ether mats ter, be paſſeth to ſhewe the fall. If Adam had dwelt with his wile, but a little {pace of time,the bleſſing of Ood had not ben haine in inlarging pofferitie: but Moſes meaneth thatthep tere depriued of the benefits of Dod, before thep had any cone finuaunce fo vſe them, ¥ therefore eafilp ſubſcribe to the ers clamation of Auguftine,O miferable free will; which being as yct found,had fo {mall ftabilitie, dnd fo fay nothing of p ſhoꝛt⸗ neſſe of tinte,p admonition of Barnarde, is woꝛthy fo be remẽ/ b2e0 : Seing we reade that {uch ahorrible downe fall happened in Paradife:what fhall we doe,which are in the dunghill?@e muff alfo keepe in remembrance, by what pretence and colour God isac- they and their pofferitie fo2 euer were moꝛtally deceiued, Ve⸗ urled. rp plaufible was this flatterie of Sathan, Ye fhal knowe both good and euill : but therefore that knotwleaae was accurfed, becaute tt was deſtred without the fauour of Gon /Wditherfore, bulete we Wil willingly put vppon bs the fame Mares, * a. > — VPON’ GENES? $7 CAP. 21: vs learne to depende vppon the becke of God alone, thom Wwe 9 7 knowoe tobe the authour ofall govthinges: Andbecaufethe .. {cripture indiuers places, pufteth bs in minde of our naked, rise we oe nefle and neede, and pronounceth that we mutte recouer in) ꝰ Chile that which wwe haue loſte m Avant: Wwe ſhaking off all truſt of our ſelues, let bs offer our clues empfie vnto Chit, that be may fillds with bis riches. ‘7 (And their eyes were opened.) ¥t was meet) Heuahs eyes fhould haue a null before them. bntil her huſband alſo was de⸗ ceiued:now both of them being bound together with the bond of infoztunate confente,thep begin to feele thetr eutll; howbeit they are not touched as pet with p ferious knowlenae of their evil. They are aſhamed of their nakednes, not vᷣſtanding they being conuinced, doe not humble themſelues before God, they feare not bis tudgement as it became them:pea, they ceaſe not fo haffe and cloake Mill, Notwithſtanding, here is fome profite to be feene,that whereas alittle before thep moſt pꝛeſiunptu⸗ ouſly gaue an affault fo Danquif} heauen, now thepbeimg cons founded with the feeling of their ame and rep2oche , fie inta cozners fo hide thenifelues . And this opening of the eyes in our firſte parentes, to bebolve their filthineffe, plainelp ſhew⸗ eth,that they were alfo condemned in their olone wdgement . Shey were not as pet called tothe Tribunall ſeate of God: there is none that vrgeth them :the fhamefattnes which cont meth of it felfe, is it nota fare and vndouted token of fautte Therforethe eloquence of the whole world thal p20fife nothing to deliuer them from quiltines,to whom their on conſcience is a iudge to confelle their fault. But rather it techeth bs all te ‘open our epes,y toe being confounded with our owne hame, may giue to, God the alozie, which he deſerueth. Cod created man to be flerible:be did not only fuffer him, but alfo he would God wold haut hinttempted; For he applied ¢ framed p ferpents tongue * al to the dincll,contrarie fo the dedinarie bie of nature: cucmas.'?

) § And will bring a morfell ofbreade, that you may com- _ fort your hearts : afterward,ye fhall goe your wayes : for ther= fore are. y¢.come ynto your feruant : Andithey faide,Doe euen as thou haft faide, $Y hom bid as mig. - Aa. iiij, : 6 Then 375 6 | €OHN CALVINE 37 6 Then Abram made hafte into the tent ynto Sarai , and faide,Make readie at once three meafures of fine meale,knead jt,and make cakes ypon the hearth. é 7 And Abramranne to the beaftes,and tooke a tender and good calfe, and gaue it to the feruaunt, who hafted to make it readie. . . 8 And he tooke butter and milke, and the calfe which he had prepared, and fet before them, and ftoode him felfé by - them ynder the tree,and they did cate. 9 Thenthey faid vnto him, Where is Sarai thy wife ? And he anfwered,Beholde,fhe is in the tent. 10 And he faide, I will certeinely come againe ynto thee, according to the time of life: and loe,Sarai thy wife fhall haue a fonne. And Sarai heard in the tent doore which was behinde him. 11 Nowe Abram and Sarai wete olde, and ftricken in age, and it ceafled to be with Sarai after the manner of women. 12 Therefore Sarai laughed within her felfe, faying, After Tam waxed olde,and my Lord alfo,fhall I haue luft ? 13 And the Lord faidto Abram, Wherefore did Sarai thus laugh ? faying,Shall I certeinly beare a childe, which am olde ? 14 Shall any thing be hard to the Lorde ? Atthe time ap- pointed will I returne ynto thee,euen according to the time of life : and Sarai fhall haue a ſonne. 15 But Sarai denied, faying, [laughed nor: for fhe was a- fraide.And he faide, It is not fo : for thou laughedſt. 16 Afterward,the men did rife vp from thence,and looked toward Sodome : And Abram went with them, to bring them on the way. . . 17 And the Lord faide,Shall Ihide from Abram that thing whichI doe: 18 Seeing that Abram fhal be in deed, a great and a migh- tie nation, and all the nations of the earth {hall be bleffed in him. , r9 For? kuowe him, that he will commaund his fonnes,& his houfholde after him,that they keepe the way of the Lord, ‘to doe righteoufneffe and indgement,that the Lord may bring vpon Abram, that he hath fpoken ynto him, f 20 Then VPON GENESIS, CAP. XvVIII. 20 Then'the Lorde faide, Bycauferthe crie of Sodomeand 37 7 Gomorrah is great, & bicaufe their finis exceeding greeuous, » 21) Twill go downe nowe,and fee whether they haue done altogether, according to that crie that iscome vnto me : and -_jfnot,that I may knowe. ; ® 22 And the menturnedithence, and went towardes So- dome,but Abram ftoode yet before the Lorde. » 23 Then Abram drewe neere, and faid, Wilt thou alfo de- ftroy the righteous with the wicked? 3 24 Ifthere be fiftie righteous within the citie,wiltthou de- ftroy and not {pare the place, for the fiftie righteous that are therein? 25 Beitfarre fromthee from doing this thing, to flay the righteous with the wicked : and that the righteous fhould be euen as the wicked : be it farre from thee . Shall not the Iudge of all the werld doe right ? } 26 And the Lord an{wered, IfI fhall finde in Sodome fiftie righteotis within the citie,then wil I {pareal the place for their fakes, ti 27 Then Abram anfwered, and faide, Behold, now I haue begunne.to {peake vnto my Lord,and I am but duftand afhes, ©. 28 Ifthere thall lacke fide of fiftie righteous, wile thou de- ftroy all the citie for fue ? And he faid, IfI finde there fiue and fourtie, I will not deftroy it. —X 29 And he yet {pake to him againe,and ſaid: What if there fhall be found fourtie ? Then he antwered, I will not doe:it for: fourties fake. 30 Againe,he faide, Let not my Lord now be angrie,that I f{peake : What ifthirtie be founde there ? Then he faidjI will not doe it, if I finde thirtie there. A 31 Moreouer, he ſaide, Beholde, nowe J haue begunne to ſpeake vnto my Lorde: What if twentie be found there? And he anfwered,I will not deftroy it for twenties ſake. 32 Thenhe faide,Let not my Lorde be nowe angrie,and I ‘will {peake but this once. What iftenne be found there ? And he anfwered,] will not deftroy it fortennes fake. ~ 33 And the Lord went his way, when he had left commo- ning with Abram,and Abram returned ynto his place. a ; - Aay. | 1 [And. VA TORN CALWIMOOE so ty 37 8 "sp And apainethe Lord appeared vnto him sep appears Holſpitali- Lic is the cheeteft worke of charitre, reth to Abrꝛam againe, to confrme the minde of his feruaunt With anelu vifion, cuen as the faith of the Saints mutenens be holpew howe and then, with fome belpes or other. It may allo be, that the pomife was repeated for Sarats fake, Ghat and ifDontwouly afterthis fost, (et forth the greatneſſe of bis grace 7 Foꝛ the ſanie can not be fo worthup ertolled as it nds ferueth, Which is promiſed to Iſaac, from whome af the taft, reveniption and faluation ſhould thine vnto the worlde Ae vowſoeuer the caſe tandeth, we fe, that there tas {uit cauſe, thy Ilaacis pꝛomiſed againe Concerning the woꝛd Mamré, we haue ſpoken in the thirteenth Chapter going before, St is very likely, that the fame thas a guoue, where Abzam diwel€ fo, tie commoditie ofthbeplace, | sithaig 2 [Andbeholde,threemen.] Sefo2re Wofes commeth fa the principall point, be deferibeth onto. vs the bofpitalitie of the bolp man.And be calleth the Angels,men:bicaufe they has uing p thape of humane bodies, feemed to be very men in ded, And this was don of purpoſe, to the end be entertaining them AS men might i:athe his charitie. Foꝛ p Angels haue no nede of our dueties, which are the truz wozkes of charitic, Among lubich,bofpitalitie is the cheefelt,bicaule it is no common bers tue,to help frange ¢ vnknowne men.at whofe hands twe loke fo2 no recompente, Foꝛ it is the common maner of men,to res compere one an other, fo2 thofe god turns which they receive mutually : but be which ts curteous ¢ gentle fo gueltes which are frangers,p2oueth that be is liberall freely, loking fo2 nos thing againe, Wherefdre the humaniticof Abram delerueth no ſmall pratfe, in that be willingly maketh vnknowne nen, of whom be had receined no benefite,¢ at whole handes he hoz ped not fo find the like clementcic, bis gueſtes. Wherbnto then bad Abzam regarde 2 Surely, to prouide for the necellitie of guettes, He feeth them wearie of their iourncy,¢ be doubteth not, but that they are faint with beate,be confivercth that the time of the day was berp laboꝛſome to trauellers, He defireth therefoze,to haue them eafed € comfozted, which thus labour, Sind in berp deede, the very ſenſe of nature tellcth vs, ÿ gueftes twarlaring men are efpeciallp to be holpen: vnleiſe the i Oug VPON GENESIS: CAPR XvVIII. 379 fone ofour ſelues, cauſe to doe all fo; monie and recompente, Farnonc are moze woꝛt hie of mercy ¢ helpe,then thofe whos wee deſtitute of friendes a alfoafoome#ficall commonitics, Cherfore in old time hoſpitalitie was highly effeemed among all nations, neither was there any reproch moze detettable, ther Hot te be accounted e catled harboꝛous. Foꝛ it is bꝛutiſh crueltie, proudly to deſpiſe thofe; which being deftitute of al or⸗ dinarie belpe, feeke vnto vs for apde, Notwithſtanding, it may be Demanded, whether Abram were wont toentertaine all p came, 302 then he ſhould haue had a greater number, then be could fatifac. ¥ anflwere,that the mans wiſedome twas ſuche, that be always made a difference of gueſtes. Andin bery Dad, the binding of quettes whereof Poles (peaketh bere, is more then common: Neither is there any doubt,but that the Angels appeared fo be of great dignitie, both by their fpeach,¢ alfo by their outward thetwe,in fo much, that Abram might deme thé worthie, not only of meate ¢ dinke,but alfo of honour, Shep do to curionfly diſcuſſe the matter, which thinke that be was fo careful fo 80 this dutic,bicanfe he was taught of bis forefas thers) Angels were oftentimes in the world, vnder the fhape of men, Alfo,the faving ofthe Apottle ts againſt this, who de⸗ pep, 13.83 nieth, that neither be no2 Wot knewe the Angels at the fire, thinking that they entertained men fo2 queftes. Thus theres fore Wwe are fo think: Abram ſeeing that they were men of wor⸗ thip,¢ of fingular excellencie in ſhew, went to mete them, bos nourably ſaluted them, and intreafed them to ref with bun, Aud af that day men were moze vpright, tn fo much, that hoſ⸗ pifalitie might be vied with leſſe Daunger, then at this dar, men being fo fulloffalhove. Wherefore, fomany Innes and victualling bonfes declare our co2rustion, and do proue that it commeth to paſſe thꝛough our fault, that the p2tucipall dutie ofhumanttic among bs,is decaped. | ' » > 2 {And boiwedhim felfe to the ground.) This fiqne of rea erence was conunonlp bled among thein of the Calt, And, twberas certeine auncient writers baue gone about to dꝛaw a myfteric out of this, ds, that Abzam woꝛſhipped one of thoſe thc whome he ſawe, and that therefore he behelde through fayth ; thee perfons in one © DD; bycaule it ioelines sh a 380 IVX TOWN CALVINE 5") and tending fo canils,it is beſt to omit it. Foꝛ we faine before; that the manof Gon fo entertained Angels, that be would dag bis dutie vnto nen; And wheras God adozned his benignitie, € bouchfafed to reward him fo, that Angels offered them ſel⸗ ues to be bis quettes, be knew not p fame, befoze fuch time as they made thent felues knotun when dinner was done Ther⸗ fore it is humane andciuil honour, which be giueth onto the, Wut in that be faluteth one fpecially, tt is likely, that it was therfore done, bycaufe be excelled the other tive. Foz we know that Angels appeared oftentimes, with their beade Chzitte So that bere among the thzee Angels, Moſes maketh one the cheefe ambaffadour, 3 [GonotI pray thee from thy feruant.] In that Abꝛam fo gently and carneftly intreateth, there ts no doubt, but that be doth the fame, being moued with the caule afozefaide. Foꝛ if be had killed calues fo2 all that be bad met twith, be might fone baue giuen bp houle keeping . He honoured therefore their vertue and ercellent gifts, leat he fhould contemne od. Dus, he was neither oftentimes ſo liberall that be intreated Wwandercrs,o2 other conunon perfons of all ſoꝛts:noꝛ pet was be moued with ambition, to ſhewe bint felfe moze gentle tos ward thofe thee then be was wont : but it was the loue of the giftes of God, and of the bertues thining in them,that moued him. Alfo,in that be offereth a mo2fell of bzeade only, be doth nof only erfenuate and make leffe the benefite which be tntene ded fo giue, to auoyde boaſting: but alfo fo the end they might the moze eaſily peald to bis purpofe and intreatie , when they were perfuaded, that they fhuld not be tw chargable ¢ troubles fome vnto him. Foꝛ modeſt perfons twill not willingly cauſe erpente 02 trouble, The wathing of feete was very common int that time,and in that part of the woꝛld: peraduenture,bicaule they trauelled barefote, euen inthe beate. And this twas the beft remedie to cafe wearineſſe, tf they did cole their fete by wating, being burnt with beate, ¢ [For therefore are ye come vnto your feruant. Me meade neth, not that they came fo2 the purpofe to fecke longing : but be meaneth, that the fame happened in very god time, as tf he Mould fap,that thep were not come by chaunce info that * u vPON' GENESIS. CAP. XVIII. but that they were led thither by the purpofe and —— God, Wherefore be referreth tt to the prouidence of Ood,that they came fo fitly into a convenient place, where they night refrety them ſelues a while, vntill the heate of the Sun were mitigated, And fering it ts certeine,that Abram ſpake thus of an bpright minde, let bs by bis erample be perſuaded, that fo often as our brethzen no mete with bs, which and in neve of our belpe, the fame are offered vnto vs of Goo, 6 {Then Abram made hafte.] The diligence of Abram in welcomming his gueltes, is here declared: and Moles theres Wwithall heweth, what a well kurniſhed and ordered houle be Had, To ve ſhort, he painteth forth onto bs in felwe wordes,a notable figure of qouernement pomefticall. Abzam runneth, partly to command that which he would haue Done, and parte iy toerecute that which belonged to the godman of the houſe. Sarai keepeth her ſelke within the tent, not to take her eafe, A houfe but alfo to do that lavour which belonged vnto ber. The fer, we! gouer uants arereadte to obey, Dhis is aftweete harmonte of a tell we ordered boule, the {which could not fo foudenlyp appeare, vnleſſe 5, a1 parts. euery one of them bad bene accuſtomed with long practic to right diftipline And whereas Moles fatth, that the Anaels did eate,there arifeth a queſtion. Some erpound if, that they ap peared only in outward ſhewe to cate · She which imagina⸗ The An- tioi commeth into their minde from an other erreur, bicauſe gels which they imagine that they bad not truc bodies, but onelp fanta⸗ appeared ftical bodies. But tf ts farre otheriwife in my iudgment. Sirk. ri hae this was ne Propheticall vilion, wher images of thinges ab- — ——— ſent are fet before mens eypes, but the Angels came in very dies, and Dede into Abrams houſe. CUherefozre J doubt not, but that not fanta- God which made al the world of nothing,and {which ts a won⸗ ſticall. perfull workmaitter in fathioning bis creatures, gaue vnto them bovies fo2 a tinte, wherin they might do that office whi⸗ che was committed vito them.And as they pid truely walke, fyeake,and noe other duties,fo Jiudge that they dtd as truely eate : not that they were an hungered, but to the end they might be vnknowne, vntil the fame of reuclation came. $0202 ouer,as God ſoudenly brought to nothing thole bodies, Which {were created faz a tempoꝛral vſe:ſo there Mal be no manner i Wwe. 382 Chrift ap- peared of- tentimes vnder the forme of an Angel, ITOHN CALVINE if we fay, that the meate was conſumed together with the bos - Dies. And as it is profitable.to touch thefe queſtions:ſo thers ig nothing better, then to cdtent our felues with a fober folutid, 9 (Where is Sarah.] Hitherto Goo fuffered Ab2ami fo doe that which became him to doe, But bautng giuen place to big charitie, he now beqinneth to manifett bin elf in bis Angels. Ahereas Poles one while bringeth in the perſons fpeaks ing, and an other while attributeth ſpeache fo one alone, the reafon is, bycaufe thre at once, repelent the perfon of one God. Ce muk alfo remember that which J faine alore, howe that the principall place is giuen vnto one: bycauſe Cheiſte, which is the liuely image of the father, appeared oftentimes vnto the fathers, onder the forme of an Angel: andthe An⸗ gels, whoſe heade ke is, waited bpon bum, ano whereas they inquire after Sarai : we may thereby gather, that a fonne is Here promifed againe to Abram bicauſe the bad not ben a wits nelle of the former o2acle, 10 (I will certeinly come againe ynto thee. ]Hicrome fratts flateth it, Iflife laft,I will returne: As if Goo {peaking after the manner of men, had {aide, J will returne if Jliue. Wut t€ were abfurd, that God, which mightily declareth hig polver, ſhould borrowe a fpeache from men, as if be were moptall, Mhat maieltie (J prap vou,)ſhould this notable dracie bane, inher the eternall faluation of the worlde is handled 2 It cary fherefoze bp no manner of meanes be pꝛoued, that be fo fpake, bicaule it vtterly oucrtholweth the force and authoritie of the pꝛomiſe. Lhe tert ig,According to the time of life : the which ſome erpound concerning Sarat, as if the Angel had faide, that Sarai ſhould then remaine aliue. Wut itis moze rightly erpounded of the chiloe. Foꝛ Goo pomileth that be will come at the iuſt and latwfull time of childebirth, that Sarai might be the mother of a lining fonne, 11 [Now Abram and Sarah were old, and ftricken in age. ] Moles bringeth in this verfe,to the end twe night knowe, that if ſeemed iuftly vnto Sarat incredible which the Angel ſpake. Foꝛ,children to be pꝛomiſed to wore and craked olde folkes, is again nature, fhotwwithfanding, a queftion may be mos ued concerning Abzam ; (eing fomtimes men Which are —* o VPON GENESIS, CAP. XVIII. 8 plo,haue ſtrength fo beget childzen : and in that age and time 5 efpecially it was a thing not vnwonted. Wut Woles ſpeaketh bere comparatinely, Jfo2,bicaufe Abzam,fo long as be was of a luſtie age,bad lived fruitleſſe with his wife: be coulo then fcarfly beget childzen, when he was nowe almott halfe deade, He begate Iſmael when he twas an old man, but vnloked for. But nolve, that be ſhould be a father twelue peares after, by an olde ſpent woman, it was fcarfe credible . Notwithſtan⸗ bing, Moles ſtandeth ſpeciallx vpon Sarai: bycaule the des fect and let twas ſpecially in ber , It ceaſſed, faith be, to be with Sarai after the manner of women. Wy whiche manner of ſpeache he modeſtly nofeth the monethly termes , which aps perteine to women naturally, And the abilitie of concciuing ceaſſeth with the menſtruall flure, 12 [ And Sarah laughed within her felfe, J Abꝛaham has laughed fire, as wee ſawe inthe Chapter befo2e : but the laughter of them bothe ts notaltke. 302 Sarai ts not lifted bp with admiration and toy, fo beleue the promife of Oop; but todifcredite the worde of Ood, he fetteth her hufbandes age againſt the-fame. And vet notwithitanding , he doth nof of purpote accufe Cod of falſhod 02 vanitie: but bycaufe fhe did nothing but loke into the mafter, He onely weigheth, tobaf might be naturally done: and lifteth not by ber minde, to weigh and confider the power of God, but rathly diſcredi⸗ teth his worde. hus, fo often as we mealure the promifes of ODD and bis workes, twith our owne fenfe,and with the lawes of nature, we doe him wrong, although tue intend ns fuche thing : bycaufe we aiue not that honour which ts duc vnto him, vnleſſe ue make all lettes, in heauen and.in earth, fubiec Onto bis worde. Pozeouer, althowxh the vnbeleefe of Sarat is not tebe ex⸗ tufed: pet notwithſtanding, the doeth not directly retec the grace of ODD, but is onely held backe with modeſtie and ſhame that the might not by and by beleue that which the hea⸗ reth, And ber very wordes declare great modeſtie. Fo2 itis a figne of ſhameſaſtneſſe, that the faith, Nowe that we are wax- en olde, fhall we giue our ſelues to luſtꝰ TUberefoze let bs note, that the purpofe of Sarat was nothing leſſe, eee | make 8 ITOHN CALVINE 5 + maky od altar : but that the herein onely offended, for that fhe inclining tw much to the vſuall oder of nature, gaue not glozie buto God, to hope to receiue at bis hands, that miracle Which the could not conceiue in ber minde , The admonition alfo ts to be nofed, whiche the Apofile gathereth hereof, that Harat called Abam her 102d; Jfo2 he erhozteth women after ber crample, fo be obedient vnto their bufbands, There are many women, which can be confented fo giue this title onto their bufbands, and pet notwithſtanding, are their maiſters, and ſeeke fo rule them, Wut the Apottle doubteth not, but that Sarat fo called Abꝛam, euen from ber heart, And there is no Doubt, but that he dutifully perfozmed that modeſtie, which in wordes fhe profeſſed. 13 [And the Lord faide.] Bicauſe the mateffte of God was alredie expreſſed in the Angels, Doles ſetteth dobon his name. And before tue haue ſhewed, in what fenfe the name of God is attributed bnto the Angel: therefore if is not nowe needfull to repeate the fame : fauing that itis neceffarie fo note, that the word of Godis fo precious onto him, that be twill be coun⸗ fed fo be p2efent,fo often as be ſpeaketh by bis miniſters. Furs thermoze, fo often as be manifefted bint lelfe to the fathers, Chri was as it were the mediato2, tubo not onely in refpect of the word, bare the perfon of God, but alfo ts truly ¢ eſſenti⸗ ally God, Wut bicaule Sarats laughter was nef knowne bp any tudgement of man, therefore Moles plainely aftirmeth, that the was repꝛehended of God, And fo this end perteine the circumitances, that the tent was bebinde the Angel, and that Harai laughed within ber lelfe,and not befoze others, Whe res pꝛehenſion alfo (hetweth, that Sarais laughter was topned with bnbelefe. For there is no fmall weight tn this fentence, Is any thing wonderfull with God ? Wut the Angel rep2ebens deth Sarat, bicaule the (hut vp the polwer of Ood, within the compalſe of her reafon and fenfe, Wherefore there is a compas rifon betweene the erceeding potwer of Ood, and the ttreight mealure, which Sarat feigned to ber felfe by carnall reafon, Nowe we fee what Saratg offence was: namely, how that the pid iniurie nto Cod, not acknowledging bis ineſtimable poe wer. And in bery deede, tue robbe God of bis power, fo often as VPON GENESIS. CAP. XVIII. ae we diſtruſt his wordes. Pauleat the firfke bluthe, femeth berie coldly to praife Abrams faith, when be fayth that he confidered not bis bodie whiche twas dead, but gaue glorie vn⸗ to God: becauſe he twas perfuaded that be coulde perforzme that whiche was pꝛomiſed. Wut if fo be toe depely ſearche the founteine of diſtruſt, tue fall finde that we therefore Doubte of bis promites, bycaule we doe wickedly diminiſh bis power, Foꝛ ſo ſone as any harde matter is (et before bs, all that Cod promifeth ſemeth fo be but a fale + pea fo fone as be {peaketh, this vngodly thought creepeth inte our hearts, Bow thall that come fo paſſe which be pꝛomiſeth? Wibile tue thus think, erclude bis potver, the knotuledae whereof ouercommety a thoufande worldes. Wo be ſhorte, he doth greate inturie vnto God, whiche hopeth for no moze at bis bandes, then be can comp2ebende within the compaſſe of bis capacitie. Neuerthe⸗ leſſe fhe word of the Lod ought tobetopned with power. For there is nothing moze out of oder, then to inquire what Con can doe, Hot regarding bis will. Euen fo the Papi's d20lwne themfelues in a deepe Labyrinthe, when they diſpute of the abfolute potver of God. Wherefore, vnleſſe we twill intangle our felues with abs furde dreames, the worde of Gov mult needes goe before in Ledeofalampe. Whis rule the Apoftle prefcribeth vnto vs, when be ſayth, I am certeinely perfuaded that he whiche hath promifed;is alfo able toperforme. Againe the Angel repeateth the poomile, howe that be twill come againe , acco2ding fo the time of life : thatis to fay, inthe peare follotving , when the full time of birth hhoulde come, ks 1g {But Sarah denied, faying, I laughed not.] This ts, a» nother'offence of Sarab,inthat the tent about fo burte, and couer ber laughter with a lie, And pet notwithanding, this excuſe preceded not from obftinate malice, enen as the wic⸗ ked are wont to make ercules, that they may remaine like . Onto them felues vnto the ende. Sarah twas otheriwile affec⸗ fed, For he repenting ber of her foliſhneſſe, was noftuiths Handing afearde, and denieth that he did that thing whiche the knewe diſpleaſed Gov, Thereby we gather, howe areate the cogruption ofour nature is, W herby it commeth to patte, ache | that ? 385 om.4.1⸗ Gods worde and his power mutt be ioyned to gether. Rom.4.it RS J 710N CALVINE 3 that the feare of God, whichis the head of all vertues, dege⸗ nerateth into vice. Audit is to be noted, whereof the feareyof which Moſes maketh mention, tame fo foudenip tite Harais mindsnanicly,bicaufe God had diſcouered her ſecret in. Ther⸗ fore we ſce how the maieſtie of Cod, oben it ts ſeriouſlyx felt of bs, ihaketh front ts dulneffe e negligence: € We are eſpecially bought te the feeling hereof, when Oon fitteth bpon his iudge⸗ ment feat, bainceth forth our fins tate the light. Citis notdo, for thou laughedſt.IThe angel contendeth not ub many teogns but doth precifely confute the falfe Denial, Hereby let bs lerne, that we gainſay in vaine, when we are reproued of fhe Lord: becaufe he will quickely put vs to filence With one woede. Wherefore we mutt beware, leak we followe thetr ſtubber⸗ neſſe, whiche qog about to mocke ©D D with dinerfe eos lours,and doe at the laſt runne headlong inte the groſſe cons fempt of him. 3fo2 botwfocuer be fareth fo2 a time,as though be perceiued bs not : pet notwithſtanding, he will thunder ae ‘ gain bs with this horrible voyce, It is net as pe pretende. To be thoete, if is not pnoughe fo reuecrence the iudgement | of Cod, vnleſſe we do truly confeffe our finnes Wwithaut colous j king 02 Mhifting thé off, Foꝛ double damnation remaineth for all thole , whiche going about fo efcape the imdgement-o€ 7 God, fall to difimulation, as toarefuge. Wherefore we Confefli- muſte bring With vs a pure confellion, that we being o on of bw penly condemned, may obtcine pardon , Wut whereas Cod. finnes °° twas contented with a friendly repeebention,and didnot moze pardon. areuoullp puniffe the pouble offence of Sarai,we theres by percetue that be gently beareth with bis feruantes , Zae. charie was moze hardly vealte withall, who twas ſtricken Luk.t..0. dumbe by the (pace of nite monethes , Wũt it is. not our part fo p2efcribe a perpetuall lawe bnte©® D D, who as be leas deth bis feruantes to repentance by puntihementes: cuen fos. fo often times as if feemed god vnto him, be bumbleth them fufficiently sin punifhing them uothing at all... In Sarai he bath declared a notable erample of bis mercie , in that he pars boning al ber offences, taould.bave ber neuerthelefle remaine fhe mother of the Church. Jn the meane time, we mult note; bolw much better it is fo2 vs to be made elite ait Xs g VPON GENESIS: CAP: yYViIre being conuinced, fo holde our peace, then to flatter our (clues 38 7 in our fins,cuen as the greteſt part of pᷣ woꝛld is wont todo, 26 [Afterwardthe men did rife from thence, ] Moſes againe calleththent, Ben, whome be plainly affirmed tobe Angels, But be fo calleth them bicauſe of their forme and fathion,Ans pet fo2 all that, we mutt not thinke $ they twere inclofed with humane bodies,cuen as Chꝛiſt foke bpd him our nature, with * Dur fleſh alſo:but God gaue the bodies fo2 a time, wherin they might be vifible fo Abzabam,and talke fantiltarly v5 him. And Abrahant ts [aid to leave them fo2th,nof for humanities fake, as he entertained them at the firſt: but to giue the honour due nto the Anaels . Ffo2 it is hatne which fome imagine, howe that he belceued them tobe Prophetes, twhich were banifhes fo2 the worde. Be knewe well nough that they were Angels, as we thal fe plainly inough anon, WBut be folloveth them in the wap, whome bedurit not reteine. $ 17. [Shall Lhidefrom Abraham, ] In that God counfelleth 1 himfeife as of a doutfull matter, he doth the fame fo2 mans fake. Foz he bad determined before already what he would do, Wut his purpole twas after this manner, to make Abraham moꝛe attentiue to weigh the caufes of the deftruction of Sce Dome, And he bringeth tivo rcafons why be maketh his pure ofe knowen vnto hint, before beerecuteth the fame. The fir s, btcaufe he vouched fafe to giue vnto hima ſingular priuts lege of honour, She ſecond ts,becaule the fame fhoulde be pros fifable anv fruitefall to inftruct the poſterities. Therefore ty thefe wordes the (cope and vſe of the reuclationis noted, 18 { Abraham thalbe in deed a great and a mightie nation, ] This is the reafon which wefouched, why Cod would make bis feruant piuie to the horꝛrible vengeance of > Sodomites: nainelp,bicaufe he had endued him aboue all ofbers with ſpe⸗ tiall giftes. Foꝛ befo continueth bis benetifes tofvardes the faithfull,that be increaſeth thent, and beapeth nel bypon tie God blefs firll,And after this maner be daily dealeth With vs. For what (rh, hor is p cauſe why he doth continualy beitow an innumerable ſort efpecially of benefits vpon bs, but bicauſe he bath once imbeacet bs with whom he bis fatherly louc,and can not denie himſelſe Gna therefore be loucth. Honoureth hinfelfe and bis giftes affera ſorte in vs. Foꝛ — WBb.ij. what 38 - -TOHN CALVINE what other thing doth he reckon bp bere, but his free giftesz , Therefore he taketh occafion todoc god of him felfe, and not of the merifes of Ab2am. Foꝛ the bleſſing bpon Abzam flowed from no other thing, then fromthe fountetne of Gods grace, And we learne out of the place, the verte famething alfo whi⸗ che erperience teacheth , that the Churche bath a fpecialt priutledae, to knowe what the tudgementes of God meane, e Wuberebnto they tende. God in punihhing finnes,openty pro⸗ ueth bimfelfe in verie deede to be the iudge of the woeld: but becaufe all thinges feeme fo happen by chaunce,the Lorde this neth by bis wo2d vnto bis childzen,leak they ſhould be blinde with the bubelecuers. Cuen fo tong finee, teben be ſtretched forth bis hande to all partes of the wozlde : pet not withſtan⸗ ding be kepfe his holie worde within Juda; that is fo fay, WUben he did ftrike al other nations wrth blondihed,and with aduerfitie, he nowithfanding admontihed bis elect people With bis worde by the Paophetes, that he was the authour of thole thinaes ; pea he foꝛeſhewed that fuche troubles thoulte come to paſſe, euen as itis faydein Amos, Shallthere be any thing which the Lorde hall hide from his feruauntes the Pro- phetes? Let bs knowe therefore that Godis neuer wearied, — from the time that be beamneth to doe bs god, vntill be tops ning one grace to another, baue Wought and accompliſhed our faluation, Furthermoꝛe, after be bath once adopted bs, ¢ lightened our mindes by bis bolte worde, be boideth alſo the lighte of the fame worde burning before our eyes , that by faith we may confider the indgementes and puniſhmentes of finnes, whiche the wicked carcleflp neglect . Thus it become meth the faithfull to be occupied in confidering the hiſtories of all times, that thep may alwayes tudge out of the Scrip- tures,concerning the fundzie plagues , whiche haue priuate⸗ ip and publiquely happened fo the wicked, Wut tf may be dev maunded , whether it was neceſſarie that the deftruction of Sodome thoulde be declared vnto Abraham, before the fame ſhould come to paſſe. anfivere, becaufe we are fo dull in cons fidering the wozkes of Cod, this reuclation was not (uperflus ous, Although Ames, 3.7 VPON’ GENESIS" CAP. XVII Although the Lord cricth,that aduerfitie is the ſcourge of bis 399 wꝛath, no man almott bearkeneth therebute: bpcaufe we ate tribute the caules to the priuate imaginations of our flethe, And the admonition which goeth before the euent, ſuttereth bs not ſo tobe ſenſeleſſe, netther pet to imagine fortune, noꝛ any other fanfie in feed of Gods iudgmẽts. Thus in time patk it muf needes be, that the foꝛewarninges did moze moue the people, although they were ſtonie hearted, then if alreadie, after the plagues recetued,fhey bad bene admonithed by the Prophetes. Wherefore it is meete that we gather out of thent a generall doctrine, leaſt the tudgementes of ODD, which we daily bebolve,be toitbout profite. The Lode denounceth to bis feruaunt Abzam, that Sodonte, which as pet floriſhed, and lined in pleafurcs, ſchoulde perithe . Hereby all doubte is taken alway, that it perithed not by chaunce, but was afflice ten by @od. Pereby alfo the caule whiche is erp2efled, mukk needs pricke and ſtirre the minds of men farre moze effectus allp, The berie fame iudgement muſt we haue hereafter of others . Foꝛ although the Lode doeth not forethelwe bnto bs thofe things whiche be intendeth to doc: pet not withſtanding be will bane bs tobe eyewitneſſes of bis workes, and wiles tp fo wey the caules of them : and not tobe deceiued with a confuſed beboloing ef them:euen as the vnbeleeuing, tn {ees ing {ee not, peruerte fhe ende of them. 19 [ For! knowe him that he will commandc his fonnes, } The leconde reafon tohy God woulde make Abraham of bis priutecounfell , was : becauſe he ſoꝛeſawe that be ſhould not Bo the fame in batne, nor without pꝛofite.And the fimple fenfe is this, that Abzabam ts admitted to knowe the purpofe of © D D, bpcaule be woulde faithfully doe the dutie of a gad houſholder, in teaching thofe whiche were vnder bis charac. Pereby we gather, that Abraham twas certified of p deſtructi⸗ on of Sodom, not for bis otun ſake alone,but alfo fo2 bis kin⸗ red and pofferities fake. The which is diligently fo be noted: fo; this fentenceis as much tn effect as if God comprehended al pofferities in the perfon of Abraham. and in veric deed God Doth not therfore declare his till fo vs, the knowledge thers of might perith with vs:hut that we might be witnelles pie Bb.iij. TAOHWNW- CMLV INE T+. J F 37° came onto potterities and that chey miaht deliuer vntotheir Gods wil] kinſmen the ſame whiche they, haue receiued from vs, as it mutbe bere from hande to hande, Wherelore it is the dutie ot fa⸗ comunt- thers to endeuor thennfelues,to communicate bnto their chil⸗ ted to po= dren, that which they haue learned ofthe done, After. this fenticss manner tue muit ſperad ſorth Gods trueth, leatt euerie man be wife to him lelle alone: but that they map builde one anos ther accoeding to thete,calling and mealure of faith And there is no daubt but that the groſſe ignorauce wohich reigneth in the worbde, is a iuſt puniſhement of mens ſſouthſulneſſe. Foꝛ the greater parte ſhut theirepes at the light.of heauenly doctrine offered vnto them, and moe choake the fame,and care, not fo commit the ſame to their childꝛen. Thereſore the Lord rightly ts puniſhe the negligence of the worlde, taketh alvay the paccious treaſure of bis woꝛde. And thele wordes (Afice him,) are to be nofen, by whiche we are taught, that we muſt nof onely haue a care of thole whiche are vnder our gouern⸗ ment, ſo long as we liue : but alſo muſt endeuour our ſel⸗ ues, thatthe truethiof G D AD, whiche is. euerlaſting, may, line and flourtthe after eur death,: that abolierule sf gad lis uing may remaine When astweare dead... ayy Furthermoze,hereby, we gather, that hiſtories are verie Hiftories P20fitable to he knowen, fo2 that they are, of force to terrifie,. are profis Jf02 the fecuritie of our fleſhe bath neede of ſharpe prickes , tablero wherewith it may be pricked foztvarde to the feare of ODD, koow- Gnd leatt any man ſhoulde thinke, that this kinde of doctrine, 3 perfeineth onely to ftraungers , the Lorde properly, appoin⸗ teth the fame to thefonnes. of Abzabam, that is fo fay,to the members of the Churche.. For they are fonde and peruiſhe ine terp2eters, whiche affirme that fatthe is oucrthzotven , if mens conſciences be terrified, 3fo2 ſeeing nothing is more rontraric to faith then contempt and negligence,that doctrine. muff needes verie well agre with the pacaching of grate, whiche fubdueth men ta the feare of Cod, that being affliced € bungrie, they map make batt onto Chaiſte. ¶ Thatthey keepe | the way of the Lorde. 5p thefe wordes Pofes giueth to vn⸗ derſtande, thatthe andgement of © D Dis propounded na vVPON GENESIS. ° GA PX VITI. 1 znely fo this ede, that they: mayr be afeardes which through 32 . negligence pleate. them felues intheir ſinnes, and being after. this fort ‘conftrainedy they night come vnto the grace of Chrilk: but alfo that the faithful them ſelues, which are alres bie endued With the feareof@od,mayp profite moꝛe and moe in the loue of godlinette, For pe wouid baue the deſtruction of Sddome to be peclared; not onely tothe ende that the wicked might be dꝛawen vnto God through the feare of the fame bens geance : but-allo, that thep mightbe better framed in true dedience whiche haue alreadte begunne to worſhippe God. Thus the lawe is not onely auapleable to the beginning of repentance, but alfo to continuall pꝛocedinges. When Mo⸗ (es addeth, To doe rightéoufnefle and iudgement + bebe © ty ſcheweth tobat the way of the Lorde ts 5 whereof mention was made, Howbeit itis no full vefinition: buthe beefip fhetweth by the duties of the feconde table , what @od princi pally requircty of 05. either ts this onwanted to the Scripture; te tetche a veferipfion ofa godly and vpright liſe front the ſeconde table of the latue . Pot bycaule charitic ts: of more prite them the worchippe of Sod ; but bycaufe they: {bith litte vprightly with their neighbours, pour their gods lineſſe folnarveO D D. By the names of righteouſneſſe and iudgement/ he comprebendeth equitie, by which every man ree, ceiueth his right : If toe: thinke gmd to diſtinguiſhe vpright⸗ viele and humanities whiche we ble towarde our beeth2e0y psonres Lohert we leeke to Dor all meit · god is properly called nightes a oufaette sand tobewalfo we abftainefromall burfe;fraudes and violence. aiſo iudgement 1s tarcarhe out our bande to 1udgmene the miferable , and oppretied, to Defends god caufes, and to fee'thatthe weake be not vniuttly huctes Theſe are latwetull eiltiles in the which the OU DE commraunneth his ſer⸗ uantes to be occapicd, (UE bat the Lorde may bring vppon A- brahami that whichehe hath ſpoken vnto him Haintes, being ſometimes carricd alway, with the ſenſe of the flefhe, bauenot tempered themfelues, but bane ouerth warts ip murmured again Ood: but Abzabam fpeaketh not here vnto OD D, otherwiſe then -reucrently + neither docth any thing efcape bis mouthe, worthie of repzehenfion, Not⸗ Wwithitanding, let vs fee 5 with what affection Abraham was moued to make bis papers for the Sovomites. Some thinke that be was moe carefull, for the fauing of bis ne⸗ phew Lot alone , then foz Sodome, andthe reft of the cities: and pet notiwithfanding, that he beeing Raped with hame, Would not feeme fo neqlec a great people, and fo require one man to be giuen vnto him by name, Wut it is uot likely that be vſed fuche diMimulation, J doubt not, but that he hav compaſſion tolvardes the people of fiue cities, in fo much that be becommeth an inferceffour, WH berefoze, if fo be we weigh all thinges tell, we thall fe, that be bad greate caufe fo doe this. Alittle before, be bad veliuered them out of their eniz mies hand: and now he hearefh, that they foudenly hall be deſtroxed. Henughthaue thought with himſelfe, that. the fame Wwarre Was rafhly taken in bande by him: that © DD had accurſſed his bictozte, as though be had armed himſelle aa gaint’ God, fo: vnworthie and wieked men. He might baue bene with thefe thoughtes nota little difquieted., Wo2eouer, it was verie harde tobe beleened, that thex were allfo buthankefull, that thep had no remembzance of their late deliuerance. Wut it was not meete fo2 him,fo diſ⸗ pute with one woꝛde againſt © DD, after be hearde, what be had determined to doe. For be alone knoweth verte well what men haue deferucd, ¢ helv ſeuerely it is mecte fo2 them tobe handled. Wihy then doeth not Abraham content him⸗ Quettion. felfe,and holde bis peace? Why doeth be perſuade himſelfe that fome of the Sodomites tere tuft, whome Ood not regar⸗ bing intendeth vtterly fo deffrop 2 J aunfwere, that the ſenſe antvere, of humanitie,twbherewith Abzabam was moued, pleaſed God. Firſt, becaule be leaueth vnto him the whole knowledge of. the mafter,as if was mete. Alfo, becaufe oncly to get cone fotation, be foberly, and humbly intreateth, * TOHN CALVINE 39 6 In that he abhoereth the deſtruction of fo greate a multitude, if is no meruell,We ſeeth that they were men created after the image of OD D : he perfuaveth him lelfe,that in that create muitituse, there were a felve perfect men at the leaf, or elfe not vtterly aiuen to wickedneſſe. What therefore whiche be deemeth auayleable to obteine pardon at the bands of Goa, be | obiecteth | Motwithanding,be fameth to doe amiffe,in that he requireth the wicked to efcape bupunithed for the gods fake, Foꝛ be defireth that God woulde {pare the place, if be founde fiftie gad menthere, Janſwere, that Abrahams pes titions ertend not fo farre, as that © DD would not touch thofe Cities with bis ſcourges: but onely that be woulde not vtterly deftroy them: as ifbe bad faide: Loꝛde, howſoeuer thou punifhe the wicked , wilt thou not leaue fome abiding place fo2 the init 7 Wiby thoulde this region vtterly periſh, ſo long as there thal remaine mbabitants to dwell in the ſame⸗ Wherefore Abꝛaham doeth not require , that the wicked be ing mingled with the gwd, ſhoulde efcape the handes of Gans buf onctp that God taking open punifhement vpon the whole people, woulde notwithſtanding deliner the gwd, whiche res mained, from deftruction, 23. [ Wiltthoualfodeftroy the righteous with the wic- —— ked? J It is certeine, that when God chaltiſeth the bodie of “or fome one people, the god are oftentimes taken with the ree are often- probate, So Daniel, Czechiel, Cforas,and fuch others , whi⸗ ae earth hall fpuc foorth her inhabitantes , bycaufe of their wic- tobe generally angrie with all men , we ought to baue ree fpect vnto the end , which putteth a great difference betwene the one and the other, Foꝛ tf ſo be the hufbandman know how to {eparate in bisbarne the wheate, whiche ts alfo with the chaffe troden vnder the fete of the oren, 02 beaten out with the flaile: far better doth Ood knowe howe to gather together his faithful feruantes,after be bath chaſtiſed them foz a time, from the wicked which are Dnp2ofitable chafte, that thep may ngt perithe togetber:pea, be will declare at the la bp the bee ri¢ VPON GENESIS. CAP, XVIIL « 397 ric end, that be woulde not haue them loft, whome he healed With puniſhmentes. Foꝛ he is ſo farre,from deſtroying, ſo of⸗ temas be maketh bis ſeruantes ſubiecte to temporall puniſh⸗ mentes, that be rather bzinging a medicine procureth their faluation, And J doubt not but that God had denounced the affe veftruction of Sodom ; and that in this fenfe Abzam afs firmeth, that itis not mete that the iuſt and wicked ſhoulde perithe together. euertheleffe,there {hall be no abſurditie if Wwe fay that Abraham, becaule he hoped twell of the conuerfton of the euill,intreated od fo fpare them: euen as it happeneth often times, that God dealeth mercifully with fome one peo⸗ ple, euen for a fetwes fake, Foꝛ tue knowe, that open puniſh⸗ mentes are mitigated: becauſe the Lorde beholdeth his fer nants mercifully with a fatherlie eve. In the fame ſenſe ought the auntiwere of God himfelfe fo be taken: Ifin the midde(t of Sodom I finde fiftie righteous , I will fpare the whole place for their lakes. Bet nottwithtanding, God doth not binde him felfe here by a perpetuall lawe, that it may not be latwefull fo offen as tt ſeemeth god vnto him, to punith the wicked and the inf together. and to declare that be hath free power in him felfe fo iudge, he doth not alivapes keepe in this point an indik⸗ ferent meafure, He whiche would haue ſpared Sodome foꝛ 4... 24 tenne righteous, denieth to grant this pardon to Hieruſalem. Let bs therefore knowe, that God doth not here tye himlelfe to any neceſſitie, but that be therefoꝛe ſpeaketh thus, fo make it the better knoe, that be twas not lightly moued fo des ftroy the Citic, of the whiche there remained no one fincere parte. . 25 [Shall notthe Iudge ofall the worde doe right?] Be teacheth not God his dutie, as ifaman ſhoulde fay vnto the Judge : Confiver what belongeth to thy office, what becom⸗ meth this place,and tubat belongeth fo the perfon: But be reas foneth of the nature of Ood,that itis impoſſible that be ſhould doe any thing buiukly, Igraunt that the twicked dor often times murmur again Gov by the fame maner of (peaking + but Abram doth farreotherwife. Foꝛ although be mars uelleth how Gon purpoſeth todeftroy Sodome, wherein he is perſuaded that there was fame number of god men: yet not, withſtanding 398 BO. 3-5. 6. Man coms “ TOHUN CALVINE aa withllanding be holdeth fatt this principle, that, It cannot be; that God, whiche ts the Judge of the worlde, and whiche by ature loneth equitie : pea, whofe will isa a lawe of equities and right, Mould decline one tot from riahteoufnerte, Neuer⸗ theleſſe, he oefireth to be diſpatched of this vifficultic, wheres with be was qreued. Euen ſo, ſo often as divers temptations lw2ettle together in our mindes,and when as there ſcemeth to beany repuqnanciz,o2 contrarietic in the workes of Gop > fa long as we are firmely perfuaded of his righteouſneſſe, ng map be bolde fo café thofe doubtes,whiche difquiet bs into bis lappe, to lofe foꝛ bs the infeparable knottes . It fremeth that Paule toke his aunfwere out of this place,by whiche he ſup⸗ preſſeth their blafpbemie, tobiche accufe Gov of impietie, Is God vniuſt? God forbid . For how thould vnri ghteoufnefle beinhim, whiche iudgeth the worlde 2 This reaton is not alwares of fozce among earthly Judges , who are nowe ans then thzough errour deceived, either moued with kauour, vis ther kindled with hatred, and diſpleaſure, either corrupted with bribes, or elfe are bꝛought by other meanes to ininfice, Mut becauſe none of theſe are tobe found in Gov,to tohome it belongeth naturally toiudge the worlde, it followeth that God can no more be bꝛought front equitic 5 then he candenie himſelle to be Bon, > | regis 7 27, [And Lam but duftand afhes,] Abraham beginneth thus, becauſe he would obteine pardon. Foꝛ whatis moztall man, When bets compared with Goo? Wherefore he confers geth, thatheis tmbelve, in queftioning fo fantiliarly with God: notwithſtanding, he crauety at his hanves fufterance, It is fo be noted that Abzaham,the neerer he came tuto Gov, the better befeit hot miferable and abiecte the condition of ments, Foꝛ if 1s onely the brightnefle of Gods glozic, tubich diſcouering thefolithe and donken truſt, whiche they haue pared with Mthemfelues ; maketh them athamed, and humbleth them, God, is mot vile. Whoſoeuer he be therfore,that feemeth to himfelfe,to be fome bodie,let him loke towardes Good, and be (hall byand bp cone fetle himfelfe to be no bodic, Moꝛeouer Abꝛaham had not fore gotten that he was indued with a liuing foule : but be thas Seth that whiche is motte contemptible, thereby te — mMa⸗ ‘WPON GENESIS. CAP. XVIII. 399 Hinrfelfe of all worthines. Notwithſtanding Abraham ſemet to play the Sophiſter with God, when as he decreaſing by liffle and little, from the first number , commeth at the tait to demaund the firte queftion, ¥ anflwere, that this fpeche, any talke proceeded rather fronva troubled minde, Firſt, he labous reth earnettlp forthe Sodomites. Wherefore be omitteth nothing that may ferue,to take alway his carefulinefic, Ses ing God aunfiweareth him ſtill lo gently, let vs knowe that Abraham twas not impoꝛtunate, 02 troubleſome vnto him. GU herefore, if Abꝛaham intreating for the Modvomites , was. heard, vntill be came fo the firfe petition, muche leffe twill the i ode relecte fhe prayers ofanypman, lwhiche are made foz the Churche,and houſholde of faith, Aud! herein alfo doeth the bumanitie of Abzabam appeare, that although be knee that Sodome twas full of all filthie coꝛruptions, and abhomi⸗ nations : vet not withſtanding, be cannot be perfuaded, that all Were infected {with the contagion, and pollution ofthe fata abbominations. But he rather inclineth to indifferencic, as that among fo huge a multitude thece were ſame god men bnknowen. - 02 thisis abozrible monſter, that the heape of wickednefles,fhould be fo diſperſed throughout the whole hodie, that wo member ſhould remaine pure. Wut by thisers ample,we are taught, how Sathan proceedeth, by little and little, tuhen finne bath once gotten the bpper bande, And tas berie deede it is no Maruell, ſeeing men are ſo greatly pane to wickedneſſe, and fo readie to ſlide into ſinne, if. they be rozrupted one of another, vntill they altogether be thꝛoughly infected, Wherefore, there ts nothing moꝛe dangereus then fo liue,o2 dwell where wickednes beareth the (way without re⸗ ſtraint: yea, there js no.infection (o,peltiferous, as that cor⸗ ruption of manners, whiche neither lawes,no2 tudgementeg,! nop other remedies can-bzidle . And-although Moſes inthe next Chapter following , expreſſeth the moſte filthie crime whiche reigned in Sodome: not withitandina, we nin note that whiche Ezechiel teacheth, botue, that the Dovomites:Ezc.16.g8 fell not bp and by to fo erecrable a wickedneſſe: but that in bl ring, lecherie and lulnelle of bead reigned there, at⸗ Ser that fol wed pride and crueltie. boy 4 PECL 6 26 ot TOHN CALYVINE. 400 At the laft, when they were brought fo a reprobate fenfe, - they were drawen info beaftlie luttes allo, Dherefoze if fobe Wwe doe abhorre this ertreame outrage, we mult imbace tems perance,and fobzietic : and tue muff altvayes feare, leatte the great plentic of bictuall and fode,doe drawe bs fo exceſſe:leaſt our nundes ſwell with prtde,becaule of richeffe , and leatt de⸗ lightes ſtirre bs bp to the intemperancie of bane pleafures, CHAPTER. XIX, Nd in the euening there cametwo Angels to Sodoine: and Lot fate at the gate of Sodom,and &| Lot fawe them, and rofe vp to meete them, and he bowed him felfe with his face to the —_ ~ vrounde. -2 Andhe fayde,Seemy Lords I pray you, turne in nowe into your feruantes houfe,and tarrie all night, and walhe your feete,and ye fhail rife vp early and goe your wayes: who ſayd, Nay, but we will abide in the ftreate all night. | .. 3) Then he preafed vppon them earneftly, and they turned into him,and came to his houfe, and he made them afeaf{t , and did bake valeauened breade,and they did eate, . 4. Butbefore they went to bedde, the men of the citie, e⸗ wen the men of Sodom compaffed the houfe round about, from the young to the olde, all the people from all quarters. ¢ Whocrying vnto Lot, fayde vnto him, Where are the men which came to thee this night Bring them out ynto vs, that we may knowe them. 6 Then Lot went out at the doore vnto them, and fhut the doore after him. » 7 And fayde, I pray youmy brethren, doe not fo wiked- ly, - old 8 Beholde nowe I hauetwo daughters , whiche haue not knowne man : them will I bring out nowe vnto you: and do tothem as feemeth you good: onely vnto thefe men doe no⸗ mm for therefore are they come vnder the fhadowe of my roote, 7 3 Be 9: Then they fayd; Away hence,and they fayde, He is come alone as a {traunger,and hall he iudge and rulez We will a : ale VPON GENESIS? CAP: x7x deale woorfe with thee,then withthem., So they preafed fore : 401 : vppon Lot him felfe,and came to breake the doore. 10 Butthe men put forth their handes, and pulled Lotin« to the houfeto them, and fhut to the doore. un Thenthey fmote the menthat were atthe doore of the houfe with blindneffe, both {mall and great , fo that they were wearic in {eeking the doore. 12 Then the men faydevnto Lot, Whome haft thou yet here, either fonne in lawe , or thy fonnes, or thy daughters, or what focuer thou haft in the citie,bring it outof this place, 13 For wewilldeftroy this place, becaufe the cry of thens as greate before the Lorde: and the Lorde hath fent vs tode- ftroy it. | 14 Then Lot went out and {pake ynto his fonnes in lawe, whiche married his daughters, and fayde, Arife, get ye out of this place,for the Lorde will deftroy the citie:but he feemed vnto his fonnes in lawe as though he had mocked. 1s And whenthe morning arofe, the Angels hafted Lot, faying, Arife,take thy wife, and thy two daughters whiche are here,leaft thou be deftroyed in the punifhment of the citie, 16 Andashe prolonged the time, the men caught bothe him and his wife, and his two daughters by the handes, (the Lorde being mercifull vnto him,)and they brought him forth, and fethim without the citie. 17 And when they had brought them out,the Angel fayds Efcape for thy life , looke not behinde thee,neither tarrie thou inall the plaine: efcape into the mounteine, leaftthou be de- {troyed. 18 And Lot fayde vnto them, Not foI pray thee,my Lord. 19 Beholde nowe thy feruant hath found grace in thy fight, andthou haft magnified thy mercie, which thou haft {hewed vnte mec in fauing my life: and J cannot efcape in the moun- teine,lea{t fome euill take me,and I dye. 20 Scenowe this Citic hereby to flee vnto,which isa little one,Oh let me efcape thithersis it nota little one,and my foule thall liue? 21 Then he fayde ynto him: Behold I haue receiued thy requeft alfo concerning this thing, “ha I will not overtieane ’ thas 1OHN- CAR VINE © this citie,for the which thouhaft fpoken; . 22 Haftethee, faue thee there: for Tcan doe nothing tilt thou be come thither, T herfore the name of the cĩtie was called Zoar, bales phi 23 TheSunnedid rife vppon the earth, when Lot entered into Zoar, | 24 Then the Lorde rayned vppon Sodome,and vpon'Go- morrah, brimſtone and fire from the Lord out of heauen, 25 And ouerthrewe thole cities, & all the plaine, &allthe inhabitants of the cities,and that which grewe vpon the earth; 26 Nowchis wife behinde him looked bacle > and fhe be⸗ came a piller of falte, | 27 And Abraham rifing vp earely in the morning, went to the place where he had ftoode before the Lorde, # ,, 28 And looking toward Sodome,.& Gomorrah, & toward all the lande of the plaine, beholde, he {awe the finoke ofthe Jande mounting vp as the fmokeof a fornace. 29 Butyetwhen God deftroyed the citics of the plaine,. God thought vpon Abraham, & fent Lot out fiom the middeft of the deſtruction, when he ouerthrewe the cities wherein Loe dwelt. sabe 30 Then Lot went vp from Zoar,and dwelt in the moun. teine with his two daughters : for-he feared to Hrrie inZoary but dwelt in acaue,heand his two daughters, : * 3t Aid the elder ſayd vnto the younger, Our father is old, and there isnot aman inthe earth’ to come ia vnto vs, after _ the manner ofall the earth, 32 Come, we will make our father drinke wine » and lye with him,that we may preferue feede ofour father. ; 33 Sothey made their father drinke wine that night, and the elder went and lay with her father but he perceiued nots neither when fhe Jaye downe,neither when (Ke rofe Vp. aay 34 And on the morrowe,the elder fayde vnto the younger, Behoide,yefternight lay I with my father, let vs make! him _ dzinke wine this night alf,and go thou and lye with him, that we may preferuc feede of our father, | 35 Sothey made their father drinke'wine that night alfo, _ and the-younger aroſe and Jay with him, but he'lpercemed nots neithen VPON GENESIS) CAP? XIX! * yoy. neither when fhe lay downe,neither when the rofe vp. | 4+ 3 | 36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with childe by their father. | 37. And theelder barea fonne, and thee called his name Moab, the fame is the father ofthe Moabites-ynto this day. 38 Andthe yonger bare a fonne alfo, and the called his name Ben-iamin,the fame is the father of the Ammonites yn- to this day. _ 1 [And in the euening there came two Angels.) ¥£ may be Lot receie ” Bemanded why one of the thee Angels bantihen away, ¢ tivo weth Aaz only came to Sovome, Whe Jewes (as they are bold in bring⸗ gels ing in fables) affirnte,that one came fo deſtroy fp place: ¢ anos ther fo p2eferuc Lot. Wut if appeareth by Males words, that this was friuoldus: becaufe we thal! fee that both were minis ſters of thedeltuerance, What whiche J ſayde before is moe finple, botwe that this was grauntedto Abraham in ſteede of a ſpeciall grace, that God Mould not onelyp ſend vnto hun tive from among the mtoveft of the compante of bis Anaels,but als fo moze familiarly revealed him felfe vnto him it his fonne. Foꝛ one as we ſawe, had the principall place, as cheefe tn dig⸗ nitie. And although Chatlte twas alwaves the mediatour : pet notwithſtanding, becauſe he was moze obfcurelp reuealed fa Lot, then to Abraham, onelyp two Angels came Onto Sodome. Whereas Boles ſheweth that Wot {ate inthe gate of the Ciz fie about the euening: many affirme the fame to be bis dailp cuffome,that be might enterteine gueſtes. Becauſe notwiths fanding Moles diſcouereth not the caufe,it were raſhneſſe to affirme the fame fo2 a certeintie. Jconfeſſe that he fate not as idle and flouthfull perfons.are wont to doe : but itis no leſſe pobable a contecture,that he went fo mete bis ſheepeherds, that be might be preſent at the foloing or falling of the Hepe, is fo gentle intreating ofthe Anaels plainly declareth, that he was a keeper of bofpitalitie . Notwithſtanding, why be fafein the gate of the citie , itig vncerteine: ercept it tere becaufe be would let paffe no occafion fo do ged, {when he fawe ftrangers patie by, bpon whom he might beſtowe bis beneuo⸗ lence, Let § which might be ſpoken in this point,be fought in Cc, tf, tie Chapter 4 IOHN CALVINE 404 Chapter going befo2e, 2 [Nay, but we willabidein the ftreete all night, ] She Angels doe not by and by peelde their confent, fo the end they might haue the better triall of the god meaning of the holie man. JForbedidnotearrie them home fo bts houle onelp fo giue them a (upper: buf alfo fo defende them from the force and violence of the Citizens. DWherefore,the Angels fo bes haue thentfelues, euen as if they thould be in fafetie fo ſſeepe in the bighe way: thus they fared,as thoughe thep vnderſtod nof the defperate wickedneſſe of the tubole multitude. Foꝛ, iffo be the gates of cities are therefo2e thutte, fo withitande the inuafions of wilde beafkes,and of enimies : how ſtraunge and abfurde a thing is it, that they ſhould be tn qreater perill whiche line tuithin 2 Wherefore the Anaels {peake thus, to make the wickedneſſe of the people moze hainous, And Lot in conſtreining fhe Angels fo come vnto bim, that be might defende them from the common wickednelſe of that nation, docth the beffer ſhewe, howe areafe a care he had fo2 bis guettes , that they might not ſuſteine any reproche 02 ine turie, 3 [And he made thema feaſt. 8y thefe wordes, and by fhat twhiche follotveth, Males teacheth,that the Anacts were nio2¢ ſumptuouſly tuellcomuned,then after the common mans ner, Foꝛ Wot dealt not thus with all men indifferently Wut when he percciued the worthinelſe of men, either by their f{peeche,o2 apparell, be prepared a diet for them accozdingly.. Againe Moles faith, that the Anacis dtd eate:not becaule they had neede, but becaufe a convenient tine was not pet come to reucale their heauenlie nature. 4 [But before they wentto bedde,] Bere tn one wicked fate, Wofes ſetteth forth a liuelie image of Dodome. Foꝛ hereby it doeth eutdently appeare, what a diueliſhe conſent twas among them fo all wickednefle, in that they all confpts red together fo comunitte ſuche bozrible and deteftable filtht- nelle, Howe great their wickedneſſe was, it doth hereby ape peare,in that as if were with an armie, they befeege the boufe of Lot. How blinve and bealllic is their luff, in fomuch that like brute beattes, voide of all thame, they runne to and se * 9 _ yPON GENESIS. CAP. XIX: 4.05 Howe greatis their fiercenetle and erucltic,in threatening fo (hantefully the holie father,and in aſſaving all extremities. Hereby alſo we gather, that they were not infected with one vice alone, but alfo that they were fallen to all boldeneſſe of fining, infomuch that they were deuord ofallfhame, And Csechtel, (as we haue fayde already,) doeth notably declare, from what beginnings and cntraunces of euilles they fell Exc.6.4? to exrtreame filthinefic. Herevnto alſo perteineth the faying of Paule, howe that Ood punicheth the ongodlineiic of met, kom. taß When be giueth them ouer into ſo great blindenelſe, that they fallinto divers luſtes, and defile their bodies. Wut when as chame being fette alive, the raines are loſed to luſt, filthie and beattlic barbarouſneſſe mutt neds bp and by followe, and divers kinds of wickednelles muff of neceflitie be therewith all mingled, that there may be more then a delormed confu- fion. Wherefore, if fo be the vengeance of fod fell vppon the Sodomites, inſomuche that being blinded with outrage, they gaue themfelues fo all kinde of Wwickedneffe : tre thal be {carfe moze fausurably dealt {withall, whofe impietie ts by fo muche the leſſe ercufable , by howe muche the trueth of Gad is moze plainely reucaled vnto vs . (From the young to the olde. j} Moſes concealeth many thinges, whiche the reader may call to minde of bint felfe: as this, that be maketh no mention by tohome the multitude twas ftirred bp «| FOr it ig berie likelie, that there were cerfeine pꝛouokers: bat notwithſtanding, Wwe berebp perceiue, howe willing and readie they tere to committe wickednelle, who as it were with a watcheworde, came by and by together. It alſo och cheweth, that there was no manner of ſhame leftein them: yong and Hecaute neither grauitie reftraincd fhe olde mem, N02 that old in So- - monettie fhe pounc mien, vohich beecame that age To be ſhort, dome he meaneth that all care of honeſtie was abolished , and that "'" dcfi- the order of nature was perucrted, when he fapth,tbat from —* the voung to the olde, they came together from the kurthelt partes of the citie. ' ¢ [Where are the men. ] Although they minded kilthile fo - | ; Cc, itj, - abuile 4.0 Queltion. Anfwere, ruſhing headlong furioully, they in moment bring vppon IOHN CALVINE G abufe the gueſts to pꝛepoſterous luſt: yet notwithſtanding, in worde they pretend another thing. Foꝛ as if Wot had of⸗ fended, in receiuing ſtraunge mien into the citie, wherein be himſelle divelt but as a forreigner 5 they cemmaund them fo be b2 ought fo2th before them, Dome erpound this worde [ Knowe] to hane to doe carnallp, and fo the Oreke inters prefers haue tranſlatedit. Wut J thinke that this wore was put in another fenfe: as if they Mould fay , Ce will knowe what manner of queftes thou ball bought inte our Citic. Foꝛ the Scripture is want modeltly to note by this worde a matter of ſhame. Wherefore the Sovomites wonky baue fpoken moze filtbily of their deteftable lying Wwith thofe men: buf fo coucr their wickedneſſe, they quarell with the Holic man proudely, tnthat be durſt preſume to receive ons knolwen mer, Hotwithtanding, here arifetha queftion. for, if fo be fhe Sodomites were went thus fo vere all ſtraungers, what tall we fay was done fo others? Foꝛ this was not the firite time that Lot began to lodge fraungers ; and they bad bene alivapes giuen fo filthie pleafure : Lot was readie fo deliver bis Daughters to ſhame, and reproche, to ſette his quettes fre from the ſame. How oftentimes alreadie was be conſtrained fo offer thenr, tf fo be their maddeneſſe coulag not be bp any other remedte pleated, whiche required men, With whome they might committe fornication? And nowe if Lot knewe that fuche perill was at band, be thoula ras ther haus exhorted bis gueftes to withdrawe themſelues in time, Jn nrp iudgement, although Lot knewe the manners of the Cifte, be nothing fulpected that whiche happened, as that thep would biolently breake bppe his houfe: and it fameth, that they bad neuer done thts before. Wnt in deede it was mate, that then the Angels were fent to take a trial of that people, they ſhoulde all breake into this detectable facte, hus the ticked, after that they hauea tong time tris umphed in their wickednefle, deuoide of care, at the lak by thens VPON GENESIS. CAP. XIX? them their obone deſtruction. Wjen GD therelore called the Sodomites fo iudge⸗ ment, he would haue them to play the laf parte of a wic⸗ kedlife, and bythe {pirtte of giddinelſe, be inkorced them to abbominatton, the hainouſneſſe tohercof would not fuffer the nefkruction of the place to be deferred any longer. Foꝛ as the hofpitalitie of the Holic man Lot, was adorned with a notable rewarde, becauſe vnwittingly he receiued Angels i keede of men, and had them bis gueltes at home at bis houfe : enen fo © D D tke vengeaunce with more gree uous puniſhment, vppon the ſilthie iult of others, who gor ina aboute fo defile Angels, were not onelp iniurious tos Wwardes men, but alfo (fo muche as in them lap) they vio⸗ lated the heauenlie glorie of © D D, with facrilegious putrage. 6 (Then Lot went cat vnto them J Inthat Lot twent forth at the dores, and put bint felfe in daunaer , if there, by appeareth, how greatly be delired to bea truftie and faith, full Hoſte. A vare vertur in dede, whiche pzeferreth the {afetic and honettic of the gueltes before his owne life, bez caufe he bad once receined them vnder bis protection : not withſtanding, this ſtoutneſſe of minde is required to be in the founes of GOD, that they ſpare not them ſelues, when duetie andfaith fo requireth. And althougbe be were als readie greately hurt,by the befieaing of his houſe: pet not⸗ Wwithtanding, be ſceketh⸗with faire wordes to pacific their fierce mindes, wher he limply intreateth thew to ceaſſe from their wickedneſſe, and pouchetafeth fo call them by fhe name of bother, And it appeareth, howe cruell their Rercenefie twas an how biolent the beate of their luſt, when they were nothing moued with fo great gentlenelic,and beſce⸗ thing. And this ts the end of the defcription of fuche beaſt⸗ lic outrage, that we might knotve that they were nat punt- Hed, before fuche tine as they were conte vnto the extreame end of wickedneſſe. And let vs remember; that the reprobate, when they are blinded by theink iudgement of God, doc runne as it were Cc.iiij. with 407 Lot an ex ample of faith fall⸗ nefle. 4.08 The works of Saintes are vnper fe IOHN CALVINE with full purpofe through all kinde of euills ann doe leane nothing vndone, vntill they make them felues batefull ano deteſtable both to Gon and to men, § [Behold nowe,I haue two daughters, ] As the conftans fle of Lot deſerueth no ſmall p2atle,in that be aduentured bis life for the deferice of bis gueftes:euen fo now Wales hetweth, that there was a defecte topned therewith , which ſome what blotted bis fo excellent a vertue. Ff02 he not kuowing what fo doe, (at which point men are at commonty,in all doubtfull matters, ) deuifeth an vnlawtull remedic, $02 he letteth not fo offer his daughters ta whoredome, to vacifie the outragis ous madnelle of the people, Wut a thoufand deathes ought ras ther to haue bene fuftered,then to haue taken (uch a lay. Mots withltanding, ſuch almott are all the wworkes of the Saincts, becauſe nothin, paſſeth from them fo perfect , tobiche ts nog lame 02 maymed in fome point . Lot ts vrged With ertreame neceflitte : and tt is no maruell that be offereth his daughters fo be made harlots , when be feth that be hath to doe with Wilde beatts. Bet neuertheletfe he ſeketh without aduifement foremedic one cuill withanother . Whereas fome ercule bis facte, J miflike tt not: pet neuerthelefte, he deſerueth to be rep2ehended, becaufe he beapeth one evill bppon another, Sut Wwe are taught by this erample, that when the Lode. bath furnithed bs with the ſpirite of inuincible fo2titude, we mutt alfo pray, that be wili gouerne vs with the fpirite of. prudence, and that he will neuer fuffer vs to be deuoyd of a founde tudgentent , and of moderate reafon , 4Fo2 then at the lat, we thall rightty goe forwarde in doing of our duetie ifintroublefome matters tue fe with afounde minde » what is nedekull tobe done, what is latwfull, and what is erpedte ent: and are alfo readie prepared witha willing minde to withſtand euerie perill . Fo2it is no leſſe daungerous fog our mindes, in taking of euill counfelles, tobe carried hither aid thither, then to be troubled with keare. And being brought unto the extreame pinche, let bs pray onto the Loyde , that he Wwillopen fome way for bs. Dtberfome make an other ers ule {02 Lot; as,that be knelwe that bis daughters — ug — VPON GENESIS. CAP, XIX nof be defired, But J doubt not, buf that be ſeking the firſt 409 fhift that came nerte fo hand, erred from fhe right wap. And this ts without all doubt, that alfhough the Sodomites pros feted not in platne wo2des , wwhata filthte defire they han: pet notwithſtanding, Lot twas fully certified of the fame by their daily wickedneſſe. ¥fany man affirme tf to be veric ab⸗ furde, that the whole people thouldrequire two men fo come mitte fornication with thent: Jaunſwere, that becaule they imagined by cuffome, and ble, that the fame bice was law⸗ full fo2 thent , a kewe fetting the matter abzoche, the whole multitude was ſtirred bp,Cuen as tf commeth to paſſe, where there is not any difference made betwene right and weong. When Lot fayeth, That for this caufe , they came vnder his roofe, fhe meaning 1s, that they were committed vnto him of the Lorde: andthat be ſhould be falle onto them, vnleſſe he fought to defend them. 9 [Thentheyfaid,Away hence.] In that Lot islſo chur lifhly with his prapers,and intreatie retected: then the which nofiwkading nothing could be brought moze aptly fo qualifie their outrage ; hereby if appeareth, what vnbꝛideled € p2oud diſdain twas in this people, And fir ft of al they thaeaten,that if he proceede fo be an interceffour, be ſhall be worſe dealt with⸗ all, then thofe whome he defendeth. Secondly, theycatk in bis teeth, that be being aftraunge man,taketh bpon him the parte ofa Judge. Andin euerie word they Heine, how great⸗ ly they ftwelled with price. Whey fette one again a multi fude: as ifthey thoulofay, Wy what right doc thou chal lenge fo thy Celfe the rule of the tobole cifte? Then they boatt that they are Towneſmen, but be afogretaner. Suche alfo is the boaſting of the Papiltes at this dap, againlſt the godlie minifters ofthe worde: fo2 they obiect vnto them, tn ſteede of areproche, their fewneſſe:but that they themfelues are of farre greater number. Glfo they are proude of their long ſue⸗ ceſſion: and therfore they crie out,that it is not foilerable,that they ſhould be reproued by ne men. Wut how obſtinately ſo euer the twicked doe contende, leaſt (hey ſhould veelde fo reaſon, let vs knowe, that they doe not exalte them — Cc.v. 9g AIG ‘God ne- uuer forfa- keth the the faith- full. ITOHN CALVINE £0 their oluneruine ano fall. 10 { Butthemen put foorth their handes, ] Aisaine Sos {es calleth the Angels men, not that they were men in dede, but bycauſe they ſcemed to be ſuche in outwarde ſhewe: JFfo2 although they beginne to reueale their heauenlie power:vet⸗ notwithſtanding, as pet they doe not declare that they are Ans gels fent of God from beauen, And Doles feacheth here, that the Lorde, although be fareth as though be did not fe, when the fatthfull are in perill: pet notwithſtanding, be neuer for⸗ faketh them, but reacheth fo2th bis bande, enenat the verte pinche. Cuen fo be deferred bis helpe in fauing Lot, vntill the berie extremitie came, Let bs therefore with quict mindes gtue place vnto his 2ouidence ; and let vs alfo followwe without feare that which beelonacth vnto our calling , and whiche he commaun⸗ deth. Althoughhe fuffereth vs tobe in daunger: yet not⸗ withſtanding/ he will declare that be was never vnmindkfull of vs. Foꝛ we ſee, that bycaule Lot thutte the dores of hig houſe, to befendhis gueſtes, be receiueth the like gad turne againe, when the Angels the gate being opened againe doe not onely receiue him vnto them, but alſo by ſetting the rate ics of Gods power againſt the wicked, to ſtop their wap, and to keepethem off. Andthey doe not onely ſhewe tuto hin the dutte of humanitie:but alfo beeing armed with the power of © DD , they come to belpe bm . Cibhereas Poles faith,that the men were ftricken with blindeneffe,thou mutt not fo vnderſtande the fame, as thoughe they were farke blinde, aad quite depriued of their fight: but that their ſight twas fodaseled , that ‘they coulde difcerne nothing. And this miracle was mo2e notable , then iftbeir eyes had bene cleane put ouf:bicaufe their eves being open,they groped fo2 the wap like blinde mien; and feeing, falwe not, Alio,the purpole of Mo⸗ fes was to expꝛeſſe, howe flintie and barde their obftinacie Was, hey finde not Lots nate: it followeth,that they take great paines in feeking fo2 the fame . And thus they furtoully warre againſt Ood, Wut this happened not once, o2 to the Sovomites VPON GENESIS. SAP 8 8XIXs Sodomites alone : but the fame is alfo daily fulfillenin the 41 reprobate, whome Sathan bewitcheth with ſuche madnelſe, that they beeing ſtricken with the ſtrong band of ODD, prov cede With wicked obfiinacie to withſtande the fame, And leaſt we ſhoulde feeke further fo2 an example of this matter, we fcr with what fearvefull punithementes, G D D bath pus nifhed wandering luſtes: and pet notwithſtanding, the worlo ceaiſeth not defperately to runne headlong into their deftrucs fion which they bebolde with thetr eyes. 12 [ Whomehaftthou yet here? PNowe at the lat the Angels ſhewe wherefore they cante, and what thep intended fodoc , Foꝛ fo baynous was the lalt acte, that Lot ſhoulde nowe perfuade himſelfe, that this people was to be ſuſcered no longer . | And firtt thep fay, that they came fo dettrop the Citie: bycauſe their crte twas areate . Wy twhiche wordes thep giue to bnderftand, that ODD was not prouoked twith ane wickedneſſe alone: buf after be (pared them a tong time, be nowe at the lal beeing almoſt conttramed, thzoughe the areate heape of wickedneſſes, commeth fo take punifhement, The more Foꝛ we are fhus to thinke, the moze fines that men do heape fane the fogether , the higher their wickedneſſe doeth arife, and the srt neerer if commeth vnto G D D, to call’ for venqeaunce, Pr Wherefore , as the Angels hitherto tettitie, that God hath ~~ bene long fuffering: fo againe,thep giue fo bnderftand, what manner of ende all they ſhall haue, whiche daily heaping one wickednelſe bppon an offer, doe Mul with greater boldeneſſe moꝛe and moꝛe rebell againſt God. Aud they doc therefore declare the cauſe of the deſtruction, not onely fo the end Lot might attribute the pratfe of cquitic and righteoufneite fo God: but alfo fo the end he being made’ afearde, might make moze batt fo dDeparte . Foꝛr fuche is- the dulneſſe of our ficthe ,thatiwe doc verie coldip and negli⸗ gently feke to eftape the indqement of O OD D, vnleſſe we De throughly terrificd with the feare thereat : Cuen lo Ho— ah being throughly made afearde with thefloude , ende⸗ | . jadi uoured IOHN CALVINE 4-12 uoured binfelfe to builde the arke. Dhe Angels put the holy father in god hope, leaſt be ſhoulde feare, and thereby diſtruf⸗ ting bis faluation, thoula make leffe hatte to depart. 3Fo2 they doe not onelp promiſe that be Mall be fafe: but alfo thep doe willingly graunt vnto him bislife, And there was no caufe Why he ſhoulde poubfe , when be falwe that the liues ofothers alfo were atuen vnto bin frely,as a ſurpluſage. Notwithſtanding, it may be dDemaunded, why Cod teoulve offer his grace fo vnthankefull perfous, which be knewe woulde reiccte the fame. The fame queftion may alfo be moued concerning the preaching of the Goſpell. Foꝛ ODD is not tqnozant that a fewe thall be parfakers of faluation, the whiche notwithanding be commaundeth fo be offered vnto all generailp: but thus the Dnbeleeuing are made the niozeinercufable , when they reiectethe meſſage of faluas tion, And Lot is therefore efpectally commaunded to aſſure binfelfe of his deliucraunce, fo the end be hauing a prove ficdfat trut inthe grace of © D D , might bololy and {pees dilp make the moze balk fo departe, nothing doubting of his faluation. And we map make a probable contecture bp this place,that be bad no fonnes at that time tn the citie: fo2 then by the perfuafion of the Angels, be would haue gone a⸗ bout to haue deliuered them. Weſore we baue ſaide, that he had vnder his hande a create familie of feruantes : but bes caufe here mention ts made onely of fuche as were fre, there is nothing fapde of them. Neuerthelelſe, it is likelic, that fome of them {went forth with bim, Wwhiche carried victuall and other houſholde proutfion, JFo2 howe came the daughters by that totne in the deferfe mounteine ,twbich they qaue vnto their father , Oniefle cerfeine thinges were carricd either by Affes, by Camels , 02 by Cartes : whereof Moles maketh no mention? Motiwithfanding, tf may be that among a great multitude, many rather chofe fo perifhe aniong the Sodomi⸗ tes, then to accompanie their 1 D KR D C, in feking faluation, But it is better toleaue thole things vntouched, which the ſpirit of God hath not reucaled, | 13 The VP ON GENESTS. CAP, XIX. 13 [ TheLordehath fent ys todeftroy, J This place 48 feacheth, that the Anaels are the minifters as well of the Accel wrath, as of the grace of God. Meither is that any whit cone 233. trarie which ts faid in another place, where angels are proper? ters of the iy faid to be minifters of bis arace,and to be oꝛdeined fo2 their wrath and faluation, whome G D D hath adoptedtobe bis chilozen, tavour of And the Scripture in diuerfe places teltifieth,that the cufto- S°¢- Die of the godlie is committed vnto them: and on the contra Heb.1. 14. rie parte, it poonounceth, that © D D erecuteth his tuoges P'!.o- 1 mentes by reprobate Anaels. Jfo2 it is to benoted, that Goo '*77” niaketh the elected Anaels cheefe executors of thofe iudge⸗ mentes, which be erercileth by the reprobate . Foꝛ tt were verie abſurde for this honour to be attributed vnto dinels, 4 that they ſhould be accounted the cheefe erecuttoners of Gods iudgementes: for thep doc not willingly obep him: buf raz ther obftinatelpy racing againſt bint , are notivithfanding drawen againt their twilles to be his executioners. Let vs knowe therfoze, that it is not difagreeing from the office of the chofen Angels,fo come downe armed fo erecute fhe vengeance of God, and fo puniſhe. Thus the Angel of the Lorde deftropedin one night, the... armie of Senacharib, whiche befeged Wiernfalem . Thus tS"? Dauid ſawe the Angel with a drawen ſworde in his hande, > sam.24. when the people were plagued with the Peſtilence. Wut Jis. adimonithed befo 2¢, that the Angels repeate the fame thing, whiche they had ſaide fo Abraham concerning the crie : that by the deteſtation and loathing of the place, they might make Lot the moze forwarde totake bis flight, and might ſtirre ae bp, theough the feare of Gods wate, fo {eke ſalua⸗ 1 ’ 14 [ Then Lot wentout. IThe faith of the bolie man Lot fir! herein appeared, that he was thꝛoughly afeard, and humbled, at the theeatenings of © DD. Secondly , bycaufe though be were in the middeſt of deftruction : pet neuerthe⸗ leſſe, he taketh holve of the faluation pꝛomiſed vnto hint, And whereas he inuiteth his fonnes in lawe to be parfakers with him ofthefame , fuche diligence becommeth the ſonnes of Cod, STOHN CALYINE 4 4 God, that they fekeby al manner of meanes , fo deliuer Securitie is a mor- tall euill, thole that are vnder their hande from deſtruction. And whereas Poles tapth, that be feemed to bis fonnes in lawe fo icatt , he meaneth that the godlie oide man was derided, and his ſpeache accompted fo2 a fable: becauſe they thought that be doated, and therefore feared that peril whi⸗ che be needed not.» | | Therekore Let ſcemed not fo dallic With them of pure pote, 02 that be came fo the ende be might ieatt with them: but thep eſteemed bis {peeche as a tale : becaufe tobere ree ligion and the feare of GDD is not, inbatioener is ſpoken concerning puni ment , it banttheth away as a baine and trifling thing. Gna hereby tue perceiue what a mortall e⸗ uill ſecuritie is, whiche maketh the mindes of the wicked ſo dronken: yea, and bewitcheth them, that they thinke that © D D fitteth no move in heauen asa Judge : and they are fo ſleepie in their finnes, vntill ſoudeine deſtruc⸗ tion come vppon thent, when they ſay, Peace, Allis tell, And efpecially the nerer that GDD his bengeaunce aps procheth, the moze their obſtinaci⸗ groweth, and increafeth, There is nothing more terrible and fearefull to the wie⸗ ed, then when thep are vrged With the bande of GD dD, Wut vntill they being conitrained by force , doe fle their _ prefent deltruction, they reiecte all th2eatenings , either With pzoude foes , a2 elfe ouerpaſſe them with cons tempt. his their negligence ought fo alwaken bs bp ons tothe feare of GDD, that we nay be altwayes carefull and then efpecially, when there appeareth anp token of the weath of Con, | is [The Angelshafted Lot, ] Lhe faith ano godlineffe of Lot being patter, Poles Hetveth that he was touched Wwith fome humane ano naturall infirmitie : becaufe he defers * ring the time, was hattencd fo2th by the Angels. Whe canfe OF his ſlowneſſe might be, becaute beconfivereth that he mult goe into exile, Thus manifolve cares and doubtes trouble a fearefull minde: fo it allvapes doubteth what will bape pen to a baniſhed man, whiche forſaking bis houſe, and bis . godes, VPON GENESTIS. CAP. XIX. godes, getteth him naked and poze info ſome oeferte pſace. In the meane time be confidereth not, that be muff doe ag thofe that fuffer thipw2acke are wont, who to the ende thep may make afafe arriuall fo the hauen, catt thetr mer⸗ chandize, and all that thep bane, into the fea . He doubteth not, but that God hath fpoken fhe trueth: neither Doth he refule to goe to another place,as be was commaunded ; but as it were fainting onder bis infirmitic, and being intangled With many cares; be goeth on halting faire and foffly, whe ought fo haue runne fpevilp,making no delay. Wut the ſpi⸗ rite of © DD hath lette before bs an example of our ſſow⸗ neffe and neqligence tit bis perfor, that tue catting off all flouthfulnette , fo fone asthe heauenlie votce foundeth fr our eares, map readily prepare our feltics to obey: other⸗ wile, oner avd aboue that fouthfulnefle, whiche ts in bs naz turaily, Sathan till make v5 to vſe many delapes. And | fo the ende the Angels might the better ſpurre Lot ſorwarde, they make him alearde, faping, L cat thou be deftropedin the punishment of the Citie. Mot beeaufe the UD) KD E doeth calt the innocent into the fame deſtruction with the wicked Y but bycauſe he is worthie to perifhe, whiche Will Hot prouide for him felfe : pea, which being admoniſhed to betware,catteth bun felfe notwithſtanding into deſtruc⸗ tion. 16 [Andashe prolonged the time.J Befoꝛe, the Angela vſed wordes:but nove, with the hande, and verie deede, they doe as it were)violentiv confiraine Lot to departe. Dis negligence is wonderfull, who being cerfemety perſugded, that the Angels threaten notin vaine, ts nothing at all pric⸗ kod forwarde with their wordes, vntill with their handes 45 he is drawen out of the citie. Dur Sauitur Chriſte Tat, ycarrcsek But Although the fpirite be Willitie-yet the flefheis weake’. Bit here a Worſe vite is noted⸗ betante the fete (th tial ber fluggifhnette) 5 ee ag’ ‘the ‘fobivatbarfie of the’ tpirite, infomtuche that by eine halting, tt ‘can ſcarſe crepe. ~~ Gud euerie mars lone erperiened is a wituete of this euill. Whe greater then cught tp be the rare of the faithfull, shat tyer niay dake chemſelties redie ko olld da Cod, and allo af ets ts TOHN CALYINE 416 fo beware, leaft they ſtoppe their cares again bis threate⸗ nings . Meither thall they at any time fo carefully and thars pely vrge them felues , but they will fill be to backwarde in doing their duetie. Alto, that Which Moles laith is worthig fo be nofed, that the Love had compalſion on bis feruaunt, then as be taking him by the hande by bis Angels, carried bim out of the Citie. Foꝛ it is nedefull forbs fo be thug drawen oftentimes violently, from that place, from thence we Depart not willingly. Ff either richeſſe, oꝛ honours, 92 any God ta- fuch other thing, be a lette and binderaunce,that be can not be Keth vs by free, and at libertic to ferue O®D D: when it Hall fail out ene bP4* fox bis godes to be ditninithed, 02 him felfe to be punithed; let raketh vs he fame knowe, that the Lozde taketh him by the bande, bye frõ world cauſe woꝛds and erboztations had not fufficiently preuailed. ly vanities There is no cauſe therefore, why we fhoulde be greued, to haue our difeates cured with violent remedies, when doctrine is not effectuall pnough fo cozrecte them, Doles allo femeth fo note a greater matter, as that the clemencie of Goo ttroue with the Mouthfulues of Lot, Fo2 it was no gramarcte to hint, that by his delaying the time, pe bought not vpon himfelfe the imminent deltruction:notwithttandina, the Lorde doeth not onely pardon him, but alſo becauſe be would haue him ſa⸗ ued, he drewe him out by the hande, he making as it were reſiſtance. 17 ¶Ecſccape for thy ſelle. J This was added by Moſes, fo the ende we may knowe, that the Lorde reacheth fw2th bis hande vnto vs, not onely fo2 a time > that he may woke our faluation:and that be leaueth not hts worke bnperfect,but als fo bringeth the fame fo ari ende » his was no fall grace, that the ruine of Dodome twas foreſhewed onto Lot, leatt the fame fhoulde come Dppon him vnawares: that affurcd bope {vas given vnto him by the Angels; and that at the lat be vas carried by the bande out of perul. , Motwithkanding; the Lorde not being contented with fo many benefites, chew⸗ efh what be fhoulde doe after this, hus he maketh hime felfe a guide vnto him in bis race, vutill be thoulde come vn⸗ fo the full finithing of his faluation, “ing Aut Lotis fozbioven to loke bebinde him, to the 9 e VPON GENESIS. CAP. XIX. AW be might knotuc, that be left bebinde bim a peftilent habitati, + 7 on, Firſt, that be might baue no manner of defire onto the fame : then, that be might the better Weigh and confider,how great the godneſſe of ODD was; in delivering him from the graue,andeternall deſtruction. Weloꝛe Poles ſhewed, howe fruitfull and excellent that vallex and plaine was:from hence Lot is commaunded fo departe, to the end be might fele, that be twas deliuercd, as it were, out of the middeſt of hips weracke. Andalthough be dwelling at Sodome, had his heart and minde daily bered and dDifquieted: pet notwithſtanding, te could fcarfe be, but that be muſt needes dꝛawe fome vnclean⸗ neffe, from ſo deepe a finke of tvickednefle, Nowe therefo2e,he being fo be purged of the 102d, ts depriued of delightes, wher⸗ in be bad fo much pleafure, Let bs alfo hereby learne, $ Con doth notably pronide for our faluation, when be cutteth off all thoſe things, which are fuperfluous to the delights of the ficth: and fo cozrect our fo muche pampering of our felues, be fens deth bs from the ſweete and pleafaunt plaine, info the deſert mounteine, 18 [ Lot faide ynto them. ] Bere an other bice of Lot is ree prehended, in that be doth not fimply obey Ood, and (uffereth not him felfe fo be faued at bis will and pleafure, buf deuifeth a nel way fo2 him felfe, Cod appointeth fo bun a mounfeine, Which Hhould be vnto hin in ſteede of a fanctuarte : but be ras ther chafeth tuto bin ſelfe acitie, Thep therefore are decet- ued, which fo extoll his faith in this pater, that they make the fame a perfect erample of praping aright. Foꝛ tt is rather the purpofe of Moles, to teach, that the faith of Lot was not whos ly fre anb pure from all bices, We are to note this principall rule, that our payers are allways finful, vnleſſe they be groũ⸗ Ded bpon the word of God, But Lot is not onelyp delkitute Of Prayer the wo20, but allo prepofteroufly plealeth him felfe againſt the mut bee 1v020, Such importunitie diſagreth with faith. Furthermoze, pronades fouden repentance was a punithment of folithe defire. Zf02 “P°° thus all they mutt of neceſſitie wauer, which ſubmit not them felues Dnfo God: fo fone as they haue one defire, a newe dif quietneſſe commeth by and by in place, which conttreineth fo chaunge the mind, Thus thoztlp * are to account, —— d. as 4 | IOHN CALVINE was not without fault, when be requireth a citie fo be giuen vnto him to divell in. For be both letteth him ſelle againtt the commaundement of ODD, which be ought fo haue obeps ed: and alfo deſireth to abide fill in pleafures, from the which it was profitable for him to be remoued. Wherefore, he oth euen as if a ficke man ſhould deferie the fime of bis cutting, 02 drinking a bitter purgation, the which nottuithanding, fhe Phyſician peferibeth, Wotwbeit, J meane nof that Lota paper twas cleane voyde of faith : but J rather thinke, that he went out of the way fo, thaf not only be went not farre off, but alfo wholy intended fo keepe the fame, Foꝛ be alwayes depended vpon the worde of OD D: but tone point be fei, When he requireth the place tobich was dented him, to be giz uen vnto him. Thus oftentimes, fome corrupt and trous blous matter, ts nured with the godly defires of the Saintes, Nepther am Jignoraunt, that they are fometimes inforced, ~~ by the fingular motion of the {pirite, that they niap fame ta depart from the wo2de:and pet not withſtanding, pale not the boundes thereof. Wut the immoderate affection of the fiethe, beivapet) tt fclfein Lot, bycaufe he ts infangled with thofe delightes, which he ought to haue ſhunned. Gnd his incon⸗ ſtancie is a teſtimonie of raſhneſſe, in that be bp and by repen⸗ teih hint felfe, : 19 [ Beholde, nowe thy feruaunt hath found grace in thy fight. He feeing tio, (peaketh but puto one, Mhereby we gather, that Wot fayed not him felfe bpon the Angels: bicaule he was (ufficiently perfuaded, that thep neptber had power p2oper fo them ſelues: nor pet that bis ſaluation twas put ine to their bande, And he vleth the viciue of them no other wiſe, then a loking glaſſe fo beholde the face of ODD, Moꝛeouer, Lot doth reckon bp the benetites of GOD, not fo muche fo te⸗ ſtiſie his thankfulneffe,as fo take vnto him felfe greater bold⸗ - God gi- .nefle foafke moze, 3fo2, bycauſe the godneſſe of OD D ts ucth with never tuearied with giuing, but is like vnto a bottomlelle fac. wells the moze gentle that we finde him to be, the more bolde ANY Af becommeth bs tobetobope, And this ts peoper onto faith, fo be confirmed cuer afterward, by the erperiments had of the grace pat, Mepther doth Loterre herein s onely be ney 92 uech⸗· a VPON GENES?Ys. CAP. XIX, neth, it pleating him felfe without the worde. Wherefore tue bearing our felues bolde bpon the mercy of ODD, let vs not 49 poubt fo truit fo2 all thinacs at his bande, but efpecially.foz , thoſe thinges which be hath promifed, and which he permite teth bs fo defire. [I can not efcape in the mountcine.] He murmureth not as gaint G DD, as the wicked are wont to do, of {et purpofe : notiwithitanding, bycaufe be ſtayeth not him (elfe vppon the worde of God, he Atdeth and almoſt falleth. Foꝛ why feared he deftruction in the mounteine, where be twas fo be protected With the hand of Ood: € be truffeth fo haue a firme abiding in p place, which was both neere vnto Sodome, ¢ fubtec fo the like puniſhment, by reafon of the bupure and Wicked inhabi⸗ tants? But fuche ts the nature of men, that they will rather place their ſafetie bpon wilde beaſtes, then in heaven, fo often as they follotwe their otone fenfe and reafon, Wie fe therefore howe areatly Loft erred, who fleeing the mounteine, whiche twas defiled with no contacion of wickedneſſe, which allo be knewe, choſe the cifie, which flowing with vncleanneſſe, could not be but batefuli vnto God, We alledaeth that the fame is a little one , fo the ende he might the more eafilp obs teine the fame. As if he ſhould fay, that be onely defired a cor⸗ ner, where be mightabivein fafetie. This was well, if fo be he had not departed from the refting place which CLD had appointed hint, and though bis ovne rathnelle required another. , 21 [Beholde,I haue receiued thy requeft.] Some very tgs norantly hereof gather,that Lots prayer plealed Cod, bycauſe he pelded and qraunted that vnto him, which be required, Foꝛ if is no newe thing fo2 the Lorde to graunt that fometime of fauour, the which not withſtanding be alloweth not, And he doeth nowe fo beare with him, that ſhortly after be puniſheth his fwliſhneſſe. enertheleffe, fering be doth fo cently fulfill his corrupt defires what hall come fo patie, if fo be our pray- ers be rightly framed to fhe pure moderation of the (pe rife 5 and conceined from fhe worde of O D D 2 Wut afs ter that the Aneel gaue him leaue fo goe fo the defired place, and alfo bp erhozting bun againe to make batte, be e Dd, tf, repre⸗ 4. IOHN CALVINE _ reprehendeth bis ſlowneſſe. [I can do nothing. IBycauſe the Angel was lent, not only to be a puniſher to the deſtruction of Sodome, but had allo receiued a commmaundement fo2 the fas uing of Lot: therefore be faith, that hecan net deſtroy the faite, before fuch time as be bath (et Lot tn fafe eftate: bicaule it is not in the choyce of theferuaunt, to diuide thofe thinges which God hath topned together. Notwithſtanding, J mifiike not of the iudgement of others, which erpound thts to be ſpo⸗ kent in the perfon of God. Foꝛ although in ſhewe, it be a bara {peach : pet notwithanding, it bath no abſurditie at all, that God can not deltrop the reprobate, but he mult faue his elect, Mepther mull we therefore thinke, that bis power ts tied, when any neceffitie is lapd vpon him, 02 that any thing of bis libertic 02 rule is diminiſhed, when be twillingly ¢ freely tieth him ſelke. And eſpecially let bs remember, that bis power is fied to his grace, and fo the faith of bis peomifes , with a holy God can Knot, Whereby it commeth to palſe, that it ts truly and aptly donothing fatde,that be can do nothing, but that which be will,and which contrac he hath promifed, This is a true and profitable doctrine, Pots go his wil. withltanding, there thall be leſſe doubt, if thou referre it to the Angels, tubo bad a cerfetne commaundentent, from the which if was not lalwfuil fo2 them to pull the leaſt iote. 24. [Then the Lord rained ypon Sodome. IMoſes here bez ry breefly toucheth the veftruction of Sodome, and of the other cities. The greeuoulnelie of the matter requireda larger treas tiſe:vea, a tragicall difcourfe. But Moſes fimply, according to his manner, reciting the tudgement of God,thole things whi⸗ che he could not vehemently pnough erp2efle with wordes, he leaueth to the confiveration of the readers, Thereloꝛe it is our part, fo haue a full confideration of that ho2rible venge⸗ ance, the which feing it happened not without the wonders full ſhaking of beauen and earth , we ought to be afraide at fhe onelp naming of tt : and therefore mention is fo of, fentimes made of the fame in the Scriptures . And the — Lord would not haue thofe cities to be fwallowed bp withan - earthquake onlp:but fo the end be might make a moze notable erample of his iudgment, be call fire and bꝛimſtone from heas uen. To this eilect perteineth it that Motes ſaith, The * af i reyes ——Oe . =~ VPON GENESIS. CAP. XIX, rayned fire and brimftone from heauen. Foꝛ if ts a very ſorce⸗ able repetition, bycaule the Lorde rapned then not after the pluall o2der of nature: but,as if were, with an outfiretched arme,be openly thundered contrarie fo bis wonted maner ; to the end it might plainly pnough appeare, that the fame rayne of fire and brimſtone, came not of any naturall cauſes. tts very true,that the aire ts neuer troubled by chaunce, and God is to be acknolvledaed the authour of euery little ratne. Mets fher is Ariftotles Heatheniſh wiſedome ercufable, who fo wits filp difputing of the fecond caufes nthe Weteors, neuer ma⸗ keth any mention of God, Qottwithfanding, Boles commen⸗ deth bere vnto bs, the erfraozdinaric woke of ODD ; fe the end ive may knolve, that Sodome was not defrroped without a manifeſt miracle. Wheras the aunctent fathers went about to pꝛoue the diuinitie of Chriſte by this teſtimonie, it is but weake, And in my iudgement, they doc make moe adoe then needeth, which do the moze tharply tnueigh agatnit the Jews, bicanfe they admit not fuch a kinde of pꝛofe. 3% confelle, that God doth alwayes woꝛke by fhe hand of bis fonne: and by fa hozriblean example of bengeance, J doubt not, but that the fonne bare rule, Wut J fay,that they do {carte foundly reafon, — Which do thereby gather,that there are moe perfons then ones ſceing the purpoſe of Moſes was fo {et before the readers eves, the band and power of Cod fo be conſidered. And tubereas if twas alwayes wont fo be Demanded out of fhis place, what the infants deferucd, which Were deftroyed together with their parents.The anflwere ts eafie fo be made, that mankinde ts in the band of God, in fomuch, that be appointeth fo deſtruction whome be twill : and vpon whome be twill, be ſhebeth mercy, Alfo, we ought to ſubmit vnto his fecret iudament, what fo e⸗ ver we can not comp2ebend toithin the compafie of our vn⸗ derſtanding and reach, Lat of all,all that fede was accurſſed and erecrable, in fo much, that of right be fpared not the leaſt. 26 [ Nowe his wife behind him looked backe.] Bere Moz fes fetteth fo2th the wonderfull iudgement of God, bycaufe the wife of Lot was turned info a piller of falf. But vnder the colour of this hiſtoꝛie, fcoffing and peeuiſh men deride Moles, Foꝛ (eing this Metamoꝛphoſis hath no moꝛe colour,the thoſe Dd, If, which ꝓi Sodome was de⸗ ſtroyed by miracle. God fa- ueth and deftroieth whome hs will, IOHN CALVIWNE yf . G2 twhich Ouid feiqnen, they affirine, that the fame deferneth ng credite, Wut A thinke, that the fame Was rather bought to paſſe by the ſubtiltie of Satan, that Ouid trifling with fables, Derogated indiredly, the credite from fo notable an example of Gods bengeance. Wat it maketh no matter vnto bs, what Heathen men deuiſed and imagined. Only itis expedient fo2 vs to weigh, whether the narration of Moſes doth conteine a⸗ np thing that is abſurde and incredible, And Girt I demaund, fing God created men of nothing, why if ts not lawfull for hint to bing them vnto nothing, fo offen as if ſcemeth cod vnto him. Bf this be craunted, as needes if muſt be, Why alſo if it pleafe him, may he not turne them info fones 2 Bea, thele notable Philoſophers, which in derogating fhe potver of Gad fet forth their twit, doe beholde daily no leſſe miracles in the courte of nature. Foꝛ bowe doth the chꝛiſtall ene growe to bis hardneſſe 2 And to omit rare examples, howe ts a lining creature begotten of Dead and corrupt fede 2 Howe da birdes ſpring of egges? Ahy then is a miracle ridiculous vnto them in one worke: an innumerable examples whereof fhep are conſtreined fo confeſſe? And they which do not thinke it libely/ that the boop of a woman twas turned into a piller offait, howe tutil they beleeue if hall come fo pafle, that the refurs rection, {all reſtore the carcafe, being roften and confumed Lots wife £6 DUE? And whereas tf is fatde, that Lots turfe as turned turned inz Info a piller of ſalt, let bs not imagine,that ber foule twas tur⸗ toa piller ned into the nature of ſalt. 3fo2 there ts no doubt buf that the ot ſalt. liueth, that the may be a partaker with bs of the fame refure rection, though the dyed after a ſtraunge manner, that the might be an erample vnto all men, But A referre not the name of {alt to fauourineffe : but bycaufe the ptiler bad fome notable thing, which might warne thofe thaf paſſed by to bes ware. Foꝛ if was expedient, that certeine markes ſhould be fet bpon the fame, whereby all men might gather, that tt was a ſtraunge thing worthie to be rememb2ed. Dtherfome ine terp2ete the image of falt to be vncoꝛruptible, which ſhould laft for ever, Wut the former erpofition ts be. Nowe it Obiection map be demaunded, why the Lorde punifhed fo feuercly, the folic of the miſerable woman. Foꝛ The lwked hot bebinde der, f | a3 J VPON GENESIS. CAPR. XIX, as if ſhe defired fo-returne to Sovoeme . Peraduentare, the 474 ftanding as pet in doubt What Mould come fo patie, oefired fo haue a moꝛe (ure experiment with ber eyes. It nay be alfo, that fhe bad compaffion vppon the people that periſhed, and therefore loked backe. Boles doth not erprelic, that the of : purpote refitted the conmaundement of © D WD : but as her Antweres Deliueraunce and ber bufbandes, was an bnfpeakable exam⸗ ple of the mercy of © D D, fo it was meete fo2 ber vnthank⸗ fulneſſe to be puniſhed. Nowe tf we weigh all circuniftans ces, if is certcine,that ber offence was not light. Fri the des fire of repenting fp2ang of bnbelefe : and there can no greater inturiebe done vnto God, then when his word ts net credited, Furthermore, we gather by the wordes of Chꝛiſt, that fhe tuk.s7.32 was moued with fome {wicked defire : and that fhe did not twillingly leaue Sodome, and male hatte fo the place whiche ODD hadappointed, Foꝛ we knowe, to what end he coms maundeth vs fo remember Lots wife : namely fo this end, leat the intifing ſnares of the woꝛlde, doe hinder bs from the meditation ofa heauenly life, It is likely therefore, that he being not contented With the grace of ODD; was moucd With wicked defires : of the which ber ſlowneſſe Was a figne: Foꝛr Moles faith, that he came bebinde her bufband, when He loked backe, ; And although we may not affirme any thing, concerning ber euerlaſting faluation : pet notwithſtanding, it is likely, that © D D laying a tempozall punifhment bpon ber; {pared her foule, Euen as oftentimes be chattileth bis ſeruaunts in the flethe, that their foules may be ſaued from euerlalting de ſtruction. But bycaufe it is not fo profitable a thing tote kitolwne, and may very tell be concealed, tubether Lots wife were faued 02 no, let bs rather giue regard vnto the erampic, which ODD twouls hane the fame common to allages, Filo be the greeuouſneſſe of the punithment doe feare bs, let bs ree meinber,that they doe not finne a litle, which being delivered not from Sovome, but from bell it ſelle, haue regarde to other things, then to the rewarde of the fupernall calling, which is {et befoze then, Do. titf, , 27 [And - 424 IOHN CALVINE 27 { And Abraham rifing vp carly inthe morning.] Mo⸗ fes returneth fo Abraham, and ſheweth, that he neclected not that thing which be bad bearde from the mouth of the Aneel, 302 he ſheweth, that be came Onto the place, from whence be might beholde the iudgement of God, Foꝛ toe mulſt not ſuſpect that, (which we aide before of the wife of Lot,) that be gaue nioze credite vnto his epes, then fo the tvo2n of God: and that he caine to take a viewe, bycauſe he doubted. Wut we rather gather by the tert, that be being alreadie perfuaded, that the Angel had nof ſpoken in baine, fought tobe confirmed by the bebolding of the thing: the which confirmation ſhould be p20- fifable fo bint, and to bis pofteritic. And there ts no Doubt, but that all that niabt he was berp fore difquicted, being very carefull fo2 the fafetie of his nephetve Lot : whether be were further certified, we know not: neuertheleſſe, J rather incline fo that coniecture, that be was bery carefull fo2 him. And it may be, that be being Doubtful betweene feare and hope, went fo meete him, to fee whether be Were deliueredo2 no. Andals though be bebolacth nothing but ſmoake, which commonly procedeth froma areat fire, : pet notwithſtanding, this ſigne twas giuen vnto him of the Lorde, that be might be a witneſſe vnto pofferities of fonotable a puniffinent, God would haue Inthe berp beholding of the place, an euerlaſting monument tobe extant: but bicaufe the woꝛld ts altwayes readie to obs fcuré the iudaementes of God , and therefore it would ea⸗ filp baue bene thought, that eyther the nature of the place twas fuch from the beginning, 02 elfe that if had happened by chaunce:God would {et his vengeance before Abrahams eyes, that be might be a preacher of the fame vnto thofe that came after. 29 [ Godthought vpon Abraham. ] Although Bofes doth noterp2effe, that the deliuecraunce of of twas reuealed tuto Abraham: when as notwithſtanding, be faith, that be was dez liuered front deſtruction fo2 bis fake, if is likely, that be was not Depriued of that confolation,of the {which be had moſt need: and that be was priuie to that benefit,fo2 the which it became him togiuethankes. If it feme abfurd to any man, that the poly man Lot was graunted fo another, as ifthe Lozve * no VPON GENESIS. Gan XIX: not recarded bis olune qodlineffe : Janſwere, that thefe tivo Do well pnough agree toaether, What the 1. 020,08 be ts wont to belpe all bis ſeruants, hada care fo2 tuff Lot,whombe hav choſen, and whome be gouerned with bis bolyp fpirite: pet nes nerthelefic, he would haue it declared in his life-bowe greatip he loucd Abꝛaham: fo whom he qraunted,nof only faluation, but granted alfo faluation to others, Mo2zouer, tt ts conuent- ent to note, that bicaufe the Lo2d ſheweth mercy freely, being moued by no other thing then by his godneſſe, it is therefore alcribed to the godlineſſe 02 peayers of men, that Wwe may be ffirred bp to ferueand callbpon God. What mercy the Lode ſhewed in fauing Lot, we bane feene a little before, Meither had he periſhed, although be bad not bene Abrahams nephew. Not withſtanding, Poles faith, that bicauſe Lot was not cons finned in the ſame deſtruction, wherewith Sodome twas de⸗ ſtroyed, it was fo appointed for Abꝛahams fake. Wi berefo2e,if fo be the Lorde ertendeth the arace, which be touched fafe to beſtowe bpon his feruant, to the nephelwe, who was nowe as it were, a ſtraunger from bis familic and houfe : Howe much moꝛe beffer ought cucry one of the faithfull fo hope , that the fame qrace fhall not be wanting to their houfhold 7 Nowe, if fo be the Loꝛde when be fauoureth bs, imbraceth others alfo Wwith bis mercy fo2 our fakes, which are nere vnto bs, hove much more confideration will he haue of bs 2 Wheras Lot is fain to haue dwelt in thofe cities, it is a Spnecdochical (peach, Wwhen the tubole is put fo2 a part ; but the fame twas erp2effed, to fet forth the miracle: bycaufe it came not to paffe, without the fingular p2duidence of God, that fiue cities being deftroys £0, one ſhould efcape. 30 [Then Lot went vp from Zoar. This hiffo2rte Hetweth that which J touched before, that rahe deuiſes, which men frame fo thent felues by carnal reafon,baue neucr pꝛoſperous fucceffe:fpecially, when they being entifed though vatne hope, 22 picked forlvarde with wicked defires, doe Depart from the Wwo2d of God, Foꝛ although oftentimes at the fir beginning raſhneſſe fremeth bappie, and bicaule of the gladſome fuccefle, they reiopee, which are carted away with their luſt: the Lord, ane the length, accurfleth al that which ts not Dd,v, taken 425 426 Efa.30.1. Inceſt be- IOHN CALVINE taken in bande by bis conduct and appointment: and this faps ing of the Pꝛophete Ciate is always fulfilled,Woe ynto them which take counfell,but not of me,&c. Lot being commaun⸗ ded to goe into the mounteine , rather defired to divell in Zoar, Affer a habitation was qrannted vnto him, after bis bearts defire,be repenteth bint. Foꝛ be feareth,and enerp mos nient thinketh, that the deſtruction of Sodome was not farre from that place, being a neighbour fo the faine, tobere perads uenture, the like vngodlineſſe and wickedneſſe reigned. More⸗ ouer, lef the readers call to minde that which Jhaue ſayde, that if came fo paſſe by the wonderfull fufferaunce cf ODD, that be was not by and by puntihed with a moe greeuous pus niſhment. For the Lorde pardoning him fo2 atime, brought to paſſe at the latt,that be was a iudge of his otone finne, Foꝛ he was not driuen out of Zoar by violence, 02 by the hande of nici: buta blinde carekulneſſe of minde caufed him fo fle info a caue, bycaule be rather follotved the defire of bis fleſhe, then fhe commaundement ofO DD, And he doth fo mitigate the puniſhment in chaftifing the fatthfull, that the fame turneth fo their welfare . Foꝛ if fo be he fhould deale preciſely with their foliſhneſſe, they Mould lye quife andcleane confounded, — Be gtueth them therefoze time of re pentaunce,that they map of them ſelues acknowledge their fault. . 3 [And the elder faide yntothe younger. ] ere Wofes ewene Lot ſetteth forth amontter, which iuſtly ought to make the reas and his daughters. ders affonithed . Foꝛ howe came this incel€ into the mindes of Lots daughters, when as they might pet at hande bebolde, the ho2rible bengeance of © D D bpon the Sovomites, the principall caufe whereof they knewe tere filthie and horri⸗ bie luffes 2 And although thep were drawen into fo greate wickednelſſe, not fo much by the heate of luff,as by a loliſh des fire to increafe poſteritie: yet notwithſtanding, it was ouers much blinve outrage, to café alway that modeſtie and ſhame which nature teacheth, and affer a brutiſh manner, fomake a difference betweene filthineffe and honeftic . Wut fo the end Wwe map the better confiver the tobole ſumme of the matter, cuery particular point mutt be handled in oder. And firlt, as foyching the counfell of Lots clock daughter, whome the rounger VPON GENESIS. CAP XIX. vounger ſtreight after obeped, this twithout controuerfie ig mp iudgement, that nepther of them was moucd with the intifes ments of the flethe, but onely thought of the banging forth of fede. Foꝛ wat madnefle had this bene to defire to lye with their father, he being a very olde man? : Furtherimore,in that the elder ſtealeth ſecretly into her fas fhers bed one nicht onely,and the nert night after appointeth ber filter to doe the like: and being both concetued of chiloe, defire not fo returne thither againe: we thereby gather, that they had wo other regard but fo become mothers, Neuerthe⸗ leffe, Jallowe not their diuination, which fay,that they were Deceiued though a groſſe errour, in thinking that the whole Wwo2ld was deffroped together with Sodome. Ffo2 a little bes fore they had vivelt in Zoar : befive this, thep ſawe befo2e their eyes godly countries furniſhed with inhabitaunts: furs thermoze, they had partly learned of thetr father, that it was a particular and fpeciall punithmenf, layde bpon the Sodas mites, and bpon others bordering vpon them. Neyther twere they ignorant of what ſtocke their father came, and what vn⸗ _ fle be folloines out of bis countrie. Mhat of all this? Foꝛſoth, ſceing they were perfuaded, that boufes are vpholden by chile Bren, if greeued them much fo remaine barren, And the want of children, their father being once dead, might ſceme fo them infollcrable ; bycauſe then thep percetued, that they thould be Icft alone, and deuspde of all belpe. Hereof therefore came that pꝛepoſterous defire, hereof came that blinde outrage, to de⸗ fire an inceſtuous contuncion, bycaufe they feared a ſolitarie life, which is fubiect fo many ſorrowes. And J doubt not, but that Boies Meweth, not that they prefended: but what they ſypake even from their bart, Therfore they defire to being forth Accoꝛding fo p cufiome of al nations. 3Fo2 therfore they alledac P example of the whole world, bicaule they iudge if not indif- ferent, that their condition Gould be wo2ie, then the ftate of allothers : Euery where, ſay they, damoſels are placed whieh receiue child2en, ¢ fo they do build their families, ¢ mainteine their kinreds: why then thouid we be condemned fo perpetual barennes: Holwbeit,thep are iRnorant, vᷣ they cõmit a beattty fad, For Why make they theix father dꝛonkẽ, but * —* rg 427 4.28 IOHN CALVINE knowe fell pnough, that otherwiſe be can not be brought fo giue bis confent 2 If he abbozred inceſt, it muſt needes be, that bis Daughters were touched with the fame confcience, heres fore, they are by no manner of meanes ercufable, tn that thep giue them felues fo a moſt filthte contunction,the which al nas tions naturally abhorre.And feeing men are conffreined fo ac⸗ xnowledge their faultes in comnion finnes, howe coulothep cleere them felucs in fo monſtruous a wickedneſſe, but that fonte feare of Cods tudgement mutt touch them? Wherefore fie Daughters of Lot, againt their obon confttence,ran heads. long into this wicked fact: neither bad they any offer way to deceiue their father, then the knowledge of the filthineffe, whi⸗ che they could not choſe but condemne,feing they kneine tt ta be contrarte fo the oder ofnature, But bereby tfappeareth, whether men are carried, when they followe that which pleas feth them : fo2 there ts nothing foablurd and beafklie , which lve oucrrun not, when we lofe the raines fo our fleth, WMhere⸗ fo2e, let this be the beginning of all our defires, to demaund Wwhat the ode allotweth ; leak it conte info our minde fo de⸗ fire any thing, but that which we may latwfully doe by bts {1020, [And there is nota man in the earth. ] Shey meane not that all nations are deftroped,as many interpreters haue falls lp imagined: but bicauſe they being through feare driuen inte acauc, they liued a deſert and ſolitarie life, and complained, that they were depriued of the hope of wedlocke. And in berp deede, they lined fo apart from other nations, euen as if thep had bene put info fome priuate wold, Jf any man obiect, that they might baue required hufbandes of their father: if ts no meruell,tf they being oppreſſed with feare, fought no other rez medy fo2 their miſ erte,then that which was at hand, Ff02 thep thought, being thut bp in a deſert mounteine, and in the dens of a caue,that they ſhould haue no moze fellotufhip with man⸗ kind, And although it may be,(as J haue ſhewed befo2e,) that fome of the feruants dwelt with them, the which ts bery likes ly, bicaufe othertwife they could baue fcarle twine pnough in the caue, vnleſſe the fame bad ben carried in a cart, with other pꝛouiſion and dicuall : notiwithfanding, bycaule marriages with feruaunts are defpifen , they dente that they bane —* an VPON GENESIS, CAP. XIX. pands left, And Jthinke that the name ofearth ts put in the 42 9 fir parte, for that countrie 02 region : as tf they ſhould fay, his countrie hath no moze men leftinif, fo marrie with vs after the manner ofthe whole world. Foꝛr there is here a ſecret comparifon bettveene the whole wozld, € a certeine part thers of, But firft this twas wickedly done, bycauſe through the des fire of increafing mankinde, thep breake the boly lawe of nas ture. Secondly, they doe vngodly, bicauſe they flee not vnto the workmailſter bint felfe of the world, that be might belpe their barrennelſe, lor the which they were fo careful, Thirdly, here⸗ in they do bewray their negligence and dulneſſe, bycaule they hauing thetr mindes fired fo the earth, are touched with no manner of care of a heavenly life. Howbeit, Jdare not affirme foracerteintie, howe much time paſſed betweene the deſtruc⸗ tion of Sodome, and the inceſt of Lot with bis daughters:not⸗ Withfanding, it is likely, that fo fone as thep came into the caue, they being tricken with the bozrour of folitarineffe, toke this wicked and deteitable counfell, And tn beryp deede, Lots divelline in the caue could not be very long, but that be mutt needes be deſtitute of bzeade and Dinke , And euen as fouden feare had carried away the father him (elfe like vnto waues, euẽ fo the Daughters through impatience, could not as bide fo tarrte a ſewe daves, neither called they bpon Ood, nets ther foucht thep countel of their father.but were carrted beads long like bante beaftes. Pereby we perceiue, howe quickly they bad forgotten both their deliucrance, and allo the puniſh⸗ ment of Sodome: both which ought to haue bene printed in their minds for euer. And J would to Ood, that this were not fo common a dice among bs; but Wwe both ways,do to opens ly betw2ay our vnthankfulneſſe. 33 [And he knewe it not.] Although Wot finned not bil⸗ lingly : pet notwithſtanding, bycaufe dronkenneſſe twas the caufe of bis ſenſeleſneſſe, his fault is after a ſoꝛt mutigated.but not takeaway : yea, there is no Doubt,but that the Lorde by this kinde of punifhment, toke vengeance of bis intemperati, cie. Foꝛ this is a rare and monſtruous thing, fo2 alla mans fenfes to be fo dulled, that he ſhould take his pleafure,being as i were Dead, Jam of this judgement that be was not fo much dusts #5? Dronken- nefle puni fhed in Lot IOHN CALVINE ouercome With wine, as be was ſtricken bp the mightiehand of Gon, with the {pirite of bulneffe, bicaufe of his intemperans cie. Wherefore, tf fo be the Lo2defpared not the holy Patrts arch, ſhall tue thinke that we Hall eftape dnpunifhed, if fo be Wwe folla ww the ſame ercefle? Wherefore, let bs knowe by this erample, that a lawe of temperancie ts prefertbed vnto bs, that we ntay liue ſparingly € in god o2der, And yet notwith⸗ ſtanding, certein Wicked and vncleane perfons alledge the ers ample of Lot,to be(as tf were) a defẽce of thetr impietie. Mhy doe they not rather confiver, into what horible filthineſſe he fell, bycaufe he abufed twine aboue meafure 2? Mepther mulk {we (as J haue fayde) fimply confider that deonkennefle is of it felfe, and Wwith what ofber bices tf is infangled : but we muſt giue regard vnto p bengeance of Ood, Which would haue this tragical wicked fact fo remaine fo all pofferities fo2 eucr, that dronkenneſſe might be abbo2red, The Lode doth daily tetificby areuous punifhmentes, howe much this vice dite pleateth him. But fering we fe that the nephetve of Abzabam, the bot of Angels, a man highly commended fo2 bis holtrefle, {was defiled with inceſtuous bebautour, bycaule he Was dꝛon⸗ ker, hat {hal befall riotters,qluttons, and vncleane hogges, {which doe Daily make them felues d2onken with wine 2 Wut concerning this matter, we haue fpoken moe af large in the ninth Chapter, where we may reade the fame, As touching the wordes, where oles faith, that Lot percetued not tober his daughter lay downe, neypther pet when the rofe againe: ſome erponnd it, that be found no difference betweene bis Danghter and a ſtraunge woman, Wut vnlelſſe he had bene vt⸗ terly voyde of ſenſe, he being fober in the mozning, micht have perceiued that he had had fo doe with his daughter. Some te mitigate bis offence, affirme , that be twas not fo farre gone With drinke, as he twas oppreſſed with forrowe. Wut this J holde, that with the moze ercellent giftes that be tuas inducd, the moze feuere puniſhment he deferned:and that therfore his fenle twas taken atwap, that be might giue bun felfe to luſt, e⸗ uen like a brute beaſt. | 35 [And the younger arofe,and lay with him.] This place feacheth bolv nangerous a thing tt is,to fal once into p vege 0 * VPON GENESIS, CAE. XIX. F of Sathan. For he which is taken with them, is moze ¢ more 43) , intangled, tis cerfetiuc,that ot twas a man fober and tems perate, Whether bis Daughters take thetr enterpzife in band, ivben he was oppreſſed with fo2rotwe ; 02 whether be were by any other meanes drawen fo tmmoderafe drinke, when be was once fallen to intemperancie, he fuffereth him felfe the nert day fo be coꝛrupted againe, Thereſore if beboueth vs fo The beoin fake diligent ede, that we withſtand the firſt beginnings: ninges “of bycaule té can hardly be, but that they muſt wholy giue them cuils mutt ſelues to vices, Which are once made dronken with the ſweete⸗ be reſiſted neſſe of them. Wherefore the prouccations to wickednefle,are fo be ſhunned ne lefe then deadly plagues : and all ſmoth al, lurements fo finne are fo be feared, no iefle then popfon, And this circumfaunce ts worthie the noting ; det being among the Sovomites, and amiddeſt a huge heape of wickedneile, Wwhiche with the Kinche thereof annoped both beauen and earth, liued a chaſte and vpꝛight life, euen as if he bad bene an Angel, Howe cante Wot fs be fo perfect and vpright when he Divelf af Sodome, but bycaufe the knowledge of thoſe eutls, With the which he was beſet, made him circumſpect and was $162? becaule nothing femeth leffeconuenient , then that an olde croked woman twas defi red of the King, in fo muche that be ſhould take her out of ber hufbandes boſome. Wut we anlwere, Firſt it ts vnknowen Wwhat manner beautie and comlinefie fhe bad, ſauing that Moles tekificth, that fhe was beric beautifull, It may alfo be,that the was not greately woꝛne with age. We fee of? ten times, that fome women bane moe weinckles in their face at fourtie peares of age,then otherfome haue when they be thzee ſcore and fenne peares olde. Wuthere another thing is fo be confidered : that by the fingular qrace of ODD, the beautie and comlineffe of Sarat ercelled among ber o⸗ ther giktes. Jf may alfo be,that the king Abimelech was not fo much inflamed with ber beautie ¢ comlinefie,as becauſe be ſawe that the was a matrone indued {with rare bertues Laks lp it is fo be noted, that all this matter was gouerned by the band of God, that Abzabam miaht receiue the iuſt reward of his foliſhneſſe. Wut becaufe we ſee, that they are verie blinde in the tudgements of © DD, whiche are tw wile in the naa turall caufes of thinacs, let this one thing (uffice bs : that as bimelech, which was the miniffer of Gods benacaunce, was moucd by afecrefe inftinet, 3 [And God came to Abimelech J Were Moles ſheweth, that the Lorde fo obferucd a meane, that in puniſhing bis fers uant,be notivithfanding fatherly forgaue him:euen as daily he frameth himlelfe toward bs, fo warning bs by itripes, that his clemencte and bis godnes farre furmounteth bis we ere vYPON GENESIS. CAP. XX: * 437 Hereby alſo te gather that be bath a greater care for the gͤodlie, then flefhe and ploude can conceiue, when be watcheth fo2 thofe that are aflepe , Nowe this alfois diligently to be noted: that although we be pefpifed of the worlde: pet not, withſtanding, we are precious vnto him, for whoſe ſake he doeth euen correct Kinges them felues, euen as itis faide int the Pſalme. Wut bycaute this matter was more largely bands Aca in the tiwelfth Chapter » let the reavers feeke for that there, whiche nowe J (of purpote) omit. And whereas Cod is {aide to come , that is referred fo the wings ſenſe, to whome nobdonbt the mateftie of God twas reucaled: fathe ende be might certeinly knowe chat he was reproued of Ood, and not deceiued with a vaine fantafie. [| Beholde thou arte but dead, ] Althouah Gov alſaileth the Ring Abimelech foz the lauour a duleerie be bare to Abzabam, whom he miahtily garded and defended: highly dif pet neuerthelelſe be generally ſheweth, howe much he is dil⸗ pleaferh pleafen with adulterers. And in berie deed here is not erpaette Co* mention made of Abꝛaham: but rather a common reafon 1s abped,to nefende the fatth Fwedlocke, whiche is: Thou thalt die, bycaule thou batt taken away the woman whiche was jopnedfoan huſband.Let bs fherefoze learne by thefe words, that a commaundement was giuen to mankinde, that no man might touch anothers wile. And truelp, leeing there ts nothing more holie then wedlocke in the life of man, it is no meruell, if fo be the Lorde will haue the mutuall fatth betivecnic men ana their wiues to be chaftlp kept: and pꝛonounceth that be Adulte- Will fake vengeance, ſo often as the fame is violated € broken. rers fhall He ſpeaketh now fo one mari only: but yet this vorce ought to —* foundein the cares of all men , that adulterers. although they punithed. eſcape for a time vnpuniſhed: vet at the length they (hall fele Heb.13 4. and knowe, that Ooo will powre bis vengeance bppon them, ) bycaufe he defendeth wedlocke. Abimelech had not yet come neere. JAbꝛraham bas ning nowe feparated him (ctf, the Lorde in time putteth to his helping bande, that he may haue bis wife fafe and found, Poles hauing ſhewed before, that the was taken alway by Pharao, before thts time, palſeth ouer this with filence, whe- ther her bonettic were hurte oz ne. Wut bycaule the Lorde , Ce.itj, then Pf. 105.14 “FOHN CALVINE-: 43 8 then alfo chewed him felfe fo be a renenger of her cauſe, whom Simplici= tie of the hearte. Righte- oulnefle ofthe handes, nowe he defended front tep2oche, we ought not to doubt, but P ber integritic was pꝛeſerued both times. Fo2 why nobvic aia be reftraine the ising of Gerar from lying With ber, if fo be he fufferedher before to be corupfed in Cappt 2 Gnd wwe (ce, that when the Love deferreth bis helpe, that he Nap reaches out bis bande to the faithfullin evtreame tine of neede, be doeth moꝛe plainiy ſhewe, howe wonderfull his pꝛouidence is. ~ CWilt thou flayeeuen the righteous nation 2 ] Whereas ſome expounde this, as though Abimelech fecretly compared. himlelfe with the Hovomites : it is peraducnture to curious, This ſcemeth tome a moze fimple interpretation ; Lorde ai⸗ though thou dock verie ſeuerely punifh adulterers , till thy weath ertende tt felfe to innocent nten, lubiche are rather fale len th2ough ignorance, then haue finned wittinglp2 And Qs bimelech ſeemeth fo fo purge bim felfe, as hough be ſuſtei⸗ ned no blame : notwithanding,the Love allolweth and ava mitteth bis excuſe Wut let bs fe hotwe and to what end be can boatte that bis heart ts vpright, and his bands innocent, 3Fo2: be doth not arrogate cleanedle vnto himſelle, whiche is in No point defiled > but he onely denteth that be hath abuſed as nother mans Wwife.cither theough tyrannie, oꝛ wittingly, ae knowe hotwe greate difference there is betwerne a wicked fact. and a faulte. hus Abimelech doth not cleare himſelfe of all fault, but onely ſheweth that bis confcience accuſeth him of no wickedneſſe, that be houlde be punithed With fo gre⸗ uous a punifthment. Peither ts the fimplicitic of the beart any other thing, then ignorance, the which is confrarie to an eutll confcience : and the riahteoufnette of the bandes, buf a modes ration, then men abfteine from violence and intuties, More⸗ ouer,thts interrogation, which Abimelech feth, {pane front the common fente of godlineſſe. $02 this alfo nature telleth, fhat God obferucth a ink difference tn punifhing, 6 ([knowe that thoudiddeftthis with an vpright mind, ]. ‘3p this anſwere of God we gather, (as J haue admonithen alreadte,) that Abimelech gaue no falfe teftimonie of bis inte⸗ Sritic. Notwithltanding, in that the Lorde graunting bis ers ule to be true, doth neverthelete chattife bini: let bs yan AINes, VPON GENESIS. CAP. XX: ich are 439 learne, that they are not altogether without fault, whi ure after the manner of men. Foꝛ no errour thall be accouns fod intEly fo ercufable , with the {which fomtbhing that is worſe is not mingled . Wherefore, no man may cleare bimfelfe by His owne iudgement:; but rather let bs learne fo bring our workes fo the fouchitone of God. Foꝛ Solomon fapth wot ttt prowar.r. gaine, that mens wayes feme right onto thent, but pet that the Xoꝛde iudgeth the heartes But if they eſcape not blame, {which knowe no euill bp chemſelues, what ſhall happen onto vs, if fo be tue nwardly be accufed and clogged itt confcience? _ fAndI kept thee alfo. IThis ſheweth that God had not onely a confiveration of Abꝛaham:but alfo of the king bimlelfe. Foz Hecaufe he did not intende to defile another mans wife, od is mereifull onto him. And this happeneth oftentintes , that Sinse of the fpirite holdeth them backe with a betdle, whiche fie tas cron rough crrour : euen as if caffeth thent beadiong through 8 qnadretie , and the ſpirite of giddineſſe, Which finne wittingly sinne of through wicked affection and luk, and as be brought a rez wiltulacs. imevie in time, , to ſtoppe the cull te the prophane ing, bes raufehefiimed not through aduifed wickednelle: euen fo be daily faithfully preſerueth thofe that ave bis, leatt they fall fromlight kaultes fo greeuous ſinnes. | (Nowethen deliuer the man his wife againe.] Nowoe God fpeaketh not of Abzabantas of a common man, but pecuz liarly ſheweth that be is vere vnto hin: infomuch that he ta⸗ keth bppor hint fo defend his matrimoniall bed with a cere teine priuilege Be calleth him a Prophet for Honours fake: as if be fhoulde fay, that he had burt a man of greate excellen⸗ ric, leaſt woe meruell that be was fo greatly punifyed . And although it ts pooperly a name of office: pet notwithſtanding, % take if, that itis bere moze general as, lor a elect and cho⸗ fert perſon and fuch a one, as is familiar with God, Foꝛ, be⸗ caute there was at that fime no Scripture extant, © DD God by did not snelp manifeſt himfelfe by Decantes and viſions: dreames but alfo chofe puto him felfe rare and ercetlent men, whiche <”fons might foe the fede of godlinelle, thereby fo make the nian tuarlde the more inercufable, ANd bechuſe Abraham ts a P20- himfelfe. phet.be is appointed a mediatour betwene God ¢ Abimelech. : oT | Ce, itij, There IOHN CALVINE 7° Chere twas alfo at that time one onely mediatour Chaifte vet this was no lette, but that one might pap for another , And efpecially,accozding as euerie ore excelled in holinefte, ¢ 1-5.17. was accepted onto God euen as the Apoſtle teacheth, that the daily papers of the iutt,are much auapleable . Meither mu we at this dap neglect fiche interceMfion, fo that it obfcure not the grace of Chriſte, nor withdrawe vs from him. Ano wheres as the Paptits, bnder the pretence of this place,feke to matt teine papers fo2 the dead, it is verie abfurde and folitwe. For as the Lod here ſendeth not the ising of Cera to Noah, oꝛ to any other of the dead fathers, but to the liuing, and prefent a⸗ braham: euen fo we haue no other commaundement, but that Wwe praying one for another, doe mainteine tharitie as mong our flues, [Butaf thou deliver her not againe. | Peres by we muff learne, fo what end threatenings ferue, mith the whiche Ood terrifiety men : namely,to this end, that be map biolently da we them to repentance, whiche are fo fiolue, At Gods the firlt if was pꝛeciſely fain vnto him, Thou art dead: Pow a threate- condition is added, Ifthou deliuer her not againe. Bet not vᷣ⸗ tee men ftanding, fhe meaning of both fpeeches ts all one. But he ſpea⸗ — — keth moze tharpelp at the firtt, the moze to ferrifie the finner, tance. — JNOW, He being fubdued, he moze plainely expreſſing bis pura poſe, leaueth him hope of pardon,and fatuation , hus the knot is loſed, with the which many infangle thẽſelues, when they fe that God doeth not altvayes, 02 bp and by erequute thoſe puntihments which be theeateneth: becaute they thinke the fame to be a fique,that either God bath chaunged bis pure pole, orelfe that OD D hath pretended another thing by bis worde, then he hath decreed with himtelfe, ibe theeatencd de⸗ ſtruction to the Niniuites by Zonas: andafterwards (pared them, The iqnozant finde not, howe fo elcape one of thefe two abfurdities tas that Gon hath called batke his fentences 02 that be bath feigned to doe that thing, whiche he neuer ins tended, But if fo be we mark this principle, What the doctrine of repentance is included Within alt thoeateninas , the doubt is taken atuay . Foꝛ althoughe at the firlt,God affaileth men, euen asif thep were fo be deftroped , and therefore ſtriketh them with prelent feare of deathe: vet DEH. | : ¢ VPON GENESTS. Bar, X 3 the end is to be confidered . Foꝛ if fo bebe call ther to repen⸗ 44 tance, it followeth , that there is hope of pardon left fo2 them, if fo be they repent. | 8 { Then Abimelech rifing vppe earely. ] Moſes teas cheth bere howe effectuall the oracle was. Foꝛ Abunelech being wakened with the voyce of Gov, ariſeth betime, not onelp ſpedily to obey the conunaunvement whiche was giuen vnto hum: but alfo exhorteth all thofe, that are bis, to doe the like, Tye example of fuche prompt obedience, whiche Wwe Abimelech beholde in a heathen Ling taketh away all ercufe from our his obedi~ flouthfulnefie, with whome Gods reprehenſions, and threa⸗ oce · teninos ſo little prenaile. God appeared to him in a dꝛeame: but feeing be crieth in our eares by Moles, by the Prophetes, and by the Apoftls,and aft of all,by bis only beaotten Sonne daily: and pet fo many teſtimonies ieſſe to preuayle with bs fhen the vifion of one only dreamerit is berte abfurd and mon⸗ ſtruous. 9 Abimelech called Abraham, IThere are forme whiche thinke,that the king of Oerar found no fault with Ab2ayant, but rather teftified his repentance . Neuerthelelſe, if ive doe weigh well the odes , itis a confeſſion mirte with coms plaining, and fault finding . Although be complaineth that A⸗ braham Had done vuiuſtlyvet nofwifhfandina,be lapeth not the blaine bppon bint,thereby to cleave bimfelfe of all faulte. Gnd by right he might lay parte of the blame vpon Abꝛaham, as be doeth: ſo that withall be Did acknowledge bis finne, Let bs knowe therefore,that this King did not, as commonly Hypocrite Hypocrites are wont to doe. Foꝛ fo ſone as any colour, 02 fecke to cloke is offered, wherby they may blame others,thep careleſty —— rleare themſelues: yea.this feemeth tuto fhem to be alatofull py pia- purgation , if fo be, they can drawe others into the ſocietie of ming o- the fault with thent, wut Abimelech,atthonab be complaineth thers. that he was deceived, and that he was falicn throuah vnad⸗ nifer rachneſſe: pet notwithſtanding, be poubteth not fo cons denme bimlelfe of a great offence, Thou (fatth he)haſt brought vpon me, and vppon my kingdome, this great finne. heres fore there is no cauſe, why any man pretending that be was moued by another to finne, Mould put the blame front him⸗ Ee.v. lelle. IOHN CALVINE 4} felfe . Andit is fo be noted, that adulteric 1s here cal- t.Cor.§.9, Ephe.j.6 teda great finne, the whiche doth make not onely one many, but alfo a whole people quiltte as it wereof the fame. Whe King of Gerar coulde not thus fpeake, but that be muſt knowe that the lawe of wedlocke twas religions and bolie, Wut at this dap Chꝛiſtians are not alhamed, (atthe leatk Wife fuche as boatte of this name,) to ieaſt out fo great a wic⸗ kedneſſe as a trifie,the tobiche a Heathen man fo areatly abs ho2red Let vs knowe notwithſtanding, that Abimelech was a true proclamer of Gods iudgement, the whiche ticked men woe about with their canilics to fruftrate in baine, And let bs remember the faping of Paule, Be not deceiued, for becaufe of thefe things the wrath of God commeth vppon the obfti- Mate , Inthat he maketh the ſinne belonging to the whole kingdome, it wantes not reaſon.For the impunitie of wicked⸗ neſſe, after a fo2t defiled the whole countrie. And it is koben that eſpecially in the kinges perſon, the wath of God is pꝛo⸗ uoked againſt the whole bodie of the people, Wherefore, with. the areater care and ſtudie we muſt humbly befeeche God, that be twill gouerne with bis holy {pirite thofe , whome he hath fet in anthovitie ouer bs : and that t€ twill pleafe him to preſerne the countrie, wherein we dwell, fre and: pure front all greeuous finnes, * PHS CFS SE 10{ What faweft thou that thou haft done this thing] By this demand the kine prouideth again p time fo come. He thinks eth that Abzaham bled not this diſſimulation rahly without caufe: and fering God was greuoullp offended , be feared fo kall into the fame perill againe. Therelore he teltifieth by ſuch carefull inquifition, that be would proutde a renredie fo2 the cs nill, Motue this is a fiqne of an vpꝛight and gentle minde, that he permitteth vnto Abraham free defence. We knowe hotwe precifeiy and fiercely they complaine, which thinke them felues to be hurte. WMhereſore this moderation of the king tobard a ffrange and vnknowen man,deferucd the moze praiſe. Jn the meane fine let bs learne by his crample,fo fo finde fault with our breth2en,tf any inturie be done vnto bs, that they may haue free libertiec fo aunflwere by bs. | 1 [And Abraham fayde.] Dhere are two principal > pointes VPON GENESIS. Sar; “xX; pointes of this aunfwere, Foz firlte he confeffeth that be was mioucd with feare to conceale his marriage. Allo he venteth ~ he licd to excuſe himſelfe. And although Abahani rightly teſti⸗ ficth, that be concealed not bis marriage to burt any man,o2 vᷣ a fraudulent purpoſe: pet not withſtanding, be was worthie of reprehenlion, in that be being aſearde, thereby brought his Wwifc in daunger of defiling. Therefore, we muſt not fecke to niche fo excute him ; becaufe tt became him fo be moze-bolde and couragions to doe the duetie ofa huſbande, tn defending his wines honettie,into what perill fo euer he had come. Pore⸗ ouer, it was afigne of diſtruſt, in that be vſed vnlawfull fubs filtic,ds touching {ufpicion,although be ſaw tn dtucrs places to muche libertie fo finne : p neuertheleſſe,it was no mbdifs ferent dealing, to iudge fo fitterely of one people, of home as pet he had no experience. Foꝛr he imagineth that all are mur⸗ derers · Wut becauſe Jhaue ſpoken ſuſtficiently of theſe thin⸗ nes in the twelfth Chapter, it map fuffice nowe that Jhaue bicfly touched the fame . Jn the meane time Iet bs note this fumume,that Abzabam difputeth not, whether be hath latueful caufe befoxe Dod, but oncly endeuoureth binlelfe to pacifig Abimelech. Moreouer, this manner of ſpeeche is fo be noted: that wherfeeuer the feare of Cod retqneth nof,inen are cafilp Lj carricd fo all kind of wickedneſſe: infomuch that they will not {pare mans bloud, neither yet refraine themfelues from rob, beries;bidlence,andcontumelies. And in verie Dede, If ts the onely frare of God, which knitteth bs together by mutuall Guz manitie, kepeth bs in modeftic,and refkraineth crueltie, leaſte we being like vnto bruite beaſtes Do deuoure one another. For it will otherwhiles come fo palſſe, that they whiche are voide of the feare of God, doe imbrace a certeine kinde of equi⸗ fie : for G DD, to faue mankinde from deſtruction, reſtrai⸗ neth the luſtes of the ticked with a fecrete bywle , Vet notwithſtanding, Wwe are fo make this account, that & gate _ is opened fo all kinde of inturies, when godlineſſe, and the - feare of ODD vaniſheth away :of the whiche matter we haue to euident a profe at this day, in the horrible floude of Wickednelle, whiche duerlloweth (almoſte) the whole — Foꝛ 443 of Gods feare,loo~ feth the raines of all wicked neiic, IOHN CALVINE A+ 03 from tobence come {0 many kindes of deceiptes , fuche falthode and crueltie , but bycaufe all equitie is opp2eftes With the confempt of Go’? Nowe, fo often as we haue anyx harde conflicte with the corruptions of our age, let vs remem⸗ ber the age and time of Abzabam, the twhtche althouche it were fullofimpictic,and other wickedneſſe: pet notwith⸗ ſtanding, tf withdrewe not the bolic man from doeing of his dutie. 12 [ Yetinveriedeede ſhe is my fitter, ] Manie thinke that Sarat twas the germane fiffer of Abraham, but not bis natural fiffer, but the daughter ofbis ſtepmother. Notwith⸗ Landing, bycaufe this name is noe generall among the He⸗ b2ues, ¥ rather imbrace an other contecture,as that he was a fifter in p fecond degree : fo thal thts be ruc, that they had both one father, thatts to fay,a grandfather , from whome thep deſcended by bother qermanes . And Abahani qualifieth bis finne, and maketh a difference betweene bis filence and a lye. Andin verie deede he truely profeſſed him felfe fobe Sarais bother . Jf appeareth that be diſſembled no other thing by wordes, then the matter ttfelfe required: nofivithfandina, twhen all thinges are well weighed, the defence was either friz uolous,o2 at leaſt wiſe to bare. Foꝛ ſeing be viv of purpoſe pretende the name of a ſiſter, leaſt men ſhoulde ſuſpecte any thing concerning wedlocke, he ſophiltically 02 fubtily gaue them occafion to erre. Wherefore, although be licdgn words: yet notwithſtanding, as touching the berie matter, if was difimulation mingled with alpe. either purpofed he any other thing, then to haue tt appeare Onto Abimelech, thathe had nothing at alldealt fraudulently: but that in a fearefull matter, be toke aninvirecte way fo efcape death, vnder the colour of kinred , ! 13, {[ Whenthe Angels caufed me to wander, J Becauſe foe haue bere this word Angels) in the plurall number, Jdoe willingly expounde it, that Angels cauſed Abraham to wane der through dinerfe errours. Some fw curiouſſy eather heres of a Trinitie of perfons: as tf tt were wꝛitten, Dy Gods haue made me fo erre. J confelle that this name Johouah is m {ert pture oftentinies taken foz Ood, but then if ts alwayes ‘he . e VPON GENESIS. CAP, eae fhe finqular number. Wut when it is put downe in the plural nuntber, then it fanificth Angels oz Princes, There are fome whiche thinke that Abzabam , bycaufe he talked with a rude and tano2ant man, ſpake thus after the common man⸗ ner of the Heathen : but in my iudgement this ts a verie igno⸗ rant coniecture. For, to what purpofe feruedit, fo make if appeare by erecting altars, that be was addicted fo the feruing of one pzoper God , if ithad bene afterwardes law⸗ full fo2 him With bis tongue to denice the fame God whome he worchippedẽ DF the whiche matter we banc fpoken before, ace cording as the place requireth. But Abzahant complaineth not of the Anacls , that be wandered out of the wap, thꝛough their kalle conduct: but noteth what his condition was afore time : namely, that be leauing bis countrie, wandered not onelp into alande farre off; but alfo after that, was conſtrai⸗ ned to chaunge bis abiding place. Wherelore tt is meruell, if neceflitic conffratned him fo take a nelw way, Jf any man der maunde, why be maketh the Angels the quites of bis pil grimage : Lhe aunfwere is eafic to be made, that althoughe Abraham knewe that be wandered by the till and proutdence of God alone: pet not withſtanding, be tranfferreth it to Anz gels, whome in another place be confelleth fo be giuen bn fohimtobe the guides of his iournie. And the fumme of bis ſpeache tendeth herevnto, that Abimelech may knowe, that Abraham was farre,both from malicious craftinetie,and alfo fro lying. Alfo that bicaufe be lived a wandering ¢ an vnquiet life, Sarai altwapes fpake the fame , tuberefoeuer fhe cante, that the had aide in the land of Oerar Suche miferable cares fulnes of the boly man, might incline Abimelech Onto mercic, that be cealſed to be angrie. | 14 [ Thentooke Abimelech fheepe, ] Before this finte ale fo Abꝛaham had cattell and giktes giuen bute him in Caypt: but that liberalitie Iwas not like to this, bycaule Pharao come maunded him to goe to an other place: buf Abimelech offereth bint bis dwelling within bis kingdome. Wherefore it ts eui⸗ dent, that both Kings were fricken with no ſmall feare . For they perceiuing that they were corrected of the Lord, bycauſe thep were troubleſome to Abꝛaham, finde no other iway ts ti ci 445 TOHN CALYINE 445 sige him but fo tecompente the iniurie none onto fhe holie r. Cor, 11 t0. man bp aiftes, And that latter diuerfitic ſprang bere hence, bicaufe Pharao being tharply repzebended,conceiued nothing but feare, inſomuch that be cole ſcarſe abide the fight of ds braham. Mut Abimelech, though be were terrified: yet note withltanding, by a confolation ſtraite after. added, he Was pas ecified, when the UO 1k D {aia auto bun, Heis a Prophetes he thall pray for thee, Foꝛ thereis no Other remedie to take alway feare,then when the Lorde declareth him felfe to be fas uourable, Wut this és a fiane of true repentance,to ſhewe hin felfe with a quict minde and confcience tractable and obediz ent vnto G DD, And whereas Abimelech velded vnto Abraham a dwelling place, within bis Kealme, nofmalla blefling followed this his humanitic,bicaute Iſaac was boone there, as ie thall fe in the Chapter follotving . 16 [ Beholde,he is the yaile of thine eyes. Bycauſe there is fome obfcuritie in thefe words, this place is wont to be dis uerllp erpounded, Lhe beginning is calic pnough. Foꝛ when Mbimelech had giuen a thoufande peeces of filuer, to the ende bis liberalitie might not be fufpected, be pronounceth vᷣ he had giuen them to Abꝛaham:and that bicaule be was fo honorably inferteined , bis wife was not fo be accounted in ſteede of a barlot . But that whiche followeth is moze obfcure » He is the vaile of thine eyes, Manp interp2eters referre it to office ; the whiche in mp iudgement they doe amtffe, She hebrues, bycaute they want the Neuter gender, doe ble the Feminine in fed thereof, But oles in Chis place ras ther noteth ber hufbande, and the fenfe berie well agreth , Foꝛ Sarat is taught, that ber bufbande,to tyhome fhe is ioy⸗ hed, ts like bnto a baile, wherewith he ought fo couer ber felfe, leat he ſhoulde be in Daunger of others, Paule faith that the baile whiche the woman Wweareth on ber beade, is a token of ſubiection. The fame alfo perteins to fingle perfons, bycaufe the fere was oꝛdeined to thatende, Wut this moze aptly and p2operly belengeth onto women coupled with men, bycaule they be,by the verie order of matrimonic, as it were coucred, Thus therefore Jexpounde it: Thou, tf thou wane tedſt a huſbande ,houloct be in daunger of Manic —* u VPON GENESIS. CAP. XX. 447 but now, (wing the Lorde hath {cf ouer thee a keeper of thine * ” honeftic,it became the to [pe hid Onder that vatle, Why then halk thou of thine owne accorde vncouered thy felfe? This {was a tatucfull reprehenſion, bycauſe Sarat didembling her felfe to be vnder the power of an hufbande , bad Depriued her felfe of the Lords garde’: and thus (he was reprehended. Whe interpreters wef this place. In my tudgement this ts the naturall erpofition, that the Loꝛde fuffered Sarat, to be res prehended of abeathen hing, to make ber the moze afhamed, Fo2 Moles elpecially confivereth the perfon of the ſpeaker: bycaute it was a thamefull thing, for the mother of the faith full, fo be reprebended of fucha teacher, Dthers thinke that Moles noteth the profite,bycaule the being taught by fuch a icffort, learned that he muſt othertwife bebauc ber feife afters Wwarde , But Moles rather femeth to note that kinde of coz rection, whereof Jhaue ſpoken, as that Sarat was hum⸗ bled, Wwiyen The was (et to ſchole to an heathen man. 17 [And Abraham prayed, ] Jn two pointes the fauour of God ſhined towarde Abraham: firlk, in that with an oute firefched arme he punithed the iniurie done fo him: fecondly, inthat the Lord was pleafed with the houſhold of Abimelech by ãbrahams praier. Fo2 if was neceflarie that this Mould be Enowen, that the familie of Abimelech was healed at his papers, that by fuche a benefite he might haue the inhabitan⸗ tes af the place bounde vnto him. But this kinde of punithe- ment whiche is exprelled, hotv that the whole boule as bars reir, may moue a queſtion For if ſo be after that Sarat was Queftion greate with childe , Abraham came Onto the lande of Gerar: andif ſo be before Iſaac was borne, all this whiche Doles ſheweth was fulfilicd: howe canne it be, that the barren⸗ neſſe appeared in fo hoztatune 2 Bf we ſay that the iudge⸗ ment of © DD, by a wap and meane to vs vnknowen, was Anfwere, then perceiued, the aunfwere ſhalt nofbe out of fquare. NotwithKanding , Jknowe not whether the hiltorie be dil ordered oꝛ no, And it may be that this fameth moze proba⸗ ble and lilelie, that Abzabam had cuen then alreadte divelt in the lanve of Gerar, when Iſaac Was pꝛomiſed vnto bum: but, | IOHN CALYINE, 448 buf , that this parte whiche twas omitten before, was noive by Hotes putin, Iany man replic,that Abraham dweite in Pane, vntil the deftruction of Sodome, it Mall be no abturdi. tic, five confeffe that this whiche Wofes at the latt ſheweth bere, happened afore, Notwithltanding, bycaute the noting of the time ferueth verte little fo the builoing of faith, J leaug both opinions to the confideration of the reader, | CHAPTER. XXI, Owe the Lordevifited Sarah, ashe had faide, Sf} and did ynto her according as he had promi- For Sarah conceiued, and bare Abrahama 21S fonnein his olde age, at the fame feafon that God tolde him, . 3, And Abraham called his fonnes name that was borne yn- to him, which Sarah bare him, Izhak, } | 4 Then Abraham circumcifed Izhak his fonne, when he was eight dayes olde, as God had commaunded him, _ . .§ So Abraham wasan hundred yeares alde,when his ſonne Izhak was borne ynto him, 6 Then Sarah faide, God hath made me to reioyce: all that heare will reloyce with me, ‘1 . 7 _Againe the faide , Who woulde haue faide to Abraham, that Sarah fhoulde haue giuen children fucke, for I haue borne hima fonne in his olde age, 8 Then the childe Srewe , and was weaned, and Abraham made a greate feaft the fame day that Izhak was weaned. 9 And Sarah faw the fonne of Hagar the Aegyptian,which - fhe had borneto Abraham, mocking. 10 Wherefore the faid vnto Abraham, Caft out this bond- woman ,and her fonne:: for the fonneof this bondwoman fhall not be heire with my fonne Izhak. uu And this thing was verie gtecuous in Abrams fight, by- caufe of his ſonne. 12 But God faide vnto Abraham, Let it not be grecuousin — thy fight, forthe childe, and for thy bondwoman:in all that Sarah thail fay ynto thee, heare her voyce: forin Izhak thall thy = eo VPON GENESIS: CAP. XXI- — thy ſeede be called. 449 "43 As for the forine of the bondwomary, I will make hima nation alfo,becaufé he is thy feede, i 14 So Abraham arofe vp early in the morning , and tooke breade and a bottell of water, and gauc it vnto Hagar, putting st on her fhoulder,and thechilde alfo, and fent her away: who departing wandered in the wildernefle of Beer-fheba, 15: And when the water of the bottell was {pent, the caft the childe vnder a certeine tree, 16 Then the went and fat her ouer againft hima farre off, about a bowe fhoote: for fhe fayd, I will not fee the death of the child, And the fate downeouer agaiaft him, and the lift vp her voice and wept. t7 Then God heard the voice of the childe,and the Angel of God called to Hagar from heauen,and fayd vnto her, What ayleth thee Hagar?feare not, for God hath heard the voice of — the childe, where heis, v 18 Arife,takevp the childe,and holde himin thine armes, for I will make of him a great people. 19 ‘And God opened her-eyes ,and fhe {awe a well of wa- _ter,fo fhe wente,and filled the bottell with water,and gaue the boy drinke. 260 So God was with the childe,and he grewe,and dwelt in the wilderneffe, and was an Archer, o1 And he dwelt in the wilderneffe of Pharan: and his mother tooke him a wife out of the lande of Aegypt. 22 And atthe fame time, Abimelech,and Phichol his cheefe éapteine fpake vnto Abraham, faying, God is with thee in all that thou doeft, - | es BS 23 Nowetherefore {weare vnto me here by God,that thou wilt not hurt me,nor my children,nor my childrens children : thou (halt deale with me and with the countrie where thou hafte bene a {traunger, according to the kindeneffe that Ihaue . thewedthee — 1G s | 24Then Abraham fayde,I will fweare. ; 2¢ And Abraham rebuked Abimelech,for a well of water ‘which Abimelechs feruantes had violently taken away. 26 And’ Abimelech fayd, Iknowe 3 who hath: done this thing, 450 TIOHN.CALEVINE thing, alfo thou toldeft me not,neither hard J of it but this day, » 27, Kheo Abraham tooke fheepe;& beeues,and gaue them vnto Abimelech, and they two made a cournant..) . .,. 28 And Abraha {et feuen lambes.on.a flock by, themfelues, . 29 Then Abimelech faide vnto Abraham, What meaneth thefe feuen lambes,which thon halt fette by them felues2, 30 And.he aunfweared, Becaufe thou fhalt receive of my hand;thefe feuen lambes;that it may bea witnefle vnto me that I haue digged this well, o5T RM | 3+ Wherefore the place is called, Beer-fheba : becaufe there they both fivare, 14 ~ 32: Thus made they a couenant at Beer-theba : afterwarde Abimelech, and Phichol, his cheefe capteine rofe vp,and tur- ned againe into the land of Pelifthim, . .. eee 833 And Abraham planted a grouein Beer-fheba,and called’ there vpon thename ef the Lorde,theeuerlafting God, . 34 And Abraham wasa ftraunger in the landeof Pelift. him. along feafon: ea % 1 [Now the Lord vifited Sarah, IIn this Chapter not one⸗ 1p the natiuitie of Chzitte is deſcribed: but alfo,becaufe GOD bath fette before bs aliuely image of bis Churche, Motes de ~ ſcribeth ahittozie concerning this matter alfo twarthic tobe remembred. And irl befaith,that Gop vifiten Sarat accor ding as he had promiſed.Becauſe all generation fklo weth from — — the grace of Gon, as itis ſaid in the Pſalme, The fruite of the Children Wombeis the gift of God : Gon is nat. without caute aide fa arc the = Quite thoſe, to whom he giueth childzen , Foꝛ alt haugh young blefliag of God. ones feeme fo {pring frõ their own proper kind: vet neuerthes leffe there is no fruitfulnes in any lining creature, vnleſſe the Lorde worke the fame by bis potwer, that this faping may be fulfitied, Growe yc and multiplic. Wut ithe p2ocreation of Mankinde bis ſpeciall bleſſing appeareth: therefore the: chiles bearing of euerie woman, is by right accounted.bis viſitation. But Doles tn this place bath a further reſpect, as that bepond the bfual over of nature, Haar was bone. Foꝛ the common manner of beactting,and that power whiche Gon hath giuen vnto men, had ceaſſed in Abzabam,¢ in bis wile. Moles there⸗ ſore connnendeth bere the lecrete, and vnwanted poles of ' 44 God, - —_ VPON GENESIS: CAP. XXI. God,twhiche is aboue the lawe of nature : and not without taufe : fo2 it maketh great fkill for bs fo knowe, that the fre e of God reigneth aftwell in the original, as in the pos ceeding of the Churches.and that the chilozen of God {pring from no other thing, then frombis mere mercie. And this is the reafor, tobp be made not Abraham afather,afoze fache time as bis bovte was dried € withered. And it ts to be noted, that Moles faith that the difttation afoꝛeſaide, was founded ppon the pꝛomiſe, The Lord vifited Sarah,as he had promifed, By thele tuo2des be tyeth the effect to the cauſe thereof: fo the end the ſpeciall grace of Got may ᷣ moze appeare, an erample toberfore is to be (een inthe birth of Iſaac. Ff be bad only fai, that the Loꝛd had loked bpon Sarai, when the bought fo2th afonne, afurtber caufe might haue bene ſought out. But no man doubteth,but that the pꝛomiſe was free, by whiche Iſaac was giuen tobts father Abzabam; fering he toas'p fruit of bis adoption, whiche rannot be afcribed , but to the mere qrace of Gorrtherefore be which toil rightly, wilelp teeigh the worke of Gon it} generation of Aaacsthe fame muſt needs begin at ‘the promile, Whe repetition alfo coteineth.a great Cmphatis, The Lord dealt with Sarah,as he had fpoken, 3fo2 be holdeth “the readers(as tt were) With bishand, to ay in the confines ring offo great and notable a miracle, And twithall Moles commendeth the faith of God, as if he ſhould fay, that be ne⸗ ner feedeth men with vaine promiſes: and that be is no leſſe true in performing that whiche be peomileth , then be ts tibes rall and Wwilling fo promife, | 2 [For Sarah-conceiued,and bare Abraham afonne. | This was {poken, according tothe common manner of {peaking : becauſe the woman is neither the bead of the familie, neither Doth the properly ferue her telf, but ber bufband, Wut » which follotueth,is moze woꝛthie te be noted, (In his olde age,at the fame feafon that God told him.] #02 oid age of Ab⸗ꝛahã doth not a litle fet forth p gloꝛie of the miracle, And now the third time Moles reuoketh bs onto the word of God, p tue may al- waves behold the conftancie therof.dnd though the fine twas forethetwed both to Abzaham,¢ to his wife: pet notwitanding the honoz is erprefy attributed r ie bolic man:becauſe the ésy ij. pro⸗ zt ~ 452 faze was circumci- . Seven fa- “cramentes _ pafic. “TIOHN. CALVINE: pꝛomiſe was ſpecially giuen ſoꝛ bis cabe hobobeit both are {es ucrallp noted in the Terte. [And Abraham called the name of the — He mea⸗ neth not that be was the firſte authour of the name , but that if reteined the fame name whiche the Angel bad giuen it bes ‘fore. Wut this obedience was worthie to be peatlen, becaufe he did not only belecuc the worde of God, but alfo did his due⸗ fie and officeas the miniſter of God, Foꝛ be proclamen that to all men which the Angel had lefte with him. 4 [And Abraham circumeifed his fonne, J Abzabam p20 cedeth till in bis obedience, when be fpareth not bis owne fone. For although it were a greeuous thing onto him, fo Wwounde the fender bodice ofthe infant: pet notwithſtanding, fetting humane affection aſide he obeieth the commandement. of on, Foꝛ Moles ſayth that he did acco2ding as the Lorde had comntaunned bint becauſe there is nothing better, then: to account the ſincere woꝛde of ODD fo2 arule , and to be no Wwifer then tt is latvfull and erpedient. This modeſtie efpects ally is required in facramentes , leat that men either forge 02 denife any thing of themſelues:oꝛ elfe tranfferre,after their owne Wwilland pleafure toeuery vſe, thole thinges which the Lorde hath commanunded, And we ſee here, what and howe vntemperately the luſt of men. is inflamed .. For they dare ‘mingle and adde a thonfande fatramentes . And to fetche ‘an ecrample not farre off, when as: God bath delinered onely- two facramentes fo the Cheriſtian Churche > the Papiffes boatt that thep baue feucn, As though it were in them fo finde . out promifes of faluation, which thep may confirme with fuch fignes as they themfelues baue imagined. Wut it were tw fur perfinons fo he w,15 how many imaginations thep haue pols luted their facramentes, This is euident, that they haue no leſſe care,then to kespe that which the Lod hath conunanded, s [And Abraham was an hundred yeares olde, ] Againe, Moles reckoneth Abzabams age: thereby the better to ſtirre bp the readers mindes fo the confideration of the miracle.and although mention be made onely of Abzabam > pet notiwith- faving let bs remember,» be is (et before vs in this place,not as alecherous man,but p huſband of Sarat, who receiued a : | VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXI. Her lawelull fede in bis extreme olde age, they both being parren as touching thetr natarall ftrength. Jfo2 herein eſpe⸗ cially fined the potver of od, that they hauing bene marry ed thee ſcore peares , all whiche time they bad no chilve, are nolwe at a ſoudeine, being dried and halfe dead, made fruitful, And Sarat, to make amens for ber doubting , wherein the had offended, doeth nowe mightily (ct forth the godneſſe of Gov. And firlk of all the faith, that God hath giuen vnto ber orcafion ofiove: and not of common tope: but of fuche as Moulve glad allmen. Allo the more fo amplifie the mafter, The taketh vppon ber the perfor of one that wondereth and queſtioneth/ Taibo would haue tolde this fo Abꝛaham: 7 { Whowoulde haue faide to Abraham, that Sarah, ] as if the fhoulve haue ſaide, There is no man aliue that woulde eucr bane thought. bpon this. Wiherebp (he maketh God the onely authour hereof: and nowe fhe condemnethber felfe of bnthankefulinette , becauſe the was to ſlowe in belecuing the Angel. Wut bycauſe the nameth chilozen,in fhe plurall num⸗ ber;the Jewes make a fable after their manner,that a rumoꝛ being {pred abroad, that if was a counterfeit birth,the neighe bors there aboutes bꝛought many infantes, whome Saraiin f{uckling bp, might therby proue ber (clfe a mother,.as though the fame were not eafily to be diſcerned, when men ſawe I⸗ faac hanging on ber breſtes: and there coulde not bea moe plaine demonſtration then this, although by prelſing out the milke with ber fingers ; fe bad cauſed the fame fo flowe bes fore their eyes. But the Jewes are to tw folifhe, and fonde, Whiche bnderftand net that this forme of {peache fiquifieth e⸗ nen as much,as tf Sarai ſhoulde call ber felfe a nurſſe. With⸗ all we muft note, that Sarat topneth the nurties parte of gis nenfucke, with the chiloe birth. For the Lorde doeth not prepare in baine nouriſhment inthe betes of mothers, be- fore the chilozen be borne. Wut thofe to whome he boucheth fafe the honour of mothers, be maketh after this fozte nurſ⸗ fes: and thofe mothers which thinke much to giue their chil dren fucke , breake the holy bond of nature fomuch as in them lieth, If fo be weakenefle, 02 any other impediment hinder them, thep haue a inf excuſe:but fo2 childe bearing women to . Ff. ſhunne 453 | IOHN CALVINE 454 chunne the paine and trouble of giuing ſucke, willingly, ¢ bes muttgiue Cale they arenice,is a great ouerfight,and vnnaturall parte, theirchil. i fo muche that thereby thep make themfelucs only halfe dren fucke mothers, them= © § [Then the childe grewe,and was weaned, ] Pow Moles: flues ¶heginneth to chewe how Itmael was banithed out of Abra. hams fantilic,§ Ffaac alone might bane the rome of a latwfull lonne ⁊ heire. This femeth at the firk ſight fo be vaine, that Sarat being anarie fo2 nothing, ſtirred bp ball and contenti⸗ on in ber houſe. wut Paule teacheth that a highe mylterie is fet befo2ze bs bere , concerning the euerlatting fate of the Churche. And in derie deede, if ſo be we confider the perfons, we fhall fee that it vas no frifiing matter, that the father of all the faithfullis commaunded of Ood to banithe bis firlk bes gotten fonne: that Iſmael, thouabe be were partaker ofthe fame circumcifion, goeth info affraunae countrie, that be might be no moze reckonedin the holie fede: that the bovie of the Churche ts rent,.in fuche ſorte, as onely one halfe thereof rentatneth: that Sarat erpulfing the fonne of the bandmate: out of the dores, challengeth the tobole inberitaunce to Iſaac alone, Wlberefs2e5if fo be we read this bitezte,foattentinuelp — as we ought to 09, that myfterie twill reueale if ſelfe, whereof Galigiza Paule ſpeaketh. [ And Abraham madea feaft.] 3tmay be: Demaunded, Why berather made not the featk on his birthe o2: circumtifion dap. UUbereas Auguftine fa curioufly inter⸗ p2eteth this, that the day of Taaktes weaning was folemnlp kept, that we might learne by bis example, that foe are no fonger childzen in vnderſtandingtit is tw farre fetcht. As farre alfo out of fquareis that, tuhiche others fay,that Abzabam,to: feaue the manners of the Gentiles , take a day tobiche was: nof then in common vſe. Pea, it may be that be alfo folemnis zed, and honoured with top, bis fonnes birth vay alfo, But he maketh {peciall mention of this feaſt for another caufe:names ly, becauſe the laughter of Iſmael was knowen. FFo2 FZ like not oftheir conierture , whiche thinke that a new brffozie is bere begun, and thaf Sarat had alway this trouble, vntillthe Wicked ſcorner bering café out, he bad puraed ber houſe. It is likely, that Iſmael vled the. like ſcorning —** mies VPON GENESIS. CAP. X XT. 4, 455 €imes alfo:pet notwithſtanding, J doubt not, but that Dofes plainelp erp2efleth, that bis ſcoꝛnes appeared fo Sarai in that Iſmael folentne aſtemblie, and that they continued in obloquic from playech that time fozth. Wut Boles reporteth not the folemnitic of the or this feat in cuill parte : but fpeaketh of if, as of a lawfull ee fore thing. Foꝛ he fazbindeth not the meeting together of men, af paonifhed. fer a friendly fathion, to toy one with another:fo that thankes be alfo giuen theretwithall puto Don, in their mirth e chere, Fo2,alwayes temperance and ſobrietie ts fo be imbꝛaced: Fealtes are and we muf endeuour our ſelues, that our pꝛouiſion and !*ul Be- featking be both temperate, and alfo modeſt, without lururie 18 and lafciuioufnetle, Onely F fay, that God doeth not deale fo ceſe. freightly with bs, but that be giueth bs leaue fometimeslis berally fo interteine our friendes, either when a marriage is folemmnised,o2 elfe at the birth of our childꝛen. Abꝛaham theres foe made a creat fealt,that is to fap. an extraoꝛdinarie feaſte: becauſe be twas not daily wont te garnithe bts table ſo ſump⸗ fuoully, Bet neuerthelefle his coll and plentie twas fuch, that it exceeded not meaſure. Moꝛeouer, he was fo liberall accor Ding to bis fubfance, in interteining, fuelcomming gueſts. that be receiued ſtraungers alfo,as toc haue bearoe before, 9 {And Sarahdawe the fonne of Hagar, ] As the Wwo2de of laughing ts two waves taken among the Latines: euen ſo al⸗ fo the Hebrues ble the worde as well in god part, as in euill part, What this laughter twas no childiſh oꝛ harmeleſſe play, tt appearcth by the diſpleaſure of Sarat, It was therefore a snalicious (co2ning, by which the vntoward poung man cone femned bis bother being as pet an infant, in refpect of buzz felfe, And the Cpithete 02 tearme whiche is here giuen vnto Iſmael,⁊ the name of ¥laac,do come from one o2tginal, Iſaac woas an occafion of holie ans latwfuil lauqhfer to bis fatter and fo ethers: wherevpon the Lord gaue onto bim his name, Iſmael turneth the bleſſing of God, wherof ſo great toy cane, - to afcozne, Dherfore,as a wicked {coffer be ts compared with bis bzother Iſaac. hey both (if J may fo {peake) are the fonnes of laughter, but ina far confrarte fenfe. Iſaac bought laughter with him from bis mothers wombe, becaule be cars ricd the badge aga fure teſtimonie of G D D bis grace: ' | FFs. 1 be IOHN CALVINE 45 6 be caufeth therefore ſuche iop inbis fathers houſe, that the fame buriteth forth into thank fatuing Wut Iſmael with his Wicked and crinning laughter, goeth about to abolithe that . bolte toy of faith. And there is no Doubt,but that bis manifeſt impietie aqaint God,vifcoucred it felfe by this (Koning. be was come to that ripenefte of peares , that be was not ignos rant of the pꝛomiſed qrace, fo2 the whiche bis father Abzabam fo greatly reiopcednotwithſtanding be paoudly pleafing hints ſelfe, ſcorneth God,and his worde, and the faith of Abzabam in the perſon of bis bother. Wherefo2re,not without cauſe Sarai twas fo moued in difpleafure againſt hun,that the coms maunded him fo be banilhed. Jfo2 there is nothing that ares’ » ueth a godlie heart moze,then tole the grace of Ood made a Gals 4.29 ſcoꝛne and derifion, And this is the reafon, toby Paule calleth: Scornes his laughter, perfecution , faping: He whiche was borne after hurt more the fle(h perfecuted him,which was borne after the fpirit, Did thenba= he perfequute him with the ſword, or with the hand: o,but dily perle- {pith the popfoned ſcornes of the tonaue, which hurt not the ctioa· bodie, but pearce euen fo the foule, Dofes might haue amplific rd bis offence with mo wordes: but ¥ thinke that he endeuou⸗ red himfelfe fo ſpeake fo breeflp, thereby to make bis wanfons — neffe the moze deteftable,bp which the word of God is ſcorned. 10 [Caftout this bondwoman. ] Saratis not onely ans grie with ban whiche finned, but ſeemeth alfoto deale more imperioully with ber hufbande, then became a modell wife, Wiher fore, as before He called Abraham W020, Peter ſheweth that fhe did not the fame fetqnedly , when he propoundeth the u.Pet.3. 6 fame to bolic and chafte matrones for an erample of boluntas rie ſubiection. But now making ber bufband fubiect tuto bers, {he doth not only rule the boufe: but alfocommaundeth him to be obedient fo ber will, whom The ought to reuerence, Bere though 4 do not denie that Sarat being firred with womans like affection, erceeded meaſure: pet notwithſtanding J doubt not,but fhather tongue and minde was qouerned by the ins ftinct of the bolic Ohott,¢ alfo that the whole matter was 024 dered bp the pzourdence of God. There is no controuerſie, but that the was a minifter of great and feareful tudgement.and Paul bingeth this boice not as a Vain repꝛoch which ae D VPON GENESIS. CAP XXI. ded front an angrie woman, but as a heauenlie oꝛacle. And als 457 though the beareth moze then the perfon of ap2iuate woman : pet notwtanding the taketh not from her huſband bis potver, but maketh him a lawful ouerſeer of p ciection, ¢ banithment, [This thing was verie greeuous, ] Although Abzabam was alreadie certified by many o2acles, that the bleffed feede ſhould come froin 110 other then from Iſaac alone: notwithſtanding, he beeing moued (with fatherlp affection, fuffereth not Iſmael to be cut off, that he might bane the inheritance alone,to whõ the fame was giuen by Ood:¢ thus by mingling tivo nations together, be feeketh al p be can fo confound the difference whi⸗ che God had fet. This might ſeeme verie abfurd,that be ts faid to be the miniſter of God, by a blind motion. 15ut God thus des p2tucth him ofiudgement, not onelp tobumble bin: but alfo to make it knowen Onto all ages, that the sifpenfation of bis grace doth depend bpon bts til ¢ pleafure only. And fo the end the holie man may with p better god twill fuffer hts fonne fo depart,a double confolation is (et before hit, Foꝛ Ood puts teth hint in mind of the pꝛomiſe which was made vnto him at the beginning, concerning Iſaac: as if be (hold fay,that if was fufficient inough, that Iſaac twas left with him, in whome the’ Spiritual bleſſing rematned full and perfect, Furthermoꝛe, al⸗ though be banitheth Iſmael krom his fathers houle, vet notwe ftandina, be promiſeth that he will haue a care fo2 bim,¢ that a pofteritic hall (pring of hun, tobiche Mall make one people. But what meaneth this ſpech, What the feede (haibe called tn Iſaac, Jhaue ſhewed tithe feuenteenth Chapter already. And Paul to the Romanes, in ſteed of an interpretation, faith that Rom. 9% he twas accounted o2 reckoned the ſcede. But tt ts certeine,that by this means, the other fonne was cut off front the familie of Abahan,that he miaht haue a nameno more among bis pos ſteritie. Foꝛ God hauing feparated Iſmael, ſheweth that tie whole progenie of Abraham ſhall flowe from one head: he pro⸗ mifeth alfo onto Iſmael, that he fhalbea nation, but pet a ftranger from the Church, that herein the fate of the brethren might be different,that the one is appointed fo be the father of a {pirituall people , and to the other ts giuen the carnali fede, . Whervpon Paul iuſtly gathereth,that not al that are the 8 Q ve 4.58 rOHN-CALVINE of Abraham, are the true and proper fonnes: but thofe whi⸗ che are bogne of the ſpirite. Foꝛ as Jfaac was made the law⸗ fulifonne by a free promife: euen fo among p poſteritie which followed , the fame grace of God made a difference. WBut bys caule tue haue ſpoken fufficiently of the diuerfe and fundzie fonnes of Abꝛ aham in the feuententh Chapter before, ¥ dog bere b2eeflp ſpeake of the fame. [In all that Sarah ſhall fay vnto thee, ] ¥ fatd euen now, that God vſed the minifferie of Sarat: pet notwithſtanding, that he might ſwarue in the manner of boing, Mow he chmandeth Abzabam fo harken to bis wile not that be allotweth of ber affection: but bycaufe be will haue p worke to be accoplithed,of the which be is p autho2.and thus be ſheweth bis counfels ought not fo be dꝛawen fo a cõmon {cope 02 end, ſpecially, toben the faluation of the Church is in hand, Foꝛ be doth turne bpfide down fhe order of nature,that be may p2oue himfelfe to be the beginner ¢ fintther of Iſaaks ' calling . But bycauſe J haue ſaid befoze,p this hiſtorie is furs ther handled of Paul, a ſumme ts belly to be collected, Firk be faith, that thofe thinges whiche are bere read, are twits fen Allegozically: not that be ould haue all hiſtories, with⸗ out erception , wꝛeſted to Allegozicall fenfes,as Origen doth, who faking euerie where to make Allegozies,cozrupteth the whole {cripture: € others to gredily following bis erample, haue delivered ſmoke out of p light. either was the ſimpli⸗ citie of the (cripture onely defiled, but faith alfo almoſt ouers throwen, and agate opened fo many dofages, and deames, Wut the purpofe of Paule was,folifte bp p minds of the gods lie, fo confider in this hiffozte the fecret woꝛke of God:as ifbe fhould fay, that thofe things which Moles repo2teth concerns ing the houfe of Abraham , beelong fo the {pirituall kingdome of Chꝛiſt, euẽ as in verie deed that houfe was a liuelp image of p Church. Bo2couer,this is an Allegozicall fimilitude, which Paule commendeth, Seeing that Abzabam had five fonnes, the one of a bondiwoman, and the other ofafre,he gathereth that there are two fortes of thent which are begottenin the Churche : namely, the faithfull,whome © D D indueth with the ſpirite of adoption, thatthey may tnioy the inheritance : and falfe diſciples, whiche fetane them felues fo be thoſe a che VYPON GENESIS. CAP XXI. the they are not, and haue name and place foz a time among 459 the chudren of Bod, Wherefore he teacheth, that ſome are con/ servile & eciucd and boone after a ſeruile manner ; and otherfome as tt free,in the Were of a fra bogne andnaturall mother, Then he ſheweth Churche, that they are the ſonnes of Agar, whiche are begotten of the fer uile doctrine of the latwe . Wut they {which imbracing fhe free adoption by faith , are begotten of the doctrine of the Golpell, they (faith be) are the fonnes of the free mother. Then he commeth to arrother ſimilitude, when be campareth Agar With mount Sina, and Sara twith the heauenly Hieruſalem. And although J touche the matter bere breelly, which the reas ders (hall finde moze targely erpoundcd by meinthe fourth Chapter to the Galathians: yet not withſtanding, tn thts bees uitic it ig cuident ynough, what the purpofe of paule is to teach, Wie knotve that the true fonnes of on are boone of the incozruptible fede of the worde: but when the ſpirite is fa- ken alway from the doctrine of the lawe and the P2ophetes, Whiche quickeneth them , that it may be onely a deade lets fer ¢ that fede is corrupted, in fomuche that none but des generateand adulterous fonnes are porte therof vnto bon Dace, Notwithſtanding, bicaule in apperance they are borne of the worde of God, though cozrupted: they notwithſtan⸗ ding make one forte antong the ſonnes of Cod. frenerthelefle, none are iawtull beires but onely thofe, whome the Churche bringeth forth inte libertic, peeing conceined of the liberall fede of the Gofpell. Andy haue laide, that in theſe tivo pers fons’ , the perpetuall fate of the Churche is reprefented, Jfo2 hypocrites are not onely mingled With the fonnes of OD D in the Church , but alfo confemning them, doe proudly chal⸗ leng fo them ſelues the whole right and honour, And as Ff» mael being puffed bp with the baine title of the firſte begat, ten, dered his beother Iſaac with his ſcornes: euen fo thefe,. being to bolo bpon their glorious fhelw,do diſdainfully ſcorne and derive the true faith of the ſimple: pycaufe they arroga⸗ fing all thinges to them felucs, leaue nothing fo2 the arace of God, but hereby we are taught, that the trufte of ſaluation is ftable fo no other, but vnto thofe which are freely called, and Which doe place all their worthinelle nthe mercy of O DD. . Moz2coucr, 4 ITOHN CALVINE 4 60 Hoseoner,the fpirit armefh the mindes of the qodlie with ſtrong and firme weapons againi their fearcenefic, whiche baunt themfelues onder the cloake of the Church.dGe fe that if is no new erample, fo them to haue the cheefett place in the Church, which notwithianding are no better then hypocrits. Wherefore, at this day the Papiſtes boating them felues ThePat ppounlp, there isno caufe why toe fhoulde be troubled with — satay _ fiche vaine bragging. Whereas they boat of their long | ſuccellion, itis cuen as muche as they thoulde crie that thep are Iſmael the firſt begotten. It ts neceflarie therfore that we put a difference betivence the true andcounterfeite Church . Gnd Pauleletteth downea marke o2 badge, whiche they are neuer able fo blot out with their cauils. Foꝛ as great glaſſe bials are broken with a ſmall blatt of wind: euen fo with this One word, al their qlozie ts extinguiſhed, that the fonnes of the bondwoman thallnotbe euerlafting bees. In the meane time we muff patiently Cuffer their infolencte, fo long as Oop ſhall loſe the bridle fo their fpzannie . Foꝛ loke twhat rapling Opp2o0b2ies they atue bs af this day, with the fante alfo dia the Jewiſh hypocrits oppreile the Apoftles in their time. Peis their docth Iſmael otherwilſe triumph ouer Iſaac, then when be gotte the bictoric. Therefore if is no meruell,four age and time baue the like Jfmaclites . Wut lealk fuch diſdaine difcouragebs, let bs alwaves hane this confolation befoze our epes , howe that they thall not abide euer tn the Churche, whiche haue the preeminence tn the fame , -14{ And Abraham rofe earely, ] Pow greatly the cafting out of the firſt begotten fonne, wounded the mind of the holie man, we may ealily qather by the double confolation, with the wht che God mitigated his forzrowe and qreefe . Wherefore be fens deth alway bis fonne, no otbertwife,then tf be ſhoulde pull out bis otune bowels, Wut being acquainted with the obedience of God, be ſubdueth fatherlic loue , whiche be can not vtter⸗ ly put off. This ts the true probation of faith and qodlinefic, when the faithfull are conftratned fo far fo dente them felucs, that thep yelde and fubmit vnto the will of God, the berie affections of the fir nature, which of them ſelues are neither euill no2 cor⸗ rupt, VPON GENESIS... CAP. XXI. fed, Where is no doubte, but: thathe was verie carefull all the night,and much troubled — he riſeth carelp in the morning, to batten this erpulfion. of his ſonne, becaufe fo be knewe that be pleated Gad. [He tooke breade anda bottell of water.) oles doth not onely meane that A⸗ braham committed the fonne to the cuſtodie of bis mother : ‘but alfo that be gaue place (as it were) to thefozfaking of far fherlie vutie, For it was mete that be Mould be eſtraunged, leaf aftertwarde be ſhould be accounted the fede of Abzabam, But tubat fender prouifion giveth be bis wife with ber foune? Pe layeth on her ſhoulder a flaggon of water, and a flice of b2ead. Wut why noth be not lade an Atle with meane foe of victualles: Ud by doeth be not lef one of bis feruauntes accompanieber,be hauing fo many at home? Wut in verie Dede, cither God did lhut bis eves , p he might not remember to doe that which be woulde willingly haue done + 02 elfe be gaue ber the lelle victuals, to p end the might not go farre frou bis boule. Foꝛ no doubt he wiſhed to haue them abide neere on tobim,that be might belpe ¢ releeue them swith thofe thinges Aubich be might —— Neuerthelelle, God would haue “fhe banithing of Iſmael fo be fo harde and fozrotwfull,that by his exampie be might fervific the proude , who being dronken ‘With prefent giftes, with their pride freade Onder their fete that qrate,to the whiche they olve all thinges. sLberefore he prouabt them fo a miſerable enpe. For after they had wande- red a While inthe wiloernefte, fhep wanted water, and the “mother departed from ber ſonne: the whiche was a ſigne of 461 deſperation. This twas the rewarde of pride , with. the whiche 1waels _ they Were puffed bp in vaine. It became them humbly to im⸗ pride pu~ boace the grace of God,offered toallnations inthe perfor of viſhed. Iſaac: but thep wickedly deſpiſed him, whome Oop had cral- ted onto mofte biah honour. The knowledge of Cods giftes ‘ought fo haue made them moze modell, and becaule they defi: red nothing moze, then to keepe fome corner in Abrahams houſe, they ought not fo haue ſhunned any (ubiection, fo2 the enioping of fo greate a bencfite : but noe © D D punitheth ** according as ther, by their vnthankelulnelſe, bas deſer⸗ 17 [Then 462. TOHN CALVINE 17 -{ Then God heard the voyce of the childe, J] Motes ſaide before, that Agar wept: howe commeth if theirto patie, that God heareth only the childes erie, omitting ber weping⸗ Ff tue fay , that the mother was vnwoꝛthie fo haue her prays ers obtetite tare , the fonne truely was as vnwoꝛthie as fhe. Fo2 whereas fome thinke; that thep repented bp that chattites ment, it is an vncerteine contecture > J leane their repentance fo the tudgement of od, of the whiche F fee no fiane . ut J affirme,that the crie of the chttde was heard, not bycaule be paved with faith, but bitauſe God beeing mindfull of bis pro mife, was moued fo ertend bis mercie towardes them, Foꝛ Poles ſheweth not that they directed their praters and fighes buts beaten: but it is rather credible; that they fo beway⸗ led their miſeries, that they ſought not helpe at the handes of Go. But God in helping thenr,refpected not what they requis red of him, buf whathebad pomifed to bis ſeruaunt Abas ham concerning Iſmael. Jn this fenfe Moſes feemeth to fay, that the voyce of the lad was hearde s hamely, vbycauſe be was the ſonne of Abraam. What ayleth thee Hazar? ] he Angel reprehendeth the vnthankefullneſſe of Acar, for that the bering bought tnto erfreame neceffitie, confivereth not that Ood had ben fomtime mercifull onto her tn the tke peril, infomuch that he knowing bim by experience fo be a deliue⸗ Ter, might againe cOmit her felf to him, Not withſtanding, the Angel telleth her, that there thall be a remebdic prouiden fo2 ber forrowes , if fo be the fecke the fame. Wherefore in this ques ftion, What ayleth thee z is a rep2ehenfion, bycauſe the difquis efed ber felfe in vaine With confufedtrying, Afterivard when he faith , Feare not, be pufteth ber in bope of grace. Wut what meancth this whiche be addeth: Whereheis; here map freme to be herein afecret comparifon, befiveene that place and the houfe of Abꝛaham: that Aqar might affure her felfe, that although the beeing banithed from Gods fanctuaric wane Deredin the wilderneſſe: pet nofwithftandine , the twas not bfterlp forxfaken of ODD , bycaufe be was a guide in the bas nifhment,d? clfe tt ts a berie fozceable fpeache,that although the childe was forfaken tn the wilderneſſe: pet notwithllan⸗ ding, O D D was nere vnto him, — And VPON GENESIS: ar. XX ag And thus the Angel,foremedie the fo2rotwfull vefperation of + 3 the mother, conunanndoth ber to goe backe againe to the fame place where the had leaft her ſonne. For, as in matters palk re⸗ coucric , the was. oucrcome with. qrefe,and bad lyen ill boide of all hope, if fo be He had not bene comforted with the Boyce of the Angel. Wut inthis example we beboloe , howe truely itis (aid, that we are recetued of the Lorde, when our parentes forfake bs... ves} tara DAA 18.'[, Takewp the childe, JTo the ende the might haue the more courage fo bꝛing bp. the chiloe; God confirmeth vnto ber that thing , which be bad promifen before to Abraham of⸗ ten times. Mature prefcribety vnto mothers what they owe vnto their children: but as.¥ touched before, Agar knewe not what fo doc, ifiobe the Lorde had not put her in god comfort againe, that the might prepare her ſelfe to poe the dutie of a mother . As touching the. well, ſome thinke that it appeared ſoudeinly. But ſeing Bales faith, that Agars eves were ope- ned, and not that the carth was opened 02 digged: J rather judge that the being amascd with griefc,faw not § which was fet before ber eves: but nowe agalne od hauing reſtored ber fight, the beginneth fo fee, And this efpecially is worthie tobe hofed, that when Cod leaucth te qouerne bs, and taketh from bs bis grace, we are alſo depeiued of ail helpes whiche are at - Hand,no leſſe then if theyare fet a far off. Wherefore we muk peay vnto him, not only that be will give vnto vs thoſe thine es whiche we occupie: but alfo that, be twill bettotve, vp⸗ pon bs Wwifedoime. to vſe them well: otherwiſe we. fall fainte with clofea and daseled eves betivene two-twelles, _. 29. [So.God was withthe childe,] God is faide fo be with MeN Many apes, Foz heis with the clect, whore he go- .. ts ch oth With the grace of bis. holy ſpirit. He ts alſo pꝛeſent ometinies as touching the external life, not onely with the many elect, but alfo with the reprobate: when be vouchethfafe to bes wayes. ſtow bpd thein any bleſſing: euen as Dates in this place doth Not commend vnto bs any common arace, by whieirthe L020 feftifieth that his p2umife was not boypde and of none effecte, when be ſheweth his fauour towardes Iſmael, bycauſe he is the fonne of Abraham. | el afan Not⸗ F 6 ‘IOHN-CALVINE 4.64. Not withſtanding, hereof a generall doctrine is gathered:that _ Whereas men grotve and flourifhe, whereas they entoy the Profperi- tight of heauen, and the commton beeatbe, and tubereas the caech of earthe miniltreth vnto them fore, all this is to be attributed che Lorde. vnto God. Dnely this is to be noted, that Iſmael had profpee , rots ſucceſſe from time fo time, becauſe fo2 bis father Abꝛa⸗ hams fake,an earthly bleffing was pꝛomiſed vnto him. In that Agar is ſayde to appoint a wife vnto ber fonne, if pertets —*— et neth to ciuil couernement, Foꝛ fering wedlocke is the p2incis eee ve pall parte of humane life , if is meete and conuenient fo2 chile without Den in contracting the fame,to be ſubiect vnto thetr parents: the conſẽt and fo obey their counfell. We fer that this oder, whiche nar of parcats tyre preftribeth and teacheth , twas obferued and kept of Iſ⸗ macl a wilde man in the barbarous and twilde twildernefir, in fo much that in faking a Wife he obeted his mother, Where by Wwe fe what a cruell monſter the Pope hath bere, in pre⸗ fuming fo beake thts holie lawe ofnature . Herevnto allo was iopned impudencie, inboatking that he giucth a priui⸗ lege fo the wicked confempt of parentes for the honour of Holic twedlocke, Wut the Egyptian wife was a certeine fore⸗ ſhewing of the diffention to come betiveene the Iſraelites and the Iſmaelites. | i | Abraham 22 [Andatthefametime Abimelech.] Moles therefore —2 Rae ſheweth that this couenaunt twas mabe betweene Abzabant yearesa AND Abtmelech , to the ende we may knotwe , that after long pilgrim, troubles , fome reff at the latt was giuen vnto the holie man, He twas conftrained to wander bp and downe aboue th2ee {core peares. And although Ood would haue him to be a Pils grim euen vnto death: pet notwithſtanding, be qraunted bre to him a quiet habitation vnder the hing Abimelech. And the purpofe of Moles ts to teache, how it came to paffe,that he kept one place longer then be was wont, Whe circumffance of time is to be noted, tubiche was freight after that be hap bannif}ed bis fonne . Foꝛ this folace and comforte fees meth to follotue exceeding fo2rowe, not onely that be might hauefome refpite and bzeathing after continuall froubles; but alfo that he might be moze cherefull , merric, and quiet, in binging bp bis young fonne Iſaac. | Hotwhbeit, VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXI. 4.65 Hobbeit, itis certeine, that the couenaunt twas not gladſome vnto him in euery condition; fo be percetued that he was vn⸗ bermined, by indirect meanes, and that there were many in - that countric,of wwhontbe was hated and abbozred. Whe king openlp-pofelted, that he ſuſpected him: nenerthelefic, this was great honour, that the king of the plate came of his clon accorde, tomake arouenaunt with bin. sofiwithianding, if may be Demaunded, whether this couenant were made with equall and indifferent conditions, as commonly if ts wont fo be betivenc felloives 2 Thereſfore J doubt not, but that Abas pam willingly qaue onto the king due andlatwfull honour: — nepther is tt likely,that the king purpofed to abafe himſelfe in any point,therby fo exalt Abꝛaham. bat oid be then 2 Sure⸗ tp, thong be graunted vnto hima free divelling place: vet note withſtanding, he would haue hint bound vnto him by an cath, (God is with thee in althat thou doeft.] Be bfeth a friend, ly and gentle beginning : Be acculeth not Abraham: be coms plaincth nof, that be is depꝛiued ofany dutie : but faith, that be doth defire bis frienothip. Notwithſtanding the end is,that ees be might beware of hint, Wut if may be demaunded, howe it Qu ‘tion, came to paffe, that be epther fufpected 02 feared a ſtraunge man, being both honeſt and modeft, Firſt we know,that Beas then men are oftentimes carefull fo2 nothing, in ſo much that in matfers of peace and quiet, they tremble and are afratde, | Furthermoze, Abraham was aman woꝛthie of reverence : he Aniwere. bad a number of feruaunts at home, not much vnlike a fmall people:and there ts no doubt; but that the bertues which tere in him, got him great fauour and eſtimation. Thus it come ineth to pafle, that Abtmelech fulpected and feared his riches and wealth, Wut fering be had a poate regard and confideras tion of him felfe, the Lorde which knoweth howe to o2der the endes of all things after the bef manner, prouided after this manner, fo2 the peace and reff of his ſeruaunt. Moreouer, let bs learne by Ab2abams erample, that if the atftes of Godin bs, doe cauſe the childzen of this wozld fo hate bs, to behaue our felues then fo modeſtly, that no fault be found with vs des ſeruedly. 23 [That thou wilt not hurt me.] Ag if be ſhould fay, It ~ Og, thow — Qucftion. Aolwere. 4.66 IOHN CALVINE thou breake the promife mave vnto me, Wwe wil cal vpon God, that be may be an indifferent iudac befweene me and thee, and niap ſhewe him felfe a puniſher of the periurie, And Abime⸗ lech reckoneth vp the god turnes be bad don fo2 bint,the more effectually fo erho2t him fo keepe bis faith and pꝛomiſe. Foꝛ feeing he was curteoufly infertained, Abimelech pronounceth fhat be Mall be quiltie of foule ingratitude, vnleſſe be in like cafe indeuour him felfe, torecompente the benefites which be bath receiued. either doth Abimelech come to make humbie fupplication to Abzabam.crauing bis kindneſſe: but be rather challengeth vnto bim felfe kingty authozitic, as Hall appeare by the fert. 24. [Then Abraham faide,I will {weare.] Although Abra⸗ hain were by right the better : pet notwithfanding, he refuse feth nothing which became a god man to do. And im dade, fees ing it becommeth the chilozen of God to be readie and peek to every dutic, there is nothing moze abfurd,then to ſhewe them ſelues Wayward and hard, when there is nothing required at their bandes, but that whichis lawfull and mete, Alfobe refufed not to ſweare: bpraufe be knewe the matter was lawfull, to confirme couenauntes befweene man andman, — by ſwearing bythe name of ODD. In fine, tue fe that As bam doth willingly ſubmit him felfe fo the latwes of pis calling. 25 [And Abraham rebuked Abimelech.] This reprehen⸗ fon ſeemeth to be vniuſt ¢ without caufe, Foꝛ if be were bars med, tubp vied be not the o2dinarie remedie 2 He knewe p the king was curtcous, that be was alfo fomivbat bent bnto gods lineſſe, and that be was friendly and bonourably dealt witball by him: why doth be dilkruct, ÿ be will be an indifferent defers der of his right? Wut ¢ if he bad rather haue taken an iniuric, then to be troublous fo p king: why then doth be nowe blame the king,as one that intended hurt? But tt may be,that Abas ham knelw,that this came to pafle,bp p tw much fufferance of the king. Me may Without doubt gather by his manners,and alfo bp his difpofition, that be complained not without caufe : And hereby the moveration of the holy man is fene, in that be being deprined of the vſe ofthe water, which by bis _ au ~ and labour be bad found out, made no fuch ſtirre and fumulf, as the grecuoufnelle of the iniurie required:Foꝛ that vas euẽ as much, as if the inbabitants of the place bat gone about fo kxill him. Wut as be patiently fuffered fo great aninturic, fo when vnloked fo2 occafion twas offered vnto him, fo put the matter out of controuerfic, be pꝛouideth accordingiy fo2 hint felfe ; We {ee alfo, at tobat time Abraham had gotten a littie moꝛe commoditie, and fome eafernent, howe harply the 1020 erercifed him. Truely it was no light triall, when be is conffreined to contend fo2 tater: efpeciallp, the fame not bes ing common, but priuate fo him (elfe, bpcaufe be bad gotter the fame by digging a well. 27 [ Then Abraham tooke fheepe,and beeues.] Hereby it appeareth, that there twas no fuch couenaunt made, as they are wont to make tubich are equalls : fo: Abzabam confide reth bis degree, and in token of fubiection,be offreth out of bis flockes, a p2elent fothekingof@erar. Foꝛ in ſteede of that which the Latines fpeake, Pendere vectigal.that is to fay, Soe pay tribute, and in fede of that whiche we fay in French, Faire hommage, the Beb2ues fap, Manera offerre, that is, abraham To offer giftes. And Abꝛaham tarrieth not, vntill the king yeldech take ſomething from bim by commaundement and force, but homage with voluntarie honour he preuenteth him, whome he knotv- 7°" om eth tobe the Lorde ofthe place. It is tw well knowne, howe C=, great a defire tobeareruleretqnethin men, Wherefoꝛe, the moꝛe praife Abzahams modelſtie deferueth, tho not onely abs feineth from that which is an other mans, buf alfo vncom⸗ maunded offereth that which be thought twas by ductie due, Hotivithfanding, an other quettion arifeth: namely, SANG Q uciog} be knew vᷣ the Lozd had appointed him to be 1020 of the land, é was if latoful fo2 him fo acknowledge ſubiection, herby be acknowledged an other Lord? Wut the anfiwere is cafie fo be Anſuere made : that the time fo fake poffeffion was not pet come, Foꝛ he was onely the Lozde and King in hope, and in very deede a pilgrime, Wherefore, for god confideration he purchaſed bis Divelling vntill the fame were given vnto bis poſteritie, whi⸗ che Was pomifed vnto him. So we hall fee hereafter, that he payde a certetne ſumme of monie foz bis wines burial. Oa. tf, Ze VPON GENESIS; CAP. XXf. pes re’ 4.67 IOHN CALVINE 4.68 To be thozte, before fuche time as he ſhould be placed bp the hand of Ood,tn the lawwfull qouernement of the land, be doub⸗ fed not fo make a couenaunt with the inhabitaunts of that place, that be might dwell with them by wap of purchafe. _ 28 [And Abraham fet feuen lambes ona flocke by themt felues. ] Moſes reckoneth bp an other printipall * of the coucnaunt : nainelp, that Abꝛaham made fo2 him felfe an srs preffe proutfo concerning the well; that be might bane fre vſe of the water. And he {ct before the king ſeuen lambes, that the king by this homage, might allowe and ratific the digging of the twel. For the tnbabitants might hane moued controuer⸗ fie, and haue alledged, that it was not lawfull fo2 a prinate matt a Eraunger,to digge a tell, ut nowe Abzaham hauing the publique authoritie of the king, bis quietneſſe Was pꝛoui⸗ Ded fo2,1n fo much that no man could trouble him, Pany take lambes fo cerfcine ſummes of monic,paide vnder this forme: but feing mention is made before of fhape and cren, and Mos fes nowe inmediately after addeth, that ſeuen lambes were ſet in a flocke by them felues, itis very ablurde to imagine as ny ſummes of monte bere. 32 [Therefore the places * | Motes hath once alrea — die expreſſed the name of this place. But notwe he declareth when, and for what caufe,the name twas giuen: namely, bys cauſe they both bad ſworne there. Therfore F tranfate it, the Wwell of (wearing. Dthers tranflate it, he well of ſeuen. But Males platuly bringeth the name ther cof from ſwearing. 33 [And Abraham planted a groue in Beer-fheba.] Pereby it appcareth, that moze reff was giuen to Abꝛaham, then bi» therto be had hav, after the coucnaunt was mabe, Foꝛ nove be beginneth to plant trees, the which is a fiqne of quict and firme babifation: fo. afore this time Wwe reade not, thathe planted one plant, Wherefore we fee, that bis condition was made better : tubereby he might liue a fetled life. dMhereas be is fatde, fo call bpon the name of the Lorde, % thus interp2ete it, that be ordeined againe the folemne worſhip of God, there⸗ by to teftific bis thankfulneſſe. od therefore, after be had carried bis fernant a long compaſſe about, graunted vnto him * eaſement in his extreme olde age. ant — VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXIV Gnd thus he dealeth fometimes {ith bis faitbfull ſeruaunts, in fuffering them at the latt to reft, toben he bath toſſed them — with diuers waues.As touching calling vpon God, we knewe jong trae that Abꝛaham whither fo euer he came, never ceaſſed from vell that dutie of godlineſſe. Neyther ishe madeafratde withanp perill, but that be profelled him felfe to be the two2thipper of the true God, although fo2 this canfe be was enuied of thoſe that divelt about him. But fhe moze that God increaled the commoditie of bis divelling, the moze courage be bad in ſet⸗ ting forth the wozthip of ODD . And bycaule be nowe liued moꝛe fafelp vnder the kings protection, tf may peraduenture be, that of purpofe be vould haue it knotone, that be acknow⸗ ledged God fo be p authour therof, And fo2 this caule the title of the eternall Cod, femeth to be given vnto bim: as if Abas bam ſhould fap,that be bad not repofed bis truſt in an earthly king, nepther that be leaned fo a newe couenaunt, whereby be might depart from the euerlaſting God, iby Moles by a fie gure allen Synechdoche,nofeth the wozthip of ODD, vnder the name Inuocation, J haue in an otber place declared, Lak ofall, Abꝛahã is fatd bere fe haue ben a pilarime tn that land, whereas notwithitanding , be bad an appointed divelling place : fo the end tue might knowe, that bis minde twas not fo ſettled in that reft, but that be allvays weighed that, which be had bearde from the mouth of God, that be and bis potteritte fhould be ſtraungers, vntill fourtie peares Were expired. ite Pk Be ae AL te ND after thefe thinges God did proue Abra- ham, and faide ynto him,Abraham,who anlwe- ©) red,Here am I. }| And he faide, Take nowe thy only fonne Ifaac, whome thou loueft, and get thee to the lande Moriah, and offer him there for a burnt offering, vpon one of the mounteines, which I will fhewe thee. 3 Then Abraham rofe yp carly in the morning, and fadled his affe, and tooke two of his feruaunts with him, and Iaac his fonne : and he cloue wood for the burnt offering : and he roſe vp and went to the place,which God had told him, Gg.iiy. 4 Then = 4.70 YOHN CALVINE 4 Thenthe thirde day, Abraham lift vp his eyes, and fawe 7 the place a farre off : And faide ynto his feruaunts, Abide you here with the affe : for land the childe will goe yonder and worfhippe, and come againe ynto you. | * > 6 Then Abraham tooke the wood of the burnt offering, and Jaide it yppon Iiaac his fonne, and he tooke the fire in his hande,and the knife,and they went both together. 7 Then {pake Iſaac ynto Abrahain his tather, and fayde, My father : and he anfwered,Here am I my fonne.And he faid, Beholde the fire and the wood, where is nowe the lambe for the burnt offering ? 8 And Abraham anfwered, My fonne, God will prouide hima lambe for a burnt offering. So they went both toge- ther. 9 And when they came to the place which God had fhe- wed him, Abraham builded analtar there, and couched the wood, and bound Ifaac his fonne,and laid him on the altar vp-⸗ on the wood. 10 And Abraham ftretched foorth his hand, and tooke the knife to kill his fonne. tr But the Angel of the Lorde called to him from heauen, faying, Abraham, Abraham,and he anfwered,Here am I. 12 Thenlie faide, Lay not thy hand vponthe childe, nei- ther doe any thing ynto him, for nowe I knowe that thou fea- re{t GOD, fince for my fake thou haite not {pared thine onely fonne. 13 And Abraham lifting vp his eyes, looked,and beholde, there was a ramme behinde him, got by the horneina bufhe : and Abraham went and tooke the ramme, and offered him yp for a burnt offering in {teede of his tonne. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place, THE LORD WIL SEE. Therefore is it faide at this day,In the mount the Lord will fee. 15 And the Angel of the Lorde cryed ynto Abraham from heauen the fecond time, and faide : 16 By my felfe haue I fworne, faith the Lord, bicaufe thou haft done this thing, and haft not {pared thy only fonne : . . — 17 There- VPON GENESIS.’ CAP. XXIF _¥7 Therefore wil I furely bleffe thee,and will greatly mul- tiplic thy {eede,as the ftarres of heauen,and as the fand which is vpon the fea fhoare, and thy feede fhall pofleffe the gate of his enimies. 18 And in thy feede fhall all the nations of the earth be blefled,bicaufe thou haft obeyed my voyce. 19 Then turned Abraham againe ynto his feruaunts, and 47% they arofe,and went yp together to Beer-fheba,and Abraham - dwelt in Beer-fheba. 20 And after theſe things,one tolde Abraham, faying, Be- holde, Milchah, fhe alfo hath borne children ynto Nachor thy brother : 21 To wit, his eldeftfonne Vz, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram. ; 22 And Chefed,and Hazo,and Pildas, and Idlaph, and Be- thuel : 23 And Bethuel begate Ribcah, Thefe eight did Milchah beare ynto Nachor Abrahams brother, 24 And his concubine called Reumah, the bare alfo Tebah ~ and Gaham,Thahas,and Mahachah, 1 [And after thefe things. IThis Chapter fetteth forth drs to bs a notable biftozie, FFoꝛ although Abzabam all bis life long, bath ſhewed forth wonderfull eramples of bis faith and obedience : pet notivithitanding, we can net finde a moze nos table erample, then the offering bp of bisfonne, Foꝛ other temptations, twith the which the Lorde had erercifed bint, ſerued fo moztifie him ; but this temptatid gaue bim a wound moꝛe bitter then death it felfe. Howbeit, we muſt here contt, ber lome greater and deeper matter, then fatherly greele € ane quith, which being concetued by the death of bis only fonne, wounded the heart of the bolp man. It was a ſorrowfull thing fo2 bint to be depriued of his onely ſonne: but moze ſor⸗ rotvfull was it,to bane him taken from bim by violent death: and moſt greuous of all {was tf fo2 him ſelfe fo be appointed the erecutioner, and to kill him with bis owne bande, J nowe omitte other circumfances, which we will note in their places, : ; Og. tits, But 472 TOHN CALVINE But if thou compare all thefe things, with the ſpirituall bats tell of the confcience which be felt, fhep are but trifles and ſhadowes of conflices. Foꝛ be was not fo bewaile the want of childzen, bicaufe he was commaunded fo kill the suly beire, the hope of rememb2aunce and nantc,the beautie and ſafetie of the houſe: but bicaule in bis perfon,the tubole faluation of the Wwo2ld ſeemed fo be ertinguifhed and fo periſh. Peither contens Ded he with the paflions of the fleſh, but feeing he defired to ads Dict him (elfe wholy vnto God, godlineſſe € religion dꝛe w him cucry wap. For even as if Cod himſell Hhould fight with him, he requiveth the childe to die, tn whome be had fet the hope of euerlaſting ſaluation.So that this latter commandment twas a certein deftruction of faith. Zt vas p2ofitable fo2 this taſte of the prefent hiſtorie, to be giuen vnto p readers, that they map Weigh and confider, howe greatly if deferucth diligent and continual meditation, [After thefe things,God proued Abra- ham.) This ought not tobe reſtreined to the laſt viſion: but the purpofe of Doles was rather to comp2ebend tn one tod, the fundzie cuents with the which Abraham twas toſſed fo and fro: and alfo a moe quiet fate of life, which be beqanne now fo inioy, in the time of bis extreme olde age. He had liued an Abrams vnllable life, though continuall exile, fo2 the fpace offourcs temptatiõ ſcore peares : he being vexed with many contumelies and ins iuries, bad lined in continuall feare, in miſerie, and in care: he was driuen through famine out of that lanve, wherevnto he came by the conumaundement of God, inte Caypt: twice bis wife was taken out of his bofonte : be was feparated front his nephetve : be delivered his ſaide nephewe being taken in the warre, with perill and hazard of bis life. Be had lined with his wife without fruit, when as notwithitanding, bis whole hope depended bpon polteritie. At the lati, he hauing gotten a fonne, was conftreined to difinberite him,¢ fo fend hint alvap farre from bis houſe. Duelp Iſaac was leff, being bis folace and comfort alone: he liued in peace at home: andnoive Cov thundereth foudenly from heauen, pronoun cing death to his fonne, Wherefore the meaning is, that Abrahams faith twas p2oued farre moze feuerely then befo2e, by this temptation, as Yames.t.13 bp the laſt act. [God tempted Abraham. J James ** VYPON GENESIS. CAP. XXII. et 73 hat any mat is tempted of ov, confuteth their abbominab cattils, tho fo lay the blame of their wickednelle vpon God, forte goe about fo make hint the authour thereof, James therefore o£ rempta- ~ goncludeth very well,that our finnes ought not tobelaide bp-tions. on any other, the rote {uhercof ive haute in our ctone concupifs · confes, For although Sathan inkilleth pis popfon into bs,and with bis bellows kindlety toicken defires in bs: pet not with, fandina, we are not carried fo ſinne with outward motion : but our fleth pricketh bs fortvard,and toe of our owne accord, obey the intifements thereof. And yet forall that,the fame is nolet, but that GOD may be laide alfo after bis manner fo tempt:euen as be tempted Abraham, that is to fay,be bꝛought him fo a ferious frtall, that be might haue an erperiment of faith inbis ſeruaunt. Boles expredicth the kinde of temptati⸗ ott: Which was, the haking of the faith of his word in the hos ip (oule, with the contrarie engine of his word. For therefo2e He calleth himby name, that the authour of the commaundes ment might rot be doubted of, For vnleſſe Abraham bad bere certeinly perfuaded, thatit was the voyce of God, which coms maunded bis fonne Iſaac to be ſſaine,he would eaſily bane ben diſpatched of greefe and troubie. Fo2 be bearing him felfe bolde vpon the alfured pꝛomiſe of Cod, bad reiected the deceite of fas than : (0 the tempfation hav bene put away with no buſineſſe. ‘Howe all matter of doubting is faken atwap, that without al controtierfie,he may knowe tt to be the oratle of God which be Heareth. In the mean time, God pul vpan hint felf(as tt were) a doubie perfon, that by a ſhewe of pifaardéement and repug⸗ nancie, which be ſeemed fo haue in his worde, he might bring backe and rent the minde of the holy mat. For this is the ons ‘Ip nay to mainteine the conſtancie of faith, if fo be we applic all our ſenſes fo the worde of Cod, Wut fuch was the difaqrees ment ofthe worde, that it might haue rent the faith of Abas hart, Wherefore there is a great Emphalis in the worde of fpeaking,as that Dod did not after a vſuall manner,bing fhe faith of Abraham ints peril, but brought the fameintocontens | tion with ins Word, That temptations fo ever befall vs, we ye Knolwe that the victorie ts in our bandes, folong as tue are ate mvp gett med with a firme faith ; and otherwile we gall not be able to Og,b, make YOHN CALVINE 474 make refiffattee, Ff the lword of the worde being taker away, True obe- dience. Wwe be ouercome, what and if God doe frike bs With the fame ſworde, wherewith he was wont to arme US 2 Andthe fame Hapned to Abzaham, But how Abzabam ouercame this temps fatton by faith, we thall {ce hereafter in bis place. [Who an- iwered,Here am I.) Hereby it doth appeare,that the holp man was nothing afraid of the layings in wait of Sathan. Fo2 the faithful are not fo ready to obey God, that a folith light belefe ſhuld carrie them about to euery blatt ofa doutful vifion, Gno fing Abzaham twas certified that God called bim,be tettificn bis ready defire to obey by this anfwere, Foꝛ this manner oF {peach ts as much as if be ould fay, that be was ready to doe what fo eucr it pleafed God fo iniopne him fo doe, And be tars rieth not vntill Goo erpeeflp commaundeth this o2 that, but pꝛomiſeth that be will be fimply obedient , Without erceps ftom to al thinas. And this is true fubiection, when we are reas dy fo obey, before we knowe the willofGov, Uae fer thatalt bo boatk the very fame which Abzaham div, but tobe they come fo the matter in ded, they draw their necke out of Gods poke, Sut the holy man theweth a little after in Dery deede, holwe truely and fertoufly be profelfen, that be Would be onder the bande of God without delay and contention, [Take nowe thy only fonne Ifaac.] Abraham is commaunded to offer bppe bis fonne, Jf God had only faid that he thuld die, thele tidings hav fo cruelly wounded bis mind, Foꝛ what grace (0 ever be could bope fo2 at the handes of ODD, it was included Within this pꝛomiſe alone, In Iſaac fhall thy feede be called, CUberebyp be gathered neceflarily, that his faluation, and the faluation of all mankinbde perithes, ercept ¥faac remained in fafetic, 3Fo2 by that pomife be was taught, that ODD is not fauourable bnto men, without a mediatour . Foꝛ although this faping of Paule was not at that time wꝛitten, All the promifes of God in Chrift,are Yea,and Amen: pet nottvithftanding,it was gras uen in the heart of Abꝛaham. And hotwe touid be haue bad anp hope, but vppon Iſaac? The matter therefo2e came to that point,that Goo might ſceme to haue done nothing elfe but dal⸗ lied. Wut not onelp the neath of bis fonne is tolve him, but be ts alfo conunaunded to kill him With bis tone bande; euen ag VPON GENESIS, CAP. XXII. 2473 ag ithe thould, not onely caſt away, but alfo cut in peeces, raft into the fire the fignet of bis f aluation ; and fhouid leaue nothing for him felfe but death and bell, Wut ifmay be de⸗ mannded, hotve faith being bis guide, be came fo the offering, Op of bis ſonne, when as a battell was (et before him, contra⸗ ric fo the word of Dod, which tue mull nedes of neceſſitie bes leuc. To this queftion the Apoſtle anfinereth,faping,He con- eh. nas dered that God was able to raife him vp eucn from the dead: Heb. I-59 fron whence alfo he receiued him after a fort. It could not be, but that big minde ſhould be Maken and biolently affaulfed, {when the commiaundement and the promiſe of Cov firoue to⸗ gether within him. Wut after be aſſured him felfe that ODD, With whome he was cerfeine that he had to Bee, could not be his enimie: although be findeth not bp and by a war to take away therepugnancie : pet notivithitanving, by bis bope be recoucilety the conunaundement with the pomife, bycaule he being vndoubtedly perfuaded that God is faithfull, leaueth vnto him the fuccefle whereof be isiqnozaunt, In the meane tinte, be goeth (as it were) blindfolded thither, whither be ts rommaunded, This honour Gods truth deferucth,not onelp that it ariſe aloft, abouc humane meanes, and is of it felfe fufs ficient without meanes : but alfo that tt be aboue all maner of lets, Pere nowe wwe do the better bebolde the manner of temp⸗ tation, which Motes noted, It was a very hard and grenous thing, for Abraham to forget that be is a father, and a bufs bande , and fo put off all humane affections : to be dela⸗ famed befoze the world of filthte crucltte : as fo be the murde⸗ rer of bis owne fonne, But this other thing is farre moe greeuous and hozrible, that be conceiueth ODD tobe againk him Celfe and bis {0020 ; then, that he thinkety all hope of the bieffing fo be taken front him, when Ilaac is taken alway. Foꝛ (ac com what hud he to doe any more with Gov, when the only pledge manded to of arace is taten away? Wut as be at the firſt, loking fo2 Feng O° au⸗a focome out ofvis withered body, vᷣ which feemed to be hope fo2, was patt his hope ; eueit fo notwe, when be in the death of his foune, taketh holde of the quickening power of ODD, ta affure hint {elfe of the blefling, euen out ofthc athes of his lonne he windech him felfe out of the Labyrinth of tenptatiũ. Foz Faith fais Jeth, when the pros mile fal. leth. 4 IOHN CALVINE F02 thathemight obep God, it was neceſſarie that he ſhould holde fa the promife, the which being frultrate,fatth fatleth, Gut healtwayes toke holde ofthe promite ; bycauſe be twke fure hole of the lone, therewith GDD once loued him, and made fubiec Onto his power, all thoſe things which Sathan lifted bp fo trouble bis mind, And he would not meaſure With bis ſenſe the manner of fulfilling the pꝛomiſe, which he knewe Depended vpon the incomp2eyenfible power of Gop, It remate neth, that euery one of bs applie this era mple vnto him felfe, The Lore beareth with our infirmitie, info muche, that be doth uot fo feucrely and tharpelp examine our faith: pet note withſtanding, be woulve giue bs an erample tn the father of all the Faithfull, whereby be might call bs to the common 2obation of faith, Fo2 it is not mete that faith, whiche is moꝛe p2ectous then golde and filuer, ould lye tole Without probation : and erperience teacheth, that every one is exami⸗ ned according to the meaſure of hts faith. Withall alfo let bs note, that Gad tempteth bis feruaunts,not only when be fubs dueth the affections of the flethe, but alfo when he ouerthr20w⸗ eth all their imaginations, that he ntay bring them to the full deniall of them ſelues. (Thy only fonne Ifaac whome thou lo- ult. ] As though it were not Cufficient Wwith one word to coms naund the killing of his fonne, be doth (as it were) with freth Wounds, perce the minde of the holy kather againe, In calling him bis only ſonne, be maketh the wounde fo blade againe, which was lately atuen by tie banithting of the other fonne, Alle, he hath refpect vnto the time to come, bicauſe there was no hope left of begetting pofteritie, Jf fo be the death of the firf€ begotten fonne be commonly greuous: what caufe then bad Abraham to mourne - Cuery word which followeth,is of great fo2ce,to erafperate and increaſe his greefe Kil him(ſaith be) whome thou loueſt alone: nepther doth be meane only fas therly loue,but alfo fuch lone as ſpꝛang of fatch, Ababam los ued bis fonne, not onlp according to the common courte of nas fure, and as fathers are wont to Delight in their fonnes : but bicaufe be beheld in hint the fatherly loue of Gov, To be thot, Iſaac was the loking glaffe of euerlatting life , and the pledge ofall god things, Wiherefore,ODD feemeth not to aftaile ° mut VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXII, much the fatherly loue of Abꝛaham, as fo treade vnder feete 4.77 his olwne god twill. Where is no lefle Cmphatis 02 force in the name of Iſaac, by which Abrꝛaham Was admonifhed, that he had toy remaining Onto him in no other. In very deede, when be is taken away which was giuen fo be the cauſe of toy, it is euen as much, as if God ſhould condemne bim fo everlatting tozment, Foꝛ tue muff alwayes remember, that Iſaac was not of the common oder of fonnes, but fuche a one, in whofe perfon the mediatour tuas pꝛomiſed. [Goe into the land Mo- riahy] This cireumifance did not a liftle increafe the ſharpe⸗ neſſe of his greefe, Hod wil not haue him to kill his fonne by € by: but conftreineth hun to keepe in bis minde by the {pace of thre daves, this erecufion of his fonne ; that poeparing him felfe to the killing of his fonne, be might the moze greuoully torment all bts ſenſes. Mozcouer, be nameth not the place, Wwhere he would haue fhat greeuous facrifice offered ¢ Vpon one of the mounteines (fatth he) which I will fhewe thee. E⸗ uen fo atthe ſirſt, when be commaunded him fo aoe out of bis countric,be kept bis minde in ſuſpenſe. Wut in this buſineſſe, delay was leſſe follerable, the which delay moſt cruellp tors mented the holy father, euen as ifhe had bene puf into a place of fozment! And the dle of this ſuſpenſe is two folde. We are moze prone to nothing, then to be wiſe beponde meaſure. Therefore God, to make vs obedient and tractable bnfo him, maketh bs fo2 our profite to be deſtitute of our clone counfel ¢ and leaueth nothing for bs, buf onelp that We may leave our félues to be gouerned and carried at bis will, Alfo, this was bery effectuall to leade him fo perfeucrance, that be mighf not only with a fouden motion thew him ſelfe obedient vnto God. Foꝛ in that be qoeth fozwarde in his iourney, with full pure pofe to doe as he was commaunded,it thereby appeareth,that bis conffancie was fuche, as be wauered no2 ſtackered one Whit, Hicrome expounding the lanve of Poziah,calleth it, the Land of viſion, as if it had ben Bezined from the Hebrue word. But all thep which are fkilfull inthe Beboue foun, are not of bis minde in this point. As much alfo J do mifike of their interpretation, which call it the Pyrhe of God.At this day al⸗ fo the interpzeters do not agree, in that fome thinke that the dodring 4.78 ' TOHN CALYVINE doctrine of God is hereby commended. Wat let bs follotwe that which is mere likely, bow that it is called The lande of Gods Wwo2hip, eyther bicanle God bad chofen the fame fo2 the offes ring of the facrifice, that Abzabam might not difpute and fay, GU by not rather inan other place : 02 elfe bycaufe the fame place was already appointed fo2 the temple. And this ſeconde caule ¥ gladly imbace, that God required of bis feruaunt As braham the paefent worſhip there, bycauſe be bad already des ferimined in bis fecrete countell,to place bis o2dinarte woꝛſhip there. And there is no doubt, but that the ſame Was the place, where the temple twas afterward builded. 3 [And Abraham arofe carly inthe morning.} This reas binefle ſheweth howe great the faith of Abzabamwas. An innumerable fo2t of thoughtes might come into the minde of the holy man, of the which euerp one might haue daunted bis courage, vnleſſe be bad foztified him felfe bp fapth, And there is no doubt, but that Sathan bought abuge beape of cares info bis minde in the night fime. Thereloꝛre in friuing, it twas noble foztitude to ouercome them by little and little. And they being overcome, by and by topzepare bim felfe to fulfill: — the commaundement of God: pea, and to rife betimes in the mozning, wanteth not a great miracle. Dther men at the. bearing of (uch greeuous andterrible newes, would haue fale len, and vtterly bane fainted : but Abzabam twas ſo fozwarde, that be rofe by the b2eake of the day, fo batten bis buſineſſe. Wherefore in fewe wo2de8, Boles highly ertolleth Abrahams faith, when be thetweth that be bad ouercome the temptation in fuch ſhort {pace of time, which temptation bought with it many Labyzinthes, 4 (He fawe the place.) What is to fay,be falwe that with his eves, which twas ſhewed before by a ferrete bifion. Wut when itis fapde, that be lifted bp bis epes, there is no Doubt but Moles meaneth, that be was bery carefull all the thoee dayves (pace. Whereas be commaundeth bis feruauntes to tarrie in a place, be Doth it with this purpole, that they might not lap hand bpon him, as bpon a madde and doting old man, and fo fap bim from bis buſineſſe. And herein appeareth the fortitude and courage of bis minde, in that bis thoughtes * 9 VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXI. Yowell aduifed and quiet, that be voth nothing grudgingly. 479 ‘Rotwwithianding, when be faith, that be will returne with the lad againe, he ſcemeth to viffemble and fo lp, Some thinke that be fpake this prophetically ; but bicaufe it is certein, that ‘he neuer forgate that which was pomifed, concerning the es ablithing of the fede in Iſaac, it map be, that he reſting vpon ‘the prouidence of God, imagined even in death, that bis ſonne ‘was aliue: and as he went ſorwarde, as it were winking, to kill his ſonne:euen fo there ts no abfurditie, tf tue fay, that be fpake confufedly in an obfcure matter, 7 [My father.] Bere God addeth a newe forment,fo p end — mind being alredy wounded with many Wwounds, might be more € moze forimented, Foꝛ there is no doubt, but pᷣ God of purpoſe framed Iſaacs toung fo this gentle and milde fpeach, € alfo fo the demaund, that nothing might be wanting to increafe bis fathers forrow, et not withſtanding, the man of Ood with an inuincible mind, fulteineth this affaultalfo: € be is fo farre front being troubled in bis courfe begun, thathe - cheweth hint felf to be wholy addicted vnto God, ¢ to admit nse thing which may either trouble bis truſt, 02 binder bis obedi⸗ ence, But it is worthy fo be noted, what a hard knot he vnlo⸗ feth, in that be ficeth vnto the fanctuarie of Gods p2outdente, faving, [God will prouide hint a lambe.] This erample is fet before bs fo follow.So often.as the 102d commandeth Os anp thing, many things come into our mind to difcourage bs : the meanes fatle bs, we are deſtitute of countel,all wayes fo (cape feeine tobe (hut bp. The only remedie in (uch erfremities that we faint not, is, if we leaue the fuceefle onto Ood,that be map make a way where no way is, For as Wwe do iniurie Onto Dod inboping for nothing at bis handes, but for that tobich our fenfes do compꝛehend: euen fo, we gine vnto him no ſmall hos nour, when in confuſed matters, Wwe fay our ſelues toholp bps on * pꝛouidence. 8 [ And they went both together.J Bere wwe may beholde both the conftancie of Abraham, and alfo the moteftic of his for, Foꝛ Abraham was made neuer a whit the flower by this dette: and the fonne replieth not fo refell and put away bts fas hers anſwere. For he might eafily haue replicd, Zo wha : end aug 480 +» IOHN CALVENE «© + haue we brought wod and a ſword with vs, without a beat, if God haue commaunded a facrifice fo be offered vnto him But bycaule be thinketh, that bis father bath left the facrifice behinde him fo2 fome certcine confideration,and not of forgets fulneffe,be holdeth bis peace andis contented, - - 9 [And they came vnto the place. Moles of purpofe omits teth manp things, the tobich notwithſtanding, the readers are to confider of , WVWhen be bath made mention of building the altar, by and by be addeth, that Iſaac was bound. And we knolwe,that be was then of middle age,in fo much that either be was ſtronger then bis father , 02 elfe at the leatk able to make reſiſtance, if fo be the matter bad ben fo be tried by force. CUberefore ¥ do not thinke, that be ſtriuing 92 reſiſting, was by biolence conftreined : but rather that he willingly vealded him felfe, And it could {carfly be, that be would offer him ſelfe vnto death, vnleſſe be already bad bene certified by the o2acle of Gad : but omitting this (peach, only Moles reciteth that be — {yas bound, Hf any man obtect.that it was fuperfluons fo2 him to be bound, which tent twillingly to death : Janſwere, that the holy man went fo about fo preuent perill, lea any thing night happen tn the middeſt of his worke. Wonderkfull is the — limplicitie of Bofes, in letting lorth this hiſtorie: but yet bis fimplicitic is fuch,that it conteineth moze vebemencie, then if be didlargely dilate allthings, Notwithſtanding, this is the ſumme, What when Abraham came to give bis fon the ſtripe, be was alwayes one, and bis courage of minde fo great, that bis olde hande fufficen to finiſhe the facrifice, by the only fight whereof, bis whole body might melt and be confounded. u [The Angel of the Lord cryed ynto him. ] rotwe the ins twarde fempfation twas ouercome, when Abzabam boldly lif⸗ fed bp bis bande fo kill bis fonne, and by the fingular grace of God, had gottẽ fo notable a vicoꝛie. And now Moles Hheiwveth, that foudenly beponde all hope, bis ſoꝛrowe was turned into toy. The Poets tn their fables, when things are pat all hope, b2ing in ſome God, Wohich foudenlp appeareth by fubttle des uife, It may be, that Satban hath gone about by fuch imagi⸗ nations, to obfcure the wonderfull and ferrible encounters ings of Gon; tuben be bath appeared to bis (eruants, to belpe at them VPON GENESTIS?# * CApl xxl: for.” Dhis hiſtorie ought to be knotwew and famous’ fo. all nations 3 but bp the fubtiltte of Sathan the trueth of God hath not bene dnely counterfarted,. and turned into a lic, but alfo handled to bean otcafion of fables, to the end it snap be the moze ſcorned Wutit is ode part diltzently to tonſt⸗ Der, how wonderfully, euen in a momẽt, God both brought J⸗ ſaac frõ death tolife, ¢ alſo how he reſtored fo Abrahã his fon, being come as it were forthof p qrauc, And Moles erprelicth that the bopce of the Angel founded from heaucn, to theend Abraham might knowe, that the fame proceeded fr Cov: that by thefame direction of faith,be might pull backe bis bande, wherewith be had ſtretched tt out, Fo2 it Was riot meete, in ſo areat a matter, either to takeanyp thingin bande , 02 fo leaue ‘the fame, without God were the authour thereof, Let bs alfo learne by ns erample, not to fellotve that, which fhe reafon of ficthe and bloud telleth bs fo be probable: but let God at his will and pleafure alene, preſcribe vnto “bs the manner of doing, and of ceaſſing. But Abꝛaham Boeth not accule Cod of inconttaucic, becauſe he weigheth that there is tut caufe of the exerciſing of bis faith. ag [Now I know, that thou Feaielt God. 7 Ariattinesiete polition is tw farre Kretchen, when he interpreteth it , I have made thee to know. But holw tart any thing be fatd to bome t⸗ the knowledge of God, to whom all things haue ben alwaves pꝛeſent? Jaunſwer, that be applying binrfelfe to the maners of men, ſayth that the fame ts’ knotwen vnto bint; whiche be foundout by experiment. Foꝛ he talketh not with vs according fo bis vnſpeakable wiſedome: but according to our infirmi⸗ tie. And he ſimply meaneth , that Abraham declared in ve⸗ rie deede, how ſeriouſly he leared ODD, Notwithltanding, if may be Demanded, Whether he had not alreadie declared his godlines many wayes before thts time, J anflver,thaf when ‘God would haue him to procede thus farre ſorth, then at the Tak be was truely,and thzougblyp p20ued When as in otber things, a triall muche more lighter might bane beene Lerffict ent, But as Abraham ſhewed that he feared God, rat ſparing bis owne and onely beqotten ſonne:euen ſo a generall teftiz monie of thelike feare, in denping — feluesyis required — a — 481 A “ TOHNICAL VINE all the godlie But becauſe God bath brought bs info a conti· ‘nuall warrefare;nemnutt take hede;thatnone of bs. defire to be releated,befoze the time requireth.the fame.) > 13- [And behold there wasa Ramme behindhim,) There⸗ as the Jeboes feigne thatthe Mamme twas created the firte The * day of the worlde, it is like vnto other of their. imaginations. miracle, Dereis ne cauſe why we fhoulve doubte; but that the fans lnas. offered by miracle, whether the fame was ther at the fir ereated,o2 whether st were bought from another place. Foꝛ the Lod would giue ſomewhat vnto bis ſeruant, wheres vppon bis feruant being topfull and merrie, mighte offer a ſweete facrifice : and withall be put bum in minde of thankel’ gining. Gnd twbereas a Kamme ts appointed tn the ſteede of Iſaac, Gon fetteth before vs,as ina glate, what ts the ende of ‘our moptification: namely, that the ſpirite of God reigning ts bs, we being dead, map nenertheleffe be a linetie facetfice. J am not ignozant that moze (ubtile Alleqo2tes may be dDzaiwne out of this ; but 3 {ce not what ground 02 force thep bane, 1») 14 BAnd Abraham called, the name of that place.) In gis uing of thankes be dofh not only acknowledge at this preſent time, that God toonverfully proutded fo2-binubut allo be leaft vnto fhe potterities a monument of bis thankfulneffe. In bis. laſt and ertreante fronble be fed vntothe pꝛouidence of God: fhe Which be teltifieth be din net in baine. For he acknowled⸗ geth that the Ramme came not thither by chance, but that the fame was offered by Cod ,. And whereas im continuance of tine,the name of the place as changed,tt came fo to paſſe of © purpofe,and not by errour, Foꝛ they which haue tranflated the verbe actiue, He will fcejinto the verbe paffiue, He will be (cene: mtended hereby to teache, that God bath not ones lie a regard to thofe that are bis,but alfo openty belpeth them, that in like maner be maybe feene, By order this is fir, how that God doth appoint ¢ o2daine vᷣ which is erpedient fo2 bs: -but bereof the other Dependeth,that he may reach out bis band vnto bs,and map make bim felfe vifible by fruecrperiments, — 1g [And the Angel of the Lorde eried ynto Abraham, ] What which the Lode had pzomifed bnto Abzaham before J⸗ faac was bozne,be now againe confirmeth and —* VPON GENESIs? Cav: xxi: g de aroſe againe aline front the altar,euen as out of the graue: 4 3 chereby to make a moze full triumph. And the Angel ſpeaketh in the perfon of God, euen as Wwe bauefayd before, that their ambaflage may haue the moze authozitic. Hotwithſtanding, thefe tive thinas feeme not to agree fogether;to place that now in fede of a reward, whiche was pꝛomiſed before freely. Jfo2 Grace and we knowe, that there is no confent betivene grace and ares * n —_ warde. And nowe ſeeing thedleding which is promifed inthe .,... toges fede, conteineth the hope of faluation 2 it follolweth,thatcuers cher. latting life ts giuen vnto worꝛkes. And the Paprites boloely take this place and ſuch like,to prouc that wo2kes doe deferne all thofe graces which God beftotucth on vs. WBut J verie apt⸗ ly wreit vppon themſelues this ſubtiltie. Foꝛ if ſo be the pros miſe was free before, which is now aſcribed to a rewarde, it is manifelt,that whatſoeuer God giueth vnto workes, ought fo wWorkes be acknowleged to come from grace. Before Iſaac was borne arc cewar. this (elf fame pꝛomiſe twas ratified : and he receiueth now no- ded by thing but a cenfirmation of the fame. Jf Abzabanvbdeferued bp bis vertue fo great a reward, the grace of God twhtch preuen⸗ fed hint ali be of none effect, Thereſore fo the end the trueth of God founded bpon bis free godneſſe may be ſirme,we muſt needes allure onr felurs of this, that the fameis callentherce Wward of wo2kes which ts giuen freely, ot that God doth obs {cure the pꝛaiſe of his godneſſe, 02 in any point diminiſhe the fame:but onlp that he may incourage thole that arc his,to the deſire of well daing, when thep vnderſtande that their Duties doe fopleafe him, that he veucheth fafe alſo fo giue them a rez warde: paying notwithſtanding nothing as debt, but gi⸗ wing the name ofa rewarde to bis benefifes, And herein thereis no dilagreement. Foꝛ the Lo2d ſheweth him felfe to be twife liberal, then as he fecking to prick bs forward to a ode tie life,attributeth that vnto our wwrkes, whiche was poe per to his meerebeneficence and godneſſe. Thereſore, the Paptts do weft to.a contrarie end amiſſe thefe gentle allure, iments of Gadsby which be would help and amendour ſlouth⸗ Tulnefle : that mammay arrogate that to bis merites, whiche as the mere aifte of Gods liberalitie. | | 17) UT hy feede thall poſſeſſe the gate.} He meaneth that out Db. ty, Abrahams your. - ASA. {HOHNOCALVINED © * 9 Abrahauis pofteritie ſhalbe the conquerour of ther enimies. Foꝛ there wert fortes Withinthe qates 5 andin them iudge⸗ montes were exerciſed. And although Ood oftentimes fuffes red the Jewes to be vnder thetp2anme of theirenimics.: pet neuertheleiſe be fo o2dered his iudgementes, that this promile » at the laft hav nenertheletfe the preeminence, Alfo emul res member that, whtche ¥ bought befoze out of Paule,concers ning the vnitie of the fed. fo2 hereby we gather,that victorie was not pꝛomiſed to all the fonnes of Abraham, but to Chꝛiſt and to bis members, fo farre fo2th,as they agra together vn⸗ Der one head. Foꝛ ercept we obferue fome marke, whiche puts tetha difference betivente the lawfull and the baſtard ſonnes of Abzabam : this pꝛomiſe thalt without exception compꝛe⸗ hende as well the {fmaelites, and fhe Joumeans,as the peor | pleof Iſrael. Wut the bnifie of fhe people dependeth vppon ef the head, © Dherefoze the Prꝛophetes, fo often as they twill: ratifie this pꝛomiſe of © D D, take this p2tnctpall point,that thep hall growe together vnder Dauid, into one bodie 5. whiche are without him diuided. Let the Keader, ſor moze —— of this matter,loke in the twelfth· Chapter going before. 19 T And they went together vnto Beer-fheba, } Poles | cheweth that after Abraham had finithed fhat harde and won⸗ derfull temptation, be bad a quiet aboade tn Weerlheba Whis matter,and that whiche follotweth, concerning the increafing of bis kinred, was therfore declared by. Woles, that we might knolwe thatthe man of Covd,after be was brought aut of the. pepe pitte of death, was not bp one meanes onely cheered,and: - made topfull. For G D D would haue hun tobe forefrefhed, that be might be as it were aneweman, Hovbeit, for ar nother caufe Moles reckoneth bppe the peogenie of Pacho2: namely, becaule Jfaac was to take a twife.from thence. Foꝛ mention is berie ſeldome tints made of women th the Scriptures : and it is credible, that mor danghters Were bo2ne to Nachor himfeife, among whiche, onely Rebece ca is ſette Downe here. ‘We putteth a diffcrente betwene the ſonnes of concubinesand others ; breaule they were of moꝛe baſe birth: not thataconcubine was accompted as an eaters ‘but. besaute de Seaman onder or ſoconde Wife, ee VPON GENESIS) "iCAP. XXIIIL not the godwiſe of the houte, tobiche twas partaker with the man of the godes belonging te the fame. Andalthough Na⸗ cho; intended to takea feconde wife: yet for all that,the has ving of moe wines then one,is not therefoze latofull : but by the cuſtome of other men, be thought that to be latwefull * him, which did ſpring froma a! and a diueliſh cozrupe on, CHAP TER? de ghupe. 4 Hen Sarah was an hundred rienthé ih nasi ycares olde, fo long liued fhee. Then Sarah died in Kiriath-arba; the fame is Hebron inthe’ lande of Canaan: : And Abra- ham came to mourne for Sarah 2 and wept for her. 3 Then Abiaham arofe vp fide thefis ght of his ‘cotpke, & tallced with the Hittites, faying : Tama {traunger and a forreiner attion’ © you : give mea Mion of burial dmong he that I aay ‘butie m ‘ deade out of my fight. hati 5 And the ſonnes of anſwered Abraham, fiying ynto him: . 6 Heare vs my Lord, Thou art a prince of God among vs, in the chiefeft of our fepulchres burie thy dead,none of vs thall forbid thee his epulchre;but thou mayft burie thy dead there- in "7 ‘Then Abraham ftoode vp and bowed hitsfelfe before the people of the lande of the Hittites, 8 And he communed with them faying, If BE your mind that I thall burie my dead out of my fig tyheare me and intreat for me to Ephron the fonne of Zoh har, 9 That he woulde giue methe caue of Machpelah, whiche he hath in the ende of his feelde, that he woulde gine it me,for as much monic as itis worth,fora pofleflion tobe barie’ inamong 485 —* to. Ebr E Stién divele among the Hittites, Thal Baio babe the Hittite anfwered Abraham in n the! cic⸗ all the Ent | ites that Went itt at thie gates of hiscitic faying ¢ | ; — Hh.iij. uu No 486 L11IXX% GOWN GHbVINREoty Dye ae No my Lords heareme, the feelde g give Ithee and ‘the eaue thatthereinis, 5 giucit thee: euen in the, prefence. ofthe fonnes of my people give Lit thee, to burie thy de. td ani the hen Abraham bowed him (elfe: ‘before the. se ce] 13, And Spake yato Ephronin the — ao ithe peo of the countrie, faying ,, Seeing thou wilt giue it,] pars heare me : ] will giue the price of the feelde, receiue it of 9* and Iwill burie my. deade there gy» , f 14- And. Ephron auntwered ‘Abraham + faying to im: 1s My Lorde hearken vnto 2* lande is worth Roive hundred fhickles of filuerjwhat.js. thet baeweae Fee and thee· burie therefore thy deade.. 16 SoAbraham harkened ynto Ephron. And Abrahaen weighed ynto Ephron the filuer which he had named inthe au- dience of the Hittites: euen foure hudred filuer thickles of cur xant monie among merchantes., 47 So the feelde of Ephron. whiche, was in Mach pelah, & ouer againfte Mamre, cuen the feelde and. the, caue that was,therein , and all. the trees. that were-in, the. feelde ,. whiche were in all the borders rounde aboute was mad¢ Cy — —— polleon in the fight, of the Hittites, even of all that, wente in at the gates of the Ci+ tic. » 19! And after.this;Abraham buried Sarah his wife im the caue of the feelde of Machpelah, ouer. againſt Mam- re : The fame is Hebron in the lande of Canaan, 20 Thusthe feeldeand the caue that is therein, was made furevnto Abraham fora poilethiont buriall 5 * the Hitti tes. c When: oral was ..], It is meruell that Hotes, wha ~ AG inone worde declareth the death of Sarat, doeth fo largely che, age,& PeOlequute ber funerall, Wut we Mall fee anon that this is buriall, not done by him in baine. al helo baa tonsbetb het death 3 hoe no fauna VPON GENESIS. CAP. xxItr? that be leaueth moze to fhe readers to be confivered of, then he expreſſeth. The holy fathers ſawe that they dicd.as well as the rep2obate: pet neuertheleſſe thep were nothing diſcouraged, but leading a life full of forrotwes, thep goe boloty fo2waroe to pᷣ marke, Mhervpon it folletwcth, that they being incoura⸗ ged with the hope of abetter life, gaue not place to weari⸗ neſſe. Boles faith that Sara lined 127, peares . Wut bicaule af euerie number Moles repeateth the name of yeares, the Jewes feigne, that this twas therefore done, bycaufe Me was as faire teben the was an hund2ed peares olve, as the was at twentie: and in the flotver of ber age as modeſt and ſhame⸗ fall , as (he was when the was but ſeuen veares olde. This is their common manner, When they goe about to prone them felues wittie in fetting forthe their nation , fo mingle vaine topes, Wwhiche beww2ap their fhamefull iqnozance: euen as in this place who would fay that they were ſo ignorant of their Otone tongue, wherin this repetition is verie common, 487 —2 [ Uhen Sarah died in Kiriath-arba, J By the fifteenth totus. 15. Chapter of Joſua it appeareth, that the name of the Citietwas 54. moꝛe auncient, whiche afterwardes beganne to be called he⸗ bon. Wut concerning the Etymologie and meaning of the Name, men dec not agre. Some thinke that the name was deriucdof the fourefolde Citie: euen as the Grecians catl that reiroAw,' Wwhiche ts a Cifte diuided bp thre orders : any that region -Acuarow, whiche hath in it. tenne Cities O⸗ hers ‘thinke that Arbah is the name of a Giant, whome —* deeme tobe either a Tyrant, 02 elſe the builder of the Wie , Ji Judy Uh Déherfome thinke that the name’ tas giuen of the foure ‘fathers which tere buried there with their twiues, Adam, A⸗ braham, Jfaac, and Jacob . Wut ¥ for mp parte willingly fufpende my iudgement ina matter doubtfull and not verie neceſſarie his belongeth to the prefent hiſtorie a great deale rather, howe it came to paffe , thaf Sarat died in any other place then there , where Abzabam divett . Ff any man fay, that they both had chaunged their feate, the wordes of Was — hain bod who faith that Abrabam came to.betwaile dead. ths | Dy iy, Foy 488 Queftion Anfwere. Abraham mourned with mea⸗ IOHN CGCALVIWE Fos hereof we map eafily gather, that he tas not at her death. Neither ts it hkely that their tentes were pitchen along one from the other,that to monuruche might walke tenne oz twentie pafes , neglecting a more principall dutie. Foꝛ this canfe fone fulpect,that be went at that time with great qreefe, Wut it feemeth fo me muche moꝛe probable , that they above at that time in Hebron, 02 af leak wiſe inp plaine of Mamre, which is neere adiopning fo the citie. For after a little time of reft was giuen vnto him, he was by and by confkrained to returne to his wanted pilarimages. And although Moles cheweth not; that Abraham did the lawefull duties of a huſ⸗ bande, bis wiſe being aliue: J thinke that be omitteth to fpeake of it, becauſe it was out of Doubt, and moſte certeine: and that be maketh mention of the mourning , becaule if was amatter apperteining tothe care of the buriall. Alterward we fhall fe that they dwelt by themfelues,not becanfe the one dwelt in one countric, and the other in another , but becaufe thep lined fenerally in their owne fenfes, though bordering ane vppon another. Neither twas that a figne of contention oz bralles: but itis rather tobe imputed fa the greateneſſe of their familie, Foꝛ as Abꝛaham bad muche buſineſſe in gouer⸗ ning fo greate a companie of feruantes: ſo his wife bad nos leffe adoe, to keepe ber mapdes vnder honell and chaſte go⸗ uernement. Therelore the greate plentie of ſeruantes, whi⸗ che thep conlde not fafely mingle together , conffrained thent toparteboutholde . Wut to what purpole feruedit,to come onto adead coꝛpſe to weepe ouer it - Was not the death ot bis wife ſorrowfull and greeuons enoughto pꝛouoke bim fo ſorrowe 7A remedic rather was tobe fought fo mitigate the fame,then to mainteine andincreale tt, J aunfwere,tf Abra⸗ ham came onto hts dead wife,to cauſe moe plentie of teares, and fo rente his beart with netwe woundes ; the erample is not to be followed. But andif be priuatly bewailed bis wiues death, fo farre fo2th as bumanitic required, and meafured him felfe therein: and alfo boluntarily belwatled the common fure for Sa'curfe ofmankinde, there ts no fault in neither of both .. Foꝛ⸗ rah, to be touched with no feeling of fozrotve and greefe, at the bee holding of death, is rather babarous ſenſleſſeneſſe then ** ude VPON GENESTS.) CAP XXIII. 48 fune of minde, Pozrconer,becaufe Abꝛaham {yas a man, it may 4 9 be that heexcaded meafure, And pet notwithltand ing⸗ that {which Moles addeth ſtreight after,that be arele front his dead, perteineth to the praiſe of moderation. be which Ambrofe ait weigheth, faping that we are taught by this example, at they bebane themfelucs amifte, whiche exceede tn bewai⸗ ling the dead, Now if Abzabam then mane an end of bis greefe and refrained him felfe , when as the refurrection was as pet but abfcure, and not well vnderſtode: they are wo2thie of no erciife, which at this day tofe the bridle to impatience, nowe that in the refurrection of Chriſte, we haue ſuche full and per⸗ fect confolation, Fado i 3. [And talked with the Hittites. J after {what fathion A⸗ brabam buried bis tines bovie, Poles ſheweth not: oncly be ftandeth berie long vpon the recitall of the buying of the fepulch2e For what tauſe he doth fo, toe fhall fe anon, when come tofaye ſomewhat concerning the order of buriails, Powe hiadly the fame hath bene eſteemed in all ages, and az mong all men / it is well enough knowen. here haue bene many cerentonies herein, and: diners: faperditions led: ne⸗ Burials,¢~ uertheleffe, if bath beene cammmon.ta atl mens to burie ther °° and in Dead, Meither came that care, either of feolith curiofitic,either a of adefire of baine folace,either elfe of ſuper tition : but of the fenfe of nature, which Goo bath giuen to the mindes of men: & be neuer fuftered the ſame to banitheatway, that they might be witnelles to them felues of the life to come. Neither is it likely, that they baue fpoken fertoufty from their heart, who to the deriving of buriall haue caſt forth certeine beaftly (per ches . Weare (Jaraunt)te contenme burtall {witha ſtoute courage, no othertwile then riches, honours , and fuche other commodities of this life , that witha quiet and patient minde Wwe may fuffer our felues to be depriued of ther. Not with⸗ flanding, it cannot bg dented, but that godlineffe bainacth With ita care of buriall, And in verie dade, as J haue fapoe, this was ingranen by God fron the beqinning in the mindes of all men,that they might burte thei dead: wherevppon ale fo they had bolie burials. 3confelle,that prophane and eas then men baue not alwares rementb2ed, that the foules * ue £00 z TOHN CALVINE 49 line after death, and that thereis a hope of the refurrectiong ieft onto mens bodies, and that they bane not erercifed thems felues in any godlic meditation, ſo often as they bane laing their dead in the graues ; but pet their forgettefulnette, ang iwant of confideration, is ne lette, but that the image of ‘the life to come hath bene befoze their eves , to the end thep might be inercufadle, _ Wut Abraham hauing the hope of the refurrection through⸗ ip fired in bis heart, willingly imbraced the ſigne thereof, as it Was convenient, And bow greatly be eſtcemed the ſame, it Hereby appeareth: becauſe be thought him telfe guiltie of pollution, if fobe he mingled the bodie of bis Wife, after death, with others, Ffor to this ende be bought the caue, that be might baue a pure and holie ſepulchre fo2 himteife and he cared not to haue one fote of ground where he pits ched bis tent: onely bis care Wwas foz buriall : and he wwoula haue a peculiar and domelticall ſepulchre fo? him felfe,cfpecie allp in that land, whiche was pramiten bate him fo2 an inhe⸗ rifante : that he might ntake it knotwen vnto the pottcriti¢s, that the poomifeof GD D is! not: ertinguithed : but that it rather ode then itt force: and that thep which were depri⸗ ued front fhe light ef the Sunne, and from the common ſpi⸗ rife and byeath, doe allwapes not withſtanding abine parta- kers of the promifed inberitaunce F02 they holving their peate,and being 1, the ſepulchre cried that death was no lette for them, to come vnto the poſſeſſion therof, Lhe whis che cogitation could not haue entered into his minde, vnlee Abzabam by faith bad lifter Oppe bis eyes bnto heaven, And ., hen he calleth the dead corpie of his wife > His dead. , he gi⸗ ~— # ueth to vnderſtande, that the diuo2ce of death is ſuche, that coniunéti- Here remaineth neuertheletfe ſome coniunction , Alſo on be- there is no other thing then the reſtoring to come, that maine tweene teineth and p2eferteth the late of mutuall coniunction and minted Nerenefle, But it is better to weighe brieuly euerie particus death, lat matter, by it felfein over, 4 (lama ftraunget, and forreigner, ] Lhe beginning of. VPON GENESOS. Ca. XXIII. | I His oration tendeth to this end 5, either that by humbly ins “49 otteating be may moze eafily obteine that which he defireth:o2 ele that he might take away all entrie of deſire. Thereſore, becauſe bis dwelling among them, was but by leaue and fa, nour, be confetteth; that he hath no place ta burie in; but fuche as it ould like them tograunt onto bint. Lherefoze , bes caule they bad fuffered: him and bis fo dwell in thetr domini⸗ ot being aliue: it belonged to humanitie, not fo dente them their buriall being Deady. Af this ſenſe hike. vs, Abzabam both getteth kauour te bimlelfe, by bis, humilitie: and alfo ab firming, that be twas gently dealt withalt, by the Hittites, in⸗ couraceth thent by the praiſe, to ofe the fame liberaltfte, fill, Whiche they bad begunne to ſhewe. The other ſenle allo is not ont of (quare 5 that Abꝛaham toput away the hatred of pure chafing, faith that be noth deſire, not-foz the vſe of this, pre⸗ fent life,not through ambition,o2 couctoufnes: but onely that the bead might not lie bnburicd; as tfhe fhould fay, J refute not to be a flraunger among you, as Jhaue beene hitherto: % fecke not the ſpoyle of you ; that thereby inriching mp felfe A might afterwardes contende with you foz equalities J ans puely contented to haue a place fo burie in. eat 6 [ Thou artaPrince of GO Damong vs. ] Whe fonnes of Weth offer onto Abraham a free place of buriall, and to cheofe the fame wherett pleafeth bint, And they teltifie that Abraham delerucd this foz bis vertues fake. Jhaue {aide bes fore,that the hHebrues call all that ercelleth, diuine. There⸗ foze in this place, by the Pꝛince of God, they mearie that he is great, and of fingular ercellencte. This they do rightly,focals ods gif ling bim,twhom they reuerence fo2 bis vertues: thereby to de> 5: — clare that they aſcribe vnto © DD what vertues ſoeuer are reueren⸗ in men worthie of praiſe, and reuerente. Nowe, herein ced im his the Pittites hewe fome ſparcke of godlineſſe, in that they “Se giue bonour onto Abzabam, whome they acknowledge fo be adoaned with rare giftes of the {pixite of © «DD. Ffo2 wic⸗ ked and vngodlie men, thzough brutiſh contempte, treade vite —* fiete, as hogges doc pearles, the excellent giltes of @ Dan wydecdh-2udw evar ma Wie . And pet, foz all that, toe knowe how. greatly thole nati⸗ : ons. a TOHN CALVINE 49% ong tarined with all manner of twickeonette :fo2 the which caufe moze ſoule and Hamefullis our onthankfulneffe , if ſo be We giue no honour vnto the image of Cod, when the fame fhineth before our eyes, The holineſſe of manners wonne As boabam fauour with the Vittites, infomuche that thep qrude ged not fo haue hinta Prince among them. What ercufe thers ‘Mhall We haue, if fo be we leſſe eſteeme of thofe vertues, where⸗ ‘in the maieſtie OF God is entdently to be fence? And diueliſhe is their madneſſe whiche doe tot onelp defpile the graces of God, but doe alfo fiercely withſtand them, | 7 {Then Abrahani ftoode vp.) Abzabain refuleth the be- nefite offeredby the Hittites: the twbiche fome thinke was done with this purpofe, that be might not be bebolding vnto them fo: fo fmall a matter. Wut be would rather haue it decla⸗ red by this means, that be recetued no free poſſeſſion of the tite habitantes, which were te be calt out by the hand of Gon, that he might fucceede them in their place. Foꝛ be alwayes bended bis whole fenfes foward Ood,that he might p2cferre his bare pomife befoze the dominion of the prefent lande . Moſes allo commendeth the modeific of fhe man of Ood, when be fapth, that be mde bp to doe obetfance Onto the people of the lanve, his obeifance and reucrence in bowing the knee 02 the body, belongeth vnto God, and to men,but not alike. Men doe one to another either bow the knee, 02 make oberfance fo2 ciuil manners fake. The twhiche if we doe fo2 religions fake, itis ſacrilege. Foꝛ religion admitteth none other worſhippe but that whiche belongeth fo God alone, Wut lek any man ſhould meruell, that Abzabam behaued him felfe fo humbly and fers uiley, we mutt knowe that the fame twas Done acco2ding fo the conunon manner and fafhion. For if is twell knotune that they whiche dwelt inthe Caf parte, were exceedingly ats uen to ceremonies’, Ffa math compare the Opeekes 02 the J⸗ talians with hs, tue vſe it leſſe then doe they.’ And Ariftorle in fpeaking ofcerteine barbarous nations, noteth this faulte among thent, that thep bled fo many courtfies and worſhip⸗ piiqes, Wherefore there is no ‘caule why we fhould meafure this honour with our manners , whiche Abzabam gate bnto the people of thelande, © 8 8 a no hi 8 VPON GENV‘ES I S CAP. XAT. 8 Clfitbe your minde, ] He maketh them meanes to intreate Ephron, that he ould (ell onto him the double caue. gine thinke that the caue was of fuche fathion, that the one as abou, aud Coe other beneath, Let eucrp man followe bis owne tudgentent ; ¥ rather interpret, that there was but one entrie, that the caue twas diuided Within by a mivdle parti- tion, Chis rather perteimeth to the matter, that Abraham o& fering ſo muche as the fame twas two2th, obſerueth equitic. Howe many Hall we finde, which in their purchales and other affaires, will not {eke their otune commoditie by otber mens loſſe? JFo2 when the feller fetteth a areater price, by fo much moꝛe then the thing is worth, to make the buyer fo pay Oucr much;: and on the contrarie part, when the buyer offereth to farre Under fote, there is noende of bargaining and pris 493 Boyers & cilers ovehtto cing, And although conetoulnefle hath many colours:vet not? obieruc e~ Withfanding,it maketh them often tunes to forgette equitie quitie. and right whiche bargaine together . Allo itis necelſarie to nofe this; whiche Abzabam often times faith, that be twill bup the feelve fo2 the vſe of burtall.And bereits Doles vleth fo many Wo2des , fo the ende Wwe might learne, with our father Ababam,to lift bp our minds to the hope of the refurrection, Be ſawe that one balfe of himſelfe was taken away: but by⸗ cauſe be was allured,that his twife was not banithen from the kingdome of heauen, he layeth her vp ina fepulchze being Dead, vntill he him felfe ſhoulde be gathered onto ber, 1 £ Nowe my Lorde heare me. J Although Ephron inz ſtantly required, that be might giue the feloe freely to Abra⸗ braham: pet notwithſtanding, the bolic father abideth fill in bis purpofe, aud infozceth him at the lat with bis prayers fo fell the feelde, Ephron in ercufing him lelfe, pitcheth a leſſer price then the fame was loathe, that Abraham miaht not rez fule the purchale, Mowe, fering lofephus faith : that a fhickle was worth foure groates of Attica, we gather bp the sca ica fupputation of Budzus,that the pice of the feeloe was about countrie tivo hund2ed and fiftie poundes of Frenche monie, Abraham iv Greece. twas not fo {crupulous, buf that be woulde haue receined fone greater gift, if there bad not bene foe great reafon fo moue bun to thecontrarie , Foꝛ be had receined large giftes, both of IOHN CALVINE 4.94 orthekingotdeqypt, anv alfo ofthe thing of Gerar : but be obferued this rule, All thinges are not fo be receiued , neither in all places,no2 pet of all men. And euen noe J ſhewed that be bought the feelde, that be might not poſſeſſe any one ſote of lande by the gift of anp man, 16 [And Abraham weighed vnto Ephron.] 3 knotwe not what came in Hieroms mind, when be fapth § one letter was taken from Ephrons name, after be beng ouercome with Abrahams tntreaties , foke monic fo2 the feelde : beeaufe the fepulchze being foloe, his polver was maymed ¢ diminiſhed. Foꝛ the name of Ephꝛon is euerie where read weitten after the ſame manner. And pet this ought not to be imputed fo Ephron for an offence, that he being conſtrained toke the lawfuil price of bis qrounde,toben as be was readie fo cine tf liberally. If any offence were committed in this matter, Ae braham bearcth the whole blame, Wut who dare condemne a lawfull fale, wbercin confetence, gad faith, and equifte ts ob⸗ ferucd on both partes? Wut Abeabam bought the feelde in res (pecte ofthe buriall. WBut ought Cph2on therefore to haue graunted the ſame freely, and vnder the pretence of a burtall to haue defrauded himſelfe of bis right? We ſee therefore that theyaremerefoyes. Notwithſtanding, the Canoniftes,as they doe all thinges y2epoftecroufly and folifhly, taking raſyly Hicroms faping,baue decreed that it hall be wicked facrilege, if places of buriall be ſolde.And pet neuertheleſſe, all Popiſhe pricttes carelefipcrercife this chopping and chaunging: and confefling that the Churcheparde is a common place fo2 bus riall,thep twill fuffer none to be buricd there , before they pay ap2ice fo2 the fame, [Of currant monie among merchantes. } Poles (peaketh thus, becaule this vſe of monte was a mutue all conununication among men, 2 his communication 0; pate fage of monp from man to man, twas (pecially vſed in buying € (clling of merchandise. And whereas inthe end of the Chape fer, Dolesiapth that the feelde was confirmed by the bittites to Abꝛaham fo2 a pofleffion,the meaning ts that the bargaine of fale Was publiquelp couenanted , and fiqned. Foꝛ althouah a pꝛiuate man (olde it : pet not wthdanding, te people were pee, vp two. VPON GENESIS, CAP, XXIIII. tad were tontenting iwitneties,to the bargaine mabe 495 CHAPTER, XXLIIE. eA Owe Abraham was olde and ftricken in yeares,and the Lorde had blefled Abraham in all thinges. Therefore: Abraham fayde vnto his el- deſt feruant of his houfe,which had the rule 4 ofall that hehad, Put nowe thy hande yn- ve * my y high. 3 And [will make thee fweare by the Lorde God of the —J JJ— and God of the carth, that thou fhalt not takea wife vnto my fonneof the daughters of the Cananits,among whom dwell: 4 But thou thalt goe vnto my counttie, and tomy kinred, and takea wife vnto my fonne Izhak , ¢ And the feruant fayde ynto him, What if the woman will not come with me into this land:{hall 1 bring thy fonne againe vnto the lande from whence thou cameft? 6 Towhome Abraham anfwered, Beware that thou biisig not my fonne thither againe. 7 The Lorde’ God of heauen, who tooke mee from my fathers houfe ;and from the Laidaiwhatedswas borne, and that fpake vnto me, and that fware vnto me, faying, Vnto thy feede will I giue this lande: he fhall fende his. Angel :be- ee thee, and thou ſhalt take a wife vato my fonne from thence. 8 Neuertheleffe,if the woman will not followe thee, then fhalt thou be difcharged of this mine oath zonely bring not my fonne thither againe,. 9 Then his feruant put! his hande ynder the thigh of Abra- ham his maifter, and {ware voto him for this matter. 10 Sothe feruant tooke tenne Camels, of the Camels of his maifter,and departed: for he had all his maifters goodes in his hande; ſo he arofe,and went to Aram snabaraim, to the ci· tic ——— . —F And / te — TOHN CALYVINE 49 6. at And he made his Camels to lye downe,; without the Ci tic by a well of water, at euen, about the time that the women come out to drawe water, 12 And he ſaid, O Lord God of my maifter A braham, I be- feech thee fende me good {peede this day, and fhew mercie vn- to my maifter Abraham, | . 3 Loe, Ldtand by the well of water,whiles the mens daugh- ters of the Citée coine out todrawe water. | 24 Graunttherefore that the maide to whome I fay , Bow downe thy pitcher I pray thee that I may drinke, if the fay, Drinke, and I will giuethy Camels drinkealfo, may be fhe whom thou halt ordeined for thy feruant Ifaac:and therby thal Iknowe that thou haft fhewed mercie on my maifter, ag Nowe yer hehad lefte {peaking , beholde, °. Rebed- cha caine out the daughter of Bethuel, the fonne of Milehak, the wife of Nachor Abrahams brother,and her pitcher vppon her dhoulder, | ik i6 And the maid was verie faire talooke vpon,a virgin, and ynknowen of man, and the went downe to the well » and filled. her pitcher, and came vp. 7 4311102 Son 17 Then the feruaunt ranne to meete het,’ and ae Let me drinke I pray thee a litle water of thy pit- cher: | Jind Sudo) yi TOM 18 And the faid, Drinke ſir: And fhe hafted,and let downe her pitcher vppon her hand,and gaue him drinke. 19 And when fhe had giuen him drinke, ſhe faid, I will drawe water for thy Camels alſo, vntill they haue dronke y- mough. . ; 20 And fhe powred out her pitcher into the trough fpee- idily,and ranne againe ynto the well to drawe water, and fhe drewe for all his Camels. J if : 21 Sotheman wondered at her, and ‘helde ‘his peace, to -knowe whether the Lord had made his ioutney profperous or not, * 22 And when the Camels had lefte drinking , the man tookea golden abillimentof halfe a thickle weight, and two bracelets for her handesof ten thickles weicht of: gold, 23 Andhe faid, Whofe daughter art thou, ell me Ipray | thee: “ VPON GENESISh+ CAP? XXIIIII thee: Is there roome in thy fathers houfe,for vs to lodge in 2 24 Then the faide to him: I amthe daughter of Bethuel the fonne of Milchah whom fhe bare ynto Nachor. 2¢ Morcouer fhe faide vnto him, We hauc litter alfo and prouinderanough,and roome to lodge in, 26 And the man bowed himfelfe & worfhipped the Lord, and ſaide: | 27 Bleffed be the Lord God of my maifter Abraham,whi- che hath not withdrawen his mercie, and his trueth,from my maifter: for when l was inthe way, the Lorde brought mete my maifters brethrens houfe. | 28 Andthe maide ranne, and tolde them of her mothers houfe,according tothefe wordes, « 29 Now Rebeccha had abrothercalled Laban, and Laban ranne vnto the man to the well. 30 For when he had feene the earinges, and the bracelets in his fiftershand3 and whenhe heard the wordes of Rebecs cha his filter, faying, Thus faidethe manvnto me: then he wenttothe man, and loc he ftoode by the Camels at the well, -» 31 And he faid,Comein thou bletled of the Lorde: where- fore {tandeft thou without, feeing I haue prepared: the houfe, -and roome for thy: Camels? 32 Then themancame into the houfe, and hevnfaddeled the Camels,and brought litter and prouinder for the Camels, a water to walhe hisfecte; and the mens feete that were with pent 1n But thou Malt ** my —— remy kinred, and take awife vnto my forme) oo id jose - 39) Then Tfaid vato my maifter, What if the woman will ch *ollowe me ? © Who anfwered me, The Léed, before — walke, will fend his Angel withthee, and profper thy iourney., and thou fhalt take'a wife for my fonnes of ———— > wig fa- thers houfe, fay 7, 41 Then thalt thoube difeharged of mine ——— thow commeft to my kinred:and if they giue thee not one,thou thalt be free from my othe. 42 So I came this day to the well, and biden OLorde the God of my mailter Abraham, if thowsiow: proſper sis iour⸗ ney whicheI go: 43 Beholde I ftande by the * of water: whera virgine commeth foorth to drawe water: and I fay to her,Gine me I pray theea little water of thy pitcher to drinke : 44. And the fay to me, Drinke thou,and I will alfodrawe for thy Camels: let her be the wifey which the Lord hath pres pared for my maiftersfonne; > 45 And before I had made an enid of faeaking’ in sa SA Behold,Rebeccha came forth? and her pitcher:on her fhoulder, and.fhe went downe vnto the well, and drewe wats : ‘Then 1 Bid vnto her, Gme me drinke hpray thee. o2 2) 46 And fhe made haſt, and tooke downe hie pitcher foal lier fhoulder} & faid,Drinke,andI wibgiue'tliy Camels'drinke alfo: fo I dronke,and-the gauethe Camels druike alſo. 47 Then laskedherand fail, Wiofe daughter art thou? & fhe anfwered, The danghtez of Bethuel Nachorsfonn, whom Milchah barewntohim: Ehén Eputcthe abuliment vpan het face, and the bracelets vpon her haud. oc 48 And Ibowed downe,and worth} ped the Lorde, ad blefled the Lorde GOD-of ny maifter Abyaliam s whiche had brought me the right way,to take my mafters brothers daugh- ter,to his fonne. 49. Now therefore, ifiyewall deale, mereifully * truely withiny maifter, tell mies an and if not ytell me that Imay turne ine¢ VPON GENESIS? CAP. XXIIII. . me to the right hanch or to the lfät. 50 Then anſwered Laban, and Bethuel, and ſaide, This thingis purpoſed of the Lorde, we cannot therefore fay vnto thee neither evill nor good, $1 Behold,Rebeccha is before thee,take her,and go.that fhe may bethy maifters fonnes wife,cuen as the Lord hath faid. 2 And when Abrahams feruaunt heard their wordesshe bowed himfelfe towardes the earth vnto the Lorde. 53 Then the feruant tooke forth icwels of filuer,and iewels of golde, and rayment, and gauc to Rebeccha: allo vnto her brother,and to her mother,he gaue giftes . 54 And afterward they did eate & drinke,both he and the men that were with him,and tarried all night, And when they rofe ypin the morning,he ſaid, Let me depart ynto my matter. 55. Then herbrother,& her mother anfwered,Let the maid abide with vs, at the leaft tenne dayes; then fhall the goe. 56 Buthefaide vato them, Hinder menot,feeing the Lord hathprofpered my iourney.Send me away , that I may gocto my maifter. ; mut , | | $7 Thenthey faid, We wil cal the maid & aslce her confent, 58 And they called Rebeccha,and faid vnto her; Wiltthou © with this man? and fhe anfweared,Iwillgo. 9 0) 55 Sothey let Rebeccha their fifter go,and her nurfle,with Abrahams feruant,and his men. | 60 And they bleffed Rebeccha,and faid vnto her, Thou artour fifter, growe into thoufand thoufandes, ‘and thy feede pofleflethegateofhisenimics, © end Of 6t Then Rebeccharofeand her maides,androde vpon the Camels,and followed the man, And the feruant tooke Rebec- cha,and departed. ©) sii 8 he | - 62 Now Izhakcanve from the way of Berlahai-roy:for he ‘dwelt in the South countrie, | 63 And Izhak went out to pray in the field toward the eue- ning,who lift vp his eyes,& loked, & behold the Camels came, 54 Alfo Rebeecha lifted vpher eyes, and when fhe fawe Izhak,the lighted downefrom the Camel. 65 (For the hadfaideto the feruant , Whois yonder man, that commeth in the fielde 8* meete ys? And the — ij. a IOHN CALVINE joo had hide, Itis my maifter.) So fhe tooke a vaile and couered | Abraham —— peares, he accompted tt highe time to prouide for his ſonne. a wife Lfaac. her. 66 And the feruant tolde Izhak all the thinges that hg had done : 67 Afterwarde Izhak brought her into the tent of Sarah, his mother and he tooke Rebeccha,and fhe was his wife,& he loued her, So Izkah was comforted after his mothers death, 1 [Now Abraham was olde, IMoſes paffeth fo2th to they the marriage of Waac: as, that Abzabam, when be felt bums felfe to be berie olde, had acare fo2 his fonne, lea be ſhould marrie a Wwifein the lande of Canaan. Foꝛ in this place Mo⸗ fes plainelp erp2effeth,that Abzabam was an olde man,to the end tue may knowe that by bis age be was admonifhed, cone cerning the feeking of a wiſe for bis fonne, Foꝛ old age tt felfe,. whiche differeth not muche from death , ought to leade vs te fet our houſe in an o2der , that when twe are dead, our poſte⸗ ritie may liue in peace, the feare of Cod matnteined , ¢aqad o2derand fay fetfe. Abrahams olde age, was as pet but greene, as tue Mall fee hereafter: but when bereckoned his Wicked men, partely becaule they thinke not honourably of Wwedlocke ; and partelp becauſe thep dee not weighe what a weightie matter was in the marriage of Iſaac: maruell why Motes buſied himſelfe in fuche frrall matters, 02 rather the ſpirite of God. But if we bane that godlie care and reverence whiche tue ought to haue in the reading of the fcriptures,they thal eafilp bnderffand,that thereis nothing bere ſuperfluous. Foꝛ becaule men do fearfelp perfuade them ſelues, that the poutdence of God reacheth not fo farre as fo wedlocke ; Mo⸗ fes fandeth the moze bpon this point:¢ efpecially his purpofe twas to teach,that the Loꝛd had a great care fo2 the offpzing oF Abraham , becanfe the Churche thouldarife from the fame, ut it Halbe god, that we handle euerie thing tu oder, 2 [And Abraham faid to his eldeft feruaunt, ] Abꝛaham perfourmeth bere the common dutie of parents , toben be lar boureth, and ts careful fo2 the chafing of a wife for bis fonne, Wut he bath a further regarde: fo2 , becaufe God bad sae VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXITIT. fed him from the Canaanites bya holie coucnaunt, be hath ’ god cauſe to feare, leat Iſaac, in topning himfelfe onto them by affinitie, ſhoulde caſte off the poke of Gon’. Dtherfome thinke that be did fo muche miffclike of the manners of other nations, that he thought that the marriage of his ſonne wold be bnbappic, if be ſhoulde takea wife from thence. Wut there was a f{peciall reafon whereof J haue ſpoken, as, that he woulde nof mingle his focke withthe Canaanites, whom he knewe tobe appointed by God fo deſtruction. Mea, ſceing by fheir deffruction be was Co receiue poſſeſſion of the lande, be {was appointed to be af diffention with them,as with ſworne eninies , And although be divelt quieflp among them fo2 a time: pet notwithſtanding, be coulde not iopne bis fede with them in marriage, but that be mult needes confounde thoſe thinges, whiche by the commandement of God were feuered, Wherefore in this (eparation he woulde rematne found_e, and woulde hauchis to abide in integritte alfo .[ Putnowe thy hande vnder my thigh, ] bis is knotven to be the folemne manner of ſwearing: But whether Abraham twas fhe firfke that inuented if , 02 whether be receiued the fame of the fae thers, ifis bnknowen . Dany of the Jewes affirme, that be tas the authour thereof; bycauſe in their iudament this was ceuen as much in effect,as if he bad fico2ne by the holineſſe of Gods couenant, bycauſe circumcifion twas in that part of the body. Wut the Chriſtian weiters thinke,» the band was layed bonon the thiah , for the honour of the blefied fede: notwith⸗ ſtanding, if may be,that the fathers had regarde fo an other matter , And there are fome of the Jewes which affirme,that this was a fique of fubiection, tohen the feruaunt ſwore vp⸗ pon bis maiſters thigh This is moze tobe appoucd, that the ancient fathers after this maner ſwore by Chriſt: but bycauſe Ido not willingly followe vncerteine coniectures, Jleaue the matter vntouched. Howbeit, this latter feneth tome moꝛe fimple, that the feruauntes, when they ſwore that they {would be fatthfull onto their maiſters, were wont fo declare their ſubiection bp this ceremonie: efpectally ſceing men fap That this manner is obferued and kept fo this dap in certeine of the Call partes , Foꝛ berebp we cather , that it twas not . Iiij. a pro⸗ OL > 502 Lawefull {wearing . “YOHN CALVINE | a pophane cuftome, which diminithed any thing of the glorie of God, becaufe the name of God is vied therewith, The fers uant layeth his hand bpon Abꝛahams thigh sbuthere be ſwe⸗ reth bis feruant by the God of heauen andearth. Anothis is a holie rule of fivearina, oben as God is called bppon fo be a iudge anda Witnelle. For this honour cannot be giuen to an⸗ other, without diſhonour done vnto God. Wut we are faught by Abrahams erample,that thep doe not finne, whiche require an othe fo2 a lawful caufe, Sfo2 this ts not reckoned bp among Abrahams faults, but to bis greate pꝛaiſe: and Jhaue ſhew/ ed befoze,that be bad ferious buſineſſe tn hande: namely, that the couenant might be rattfied in the poſterities. Now in that be fo.carefullp proutocd fo2 the matter by an othe, be was ine forced therevnto by intt caufes . Suche towardneſſe and ver⸗ tue no doubte ſhined in Iſaac: and beſide bis richefle, he had fuch atftes both of the bodie,and of the minde, that many ears neftly defired bis affinitte. The father therefoze feareth, leaſt after bts death, the inbabitantes of the lande thoulde deceiue bim with their flatteries. ow, although be might withltand their flatteries, the (nares wherof few poung men do ſhunne: pet notwithitanding ,be thinketh that be may be ouercome | with ſhame, and feare of offence. Dhele and fuch like offences the holy man feketh topeuent, when hebounde bis feruant by faking of him anothe: and if may be that fome fecreate neceflitie conftrained hint berebnto, | 3 (That thou fhalt not takea wife. ] Bereby if apeareth what difcipline was vſed in the houſe of Abꝛaham. Although this man were a feruant:ypet not withſtanding, bicauſe be Was put in autbozttie bp his Lode, bis condition was uo let vnto bin, but that he might be bis deputic, that Iſaac alfo being the heire and fucceflo2 might ſubmit him felfe vnto bis couernes ment, Abzabam was of ſuche anthozitie, and fo greatly reue⸗ renced,that appointing bis feruant to fupplie bis rome, with a beck 02 tyo20 only be bad that power and authozitie , which other matiters of houſholdes cannot get, Wie fe alfa the moe veftie of Iſaac, who fuffered himlelfe fo be qouerned by a fers uant . Foꝛ Abzabam thoulde haue taken this order in vaine with bis ſeruaunte, oulefle he bad bene perfuaded, * his une VPON GENESIS. CAPR XXIIIL fonne woulde be obedient and tractable, hereby therefore it 793 | appeareth, howe reuerently be behaued himtelfe towarde his ests father . Mowe this crample ought to be onto bs in fede of Cn, acommon rule, that if is not latwfull for chilozen to marie co marric. Wout the conient of parents: and in verie deede the equitic of withouc nature requireth this , that the chilozen ſhoulde depend vppon the con- the will of their parentes,in (0 weightic a matter. Mherefore —* Pa. the moze deteſtable ts the barbarautnetic of Papiſtes, whiche — haue preſumed te breake this holie bonde. So that the laſciui⸗ ouſneſſe of poung men is to be b2idlen, leaſt without the cons fent of their parentes, they raſhly contract marriages. . 4 [But thou ſhalt go vnto my countrie. ] Ht femeth that Abrabam in choſing the place, follotwed this, that a wife wold moꝛe willingly come from thence to marrie with bis fonne, being of the fame kinred and countric. But becanfe it follows eth freight after, that the fernant came info Badan Aram: hereof fome gather,that Pefopotamia was Abrahams coun: tric. ut this doubt is eaſily faken alway, We knolwe that Pefopotamia was not cnely that countrie,twbich was contet- nev betweene the riuers Digris and Euphrates: but alfo that if comprehended onder it parte of Chaloea , Foꝛ Wabylonis oftentimes by pꝛophane weiters placed inthe fame . Aor the Web2ue name fignifieth as muche as frethe tuatered Syria. They call Aram, Syꝛia, which beginning not farre from Jus dea, and comprehending Armenia,andofber large countries, reacheth onto Euxiaus Pontus, But fing they property meane Thole landes, throuch which the riuers Tigris ¢ Cue ry sinus phates do flotue,thep adde ) name of Padam.Foꝛ we knowe Pontus is that Mofes (pake not tubfilp, but after the common manner, + part of But becaule Wofes in the. 29. Chapter following , maketh —— mention that Taban the ſonne of Nachor dwelt at Thartis: it· feinethlikely vnto me, v¶ Laban Which above a time tt Chal: ropa from dea; betaule it greeued him to leaue his natiue foplejin contr 4 tia. nuance of fine changed his minde:either becauſe dutie bound hint tobe prefent with bis father being notve an olde man : 02 elfe becaufe he had heard, that it was as commodious dwel⸗ ling there as in his olune counttie, dnd by the eleuenth Chaps fer Wwe may plainely (ex, that they went forth both toacther. | WHA) Ji.iiij. ¢ [And 7 TORN CALVINE | 504 ¢ [And the fernant faide vnto him, J In that be obiecteth nothing concerning Ffaac, we may contecture,that be was ſo perfuaded of bis boneft behauiour, that be doubted not,but that be would be obedient bnto bis father. And his godli⸗ neffe is fo be commended, tn that be doth not raljlpfweare: it Was latwfull fo2 him to pꝛomiſe bts faith and diligence, which belonged fo bis duetie, by an othe. Wut becanfe the diſpat⸗ ching of bis buſines depended vpon the twill of others,he wiſe⸗ lp bzought in this erception, What if the woman will not 2 - / 6 [Beware that thou bring not my fonne thither, J iLeatt happily fuche a wife ould not be found ashe deftred, the fuce cele whereof Abraham commutting vnto Dod, holdeth faſt that tubiche is principal: as,that Iſaac might not returne tne to bis countrie againe,becaufe by this means be had dep2iued bimfelfe of the pzomifed inberitante . Be rather therefore dez fired to liue onder hope a ranger in the land of Canaan, then fo be af reft among bis kinffolke in bis natiue ſoyle. And thus ive (ex, how that in doubtfull and intricate matters,the minde of the holie father was nothing at all daawen away-fronv the rommaundement of God. And {ve are taught by this erame ple,that we muſt followe Ood theough all manner oflettes, - Hrofwithanding, be afterwardes declareth, thathe bath a better hope . By whiche wordes be confirmeth the hope of his feruant, that with the moze cheerefull minds be prefuming to haue god fuccefic, might prepare and addzedle himſelſe to his tourney, ) | cine Bade 7 {The Lord God of heauen,] By a double argument be gathereth, that bis purpofe concerning the marriage of bis fonne, hall thrꝛough the qrace of Ood haue qadfuccefle; Firſt, becaule Ood bought hint not out in vaine of bis.owne coune trie info a ftraunge land: ‘Secondly, becaufe be did not falſſy - promile the lande,Wwherein be dwelt afraunger, to giue the fame onto his fede.dnd he might fafelp truſt, that fach Mould be the end of his purpofe, becaufe be bad not taken the fame in hand, without the will and conmmandement of God, Fo2 one» lp the countenance of God turneth away his minde from the Daughters of Canaan; Pet nofwithanding, be feemeth to make but afonde coniecture,that God will giue a — his nne⸗ VPON'GENESIS. CAP, XXIIII. fonne; out of that countrie,and kinred, which be bad forſaken. 05 But becaule be left not bis kinredD without Cod bis appoint: nent, be trutteth that their mindes will be inclined to be fas uourable and gentle, Jn the meanetfime, by the benefites of God beiowed bppon bim afore, he aſſured himfelfe that Gon Would not faile him in bis preſent bufineffe:as tf be ſhould fay: J, which atthe commaundement of God haue left mp coun: tric,and whoſe continuall belpe Jhaue found in my perearis nation, doubt nof, but that be twill be fhe fame gouernour of thy tourney : becaufe Z,bearing my felfe bolde bpon bis com⸗ maundement, do giue vnto thee thischarae. We theweth one to him,by what means God twil belpe:namely,by fending bis Angel: becaule be knew, that the Angels of heauen d1d attend bppon him : as be bad often times alreadie found by erperis ence. | | 10 [Sethe feruant tooketenne Camels, ] - carrieth with bim Camels, to teltifie that Abraham a riche man,and plentifull, that be might the moꝛe cafily obteine that, whiche be deſired. Fo2 the wiſe damoſell would not haue fuffered ber felfe to be carried alway info a farre countrie, without fhe bad feene how ¢ in what fo2t the fhould be mainteined. Sse bans niſhment bad ben of it felfe greeuous tnough, though pouertie were not topned therewith. Therlfore, lef the damofell might be difcouraged with the feare of pouertie, but might rather be wonne with the thew of riches, be ladeth bis Camels with tenne preſentes, that be might proue in berie deede , the do⸗ mefticall riches of Abꝛaham in Chaldea, What which follows efh, (He had all his maiſters goodes in his hande, } fome of the Hebꝛues erpound amifle, that the feruannt carried with him in WBokes of account,an inuento2te ofall that.Ahaham was worth. Foꝛ it is areafon of the caufe,leatt tt might feeme leſſe p2obable to any man, that fhe feruant twke bpon him ſo great power. Wherefore, becaule Moles had fatd, that the manſer⸗ uaunt entered bis tourney with ſuche ſumptuous and riche p2ouifion, be by and by addeth,that the fame twas at bis will and pleafure: becaufe be hadall Abꝛahams ſubſtance in bis hand, Wien be faith that Macho2 came into the Citie : be _Meitbecerpretteth the name of the Citie, neither any parte of — Zid. Chale 506 Prayer muſt be fabmitte to Gods wall. IOHN CALVINE Chaloea, 02 ofany other countric where be dwoelte: but ones lic fapth, that be came into Spzia, whiche was among the ris ucrs, 9 7 i a2 [O Lorde God of my maifter.] Zhe fernant not know⸗ ing what fo po, falleth fo prayer. And pet notwithitanding,be doth not ſimply afke counfell of the Lode : but onely requis reth that the maide whiche he bad o2deined to be a wife fo2 Xs faac, might be made knotone vnto himby fome marke 02 tos kent, whereby be nughte knowe that the was offered by God. In that be ts not aſtoniſhed in fo confuled a matter, but with god aduife burfteth fo2th into prayers , it is a figne of godli⸗ neffe and faith. But the diutnation which he bleth,feemeth not fo agree beric Well with p true rule of prayer, irſt we knowe that payer is not rightly made, vnleſſe men make their petits tions fubtect bnto the twill of God.Wherfore there is nothing more vnmete/ then after our otune wil fo preſcribe any thing vnto Cod, Where ts then the godlineſſe of the feruaunt, wha according fo bis olune deſire appointeth alawe vnto God? Furthermoꝛe, there ought to be nothing doubtful in our pꝛay⸗ ers : and aſſuredneſſe ought fo be fetcht from the woꝛd of God alone. Novb feeing the feruant feiqneth to himſelfe a foredeem ⸗ tna, be feemeth to ſwarue from the lawfull modeſtie of prays ing. 3702 when the peomife faileth hin, vet neuertheleſſe he des fireth to be certified of the whole matter. But ODD hearing his requeſt, ſheweth by the verie end, that the fame is acceptas ble vnto bim.So that we mutt know that although there twas no fpectall promife in a readinefle : pet notwithſtanding, the feruant prayed not thus rathly, neither pet according fo the luſt of his flethe,but by the fecrete inſtincte of the {pirite. Foꝛ the common lawe ts no let,by which all the godlie are bound, but that the Lorde where be hath determined to giue any ers frao2dinarte thing, map euẽ thither alio infozrce bis feruants:; not that be withdraweth them from bis worde, buf onelp bes caufe in the forme of praying, be graunteth onto them fome fingular thing. And the ſumme is this : Lorde, iffo be 4 mete with a damofell, the which being intreated to giue me drinke, doth alfo gently and frendlp offer dD2inke Onto mp Camels,the . fante doe J crauc tobea ttle fo2 my matter Iſaac, euen —* thou VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXIMI. thouſhouldeſt deliuer ber into my hande, be ſeemeth to take vnto him a doubtfull coniecture: but becauſe be reſteth him felfe vppon the pꝛouidence of God, be is certeinely perſuaded that the ſame token ſhall be vnto him in ſteede of an oracle: becauſe Cod twill not fuffer him to erre, whome he hath ap⸗ pointed to be the inſtrument of bis will. By the wap this is woꝛthie to be nofed, that he requireth no farre fetcht fine of knowledge, but euen fromthe prefent matter. For he which {hall be fo gentle fo a range gueſte, hall thereby declare ber gad and honett nature. Lhis ts therfore worthie to be noted, leaft curious men drawe this erample fo vaine fothfapinges, Bn the wordes thefe thinges are to be marked ; be calleth od, the God of his matter Abraham: not becaufe be hime felfe did not worſhippe him, but becauſe the matter in band,de- pendeth vppon the pꝛomiſe made vnto Abzaham, either con, ceiued be any trutt in bis praying from any other thing,then from the couenant tubiche © D D had made with the boule of Abraham. Finally,the feruant by bis woꝛdes giueth to vn⸗ derſtande, that mens affaires are fo o2dered by the bande and counfellof God, thatthe ende and fuceefle of matters come meth not by chaunce ; as tf be ſhoulde fay, Loꝛde, Jſhall loke in baine hither and thither: 3 hall in vatne by my labours Diligence , and ſundrie practiſes, ſeeke fo haue god ſucceſſe, vnleſſe thou direct ¢ o2der mp bufinefle; And when he addeth; And thew mercie vnto my maifter Abraham,be meaneth, that be enterp2ifed this matter bppon none other grounde, but becaufe God hadpzomiled bis qrace vnto Ababa, |. ig [Before] had made ar ende of {peaking, ] Boles woꝛds fufficientiy declare, that this defire was not folifhly concetued Alfo the (pede tt felfe ſheweth the rare mertie and fufferance of God, in that he fuffercth not the man fo be in careand trou⸗ ble anplong time, Rebecca twas come out of the houſe al- readie, before fuche time as he beganne fo pray : but we mutt nofe,that the Lorde, in whoſe handes, both the montentes Of finies,and the goings out of men are, fo o2dered all thinges on epther part,that thereby he made bis pꝛouidence euidently appeare, For nowe and then be voth for a longer time fufpend Our deſires, that being Wwearicd With praying, we may ſeeme note — 507 8 TOHN CALVINE 5 nottoithanding to bane lof our labour. But in this bufines, leatt bis blefing might be obfcure,be ſoudeinely Thinen, Lhe Dan, 9.21 Mitte alfo happened to Daniel, to whome an Anael appeared befo2e he had made an end of praping, And although, through our douthfulneſſe, it commeth often times to paſſe, that the Lo2dis more Nowe fo giue: vet notiwithitanding,it is gen fo2 bs, that the fame be deferred whiche we allie . In the meane time he hath opened and euidently proued by eramples , that although the fuccette doth not by and by appeare:yet notwith⸗ ſtanding, the prapers of bis ſeruantes ſhall neuer bein vaine: Yea; and that this thall be euer fulfilled, hat befo2e they crp Efs.éc. 24 De bath acare fo2 their neceffities, wh "49 “oat PSotheman wondered at herand helde his peace. ] hig admiration thelveth that Abrabams feruaunt bad a doubtful minde, Be reafoneth fecretly within him felfe, whether Gop Will make bis iourney fortunate 02 10.48 pet therfore he hath Faith hach 19 aſſurance of that gouernement of Cod, of the which be hay cuer fome Faken fo him felfe a feale and pledge. anflwere, that faith is imperfces Newer fo perfect in euerie point in the Saintes, but that there cioaca. come MANY doubtes. SChereforc it is no ablurditie, if the fers uaunt of Abzabam generally comitting him felfe to the pos uidence of God, do waner and dout among many cogifations, Alfo faith, though it pacifie anv quiet the mindes of the godlie, that they may patientlp wapte the Lordes leaſure: pet nots withltanding, it taketh not from them all care : bicaute tt is neceflarte that patience it felfe with careful erpectation twapf, vntill the Lod performe that which be bath pꝛomiſed. oꝛe⸗ ouer, though this doubting of Abrahams ſeruant wanteth not fault, bicaute it ſpringeth fro the infirmitie of faith : pet fo2 all Pit is therfore ercufable, bicauſe be bendeth bis eves folvards no ofher,but only craueth confirmation of the euent ¢ fuccefte, that he may perceiue ¢ feel God to haue ben pefent with bim, 22 The mantookea golden abilliment,) In that he adozneth the maiden with pꝛecious iewels, itis a figne of tru, Foꝛ feeing if may appeare bp many profes , that be was an honet anda faithfull feruant, be would not giue bis maitters gods without confiveration, We knoweth therefore that thote alfts are not pl beſtowed:o at leat wife peefuming vpon p * ef Cod, VPON°*GENESTS) ' (CAP, XXIIII. DD, he doeth as it were faithfullpaiue the pleoge of the marriage to come, Wut it may be demaunded, whether God poth allow of fuch oznamentes,tobich belong not fo much to cleannefte as to pompe, Jaunſwere, that thole things whith are to be imitated , are not altvayes fet downe in the Scrip⸗ tures, af Wibatfoeuer God generally cimandeth, ts to be accounted fo an irreuacable rule. To leane bnto particular eramples,is not onely daungerous,but alfo foliſh and abfurd. Pow tn the apparelling the body we know how greatly not only pride oz ambition difpleafeth @DD,but alfo all kinde of riot and ers ceflc. To the end the in warde deſire of the heart might be abs fent,he condemmes immoderate € exceſſiue decking, which cons teines init ſelfe intifements of many wickedneſſes. but now where thal the pure finceritie of the hart be found in gorgious apparell2All men know that this belongeth to rare vertue. It is not our part p2ecifely to forbid all maner of decking: not vᷣ⸗ ſtanding, bicauſe whatfocuer erceedeth a profitable and mode- rate bfe,is corrupted with fome wicked vanitie: and efpecial- iy, bycaufe in this point the defire of women is inſatiable:not onelp ameane is tobe vſed, but alfo abftinence,fo long as it may be,And ambition creepeth in fo much, that a little ercefle inapparrell, quickely groweth vnto pꝛide. As touching the earinges and bracelets of Kebecca,as J doubt not that thep Were then in ble among rich men, fo the integritie of the time required,that thep ſhould vſe them fparinaly ¢ with meafures and pet fo2 all that, J ercufe not the dice. Whe crample doeth nothing at all helpe bs, if ſo be we pꝛouoke and kindle moze and m02¢ wicked defires, the which it is verie harde fo ſup⸗ prefte, the mitigations being takenaway. hele women Wwhich eefire to gliſter ¢ thine with qolde, fecke tocloake their corruptions tn Rebecca. Why then do they not conforme them felues to that ftraite kinde of life and rufficall labour acco: dingly? Wut as J bane laid alreadie, they are deceiued, which thinke that they may be bolpen by the cramples of the Saints contrarie fo the common lawe of God. . It any man obiecte, that this twas not aqraing with the MHamefattnetie of an honett and chatt vamofell,in that the ree ceiucd 309 Women are too proude itt appasrelb tor VJIIIXe .~MOHNCCALY INE 404% 51 giued of a Hraunge manjandtuche a one as the neuer ſabb bes lore eaxinges and. baaceletes:, Fi rE it mapbe that Moſes o⸗ uerpaſſeth many wordes tubicbe patter betweene them, by which the was perſuaded to aduenture the receiuing of them, Se may alfo be that heletteth that in the firtke place, whiche ſhoulde be by order in the feconde Foꝛ it follotweth a lite fle after in the tert,that Abꝛahams fernant demanded whole —5* the was 2) le mutke alſo contiver the integritte of that age, Wh Cris Msioi olin td. ar ; — Aher vpon it came to palle that if was not a ſhame and re⸗ pꝛoche fo2.a maide, to goe out of the Citic alone, ſauing that at that time the manners of nien required not fuch fencre abe feruing of (hamefattneiies And it appeareth by the tert, that thele oꝛnamentes were not giuen vnto ber in the way of file thie baudzie, but to the ende the might carrie them te her pae rentes, that there might bea moꝛe eafie enteraunce made to the marriage, Dhe interpreters dee not agre concerning the price. Poles valucth the earinges at halfe a ficle, and the bra⸗ elets at tenne ficles , Hicrome in Nede of balfe a ficle bath | put Downe two ficles, ¥ thinke that the true fente ts, that the : bracelets were worth fenne ficles sand the abilliment orea⸗ ringes, halfe, that is to fay fiue ſicles. Foꝛ (eing nothing is ad⸗ ded to this worde ( halfe,) it is arelation to the greater nuns ber , Dtheriwife there were not an apte pzopo2tion betwene the bzacelets and the oxnamentes of the bead. Andiffo be we take a ficle for foure groates of Attica » there thall be a light — price , Dherefore J thinke,that the weight of gold is noted ; the whiche woulde make a farre greater ſumme then monie, 26 { And the man bowed him felfe .J When the ſeruaunt of Abꝛaham hearde, that he hav happened vppon the dauahter of Wethuel, his hope increated moze and moze. And pet ſor all that he retopeeth not, as wicked and heathen men are luont fo doe, as if he hadde mette with ber bp chaunce : but Chaunce be giueth thankes bite. G D D , attributing fo his pro⸗ te mg uidence, tyat be Was, broughte in fo gar time the right butGo4s Wap fo the place where he defires to be; Wherefore he boas proui- fethnot accoꝛding to fogtune : but He pronouriceth that deace, ODD bath dealt gently and farthfully with Abeabam : that is VPON twene him andthe common farfofaren: namely, that he dy⸗ ed in a god olde age, and of full peares, eo 0 | BWhe unbeleuers femme oftentimes to be part akers of this benefite : pea, cents gt that they ercell in this as by a pritiilegc) hath te boke of Job We may reade of the like*eortplainéd |) that! Hoy doe happilp finithe their time, vntill tha monent they etme te tho araue 9, WBut ine mute remember thal twhich-F tayoe bevore, ‘thatthe priu⸗ cipall parte of a god olte°age | conſilleth in a god cons iene and DNA quiet ane paceadle mpade:, . Atherevps⸗ on it vloweth the fame which 6 DD ane Rit? zabant, 524 Mans foul is immor⸗ fall, IOHN CALVINE Abraham, belongeth vnto none, but vnto the true followers of righteouſneſſe. Foꝛ Plato no leffe truely then wiſely faith, that A god hope ts the nourifhing of olde men,and that theres foze elde men, whofe confciences do accufe them, are miferas bly troubled, andinivardlyp fozmented, euen as if they felte Within them aberphbell, Mithall alfo we muff adde that, which Plato knewe not, that this baingeth godlineſſe vnto bs, that A qed old ace followeth bs bnto the qraue: bycaule faith is the p2eferuer of a quiet minde. To the fame end alfo pertets neth that which is freight after added, that bis dapes were full, info much, that be defired not the prolonging of bis life, We fee hotwe greatly many defire foliue : pea, botve almoſt the whole world betweene the difdaine of this p2efent life,and the tnfatiable hunger thereof do languiſh. Therefore the fuls neſſe of life, is the ſingular grace of God, that ue map be p2e- pared to depart out of the fame. [And was gathered ynto his people.) ¥ gladly imbꝛace their iudgement, which will baue the ttate of the life fo come nofed by this (peach. It may be that this wil ſeeme very friuolous vnto wicked men, feing Dauid faith, that The reprobate are gathered vnto their graue like beattes, But if thou Weigh the fame moze Deepelyp,this collecs — tion fhall not ſtande, if fo be the foules perifhe and come to nos thing. here thal be mention made anon of buriall. Nowe As braham is fapde to be gathered vnto bis fathers ; the whiche fhuld not agre, if fo be the life of man bantiheth alway in (uch iwife,that they liue not after death. Mherefore the Scripture {peaking thus, leaneth an other fate of life after death, info much, that the departure out of this world, is not the deſtructi⸗ on of the whole man, 9 [And his fonnes, Ifaac and Ifmael buried him.] Hereby if appeareth, that though Iſmael were long before banithen away:vet notwithſtanding, be was not an btter fraunger to bis father, but that in celebzating the funerall of the deade, be bid the duetie ofa fonne, And Iſmael did this rather then the reff, bycaufe be was moze neere Onto him,» - 12 [ Nowe thefe are the generations of Ifmael.] This is no (uperfluous narration, In the beginning of the Chapter be bath touched howe the ſonnes of Returah were dealt ithe a * ; . VPONGENESIES. HQAP. XXV. all, Pere be is of purpoſe more large,to thew that the promife 325° of od was confirmed by eniventeftert, the which promiſe ia {ef downe in the ſeuenteenth Chapter going before, Hirt, it Wwas no contnen giifof Gov, that he huld haue tivelue ſonnes borne bute hint, which were 1o2ds ahd Printes ouer twelve fainilics; Wut bycanfe the fulfilling as agreeable to the pro⸗ mite, we mu efprcially weigh and confider the fruth ef God, with the ſingular benevolence and honour, which he beſto wed vpon bis fernaunt Abꝛaham, when as allo in fempozalland furplus benefites, he dealt ſo gently and mercifully With him. Foꝛ it MHall-be by right accounted a furplus, which ts added o⸗ uer and aboue the ſpirituall coucnaunt, Therefore Mofes,afe ter he bath reckoned bp fhe folwnes, nto the which the poſte⸗ ritie of Iſmmael was diftributed, he burieth with ſilence euer afterward al that whole nation,that a found perpetuitie ¢ ſta⸗ ble continuance way remaine only inthe Church, actording to the hundred ¢ ſecond Plalme, The children of thy feruaunts fhall continue , and their feede fhall ftande faft in thy: fighte. Moreouer, Woies pointeth ont, (as tt were) with the ünger, the wonderfull counfell of ODD, in that be aligning fo the children of Iſmael, acountrte diuided from the land of Cana» an, both povided for them againſt tune to come, and alſo Kept a bopde inbertfaunce fo2 the (onnes of Iſaac. | 18 [And Ifmael dwelt in the prefence of all his brethren. ] The greater part of interpreters vnderſtand this of his teath: Sis if Moles had ſaide, that the life of Fimael was Mho2ter then the life of his bꝛethren, which remained along time after him. But bicanfe the Hebꝛue woꝛd is referred fo violent Death, and eles tekifieth, that Iſmael was pal the daunger of that which Was prophefien Mould come ; that erpofiticn can not be allowed. The Chaloe mterpreter vnderſtandeth the name of lof, asifit bad bene fayde, that Whe tot fell onto bint, that he ſhuld dwell not farre from his bethzen.Z for np partsthough ¥ do not much differ inthe matter, do not thinke forall p,that the wordes ars: fo to be weeſted. The Hebrue Word fianiacth ſomtimes to lye, to reſt, and ſomtimes to dwell Therſore the fintple ſpeach of Mofes is that a dwelling place Was giuen vnto Iſmael ouer againſt his bꝛethren, that be might be net Pfa.102.38 PY 8 POHNLGALV ENED © 5 32 vnto them: and pet notivithfanding, might haue bis appoin⸗ fed boundes, For J doubt not, but that he had refpec bnto the dpatle; which ts {et dovon in the ſixteene Chapter going befo2e, where amonglt other things, the Angel ſayd onto his mother Wagar, He fhall abidein the prefence of his brethrén: 92, Be fhali pitch tents; Why was this fpoken of Iſmael rather then of others : but only bicaufe they went info the Call countrie? And Iſmael, thoughhe bad a conntrie diuided from tie chils dren Of Abraham: pet not withſtanding, be had bis proper feat in thetr bowers. An the meane tine we mutt alfo note the purpofe of God, ‘that Iſmael, though be above neere onto his brethren: pet neuertheleſſe, he was lead away onto bis one fhation; that he might not dwell to be mired with them,but in their preſence, oꝛ ouer againſt them. dnd it is enident pnough, that the worde of lying 02 reſting, ts not reſtreined fo the pers fon of Iſmael. ya Pid 19 {And thefe are the generations of Ifaac.] Bycauſe that whieh Bofes hath fatde concerning the Iſmaelites, was (as it Wwere)accidentall, he nowe returneth to the principall matter of the hiſtoriee: that be may delcribe onto bs the procedinas of the Church. Ana fir of all,be repeateth concerning his wife | that the was taken ont of Meſopotamia.He calleth her expreſ⸗ ly the fifter of Laban the Syrian:bycauſe be was fo be Facubs father tn lawe, and bicauſe he intended to fpeake many things concerning bint, Wut this efpecially is worthie to be noted, that be faith, that Kebecca was barren the fir peares after was baren Det Marriage. And afteriwarde tue thall fee, that her barrens for atime. neſſe continued not th2e o2 feure peares, but twentie peares: 3 that the concetued defperation of potteritie might make the fouden bleſſing the moze glo2tous. Wut there feemeth nothing leſſe agreeing with reafon,then $ the propagation and inlarg⸗ ing of the Church, was fo (mall and ſſowe. Abraham in bis ers treme olde age, as if femeth,receiued a colde folace,in that be left the hope of name bpon one heade only. Iſaacs peares bes ing well ſpent, pea,be being already an old man,ts not as pet a kather. Mhere is then that fede which thall be like onto the farres in number? Mho would not thinke that God mocked, when be left thofe houſes hopde and folitarie, which — | VPON GENESIS. ‘CAP. XXV. 52 £o his worde, ought to haue bene fillen with a buge people 7“ 7 But that which ts laide in the Plalme, mutt be fulfilled in the o6, v2. 9: Church, Lat be maketh her to pivell aiopfullmother inmas ; ny children, which had bene barren, Foꝛ a ſmall and contemp⸗ tible beginning, foft and weake proceedings, doe nore plainly The Chut fet fo2th the progagation, Wwhiche theough bope and opinion che hath followeth areater afterward: tothe end we may knowe,that — pros the Church doth growe and increafe by heauenly power anv “> grace, and not of naturall caufes. It mar be,that the purpofe of the Lord was, fo coꝛrect and moderate in Iſaac, the ercelle offe much loue : but this reafon is efpecially to be oblerued, ‘that the boly fede thas giuen from heauen, and that 1f was not meete, that the fame ſhould be bozne accozving fo fhe com⸗ mon order of naturesto fhe end we may learne, thatthe Chur⸗ che commeth not by the invuftric of men, but that it ſpꝛingeth from the grace of God alone, — 9803 a1 [And Ifaac prayed vnto the Lorde for his wife.] Shere are fome which turne it thug;And Iiaac prayed yntathe Lord inthe pretence of his witer do thinke that this tuas therefore pone, that fhe alfo might avde her praperss: that both of thent might pray together vnto ODD... y5ut the other tranllation 4s mo2efimple, And the defire of praying teftifieth that Iſaac knetwe, that be was therefoze deprined of chilozen, bycaufe .@DD had not bleſſed him. Alto, that fruittulneſſe is the gilt 4 fruiefalt of ODD. . Forxalthough the grace ot begetting poſteritie, wombe is was after a fort potuzcd ſcrthvpon all mankinde, when Dod the biel “Dttercd this topee,/Gtowe ye anibiiuldplic to the endnot⸗ Me he ‘Wwithanding we map knowe, that men are not bome by chaunce, be diftributeth the. grace of chilobearing diuerlly. Iſaac therefore knewe,. thathe mutt craue that af the handes BEG DD, twhiche was not ſet in the power ano will of man. And nowwe it appeareth, that he was induced with no finalt conſtancie of faith, He koto the caurnauntof@on, ears neftly vefiren fede. Therelore this ts not the fir tune that he began to pray, fering be twasnisappointed ofhis hopc,vy the ſpace almoft of tiventic yeares, CTherelore, altho uch Bofes ‘favth invone-worbe, thatdy bis peavers de vbteived trae -ptthe Loge y yet not withſtanding, weaton oti tell } 1g # 528 VXX AON WR EVEN EY OTF | he had made tontinuallpravers many veares· Herein the fuf ferance ofthe holy man thineth, that when be ſcemeth brit te » pend his wind in vaine: pot fo2 all that,bis fernencie in prays erremaineth, Aid as Ilaac hath taught bs by bis perſeue⸗ rance in praper to do the ike: euen to allo Gov declarcth,that he will newer ſtoppe bis cares at thepravers of the farthfuil, _. though he deferreth them for a long tune, » | -./ 22° {Bur the children ftroue together. Bere foudenly there arifeth a newe temptation, in that the infantes doe ſtriue Jacob and together in their mothers wombe. This conflict bringeth fo Efau f{triue so their morhers wombe, great ſorrowe and greefe to the mother, that he defireth to dy. ‘Gnd no meruell : Aoꝛ the conſidereth that it is better fo2 ber fo dpe a hundred times, then that fuch a horrible montter fhuln ‘be feb fost ih Her, that twinnes being (hut vp in ber wombe, holo there haue mo2tall warre one with an other, Dherfore they are deceiued, which thinke that the mate this complaint, : - bycaufe the was an vnpatient woman : fo2 fhe vttered not the ſame fo much of greefe and anguith,as the Did by the deteſtati⸗ ‘On of the montter. Foꝛ the felt without al doubt, that this cons ‘flid twas not moucd natarally, but that it was monffraous, and Which forethetved fome feareful tragicabend, And With, — allit could not be, but thatthe feare of Govs werath came into Her minde: euen as the faythfull doe not fay them ſelues bp, on the feelingot the prefent euill, but do deſcend onto the caufe: Ald fo feeling the iudgement of Gov, are made afraide, wut although in the beginning; the teas moze qreenouliy troubles then the needed, and burſteth fozthints murnwring, whereby He erceeded meafure andtemperance ; pet notwithſtanding, afterwarde the take a remedie, and mitigated her qreefe with ~ folace. And thus by ber erample the teacheth,p tue mutt inde⸗ uour our felues not to be tm fo2rbiwful in careful matters, noz -pet bp foltering inwardlyblinde toꝛrments, to fret our bearts, It is a hard matter to baidle the tirſt motions, but befo2e thep ‘rage fo farre,twe mutt bꝛidle and ſubdue them And firf of al, we muſt craue moderation from the Loꝛd: euen as Woles res porteth bere,that Kebecca went toafke countell of the Howe: bycauſe heknetue,that nothing would be more convenient to ‘quick berm, the if he being certifien of the purpoſe 7 ine a! ramed VPON GENESIS; CAPS XXV. 5 > Framed ber felfe to his obedience. Foꝛ although a fo2rotvfull anfivere and not fobe wiſhed fo2, vas giuen ber: pet not with⸗ Taridina, the hoped fo2 forne eale at the handes of the motte mercifull Love, whereon he might ree and quiet her felfe: Mut here arifeth a quettion, howe Kebecca aſked countell of the LAorder Many are of this pinion, that he inquired of fome Question. Pꝛophet tobat the meaning of this monſter ſhoulde be. And antwere. Moles alfo (emeth to MHetve, that fhe Went fome whither to beare an oracle. But becaule that coniecfure hath no colour, J rather incline'fo the contrarie part, that the getting her afide, prayed the moze earneſtly, that the might haue fone reuelas tion from heauen. Foꝛ What Prophetes coulde thee finde at fhat time in the wozloe;befine ber huſbande, and ber father in lawe: Furthermore, Jlee that fo2 the motte parte,God reuea⸗ led his Will bp oracles. Thirdly, if we weigh the greatnelſe of the matter, it was mete that this ſecrete myfteric, fhoulde be teuealed by the mouth of God rather then by the teltimonte of Oracles ac man, Dur ate and condition is otherwiſe. Foꝛ neither af not at chis this day Gad foretheweth thinges to come by fuch miractes : ¢y (0 bs and in the goucrnement of the courte of our life, the doctrine of fhe latwe,of the Pꝛophetes, aid of the Gofpell is ſutticient enough fo2 bs,fo2 that they conteine perfect {otfedome, .° 23 [Iwonations areinthywombe,.] FirkOD Dans fivereth, that wheras the twinnes ſtroue together, there was moze fo beronfidercd then their perfons : ſor after thts marr ner be cheweth, that there ſhould be diſcord betweene their por fterifies. dnd itis a forceable fpeach, when be faith,that there are two nations, Foꝛ fing they were bꝛethren, and twinnes, and therefore one bloude: the mother thought not that they ſhoulde be fo dinided, that thep (houlve make dinerfe nations : notwithſtanding, God pronounceth that there halbe a diuiſt⸗ on among them whiche were ioyned fogether by nature. Fur⸗ ther moze, thereis a dinerfe ¢ fenerall condition erp2eficd, as that one people ſhoulde haue the victorie. Foꝛ fo muche as hereof came the tumult arid bufineffe, that thep coulde not be of equall condition : but the one being: retected, fhe ofher tvas choſen. For feeing the reprobate giue not place, but With contentis greete and vil will it mult needes be, sn the fonhes of 8 on be⸗ abide * 530 Iacob was chofen by mecie Braces % «© TORN CAL VINE ry abide mary froubles and contentions, for their. adoption, Thirdly, the Zord afirmeth, that contrarie to the order of nas ture,the pounger, which was the infertonr, ſhould be the cons querour, Nobw let bs fee to what purpoſe the bictozie appere teined. They whiche rettraine this to earthly riches, do verie coldly trifle, oz there is no doubt, but that Jfaac,and Kee becca Wwere taught by this miracle,that the coucnant of faluas tion fhould not be common onto tive nations: but onelp that it (ould be pꝛeſerued inthe poſteritie of Jatob. Jn the begins ning the promiſe ſeemed fo be fo gencral,that if compzebenden the whole fede ; now itis refrained fo one parte. This is thereafonof the canflicte, that God diuideth the ſcede of Jas cob, the condition whereof ſemeth to beall one and alike,that be may adopt one parte, and reiect the other: that-one parte may baue the name and peiuilege ofthe Churche,and the rete accounted forreigners: that one parte nught baue the bleſſing of the whiche others ſhould be depꝛiued, as aftertwardes, it caine fo pafle. Foꝛ we knowe that the Joumeans were cutte off from the bodie of the. Churche, and that the couenaunt of grace was laide Dolune in the familie of Jacob, It the cauſe of the vifference be fought for, it Hall not be found in nature: fo2 the originall of both peoples twas all one. It fhall not be found in. merites.: becaule as vet both their beads were. inclu⸗ ded in their mothers. wombe, twhen-the contention beganne. Poꝛeouer, Ood tobcate downe the pride of fhe fleth, thought if god to take from men all matter and occafion of truſt, and of boalting, be miaht haue cauſed Jacob to haue come out.af bis mothers wombe firft :. but he o2deined the other tobe the firft borne, the which not withſtanding, fhould be at the laf theinferiour, Why bath be thus inuerted,and difplaced the order, Which he had ſette downe, but onely to-this.end that we might knowe, that be hauing no refpect to the worthineſſe of the perfon, chofe Jacob frely, whe ſhould be the heire ofthe pomiled bleffing 7 Wherefore the ſumme is this, that whereas © D D pres ferred Jacob before his brother Clan, that be might be the fae ther of the Churche, the fame was not giuen bnto hint foz bis merites, oꝛ gotten by bis induſtrie, but pꝛoceeded froin the mere VPON GENESIS) CAP: XXV. 531 mete graceof Dod him felfe, Wut ing the tobole people is 5 Tpoken of , not fhe fecrete clection , whichis ratified tn a felw but the chmon adoption isstofed, Wwhich as largely ertendeth it (elfe , as doth the externall preaching of the woꝛde.Becauſe this being fo breeſfly touched, may be ſomewhat the moze obs {cure, let the Readers call to minde that whiche J haue {pee ken tnt the feuenteenth Chapter going befo2e: namely, that OD D with the arace of his adoption comp2ehended all the fonnes of Ababa: becaufe he made a couenant With all nei⸗ ther would he bane the promife of faluation offered generallp to all in baine,and fo be fealed in their fleth {with the outward igne of circumcifion; but that there inas from among all that people, acerteine Tpeciall ferve cholen, arto that they at the laf are accompfed the latwfull tonnes of Abꝛaham, which by the ſecrete purpoſe of Ond are ordeined to faluation. Faith Faithiv — putteth a differerice betweene the fpiritual and carnal formes: the 4ife~ but now the quettionis not concerning the outward figne marke, but ofthe beginning of difference, Gon therefore bath ritual and choſen the whole ſeede of Jacob twithout erception,eucn as the caroall {cripture teſtiſieth in many places ; becauſe he bouched ſale to ſoaoca. beſtowe vppon all men/ the ſame teſtimonies of his grace: namely his worde and ſacramentes. But there was alwayes another ſpeciall election, whiche was conteined ina certeine and limitted number of men, that in agenerall deſtruction, God might ſaue whome it pleated him. Pow aqueftion ari⸗ Queftion: feth. Foꝛ whereas Wolks now fpeaketh of a generall electi: on, Paule weeſteth bis wordes fo a particular election, And gotng about fo proue,that not all which are Jewes, are heires of life: and that not all that came front Jacob after the fich, are fo be reckoned fo2 true Iſraelites: but that © DD chofe inhom be would, atco2ding fo his god pleature: bringeth this teftimonie, The greater fhall ferue the leſſe. hep whith go ar boute fo ertinguithe the voctrine of fré election, would glad⸗ ly perfuade, that Paules wordes alfo ought not fo be vn⸗ derſtode, butof the erternall calling: but the tert mani⸗ feftly gainfapeth the fame, and they doe thelwe them ſelues Anfwere, | to bee not onelp fond, but alfo impudent, in feking to bzing bppon the light fo cleare j Darkenefle and obſcuritie Lif, Leak 332 -TOHN, CALVINE- . +. Leatt fay couide glorie in the fleſh, fay they, bis dignitie is given vnto bis younger beother + becaufe a nelve pꝛomiſe ismade vnto this man,% confefle that uf is ſomewhat Wwhiche they fay: but Jatfirme vᷣ thep baue omitted fome thing which Was p2incipall in the caule, Foꝛ by the erternall. calling thep define the difference whiche ts fet here. Wut vnleſſe thep toil make the coucnaunt of Ood of none effect, thep muk nedes graunte,that Jacob and Cfau were partakers.alike of the ers ternall calling. Whereby it appeareth, that they were feparas ted by the ſecrete purpofe of God, who were called after one manner. And the fate of Paules Ddifputation is knowen, that when as p Jewes being pufte bp with the title of the Church, retected the Gofpell, the faith of the ſimple vaniſhed alway : becaule it was notlikelie, that Chzifte and the faluation whi⸗ the was pꝛomiſed in bint, coulde bereiected of a holie people, a chofen nation,and of the fonnes of God. Bercof Paule affirs meth, that not all which came of Jacob after the fleſhe, are true Iſraelites, becauſe God, according to bis clone fre will, choſeth whom be will haue, to be heires of eternall faluation, CGho fath not that Pante-commeth from the comnion fe the particular adoption ; to fhe ende we may knowe, that nof alt which baue place inthe Churche, are reputed and fae ken fo2 true members of the Churche2 Be doeth openly feclude them from the order of Gods ſonnes, to whome (as be fayth in another place the adoption apperteined:wherebpon no doubt if came to. palle,that to pꝛoue this fentence, be bled and applis ed this teftunonie of Poles , howe that Gon chole vnto him⸗ felfe certeine from among the fonnes of Abaabam, in whome the grace of the adoption was fable and effectual, Bowe then Mall we reconcile Waule with. oles 2 FZ anfwere, p although the Lorde doth feparate the whole ſede of Jacob from the Rocke of Clau;yct neucrtheleic,the ſame was done in the bee holding of the Church, which was included in the pofteritie of Jacob , Andin verie deede, to this end the qenerall election of the people was referred, that Gon ſhoulde haue a Churche lee uerall to him (elfe,from among the reſt of the Wo2lde, That abfurditie therefore is it, if Paule applicth the wo2des of Moles to the ſpeciall clectiousby whiche if was fozeh ome VPFON GENESIS CAP. XX¥. that the Church ſhoulde be of the ſcede of Jacob 2 And a poate 533 | of this matter was giuen in the verie heades and pillers thent ſelues. Foꝛ Jacob Was called of the Loꝛde, not onely by an externall boyce, but alfo bis bother being fozfaken, be was chofen fo be the hetre of life. Paule, bppon gwd confineration, draweth further the god pleafure of God, which Boles coms mendeth in the perfon of Jacob alone, And leaſte any man ſhoulde thinke after by this oracle tivo nations were feucred, that the election belonged indifferently fo all the fonnes of Jacob: Pauleletteth againſt the fame another oacle, 1 will haue compaffion on whome I will haue compaflion ; Where Wwe fe, that a cerfeine number is ſeuered from out of the cons fufed ftocke of Jacob, infauing of whom the ſpeciall electi» on of God appeareth. WMWherby men may fee, that Paul wiſely weighed the purpofe of God: bicaufe be tranfferred the honor of the firſt bozne from the greater fo the leſſe, that be mighte choſe vnto him felfe a Churche after bis ofvne twill out of the fede of Jacob, not for the merifes of men, but of mere grace. And although Ood woulde haue the meanes, which he vſed in gathering together bis Churche, tobelong to the whole people; pet notwithſtanding, the ende wherevnto Paule had reſpect is principally to be confidered, that there may be al⸗ twayes a certeine bodte of men in the worlde, whiche calling bppon Gad with a pure faith, may be faued vnto the ende. Therekoꝛe let bs holve fa this princtpall point of doctrine, That among men fome perifhe,and ofher fome atteine to fale uation, the canfe thereof dependeth vpon the ſecret god pleas fure of Gon, Foꝛ whereof commeth tt to pale, that they wht- che are of Abraham, haue not ali one priuilege 2 The diffe- rent and vnequall condition , can not be afcribed neither fo this mans vertue no2 fo the others bice, becauſe they were not as yet bo2ne . Wicauſe the common fenfe of men reiecteth El Aion this, there bauc bene certeine men inall ages, whithe haue hach bene peuiſhly fpoken again Gods election, But it ig not my pure ie all ages pofe at this time fo confute euerie one of their cauills: let it galnelaid. fuffice Os to knowe that whiche wwe gather out of Paules tiv terpretation, That fing mankinve delerued deftruction as like, fome are delivered freely by mercie, and otherſome are Lliij. iultle 334 Election is the firft originall of holi-. ucfle, | rOHW CALVINE inffly left bute their otune deſtruction: and that they tuhome GSod hathithofen,are not therefore preferred befoze others;bes raspy loreleeth that they ſhalbe holie, but that ther might be bolie, Wiherefore, if fobe ODDS election be the firtt ovinis nall of holineſſe, in baine a difference ts fought fo2 in men, which reſteth inthe willof God alone. Af any man defire a fubtile.and myſticall interpꝛetation bere: becaufe many hypo⸗ crites, being (hutte bp fo2 a timein the berie middeit of the Church,are proude of a vaine tifle,andfondly boating thems ſelues, exalt them felues againſt the trae ſonnes of God: heres of come moztall conflictes, whiche doe bere verie fore the mo⸗ ther ber ſelte. 24 [Whenher time of deliuerance wasfulfilled,] Moſes feacheth bere,that the mortall warre of the wombe continued vntill the time ofdeltucrance, Foꝛ it happened not by chance, that Jacob taking holde of bis beothers hele, went aboute to come fo2th fir ff, By this fiane the Lord declared, that the ef⸗ fect of bis election did not by and by appeare: but rather that the middle way and balfe courfe of bis fraucil , was repleni⸗ fhed with many conflictes and froubles. Therefore Eſau had bis name given bum of bis ſharpeneſſe: becaufe alreadie: cuen front bis infancie be twas fourmed after a mannelike fathion ; and the name of Jacob fiqnifieth that the fame Gi⸗ one was overcome, ſtriuing in vaine with bis trong weft: ing. 27 [And the childrengreve.) Mow Moles breefly deſcri⸗ beth vnto bs the manners of them both: and he commendeth not Jacob for bis nofable and excellent giftes , whiche were Wwo2rthie of praife and remembzanee : but onely fatth that be twas fimple , Foꝛ after that be hath ſhewed that Cfau was a ffrong man,and a bunfer, anv a wilde man: he fetteth again the fame, the milde and gentle difpofifton of Jacob, becaufe he tiued a quict life af home. To be fho2te,the comparifon ſigni⸗ fieth as muche, as if Males commended Cfau fo2 his puils faunce andinight, and ſaid that Jacob as giuen to live iy cafe and reff at home: that ſuche was the melination of the noe that it ſoꝛeſhewed bun to be in fune a man of courage? and VPON GENESIS CAP: XXV. and foe difpofition of the. other fo be fuche, as that if had nos thing worthieofcommendation, Seeing by heavenly vecra the honour of cloerthippe was giuen to Jacob, why doth Gos fuffer him to lie (as tt were) in the duſt, but onelp becaufe he Will haue his election fo lic hidde for atime, to the end men might attribute nothing to their preparations? 28 [And Izhak loued Eſau. J God, the better to declare that there ts (ufficient ſtabilitie and firmeneſſe in bis election, in fo muche that it is not bolpen by any other with any mans ner of helpe:pea,and ſtrong inough to ouercome all lettes + be fuffered Elau to be preferred by the loue and iudgement of his father, that there might bea certeine figure of the retected man in Jacob, Seeing therefore Moles ſheweth by fo manp circunitances, that Jacobs adoption was founded bppon the god pleaſure of Cod alone, their wickednelſe is not tollerable, Wwhiche hang the fame bppon the twill of man: o2 elfe afcribe parte to meanes and preparations . But how could it be,that the father not beeing ignozant of the ozacle, loued not with⸗ Landing the firtt begotten moze, whome be knew fo be reiec⸗ ferof GDD? Foz it had bene the parte of a godlie and mo⸗ Def matt, rather to ſubdue his affection, that be might obey God. The fire begotten challengeth naturally to himſelke, the prꝛincipall partes of loue. But it was not tn the fathers choice €0 extoll bint aboue his bother, which was abated by the ora⸗ cle and decree of God. But that which Woles addeth ſtraight after, was muche moze Hamefulland bubeleeming the holie Patriarch, ſo to be delighted with the taſte of Ueniſon, and wilde flethe , that for the fame be loued bis ſonne Elau the more. Din be fo wel loue his mouth, that fargetting the ozacle he contemned the grace of Gad in Jacob: and pꝛepeſterouſly ‘applied bis minde to him, fohome G D D reiected⸗ Let the Jowes gor nowe, and glorie inthe flethe, when as Iſaac moꝛre eſteeming meate, then the inheritaunce appointed vnto bis ſonne, peruerted the free couenant of Ood, fo muche as in gin lay. Neither is there any place of ercufeleft, but that it mu nedes be craunted,that through a blind anv rathe loue, be regarded the pounger ſonne — the elder. Allo Ll.iitj. it 35 536 FOHN CALVINE | if ts vncerteine whether the mother were not in fhe confrarie extremitie. Foꝛ we (& oftentimes, that the loucs of parentes are fo diuided, that if the mother fee her huſband to lone any one of her children moze then the other, the on the contrarie parte motte inclineth ber loue towardes thoſe, whome be lefts eſteemeth. Kebecca loued her fonne Jacob moe then Eſau. Sf herein the followed the propheſie, ſhe did welt: but it map be that ber loue was not fo well ſette and o2dered, Ano in this point the corruption of nature fo muche bewrapeth it felfe. There is nota moze firme knotte of mutuall confent,, then wedlocke: and the fame is alfe moze confirmed by chils dzen: and pet notwithſtanding, they oftentimes giue occas fion of diſcoꝛde. Notwithitanding, becauſe anon we ſhall fee that Kebecca had ſpeciall regarde ta the biefling of ODD, itis a probable coniecture , that the was ledde by the authos ritie of God, to p2eferre the vounger befo2e the elder : neuers fhelette,the falithe loue of the father noth moze fette fo2th the grace of Oods adoption, 29 [Now lacob fodde pottage. J This hittorie differeth: little from childiſh ſport and dalliance. Jacob maketh pottage of Lentiles: bis bother returneth from bunting, wearie and bunary,¢ purchafeth meate with bis birth2ight, Ghat maner bargaine and fale twas this? Jacob ought of his otune accorde fo haue giuen vnto his hungrie bother, Being intreaten, he deitteth,fo2 the which who would not condemne him of shurs liſhnes? In that he conftraineth him to fo2rga his birthright, it ſcemeth fo be an bnlawfull ¢ frinolous bargain, Wut Gon pos ucd the difpofition of Cfau in amatter of no great twetght:¢ as gaine be wold haue a declaration made of Jacob his godlines: 02 elle (that J {peatte moze properly) be reuealed what lay hid in thei both. any are deceiued, when hereof they f uſpend pᷣ cauſe of Jacobs election, becauſe God ſoreſawe fome worthi⸗ hefle in hint: and they thinke that Eſau was theretore repro⸗ bated, becauſe his impietie to come, made him vnworthie of Gods adsytion before be was boꝛne. Paul making the electi⸗ on f0 be frez,denics that we are to fecke a difference in the pers . fons of men,¢ firft be taketh vnto him this groundfatt,Seing mankinde ts lok front bis firtk oꝛiginal,and bowed fo deftrucs tion, <= V. VPON GEINESIS. CAR XXVi 537. tion, al they that are faued are not delivered from deftruction, 4 but by the mere arace of God onely. And therefore fome are not preferred before others , ſor their olune merite 02 worthi⸗ neſſe:but fo2 fo much as al men are alike vnwoꝛthie of grace, they are ſaued whom God hath chofen aceo2ding fo his otune twill, Then be proceedeth further ; that Sing God is the aus thour of the worlde, he is by bis right the awarder of life and death, in fo much,that there is no reafon to berequired of him Why he docth this o2 that : but his will ts the cauſe of all caus fes. either doeth Paule after this manner afcribe tyrannie vnto God, asthe Sophilters trifle concerning bis abfolute power. Wut feeing be diwelleth in the light whiche no mare cari conte vnto, and teeing his tudgments are patt finding out, Paule verie wiſely commandeth vs to reſt and ay ourfelues vᷣpon his purpofe only : leaſt if men defire to be curious , that exceeding and vnſearchable Chaos, ouerwhelme all thetr fens ſes. erie fondly therefore fome gather out of this place, that forfomuch as God chole one of the five bꝛethꝛen, andres iccted the other, he koꝛeſawe the meritcs ofthem bothe. Foꝛ that Jacob might differ from Clan, it was neceflarie that GD D hould ſette the difference ; othertwile he Hould not haue bene vnlike vnto bis bzother, And we muff alway remember this faping of Baul,that, No man doth excell an o⸗ ther by bis owne indultrie 02 vertue, but by the grace of ODD onely:Moꝛeouer, although the brethren were all one by nature : pet notwithſtanding, in the perfon of Cfau as in a glaſſe, Motes ſetteth before bs, what manner of men all the xlect, and reprobate are, which beeing left vnto their owne diſpoſition, reprobate. are not gouerned by the fpirite of GOD. Andin the per⸗ ſon of Zacob he ſheweth, that the arace of adoption is not idle in the electe, becaule the Lode effectually fealeth the ſame by his calling. Wherefore, how commeth tt to pale that Clau maketh fale of his birthziaht, but becauſe he beeing deuoide of the {ptrite of © D D; fauoureth only of the carth 2 hereof cancit,that Jacob diſappointing himſelle of his own fod, pa⸗ tiently fuffered hunger, but becauſe he being guided by the ho⸗ lic Gholte, lifteth vppe binifelfe, and afptreth to the heauenlie life? Whereloze, iet bs learne, that thep bppon whome the 14,0, Loꝛde 538 IOHN CALYINE, 2029 boucheth not fafe to beſtowe the grace of bis ſpirite, are biufe beaſtes, and are fo addicted to a tranfitozie life, that they thinke nof of tie {pirttuall kinqdome of God: but that tiew, Whome Ood hath taken vnder bis gouernement, are not ſo infangled with the {nares of the tleſhe, but that they bende thent {clues vnto the fupernall calling, Wherevppon it fole lowweth, fiat all the reprobate remaine dolwned in the corrup⸗ tions of the flelh. but the elect are renetwed by the bolie Ghoff, that thep imap be the workemanſhip of God created fo god workes. Jfany man obtect, that parte of the blame may be aferibed bnto God, tubiche doeth not cozrect the dulneſſe and Wwicked dDefires whiche are naturally in the rep2obate: the anz {were may eaſily be made: that Cond is difcharacd by the tes ſtimonie of their owne confcience, by tubich they are conſtrai⸗ ned fo condemne them felues , Wherefore, there remaineth nothing elle, but that all fiefhe be dumbe and filent before the Loꝛde, and that all the world confeffing them felues fo be fub- tecte bnto bis iudgement, be rather humbled, then doc prours lp contend. 30[ Let me eate I pray thee of that pottage fored, ] Although Cfau declareth by thele wordes, that be doeth not defire deine tie fare, but is contented with any manner of meate: yet notwithſtanding, we may contecture, that the matter was ſe⸗ rioufly marked of the parentes, Foꝛ be recetued not his name of any trifling matter. o2eouer, in that be hungereth and inv freateth, he doeth not therein as yet admit any thing wosthis of repꝛehenſion: but toben be faith ,Behold I die, what good will my birthright doe me ? be bewraveth bis wicked defire, iwhiche was wholy giuen fo the earth , and fo the flefhe, And there is no Doubt, but that be teftifieth,eucn from bis bearte, that be is b2ged euen with the fling of death. For they are deceiued which fo vnderſtande bis wordes as if be denied that be ſhoulde line any longer: bycaufe be bunting daily among the wilde beaſtes was in perill of his life, Therefore to auoyd prefent death , be bought meate with bis birthiaht : and yet fo2 all that be doth not therefore leaue of€ to finne creuonfiy, when as be maketh no count of bis birthzight,buleffe it pros fite him in this life, Foꝛ bereofit commeth to pafte, thathe chaungeth “~ a VPON GENESIS. CAP, XXYV. chaungeth a fpirituall benefite for an earthly and franfifczte. 53 7 Foꝛ the whiche caule the Apoſtle calleth bin a paophane pers Heb a. 6 fo, ag one which fraying himlelle bppon thts pzetent hfe, az fpired no higher . Wut this hav bene perfect wiſedeme, rather to haue ſuſfered an hundred deathes, then to haue depriued hinifelfe of his birthright, which was not fo included within the compatte of one age:but that it alfo reached and veelded vn⸗ to thofe that came after, the perpetuetic of the heauenlie life . Nowe let euerie one of 03 lake well about vs, becauſe Wwe are all of att earthly diſpoſition: if we followe the guidance of naz ture, ive {hall eafily deprive our felues of the beauenly inhe⸗ 1.5 2x6 ritaunce. Let vs therefore remember the exboztationof the Apoftle, Let vs not be prophane, as was Efau. 33 [Sweareto me euen now, JJacob dealeth not crucily with bis bzotber, becaufe be faketh nothing alway from him, buf onelp defireth a confirmation of the right whiche © DD Had given Onto hint: and this be doeth with a godlie pur- pole, that he might thereby the better eftablitve the faith of pis election. In the meane time Elaus lenlleſneſſe is tobe noted, who soubteth not fo (cll alway bis birthzight, and to confirme the fate with an othe. Although be beeing oppreſſed With hunger, rachly ruthed fo his pottage: pet, when an othe was required of bint, ther at the latte be Moulde haue bene touched with fome remorſe, which might haue cogrected his brutiſhe defire. Wut be, beeing wholy addicted to his bellie, appointed Ood himfelfea tvitneffe of his vnthankekullnelſe. C Then lacob gaue Efau bread and pottage, JAlthough at the firtt ſight it femeth a colde and fuperfinous narratien: pet forall that there ts great {weight inthe fame. F02 firfte Moles commendeth the holinelſe of godlie Jacob, in that he afpiring to the heauenlie life, could pridle his deſire of icats. +1. 1.6 We twas not verily a ſenſeleſſe blocke : be had the moze infor⸗ of a fpiri ced bis omache, by preparing nreate to fatiffie bis hunger. tuall life Wherefore it muſt needes be,that he fought againt him felfe, tameth infuffering bunger , ut he bad neuct bene able fo haue fae °* llehe. med bis fielbe after this manner, vnlelle the oefire of a {pirituall life bad bene in him. On the other parte, the won⸗ derkull ſecuritie of Elau bis brother, is in fee eae erp oꝛce⸗ : IOHN CALYINE — 540 forceabiy blamed, He did cate, he dranke, he rofe vp, he went, To what ende are thefe foure fet downe? Namely ,to the end we may knowe, that be mave no account of that incomparas _ ble benefite, of the whiche he was depriued. The complainte, ~ Iwhich the Lacedemonian captiue made,is famous in hiſto⸗ ries. The armie being long ber ceged , was driven at the length, though ſcarſitie of water,to reelde it felfe to the ents - Ps 6. But after thep had well dronke of the rtuer, Dh fellows ior sCaith he, how vnſpeakable a benefite haue we loft foz a little pleafure 2 That miterable man, when bis thirlke was quenched, remembred him felfe , and bewarled the loffe of libertie. Cfau bering filicd, weigheth not that he is fpopled of afarre moe excellent benefite then an bundzed lives, in ſo⸗ much that be boucht the fuftenaunce of halfe an houre. Thus areall pophane men wont to doe: being alienated from the Heavenly life, they feele not that they haue ſuſteined lofte, one till God thunder from heauen. So long as they enioy the de⸗ fires of the ficthe, thep calt the wath of Good bebinde them: thus it commeth to palſe, that they goe onblindly onto their olone deftruction, Wherefore let bs learne Wwith all {peeve to awaken our felues, if af any time we being deceiued with the tntifementes of the worid, haue fwarued from the right iwap. i Ge iNet CHAPTER, XXVI. Pt ND there was afamine in the land » befide the firft famine that was in the dayes of Abraham: wherefore Izhak went to Abimelech King of the Philifthims in Gerar. -- | | And the Lorde appeared ynto him,and faide, Goe not downe into Acgypt, but abide in the lande , whiche I fhall thewe ynto thee, 3-Dwell in this lande, andI will be with thee, and will blefle thee: for tothee and to thy feede , I will giue all thefe countries, and I will performethe othe whiche ] {ware vnto Abraham thy father , | 4 Alfolwill caule thy fede to multiplie as the ftarres of heauen, VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXVI. 1 heauen;and will give ynto thy fede, all thefe — in thy {cede shall all the nations of the earth be bleſſed. ¢ Becaufe that Abraham obeyed my voyce, and kepte my ordinaunces,and my commaundementes , my ftatutes,and my lawes. 1 6 So Izhak dwelt in Gerar, and the men ofthe place aſſced him ofhis wife,and he fayde,Sheeis my filter, d@ oF _ 7 Forhe feared tofay,Shee is my wife , lealt, fayde he, the men of the place fhoulde kill mejbecaufe of Rebeccha,;for fee was beaunifall to the eye, i 8 Soafter he had bene there long time, Abimelech king of the Philifthims,looked out ata wandowe,and lo hefawe Izhak {porting with Rebeccha his wiſe. 7 ‘ 9 Then Abimelech called Izhak,and fayde, Loe the is of a furetic thy wife, and why fayed{t thou, Sheis my fitter. To whome Izhak anfwered,Bycaufe I thought this,It may be that I fhall dye forher. ; dy 10. Then Avbimelech fayd, Why hafte thou done this vnto ys: one of the people had almofte lyen by thy wife :fo fhoul- deft thou haue brought finne v ppon vs. vied _ 1 Then Abimelech charged all his people,faying, He that toucheth this man,or his wife,fhalldyethedeath. _ ~ 12 Afterward, Izhak fowed in that and, and found in the fame yeare,an hundred folde by eftimation ; and fo the Lorde bleffed him, Sanit omy doafsenidA smc asl T i 13 And.theman waxed mightie, and ftill increafed till he was exceeding greate. 14 Forhe had flockes of fheepe,and heardes of cattell, and ? mightie houfholde : therefore the Philifthims had enuie at im. ? | | -- as Infomuch that the Philifthims topped, and filled vp with earth, all the welles.which his fathers feruants digged, in his father Abrahamstime, __ | 16 Then Abimelech fayd ynto Izhak, Get thee from vs,for thou art mightierthen weagreatdeale. . } az. Therefore Izhak departed thence,and pitched his tent an thevallieof Gerat,and dweltthere.. 40 nk »38 And Izhak returning digged the welles of waterywhich they fOHN CALVINE $42 — in the dayes of Abraham his father: For the Philifthims' hi ig them after the death of Abraham, And he gaue them the fame names whiche his father gaue them. — 19 Izhaks ſeruauntes then digged in the vallie, and found there a well of lining water, 20 But the heardmen of Gerar did ftriue with Izhaks eardmen,faying, T he water is ours, Thetefore called he the naine of the well, Hefec : becaufe they were at ftrife with him. | | 21 Afterwarde they digged an other well, and ftroue for that alfo : and he called the name of it , Sitnah, | 22 Then he remoued thence, and di¢ged an other well, for the which they ftroue.not:therefore called he the name of it Rehoboth, & faid:By caufethe Lord hath now made-vs roome, we fhall increafe vpon the earth. . . 23 Sohe went vp thence, to Beer-fhebah, 24 And the Lorde appeared vnto him, the fame night,and faide,I am the God of Abrahain thy father, feare not:for 1 alti with thee, and will bleffe thee and maultiplic thy fede, for my feruant Abrahamsfake, Oa BT de 17 25 Then he built an altar there,and-called- vpon the name of the Lorde, and there fpread histente, wherealfo Izhaks {ere aoe cpa > sblot bs — angvtsayos) 26 Then came Abimelech vnto him from Gerar,& Ahuze zath, one of his friendes, and Phicol the captaine of his ar⸗ mic. reyes 27_ To whome Izhak faide 5 WVherefore come yeto mec, fecing ye hate mee, and hauc put mee away from ou? 4 28 Whoaunfwered, We fawe certeinly that the Lord was with thee, and we thoughtthus , Lettherebe nowe an cathe cence vs,cuen betweene vs and thee: and let vs make a couenaunt with thee. — 29 Ifthou ſhalt doe vs no hurte, as we haue not touched thee, and as we haue done ynto thee nothin but good,/and fent thee away in peace: thou now, the. of the rw, J VPON “GENESTS: CAP. XXVE , go. Then he macde them a feaſte: and they did eate and drinke ; and they aroſe vp beetime inthe morning, and fware | ene to-another, =< 7 3» ThenIzhak let them goe : and they departed from him in peace, | ert tere lit 32 And that fame day Izhaks feruantes came and tolde him of a well,whiche they had digged,and faid vnto him, We haue founde water. | 7 - 33 Sohecalled it Sibhah, Therefore the name of the Ci- tie is called Beer-fhebah yntothis day, | Nowe when Efau wasfourtie yearesolde, he tooke to wife Iehudith, the daughter, of Beert an Hittite, and Bofmath , the daughter of Elon, an Hittite alſo. | _ 35 And they, were difobedient and rebellious to Izhak and Rebecchas : ; 1 [ Andthere wasa famine, J] Here Moles thetveth, that 3faac twas vered alfo twith the fame kinde of tempfae tion therewith bis father Abraham was tried. ‘ut Howe biolent and barde this affault toas , J bane ſhewed alreas bie. What condition twas verie greeuous and barde.in that @ D D iwoulde haue his feruauntes,foiourners and pil grins in that lande , tubiche be bad pꝛomiſed fo give one to them: but this feemeth to beleffe tollerable, that be {nfs fered thent not to abide there any time, but that be alnioftt Killed thent With hunger . Who woulve not fay that the UD UD E - had forgotten him folfe , wher be giueth fode ſo ſparingly and ſcarſely vnto bis chilozen, whome be hath taken vader bis care and pootection? Wut G D D thus exercifed the bolic fathers , that we being fauchfe by their eramples', might not be tw effeminate and tender in femptations , As touching the worꝛdes, althoughe there was a Dou ble dearthe in Abꝛahams time: yet not withſtanding, Doles fpeaketh but of one, the remembzaunce thereof was more free, id 2[ And Quettion, Aafwere, 2 [And the Lorde appeared vnto him,] J doubte not but that this is arendering of vᷣcauſe, Why Haat got him rather into that countric, themints Aegypt, which peradnentire had beite moze contmodious fo2 him : but Pofes Teacheth that he fed notin bin. Motwe it may be demaunded, why the Wore: fered his father fo gee? Although Poles erprelleth not the’ reafon: pet fo2 all that te may Contecture, that the fame tours more Chen it corrupted his father Abraham: but beesate be aboue that whiche they are. able to beare, AND as te mutt ate fure our felues , that God will neuer fatle bs to gine bntovs ſtrength, amiddett the moſte hard and weightie temptations (0 We mulſt in like manner fake heede, that tue runne not rathly inte perilles: but guerie mans’ olvne imbecilliti¢ ought fo Warne hint; to walke warily ; and Wwith feare ano carefulneſſe.Abide in the lande.} He commaundeth him to be as a foiourner ti thefame.” ano thus he giueth fo vnder⸗ ſtand, that the time i⸗ not pet come, wherein be thall haue the rule thereof, Be incourageth him through hope Of the promis haue a quict contcience within. And in veri⸗ diede, we neuer leane to a better tap , then when as we «hanging bppon the Lordes mouth,not regarding thinges breſent, doe thoꝛuch faith VPON GENESIS; CAP. XXVI. faith. take holde of bis bleffing, twhicheas pet doeth not aps 54> peare, Pozcouer,be repeateth againe the pzomife, which was made befoze,that Iſaat night bemade moze readie to obep, Foꝛ the 102d is wont fo fo awaken bis feruants from ſſouth⸗ fullneffe , that they map foutly fight vnder bis banner, when he affirmeth ever and anon, that their labour thall not bein baine, Foꝛ although be requireth at our bandes yas a father doeth of bis chilozen, free and liberall obedience: pet notwiths ſtanding, be doeth fo farre abate himlelfe ta our capacitic,that be inuiteth anderbo2teth bs, by ſhewing and (etting before ‘bs the reward, WW ; 5 [Becaufe that Abraham obeyed my voyce.] Mofes meas neth not, that theobedience of Abzabam twas the caule, wohy Seo.vꝛ.is the pronnte of OD D was firme, andratified vnto him: but befo2e, where we had the like place, tt was ſaide, that the fame whiche the Lode giueth vnto the fatthfull frelp, is fomes time afcribed vnto them for thetr merif,to the end they know⸗ ing, that the Lozde allotucth their endeuour , may the more feruently addict, and bend themſelues to worſhip him. Cuen fo nol be commendeth Abrahanis obentence, that Iſaac may be peicked forward to imitate him. And althougheas pet, lawes, ſtatutes, rites, pꝛeceptes, and ceremonies, were not Wittens pet notwithſtanding, Poles bled theſe wordes, the better to expꝛeſſe, how diligently Abraham framed his life tothe twill of God alone: how carefully be abſteined from all the pollutions of the Oentiles : and how cractly he helde the right courfe of godlinefle, info muche that be ſwarued not, neither fo the right hand, nor te the lefte. Foꝛ the Lorde ofs tentimes giueth thefe titles vnto bis lawe, to b2idle our laſci⸗ uioulneſſe; as if be thoulo fay, that there wanted nothing there,that might belong to a perfect rules but that the fame comprehended what ſo euer belonged fo ablolute holineſſe. Therelore the ſenſe and meaning is, that Abꝛaham hauing framed his life accoꝛding to the wil and pleature of God, wal⸗ Red in the pure worſhipping of him , 7 [And themen of theplace asked him ofhis wife.] Mo⸗ {es cheweth that Iſaac was tempted after the ſame mauner that bis father Abꝛaham was, concerning the taking away of Dm, hig 6 "Sy “TOoHN CALVINE © $4 vis twit, And there is no doubt , but that be was led enen by vis fotetteppessthat be being tan ight by the fimilitude it felfe, night make him felfe a compaion of bis fapth . Botwbe- if, in fhis point be ought rather to haue ſhunned his fathers vice, then to haue followed tt: .- Foꝛ there is no doubt ; but that be knewe well enough, that bis mothers honellie was bioucht twiſe ints greate perill: and although ſhe was wonderkully deliuered by the mightie power of GDD = vet notwithltanding, ther were both puniſhed for their bite fruf, Therefore, whereas Iſaac * ſtumbleth at the fame ſtone, therein bis negligence cannot be excuſed· For he denieth not bis wife with expreſſe wordes: but herein eſpecially be is to be blamed, that for the preleruing of bis life, he maketh an eye euſe ioyned With a lie. Secõdly, in that be diſcharging bis wife fromthe faithof wedlocke, made ber as tf were a prey for ſtraungers. But this efpecially increaleth bis fault,as Jhaue fayd,in that be nof giuing heede to domeſticall eramples, wil⸗ lingly brought her into open perill. Whereby it appeareth, howe readte our nature ts to diſtruſt, and hotve fone toe are deuoyde of all counfell in doubtfull matters, But feitig ive — are beefet with fo many perills, we are to pay vnto the Lorde to aſſiſt vs with bis bolic ſpirite, leaſt we faint and be diſcou⸗ raged thzough feare and trembling: other wile we fhall not doe well fo take any thing in bande, of the whiche we ſhall ae non and to lafe repent bs, | & f£Abimelech looked out ata windowe, } Wonderkull is the (ufferance and godneſſe of Ood,in that be bouchfafed, not onely tofozgiue bis feruant a double fault : but alforeached fo2th vnto him bis hande, and bfing aremedie ih time, won⸗ derfully turned atvay the mifchiefe, whiche he brought vpon bimielfe, We fuffered not bis wife fo be taken out of his Lappe, Wwhiche bad happened twiſe vnto Abraham, but ſtirred dpa prophane ising, which might gently and withont trouble co22 rect bis folithnefie, Moꝛeouer, although God popoundeth fuche an example of his qeutleneffe, to the enve that the faith: Full,ifat any time thep fall, might truk that be till be gente VPON GENESIS)» 4 CAPS XXVI- ; 547 and fauourable vnto them ; nottwithfandingswe mutt take heede of {ecuritic, when as Wwe fx that the holie woman, white che twas at that time, the onely mother, of the Charche in earth, twas bya Singular pꝛiuilege exempted: from repzoche and ſhame. Peuerthelefle, we may gather by the iudgement of Abime⸗ lech, howe holily and honeftly Iſaac behaued himſelte, of whome be conceiued not fo much as pl ſuſpicion. Further⸗ moꝛe, howe muche moze greater integritie was tobe found in thole dayes, fhenin this our age? Foꝛ whp doth be not condemne Iſaac of whaz2edome?,- 3fo2 1 hall be likely, that there twas fome Wwickednefle hidden, when be craftily pres fending the name of a fitter, fecretly denied ber to be bis wile. Atherefoze doubt not, but that religion, and the honeſtie A verta- of life , profited to defende bis eſfimation. By tobiche exam⸗ °° —* ple weare taught, that righteonfnes is fo to be imbꝛaced all Pos) ht our life lougthat men haue bs not: in ſuſpicion of any mats f.mie, and fer that isfilthie 02 wicked . Foꝛ there is nothing better to ſuſpicioa. Deliuer bs from all nofe of infaunic then an honest and tem⸗ perate liie Notwithltanding that is to he anded whiche 3 afters ivarde touched, that the luffes of the flefhe were not then fo common, that any fulpicton coulde come into the hinges minde, , concerning an honeſt foiourner; GAbherefoze be eafily perfuadeth bint felfe, that Kebeeca is bis wife, and not a hare dot. Bereby alfothe chaftitie of that age isto be pꝛoued, in {hat Abinelech toke the familiar fpo2ting betweene Iſaac and Rebecca , for a manifeſt token of wedlocke. Foꝛ Doles ſpeaketh not of carnall espulation, but of fome other pleafant geſture: Whiche etther might bea teftimonte of diſſolute la’ ciuiouſneſſe, 02 elfe of matrimoniall loue. But nowe men are growen to luchelibertie, that hufbandes are conſtrained fo beare with filence the dDiffolufe and wanton dalliance of wiues With ſtraungers. 10 Why hafte thou done this vnto vs?] The Lorde doth not chaſtiſe vᷣſaac as he had deſerued: peraduenture, becaule He Was not fo pationt to fuffer as his father was. Where, ſore, lealt the taking alway of bis wife thouloe difcourage PYm.i. him, ‘ “ YOHN CAEVINGE +4 him God mercifully prouideth a remedie Hottwithtanding, fe the end the rep2ehention might make him the moze aſhamed, be appointeth a prophane man fo be his Scholemarter, ang Cenſor. Wut if may be, that Abimelech reprehendeth bin, With purpofe not fo muche to hurte hint, as to cat bis follie in his tethe . Que this odught to baue vtterly wounded the mind of the holte man, when he lawe bis offence ſubiect to the iudgement alfo of the blinde. CUberefoze let bs rentember, that We mut walke in the light , whiche God bath kindled fo2 vs: leaſt the bubelecuing, which are lapped in the darks nelſe Of ignozance, doc rep2oue our dullnefle, And in erie Dede, then Wwe care not fo obey the two20e of ODD, tue are worthie to be fent vnto Dren, and Aftes. Abimelech doth noe fifte, andp2ofequate the whole offence of Iſaac, but toucheth one parte of the offence onely, But being tightly adimonithes With this one worde, he ought ef his obvne accorde to haue condemned hint ſelle, in that he not committing bim felfe and his wife vnto ODD, who hadpromiter that be woule be a keeper of them both, though vnbe lefe fell fo an vnla w⸗ Faith kee- full remedie. 3fo2 this is the propertie of faith , ta kepe bs pcth within the boundes anv limites whiche God hath tette,that ag lve take nothing in hand, without bis commatmdeient and permillion. Wbherebpyon it followeth , that Iſaaks faith wauered, tehen be ſwarued from the duefieofa hufbande, Furthermore, we gather by the wordes of Abimelcch, that this fenle is fired in the mindes of all nations; that they knew that thebeaking of wedlocke, was a fault worthie of celettie all punithment , and were afearde of the tudgement of God, Foꝛ thoughe mens minds were darkened With thicke clouds, that now and then they wereveceincd: pet not withſtanding © D D would haue tome vitterence remaine of thong ana: right, that euerie man might carrie aboute with him his - owne guiltineſſe, and might alfo be inereufable, Wherefore, iffobe ODD doe cite the reprobate allo before his Tribu⸗ nallfeate, and Cuftereth them not to eſcape tuft danmation : what horrible punif}ment remaineth fo2 bs, if fo be,th2oualy our malice, te go about to blotte out that Rnofoledge , white the G DD bath grauen in our contciences- 1 cael u {Abi- VPON GENESIS CAP. XXVI. u [Abimelech charged all his people.) 3n$ be giueth tom⸗ mandement bppon paine of death, that no man doe inturie to this ſtraunger, we map gather thatthis edict was made bya fingular pꝛiuilege. Foꝛ men are not wont fo feuerely fo pus nity all manner of iniuries. But how came it fo patle,that the fing had fuch acare for Iſaac, that be preferred him before all other fraungers in the lande,and made bint almoſt equail With him felfe: but only becanfe in bun there ined acerteine maieſtie of Ood, whiche brought vnto him fuche reverence? And God to helpe the infirmitie of his fernant, by all manner of meanes inclineth fhe mind of the prophane dking to fauour hu, Andthereis no doubt, but that his honeſt behauiour and thamefattnetle infozced the king fe carefully fe defende hun, Foꝛ be percetuing him to be a fearefull man, whiche ads uentured the loſſe of his wife fo redeeme bis life,the more wil⸗ lingly feughf to deliver him out of perill that be might liue in ſafetie and ſecuritie. 12 [And Iſaac ſowed in that land.here Moſes precaedeth fo ſhewe, howe Iſaac receiued manifett fruite of the bleſſing whiche God had promiſed ono him. For he ſayth, that when be folwed, be receiued an bundzed folde moze, the whiche is a fare kinde of fruitefulnette in thofe countries He addeth alfo, thathe twas riche in cattell, and that be hada greate fami⸗ lie. Dhe praife of all thele thinges be attributeth to the bleſ⸗ fing of GD D: euen as itis fayde in the Plalme, That the Pl-7-8 Lozde giueth (ufficientlp vnto thole that are bis, when thep are allepe. Potivithfanding tt may be demanded hotv Iſaac Qucftion. coulde ſowe, whom OD Dcommaundedtebecapilarimeall —. his lifetime, There are fome tobich thinke that he bought a ·oſwere. certeine feelde, andfo they interp2ete the Beb2ue worde; A poſſeſſion: but the terte conuinceth their errour:becaule - ſhortly after, fhe bolie man twas nothing af all letted with SAD: ſale, but that he might ſpeedily patle alway with bag and bag: gage:alfo ing the purchafing of qrounde was contraric both fo his callina,and alfo te the commaundement of Cod, ' Boles no doubt would not haue ouerpafled fo notable a vice. Pozeouer ſeeing erprefle mention is made by and by of a tent, Wwe thereby gather, that tobhither fo euer became, be ~— ut 99111, uf, TOHN CALVINE 339 hat as a gueſt, by teaue and intreatie. Wherefore, we muſt note,that this fotving tras in fuche plottes of ground. as be bired for bis prefent necefhiiie. For although be bad net the breadth of a fwte of his owne poffets fion : pet neuertheleſſe, to perfourme the duetie of a god houfgolver, it bacame bins fe pꝛouide fode fo2 bis houtholde ¢ and it may be, that famine pricked him fo2 ward fo be the moze Diligent herein, that be might affertwarde the moze circums fpectly pronide for himſelfe. Notwithſtanding, it Hall be god to remember that whiche ¥ touched euen nov, that the abun⸗ Dance, whiche be got by pis labour , was fo be attributed to the grace of Gon, 14 [ Therefore the Philifthimshad enuieat him. ] 6p this hiftozic, we are taught, that the blefinges of © D D, twhiche ferue fo2 the vſe of this pesfent , and earthly life, are neuer pure and free, but mired with fome troubles : leaft throughe to muche reff and pleafures ,. they being flouthfull Riches negligence. Wiherefare, let euerie one of bs learne, not to: bring trou deſire riches to greedilpx. It riche men are at any time vers bles with ed with bnquietnefle, let thent knowe, that they are awas them. ked of the L DUD C, that they might not ouerfepe . them felues in their pleafures : and let poze niemcomfozte themlelues with this, that their neede, and pouertie , Mans with itdi: teth not alfo fome commodities. Foꝛ it is no fmall benes uerscom- fife, fo line twitheut enuie, tumulfe, and bealles. If any moditic. man obiecte and ſay, that this was not fo creat fanour ,, that © DD inriching Iſaac, made him theretwith ſubiecte fo en⸗ uie , confentions,.and many troubles : the aunfiwere ts cas fic to be made, that all thofe troubles with the which Cov erercifeth thoſe that are his, are nolette,but that the benes — fites , whiche be beſtoweth, reteine the taſte of bis fatherlie Se eS. nei wi? abe Hart, he lo tempereth that favour, twhiche be ber fomtimes Koweth bppon his fonnes tn this twozlde , fhat withall be toputys ſtirroth them bppe with Marpe prickes , to haue regarde ta rt Th the celeftiall life. Wut this was no light temptation,. that cali life tD¢ clement whiche belonged to all manner of beatles, was | Denied *" vVPON GENESIS CAP: XXVI. denied fo the bolic Patriarche : therefore the moze patients Ivit becommeth vs fo beare meane iniuries. Wut if atanp tinte, Wwe beeing burte without a taule, are Difquieted, let bs remember, that we are not fo hardly dealt withall, as the holie man Iſaac was, who twas conftrained to ſtriue fo2 twas fer, Moꝛeouer, the element of water was not ſimply taken front him, but the welles were filled bp, which Abzabam had digged fo2 himlelfe,andfoz bis poſteritie. This therefore was ertreame crucltic,to defraude a guefl , a fraunger, not onelp pf all duetie: but allo to take away that whiche he polſſeſſed {without hurte fo any man, and gotten bp the induftrie and labour of bis father, | 46 { Then Abimelech faide. } It is vncerteine, whether the King of Gerar,of his owne acco2de,bannithed Iſaac oul ef his countrie: 02 whether be commaunded him td goe vnto another place, becauſe he ſawe, that be was enuied of the common people. Foꝛ he might, after this manner, frend⸗ ly aduife bint, Howbeit, it 1s beric likely, that bis minde twas drawen away from Iſaac. Foꝛ Coward the enve of the Chapter , Poles thetveth , that the holie manne came plained that thep bad hated him, and put bint away from them. But becaufe we can affirme nething certeine con rerning bis affection , let it fuffice fo note that , whiche is of areater weight: that if commeth to pafle, theough the conmon maliccof men, that they are fufpected of fhe vul⸗ gar people, whiche are in countenaunce and authozitie a» boueothers. 551 ? ax thd Foꝛ fullneſſe begetteth crucltic . Uethereforc, there ts no⸗ Fullnefle thing moze readie, then foz riche mei proudly fo paunt —— thent felues, and fo boafte moze inlolently, thei ts mete, ee and to bendall their power and abilitie fo oppzeffe others. But Ffaac was not to be fufpected of any ſuche matter: but he fufteined the enuie of a common dite. Wibereby twe ga⸗ ther, bowe muche moze profitable for bs,and more fo be de⸗ fired oftentimes a meane effate is, whiche is moze quict, and not fo {ubiecte te hatred, and to finifter opintons and fufpicions . Pozcouer, how rare and vnwanted the bletling of Gov MPm iiij, was >» ’ \ 2 55% Iſaae ve rie riche. IOHN CALYINE was in intereafing of Iſaac, we may. —* gather, becauſe his richelle were feared ofthe Bing, and alfo of the people. He had receiued from his father aplentifull, and large inheri⸗ taunce: but Moles ſheweth that after hewas entered into that anne, he fo increafedin athozte ſpate, that be ſeemed to the inbabitantes not tobelufferedanylonger, 18 [And Ifaac returmng digged the welles of waters 3 Firk toe fer thatthe holie man was ſo hatefull to the inhabi⸗ tauntes,that being conitratned, be: Went aparte, deftifute of waters, Wut there is no place fo troublefonie and wiconues ntent to dwell in fo2 the vſe of life,as ts that whiche is deſti⸗ tute of waters. Moreouer, his droues of cattell, and the great number of his. ſeruantes, being not vnlike toalittle armie, ſtode in neede of watering. · Wherefore we le that be was bought into wonderfull ſtreightes. And in that this lat nes ceſſitie did not prick him fo2 ward fo feeke reuenge,tt ts a fiane of ſingular fufferance. Foꝛ Wwe knowe, that oftentimes lighter iniuries then this,doe bzeake patience in gentle and modeſt perfons . ¥fanp man obiecfe and fay that be wanted might+ Iconfeſſe that he was notable to holde warre. 1 ut feing bis father Abrꝛaham armed foure hundred ſeruauntes, be — alſo had a band of feruauntes, which might eaſily haue repels led the force and iniurie offered by thole that dwelt abouts thent, Mozeouer, then be came into the vallie of Gerar,the hope which bebad conceiued, was taken alway. He knewe that bis father Abzaham had bled there his owne welles, and fuche as be himfelfe founde out. Andalthough they were Lopte bp: pet notwithfanding,it fufficed that they knewe the veines of the waters, leatl in digging they might labour in batne, And Whereas the welles were fopte bp after the Departure of A» braham, we may thereby gather, howe little account the ines babitantes made of a gueſt. For although their conntrie was made beffer with welles: yet fo2 all that,thep rather chofeto be dep2iued of this p2ofite, then to haue Abꝛaham their neighbour, Foꝛr leaſt any commooditic fhoulde allure him , by damming dp the welles, thex did (as it Were) ſhut vp his pale fage, Ther vVPON GENESIS. CAP. XXVT. _, Sher of olde time were tant, when they woulde haue as 553 np man razed out, ano cut off from the focictie of men , to fo2- bid bim wafer and fire Che Philiftines, to remoue Abzahant out of their bogders take from him clement of water. [And he gaue them the fame names which his father gaue them. } Be gaue not newe names vnto the welles, but he reſtored thoſe nantes to their vie, whiche {were giuen bp bis father Abra⸗ ham, that bp this remembraunce, the olde poſſeſſion might be renewed, Wut being infozced,be changed their na mes,that at the leatt wife he might make it knotuen by fome monument, and might reproche the Philiſtines with the iniurie whiche they didoffer.. Foꝛ when be calleth the one well , Bralling, and the other Hoſtilitie, he denieth that he can with right, and an honelt title polſeſſe that, whiche they bad taken alway by open force,andafter the maner of (poplers Gaithall if Mhall be god to confider, that Middeſt thefe bralles, be bad no leſſe charpe contention with thirft and nade of waters , by which the Philiſtines ſought to kill bint, Foꝛr this is the order of the hiſtorie. Firlt of all Moles according to higmanner,baichy toucheth the ſumme of the matter,as, that Zfaac intended fo frame to bis owne vſe againe thofe welles, whiche bis father had founde out afore time, and by a recouerie to get agains the pottettion which was lof , Then he procadeth further,ass that when be twke the worke inbande, be was wickedly de⸗ frauded of bis labour. And tobereas he giueth thankes vnto © D D inthe thirde tell, and calleth thent therefoze tnlars ginges, becaufe nowe by the grace of God he bad atfained to moze plentie of water, if is a token of inuincible patience. tfc gi- Therefore, though be were derie hardly dealt twithall: not⸗ verh withſtanding, wher he had ouercome thofe troubles, be qui⸗ thanks te etly giueth thankes vnto GD D, and fetteth lorth his god⸗ = nefle,and withall declareth, that be hada quict minde in all bis aduerfitic. 23 [Sohe went vp thence to Beer-fhebah. ] otwe a moꝛe plentifull confolation followeth,and veric effectuall to refreth the minde of the bolic man. He nowe inioyiug a {well in peace, acknowledgeth that God is fauorable vnto him. But becauſe one worde of Gad, is of moze weight with the farthfull, then the v*9 TOHN CALVINE, * 4 the heape of all god thinges, there is no doubt, but that afxae receiued this oracle more gladly , then if the riuers hap flotus cd vnto hint with a thoufande Nedars and pleaſaunt drin⸗ kes. Aud tn verie deen oles of purpofe Inaqnificently con mendeth this grace, bycaute the iLo2d comfozted hint with bis worde: tubereby we learne fo to gine honour fo fhe other bee nefites of Gos, that the teftimenic of bis fatherly ldue max als Wwapes hane the pratle, which be giueth onto bs bp bis word. Fore, apparell, health, peace, and other profperous (ucceffes, Gods qtue vnto bs a taſte of Gos gednetle: but when be talketh word pal- familiarly with $8, and plainly pronounceth that be is x ae —E Father, that is the thing whiche refretheth bs to the full, porall be- Cdbatcanfe of departure Iſaac had to goe onto Weer feba to nefitces. fhe olde habitation of his father, Doles veclareth not. Jf map: be that the Whiliftines ceatted not nowe and then to diſquiet him: andthe holie men being thus wearied with their ers freame malice , went farther. The circumtEance of time mae Keth it likelic, that he twas greeued and ſorrowful. But be was no foner come into that place , but een the firfe night Gop Appeared vnto him. ere fome opportunitic of time is noe fed. ut ſo oftenas Moles hath ſhewed afoze this time, that God had appeared to Abraham, he withall declared, that the holie man was either diſquieted With greeuous cares, ei⸗ ther kept ſtill in ſome feare,o2 ouerwhelmed with heauineſſe, 6? elfe after many ſoꝛrowes⸗ » 48 t€ were overcome With Iwearineffe : that if might appeare, that the Lorde reached his bande onto him inoue fime, according as the neceflitie res quired, leatt he ſhoulde be oucrcome .Cuenlo now be came vnto Iſaac, that he might refrethe him beeing wearied and ale mof beaten dotwne with diueri⸗ miferies, 24 [ The Lorde appeared voto him. | Dhis vifion (ag Jhaue fatde in an other place) thas a preparatiue, that he night bearken moze attentiuclp vnto © DD , and might be certified that he had to doe withthe LDRDE. Foꝛ the voyce alone had bene of Iefte force . God therefore appeas reth to get faith and reuerence vᷣnto bis worde. To be bzeefe, Vifions & Dtfions were as it were fiqnes and tokens of Gods p2efence, cheit end. £0 the ende the bolic fathers might not doubte, that it was 7 Gov VPON GENESIS.’ CAPS XXVI. @od twhiche intended tofpeake .. AF any man obiecte, that this was not firme pnough, fering Sathan oftentimes des ceiueth with the like viſors, and is as aman may terme him, Gods Ape : tue mufte call to minde that whiche J haue fpoken in another place, that there was a plaine and enident marke of © D D (et in viftons , whereby the faithfull might certeinly difcerne them from falle and decetueable viſions, that their faith might not bang in fulpenfe,, And-verily , fees ing Sathan deceinueth not but in darkeneſſe, © DD delines reth bis ſons from this pertll , illumining their epes with the brightneſſe of bis countenaunce, But G D D dia not rez ucale bis glozte in the fulnefle thereof,onto the bolie fathers, but toke bppon him a forme, by tubiche they might knowe him accozding fo the meafure of their capacitie . Foz the maieſtie of Cod is paſſing meafure,and cannot be compꝛehen⸗ ded of humane fenfe,and with the greatneſſe thereof ſwallow⸗ eth bp p whole woꝛld.Moꝛeouer, ſuch ts the infirntitie ofanen, that they muff needes not onely faint at the pretence of God, but alfobe btterly bꝛought to nothing. Wherefore, Boles meaneth not that Ood was feene accoding to bis qualitic € quantitie, but ſo farrefmath as Iſaac was able to abide the fight of him. Wut whereas we faide, that the vifion was a teſtimonie of bis Diuinitie, that the o2acle might baue the moꝛe credite, if appeareth better by the terte, For it was not a dumb fhelu:but the 020 follotved by and by, which eſtabli⸗ fhed inthe minde of Iſaac the faith of free adoption and of ſal⸗ uation, [ lamthe God of Abraham, J Herevnto tendeth fhe p2eface,that be might renew the memoꝛie of all the pꝛomiſes Wwhich were made afore tune , € fhat be minht direct the mind of Iſaac vnto the perpetuall couenaunt, whiche being made With Abraham , might be delivered Onto the polterities,as it Were by tradition , Dherefore the Lode beginneth to ſhewe, that be is the fame Good, which from the beginning fpake vn⸗ fo Abꝛaham: leaſt that Iſaac might ſeparate this azacle from the firſt. Foꝛ fo often.as be repeated the teſtimonie of bis arace fo the faitihfull, be vnderſhoared their faith twith newe props; pet neuerthelefic, be woulde haue the fame faith ta be graun⸗ bed Dppon the firs coucnaunt , by bohich he had adopted them. Ano 555 6 TOHN CALVINE 55 And we mull oblſerue this order, that we learne fo gather the promifes of G D D, euen as they cleaue together with ars infeparable knot. And let bs haue alwaves this Principle bes fore our epes, that God doth fo gently pꝛomiſe grace onto bs, becauſe be bath adopted bs freely, [Feare not.] Becauſe thefe wordes are alreadic expoun⸗ ded tn another place, Jwill be nowe the more brete Fire of all we muſte note, that GD D ipeaketh to the faithfull, to this ende, that he might quiet and pacifie thet mindes . Foꝛ bis worde being taken alway, they mutt nedes cither Tremaine without vnderſtanding and fenfe:o2elfe be ture mopled with bnquietnetle, Wherevppon it followeth, that Zane? Wwe haue peace from no other, then from the mouth of God, commeth Wheithe teltifieth, that be is the authour of our faluation, Not ofthe that we are nowe free from all feare: but becaufle the ſecuri⸗ worde of fie of faith is effectuall enough, fo pacific all troubles, afters God, ward, the Lorde declareth bis lone by the effect, when he poe mifeth that be twill bleſſe Iſaac. 25 [Then he built an altar there. J sy other places Wwe Knolve well enough, that Doles ſpeaketh bere of a folemne Wworlhip. Foꝛ the inwarde calling bppon Gon, neither needeth any altar, neither maketh if anp ſpeciall choice of place.And it is certeine, that the Saincts, whereſoeuer they led their lines, Wo2MHhipped Cod. Wut becauſe godlinefe ought to haue a tes ſtimonie among men, Iſaac by erecting and confecrating an altar, pꝛofeſſeth that he Wwo2hippeth the true and onelp God: and after this manner he diuideth him felfe from the polluted Wwo2hippings of the Gentiles : and be builded an altar,not foz himfelfe alone : but fo2 his whole familie, that be might offer facrifices therewith all thote that were onder bis charge. And fing the altar was builded fo2 the erternal erercites of faith, the inuocation of Gad is as muche as if oles had ſayde, that Slaac praiſed the name of G D D , and gaue tefttmonie of bis faith. Alfo this viſible worſhip of Gon hath another vſe:name⸗ fy, that men, acco2ding fo their infirntitie, may frre bp and erercife them felues in the feare of Gop, Pozeouer , feing we knowe that the facrifices ome VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXVI. then commaunned, let bs note, that Iſaac did not then rath, 57 ly trifle in wozthipping of OD D, but did kepe the rule of faith, that be might take nothing in band without the wove of Ood. Whereby alfo tue gather, howe prepofterous and erronious a thing the imitation ofthe fathers is, vnleſſe the Loꝛd ioyne bs vnto them with the like commaundement, Jn the meane time the wordes of Moſes plainip founde, that what erercifes of godlineſſe fo euer the faitbfull take in band, they are to be applied and framed to this marke, that ODD be worſhipped and called vppon. Herevnto therefo2e all ris fes and ceremonies ought to be referred, Moꝛeouer, althouah the holie fathers o2dinartlp vſed tobutlde altars , whereſoe⸗ uer they pitched their tentes:pet notwithſtanding, Wwe gather by the o2der of tie wordes, that after that God appearcd to bis feruaunt Iſaac, bebutlded an altar fo2 this caufe, that he might giue fo2th a teltimonie of bis thankefulneffe, [ And the feruauntes of Izhak digged there a well, ] It is meruell, that feeitig the place vas alreadie named of the tell, Iſaac foucht water there againe: efpecialip, feetng Abꝛaham bad bought the riqht of the well fo2 him felfe,and fo2 bis poſteritie ofthe bing. It mavr bealfo, thatthe digging twas verie harde and laborious. Foꝛ Wales (aith not in vaine, that the feruauntes came aftertward,and tolde,that water was found, So that J for my parte doubt not , but that the men of that countrie confpired eucrie where together, todsiue alway that bolic man from thent,thzough the tant of tater: in ſomuche that this well Seba allo twas topped bp through fraude and Deceipte, ‘ The terte alto ſheweth, that the holie Patriarche had a fozmer care of woꝛſhipping God : bycaufe, after that Moles bath ſhewed that an altar twas builved, be maketh mention of the well. Nowe if is ne&dfull to nofe ,Wwith what and bow greate troubles thofe holie Fathers daily ſtriued: to ower : come and beare the whiche they bad neuer beene able, vnleſſe they bad beene verie farre onlike bs tn nycenefle , Foꝛ howe hardly coulde we abide the want of twater, twho oftentimes murmur again G DD , if we haue not plentic of wine, and other ſtrong dzinke 2 Let the fatthfull therefoze yen em TOHN CALVINE® - 558 thent felues with fufterance, by thete examples: and if fo be at any time they want fode, and other necefarie thinges foz this life,let them bende their eyes onto Iſaac, which andes red Op and downe thirſtie in the inberitance whiche God hav pꝛomiſed bute him. | 26 [ Phencame Abimelech ynto him. ] She like fovie tue had in the twentie and one Chapter going before, There⸗ fore the Lode was noleffe fauourable tuto Iſaac, thenbe bad bene to his father Abraham befo2e,: Foꝛ this is no come mon bleffing, that Abunelech of him felfe commeth bnto bin, and defireth his friendthip. Moꝛeouer, no fall care and areefe is taken frombim, that his neighbours whiche had fo many wares diſquieted him, being nowe afcarde of bum , defire fo baue him their friend, Wherefore, the Lode gaue greate hos hour vnto bis feruaunt, and alto pꝛouided for bis peace and tranquillitie. here is no Doubt, but that the king was moued by the fecrete inſtinct of God, $02 if he were afeard, why did be not poutde fo2 hint {elfe by (ome other remevic? TA by doth befo much abaſe himfelfe, as to make fupplication to a pts uate man? Ahy rather fendeth be not fo2 bim, and comman⸗ deth him not by his authoritic , to doe what be woulde bane hun? Wut the Lorde hadattonnithen bis minde, and difinaide hint, that forgetting his regall pride, be might craue peace, Mens AMD Aleague to be made, witha man neither warrelike no2 pet minds are of greate power and richette , Therelore let bs learne that inthe Mens mindes are in the hanve of Ood, fo frame them, not handes of Onely fogentleneffe, whiche before ſwelied with crueltic ; but God. alfo bumbleth them thou gh feare, fo often as it pleafeth him, - | 27 [Why comeyevnto me⸗ J Iſaac doth not onely conte plaine of the iniuries receiuen, but alfo denounceth that he cant neuer afterwarde repofe any trutt in them , fing be - knewe well enough that thep had anenuious minde towarde him. And thts place teacheth, that it is latwefull forthe faiths full to complaine of their enimies,that they may bzing them froma deſire to burt if they map, and put away their force, deceiptes, and iniuries , Foꝛ libertic is not again patience: neither Doth God require this of his chilozen, that they se i VPON GENESIS?) CAP. XXVI. 559 With filence deuoure all manner of hurte and iniurte done vn⸗ fo thent, but onely'that they withholde thetr mindes and bans des fromreuenge. ‘Wlherefoze, if fo be our mindes be pure and well diſpoſed, our tongues willalfo be free from popſo⸗ ried wordes/ aNd reprochfull vpbraydings: and we Will onely purpote this to make the wicked athamen of their malice. $02 {where there is no hope fo profite by complaintes, it is bet ter fo mainteine peace by filence: vnleſſe peraduenture they whiche delight in wickedneſſe, may be made inercufable, We muk alivayes beware, leat th2ouqh the defire of ree uence, our tonques burt forth into repochfull (peaches: ; and as Solomon fayth, leatthatred irre bp contentions . — 28 [ We ſawe that the Lorde was with thee. ] By thts argument they proue , that they defire to enter intoleagque, not craftilp, but meaning gwd faith: bycaufe they perceiued that God was fauourable onto Iſaac. Foꝛ that fufpicion was tobe taken alway, bycaule they offered them felues fo gent, iy onto bint, to whome they were eninties before without as ny caufle. Notwithlſtanding, this their otone confefiion contei⸗ neth a profitable doctrine. Pꝛophane men, in calling him, The blefled of the. Loꝛde, who hath proſperous fucceffe in all thins ges, doe fettifie that God ts the authour of all godneſſe, from God is {whome aloneall proſperitie floweth. To hamefull therefore the giver ig our onthankefulnetie, if ſo be we ſhutte our eves, that tue of =! good may not beholde the blefing of Ood , when be dealeth gent- thinges. ly With bs. J Furthermore, godleſſe men thinke it god fo2 them, fo de⸗ fire bis friendihip/, whom the Lorde fauoureth: euen as there is no better o2 perfeeter commendation, then that which com⸗ meth of the louc of Gov. Wherefoze,they are to twilfully bᷣlinde, twhiche doe nof onely neglecte thofe, whome God fee - fkifieth are deere vnto him: but doe alfo vniuſtly vere them. The Lode pꝛonounceth that he will be a reuenger, ifany man hurte thofe, whome be hath taken vnder bis garde and befence . Lhe greater parte of men is nothing at all moued by this ſeuere thzeatenng, but that wickedly it afflicteth the god and ſimple. And pet Wwe fer, that thefente of nature only taught che vnbe⸗ euing * $60 IOHN CALYINE ) leaning this,twhich the Lo hauing tettifien with his Mouth, we (carp beleue. But it is meracll why they are afeard of an harmelefle man: and why they do require an oath of him, that he doe onto thent no barme. They ought to baue afe {ured them felues by the fauour of © D D towardes pim, that be was a god man, and that therefore they were in no perill of him: nofwithfanding,bycante they weigh and deeme him by bis diſpoſition and manners, they allo dittrutt his god⸗ neſſe. nd uch perturbation motte difquieteth the vnbelee⸗ uing that they may difagree With them ſelues, oꝛ at leatt wiſe that they map bople among contraric opinions, and map be vncerteine whiche way to fake , 402 the beginninges of 2 tight iudgement, which arife in their minds, are by-and bp With wicked affections choked. hus it cõmeth to patle,that the fame whiche is rightlp conceiued, vanitheth alvay : 02 at vnto them: therefore thep require an oath of him,that be doe themnoharme, 32 they knewe that by humane right, be might reuenge the wronges Wwhiche were done vnto him: notwithitanding, they diſſemble this: vea, they wonderfully boatt of their god turnes , he humanttie of the Bing twas berie great at the beginning: neither bad be only dealt friend: ly With Iſaac in interteining him, but alfo be vouched tafe to gine bute him ſpeciali honour: but be continuey not fo ta Confellis the ende. Wut they behaue them ſelues according to the come ought to be ynfci- mon manner of men, when they colour and cloake their fine nes by one Night o2 other : ut then in anp thing we of: fend, it rather becommeth vs truely to confeſſe our fault, then by denying it, to wounde moze their mindes, which are burt. HNotwithkanding aac becauſe be counten it lufficient that be had pricked their conftiences, purfucth them no further, Foꝛ We are not fo to deale with ſtraungers, ag With thofe - that are our domefticall neighbours ; but if we p2cuatle nos thing, they are to be left bnto the iudgement of Goo ~ Als though therefore tfaac requireth not of thenra iat conkeſſi⸗ Ons Pet notwithltanding, leat they might thinke that be res mained VPON GENESIS: CAP. XXVI. 561 ~ ynaitied Mill in heart anenimie vnto thent, be refufeth nof fo make acouenaunt with thent, Thus by bis erample be teas theth,that toben any haue alienated themfelues from bs,thep are not fo be refuled, when they offer them felues vnto bs.3fo2 if fo be tue be commaunded fo purfuc peace:yea, euen When the fame feemeth fo flee from vs, it is mete that we be leſſe harde — to be intreated, when our enimies of their oyne accord recon· ·ꝰ Oo cile them (clues: efpecially,if there be any hope of amendment refuted, in time to come,although as yet, frue repentaunce appeareth when our not, And he made a feat fo2 them,not onlp to rederme peare, coiwies de but alfo te chebe, that be hauing put apart all vifpleature, ſite ic. was become their very friend, [Thou nowe the blefled of the Lord doe this.] en com⸗ monly expound this, as though they ſought his god will with Aatterie, euen as they are wont fo klatter, which do begge and intreate for any thing: but J rather thinke, that this was ads ded in a contrarie fenfe, Iſaac had complained of the iniuries which they Had done buts hint: bycauſe thep had driuen hint front them thzoughenute, Shey aunfwere, that there is ne caufe tobp be ſhould be any whit greeued in minde, fering be was {0 genflp, and according fo his otune hearts defire, band, ied of the Lode: as ifthep had faide, Mhat wilt thou haue? Art thou not contented with thy prefent Tate 27 Admit that we baue not done our duties fuféiciently m intertaining thee : pet neuerthelefic, the bleſſing of God is fuffictent pnough, to blot out the rememb2aunce of that time. jhotwithfanding, it niap be,that by thefe wordes they proue againe, that thep intende to deale faithfully with bim, bycauſe be is vnder the protect on ofthe Lode, 3t [And {ware onetoanother.] Iſaac doubtefh not fo ſweare: partly, thereby fo pactfie the Philiſtines the moze : and partly, that he might not be fulpectedofthem. And this 1s the lawfull o2der of fwearing, when men binde them felues erther to ofher,to maintetne and imb2ace peace. A fimple p202 Oathes, & mife ought to haue {ufficed : but bicaule etther the diſſimula⸗ their end. tion, 02 elfe the inconftancic of men bringeth fo paffe, that one ' truffeth not an other, the Lorde lendeth bis name, that this confirmation may make our coucnaunts the moꝛe * 9— jan, e a IOHN CALVINE he Doth not only fuffer men to vſe bis name:but alſo comman⸗ deth bs to ſweare by if, fo often as neceſſitie requireth the ſame. Wut by the way, we muff take heede, that bis name be not raſhly prophaned by ſwearing. 32 [And that fame day Ifaacs feruaunts. Ihereby it appea⸗ reth, that the waters were not found in one moment of time, Ifany man demaund, Howe he watered his beafes, and his fcruaunts, during all the former time of want 2 J Doubt not, bat that evther be bought water fo2 monie, oꝛ cife was dꝛiuen to fweke if further, tfany Were found more gentle, tobereby he night atfaine the fame. Gs touching the name, they are Decetucdin my iudgement, twhich thinke tt te be any other, then the ſame which Abraham qaue before. 3Fo2, bicaule the Hebrue worde ig ambiguous, Abraham alluded fo the coue⸗ naunt, which be had made with the king of Gerar: and nowe Jſaac repeating the olde memozte, toyneth theretotth the cos uenaunt which be hav made. 34 [ And Efau wasfourtie yeares olde. ] Mates fo2 many caufes maketh mention of Claus marriage. Foꝛ tn that be mingled hun felfe with the inbabitaunts of the lande, frons iwhonte the ſtocke of Abraham teas diuided, and contracted af- finittes tebich intangled bim,it was a cerfetne foreſhewing of bis reiecion. This alfo was brought to patle by the wonders fall counfell of God, that Claus tines tere greeuous and troublefome to the holy Watriarche, and fo bis wife, that they might not applie them felues by itttle and little to that repo bate people. Xf fo be the manners of that nation had bere ace ceptable, and if fo be they bad gotten honeſt and tradable da- niofels, if may be that by their confent and agreement, Iſaac alfo had faken a wife from thence, But it was vnlawlull to be lincked in marriage with thoſe, whome God would haue to he perpefuall eninties . For howe came the inbertfance of the nd to the pofferitie of Abraham, but by their deſtruction, as mong thom they were pilgrimes fo2 a time? Wherefore Cod cut off all occafton from thele tuicked marriages, that the cons fenfion which be had fet, might rematne Hill. Gnoberebypitis platne, howe fatherly Iſaac loued Eſau.Foꝛ although the holy . father inflly bated bis fonnes wiues:pvet neuertheleſſe, he ee VPON GENESIS," CAP. XXVII. (eth not gently to intreate him, as ue thall f hereafter, Cons cerning the bautng of moe wines then one, we baue ſpoken in an other place. This cozruption fo prevailed among many nas tions, that the cuffome though it were wicked, ſtod as a lawe, At is no meruel therefore, if a man that was flefhly cinen,fers ued bis luſt in faking tivo wiues, CHAPTER. XXVII. ND when Ifaac was olde, and his eyes were dimme, fothat he could not fee, he called Efau his eldeftfonne, and {aide ynto him, My ſonne: And he aun{wered him,I am here. *] Thenhee faide, Beholde, lam nowe olde,and knowe not the day of my death. 3 Wherefore nowe I pray thee, take thy inftruments, thy quiuer and thy bowe,and get thee to the fielde,that thou maiſt take me {ome Venifon. 4 Then make me fauourie meate, fuch as I loue, and bring it me, that Imay eate, that my foule may bleffe thee before I “dye. 7 s Now Rebecca heard when Ifaac fpake to Efau his fonne: and Efau went into the fielde to hunt for Venifon, and to bring it. . 6 ThenRebecca{pake vnto Iacob her fonne, faying, Be- holde, Ihauc hearde thy father talking with Efau thy brother, faying . 7 Bring me Venifon, and make me fauourie meate , that I may eate and blefle thee before the Lord,afore my death. 8 Nowe therefore my fonne,heare my yoyce,in that which I commaund thee : 9 Getthee nowe tothe flocke, and bring me thence two good Kiddes of the Goates, that I may make pleafant meate of them for thy father, {uch as he loueth. | 10 Thenthou fhalt bring it to thy father,and he fhall eate, to the intent that hee may bleffe thee before his death. Bett - at Nags xx Bus 563 “6 IOHN CALVINE A . 5 + tr But Iacob {aide to Rebecca his mother: Beholde, Efau , my brother is rough and I ami{mooth. 12 My father may poffibly feele me, and I fhall feeme to him ay bea mocker, fo fhall I bring a curfle vpon me,and nota bleffing. tet | 13 But his mother fayde ynto him, Vppon mee bee thy curfie my fonne : onely heare my yoyce,and goe and bring me them. 14 So hee wentand fet them,and brought them to his mo= ther, and his mother made pleafaunt meate, fucheas his father loued. 15 And Rebecca tooke faire cloathes of her elder fonne E- fau, which were in her houte, and cloathed Iacob her younger: fonne. . 16 And fhe couered his hands,and the {mooth of his necke with the skinnes of the Kids of the Goates. 17 Aftefwarde, fhe put the pleafaunt meate and breade, which fhe had prepared, in the hande of her fonne Iacob. 18 And when he came to his father, hee fayde, My fathers. who aunfwered,Here am. I: who art thou my fonne ? 19 And Iacob fayde ynto his father, I am Efau thy firſte borne, I haue done as thou badeft mee : Arife I praye thee, fit vppe, and cate of my Venifon, that thy foule may bleffe~ me. 20 Then Iſaac fayd ynto his fonne: How hafte thou found it ſo quickly my fonne? Who fayde,Bicaufe the Lord thy God. brought it to my hand. 21 Againc fayde Iſaac ynto Iacob, Come neere nowe,that Imay fecle thee my fonne, whether thou be thatmy fonne E- fau,or not. 22 ThenIacob came neere ynto Haac his father, and hee: felt him, and faide, The yoyce is Jacobs voyce, but the handes are the handes of Efau, 23 Forhe knewe himnot, bicaufe his handes were rough, as his brother Eſaus handes,wherefore he blefled him. 24 Againe,he faide, Art thou that my fonne Efau? who an- {wered, Yea. 25 Then ſaide hee, Bring itmee hither, and I will cate of eis ad mth my VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXVIL my fonne Venifon, that my foule may bleffe thee : and hee broughtit to him, and he ate : alfo hee brought him wine, and he dranke. 26 Afterward,his father Ifaac fayde vnto him,Come neere and kifle me,my fonne, 27 And he came neere and kiffed him: Then he fmelled the fauour of his garmentes,and blefled him,and faide:Behold, the finell of my fonne is as the {mell of a field which the Lorde hath bleffed. 28 God giue thee therefore of the dewe ofheauen,and the fatnefle of the earth,and plentie of wheat and wine. 29 Let people bee thy feruauntes, and nations bow vnto thee:Be Lorde ouer thy brethren,and let thy mothers children honour thee : Curfled be he that curfleth thee, and bleſſed be he that blefleth thee. | 30 And when Ifaac had made an end of bleffing Iacob, and Iacob was {carfe gone out from the prefence of Ilaac his father, then came Efau his brother from his hunting. ga And hee alfo prepared {auourie meate, and brought it to his father, and {ayde ynto his father, Let my father arife and eate of his fonnes Venifon,that thy foule may blefle me. 32 But his father Ifaac fayde vnto him, Who art thou ? Andhee aunfwered, I am thy fonne , euen thy firlte borne E- fau. 33 Then Ifaac was ftricken with a meruellous great feare, and fayde, Who, and where ishee that hunted Veniton, and brought it me,and I haue eaten of all before thou cameft,and I - auc bleffed him,therefore fhall he be bleffed. 34 When Efau heard the wordes of his father, hee cryed out witha great cry, and bitter out of meafure,and fayde vnto his father,Bleffe me,cuen me alfo my father, 35 Who aunfwered, Thy brother came with fubtiltic, and hath taken away thy bleffing. 36 Thenhee fayde, Was he not iuftly called Iacob? For he hath deceiued me thefe two times :-hee tooke my birthri ght, and loe, nowe hath he taken my bleffing. Alfo he fayde,Hafte thou not alfo referued a bleffing forme?) · 37 Then Ifaac aunfwered, and fayde vnto Efau, Bei Nou .iij. 565 565 , IOHN CALVINE I haue made him thy Lorde 5. and all his brethren have I made ‘his feruauntes:: alfo with wheate and wine haue I furnifhed him , and ynto thee nowe what fhall I doe my. fonne ? | | 38 Then Efau fayde vnto his father, Hafte thou but one blefling my father? Blefle me,euen me alfo,my father. And E- {au lifted vp his voyce and wept. _ 39 Then Ifaachis father aunfwered, and fayde ynto him, Beholde, the fatnefle of the earth fhall be thy dwelling place, and thou fhalt haue of the dewe of heauen from aboue. 40 And by thy fworde fhalt thou live, and fhalt bee thy brothers feruaunt: But it fhall come to paffe,when thou fhale gette the maifterie, that thou {halt breake his yoake from thy necke, f 41 Therefore Efau hated Iacob, bycaufe of the bleffing: wherewith his father bleffed him : And Etau thought in his minde, The dayes of mourning for my father will come fhort- ly,then will I flay my brother Iacob. cans, 120 42 And it was tolde to Rebecca ofthe wordes of Efaarher elder fonne, and fhe fent and called Iacob, her younger tonne, and fayde ynto him,Beholde,thy brother Efau 1s. comforted a- gainſt thee,meaning to kill thee, | 43 Nowe therefore my fonne, heare my voyce, Arife, and flee thou to Haran,to my brother Laban. ~ 44 Andtarrie with hima while, vntill thy brothers fierce- neffe be fwaged, | iY 45 And till thy brothers wrath turne away from thee, and he forget the thinges which thou haft done to him, Then will I fend and take thee from thence.Why fhould Ibe depriued of ou both in one day? 46 Alfo Rebecca fayde to Iſaac, I am wearie of my life for the daughters of Heth. If Iacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, like thefe of the daughters of the lande, what auayleth it me to liue ? 1 [And when If aac was olde. IIn this Chapter Moles pros fecuteth with many words a hillorie, Which (eemeth not to PA - VPON GENESIS.) CAP. XXVIL 567 fe profitable. This ts the fumme, When Clau at bis fathers | commaundement twas gone abroad a hunting, Jacob putting on bis apparell, by the craft and ſubtiltie of his mother, was brought in by ſtealth fo take alway the bleſſing, which by right belonced fo the fir boone, It ſcemeth alfo to be childiſh moc kerie, that be gtueth onto bis father a Kid in freed of Veniſon: that putting on the fhinnes, be counterfeiteth him felfe to be hairie : that vnder bis beothers name, be cetteth the bleſſing with a lye. Wut, to fie end we may knowe, that Soles ſtan⸗ deth not vppon a trifling matter: firſt we mult note, that wheras Jacob was blelſſed of his father, by this ſigne the ora⸗ cle by which the Lorde had preferred him beſore bis brother Wwas confirmed. 3fo2 the bleiling here fpoken of, twas not a cers teine common payer, but alatofull authoꝛitie giuen of Cod, to teftific the grace of election, God had pꝛomiſed to the holy fathers, that be twould be fhe God of thetr feed fo2 ener. Whey, fomake the fucceffion {ure to-thole that came after, being at the potnt of death, put them tn poſſeſſion, euen as if they deli⸗ nered the grace which they had receiucd at the handes of Gon, from band to hand, Do Abzabam bieMing his fonne Ffaac,ap- pointed bint after a folemne falhion,to be the betre of ſpiritual life, WMith the fame purpofe nowe Iſaac, bycauſe he was ſtric⸗ ken it peares, and perceiumg that he bad but a fho2t time fo liue, intendeth fo bleſſe his eldeſt fonn,that the euerlatting coe uenaunt of God might remaine with bis familie, And the Pa⸗ friarches tmke not this bppon themeither rathly, o2 in their oWine priuafe name: but thep Were ordeined by ODD, fo te publique witnelſes. To this effet pertaineth the ſaving of the Apottle, The Hebr.7.7- lefleis blefled of the greater, ꝓfoꝛ at that time the manner of fhe fapthfull was, by the mutuall duetie of charttie, to bleſſe one an other: but the Lorde inioyned this (peciall office fo the Patriarches, that they might leaue vnto their pofteritics, fhe conenaunt which he bad Wave with thenr, and which they Kept all the race of theit life. The fame commaundement was Num.c24 giuen after warde to the Ptettes, Wherefore Iſaac in biel . fing bis ſonne, toke vpon him another — — wen of a fathor,andof a pꝛiuate man. — Ani, Fe 568 Gen 49.13 JOHN CALVINE Foꝛ he was the Prophete andinterpeeter of ODD , toho ap⸗ pointed bis fonne fo be heire of the fame race, Which he had receiued. WMWherby appeareth that which J baue fain, that M02 fes was not without caufe fo larae in handling this matter,. But let bs weigh euery cireumfEance in bis place:of the whi⸗ che this is the firſt, That God gaue the bleſſing of Eſau onto ¥acob,thzough the errour of his father. Therſfore Poles faith, that hts eyes tere dimme. Jacob alfo could not (ex bery well, When be bleſſed his nephetues, Ephraim and Banafle. Wut pet that thicknefic of fiaht hindered nof, but that be pautentlyp bfedand directed bis handes, Wut God fuffered Iſaac fo be de⸗ ceiued, fo ſhewe that Jacob twas aduaunced fo the right and honour of elderſhip, not after the willof men, but contrarie fo fhe o2der of nature, © 2 [Beholde, Iam nowe olde.] {here ts no doubt,but that Iſaac prayed for his ſonnes daily, all the cour fe of his life, It is plaine therefo2e, that this kinde of bleſſing was extraor⸗ dinarie. Wut whereas be faith, that he knotucth not the day of his death, if ts euen as muche as if be had fatde, that death was appoching euery montent, he being a bery olde man, in fo much that be could nof pronufe vnto him felfe any fime.. Cuen as if a woman being great with childe mould fap, wher the full time of chilobirth tommeth, that the bath now ne cer, Death fol- teine Day, Cuery man carricth about with im, even ta the loweth all louriffing tine of his age, a thoufande deathes : pea, death mca. challengeth fo bim felfe the pong infants, being ſhut bp as pet in their mothers tvombe, and wayteth vppon them from the firft ep fo the latt of their age. dnt the more neere that he ape procheth to olde men, the nto2e they ought daily fo haue him befoze thetrepes : and to walke in the wo2lde no othertvife, thenif they bad one fote in the graue. To be fort, Iſaac being. neere Mito death, tended to leaue the Churche remaining in the perfort of his forme, © ody" Thi J 4. [That my ſoule may bleſſttthee.) Whe fapth of the holx nian was tnonderfullp cumbered.: notwithltanding, with a foliſh and rath affectton of the fleth,a general principlfe of faith is in bis minde, when as be bleſſing his ſonne, fedleth by the guidance of the boly Gholt, ‘the right ofthe inberitaunce yoo “3 lil Eh, miſe VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXVII. mifed by Gov onto him. In the meane time, be is blindly cat? 9 rica with the loue of bis firft borne ſonne, to preferre him bes fore the other : and thus be ftriueth with the oracle of ODD, Foꝛ be could not beignezant, what God had pronounced bes fore they were boone, It any man excuſe him, bicanfe be was commaunded by nd precept from Godto preferre the ponacr, and fo to chaunge the {ual over of nature : this may eafily pe put alway: bytaute he knowing that the fir begotten tuas - reiected, was nenertheleffe to {wilful in louing of him. Fur⸗ thermore, his negligence is not excuſable, in that be being cer⸗ fifien by bis wike of the heauenly anfiner, neglected to inquire concerning bis duetie. For be (was not vtterip iqnozant of his calling : therefore the peuiſh loue of his ſonne, was a certeine inde of blindneſſe, which hindered him moze, then tie exter nall dimnelſſe of his cpes. Hotwithſtanding, this vice, though if were worthie of reprehenſion⸗ depriued not the holy man of the right of blelling, but that be bad tis authogitie full, and pis teftimonic was of full efficacie and forte, euen as ifcDD phim felfe bad fpoken from heaucn : concerning the which mats ter ¥ {will fay ſomewhat ancit. [Nowe Rebecca heard when Ifaac.] Motue Boles ves clareth mozclargelp, by {what fubtile practiſe Jacob was bro⸗ ught to the bleſſing. Whigs ſcemeth to be very fruitietic, that the olde man being deceiued with the craft and fubtilfte of a Woman, theough ignorance and crrour vttered that which be wenla nef, Anoinverp save, the deceit of Rebecca WAS not gebece⸗ without vice, Although ec could not rule per huſbande With ved de- wholeſome counfell : pet notwithſtanding, this was not aceit bya — jaivfull wap of working, to circumuent him with fucye a rath ꝛcale· neceite,. owe, ſceing a ive is damnable of tt ſelle, therein fhe finned the more, that the urg ofe fuch deceiucable llightes in ‘fo holy arnatter. abe knewe p if was an immutable Decrie,by Swhich Jacob tvas elected and adopted. GUby then doth fhe ust patiently tarrie, vntill God confirme in tery Dade, ¢ DO ſhevre that thetante is ratified, which be hath proncunced from hes⸗ uen? Therefore fhe obſcuring the heauenly oracle with ales aboliſheth fo much as in her lyeth, fhe grace pꝛemiled to hor ſonne (ow, tf fo be we weigh andconfider, from whence this * Nn.v. erue TOHN CALVINE > 7 é keruent defire to bing her purpoſe about came : her notable fatty on the other part, will vifcouer it felfe. For in that the av, uenturethto prouoke her huſbande againſt ber, to make mos fall hatred betweene the brethren, and to bing ber beloued ſonne Jacob into prefent peril of death : all this {pang front no other thing, then from fapth, The inberitaunce whiche ODD bad promiter, was decpely ſettled in her mynde, the whiche ſhe knewe was appointed by a decree, vnto ber fonne Jacob. Dherefore tavina her felfe bppon the conenaunt of God, and being mindful of the receiucd oracle, the fo2aetteth reneg Pe world. Thus tue fee, that her fayth twas ioyned With a rah Roe gee _ UD vndiſcreete zeale. Whe which is diligently tobe noted, to thet ir. tbe end we may knowe, that pure and found knowledge doth perfectios, NOE alwaves Thine in the mindes of the godly, in fuche wife, that in all their actions, they are leavand directed by the ſpi⸗ vite of Ood : but that a fmall light which ſheweth onto thent fhe Way, ts obfcured with many cloudes of ignoraunce and errours ; that being in the right courte, and tending towarde the marke, vet nowe and then thep Gide and fall, To be tho2t, a generall fapth bad the prꝛeeminence, as weil in Iſaac, asin his wiſe. Neuertheleſſe, they both through particular igno⸗ rauncee and other vices, either ſwarued a little ont of the may, or at leaſt, fumbled tn the way, Wut whereas Gods election od neuertheleſſe firme, nay, whereas he erecuteth bis couns fell, aud bringeth bis purpote to patie bp the fubtiltie of a wo⸗ nian, by this meanes he boingeth onto bis godnelſſe the whole raiſe of the bleſſing. 1 (But Iacob fayde to Rebecca.] In that Jacob doth not willingly offer him felfe to Hts father, but rather feared, that bis deceit being found, he houid haue a curfle: it is very cons trarie tofatth, Foꝛ feing the Apottle teacheth, that what fo euer ts not of faith ts finne, he teacheth the fonnes of ODD to bfe this fobzietic, that they prꝛeſume not to take any thing in bande with a doubtfull anv fearefull confcience, This afs ſuraunce is the only rale of tuell doing, When as we bearing our felucs bolde bppon the conunaundement of © SD, goe for tuarbde without feare, whither fo ener be calleth bs, Jacob fherefoze ttriuing with bim lelle, lheweth himlelle to be wi ou 4 VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXVN. put fayth : and although be was not quite voyde of the fame: 27 pet notwithtanding,bis defect ts repeoued in this point, ‘But te are further taught by this erampic, that fapth ts not ale waves extinguiſhed by a particular vice, And yet fo2 all that, iff GDD fomtime beareth thus farre forth with his feruants, that be turneth to their faluation that which they haue done amiſſe, we mut not thereof fake libertiefofinne, It came to paffe by the wonderfull mercy of ODD,that Jacob fell not from the grace ofthe adopfion, Who would not rather feare, then be made to bolde 2 Wut ſceing we fee, that bis fapth wag hindered by doubting, lef bs learne focraue of the Lode the fpirite of prudence, which imap qouerne and direct all our pro⸗ redings, Where was topned to this an other offence,no leſſe greuous: fo2 why doth be not rather feare OD D, then the lu2ath of bis father? Why doth he not remember, that be arcatly blotteth Gods holp adoption, when the fame ſeemeth to be redeemed with a lve? 3fo2 although tf tendedfoa god end: pet notwithſtanding, this as no labofull extuſe. Ne⸗ uertheleſſe, there ts no doubt, but that fapth pꝛeuailed amidſt theſe lettes. Foꝛ what was the cauſe, tohp be preferred the bare, and tn ſhewe the baine heſtes and requeftes of bis mos ther, befoze bis owne quictnefle which be then inioyed, before domeſticall commodities : pea,and before bis olunelifez Ges cording fo the fel} it teas buta trifling thina, te haue the faz thers bleſſing, the which be defired fo muche, that wittingly and willingly be catt hint felfe info great perills. To what end was this, but bycaule be beleuing the ſimple worde of ODD, moꝛe elſteemed of the hope whiche was hid, then of fhe deftred {tate which be then inteped 2 Moꝛeouer, if may be, that the fearcof bis fathers diſplea⸗ fure, ſpꝛang from the truefearesf ODD. We fayth that be is afratde,lealt be bing vpon hum felfe a cure, And he would not baue bene fo greatly afraide ofa bare chiding, vnleſſe he bad made more atcount of the grace (et Downe and committed to his father;then of a thoufandliues. Therefore hauina rel pect onto God, be feared bis father, which twas dis minilſter. Foꝛ When the Lord ſeeth vs to crepe in the earths be bringeth bs vnto him (elf by the bares of men, 13 (The nm 572 Num. 22. 2. ITOHN CALVINE 13 [The curffe be vpon me my fonne.] Againe, Rebecca finneth bere, in that the burneth with fo rath a seale, that he lucigheth not that Gop diſalloweth that, Which He bauing pli begume profecnteth, She careletfelp nraketh ber felfe quiltte ofthe curſſe. But whereof commeth ſuch rathe confidence ? For ihe had taken the matter in band of ber owne head, with⸗ out anp comimaundement from Goo, Notwithitanding, no nian twill dente, that this scale, thouch tt were prꝛepoſterous, proceeded both of godlinette, anv alfo of the {pectall reverence Of O03 worde. 3Fo2 the being admoniched by an ozacle, that Jacob ſhould be the maze acceptable before Good, in reſpect of Gods fecrete election, the regarded not all that might be founa tithe World, nor what fo ever nature perfuaded. Therefore We are Caught by this crample,that it behoueth cuerp man fo walke modeltly aap carefully in bis calling: and not fo goe further then the Lorde permitteth by his worde. 14 [So he went, and fet them.) Although itis likely that Jacob Was moued not by his mothers authozitie alone, but perſuaded alfo bp other reafons to obey ber : pet notwWithitans ding be fined, in going bepond the boundes of bis calling, ies becca in taking the blame vpon ber, taught (no donbt) that ine iurie was done fo no man : bycaufe Jacob Mould not take as ivay an other mang right, but Gould receine the bleſſing des ered for him by the heauenly o2acle, She had allo an honeſt and allowable ercufe fo2 fhe deceite, bycauſe Iſaac, vnleſſe he had ben deceiued, wous haue gone about to haue made Gode election of none effet. Therkore Jacob doth not ſimply decline from that which is right, to obey bis mother, but rather obeys eth the worde of Gop, Neuerthelelle, the particular errovy lwanteth not fault, as Jhaue faide : bycaute the truth of Gop fing was a feale of Gods grace ; J confefle it : but the ought in chaunging Iſaacs minde,and governing bis tounc,then to baue attempted any vnlawful wap, Fo2 if fo be Waalam whis che fet out his foung fo fale, twas reureined by the fpirite, in fuch wife; that contrarie to bis meaning, be bletten the elect people, whome be wither might be ginen to dettruction : a mut VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXVII. much moze mightily would the fame fpirite haue bended the 573 toring of holy Maac, who twas not a hired Pophete, buf deſi⸗ ring fo ferue God farthfuily, was only though erreur carricd info the contrarie part 7 Wherefore, although int the ſumme of the matter, faith quided boly Jacob; pet neuertheleſſe, in this ‘ point he is to be blamed of rathnetic, in that be diſtruſting the pouidence of God, fought to get the bleſſing of bis father by deceite. 19 [Iam Eſau.] Mt the firſt Jacob was afraide,and full of care: nowe fefting boldly all feare afine,be carelelly maketh a lye. 159 which erample we are taught, that when aman hath once patted the lawfull boundes of ductie, he runneth on ther palling mealure. WAherfore there is nothing befter,then fo2 e⸗ uery man to keepe him (elf within bis limits, lealt in attemp⸗ ting moze then is meet, he open a gate vnto Satan . In that be lacob gee- getteth the bleſſing by deceit, anv infinuateth him ſelle with a teh the Ipc, 4 bane Mhetucd before, howe the fame ts contrarie to faith, —*— 02 this particular vice, and ſwaruing from the right way, } ivag no lett, but that the faith concetued of the oracle, might after a fort precede inthe courte til, Cthereas he ercufing the ſpedineſſe of his returne, faith, that God offered vnto him the Wenifon,be ſpeaketh aptiy,accozping to the rule of godlineſſe: neuertheleſſe be fnneth, in iopning p holy name of Ged with iyes.Guen fo, when men depart from the truth: the reuerence Which in {ewe is giuen vnto God, ts nothing elfe but a p20 phanation ofbisqlooy. In that bis hunting bad proſperous fuccefie, it was mete that he fhould attribute the fame to the proutdence of Gov, leaft we ould imagine any god thing fo comeby chaunre. But when as Facob falfly maketh God fo be the authour of that benefite which happened not onto hint, and that to cloke bis purpefe withal, be wanteth not the fault of periurte. 21 [Come neere nowe, that I may feele thee.] Hereby it appeareth, that the qodly man futpeded deceit, and therefo2e poubted. Wherefore, the bleſſing feemeth to be of none effect, fo2 that it had no ground of faith. Wut thus if pleated Cod fo finith bis worke by the hand of Iſaac that be might make him _ bis inftrament, and vet not partaker of bis countell and * po ~ IOHN CALVINE 5 7 4 pote, Anditis no abfurditte, that like vnto a blinde man, he might ignorauntly giue the bleſſing vnto an other then he in⸗ fended, And not much vnlike this,is the ordinarie function of paitours, Foꝛ they reconciling men vnto God, doe not fo? all that diſcerne, fo whome the reconctliafton perteineth. Thus they folve fede, being vncerteine of the fruite. Wberefoze~ : ODD tyeth not the office and power which be bath giuen them, vnto their iudgement. After this manner the ignorance of Iſaac voth not aboliſh the heauenly oracle: and © D D him ſelfe, though bis mini⸗ ſters vnderſtand not what thep doe, ceaſſeth net fo perfozme that twhich be bath determined. And bere plainely pnough the iinagination of the Papiſtes is confuted, bycaufe tn the facras ment, the whole force bangeth bpon fhe intention of the man that confecrateth . As though if were in the till of man to difappoint Ged. Wut we mul remember that which J haue fayDde diners times alreadie, that although Iſaac ts deceiued in the perſon of bis ſonne:vet notwithſtanding, he bleſſeth not in vaine: bycaufe an vniuerſall faith reſteth in bis mind, and gouer neth him in part, Mhereas he maketh a iudgement bp keeling, neglecting the voice, it is not agreeing with the nature of faith. So that as touching the perfon,errour plainely ruled inbis minde, And pet nevertbelefle, the ſame was not done though fecure negligence ; bicaufe diligently and carefullp,be applied him felfe to enery point, that be might not depriue bis firft bo2ne fonne of bis right. Wut if pleafed the Lorde thus to dull all his fenfes,partly to ſhewe, that men go about in baine fo alfer that which be bath decreed : bycauſe if cannot be, but that bis purpofe muff remaine fable and firme, though the iwhole woꝛrld fay nap:and partly, that by this kinde ofchaſtiſe⸗ ment, be might cozrect the pꝛepoſterous loue, by which Iſaac was fo inuch addicted to bis fonne Cfau, Foꝛ whereof came fo curious inquifition, but bycaufe be louing Eſau ouermuch, fivarued from the orꝛacle ¢ Bycauſe therefore he qiueth moe place fo nature then is mete, be is worthie to be blinde both Wwapes . We are then fo fake the moze heede , leaf tore gine fo muche libertie vnto our affections, in doing the Loos buſineſſe. 26 [Come VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXVII. 26 [ Comeneercandkifleme.] We knowe that kitting 373 was in Ofe in thofe dapes, the which alfo at this day many nas tions reteine. Wut prophane men will ſay, that this is a mere teft, that theoloc man hauing nowe a dull wit, and well tuft Avith meate and drinke, vttereth his minde vnto a counterfet ' *porfon. But bicauſe Doles hath declared befoze the ozacle of God, by which the adoption twas appointed fo the ponger,tt ts mete that we reucrently beholde the fecrete purpofe of Gon, of the which ticked and prophane men haue noregarde, Pets ther twas Iſaac lo full ſtuft with meate, and whittled with drinke, but that he weighed witha fober minde, what twas cominaunded him from God, and ferioully foke this matter in band, with an alſured faith of his calling, wherein be fac, kereth, by reafon of the infirmitte of bis fiche. Wherefore we muſt eſteeme the bleſſing, not by the erfernall Hetwe, but by tic heauenly decree: euen as afteriward tt appeared by the ſuc⸗ ceſſe, that God neither mocked, no2 pet that men raſhly toke this in hande. And verily, if fo be we are no leſſe religious then the bolp Patriarch was, it muſt neds be, that the power of GD D docth the moze plainely thine vnto bs tn the infirs mitie of fhe man, 27 [ Bcholde the {mell of my fonne. ] J mifitke not of the Allegorie which Ambrote bringeth in this place. Jacob being the younger, ts bleed vnder the perfon of bis elder baother : bis boothers carmentes which he had on, pealded a pleafaunt and fweete fauour onto his father. After the fame manner, ~ faith Ambrofe,are we bleed, uhen vnder the name of Chk, Wwe come info the prefence of the heauenly father : we fake from yim the garment of righteouſneſſe, which getfeth ts faz uour through the ſmell thereof, Wut Iſaac feemeth here to With nothing vnto his fonne, and to appoint nothing but that which is earthly. Foꝛr this is the fumme of the woꝛdes, hat if might goe well with hun in fhe world, that he might plex, tifully recetue the fruits ofthe carth, that be might intoy haps pic peace,and ercell in honour among others, There is na mention made of the heauenly kingdome. And hereof tf is come to paſſe, that vnlearned men, and leſſe exerciſed in true godlineſſe, haue feigned thofe boly bag ta | aue 576 ‘TOHN CALVINE haue bene bleſſed of fhe 3020, only according fo the ouffrarde chewe of this montentanie and franfifozie life. Wut thatit is farre otherwiſe, it appeareth bp diuers other places, Gnd whereas Iſaac ſtayeth bin felfe bpon the earthly araces of @ad,the folution ts cafie fo be made, jfo2as the Love at this . Day doth not call and exalt vs Directly vnto heauen: euen fo inꝰ olde time, he ſet before the fathers fimply the fame hope of the inheritaunce fo come, but pet he lead them about (as it were) by an indirect Wap, hus be would haue the lande of Canaan to be as an image, and pledge onto them of the beauenly inbe- ritaunce. In all benefites, be gaue fianes and fokens of bis fas therlp fauour : not to the end that they being contented With fhe prefent gifts,fhould neglect heaven, folowing only a baine ſhadowe, as fone dofe ; but that according to the fime, they being bolpen with ſuch ſmall helpes,might afpire by little and little onto heauen. Foꝛ, bycauſe Chꝛiſt was not as pet reueas ied, beina the firſt fruites of thofe that rife agatne,and the fubs ſtaunce of ancuerlatting and incorruptible life, bis ſpirituall kingdome twas fo ſhadowed only Onder figures, vntill the fuls nefie of time came. And as all the pꝛomiſes of God were tangs led, and (as tt tuere)clothed with thofe erternall fiqnes: even fo _ the faith ofthe holy fathers kept the fame meafure, that i€ might mount and afpire to perfection, by earthly rudiments, Although therefore Iſaac beter the fempozall graces of God: yet nofiwithfanbding, be mfended nothing leſſe, then fo include the hope of hts fonne tn the tvo2ld : but rather erfolleth bim fo the fame altitude, whervnto be had moſt reqard. Df the which matter alſo, we may haue ſome profe out of the wo2des. Foꝛ fhisis the principall point, that be alliqneth vnto him rule o⸗ uer the nations, Whereof came the hope of fo great diqnifie, buf bycaufe he was perfuaded, that bis ſtocke was chofen of the Lorde, and bpon this condition, that the right of the kings Dome might reff in one 2 Jn the meane fime, let it fuffice bs to holde this principle, that the holp man in wiſhing fo bis fonne a profperous tate of life, wiſheth alfo,that Gon willbe | fauourable onto hint. 29 [Curfled be he that curffeth thee.] W@lemutt call fo minde that which Jlaide before, that thele are not ae” wi⸗ G85 VPON GENESIS: CAP? XXVII. thes, fuch as fathers commonly tithe bnto their chilozen: but 977 in thefe withes the promifes alfo of God are included, Fo2 J⸗ faac is the latwfull interp2eter of God,¢ the inftrument of the bolie Ghoſt, and therefoze effectually , as out. of the perfon of God,/ he pronounceth, that thep ſhalbe accurfled, whiche with- ſtand the faluation of bis fonne, So that this is the ratifying ofthe promile, by tubich Ood,receiuing the fatthfall into bis gard and p2ofection,ponounceth that be twill be an enimie to their enimies. Berebnto tendeth the whole ſumme of the blefe fing, that God would (he hin felfe alouing father fo bis fers uant Jacob in all thinges,that be Would make him a prince, the bead of bis holie and electe people: that be would defende, and fiabt fo2 bun with hts power, and that be would pzeferueg bis faluation againt all kine of enimies. 30 {lacob was {carfe gone out from the prefence,] Pere it Is ſhewed howe Clau fuffered the repulfe: the whiche circum⸗ Hance ferued not alittle to confirme the bleffing of Jacob. Foz vnleſſe Cfau had ben retected, he might ſeeme not to be depri⸗ ued of fhat Honour, which nature gaue onto him. Pow Iſaac Declareth, that if cannot be but ratified, tubiche be bath done by the office of a Patriarche.Moꝛeouer, it appeareth here, that this gift was giuen frelp, that Jacob obfeineth the elderſhip from bts baother Eſau. Foꝛ tf thou compare both their works together, Eſau obeyeth bis father, bringeth the fruite of bis bunting, of the prey gotten by bis labour, be d2effeth meat for bis father,$e affirmeth nothing but the truth:to be ſhort, thou thalt finde nothing in him, whiche oeferueth not praiſe. Jacobs going nof front home, appointeth a kid, in fed of Wenifon, ine finuateth himſelfe with many lies , bzingeth nothing whiche may rightly commende him, and in many things be deferucth reprehenſion. Wherefore, we mult nedes conteſſe, that —— the cauſe of the euent dependeth not vppon workes but lyeth bid in the euerlatting purpoſe of Ged. And pet ſor all that, E⸗ workes. fau is not burighteoufly reiected, becaule they can receiue no⸗ thing with aright minde, whichare not gouerned by the ſpi⸗ Tite of God: onely let vs holde fatt this , that fo2 fo muche as the condition of all men is alike,ifone manbe p2eferred afore another, the ſame ercelleth not by 7 olone nicrif, but becaufe 0, the =< 5 TIVNN 29 ‘toun CAL yyy ee 7 the Lorde hath ehoten bim fréely: °” atten ee ~ 33 E Phew Tzhak was ftricken with a maruellous)] Here how againe kaith appeareth , whithe had beene choked in the — Dart of the holie man, and giueth forth nety (parks, For there is No doubt, but that this feare fp2ingeth of faith ano this fears, whiche Moles deſcribeth, was no common feare , but ~ fuche, as stterlp amazed and affonntthed the bolte father: Foꝛ fering he knetwe well inough bis owne calling, and was therfo2e perſuaded that © D D ‘hav Appointed him, to name the heire, to whome be might eftablithe the couenaunt of e⸗ uerlaſting life : hauing knowledge of his erreur, be ts a⸗ Tannihed, becaule G DD tutferen him toerre in fo great anv weishtie a matter. For bnlefle he had aceounted GOD to be the gouernour of this action what lette had he to ex⸗ euſe hts ignoraunce, and to bis angrie with Jacob, who had crepte in by deceipte, and ſiniſter meanes? Hut being cons founded thoughe tame ofbis etrour, be notwithſtanding taking vnto hima gad courage, and remembring him felfe; acknotwledgeth the bleffing to be ratified Whiche be bad pros nounced: and doubt not, but that be, beeing then alvakeo, began te call to remembraunce the ozacle, Wwherebnto afoie be bad giuen leſte regarde, Wherefore, ambition moued not the holie man, fo fiffety to ſtande in bis purpofe > as obe inate perfons are tuont to Doe, who fiffely, and to the end, tleaue vnto that, which thep haue onee folithly taken in hand: but this was a voice of rare and ercellent faith, Whom 1 haue bleffed,he thalbe ble(Ted » Forhe rencuncing the affection of fhe llech, addicteth him felfe holy note vnto God, ¢ acknow⸗ ledging him to be the authour ofthe blefing, tobiche bebath ponounced, giueth vnto him he due honour in fo much that he dare not retract the fame. And the otilitic of this doctrine perteineth to the whole Church, fo the end tne nay Rnow,that whatloeuer the preachers of the Oofpel ve promife onto vs by the cõmandement of Gov, halbe effoctuall and ftable: beratife ‘The prea they ſpeake not as pꝛiuate men, but euen a⸗ it were out of the viet 7 onmandement of Gon hinfelte. Foꝛ the infirmitic of the mi⸗ hath Miterisnoletsbutthat he word of God may haue his credit: cht. loace, and effect He which oſtereth him lelfe a preomiſer — | na VPON GENESIS.» CAP. XXVII- 7 nall felicitic,¢ euerlaſting life, is ſubiect fo the common miles ries of men, and fo death; and pet the promile is. neuer a whit the lettc effectuall, Beis a ſinner, whiche ablolucth vs from fumes: but becaule the office 1s intopned him of ed, the ſta⸗ pilitic sf this grace being founded vppon the Lorde, ſhall ne- uer faileorremoue, . 0 | _. 34 [He cried out witha great cry.) Althaughe Clan pers ũſteth in crauing te bleſſing, wit hall nop lauding, be ſhew⸗ eth himſelle to be vefperate, WUberby tt commeth fo paſſe, that be profitety nothing, becaule he entereth notin by the cate of faith, True godlinetle alfo weelteth fromm the fonnes of God, teares,and great cries: but Clan trembling, and full of feare, maketh, lamentation: afterivarde be maketh bis requeſt in baine,that be allo may receive ablefing . Byr which wordes his blind incredulitie is repꝛehended. Foꝛ whereas there re- fied but one bleffing with the father, be requireth to haue an⸗ other giuen vnto him, as though it were in his will to breath out bleflinas without the commandement of God. Bere tet | bs cal! to miude the admonition of the Apoltle, that Cfau cra- Heb.· iꝛ. ing With teares, and pitious cries,the bleſſing which he had Ui ae no place of repentance, Jfo2 thep whiche nealecte to falloine GOD the caller,thallaftertvarde call bppon him in vaine, when be turneth bis backe. Solong as Con ſpeaketh brits bs,. and inuiteth vs, the gate of the kingdome of beauent is after a. forte open: we are to-bfe this opportunitie, if ſo be ve delire to enter In, according to fhisfaping of the Prophetes eckethe Lord while be may be found , Call yppon him while ESie.ss € heisniche, The twhiche place Paule interpreting , defineth -°"** that to be the acceptable time, and the pay of faluation, when race is bought vnto bs by the Goſpell. They whiche ouer⸗ atte this tiine, do afterward knocke fo late, and without pro⸗ fife: becauſe © D D taketh vengeaunce of their negligence, Therefore, it is to be feared, that if fo be we {utter the prefent 1020 of Gad fo pafle alvay, by ſtopping our cares againit it, be in like manner will be deale, when we make our eric. ut if may be demanded, how that promiſe concerning the conuer⸗ Qusftion - fio of a finner, mentioned in Csechicl agrecth w this repulfe? Ezc.18.22, Furthermoze, it femeth not to agre — oᷣclemencie of Gad, ng 0,1, fa _s » TOHN CALYVINE 58 ’ fo reiecte their fighes and feares, whiche being greeued with Aaſwere. their miſeries, doe fle vnto his meric. ¥ aunfiwere that res pentance,tffo be it be true ⁊ fincere, fyall neuer be out of time, bit that tbe {inner may obteine pardon, which is greeued, and diſpleaſed with bir felfe from his heart : but after this man her alfo, Sod punitgeth the contempt of bis arace,becaufe they do not feriouflp with their whole heart, titende with thems ſelues to returne brite him, whiche kane obftinately reiected Reprobats his grace. Thus it commeth to paffe, that they beeing giuen o2 bauenot wer into a rep20bate fenfe,are never touched with true repens | eereP tance, Wppocrites burũ fm2th inte feares,euen as Clan noth: anc: but the beart within Mall rematne inclofen , as it were with p2on barres. Lherfo2e, when as Elau burſteth fo2th,te crane a bleſſing, beeing voide of faith and repentauntce,it is no mars uell if be be reiected. , 36 [Heis truely called Tacob.] Hereby it appearcth, that Claus nrinde is touched with no fenfe of repentance, becaufe he accuſing bis b2other,imputeth no blame fe binfetfe , Wut the beginning of repentance,is greefe conceined of finne,and a . Ddifliking of a mansfelfe, fan ought to haue entered into ata ge iudgement with bimfelfe, Bis birthright being lold be ranne nee like a hungrie dogge to his pottage : and noi, as though he bad offended nothing at alh he ts only angrie With bis brother, Furthermoze, if fo be the bleſſing be of any weight, why doth. he not confiver, that he was depriued thereof, not onely by the deceit of man,but alfo by the poutdence of God? We fee there fore, that be groping like a blinde man in the darke, findeth not the way. | ae * 37 Behold, I hauemade him thy Lord.} 3faac moze plains. ty confirmeth that, which J faid bekore, that feing Gad is the authour of the bleſſing, the fame cannot be botde and of none effect. Foꝛr he doeth not here greatly ertoll his diqnitic, but keeping hint felfe tuithin the limits ano meature of a minis ſter, denieth that it is in his il and power to alter any thing, Ffo2 he alwaves confidereth that which is true,that he hauing taken vpon bin the perfon of oo, may nof proceede further then the commaundement twill beare. Bereof Eſau ought to haug learned, from whence be Was fallen through bis are | c VPON GENESTS, CRF XXVIT. be might haue humbled him felfe,and rather bane iopned him (elfe with bis brother that be might be made a partaker of his bleſſing in the ſeconde degre, then to haue fought anp thing ſeuerall to him felfe , Wut a wicked defire carricd bum away, that fo2netting the kingdome of God, be feeketh after nothing but his otune p2tuate commoditie. Acqaine,the manner of fpeaking is to be noted , by whiche Iſaac bringeth to his bleſ⸗ fina bndoubted force and effecte, euen as if in bts boyce, doz minion, plentie of cone and twine, and whatſoeuer elfe God had promifed vnto Abraham, had bene included. For Ood will baue the faithfull fo fo Depende bppon him alone,that pet fo2 all that they may (ecurelp reft bppon bis worde, which be commaundeth fo be preached vnto them by the tongue of men, So they are faide to remitte finnes , whiche are onelp mefline gers and inferp2eters of free ſorgiueneſſe. 38 [ Haftthou but onc bleffing ? ] Cfau feemefh to take bnto him omache and couraae: but neglecting the care of his 581. foule,be falleth like a hogge to the pampering of the flethe. be | had beard, that nothing was lefte vnto his father, for that the whole grace of Ood fo refted vppon Jacob, that out of bis faz milie there was nofelicitie, Wherelfoꝛe, iffo be Cfau wi⸗ {hed tell to him felfe, be ought fo haue drawen out of that Well: and rather fo haue fubmitted him ſelfe to bis. bother, then to forfake bis bappte fellowſhippe. Notwithſtanding, be rather chofefo be dep2iued of fpirttuall grace, fo that be might haue ſomewhat ſeuerall and poperfo bim felfe, then fo be inferiour af home . $e coulde not be ignorant, that there twas buf one onely bleffing, by whiche his bother Jacob was called She heire of Gods couenaunt.Foꝛ Iſaac pꝛeached date ly concerning that fingulat pꝛiuilege, which God vouchſafed fo beſtowe vpon Abraham and his poſteritie. Peither had be fo greeuouſſy complaineda little before, vnleſſe be had vn⸗ —*8 this, that he was depriuedof an vnſpeakeable be⸗ nefife, © Bherefore,be departing from the onely blefling,‘ndirectlp renounceth OD D , andcutteth off himlelfe from the ba: die of the Churehe , onely regarding this tranfitorie hfe. Mut tt had bene better for him, through the ſcarſitie of alt Wo, itf, things, as oS * 582 — JOHN CALVINE ~ thinges,fo haue perithed miſerably in this worlde, then fo flepe carelefly in tentpozall pleaſures. Whereas it followeth, that he wept with frong crying, it is rather a fiqne of oute ragious and poude diſpleaſure, then of repentaunce. Foꝛ he had remitted nothing of bis fierceneſſe, but fretted and ras ged, as Wilde bealtes are Wont to doc. Euen fo the wicked, when they are vrged With puniſhment, do bewaile the loſſe of their ſaluation: but pet foz all that, they ceaſſe not fo pleate them felues in their twickednefic:¢ tuith their whole bart feke not after the righteouſneſſe of God, but rather oefire te haue his name defaced, Such weeping and qnathing of teeth ts inp verie Well, not whiche ſtirreth bp the reprobate to {eke after od, but which onely vercth them with blinde tormentes. 39° {Beholde,the fatnefle of the earth ſhall be thy dweliing place, | At the lat Clau obteined that twhiche becraucd, Foz he ſeeing bim ſelfe to be caſt downe from the degré and ho⸗ nour of the firſt borne ſonne, rather choſe to liue pꝛoſperouſſpx in the worlde out of the companie of the holie people, then ta be buder the yoke of bis pounger bother . ut Haar. feneth fo be contrarie to hintfelfe,in thathe veeldeth a newe bleſſing: when as before he teftified, that he had giuen vnto his fonne - Jacob, whatſoeuer was committed vnto him, J anftweare, Antwere, tbat the fameis noted in this place, whiche twas {poker be- fore concerning Iſmael. Foꝛ Cod, as touching this prefent life, heaving the requeſt of Abzabant, by audby notivithitane DING, adding an exception , he refraineth it , ſaving, that in Iſaac the fede Hallbecaticd . And Jdoubt not, but that the - bolie man, fering that bis ponger forine Jacob was o2deined by ©od,to be the heire of a bleſſed life, went about to keepe his eldeſt ſonne Clau inthe bonde of brotherly focietie, that be might not departe from the Church, and from fhe bolic and choſen flocke. But now, when be ſeeth that be doth obſtinate⸗ ly bende hintfelfe another way, be pronounceth what bis ftate and condition ſhall be, Meuertbelefle , the ſpirituall bleſ⸗ fingrefteth wholy tppon Jacob alone: fo whome Eſau rez fufing fo iopne him felfe, willingly banifhed him felfe front the kingdome of God, Hotwithſtanding, vᷣ ſaving of Dalachie . "> teeth tobe contrarie onto this prophetic. 02 comparing, the | 9 Obiection Mala. VPON GENESIS. CAP, XXVII-. 5 two boethien Jacob t Eſau together, be thereby teacheth,that — 3 Clan was hated; becaufe bis polleMion was appoimed wnt obiedioa him in the deſerts: but Iſaac promtleth onto hima fat ¢ plens tifull land. This bath a double anſwere: cither that the Pro/ Anfwere, phet (peaking comparatiuely, iuſtly calleth Joumea a defert ir reſpect of the land of Canaan, Which was farre moze fruitful; o2 elfe; that he had refpect vnto bis age ¢ time. For although the deſtruction of both landes was horrible, yet neuertheleſſe the land of Canaan flourithed againe in a ſhort time, when as p countric of Edom twas condemned to perpetuall barrennes, € made a place of dragons. Although God therefoze, in refpect of his people, fent Cfau atvav into the deſert monteines : peg notwithſtanding, be gaue Onto him a land fruitfull enough of it felfe,that the promife might not be void. Foꝛ that monteine countrie bad both fatnelle,s twas alfo bolpen with the dewe of heaucn, that tf might veelde ſuſtenaunce fo the inbabitantes,. 40 [And by thy fword fhalt thou line. }@le muff note, that thofe thinaes are foreſhewed bere, which are neuer fulfilled in the perfon of Cfau:¢ that therefore itis a pꝛopheſie of fuche things as are pet farre hence. Foꝛ Jacob was fo farre frd bes ing Lorde ouer bis bother, that returning out of Pavan As ram, he very humbly fubmitted him ſelfe vnto hint: ¢ the cas ſting off, of the poke of ſubiection, of the whiche Iſaac maketh mention bere,is referred bute a fime farre hence. Bedenouns ceth therefore what maner of condition remaineth for the poz fferitie of Cfau, And firfl be layth,that thep ſhall conquere by their ſworde. Df the which ſaying there may be a double mea⸗ ning: either that they being beefet with enimies, hall leade a » ‘varrefaring and vnquiet life : 02 elſe, that thep Mall be at li- bertie, and without confrollement, Foꝛ the ſword bath no aus thoꝛitie, where there is no libertic . Whe former ſenſe ſeemeth rather fo agree, that God reftraineth bis promiſe, leat Clau fom much eralt him felfe. For there ts nothing moꝛe fo be deſi⸗ red then peace, he holic people alſo is admoniſhed, that they fhall alwayes haue fome enimics fo trouble them . But this is another manner of matter then fo line by bis ſworde, Wehich is as much in cffect as il he had fayo; thatthe fonnes of Clan, after the mãner of robbers¢ (potters; Molo delend thens Do, ttf, ſelues IOHN CALVINE 58 + felues rather by the vinte offivozde,and by biolence, then by lalufull right and authoritie. The ſecond reſtraint is, that though be be armed with the ſworde:yvet notwithſtanding, be Mhall not efcape the fubiection of bis bother. Foꝛ the Idume⸗ ans at the length became tributaries vnto the choſen people, Wut if was no long feruitude: becaule the kingdomes, being diuided, that power was cut off, which kept alſo thole vᷣ dweit round about in ſubiection, and in feare. Motwithſtanding, the 1020 would haue the Idumeans fubdued, though tf were but fo2 a ſhoꝛt time;that be might make a biltble p2ofe of this pꝛo⸗ pheſie. The relt of the time, the vnbridled libertie of Clau Wwas moze miſerable, then any fubtection, 41 { Efau hated lacob.] Hereby tt appeareth, that Eſaus feares: Wwere fo farre from comming of truc repentaunce,that they were rather witneſſes of furious Wath. Foz be doth not after a fecrete manner, fofter batred againt bis bother, but o⸗ penly burfteth fo2th into wicked theeateninas. And hereby it appeareth, bol deepelp malice was roted in bis beart,in that be purpoleth the wicked murdering of bis brother. Alfo there appeareth in him pꝛophane and Wicked contumacie,in that be iwhetteth bis ſworde, to aboliſhe Cons decree, ¥ will bing fo - patte (faith be) that be ſhall not inioy the p2omifed inberifance, WUhat is this elfe, but to deuoid the force of bis bleſſing, where in be knewe bis father as buf a poclamer,and a miniffer 2 Furthermoze,aliuely tmage of the bypocrite,is bere ſette bes fore bs, He feiqneth,that the death of bis fatber is greuous onto him: and in dede, itis the duefie ofa godlie childe, fo bewaple bis fathers death, Wut {eeing the death of bis father twas ſlowe to him, which haffened fo the wicked murder of his brother, and be alfo glad fo2 the neereneſſe of the ſame:it ts buf a meere counterfeting , that be nameth the day of mourning, Alfo with what face pretendeth be humane affection , whiche gaping fo2 bis brothers death, af the fame infant goeth az bout fo ouerthꝛowe the whole lawe of nature, Jf may alfo be, that the verie ſenſe of nature wꝛeſted from him the confeffion, by whiche be moze greeuouſly condemned himſelle. Cuen as God oftentimes-conuincing the wicked,by their olune words, maketh them the moze inercufable,And Whereas onely bares ride⸗ VPON GENESIS. CAP: XXVII. 85 brideleth a cruell mind, it is neither to be attributed fo greate praile,t it belwrapeth a groſſe and brutiſhe contempt of God, Somtimes alfo the reucrence of men preuaileth with the gods Jie,as we haue heard, in the Chapter going befoze,concerning Jacob:but by andby they pꝛocede further , in fo muche that hae fhe feare of God preuaileth with them:the forgetfulnes wher⸗ —— of ſo poſſeſſeth the heartes of the Wicked, that they refi them⸗ payed frd felues onely bpon men, Wherefore; whatfoeuer he be, fhat abs cuil, by fécineth from euill doing, for feare ard ſhame of men, he hath the feare as pet profited but little, NotwithHanding, the Papiſtes giue rte this notable commendation to their confettion, that tt feareth — * many from finning, leaft they be conffrained fo beiv2ay feare of their owne ſhame. Wut therule of godlineſſe ts farre others God. Awife , that our confcience may appotnt God fo be a witnelle, and Judge. , 42 [And it was tolde to Reheccha.] Now Moles maketh a war to defcribe a newe hiſtorie, bow Jacob fleeing from his fathers boule, got him into MPeſopotamia. This, no doubt, {was a verie greeuous and harde temptation fo the holie ma⸗ trone, when fhe (eth ber ſonne to be in perill of death by ber pene, Wut he tozefteled through faith, that fhe might holde fatt the poſſeſſion of grace, which {he had once gotten, Foꝛ, 1€ fo be the had beene through womanly affection, moze inclined fo the louc of ber pouncer fone, the fame would hauc beens a - nofable aduauntage fo2 the birthright to haue returned as gaineto Eſau. Foꝛ fo emulation bad bene taken away, and bis Furie aſwaged, who was erceedina ſorrowfull fo2 the loſſe ofhis right. In that therefore that Kebecca peeloeth not to a np agreement, but erbozteth ber fonne fo voluntarie erile, and had rather haue him out of ber pzelence, then that he thould forgoe the bleſſing, whiche be had once receiued: this, fay,. is afiqne ofrare faith. ds pet the fathers bleffing night feme but ateatf,in fo muche that itis maruell, tha: Rebecca, aud Facob,fo muche eſteemed the fame : not with ftanding, they are {o farre from repenting them , that they refufe nof the ſharpe punithment of exile, fo as Jacob bring with hin fhe vorce Inbiche his father vttered. | | By this example we are fauput eaaiaad fo fuffer, if a 0, > g 586 IOHN CALVINYE : be the crofle a8 a companion followe the hope of abetter lifes - Hay, tf fo be the Lorde fo2 this cauſe adopteth vs tebe heires of his kingdoine, that we might be pilgrimes without any abiding place in the twozive . Foꝛ Jacob being therefore chruſt out of bis fathers boule, tubere he night quietly haue ended bis life,is conftrained to wander into a fozreigne couns tric : becaufe the bleflina of Gon was pomrled vnto him But as he ſought not to redeeme tempoꝛall peace with bis brother with the loſſe of the grace which be had retciucd fo Wwe mut take heede, lea any commoditic of the flethe, 02 the intifes menfes of the woꝛloe, doc d2atve bs alvap from the race of our calling.But rather let bs Koutlptutter all lottes il ſo be “We haue the fat anchore holde of hope tn heauen. Then ties becca farth that this was Claus comfozte, that he might kill bis bother, the meaning is, that he coulde be parifica with nothing but With the wicked faughter of his brother, 44 [Tarric with him a while, IBy this circumttance the mitigateth the bitternefle oferile. For the fho2tneffe of time ſerueth not alittic to mitigate greefe in aduerfitie. And it was likely,that the hatredof Cfau woulde not be fo tharpe tte, but that the ablence of bis brother woulde mitigate the ſame. So that her wordes are tn effect as if he had ſayde⸗ Onely get thee alive foz a while, and we thall ſhortlx miti⸗ gate his wrath. 4§ [Why fhouldeT be depriued of you both] TWlhy din Rebecca feare to be depriued ofboth ber tonnes? Fo2 tt was. not to be doubted, that Jacob being ef fo gentle and milde diſ⸗ pofition, woulde rife againt his bꝛother Te fee therefoze that Rebecca allureth her felfe, that Goo willbe a puniſher of Wicked murder, Furthermoze, although © DD fo2 atime winketh at the fame, and luſpendeth bis iudgement : yet note Withſtanding, it toas neceſſarie fo2 bun to withdraw him ſelfe from killing of bis bother, | Therlore he pronounceth, euen by the atv of nafure,that the ſhall vtterly be depriued:becauſe Me thali be conſtrained to: abhorre and defelE him whiche tall remaine bebinde , UWiberefore, if fo be Rebecca foꝛeſawe the indgement of Gen, belore it Mhoulde be reucaled, and allotted the lated VPON GENESIS. CAD. XXVIIL te defruction,becaufe the was perfuaded, that fo greate twice kedneſſe ſhoulde not eſcape vnpuniſhed: mache leſſe ought aoe twinks at the mantic ſcourges and apparent plagues of God. 46 [Iam wearie of my life.] Mhereas Jacob might prie nilp bane fledde alway, the mother notwithſtanding afketh leane of the father for bis departure , Foꝛ fe gwd goueries ment and difeiplite required . Whereas notivithitanding Mx pretendeth another cauſe fo ber bulbande, ſhee map be ers culed of alic, becaufe He neither fapth all no2 nothing, Where is no doubt, but that the ſayth truely, that ſchee is qreve ued becauſe of the daughters of Heth, cuen to the pekefommette ofher life: and the wiſely concealeth the moze greeuous mile cheefe, leak it ſhoulde fing her huſbande onto death : furs thermoze,lealt he ſhoulde the moze tnflame the madneſſe and outrage of Eſau: euen as the wicked, when their vngodli⸗ nefle ts Detected, are the moze delperate, And although itcame to paffe, by the twicked manners of ber daughters in lawe, that the affinifie of the tubole nation was odious vnto Rebec⸗ caz pet notwithſtanding, herein alfo the wonderfull proui⸗ dence of God ſhewed if felfe, that Jacob neither iopned noz antangled him (elfe With thofe that thoulde be enimies bute he Church of Gor, | far at.’ THAPTER. XXYVITTI. Hen Ifaac-called Jacob, and bleed him, and | charged him,and fayde vnto him; Take not a wife of the daughters of Canaan. | Arife,get thee to Padan Aram, tothe houſe oft efBethuel, thy mothers father, and thence ee theea wife of the daughters of Laban thy inothers bro= cr, . 3 And Godall fufficient bleffe thee, and make thee to in- creafe,and multipliethee , that-thou mayeft be a multitude of people: . | | 4 And giuethee the bleffinges of Abraham, euen to thee, and to thy {eede with thee,that thou mayeft inherite —* wherein $37 588 IOHN CALVINE wherein thou area {traunger, whiche God gane vnto Abra- ham, | 7 Qt ¢ Thus Izhak fent foorth Tacob, and he went to Padan A- ram, vnto Laban, fonne of Bethuel, the Aramite, brother to Rebeccha, lacob and Efaus mother, 6 When Efau fawethat Izhak had blefled Iacob, and fent him to Padan Aram,to fethima wife thence, and gaue him a charge when he blefled him,faying, Thou fhaltnot take a wife of thedaughters of Canaan : | 7 And that\lacob had obeyed his father and his mother, & Was gone to Padan Aram: 8 Alfo Efan feeing that the daughters of Canaan difpleafed Izhak his father: 9 Then Efau went to Ifmael,and tooke ynto the wiues whi- che he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ifmael, Abrahams fon, the ſiſter of Nebaioth, to be his wife, 10 Nowe lacob departed from Beer-fhebah, and went to Aram. | Sg 03 11 And he came vnto a certeine place, and tarried there all night, byeaufe the Sunne was downe: and tooke of the {tones of the placeand layed vader his heade, and fleptein the fame lace. POUT MES . 12 Therhedreamed, and beholdethere ſtoode a ladder vppon the earthe, and the toppe of it reached vnto heauen: and loc, the Angels of GO D. wente; vp and downe by it. 13 And beholde,the Lorde ftoode aboue it, and faide: lam the Lorde God of Abraham thy father , and the God of Izhak.. — 1— vppon the which thou fleepeft will I giue thee and cede, on And thy feede Mall be as the duft of the earth, and thow fhalt fpreade abroade, tothe Weft, and to the Faft,and to the. North , and to the Southe: and in thee , and in thy feede, thald all the families of the earth beblefled, 1¢ And loe Iam with thee, and will keepe thee, whither fo euer thou goeft ,and will bring thee againe into this land:for { will not forfake thee, vntill Lhaue performed that , whiche J haue promifed thee, 16 Then VPON GENESIS-: CAP. XXVIII. 6 Then Jacob awooke out of his fleepe, and faide, Surely the Lorde is in this place ,and I was not aware, | 17 And he was afeard,and faid, How fearefull is this place? This is none other but the houfe of God : and this isthe gate of heauen, | 19S aia 18 Then Iacob rofe vpearly in the morning , and tooke the ſtone that he had laid vnder his heade,and {et it vp asa pil- ler, and powred oyle on thetoppe of it. iat Hon 19 And he called the name of that place , Bethel: notwith: ftanding, the name of the Citie was at the firft called Luz, 20 Then Iacob vowed a vowe ,'faying, If°God-will be with me,and will keepe mein thisiourney whiche I goe, and will gine me breade toeate, and cloathes to puton, 21 Sothat I come againe vnto my fathers houſe in fafetic, then fhall the Lordebemy God. = 22 And this {tone whiche I haue fet vp, as a piller, fhall be Gods houfe: and of all that thou fhalt giue me, will I giue the tenth vnto thee, 1 Then Izhak called Tacob, IIt may be demaunded, Whe⸗ ther Iſaac nowe repeateth againe that whiche he bad fatd bes fore, byraufe the former bleffing was weake: but ifbe were a Pꝛophet of od, and an interpreter, if muſt needes be ſta⸗ ble and perpetuall whiche came once out offis mouth ,.¥F an⸗ ſwere, Although the blefing was effectuall of it felfe,yet nots withſtanding, the faith of Jacob had neede of fuche abelpes euen as the 1020 repeating diuerfe times all one and the felfe fame pomiles,derogateth nothing from him felfe and bis worde: but rather commendeth the cerfenfie thereof vnto bis fertraunts, leaft that af any time the affurance of the fame doe (hake, theouch the tnfirmitie of the ficthe . And we mutt Temember that whiche J baue fatde,that Iſaac bleſſeth not as ap2tuate man , but as appointed bp the fpectall commaun- Dement of God, that he might ſet ouer onto bis fonne Yacob the couenant whiche as made with him. Alfoit was verte neceffarte, that Jacob fhould be bleed of bis father wittingly and tuillingly, leatt in fime to come, by the rememb2aunce of bis fathers errour, and bis olwne deceipte , be miabt be bought 589 5067 ‘IOHN CALVENE bionat fo. doubting. Wherefore nowe Ilaac swith god ads utfement, directing hiscwordes vnto his ſonne Jacob, pos nounceth that the bleſſing ts Dur to him by right, left it Hould be thought, that ſceing be was deceiued at the firlk, that be ot fered wordes in vaine bnder the nameofanother. o 2 Arife, get theeto Padan' Aram, ] In the firſt parte of fhe charge: be commaundeth him to takea wife out. of bis niothers kinred. He nught baue fen for her by.one.of his (ers nauntes ; as dtbecca Iwas brought vnto bin ; baticmaybe, that be thurmetiy enuie, leſt Eſau Mould fake diſdaine bereaty that there Mould be a greater cave taken fo. bis brothers ma⸗ riage, then was ſor his. 3 [ And Godallfufficient bied⸗ thee. bi Houe follotws oti fhe forme of the bleſſing > which differeth Amewhat from the ſormer in wordes: and pet notwithttanding, tendeth fo tise ſame end, Firſt af. al he wiſheth Facob fo be bicHea of Gov, fiat isto fay,-to be increafed and multiplied in bis (ere, that be might growe into a multitude of nations, that ts,that he might beegette many nations, which might growe together into One bodie vnder onue heade: as if he had ſaid Bany tri⸗ bes ſhall ſpring of thee, whiche Hall make one people . And this was fulfilled in fome point; when Poles diſtributed the pedple into thirteene partes. Howbeit Afaac hada further res ſpecte, as that thep Mould be gathered toget her at the latt cut of diuers nations to the boufe.and famitic.of bis fore, that bp this meanes ofa huge and diſperſed people before, they might He made one companie, Ffo2 there is no doubt, but that bis purs poſe was to deliuer from bande fo bande, that whiche be bad recciucd, euen as freight after be celeb2ateth the remem⸗ brance of the fir couenaunt, deriuing from. thence,as from the originall, this bis bleſſing : as if be bad aide, that he did {et oucr bufo hin, what right and priuilege focuer he bad res ceiued from his father, that the inberifance of life might abide: With him, according fo the couenant of God made with Aba ‘ham. Ther whiche erpounde, this to be ſpoken by a fimilituae, as if Xacob Wifhod, that thore benclites, which God hav ators — time beſtowed vppon Abraham, might alfo be beſtowed bea 8 > ——— _* 4 VPON GENESIS? “Calpe. xxviil. 591° bis forne : doe fo mtiche ertennate the meaning of Me words· For , feing God had made a couenant with Abraham fo2 this canfe, that the fante might conte vnto his potteritie, it twas meete that there ſhould be A beginning made at his perfon, ax at the rote. Therefore Iſaac appointed his fonne Jacob tobe Abrahams heire, to fucceede him inthe bleſſing left with bun, and promifed vnto his fede, The which alfomoze plainly appeareth by that Whiche follotweth, where he alligneth vn⸗ fo him the dominion of fhe lande:bptaufe the fame was giuen fo Ababatt. And in this member toc behold, with what great ronttancie of faith thebaly fathers relied vppow the woe of the Lorde. For they Were not a little tempted, when they Were niade ſoiourners and pilgrimes in the land, the poſſeſſion wheredf Was alreadie promifed vnto them by Gora hundred yeares before, But we fee, that in their wanderings, and vn⸗ quiet life, they make no leſſe account of that whiche the Lod promiſed fo thein,then if they had had alreadie p full potleMior , as thereof. And this ts a true frtall of faith, When as twe beeing 31) of taich helde bp with the worde of God alone, thoughe we be toffed with many froublefome waues of the world, do pet for al that ſtand no leffe ſtedfaſt, then if we had alreadie firme fating in heauen. And Iſaac erprellyp fortifieth his fonne againſt this fempfation , calling if The land of bis pereqrinatton,of the whiche he appotnteth him 102d, For by theſe wordes he ad⸗ moniſcheth, that if may come fo palſe, that he may wander az boute all the time of his life; but pet that the fame can no thing at all hinder, but that Gods poomife mutt be firme and fable: that he beeing contented tuith the fame alone, mighte patiently tuayte for the time of revelation , And tt ts to be nos fed, that Jacobs faith ts fthꝛoughly tried, when as the lande is pꝛomiſed bnfo him by wor onelp, from tobence in verie pede heis caf out'a farre off, fo2 the boric fame cauſe. For be ‘feemeth to be made a ſcorne, When he is commaundedto aoe and pofleffe the dominion of a lande,and vet fo leaue the e fame, and fo coe a farre off info erties - 96 (When Efan faw that Izhak,] Pere MPoles bringeth in a bꝛeefe narration concerning Eſamthe which is therfore profi⸗ table to be knowen, bycaule therby We learne that the co though -DOHN CALVINE 72chough they rage agains God,¢ contemning bis grace, pleate them felues , when thep haue their defires ; pet notwithitans Ding, they can not vtterly contemne the fame. Cuen fo nowe Elau is pricked with adefire of the bleſſing, not that hemight - fincerely and with bis whole bearte alpire vnto the fame, but feeins the fame fo be fo precious, is compelled againt bis will to defire it. To this be topneth an other faulte, bycauſe be fees keth not as tt became him, Foꝛ be deutleth a new and range tvay , whereby be might reconcile bim felfe fo GDD anv to bis father: therefoze bis defire is without p2ofite. Botwbes if, be (eemeth not focare greatly fo2 God, foas be may haue bis fathers god will, wut befoze all other thinges,be ſhoulde haue put off his pꝛophane difpofifton,bis peruerfe maners,and the corrupt affections of the fleſhe. Alfo tt became bun quiets Ap fo beare the chattifement laide bppon hint, Foꝛ the order of Yepentaunce taught him toconcetuethbus muche, Wicaule J haue hitherto made my felfe bnivothie of the birthright, J ant iuftly made inferiour vnto my bother : therefore, there rematueth nothing but that J bumble my felfe: and bycauſe J am depriued of the honour of the beade, lef it fuffice me tobe one of the members of the Church, And in verie deed be ought | rather to baue defired, to haue aboade in fonte obfcure co2ner of the Church, then tobe cut off,and d21uen alway from the electe people,and therewithall fo haue a proude pꝛimaſie and fuperiozitic in the earth . Be taketh no fuche thingin bande, but after a ſorte goeth about to pleafe bis father with a long circumfEance of woꝛdes. And Poles onder this type, lively Depainteth vnto bs all hypocrites , Foꝛ fo oſten as the iudge⸗ ment of God b2geth them, although they be twounded with the areefe of punithements: yet notwithtanding,they feck not true remedies : For taking bute them one kinde of fatiffactts on, they neglecte a fimple and founde conuerfion ; and in that kinde of ſatiſfaction thep doc nothing but counterfeite , when as Clau ought to haue wholy repented him : be wenteas bout to correct but one vice of marriage onelp,the which was fo pꝛepoſterous. Motwithfanding , the other deſecte follows ⸗ eth. Foꝛ be reteining bis wiues, which were batefull fo bis | parentes, thinketh that be bath done veric incl tohenoe barr en Dia os \. VPON GENESTS. CAP, XXVIIL | , 593 taken the thirde. Wut by this meanes, neither the greefe o the parentes is mitigated,no2 pet the houſe purged. Wut now ov, ta⸗ howe commeth it to paſſe, that be taketh the thirde wife: and kecha out of the focke of Afmael,whome we knowe was a baffard, thirde wife and whoſe poſteritie ſwarued from the pure woꝛſhippe of God? Mfthis matter, we may beholde a notable example at this day, in foꝛged and falſe mediatours , whiche thinke that they doe berie well o2der the diffentions of religion , if onely bringing in certeine colourcs,tw groſſe cozrupfions are coues red, The verie matter conftraineth them to confefle, that fuch foule errsurs and abufes baue taken bold tn the Papaſie, that a full and perfecte refogmation is nedefull: but they will not ftirre the finche thereof, leatt they woꝛke moze miſchiefe vn⸗ to themfelues: therefoze, thep are conftratned fo coner their one filthineſſe. Foꝛ at the firfke they called their abhomina⸗ tions, The bolie wo2thippe of Gov: but becaule they are nowe by the worde of Ood brought fo light, therefore thep come vn⸗ to thefe newe thiftes, Wut they pleaſe them felucs tn baine, being condemned bere, by Pofes, vnder the perfon of Cfau. Atvay therefore with their counterfeite refozmation, whiche bringeth nothing With it,that is imple andfincere , Wut bes cauſe this difeafe is incident bnfo mankinde, infomuch that euerie one goeth about by one bifo2 02 other fo decetue God: let bs knowe that we do nothing, vntil our finnes being pluc⸗ ‘Red bp by the rots, we thal wholy addict cur felues vnto God, 10 [Now lacob departed from Beer-fhebah, In the order —— of this hiſtorie this eſpecially ts fo be noted, howe the Loꝛde oc ene pres. defended bis Churche in the perfon of one man, Foz Iſaac, by feruation teafon of bis olde age, lay like a withered ſtocke: and although of the the linely rote lay hivden in bis heart: pet netivithttanding, Church there was no more hope of poſteritie left in bis (pent and barrett age. Clan, being like vnto a greene and flourifhing tree, was full of oftentation and pompe : but that frength and Aouriſhing teas onlp fo2 a time. Jacob, as abanche cut off, is fent into a land farre diftant,¢ pet not as though being grak⸗ fed 02 planted there, he might receiue ſtrength and greatneſſe: but that being watered with beauenly dewe, be might ſpring euen asin the aire, 4 Pp. Foz IOHN CALVINE 39 + Foꝛ the Lord doth willingly fotter him, and giue onto him frenath ontil hemay bring him back agatne bute bis fathers boule, Ju the meane time, let the Readers diligently confider, that when he, which was the bleſſed of Cod,ts caſt into exile, matter of bolting was giuen fo the rep2obate Cfau,to tuhom a bopde poſſeſſion was left,that be might now fecurely reigne Without enuie; lef at any tine Wwe be troubled, ben the wics ked,as bauing thetr defires, toben they haue opp2efled vs, doe triumpbe and boaſt. Moſes putteth dotwne the name of Beer⸗ feba,becaule the fame, beeing one of the bozders of the land of Canaan,and the fame toward the deferfe and South, if was. further from the Caft countrie, wheretuto Jacob fended ,. Then be maketh mention of Baran, bere Abraham, being departed out of bis countric, divelt fo2 a fime, And it appea⸗ reth,that the qodlie olde man Thare, when be followed bis. fonne, 02 at leatt wife accompanied bint tn bis tourney , came not alone fo Baran , where be died: but that bis ether ſonne PMacho2, With his familie, came thither allo, Foꝛ we bearde in the eleuenth Chapter going befoze,that hare tke bis fonne Abraham, and Lot his Mephew , and Sarai bis daughter in lawe. Whereby we gather, that pacho2 aboads at that time in Chaldea, bis natiue fople. Pow tohen Poles fapeth, that Laban dwelt at Haran, we may thereby gather, that. Nachoꝛ cathering together, and taking bagge and baggage, came affertaarde bate bis father , leat be might feeme to be bnkinde. And Moles in feive twordes ſheweth, what a fore and painefall iourney, the bolic man bad, by reafon of the long diſtance. GAberevnto alfo the other circumſtance is ads Bed, that the holie man lap bppon the qround, without any coe uert,companion, 02 lodging, Wut as Moles beefy onely tous cheth thele thinges, fo J meane not to be tedious with many wordes in interpreting the fame. Foꝛ the matter it felfe (peas keth plainctp inough. Wherekfore, if at any time we thinke that we are hardly dealt withall, let bs call faminde the ere ample of the bolic man, which cozrectcth our tendernefie. 12 [And flept i in thefame place, J Bere Boles teacheth, ur holw conuenient time,and in the berie pinebe,the Lorde holpe bis ſeruaunt. Foꝛ who would not haue ſaid, that the me VPON GENESIS. CAP, XXVIII. $95 Had forgotten bis feruant Jacob, who being in Daunger ofthe ⸗ inuafton of wild beattes,and ſubiect to all the inturtes of hea den and earth,found no maner of comfo2t 02 belpe any where? abut when he was thus bought into ertreame neceflitic , the 2.020 foudenly reached forth vnto him bis hand, and wonders fully comfozted bint bya notable ozacle. Guen as theres foe at the Art bis inuincible perfencrance appeared + euen (0 os are note the Lorde worthur declareth his fatherly care totwarde hereon be the fnithfull, And there are thee things bere in oder fo be no⸗ noted. ted: Firlt,that the Lorde appeared fo Zacob ina biffon : Sez : condly,the manner of the bifion, as Moles here delcribeth the 2 fame: Thirdly, the wordes of theazacle. GAben mentionis 3 sane ofa biGion, there is no Doubt, but that the fame cerfeine Kinde ofreuclation is noted, tubiche the Lorde was wont fo bfe in time paſt toward bis ſeruantes. Jacob therefore knew, Nam.12.6 that this bifion was offered vnto him of God, that if might Differ from common dreames: andfo muche the wordes of Moles {eeme to impozte, when be fayeth that God appeared ina viſiou. 02, Jacob could not fe Gody 02 file him pre⸗ fent,onlelle bis matettie hav bene exprelled by certeine notes, [And bcholde, there ſtoode aladder.] Pere the forme of the facobs vie Difion is declared, whiche greatly perteineth to the matter, fiona. as that Gon ſhewed himielfe, ſitling bppon a ladder, the fote tobereof ſtanding vppon the earth reached vnto heaucit, aria which carried Angels defcending from heaucn vnto the earth. Wihereas certeine of the Hebrues, by the ladder onderfand, asby afigure, the prouidence of God, tobiche comprebendeth the gouernement of peauen and carth,itis out cf ſquare: for the Lord night haue giuen a moze apt fine. Hut there is no⸗ thing voubtfull and ambiquons vnto bs tu this bition, which holde fa this princtple, that the couenant of Ged was laide Dppon Chrifte, and that the fame Chzitte was the euerla⸗ fing imace of the father; therein be reucaled hinifelfe ta the holie fathers .. — 02 {ering men through fin are ſeparated fro. God, although, be (ulfilleth and (ufteineth all things by bis power: pet fo2 all that, we perceiue not that participation, which draweth ve in VPp·ij. like TOHN CALVINE 59 6 itke tanner vnto him: but there is rather (uch difagrement, that we thinking him to be turned awar from bs , doe in like manner fle from him And the Angels, to whome the cuffodie ofmankinde is committed, though they doe tedfattly perfitte In doing Of their dutie: vet notwithſtanding, they doe not mus tuallp partictpate with bs,in ſuch inife,as that there might be ‘Thrifteis a familiar, andas tt were a fenfible neereneſſe betwent them frgured by any pg, Wherefore, it is Chritte alone whiche iopneth beauen ooh lad and earth together:he onely is the mediatour twhiche rea cheth wae from beauen vnto the arth: be ts the verie fame,by whom the fulneffe of all beauenlyp graces flolveth downe onto bs » and by tobome, in like manner, tue afcende onto GD D, Be,bes ing the bead of Angels , baingeth to pafic, that they minifter vnto his earthly members, — Wherefore he oth p2operlp challenge this honour vnto bumfelfe,that after he {hall be made manifet vnto the worid, Angels hall aſcend and deſcend » Sothat if we fay, that the ladder was a figure of Chpitte, we {Hail not erpound the fame amitle . Foꝛ the fimilitude of a lander » doeth berie Well agree with the mediatour,by whome the miniſterie of Angels, righ⸗ teouſneſſe, and life,and all other graces of the boly Ohotte, oo come Onto bs,as it were by ffeppes, Wie alſo, whiche were not onely fattened to the earth, but alſo lobiche were plunged in the depe pitte of malediction, and of hell it felfe, Doe reache and afcende euen vnto God.And,the © D 2 of hoſtes fitteth Dppon the ladder : bycante the fu Inefle of the Godhead dwel⸗ leth in Chzitke . Anobereof alto it commeth to pafle, that it reacheth euen bnto Weauen , F02 although the father bath given all power to hig humane nature alfo: pet notwithſtan⸗ ding, be ſhoulde not fruelp vpholde our faith, vnleſſe he wore God manilelſted in the fleth, They which trandate fhe Heb2ue 10020 fo fignifie(Almoft, as if i¢ bad bene ſayd, And the toppe of it reached almoft ynto heauen +00 coꝛrupt the whole ſenſe. Foꝛ the purpoſe of Poles is to expreſſe, that the fulneffe of the Godhead retteth inthe perfon of the mediatour . qno CORISAE came not onelp vnto bs, but allo take bpon — our Humane nature, that he might make os one with Alto VPON GENESIS: CAP: XXVIII. Alſo that the ladder was a figure of Chꝛiſte, this reafon poucth, bicaufe there tas nothing moꝛe conuentent, ther that Gon fhoulde eſtabliſh the conenaunt of eternall faluation in bis forme, with bis feruaunt Jacob. And hereof commeth vnto bs bufpeakable top, when we beare that Chꝛiſte voth fe ercell aboue all creatures, that be is neuertheleſſe ioyned vnto bs. Lhe maieſtie of © D D, whiche here manifeltcth it felfe, ‘ought to terrifiebs 5 that euerie knee map bow bes fore Chꝛiſte, that all creatures may bebolde him, and wor⸗ ſhippe him, and that all flethe may be filent in bis fight. Wut withall, his friendly and delectableinrage is oepainted ‘bnto bs, tothe ende toe may knowe, that by bis comming downe, heauen ts opened onto bs, and that the Angels are made familtar with bs, Foꝛ hereof commeth to pate that tue haue b2otherlie foctetie with them, becaule the beade common to both bath bis ation in earth, 13, [ Lamthe Lorde God of Abraham, ] his is the thirde p2incipall thing whiche J (aide is to be noted: foz dumbe biftons were fo fmalleffecte, Wherefore the word of the DK DUC isasit were the foule,whiche aiueth life S97 The word giueth life vnto them, Wherefore the fiqure of the ladver was theinz oto the fertour appendirof this pomife: euen as © D D ſetteth forthe and adorneth bis worde with erternall fianes,to the ende the fame may baue both moze plaineneffe, and alfo the greater authovitie . Whereby alfo we proue, that the {az tramentes of the Papittes are friuolous and baine, bycanfe there is no founde of Gods worde heard inthem, which map edifte mens foules, Therefore let vs nofe, that G D D, fo ‘Often as be manifefted him felfe vnto the fathers 5 ſpake _ alfa onto then, leak the dumbe bition might holde them in _ Gufpente, » + Hhename, Iehoush, teacheth that GOD is the onely ‘maker of fhe worlde, teal Jacob might feke after other Oods:. But hycauſe his maickie, of it (elfe, ts incompꝛehen⸗ ſible, that he may applie hint felfe to the capacitie of bis ſer⸗ uaunte, be by and by adoeth , that beis the G D D of Az bꝛaham, and of Zfaac . Foꝛ as it is neceMarie that we bes icue, that © DD, whome we worthippe ,is © D D alone: 303 Pp.iij. pet facramen= tes, 5 8 | YOHN CALTVIWE ~” A p pet nofivithitanding, becaufe when our ſenſes do afpire to the fullneſſe of bis maieſtie, they Danifhe alway,euen at the irk entrante , ive muff alwayes diligently ble this ſobrietie, that Wedefire not to know moze concerning him, then he ſheweth vnto bs, and then be binlelfe,accozding fo bis godneſſe, aps plying him felfe to our capacitie, omitteth nothing, whichis: expedient fo2 our ſaluation. And becaufe be bad made a fpes ciall couenant with Abraham and Iſaac, naming himſeife their God, he baingeth bis ſeruant Jacob to the true o2iginall: of faith,and bolveth him tithe euerlafting couenant, This is: the bolic bond of godlineſſe, by whiche all the fonues of Cod ac gre together, when from the firſt to the laft,they beare all one: p2ontife of faluation, and do agrte in one hops. And thisis the fruite of that blefina, which a little before be had received of. bis father : becaule God with bis mouth pronounceth him to: be the beire of the couenant, lelt mans preaching might fame [ Theland vpon the which thou fleepeft. ]. Ge read thaf _ the land was given bnto his pofteritic: but be was not onelx afoiourner Onto death in the fame: but alſo be could not die there. Whereby tue aather,that vnder the pledge and care — nef of thelande, fome better and moze ercellent thing was giuen bnto him: euen as Abaham twas a (pirituall poffetto2: ef that land,and being contented with the bare bebolding there of, bad {peciall regarde vnto heauen. Gndlet bs note, that the feene of Jacob is bere ſette again the reſt of the-fonnes of: Abzabant, iwhiche generalty came of him after the fleth: but they were cutte off from the bolie people . Wut from the time: that the fonnes of Jacob entered into the land of Canaan, they had a perpetuall inberitance vntil Cheift,bp whole comming. the worlde was renewed, | v4 [And thy feed thalbeasthe duftof theearth.] J This ts the ſumme, that what fo euer the Lord had p2omifed bnta ——~ Abzabam, was fette ouer vnto the fonnesof Jacob. Anthe « meane time, it became the bolic man, bearing bim felfe bolde vppon this teftimonie of Ood,to hope contrarie to hope: fo2 althoughe this pꝛomiſe Was verie large, and greate: nes werthelette, whither fo cuer Jacob turned him lelfe, ae could VYPON GENESIS. CAP. XXVIII. gould then appeare nothing, whiche might put him in hope. 39D He ſawe himielſe to be a ſolitarie man; there was no conditi⸗ on at that time, better then exile: his returne was vncerteine anofullofperill, But it teas profitable fo. him to bethus peftitute of all meanes,that he might learne fo depende vppen the word of GOD alone. Cuen oat this vay, iffobe the UD uk DE promiteth all thinges vnto vs largely, ard yet nenerthelette, femeth to come vnto Us emptie:vet itis meete, that we giue this honour and reverence vnto his woorde, that webericheand full thzough faith. Wut at thelaff, after the death of Jacob, the ſucceſſe taught how effectuall this pꝛo⸗ mice vas. By whiche crample we are taught, that the Lord God neuer doeth not deceiue bis faithfull feruauntes , though be deferre deceiucth theeftecte of thole gad things which be promufeth, vntill they mt — ‘edead, [And in thee ſhal all the families of the earth be blef- tes" he ſed. IThis part of p verſe ts of greater weight, that in Jacob, = and in bis (cede, the bleffing ts fo be recouered, from the which all nianbind fel in our ſirſt parent. But Jhaue erpounded bes coꝛe, what this faving meaneth:as,that Jacob (hal not only be an erample of bleſſing, but the oviginall € caufe,o2 ſubſtance. Foꝛ although/by this kinde of {peaking a certeine great felts Atie is noted:vet neuertheleſſe, in many places of Scripture, it fianifieth fo much,as to fetche a blefling from ſome one,and fo attribute the fame onto him:euen as men are · ſaid fo bleſſe thei felues in God, which acknotoledge him te be fhe author pf all godneſſe. Cucirfo now God promileth that if ſhal come fo pate , that all nations {hall bleſſe themfelues in Jacob, and int bis {eede: becaule no felicitic ſhalbe founde any there, vn⸗ leffe it pꝛoccede from this founteine. Moreouer, that which ts roper Onto Ch2iffe, is not abfurdly attributed vnto Jacob, a whoſe lopres at that tine Chriſte was. Wherefore, in that Jacob at that time reprefented Chzite, allnationsare ſaide tobe bletted in him : but becauſe the perfozmance of fo greate a benefite depended vpon another, fraight after, inffean of an erpolition,thefe wo2des are added, Inthyfeede, Neither isit auy lette (as J haue faide in another place) that the nameof fedeis a Motwne collectiue. Foꝛ, becaule ali the vnbelceuing do Deprius themſelues of Pp.iiu. o⸗ 00 YIOHN. CALVINE | honour anderace, and are by this meanes effraungeds and counten:forretaners,that the bnitie of the frede may ſtand, we mutt neds come onto the bed bunfelfe. AWhoſoeuer reucrents ly confidercth this, hall cafily fee that tn this interpzetation, whiche in deede is Paules interpectation , there is nothing weeſted. 1s [And lo Tam withthee,] ow Godt in time prenenteth the temptation which might come into the minde of bolie Jar cob, Foꝛ although be be thruſt ont foz a time into a ftraunce lande : pet notwithſtanding, be pronounceth that he will be the keeper of him, vntill be being bim backe againe ... Afters woaard be further. ertendeth the pꝛomiſe, as that be will neuer forfake bint, vntill all thinges are fulfilled, And there was a double bfe ofthis pꝛomiſe. Foꝛ it bothe belde bis minde inthe: faith of Gods conenant sand alfo gaue him to vnderſtand that be was foz no other caule wel dealt withall, but that be might be made partaker of the promifed inheritance, 16 [ Then lacob awooke out of his fleepe, ] Againe Moles pꝛoueth that if was no common Deeame, Foꝛ be Whiche is ae: Wwakedout of a common flepe 02 dreame, knoweth then at the lat, that he twas deluded thereby, Wut God ingraued a ſigne in the mind of bis feruant,that awaking out offlepe,be might: knowe that it was a heauenlie o2acle whiche be bad bearde; Wut acobin his stwune wordes willingly accuſeth himfelfe, and ertolieth the godnes of God; who vouchſafed fo offer him felfe vnto him that fought not after bim, Foꝛ Jacob thought bimfelfe fo be there atone:but now after that God appecred,be Wwondereth,and crieth out, that be bath qottensnoze. then be durſt hope ſor. And pet notwithltanding, there is no doubt, but that Ja⸗ cob called vppon Cod, and truſted that be would be bis quide in bis tourney : but becaufe bis faith was not proceeded thus: farre, that he was perfuaded, that © DD was nere vnto Him, be doth uly amplifie this grace. Cuen fo, fo oftentimes: as the Lorde preuenteth bs, and gineth bs moze then we loke for, after the erample ofour father, let bs maruell that ©od twas with bs. Wut ifeuerie one of vs weighe and conſi⸗ der, bow finall our faith is, we thall all bane wit occafion on . a — VPONYGENESISY ‘CAP. XXVIII. 601 to ſpeako. Foꝛ woho can compochend the huge heape of giftes {Wwithii the compalle of his capaciticy whiche Ood from time to tine beſtoweth vppon vs? D onote 3 » 17 TAnd he was atraide, and faides J: At is marucll, why Queftiom Jacob twas afeard, (ceing the Lorde ſpake fo gently vnto bim: toby be called the place, Cerrible, where he was comfozted withexceeding iop. J aunfivere, that althouah the Lorde doth Anfwer make bis fernauntes topfull: pet withall be terrifieth thent, that they may learne to imbrace his arace with true humili⸗ tie, and with the denving of themſelues. Thinke not there⸗ fore that Jacob was aſtonniſhed with keare; as the reprobate are want, who fo ſone as God ſheweth himſelfe, are afeard: but he was ſtricken with a feare, whicheis the ſcholemaiſter of godlie ſubmiſſion. andhe Doth verie aptly call thaf place, The gate of Heauen, becauſe of the mantfeftation of God, F702, becauſe Gon is placed in the heaucns , as in the kingly feate, Jacob truely faith; that he hauing ſeene God,pearced into hea⸗ ven, An this ſenle, the preaching of the Oofpell ts called, The xKingdome ot Beaver, and the ſacr amentes may be called, The gates of beauen,becaule they admitte vo inte the preſence of Gov; Notwithſtanding the Papiſtes verit fondly wet this place fo their temples, as though God divelt in filtbie bꝛothell houſes. Wut avimttethat the place, wheretnte they giue this itle is not polluten with {wicked luperſtitions: yet not with⸗ anding, this bowed belongeth vnto no place; note that Chk hath kulfilled the {whole world twith the pretence: of hisDeitie. Dnely the helpes of faith,as J taught a little before, by which God lifteth vs bp to him, mav be called, Whe gates of heauen. 18 [Then lacobrofe-vp early. } Wofes theweth that fhe probe Holic father was not contented with preſent thankeſgiuing, thankfat- ercept be Icft arememb2ance of bis thanklulneſſe to thate that ocile. chould come after. Therefore in erecting a monument, and in giuing a name to the place, he giueth to vnderſtand, that fo no⸗ Able a benelit of God, is worthy to be had in remembrance for ener. Thereiore the ſeripture doeth not onely commaund the faithfull, to fing praiſes vnto Cod among their fellowes:but alfo commandeth them to inſtruct theit children in the duties of godlines,¢ fo bying the {worthip of Gov vnto thet kin finer. Pp.v CAnd p.v, 1 TOWN CALVEINE 5 0 [ Andfetitypasa piller · I Moſes meaneth not that an i⸗ dale was made of tye Kane, but that it might be a notabie mo⸗ nument of the viſion. The Lorde bleth this ſpeache, when be ſorbiddeth any pillers, o2 intagesto be fet bp bnto him, Ye fhallimake yenone idols,nor grauen image,neither reare ye vp any piller; neither thall ye fet vp any image of ftone, in your Jande,to bow downeto it: becauie ali pillers almoft (were feé bp fo2 veneration, asif thep were the image of God. But Jas cob had an other purpofe: namely, that be might leaue atettic monic of the bifion which he had fence, ¢ not that be might res p2elent Ood by that figne or figure. He fet not bp therefore a ſtone, that bemight baing mens mindes into fome groſſe ſuperſtition:but rather, that be might lift them bp to heauen. He toke ople as a ſigne of conſecration:and not Without canfe, Foꝛ ſeeing all that is inthe worlde is p2ophane without the {pirite of Gov, there is alfono pure religion; but that whiche the heauenly ople fanctifieth . and here vnto tendeth the holy and folenine rite of confecrating, which God commaunded ins bis latwe, thatthe fatthfull might learne to bring in nothing of their owne, leaſt they ſhould pollute the Temple and wor⸗ 602 Leui.26.1 Hip of God, And though ut Jacobs time there was no Doctrine - extant in weiting: pet notwithltanding, it is certeine that he Was endued With that beginning of godlinelicy with the whi⸗ che from the beginning God indued the heartes of the godlie. Tacob con Whereloꝛre, it is not fo be attributed to ſuperſtition, that he powꝛed ople vppon the ftone: but rather teftificn:that twhiche on Bhaue faide, how that no worchippe pleafeth Gov,02 is pure, without the fanctification of the {pirit, Dthers moze {ubtilp diſcuſſe this place,faying that the tone was a figne 02 figure of Chile, bpon whome all the graces of the fpirite are pols red, of the fulnefle ‘whereof allmen doe receive , But J cau not fell whether Moles 02 Jacob himſelfe had any ſuche meas ning. J am contented with that which J fatoe before, that tive ſtone twas erected, that it might be a witneſſe 02 a memoziall, __ Df $ difion,the profit twherof perteineth fo all ages. It map be Qus tion pomaunded, ho the holy man came by ople tn that ſolitarie place. They which anſwere that thefame twas bought inthe Citie hard by, are verie farre deceiued tn my iudgement ; vi — VPON GENESIS.) CAP, XXVIII. 60 fhe place twas then bopde of inbabitantes, as J twill ſhewe 3 anon, But rather coniecture j thatarcozding to the necels fiticof. the tune,decaufe lodgitiges were not at all times fo be Anfwere, gotten; be carried fome prouiſion of victualles With him. And byrante tue knowe well pnough, that the fathers bled oyle muche, it is no meruellsif with beead he carried alſo a flaggon of oyle, riatll certnstalne sis) sont od ow 19° And he called the nameof that place Bethel... 1] Sf fees Obicction meth abfurde 5 that Doles maketh mention of a Citte; wheres as alittle before he ſaide, that Jacob ſlepte in the open atre, Foꝛ why fought he not lodging, 02 Hid him felfe in ſome co ner of an boule? Wut the aunflwere iseafic to be made, that pᷣ Citie was not at that tinte erected € builded. 302 it had) Anfwere. not by and by this name,of the place whiche Jacob gaue tt, but it lay hid a long times nay, toben afterward atotwne was builded there, no mention was made of Wethel; euen as tf Jacob had never paſſed that way. Foꝛ the inhabitants knewe not what was done there: therefore after their owne fantaſie they called the Citie Luz: which twas fo called, vntill ᷣ Iſra⸗ elites hauing gotten the land,reconered againe by vſe the fire | name whiche was aboliſhed. And it is to be noted, that toben thofe that came after; wo2thippeoO DD, througbe folithe emulation in Wethel, becaule the fame was done without the tommaundement of God, the Prophetes fenerely inueyed againſt that worthip, in fomuche that they named the place Bethauen,that is to fay, Dye houle ofiniquitie, CUibereby we gather, howe rotten a faffe it is,toleane vppon the eramples ofthe fathers , without the holie woꝛde of OD MD. Let ts therefore take qreat hede, where the worſhip of God is hands ied, that the ſame be not dꝛawen into alawe, whiche ts once done by men, but that if remaine an inuiolable latve, whiche God him felfe hathpeeferibed by bis woꝛde. 20 [ Then lacob vowedavowe.[ She endof this botve * {was , that Jacob might ſhew him felfe thankefull, and mind+ full, if fo be be felt Cod loving ¢ god to him. Thus they offe- ⸗ red peace offerings in the latwe , to teftifie their thankefulls Vowes nes. Gnd feing thankefaiuing ts a Cacrifice of a ſweete ſmell: law tuil & thofe vowes whiche tended herebnto, were pleafaunt —* valawfull | the : 7 60. a* THOHN-CALVINE!-— rr + the Lorde ,ashe him felfe declarcth ». So thattwe alfo mufé haue reqardethus farre, where any thing ts ſought, and howe lve Map wobe vnto G O D Foꝛdome are fm precife , whi⸗ che had rather vtterly condemne votnes;then to open the gate fo ſuperſtitions. Wut if tebe their rathenette is to be tondem⸗ ned, Which without any confiveration make bowes, we mute fake hede that we be not like vnto them inthe contrariepart, it taking awap generally all vowes But that the vowe map * __ be lawefall and pleataunt vnto Gon, fir it anu: neceſſarily fend vnto a right ende: ſecondly men mutt vowe nothing, but that whitch is of ittelfe allowed of God, and which be hath ate uen into their hands Wher all the partes of this bolw.are diſ⸗ cated; we hall fe thatthe holy man Jacob fomoverated hine felfe; that he omitted none of thoſe thinges tubertof 3 bane ſpoken Firct, he purpoſeth nothing els but to tettifie his thank to fulnette, Secondly, be retrained what ſo ever be. intended to bO,to the latufull woꝛſhipof Goo, Thirdly, he doth not proud⸗ ly promiſe that which was not in bis bande to perfozme,: but he appointeth the tenth part ofbis gods for a holy ablation? Papiftcal Wiherefore the folithnette of the Wapifics is eafily confuted; vowes, OO approue the confufed mirture of their vowes, doe take | holde of one vowe o2 an other foberly conceiued: when asin themeane time their licence is patting all meafure, They are not athamed to thruſt onto God, tohatfoeuer commeth in their mouthes ¢ fantatie | Dne imagineth fo hintelfe a wor⸗ chip in the abſtinence of the fete: air other in pilgrimaqe: ait other, if be keepe holy certeine dayes: by tearing fackcloth, € fuch other thinges. Meither doe they oncly make their vowes vnto God, but they alfo makedead men partakers of this bos nour, They arrogate vnto them ſelues the choyce of perpetus all chaſtitie Ghat fimilitude 02 affinitie bath fuch rath neite With the erample of Jacob, that they take’ their cloke front thence 2 Wut tothe ende ail thefe thinges map appeare bnto ~< the full, we mutt firtt of all marke the erpofition of the words, * < Obiettion It feemeth abluroe, that Yacob maketh a vow onto od, that he twill be a worchipper of him ; if fo be he gine vnto him that ..< lubiche be deſireth As though be purpoſed not in bis mind to worlhippe him freely, ngaa | yintant fied ati Jan⸗ } VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXVIII. 5 ¥ anfivere that the bzinging in of this condition, fpiang not of diſtruſt, as though Jacob doubted of the continuall p2otectt- on and defente of God: but after this manner be prouideth for his infirmitic, when by making a vowe, be prepareth bint felfe to fet fo th the godneſſe of God, Whey whiche are fupers {titious,deale with God as with a moꝛtall man:therefore thep goe about to winne him with their intifementes Wut the pure pote of Jacob twas farre other wife : namely,» he might p moze ſtirre bp himfelfe to the duties of qodlineffe, be had oftentimes heard at the mouth of Oop, I will be always with thee, Lo this pꝛomiſe he iopneth a vowe, that it night be as it were an ape pendir. He feemeth at the ſirſte ſhewe, as an bireling,to bes haue bimlelfe after a feruile manner: but becaule be wholp Dependeth bppon the promifes made vnto him, and frameth bis affections and wordes buto them, bedoeth nothing elle, but erercife him ſelfe to the confirmation of faith, and gas thereth ſuch helps as be knoweth may ferue fe2 bis infirmitie, herfore, when he maketh mention of bread ¢ apparell, there is no caule why we fhould therefore fay, that be twas carefull fo2 carthly fode alone: but rather like a ftrong Champion,be Ww2efkleth againt violent temptations. be ſawe binlelfe bare and deſtitute of all things: hunger and nakednefle daily threa⸗ tened him to Dye : beſide an innumerable fo2t of pertlles moe. Wherefore he armeth him (elfe with faith, that be alluring bimfelfe to hauc in ſtore with God all maner ofbelpes and ne- ceffarics,might qoe fo2tvarde though all manner of lettes ano perilles , 3fo2 it is aconfeffion of ext reame nde, when be fayth, If fo be the Lorde giue vnto me foode and apparell, Potwithanding,it may be demanded, why Iſaac nowe fers Question, deth bis forme on this long iourney without a companton,and almoſt without victualls, when as Abraham ent bis feruaunt With ercellent pꝛouiſion, with Camels, and pꝛecious iewels. Auſwete. It may be, that be was thus ſent awap.that the cruell mind of Cfau,by fo miferable a fight might be mollified and aſwaged. Hobbeit, in my iudgement, there was another moze ſpeciall Anfwere. reaſon. Foꝛ Abraham fearing leaſt bis ſonne Iſaac would tar tie With bis kinfemen, toke an cath of bis ſeruaunt, that be choulde not fatter him to goe inte Pefopotamia, Mow, becaule . necellitie 606 Obiection Anfwere, IOHN CALVINE neceſſitie conſtrained holy Iſaac to baue.an other confiveras tion ofhis fone Zacob , he prowdeth at the leatk wile that nothing might fay him, but that at the laf be. might ree turne againe vnto bint, Therefore, he laveth bint with no ris ches 02 treaſure, which night inſnare bis minde: but be fens deth hint away of purpofe poꝛe and bare, to the ende be might make more ſpeede fo returne. Thus we fer, that Jacob pres ferreth bis fathers houſe before all kingdomes, and deſi⸗ reth not to bane any fable reſt elfe where. 21 { Then fhall the Lorde be my God , ] By thele woꝛdes Jacob bindeth him felfe, that he twill nener Mwarue from the pure worſhippe of theonely OD D . Fo2 there is no doubt, but that becoutpechendeth bere the ſumme of godlineſſe. But be ſeemeth fo promife that whiche ts farre aboue bis ſtrength. Foꝛ newnelle of life, fpirituall righteouſneſſe, integritie of the bearte, and a godly moderation of the whole life, tuere not in bis power. anftwere, when the Saincts bow fo doe thofe thinges which the Lorde requireth of them, and whiche thep owe vnto God by the dutie of godlineſſe, they imbrace withs all, that whiche God promileth by the helpe of his ſpirit, con⸗ cerning remiffion of ſinnes. hus it commeth fo pafle, that. they arrogate nothing to their otvne ſtrength. Furthermore, Awhat fo euer is wanting to eract perfection , hall not defile their worſhip, becaufe God gently, and with a fatherly coms paffion pardoneth them. 22 [And this {tone whiche J hauefet vp asa piller .] This cerentonie was anappendirof the worſhip of Cod. Foꝛ ers ternallrites make not the true worſhippers of OD D, bul they are onely belpes of godlineſſe. Mut bycauſe it was then lawfull fo2 the boly fathers , euery where to fet bp alfars, Jae cob potv2eth bis offering bpon the ftone, bycaufe at that tune he wanted an other facrifice. Not that be woꝛſhipped God at pis owne twill, (for the direction ofthe fpirit was in fede of a lawe wꝛitten:)but he erected in that place a fone, which miaht bea witneſſe and teftimonie of that which be had leone, which by the ſufferance x twill of God was lawfull. Aud this -.. is ſpoken bp a ficure called Metonymia, tobe be faith that the - Tone Mhall be Bethel: euen as Wwe le itis commonly bop? fo attr VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXIX. attribute that onto erfernall fiqnes, which properly belongeth vnto the things ſignified. Wow iqnozantly thep which came af ter abufed this bolie erercife cf godlineſſe, J haue ſhewed bez fore, That which followeth nert concerning the offering of tye thes , is not a fimple ceremonie, but if bath the dutte of loue jopned with it. For Jacob reckoneth op thre things in o2der: Fick, the {pirituall tworthippe of God: Sccondly, the erters nallrife, whereby be may belpebis godlineſſe, and thews bim (elfe vnto men: Thirdly, the ablation, wherewith be ex⸗ ercifed him felfe in the gentle belping of his beethzen, Foꝛ there oh is no d oubt, but that tpthes Were vſed to that ende, CHAPTER. XXIX. Hen Tacob lifted vp his fecte and came into 3, | the Eaft countrie, Seg} Andashe looked about, beholde there was Ao} fe AX| a wellin the feelde, and Joethree flockes of Aa! theepelay thereby: forat that well were the flockes watered : and there was a great {tone vppon the welles motthe. 3 Andthither were all the flockes gathered, and they rol- led the {tone from the welles mouth, and watered the fheepe, and put the ftone againe vppon the welles mouth in his lace, " “4 And Iacob faide ynto them, My brethiren,whence be ye? And they anfwered,We are of Haran. 5 Thenhe faide vnto them, Know ye Laban, the fonne of Nahor? Who faid , We knowe him, 6 Againe he faide ynto them, Ishein good health 2 And they anfwered, He is in good health : and beliclde his daugh- ter Rahel commeth with the fheepe, . 7 Themhe faid, Loe it is yet high day,neither is it time that the cattell fhould be gathered together, water ye the fheepe, & .. goefeede them. 8 But they faide, We may not, vntillall the flockes be brought together, and till menroll the ſtone from the welles ' . . Wipe 4¢ mouth 607 i 2 eye. Tythes & cir end, 608 IOHN CAL VINE mouth, that we may water the fheepe, | g Whilche talked with them , Rahel alfo came with her fae thers theepe,forfhekeptthem, Aye 10 And fo foone as Iacob fawe Rahel , the dauchter of Lae ban, his mothers brother,and the fheepe of Laban his mothers brother, then came Jacob neere,and rolled the {tone from the welles mouth , and watered the flocke of Laban his mothers brother. i: And Iacob kiffed Rahel,and lifte vp his voice, and wept, 12 For Jacob tolde Rahel , he was her fathers brother, and that he was Rebecchas fonne: then fhe ran and told her father. 13 And when Laban heard tell of Iacob his fitters fonne, he ran to meete him,and imbraced him,& kifled him,and brought him to his houſe: and he tolde Laban all thefe thinges, 14 To whom Laban fayd, Well ,thou art my bone,and my | flefh. And he abode with him the fpace of a moneth, 1¢_ For Laban fayde vnto Iacob, Though thou be my bro- ther, fhouldeft thou therefore ferue me for nought?) Tell me what fhall be thy wages. | 16 Now Laban had two daughters,the elder called Leah, and the younger called Rahel. . 17 And Leah was tender eyed, but Rahel was beautifull © and faire. ; 18 And Iacob loued Rahel,and fayde, I will ferue thee ſe- uen yeares for Rahel thy younger daughter, | 19 Then Laban an{wered, Itis better that I giue her thee, then that I fhould giue her to another man: abide with me, 20 And Iacob ferued feuen yeares for Rahel: and they fees med ynto him but a fewe dayes, becaufe he loued her. 21 Then Iacob faid to Laban, Giue me my wife,that I may gocin vnto her, for my termeis ended, 22 Wherefore Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and madea feaft. 23 But when the evening was come, he tooke Leah his daughter,and brought her vnto him,and he went in vnto her, 24 And Laban gaue his maide Zilphah to his daughter Pe Leah to be her feruant. : ~~ 25 But when the morning was come, beholde it was Leah⸗ then ey — VPON GENESIS. “MYOCAR. XxX: then fayde he to Laban #° Wherefore-halte-thou done this vnto me?Did not Lſerue thee: for Rabel 2 Wherefore then halt thou beguiled mez 26 And Laban anfweredsIti is Not the: maner of this place, to giucthe youngerbeforetheelder. 27 Fulfill feuen yeares for her, and we will alfo give thee this for thy feruice,which thou fhalt ferue me yet feuen yeares more. 28 Then lacob did fojand fulfilled leer feuen yeares : ::fohe gaue him Rahel his daughter to be his wife, 29 Laban alfo gaue to Rahel his daughter, Bilhah his maide to be her feruaunts” 30 So entered he into Rahel alfo,& loued alfo Rahel more then Leah: and ferued him’ yet ſeuen yeares moe. 31 When the Lorde fawe that Leah was defpifed , he made her fruitefull : but Rahel was barren, 32 And Leah conceiued, and bareafonne, and fhe called his name Ruben; for fhe faid, Becaufe the Lorde hath looked vppon my tribulation: therefore now iny huf bande will loue me. 33. And fhe conceiued againe,and bare a fonne,and faid,Be- caufe the Lord heard that I was hated,he hath therefore giuen me this fonnealfo: and the called his name Simeon, 34 And fhe conceiued againe, and barea fonne, and faide, Now at this time will my hufband kepe me companie,becaufe -f iey borne him three fonnes ; therefore was hisname called cui. 35. Moreouer,fhe conceived againe, and bare a fonne, fay- ing, Now will I praife the Lorde: therefore fhe —*— his name Kehudakand left bearing. 1 [Then Tacob lift vp his feete.] Pow Mofes ſheweth the comming of Jacob info Meſopotamia, and how be was interes feined of bis vncle Laban. And Although it femeth to be a fuperfluous narration : vet not withſtanding, it conteineth nos thing, which is not profitable to be knowen, Ffo2 he cominens deth in Jacob a notable ſtrength of faith, whe be faith that be lifted bp bis fete, that be might comeinto an vnknowen land, Da, —— Againe, - 609 ae rouxn CALVINE Againe, he woudde hane bs fo weigh the prouidence of God; itt that Jacob happened bpon the hepheards of Laban, by whom he was brought onto the lodging whiche he fought fo2. For this happened not bp chaunce , but be was led by the fecrete hande of God info that places and the ſheepeheards were aps pointed bp God,fo teach ¢ to certifte him of all things. There⸗ fore, fo often as tue fal wander,as vncerteine, thaough diuers Doubffull byMapes , we mull with the epes of our faith bebola the fecret pꝛouidence of Gad, which gouerning Os ⁊ our affairs b2ingeth bs vnto fuche ſucceſſe as we do not loke fo2, 4. (My brethren, whence be ye, ] In this meeting it appease reth howe areate the inteqritte of that age was. Fo2 although the name of brethren is polluted oftentimes by the wicked and vngodly, through abuſe: pet notwithfanding, there is no boubt, but that humane ſocietie was then moze faithfully obs feruecd . Bereofit cõmeth fo pafle, that Jacob calleth vnknow⸗ eri men, beefh2en, no doubt by comnion cuffome . And honeſt care alfo is herein to be feene.tn that Kachel vieth ber diligence The thrift in watering the flocke. For Laban abounding with feruants, of olde how commeth it to patle, that be fetteth bis Daughter to a bile ance and bale office , but becaufe if was countedafilthie thing to - boing bp childzen in idleneſſe, fendernefle, and nicenefie 2 C4 uen as at this day on the contrarie part, nowe that ambition, ride, AND a moze nice finenefle, haue made our maners morꝛe Delicate, the care of hufbandeie and thzift ts. contemmed ; in ſo much that the greater part are aſhamed of their dutie. Df the fame integritie of manners it came, that Jacob durſte ſo haſti⸗ lp kiſſe bis couſine. For in a chaſte and model life, there was muche creater libertic. At this dap, vncleanneſſe, and the tue fentperancie of luftes,caufeth that kiſſes are not onelp fufpece fed, but alfo that countenaunces are feared . And not vndeſer⸗ nedly : when as the worlde is replenif}ed with all kinde of coꝛruptions, and fo greate falfhade ouerfloweth all, thatthe meetings of men and women are beric ſeldome honeſt. Mher⸗⸗ fo2e, that auncient fimplicitie ought to make vs to figh, infor muche that this filthte copruption, whereinto the woꝛlde < is fallen, may difpleafe bs,anb (hat the contagion therof may not infect bs and our houſholdes. Wut Moles text is nak re VPON GENESIS, CAP. XXIX; 6l red. For Jacob kiſſed not Rachel , before fuche time as he had tolde that be was ber couſine. And hereof alfo came the wes ping : becaule partly for iop,¢ partly moued with the remem braunce of his fathers boule, and with humane ‘affection , he burite fo2th into teares. 13, [And he tolde Laban all thefe thinges.] Labatrhaning feene aforetime one of Abꝛahams feruants , laden with areat riches , be might by and by haue conceiued fome euill opinion of his nepbeiu. Therefore holie Jacob was driven fo ſhewe the caufes of his departure,and why be tuas fent forth in that contemptible forme. Anditis credible, that bis mother hav taught him, by what fokens and notes he fhoulde make bis kinred knowwne, Therefore Laban crieth, Thou art in deede bortcofsny bone,and ficlh of my flethe, Meaning that he was fafifficd,and bp euident ſignes perfuaded, that Jacob was bis nepyely, his knowlege inclinefh him to humanitie. For the fenfe of nature teachetd this,that they which are topned toge⸗ fher by bloud do feeke to helpe one another. And although there be a moze freight bond among inffoltes : yet neucrthelefle, dur courtefic ought to be further ertended,as fo all mankino, GA berfore, tf fo be all thefonnes of Adam be topned together, much moze effectuall ought the {pirituall kinred to be, which od maketh betivecne the faithfull : and then the which there is not a more firnte bonde of mutuall beneuslence, 14. [And he abode with hinrthe {pace ofa moneth,] Als though Laban doubfeth not,but that Jacob twas bis fitters fonne : pet notwithſtanding, be taketh a trtaltof his manners by plpace of a moneth, Then be agreeth with him fo2 wages. And bereby we may gather and perceiue the boneftie of the bolic man, in that he liued not idle With bis wnele , but erers oy tifed him (elfe with honelt laboures, leat freely in idleneſſe be 9 °°” . might eate another mans bꝛead: inſomuch that Laban is con? ajencle trained to confefle; that ſomewhat is due vnto him belive of life. meate and drinke. Mhen he ſayth, Shalt thon ferne me for no- thing becaufe thou art my brother2.there may bea double bn, Derffanding thereof, cither that tt were to abſurd ¢ iniurious fo deceiue His nere kinſman of his relwarde,of whome rather be ought to bane a greater confideration; then of any Grange ai Tq. if, perfor: (1 TOHN CALVINE). perloit: o2 elſe, that onder the colour of kinred, he would not require his fernice and labour for nothing, his econde ers poſttion doeth better agree, euen as itis receiued with the con⸗ ſent almoſte of all men.Foꝛ they reade it thus: Bycaufe thou art my brother, fhalt thou therefore {erueme freely 2 And Wwe muſt note,to what end Doles ſpeaketh of theſe thinges. For firlt of all great equitie is (ette befoꝛe vs in aban, euen as this feeling ts almofte graffed inthe mindes of ail men > that tuffice ought mutually to be imbꝛaced, vntill ablinde defire carrie them alway tothe contraric, | And God hath ingrauen in the nature of men; a iudgement of equitie, that they map be vtterip voyde of ercufe, whiche though an immoderate defire of their owne priuate commo⸗ ditie, ſwarue frõ that rule. But ſhortly after, when they caine to the matter, iLaban forgetting this equitic, onelp confines reth what is profitable fo2 him. notable example Derilp, Foz ſeldome fimes meit do erre in generall beginnings: therefore they confeffe with one mouth, that everie man ought fo res Selfe loue keiue bis obne. But fo fone as they come fo their obone p07 ouerthro- weth equi- tis. per affatres,a peruerſe loue of themſelues blindeth them, that they are carried onto the contrarie parte, Tberefore, ict bs learne to bridle ourſelues leſt that our obon p2ofite conftraine bs fo oppreſſe righteouſneſſe. And hereof came the Pꝛrouerbe, That no man is a meete Judge fo2 his otwne catife : becauſe e⸗ uerie one beeing more addicted fo himſelke then is mete, doe forget What is right: Mherfore; we mutt pay vnto Cod,that be will temper our affections with the ſpirite of right iudge⸗ iment, Jn that Laban goeth about to make a couenant, it ts fo this end, to auoyde bralles andcontentions, Tie knowe what bath beene faide of olde time, What we mult peale laws fully with our freendes, leatt we be aftertward conſtrained fo deale lawfully, Foꝛ whereof conve fo niany beailes and cons’ tentions tn lawe, but becauſe euerie one is moze liberail,thei is nuecte,to himfelfe: and more (paring fo others 2 Wheres foze, we hauc neede of certeine coucnantes to imainteine cone coꝛde, which may preuent all weonges that map be offered, 18 [ Lwill ferue thee leuen yeares for Rahel, J In a mor tient, the tniguitic of Laban betuzapeth at felfe, FFo2 it is VPON GENESIS) CAP xyry, 48 filthic barbaroufnetic,that be exchaungeth his daughter in 68 fede ofa rewarde With the labour and ſeruice of Jacob. 302 this is a certeine kinde of buping and felling He ought rather notonly to haue appointed a certeine doborie to bis daughter, but alfo moze liberallp to haue delt with hig founein law that fhoulve be, Wut vnder the colour of affinitie, he vefraudeth ins of the rewarde of his labour; Wwhiche before be confetten tobe vniuit. Thereſore we plainty’perteiue that, Which J tonched before, that although men haue a qenerall knowledge of righteouſneſſe from their mothers tombe: ret notwith⸗ fanding; ſo ſone ws their peoũte apprareth , they are in verie deede brink, except the Lorde reforme them by bis bolie tpt rite, 302 Poles ſpeaketh noe here of anprareo2 vnwonted thing, but of that which altuayes fo the motte parte commeth to paſſe. Foꝛ, although men fet not fwath their Daughters to fale: pet notwithfanding , the defire of gaine doth fo carrie alvay the mot part of men, that they exchange their honour, and fell. their foules, Moreouer, in that Jacob twas rather ins tlined tothe loue of Rachel, either becauſe Leah, by reaſon of ber tleareepes, was leſſe comelie: 02 elfe,becarfe be liked ra⸗ ‘ther thecountenance of Kachel,being in enerie point beautifi⸗ 2d, if isnot altogether to be attributed bnto bice, Foꝛ we fee, that naturally a certeine hidden affection breedeth loue. Duly Wwe mult belware of intemperancie,and fo much the moze dili⸗ gently, becaule it is a verie harde thing to bridle fuche affecti⸗ ais,p they burtt not forth to the ſuppreſſing of reaton, heres fore,be which Hhalbe led bp beauties forme,m thofing a ttfe, hall not finplpoffende, fo that reafon alway rule, and ſubdue PTaging wantonnes df loue Pofwithfandinaiveraduenture - it may be that Jacob herein offended, in thathe ſeeking to to pleafe him telfe, With the iniurie of the elder deſired that Machel the pounger daughter might be giuen him to twife: pea, and becauſe he following the luſt of his eyes , leſſe eſteemed of the bertues which were in Leah then became bint. Foꝛ thts intemperancie is fo bicidtis , When a man maketh Vertes -» Thopeo of his tnife onely fo2 her faire lokes then as hergod Ae diſpotitien and qiftes ought te be firtte foutht ¶ But the bebe? pcaagic, mencie and feruentneſſe of lone herein ditceuereth it fclfe,in Qq.iij. that TOHN CALVINE 614. that bis labour, During the whole feuen veres, teas not tedi⸗ Brides: ous onto him:bnt-chakttie was topned therewith; in that he ouerpalſed patiently; and with a quiet minde fo long a time a middelt daily labours. Againe, the integritie and the conti⸗ nencie of that age. appeareth,that whereas they dwelt vnder one rafe, and badfamiltar companie : pet notwithſtanding, Jacob honeſtly behaued himlelfe;. and abſteined from all wie⸗ keoucfic.. Theretore, when the time twas erpired,be ſaveth, Giue me my wife, that li may goinvnto her, By — ficy nifieth, that the virgine was not pet touched, 22 | Wherfore Laban gathered together<} Moſes not, that a feaſt was made fo2-all the people,but that many gueftes were called, as itis commonly fene tr great marri⸗ ) ages.And there is HO dout, but that he bien the moꝛre diligence in pꝛouiding fo2 that feat, that be might haue pᷣ moꝛe aduan⸗ fage of Zacob,that be might not foꝛ ame make fmataccount of that marriage, wherein be was decciued, Andberebp we gather, bow highly they eſtemed the marriage bed:fo2 by this were vay--Orcafion Jacob. twas decetued, They bled in thofe paps to bring ledwhea the baine to.her bed with a vaile and covering over hontace they went becauſe of ber modeſtie and ſhamefaſtneſſe: but now the any to the ma=- siags bed, | cient difcipline being retected, men are become balfe, beaſtes. 25 | Wherefore hafbtheu done this vntome?}, Jacob both: by right complaine of the inturic done vnto him. And the aun⸗ fiver of Laban,though if hath ſome colour: pet notvᷣſtanding it doth not excuſe bun: of deceipt. It was not the manner, ta place the. vounger daughters befoze the elder: and he had done iniurie fo the eldeſt in. bꝛe aking the accuffomed oper. ut be sucht not therefoꝛe fubtilp to haue giuen Xachel, and ta put Leah inher (ede, We ought rather in timetobaue perſuaded Jacob to fet his minde vpon Leah, or elſe to marric withnete ther of them. But bereby let os learne, that wieked € deceipt⸗ full men, when they haue once gone out af the way, der neuer make an end of finning:e pet neuertheleſſe, do alwayes maks one excuſe oꝛ anothes, that they may hake off the blame from themſelues. He bad befoze dealt dniuftlp with bis kinfman,m — | requiring the ſeruice of ſeuen peares fo2-bis Daughter > be did vniullly in lelling pis eae Without doweie fo2 a ore VPON GENESIS. CAPS xyrrx. 615 but this of the reff is the worſt fact, falflp to robbe him of his wife whiche was his kinſman, to peruert the holte lawes of wedlocke, and to leaue nothing ſafe oꝛ founde, Notwithitan⸗ Bind, we fe that be thinketh, that he hath an honell excuſe, be⸗ caufe the manner and cuſtome of the countrie was, not to pres ferre the pontiger befoze tie elder. 27 [Falfill feuen yeres for her, ] Nob Laban twas hardenes to worke wickednes:for be conſtraineth bis kinſman to ferue ſeuen veres mo,that be map giue bis other daughter fo him int mariage. If he bad bad fen Daughters mo, he twas readie to fet them all forth tofale: pea, be thruſteth forth bis daughter as if fhe were merchandise,not caring fo2 brilatvfullfale, fo as He may receiue caine and proſite thereby. Wut herein he do⸗ eth greuouflp offend, in that be doeth not onely intanale bis nephew, with the hauing of many wiues, but alſo deftleth bine € bis Daughters with inceſtuous martages. Jf a hulband loue not bis wile it is better to put ber alway,then keping another vnder ber nofe fo Hold her as a bondivoman , ¢ fo kill ber with | greele. Dherfore,the Lowby his Prophet Palachie pronouns’ Malaz.1% ceth,that a diuorce ts moꝛe follerable, then the bauing of moe Wines then one. Laban being blinded through couetoufnelic, ſetteth vifco2d bettpen his Daughfers, that there might be ent mitie betweene them all their life time . He peruerteth alſo all the lawes of nature, when be laieth fitter germans in one bed, that the one of them might be the others harlot. Seing ores ſetteth thefe wickednefles before the Iſraelites, euen in o firſt beginning of their Locke, there is no cauſe toby their nobilitie fould paffe them bp, to boaſt ouermuch that thep are {prong Of bolie fathers . Foꝛ holv ſo euer Jacob excell: pet his chil⸗ dren and pokeritie are impurely borne, when contrarte to na» ture two fikers are laid in one bed,aftet a bealtly matter; We Hard befoze,y this libertie was fo cõmon among the of f Gat: but it Was not in the wil e pleafare of men, by wicked cuttome fo — 535 the lato of wedlocke, which God had eſtabliſhed ſtom the beginning: So that Laban is inexcuſable by all ma⸗ ner of nieanes, Aid although neceMitie doth ſoinewhat ercufe * Jacobs fault: pet it doeth not btterip cleave him of fhe fame, Fo} he might Hane! put Leah away , berate he was not his. edge Qu.iiij. law⸗ 616 LOHN CALVINE latvfull twife, Foꝛ the mutuall confent of the man fan fhe wo⸗ mon maketh wedlocke: fo the whiche there is ‘nothing moze Sicatanss contravic then errour. But Jatob ſo reteinethagaing bis will keth Leah that wife, from whome be was loſed and free, that by taking ‘and Rahel of another wife be doubleth bis faulte, and trebleth it by the to be Ris wiue Tmitation of the fac thers is perilous. inceltuous mariage. Thus we ſee that he was ſo feruently in loue with Rachel,that be wanted both moderation and coun⸗ fell, As touching the woꝛdes, interpecters diuerfly erpounde thent,Qome referre the Pronowne demonſtratiue to p terme of feuent peares : and other fome to Leah, as ifit tere ſayde, that be thoulde not, marrie with Rachel, ontill thathe baw dwelt with ber fitter one feuen peares, But Jrather interpret it concerning Kachel, that be might redeeme ber with other feuen peares:not that Laban deferred the marriage bhtill the end of that time,but becauſe Jacob was conffrained to become a feruant againe. 30, [And heloued Rahel more then Leah, ] here i is no doubt, but that Poles: his purpoſe was,to lap open the ſinnes of Jacob, that we might learnete feare, and to frante all our actions by the.leuell of Cops, word. Foꝛ tf ſo be the holie Pa⸗ triarch fell thus, whiche of bs: thal: be in fafetic from the like ruine, except tue be helde bp by the mightie bande of OD D2 And alfa it. appeareth , howe perilious the inutation of the fathers is , when the lawe ofthe Lorde is let alive, And pet Nofwithfanding, therein p folthh Papiſtes fo gveatelp pleate themfclues, that they doubt not to keepe fo2 a lave, whatſoe⸗ ner thepreane that-the fathers haue done, Pozcouer,thep get ‘them: fathers worthie of fuche fonnes ; infomuche that euerie doting Monke is moze eſteemed of them,then all the Patriar⸗ ches. Jn that Leah is deſpiſed of ber huſbande, it came not to pafic without ber fault:and the Load inftly chaftileth her, that che alfo being priuie to her fathers deceit, vntourteoully take away from ber ſiſter ber hulbande: but ber lauſt exculeth not Jacobs luſt. 31 [When the Lord fawe that] Leah was defpitfed, } an this place Moles ſheweth that Jacobs prepofterous loue, was £022 rocted of the Lorde, even as he is wont by chaſtiſement to Seen ofp tubal be ſuer range 35 VPON GENESDS. CAP, XXIX. 61 Rachel ts loued but not without the iniurie ol her fitter, to 7 whome due honour ts not giuen. The Lorde therefore ſetteth himlelfe a Judge betweene them, and with a verie conuenient remedie frauteth Jacobs minde vnto the other part, from the whiche be was tw farre declined. And this place teacheth, that fede and pofteriticis the fpectall gift of God, when as this por Children wer is expreſſely giuen fo bint, that be maketh the one fruite⸗ zie the fulland curficth the others tombe. Furthermoꝛe, we mutt 2 of note, that p procreation of chilozen maketh moze loue betiwene © bulbandes and their wiues, TWiherebppon our elders called chilozen, pledges :becaule they ferue nota little to increafe and mainteine mutuall loue. Aheras Doles fapth that Leah Was delpifed,the mening is,that the twas not loved asit was mete, For Jacob was. not an enimie onto ber, neither did he bate her:but Pofes bp this tuo2d-aniplifieth that vice, becauſe be did not performe the dutie of a huſband: and did not friends ip and bonourablp enough intreate bis former wife his is diligently to be noted, becaule many thinke p they baue done their oufie, if fobe they burſte not fo2th into mo2tall hatred. But tue fer, that the bolic Ghoſte affirnieth thofe to be bated, which are not fufficiently loved, How let Ys knowe, that men, are created fo this end,» they Mould loue one another.@bers oc can fo2e, none thall be guiltleſſe from the blame of batred, befoze jou, God, but they which loue their neighboures. Not only ſecrete grudge hall be counted hatred, but alfo the neglecting of our beethren, and the coldneſſe of charitie, whiche reigneth euerie where in the wo2lde, ut as all men are moe nerely ioyned together to fome;then they are to other ſome:ſo they mutt en⸗ deuour themfelues,that they linke in one with the moſt firme knot of loue. Allo among married folkes, although. thep Doe not openly difagree : pet notwithſtanding, tf they doe leffe louingly bebauc thenvlelues their bifdaine is not farre diffes rent from bafred, 32 [She called his name Ruben, 7 Motes here ſheweth Leah her | that Leah twas not pnthankefull vnto God. And J doe veri thankee Lp beleue, that the benefites of (© D D were better weighed giving. ~~" tn thofe dayes of the moſt part, then they be now, Foꝛ a p20- pyhane ſenlleſſenelſe poſſeſſeth almoſt the minds of al men, that Qq.v. like IOHN CALYVINE* 618 like bonte beafles thep ſwallowe bp all thoſe bettefifes which God of his qwditetle beiloweth vppon thet . Wut Leah doeth not onely make God the authonr of ber fruitfulneſſe, but alfa the caufe of deliuerante front ber afflictiontand that the bad ree ceiued a fone, which might turne the affection of her huſband towarde her, ; Whervpon if ts kelp, that wher the ſawe ber ſelfe deſpiſed, that He made her prayers vnto God, toreceiue ſome eale frõ heauen. 302 thankelgiuing ts a plane pꝛoſfe of prayer going before : euen as they whiche hope fo2 nothing af the handes of (od, by their flouth and negligence ouerwhelme all the benes fites whiche God beſtoweth bppon them. Leah therefoze, ins graueth in the perfon of her fone a monument, whereby the wap ſtirre bp ber felfe fo fing pꝛaiſes vnto God . Whis place alfo teacheth , that the Lorde beboloeth thofe tubiche are vn⸗ iuftly deſpiſed of men. Thereby the fatthfull recetue anotas ble confolation, whome experience teacheth to be berie ‘cons femptible in the worlde. Therelore, ſo offen as they are hard⸗ ly and defpitefully intreated , let them fake bold of this com⸗ forte, that fo2 this caufe God is the moze fanourable fo them. Leah followed the fame in ber feconde ſonne. Jfo2 ſhe giueth bim bis name of Pearing , to put ber felfe in remembzaunce, that berfighes were hearde ef the ode. Wiherebyp we ga⸗ ther, that.at what time fhe was afflicted , fhe call her ſoꝛ⸗ rolwes info the 020s lappe. She nameth ber thirde fonne of Coniunction:as tf (he ſhould lay, that Hhe had now receiued a newe copulation, that ſhe might be loued the moze of her bute bande. In the fourth the declareth alfo her godlineſſe towards tie Lorde. Foꝛ therefore he giueth him bis nameof Pꝛaiſe, bicauſe be was giuen to ber by the ſingular godneſſe of God. She had alreadte before giuen thanks onto God: but becaule {he hath moze plentifull matter of p2aife , the confele {eth that the was holpen by the grace of @od, not once onelp, no2 after one manner, but of ten times, «) CHAP. VPON GENESIS. | | | » CHAPTER. XXX. 3 Nd when Rahel fawe fhe bare Facob no chile dren, Rahel envied herfifter, and faide ynto Tacob, Gine me children, or elfeI dye, 2 Then Iacobs anger was kindled againft Ra- = —— hel; and he faide, AmI in Gods ftecde , whi- che hath withholden from thee the fruit of thy wombe 2 3 And fhe faide, Beholde my maide Bilhah,goc in to hes, ‘and fhe fhall beare vppon my knees, and I fhall haue children alfo by her. 4 Then fhe gaue him Bilhah her maide to wife : and Ia- cob wentin to her. 5 So Bilhah conceiued,and bare Jacob a. fonne .. 6 Then fade Rahel, God hath giuen fentence one my fide, and hath alfo hearde my voyce, and hath giuen mea fonne, therefore called fhe hisnameDan. 7 And Bilhah Rahels maide conceiued againe,and bare Ia- cob the feconde fonne. 8 Then Rahel faide, With divine wreftlings haue I wreft- Jed With my filter, and haue gotten the vpper hande : and fhe called his same Nephthali . g And when Leah fawe that fhe had left beasing, fhe tooke Zilphah her maide, and gaue her Iacob to wife, 10 And Zilphah Leas maide bare Iacob a fonne.. n Then faide Leah,A.companie commeth;sand fhe called his name Gad. 12 Againe Zilphah Leas maide bare Iacob an other fonne, 13. Then faide Leah, Ah, blefled am I, for the daughters will bleffe me : and fhe called his name Aſhur. 14. Nowe Ruben went in thedayes of wheate harueft, ard founde mandrakes in thefeelde, and brought them vato his mother Leah:then faide Rahel to Leah , Giue mel pray thee of thy fonnes mandrakes. 15 But fhe an{wered, Is it a ſmall matter for thee to take my »“ husband, except thowtake my fonnes mandrakes alfo? Then ~ faide Rahel, Therefore he {hall fleepe with thee this night for _ thyfonnes mandrakes, * 326 619 ‘IOHN CALVINE 16 And Iacob came from the feelde in the enening and Leah went out to meete him, and ſayde, Come in to me, for Thaue bought and payed for thee,with ty fonnes mandrakes: and he flept with her that m f 17 And God heard Leahjand fhe conceiuedand * vnto lacob the ſifte ſonne. i8. Then ſayde Leah, Godhath giuen me my rewarde,be- caufel gaue my maydeto my hufbande : and thee called his name lachar, i" “1g After Leah onceiued againe, and-bare Iacobthe fixt fonne, 20 Then Leah fayde, God hath endued ince witha good dowrie,nowe will my hufoand dwell with me, becaufe Thaue borne him fixe fonnes: and fhe called his name —— at After that thee bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah, 22 And God remembred Rahel, and God heard her and opened her wombe. 23 So fhe conceiued J barea fonne,and fayde, God hath taken away my rebuke. 24 And the-called his name Ioſeph, fay’ ing : The Lord —— giue me yet another ſonne. 25 And as ſoone as Rahel had borne lofeph, lacob fayde to Laban,Send me away,that I may goe vnto my place,and to my countrie, 26 Giueme my wiues,and my children, for whome I haue ferued thee,and let me go:for thou knowelt what feruice Lhaue done thee, 1 27 To whome Laban anfwered, If I haue nowe foande fa⸗ uour in thy fight, tarrie: I haue perceiued that the Lorde hath bleffed me for thy fake. 28 Alfohe fayde, Appoint vnto me thy wages, and Iwill giue it thee. 29 But he faid ynto him,T hou knoweft what feruice I dee done thee,and in what taking thy cattell haue bene vnder me. 30 For the little that thou haddeft before I came, is increa- fed into a multitude,and the Lord hath bleſſed theeby nycõ- ming: but now, When ſhall I trauell formine owne houle alſo⸗ 3 Then ft * * ee, VPON GENESIS. CAP, XXX. 3. Thenhefaid, What fhall I giue thee? And Iacob aun- fwered: Thouthalt give me nothing at all: if thou wilte doe this thing for me, I will returne, feede, and keepe thy {heepe . 32 Lwill paflethrough all thy flockes this day , and fepa- rate from them all the {heepe, with little fpottes,and great ſpot- tes, and all blacke lambes among the {heepe, & the great {pot- ted,and the little fpotted,among the goates, and it {hall be my wages. nie | 33 So fhall my righteoufnefle aunfwere for me hereafter, when it fhall come for my rewarde before thy face, And euery one that hath not little or great fpottes among the goates, and blacke among the fheepe, the fame fhall be thefte with me, 34. Then Laban faide: Go to, woulde God it might beac~ cording as thou haft faide, | 35 Therefore he tooke out the fameday, the hee goates, that were partie coloured,and with greate {pottes , and all the thee goates with little and great {pottes, and all that had white inthem : andalltheblacke among the fheepe, and put them in thekeeping of his fonnes, 36 And he fet three dayes iourney betweene him (elfe and Jacob: and Tacob kept the reft of Labans fheepe, 37 Then Tacob tooke roddes of greene popular, and of ha- zell, and of cheftnut tree, and pilled white ftrakes in them,and made the white appeare in the roddes, 38 Then he put the roddes whiche he had pilled in the gut- ters and watering troughes , when the fheepe came to drinke, before the fheepe:for they werein heate, when they came ta drinke. 39 And the theepe were in heate before the roddes, and af- terwarde brought foorthe young of partie colour , and with {mall and great {pottes, | 40 And meee parted thefe Lambes, and turned the faces of the flocke towarde theſe Lambes partie coloured , and all manner of blackeamong the fheepeof Laban : fo he put his owne flockes by them felues,and put them not with Labans flocke . | 41 And ineuerie ramming time of the ftronger ſheepe, Jacob layed the roddes before theireyes in the gutters, ie they 621 22. - IOHN CALVINE they might conceiue before the roddes «. | 42 But when the theepe were feeble, heput them:-notin s and fo the feebler were Labans,and the ftrongerdacobs,’ > 43 So the man increafed exceedingly, and had manie flockes, and maidferuauntes, and menferuantes 5 and Camels; and Affes, | 3] | 1 [And when Rahel fawe, ere Moles beginneth to ſhebo that Zacob was troubled with domefticall bꝛalles. And al⸗ though the Lode puniſhed him, becauſe be bad committed no light offence in taking two wiues, and efpecially thep both bee ing filters: pet notwithſtanding, it was a fatherlie chattifes ment; and God himielfe, as he is wont gently to forgiue bis childzen,tmke bint after a fo2t by the bande, Wi herebppon als fo if came fo paffe, that be did not by andby repent hin, hut added newe offences vnto the fir . Wut ire of all we muſt fpeake of Machel. Wecauſe he reioyceth at the contempt and ſorrowe of ber fiffer ,. the Lode beateth vowne this wicked relopcing, inclining bis blefing to wardes Leah , that their condition might be both alike. be heareth the plaine confeſſi⸗ on of per ſiſter: andis gut inminde by the names of ber foure fonnes that Ood bath bad compaſſion bpon her, that he might lift ber dp Wwith his grace, which was diſda ined and deſpiſed of men. NotiwithHanding, ſhe is inflamed v euuie, and caunot abide that there ſhouide be any thing in her of wiuelike dig⸗ nitie. We fe what ambition can doe. Foꝛ Rachel deſiring fa Zadie ia excell,ſpareth not ber owne ſiſter:and ts litle oꝛ nothing ſtay⸗ Bachcll. ed from foming out ber anger againt Gov, becaute be ador⸗ neo her with the qifte of fruitefulnefle. For this emulation came not of iniuries ; but becaute the coulde not abide fo haue A companion andequall ; whiche notwithtanding , by right was the tnfertour, Wihat woudde the bane done being pos noked , whiche enuieth. ber fitter being contented with her e⸗ fate? Surthermoze, Wofes Hhewing this dileaſe in Rachel, feachetl that the fame ts fired in all men, that eucrie one of bs pulling bp the fame. bp the rotes, may be diligent to purge | our felues..ditd p ay fo put away enuie is, to abandon prtdes, 7 and the loue of our felfe: euen as Paule prefcribeth this tobe - Philip.2.3 He onely cemedie againg contentions, T hat nothing a * ctrough VPON GENESIS. CAP, XXX. 622 through vaine glorie. 5 2 (Then lacobs anger was kindled.) Jatob louing bis wife tenderly, was loath fo offende her : pet neuertheleſſe, when he ſaw that te oid not only poudlp triumph ouer ber ſiſter, who godlily and holily take the gifts of Gad with thankefaiuing, but al(o rebeiled againt God himſelfe, whoſe gift the fruite of ‘the wombe t3,as if ts fapde in the Pſalme, be is by the great⸗ neſſe of the fault info2ced thervnto. Therſore Jacob is angrie, bicaule his wife attributeth nothing to the proutdence of God: and imagining that chilveen are bone bp chance, taketh from bim p cate ¢ gouernement of mankind, Peraduenture Jacob bad bene alreadie beric ſorrowefull for the barrenneſſe of bis wile Powe therefore he feareth, leat ber foliſhneſſe ſhoulde moze diſpleaſe Ood,¢ moue bim to ble harper {couraes, his twas a bolic anger, when Jacob defendeth the lawfull honour of Ood, coꝛrecting bis Wwife,teacheth ber that it had not haps ned Wout cauſe nor in baine,that the bad ben hitherto barren. Foe when he affirmeth that p Lord had ſhut bp her wombe, he indirectly rebuketh ber.that fe miaht rather bumble her ſelf. 3 [Behold my mayd Bilhah,] Bere the banifie of a womans Difpolition is (ene, Foꝛ RKachel is not moued fo fier vnto the Love, but bp vnlawfull meanes ſeeketh to get the victorie. Dherefore Jacob ts carrted to the thirde wife, Wibereby we gather, that ſinne bath no end, where the ozdinaunce of God is once broken, And this is that which Jſayd, that he was not by ¢ by bought bp Gods cozrection fo repentance . This he doth by his wiues contpulfion : but is bis wife fo him in Heede of od, from whom alone p latwe of wedlocke ought to be fetcht2 But to fulfil his tues minde,o2 to fatiffie ber impoztunitic, be is not afcard fo ſwarue from the commaundement of God, To beare vpon ber knees fiqnifieth nothing elfe, but to deliver a childe fo another tobe bought vp. The matde was Bilhah. She bare not therfoze fo2 ber felfe, but fo2 ber maiſftreſſe, oho challenging p childe vnto her, got thereby the honour of a mo⸗ ther. But Rachel did wickedly, who defired to be made a mo⸗ , « ther,by au vnlawlull meane, ¢ as it were in deſpight of Cov, /+ . ¢ [And Bilhah conceived, ) It is meruel that God hono2eth An adulterous coniuncion with chilozen ; but thus — _ be Pfal.197.3 IOHN CALVINE 62 4 he ſtriueth by benefites with the wickedneſſe of men, ano | beſtoweth his grace vppon thoſe that are vnworthie. And be doeth not altvay equally punith the fauites of bis feruauntes: neither docth be ſhake off Auagith negligence With the fame celeritic, but wapteth fo2 a convenient time of correction. Therelore he woulde haue them to be reckoned among the latufuil fonnes, which tere begotten in this wicked coniunc⸗ tion: euen as a httle before Poles called Wilhab a wife , who notwithltanding, deferued to be called an harlot, And bere Jcommon rule holoeth not , What the fame whiche was of fo2ce from the beginning, by tracte of time , Wareth moze ſtrong. Foꝛr althouch it were a boyd knot, into the which the. butband and the teife were come amilſe, contrarie fo fhe cons maundentent of God , and the holy order of nature: pet not⸗ withſtanding, bya fingular priuuege it comineth fo paffe, thaf the fame coniunctton, which is oF it felfe adulferous, bath the honour of wedlocke. wut at the length Machel beginneth to aſcribe that vnto God whiehe belongeth tnto bint : but this ber confettion poreding from ambition , bffereth no⸗ thing that is fincere a2 right. She maketh greate boatt that the Lode hath taken her caute in bante. Gnd as though the ~ Were burte by her fitter athat the ought to be erected by the fauour of God: as though he ſought not fo depriue ber felfe of his helpe. We fee therefore, that vnder the colour of p2aife, fhe doeth rather iniurie onto Cod, making him ſubiecte bnfe. ber defire, And herein the imitateth hypocrites, who in aduers fitte ruſhing againt Gop with their epes hut, then they are growen to moe proſperitie, begin to boatt,ag though God als lowed all their wornes ¢ deedes. Rachel therefore doth not fo much (ct fo2th godneſſe of God, as the cõmendeth ber felfe, Wlherfo2e, the faithful being taught by her crample,let them abſtaine fro polluting Gods boly name through bypocrifie, 8 [ With diuine wrelllinges . J D2, with ercellent Wwrelllinges : Foꝛ the Heb2ues bp the name of Ood vnder⸗ ſtand all excellencie : bycaute » a8 euerie thing ercelleth, fo the glozie of God therin {hineth, Wut it ts aperuerte boaſting by bohich the triumpheth vuer ber fifter,twhen as the ought rae thes humbly to haue crauen bardon. ulin Machel, we "ae be - VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXX. 628 fhe pride of mans nature painted forth : bycaufe they do after >» this manner berp much boalt them (elues, whome Cod batty adoned with bis benefites, in fo much that thep do contumes lioullp rage againt their neighbours. Mozcouer, the doth fo» lithly p2eferre ber ſelſe in fruitfulneſſe befo2e ber filter, thers in as pet the ts inferiour. But this alfo is their manner Witch are pꝛoudly puft bp, maliciouflp to diſpraiſe the giftes tuhith od hath beſtowed vpon others,in refpect of their otwne. Per⸗ aduenture alfo, the truſted to receiue a bery large poſteritie, euen as if he had God indaungered fo her. Sheronteiueth not hope, as the godly are wont to dee by the benefites receiued: but through the fecure prefunmption of the ficth, the promiſeth vnto ber felfe much of the matter tt felfe. Therefore hitherto fhe bath giuen no fiance of godlp modeſtie. UW bereof comimeth this, but bycauſe barrenneffe for atime, had not as yet well tamed ber 2 MWherefore we ought to take the moze heede, if at anp time god mitigate our puniſhments, left we being pꝛoud⸗ lp puff vp with bis gentleneſſe, do vaniſh alway. 9 [And when Leah fawe that fhe had left bearing.) Sor fes refurneth bnto Leah, who being not contented with foure ſonnes, deuifeth a way, by which fhe may altway retaine the bigher degree : therefore (he appointeth ber handmaide to fups ply ber rome. Gnd berilp Rachels peruerfe counfel was woꝛ⸗ thte of ſuch a requitall. Foꝛ the going about to take alway the garland from ber fiffer,confidereth not,that the fame practiſe might Cone after be vſed againſt ber felfe. Neuertheleſſe, Leah finneth moze greuoulſly, tn ſtriuing with euill and vnhoneſt thiftes fo get the maiſterie. MWithin a fho2t compaffe of time, fhe bad felt the wonderfull biefing of Cod: nowe, bicaule the ceaffed to beare childzen foꝛ while, as though fhe had neuer felt the grace of Ood, the afterward defpaireth, Wut ifthe fers uencie of defire moued ber, why did fhe not runne bnto the founteine of bleffing? In that therefoze the giueth ber maide, it is not onlp a figne of impatience, but alfo of diſtruſt: bicauſe with the remembance of Gods merry, faith alfo is extingui⸗ S fhed itt ber heart. And we knowe,that all thep which reſt thent Telues bpon the Loꝛd, ave quiet and pacified in mind,that they May paticntly twapte for that, which the Lozde intended ta | Kr, giue. 4 A (IOHN CRIVENED YO Efai.65.11 giue. shies is theink puniſhmẽt of infibelitic, when AND man ſtumbleth though to much hatte. Wyherefore tue ought to: fake the more heede of the affaultes ofthe fet; if; fo be twe Bex fire fo walke inthe right wap. As touching the name of Gad, this place is diuerfiy erpounded of the interpreters. Herein fhep dor Aare, that: the Hebrue worde ſignilieth as much as if Leah had ſaide, Ffelicitic commeth: but other forme thinke the Hebrue word Dad, tofiqnific the fortunate farre of Iupi⸗ ter: other ſome feigne if fo be Mercuric : and others, a fecond Fo2tunc, Dep bring the threeſcore and fift Chapter of Cfate, where it is Tapde, They offer. drinke offerings yvnto Gad. But fhe wordes of fie Prophete Heine, that this ought rather to: be vnderſtode of fhe hoaſt of heauen, g2 of the number of falſe Goddes : bycaule tt followethſone after, that they offer vnto farres, and kurniſh thew table with the multitude of Godds: faz the which a puniſhment atthe laſt ts added, that as they haue mapean erceeding number of Goddes, fo the Lorde will number them, As touching this prefent place,there is nothing moe probable, then that Leah through Magicall ſuperſtiti⸗ on, ertolled Tupitets ſtarre in the place of DID, who note withſtamding beleued this, that the increaſing of ‘mankinde came of OD D alone. Imeruell allo, ‘that the interpeeters Would vnderſtand this of profperous Fortune, when as Mo⸗ fes in the nine and fourtith Chapter following, fetteth before bs a contrarie lente, For other Wife the alluſion, which be ſet⸗ teth downe, Mould not agree, Hee fhallinuade him with an ar⸗ mic: vnlelſe the purpoſe of Leah Had bene, to reiopee in the number of her fonnes; Ioꝛr He being Gre foloe qreater then thc other part, affirmeth that He hath children in creat abun⸗ Dance, Uclyereas' he pronountethher felfe happte tn the fire ſonne, thereby ifappeareth, howe creatly the fruitlulneſſe of the wombe as at that tine eſteemed. And in very deede this is a rare honour, when God bouchfafeth to giue onto men the holp title and name of parentes, and by theminlargeth mane ⸗ kinde, made after his owne image. a4 [ Ruben went inthe dayes of wheat harueſt. IJ Dhis firemeth tobe a trifling and childithe narration, that a childe * in the ficive a certeine fruite of ſmall price, — then 3 Pe —* VPON GENESIS? "CAP. XXX, 9) a7 fhem home, atin giueth them vnto bis mother : by which bis mother buyeth of ber filter, the tying with ber huſbande one night. spotiwithfanding, if conteineth a profitable nocrine. Ce knowe howe foltthe the Jewes are and proude, in extol⸗ ling the originall of thetr nation + fo2 they almoſt diſdaine fo acknowledge, that they came of Adam and oe with the reff, Gnd in very deede, they doe excell by the dignitie and worthinelle of the fathers,as Waule teſtifieth: but they attri: Rom.ↄ. bufe not the fame onto God, as proceeding from bun, TAhere⸗ fewith bo- fozre the holy Ghoſt ſought to beate downe that arrogancie, ſtiog bea- When he delcribeth thetr o2iginall to be fo bafe and abiect, 8 donas Foꝛ he doth not here giue thenvoccafiow of boating, but hum⸗ bling them, erfolletiy the grace of © D D, tn that be brought forth bis Church of nothing. As touching the kinve of frutte, ¥% can not affirme any certeintte, It may. be gathered by the fenenth Chapter of Cantteles, that th was very ovoziferors, where tt is faid, The mandrakes haue giuen a {mell,and in our Cabt7 3 gates are all ſweete things : Notwithitanding, bycauſe al men tranflate if mandrakes;¥ contend not about the fame. 15 { Isit afmallmatterfor theeto take: my husbande? ] Moles leaneth more to theconfiderationof the readers, then he expreſſeth, as that Jacobs boule was filled with daily cons fenfions and bralles JFfo2 Leah fpeaketh angerlyp, bycauſe alittle befoze the had conceiued diſpleaſure, tn fuche wiſe, as fhe could not ſpeake gently anv frendlp onto ber filter. Jt map be, that thep were not of them (elues greatly inclined to ſcoul⸗ bing and balling : but © D D luffered them to ftrine; that the puniſhment of te baning of diners wines, might re- maine vnto thofe that came after. And there ts no doubt, but that this domeſtical falling out,and greeuous contention, greatly greeued and difquieted the bolp man: but be feth that ‘bets therefore thus diuided and difmemb2ed, bycauſe he had vnlawfully broken the bnitte of the matrimontall knot, 17 [God heard Leah. ] Poles hath erp2elly fet dotwne this, fo the end we may know, how fauourably the Lord hath dealt > With that boule. Foꝛ who would bane thought, when Leal ſo hatekully denieth ber fitter the fruit which the lad ban brought home, ¢ buyeth with the fame the lying with Jacob one night, J— lir,tf, that 6 \ -IOHN CALVINE that infreatie would haue taken any place 2 Boles fherefoze thetueth that thefe offences were pardoned,in fo much that the 4020 left not his worke vnfiniſhed tn fo great infirmitic. But Leah very folihly boatteth, that the ſonne which was giuen vnto her, was the reward of fin. Foꝛ the had broken the faith afholy wedlocke, when the fet a new harlot againt ber fitter, And He is ſo farre from confetting ber fault, that the boafteth of her merife.¥ confelle,that the bad fome ercufe:fo2 he giueth fo vnderſtand, that the was not fo muche with lout inflamed with gealoufie, as by modett loue: bycauſe the deſtred to ine creafe her familie, to perfoꝛme the outy of an honeſt mother, But although this be a ſpeciall cloake among men + yet note lwithffanding,p pꝛophanation of boly wedlocke can not pleafe Gad. Se erreth therfore, in taking p wrong cauſe fo2 p cauſe: and the fame ts fo much the moze to be noted, hycauſe this vice preuaileth to much ti the world, in fo mach that menaccount the fre gifts of God for their rewarde: pea;.they boat of their merites, when as they are condemned bythe word of Gon, In the ſixt ſonne, the doth more purely and rightly wep·the god⸗ nefle of God, when the giveth thankes vnto God: bicaufe by bis godneſſe it would aftertward cometo pafte,. that her. hut⸗ band would be more nere ontober: For although at the firt€ be dwelt with ber:pet notwithſtanding, be being tw much ads: dicted‘ vnto Rachel, twas for the moft part abfent fram the d⸗ ther. Me haue fatde befo2e, that chilozen which are borne vn⸗ der latofull matrimonte, are bondes to binde the minves of parents together, at [After that fhe bare adaughter. It isnot Knotone wohe ⸗ ther Jacob-hav any other daughters oↄ no. For it is no vns wonted thing in the Scripture, when genealogies are recko⸗ ned, to omit the omen, which reteine net their proper name,. but lye bio(as it tere) onder the ſhadowe of the men. Heuer⸗ thelelſe, tfany thing fall ont of certeine toonten worthie to be rememb2ed, (peciall mention is made of them. As map aps peare by Dina, of whom mention thail be made anon, bycauſe of the rape oꝛ rauiſhhment: but bycauſe afterwarde the ſon⸗ nes of Jacob had diſdaine, that their filter ſhould marrie into a: Grange hinted; cocerning the other daughters, Poles maketh ne a 3 4 ~ VPON GENESIS*® CAP: XXX no mention, either bicaule thep were placed in the land of Cas 62 9 naan, 03 elle boought into Cappt : it is very likely, that this, Daughter, and no moe, was bone bnfo him. 22 [God remembred Rahel.] Sing nothing is firtt 02 laf with God, he is neuer forgetfull, that by continuaunce of time he fhould haue nevde fo be remembzed;:but the Scripture delcribeth Onto bs the prelence and the remembzance of Dod, by the effect : bycauſe Wwe conceiue him to be fuche a one, as be appearcth to be by the thing it felf, But whether Kachel were the laſt ofall the reſt which conceived, it cannot be certeinly gathered by Moles wo2des, Whey which affirme vᷣ there is in this place a ſetting of the cart befoze the hoꝛſſe are moucd fo fo think by this reafon,bicaule if fo be Joſeph were bone after ÿỹ reft of bis brethzen,p age wil not agree which Moles noteth in the. 41. Chapter following, verfe.46, WBut herein they are deceiued, bicaufe they reckon Rachels martace from the other, feuen veares. But it ts plainely proued by the tert, that al- though Jacob had coucnaunted fo ſerue fo2 Machel: pet note withſtanding, be bad the ble of her out of bande, bicaufe euen front the beginning there grewe emulation betweene the fiz fers, Boles by this place declareth, that the bleſſing of God came very late, when Kachel was euen pat hope fo2 the haz uing ofchildren, and ber barrenneſſe bad bene a long time ace counted a repꝛoche. And fo2 god lucke fake the giueth a name fo ber fonne,boping well of one of the tuo, . rod 25 [Send meaway,that Imay go ynto my place.] Swing _ Jacob was hired by wages fo2 his feruice,be may feeme heres info deale craftilp, in deſiring bis vncle to give him leaue to depart. Neuertheleſſe, J doubt not,but that euen then be pur⸗ poſed to returne, and that be vttered his minde plainly, Firkk, bicauſe many Wwayes be perceiued how bniutt;falle;and truel. Laban was, if is no meruell if he deſlired to depart from hin, fo foneas he twas at libertie. Secondly, bicauſe hy long abe (once andcontinuaunce of time, be trufted that bis bothers minde was pacified, it could not be, but that be mutt nedes greatly deſire fo returne onto bis parents: efpecially be being wearied with fo many troubles; that: be could fcarfe make era chaunge ſoꝛa woꝛſſe efkate, But —3 of God was the. e21203 ruff, meu i s "foun ALVINE 63 oO moft harpe fpur,to moue tim fo defire a returne. For he had Gentlenes fometime cauleth ctueltie. not call away tie bleſſing, whiche teas more Deere vnto hint then bis owne life, Herevnto aifo pertaineth P which be faith, IT will go vnto my place, and tomine owne lande. Jfo2 he doth not only therfo2e fo cal p land of Canaan,bicaufe he was bom fhere, but alfo bycauſe he knewe that the fanie was giuen vn⸗ fo him by God, Foꝛ tfin reſpect of his natiue fovle he had far, that be defired to returne, be might haue bene laughed to fro2ne, bicauſe bis father had lived a wandering and onitable life, ſeeking his divelling in fundzie places. Thus therefore J deeme, that although be dwelt elſe where very well and conue⸗ niently:vet notiwithtandina, the oracte of Ood was alwaves tn bis nunde, by which the lande of Canaan was allotted tne fo him. And although be was delayed fo2 a time:vet neuerthes leffe, the fame delay ts not contrarte to bis purpefe of depar⸗ fing. Foꝛ neceilitie partly tnfo2ced him bute this, bicauſe be could not winde him felfe out of hts father in lawes Mares > partly.alfo he gaue place Dolunfarily, that be might cet fomes what for him felfe and for bis familie, lea be might returne nedic and naked info his countrie, And here the vncurteous and vniuſt dealing of Laban is difcouered, Affer thathe haw worne and almoſt ktlled his nephewe,and fonne in lawe, with daily labours by the ſpace of fourteene peares : pet notwith⸗ ſtanding, he offereth him no reward fo2 the time fo come. Foꝛ the maze that the holy man fuffered, the moze be ſeeketh to ops peefle him. Thus the wozlde abufeth the factlitie and fuftcs rance of the godly:and the mo2e gently that they behaue thent felucs,the moze fiercely do the Wicked rage. But although we be like vnto ſheepe caft forth onto the violence and iniurics of wolues in this worlde: pet notwithltanding, we mut not feare leaſt they teare and deuour bs, fing the bolp and hea⸗ ucnlp heevheard gardeth bs with his defence. 27 { IfVhaue found fauour inthy fight!) Pereby we pers » ceiue, that Jacob was no burdenfome o2 chargeable queff, whome Lavan with fuch faire and ſmoth ſpeaches, intreateth to haue longer with bint. For be being qreedie and-coucfous, ould not haue fuffered him to tarrie a minute in bis boule, ozuienete had felt reat gaine fo come by bis. pretence, oo F on “S, VION GENESIS) CAP XXX. ‘Y fherfore he doth not only not thzutt him out.but alfo carecully 63t ficketh to keep him Mill, we hereby gather,» the holy man take incredible paines', which were not onely fufficient to fulteine a populons familie, but which bought allo plentifull ¢ (weete gaine fo bis father in lawe. Wherefo2re,not without cauſe be complained afterward, that be bad bogne the beate of the day, and the colve of the night, Howbeit there is uo doubt, but that the bleſſing of God twas moze then all labours,in fo much that Waban percetued that Jacob was as a certeine ſtorehouſe: the Which alſo be him ſelfe confelleth, Foꝛ he doth not only com⸗ mend bis faith and diligence, but alfo erpocfly affirmeth that the Lorde had bleſſed him fo2 bis fake. It appeareth theres foze that Laban fo increafled in riches after. Jacobs coms ming, euen as if bifible gaine bad diftulled onto him from beauen. | 29 [ Thou knowelt what feruice I haue done thee.} This aunſwere of Jacob tendeth not herevnto, that he may increaſe bis wages : but Debating the caufe with Laban, be heweth that be dealeth vniuſtlx and vncurteouſly With bim, in requis ting loiger time at his band.. Foꝛ there is no dDoubt,but that bis minde was wholy carried with defire to go into Canaan, Therelore his returne was moze defired of hin, then any ma⸗ ner ofriches, Neuertheleſſe, withall be accufeth bis father in lative of teceife and difcourtefie, that be might weeſt fomes thing from bin, if fo be be tarried any longer. Foꝛ be could not haue any hope, that the falfe olde carle would of him felfe ine cline fo equitie. Neyther noth Jacob fiinply pratle his dili⸗ gence, but ſheweth that be had to doe with an vniuſt and crus ellman, This bp the wapis tobe noted, that although be had taken greate paines, pet notwithſtanding, be afcribeth Riches are nothing to bis labour, but accounteth the ſame to pꝛocede the blet- fromt the bleſſing of Gon alone, that Laban was made riche, fing of Foꝛ although men faithfullp doe their duties pet notwithltan/ ood. bing, the pofife thereofoependeth bpon the grace of G DD ' alone: according to the faving of the Apottle, He which plane 1.Cor.s.73 » tethis nothing, and he which watereth is nothing, but GOD “» that giuetythe iacreaſe. And the bfe.of this doarine is tug» old, 3F92 whatſoeuer J enterpzileso2 to what wozke ſoeuer 3 yal K.iiij. put 632 Pro.3.13. — FOHN CALVINe put my band, itis my part fo pray onto fhe Lord, that he will b'effe my labour, that it be not fruitleſſe and vaine. hen if J gette any thing, J muſt giue God the peaife, Without tobofe grace men riſe bp early in baine, and Wwearic them ſelues the whole day, eate the bead of carefulneffe, and fo late take their rel, As touching the wordes tober Jacob faith, It was little which thou haddeft in my fight: it is well and rightly tranflas fed of Hierome, It was little which their haddeft before I came, 30 [But nowe when Mall Itrauell for mine owne houfe al. fo ?] Swing he had ſpent bis traucll ahd tine fo long fo2 an o⸗ ther’, be concludeth that it is not indifferent, that bis owne houſhold be negleded. Foꝛ nature appointeth this order, that Euery one Mould haue a care for the familie committen to bis tharge, To the which effect perteineth the faping of Solomon; Drinke water out of thine owne welles, and let the ftteames funne ynto thy neighbours. If Jacob had bene alone, he might the moze frelp bane ferned an ofber mans turne: but nowe,. feing be twas the bufband of foure wiues, and the father ofa great potteritic, it became him not to forget thofe, whiinehé receiued at the handes of the 1.020 fo fede and maintcine? » ° 31 [ Thou fhalt giue nie nothing. ] The comparifor be⸗ twene this member and the latter, is fo be noted, Foꝛ Jacob requireth not fo2 him felfe any cerfetne pap 02 Lint of ivages, but maketh this coucnaunt with Laban, that he map have for bis (are,among pure and vnſpotted ſheepe and qoates,all that Mould be etwned 02 fall ſpotted and particoloured, Wut in the wordes there ſeemeth fo be feme obfcuritic, Foꝛ Jacob at this pretent, ſeemeth to atke fo2 bis ages the ſpotted chepe. wut by the thirde verte following, we map gather an other fente : as, that Jacob fuffered all that were diners chloured,to be ſeuered froin the reft,and to be deliuercd onto the forines of Aaban to keepe: and that he kept in bis cuftodie the fhecp and goates, which there of one colour, without fpots. And tt were berpablurne fo2 Jacob, to challenge nowe brito him felfe part | ofthe flocke, when as of late he confeffed that he bad hitherto: received no gaine, Furthermoze,it was a caine moze then be had delerued : neither was if to be thought, that be could obs teine thug much at Labans hand. Not withſtanding, here it map at VPON GENESIS “CAR xxx. 6 * may be demaunded, With what hope, o2 with what counſell 33 Jacob was moued,fo offer this condition?Wofes will ewe as non that be bled (ubtiltie, that there might conte of the vnſpot ted flocke, Diners and ſundrie colourcdlanibes, Wut in the Chapter following, be til declare, that Gon appointed him to bo this. Therefore, although it was onlikety,that this coues haunt and match ſhould be profitable to the holy man:yet note | WwithEanding, be obeyeth the heauenly oracle, and ſeeketh not other ways tobe inriched, then according to thetwil and pleas fureofCod, Wut Laban was handled in his kinde. For he gladly chofe that, tubich be thought would be moft gainefull bhto him: but God made his wicked oefire of none effect. 33 [ So thall my rightcoufnefle aunfwere for me. J he meaning-hereof is, that Jacob loketh not fo2 protperous fucs ceſſe but by bis faithfulnelle ¢ vpright dealing. As fhe ſhould fay, Dhe 1 o2d him felfe, which is the bett witnelle of my righs teoulſneſſe, thall bp the effect declare, howe finterely and faiths fully J bebaucd my felfe. And althoual the Lorde oftentimes fuffereth the Wicked fo be made riche by finiffer meanes, and permitteth thein to haue plentiful gaine, when bp fubtiltie¢ deceite Hep fake away other mens godes: pet notwithitans bing, this ts nolef, but that hts bleſſing map be the o2dinarie conipanion of faith and equitie. herefore iuſtly Jacob made fhis a ſi ene ofbis truſt, hycauſe he committed the fruite of bis labour Unto the 1020, that thereby it might appeare, hobo bps right and iuſt he had bene. Nowoe we fe the meaning of the wordes ts plaine, Dy righteouſneſſe hall openty: teltifie fo2 ime: bycaufe the fame ſhall giae me an open recompente, in ſuch euident ſort, as thou thy felfe (halt (ee the fame, and heres inis tonteined a fecret checke? as that dL aban ſhould krowe, Howe vniuſtly he had ſuppreſſed the labours ot the holp man, ‘and wickedly kept froni him bis due delert For thete is ale, cret tompariſon betweene the time paſt, and the tims to come. Wwebhen he laith, Dy righteouſmelſe ſhall anſvuere ſorme hereac· -. -... ter: bicauſe in time pat, he could haue no equitie at La⸗ 5 Bans handes, (All chat hack not fiedlé me gl Fae cob bindeth him felfe to the blame andpunt of theft, if ſo be be toke one vnſpotted cheepe dut oſthe docke: as itf be Bin! iir,v, ſhould * TOHN GALVINE.. 634 chould fay, Ifſo be thou finde with me any theepe vnſpotted, J will that thou impute the ſame to me for theft: bicauſe J ree quire nothing to be giuen bntome, bul the {petted increafe, Some erpound tt otherwiſe, Mhat foeuer hall be wanting out ofthy flock,require the fame at my band,as if J bad folne it. But this feameth vnto me to be farre Eretched, 35 [ Therefore he tooke out the fameday. ]J Hereby the fo2nic of (he couenaunt is better vnderſtode. Laban feparas teth the cheepe and the goates which were fpotted, from the pure and vnſpotted flocke, thatis to fay, front the white o2 blacke, and deliuereth them fo bis fonnes fo be kept, ſo farrs diſtant from Jacobs flocke, as aman might well trauell in thrée Daves, left the dockes being mingled together, the lambs might be partic coloured, It follolweth therefore, that there res mated none in the flocke which Jacob kepf, but thofe ſheepe tybich were all of one colour. Thus there twas left to the holx man but {mall bope of gaine: but Labans commoditie nag very well provided for, It appeareth alfo by the diftance of the places, by which be bad (undered bis flockes, that be was no leſſe fufpicious then couetous : euen as the wicked are wont to meafure other men by them felues: inherebppon t it com⸗ meth to pafle,that they altoap diſtruſt and feare. 37 CThen Iacob tooke roddes of greene Popular. 7} at the firft bluſh, Moſes narration may. feme very abfurde, For bis purpole was either to condemne boly Jacob of deceit, o2 elle fo pꝛaiſe bis induffric. But tf tall appeare by the tert, that be ts not blamed o2 diſcommended for this. Therefoꝛe let vs fe howe beisercnfable. If any man fay, that; be was conttrets ned bp the manifold iniuries of bis father in latve,and that be fought nothingelfe, but to recouer his fozmer loſſes: perade nenture he thall bane fome colour of defence: neuerthelefle bes Taiuries fone Gadzttismepther firme nog allowable: $02 although we may not with iniu- rics be te·ſtrike euen With the like wickedneſſe. And,tf if were permits . be vniuſtly dealt withall: vet fo2 all that, we may not ſtriue to copcaled. Led to euery one to reuenge their owne iniurics, o2 to recouer their loſſes:we fhouls haue no neede of lawes; thetant foul 4 arife horrible confuſion. he ee not! Jaca pete to take this futile wi in FA J VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXX. 525. Hand fo hane the (potted lambes, but rather to haue follotved 3 that rule which the Lozbde bp the mouth of Paule appointethyR omar? which is, that The faithfull Hould indeucur them felues to os uercome cuill with godneſſe. ¥ confelle,that it became Jacob fo ble this firnplicttie, vnleſſe the iLozde had citien commauns pement other wile from heauen. Wut herein there is a fetting of the cart before the hoꝛſe, bycauſe firft Moſes veclareth a miatter, and then addeth that Jacob take nothing inbande, without the commaundement of Cod, Therefore there ts no cauſe tobp they fhould make him their buckler, which (ake by all meanes te deceiue deceitfull men, bycauſe be din not of hint felfe crattily (eke to circumuent bis father in lawe, at whofe handes be had bene vniuſtly deceiued: but following that which the Lorde had appointed, he kept him felfe within his bondes, Alfo in my tudgement they diſpute in baine, white the inquire where and howe Jacob learned this, whether by long p2attife,o by the doctrine of his forefathers. Foꝛ it map be, that he twas foudenly taught that thing which be never kneine beſore. : | * eres, which be ſchutting afoze, had vniuſtly fucked the Cweate. and blond afanatbery 8) pi bed abio.T ors! " sweet * tz * TOHN CGALVIN-E 636 As touching the Phplical¢ MPatural reaſon, it is tell prough knotwne, that the afpect in generation is beryp effectuall as touching the forme of the thing ingendered. Whe which ſceing ithappeneth bnto wonren, it mull needes efpecially haue place in bute beaftes, in whome there is no reafon, but a violent compulfion by tuft and appetife, Wut Jacob did thre things, Foꝛ he pilled the rodds, that there might fome whiteneſſe ape peare inthe ſcortches, and ſo be made particoloured. Seconds iy, he choſe the time, wherein the elves went fo bloſſome, or to the ramme. Thirdly, be put the roddes in the waters ; bys cauſe as water nouriſheth and refreſheth beatts, ſo allo it firs refh thein bp to generation, Bp this meanes tt came fo paffe, that the rovdes lay in fight, when they twared hofe. WMhereas Motes ſpeaketh of Frong and weake thep,dnderfand it thus, that in the firft ramming time, tubich ts about the begining of the Spring, Jacob put roddes in the gutters and watering froughes, that be might baue ſpringtide lambs, which are the belt: and in the latter ramming tune, tobiche is about Au⸗ tumne, he vſed not the like practiſe. 3So the man increaſed exceedingly.) pores therefore addeth this,to the end ive may know, that it came not to paſſe | without miracle, that be twas fo foudenly inriched, Ue thall fee hereafter , howe creat bis riches were. For be being very pore, got greater riches of nothing within the compalle of fire peares, then any meane rich man can do within the compatle of tiventic 02 thirtie yeres, And lea any man ſhould account if for a fable, bicaule tt agreeth not with commonreafon, Dos fes prcuenting, faith, that The boly mau was wegeled con⸗ pe to * common oꝛder. J efi OHA, P rT. E * 4 XX I. 7 Oovxe he heard the arden of Labans fonnes, + it, faying,lacob hath taken away al that. was our Al$| fathers,and of our fathers goods hath he got ten all thishonour, Alſo Jacob, behelde the countenance of Lay — it was.towatdes him as it was in times paſt. * 3 And the Lorde had faide ynto lacob, Turne) essing A io VPON GENESIS, CAP. XXXI. the lande of thy fathers, and to thy kinred, and I will be with 637 thee. 4 Therefore Iacob fent and called Rahel and Leah to the ficlde,vnto his flocke. 5 Then faide he ynto them,] fee your fathers countenance, that it is not towardes me as it was wont : andthe God of my father hath bene with me. . And ye knowe that I haue ferued your father with all my might. 7 But your father hath deceiued me,and chaunged my wae ges tenne times : but God fuffered him not to hurt me. 8 Ithe thus faide, The {potted fhall be thy wages, then all the fheepe bare {potted: and ifhe faide thus, The partie colou- sed fhalbe thy reward:then bare al the fheepe partie coloured. 9 Thus hath God takemaway your fathers fubftance, and giuen it me, La 10 For inramming time, I lifted vp mine eyes, and {awe in a dreame;and behold, the he goats leaped vpon the fhe goats, that were partie coloured with little and great {pottes ſpotted. rt And the Angel of God faide to me ina dreame,Iacob = ‘and I aunfwered, Loe,I amhere. | /12 Andhe faide, Lift nowe thine eyes, and ſee all the hee goates leaping vponthe fhe goates, that are partie coloured, ‘potted with little and great {pottes, For I haue feene all that Laban doth vnto thee. 13 Iamthe God of Bethel, where thouanoyntedft the pil- ler, where thou vowedſt a vowe vnto me.Nowe arife,get thee out of this countrie, and returne ynto the land where thou watt borne. | 14 Thenaunfwered Rahel and Leah, and faide ynto him, —* we any more portions and inheritaunce in our fathers ; ouſe? es 28 5 Doth he not comeasa ftraunger ? For he hath folde vs, - and eaten ys vp,and confumed our monic. ‘ 16 Therefore all the riches which GOD hath taken from ‘\ our father is ours,and our childrens. Nowe then, what fo cuer God hath faide ynto thee, do it. stipe 87 Then Iacob rofe vppe, and fet his fonnes and his veel ™) 63 8 ypon Camels, * ITOHN Higk PES E 18 And he carried aw ay all his flockes,and all his fubftance which he had gotten, to-wit, his riches Subich he had gotten in PadanAram,for to goto aac his father to the land. of Canaan, ~ 19W hen Laban was gone to fheare his theepe,then Rahel ftole her fathers idols. | 20 Thus Iacob {tole away the heart of Laban the Aramite for he rolde him not that he fled, 21 So fledhe with all that he had : * he * pad pal fed the fiver; and fet his face towatd mount Gilead, 22 And thethirde day after, wasit tolde — Iacob ſſed. n fas pes -23 Thenhetooke his brethren with him, & followed after him feuen-dayes iourney, and ouertooke him at mount Gilead, 24 And God came to Laban the Aramite in'adreame by night,and faide ynto him, Take heede that thou ſpeake not to Jacob ought ſaue good, 25 ThenLabaniouetepoke Tacob : and Iacob had pitched histents inthe mount :and Laban alfo with his brethren, pit- ched yponmouat Gilead, 26 Then Laban faide to Iacob, What haft shall done? — | haſt eucn ftolne away my heart, ail? carried away my daugh- ters, as though they had bene taken captiues with the {word. 27 Wherefore diddeft thou flee fo fecretly,and fteale away from me, and diddeft not tell me, that I] might haue fent thee ne af with mirthe, and with fonges, with tymbrell, and with arpe? 28 But thou haft not fuffered meto kiffe my. fue “and my daughters: nowe thou haft done foolithly in doing fo. 29 Tamable to doe you euill, but the God. of your father {pake ynto me yefter ni ight faying, Take heed that thou {peake ~ not to Jacob ought faue goo 30 Nowe rash thou wenteft thy way,biceute thou long- edft greatly after thy fathers houfe, yet wherefore haft thou ftolnemy Gods? 31 Then Jacob aunfwered, and faide to Laban, Bycauſe was afraid, and —— thou wouldefthaue taken thy daugh~ ters fromme. > 2 poi , ‘uy 32 ‘Bur ’ —— + VPON GENESTS, CAP. XXXr,; | 32 But with whome thou findeft thy Gods, let him not 639 Jiue: fearch thoubefore oar brethten, what I haue of thine, and take ito thee, But Jacob wift nor that Rahel had ſtolne them. .*. : | 33 Thencame Laban into Jacobs tent,and into Leahs tent, and into thettwo maidens tentes : but found them not. So hee went out of Leahs tent,and entered into Rahels tent. 34 Nowe Rahel had taken the idols, and put them inthe Camels litter,and fate downe vpon them: and Laban fearched all the tent,but found them not, ©. | | 35 Then faide fhe ynto her father, My Lord,be not angrie that T cannot rife yp before thee, forthe cuftome of women is vpon me: fo he fearched,but found not the idols. 36 Then Jacob was wroth,and chod with Laban:Iacob al- fo antwered,and faide to Laban: What haue I'trefpaffed, what haue I offended,that thou haft purfued afterme ? 37 Seeing thou haſt fearched all my ftuffe, what haſt thou found ofall thy houfholde {tuffe ? Put it here before my bre- thren and thy brethren,that they may iudge betwene ys Sich 38 This twentie yeare I haue bene with thee. Thy ewes & thy goates haue not caft their young : and the rammes of thy flocke haue I not caten. : Leste 39 What fo euer was torne of beaftes, I brought it not vn- to thee,but made it good my felfe:of my hand diddeft thou res quire it, were it {tolne by day,or ftolne by night. 40 Iwas inthe day confumed with heate, and with froft in ~ the night,and my fleepe departed from mine eyes. 41 Thus hauc I bene twentie yeares inthy houfe, and ſer- ued thee fourteene yeres for thy two daughters, and fixe yeres for thy fheepe,and thow haft chaunged my wages tenne times. 42 Except the God of my father,the God of Abraham,and the feare of Ifaac had bene with me, furely chou haddeft nowe ſent me away emptie : but God behelde my tribulation, and the labour of my handes,and rebuked thee yefternight. ¢ © 43’ Then Laban anfwered and faid vnto Iacob, Theſe daugh- \ fers are my'daughters, & thefe fonnes are my fonnes and theſe ffeepe are my fheepé, and all that thou feeft 15 mine,and what canI doe this day'ynto thefe my daughiters, or to their fonnes { ce or ae ; ote TOHN CALVINE 640 which they haue borne, he i 44 Nowe therefore come and let vs make a couenaune, J and thou,which may be a witneffe betweene mo and thee, 45 Thentooke lacob a ftone,and fet it vp asa piller, ) 46 And Jacob faide ynto his brethren,Gather ftones : who brought ftones and made an heape, and they did eate there vpon the heape. 47 And Laban called it,Icgar Sahadutha : and Jacob called it Galhed. 48 For Laban faide, This heape is witneffe betweene me and thee this day : therefore he called the name of it Galhed. 49 Alfo he called it Mifpa, bycaufe he faide, The Lorde looke betweene me and th ce, when we fhall be departed the one from the other, _ 50 Ifthou fhalt vexe my daughters,or thalt take wiues bee fide my daughters, there is no man with vs » beholde, Godis witnefle betweene me and thee, 51 Moreouer, Laban {aide to Iacob, Beholde this heape, and behold the piller, which J haue fet betweene me and thee, 2 This heape fhall be witnefle, and the piller fhall be wit- - acid cher I wil not come ouer this heap to thee, and that thou fhalt not paffe ouer this heape,and this piller ynto me, for euill. 53 The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, the God of their father, be judge betweene ys : but Iacob {ware by the feare of his father Iaac. Duty 54 Then Iacob did offer a facrifice vpon the mount, and called his brethren to eate breade: and they did cate breade, and tarried all night in the mount. 55 And early in the morning Laban rofe vp, and kiffed his fonnes and his —* hters, and bleſſed them: and Laban depar- ted,and went into his place againe, 1 [Now he heard the words of Labans fonnes.] Although . Jacob longed fore after bis countrie, in fo much that be daily thought bpon bis return: pet notivithfanding,bereby appeas reth bis wonderfull fufferance, in that be fulpendeth bis mind Dntill a newe occation offereth itfelfe. And pet fop all that, ¥ A Dente not, but that vice was mired with bertue, in that be mabe no moze halte to returne; but it Mall appeare arta \ | , oe J— J —J a : VPON GENESIS. CAP, XXXID . the promile of God was altwayes fixed in their minde Onely ‘in this pointe be ſhewed him felfe a fraile man, in that be des ferred his returne by the (pace of fire peres, onclp to prouide him cattell. For fo often as Waban bꝛake and altered cones nauntes, be bad god occaſion to departe. WBut we may ga⸗ ther by bts ſecrete fleeing, that he was ftaped both with bio⸗ ience and alfo wiih feare , Wut nowe be had a verie honelt oc⸗ cafion to afke ieaue to departe ,becaufethe fonnes of La⸗ ban were offered, and difdainedat bis richefle: pet nots Wwithfanding, be dur nof openly withdrawe bimfelfe bes caule of bis enute,butis conftrained fo flee peiuily . Notwith⸗ ſtanding, although bis fackenefle ts fometway ercufable:ypet ig it likelp,that the fanie was topned with negligence. Cuenas , when the faithful ftriue to come vnto God, thep make not halk with fuche seale as it becommeth them, Wiherefoze, iffa be fhe fouthfulnes of the ficth do at anp time make bs flacke, let bs learne fo kindle the heate of the ſpirite with a paire of bellowes. Andthere is no doubt,but that the Lone correc⸗ ‘ted the infirmutie of bis feruant and amended his ſlowe pale; with afpurre. Foꝛ af ſo be Laban had delt gently and friends 1p with him, bis minde woulde haue bene mo2e dull: whereas nowe by difcourtefie he is erpelled. So the Loꝛde offen times ‘better prouideth fo2 the faluation of bis feruants, bp making ‘them fubiect to the hatred, pll twill, and difpleafure of the wie⸗ ked , then tf be {uffered them to ble moze ſinoth bebautour, It was farre more profitable for Jacob.to haue bis father in lawe and bis fonnes entinies to bint, then gentle and readie tofatiffic bis deſires:becauſe their fauour bad depriued him of ‘ods blefling. We alfo haue to quderperience , hotv force⸗ able the intifeinents of the world are, and when they abound, how cafily toe forget heavenly benefites. Wither foze let ds not Aducrfirie 1s more be qreeued fe be awakened of the Lord, when we are throwen 641 profitable , Ante aduerfitie,o2 when the wold laugheth not bpon bs. $02 ,. she hatreds threatenings, repꝛoches, and flaunders, are more godlie thẽ —1 fo2 bs; then it ve bad the fauour of all men. Fur⸗ profperitie, — \ thermozc, the inhumanitie of the fonnes of Laban is to be - moter, who make complaint euen as if Jacob had fpoiled thenr. But * is the fault of ſuche — gredic and couctous, who 4 . v . . TOHN CALVINE | | + tubo thinke that whatſoeuer they them felues do not deuoure, is taken froma them, Fo2 fering thetrdefireis infatiable , it cannot be,but that the profperitte of other men muſt neds ber them no leſſe, then if by this meanes they were brought fo por uertic, They refpect not whether Jacob by right 02 by wong Couctoul Pan gotten fo qreat riches: but therefore thep | fret and enuie, rant '" berate theyconſtrue that fo much ts taken {15 then, Before Laban confeſſed that he was tmriched by the cõming of Ja⸗ cob: pea, and that for bis fake the Lozd bad bleſſed him. Mow bis fonnes doe murmur, and be him (elfe allo is ercedingly greeued, becauſe Facob alfo him (elfe is. made partaker of the fame blefling . Hereby we pereeiuc,dotwe blinde coue⸗ sTim.6.1, touſneſſe is, whiche is neuer fatifficd. Wherevppon alſo Paul iuſtly cauein fhe fante, he rete ofall euils:becauſe it muſt needes be, that they-be falfe, cruell, bnthankefull,ano by all manner of meanes tuicked , whiche defire to deuoure all thinges . Furthermore, tf is to be noted, ‘that the fonnes of Laban, accowing top luſtineſſe of thetr pouth , fome out their arefe . ut the kather beeing a craftie olde mizer, holocth bis peace,and pet he — his malice. euen vr his counts : tenaunce. 3 [ TheLorde fride wnto Tacob, J Hereby ths feaverals nefle of the Holic mais ntoze plainely to be (ene, who fies ing that his father in law intended euill againſt him: vet not⸗ withſtanding, durſt not ſtirre bis fete; vnlelſe be Were'tits couraged witha newe oracle, But the Anrde, whiche had als readic Declared vnto him by the deed it felfe, that delap twas no longer to be made , ſtirreth him vp to prorede, With his wor⸗ des. Alſo by this example let ts learne that altbotiah the Lord by aduerfitic Eirreth bs vp todoe our dutie: pet notwithſtan⸗ » Ding, Wwe (hall baue finall profite thereby, vnleſſe we haue the woꝛrde as a pricke or prouocation And we fie, what happeneth to the reprobate ⁊ ſde either they fit Mill, altoniſhed in cheir e+ uuils, oꝛ els they fall to outrage, Theretore that the warnings and experiences of matters nap profite vs, we mulſt pray vn⸗ to the Lorde that he will ſhine vnto ds by his worde Pet note - hfe nace see the purpote of Moles tendeth herontoy we might knewe — op the guidaunce _ et on refurne ‘ VPON GENESIS. CAR. XXKIe refurned info bis lune countrie. Wut the lanve of Canaan is not therefoze faide tobelong Onto Abꝛaham, and to Afaac, becaule they were bozne there : bat bycaufe the Loꝛd had ap⸗ pointed the fame foz their inberttaunce, Mheretore the houe nian was by this voyce admoniſhed,that although Iſaac were a pilarime and ſtraunger:vet netwithTanving, before GDD, be as the betre and Lorde of that laude, wherein he polſelled nothing but a buriall place, »4(. lacob fent andicalled Rahel. J Jacob calleth fo2 his wi⸗ ues fo tell his minde and purpole vnto them, and to perſuade them fo aconpanie himi in the flight, For it was the part ofan honeſt huſbande to carrie Chem away with hin : therefore it was meete he ſhoulde make them priuie fo his intent, And he was not fo blinde, but that be confidered With him felfe the manifolve Daungers, It was a harde and tronblefome thing focatric women, which neuer went out of their fathers houle, into a farrecountrie ,by a way Wwhiche they knewe not. Wore⸗ ouer, if twas fobe feared , leat while they fought fo ſaue them felues, they Moulde betray their bufbande into eni⸗ mies handes. Many woulde be fo —532 in luche diſtreſſe, that ſetting afize the faith and the care of a god bufbanne, they woulde ſeeke firft fo pronide fo2 them felies , Jacob therefo2ze Qebaucth bimfelfe conftantlp, tube rather chofe to hazarde Him felfe, ther to fozfake the dutie of a aod huſbande Sf his wiues had denied him, the calling of © D D cons ſtrained him fo departe, ut, whiche was farre more to be wiſhed fo2 ,.© D D brought fe pafic, that his whole fas milie, with one content, was ready to ſollowe him. Moreouer fic women, twhofe houſe rang befoꝛe with fcouldinaes and boalles,Wwillinaly nowe give their confent to goe info exile, Wuen fo the 1 D 1K D, when as twe doe our dutie faiths fully, and doe ſhunne none of thole thinges whiche he com⸗ maundeth, maketh vs partakers of our deſires, in matters doubtfull and froublefome . And whereas Jacob calleth .’ forthe, his tines into the felve, luc thereby gather, that a patnefull life he ledde. Foz this is the chefeſt commoditie of life that be ſhould bane bad, to Dwell at home With bis vin ij. e 643 3 TOHN CALVINE 644. He twas noive olde, and woꝛne away with many laboures: whereby he ſtode in the more nede of their minifterte and comfozt.otwithtanding, be being contented with a cottage, to watche bis thepe in, lived aparte from them. Therefore, iffobe there badbene anp droppe of equifie in Laban and in bis fonnes,thep bad no caufe of enute. EII fee your fathers countenance, | Jacobs ſpeche confitks eth of twoprincipall pointes . Foꝛ firſt be ſpeaketh of bis bps right dealing, and complaineth of the falſhod of the father tr lawe . Secondly , be teltifieth that G D D its the aus thour of bis tourney, tothe ende Rachel and Leab might the moꝛe Wwillinalp beare him companie. And becaufe be as gro⸗ wen bery rich ina chort fpace,be putteth atway all falfe ſuſpi⸗ cio, and alfa maketh them twitnefles of his diligence .And als though Boles doth not particularly touch all things : pet note Withfanding,there ts no doubt, but that the honeſtie of the man was twell fene and knowen vnto them by many profes: and alfo the inturies,deceiptes, and oppꝛeſſions of their fatber manifeſt. Wlhereas he complaineth that his wages was chaun⸗ ged fen fumes, itis likely that the number oftenis bere put. fo2 often, Howbeit, it may be, fhat within the compaffe of fire peares, Laban fo often times altered bts couenantes, fring: there was cuerte peare tivo ramming times ,. the one in the ; Spring,and the other in Anfumne , as we haue ſayd. Moreo⸗ uer, this declaration of the viſion, though it ought in the tert to come bebinde : pet not withſtanding, bolp Jacob Heweth that be toke nothing in bande without the commaundement of God. Afo2re oles had ſhewed finply the matter, whereof if came that be kept bts purpofe ſecrete: but nowe tn the perfor of Jacob himſelfe he taketh away all doubting. Foꝛ he meas neth not that helped, that bp this fubtile ſſight he might de⸗ teiue bis wines: buthe bringeth in the holy ſeruaunt of Ood,.—_ truely and vnkeignedly profeſſing the matter as it was. Foꝛ · theriwife be bad abufed the name of OD D by twickedfacrie lege, in iopning this viffon with the former, wherein we le that the gate of beauen twas opened onto him. 13 [Lam the God of Bethel. IIt is no meruell that ea « : ua VPON GENESIS. CAP XXXII, Agel taketh vpon him the perfon of God: either betauſe God the father by hts word, as in a lively glaffe,bnder the fozme of Angels appeared to the holie fathers: 02 elfe,becaufe the Ans gels {peaking by the commaundement of Ood, doe rightly vets fer tvo2des,a8 from bis mouth. Foꝛ the Pꝛophets oftentimes vſe this fozme of (peaking,not that they might lift bppe thems felues into Oods ſeate: but only that the maieſtie of Gao, in bis word, ot the which they tere niinifters, might thine, Pow it is conuenient,that we do m0 moze Deepelp fearche, what the meaning of this ſpeeche is. He doth not therefoze call himfelfe The Gon of Wethel, becaule he is ſhutte bp within the come paffe of one place, but fe put bis feruaunt in minde of bis pꝛo⸗ mife:for Jacob was not as pet come fo (uch perfectio, but that he od in ned of grote infructions. here twas at that time but final light of docfrine,and petthe fame obſcured with ma⸗ ny Darke ſhadowes. Dhe whole worlde almoſte was fallen to falfe Gods: that countrie: pea, and bis father in lawes boule was replenithed with ticked ſuperſtitions. Therefore, amid⸗ deſt ſo many lettes, there was nothing harder for him, then to eleaue faithfully and fruelp vnto one God alone, WMhereſore. firft of all pure religion is commended vnto him, that amonalt the wandering errours of the woꝛld, be may keepe himfelfe ta the worſhippe and obedience of that Ood, whome be hath once knowen. Furthermoze,the promile which be recetued befo2e, is thoougbly confirmed vnto hint,that be might alwayes baue regarde onto that fpeciall conenant , whiche Gov had made With Abraham and with bis poſteritie. Thus be is directed fa the land of Canaan, which twas his inheritance: leat the ten pozall blefling of God, which be aftertward ſhould feele, Mould holde bis minde in Meſopotamia. FFo2,feeing this oracle was onelp an appendir of that fopmer,all the bencfites, which God afterivard beſtowed, ought to be referred to that firſt end, Alſo , Wemay coniecture by this place, that Jacob firk of all pꝛea⸗ ched bute bis houſe, concerning the truce God, and perfect gods lineſſe, euen as it became a holie boufholder. Foꝛ be ſhould bes rie abſurdly haue bttered this ſpoeche, vnleſſe his wiues had —* taught alreadie, concerning that mightie and notable n. Sb.iij. To 645 646 TOHN CALVINE To fhe fame effect alto perteined that whiche he fayde before; ‘The God: of my father hath bene with me {Foy it is cucn as niuch as if be ſhoulde put a difference bet wene the Gop which be worſhipped, andthe God of Laban. And newe becaule he bfeth She fame ſpeache familiarly to bis wines, as of thinges dnowne, it ts a probable contecture,that Jacob endeuored him felfe tobzing thentto the knowledge of ong Goo, and to ſin⸗ cere gedlineſſe 810 Allo by thisozarle the 1D RK D declared, that he is als wares niindefall of the godlie: pea, when they fame to be’ abtectes and fo2faken, For who woulde not haue nowe ſayde that mifcrable Jacob was deſtitute of all betpe2Gnv the 10205, When be had farried verie lon Tappeared tuto him, bat cons xrarie to hope be thewethy that he never forgat him, Che farthfull alfo.at this day fale Bim tobe no leffe mindefuill of them, if fo be they being cruelly opprelſed by the wicked With vdniulſt violence, do patiently fufter the fame, vntill be revenge: Ron, 3.23 their canfe at the latt in due time, | i4 [Rahel anfwered. ere toe fee that fo be fulfillen, whi⸗ she Paule teacheth , howe that ali thinges turne to the bee | fo fhe fonnes of God. Foꝛ the Wines of Zacob, being but pil delt withall by their fathber,are,contrarie to the tenderneſſe of their (ere, willing tobe carrie by heir huſbande into an bre knolone and farre countrie¢, Wherefore, although Jacob was conſtrained to digeſt many ſharpe ſorrowes: yet nowe he re⸗ cciueth a notable comfort, that his wiues are not heide backe With theloue of their fathers heute: but-beine rather ouer⸗ come With the prkeſomenetle sf miferies ; are tuell cone fonted to flee With him . Where is nothing, fay they , that Hall caufe vs to Kap with our father fo2 therefore daughters _éleane vnfo their fathers 5 bycauſe they are acccunted the members of the familie Wut what cruell Depriuation ts this, that be bath nof onely pat bs forth Without dowꝛie, but hath _ alfo mabe fale of bs, and hath alfo receiued the price fo2 the: whiche he hath ſolde bs-2459 mony J vnderſt and the price of frie, For they complaine that he had not onely the profiteand scutte of their dowꝛie, whiche Was their Hufbandes labour, . duiuſtlx Wzetted from him: but alfo that the fame ans © VPON GENESIS. CADP, x = 37, ſippreſſed by theircourtous father, Foꝛ this made the mate fer the moze hapnous, bycauſe this inſatiable coꝛuoꝛant, had deuoured the whole gaine whiche he had made of hig filthie merchandise, And it is to be noted, that they were then giuen vnto their huſband, eſpecially fering they knew that the hang of God was reached forth vnto then, Foꝛ there is no doubte, {wing they were perſuaded that Jacob wasa taithfull Pꝛo⸗ phet of God, but that they gladly receiued the heauenlp opacie frombismouth. — 6 [ All che riches whiche God hath taken from our father, } Machel and Leah confirme the faping of Jacob: but yet nots withſtanding, after the prophane manner of the common ſort, and not by a lively ¢ pure fenfe of godlinefic, Foꝛ wheres as GDD hauing tompatfion vppon bis feruaunt, voucher fafe to beſtowe bis ſingular fauour bppou him, they by the way touch ifs: but neuerthetefle, they Lande not tppon any firme. realon, that thefameis dueto them by right, whiche they carrie away, bycaufe part of the inheritaunce pertats neth bute thent, Foꝛ they make not theit arguiment,that the riches tubich they poſſeſſe are thews,bicaufe they were aotten by the iuſt labour of their hufband:but bicaufe they ought net to be defrauded of their dowꝛie, and nowe alfo to be depeiued of their latwfullinberifaunce, 2 Foꝛ this cauſe alfo they name their childzen with them, fubich were come of Labans bloud, After this maner they doe not onely obfcure the bleſſing of God, but alfo'take vnto thent ſelues moze libertie then is mete. Alfo they doc not rightly conceiue of their bufbands labours, when thep boatt that the fruite thereof commeth of him, WMherefdre, we muſt not fetch this erample fo2 a rule , fo knowe how euerie ane thall defend thattubichers bis, oz howe aman may reconer that whiche . vniuſtly taken abda a 7 ¶Then lacob roſevxp, and fet his ſonnes/ I Motes in this chapter, and in others following, largely pꝛoſequuteth 647 Jacobs departure: nowe bretly he onelp faiththat he arofer - > by Whiche be giticth to vnderſtand, that fo fone as he coulbe per ſuade his wines to goe With him, he miade no more lette or Gap. Relhertein his niauliecourage a couſtancie is to be fica. ait | SL. iitj, \ Foz 648 > YTOHN CALVINE | 4 Fo2 Moles leaueth many thinges to the readers confideratis on, andefpeciallp that middle time, inthe whiche the holp nian no Doubt was greuouſty troubled with manifold cares, He had perfuaded him (elfe, that bis exile Moulde be but foz a ſhorte time ; but becing depziued of the fight of his parents, andof bis natiue ſoyle, by the ſpace of twentie peares, he fuffered many areuous and fharpe ſtormes, the induraunce whereof might ſo bauchardened him, o2 af leafte tuile fo opp2efed him, that he might there baue confumed the reſt of bis life. Now be beqanne fo ware an olde man: and colde maketh olde men moze flowe. Wut the flight wherevnto he adzeffed him (elfe, wanted not perill. Therefore it was nes ceflaric,that he ſhoulde be armed with the fpirite of fortitude, that this cheerefulneile ,of the whithe Moles (peaketh, might lift bp bes fecte, And when we reade of this lecrete departure of the holy man , whiche coulde not be but fo his rep2oche, let vs learne to turne our mindes to theſe examples, if God at anytints humble vs. 19 [ Rachel ſtole her fathers ĩdols. J Although the Hebrue worde ſignifieth alfo( acccoꝛding fo the common phraſe of fpeach images, which ſtand not to be woꝛſhiped:vet notwith⸗ ſtanding, bicauſe this name is moſt commonly taken in euill part,4 Doubt not,but that they were the peruliar Gods belon⸗ Tdolatrie ging to Labans houſe.And be him felfe calleth them bis Gods, is natural- And hereby tt appeareth, how prompt and ready mans nature lyin man. ig to idolatrie: {eine this bice hath ouerwheimed all ages, that men haue made onto them felucs vifible figures of Gov. There were not as pet tivo humdred peres fpent, fince No⸗ abs death, and Sem departed but a little befoze : bis dactrine being deliuered from band fo hand, ought to haue remained, efpecially among the potteritie of Thare, bicauſe the Lozd had choſen to him felfe this houſe as bis only Sanctuarie inearth, where he woulde be moe purelp wwo2rthtpped: andthe bopre . of Sem himſelfe founded in their cares; vntill the death of Ae beaham: and pet mofte filthie fuperffitions had flowed thie ther alfo alreadie from Thare him felfe, the Watriarche Sent - being vet aliue and {peaking And although there isnodoubt, but that be went about, as —————— could, to. * VPON GENEST?IsS, CAP. XXXI. bis poſteritie to a found minde : yet notwithſtanding, we fe what he profited. Neither isit likely that Wethuel was als together iqno2ant of Abyabams calling,and pet notwithian- bing, be with bis as not bought from that vanitie , Ho⸗ lie Jacob alfo helde not bis peace, by the fpace of twentie yeares , but fought by counfelling and admonifhing to coꝛrecte thoſe qroffe bices: but in vaine, becaufe ſuperſti⸗ tion by ber violent courfe prevailed . Wherefore, the verie auncientneſſe of oꝛiginall ts a witneſſe, that idolatrie is _ almoft inaraffed in mens mindes And obftinacie thetweth that if is ſo faſt roted, that it can fearfe be pulled vp. And nowe this ts moze abfurde , that not fomuch as Wachel could by long tract of time be brought from this mifchafe, She had beard her huſband oftentimes preaching concerning the true and perfect worſhippe of God: pet notwithitanding, fhe is fo addicted bnto ſuperſtitions, which from her infancie fhe had recetued, that fhe binacth them ſorth to infecte the lande Which God had choſen. Sbhe feigneth that he wo2thippeth God with ber hufbande: and yet neverthelefe, the carrieth With ber idoles by which he may peruert his worſhip. It may alfo bey that the tw much fufferaunce of Jacob towarde his wife whom hedoued fo ertremely, bred ſuperſlitions Wher⸗ fo2e lef godlie fathers and bufbandes learne,fo be verie dili⸗ gent ,leatt any blottes of vices remaine in their wiues 02 childzen. | Some verie rathely ercule Rachel, affirming that the went about, by godly theft, to purge ber fathers houſe of idols, Foꝛ if this hadbene ber purpoſe, why did the not caſt fromber thofe pollufions , as the pafledouer theriuer Cuz 649 Superfti- tion hath prevailed in all ages phates? by did he not after ber father's departure bew2ay pochetan fo her huſbande what the had tone 2 But there ig no med!e jeolacer. of coniectures, fing tt is euident by the hiſtorie it felfe, that Jacobs houfe was polluted with idols , vntill the rauiſhing of Dina, Whereforett was not godlineſſe that moued Na⸗ chel to feale ber fathers ivols, but blind fuperffition : bycaufe ‘the thought that God twas not worſhipped but vnder idols. Foꝛ this isthe founteine of the difeate, that men being care nallimagine Gon alfo fo be carnall, | 2). Sb, 20f°Thus 650, F LOHN CALVINE — 20Chus lacob ſtale away the heart of Laban.] This ig an Hebrue phraſe of ſpeche, by whiche Moſes meaneth,that Jacob Went away pruily and byſtealth, not making his fa⸗ ther in lawe priuie fothefame . But his purpeleis to note, info what miſerie Zacob twas bought,that be bad no way te departe but by fight. 302 Laban had purpofed fo keepe bint captiue all bis life tinte, even as if be had bene a bondman, 02 a flane « Wherefore lette, bs alfo learne by bis crample, {when the Lode calleth vs, to ſtriue ftrongly again alt lettes: and let bs not maruell if tue palle through many bara ſtreightes. 22 [The thirde day after it was tolde Laban; ] Dhe Lozde gaue vnto bis fernaunt thee dayes ſpace, inthe whiche time be being pafted ouer the riuer Gupheates , twas come vnto the bo2ders of the land of promife, And it may be, that Labans Wath;in the meane time, twas well coled, in the beginning Whereofhe twas moze hot andteltie. And whereas afters warde be fuffered him tobe intercepted in the middelt of bis iourney, be purpofed by this meancs to make bis belpeuthe nioze manifell, It twas fo be wiſhed, that bis courſe might not be ſtopped, and that be might not be ferrefied with death by the comming of bis cruell father in lawe: but feing dar - ban like a fierce wild beat theeatening fillmurder, twas fone Benly calmed of the Lo2de,this twas farre moꝛe apf and p2ofis table fo confirme the holy mans faith. Foꝛ as in helping him, the power of God did moze plainly thine: fo be paefuming bps pon his belpe and defence, went the more couragiouflp thos rough thereft offemptations. By tubiche we are taught, thatthofe troubles ;iwhich fo2'a time are greeuous vnto bs,do not withſtanding turne to our faluation if fobe Wwe doe obes dientlyſubmit our felucs fo the twill and pleafure of Ood, that by the fucceffe tf felfe; be may declare, What aud howe create. care be bath fo2 bs. It was a heauie andmiferable fiabt, that . Jacobearrying with bint fo great a familie, houln flee away as one that had Done amiffe:but this was moꝛe harpe¢ feare full; thatthe detruction which Laban intended again him, was readie to lighton bis pate, And the maner of deliuerance which Poles deſcribeth, ts mere “phen all. triumphes. Far t t veon GENESIS. “CAP, XXXI._ Foꝛ the Loꝛde defeending frem heauen fo helpe bis ſeruaunt, ffandeth asa buckler before Jacob againſt Laban, ¢ ina mo⸗ ment pacifieth tho outragrors furte, whereby Laban was in: flamed, | ~ 23 [And followed after him ſeuen dayes iourney. Wecauſe Labans cruelfic twas alreadie pacified, 02 at leat wife bridled, he Durft not vſe any great thzeats : but laying afide all fierce: neſſe, he falleth to feiqned and falfe llatteries For be complat- fieth that tniuric ts done Unto hit, becauſe Jacob had not dil clofed vnto hint his departure , of whome he woulde haue fas Ken his leaue With top,in token of fatherly loue. Cuen fo hypo⸗ frites , when abilitie of Hurting is faken from them, they lay falfe complaints vpon god and godly men, as though the fantt tere in them. Wherefore, fat anp time Wicked and brigod! inen, when they haue vexed bs bnintlly 5 doe Cloke their euil dealing with equitic ¢ right, let vs ſwalowe bp that thiquitie, not that it ts vnlawlull fo2 bs to vſe a iuſt deſence:but becauſe Wwe can not efcape, but that euill mien will be alway readie to giue letwde words, and will lap the blame of their wickedneſſe Dppon bs which are innotent, without bluthing In the meane imme, let vs wilely take have, that we gine vnto thent none occaſion. 7.89719" G39 2} CRA. —3 lam able to do you euill, Laban being puffed bp with foliſh boattina,telleth a contrarte fale. For he being forbidden of Gon to atempt any tbs againſt Jacob fo hurt him, where is his abilitie of the whieh be boattett}7 Wic fee therefore howe blindly he runneth an end,as though he coulde be tubat he lilt⸗ £0 againtt Gov: Foz he feeling that Goris aqaint hint,dareth 65 Godly mé can pot c- {cape euill wotdes, Frideis hotivithtanving boat of bis rength . To whatende doth he daza⸗ this, but as thougt be tholo be ſtronger then God22Lo be ſhort mayd of pave is alivay p handmard of bribelafe: tnfomurh p the vnbe⸗ vabclecfe, eeuers, thotigh they be ouertome: pet neuerthelelſe ther ceatte not peenithly to rife againtt God. Welide this, thep template that they are bnititly oppreiled of Gov: ſ But the Ged of your’ father.) Wthy alfo doth be not confetle hint to be his Cod , but becauſe Data had before bewitched his mind, $ he rather vee _ fired to grope in the darke,then to furne biin felfe to p p2ofered Hight? But whether he witl oz not, be ts contained to sor a piace 652 Slaunders happen to the beft. Idolaters haue al- wiy 2 cloke. IOHN CALVINE place to the God of Abꝛaham: and yet neuerthelette, he robs beth bint of bis Due honour, cleauing vnto falfe Goos, bp whom he was deluded, We fee therefore that the wicked, though they bauc felt the power of God: yet notwithſtanding they do not wholy ſubmit themſelues vnder the ſame. Mher⸗ fozc,fo fone as God hath reuealed himſelfe onto bs, we mutt by and bp craue from heauen the {pirite of meekenelſe, whiche may frame and bend vs onto bis obedience, 30 [Wherefore haft thou ſtolen my Gods?] This ig the fecond part of the ercule,by which be lapeth to Jacobs charge, that be went not away, neither fo2 the oefire he bad toreturne into bis countric, neither pet fo2 any iuſt caufe : fo2 fo muchas be had ſtained himſelſe with theft. A great € a fhameful fault, from the whiche notwithſtanding Jacob was cleare. But bereby let vs learne; that, no man cai liue fo vprightly in the world, but that fometimesibe ſhalbe vniuſtly daundered, The whiche fo often as it happeneth onto vs, let this pꝛomiſe come fort bs, that the Loꝛd thall make our righteouſneſſe as cleare as the none day. Foꝛ by this pꝛactiſe Sathan gocth aboute to pull ps alway from the defire of well doing, when as without our fault we are faunderedfaliy, Andthe world being bus thankefull,altoap recompenteth berie pll thoſe that deſerue well. There haue bene alwayes fome which throughe no⸗ ble foztitude haue contemned falſe rumours, becauſe thep haue moꝛe elamed of a god conſcience, then of the peruerfe opinion of the people, Wut it becommeth the Faithfull allvayes to haue regarde vnto Ood, leaf at any time their confcience faile them. Wozeouer, we fee that Laban calleth theſe images bis Gods , not becaule be thought that the Deitie was inclus ded In them : but becaute be wwo2thipped thoſe images fo2 the honour of God. D3 elle, becauſe when be infended fo {crus God, he turned himſelle to ſerue thofe images. At this dap the Papilts thinke that they haue verie ſubtily eſcaped by the difo ference of the name onely, becauſe they giue not the name of: Gods bnto their idols , Wut it is a vaine Mhift, (cing they are, in the matter it (elfe berieltke . 3fo2 they lay downe all that honour , which they confelle is due vnto Cod, before images and pictures.The toolaters of olde time Wanted not a cloke: > VPON GENESIS. CAP, XXXII. as, that thep gaue but the bare name of Gods bnto images, Which were madeforeprefent God, — 3t flacob aunfwered, } Jacob breeflp putteth away both partes of the ercufe.Concerning bis fecrete departure,be mas keth a verie modeſt ercule: becaule he feared , leak his wiues fhould be taken alway from bim, And after this fort be taketh part of the faulte bppon himſelle: becauſe he counteth it ſucti⸗ cient fo purge buntelfe from the conceiued malice , Be difpur teth not Khetopically, whether tt tere latwfull to oeparte by ſtealth, but leaucth it fo be confidered of , whether that feare were to be blamedo2 no, Let all the children of God learne fo followe this modeſtie, leſt they fall to contentions through an immoderate deſire fo Defend their fame: euen as Wwe fe oftens times that many moue Dragedies about nothing, when they make anfwere andrefiftance to euerie trifling matter, Jacob therefore was contented with this ercufe, when be proneth that be hath Done nothing wickedly, When follotucth the des fence of the other partie , tuberein Jacob ſheweth his god pers ſuaſion, adiudging that partie to death , in whome the thefte fhould be found, And helpeaketh from bis heart : but if fo be the trueth bad bene then knowen, be mutt needes haue bane &hamedof his raſhneſſe. Although therefore be fufpected not the fame: yet notwithſtanding, be finneth by ouermuche hatte, becauſe he doth not make diligent inquirie, before be gatie fentence ofa doubtfulmatter, Be ſhould hauc called both bis fonnes,and alfo his wiues, and bane made diligent inqui⸗ rie how the matter fod. Wut be was perfuaded that bis boule was ſo tell o2dered, that be never fufpected any manner of theſft. Yet he ould not bane repofed any Cuch confidence in bts difcipline t gouernment, but that be (ould hawe feared wher the fault was obiected. Githerfoxe Iet bs. learne to fufpend our judgement of matters vnknowen, leaſt we repent our rath neſſe tw late, Poꝛeouer, herecfallo it came to pafle, that the pollution, which might bane ben by and by faken alway , cons tinued longer in the boufe of Jacob, 32 [ But Iacob wilt not that Rahel had ftoInethem. ] Mo⸗ fes ſheweth bow Kachel couered ber theftinamely, that by ſit⸗ ting ouer the inols, the feigned that the bad ber 2* armes. 653 POHN CAL VINE 654. tenant o — — ——— be demaunded, whether fhe did this foz ſhame, oꝛ of obſtinacie. It was a ſhame fo2 ber to be found guiltie of theft : fhe feared alfo the greeuous fens fence which ber huſband had pronounced, Motiwithitandina,i¢ feemeth poobable vnto me,that Hame pꝛeuailed not muche twith ber; as an obftinate loue of idolatrie.Foꝛ we know how greatly fuperititien bewitcheth mens mindes. Therefore; as thoughe fhe bad gotten a molſte excellent treaſure, the inten⸗ deth rather to attempte any thing, then fo be depriued thereof, Porcouer, the rather choſe to haue her fathers, and bufbands bifpleafure, then to lay aſide the matter of ſuperſtition. Mith ber deceipt alſo the ioypneth alie, by whiche ſhe deſerued the greater repeehenſion. 36; Then Lacob was wroth,and-chod with Laban. JAgaine Jacob offendeth,urcontending with bis father in lawe, about a matter which was not euidently knobon, unputing fo bine amiffe the launder, For though be indaed al fhofe of his fami⸗ lie to be without blame: pet nofwitanding, by bis negligence he was Deceiucd, He yet moderateth himlelfc,that in chiding Wwith Laban, he vſeth no reprochfull wordes: but herein beis not tobe oxcuſed, ðᷣ be taketh on him the Defence. of his whole familie, when as y fame twas not without blame, Ffanp man obiect vᷣ feare conſtrained him to do this, becaufe Laban came acompanied with a great band of men:the matter it ſelf thee eth that the modeſtie of his mind rather moued him, to bebaue bintfelfe in this wiſe. For he doth boldly refit, and ſheweth na figque of fearfulnette : only he abſteineth from gining euil wor⸗ des, Then he ſheweth that he bath tuft cauſe to accufe aban: not that be intended toreverfe the blante bpon: Laban, but bee caule if was neceſſarie that his kinffolkes ¢ compante, which he bꝛought with him, ſhould be witneſſes of all things that by the long fufferaunce of Jacob, his inteqritie might the better appeare. Moreouer, Jacob repeateth, that be was not onelpa Faithfull keeper of bis flocke;but alfo that bis labour twas pꝛo⸗ fperous by the bleſſing of God; beftde this he addeth, thathe | was fate fo pay fo; al that was loſt.&Aherby be accufeth Lar © bau of qreat iniurie. Mhen be faith, That the fleepedeparted from hiscyess he doeth not ouly meane that be watched in - night, VPON GENESIS. ‘cCAr. XXX. Aight but alfo that he boreſtled with nature it felfe; in that te defrauded himlelfe of quiet ree. 42 [Except the'God of my father. 7 * Jatob aſcribeth it to the grace of Ood, tn that he returneth not home emptie. By which be doth not onely make Labans offence more gree⸗ uous, but alſo anſworeth the obiection, Wwhiche might ſceme to be againlt his complaintes. Therſore, in that he is riche, he de⸗ nieth the fame to come by the gentlenes ¢ liberalitie of bis fas ther inlaw, buf teſtifieth that theFLo2d hath refpected him:as _ if be had faid, It is no gramerrie to thee, (hat thou halt don me no more harmecbut it is God which hath refrained ther, Lobo Jhaue found fawonrable vnto me. ow fing God is not the patrone of an cuill faith and is not want fo belpe the ticked; hereby the integritie of Jacob is knowen; becauſe if hath pleaſed God fo be bis vefente,’ And it is to be noted, that he feparating the God of Abꝛaham byname, from all ſalſe Gods, ſheweth vᷣ there is no other true Gon, By which alfo he ſhew⸗ eth that be is the emb2acer offrue godlines. Underſtand here the feare of Iſaac pattiuely,for the God whom Iſaac woꝛchip⸗ Dandfeared:caen as be is called the feare and trembling of 6 people,fo2 the feare and reucrence, which ts due vnto him. And we baue anowin this fame Chapter'the like fpeche, Wat the qodlie fo feare Ood, that they are not amazed at dis ſight, as the reprobate are: but trembling at bis iudgement, thep walite carefullp bofoꝛe bim.[ But God beheldaiy-tribulation, & the labour of myhands. This is ſpolten ofthe verie Contes Feeling of godlines, becauſe Gov din helpe him being afflicted; and behauing him felfe honettlyp ¢ Well) Sherefazejto fhe end that God may helpe vs with bis fauour, lef bs learne to bes haue our felucs well and truely in doing our duetieilet vs not Mun latwfultlabsurs: and let bs uot be ſowe to redeeme poace Wwith many troubles, Iurthermore;if ſo be they handle vs hardly anvboninltip,of toheine toe haue well deſerued, let bs in hope and filende beare our croſſe, vntill ſuche ‘time as the Love doe Helpe vs. Foꝛhe will not leaue and forſake bs euett in the beric —— the Scripture oftentimes x - aio Jacob verte flatly baatth bis father in taw bp his * confeffion > O55 656 IOHN CAL VINE feſſion, Foꝛ Luby bad the Lorde reproned him, but beeaute Without all right and equitte be perſecuted an innocent man? Foꝛ as Itouched a little before, it ts againtt the nature of God to mainteine euill and vniuſt caufes, 4¶Iheſe daughters are my daughters.) oly Laban bee ginneth tofpeake farre othertwife then he did before, He feth now that be bathno more cauſe of contending. Therefore, be beeing conuinced, layeth afide all bralles, € commeth vnto quiet and friendly communication, WMhy,/ faith be, fhould F be an enimie vnto the , fing all thinges are common among bs? Should Jbe cruell fo mine owne bowels? Foꝛ thy wines andfby childzen are my bloud . Cberefo2e, if is mete that J be fo affected towardes pou;euen as if ¥ repzrefented them all, ow he anfwereth as a moſte right, iuſt, and indifferent man, WBut how came this humanitie ſo foudenly in bim, whiche of late, without any manner of confideration of right 02 wong, was violentip carricd fo (eke the deffruction of Jacob 2 Cre cept it were, becaule be knoweth that Jacob bad delt faithfully with him, and was at the length by neceflitie conftraincd, to take this ftealing departure inband. And we gather out of this place,that although couetouſneſſe, and other peruerfe af fections, take away tudgement,and a found minde: vet not⸗ withTanding,the knowledge of the tructh remaineth fatk ſet⸗ tledin the mindes of men, the tobiche beeing Mirred, vttereth ber fparkes:ercept malice beare the whole fivay, Ff any man bad faid afore, TA bat meanelt thou aban? Wibat crueltic is this ,fo rebell againt thine otune botwels? ie would not haue beard btm. For be was inflanied with biolent outrage. Wut now of him felfe,be ts perfuaded of that, whiche be would not beare of another. It is euident therefore, that the light of equi⸗ tie, whiche now appeareth, was choked inbis minde. To be thozt, onelp the toue of our felues blindeth and hardeneth our beartes: becaufe euerie one of bs indgeth rightly, ercept it be in our otwne cauſe. But if it fo fall out,that we be troubled for a time,let vs ſtriue that reafon and cquitie may preuaile, Wut if a man thall harden himſelfe in malice:yet notwithtanding, that inward and fecrete knowledae , whereof % haue (poken, Which is fufficient fo condenme him, ſhall remaine· 44 [Now = VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXXI- 657. 44 [Now therefore come and let ysmakéacouchaunt} — ° 4 aban bebaucth hint felfe here,as men are wont to do, whole confciences beate them witneſſe of cuill, when be feketh te cut off mutuall reuenge, And ſuche a feareis the tuft recome penſe of euill dealing. Moꝛeouer,the wicked alwayes iudge o⸗ thers by themſelues:wherot it commeth to paſſe, that they are afearde of cuerie thing. Wherefore, Boles ſchewed almolſt the like erample befo2c, when Abimelech made a couenaunt with Iſaac.Whereby we are faught to be the mo2e carefull, if fo be “Wwe defire to haue a quict minde, to line vpꝛightly € innocents Pee ip with our neighbours , In the meane time Moles teacheth, tg wha how tractable Jacob was, and how ealilp he ſuffered hin felfe 5.4 fo1- fo be bꝛought vnto concord. Be had bone many and qreuous lowed. iniuries: but now hauing forgotten thenvall,he willingly res theth forth bis hande vnto quietneſſe: and be ts fo eafie in dee fending bis right, that after a fozte Labatt p2enenteth hint, be⸗ ing the firſt that fetteth op a one. And tn verie ded it become meth the childzen of Ood,not only cherefuly fo imbzace peace: but alfo carnefly fo fecke after it, euctt as toe are commanded | in the Plalme As touching p heape of tones, if nas alwwayes Pal. z4 a common cuitome,to dle fone ceréinonic,whiche miaht cons firme the couenanton either parte, Pow the heape of ones as gathered tocether , that there night remaine a memoꝛie Of the couenant fo the pofterities . In that Jacob peloeth vnto this, it is a figne of a mind inclined fo peace, as we haue ſayd. He made his complaint frelp, when lime required: but when became to the making ofa vnitie € peace, he ſheweth that be foſtereth no poyſon. When Moles addeth that thep did cat vp⸗ on the heape of ones, he keepeth no o2der in the biftozie, For they both sade conenants and conditions,befo2c fuch time as they prepared afealk, Wut this figure is beric dfuall, as we haue keene befo2e. Sif & Be LUE 47And Laban called it Iegar Sahadutha.] In one ſenſe chey qaue two names in both their languages vnto the heape ” \of tones. Ahereby it appeareth,that Laban bfed fhe Syrian + Pongue,although became of the focke of Weber, Wut if is no - ‘meruel that he dwelling among the Syrians, accuſtomed him felfc both ta the tonque,¢alfo the maners of that nation, And © Tt. 8 by. 658 | SAFOHN CALVINE . a little befoze, be twas twice called an Alfprian:euen if Moſes bad faid,that be was a baltard, and fraunger,alienaten front the Hebꝛues. Wut this fremeth not toagre with. the former ftozte,iwhere we readejthat the daughters of Laban qaue Bee b2uenames vnto their ſonnes. Wut the folution is eaſie to be inade, 302 (xing there is greate affinifie betweene theſe fongues,one voice might eaſily incline to another, Morouer, it is berie probable $ Jacobs wiues applied themfciues to fpeak Facobs lanquage And he no Doubt fought fo baing them thers bnito; ¢ the rather, becauſe he knew p bis familie was choſen from among other nations , And whereas Moles vleva little before the name of Galaad, it was a figure called Prolepfis, Foꝛ (ing he weote for thofe in his fime,be douted not to vſe the conunon recetued name, Wut hereby we gather,that ceres | monies and rifes 5 ought tobe referred. vnto that, wherevpon men Agree among themfelues. The whiche rule ought to take place in facraments:; bycauſe if fo be the woꝛd be taken always by which God maketh his coucnant with bs,. the figures chall remaine vnprofitable and dead, 49 (The Lord lookebetweene me and thee] Zabancome — mitteth all offences, which might grow betweene either of thẽ in their. abfence, vnto the judqement of God; to renenges¢ pur nih the fame, As if he ould fap, Althongh Jſhall not knowe ofthe iniurie done, becaufe 3 thalbe far hence: pet not voͤſtan⸗ ding,the Lord which ts euerie where thal behold it. The which: fentence be moze plainely vttereth ſone after, ſaving: There is no bodie with vs,God ſhalbe a witneffe betweene me and thee Ay which twoozds be giueth to vnderſtand, that God hall bea ſeuere punifher of euerie wicked. fact, when there ſhall fitte ns Rudge tthe world bpon the fame; Andin verte deede, tf ſo be there were anp religio in vg, the p2efence of God would moue vs muche moꝛe, then all the lokes and fightes of men, Wut if conuneth-to palle,by the brutiſh dulneſſe of our flefhe, that tue reverence and feare none buf men: as thouche we might vſe God af our pleafure, when we arenst conuinced by the telti« monieof men, Wut if fs be the common fenfe of nature taught Laban this, that deceits thal come before the indgment of God which are pia fro ie wohaet bs which line inp light of — go VPON GENESIS. Cap, XXXII: O59 gofpel,be aſhamed to cotour our deceits Pereby allo learne the iatofull vſe of an sathe, which allo the Apoſtle noteth,faying, : An oath ‘for confirmation, is an end among them of all {irite. Heb. 6.6. 50 [Orthale take wiues befide my daughters, } aban meas . seth thaf this thalbe a kino of falfe vealing,tf fo be Jacob take vnto bin other Wines And pet nofwithtanvina, he himlclfe had conſtrained him to take mo Wiues then it was latvful:fo2, was not the craftie connepance of Lea,in Rachels ſteed, the ocx tafion that Jacob had mio wiues? But now of the berte fincere fenfe of nature,be condemneth that tice, wherof be was § euil author, being blinded boith his couetouſnes. And truly when F bond of wedlock ts broken, then. p which there is nothing moze firme ationg metal bumane foctefie decapeth . Wherefore, frentike nen, whicheat this day buſie them felues in the dee fence of bauing many tines, ned no other iudge then Labatt, 53 ET he God of Abraham. hits ts verte rightly ¢ order⸗ bp none. that Lavan fiveareth to Jacob bp the name of Gon: foz this ts'theconfirmation ofcoucnantes, to tall pon God on ei⸗ ther part, that be twitinottufter falſhod to eſcape vnpuniſhed. Wut he noth verie illin ioyning Wols with the true God, with tubo be had no part o2felotohip.Cuen fo, ſuperſtitious men ere wont fomingle p worſhip of God, with prophane things, and the pure Deitie with mens inuentions We ts conſtrained to giue fome honour tnto the God of Abraham: pet notwith⸗ ſtanding, he licth plungedin bis filthineffe:¢ leat his religion uray feme tobe the worſe he couereththe fame with fhe cloke of antiquifie. Foꝛ tn caling him, The Good of bis father,be bo» Heth that be was delivered vnto him of his cloers. Neuerthe⸗ leſſe, Jacob fweareth not {uperititiouflp, Foꝛ, Moles plainely erp2elleth,that be ſware not, but by pfeare of $faac;to the cnd we ntay knotv,that be aſſented not bute his father in laine, v⸗ fing a prepotterous fozic, as many doe to pleate the twiclicd, feigning vᷣ they imbrace with them al one religion ABut toben vo hauẽ once knowen the only God, his trueth ts nralicioully Auppꝛelſed of bs, vnleſſe the fame by the light thereof noc driue Awar all the cloudes.of errours; And there is no doubt, but ᷣ the facrifice was agreeable to the ſoꝛme of fwearina,to the end be might put away all pollufions frõ the pure wozthip of Cov. @? St ij, 54 [And * 650 ' “FOHN CALVINES 4 .Y¥ 54 LAndscalled.his brethrento eate breade: Inthat Ia⸗ cob ſo gently interteineth bis kinſemen/ he thereby declareth his. courteſie. Woles alſo noteth, that it came to paſſe, by. the. ſingular godneſſe of God, that after thatcruell ſtorme, which threatened deſtruction fo the bolic man,there foudenty infaed: apleafant calme To the fame effect,that which by and by fol loweth,appertemeth. For after. this manner the Lorde openty? ſheweth, that he ts the keper of bts fernaunt, tubo like vnto a loft (heepe, wonderfully delinered him ont of the mouth: of the wolfe, And net onely Labans furte was pacified; but at⸗ fo he put vppon him fatberlic affection, euen as if bebad bene chaunged into a newe man.f And blefled them, IThe circum⸗ france of the perfon ts ta: benofed;as that Laban, whiche was fallen from godlinete; and was wicked and pil difpofed,retets ned notwithſtanding the manner of bleffing . For berebp we aretaught,that there are in the bearts of the wicked, cettcine beginnings of the knowledge of Gon; ta the ende that they might be quite boyde ofexcuſe. Foꝛ hereof conuneth the cus ſtome of blefling 5 becauſe men are certeinly perfuaded, that one Ood is the authour ef all god thinges. Foꝛ although they proudly arregate cuerp thing vnto themſelues: pet not with⸗ ftanding, when they examine themfelues,they are conſtrained twill thep nill * ferle, that alt ga et = conte —* God alone· — —— xxxrK," sansiti 3 3] Ow Iacob went forth on his oureys an the {| Angels of God mette him. NX Anidwhen Jacob 'fawe them,he fide) This IN | is Gods hoaft and he-called the name of’ the : fame place;Mahanaim. ecu 3 Ehen Iacob fent meflingers before himto Efad his Bigs ther,vnto the lande of Seir,into the countrie of Edom. . 4 To whome he gauéecommaundenient,faying, T hus ſhall ye {peake to my Lord Efau, Thy ferwant faith dies t haue bene a {traunger with Laban,and tarried vntothis time. * ¢ Thane beeues alfo, and aſſet, heepe, and —— and womenſeruants, and haue ſent to hewoi my Lorde,th may finde grace in thy fi ed VRPON GENESIS. CAP, XXXII 6 Sothe meflinger came againe ynto Lacob, faying, We 661 came vntothy brother Efau,and he alfo commeth a eaintt thee and foure hundred men with him, ¥ 7 Then Iacob was greatly afeard,and was fore troubled, & diuided the people that was with him, and the fheepe, and the beeues, and the Camels into two companies. 8. For he faide, If Efau come to the one companie, and finite it ,the other companie {hall efcape. 9 Moreouer lacob faide,, O God of my father, Abraham, and God of my father Izhak, Lord which fayedft vnto me,Re- turne inte thy countrie, andtothy kinred , and I will do thee good. ul 10 I amnot worthie of the leaſt of all thy mercies, and all the trueth whichethou haft fhewed vnto thy ſeruaunt: for with my ftaffe came J ouer this lordan, and now haueI gotten twobandes, - Ine lal are 1 I pray thee deliuer me out of the hande_of my brother, from thehande of Eſau: for I feare him, leaft he will.come and _ fmiteme,.andthe mother with her children. ° 12 Forthoudayedft, Iwillfurely doe thee good, and make thy feed as the fand of the fea, which cannot be numbered for multitude, —D » layin _ iy And he tarried there the fame night, and tooke of that whiche cameto hande,a prefent for Efauhis brother, 14. Two hnndred thee goates,twentic hee goates,two hune dred ewes, and twentie rammes. it is ioatli ; 1s Thirtie milche Camels with their Coltes., fortie Kine, and tenne Bullockes} tweentic fhee Affes, and tenne Foales, 16. So he deliuered them into the handes of his feruaunts: euerie droaue by them felues , andfaide vnto his feruaunts: Pafle before me, ‘and puta {pace betweene droaue and droaue, spauToiaig aol —BB— world a7 And she icommaunded'the formicht, fying; Tf EGumy '. brother meete thee, and-afke ,thee faying, Whiote ſeruaunt att : nae >, and whither »goeft thou, and whofe are thefe before * —— HNO DIS 4 a8 Thenm thou thale fy; They-be thy ſeruaunt Tacobs it ãs a preſent ſent vnto my Lorde Eſau: and beholde he hinvfelfe worl) t Ttiij, alfo 662 IOHN CAEVINYE alfo is behinde vs, 1 ett 19. So Itkewife alfo he —⸗ the —* & th — and all that followed the droaues, ſaying, After this maner Mall ye {peake vnto Efau,when ye findehim. 20° And ye fhall fay morcouer,Behold thy — Tacob commeth after vs:for he thought, wal appeafe his wrath with the prefent that goeth before me,and afterwarde I will fee his face:it may be that he will accept me. 21 So went the prefent before him; but he tarried that night with thecompanie, 22. And he rofe vp the fame night,and — his two wiues, and his two maydes,and his eleuen —— went ouer the foorde Iabok, 23 Andhetooke them, and fent them ouer the riuer, and fent ouer that he had. 24. When Iacob was left himfelfe alone , there weeftled a man with him , ynto the breaking of the day: . 25 And he rit that he could not preuaile againft him, show fore he touched the hollow ofhis thighe, and the hollew. of Ia- cobs thighe was loofed;as he wreltied with him, ~- _.26 And he faid, Letmego,for the morning appeareth Ww ho | anfwered, Twill not let thee goe,except thou bleffe me. : * Then hidhe vnto him, What is chy name? And he ſaid, aco — 28 Thendaich he, Fhy: name (hall be called Lacob, nd mores. ‘ut Ffrael : becaufe thou haft had, (power with Gad, * thou ſhalt alfo preuaile withinen. 29 Then Iacob demanded, ſaying, Tell mel ray thee thy name?And he faid, Wherefore now doelt thon: e my name And he blefled him there’, 0 And Iacob called thename of theplace Resch —** I haue ſeene God face to face, and my life ĩs preſerued. verge “And the Sunne role to him, as he. pales aenieh, and he * vpon his thighe. », herefore the children. of Ifracheate not ‘of the fi newe Pie that —— in the hollowe of the thigh vnto this day: becaufe” _ “ * Lays the haewn that franks in the: hollovisel Jacobs ughe © : ighssipisra S he J Un 1 olls ind A x, [Now VPON GENESIS.’ CAP. XXXII 66 1 [Now Iacob went foorth omhis iourney.] After that Yas cob had efcaped out of the handes of his father in lawe, that is fo fap, from prefent death, he now goeth fortvard to meet with bis bꝛother, whofe cruelty was no leſſe, but a great deale moze to be feared. Foꝛ by his theeats, be was conſtrained fo fle out of the countrie. And now there appeareth vnto hun no better Hope. He goeth forward therefore fearefullp, euen as vnto the flanabter, Whereloꝛe, becauſe tt could not be,but that be bees ing duerpreſſed With ſorow, ſhould faint,the Lord giueth him comfort in time, and pecpareth him as well for this conflicte, as kor others : that be might ſhewe bimfelfe a baliant and ins vincible Champion in all things. Therlore, to the end he may knolwe , that be is garden by the defence of God, the Angels come fo mete Wwith bins, their hoaſt being ſette on either part of him. The hebrue interpreters thinke,that the hoatt of Ans gels were placed on the one fide of him, and that God rather fkode ouer againt him, But it is much moꝛe likely, that the Angels were diftributed into tivo hoaſts, on either fide of Ja» cob,tothe end he might knowe, that be twas beefette on euerie part,¢ garded with heauenly ſouldiers:euen as it is ſaid in the Ptaime, The Angels of the Lord pitch round about them that feare him, & deliuer them, And this viſion was profitabletive Wwayes, Foꝛ, becauſe the bolic man was verie carefull for the 4ime to come,the Lord would, in connenient finte, take from Him thts veration: 02 at the leat wile , ſomewhat mitigate the fame, leatt be ſhould faintin temptation. Alfo, after be fhouln be deliuered from bis bzother , be would bane theres membzance of the benefite to be printed tn bis minde, lealt at any time if ſhould be forgotten , THe knowe how readie men are fo korgette the benefites of © DD: pea, when Cod reas cheth out his bande to helpe them, ſcarſe the hundred perfor lifteth wp bis eves. Therefore, it was neceſſarie, that God bis .. "gard and bande ſhould be fetfe before the holie mans fare, that he might euidently bebolde and fe , that he twas not of - > fate delivered out of Labans hand by chaunce, buf that be bad rhe Angels of God fighting for bint, that be might be aſſured⸗ ly perfuaded, that they thould be readie to helpe hint againſt the laping in waite of bis bꝛother. b Tt .iiij. Chen, Pfa.3 4.7. 66 m3 LOHN. CALVINE 64. . + Then, that he being deliuered out of perill, night be mindfull that be was protected by them. And this doctrine is extended vnto bs all,tethe end tue might learne, that bis inuifible pes fence is bebelde in the manifett graces of Gon, Neuerthelelſe, it was neceſſarie that the holie man choul⸗ be armed with newe Weapons,to ſuſteine the conflicte at hande.Be knoweth not whether bis brother Glau twere chaunged, 02 whether be incre made worſe Wut it was moſt to be feared, that p bloudy man intended nothing but mifcheefe,Dherefoze, to make bins the moze confident againſt the time te come, the Angels aps peared ho lefle, then foz the remẽbrance of the grace patt, Zhe number alfo doth nof a littic imbolden him Ifdr although one Angel be fuffictent for our defence : pet neuerthelefle.the Lord Anoels are daleth moze liberalty with bs. WAherefore they dee wickedly curde- dilgrace the godnes of God, whiche thinke euerie one of bs is fence,as Defended bp one Angel. And there is no dout, but $ the dinel by Gods mi- this fubtilty,bath qon about in fome point fo weken our faith, ciftcrs. The thankfulnes of the holie man is noted bp oles, when he giueth p place a name,as a figne of euerlaſting remébzance, 3 [ Uhen Jacob fent meflingers before him, ] It was come to paſſe by the pꝛouidence of God, that Eſau hauing forſaken bis father,qot himſelle of his ofvn accord foward mount DSetre and thus be departed out of the holie lande; fo the end bis pols ſeſſion might remaine voide fo2 the poſteritie of Jacob, with⸗ out flaughter of beth2en. Foꝛ it is not likely that be was cone ſtrained cither by bis fathers cOmandement,o2 that he chaun⸗ ged bis dwelling, becaufe be would be counted inferiour to bis brother. % rather contecture that he was fo inriched, that be twas conftrained to leaue his fathers honte, Foꝛ Wwe knolwe that wicked men, and the chüdren of this world; dee fo greedi⸗ ly feeke after preſent commodities, that when any thing offes reth tf felfe agreeable to their defire, they are carried headlong to the fame like bute beatts, Eſau was ttout ano cruel being fore diſpleaſed with bis mother, and he had thaken off alfo the reuerence of his father, and knew in like manner that be was 5 bated of them. Wis wines moued vaily contentions : be grudged now fo ſhewe himſelfe a fi onne in his olbeage, Fo⸗ pꝛoud Nien thinks not themſelues at libertie; when aur man is X 7 VPON GENESIS. (CAP, XXXII. 6 Aecabdue thein Whorefore,that he might line from vnder the 665 bondage and ſubiection of other's; be choſe rather to liue apart from bis father, and beeing made dronken With the deſire here pf,and forgetting the pꝛomiſed inheritance, ho gaue place on, by the mouth of his feruant Malachie, that this was a kind of 44213 1.5 fending away, that Cfau teas ledde vnto Mount Stir, Fo. ; athough be went by bis owne accorde: pet notwithitanding, He was deprined of that land, by the feerete counfell of God, which be bad fo greatly Defired, But being entifed with the de⸗ fire of ruling, be was blinded anadeceiued inthe choyce, ſceing the land of Seir was a mounteine;frutele{e, ¢ an brpicafant countric, Andit appeareth that he wag a famous man, which called the countric after bis olune name, Wowwheit, it ts likely that Moles by a figure called Prolepfis.nameth pfame Coon, wohich afterward began ſoto be called, Mow if may be deman⸗ Q ueftionm ped, bow Jacob knew,that bis brother dwelt in that part, Al⸗ though J attirme nothing fo2 certeine: vet notwithſtanding, Antwere. it is a probable coniectare, that be hav word (ent him bp bis mother’. Foꝛ the wanted not a faithfull meſſinger among fo great plentie of (eruarites. And it map cally be gathered bp the wordes of Moles, that vefore Jacob entered into the land, he knew that hrs beother had fhifted his divelling, Alfo we Rnolw, that Poles hath omitted many fuch like things, which might ealily conte into the Reavers minde. | | 4 [{Thws fhall ye fpeake to my Lord.} Motes here theweth how careful Jacob Was in pleating bis prother. For this hum: bie intretie came of erceedinig # bitter ſorewe. But this feemes Obic dion tobe a verie abfurd ſubmiſſion, by which be giucth to hint the lordſhip, and fuperioritic,fo2 the which be haa contended bnto Death, For if fo be Cfatt be owe and cheefe; what both Facob ee “teaue for him ſelfe? To what end brought be ſuch enuie to him “? felfe; why fuffered he fo many perils,and was at the taft bane ilched by the pace of twentie veres, ifnow he refuſeth not to » be fubiect vnto his prother? Janſwer e, that in graiumt ing fhe An(were. fomporall lordMip,he lof nothing of the right of the (pirituall @ fecretebletting: he knoweth that the effeete of Cons pꝛomiſe t,b, is 666 +4 The Lod with a plaine and lowde voyce commandeth what he twill baue bs to doe: but fome ,becaule if is greeuous vnto them fo take vp thetr burdens, tie Kill m idleneſſe: other fome are helde backe with pleafures,and others are letteand hindered with riches ::fo be ſhorte, there are verie felve which followe Ood, becaule fearfe one antong a bund2ecd will fuffer bint felfe to be diminiſhed. Jn that he putteth a fpace betwæne the meffingers,and fendeth them at feuerall times one after another , be docth it to. mitigate his bothers erueltie by little and little Whereby we gather agamne,that be was -» “not (amazed with feare , but that be wiſely diſpoſed and oddered bis bufineffe. >i 2a] And he rofe vp the fame night, } After he had prayed te , the Lord, and ſet all thinas in o2der,be now taking to himſelfe abolde courage, committeth him felfe tothe perill. By which example the faith full are taught,fo often.as any —— is at ande, IOHN CALVINE hand,fo obſerue this o2der , Firſt, to flee directly fo fhe Lord: {econdlp, fo take all o2dinarie meanes that may ferue their turne:thirdly, that thep being prepared fo al that map bappen, map boldly ao fo2tvard tobitber fo ever the Lord calleth them. So Yacob, leaſt be might faint in the verie moment, feareth not bis paſſage, whiche be beboloeth ta be full of perill, but be followeth bis courfe as it were thutting bis epes. Therfore bp his erample , carefulneffe 1s to be ouercome in Doubtful mats fers, leat tt hold bs backe fromdoing our dutie. He himſelfe remaineth alone, hauing fent bis wiues and chilozen befoze, not fo the end be bearing their laughter, might efcape alway: but becauſe folitarineffe was moze apt ¢ conuenient fo2 prays er. 302 there ts no doubt, but that be wholy gaue him ſelfe vnto prayer,fearing euerie extremitie. 24 [There wreſtled a man withhim.] Although this bili⸗ ‘On was privately verie profitable foꝛ Jacob himſelfe, that he might knowe afozebande, that there remained fo2 him mae ny conflictes as pet, and might affure himſelfe that be ſhould ouercome then all:vet notwithſtanding, there is no doubtsbut fhat the Lorde in bis perfon, hath giuen a generall exampleof temptations to all bis, which remaine fo2 thent, and are daily fo be (uffered in this tranfitozte life, Wherefore; let vs confis ber the endofthis bifion, howe that all the (cruantes of Cod in this. worlde, are as it were weeſtlers, becauſe the Lorde ers ercifeth thent with diuerfe kindes of conflictes . And, neither Sathan, noz any other moꝛtall man, is fapd to haue wrettled with Jacob,but Ood him felfe:to the end wwe may knowe that our fatth is allowed of hint: and that ſo often as Wwe are temps ted Wwe baue truely fo doc with him: not only becaufe we fight onder bis banner, but be commeth info the weeſtling place as achallenger againſt 0s,fo make triall of our frength.Crperts ence andreafon p2oucth this to be true, althoualy it ſemeth abfurde at the ſirſte (hetwe. Foꝛ as.allpzofperous(ucceffecome . ~ meth of bis grace: euen ſo aduerfities , by whiche our finnes ‘) arechattifed , ate either.fripes: 02 elfe documentes of faiths” e patience, And foxfomuch as there isno kinde of temptation, ~ ‘bp tobich the Lord tricth not his faithfull ſeruants the ſimili⸗ tude verie aptly agrecth,that be conuneth to weeſtle as —_ ande 672 VPON GENESIS." CAP (X¥xXxXIr 673 hand to hand. Wherefore vᷣ which yas once ſhewed toour fas ther Jacob,in a viſible foꝛme, is fulſilled daily in euery men ber of the Church, in fo much pthey muſt needes weeſtle with God in temptations . be is faide fo tempt bs after an other manner, then doth Sathan:but bicanfe be is the only authour of the croſſe and of afflictions; and doth onely create light and darkneffe, as the Prophete Clate faith : Ye is faith fo tempts Eni. 45.7, in that be maketh a probation of our faid. Wut bere tf may be Rica: Demanded, who is able to and againt (uch a woettler, at the Bleon breath of whoſe mouth only,al fleſh banifheth away,at whofe pefence the mountetnes do melt,and at whofe voyce 02 becke the whole world is ſhaken? Thereſore it were extreme mad⸗ nefle,to enter tnfo the leat conflict with him. but this knot is eaſily diſſolued. For Wwe fight not again him, but with bis pos iver and weapons, Foꝛ he prouoking bs vnto fight, giueth bs ſtrength fo refit, that be may fight againſt bs andfo2bs. Zo be tho2t,fuch ts the partition of this conflict, that be affapling ‘bs with one hande, defendeth bs with an ofher : and bycauſe be giueth vnto bs moe ſtrength fo refift, then be bttereth in weeſtling with bs, we may aptly and p2operly fay, that be fighteth again ts with the Ieft bande, and {with the riaht hande forbs, Foꝛ be lightly afapling bs, giueth vnto bs ins uinctble ſtrength, by which we get the maiſterie. He remai⸗ neth fafe and found with him ſelfe: but that double way, by Which be dealeth With bs,can not other wiſe be expreſſed, that friking bs with abumanerodde, bfleth not bis full ſtrength in femptafion : and pealding onto our faith the victorie, is fronger then him felfe, And although thefe formes of ſpeak⸗ ing be harde: yet notwithſtanding, the hardnelſe Mall be ta⸗ ken alway, when we come fo practife and erperience. Foꝛ ifGod wreſt temptations be conflictes and tu2eftlings: and we knowe that etb Pte: _., they come not by chaunce, but by Gods appointment : hereof. ocatie % “it followeth, that God playeth the part ofa wꝛeſtler: where/ ons, vvpon the ref depend, as that be appeareth weake in tempta⸗ . fon again bs,that he may ouercome in bs, Some reſtreine * this to one inde of temptations, toben © D D ſheweth him ~ gelfe an open and pofeffed enimic,as though be were armed fa our deftruction, Aud J confelle that the fame differeth from Ub, common F Anſwere. 6 “YOHN CALVINE | 27 + common wꝛeſtlings: and that the ſame requireth a greater and moze noble ſtrength thenothers. Notwithſtanding, Ira⸗ ther referre it to all kinde of con fictes, with the tobich Geder⸗ ercifeth all bis faithful fcreauntes ¢ for fo much asthey baue | God their aduerſarie in thenrall, although be veth not alway openly thelve bint felfe fotobe, WMereas Boles him felfe nas » meth him to be a man, whome not withſtanding afterward be _ tettifieth to be God, itis abery vſual ſpeach.Foꝛ, bycauſe Cov Mans life @ continu: all warre bath appeared vnder p forme ot a man, thereof be borroweth ÿ namoeꝛ:euen as by reafon of the viſible ſigne, the holy Coffe ts cailed a Doue, And whereas this vifion twas no foner heed bato the holy man, Jdeeme if fo be don fo2 this coufideration, bicauſe Ord had determined fo call bun to harder conflicts, as & valtant and well erpertenced Wwarriour. Foꝛ as pong begins ners are fpared, and young bullockes are nof by and by poas ked to the plough : euen fo the Lorde erercifcth thofe that are bis, moze gently, vntill they hauing gathered firenath. are moꝛe hardie . Wherefore Jacob being inured with bearing greefes, is nowe bought forth onto the (crisus warfare. It may alfo be, that the Lode had then reſpect vnto the battell, . Which was athande, Wut J thinke that be was admonityed, even Inthe very enterance into the land of Canaan,that there teas no caufe toby be Mould loke fo line a quict and peaceable life, Foꝛ bis returne into his countric might feme as a cers teine diſmiſſion: and fo Jacob might bane given him felfe ons fo reff, asa fouldier woꝛne inthe warre, CUberefoze, it was bery profitable fo; him to be taught, what maner of condition remained fo bim, Ue alfo are taught in bis perfon,that we mutt warre all the dayes of our life, leat anpman poomifing vnto hint felf rel, ſhould willingly deceiue him felfe. And this admonition ts very necefarie for vs, Foꝛ we fee howe areatlp Wwe defire refl, Wthereof it conuneth to pale, that we tmae gine a truce In confinuall warre, and peace in the middeſt of.“ theconflic, bnlefle the Load atvake bs and ſtirre vs bp, 25 (And he {awe that he could not preuaile. Bere Jacobs victorie is defcribed onto bs, the which notwithſtanding, be got not without a wound. Whereas be faith, that the Angel, 03 God, which was the wꝛeltler, wold go out of the wꝛeſtling place, VYPON GENESIS. CAP, XXXII. 67 place, bicauſe be ſawe that he ſhould not oucrcome, Moles ſpea⸗ keth after the manner of men. Foꝛ we kriowe that God del⸗ } cending from bis mateftie vnto bs, ts wont fo attribute vnto him felfe thofe things which properly belong vnto men, Lhe LXoꝛd no Doubt knewe the euent of the fight, before he caine ins fo the wreſtling place: pea, He had alreadie determined what be would dee . Wut his knowledge ts put fo2 the veryp erperis ence Of the matter, [He touched the hdllowe of his thigh. J Als though Jacob getteth the vico2y,vet notwithſtanding, the an⸗ gel rake him in p thigh, wherdpon he halted afferward all p time of bis life. and although tf were a bifion in the night:pet neuertheleſſe, the 102d wold haue the remebrance of fhe fanie ertant ail bis dayes, whereby tt might appeare,that if was no baine dreame. And by this ſigne tf is declared fo all fhe godly, how thep thal be conquerours in temptation: nanicly fo,) nes nerfheleffe,thep Hhalbe hurt and twounded. For we know, that P power of Oodis made perfect in our infirmitie, $ our retoys cing may be iopned with humilitie. For tf fo be our ſtrength Mould remaine dnfopled,¢ that we receiued no hurtin thecds . flict, bp ¢ by ourfieth toould ware proud,¢ tue fhuld foraet that Wwe did ouercome by the help of God, But the wound recetucd, € the weakneſſe that commeth therof,d,aweth bs to modeſtie. 26 [ And he faid,Let me go.] The Lod granteth p patfe of bicto2ic Onto his ſeruaunt, and is ready todepart as infes riour in ſtrength: not that be needeth a truce,to whome tt bes longeth fo graunt a truce,and fo giue peace fo often as tt pleas feth him: but that Jacob might reioyce th the grace beftowed vpon him. A wonderfull maner ts this of trtumphing ; when the lo2d,f0 whole potwer the whole praile is due, wil not with⸗ ſtanding, haue a weake dwarffe to ercel as conquerour,¢ exal⸗ teth bint aloft with a noble fitle. Becommendeth alfo the in⸗ uincible fufferance of Jacob, in that he hauing tndured a long * hard conflict, goeth on neuertheleſſe boldly, And in very ded, this ts the latyfull maner of ſtriuing, that we be not Wwearicd, vntill the 1020 of his owne accoꝛde forlake vs. It is latvfull foꝛ bs fo craue,that he wil beare with our infirmitie,¢ that ace > cording fo bis fatherly godnes, he will giue Onto bs ſtrength. It is alfo latwfull fo2 bs to figh onder ee to a Abij. — 676 Hebr.7.7. Num. 6.23 Ofc. 12. 3. vA OHN CALVANE fo2 an end of conflicts: neuertheletle, Wwithal tue muſt betware, leat our mindes be difconraged with wearineſſe. But rather let bs indeuour our {clues witha qwd courage, fo and fens fakin fight. The reafon which the Angel giueth, Bycauſe ie isalmoft day, tendeth herevnto, that Jacob might knowe;. that be was taught of Ood by a viſion in fhe night, EI willnot let thee goe,except thou blefic me. | Bereby it appeareth,that the holy man knewe at the laſt, that he was bis aduerfarie tit the weeſtling. Foꝛ this is no ſmall requett,that be defireth to be bleſſed. Be which te the leſſe, is bleſſed of the greater : there- fore if is p2oper ta God alone to bleſſe vs. Aud Jacobs father had not bleffea hint, but by a conunaundement from heauen, taking bpon him(as tf tere) the perſon of God. This office allo belonged vnto the Prieſtes inthe time of the late, that thep might bleffe the people.as the miniſters and interpreters: of the qrace of God, Jacob therefore knew, that the Champion With whome he weeſtled was Ood: bycauſe be craueth a blefs fing of him, the tubich it was not latwfuil finply to alke of a moetal man.Euen ſo in my iudgment ought the piace of Die to be vnderſtode, where itis ſaid, He had power ouer the An⸗ gehand preuailed:he wept and prayed vnto him.Foꝛ the Pꝛo⸗ phete meaneth, thatafter Jacob had gotten the-victozte, be rox mained fill an bumble fubtect bnto ODD, and prayed vnto him with teares. Bo2couer,this place teacheth,that we muſt always crauc the bleſſing of God, though we haue felt his pre fence greeuous ann harde vnto bs, cuen fo the boufing of our: members. jtorit is much better fo2 the fonnes of Ood,fo be: maimed and balfe beoken; then fo craue peace therein they mar lye afleepe : 02 fo withdrawe them felues from the pes fence of Gon, that — bint, thep may ranne af randon With the Wicked, . 28 (Thy name fhall no more be called Jacob. | Zacob was thus named ‘toma bis mothers tombe, as toe haue heard, bye caufe he taking bis bother by the bale, went about to holde him backe, Mow Ged aiueth onto him a newe name moze no» ble then the other : not that be might quite and cleane aboliſhhe that other, which was a ſigne of noble grace:but to teſtifie that - bis grace proceeded further, Wher efoze of the two name — econ *— >. VPON GENESIS. CAP, xxxtr fecond is preferred before the firf as moze honourable. This 77 {002d Frael,fiqnifieth as much as a ruler 02 prince. Fo2 a lats —* tle before Jſaide, that the Lord gaue the praiſe of his trength vnto Jacob, that be might triumph in his perfor, Whe expoſi⸗ tion of the name which followeth freight affer,is thus,accow ping to the letter, Bycaufe thou hafte ruled with GOD, thou fhalt alfo preuaile againft men. Motwithſtanding, the ſenſe (ers _ meth fo be moze faithfully deliuered by Hicrome,that if Jacob behaued hin ſelfe fo baliantly with God,much moze he Moula preuaile With men, Foꝛ if was no Doubs the purpole of God, When be had tmboloned his feruant with ſo areata victoric,te fend him korth to diuers conflictes, that he might neuer after faint 02 be diſcouraged.Foꝛ be Doth not giue him a name after fhe manner of men, but Wwithall alfo the matter it felfe, that the eucnt might be correſpondent to the fame, 29 [ Tell meI pray thee thy name. ] Dhis feemeth to be res pugnant vnto the former doctrine, For Jſaide before,» when Jacob craued a bleſſing, be Hhewed himſelf humble. Mhy thers fore now as Doubtful in minde, doth he inquire of him, whom af the firtt be confelfed to be God: But this ts eaſily anſwered. Foꝛ although Jacob acknotwlegeth God:vet neuertheleſſe, not being contented with an humble ¢€ bale knotwledace, be defirsth fo reach bigher. And no meruell,if fo be p holy man burkkt forth info this defire, fo whom Ood had reuealed him felfe by many obfeure viſions, in fo much that be bad not as pet any familiar 02 cleare knowlege:vea if is certein, p al f Saints were intla⸗ ludg.izae med with fuch a defire Onder p lalwe. We read alſo, Banoah made p like requeſt. To whom pᷣ like anflwere of God is mane, ſauing ÿ there the Lord pronounceth bis name to be wonders fuli and fecret,that Mandah might demaund no further. This therfore is the fum, that p L020, though Jacobs petition were godly, aranteth not the fame, bicauſe as pet p due time full of -» teuelation was not come, Foꝛ tt vas meete,that the fathers Ain the beainning ould walke in the twilight of the mo2nina: — “€ fhe 11020 reuealed him felfe onto them by degrees, vntill at 5 »» length, Cheilt the fonne of righteoutnette was rifen, in whom - the perfect ſhining light appeareth. This ts the reafon why he made himlelf moze mantfett fo Wofles,to whom notwithſtan⸗ Ding it Was not graunted, to behold bis glory,but backivaro, R Vb iij Wut ae Ex0.33.2% } "IOHN CA LVINE: 678 But bicaufe be was a meane, betwene the Patriarches and the Apoſtles, he is ſaide fo haue feene before them, God face to u. Petr face, Who was hidden from the fathers, Nowe, fing God is come more neere vnto bs, our vnthankfulneſſe is to wicked and deteſtable, vnleſſe we runne With feruentdefire to mete with fo creat grace, according to the erboztation of the Guo» tle, Gud it is fo be noted, thaf although Jacob defireth to knowe GDD more fully : yet notwithſtanding, bicaufe he is. carried bepond the limittes of bis age and tine, be ts repulfed, Foꝛ the Lorde cutting of the occafion from bts defire, coins maundeth hint fo reft hint felfe boon his bleſſing. WMhereſfore, if fo be that meane light, which we haue affeined tute, was Denied Unto the boly father: our curtofitte hall not be tollera⸗ bie,if it burſt beyond the lumittes and boundes which GOD bath preferibed, 30: [And Iacob called the name F the place.] Againe,the thankfulnefie of our father Jacob ts commended, tn that be fought with diligence, to bane an cucrlafing remembeance of the grace of God, He leaucth therefore a remembrance tapos ferities, whereby they might knotve that Ood bad arpeared. there : euen as alſo if was not a private viſion, but perteined to the whole Church, And Jacob doth not only publiſh that he bad feene od face fo face, but alfo giueth thanks,that be was. dDeliueredfrom death, This manner of {peaking is offens times in Scripture, and twas verp Biuall among them of olde time, And tt wanteth not reafon: fo2 if fo be the earth fhake at the poefence of OD D, and the mounteines mealt athisloke, what hall befall miferable men 2 Bea, fering the Gnaels cannot comprehend the erceeding matettic of Cod, but fhallrather be ſwallowed bp of the fame, fo fone as bis glo⸗ rie {hineth bpon bs, we mutt needes vaniſh away and come to - nothing, vnleſſe he bolde bs bp and defend bs. So long as we feele not the prefence of Ood, we proudly pleate our (clues. ahve: fhis is an imagined and fantafkicall life, which fielh Foolithlp) arrogateth to tt felfe, when if inclineth backward, Wut the faithfull, then God ſheweth him felfe onto them, fele theme. felues moze tranfitozie and baine then any fmoake, Lobe . thozt,that the p2ide of fleth may lye confounded, Wwe mult neds coms b> 8* - wPON GENESIS. GAM xxxrp yr come vnto God, So Jacob confelleth it came fo pale by the 72 quogular godneſſe of OD D, that he twas velinered from des ſtruction, when he bebeloe God, Notwithlſtanding, it may be demanded why be boatteth that he hath feene God face to face, when as he had receiued a ſmal taſte only of the glozy of Gon, Jaunſwere, that there ts no ablurditie inthis, that Jacob fo greatly erfolleth this vifion before others,in the which ODD hav nof fo platuly appeared. And pet, tf the fame be compared with the brightneſſe of the Goſpel:vea, oꝛ with the glorv of the lawe, it hall be but as a fparke, 02 an obfcure beame, Wheres - fore the fiinple meaning ts, that he ſawe Cod after a ſtraunge and ertrao2dinartemanner, Nowe, if fo be Jacob reioyced ſo greatly in that ſmall meafure of knowlege, what ought we fo Do at this day, tubo haue Chrifte the lively image of God, by the glalſe of the Goſpell, before our eyes 2 Let bs learne there: fo2e fo open our eyes, leaſt we be blinde in the none dap: even as the Apottle Paule crhogteth vs, in bis Cpiftle to the Co- —— rinthians. | * 31 [And he halted vpon his thigh.J It ts likely, and we map alfo gather the fame by the wordes of Moles, that this halting was without the feeling of any qreefe, that the miras de might the moze plainly appeare, For the Lo2de tn the lieth of bis feruaunt, bath giuen a viebbe fo all ages, whereby the faithfull may learne, that there ts none fo ftrong a weeſtler, which thall not beare the marke of fome ſtripe after the {pirt- fuall fight : bycaufe there ts weakneſſe and infirmitte in all men leaſt any man Mould thinke better of him felfe then there is caufe, Wibereas Moles repeateth, that the Jewes abſteined fromm the ſinewe that chranke in the hollowe of the thiahe, it 7 Was not done of ſuperſtition. Foz we knotve,that the Church Was tn that age in ber tnfancie. Wherefore the Lord kept the tera and faithful, which lined tit thofe days, vnder inſtruc⸗ — y Hpi andlcholing, Nowe at this day, though our condition be moꝛe free after the comming of Chaitte: pet notwithſtanding, 4 luc ought fo haue the remembrance thereof among bs, in the —_ Gad evercifed the auncient people vnder the externall > rite, | 4 sit Ud iiij. CHAPs ~ YOHN CALVING YESS CHAPTER. XXXIIN « N Das Iacob lifted vppe his eyes, and looked, beholde, Efau came, and with him foure he dred men: and hed diuided the children to Leah, and to Rahel, and ynto the two maides. And hee put the maidens and their children ———— and Leah and her children after,and Rahel and Ioſeph —— 3 So hee went before them, and bowed him ſelfe to the ground ſeuen times,yntill he came neere co his brother. 4 Then Efau ranne to meete him, and imbraced him, and feil on his knees,and kiffed him,and they wept. | 5 And he lifted vp his eyes,& faw the women and the chil- dren,and fayde, Who are thefe with thee?And hee aunſwered, They are the children whome G OD of his grace hath given thy feruant. 6 Thencame the maidens neere, they and their chitdien; and bowed them felues. 7 Leah alfo with her children came neere,and made obey- fance, and after, lofeph and Rahel drewe neere, and did reue- rence. 8 Then he faide, What meaneft thou by all his drove whi- che I met?Who anfw ered, I hauc fentit,that I may find fauour in the fight of my Lord. 9 And Efau faide, I haue ynough my brother, keepe that thou haft to thy felfe. 10 But Jacob aunfwered, Nay] pray thee, if I haue found frace nowe in thy fight, dei receiuc my prefent at my hande: or I haue {cene thy —* as though I had feene the face of God,bycaufe thou haft accepted me. 11 I pray theetake my bleffing that is brought thee : for God hath had mercy on me: and therefore I haue all thinges. So he compelled him,and he tooke it. ce 12 And he faide, Let vs take our iourney,and go, and I will) goe before thee. 13 Then he anfwered him,My lord knoweth that the chil- « Pp a dren are tender, & the ewes & kids with yong vnder my hand, & ifthey fhuld ouerdriue them one day,al the flock would dy. 14 Let C44 VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXXIII. $81 14. Let now my Lord go before his {eruant,and I will drive 4 foftly according to the pate of the cattell, which is before me, and as the children be able to indure,yntill I come to my Lord ynto Seir. rs Then Efau faid, I will leaue then fome of my folke with thee. And he anfwered, What needeth this?Let me finde grace in the fight of my Lord. 16 So Efawreturned,& went his way that {fame day,to Scir. 17 And Iacob went forward toward Sucoth, and builthim an houfe,and made boothes for his cattell : therefore he called the name of the place Sucoth. 18 Afterward Iacob came fafe to Shechem,a citie which is in the lande of Canaan, whenhe came from Padan Aram, and pitched before the citie. 19 And there hee bought a parcell ‘of ground, where hee pitched his tent, at the hands of the fonns of Hamor, Shechems tather,for a hundred peeces of monie. 20 Andhe fet vp there analtar, and called it, The mightie God of Iſrael. ¥ [And as Iacob lifted vp his eyes. FVee haue Hetved, hob greatly Jacob ſtode in feare of bis brother: but notwe, tober Elau appocheth neere vnto him, it ts not onelyp renewed, but alfo if increaſeth. Foꝛ although he goeth ike a bold and cou⸗ ragions Champion fo this conflict:pet notwithſtanding, he is not delivered from all ſenſe of perill. Mhereby it commeth to paſſe, that be ts netther voyde of care noꝛ feare, Foꝛ the crucit man had alwayes the fame caule of hatred, Meyther twas it likely, that be became any tobit p moze make in all that time in the which be lined at his otune pleafurc, out of bis fathers , » boule, Sherefore,as tn a doubtfull matter,¢ very perillous,he placeth bis wines and children tn that oder, that the whole feede might not be deſtroyed, if fo be Cfau Hould deale cruellyr Bey but that part might haue time to flee away. This one thing ſcemeth to be done out of oꝛder by bint, that be feemeth fo pres ferre Rachel and ber fonne Joſeph before all the reft, feing the p2incipall parte of the bleſſing reſted bppon Juda. Mul theercufe for Juda is eaſily made, bycauſe as pet fhe oar tle was not reucaled, of the which be was certified a little be⸗ ‘ Uvb.v. fore IOHN CALVINE 2 fore bis death; that he might be both a witnette anna poclas mer of the ſame. Meuertheletle, itis not to be denied, but that Hetaucd Rachel bell, Wut this wag atoken of ercelient vers fue, that be defiring fo faue fome (eed, goeth before the bands, that be might offer him felfe (as it were) a facvifice, ikneede fo required. Foꝛ there is no doubt, but that the pꝛomiſe of Gon was his (chalmattreffe, and directer onto thts purpofe sano he could not fo ſtoutly runne againt death, vnleſſe be had ben erected luith the trutt of an heauenty life, It conimeth ſome⸗ fines to patie, that the father forgetting bim felfe,putteth bis life in perill fo2 his tonnes: but Jacob had ant other manner of confideratio, in whofe mind the promife of God was thounhs ip fettled, in fo much that neglecting the carth, he lokedaltos gether bp fo heauen. Wut follo wing the word of God, though the affection of the flethe, he is a little carried out of the inay, Faith fai- Foꝛ the fatth of the fathers and holy men, was not in eache herr point and condition fo pure, but that they Cwarued nobbe and A chet. then out of the ay. Wut the ſpirite alwaves petiatleds that the infirmitic of the fleth thulo not carric them from the mark; but that thep might keepe on their courte, CHberfore the moze cuery one of bs ought to diſtruſt our felues, that we doe not therefore thinke our felues fo be. pure and cleane in cucrp point, bycaufe in our minde we purpofe fo do well, -4Fo2 nowe and thei the fleth minaleth it telf with a boly intent, ana maz ‘ ny Vices and corruptions creepein. Int God dealeth gently With bs, not imputing onto bs fuch bices, 3 [And bowed him felfe to the ground feuen times. IThis be might vo fo2 honours fake, Foz lve knoe, that the people of the Catt part were much moꝛe giuen vnto ceremonies,then are we. Notwithltanding, it ſcemeth moze likely vnto me, that this honour was not fimply giuen vnto bis brother : but that Jacob worſhipped Gon, partly to gine bin thankes, and _ partly that be might finde bis brother fauourable vnto bin, * Foꝛ it is ſaid, that he worſhipped ſeuen times before he came, Therelore before he came into the preſence of bis brother, be bad giuen a ſigne of reuerence and worſhip. WMherby we map gather that which ¥ haue faive, that this honour was not gi⸗ Hen vnto men, but vnto Gov, Aun vet notwithſtanding, this is = h VPON GENESIS CAP. XXXIITL 83 is no lef, butthat be came to bis bother in humble wife, that by his humilitiehe might mitigate the others crueltie. Ifany man obiec andfay, that by this means the right of firtt borne twas bp him diminiſhed: the anſwere is eaſie fo be mane, that the holy man loked further with p eves of faith. Foꝛ be knew that the effect of the bleſſing twas deferred, ontill the full ano conuenient time, and that therefo2e now it was asa fede pu⸗ trefactedin the earth. Although therefore he be ſpoyled of the patrinionic, and lyeth contemptible at his bothers fete : pet notwithſtanding, bicaule be knewe that the birthright remats ned fafe for him, be being contented with this lecrete right, e⸗ ſteemeth honour € riches ag nothing, and maketh no account fo2 the preſent time to be reputed inferiour fo bis bꝛothor. 4 ({ThenEfauranne to meete him.] Jn that Efan vnlo⸗ _ kedfoz, meeteth with bis brother gently and friendly, if came fo to patie by the fingular grace and godneſſe of Gov, So that hereby Ood proueth,that he hath in bis hand the harts of men Mens to mollifie the hardneſſe therof, and fo mitigate thetr crueltie, hearts are fo often as it feemeth god vnto bint: to be ſhort, be doth no o⸗ io Gods theriwife faine them, then tilde beaſtes are wont fo be famed; * alfo be ſheweth; that he bath beard the praver of his ſeruaunt Jacob. UAberfo2e, tf fo be at any tune the theeates of enimies do ferrifie bs, let bs learne fo flee vnto this holy anchoꝛfaſt. @od worketh diuerfy, neither doth he alwayes bende cruell mindes fo humanitte: but when they burſt fo2th , be ſuppreſ⸗ feth them by bis power,that they 00 no harme, Wut ifit ſhall be fo erpedicnt, be twill no other wife make them fauourable vnto bs, then weſce that Cfau was made fausurable vnto bis bother Jacob. It may allo be, that crueltie being hid- , den within the heart, a tempozall fenfe of humanitie preuats — led. Cuen as we fee that the Egyptians were na moment bought to bumanitic,although they were made neuer a whit 77 the better, euenas their madnelle which aftertvarde inlued is Ya Wwitneffe : fo in like manner, it is credible that Eſaus malice is nowe (as tf were) reftreined, and his minde alfo touched by ©od,that he might put on bim brotherly affection. Foꝛ the or⸗ ber of nature, which God bath eſtabliſhed, hath alfo place in the rep2obate, but not always after one ſort, but fo farre ſorth as IOHN CALVINE 684. as thep are held in bondes, leatt they houlo mingle all things With bloudſhed, the which is very necellarie fo2 the p2eferuatis on of mankinde, Foꝛ felve are ruled by the {pirite of adoption, fincerely to imbrace mutuail charitic,as bꝛetheẽ among them felues, In that therfoze they (pare them ſelues, and do not fus riouſlx ruſh together to deftroy one an other, it was thus b20- ught to pafle by the ſecret pronidence of Gon, which watcheth fo defend mankind, But the life of the faithfullis much moze precious vnto God, euen as he hath a ſpeciall care for then, Aherekore itis no meruell, if fo: his feruaunt Jacobs fake, be framed the cruell and fierce minde of Eſau fo mekneffe, s [And he lifted yp his eyes.] Moſes declareth the commu, nication han betwene the baeth2en. And Cau declared bis brotherly affection by teares and imbzacing : euenfo there ts no Doubt, but that be inquireth of bis chilozen with a friendlp =. minde. Jacobs anfivere ſheweth as well godlineſſe as modes ie, Foꝛ when be anfwereth, that the Lone bath giuen onto bim fo large fede, be acknowledgeth and confefleth, that chil⸗ Pofteritie dꝛen are not fo naturally begotten, but that this allvayes res isthe gift matneth true, that the fruit of the wombe, is ener the rewarde efGod. ann gift of God, And, feing the fruitfulnette of beattes is'the gift of God, howe much moze hath this place in men, who are created after bts tmage? Therloꝛe let fathers learne to weigh and p2atle the ſingular grace of God, in their fede and pofferts fic, It belongeth vnto modeſtie, that Jacob nameth him felfe bis bzothers feruaunt, Wibere againe, it is conuenicnt fo rez member that whiche J touched of late, that the holy man fought for no earthly commoditie 02 honour in the birthright, bycauſe be was ſuſficiently contented with the ſecrete grace of ODD, vntill the time of manifeſtation. And it becommeth bs alſo after bis erample, fo long as we are pilgrimes inthe ~— earth, todepend vppon the mouth of the Lode, that it be not : greeuous vnto bs,to be Mut vppe onder the hadoine of death, ¢ +s bdnftllour life be revealed, Foꝛ althouch our condition and y eſtate in outwarde ſhewe be miferable and accurſſed: pet nots True felj- Withſtanding, the Lod blelſeth bs inith bis word, and fo2 this citic caule alone,pzonounceth vs to be bappie, bicaute be taketh bs fo: bis ſonnes. | 6 [Then Wg D * VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXXIII. 6 [ Thencame the maidens necre.] Ihe wiues of Jacob hauing left their countrie, came into a ſtraunge region farre off, as exiles : at whoſe ſirſt enterance,the terrour of deathis fet before their epes : and when they prottrate them felues bes fore Cau, they can not tell whether thep worchip their erecus tioner and blondihedder 62 no, This twas a very ſharpe temp, tation fo2 them, and verp fore affayled the minde of the holy nian: but thus if behoued his obedience fo be proued, that be might be anerantple fo bs all, Do2epuer,bere the holy Ghoſt fetteth before bs a linelp viewe, Wherein we may bebolde the foune of the Church, as ttappeareth inthe woꝛlde. Foꝛ als though there are many ſignes ertant of ods fauour in the fas milic of Jacob: pet nofivithanding, there ts no dignitie there fo plainely to be feene, as that he ould lye befo2e a p2ophane matt With great contempt. Jacob allo him felfe,thinketh bum (clfe fo be beryp well dealt Wwithall, if ſo be be might haue leaue fo dwell by hts brother tn that land, of the which be Was heire 685 and Lord. Wherefore let vs pattentip fuffer,if at this dap alſo the glorie of the Church,being coucred with a bale hewe,be a fcozne to the ticked, vo8 . [ What meaneft thou by all this\drouc ? ) Be afketh not as thouah he were btterlyiquozant, for that he had heard of the feruants,that Beeues, and Camels, and Alſes, and other cattell were fent vnto him fo; a prefent : but that be might res fute the gift offered vnto him. Foꝛ when any thing pleaſeth vs not, we are wont fo queftion as of a matfer bnknotwne. Mote Withfanding, Jacob inltantly requireth anv befeecheth him, vntill be obteine at his brothers hanve the recett of bis gifte, Foꝛ this was(as it were)a pledge of a minde reconciled, And that be may perfuade his brother, be teltifieth that he will ac⸗ count it as a great gon turne done vnto him, if fo be be will not refufe fo take that hich be giueth. Foꝛ we doe not wil⸗ ~Hlinalp take any thina, but that which we knowe alſuredly, is given gladly, and with a chearefull minde. Andbicaufe it can not be, that we pray and intreate bnfeignedly,any offer then thoſe whome we loue with our heart: Jacob faith, that bets no leſſe topfullat the fight of bis bother, then. if be had feene Govd,02 an Angel, Sp which wozdes he veclaveth, that be * r TOHN CALVINE | Hof onely truely loue his bother, but alto that he highly eſtee⸗ Obiection meth of htm, Wut be ſeemeth to do iniurig vnto God, whom be An{were, compateth toa reprobate man, F urthermore, he ſeemeth tolp, bicaufe if he might haue bad bis tithe, be would haue deſtred nothing more, then to haue untied the pretence and meeting with bis brother. ath theſe knottes are eafily vnloſed. It is an olde phraſe of ſpeache among the Hebrues, to calf all that ercelleth, divine, ana in berp dede, Clay being thus chaunged, twas a ltuelp image of the grate of God, tn ſo teflific mp god twill tolvarde the . Jf thou expound it pattiues ly, if hall bereferred vnto Gan ; as tf Jacob had faide, J doe giuen bnto me, that thou mapett lit foine pointe, be partaker of the blefling sf GDD Wwith me, But that tue map not fande spon wordes, Jacob by and by after plainely p2ofelicth, that that fo ever be pofleficth,is not the fruite of bis labour 02 paine, but the plentiful bleſſing of the grace ofGDD: ano fo2 this confincration be goeth about to perfuade his brother fo receiue the cift: as tf be bad faide, The Lode hath pobbeed fuch plentie bppou me; that a parte thereof may come vnto thee, without any Damage o2 hurt Dis fo ine, And although, by the viewe of the preſent circumttance, Jacob fpeaketh thus ; vet notwithitanding, it is a true confels tion, by whiche he celebzateth ana conmendeth the arace of God. The like wordes ate Offered Wwith the toun gs of all men: but there are but fewwe which truely alcribe vnto wee 9 ich . “4 VPON GENESIS, CAP. XXXITI. ) 7 tohich they haue. Whe greater part facrificeth to their otwne P induſtrie: ſcarſe one among a hundred is perfuaded, that all * oi oe god things do flotwe from the fre fauour of God : and pet nots “Bina withltanding, this ſenſe is ingrauen in ds by nature, but we God. by our buthankfulnelic blot out the fame. Before, tue fawe how laborious and paintull Jacobs life twas, and pet be cons mendeth the onlp mercy of Good, 42 ( Let vstake ouriourncy and goe. ] Although Cfau were readie to ſhewe god will: pet neuertheleſſe, Jacob mis ftrueth him : not that he feareth a newe lying tn waite, 02 that be thinketh falſhode fo lye vnder the colour of friends ſhippe, but that be may forelee and auoyde nebbe offences, For tie man being proude and fierce, might haue bene proucked to tnath againe for everp light caufe, And although the holp man bad tuff caufle to feare: pet notwithſtanding, J dare not denice, but that his carefulneffe erceded meafure, We areats ip fufpected Claus liberalitie : but why doth be not conſider that©@ DD fandeth as bis buckler, tobome be knewe bp plaine experience, fo watche fo2 bic faluation 2 Foꝛ whereof came ſuch an incredible alteration in Cfaus mind,but bicauſe ~ by Gods mightie worke, be was turned from a wolfe intoa lambe? Let bs therefo2e learne by this erample, fo bridle our fares : leatt when God hath loked vpon vs, Wwe tremble and feare as in doubtfull natiers, 13 [| My Lorde knoweth that the children are tender. Whole thinges which Jacob alledgeth fo2 an ercufe are true; not withſtanding, be bringeth not in thefe colours without a lye: exceot peraduenture it Were, bycaule be would not be greeuous and troublefome to his brother. But ſeing be af ter warde turneth bis tourney to an other place, tt appeareth, that be feiened an other thing then he badin bis minde. We ng that be carrieth with him many impedimentes, theres . Fore be Willeth his brother to goe aſore, pꝛomiſing that be will come faire and foftly after, according to the pale of the chil⸗ d2en, vntill he come to Heir. By theſe words he promiſed that, which he intended net to Doe, Foꝛ leauing his bother, be went inte a contrarte place. But frueth is moze precious tuto G O D, then that oo 4 ° 4 688 TLS IOHN CALVINE fuffer bs fo lve without blame . Therefore we muſt beware, when any feare of perill happeneth into our mindes,that thep fall net onto thefe thiftes, 27 [And Iacob went forward toward Sucoth.} 4¢ ig likely that Jacob remained at Sucoth cerfeine vayes, to refrethe bis familie and flocke, after long wearineſſe. 302 ontill be came thither,be had no quiet refting place, And therefore be callen that place, The place of tents, bicaufe be neuer durſt tay bim lelle till be came thither, Fo2 although be pitched bis tentes in diuers other places : pet nofwithtading,tn this place he gaue aremembzance of Gods grate, bicaufe nowe at the lait, be had leaue qraunted vnto him fo abide in fome lodging . Wut bys caufe the place twas not conuenient to divell in, Jacob went oni further, vntill be came into Sichem. Nowe, feing the citie Bad a nel name giuen onto it by the fonne of Bemo2, it is als {o noted With a newe appellation. $02 J fublcribe onto the ins terp2eters, which thinke that Salem ts the poper name thers of. Botwbeit J contend not, if any man defire rather fo followe any other iudgement, how that Jaceb came fafelp to Sichem. Sut howe fo euer this citie Salem were called, ive mutt nots. Withfanding note, that it is different from that which was afterwarde called Pierufalem : euen as alfo tivo tities were called Sucoth. As touching the matter, it ſcemeth to be a very abfurd thing, of the which Potes maketh mention, Jfo2 Abas Ham would buy nothing all the time of bis life, but ‘a place to burie in: and Iſaac bis ſonne contenting bim felfe with bis fav thers purchafe,neglerted the bfe of ano, Foꝛ the Lon had ap⸗ pointed them tobe beires and lo2des of the land bpon this cons Dition,that they ſhould be pilgrimes onto death, Jacob there, fore feemeth to doe amifte, in that be farrping not fo2 the full time, bought fo2 him felfe a fielo with monic, ¥ anfiwere,that ~ Poles erprefieth not thoſe things, which the readers of ** ? he obon acco2d ought to remember, Wie may gather by the price that the holy man twas not couetons, Be payeth abundeen ~ peces of filuer. Coula he make a great purchafe with fo ſmall Afumme ?no : but he bought rather fome cozner, where be might divell Without trouble, Moreouer, Poles exrprefly thes weth, that be bad bought that part, Where be bad. pitched pa again °¢ P ; : ee “VPON GENESIS. CAR xXXXIIU. 689 again the cific, Therefore be poſſeſſed neither pattures,neis ther medotves, neither binepardes , noꝛ arable land, But fuben as the inbabitantes would not graunt bim a dwelling place nere vnto the citic, be agreed with them, and bought peace with a (mall price. This neceflitte eaſilx ercufeth him, that ro man might fay, that be bad bought that of men, which he was fo hope for by the free gift of God: 02 that be was to battie to take poſſeſſion, when as be ſhould imbrace fhe promis fed poſſeſſion of the lande,oncly by hope. 20 [And hefet vp there an altar, } Jacob hauing goffen a place, where be might futteine his familie, fette bp a folemne woꝛrſhip of God ; euen as Boles teftified before of Abraham, and of Iſaac.Foꝛ although in all places thep dled prayers,anv other erercifes to the pure two2thip of God: pet notwithſtan⸗ _ ding, they neglected not the erternall confeftion of godlineſſe, When the Lord gaue vnto them any ftation, where they might abide. Foꝛ as Jhaue ſhewed in another place, fo offen as we read that an altar was builded, it is mete that Wwe haue a ree fpect vnto the end and bfe:namely, that they might offer facrt fices, and might after a pure manner call bppon the nante of od, that by this meanes their religion and faith might be o⸗ ‘penly declared, ¥ therefore fpeake this, leaf any man ſhould | thinke, that they rathly trified in the worſhip of God.Foꝛ they : hab a care to direct their actions to that rule wyiche God had 4 pꝛeſcribed, which was deliuered to them, as it were by band from oe, t from Sem, CUberefore, vnder the name of altar lef the Reader's vnderſtand the erfernall teftimonie of godli⸗ f neſſe. And hereby we may berte well percetue, what great care 4 of the worſhip of God the holie man had, in fo much that being Y diſquieted With many troubles : pet notwithſtanding, be for⸗ gat not the altar, Neither doeth he worſhippe Ooo priuately Jri a ſecrete filing of the minde only, but alſo be exerciſeth himlelle in profitable ceremonies , and ſuch as God had cont maunded, Foꝛ be knew that men ode in neede of helpes, fo fong as they liue in the fiethe:and that facrifices were not or⸗ veined Without canfe, He had allo another purpofe , that the whole familie might worſhippe God twith the fame fenfe of faith, Foꝛ it became a godlie houſholder, to haue a diligent | EY. care, * 690 FOHN CALVINE. ; care, that bis houfe were not prophane: butrather that God might reigne there,as na Sanctuarie. Moreouer the inhabi⸗ tants of that countrie being fallen to manp fuperttitions,cozs rupted tie true worſhippe of ODD: now Facob went about to puta difference betiveenc them and him. The Dichemites,, and other nations thereabontes , bad their altars alfo, In that therefore tacob appointed adiftinet oder for bis boute, he thereby declared that be bad a peculiar © D D, ano that he ſwarued not from the bole fathers , from whone found and pure religion came. This thing wanted not ennie, bicaule the Sichemtfes anp the reff diſdained that they were contenmed, But the holie man rather choſe any thing, then to mingle hinifelfe with idolaters, {And he called it, The nightie God of Ifael,] his name feemeth to anré verie {lt with the altar, whiche foundeth ag: muche, as ifa heape of tones were the vifible image of Goo, Sut the holie man had another iIncaning, For, becaule the ale far was a pledge of all the bifions and pomifes of Gov, be ae. dorneth it With this title, to this end,that fo often as be loked vpon the altar, be might remember Goo, Whe fame Cente alfa Had that infcription of Moles, The Lord is myhelpe, In lite — ‘Esc 48.35. Manner Csechiel gaue a title fa new Hieruſalem » Uhe Lord is there, And in thefe formes of fperche, there is an vnproper franflation,but pet ſuch as Wwanteth not reafon, Fo2 as koliſh and ſuperſtitious men do tye Gon amiffe fo erternall fignes, and doe pull bim as it were out of bis beaueniteth2one , to matic hin (ubiect onto their groſſe imaginations: cuen fo,the ’ faithfull doe rightly and godly paſſe from earthly fianes onto heauen. This is the ſumme, that Jacob would haue if knowen, that he wozthipped no other God,but the fame which was ree vealed Onto bina by certeine oracies, that be ntight fafelp diſ⸗ 4 cerne him from all idols. And Wwe are fo obferue this novelties ¢~ that we ſpeake not carelefly of the glorie of Goo , butaccoze ~ © burg to the feeling of faith,fo farre fo2th,as he is knotwen bus to 0s by bis woꝛde. Moꝛeouer, Jacob had relpect vnto his pes ; feritte, Foꝛ, becaufe the 1020 had appeared vnto hint fo2 this caule,that be might lap downe the coucnatit ef faluation ane : | : Q f « , “@« d VPON GENESIS: CAB XXXITIYI; hint, he left a monument, tobereby after bis death, his poſteri⸗ ‘tie might learne,that bis religion came not out ef an obfcure comer, 02 out ofa filthiclake, but out of a cleare and pure founteine: cuentas ifbe had graued vppon the altar the orꝛa⸗ cles and viſions with the which be had bane taught. CHAPTER XXXIIII. — Hen Dinah the daughter of Leah, whiche fhe | (229 | [@’s,| bare vnto Lacob, went outto fee the daughters | ¢-2;| eg] ofthat countrie, 216 Whome when Shechem,the ſonne of Ha- mor the Hiuite Lorde of that countric,{awe, he tooke her,and lay with her, and defiled her, 3 So hisheart claue ynto Dinah the daughter of Iacob, and he loued the maide,and fpake kindly to the maide, 4 Then faid Shechem to his father Hamor , faying, Get gne.this maide to wife. 5 ¢ Nowe lacob hearde that he had defiled Dinah his daugh- ter: and his {onnes were with his cattell in the feelde, the rfore Iacob helde his peace vntill they were come, 6 Then Hamor the father of Shechem went out vnto Tacob tocommune with him. SE ey 7 And when the fonnes of lacob were comie out of the feeld, and heardeit, it greeuedthe men, and they were veri¢ angrie, bycaufe he had wrought villanie in Ifael ; im that he had ly- 2 with Jacobs daughter ; whiche thing ought notto be one, 8 And Hamor.communed with them,faying, The foule of - my fonne Shechem longeth for your daughter ; giue her him S,. to wife,I pray you, ae | 9 Sowmake affinitie with vs: giue your daughters vato Vs; and take our daughtersvatoyeu.. .. 3 | 10 And ye thall dwell with vs, and the lande Mall be before you: dwell and doe your bufinefle in it, and hauc your pollef- fions therein, . :, iter , 7 u Shechem alfo ſaide vnto her father, and ynto her bre- thren, Let me finde fauourin youreyes, andI will giue what Xx.ij. focuer .> bor bon TOHN CALVINE- 9 foeuer ye fhall appoint me, 12 Afxe of me aboundantly,both dowrie and giftes,and I will giue as yeappoint me, fo that ye giueme the mayde to wife, : 13, Thenthe fonnes of Iacob anfwered Shechem and Ha- mor his father talking deceiptfull ysbecaufe he had defiled Dix nah their fifter, 14 And they faide ynto them, We cannot do this thing,to giue our fifter to an yncircumcifed man » for that were a re⸗ proofeyntoys; =~ 1¢ But inthis will weconfent ynto you, if ye will beas we are,that euerie manchilde among you be circumcifed: 16 Then will we giue our daughters vnto-you,and we wil} take your daughters tovs , and will dwell with you, and be one people. 17 Butif ye will not hearken ynto ys, to be circumcifed, then will we take our daughters and departe, | 18 Now their wordes pleafed Hamor,& Skechem Hamors fonne, 19 And the young man deferred not to doe the thing, be- — cauſe he loued Iacobs daughter = he wasalfo the moſt fette by, of all his fathers houfe, | | | 20 Then Hamor,and Shechem his fonne, went vnto the gate of their citie,and communed with the men of their citie, fayine: — Nhei⸗ men are peaceable with ys, and that they may. dwell in theland,and doe their affaires therein:for behold , the land hath roome inough for them > let vs take their daughters to wiues,and giue them our daughters, 22 Only herein will the men confent ynto vs todwell with vs,and to be one people, if all the men children among ysbe circumcifed,as they are circumcifed, 23 Shall not their flockesand their fubftance, and all their(* cattel be ours? onely let ys confent herein vatothem, &they = will dwell with ys, 24 And vnto Hatnor,and Shechem his ſoñne, hearkened all that went out of the gate of his citic , and all the men children Were circumeifed,cuen all that went outat the gate of his citie, 25 And “é P VPON GENESIS.. CAP. X XXIII 6 * 25 Andone the third day, when they wetefore,two of the: ? 3 * fonnes of Iacob, Simeon and Leui Dinahs brethren, tooke ei- ther of them his {woorde,and went into the Citic boldly, and flewe euerie male. R: 26 They flewe alf Hamor and Shechem his fonne,with the edgeof the fworde , and tooke Dinah out of Shechems houfe, andwenttheirway. . + 297 Againe,the other ſonnes of Iacob, came vpon the dead, and fpoiled the citie,becaufe they had defiled theit fitter. 28 They tooke their fheepe,and their beenes,and theiraffes, and what foeuer wasinthe citie,and in the fieldes, 29 Alfdithey carried away captiue , and {poiled all their goodes,and all their children,and their wiues, and all that was an the houfes. | 30 Then Tacob fayd to Simeon and Leui, Yehaue troubled me,and hatiemade me ftinke among the inhabitantes’ of the Jande,as well the Cananites,as the Pherefites: and I being fewe an number, they fhall gather them felues together againit me, and flay me,and fo fhall I and my houfe be deftroyed. 3: And they aunfwered, Shoulde he abufe our fafter as an whoore? “y [Then Dinah the daughter of Leah. This Chapter cor, teineth a berie harde temptation, with the which (Bod exerci⸗ {ed againe the faith of bis feruant, How precious the chattitie of his daughter twas to him, we may gather by the poncttie of pis whole life , When he heareth therefore that the is defiled, . his minde was greuoully {wounded with this Mame and re- p2och. but ſhoꝛtly after bis areefe was trebled, wher be hea⸗ reth that bis fonnes , theough a deſire of reucnge, had cont miftted a bainous facte. Wut let bs {weigh eneric thing mh is _, 2der and place , Dina is rauithed,becaute the leauing ber fas ~ thers boule , wandered further then twas mete and conuents ent. She ought to haue tarried quictly at home, euen as the Apottle alfo commaundeth,and nature teacheth. Foꝛ this vers tue befeemeth maydes and virgins, {whiche the common pro⸗ uerbe ciueth vnto womert, that they be ſnailes, that ts to fap houlckeepers , Therelore/ fathers aretaught fo keepe their ere xx.iij daugh⸗ ⁊ Titus. 2§ 60h. ULE? ot cA LviE O24 daughters vnd treight vifcipline, virgins. 3 [So his heart claue ynto Dinah, ] Motes meaneth that the was not fo rauiſhed, that Dichem, when he had ance abuſed her, had her in contempt : the whiche is Wont to! be the lot of nmon barlots, Foꝛ be loucd her in fede Of bis tife:pea,. bs did not refute to be citenmeifen,, to bane bestobeina Wwite. Wut the burning tage of loue bay preuailed, that firte be. Wwith large and honett loue: pet not WwithFanving, be bad alre⸗ die greeuoufip finned in that intemperancic, 4 [And Shechem.fayde ynto Hamor. I By this place if is | nore plainly erp2eted,that Sichem delired to haue Dinah to. Wife. Dherefore, his luk twas not fo vnbridled >that when be had forced ber, be woul make ber a ſcorne. Furthermoye, bis: conunendable modetticapyeareth, when be giueth this prece: minence to his father, 3fo2 he taketh not the matter in bande at bis otwne twill, to make a matrimontall contract : but pel, deth this onto the authoritic of his father, Fo⸗ although be Had receiued a foule fal] though the heate of burning luftes : nottwithtanding, returning nowe to pim felfe » be ſolloweth For there is at this dap in all places more libertie, inſomuch that moderation bridleth not roung men from filthinefte, But fetng Sichem was ruledand taught by nature, toatke ag his fathers abuife,any to Make hint the procurer of the match, ough, We bereby Gather, that the right and power whiche parentes ; baug — VPON GENESIS. (CAP: XXXIMIT. . haue over their childrẽ dught not to be broken: inlomuch that fo. they which goe about to ouerthrowe the fame , doe (arke to Oe sia bring a horrible confufion. Mhereſfore, feeing the Pope for the age, s honour of wedlocke, dare breake that holie bonde of nature, this one Judge, the fornicatoꝛ Sichem, hall be ſuſticient e⸗ nough to condemne that barbarouſneſſe. lacob heard that he had defiled Dinah, ] Moſes bere pringeth int one verlſe concering the ferete ſoꝛrowe and greefe ofzaced. Wie knowe that they whiche haue altvapes bene {well accounted of, arefo much the moze Difquicfed, tfany rer proche happen vnto them. Therelore, br howe much holic Zar cob had endeuored fo haue his houte pure from all ſpot, chatte, and {well nourtoured, by fo muche the moze heis wounded, But becaufe beis at home alenc, be hideth bis qreefe,and in⸗ Ywardly digelteth the fame, vntill his fornes returne front fhe keelde. By thele words Motes meaneth not,that Jacob de⸗ ferred thereuenge vntill their returne: but beeaule he was ‘alone, dettitute of countell and comfozt 5 be isas if were ‘quite diſcouraged. Sherefore , the meaning is; that be was oppꝛeſſed with exceeding ſorrowe; infomntiche that he helde bis peace, By the worde Of deſiling, Moles feachefh, what is afte the trie deannetie of men : namely, whon as chaltitie is fine — terelp imbraced, and wher as euerie one keepeth his velſell in caooeſſe honour, Foꝛ wholoeuer veeldeth his bodie to foꝛnicaticn dothd Aithilydedile Haatedfe,” WaBorefoss{Fte be Dinad is layde Coca focbe defiled! Weho was forted and rabithed by Sichem, hc vss what fhall tue fay of voluntarie adulterics and fo;nicatts Hyg2 tis Pees we ſWhen the fonnes of Tacob were come out of the feelde] Moles beginneth to chewe the tragicall euent of this hiltorie. Diehem had done wickedly and vngodly: but this twas farre moe greuous Wicked, that the fonnes of Jacob, fo reuenge ~ >the prinate offence of one matt, kill the whole people, Jf was ‘not miete,that To many men Mould be daine fo2 the lightneſſe of one yvongman. Againe, who had appointed {herit Judges, p they durſt with theirowne hands punith the iniurie done vn⸗ fo thet 2 hHerevnto alfo was iorned falſhhode in fels xXx iiij. lowihip, 6 6 SSLOHN CALVINE 2 loiwthip, i in that vnder the colour of a league they enterpzifes fo commit fo hainous a facte, But in Jacob tue haue let before bs ant erample of wonderfull patience , who being atflicted With fo many euils, fainted not, Wut ſpecially tue are to Weigh aud confider the mercie of Ood, whereby tt came to palle,that the couenaunt of grace refted bppon the poſteritie of Jacob. Foꝛ what was moze bnmete, then that the whole worlde bes ing ſette afide,a felve men,in whom (uch beaſtlie outrage ru⸗ ied with ertreame malice , Moulde be reckoned fo2 the people and fonnes of God? Wile fee that. they did all that they coulde to baniſh themfelues out of the kingdome of God, Whereby if appeateth,that the loue and fauour, which tt pleated God te beſtowe vppon them, was free, and not grounded bppan their merites. And we mutt be no leſſe mercifully dealt twithall, who often tines vaniſhe away, vnleſſe God doe pardon our finnes. Lhe fonnes of Jacob haue, iuf€ caufeof offence: becaule they are not onely fouched with their owne peiuate ignominie, but als fo are greeued with the wickedneſſe of the facte; becauſe their filter was dꝛawen fo, fornication; out of Jacobs. hounfe; as out _ of the fanctuarte of God, Foꝛ they vege this thing efpecially,, that it was not meete fo fuffer fuch wickedneſſe fo be commits fed among a bolie and chofen people: but they,though the ha⸗ tred of one finne,furtoully fall to.connmit moe finnes,and leſſe tollerable . Hherefoze we mutt betware; leat after we haue bene ſeuere Judges tu condemning other mens laults, we our ſelues runne without conſideratien. And eſpecially we muſt abſteine from biolent remedies, Wwhich are worſe then the cutll Which we go.about to redreſſe Therelore the ſonnes of Jacob doc. amiſſe, in, faking bppon thentauthozitie to punitje, TAhy doe they not rather tweigh — and fap in them {clues +O D Dy which bath; taken bs bnder bis protection , twillnotfuffer this inturte to eftape bnpani« fhed : in the meane time it is our part to be filent,and to leaue the punitment, which is not in dur hande, vnto bis till and pleafure-, Hereby let bs learng fo tobe angrie with other _ mens fines, that neverthelette, toe take nothing in band whi⸗ the becommeth 0s not, § [And ’ x ey VPON GENESIS. CAPD. XXXIITII. 8 [And Hamor communed with them.]} Although the fonnes of Jacob were infly moued fo wrath: pet not with⸗ ſtanding, their difpleature ſhoulde haue bene mitiaated, with _ this fo qreat qentleneffe of Hemo2. Gnd although the humani⸗ tie of Hemoꝛ the father coulde not reconcile the fornes of Ja⸗ cob bnto Shechem: yet the olde man himfelfe delerucd to be gently and courfeouflp inferteined , We fee what indifferent conditions he offercth. be bimlelfe was the prince of the citie: the fonnes of Jacob, raungers , and nbabitantes by leaue. Therefore they were tw harde hearted, whiche coulde not be tnclined fo gentleneſſe. Mo2eouer, the bumble {upplication of Sbechem him felfe deferucd this,infomuche that they thoulve haue pardoned bis feruent loue, Therefore, in that they res maine fo bntractable,it is a ſigne of berie cruell pride. Ubat woulde they haue done fo their enimies, ifanyp bad burt them of purpofe: when as they, woulde not peelde one whitte to bis prapers, who being deceiued though blindeloue, andby the errour of mcontinencic, burte them not of malicious puts pofe? : 13 {The fonnes of lacob aunfwered.) Pere the becinning ofthe treafonis theived . Foꝛ they being rather beaftltke then manlike angrie, fought to ouerrunne the whole citie: but being not able fo bing their miſchiefous purpofe fo pafle againſt fo many people, they deuiſe a newe platte , that when they were made weake With wounds, they might foudenlp tome bppon them. Therefore the Sichemites hauing no ſtrength to make refiftance, if was rather acruell ſiaughter, then a murder. Whe whiche amplifieth the tyzannte in the fonnes of Jacob, tubo cared fo2 nothing,fo as they might fatil fietheir beattlic outrage. They make ercufe,that they being feuercd from other nations,might nof giue wiues out of their focke and kinred fo an vncircumciſed people . Whe whiche in Dede was true,if fo be they bad (poken from their beart ; but they doe falfely pretend the holic name of God. Foꝛ they care not fo2 circumcifion: but oncly feeke botwe fo make the mi⸗ ferable men tweake and. vnapte to refift them in the ſlaugh⸗ fer, _¥ Alfo they doe drawe the figne amiffe from bis tructh,cuen ¥r,0, as 697 IOHN CALVIWNE’. 69 8 as ifonelaping aſide vncircumciſion, choulde ſoudenly tome into the Church of God. Wut after this forte they doe defile the {pirituall figne of life, then without erception o2 reaard, they make fraungers partakers thereof. Shotwithanding, becaufe their diſſimulation hath a probable colour, that whiche they fay is to be noted, that tt hall be arep2ofe to thein, fo giue their iter fo a man that is vncirtumcited Dhis alfo ts true, iffo beit came not from falle diffemblers : fo2, becaufe thep carried the marke of Gov in their flethe, t¢ was Chrittians a chame fo: them to marie with the wnbeleuers. Euen fo, — at this day alſo, our baptiſme doth ſeparate vs from vnbelce⸗ with Inf. UerS , inſomuch that be bringeth tame and reprorhe to him dels, felfe, which iopneth with them, : 18 [Their woordes pleafed Hamor,] Moſes pꝛoſequuteth the hiſtorie vntil he commeth onto the daughter of the Siche⸗ mites, In that Hemoꝛ ſhewed him ſelfe ſo tractable , there is no doubt, but thathe was moued therevnto by the intreas fic of his ſonne. WMhereby the ouermuch fufferaunce and lenis fic of the god olde man appeareth, Be ſhoulde at the fir baue ſeuerely reprebended his fonnes offence:but he doth not onelp couer the fame ſo much as he map, but alfo fulfiileth all bis Defires, i | | X This moderation and equitie was worthie to be prai⸗ fed,if his ſonne had required that Wwhiche twas mete : but nowe, the olde man, for bis fonnes fake, taking vppon him an vnknowen religion, and ſutfering him felfe to be wounded inthe flethe, can not be excuſed of foliffnefie . It is ſayde, that the young man twas not flatke berein,becaufe be earneſt⸗ ly loued the maide,and was of create honour among the Citts zens, inſomuche that he obteined at their banbdes, by the fame; what he woulde. Foꝛ the feruencie of that loue had pofitea nothing, vuletle he might at his one pleafure baue bꝛought bis buſineſſe about, © 9 td | a1 (Thefe men are peaceable with vs. J Moſes deferibeth fhe manner of working, by whiche the Sichemites were perfuaded to recetue thoſe conditions, whithe were offered bp the fonns of Jacob. It was a veric hard matter fo) the risen : sy people VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXXIIII. 99 people fo be brought fo ſubmit them felues toa ſewe ſtraun⸗ gers in fo weightie a matter. Foꝛ, we knowe ‘howe greately men doe milſelike of att alteration of reliqion?®: but Hemor and Sichem pers ſuade that this tuill be profitable for them, And this is natus Fall Khetorike. For although honettic be moze commendable: pet nottwithanding,it taketh fall place in perſualions But or profite obteineth almofte any thing af the hands of the Com Neth not mon people: becanfethe greater part followeth that whithe fo muche they thinke twill be erpedient for them . With this purpofe + prose Hemoꝛ and Sichem paife the familie of Jacob for their hos neftie and peaceable manners, that the Sicbemites might afs fure them felues , that tt was pofitable for them fo receiue fuche queftes. They addealfo, that their lande ts large e⸗ nough,infomuche that none of the former inhabitantes ſhould neede fo feare any loſſe. Beſides thele,they alleadge ofher come niodifies , and in the meane time conceale the priuate and cz fyeciall caufe, Wlherebppon it folloiveth, that alltheleafore- ⸗ faide were but deceiptfull colours, Wut this is tw common a Private difeate, that men whiche are in authozttic, when they referre — — all thinges fo their priuate gaine and commoditie, Doe not / Nung withſtanding beare men in pande,that they haue a ſpeciall rez wich a gard toa Common wealth, Anditis verte cresible,that they commosa dere ofthe motte noble and ercellent among the people , of wealth. whome mention is made here. Fo2 the Sichemites had chofen Heino? tobe Cheir Prince, as one enducd with the bee giftes yet notwithſtanding, we fe that they doe lye and deceiue vnder a fhetwe of riaht and tructh. Whereby we fee, that hypocrific is fo fat firedin mens mindes, that itis a miracle to finde ſome one pure and fre from the ſame, eſpecially when prinate wealth is in place By this.erample,let all thofe which are fet in authovitic,learne to be fincere in common counfels, >) without any manner of refpecte of themfclues , Jn hike mane ner let the people bridle themfelucs,that they aape not tw grees dilyx after their owne profite : becaufe oftentimes it commeth to paſſe, that thep are deceiued though abaine hope: euen as, fides are bequiled with the bake. Foꝛ as the loue of our felucs is blinde, fo we runne after the hope of gaine without judgement, ; | and ; x 706 Tere.2.11. IOHN CALVINE. 104 And the Lorde tally chattieth this wicked defire, wherebnts he ſeeth vs moze prone then is mete , when be (uffereth bs to be deceiucd. Moles ſayth, that the communication was had in the gateof the citic, where their courtes, and o2dinaric iudge⸗ mentes Were wont to be kept. 24 [And vnto Hamor and Shechem his ſonne hearkened all the men. } This affent may,after a ſoꝛt, be afcribed to monettie and buntanitie. Foꝛ in that they do readily obey their pinces, and doe gently admit. queltes fo2 the benefite of their citie : ire either of thefe,they ſſewe themfelues both modeſt and gentle, But tf fo be we confiver what circumciſion auailed, it fall cv uidently appeare, that they Were to much addicted fo then felues,and to their olvne p2ofite. They knowe that they are bought by a new facrament to the contrarie worſhip of God. Ther were not as vet taught, that waſhinges and ſacrifices, whervnto they had accuſtomed them ſelues all their life, were bup2ofitable topes. Dherefare the chaunging of their religion fo carelefly ,betwzayeth their groſſe contempt of Gon, Foꝛ thep woulde never fo foudenlyp haue ca afive their fuperffitions, which fertoully worſhipped God, vnleſſe they had bene cons uinced by wholeſome doctrine and reafons, Whe Sichemites therefore being hardened with aneuill confcience, and mith the hope of gaine, euen as if they were halfe beaites, runne fo an vnknowen God, Confider the Ifles (fayth the P2ophet) whether there be any nation, whiche forfaketh their Goddes, which notwithftanding are no Goddes, This happened onto the Citie Sichem, when as no faul€ was founde with the fuperftitions whiche they had recetucd, WAherelore there is nocaufe why any man fouls meruell, if fo fozroivfull an end followed this lichtnette, Howbeit, Si⸗ meon and Leui are not therefoze excuſable, in hewing them ſelues cruell: nap, therein their impietie appeareth the more deteſtable, in that they doe not onelx rage againſt men, but do alſo after a ſort, ſette them ſelues againtt the holie couenaunt of Ood,of the which notwithltanding they onelp boatten, die⸗ rilp though they (pared not men: yet notwithitanding,this res uerence ought to haue b2idled their crueltie, when they confi dered whereby the Sichemitcs were made wealte. 25 [Simeon J — VPON GENESIS. CAP, XXXIIII. 25 [ Simeon and Leui the brethren of Dinah, ] Becauſe 701 Moles faith that this llaughter was made the thirde day, the Hebꝛues thinke that the greele of the wounde doeth then in⸗ creafe, Notwithſtanding, itis but a weake profe: neither is thete any creat weight in the fame. And although Moſes nameth onely tive authours of the murther , Jnotwithſtan⸗ Ding thinke it not likely, that they came alone: but that they {were captaines of the bande. Jf02 Jacob had a great familie: and it may be that he got fone of bis brethren fo accompanie him, Notwithſtanding, becaule by thew counfell and conduct the enterprife was atchieued, they are faid tobe the authours, even as Carthage is ſaide to be deftroped by Scipio, Moles als fo calleth them the brethren of Dinah, becaufe they bad all one Mother, We Hearde afore, that Dinah twas the daughter of Leah. Wherefore Simeon and Leui, whofe naturall fitter fhe twas by father and mother , were the moze woth for the billanie pone vnto her. Wherefore not the common rep2ofe of the holy and electe ftocke , did fo muche moue them, (as they falfiy boatted a little before, as did the peculiar ignominie and rep2och, Wut there is no man that readeth this, which know⸗ eth not of bim felfe, howe cruell and deteſtable a facte this Was. Dnely one had finned, be fought to recompente the inius rie with manic benefites : the crueltic of Simeonand Leut is not fatiffied without the deſtru ction of the whole Citie . And vnder the colour of aleague, they practiſe that agatntt their fricndes and benefactozs in the middelt of peace, which is not follerable to be Done againtt pꝛofetled euimies in open warre. Hereby we perceiue, how mercifully the Lo2d dealt with that people, in appointing priettes fo himfelfe of the poſteritie of a bloudie man, and wicked perfor . Let the Jewes goe nowe and boatt of their noble originall. But the Loꝛde hath plain⸗ ly chewed forth bis free mercie by moze Doc uments, then that the wicked buthankfulnes of men may obfcure the fame. And hereby we perceiue,that Poles ſpake not of flefhip affection, but that be twas the inftrument of the bolie Obofk , ano the p2oclamer of the heauenly Judge Foꝛ be being a Leute, ts fo Leui, de~ far frd {paring bis ftocke , that be letteth not to fet a perpetur Bed ey all note of infamic bppon the father of bis tribe . And — 702 ~t IOHN CALYINE is no doubt, but that the Lorde woulde prouide fo ſtoppe the mouths of wicked ¢ prophane men. Cuen as the Lucians cons felle Doles to be aman of great dignitie, ¢ of ſingular epcels lencie , but pet fuch a one as got the rule € gouernement of a Great people with craft ¢ (ubtiltie.gs though the man being beric wile, knewe not that his (locke Was greatip diſhonou⸗ red by this wickedneiſe. But bis purpofe was nothing elfe, but to ertoll the godneſſe of God towarde his beople: and he ſought nothing leſſe then to haue rules the which moze plattis ly appeareth by this, that he tranflerring the office of prieſt⸗ bode vnto an other, commaundeth bis ſonnes onelp to be Miz nifters As touching the Sichemites , althoughe they were not innocent before Gov » fo2 that thep had p2eferred their oteneg commoditie before religion, which thep thouaht fo be latwfuils Pet notithfanding,the Lorde woulde haue them to be fo greuouily puntthed, not for their offence: but be futfered a las mentable erample to be hhewed fo? the rautthing of one maid, fo make it knowen vnto all pofferities, how greatly be hateth filthie luttes ; Bo2eouer., (xing the iniquitie f pang from the | Peince of the Citie, by right the punithment is ertended to the whole bodie of the peopie 02 (cing GD D neuer giueth dito Wicked and vicious Princes the rule and gouernement, but by iwi iudgement : it is no meruell when they finne, if they carrie their ſubiectes With them’ inte the faine offence and puntthement , ‘Mo2couer, ict os learne by this erample, that t€ atanp time lornications efcape bnpuniſhed, GDD Doe wincke one at an others iniquitie., The ſonne⸗ of Jacob bee wickedly, but we mut note that fo2nication twas after this manner condemned by Gov, 27 [ Theotherfonnes of Tacob came vppon the dead, 7 | Pofes Hetweth,that they beeing not contented with the res uenge, wente alfo to the fpople . As fouching the letter, thep are ſaide to goe bppon the dead , either becauſe thep froade Vv . VPON GENESIS. CAP, XXXIIII. troade bppon the deade carcafes : 02 elfe alfo, bycauſe hen 7%} they bad murdered, they went tothe pray . Wihether way thou take tf, Moles thetweth that thep were not fatiffied with © tie fir wickedneſſe, ercept they added this alfo, Admit that they were blinded twith twzath in thesding bloud: for what caule notwithſtanding, doe they facke the Citte 2 This can not bealcribed onto tu2athe:but thele are the ordinarie fruits of humane intemperancic, that be tobiche hath: giuen him⸗ felfe libertie fo committe one wickedneſſe, by and bp burſteth forth into an other. Euen fo fhe fonnes of Jacob, of murder rers became ſpoylers, and to their crueltie topned couetouſ⸗ neſſe. Mhereſore, we are to vſe the moze diligence in bride⸗ ling our Luffes leatt one be as a paire of bellowes to an other, that at the laſt of a mutual inflamation there arife a bo2rible burning. Wut efpeciallplet os betware of armed biolence, Which draweth with it many peruerſe ¢ cruell aſſaultes. Dos fes faith thatthe ſonnes of Jacob did this , becauſe the Si⸗ chemites bad defiled their fier. Wut the whole Cifte knetwe not of it: but onely Moſes ſheweth, howe the authours of the murder were affected; For although they woulde frome to be iuſt reuengers of iniuries: pet notiwithfanding they reſpect not what they ntay lawfully doe, neither doe they bend their minde fo tame their wicked affections ;thus there ts no end of finning. , 30 [ Yehauc troubled me,and mademe to ftinke , J Mos fes declareth that the boly man condemned the wicked facte, | icaft any man might thinke , that be twas p2tute to their purpole, And he blameth his fonnes,becaufe they had made him to ftinke befoze the inbabitauntes of the land: that is fa fay, they bad made bint fo odious: thafne man coulde abide bint : and that if ſo be the nations there aboutes ſhoulde _. tonfpire together , he ſhoulde not be able fo make reff ” {Eaunce, be hauing no ſmall a bande, in relpecte of fo qreate an arnt , And benameth the Canantites,and Phereſites, which beeing proudked with no iniurie, were by nature tw protic and readie fo hurt.But Jacob fceemeth to deale verie prepoferouls ly, that neglecting the offence tito ©. 2D D,, onely regar⸗ deih pis owne perill, Wiby ts be not rather angrit with at oo. crueltie⸗ TOHN CALVINE 7 O4 crueltie? Ahy is he not rather offended {vith their kreaſon⸗ CB hyp dacth he not reprehend them fo their (pople 2 But it ig likely, that be fering them af€onithen With the wickednes lates ipcommitted, applied bis (peacheto their capacitie , F02 be dealeth as with furious perfons, whiche are not mete to recetue wholeſome doctrine. ‘Lherefoze angerly be complais neth , that they baue rather killed bim, then the Dichemites, Foꝛ We knowe that men are feloome and {carly bought to repentaunce, ercept it be bp the feare of puntthement, efpecis ally when thep baue anp notable colour fo cloke their faulte withall. Furthermore, we knowe not whether Moſes toke this parte out of the long chattifement, that the readers Might vn⸗ derltande, that the furie of Simeon andWeni was fo outragi⸗ ous, that they were moze amazed then bute beattes at their Olone deftruction, € the ruine of thetr whole familie, Foꝛ this ts plainly to be ſeene in their aunfwwere > the twhichenot onelp vttereth barbarous crueltie:but alſo thetucth that they vnder⸗ fand nothing. It is barbaroufnefie, in that they ercule the kils ling of the whole people, and the fpopling of the citic fo2 the ofe : fence of one man . Secondly, becauſe they aunfwere their father fo p2ecifely, and fo obftinately. Thirdly, becante thep doe ſtiffely defend the vengeaunce whiche they bad rathly tas ken, But their fenfiette dulneſſe is verie montruous,that they are not touched with their one pꝛeſent death , neither With the death of their wiues, their parentes and childzen. Thus Wwe are taught, howe greatly the intemperaunce of wrath depriueth men of their wittes , Wie are alfo taught, that it is not fufficient, toben the blame map be layne bppon the contrarte parte, but we mutt alwares fee howe farre it ig latvfull fo2 bs to proceede, 7 CHAPTER. Xxx y, PS =) Hen God faideto Tacob, Arife, goe vp to Be. {O's | thel, and dwell there, and make there anal- S@.4| tar vnto God, that appeared ynto thee, when 3} thou fleddeft from Efau thy brother. Then faide Iacob yato his, houtholde, and’ to all VPON GENESIS CAPR xXXXvV? to all that were with him ; put away the flraunge Gods that aré 7 05 among you,’ and ‘cleanfe your ſelues, and chaunge your gar- mentes. | 3 For wewillrife, and goevp to Bethel, and I will make an altar there ynto God,which heard me ia the day of my tri- bulation,and was with mein the way which I went. 4 And they gauevnto Iacob all the {traunge Goddes whi- che were in their handes, and all their earinges whiche were in their eares,and Iacob hid them ynder an Oke whiche was by Shechem. s Then they wenton theiriourney , and the feare of God was vppon the Cities that were round about them fo that they did not followe after the fonnes of lacob, 6 So came Iacob to Luz,whiche ‘is in the lande of Ca- naan, the fame is Bethel, he arid allthe people that was with him, | 7 And he built there an altar,and had called theplace,The God of Bethel : becaufe that Angels had appeared vnto him there,when he fledde from his brothers face, ©: / 8 Then Deborah Rebeccasnurfle died,and was buried be- neath Bethel, vnder an Oke, and he called the name of it; Allon bachuth. 2 Analod T 9 And againe God appeared vnto lacob, after he came out of Padan Aram, and bleſſed him. i 10 Moreoucr,God fayde vnto him, Thy name is Lahacob : thy name fhall no more * called Iahacob, but Iſrael fhall be’ _thy name: and he-called hisname Iftael. 0 ¢ 000) | ~ at And God ſayde vuto him, lam'GO D ‘all fufficient, growe and multiplie:a nation and a multitude of ‘nations fhall {pringe of ‘thee s and Kinges: fhall come out of thy Toyaes\ensl Das medaidA sistw .noidolt 12 Alfo I will giue thee the lande whiche I gaue to Abra- hamyand Tzhak : ynto thetjand vato thy feede after thee, will I giue that lande. 43* do God afvended from him in the place where he had talked with him, ih 14 And Iacob fette vp apiller in the place where he talked’ with him, apiller of {tone , and powred adrinke offering 8 ae _ thereon: _- * X IOHN CALVINE 706 thereon: alfo he powred oyle thereon, 1s And lacob called the name of the place, where GOD {pake with him, Bethel, 16 Then they departed from Bethel : and when there was about halfe a dayes iourney tocome to Ephrath, Rahel trauel- led,and in trauel fhe was in perill. | ..17 And when the was in paines of her labour, the midde- wife faidevnto her, Fearenot , for thou fhalt haue this. fonne alfo. , 18 Then, as fhe was about to yeelde vp the ghofte, (for the died, ) the called his name, Benoni ; but his father called his name Beniamin, : | 19 Thus died Rahel,& was buried in the way to Ephrath, the fame isin Bethlehem. | 7 20 And Jacob fet a piller vpon her graue, thisis the piller of Rahels grave vnto this day. 21 Then Ifrael went forward, and pitched his tent beyond the towerofHedar. - 22 Now when Ifrael dwelt in that lande,Ruben went and lay with Bilhah , his fathers concubine :and it came tolfracls | care : and Jacob had'twelucfonnes.: 23 The fonnes of Leah, Ruben Iacobs eldeft fonite. and ott meon, and Leui, and Judah,and Ifhacar,and Zebulon. 24 The fonnes of Rahel, lofeph,and Beniamin. 25 Andthe fonneg of Bilhah, Rahels maide: Dan, and Nepthali,.:.! 10, dosnedst bs) " | 26 The fonnes of Zilphah Leahs maide: Gad, and Afer. Lag are the fonnes of lacob, whiche, were borne him in Pa- ram, : 27 Then Iacob came to Izhak J father to Mamre, a catie of Arbah, this is Hebron, where Abraham and Izhak were: {traungers, | 28 And the dayes of Izhak mitts thodred 3 and * ſcore yeares. 29 And Izhak gaue vp: theighofte, and died: and was ga- thered ynto his people, becing olde and full of dayes : and his fonnes Efau and lacob buriedhime © FA e [Then VPON GENESIS. GAR XXXYV! 1 [Then God faid vnto Iacob.] Moles thetueth,that then Jacob was bzought info extreame neceflitie,the Love holpe him in time,and asit were atthe berie pinche, And thus be ſheweth in the perfon of one man, that Ood doth neuer forfake his Church, which be bath once loued, but pocureth faluation onto the fame, Notwithſtanding, the order is to be noted, Foz @od did not by and by appeare onto bts ſeruant, but fuffered him firfk to be tozmented with fo2zrowe,and with great cares, that be might learne patience,and deferred the folace and come fort, vntill neceſſitie required the faine. Biferable was the ftate of Jacob then. Foꝛ all men from cuerie part might haus ben bis entmies,in fo much that he was beſette with fo manp veathes,as there divelf nations round about him:and be was not fo ſenſleſſe, but that he perceined the daungers, wherein be ſtode. Amiddelt thefe bopling cares, Ood fuffered the holie man fo be toxmopled and tounented, vntill bp a cerfeine kinde of relurtection, be bealed him as balfe dead. Sooftenas we read this place,and (uch like, let vs remember that the proui⸗ dence of God, pea, when he feemeth motte of all fo ſſeepe, wate cheth for our faluation, Boles ſheweth not hovo long tine Ja⸗ cob was kept in ſorrowe and care,but we may gather by the terfe,that he was in great perpleritic, when the Lord comfor⸗ ted him, And it is to be noted, that the cheefeſt medicine wher⸗ With be was cured, confilfed in the wordes whiche the Rove {pake, UGby di? be not bp a miracte tranflate him into fome other countric,that be might deliuer him out of band.from all perill2 Why did be not alfo, without his word, reache buts him bis hand,¢ alwace the crueltic of all men, that no man might enterpzife to hurt him? But Boles ſtandeth not in bain vpon this point: for herebp we are taught, from whence we are fo fetche our checfelt confolation in our miferies : and alfe that this ts the checfeft crercife of our life,to depende vpon the mouth of the 1o2d:that we map be certeitly perfuaded,that ſo fone as be bath pꝛomiſed ſaluatiõ/ we ſhalbe wel elt withall: € neede not fo dout to go forward though the midft of deaths. Where was allo another caufe of the vifion, that Jacob might fele,not onelpbyp erperience , that © DD is his helper : but alfo, beeing forewarned bp —— he might learne * ait v. ij. 707 708 ITOHN CALVINE attribute bite God, whatſoeuer followed afterward. Fo2 tre being Aowe and dull, bare enpertence is not ſufficient ta teſti⸗ fie the grace of God; except faith be ioyned to the woꝛde. ¶ Goe vp to Bethel Jalthouah the purpoſe of the Lorde is, to lift vp hts feruaunt from death onto life: pet notwithſtanding, be night feente fo make hima ſcorne. For he might cafily hane fapde, Thou WLozde commandeſt me to goe bp fo Wethel, but all wares are (hut bp againſt me: for my fonnes haue kindled fuche'a fire againſt me, that Jremaine not in fafetic in any copner,y dare fcarfe moue my finger; what fhail then come ta pate, if Inowe beginne fo remoue my fentes with a greate bande 2? Shall J not by fre provoke newe hatred again me? Wut after this manner Jacobs faith tas notably tried,. becaule beknowing that Cod twas bis guide in bis tourney, prepared him felfe therebnto,p2efuming bppon bis helpe. And the Lord Doeth not ſimply command tubat be twill have done, but adding a promifebe confirmeth bis feruaunt. Foꝛ wher he putteth him in minde, that be is the fame O D D, whiche ‘appeared vnto hin at the fire, toben he Med alway afearde, in thefe words the promiſe is included, To the fame end allo the altar apperteineth, Foꝛ {cing it is a figne oftbankefgining, tt follotweth, that Jacob ſhoulde come thither in fafetie,that he might iuſtly giue thankes vnto God. And he rather choſeth Bethel then any other place,fo be his Sanctuarie, becauſe the verie beboloing of fhe place was verie effecfuall fo fake away terrour, when be thoulde call fominde, that he bad feene there the glorie of Gans, Furthermore, when Gad exhorteth bis feruaunt onto thankfulnetie,be declareth that be will be be⸗ neficiall to the faithfull to this ende, that they in like manner miay acknotwledac,that they are to attribute all thinaes onto: his grace and may exerciſe them ſelues in patfing the fame. ©) go Then fayde Lacob to his houthalde..) Pere tf is deſcri⸗ bev, how redie Kacobs obedience was. Foꝛ fo fone as be heard God ſpeake, he doubted not ,metthervifputed with bin felfe what was neocfull fo be Done: but according as be Was com manded; be ſpedily addreſſeth him ſelfe to bis tourney. And to declarethat be sbepeth ODD ; he doth not onely (ake with: dim vellelles, but alſo purgeth bis boule. from idols. g 3 Rec: 02 — —— oe > VPON GENESIS. CAP, XXXV- . F02 if fo be Wwe defire fo haue God fauourable onto bs, we mutt take alway alllettes whiche doe after a fo2te feparate bimfrom bs. Wo2eouer, hereby we perceiue , wherevnto Rachels theft tended, when the ſtoale ber fathers idols. Foꝛ the went not about (as tf ts fatde ) to dꝛawe her father from fuperttition , but fucceded him in bis vice: neither kept thee this poyſon to her felfe,but oifperfed the fame theoughout ber whole familie, So that boly houfe twas infected with a moſt peftilent contagion , Whereby alfo tt appeareth , howe prone men are to falfe and Wicked worſhippings, when as the famts ly of Jacob , fo whome pure religion was delivered , fo areedis ly imb2acedtdols, when they twere offered, But Jacob was not altogether ignorant of this: but itis likely, that be twas fo much addicted to bis wife, infomuch that by bis fufferance, be fottercd popfon ſecretly in his houfe, And tn verie deede with one word he condemneth both him felfe and the reff, in calling the idols, Straunge Cods, Foꝛ whereof came this difference, but becanfe he knewe, that he ought toferue one God alone 2 $02 there is a fecreate relation betwene Ood and Abraham, eatl other whom the world feigned amilſe fo it ſelfe: not that it was inthe will of Abraham, to appoint twhtch twas the true @op: but betaufe God had revealed himfelfe vnto hint, be would alfo borrow of him his name. Jacob therfore confelleth bis ouerficht in that he fuffered tools m his houſe, which Gov had fozbidoen. Ffo2 where the frue knowledge of Dod is, all that men deuiſe to them ſelues, Without the pure knotvledae of bint; muſt nedes be vifplaced ; Wut Jacob bering blinded cither with the flatteries of his wife, 02 elfe with the careleſſe⸗ “noffe of the ficthe, neglected fo doc bis dutie Wut he is notw a wahked with the feate of perill,that he may aiue him ſelle the moꝛe diligentlyto the pure worſhipof God. Iſ this happened to theholie Patriarch, bow much more ought toe to be afeard ofctho wirked ſecuritie of the ſſeſhe in prolperitie 2? Wo2couer, tétherebe at any time any fuch onerfight 02 negligence in bs, let the fatherly chatkifements of God awake and irre bs bp, that We map diligently purge ‘away all ſuche vices , as are come cffouth: :ypotwe'bere the wonderfull godneſſe of Ood appearethy tubo douchlſated to accounte' the houle of *— Vy. 710 IOHN CALVINX bis dwelling place: not beit hſfanding it was polluted With. idols. Foꝛ althoughe idolaters were ioyned with him, and al⸗ though bis wife the ſcholemiſtrelſſe of idolatrie ſſept in his bo⸗ ſome:vet notwithſtanding, his ſacrifices were alwayes accep⸗ table vnto God, vet fo2 all that,this fo great ſuſferance of Con in pardoning, neither mitiqateth the holie mans fault , nets ther ought it to giue onto bs any occafton of negligence, Foꝛ, although Jacob allowed not of ſuperſtitions:vet notwithſtan⸗ dita, tt was no thanke to him, that the pure wo2thip of Goo, was nof by little and little quite ouerthꝛowen. Foꝛ the coꝛ⸗ ruption being come from Rachel alone, began now to ſpꝛead it {elfe further. dnd the examples of all ages. teache the fame, Fo2the trueth of God is neuer fo eftablithed among men, thouch the godlic fake great paines tn defending the ſame, but that ſame ſuperſtitions remaine among the cominon foate. FF diſſimulation be ioyned therewith; ina Hote time the mife cheefe increafeth, vntill if haue ouerſpread the whole bodie. DF fuche a beginning came the buge beape of fuperftitions, whee che af this dap are in the Papaſie iherefo2e, boe mulſt Kiffes ly withlſtand the beginnings teak true religion, by the negli⸗ gence of Paftours,be troden vnder fate... LAnd cleanfe your felues,and chaunge your garments. This tg an exhoꝛtation fo the erfernall p2ofellion of repentance, Foꝛ Jacob commaun⸗ deth; that they of bis houſhold, which: had befoze polluted thent ſelues, ſhould teftifie ther ne cleanneſſe, bythaunging their Exod. 33.6 Farmentes. To the fame end and purpoſe alfo,;: Moſes com⸗ maunded thepeople to put offtheir apparetk, afterthey bas made their goloencalues . Perein onely there was another confideration,becanfe the people hauing put off their fumptus gus appareli, humbly confetted their fault with mourning and bafe weende : butin Jacobs houfe the garments were changed; that they whiche had beene defiled, miaht come forth as nets men, Potiwithfanving, the end(as 4 haue fatd) was albonge that by this erternaltrife tvolaters might learne; hot great and how betnous their faultis, Andalthough repentance be a hinden vertue, and relteth in the heart: pet nenerthelefles this ceremonie was not altogether, fupenfiugus. Foꝛ re know how cololp men millike of themſelues — VPON GENESIS. CAP: ZXXVI Ik enileffe thep be pricked with manp (purres, 7 ; - Furthermoze,this alfo belongeth to the gloꝛie of God, that wien dec not onelp inivardly confider their offence, but doe alfo openly fcitifiethe fame. This therefore is the fumme, that although © DD erpreflely commaunded nothing cons cerning the purging of the boufe + pet notwithfanding, bes cauſe be bad cemimaunded Jacob fo erecte an altar, that be might purely worhippe ODD, heendeuoured himfelfe to take alway all impedimentes ; and that he tia this when verie neceflitie conffremed him to (eke for belpe at ODD bis Band, 4 [And they gaue vnto lacob.] Although Jacobs boul holde were obedient, and tractable inoughe: yet fo2 all that, Whereas they doc ali fo readily fulfill his commandement, tn catting away their idols, J doubt rot, butthatit was Done for feare of perill, Whereby alfo we gather, bow expedient it is fo2 bs to be awakened with euils. We know how obftinate audrepellisus fuperfition is, If Jacobbad commanded any Tush thing in aquict and merrie ftate, theareater parte had -traftalp hidden their idols’: and fome peraduenturehad tiffes lp Denied them. ut wow the hand of the Loꝛde vrgeth them, {peedily te repent with cherefull mindes, And it ts likely, ac⸗ coding fo the circumfance of time,that Jacob preached of the iuſt iudgement ef Cov, that he night make then afeard . Foz whereas be commandeth them to be cleanled, it is euen as muche as ifbehanfatde, Hitherto pe haue beene defiled before the Lorde: now feeing the 102d hath ſo mercifully loked vp⸗ pon vs, waſhe alway. thefe ſpottes, leaſt they turne away as gaine bis face from bs... Notwithſtanding, tt eemeth abfurd, that Jacob buried the tyols vnder an Dke, and did not rather melé thontand-confunte them with fire: euen as we read that Poſes div, with the golvencalues:¢ Csechias with the ba? Exo. ws. fen Serpent : for the place is not expꝛeſſed in vaine: but Far 2.Reg ws. cobg inſirmitie is. repꝛehended, becaule he was not prouident ¢- inough fo2 the time to conte, And tt map be, that the Lord puniſhed the to muche ſuffe⸗ vance € genflenes of the former time, in depriuing him of pru⸗ RENCE, F god will:yet ail eae obedience, thou * pti, n ¥ in ‘~~ VPON GENES fs’, CAP. XXXV. 20% Th¥ hate thall no more be calle lakacob }' Ge haue chewed befeixe; what the meanina of theſe words ts. 402 thé fir ite naincisnot aboliſhed, but the dignitie of the other nante 1s preferrev, whiche was ‘after twatne gluen vnto him. Foꝛ be was called Facob-from his mothers wombe, becauſe be had bene a ſtrong to2effler with bis brother . ut he was _ afteriwarde called Iſrael, becaute he wꝛeſtling with @od,cot ; the bictozic., Pot that he prevailed bp his owne fremath,( fos he borrowed both courage, and freitath,and weapersjofOop alone :) but becaufe the Loꝛd tuould adoꝛne him with this free honour . We maketh therefore a compari(on, that the name Jacob may be obfcure and bale incomparifon of Hracl. Some erpound it thus, T hou fhalt not only be called Lacob, butthou {halt alfo befirnamed Iſrael. But the other erpofition feneth vnto me to be moꝛe ſimple, ‘that the old name being leſſe bos nourable ſhould giue place to the fecond, That which Augus ftine brꝛingeth, is not fo founde,that be was called Jacob in re⸗ ſpecte of the prefent life: and thatthe name of Iraelbelonged Onto the lifeto come... Let thts therefote abide Urme and cee teine! that the holy mari bad a Double wamel,pofthe tetatinthe latter was farre mbeercellent. For toote Chat the Pophrts tovne oftentinies boch meget ip ger ot TT grate from the beginning to the ending. 10 aginasisd ar (Tam God all ſufficient. JI Gavi incthiscplaes amined ther places allo, cominendeth btxttrenath ; that Gace might the moze Keofattly trukinhhn 6 Then he paonnteth chut;he hall big to palſſe that Jacob ſhal increuſe thut he ante goon not onely into one! nation, but alſo into a heapesomattitars: of nations. When he makethmention ofa watiodstycevis no Doubt, but that he meaneth that his ccode aie pofferific Thalt be foray sthat it (hali matte one bedie autktnajne of a Breatpedy |G AGacthat Wwhiche foltotus h scomreriiinginations, rap feinetobeablarse .ci (i tna om noneod gtod dislinin AFfdriſwe like toxbferre if fo thectratiotys, wwhichbare gras fed iutothe ſtocke of Abraham, by fre adoption t Mati be aw vnproper ſpeach: but tf to be shou Dnderikansthemi ic of the naturall ſonnes, it-yald be rather a curſe then grace to “Hans Che hares cutcaro:ntuingd fit: wluorte:wetions, sian whofe 3 25 .7 TOHN GALVAINE .. 7 16 twhofe fi deste confitteth in vnitie. But it f ſeemeth bnfe me, that the Mord bath comprehended both graces in thete words. Fo2feing in Joſuahs time the people was diftributed into tribes; Abꝛahams feed. was inlarged, as it were into fo many peoples; and yet fo2 all thatthe bodie was not after this mans ner diuided. MWherelore he is talled a heape ofnations , becaule in that bitrinetion the boly vnitie neuertheleſſe confitted . This alfo is notertended amiſſe vnto thenations , whicbe being dil perſed afo2e,are gathered fogetber into one congregation by the bonde of faith, And although they came not of Jacob after the flefhe: yet notivithitanding , becaufe their originall was a newe faith: but the couenant of ſaluation, which ts the fede of thefpirituatibu th, came front Jacob: all the fatthfull are iuftlyreckoned among bis fonnes , according to this faping; Lhaue appointed theeto be afather of many nations.'{ And Kinges ihall come out of thy loynes. ] This in my tudgement ought padperly to be referred to Dauid, and to bis poſteritie. fFoꝛr the kingdome of Sale was not approued of God, and thorefcreit was not ſtable; And the kingdome of Iſrael was ndthing elſe, but the coeruption of thedawfull kingdome·· I canfitlz, that ſome time thoſe thinges are reckoned aniong the benefites of Ood , whiche come of an euill beginning . ut becauſe in thas: place’ the mere bleffing of God ts ſpoken of, J rather like.to neferreit to the. onety ſueceſſours of Dauid. At the tenath:aacok is appointed store of the tandeyas theanely heire othis grandfather: Abiabam:; andof bis father Iſaac: Fo2 the Roꝛdeoeth manifeltly cut off Etau front the bolie fa niilies When as the dominion of thedande by right of inheri⸗ tauncoaus neferred-fo the poſteritie of Jacob onelp on apierSn Godaktendedifrom hiny J This afcending of Covibatirctationta hes. belcendingw 1sin2) BD! Dr dubiche fulfilleth both beauen and earth, ts, ſaide fo deſconde vnto bs turthonhebnatg ng iis place ; (0 oftenashegtucth any: fgne of bis prcleuse.«: Wecaleended. therefore fram Sarebs then he vaniſhed out of his fight, o2'the vifton ceaſſed. Andby thas forme ofipeahings:.xODD counvendeth vnto vs the prict (Of * wordeauecanſe bedhoc teſtunonie dechie grace > — — VPON GENESIS. CAD, XXXV. neere Onto bs. Foꝛ,becauſe there is create difference betweene 7 : 7 bs and bis beauenly qlozic,he defcendeth onto vs by his wo, And this at the lat was perfectly fulfilled in the perfon of Chritte,toho by his afcenfion into heauen, hath fo eralted our faith, that not withſtanding be alwayes dwelleth in bs,by the power of hts fpirite. _ 14 [And lacob fetvpapiller.] Although it may be,that in the remembzaunce of the feconde vifion , he erected a ho⸗ lie ntonument: pet notwithſtanding, Jecaſily ſubſeribe Onto ticir iudgement, which thinke that the fame is fpoken of whi⸗ che was done before, As tf Moles ſhoulde fay, that the fame is the auncient temple of God, twherein Jacob had powred bis Dike offering, For he was not commaunded to come thither fo haue bis dwelling place, but fo the end the frethe bebolding of the place, might renetve the credtte of the olde o2arle, and beffer confirme the fame We reade in another place that the bolie fathers builded alfars, where thep intended to dwell any long time: but therein they bad another confideration. Foꝛ Whereas Jacob had made a folemne vow in Wethel,if he were brought backe again by the Lord in ſaftie:now thankeſ⸗ gluing ts required of him after be had obteined his befire,that being confirmed, be might coc vnto another place. 16 { Then they departed from Bethel. ] We bane féene howe creafly the ranifhing of Dinah tuounded holie Jacobs minde: tue haue alfo heard what areafe terreur came vnto him, by the Wicked fact of hts five fonnes, Anduolwe are ads Ded diuers crofivs,iwith the which he was fore afflicted afters wardes, all the time of bis olde age, vntill be came into Ce vets and couceined newe toy by the fight of bis fonne Zor eph. But this alſo was a moſte greeuqus temptation,to be bar lacoba af nilhed from the pꝛomiſed lande, euen vnto death. Powe the “V9 death of his beloucd wife is decribed, ſtraight after the which followeth the inceft of bis firſt begotten fonne) with brs wife Witha. Wp and by after this,bis father Iſaac Byeth . When his fonne Zofeph is taken alway, whome he thinteth to be ~~, tone and fpopled with wilde. bealtes, And whiles he mour⸗ ned eee fo2 bis foune, there beefell a dearth, 7 ( ‘39th toe ae ; ap 718 The gifts of God are taken ftõ vs when we doc a- bufe them Rachel dicth in trauell of childe. Sorrowe bringeth ynthankce- fulnefle, IOHN CALVINE che be was conftrained fo fend fo2 fode out of Cappt 20 here bis other fonne was kept in priſon, vntill be was alfo depri⸗ ucd of bis Deere fonne Beniamin, whomebe tendered as bis life. hus we fer, with how tharpe a warrefare and continus all courfe of euilles and miſeries be beeing accuftomed, tras bought to the hope of a better life, And whereas, thꝛoughe the painfuineffe of the tourney, Kachel died in trauell of child, before thep came to their refting place, this increafed hota little his ſoꝛrowe. WBut if is like that be was depriued of fis belt beioued twife;becaule the Lorde would cozrect the intent: perancic of bis lone, Lhe boty Ghoſt noteth not Leah with as ny ignominie, ſeeing he was a holy woman, and indued with greater vertueneuertheleſſe, Jacob moe eſteemed of Kachels beautie, This difeale inthe holy man twas purged witha fharpe medicine , when bis tuife was taken from him. Ano thus the Lord taketh oftentimes bis aiftes fro the faithfull,to chaſtiſe ¢ cozrect the wicked abufing of them. Whe wicked doe moꝛe bololy pophane the atftes of Ood , but the longer that @od winketh and fuffereth thent, the areater ts their cone demnation in the ende, But he taking from bis feruauntes the matter and occafion of finning, pouidefh fo2 their fals uation, Whoſoeuer be be then that deſireth long to enioy the aiftes of Cod: let the fame learne not to abufe thent,but pures iy and foberlp to vſe them. 17 { The middewife faide vnto her,] We knotwe that thep of olde time greatly defired chilozen,and efpecially males , Jn that therfo2e Kachel was nof herewith comforted, Wwe gather that fhe was wholy onercome with ſorꝛrowe and paine, Wherefore the diedin the middeſt of ber paines, thinking v⸗ pon nothing , but of ber fo2rotvfull trauell and areefe , by the feeling twhereof the qaue ber ſonne bis name ; the whiche bice not withſtanding Jacob afterward cozrected. Foꝛ the chauns ging of (he name {nfficiently ſheweth, that by bis iudgement the excceding fo2rowe in bis wife is condemned, who bad giuen vnto ber fonne afiniffer andreprochfull name. For fo2rotwfulneffe wanteth not vnthankefulneſſe, whiche fo pots (effeth our mindes in aduerfitic , that the benefites of © DD | * comfozte vs not, oꝛ littleo2 nothing mitigate our greefe. Aflter VPON GENESIS. CAP. xxxy. After this , Moles maketh mention of ber burial, ofthe iby 7 LP the there coulde not baue beene fo greate care among the bos lyfathers , creept though the bope of the refurrection . So often therefoze as we reade of the burping of their dead , of the whiche they had fo greate care : Iet bs remember the ende of the whiche J haue fpoken, Foꝛ it was no baine ceres Burial of monic, but aliuely token of the refurrection to come, Iton· moe fefle that wicked men in thofe dayes, tn dinerfe partes of the ao argu- woꝛrlde, toke areat paines, and beſtowed cof in burping of ment of their dead, onely fo2 a Dainefolace of mourning , Wut als thate lus⸗ though they fell from true religion to groſſe errours: yet nots eion. Wwithfanding,p Lord brought to paſſe that this rite remained fill in bis perfection antong the godly . Wut rather he woul haue a teffimonte to be ertant among the godlie, by whiche they might once be made inexcuſable. Aoꝛ fering this affection was ingraffed naturally in all men, without a teacher, That to burie the dead twas one of fhe duties of godlineſſe, nature plainty taught them this , That the bodie of man is made to immoꝛtalitie:and that therefoze it doeth fo perithe in earth, that if doeth not bfterly die. A piller, 02 monument fignifie eth all onething . Be builded no Caftell,twhiche might be a monument throughout all pofterities of his glozic, but be fet bppe the remembzaunce of atumbe, whiche might be a Wwitneffe in all ages , that be Was mo2e addicted fo the {es conde life . And by the proudence of © D D , this admoni⸗ tion remained ertant , vntill the people returned out of Cappte. 22 £ Ruben wentand lay with Brlhah, ] Nobo oles fete feth befoze our epes.a lamentable and tragicall bifto2ie, cons . cerning the inceftuous lying of Ruben with bis mother in lavwe. Poles calleth Wilba Jacobs concubine: but although , he was not the miftreffe of the houſe, and fellow parfener of the gods: pet notwithitanding, in refvect of the bed (he was alatvfull wife,as we haue heard before. If any ſtraunger bad defiled fhe holy mans twife,be had Done vnto him qreat thames; -._ but this vas farre moze greeuous,to fuffer fo great contumes lie by bis owne fonne, — 2 Aud what detefkable repꝛoche twas this, that the ite { as > . i, V 720 IOHN CALVINE of two fribes, doth not onely defile ber (elfe {with adulferie, but alfo with inceft 2 The whiche twickednefle nature fo abz horreth, that it was neuer counted follerable among the Gentiles, Wut, by the wonderfull ſubtiltie of Sathan it came to paffe,that fo areat filthineffe entered into the bolie boufe, inſomuche that Gods election mighte feme fo be made of none effect. Sathan goeth about by all meanes that he may, to perucrt the graceof OD D intheclect : the whiche when be cannot bzing fo pafle, be either defameth, o2 obfcureth the fame . Hereot it commeth to palſe, that filthte eramples are: often times founde in the Churcbe. And the Lozve after this (o2t fuffereth bis feruantes fo be humbled, that they may take moꝛe heede vnto them felues, that they may be moze diligent in paper, and map learne wholy to depend bpon the mercte of Ood.Dnelp Poles thes eth, that Jacob twas certified of this wicked fact, but be bis deth his greefe: not that be was voide of paffions, (fo2 he twas. not fo fenfelzMe, that be felt not his arefe; ) but becaute bis fo2rrolwe,fo2 the greeuouſneſſe of the matter , coulde not be ers pꝛeſſed. Foꝛ Boles here femeth to playas did a Painter, who in painting forth Agamemnon offering bp Iphigenia bis Daughter, painted a vaile before his face, becaufe be coulve: not (ufficiently expreſſe his weping and mourning countes naunce, Welide the cuerlatking repꝛoche and thame of the famtlie,, there were other thinges , tobiche wounded the holie mans’ bee . Wis cheefe feltcitie was in hauing of childzen and pottcritie, front whence alfo faluation thoulde come fo the Whole worlde: whereas alreadte tive of them were traytors € bloudie fpoplers,and the thirde being the firſt borne, farre ers celled them in wickedneſſe. wut hereby the fire election of God appeared the moze plaine, becaule he preferred not the fonnes of Fatob fo2 their olwne woꝛthineſſe before pᷣ reſt of the world: ¢ alfa, becaufle then thep wert fo fouly fallen, the fame ſtode neuerthelette firme ¢ effectuall. e being warned by (uch ex⸗ amples; let bs learne to foztifie our felues agaiuſt fearefull fumbling blockes, which Sathan caſteth wvour way. Letier uerie one alfo — top PREY conlolation of his ta | VYPON GENESTS. CAPR XXXV? rir Foꝛ fhe god alfo vo ſometimes ſo Lip,as though they fell from grace. Defperation mutt neds follow the heeles of (uch falles, tf fo be the Loꝛd on the contrarie part, Mould not efter hope of pardon, And tue haue bere a notable eyample in Ruben, who after bis detettable fact, reteined nofivithitanding, the degre ofa Patrtarch tn the Church, Howbeil, we muſt withalabive onder the garde of feare and watchtulneſſe, leak temptation oppreſſe bs vnawares, and ſo the {nares of Sathan intrap vs, Foꝛ the purpole of the holy Ohok ts not, to make him a pas trone and maintainer of filthy luf, that cnery one may runne headlong to inceſt: but rather be bath manifeted the filtht nefle of this wicked fact inan honourable perfonage, that all men might be the more earnefl in abhorring the fame, Chis Novatwa place alfo confuteth the errour of Nouatus. Ruben was tery “oO well taught, he carried the feale of Gods coucnant in bis ficth, euen frown big fir infancie : pea, be was regenerated by the Spirtt of Ood, We fee what a downfall be had, from the which be was lifted bp; by the vnſpeakable mercy of Cod, Wherefore fhereis no cauſe, hy the Nouatians ſhould cut away all ope of parton from thofe that fall : btcaufe there ts no fmall inius rie Done vnto Chk, 1f we thinke that the arace of God is leffe effectual {ince fhe comming of Chꝛiſt. [And Iacob had twelue dons. ] Molſes reckoneth vp agatne the fons of Jacob in o2der, And benameth Ruben fir, not for honours fake, but that be may haue p moe reproch, 3Fo2 p moreihorteur $ the Lo2d hath giuen te any man, the greater blame ſhall he beare, when be afterward making him felfe a bondflane to Sathan, forfaketh his place, And Moſes feemeti to make this Catalogue before the death of Iſaac, that be map pufa alfference bet beene the Jogenic of Yacob,¢ the Idumeans, of whom mention Hall be madein the nerf Chapter. Foꝛ by the death of Saar, the founteine of fhe bolp locke, was (as it were) parted, and ſeue⸗ red into tino riuers : but bycauſe Gods anoption kept it ſelfe in the ove part only, if was necdfull that the one ſtocke Mould be diuided from the offer: cs | lecrind GHA \ ¢ 28 PAnd thedayes of Haac.} Iſaacs death is not fet dobpne \ bere in big order and place, as we thall (@ anon by the tert. + we haue feene alreadie, that Poles vſeth oftentimes fo Z}, diſorder > | J 72% - YOHN CALVINE diſoꝛder bis hiſtoꝛie. Moꝛeouer, when it ts Catoe,that Iſaac dts ed ait olde nian and full ofdapes, the meaning is that he dyed a fitnelp Death when he bad ended the courte of bis life, Ther⸗ fore this perteineth to the bleſſing of God, Howrbeit, Jdoe * only reverie theſe words fo (pace of time, but alſo fo the affec tion of the holy man,as that Iſaac hauing liued long intheb, invent gladly and quietly out ofthe twozlve, 3fo2 tus may fe | fone olde men, which are craked with ace, who notiwithftans Diig, are no lefle deſirous of life, then they Mere ttt fhe ower of their pouth : andbeing at ihe pittes brinke, do neuertheleſſe abbozre death. Although therefo2e long life is reckoned vp as | ———— of God: pet notwithſtanding, it is not ſuf⸗ Acient to reckon the number of peares, except men feele that they bauc lined long : and being contented with the qrace of God, and their age, prepare them (clues fo depart, And that olde men may be framed to fuche a moderation, if behoueth them fo haue a god conſcience, that they ſhunne not the pecs ſence oF ODD, For an euill confcience maketh the ticked as fraide, Doles alfo addeth, that Iſaac was buried by his too fonnes, And twhereas Cfau is firll named, thereby tue are taught againe, that the frutt of the fatherly bleſſing Was not fealt of Jacob in this life, Foꝛ he which by right was the firſt boone, was as pel ſubiect vnto the other, after the death of Iſaac. CHAPTER. XXXVI. Heſe are the generations of Efau, whichis E- ‘| dom. Efau tooke his wiues of the daughters of .Ca~ = AS} naan, Hadah thedaughter of Elonan Hittite ® land Aholibamah the daughter of Hanah, the daughter of Sibhionian Heuite. ‘i 3 “And Bofinath the dau ehter of Ifmael, fifter of Nebaioth. 4 And Hadah bare ynto Efau Eliphaz : and Botinath bare Rehuel. 5 Alfo Aholibamah bare Iehus, and Iahalam, and Corahy Thefeare the fonnes of Efau, which were borne ynto himin * the land of Canaan. I 6 So Elau tooke his —— gr his fonnes, and his daugh⸗ ter 4 \ ) | — -YPON GENESIS) CAP XXXVI ters,-and all the foules of his houfe, and his flockes, and all his cattell,and all his {ubftance,which he had gotten in the land of — and went into an other countrie from his brother Ia- cob. 7 For their riches were fo great, that they could not dwell together. And the land wherein they were ſtrangers could not receiue them,bycaufe of their flockes. 8 Therefore dwelt Efau in mount Seir: this Efau is Edom, 9 So theſe are the generations of Efau, father of Edom in mount Seir. 10 Thefe are the names of Efaus fonnes : Eliphaz,the fonne of Hadah the wife of Efau, and Rehuel the fonne of Boimath, the wife of Efau. rz And the fonnes of Eliphaz,were Theman,Omar,Sepho, end Gahatham,and Cenaz. | | 12 And Timnah was concubine to Eliphaz Efaus fonne, and bare ynto Eliphaz,Hamalec.Thefe be the fonnes of Hadah Efaus wife. 13 And thefe are the fonnes of Rehuel : Nahath,and Zerah, Sammah,and Mizzah . Thefe are the fonnes of Bofmath Efaus wife. “ya And thefe were the fonnes of Aholibamah the daugh- ter of Hanah,the daughter of Sibhon Efaus wife, And fhe bare ynto Efau Iehu,and Jahalam,and Corah. 15 Thefe were dukes of the {onnes of Efau. The fonnes of Eliphaz the firft borne of Efau,dukeTheman,duke Omar,duke Sepho,duke Cenaz. hip ls 16 Duke Corah,duke Gahatham,duke Hamalec.Thefe are the dukes that came of Eliphaz, in the lande of Edom, Thefe were the fonnes of Hadah. oe 17 And thefe are the fonnes of Rehuel, Efaus fonne, duke Nahath, duke Zerah, duke Sammeh, duke Mizzah : thefe are the dukesthat came of Rehuel inthe lande of Edom: thefe are the fonnes of Bofmath Efaus wife. Uf s 18 Likewife, thefe are the fons of Aholibamah Efaus wife, duke Ichus, duke Jahalam, duke Corah. Thefe dukes came of Aholibamah,the daughter of Hanah Efaus wife. Zz.ij. — * *) 723 \ 19 Thefe are the children of Efau, and theft are the — 3 iy Youn GAryine 72 — ofthem: this Eſau is Edom. fit _ 20 Thefe are the fonnes of Schirthe Horite, which inhaz bited the land : Lotan,and Sobal; and Sibhon,and Hanah, 21 And Difon,and Efer, and Dilan, Thefe are the dukes of the Horites, the ſonnes ofS ebir,in the land of Edom.” 22 And thete were the fonnes of Lotan,Hoti,and Heman + and Lotans filter, was Thimnah, | . __ 23 And the fonnes of Sobal ; Haluan, and Manahath, and Hebal,Sepho,andQnam,.. 24 And thefe are the fonnes of Sibhon = Aiah and Hanah. This was Hanali that found Mulesin the wilderneffe, as he fed his father Sibhons Affes. | 25 And the children of Hanah were theft e:Difon,and Aho. libamah the daughter of Hanah. 19 26 Alfo thefe are the fonnes of Difan : Hemdan, and Eſ ban,and Ithran,and Cheran, : | _ 27 Thefonnes of Eferare thefe : Bilhan,and Zahauan, and Hacan. Hit 28 The fonnes of Difan are thefe - Hus,and Aran, 29 Thete are the dukes of the Horites: duke Lotan, duke Sobal,duke Sibhon,duke Hanah. ; 1* 0Duke Difon, duke Efer,duke Diſan. Theſe are the dukes: of the Horites, after theit dukedomes in the land of Sehir. 31 And theteare the kings that reigned inthe lande of Es. dom, before there reigned any king ouer the children of Iſtael. 32. ThenBelahithe ſonne of Behor, reigned in Edom: and the name of the citie was Dinhabah $8019 [ae 33 And when Belah'died,Jobabjthéfonte ofZerah of Boſ⸗ rah,reigned in his {teede. ich te ; 34 When Iobab alfo was dead, Huflam of the lande of Tes mat reigned in'his.Recde. it9 Det 35) And afterithe death of Huflam, Hadad,the fonne of Bes dad, which flue Midiamim the felde of: Moab, reigned inhis. fteede : and the name of his.citie was Hauith. 25600) 64 36 When HadadWwasdead,thenSamlah of Mafrecah reig⸗ nedinhisfleedess ies) 2 37 When Samlah was dead, Saul of Rehoboth by the —* teigned in his flecde oy) Ig oly os plot “ VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXXVI. 38 And when Saule dyed, Bahal-hanan the fonne of Hach- bor,reigned in his fteede. 39 And after the death of Bahal-hanan the fonne of Hach- bor, Hadar reigned in his fteede : and the name of his citie was Pahu, and his wiues name Mehetabel the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab, 40 Then thefe are the names of the dukes of Efau accor- ding to their families, their places, and by their names; duke Timnah,duke Heluah, duke Ietheth. 41 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah,duke Binon, 42 Duke Cenaz, duke, Theman, duke Mibfar, duke Magdi- el duke Hiram. Théte be the dukes of Edom jaccording tothenr habitations; in the land of their inheritance. This Efau is the fae ther of Edam 1 [Thefe are the — a E(u] Though —J* were none of the Church before Dod: pet notwithſtanding, bicauſe be was indued with a tentpozal bleſſing, as the fonne of Iſaac. this is the reafon why Poles repeateth bis ſtocke. Hotwith⸗ fanding, this commendation is like vnto an honourable bur riall, #03 although Cfau with bis potkeritie excell: pet nots withſtanding, this dignitie ts like bntoa bubble of the wae ter, bicaule it ts comp2ebended onder the figure ofthe world, Which quickly periſheth. Therefore, as it twas faide befo2e of other p2ophane nations : euen fo nowy Cfau ts erfolled aloft, But bycaule there is no fate of any long continuance, with⸗ out the kingdome of God, the excellencie which ts attribufed bnto him, ts tranfitozte, and all his pompe baine, Sbebolp Obhok would haue it knotwne, that it was no vaine propbefie, which aac had vttered: but fo fone as he bath ſhewed the effect therof,be turneth alway our eyes as with a batle,to cone fider the ftocke of Jacob, Nowe, although Cfau had children by three wines, therein the bleſſing of God afterward appea- v9 yet notivithitanding, the hauing of moe wines then one is not therfoze app2oued,no2 the vnpure luſt of men ercufed:but in the godneſſe of God is rather fo be wondered at, which yaue a god end to cuill beginnings, contrarie fo the oꝛder of ature, 3 9 * Z3.iij. 6 [And 925 726 | “IOHN CA LVENE ~ 6 CAnd went into an other countrie. IMoſes meaneth not, - that Eſau departed of purpoſe, fo gine place vnto his brother, Foꝛ be bring proude pid cruell, Bould never haue ſuſtered Hun felfe to be counted tuftrionr . Wut Wotes not regarding the purpofe of Eſau, rommendeth fhe feercte prontdence of God, by which be was aztuen titoertle, that the polſeſſion of the lande might remaine folp onto Jacob, Cian ſecking the prefent pzofite, went to the mounteine Seir, as we haue alres die fade . He purpoled nothing telie; them fo benefite his bro⸗ ther: but ODD directed fhe blinde man with his bande, that he might haue no plate in that lande, which be had o2deined for his feruant, Cuen fo oftentimes it commeth to paſſe, that the wicked, againk their will, doe benekite the chofen children of God: and tn feking qredilp after the prefent commodities, ee y+ they further their euerlaſting feluation, whome otherwile Gods pro- miles are moſt firm. they tithe deſtroyed io “ocrrines | “sft 3 ai Lets therefore learne out of this preſent place; as wel in ‘Hatters of peraduenture (as men terine them, )as alfo inthe Wicked cdunſelles of men, to beholde the (ecrete proutvence of God WEY hE eyes OF Faiths Dich turneth al! eurntes anvifs Tiss tot ab end Which he hath appotited. .) For when Caw Went forth, that he might Hue more ronuenientiy dp hime - out of his fathers Boule, He is faide to goe from bis brothers face’: bycaute the Loive hadfoavpeintes.: Ano he ts faive fo goe into the lande (as it were) ata venture, bycauſe he knowing not there te pitch his pauiliow, ſought diuers pla⸗ tes, Ontill he came to mount Beit, whiche he chofe lor bis ha⸗ bitatton, ot Bi fit Orie “9 [ And theft avethe generations of the fonnes of Eſau.] Although Clan had two names: pet nofwithanding, in this place, the feconde name is referred onto his potteritic, tubich Were calley Idumeans. Foꝛ, that if may appeare what the Loꝛde hath giuen vnto him fo? bis father Iſaacs fake, Moles . erpredy calleth hint the father of a famous nation, And this ferued not alittle fo the purpofe, fo beholoe the force and ful filling of the prophetic tit the progenie of Cſau. Foꝛ it fobe the prontifeot © D D were fo effectual towatosareprobate, /: howe much more firme Mall it be towardes his elect, *5 {ig ‘ B \ rc BL HAIN there is ii — woe th, VPON GENESIS. . “CAP «XXXVI beires of grace? Cfau wag an obſcure man, and a fofourner. in that countrie, Dherefore hawe came it fo pate, that kings, and a whole people came of him ſo founenlp, except it were, bycauſe fhe bleſſing, which came out of the mouth of Iſaac, twas ratificd and confirmed by the effect it ſelle stor Cfau reigned not in the wilderneſſe tvithout enuie, feeing a noble people dwelt afore inthe mount of Seir. Foꝛ Boles theres fore faith, that afore tine they were throng men which dwelt in thelande, in fo much that it was not an caffe matter fo2 a new come ftraunger, fo get lo great power, vnlelle be pad beng bolpenofDov, | 29 CThis was Hana 8 Fuca mules Mules are monarel bealtes, ingendered by tbe joynina-ofan horlle andan alle to- gether. Sof thefe Ana ts ſaide to bethe fir nuenter, For the which J poe not cominend bim, For ithe Love inthe beans nitig did not in vaine put a Difference betivguecucrp kinde of bealie . Wut bycaule the vanitie of the Aethe doth terp much moue the chtldzen of this told, to applie their witte tito ſu⸗ perfiuous things, oles noted this prepottersus ſtudie in A⸗ na, who not being contented {vith plentie of beaſtes, deuiſed a degenerate and mongrell fo2f, by a monſtruous contunetion. Moꝛreouer, Hereby wwe perceiue,that there is mozetemperance in bute beaffes, to followwe the lawe of nature, then, in men which deuiſe vicious mixtures. 27 Mules found out by Hansh. 31 [ Thefe are the kings that reigned, ] Ge mutt remems ber that whiche we faive a little belaze, hotwe that: the rep20s bate doc foudenty ertell, that thep may quickly fall againe: euen as the bearbes that grote on the houſe toppes, whiche Want rote, pet dloriſhe for a time, butare quickly withered. This dignitie was p2 omiled foboth the founes of Iſagc, that nme houla {pring out of then. Lhe, Foumeans were the ſirſte kinges that beganne to “reigue, So the condition of Iſrael foemeriy to be pᷣ woꝛſſe. Wut continuance of time taught at the length, howe much better tf is by creeping on the ground to take teepe rote, then quickly to. cet a pꝛepoſterous ercellencic, which be Al nd by banitheth as sil * enuie Zʒ ilij. the 28 YOHN CA-LVINE 1J 7 the ſwilt proceedings of tov in the children of this world, whẽ as they them felues qoe fo2 ward faire and foftly, bycauſe that table felicitic is farre better, which the Lo pomileth vnto Pfal. rox, them, euen as tt is ſaide inthe falme, The children of thy 28. feruantes fhall continue, and their {cede fhall flande fait in thy | fight. | CHAPTER. XXXVIT. Sy Acob nowe dwelt in the land, wherein his fa. Z ther was a ftraunger,in the land. of Canaan, ¥~. Thefe are the generations of Iacob , When Tofeph was feuenteene yeares olde, he Kept fheepe with his brethren: and the childe was with the fonnes of Bilhah,and with the fonnes of Zilpha,his fa- thers wiucs. And Jofeph brought ynto their father their euill fayings. — 3 Nowe Iſrael loued Ioſeph more thenall his ſonnes, by⸗ caufe he begate himin his olde age : and he madc him acoate of many colours, nee 30 4 So when his brethren fawe, that their father loued him more then all his brethren,then they hated him, and could not fpeake peaceably ynto him. . Soha 5 And Iofeph dreamed a dreame, and tolde his brethren, who hated him fo much the more. © - —— 6 For he faide vnto them, Heare I pray you this dreame ~ which I haue dreamed. u 7 Beholde, nowe we were binding fheaues in the middeft of the field and loe,my fheafe arofe,and alfo foode y pright, & beholde, your theafes compaffed round about, and did reue~ rence my fheafe. —6 8 Then his brethren {aid ynto him, What, fhalt thou reigne:: oucr ys, and rule ys ? Or fhalt thou haute dominion altogether ouer vs?And they hated him ſo much the more, forhis dreame; and forhiswordes. | — eh ecet: 1 eg 9 Againe,he dreamed an other dreame, and tolde his bre thten, and faide,Behold,I haue had one dreame more; and be= holde, the Sunne and the Moone, and elcuen ftarres did reue- sence VPON GENESIS. CAD. XXXVIL « rence vnto me. 729 10 Then hee tolde it vnto his father, and to his brethren # and his fatherrebuked him, and faide ynto him, What is this dreame which thou hatt dreamed? Shall I, & thy mother,& thy brethren come in deede, and fall on the ground before thee ? : 11 And his brethren enuied him, but his father noted the aying. rz Then his brethren went to keepe their fathers fheepe in Shechem. 13 And Ifrael faid vnto Iofeph, Do not thy brethren keepe in Shechem ? Come,and I will fend thee to them. 14 And he aunfwered, lam here : thenhe {aide vnto him, Goenowe, fee whether it bee well with thy brethren, and howe the flockes profper, and bring me worde againe : fo vs (ent him from the vallie of Hebron: and hee came to She- chem. re Thenaman found him, for loe,he was wandering in the fielde andthe man asked him,faying, What feekeft thou ? 16 And heauniwered, Ifecke my brethren: tell me I pray thee where they keepe fhecpe. 17 And the man faide,They are departed hence, for I heard. them ſay, Let vs goc vito Dothan Then went Iofeph after his: brethren,and found them in Dothan. | 18 And'when they fawe hima sfarre off, cuen before hee came at them, they conſpired againft him, for to flay him. 29 For they {aide one. to an other, Beholde, this dreamer commeth. xo Come howe therefore, and let vs flay him,and caft him into fome pitte,and we wil fay,A wicked beaft hath deuouted him : then we fhall {ce what will come ofhis dreames. , . 2x But when Ruben heard that, hee deliuered him out of > their handesyand faide,Let vs not kill him. 32 Alto Ruben faide vnto them, Shead not bloud, but caft himinto this pit that is inthe wildernefle, and lay no hand vp- on him : This he faide, that hee might deliuer him out of their andes,and reftore him to his father againe. 23 Nowe when loſeph was come vnto his brethren, they ſtript Iofeph out ofhis coate, his partie coloured coate that JJ as hit. ete was “SST OWN) CADVINED Koay 73° was ypon him, NL OULD Dost 24 And they tooke him, and catthim into the pit, and the pit was emptie, without water in it. . 25 Then they fate them downe to eate bread, and they lif. ted vp their eyes,and looked, and beholde,there came a come panie of I{inaelites from Gilead, and their Camels laden with ipiccrie,and rofen,and myrrhe, & were going to carrie it down into Egypt. | | J 26 Then Iudah ſaide vnto his brethren, What auayleth it,if we flay our brother,though we keepe his bloud fecret ? 27 Come and let ys {ell himto the Himaelites, and let not’ our hands be vpon him, for he is our brother,and our fleſh: and his brethren obeyed, | ae 28: Then the Madianites merchantmen pafied by, and the drewe foorth,and lifted Iofeph out of the pit, and folde Toleph ynto the Ifmaelites, for twentie peeces of filuer, who brought Iofe ph into Egypt. [rot enid ecn 29 Afterward Ruben returned to the pit, and beholde, Io- feph was notin the pit : then he rent his cloathes: 30 And returned to his brethren, and faide, The childe is not yonder,and whether fhall I JOC. Voeht bin, 31 And they tooke Iofephes coate; and killed a Kidde of the Goates,and dipped the coate inthe bloud. aids 32 So they fent that paitie coloured coate, and they brou- ght it vnto their father,and faide, This haue we found,fee nov whether it be thy fonnes coate,or no. ri U5a7 teh os 33 Thenhe knewe it, and faide, Itis my fonnes coate: A wicked beaft:hath deuourcd him. Ioſeph is furely torne in eces. — iq orni * 34 And Iacob rent his cloathes, and put fackcloth about his loynes,and orrowed for his ſonne a long ſeaſon. A 35 Thenall his fonnes, and all his daughters roaſe vppeto « comfort him : but he would not be comforted,but {aid,Surely : Twill goe downe into the graue vnto my fonne mourning. §0/ his father wept for him. —1220 jee an stdnaot- # 36 And the Madianites folde him into Egypt, vnto Poti⸗ pher an Eunuche of Pharaos,and his checfe fteward. : Mat I SikGy GES jay doa I git} /h © ; aes | Hs VPON GENESIS.) CAR XXXVIT 9 1 [lacob nowe dwelt in the lande. IMoſes confirmeth that 73 Which be fpake before : that by the Departure of Cfau,the tand {was left to holp Facob, that he might be the onely poſſeſſour thereof, Howbeit in Hetwe, be had not fo much as a turffe of earth, but being contented with the bare afpedt of the lande,be erercifed his faith, ANd Boles by name compareth him to his father, who all bis life time twas a ftraunger in that jande . Although therefo2ze Jacob had gotten not a liffle 5 bis brother being franfated to an other dwelling place: yet notwithſtanding, the Lode would haue that profite fo be — krom his exes,that be might wholy depend vpon his pꝛomiſe. + 2 [Thefe are the generations of Jacob. ] She Hebꝛue word, fo2 the which voe haue bere Wenerations, doth not only fiants fic Genealogies, but alfo actes and affaires,as may better aps peare by the tert. For Moles beginning thus, reckoneth not pp forties andtheir pofteritte, but declareth for what cauſe Aofeph was enuicd of his breth2en, in fo much that fhaough a Wicked confpiracte they folde him. As ifbe hav ſaide, Jhauing breetip touched the genealogie of Cfauj,donoiwereturnetothe ° moder ofiny hiſtorie, what’ happened in the familie of ¥acob, ind Boles intending to {peak of fhe wicked fre of the forines ‘ef Jacob , beginneth bere, that Fefeph was moze Deere vnto bis father then the reff, bicauſe be had begotten him in bis old age, Andhe maketh thts a ficneof bis tender louc, bycauſe he apparelled him with a coate wouen with diuers colours. And it is no meruellthat the olde father delighteth fo much in ‘bis fonne. Foꝛ thus young men alſo are wont fo doe, being taught by nature, and pet are frefromennte. But Poles faith,thatthts was the caufe of the hatred, bycauſe the fathers louc inclined moze vnto him,then vnto the rett Whe brethren . > sgonceiue batted againt thelad,whome they fe their father to : loue tenderlxe bicauſe he Was borne in his olde age. Ifthey {will not be the rompanions of loue, why at the leall wiſe doe they not beare him god will? Hereby therefore ts ſene, their Wwicked and peruerſe nature. And whercas his partie coloured ccoate, and fuch like tritles, inflamed them fo pꝛaciſe murder, rein their deteltable crueltie beweareth it (lle, — oi oes ry? ’ malt d 73* Queftion Anf{were. IOHN CALK INE Poles alfo faith, that their hatred was hereby increafey, bicaule Joſeph tolve the euiũ fayings of bis brethren onto bis father, when they greeued him with their euill language, It nap be demaunded, why Moles accuſeth here only the fonnes of Wilha and Zilpha, who not withſtanding aftertwarve, cles reth not the fonnes of Leah from the ſame fault. And Ruben thefonne of Zilpha, was moze gentle € courteous then al the ref, There is a probable contecture, that bicaufe they Were bo2ne of the concubines, and not of latoful Wines, their mings were the foner moued to difpleature : cuen as if the feruile ſtocke bought contempt to them from their mothers wombe. 5CAnd Ioſeph dreamed a dreame.] Moſes hauing ſpoken of the firſt (eve of hatred, poredeth nowe further,as that Jo⸗ ſeph was choſen by the wonderfull counfell of Ood,to do great actes ; the which was alfo teftifien by bis dreames: and that thus the batren of bis beth2en burt fo2th into madneſſe. And the i020 reucaled by dꝛeames what he would doc, that afters ward it might be knotune, that nothing happened by chance, but that the fame which was defermined by the heauenly dee 4 cre, Was at the length by long circumftaunce, fulfilled indue fine, It was fozethetved to Abzaham, that his fede Mhould be a fraunger and pilgrime, ont of the lande ef Canaan, hat Jacob might go into Egrpt, God bad appointed this wapthat Joſeph being made ruler of Cappt in p time of famine, might fend for bis father, with his whole houſholde, and gine pate themfuttenance. Nowe no man would coniecure anp fuche matter bp the beginnings. which are here fet forth. The fonns Of Jacob contpire hig death, without whome they can not be Peferued : pea, who was ordeined fo be the minif¥cr of their faluation, Being catt info the pit, he is in great pertll ofdeath, And being carried about by diuers aduentures, be feemeth fo be eſtraunged from bis fathers houte, Afterward be is catt ins fo priſon, as into an other graue, where be almoſt lanquitheth a long time, Cherfore there was nothing moze vnlikely, then that they ſhould be preferuen by bis bande, when as he being cut off from bis fathers familie, and carried farre from the fame, is accounted as dead. Foꝛ there remained no hope of deliuerance,fpecially when the ASutler pad foz gotten him, but \ / | { « that ( j /j t — VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXXVIE fhat be being condemned fo perpetuall timp2ifonment, chouid 733 there haue perifhed, but God bp uch circuites, indirectly fints ſhed that which be bad determined, Wherkoze in this hiſtorv, we hal nof only baie a notable example of Gods proutdence: but alfo two other things {pecially worthie fo be noted, names ly, that Gad finthheth his worke by wonderfull and vnwonted micanes : fecondly, that he bringeth not fo2th faluation to bis Churche out of anp pompous ſhewe, but from death andthe graue. MPoreouer, inthe perfon of Joſeph we haue a liuely image of Chꝛiſte expꝛeſſed, as Mall moze plainly appeare by the tert. But bycaufe thefe things thall be oftentinies repeated, let bs follotve the order of Moſes woꝛdes. GOD of his meere grace and godnelſe, vouched fafe fo beſtowe vpon the lad efpectall Honour, being the left among the tivelue,faue one, giuing him the preeminence and ſuperioritie ouer his bꝛethꝛen. By what merite, o2 by What vertue Mall we fay, that he attained to be 31023 ouer his brethren 7 We ſemed aftertwarde to act this by bis qreat godneſſe and fingular vertue : but tue plainly fe by the dreame, that it was the free gift of ODD, which depended nof bpon the beneficence of Joſeph:but be twas rather appoin⸗ ted a prince by the mere god pleafure of Ood, that be might be benekliciall tobis brethꝛen And ſceing the Lord was wont dum.u.e by tivo manner of wapes at that time to reueale bis ſecrete purpofe:namely,by viſions and dꝛeames:here the one of thems ts noted, Foꝛ 19 Doubt, Joſeph had oftentinies Dreamed after the common manner: but Boles meaneth, that the dꝛeame woas offered of the Lord, that it might be of no leffe force then an oracle, Me knowe, that of ourcogitations and talke whith we haue in the vay time, we dreame oftentimes tn the night: ſometimes they fiquifie,that the body is not well at eafe. Wut ſo oſten as God would hang his purpoſe knowne bp dreames he hath there withall ingrauen terte ine notes, which might diſcerne them krom vaine and friuolous imaginations, that they map haue their firme credite and authoritie. Thus Jo⸗ q ph twas certeinly perfuaded,that be was not deceiued WIth a. vaine kantalie, in (o much that be vttered his dzeame boldly as an heauenly orꝛacle. And although lordſhip was — “= \. \ 4 * 5 iD \ TOHN CALVINE 734 vnto him onder a bare ſigne: pet it ſcemeth not bery apt fs perfuade, We knowe, that the ſonnes of Jacob were beardes and not ploughmen. Seing therefore they had no manner of occaſion fo make a haruell, this {eemeth noe wel to aare, that bis theafe Mould be worſhipped. But it mar be, that Gor chofe this fmilitude of purpofe,to teach that this pꝛopheſie as not grounded bppon the prefent fortune of Joleph, and that the matter of gouernement, was not of thofe thitigs which were at bande, but that tt thoula be ſuch a bleffing as ould come vnloked fo2, the caufe tobereof hould be loked fo2 elfelubere, then at home, 8 [ Shalt thou reigne ouer ys, and rule ys? J Bere it is plainely declared vnto bs, that tie fatherly faucur of Gon tos wards bis clect,is as a paire of bellotves,to p2oudke and kins Ble the hatred of the world againtt them. By this meanes the fonnes of Jacob ſhould haue put away their onint hatred, Wwhen they beard that thep fet them felues again GOD in Daine, Foꝛ it is enen as much, as if Goo (etting bim felfe a buckler againt them, mitigated their furic with thefe words, Pour wicked confpiracie thall take none effect : Foz though ve crake and boaſt, 3 haue appointed this man to be thefe, to (eke whoſe burt pe are carried though wicked enuie. Pers aduenture alfo, he fought by this confolation to mitigate the grefe of the holp poung man. And their obfinacie bought to palle,that be was the moze inflamed, et vs learne therefors not fo be greued, ifat any time the grace of God ſhining ons fo 0s, caufeth bs to be enuied. | Mozeouer,the tonnes of Jacob are berp apf and prompt ite terpreters of the dDzeame : but they deride it as a fable,bicaule tf is repugnant fo their delires. Thus oftentimes it commeth fo paffe, that they which are enill affected , doe by and by cons ceiue the purpofe of Gon: but bycaute they are touched with 0 reuerence and feare,thep doe contenine it. Gnote this ob⸗ ſtinacie a certeine dulneſte is iopned, which defaceth that lor⸗ mer promptneſſe. —D 9 { Againe,he dreamed an other dreame. ) This dreame and the fozmer tend to all one thing, This onely is theritter< 7 Ecice, that God, to make the ogacle of the moze crevite, rettetl edee — VPON GENESIS; CAP. XXXVII: before bint afiqure from heauen. Whe brethren of Joleph del⸗ pifes that twhich was ſpoken vnto them concerning the fheas ues, ¥ now the Wozde calleth them to behold a heauenly ficne, where roval maieſtie Hineth. Notwithſtanding, it may be des maunded, What likclibade there was tn this,that his mother {ould come and Worthip which twas already dead. CUbereas corteine hebrue interpreters referre the matter to Wilba, it ts but friuolous and vaine:for fhe ſimple ſenſe appeareth with out fuch thiftes, For the Sunne and the Bane, fiqnifieth both heads of the familic:thus in this figure Joſeph bevolocth,that be is worchipped of bis fathers whole boule. 10 [And his father rebuked him.] It Jacob had ſuſpected vᷣ this dꝛeame Was conceiued of vaine anbition,then he hale rightly haue reprehended his ſonne: but if be knewe that Cod {was} author of the dꝛeame, there was no cauſe why be ſhuld lame his ſonne. And that be knew it, it hereby appeareth : bls raute be twas atter ward lſaid, ſerioullyx fo conſider the niatter, For Males putteth a dierence belweene him ¢ the fonnes, be faith, that the fonnes vttered nothing but the popion of ſpight: but that the father conſidered boith him felfe what this ſhould me an. The Which coula not be, vnleſſe Se had ben touched with reuerence. Bat ſeeing he had in his mind a certeine care, howe cometh it to paffe, that be rebuketh bts fonne ¢ {Chis is nof to giue to God ¢ fo bis word, their due honour. Foꝛ Jacob ſhould haue remembꝛed, that although Joleph was vnder his obedi⸗ encervet notwithſtanding, be bare the perfon of a Prꝛophet. It is Itkely,that bycauſe he (atm bts fons fo malicious, he feigned that which was not, fo pꝛeuent foe (wort, Foꝛ he hum felfe Wwas not ofended with the dꝛeame: but He would not incous rage them in their matice, who being proude and haughtie of minde,coulo not abide ſubiection.J doubt not, but that be ſub⸗ tily reprehended his ſonne, being Deftrous to appeate the cone tention, Hobbbeit, this way is not allowed of EOD, that we Mould feigne our felues fo be atuerfaries tnto the tructh, When woe feeke to mitigate their wath, whiche are entities ‘ f nto the farte, He ought rather vnſeignedly fo haue exhor⸗ fon his Connes, that thep woulde not kicke againt (he pricke. * elfe he oaide baue taken this way, and bane — 3 "33 ITOHN CALVINE 73 © si felfe, Ikit be a common d2eame, J diſdaine and derive if: but ifit be of God, it is wickeones fo ſpeake againt it. It imap alfo be, that the abfurditie thercof patcked the old mans ming, Foꝛ Wwe knowe howe harde a thing if is, tuboly to put off all manner of loftineſſe. Wut the former erpofition ſeemeth bets ter fo agree, And although Jacob doth ſwarue a little from the right way, berein notwithfanding appeareth great godli⸗ nelle, bycauſe he reucrently eſteemed of the o2acle, But there appeareth wicked obſtinacie in the fonnes, then they burt fo2th into greater hatred, Foꝛ, although they deſpiſe the dꝛeame: pet notwithitanding,they are not galled fo2 nothing, Ther would twillinaly haue made a ſcorne of thetr bother, but a certeine fecrete feeling of Gods power reftratneth them, that will they, nill they, they are conftrained to acknowledre in them ſelues fometwhat of crevite and authoritie. Penerthes leſſe, they are carried with blinde outrage, in fo much that cons frarie to their purpofe and meaning, they refit Gov. heres fo2e,that we may be obedient onto God, let bs learne to lay as : fide a high ſtomach: bycaute then men beginne fo ſhewe thent felues tractable, when they pealde them felues fo ſubiection. This obltinacie in the ſonnes of Jacob was Damnable,in that they hating ſubiection, did not only retect the o2acle of ODD, but alfo were enimies onto bis meſſinger. HNob how much leſſe ercufable fhal our obſtinacie be, if we do not quietly fubmit our neckes to the Lords poke,after that the doctrine of bumilitic, which ſubdueth and mo2ttfieth bs, is not only moꝛe plainelp declared vnto bs, but alfo confirmea with the precious bloud of Chritte? But if there be any ſtub⸗ berne perfons at this day, which refule to imbrace the Gos pell, and doe peruerfly rebell againt the fame, let vs not be | froubled as with a newe matter, feeing all mankinde is infecs ted with the dileale of pride: ann the Whole glorie of the flethe | a M ts ouerthrowne by the Cofpell. Wut rather let bs knowe, F that all they doc remaine ubberne and obftinate, twhiche / are not make and gentle , being fubdued by the ſpirite of | ODD | 7 — 12 { Then his brethren went to keepe.] Betore that Mo⸗ ſes commeth te handle the wicked purpoſe of murther, defy Pi cribing } VPON GENESIS. CAP XLII. by be giueth fo vnderſtand, that they were euen then obedient So * fo thew father , becauſe enuie ſtayed them not: but that leas : uing their wiues and children, they take a long iournep. And : be addeth, that at their comming, there were many people whiche cante fo Jofeph : the which amplifieth bis praife, whe giuing fode fo all Egypt by mealure, euen vnto the end of the " Dearth, gaue alfo ſomewhat, euen te the nations that bordered fhereabout, 6 [Now lofeph was gouernour of the land. ] We topneth Joſephs honour with his faithfulneſſe ¢ induſtrie For, though he bare great rule: pet notwithſtanding, he refuſed no mans ner of burden and labour, euen as if be bad beene a hired feruanf, 15p which erample the are taught,that according as cuerte one excelleth in honour, fo he ought to fake moft pains, And that they, which doe topne tdleneMe with dignitie, doc bts terly coprupt the o2der which God hath (etfe, Wut it is bere to be noted, that Joleph did not fell wheate,by meafuring out the ſame himlelle, oꝛ by receiuing money with bis obon bands, feeing the fame was fold in many partes of the kingdome,and he bimfelfe infuffictent fo2 one garner: but be ts ſaide te fell, becaufe the whole fo2e was onder bis gouernement. 7 [And made him felfe ftraunge toward them, ] It map Queftion be Demanded, fo what tnfent Jofeph greeued bis breth2cen thus ‘4 With thoeateninas and ferrour? Foꝛ if be were fouched with : the iniurte whiche they had done vnto him, the deſire of ree ucnae cannot be ercufedin bint, Wut itis likely,that be was Anfwere. moued neither with wath, nor with a defire of reuenge, but that be twas ledde fo doc this bp tivo tuff caufes, Foꝛ be both 7 delired fo reconer bis bꝛother Beniamin: and by moutng a queftion,be would finde what was in their minde, whether : they had repented o2 no: and alfo, what their life bad bene from that time forth. 3702, if he bad made himſelfe krowen at the firſt conferrence, it was fo be feared, leat they concear .. ling thetr father, and feking to couer the deteſtable facte whiche thep had committsd, would haue tnereafed the fame with a new Wwickednefle, here was alfo no baine fulpicion fo be had, concerning bis tae Beniamin, leat they bad attempted any crueltic 03 falſhod againt bin, F : ” | Therefore, “” Cee, —* » 802 IOHN CALVINE Wherefore, it was neceflaric, that they thouldbe moze nares by fifted, vntill Joſeph being certificd of the fate of his fathers Houle, miaht according to the matter behaue him felfe : and might alfo chaftife thenta little , before be pardoned them, that they miaht thereby the better weigh the grencufnelle of their finne, Foꝛ, whereas be ſhewed him ſelfe afterwardes fo gentle and well pleafed it came not to paſſe, becaufe bis ° minde being appeafed be Was inclined by little and litéle to mercie: but rather, fixing Moſes favth hereafter, that be fought where be might goe apart, becaule be coulde no longer - refraine : be allo theretwithall inferreth, that the weeping twas rep2efled, fo long as be bare outwardly a ſterne coune fenaunce, and that fobe was alwaves affected iuith mercie alike , Gnd tt appeareth , that there was a fpectall inſtinct fo this whole action, S702 this was no commen thing,that Jo⸗ fep) bebolding fo many authours of bis calamitics , was not Difpleafed, no2 altered, no2 inforced fo bꝛeake forth inte any: vpbꝛayding (peeches : but framed both bis countenance and bis (peeche,as if be han taken long aduifement what be would Queftion. UIE. But againe it may be Demaunded, whether bis diſſimula⸗ fion is-not fo be blamed, Wwhiche was iopned with alpe 2 3fo2 we knowe, howe areatly infegritie pleafeth God: and how ſe⸗ uerelx he reſtraineth bis ſeruants from falſhod and deceipt. J knowe not whether God gouerned bis ſeruant by any ſpeciall mistion,that be might forꝛſake we cOmon rule without blames cuenas the faithfull doe ſometimes certeine thinges godly, which are not fo be dꝛawen tntocrample, We mui alivayes fhunne this it the deedes of the holie fathers, that they carrte bs not away from that lawe, which the Lorde bath generally preferibed onfoallmen., te mutt imbzace ſinceritie by the generall commaundement of God, Whereas Joſeph feigned that in worde, whiche twas not, Wwe ſhall not beercufed,tffobe . Wwe do the like,and take bis example fo2 a cloake, Foꝛ ifaman bppon apriuilened libertie whiche ts pardoned, prefumeto — boeake Gods lawe,to make p latwfull fo2 him, whiche is there ; forbidden, be fall iuſtly be puniched for bis pactumpttor, And pet nofwithtanding , J thinke that we muſt not be fo buGe in excufing of Joſeph: becaule tt is rather likely, — wt Anfwere. 4 VRON GENESIS: CAP. XLIT1: bid this as aman by infirmitie, whiche Gov parvonen t for bp 8 03} bis mercie pe could forgive that diſſimulation, which of it ſelfe was blaine wozthie. 9 [And lofeph remembred the dreame,] then mention was made Of worſhipping by the ch tlae Joſeph, the abſurditie ‘of the matter moued his brethren to confpire his death. Now, although they worſhip him being vnknowen: pet notwith⸗ ſtanding, nothing is better for them: nap, this is the onelp way fo2 their preferuation, when they profkrate themſelues at His feetc,and doe humbly befeeche him to receiue them, In the meane tine, their purpofe and confpiracic yas made voyde, by which they went about fo ouerthrow the heauenly decre, that they night not be onder fubiection. Whus the Wo2we bideleth the ſtubborne: euen as tilde horſes and vntamed, Who the moze that thep kicke and winch, the moze they are beten with the fourre. Wherfore, there was siothing better fo2 thei, then to frame themlelues to gentle⸗ nelle, that euerte one of them might be content with bis fate, how bale fo exer tf were. Notwithſtanding it femeth abſurd, that Joſeph then temembꝛed his dreame, as though by tract of time he had forgotten thefame: whiche could not be, with⸗ out fhe pꝛomiſes of Cod alfo banithed outofhisminde . ¥ aunfwere, that nothing ts ſpoken ofbere, which doeth not fometime happen vnto vs. JFo2,although the wove of God be in our hearts:vet notwithfandina, we alwayes thinke not vppon the fame ; but fometimes itis fo choked, that it map feeme to be ertinguifhed : efpecially , when fatth is oppreſſed {with the darkenelſe of afflictions. And if 1s no imeruell,tf fo be the long feeling of miſeries, had by a certeine forgetfulneſſe puried bis contrarte dꝛeames.God had exalted him to the hope of great and ercellent rule and lordſhip. He is caſt info the pif, as into the graue. From thence be ts folde fo monte, and carried info a farre countrie. Andas though bondage anv \, feruifude were not tharpecnoughe, he is caſt info prion . Gnd althoughe bis ſorrobbes were ſamewhat mitigated, when bis fete were taken out of the ſtockes: vet notwich⸗ fanding , there was ſmall o2 no hope at all of deliucraunce. | And pet J thinke not, that the hope he had corcciucd , was Cee,t, vtter⸗ — IOHN CALVINE 804. vtterly faken alway, but that there came a cloude, which fake alway the light of con(slation. Shere followed this a contras rie kinde oftemptation : becaufe nothing doeth foner bez witch men, then qreat and vnloked fo: felicifie, Gnd thus it came fo pafic,as we beard euen now, that the bolte man foꝛ⸗ gate bis fathers boule. Therefore, be was not fo mindefull of bis dreames, as it became him. There may alfo another pos bable ercufe be beought, that be by and by compared bis dreams with the fulfiiling of the ſame, and the ſucceſſe it felfe, And tn deed Chis was no fmall tertue,fo draw that cut ef hand lwhiche be ſawe, to confirme the credtfe of the diuine oacle, F02 if may be eafily gathered, that the dꝛeames Were not for⸗ gotten by continuance of fime,of the whiche be bad fo readie a Tohn.2.12 remembraunce. Thus thedilciples rememb2ed the wordes oh.12. 16 of the Loꝛde, after be was rifen againe from death: becaufe, by the beholoing of fhe matter, there thined vnto them a moze full knowledge: whereas befoze, there were onely cers teine obfcure fparkes in their beartes, 1s [By the life of Pharao,ye fhall notgoe henee.] WBy the forme of this oth alfo there arifeth aquettion, Foꝛ that which Dews613 ig commaunded in the laive,that we chould not ſweare but by the name of Cod, was then inarauen in the bearts of the god⸗ lic,feeing nature felleth,that this bono2 ts fo be giuen to Gop alone,that men ought toleane iudgement bnto him, and te niake him the cheefe decider of faith and truth, If we fay,that if ts nof a fimple oath, but a kinde of poteftation, the holie Swearing. man Mall in fome point be ercufable . Pe whiche fweareth by God, would haue him to be as a meane to puniſh the periurie. hep which ſweare by their life o2 head, doe make that which they account moffe p2ecious,to be a pledge as it were of their faith. After this manner the mateftie of God is not tranffers red fo a mortall man: becauſe it is another manner of matter fo make hin a witneſſe, which hath power to take vengeance: then toaffirme, by a thing which ts moſt deare,that which we. Deur,32.2 fay, So oles, when hecalleth beauen and earth te reco2ve,. ( he afcribeth not the Deitic onto them, that be miaht make new idols : buf that the lawe might haue the moze full autho» xitie, be giueth to vnderſtande, that there thall be no — — 9 VYPON GENESIS. CAP. XLII. the world, which hall not erte out before the Tribunall feate of God, of the buthankefulnefle of the people, if they reicct the noctrine of faluation,botwbeif, Jconłeſſe that tn this forme of (wearing, Which Joſeph beth, there is fomewhat which map iuſtly be blamed. Foꝛ tf twas prophane flatterie among the Egyptians, to ſweare by the life of the king, Cuen as men Were Wont to ſweare by the {pirtt of the Cmperour of Rome, after that thep were brought inte fuche bondage, that thep made their Cmperours equal With Gods, This wearing ae greeth not with true godlinelſe. Thereby we may percciue, that there is nothing barber fo2 the bolte ſeruauntes of God, then to keepe themfelues pure from the filthines of the world. But Foleph was neuer fo infected twith the coꝛruptions of the Court,but that he remaineda pure woꝛſhipper of God : note Wwiibfanding, we fe, that when be frameth him felfe.to the ticked cuftome of {peaking,be was ſomewhat {potted. Alfo, the repetition helucth, that when aman bath once accufto- Sos med himlelle to eutll,be hall find himſelle very redie to ſinne. gcatis Wie fe that thep whiche baue gotten a rath cultome of fiveas gotten by ring, although they talke of baine trifling thinges: pet at the cuftome. thirde word thep rappefw2th an oth. Mhereſfore, we ought fo take the moze diligent heede leaſt fuch ſufferance doe fettle bs ina wicked cuffome, 17 [Sohe put them in wardethree dayes,] ere Joſeph eweth him felfe fo be righteous,not only in wo208,a8 afo2e, but alfo in Dede, when be thutteth them all op in p2ifon, even as if thep thoulne p2efently be carried fo execution: in the which fearebe kept them,by the {pace of thre dayes , But a little before Wwe fat, that we muſt not make bis fact a precife grample fo followe:becauſe if is Doubtfull, whether be did well 2 no, And it is to be feared, that they are erie farre from bis meekenes, which alledae him for an erample, infomuch vᷣthey are rather like apes then true follotvers of hint, Jn the meane time.itis evident enough,to what end be did if. For be mitiga⸗ teth not the punifyments, although be were pacified the thirde day, but that be might make them the moze careful fo redeeme their brother, whome he kept for a pledge. Po2couer, leak tm muche feare ſhoulde difcourage them front returning — Uf, fo. 806 /IOHN CALVINE | be promiſeth that be twill deale faithfully with them . And fo perfuade thent the moze of this , he profeſſeth that be fear reth God, Whe which (pach ts worthie to be noted. Be ſpea⸗ keth from the verte bottome of bis heart:and be declareth that be will be true and tuft. becauſe be feareth God. Therelfore the feare of God, is the beginning e founteine of a god confctence, that we may deale faithfully and vprightly with men, Where appearcth now andthen fome honeftie in the contemners of Ood: but foudenly like fmoke tt bantlheth away, except the Wicked affections ofthe flethe be reftrained with this b2t0le,. that Oodis tobe feared, becaufe be thalbe the Judge of the worlde. Foꝛ be whiche thinketh not that be thall giue an av count, will neuer fo feeke fo affeine fo perfection, but that be Will follotw that which be thinketh will be pzofitable fo2 him. Wherefore we muſt endeusur our felues , if we deſtreth be pure front falſhod, from decetpt,cructtic,and from all kinde of diſhoneſtie, to haue a confsience. Wut fo off as we bebane our felues lofely ¢ vncourteouſſy⸗ vngodlines openty bewrayeth if felf. Fo2 al the bp2ight dealing € iuſtice in the world, is come pꝛehended binder this title which Joleph vſeth, when he faith, . that be feareth Gon, f | ae » 21 [And they faid one toanother, JThis is a notable place; becaute the fonns of Jacob, being bzought into extremitie, call fo minde the offence committed thirteene peres afore. Before they were afflicted they were careleffe. And we bard a litle bes fo2e, that they ſpake of the death of Joſeph without feare, as though their coufciences werecleare, But now theyare as it were conftrained to enter into thetr conſciences. Thus we fe, that bp aduerfitie Goa examineth men, ¢ doth not only pricke their minds With fecrete feare,but alfo weeſteth from them ¥ confeftion, which thep wouln gladly auoyde. And this kind of examination ts verte neceffarie for vs. The hppocrifie of men is Wonderful to couer thetr euils:but iffo be they eftape vnpu⸗ nifhed,they are much worſe. Wiberfore,there is no other reme dic, but that they be awaked with afflictions ¢ punifhments, which ave careles ¢ vovd of fenfe,fo long as the Lord ſpareth them, Joſeph therfore profited fomthing when be tnforced bis byethzen to file their finne, Mherin thepcareichy — thẽ⸗ lues.. * VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLIT 7 felues, And the Loꝛd had compatlion bpon them,taking from them the viſor, wherwith they had tw long deceiued théfelucs: euen as be daily chattifing vs by the hand of men,citeth bs as guiltte befoze bis Tribunal feate, Wowwbeit,it had ppofiten litle to be erercifed with aduerfitic,ercept be touched their harts ins wardly. For we fer, how fewe do confiver their finnes,thouah they be admoniſhed with ſharpe punilhmentes : there is none Avbith chmeth fo this knowlege, but acaint their wil. bers fo2e there ts no doubt, but that God, to bring the fons of Jacob fo repentance, info2ced them as wellby the fecrete motion of the {pirite, as by erternall chattifement, fo begin to feele their finne, whiche bad beene buried to long, Let the readers alle wmarke,that the fonnes of Jacob did not only take holde of that iwhich was neere bato them:but alfo,that they called fo mind, that Cod ſundrie wayes puniſheth finners, And in berie deed, that wwe may take holo of the iudgements of God, we mutt diz recf our eyes a farre off, God ſometime taking prefent puniſh⸗ ment vppon finnes,placeth them fo be feene,as tt were bpona Hace: notwithanding,be doing as it were fome other thing oftentimes, puniſheth our finnes obfcurely, as it were out of darknewle. Ff fo be the fonnes of Jacob had only bebeld the pee fent cauſe, thep could bauepone nothing elle but cried ouf,and haue complained, that inttrie twas done vnto them:and deſpe⸗ ration would Sane followed at the length. But when they weigh; bow farre the proutdence of God erfended it felfe, leas uing the occafion, whiche Was before their eves, they aſtende vnto a further caufe. [In that we faw the anguith of bis foule.j hey acknowledge that itis come to pale, by the tuft indge⸗ ment of God, that their bumble petition taketh no place, bez caufe thep would not themfelues be intreted by their bother. Ch eilt had not as pet with bis mouth vttered this fenfence, With the fame meaſure ye meate voto men, fhall others meate Math 7. %. to you again: buf pet naturally they knew, that they were not Wwo2thp of mercie, which had bene cruell. Mherfore, we ought fo take fhe mo2e hede; vᷣ we (top not our eares againſt fo mas ny thoeateninas of the fcripfure Ho2rible is this thocatenina, He whiche {toppeth hiseare at the crieof the poore, {hall crie him felfe, and not be heard, Pro, 21.13 Eec.iisj. Chere 808 TOHN CALVINE ry Therefore, while we hane time, let vs learne fo be gentle, te mourne With them that weepe , andto reach fo2th aur handes bnto thofe that crane. And if it fall ou€ af any time, that webe vll and hardiy dealt withall at the bands of men,and that our payers and requeſtes are proudly retected : ther » at the laff, let bs call to mind, whether we our felues haue not bands led others in like fo2t afore time . Dur brother, fay they, bes ing in necellitie,befechen bs 2 and we woulde not beare him + this therefoze is the tuff iudgement of Dod, that toe p2euatie not by beleeching. By thete wordes they teftifte, that meng hearts are gouerned by God, that thep map either be inclines: to equitie, oꝛ elſe may be hardened by inllexible rigor: alſo that crueltie is hated of Od: becauſe, ſeeing his gaonelie is. ertended through Heauen and earth,and is potw2ed forth, not oncly vppon men,but alfo bppon beute beafte⸗ there is nos. thing moze contrarie to bis nature.then cruelly fo retect thoſe {hich craue our belpe, | a 22 [And Ruben aunfwered them »faying, Wecauſe Ru⸗ ben had gone about to deliuer Joleph,out of the handes of bie: brethren, that be might reſtore him fafe vnto bis father >be maketh thetr finne the greater, foz that they twoulde not heare fhen any wholeſome counfell:and J fo bnderfandhis words as tf be thoulde cat in their feeth thetr tw tm late tepentaunce, And whereas Joſeph twas not contented with this confeſſion, but kept Simeon ill in bonds, and fent alway the reft in futs penle,he did it not fo2 euill will -but becaute be twas not ſatiſ⸗ fied concerning bis bꝛother Wentamin,and the tate of his fas thers houſe. For behaving caule to be afeard,leatk the conſpi⸗ racie of bꝛotherlx murder being bewrared, they Hould,as deſ⸗ perate men are wont todo, commit fome defeftable fact. And fhts ts to be noted, that vnder the ferne counfenaunce of Joo feph,there was not onely a ſofte and gentle affection, but als fo tender kindneffe, q 37 [Andasoneof them opened his facke,] With that meaning Joſeph commaunded the price of the corne, to be fes tretlp conneped into the fackes of bis brethren, we may ecafilp: gather. For be feared, leat bis father being nowe pore ſhould ust be able to buꝝ victualles againe. Wut thep finsing thei: monte; ( 4 VPON GENESDIS. Cr? “Sie: Monic,coulde not fell whiche way fo turne then, fauing that they being amazed, Deemed that the bandaf God was again thei, For hereby ttappeareth,that they were greatly aſtoni⸗ fhed,that they doc not of themſelues returne againe to declare their innocencie, Foꝛ it had bene a prefent remedie for their trouble,tf thep bad not bane vtterly blinded. Wher efo2e, we mut pay onto © DD, that he wilt qiue vnto bs,not onelp frength : but alfo countell,in all eT nem and — — matters. 28 [ Whatis this that God hath * vnto vs?) Chey mur⸗ mur not againſt God, as if they thought that thep were fallen into this pertl without cauſe:but perceiuing him to be againſt them many loaves, thep deoe bewaple their miferte | But whp doe they not rather turne their imagination towards Joſeph? Foꝛ they might eaſilyx ſuſpect, that this Was done by deceipt, becauſe be woulde ſeeke to lay newe ares Pots commeth it to pafle then, that thep being bnntindfull of man,make Cod fo be the puntther? Forſoth, becauſe this thought came already once inte their mindes, that they receiueda iuſt and deferucd recompentéfo2 their finnes.Afo2e,as we fate,thep were cares leſſe: bat ſo ſone as they beganne to be touched: witha liuely feare of Oods iudgment, they haue alwayes before their epes bis pꝛouidence. So Dauid, after he had learned bp the moti on of the {pirite , that GO D had cozrected hin from heauen, ,., though be plainly fa bis miferie fo come from another.pet be is not dꝛawne to doubting: bat pꝛayeth bute God to beale his wounds, wherewith he was wounded. This is ſingular tiles dome, and no leſſe profitable,to accuſtome our felues to conſi⸗ Der the iudgements of God/ ſo often as we fall into any aduer⸗ ſitie. Ue foe hotw the vnbeleuing, wohen they fall into the ima⸗ gining of diners chaunces, doe either accufe their enimtes ; oꝛ o2 elfe by fretting and chafing, they onely increafe their grate, and kindle the tozath of God the moꝛe againſt thent, Bat who focuer erercifeth him felfe inthe confiveration of his fines, fo fone as he is afflicteo., be humbleth him felfe before Cov, making him to be bis Judge : and through hope of pardon, be frameth bun felfe to patience. but let bs knowe, that the p2o- nidence of God is not truly acknotwledged, erceptit be va Cee,b, , Pa > a wy 809 | 2 Sam.24- rif .TADTOHNCCAL VINE es {within ice, For though men are oftentiines drink, by whoſe handes he chattifeth bs: vet notwithſtanding, be erecuteth his indgements by thenvafter at incomprehenſible maner, a⸗ ‘aint whome we may not once mutter, Foꝛ the reprobates alfefometime, although they acknolwlenge them felues to. be ftricken by the bande of God: pet notwithſtanding, they ceaſſe not to coutplain of hint,as Doles hath declared in the erample cof Caine? NotwithſtandiugI interpret;that this complaint Wwas not made by the founes of Jacob,to accufe God of tyzane nicall violence, but becaufe they beeing afcard, gathered by the ‘pouble punifhement,that God twas ſore diſpleaſed with them. 29 { Andtheycamevnto Iacob their father, J Long is therepetitionof the former. biffozte , but not. ſuperfluous: ‘becaute the purpofeof Doles is,to ſſhewe howe carefully thep madeoe erchfe vnto their father, becaufe Simcon was kept in ‘prifon sand howe diligently they foughtte carrie thetr bor ther Beniamin with them fo2 bis deliugraunce. For this feructh areatly tothe purpole. Cie knowe thathuncer, acs coding to the Pouerbe, beeaketh the. fone tall: when as notwithſtanding, there was but one way onely.torelene — their penurie,whiche was, to fetch coꝛne out of Cappt: Jatob petrather chofe fo perithe with his whole houfe, then to let Beniamin aoe with thent, Wibatmeanceth this, fo peecifelp fo dente that, whiche bis ſonnes were conftrained to aſke by neceflitie, but becauſe be ſuſpected them 2 The whiche alfo moze plainly appeareth by bis twozdes , toben be imputeth vnto them thelacke of bis chilozen, Fo2, although that which they had fatne, had fome colour, how that be was fone in pez ces of wilde beattes : pet notivithitanding, there reſted in the greeued heart of the boly Watriarch a ſecret fore, which grewe of fufpicion: becanfe be knewe tell enough their cruell and moꝛtall hatred againſt theinnocent Wadde; And this ts pro- fitable foꝛ vs to know. Foꝛ hereby it appeareth how miferable * the condition of the holy man was, whole foule was fobitterlp / greeued by the (pace of thirtecene peres. And bis filence was a a moze greuous foment fobim,being conttratued to ſwalowe bp the ſorrowe which he had conceiued. Wut the fullimeafure of miſerie was the femptattd, which pꝛeſſed him, as ifthepae’ | mile . + . i . 4 ee eo ‘ SIO VPON GENESAIS. CAP. XLII. mile of God had beno but a leatt and baine thing. For be hav no hope but of the prom iſed ſced. Wut it feeineth onto hun that be koſtereth diuels in his houſe bp whome he might loke for the bleſſing, as for life out of death. Xofep was away, one⸗ ly Beniamin remained vertuous: howe coulde then faluas tion come to the worlde of fo vicious a pofteritie 2 It mut needes be therefore, that he was armed with areat conftancie, who cealſed not fo fay himſelfe vpon the word of God, and be- ing certeinly perfuaded that he bad the Churchinbis houſe, of the whiche there was almoft no ſhewe left, be bare with his ſonnes, vntill they repented. Now, let the faithfull applie this exrample vnto them ſelues, leaf they be difcouraged with the bozrtble confufton which ſeemeth to be almoſt euery where. 35 [ Andas they.emptied their ſackes. J Pere againe it ap⸗ pearcth, how greatly they tere niade afeard in their tourney; that not one of them ſearched his facke, after 5 the monie was found in one of them, Gnd thoſe thinges are witten, that fo fone as men are aſtoniſhed, they know not what to do, fill the Loꝛrd comfopt the , Wut berin Joſeph did not adutfedly enough behaue hun felfe,in offering areat matter of ſoꝛrowe fo bis fa, ther, whofe penuric not withſtanding bis purpofe was fo res {ecuc, WMhereby we are taught, that the mot wile are not fo circumfpect » but that fometinie they ouerſhote themſelues, in doing that whiche they would nof, 36: (Ye haverobbed me of: niy. children. ] Jacob doeth not —* lap onto bis ſonnes charge , the murdering of their brother:neuertheles; be ts angrie, euen as if bis two fons bee⸗ tng taken alvay,theyp batted to deſtroy p third:fo2 be faith, that all thefe eutls light bpon him alone , becaufe he thinketh that they are not affected as tt became fhem, and that they were not greeued with him: but made a {poate of the deſtruction of their brethren, euen as if their life perfeined nothing fo them. ‘ul whereas Ruben offereth his tivo ſonnes fo his father to be faine;ercept be boing Beniamin to him againe: he feineth therin fo be berie barbarous ¢ groſſe.A like matter,that Jacob would kill bis nephetwe? That pleafure could it be fo huni to teare out bis owne bowellsaibut this is that which J touched — thex were ſuſpected fo haue pelt — aie ofephs ir, Su S12 STOHN. CALVINE Joleph:toherby Ruben was coſtrained to be thug earnett that be might put awar bis fathers feare, € fully certific him, vᷣ neie ther be,noz bis bꝛethren intended any euil againt Beniamin. 38 [My ſonue thal! not goe downe with. you! J Againe Wwe ſee, as in a glaffe, how (o2rowfull Jacob was. He feeth bis whole houfe pining ripe :he bad rather not withſtanding be atone from bis life,then from bis ſonne. Mhereby we tae ther, that be had not a flintic heart : but fo muche fhe moe bis patience deferucth praiſe, that he ſtriuing wilh the infirmitiec of the fiethe,fainted not. And although Moles doth not amplis fic his wordes libetozically : pet nofinithiandig,we eafilp fe, that he was exceedingly greeued, when be obiected this vn⸗ fo his fonties, Ve are to cruell onto me pour father, in taking from meiny thirde ſonne, now that ye haue robbed ine of two already, i CHAPTER. XLII. . Owe greate famine was in the land, » And when they had eaten vp the victualles whiche they had brought ‘from Acgypt,their : vs a little foode, ) 3 And Iudah anfwered him, fying, The man charged vs by an oth,fayingyNeuer fee my face, except your brother be with ou. 4 If thou wilt fend our brother with vs, we will go downe, and buy thee foode, i} tag . 5 But ifthou wilt not fende him, we will not goe downe: for the man faid vnto ys, Looke me not inthe face,except your brother be with you. 6 And Ifrael fayde, Wherefore dealt ye fo euill with me,as to tell the man,whether ye had yet a brother,or no? 7 And they aunfwered, The man afked ftrei ghtly of our felues,and of our kinred,faying,Is your father yet aliue ? Hate ye any brother? And wetolde, according to thefe words,Could we know certenly that he wold fay, Bring your brother down. 8 Then fayd Ludah to Ifrael his father: Sende the boy with me, that we may rife and'goe:and that we may liue,and not dy, both we,and thou,and ‘our children, 6 U9 AG) gala" 9 Iwill father ſayd vnto them, Turne againeand buy VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLIIE. 9. Lwillbe fuertie for him,of my hand fhalt thou require him; if I bring him not to thee, and fet him before thee, then let me beare the blame for euer. 190 Forexcept we had made this tarrying, doubtles by this we had returned the fecond time, 1 Then their father Ifracl faide vnto them, Ifit muft needes be fo nowe, doe thus , Take of the belt fruites of the jand in your veflelles, and bring the man a prefent,a little Ro- fen, &a little Honie,Spices,& Myrrhe, Nuttes,and Almonds, 12 And take double monie in your harde: and themo- nie that was brought againe in your fackes mouthes , caré ric itagaine in your hand, leaft it were fome ouerfight. 13. Takealfo your brother , and arife,and goe againe vnto the man. 14 And God almightie giue you mercie in the fight of the man, that hemay deliuer you your other brother, and Benia- min: but I fhall be robbed of my childe, as I haue beene, is Thusthemen tooke this prefent, and tooke twice fo muche monic in their hande, with Beniamin, and rofe vp,and went downe to Aegypt, and ftoode before lofeph, 16 And when lofeph fawe Beniamin with them, he faide to his Steward,Bring thefe men home, & kill meate, and make readie,for the men fhall eate with meat noone, 17 And the man didas lofeph bad, and brought the men ynto Iofephes houſe. . 58 Now when the men were brought into Tofephes houfe, they were afearde,and faide,Becaufe of the monie that came in our fackes mouthes at the firft time, are we brought, thathe may picke a quarcll againftvs, and lay fome thing to our charge, and bring vs into bondage, and our afles, 19 Therefore came they to Tofephes Steward,and commu- ned with him at the doore of the houfe: 20 And faid, Oh fir, we came hither at the firft time, to buy foode, 21 Andas we cametoan Inne,and opened our fackes,be- hold,cuery mans monie wasin his fackes mouth,euen our mo- nie,in full weight,but we haue brought it againe in our hands. 22 Alfo,other monic haue we brought in our — aa — ore yh fi oode: | 813 | TOHN CALYVINE 81 4. foode:but we can not tell who putour monie in our fackes, 23 And he fayde, Peace be vato you, fearenot: your God, andthe GOD ofyour father, hath giuen you that treafure in yourfackes, Thad your monie, And he brought forth Simeon vnto them. 24 So the man led them into lofephs honfe,and gauethem - water to wathe their feete,and gaue their afles proucnder. 25 And they made readie their prefent agaiuſt Iofeph came at noone: for they hearde fay, that they fhoulde eate breade there. 26 When Ioſeph came home,they brought the prefent in- to thehoufe to him, whiche was in their handes, and bowed downe to the ground before him, 27_ And he asked them of their profperitie, and fayde, Is your father the olde man, of whome yetolde me, is he yeta- liue? 7 28 Who aunfwered, Thy feruant our father is yetin good healthyhe is yet aliue: and they bowed downe,and made obey- fance. | 29 And he lifting vp his eyes, behelde his brother Benia- mio,his mothers fonne, and fayde, Is this your younger bro- ther,of whome ye tolde mee? And hefayde, God be mercifull vnto thee, my fonne, 3° And lofeph made hafte, for hisaffeion was inflamed towarde his brother, and he fought where to weepe: and entes red into his chamber, and wept there, | 31 Afterward he wathed his face, and came out,and refrai- ned him felfe,and faide,Set on meate : 32 And they prepared for him {elf » and for them by them felues: and for the Aegyptians which did eate with him by them felues : becaufe the Aegyptians might not eate bread with the Hebrues: for that was an abhomination to the Aes 1 Syptians, 33 Sothey fate before him,the eldeft according to hisage, : and the youngeft according to his youth ; and the men mer. uelled among them felucs. 34 And they tooke meffes from before him,and fet to thems: : ut Benjamins meſſe was fiue times fo muche as any of theirs: / and « ‘ — — VYPON GENESIS, CAP. XLII. and they dronke,and had of the beft drinke with-hims, 1 [Nowe great'famine was inthe land, In this Chapter is peclared the fecond coming into Egypt of the fonnes of J acob, when thep bad ſpent their former ſode. Wut tf may be deman⸗ ded in this place, howe Jacob ſuſteined bis familie with fo lite ~ fle fode, though but for a fetwe dayes. Foꝛ admitte that euerie one carried more then bis feuerall affe,how coulve this fuffice to fade three hundred men? For feing Abzabam had more fers uauntes, and fing mention is made afore of the feruauntes of Iſaac, it is not likely, that Jacob was {o bare, but that be al fo interfeined fone (eruauntes , Jf we fay that be, being a ſtraunger, was conftrained {with famine fo ſellthem away: it is but an vncerteine coniecture. It ſcemeth rather to me, that he liued with kruite, rotes, and bearbes , For we knowe, that they of the afte part, when they are baged by any neceffitie, are contented with verte ſcantie and bafe fade. And twe fhall fe anon, that in this (carfitie of coꝛne, other fruttes were bled, % therefore thinke, that there was no moze wheat bought, then might ferue Jacob himlelke, his chilozen ¢ bis nephetwes, moderately: and that the feruauntes were otherwiſe pout, ded for· Andthere is no doubt, but thatthe whole countrie Iwas inforced to gather acornes, and fuche other fruife fo ſu⸗ ficine their feruauntes; as for wheate breade, it perte ined to riche men.This twas a verie fore temptation, that bolic Jas cob,of whore fhe Lorde had taken care, thoulde almoſte be and bis perithe with hunger + that the lanoe,of the whiche be was appointed Lorde , and {wherein be twas to reape p2ofper rous plentic of all thinges, choulde not veelde him b2ead in his pilgrimage, Foꝛ he might greatly Doubt, what this notable promife ment,1 am God all {ufficient , growe and multiplic: Twill bleflethee. It is profitable fo2 vs to kuo we thefe cons flictes of the holie fathers, that we vſing the fame weapons. Wherewith they ouercame, may Mande inuincible, although: God do depriue vs of p2efent helpe. 3 [And Iadahaunfwered him, faying,} Juda feenreth to adde ſomewhat, to to20f from bis father that , whiche be: knewwe be would not willingly gine, Aut it is kelp that — —X a palen Sis -IOHN CALVINE 6 patted many peaches betweene them, Wwhiche Portes hath ov 4nitted , And no meruell, (wing Joſeph fo earnettly defires fie fight of bis brother Beniamin that be fought by all mane ner of meanes fo being tt to pale. But this ts worthie to be noted, that Poles ſetteth downe the long debating of the cauſe which Jacob had with his ſonnes, that we might knowe how loath be was to haue bis fonne Wentamin taken from bin, For, although the famine bged: pet hotwithFanving, he ſtriueth no leſſe to kepe bim, thenifpe conferred i02 the fafetic of his whole familie, Whereby againe we coniecture, that be ſuſpected his fons of wicked confpiracie.FFo2 the which caule Juda alfo offercth to become ſuertie. For he promt. {eth nothing concerning the euent » but onelpto purae him felfe and bis b2eth2en : be taketh vppon him the charge of Weniamin, that ifany iniurie luere done Onc him, he alone might be punithed, and blamed for if, Bp this example of Fas cob, let bs learne fufferaunce, if the Lord often times cons ſtraine bs to doe many thinges by force, of the which we like not. Foꝛ be docth no other wite ſende alway bis fonne, then if be gaue bim fo death, jh C 1 Take of the beft fruites in the lande, } Althoughe the kruites, whiche Moſes repeateth, were not verie prectougs. neuertheleſſe, bicauſe Jacob was not of much ſtate, to fend anp kingly 02 ropall p2efent, according fo bis abilitie he fought to pleafe Zofeph , Furthermore, we knowe that fruifes are not alwayes eſteemed „Aaccording tothe value, But when he had commaunded his ſonnes to doe that whiche he thought p2ofitable, he turneth him felfe at the lat fo prapers,that Gop would gine them fauonur with the ruler of Cappt. Both there we mull bfe , fo often as we are carefull in our buſineſſe. Foꝛ Wwe muſt omit none of thoſe things which are expedient, uer he be, that loketh fo proſperous ſucceſſe of his affaires from the Lord, let the fame feeke diligently for thoſe meanes whiche are in bis hande, and lef bint applie them to the pre⸗ Sent ble, Inthe meane Cime, let the fatthfull kepe this * . bettie, . é — VPON GENESTS. CAP. XLIII. 8 — deſtie, that when they haue diligently tried all wayes € meas 7 hes, they attribute nothing not withſtanding to their olune ints duſtrie: and let them be certeinly perfuaded, that all their ins devours hall be voide, except the Lode blefle them. Alfo in the Aare ons forme of the payer Wwe are fo note,» Jacob maketh the hearts }..), 5\) -ofmen fubiec vnto the wil of God. When we haue to 00 With mens bart⸗ ‘men, Wwe haue no refpect vnto the lord, bicaufe we.acknowlege him not, as itis meete,to bea fecret directer of the heart, But howe headltrong fo eucr men are: pet notwithſtanding, it is tertein, that God frameth their affections to either part,cither fo mitigate crueltie fo often as it feemeth god vnto him:o2 elſe fo moue them fo crueltie, which were before meek and centle, So Zacob, although his fonnes had fene the Freight dealing of Joſeph:vet notwithſtanding, be trufteth that bis heart ſhall be in the bande of od,» if may ſoudenly be inclined fo huma⸗ nitie. And as when men deale vniuſtly with vs, we muſt hope fo2 € crane at the hands of the 1020,a change fo2 the betfer:fo again Wwe mult note, tf cometh not fo paſſe without p purpofe of Gov, » they may behaue them felues roughly towarde vs. 14 [But I {hall be robbed of my children, as Ihaue bene. ] “Jacob feemeth not to be his olwne man, Fo2 if (0 be that prayer / p2oceeded from faith, which be made euen nowe, be ought to baue bene moze quiet, € fo haue giuen place to p qrace of Cod, But be ſcemeth to cut off from him feife all matter of truſt, Wwhen be leanety nothing fo bin felfe,but the want of his chils dren. This ts the voyce of a Defperate man, I fhall be robbed of my children, as Ihaue bene. As though be bad prayed in vaine, 02 bad feinedlyp pofelled that remedie was tn the hands pf God. Wut if we weigh to whom be fpeaketh,the folution is eaficto be made, Whereis no doubt, but that be ſtode firme in the pꝛomiſe made vnto him: and that therefoze he hoped for fome fruit of bis prayer: notwithſtanding, be would prick bis Xlonnes, that they miaht haue the greater care of their brother. \ Foꝛ this was no light charge, when they ſawe their father to be almoſt killed {with forrowe, vntill be ſhould receiue hts fort Beniamin againe in fafetic, Diuers interpreters diuerſſy ere pound theſe wordes. Some thinke that he complaineth, that be is now vtterly made bopde of child2en, Others thinke a po 9 IOHN CALVINE fobe the fenfe, That no torte thing cout happen onto hin, froin oͤ time that he had forgotten Joſeph, whom he preferrep before them all,And otherfome wil baue the lacke of two chil⸗ dren only noted: as if he had ſaide, % want five of my founes, and nowe the third fhall follotwe them, tut what tf ye inters prete tt thus, Iſce how Jam dealt withall: Jam a wretches olde man ; mp boule which was of late popuious, is nowe in my fight almoſt defolate : that be map make a generall come platnt fo2 the loffe of all his fonnes, and not fo2 part alone, But his purpofe was to make his fonnes carefull, that thep might be the move fatthfull and diligent fo doe their dutie. 16 [ He taide to his Stewarde. } Perebp we map perceiue the brotherly mind of Joſeph. Howbeit, it is vncerteine, whe⸗ ther he were theoughly reconciled, as J twill touch hereafter, But although be being mindfull of the offence, louct his bez then the leffe : pet notwithſtanding, be was farre from res uenge. And bicaufe it twas ſuſpicious fo2 ſtraungers and bale perfonages to befeatted bp the kings Lieftenant aenerall, friendly as knotwne queftes, the fonnes of Jacob conceive a newe feare, that he would catt them all into peifon, and that - therefore the monte was craftilp conueyed into their fackes, that there might be occafion to pickeaquarell, Potwithitans bing, tt ts likely, that they rementh2ed the Wwickeoneffe Done vito Joicph, and that this feare proceeded from an euill cons ſcience. For ercept the indaentent of od greeued them, there was no caule Why thep ſhould feare fo areat falfhave, It fee meth abfurd, that ſtrangers ſhuld be feaſted of a Weiner, € hos nourable perfonage. Wut why do they not rather coniecurep confrarie, Chat the ruler of Egypt therfore seth this,that he nap fet befo2e bis triendes epes a neve and bnivonted fight, as to fe eleuen bꝛethren fitting at one table > It may fomes times come to paffe, that cuen the very befE nap be thus cares full: but ¥ had rather referre this to the tuagement of Gon, that the fonnes of Jacob, whole confciences accufed thern for / the euill intreating of their brother, ſuſpected that they were cuill dealt tithall after the fame manner : not withanding, thep purge them felues betimes, before anp fpeache te had of the theft, And to chewe of them Celues that the * ved oun ag ee off ae : VPON GENESIS. CAP, XLIIT. found in their fackes, twas a figne of great innocencic. 23 [Peace be ynto you,feare not. ] As ifhe thould fay, that there was no caufe of feare, bycaule their buſineſſe had con ſucceſſe. And bicaule tt could not come by man, that the monte which they had payed fo2 the tubeat twas found in the fackes, be alcribeth the fame to the grace of God, 02 although at that time true religion was almoſt extinguiſhed in the wo2ld: pet notivithanding, God would haue altwayes in the beartes of men fome knolvledge of bis godneſſe, that thep might be ine ercufable, Hereot alſo it came to paſſe, euen by the inſtinct of nature,that the vnbeleeuing called every gad gift, diuine. And bicaufe the coprupfion twas fo great, that it was free fo2cuerp nation fo wo2thip feucral Gods, Folephes Steward putteth a difference befineene the God {which the fonnes of Zacob two2s thipped,¢ the idols of Cgypt. Poftwithitanding,it is a pꝛoba⸗ ble coniecture, that this man was induced {with fome tafte of godlineſſe. Wile know bow great the pide of that nation was, infomuch that tf thought the whole world fo be deceiued in 6 Wwo2thipping of Gods, Hherefore, ercept be had learned fome better thing, be would neuer baue giuen fo qreat jano2 to anp other ©ods,then fo p Gods of his stone countrie. Further,be afcribes nof the miracle to p God of p land of Canaan, but af figneth fo their father a peculiar God, J therfore dout not, but % Joſeph, although be might not correct any thing of the recets ued fuperititions openlp: pet notwithſtanding, p be went as bout in bis boule to fet bp p truce woꝛſhip of one Cod, ¢ alway held kaſt ¥ coucnant, of the which he bad heard from a childe of bis father. abe which is fo much moze to be noted, bicaule the holy man could not fwarue a little from p cõmon cuſtome of 5 20ud nation,but be muff needes be hated. Therfore. Joſephes bertue is praifed in the perfon of the Steward, bicaule he not fearing the common enuie, gaue honour vnto the true ODD Within bis own pzecinct. $f anp man demaund how be knew \ that Zacob twas a woꝛſhipper of the true God : the anfivere is eafily made, that Joſeph was not fo cruell, but that he com⸗ niaunded that Simeon thould be cently intreafed. Though be were left for apledge, pet if be bad bene thought to be a (pie, the qaoler would haue dealt moze ſtreightly with him. Ther⸗ foze if muſt né&des be,that fome commaundement was gine @ ‘ay: —A ci of 819 — ⸗ IOHN CALVINE . of courfcous and indifferent handling. Mherby Wwe may hane a probable contecure, that Joſeph difclofed the matter te the Steward of his houte, being a trultie feruant, 25 [Againtt lofeph came at noone. ] It is doubtfull, whes ther the Capptians vſed this fo2 an ordinarie boure to dine, 02 whether Joſeph went to diner that day ſoner then be was wont , bicauſe of bis gueſts. ot withitanding,tt ts likely, that his accuſtomed maner of dining is noted. Although they of the Cak part, might obferue an other manner of o2der in their ate et: vet neuertheleffe, diners were not only bled in Egypt, but alfo in Judea, and in other countries thercabout. Vet it is cres bible, that they were to them in ede of (uppers, bicauſe they vſed fo fit long:and with people of colder ſtomaches, our offen eating was not tollerable : efpectally when they entertainer quefts with areater cheare then they were wont: ag a lifleafs fer it hall appeare it came to pale. Whe wathing of fete, as Wwe fatue before, was a dutie of holpitalitie to cafe wearineffe, € bicaule mens feete vſed to burne after a long tourney on fot, This alfo by the auncient fathion was moze honourable, ſor Foleph fo fend meſſes to euery one, then for the Coke fo diuide them, Wut bicaufe thele things are of fmall weight, andnos thing appertaintig to codlineffe,z do only liqhtlp touch them: and J would alfo btterly omit them, if if were not ſometime profitable to take from the iqnozant all {cruple and doubting, fo as the fame be beeefly vone, 32 [Bicaufe the Aegyptians might not eate breade with the Hebrues. ] Poles faith § they might not, bicaule they abhor⸗ reditas a thing bnlatwful, ffo2,bicaufe religiõ was a let,thep Wwere bound,that they might not do that which elfe they wold, And this place teacheth, how great the pride of p nation was. Foꝛ wherof came if, that they did fo qreatly deteſt Web2ues, but bicaule they perfuaded them felues, that they alone inthe . woꝛrld Were pure, holy, ¢ acceptable vnto God 7 od commans | deth bis wo2thippers to keepe them felues from all the pollufie ons ofthe Gentiles, wut a man that twill feparate him felfe from others, mut needes be pure ¢ cleane him ſelfe. Therfore, the ſuperſtitious dꝛawe this vnto them amiffe, which carie as bout within them their own vncleannelſe, in whom there ts 19 — VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLItt. no finceritie. Superfition hath alfo an other vice.as $ itis ful of diſdaine, inſomuch p it deſpiſeth al men onder the colour of —*— bices.Notwithſtanding, it map be demanded, whether that H daine are Capptians were feparated from Joſeph, bicauſe thep counted linked to- bim to be poiluted, 3Fo2,fo much Moſes woꝛdes feeme to ims gerher- port. Ff this be receiued, they eſteemed fo much of falfe reliats on, that they letfed not to deale contumelioufy with theirrus ler, Notwithſtanding, ¥ rather contecure,that Joſeph for hos nours fake did {if apart by him felfe: and that the fonnes of Jacob were not fet among the Cayptians, bycaufe they were abhominable bnto thent, For although the originall of Joſeph was knotone:pet not withſtanding, he twas fo accepted among the Capptians,as tf he had bene one of their coꝛpoꝛation.Foꝛ the which confiveration, the king qaue vnto him a name, whẽ be aduaunced him fo the diqnitie of the Uiceroy. Wut feing Wwe fe that the Church of Gor, was then fo proudly deſpiſed of pꝛophane men, there ts no caufe toby we fhould meruell, that we alfo are fubtect at this day fo fuch repꝛoches. Neuer⸗ thelefie, we muſt indeuour our felues,to kepe our ſelues pure vnto the Lode, front the (poftes of the world: and that we fo temper this tndeuour, that we be rather frangers and vnac⸗ quainted with vices then with mei. For, therefore allo God societie fancificth bis fonnes, that they map keepe then felues frem may be the vices of the bnbeleutig, With whom they are conuerfant: had with 7 and pet, that {hep may drawe vnto the focietic of godlineſſe, al thewicked thofe which are curable, And tive things are bere fo be feene: and p our ouermuch waiwardnes Without fruit, do not vtter⸗ lp d2atv alway many from the lord, which otherwiſe might be won. Foꝛ we are not precifelp cõmanded, fo hate the wicked, yp Wwe may not eafe With them: but we are cOmannded to fhun Pp focietie, which may bing bs onder the fame poke, Furthers moze, this place confirmeth that which F taught before, that the Beb2ues were fo called of their creat grandfather Weber, and not of tie paffage of the river, as (ome do falfely imagine, Foꝛ the fame of one meane houſe farre fituate, could not be fo great m Egypt, p it ould be the caufe of publique diſſention. 33 (The eldeft according to his age. ] Qithough,antong the Fft.iij. ſonnes ⸗ * * 5 fo as tkey wy ; *b namely, that the truth ofour fatth be well knowne vito vs: — ⸗ * 8 YTOHN CALVINE 2 ſonnes of Jacok, fore were bone of handmaides: pet nots withſtanding, bicaufe they were elder, they fat in over before their ponger brꝛethren. WMherby tt appeareth, that their father had accuiſtomed them fo keep) this oder. Wut fome twill ſay, owe then is Saras ſaping fulfilled 2 The fonne of the bond- maide fhall not be heire with my fonne . J thinke, that fo2 fo much as Zfinael, and after him Eſau were af Gods comman⸗ dement, by the mouth of Sarai and other wiſe baniſhed: as cob was bery well taught, that luke howe manp fonnes be beqate,fo many beires alfo, Hereof came that oder, that eves ry one fate according fo the degree of bis ane. Wut the purpoſe 3 of Bafes tendeth berebuto, that although Beniamin Were the lat ; pet notwithfanding,be twas preferred by honour before all others: bicauſe Joleph could not Lay him felfe,but that be mult neeres giue a ſpeciall ſigne of his loue foward him. Be purpofed not fo difcouer him fell; but bis affection ruleth bint, _ that contrarte fo. bts intention, be foudenlp burſteth forth tits to fhe declaration of bis loue, We gather by the end of p chap ter, that which F touched euen nowe, that they tere notably ſeaſted and banquetted moze then ozdinarie : fo2, fe much the Hebrue word flanifieth, tobich ſome tranflate fo be ꝛꝛonken: cither bicaufe they were not alwaypes wont to drinke wine; or elſe bicaufe af banquets they erceeded much, which were the niaiffers of the feaſt. And pet fo2 all that,bere no maner of in⸗ temperancie is noted, (leak dꝛonkardes Mould drawe this eve ample of the holp fathers to mainteine their wickedneſſe:) but honeſt and moverate liberalitie J confelle, that the woord is ine different,and that tt is taken oftentimes tn evil part,as in the ninth Chapter before, and in other places, Motwithanding,. inthis prefeut place the meaning of Boles ts plaine. Ffany mai obiect, that the moderate bie of meate and drinke ſerueth only fo fuffice the bodie, Janſwere, that although fode ts the helpe properly fo2 our neceffitie: pet neuertheleſſe, the lawfull bie thereofts further extended. Foꝛ a pleafaunt talte is not / giuen in vaine fo meates belide their vitall tuyce. Peps ther doeth the Pꝛophete without cauſe commend the god⸗ neſſe of God, that he hath created twine to glad the heart of mat, Wut the moꝛe faugurably that the Lod dealeth with | vs | —X | — Pfal. 104, —I VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLII. ‘bs, the moze carefully tue ought to tye our felues to the mober rate bfe of bis qiftes, Foꝛ tue knolwe, howe vntamed the dee fires of the flefh are, Wiherebpon tt commeth to paſſe, thatit is alwaves riotteus in plentie,and vnpatient in (carfitic. But Wwe are fo oblerue that oder which Paule ſetteth dobne, that Wwe may knolwe howe to hunger, gnd howe fo abound : that is to fap, Wwe mult take carefull ede, that when we haue plen⸗ tic, tue (pend not the ſame bainip: and againe, fo fee that we patiently beare penurie.eraduenture fome will fay, that the fich is tm wiſe fo cloake exceſſe: and that therefoze we ought fo pealde vnto the ſame no moze then neceſſitie requireth, J graunt, that the rule of Panl ought diligently to be kept, that ro mapt4 Wwe maize not proutfion fo2 the fieth,and.fo2 the lufes thereof, But bicaute tt belongeth very much fo all the godly, to receive With quict confctences from the bande ef Gon their fwde, itis - neceflarte to knowe, howe farre the lawfull vſe of bꝛeade and wine ertendeth it ſelle. CHA P TLE B.S UA, Frerward he commaunded his Steward, faying, Fill the mens fackes with foode,as much as they §| can carrie, and put cuery mans monie in his {ackes mouth. : 823 . And put my cup, I meane the filuer cup, in the fackes mouth of the yongeft,and his corne monie : and he did according to the commaundement which Iofeph gaue him. 3 And inthe morning,the men were fent away, & their afies. 4 And when they went out of the citie not farre off,lofeph faide ynto his Steward, Vp , followe after the men: and when thou doeft ouertake them, fay ynto them, Wherefore haue ye. done euill for good ? 5 Is not that the cup wherein my Lord drinketh,and in the | yrs he doth diuine and prophefie ? Ye haue done cuill in ſo oing. \ Gand when he ouertooke them,he faide thofe words ynto them, 7 And they anfwered him, Wherefore faith my Lorde fuch words ? God forbid that thy feruants fhould do fuch a thing. Fihiiiij. 8 Be. ITOHN CALVINE 82 4 8’ Beholde, the monie which we found in our fackes mous thes, we brought againe to thee, out of the land of Canaan: howe then fhould we fteale out of thy Lordes houfe, filuer or golde? 9 With whome fo cuer of thy feruants it be found, let him dye,and we will alfo be my Lordes bondmen. ro And he faide, Nowe then let it be according ynto your wordes: he with whome it is found,{hall be my feruant,and ye fhall be blameleffe. 11 Thenat once, euery man tooke dovne his facke to the pround,and euery one opened his facke. 12 And he fearched, and beganne at the eldeft, and left at the younge!t : and the cup was found in’Beniamins facke. 13 Thenthey rent their cloathes, and laded euery man his affe,and went againe into the citie. 14 So Iudah and his brethren came to Iofephes houfe, for he was yet there : and they fell before him on the ground. 15 Then Iofeph faide ynto them,What aéte is this ye haue done ? Knowe ye not that ſuch amanas J, can diuine and pro- phefie? 16 Then faide Iudah, What fhall we fay vnto my Lorde? What fhall we {peake ? And howe can we iuftifie our felues ? God hath found out the wickedneffe of thy feruants.Beholde, we are feruants ynto my Lord,both we,and he, with whom the cup is found. 17 Buthe anfwered, God forbid that I fhould do fo. But the man with whome the cup is found, he {hall be my ſeruant. And goe ye in peace ynto your father. 18 Then Judah drewe neere ynto him, and faide, Oh my Lord, Jet thy feruant nowe {peake a worde in my Lordes ears: and Jet not thy wrath be kindled againft thy feruant ; for thou art eucn as Pharaa. 19 My Lorde asked his feruantes,faying, Haue ye a father, or a brother? 20 And we aunfwered, My Lorde, we haue a father that is olde, anda young childe which hee begate in his age : and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother : and his fa- thes loucthi Mita) To Re AS | — J— | a1 Nowe 4 VPON GENESIS. CAP XLILI. 9 2* Nowe thou faideft nto thy feruaunts, Bring him ynto me,that I may fet mine eye vpon him, fa 22 And we aunfwered my Lorde, The childe can not de» ean his father: for ifhee leaue his father, his father will e. — 23 Then ſaideſt thou vnto thy feruaunts, Except your yon- ger brother come downe with you, looke in my face no more. 24. Nowe,when we came vntothy feruant our father, and fhewed him what my Lord had faide : 25 And our father faide ynto ys, Goe againe,buy ys alittle foode: | 26 Then we anfwered, We can not poe downe : bur if our yongeft brother goe with ys,then will we goe downe: for we a — may not fee the mans face, ‘except our youngeſt brother be with vs. 27 Then thy feruant my father faid ynto ys: Ye know that my wife bare me buttwo fonnes. 28 And the one went out from me. And I faid, Ofa furetie he is torne in peeces,and I {awe him not fince. 29 Nowe ye take this alfoaway from me : if death take him, then ye thall bring my gray head with ſorrowe ynto the praue, . o Nowe therefore,when I come to thy feruant my father, andthe childe be not with vs : feeing that his life dependeth on the childes life: 31 Then,whenhe fhall fee that the childe is not come, he will dye. So thall thy feruaunts bring the gray head of thy ſer⸗ uant our father with forrowe to the graue. 32 Doubtleffe thy feruant became furetic for the childe to my father, and faide, IfI bring him not to thec againe, then I will beare the blame ynto my fatherforeuer. . 33 Nowe therefore I pray thee, let me thy feruaunt bide for the childe,as a feruant to my Lord,and let the childe go vp with his brethren. 34. For howe canI go vp to my father, if the childe be not with me, ynleffe I would fee the euill that fhall come on my father >? 1 [Afterward he commaunded his Steward. ] Here Poles Oy. a cheweth⸗ 7 J * O26 ITOHN CALVINE ™ ~~ theiveth tubat craft Joleph deuiſed, fo trie his bꝛethrens mins bes, Cile haue fatve alreadie,that fo2 fo much as we muk ime brace fimplicitic: by this erample and ſuche like, tue may not vſe tndirectand bnlatwfull ſubtilties. Foꝛ it map be, that Jos fen) was moued by a ſpecial motion of the ſpirit, to this cours felland practife: euen as in very deede he could no ofbertwife eractly finde out, hobe bis boeth2en were affected. Charitie is c.Cor.13, MOE fulpicious . Thy then doth be fo greatly miſtruſt bis brethren, and conceiueth no gwd opinion of them, vntill fuche fine as be bath thoughly tried thẽ? But bicauſe be had found them very cruel ¢ fal{e, bts ſuſpicion ts ercufable, if he belee⸗ ueth thent not to be amended, vntill be plainly fee their repens tance.And bicauſe it is a berp rare bertue,and hard fo obferue a nicane in thts point : we mutt take heede, that we followe not the example of Joſeph, ercept we laying afive all reuenge, be pure and fre froi all hatred, 302 charitie which is found, and Wanting all boyfterous violence, will feache berp well howe farre We map proceede, Notwithſtanding, if may be demaunded, what Zoleph {vould haue done, iffo be the ſonnes of Jacob hav bene eaſily moued to neglect the fafetie of Weniamin, Foꝛ we may eafilp gather, that be tryed their faithfulnefte, to the end that it he Had found thent falle and enill affected toward Beniamin » be iwoulde haue kept Weniamin Hill, and reiected them {with Mame, Wut after this manner the father had bene fo2faken, and the Church of ODD onerthaowne . And he ooth not trig tem Without bis peril ; bicauſe it could (carte be, but that be mul haue dealt moze harply with them, if fo be they had fale len againe. Dherefore it came to palſſe, bp tbe finaular grace of God, that they proued them felues to be otheripife then be feared. So that there came a double p2ofite of this triall : firtt, 2 that the inteqritie of bis beth2en being well app2oued, pis — minde Was the moze pacified : fecondly, bicaufein foe point their former infamie twas falued, which hep bab drꝛawne to / them felues by their wicked fact, : 2 [And put my cup,I meane my filuer cup. ] It may feeme | Trange,that Joleph being fo honourable and plentifull,o2zank y not rather in a golden cup. Verilx, either the men of that age ) . : twere . ‘i ; Se ~ — VPON GENESIS. CAP XLIIt were moze continent and leſſe ſumptuous: 02 eff this is 027 be attributed to the temperancie of Fofeph, that hauing great libertie, be contented him felfe nottwithandina, with meane and decent, rather then with magnificent farniture, Creept peraduenture, ſiluer was better them golde fo? the practiſe in hand, Notwithanving, it is likelp that Joſeph, to put away enuic, was very moderate in domeſticall pompe. Foꝛ except he had wiſely loked vnto him felfe,the Courtiers would bane diſdained and enuied him, Wut he commaundeth the cuppe to be put into Beniamins facke,that he being conuinced of theft, might tarrie till with him, the other being fent atway ;: nots Withfansing, he acculeth them altogether, as ignorant which of them badoffended, And firfk, he layeth onthankfulnete to their charge,fo2 that thep hauing bad frendiy intertainment, fo euillyx recompenſed the ſame. hen he affirmeth the fault to be vripardonable, bycanfe they bad taken atway a moſt precis ous iewell: namely, the cup wherein be was wont fo d2inke, and fo diuine. And this he doth by his Steward, whom he hap nof erercifedin tyrannie, and in the violence of robbers and theues, Mhereby Z eather, thafhis mailers meaning and purpofe twas not vtterly hidden from him. ¢ [And inthe which he doth diuine and prophefie.] his place isdiuerfy erpounded, Wut Jtakeit, that he vſed this cuppe foz diuinations and Pagicall artes, Now hereof a ques ftiowarifeth, Powe Joſeph céuld fake vpon him ſelfe an ts Queftion. nragination, 3fo2, befides that it was creat wickednefle for bint fo pofele Sothſaving, be attributeth amiffe the praiſe of heauenly grace fo diuels, Wefore,he dented him felfe fo be a meete interpreter of a dꝛeame, except God reucaled vnto him the trueth thereof : and nowe be vtterly defaceth that com⸗ miendation of the grace of © D D: and which ts worſt, boaſt⸗ ing bim felfe fo be a Wacician, tn ſteede of a Pꝛophete of God, be wickedly prophaneth the gift of the holy Ghoſt. Wie Antwere. can not denie, but that be finned greeuonſly ta thts diſſimu⸗ lation. HotwithKanding, Jthinke thus, that at the beginning be ivent about by all meanes, fo giue vnto God his due honour , and that be indeuoured himſelſfe, al that be might, to — 8593 TOHN CALVIWNE , 28 whole kingdome of Egypt know, that he excelled not bp Wa⸗ gicall artes, but bp the gift of Goo, But bycaufe the Egppti⸗ ans were accuſtomed with the deceites and velufions of Was gitians,the olve errour pꝛeuailed, in fomuch that they imagi⸗ ned of Joſeph otherwiſe then be was, And Jdoubt not, but that rumour twas ſpꝛead abroade among the common people, though againt bis twill and gainefaying, Powe, Joſeph feig⸗ ning bim felfe to be a ſtraunger, folding op many ipes in one, be borroweth bis opinion from the common people, that be ts a Sathlaper. Wiherbp we gather,that when aman bath once ſwarued from the right line, howe readie he ts fo fall into dis uers finnes , WMherefore, we being warned by this erample, let vs learne to giue no libertie tuto our ſelues, fo doe any Difsimula Ehing, but that which we knowe is allowed of God, And efpes mee beget cially tue muſt take heede of all diſſimulation, which either bes Fath error. getteth, 02 elfe confirmeth hurtfull errours, Againe, toe are taught, that it is not {ufficient for aman to withſftande the beginning of vice for attine,ercept he be conftant to restk. F02 be doth little or nothing, which bauing once teftified that be milliketh of that which is euill, and afterivard by bis flence 02 ſufferance, giueth a certeine figne of aſſent. | 7 [And they anfwered him. } he fonnes of Jacob make excuſe without feare,bicanfe they were bolde bpon a god cone fcience . Dhey vfe alfo an argument, from the areater to the lefle, £02 they affirme,that they haue declared their trueth,bp bringing the monie agatne of their stone acco2de, which thep Might without saunger haue conuerted fo thetr obne ble, in ſo much that it was not likely, that Chey were blinded With a little gaine, to bring onto them felues great ſhame with pres fent perill, Wherefore, they were ready fo fuffer any manner of puniſhment, if fo be they were found guiltie of theft, But Moles maketh no mentton of any of their complaints, when p cup twas found in Beniamins facke : but only ſheweth p thep teffificd their bitter qreefe,by renting their garments, Ano % / doubt not, but that they were dumbe, toben they were aftonis hed with this fouden chaunce. Foꝛ the greatnefle of the greefe not only made thent amazed: but alfo,bicaufe they falwe them &luzs to be in danger of puniſhment, when as they knewe * eui a VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLIIII. 829 evillby themfelues, Therefore, when they came info the prefence of Joſeph, thep confelle the fault : not bicaufle thep were quiltic, but bycaufe tt would p2ofite them nothing to makecrcufe, As if they thoulofay, It p2ofiteth nothing, to gatnefay tn a manifeft matter.Some interp2eters thinke,that they confeſſed the wickedneſſe committed again Joſeph: but that opinion ts eafily confuted, bycauſe they till affirme,that be was torne in peces by a wilde beat, Wherefore, the more fimple fenfe ts: that altheugh the trueth of the fac appeared nof:pet notwithſtanding, God made them fo be found guiltie. And they (pake not feignedlye: but they had nothing elfe to fay, being amazed in fo doubtfull amatter , fauing that they thought that they recetued this puniſhment, by the tuft iudge⸗ ment of God, And J would fo God, that they whome the Lord chaftifeth, € which do not by ¢ by confider the caules, ¢ which alfo do fele men their entintes without caufes, would remem⸗ ber pfecret indaments of God, by which tue ought tobe bums bled.Moꝛeouer, whereas Juda ſpeaketh in the name ofall the reff, {ve may thereby aather, that be was alwapes chefe as mong bis brethren For although as pet by the folemne iudg⸗ ment of bis father, the dignitie of the fir bo2ne twas not giuẽ onto him: pet notwithſtanding, it was appointed vnto him, Gnd he faketh not vpon him fo ſpeake, but that there appeas red authoviticin bis words. Alfo,it is to be noted,that Joſeph bere againe, in challenaing the kul of ſothſaying to bun felfe,. ſpeaketh accozding to the common fenfe of the people ; and ſo be koliſhly mainteineth the concetued opinion, 16 [Beholde,we are feruants to my Lord. ] Afoze they cal⸗ ied them felues feruants fo2 modefties fake : and nowe they giue them felues to be his bondmen. Wut in the perfon of Jo⸗ feph, they mitigate the greatneſſe of the puniſhment. and thus itt is a kinde of befeechina,that they might not fluffer Death, ace coding fo the match made at the beginning. J 17 [God forbid that I ſhould do fo.) Hf Joſeph minded fo kepe Beniamin Mill, and to fend the reff away,then did be ail that be could,to rent and diuide the Church of GOD. Wut ¥ baue ſhewed before," (which alfo we may gather by the terte) that bis purpole twas nothing elfe, but to trie further, howe they. he 8 30 they were affected, Difence twas fo be feared, if fo bebe had TOHN CALVINE percetued, that thep had no care fo2 his baother : but the Low Louided a remedie fo2 the perill, when be beought to pate, that the carefull ercufe of Juda, did not onelp mitigate bis minde,but alfo caufed hint to (head teares in plentifull wife, 18 [Let thy feruant nowe fpeake a word.] Juda humbly craucth pardon fo {peake, bicauſe he twas to fell along tale, And bicaufe Poble men take tt tn euill part, ifa man falke ta familiarly with thent, Xuda koreſheweth that be ts not igno⸗ rant of Jofephes honourable calling in Egypt: to teſtifie that he is bolde, not of prefumpfion, but of neceſſitie. After that,be recifeth boive they were come from their father, And his {peach confiffeth of tivo p2tncipall poinfes : namely, that thep ſhould kill their father with fo2rotwe, if fo be they fhould res turne Without Wentamin: and that be him ſelfe alone mde bound fo2 the bꝛinging of him backe againe. As tonching the belwapling of bis father, it is a great figne of godlines, that be rather chofe fo be in Weniamins ronie, and fo be a baniſhed man fo2 euer, thei fo be the cauſe of miferable deftruction to the olde man his father, And herein be proueth bis faithfule - nelle, that be becommeth a pledge to deliuer bis bother, CHAPTER, XLY. | Hen Iofeph could not refraine himfelfe before | all that {tood by him, but he cryed,Haue forth euery man from me: and there tarried not one with him, while Iofeph yttered him felfe ynto his brethren. ept and cryed, fo that the Aegyptians heard, the houte of Pharao heard alſo. 3 Then Iofeph faide to his brethren, Jam Ioſeph, doth my father yet liue ? But his brethren could not anfwere him, for they were aftonifhed at his prefence. 4 Againe, Iofeph faide ynto his brethren, Come neere I pray you to me,and they came necre.And he faide,I am Ioſeph your brother,whome ye folde into Aegypt. 5 Regieeenmenioce be not fil mr iyemexteren ya aim | ' clues * VPON GENESIS; CAP XLY, felues, that ye folde me hither : for God did fend me before - 3 you for your preferuation. 6 For nowe two yeares of famine haue bene throu ghthe Jand,and fue yeares are behinde: wherein fhall neither be ea ring nor harueſt. 7 Wherefore God fent me before you, to preferue your pofteritie in this lande, and to ſaue you aliue by a great deliuce raunce. 8 Nowe then ye fent me not hither, but GOD, who hath made mea father ynto Pharao, and Lorde ofall his houfe, and ruler throughout all the land of Aegypt. 9 Hatte you, and goe vp to my eehee. and tellhim, Thus faith thy fonne Iofeph,God hath made me Lord of al Aegypt, come downe to me,tarrie not, 10 And thou fhalt dwell in the lande of Gofhen, and fhalt be necre me,thou and thy children,and thy childrens children, and thy fheepe,and thy beaftes,and all that thou haſt. tx Alfo I will nourifh thee there:for yet remaine fiue yeres of famine, leaft thou perifhe through pouertie, thou and thy houfholde,and all thar thou hatt. 12 And beholde,your eyes do fee, and the eyes. of my bro- ther Beniamin, that my mouth fpeaketh ynto you. 13 Therfore tell my father of my honour in Aegypt,and of all that ye haue feenc,& make haft,and bring my father hither. 14. Then he fell on his brother Beniamins necke,and wept, and Beniamin wept on his necke. 15 Morcouer,he kiffed al his brethren,and wept vpon thé, and afterward,his brethrentalked withhim. 16 And the tidings came ynto Pharaos houte, fo that they faide,Jofephes brethren are come : and it pleafed Pharao well, and his feruants. 17 Then Pharao faid ynto Jofeph,Say to thy brethren, this \ doe ye,lade your beaftes and depart, go to the land of Canaan. » © 18 And take your father, and your houfholde, and come to me,and I will giue you the beft of the lande of Aegypt, and ye fhall eate of the fat of the land. 19 And I commaund thee, Thus do ye, take you charriots: out of theland of Aegypt for your children, & for your we Sy ad ’ * 4 Mw . — 8 1OHN CALYVINE * 32 sind bring your father,and come. “Teh _ 20 Alfio regard not your ftuffe, for the beft of alFthe lande Of Aegypt is yours. 2t And the children of Ifrael did fo, and Iofeph gaue them chariots,according tothe commandement of Pharao.He gaue them victuals alfo for the iourney. 22 He gaue themall, none except,change of rayment: but vnto Beniamin he gaue three hundred peeces of filuer,and fiue fuites of rayment. 23 And ynto his father likewife, he fent tenne hee affes la- den with the beft things of Aegypt, and tenne fhee affes laden with wheate : and bread and incate for his father by the way. 24 So fent he his brethren away, and they departed,and he {aide ynto them,Fall not out by the way. 25 Thenthey wentvp from Aegypt, and came ynto the land of Canaan to Jacob their father. 26 And tolde him, ſaying, Ioſeph is yet aliue : and he alfo is gouernour over all the land of Aegypt. And Jacobs heart fay« led, for he beleeued them not. 27 And they tolde him all the wordes of Iofeph, which he | had faide vnto them : but when he fawe the chariots which Io- ſeph had fent to carrie him, then the {pirit of lacob their father reuiued, | | | 28 And Ifrael faide, I haue ynough, Iofeph my fonne is yet aliue,I will goe and {ee him-yer I dye. — Yofeph ma 1 [Then Iofeph could not refraine him ſelfe.IIn this Chaps kethhim fet Poles theweth, howe Joſeph made him felfe knowne vnto felfe kno- His brethren. And firlt be the weth that he did infozce him felfe, wen tohis fo long as be ſhewed outwardly a fterne countenance, Pow, brethren. P force of brotherly loue which he had ſuppreſſed, fo long as be offered greeuous threatenings , buriteth forth with areater biolence : whereby it appeareth, that there was no cruel! af⸗ / fection in bis minde before. Potwe, whereas he burfketh forth tnto teares,this ſoftneſſe 02 tenderneſſe deferucth moze paife, then if he bad kept a moze indifferent moderation, Foꝛ the Stoikes fap foliſhly, that it is anoble bertue, not fe be fous ched With compatfion, Wut if fo be Joſeph had mde ie J VPON GENESI?IS.5 CAR XLV. Who would not bane pronounced him to be a ſenſſeſſe and bara 33 hearted man? Wut now, both bis noblemagnanimitie,and als fo his Dinine moderation (hewethemfelucs by a violent affer tion, in that he was a conquerour ot wꝛath, and of hatred, and fo feruently loued thofe, who Havconfpired fo worke his dev fruction,becing proudked therebnto;bp no manner of inturie, Aud he commiandeth all men to goe aſide, not that he ts athar mod of his Rocke, (for a littieafter he ſuttered the fame thereof fo come euen vnto the Kinges palaces’) buf be fought to cover their hae, that many might not knotwe of that deteftable facte, ‘And this was not the leat parte of: clemencte, that be fwould haue their fhame to be buried. Therefore, we fee that the anders by were fent alway, for no other cauſe, but that Joſeph mightthe moze freely confirme bis bꝛethren. For, He bid not onclp {pare thent,i not diſcloſing their facte : but ale fo being ſhutte bppe with them aparte, be abfteined from all vitterneſſe of wordes; and vouched fafe of his obone acco20 to vſe friendlp couſolation. sat +4) [Pam lofeph,] although be had giuen a plaine telti⸗ monie Of his gentleneſſe and loue:yet notwithſtanding, wher He difctofety bis name, his brethren are no leſſe terriſed, then if fe thundered againſt them. 302, when they weiah with themſelues, what they veferued, the power of Jofeph isto | fearefull vnto them; that they imagine nothing but death: buf wien be teeth then tolbe fo attontfhed twith feare , be ca⸗ ficth nothing tn their teeth, but oncly ſeeketh to pacific thent, 1 ea, he (peaketh them faire fo long, vntill be bath made them quiet andisyfult. By tobiche erample we are taught to be ware,leatt they be ouerwhelmed with ſorrowe; whiche are With true ame beatendowne. So long as the firmer will not.abive reprebenfions , op carclelly flattereth him (elfe , 02 Msore Willfally reiectcth admonitions 02 elfe ercufeth himſelfe by ee bypotrific, we mult ble the greater feucritie: but rigo2 mull, . pg \ haue an env, fo fore ase ipeth p2oftrate, and trembleth wich mo ® With the knowledae of finne: and let a moderation follotue, deiation. Whiche lifteth vppe him that is calle Downe with hope of pardon, , Jac Fi Tie : MW yerefozre, that our ſoueritie — right. and well * * Bg. red, G : 8 ITOHN CALVINE. | 54>” von tue mitt pute Sppae bactbis tutoarn attection of Joſeph⸗ which will ſhewe tt felfeinouetime, . © - > ree! 4 (Comenecre I pray. youto me, ] . This is move cffeca fuail then anp wordes, that be cently calleth them to be im⸗ baced. Mofwithanding , he taketh front thent-care and. feare, with all the pleafaunt two2ves he could deuiſe. Be fa: tempercth his (peech,that be modeftly accufety them,ana ther comtorteth them againe : neuertbeleffe, the confclation is: muche greater, becanfe be ſawe them ueere onto oefperation, except be balpe them in time, Gnd infapina that be was (olde, be: noth not renewe the memorie of their wicked facte witha milliking mind:but becaule it is alway pofitable fo2.p feeling of ſinne to remaine, ſo as immoderate terrour doth not ſwallowe vppe the miferable mat,after the acknowledging of his fault. And becauſe the beeth2en of Joſeph were. {uffie- ciently terrified, he ſtandeth more vppon the fecond pointe,. that be might beale.the wound, To this effecte this repetitie on perteineth, bow that GD D lent him for their preſer⸗ uation, by whofe counſell he was ſent before them into &e Sept, that be might keepe them aliue : and that be wag: not {ent by them into Cgypte, but ledde by the hand of Gov; 8 [Now then ye fent not me hither.] J This is anetable- place, by which we are taught, that a right oder is neuer fo troubled by the wickedneſſe and malite of men, but that Goo direceth their confufed: and treublous afaultes to a gon Gods pros end, Wie are alſo admoniſhed, Yolw and to twhat vſe we mu: wicence. conſider the pouidence of Gov, When curious men diſpute ofthe fame, they da not onely mingle and peruert all things not regarding the end: but alfodoe deuiſe all the abfurdifies: they can, to deface the righteouſneſſe of ODD. And this peruerte peeuiſhneſſe cauleth many godly and move men to defire to haue this parteof doctrine buried. FFoz,fo fone as this is vttered, that God.qo th the whole worlde, ſo that nothing is: Done without his wilfiand ploature: they whiche / thinke not reuerently of the mpfterics of Gov, demaunde dis uers queftions , not onely vaine, but alfo hurtfull, But as, this pꝛophane intemperancie mutt be bridled, euen ſo a mea⸗ Wrets tobe kept,that we deſire not to be groſſely aepent = ole: «Ss VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLV. fhofe thinges, whiche are not onely reuealed by the worde of 835 God, but alfo are verte p2ofitable to be knowen,Owd men are aſhamed to confelle,that what fo ener men take in hand, cane tiot conte to palle without fhe boill of God: leatt cull tongues ſhould by and by cric out, either that © D D is the avthour of ſinne, 02 ele that ticked men are nef ta be blamed: becaufe they crequute the purpoſe of God, Wut if fo be we cannot cons fute- that blafpbemous outrage, let vs be contented to detecſt fhe ames ‘in the meane time it is god, that we note that, {which ts revealed by euident teltimonies of Scripture, that fwhatfoeuer men ppactife: pet notwithtanding ,Ood moderas teth their countfels, and deuiſes sand bringeth to patie by their handes that whiche be hath decred. God men whiche are a fearde fo lay out the righteouſnelſe of God fo theflaunders of the wicked , runne pnto this dittinction, how that God wiil Haue fome things to be done, and permitteth otherfome. As thoucd be ſutfering: men bad libertie to Doe any thing. Ff be Had only fuftered Joſeph to be brought into Egvypt, be had not ordeined him fo be a minilſter of fatuation , fo2 father Jacob € his tonnes: the whiche is now plainely attributed bute bint. Aivay then with that vaine imagination, that euill thinges are onelp bone by the fufferaunce of ODD, andnot by bis rountell and twill, tobiche be bimfclfe afterivard furneth to a god end. Flay euill, in refpect of men, tubo purpofe to doe nothing, but out of order, And as the falt refteth in them, fo the whoile blame ought te be laine vppon them. Wut GDD wor Seth wonderfully by them, in fo muche that be d2aweth out of vnpure firebzands perfect rinhtcoufnetic. This ts a ſecrete oder of working , and furpaffing our ſenſe ¢ vnderſtanding. And therefore no mraruell,if the laſciuiouſneſſe of the dethe res bell aqaint the fame, But we ought to fake the moze diligent heede, that we goe not about to being this exceeding altitude \ Within fhe compatfe of our reache. Therelore, let vs holde falt . this fentence, that when the inf of men vaunteth, and 1s vn⸗ kemperately tarried euerie way, that God ruleth the ante, and with afecrete bridle directeth their motions, winther fo e⸗ uer it feemeth god onto him. Withal notwithſtanding, foe mulſt note this,that God dealeth diſtinctly, that there may Ggg.ij. bs ) = * * 2 9 836 - IOHN CALVINE be no fault in his pꝛouidence: and that bis decrees may haue no affinitte with thefinnes of men : of the which matter we, haue a notable crample fet befoze our epes.in this hittozie.Jos feph was folde of his bꝛethꝛ en. To what end, but becauſe thep would haue bad bim by any manner of meanes dDeftroped 2 his fame is aſcribed to the work of Gov, but fo another. ends nattcly, that in time of famine,the boule of Jacob miaht find fode vnloked for Thus, withina ſhorte conpaſſe of time, be would haue Joleph tobe as it were aine, that he might ata fouden bang the authour of tife owt of the graue. Mow let vs weigh the wordes of Joſeph. He fameth, for the comforte of bis brethren, to burie their fault. But we knowe, that men. are not cleared, although God 50 vnloked for b2ing ta a gad: end that whiche thep attempted amiſſe. Foꝛ, what did tf pro⸗ fite Zudas,that the redemption of the worlde (poang out of bis Wicked and deteſtable treafowim betraying Chriſte ? Wut Foe feph, though kor a while be dralve the mindes of bis baeth2en. from the bebolding of their wickedneſſe, that they might be freed from immoderate feare ; pet notwithſtanding, belapeth not the blame bppon CDD oꝛ cleareth them, as we hall ſce moze plainly in the latt Chapter. And we are thus.to thinke, thatthe deedes of nen arenot to be deemed by the ſucceſſe, but we are fo thinke ofthem,cither accoading as they ceaſſe tn do⸗ ing their dutic , 02 attempt any thing without the connnans dement of Goo, and doe qo beyond the bounds of their calling, Huppole thata man hath neglected his wife, o2 his childꝛen, and hath not diligently prouided for thetr neceſſities: thoughe they ove not without the wil of Godevet neuertheleſſe, by this cloke the inbumanitic of the huſband, and father, ts nothing: holpen, twhiche wickedly forfmke them, when be ought fo haue holpen them. Wlherefore,they profite nothing, whole tonfciences accuſing them, doe make the proutdence of Cod. a cloke tocouer their faultes witball., Wut againe, fo often as we fer, that the Lorde meefeth with their wickedneſſe, whichs goe about to burte bs: and nof onely that, but turneth allo. their wicked indeuours to our benefite: after this manner be tempereth the affections of our —* enemies bs Aitiad anoifferent and sy eee lsInaee ao 7, ‘ VPON ‘GENESDSy > «» CAP. XLV. 9 Thus Wwe fe , that Joſeph twas a true interp2eter of the pro» 37 uidence of God, tohen be twke an argument thereof to paroon bis bꝛethren. Joleph alfois carried into an other fenfe,as, that he was chofen of Don fo heipe bis bꝛethꝛ en . Mhereot it commeth/ that be doeth not onely pardon their offence: but alfo earneftlp defiring to finith the office conmritted vnto him, Deltuereth them as wellfrom feare and carefulneffe,as from penurie, bis ts the reafon, why be affirmeth that be was or⸗ Deined fo preferue aremnauntalttc, by a wonderfull deli» nerance, When be calleth him ſelfe Wharaos father, he doth not vainly boaſt, as vaine men are wontto do, neither doth he brags of bis riches:but by this wonderfull fuccefle he proueth, that tt came not to pafle bp chaunce, 02 bp man , that: be attets ned fo that dignitie: but rather by the’ wonderful! counfell of God, that therbp be might belpe his father.¢ bis whole familic. 9 { Thusfaith thy fonne lofeph,] In this commaunde⸗ ment be ſheweth, that be doeth therefore boaſt of bis potver, toput bis father in the better comfozfe ‘and beiefe, We know howe flotve olde menare, Againe, it was a verie harde mate fer, fodzatwe boly Jacob from the inberitaunce whiche Gov Had promiled vnto him. Joſeph therefore Letting before him the nereſſitie, ſheweth tobat a notable deliucrance the Lorde hath offered , Notwithſtanding, it map be demaunded, howe chance thep rementh2ed uot the o2acle,of the which they were ° info2med by their fathers: namely, that thep Thoulde be foe fourners and (eruauntes ina ffraunge lande? Foꝛ Joſeph ſeemeth bere to promife mere pleafure, as though neuer af terwarde any adueriifte were tobe feared, Aithouah Moles erp2efleth nothing, ¥ notwithtanding am moucd, bya pro⸗ bable coniecture, to beleeue that Jacob was not trminofull of the oracle. Foꝛ, vnleſſe he were holde With an beauenly bonde, he would never haue tarricd in Caypto after that the . time offamine was pal. Foꝛ be farrying there,bp bis owne acco2de ,feemeth to calt ‘off the hope of the tnberitance whiche God jad promifed. Whereas therfore he careth not fo returne snto thelande of Canaan, butonely tommaundeth bis dead carcaſe to be carried thither, and erboiteth not. bis fonnes to: make a ſpeedie returne, but fuffereth them fo abide in Egypt, Y Ogg. ti. bc be) ibe 838 Zxod i.g. XAM 70 UN.d LVFMEMGOI- bedorth not this by ouerGinht, o2 becauſe be was wonne With the delightes of Egypt, oꝛ wearie of the land of Canaan: but becauſe be frameth bint ſelfe and hi⸗ ſtocke, to beare!that ty⸗ rannie, of the whiche bis father Ilaac talbe bint: Therefore be taketh his friendly interteinment at hts fir conrming for a vantage >but withall he remembred that whiche was ſpo⸗ Ken fo Abraham. eu an sod asien 1016 [and the tydinges cameto Pharaos hou fi) That whi⸗ che Moſes ſheweth nobwe, was pone firft,.. Foꝛ, before Joſeph fent fo2 bts father; nekied Were broucht to the Court oF the commingof bis dvetinen,:’ And Joleph woulde not foboinip haue promiſed a delting vnto his brethren im Cappt, with⸗ out the Kinges permilſion. Therefor e,that which Boles hav: b2eefly touched, he notve more largely erpoundeth, botwe fhat the king, witha glad minde, ſhewed tubat great account be made of Zofeph , in gluing Onto bis father and to bis b2e- then, the fattett part ofthe land of Caypt to dwell in.And by another place of Pofes tt appearethy, that the: Alraelites were by bint gently intreaten fo long as he lined, rage | 22{ He gauethemall chaungeiof rayment.] Jn that be gan bis bzethzenvictualies fo {pend by the way, itis ioameruell + but fo what end gaue he vnto them monte, and change of rape ment, which were ſhortly to returne againe? Jdoubt not, but that he had regarde to his father, and to bis beethzens wiues fo the end they minht be moꝛe willing to forfake the lande oẽ Canaan, Fo2be thought it woulde fcarfe feeme likely newes fo be true, ercept he fent fome foken thereof, howbeit, it map: be, that be ſought to allure,nof onelp thofe that were abfent, but alfo woulde haue his loue teftifien moze anv moe vnto bis beth2en, HPotwithtanding, 3 like better of the former reaton,becaule he had a greater care fo adorne Beniamin. 24. {Fall hot out by the way. }3n thefe wordes, Joſeph ex⸗ ho2teth bis bꝛethren to imbrace peace. Foꝛ we know, that the fonnes of God are not onelp eafily pleated if any iniurie-be done vnto them: but alſo haue a care, that others may be at peace within themſelues Aofeph was pleated with his bres —— thevefoze be admoniſheth them not to moue any trau⸗ 8, So07dh 0% sage} ite NT7RI9 SIC) oi a << & na a — VPON*‘GENESTIS.: ...: CAP. XLVI. 8 9 Foꝛ it was to be feared, teatt euerie one faking fo purae 3 . him felfe, thep houloe lap the blanicone bppon another, and fo.confention might ariſe. his humanitic of Jofeph ts to be dmitated of bs, that we fecke to preuent bralles and contenti otts alithat wesmap. jo Chꝛeiſt requireth of his vifciples;not onelp that thep belouers of peace, but alfo that they be peace⸗ —*— makers entelues eeihere icee it is our part to taue alway Mt conccmci- time all occaſion of bialles, And becauſe itis Want fo conte to ons. paſſe in common offences, that one doth malicioully accuſe ae Math · ↄ· nother, let euerie one of vs learne to acknowledge and confeſſe his owne faultsleatt of quarelles.come blowes. 26[And Iacobs heart fayled. We knowe, that ſome haue cwoned and fainted with fouden toy. Thereſore, ſome thinke that Jacobs-heart was choked(as ittvere) with an inward a⸗ fouihment. Wut Poles atlianeth another caufe : as,that be not belening bis fonnes, ſtode in a famaring bettweene hope and fearg. Udle knowe, that thep whiche bang in fufpente by the bearing of fome incredible newes, areas tt were bereft pf all their fenſes. Therefore, tt was not a fimple affection of toy,but acetteine mirte perturbation, whiche hake Jacobs minde. i Therelore Moles fapth,that his ſpirite reutued, wher be returning to him (elfe,beleeued that whiche be had heard to be fruc, Andbe cheweth that bis louc toward Jofeph vanither not awap by continuaunce ef time, becaufe he was contented fo {cll bis life,fo2 to intop the fight ef Joſeph. Wefore, he hav aduowed to line in ſorrowe, Untill bis Dying day: but now,bs pronounceth,that be thall end bis life with top, ’ - mrt » mo, Hyon (oH AP TER Evo bs" sludahioetiadh entolh 4 | Hen Ifrael tooke his iourney with all chat _ ke had, and came to Beer-thebs, and offered | facrifice: vnto the! GO Daf: his father Iz hak, DiITiGd DIV ees . And God fpaketo Iſtraclina vifion by night yi re Gee, ij. fayingy x SAI TOHNUCALY EME KO TY faying,Tacob,Tacob? Who aunſwered, amhere: / : 3 Themhe ſaid, Lam God,the God of thy fathet), fearenot to go downe into.Acgyptifor I will there make of thee a gteat Nation, pasilacad in £$ 75s Ke OGsi Hii? 4 [will godowne with thee into Aegypt, and Bwill ale bring thee yp againe ; and Iofeph alfo thall puthis hand vpon ~~ thine eyes, | ADD aw esed V9 5 Then Iacob rofevp from Beer-fhebarðe fonnes of I= rael carried Iacob their fathers& their children, && their wines, an the charriots,which Pharaoh had fenttocarriehim, io 6 And they toke:their.cattell,and theiz goods,.which they had gotten in the land of Canaan,and came into Acgypt,both’ Iacob and alhhis ſeede with him, dal G15. Garene 7 Hisfonnes,and his fonnes fonnes.with him: his daugh2 ters,and his fonnes daughters,and allhis feed; broughthe with. him into Aegypt. th ii sal eset eid yiiualsd do 8 And thefe are the names of the children of Hrael, whiche came into Aegypt, enen Tacob and:his ſonnes, Ruben Tacobs. fir{t borne, - BAG is. go0taathis weiss! iad Us * _ 9 And the fonnes of Ruben;Hanoch,and'Phallu,and He ron,and Charmi. . Am 10 And the ſonnes of Simeon,femuel; and Jamin, and O- had,and.Jachiny and:Sohar,and Saule ofthe Canaanitifhe wo- man, pute? enol: a1 Ada aur ut Allo the fonnes of Leui, were: Gerfhon, Kehath, and: arari, 3 12 Alfo the fonnes of Iudah,Her,and Onan,and Selah; and: Peres,and Zerah : but Her and Onan died in the lande of Canaan. 13 And the fonnes of Peres,. were, Hefion, and Hamuel, Alfo the fonnes of Ifchar, T holah,:and Puah , and Iob, and: Simron,. 14 Alfo the fonnes of Zebulon, Sered,and Elon, and Iahe. j CCh io eMer woes od esiontianui ve 1¢ Thefe be the fonnes of Leah,which thebareyntolacoh in Padan Aram,with his daughter Dinah, All the foules of his. donnes,and his daughters, were thirtieand three. ~ | +6 Allo the founcs of Gad; Siphion, and Hagghi,Sun!, oN ‘a \. se 840 es VP ON SGEINESAS iN OCAP. XLVI. andEsbon,Heri, ind Arodi,and Arélie, 700 t lwo sus? .AlfothefonnesofAfer, Imnahjand Luahy,: and dfai, and Berihah,and Sarah their Gifter. And thefannes of Bertliah, eber aud Malchiel.: 2218 — ot LoA ge ~+ oy§o Vhefe are the childrenofZil phali,whome Laban gane to Leah his daughter : and thefe fhe bare vnto lIacob, euen fixe teenefotrids! . vor oy ts bmn oy cet iq 4 19. The fonnes of Rahel Iacobs wife, were lofeph and: Ben- bamimpo moi vis ITE ed Tegel lenis ) F And vnto loſeph mthelande of Aegypt, were borne Menaſſeh,and EphraimywhichAfenath daughter of Potiphe· rah Prince ofOnsbarevinto hartye? — a1 Alfo the fonnes of Beniamin,Belah,and Becher, & AC bel,and Gerah, and Nahaman,Ehi,& Ros,Muppim,and Hup- pit,and Arde, SBUGaL! .yoertan ‘etl saooetionil Th vay! Thefeare the fonnes of Rahehwhiclrwere borne to Ta. - cob; fourteene foulesin all.ecco. aftisonl n dish sc (1193 wAlfothe fonnes of Dais;Hufsinm rio » a4 Ale thefounes of Nepthali, Iah(eel,and Guni,and Te fer,and Sillem.,> aq M : » 9g. Thefe ate the fonnes of Bilhah, which Laban gaue vnto Rahe! his daughter: andthe bare'thefe to lacob, itt all,feucn foules, o -- 1330 1134,G90 2VSW Sy GO{b- A 36 All thefoules thatcame with Iacob into "Acgypt, whis che came out of his loynes,befide' Iacobs fonnes wiues ;were in the whole,three feore and fixefoules, 2s 27 Alfo the fonnes of Ioſeph, whiche- were borne hin in Aceypt,weretwo foules: fo that all the foules of the houfe of Jacob, which came ĩnto Aegypt, arefeucntic. © rt -) 98. Then he fent ludah before him vito Tofeph, to directe his way vnto Gothen, & they ¢ame into the land of Gothen, 29 Then Iofeph made readie his charriot, and went vp to Gothen to meete I frael his father, and prefented himfelfe vito him,and fell on hisnecke and wept vppon hisnecke agood while. 30 And Tfrael faide vnto loſeph, Now let medie ; fincel haue ſcene thy face,and that thouart yet aliue. nae 31) Then Lofeph faide'to his brethren ; and to his fathers «Gey, houfe, — OS 3 > iY IX TATOHN.CASZSVIDSE! - 8. + houle, I will goe vp, and fhewe Pharao, and tell him; thy Bree ehreh and my: fathersheiules whichtwerean the. dandtiet * an abe comewntamey bes ic!!! 32 And the men are —— ak bdeiute they are fheepoheardes, they haue btobghetheit thdepes and their cate tell,and all that they haue. 2: 33 And if Bien call you, and atk ke —* What 3s your trade? ae origi) 34 Then: ye hall > ‘ The — are men pO about cattelly from our, childehoode, tuen vnto this time, both wet iand our fathers: that; ye may dwell! in the lande of Gothen : for euerie ——— isan: — vn tothe — bering : 3d * (Then Ifiael —* hie} journey. — tbe Solleanae leaning the lande bf Canaan, is-conttrained to go elfetobere, be offereth a facrifice fo the Lode, when be faketh bis iour⸗ ney,to teltifie that the couenaunt Whiche God had imade with - die fathers, hias- firme ¢ ratified- Onto him. Jfo2, (cing be was wont to crercife him felfe in the externall worſhippe of Dod, there was acerteine {pectall reafon of: this facrifice .. And be bad then nede efpecially tobe comfozted, leaſt bis faith ſhould faile. For be was tobe depzined of the inberitaunce pꝛomiſed vnto hint,and of the Aight of that.lande; which was an image and pledge of the heauenly countrie. Bight be not thinke with him felfe, that be bad bene hitherto deluded by.a vaine hope 2 Sherefo2e, renewing the remembaance of Gods couenaunt, he taketh q conuenient remedie, that be might not ſwarue fromthe faith, And therefore befacrificethb,euen tn the verie bo2ders of thelande,as Jſayde before :, that we mapknowe, that be did fonretwbat moze then he was accuftomed, And be giueth this worſhippe vnto the God of bis father ; fo teſti⸗ fie, that although be went from that lande, where vnto As boabam was. called ;.yet. notwithſtanding, be forfaketh. not | that God, in whoſe worthippe be was beought bp. This is n⸗o⸗⸗ table conttancie, that be being call out bp famine into another countrie, that be might not be fo muche as a pilgrime in the lande, of the whiche be was We lawfull lorde, reteineth not⸗ with⸗ 4 —V. een VPONT GENESIS “OMAP, KXLY. 8 3 wish Handing TH in his minde the hope ot the hidden right +> Therlore in that te repented him hot; hat he had worchipped the Gov.ofhis fatticr, and ffandeth now alfo in the frare and reueronce dfhim, We therby gather;haw fat he thas lettled in Tie godlineſſe And he Tonfiriiteth him ſetfe with a ſaeri⸗ fice,annd profeitcth bis faith: becauſe, although godlines ts not thed fo certeine fignes ? pet neuerthelete,he woulde not neq? faecalis > the dle tubereofhe knee was not. fupers usus Oe) CYL t GAT Yruoy al oiesns iat © af AndGod ſpalce to Iſrael. Wereby God pꝛoued that Fas cobs facrifite pleatcd him, and reached ſorth vnto him in like manner his: bande, that he might againe eftablithe hts coue⸗ naunt, The viſion in the night tended to this end, that the o⸗ racle might baue the more maieſfie £ Facob being apt to be faught and readic foobep Cod, was-not to be compelled by force and ferro2, Neuertheleſſe, betauſe he was a man compal fev about with fhe fleſhhe, it twas profitable fos him fo fee, as it Wwere the prefent glorie of Dod, that the wo2d might the more effectually pearce into his heart. Wo2couer;itts convenient fo note-that whiche # farae befoze.,-that the worde was ane hered: becauſe otherwiſe the dumbe vifion had: paofiten lits tle 62 nothing. We knowe that fuperttition taketh holo ara, dily of Ware Hewes, Butpbecaule there can be no liuely image of God without the 1602067 Cod fo oftcn ag he appeared fo his feruauntes, fpake alfo vnto them, Wherefore, in all fiques tet vs giue diligent heede Dato the boice,; ercept we willbedecei⸗ ned by the deluſions of Hathan, C1 herevpon it followeth,that if fo be thofe fiqnes, wherein the maieſtie of God ſhined, mult be quickened bp the worde:they whiche thot ſignes onto the Church, madeaccording ta’ the fantafie of men, doe nothing elfe but mate vaine Hhetves, CuenasinthepPapafie,thole fignes bohiche they call facramerites, are dead viſors, whiche onde drawe miferable ſaules front the true Ood, Wherefore, let this mut be mutuallrAlation be noted, that the viſion goeth befo2e;that tf icyned to- may bing the more dignitie onto the worde, and the worde bether. by and bp kolloweth as the foule of the bifion, E09 12°30 kacob,lacobs] This repetition was to make him the morze attentiuc. For 9 DD speaking — v1n2 ne iY .¢ AOPOHN OAB VIN EX 6 cy Se ufinuateth bimtelte the better into his mindeeuen as alſo in the Sevipture be doth gently allure bs, that he map make 0s his diſciples Alſo hereby the holy mantheweth bine iclforedie-to be taught:becauſe ſo (aneas be is perfuaven thag Gad fpcaketh; be aunſwereth out of hanve , that he night rey uerently recetue all that Houlve be fpoken, any might followe whither ſo euer be ſhould be called; Dhena pꝛomiſe is added; by whiche Godronfirmeth and recreateth the faith pf bis fers uant. Becauſe his going downe into Egppt is fo2rotvfull; Hecoumaundeth-him tobe of gad chere, becaute he wouide bealwayes his keeper: and alter thathe had increaſed him into a great people,be would bring him: thither againe from wheuce be conſtrained him nowe ko goe. And herein is great conſolation, that he ſhoulde not wander about fo2.cuer in erile,: but ſhoulde at the lengthe enioy the hoped fo2 ins Heritaunce:, Io2,becaule the poſſeſſion of the lande of Canas an, was a figne of (pirituall giftes , and of efernall felicitie, if fo be holy Jacob hav beene defrauded thereof, if would little 02 nothing haue holpen hint, to haue had richeſſe, honours, and all the bletinges of Egypt poweed vppon him. dutthe returne whiche is promiled onto bim,mutt notbe referred fo bis perfontibut it perteineth onto bis potteritie .. quo as Jacob, trutting onto the promite,is commaunded to goe with⸗ out feare into Egypt : fo it belongeth toall the godip, after bis erample,to be incouraged by the Grace of Ood;thatthep ilay prepare then: felues to obey bis commaundements, he fame title, whiche God giueth bere vnto hint felfe, confire meth the former ozacles, which Jacob hav receined as it were from bande fo hande of the fathers, Sift : Whr doth be not rather nante him felfe Lhe maker of hea⸗ uen and earth, then The Good of Iſaac, and of Abraham: but becauſe the dominion of the land of Canaan Depended vppon the firft conenaunt, the whiche be nowe pomifeth by a ree petition? Be alfo incourageth his feruaunt, by domeſticall eramples , that be might conſtantly goe forwarde in bis bos cation , Foꝛ it became not him, when be had fene bis father Sfaac and had alſo hearde, that bis grandfather. Abraham velded atno time fo any tentptations ,thoughe: they, were —R cars —— — VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLVI. carried about a long time, th2ough many troubles, fo be wea⸗ ric runnin in the ſame race that they did + efpecially, fectng in their Pepartures,they left vnto their poſteritie ſuch a ſhining light of faith. a: { And loſeph fhall put his hande vppon thine eyes, ] This was adred fo feltifie the greater mercie and fufferaunte ofan. For although Jacob, {withing when be ſhoulde die, that his eyes might be thutte {with Jolephs hande, there was acerteine infirmuitic of the flethe topned with thts deſire: pet notwithfanding , Cod is contented to fulfill the fame, to mt tiaate the areefe of a newe exile . We knowe that the rite of ſhutting (he eves, twas muche bfed in olde time, and done by bint whiche was either nerf of bloud, 02 bef beloued. [ Then Iacobrofevp . | 15y the {wore of rifing, Moſes Semeth tonste, that Xacob by the viſton take bnto hint new courage. Foꝛ, although the other promifes ede in fozce: yet notinitytansing, the bringing of them fo memozte afrethe, was verie conuentent,that be carrying in bis bearte the land of Canaan, might be well contented to be abfent from the fame. But when be ts faide fo carrie with him all that whi⸗ che he had gotten or polſelſed in the lande of Canaan, itis verie likely, that hts men and maidfernauntes came with bis catfell . ut at his comming fo2th, there is no mention made of then: pea,and a little after,when Moles reckoneth bp eue ⸗ ry kamilie by it felfe,be fait that there camte info Cavpt ones ip feuentie foules . Wherefore, it is likelie, that when they thei felucs were drꝛawen fo fernile workes, they were alfe ſpovled of their feruanntes inCgppt . And althouahe Mo⸗ {es maketh: no mention of feruauntes , in the hiſtorie of the deliueraunce,: pet notwithſtanding, we may cafilp ga⸗ ther by other places, that pe went not forthe without fers nuauntes. § [ Thefe arethe names ofthe children of Iſrael. IMoſes reckdneth bp the formes, and nephetus of Jacob, vntil he com moth vnto the full number . ‘But whereas be onelp accoun⸗ teth vppon threeſcore and fenne foulestand Stephen in the Actes of the Apoſtles maketh reckoning of threeſcore and fifs teene: Jdoubt not, but that it came ſo to palſe, by the — ¢ 845 8 6 TOHN CALVINE +4 fhe weiters. Foꝛ Auguftine maketh but a weake folution, faping that Steeuen,bya figure called Prolepfis,reckoneth bp thofe whiche Were afterwarde boone in Egypt: for then be mut baue madea greater Catalogue, Alfo thisis contrarie fo fhe meaning of the holy Ghoſte, as tue hall fee anon: bes caule itis not declared bere , howe large a potteritie Jacob dying left bebinde hia: but holwe great a familie be badthe Day when be Went dolune into Egypt. It is thetwed,that he bought threeſcoꝛe and fenne foules, whiche ſprang ont of his lopnes , that the comparifon of this ſmall number with that erceeding multitude whiche the Lode blefied and care ried out, might the moze fet fo2th bis wonderkull bleffing . And that the errour is tobe imputed tothe titers , it heres by appearcth: becaufeit ts tebe founde but in one with the Greeeke interpreters, whe elſewhere agree with the Hebrue ſupputation.And it was an cafie mater fo2 one place fo be cor⸗ rupted, where p numbers are fiqned with cyphers. Bereof alfa Jghelſe tt came to paſſe, becauſe thep which handled the ſcrip⸗ ture, were almoſt iqnozant of the Hebrue tongue, infomuch that they thinking the place in the Actes fo be cozrupted, chaunged the true number fo2 a falfe. Notwithſtanding, if any man rather thinke that Luke deliuered thts fo p rude and ignoant , whiche were better acquainted with the Greeke reading, Icontend not. Jn Moſes wordes there is no ambie guitie, neither is there any caufe,wby fo light a mater, wheres in there iso abfurditie,fhoulde daawe bs alway: fo2 if is no meruell, ifone letter were ſet downe foz an other inthe cye phers. This rather perteineth to the purpoſe, to weigh where foze Moſes maketh mention of fofinalla number . Foꝛ the moze vnlikely itis for threeſcoꝛe and tenne men fo growe in fo ſhort a compaffe of time, to be fo greate a people: the moze clerelp the grace of God thereby ſhineth. And this alfo is the reafon why be alfo fo offe ſpeaketh of that number . Wheres as Saule, one of the fonnes of Simeon,is faide to be boone of a woman aCanaanite, whereas Poles maketh nomentionof — the mothers of the ref, J doubte not , but that bis pure pofe twas to note the rep2oche of the ftocke . For the holy fas thers foke diligent heede from mingling them ſelues with that | (. — — YPON GENESIS. CAP. XLVI. that nation, from which they were fep arated by Cods decree, 847 28. [Then he fent ludal before him to lofeph, IBecauſe Joſeph had choten that place for bis father to abide in with bis bzeth2en, therefore Jacob nowe requetteth, that be may finde the place p2epared . Foꝛ itwas mete, that be thoulde bauca place pecultar to him (clfealone , that be might giue no oceafion of tumult to the mbabitantes , by occupying their pattures and firldes. But in the meting of Jacob with bis fore Joſeph, Poles exprelſſeth a vehement affection of toy, to the end we may knowe,thatthe holy fathers Did not put offall humane affections, 3r [ Lwilfgoe vpand fhewe Pharao, J After that Yor feph bad gone fa2th fo mete With bis father for honours fake, he alfo prouided for hts p2ofite. Foꝛ therefore he giueth coun⸗ fell,that he and his brethren fay that they be heardkepers, to the end they might obteine at the Kinges hande, a dwelling place in the lande of Gothen, And although this confinencie is worthie of praiſe, that he vſurpeth pnto him felfe no au⸗ thozitie in priuate conunoditics, but tarrieth to knowe the kinges pleaſure, euenas if he hav beene one of the common fort:petnotivithianding,be fameth toiopne ber with craftilp a pretence, by whiche be map circunment the thing. We fer {what be defired. Dering the lande of @ofhen twas fruttefull, and replenithed with the richett pattures,that commoditie al⸗ lured bis minde: that be delired to place bts father there, But nowe difembling the fatnefic of the lande, be pretendeth an other colour : as, that Jacob ano his fonnes were anabe iecte forte, and that therefore they defired to dwell by them felues apart from the Egyptians. Wut this knot is eafily diſ⸗ folued, 402 the hing knewe well inough the fertilitic of the lande of Gochen, infomuch that be coulde not be deceiued by any fraude or crafte ; euen as Kinges are oftentimes tw lis berall, and doc folifhly waſte many fhinges, becanfe ther knowe not what they giue : vea, Pharao hadde of bis ” ‘stone acco2de, Without their demaunde, giuen the bef and moft chapce place in bis kingtome . Therefore , this bis liberalitie twas not allured from bim by craft: becaulo i was in his chorce ta balue that whicbe be gauc, And ) 10. 3 TAT “848 — IOHN CALVINE in verie Dade Joſeph could not behaue him felfe modellly if he had uot dled this pretence, in crauing a dwelling place inthe lande of Goſhen. For it had bene to abſurde and rufticall, to crauc a dwelling place fo? obfeure men and traungers,in the bel aud mot conuenient place Dherefore, for movekkies falies be bringeth an other caufle whiche luasas true, Foꝛ, (eing the Cqyptians abhozred the companie of heardmen » be avs Montieth the bing, that the fame were a convenient place foz them to dwell apart by themfelues . Where ts no diſſimula⸗ tion in this thing, becauſe elſe where there was no dwelling fo2 them. . MHorcouer,althouqhit was verie hard fo2 the holy fathers, fo be thusrep2ochfully reiected, and to ftinke as it Were bes fore the whole people: pet notwithſtanding, this Iqnominte; wherewith they were noted , profiter them greatly «5702; tf they had beene mingled with the Eayptians,thep might haue bene difperfed info manp places : but notwe, becaufe they are deteſtable, and are counted vnworthie of common fellowſhip, in this diuorce they do the better fotter mutual wnitic aniong thenttelues neither ts the body of the Church ditperted, this — the God had feuered front the whole Wwozlde , Thus the Low doth oftentimes fuffer bs fo be reiccted and contemned of the worlde: that tue being fre and di{charged from the filthinewte thereof, may imbace holineffe . Zo conclude, be fuffereth bs not tobe typed with the bondes of the earth, that we map be carried by to beauen. CHAPTER. XLVII. t [yess Thencame lofeph,and tolde Pharao,and ſaid, E 9 My father, and my brethren, and their fheepes and their cattell, &all that they haue,are come out of the land of Canaan: and beholde y they are in the lande of Gothen. 2 And Tofeph tooke parte of his brethren, euen fiue men, and prefented hein vnto Pharao, | 3. Then Pharao ſuide vnto his brethren » Whatis. we tradce ( ~ “f= * — Ndeon SENLSIS. CAPR XLVII: erade? And they aunfwered Pharao, T hy feruauntes aretheepes 849 heardes,both weand our fathers, * A4.nd they ſaid moreouer vnto Pharao: For to foiorne in the lande are we come: for thy {Cruantes haue no patture for their theeps : fe foreisthe faminein the lande of Canaan . Nowe therefure,we pray thee, let thy feruauntes dwell in the lande of Gothen, r Hess | s Then fpake Pharao'todofeph, fayine, Thy father and thy brethren are come vnto thee. | _ 6 Thelande of Acgypt is before thee: in the belt place of the lande make thy father and thy brethren dwell . Let thena dwellin the landeof Gofhen:andifthou knowelt that there be —* of actiuitie among them, make then rulers ouer my cattell. od ver beac , c * 1.7. lofeph alfo brought Iacob his father, and fet him before Pharao: and Iacob bletfed Pharao, er | : & Then Pharaofayed vnto lacob, Howe olde art thou? » 9 And Iacob fayed ynto Pharao, The whole time of my pilgrimage.isan hundred and thirtie yeares: fewe and euill haue thedayes of my life bene: and 1 haue not atteined to tthe yeares of the life of my fathers, in the dayes of their’ pil grimages, to AndTacob tooke leaue of Pharao, and departed from the prefenceofPharao, \Ok 2 11 And Iofeph placed his father,and his brethren,and gaue them pofleffioa inthe lande of Aegypt, in the beltiot the jande, euen in the lande of Rahameſes, as Pharao had com- maunded, 2" . + 12 And Iofeph nourithed his father, and his brethren,and all his fathers houfholde, with bread, cuen to the: young)chils dren. sd omy Bhi} naqsiol L fs : 013. Nowe there was no bréad inail the land, forthe famine was exceeding fore, {0 that the land of Aegypt,and the land of Canaan,were famithed by reafon ofthe famine,» ... +: 4 And Tofeph gathered all the monie that was, founde in the lande of Aegypt, and in the lande,of Canaan ; for the corne which they bought: and Iofeph layed vp the ae in sionl becaufe the famine was foreyppon them : fo that the lande became Pharaos. 1G ci BR, tot Di A a _ 22 And he remoued the people vnto the cities,from the one fide of Aegypt,euen ynto the other: one! y thelande of the Pricftes boughthe not: for the Prieftes had an ordmarie of Plarao: and they did eate their ordinarie, whiche Pharao gaue them: whercfore they foldenot their.ground, 23 Then lofeph faide vnto the people, Beholde, Lhaue bought ydu this. day, and your lande for Pharao: hoe, here is feede for you, fowe thereforethe ground, | 24 And ofthe increafe, ye fhall giue the fifteparte vnto Pharao,and foure parts fhalbe yours for the feede of the fielde, and for yourmeate , and-for them of your houſholde, and foe your childrento cate.) | i T 25 Then they aunfwered, Thou haft faucd our lines, let'vs ¢ — —— — “I Nypon GENESIS. CAP. XLVI: finde grace in the fight of my Lorde, and we will be Pharaos feruauntes, | 26 Then loſeph made yet a lawe ouer the lande of Aegypt ynto thisday, That Pharao fhould haue the fifte parte, except the land of the Prieftes onely, which was not Pharaos. 27 And Ifrael dwelt in the land of Acgypt,inthe countrie ofGethen, and they had their pofleffion thercin,and grewe, and multiplied exceedingly, 28 Moreouer,lacob liued in the land of Aegypt ſeuenteene yeares, fo that the whole age of Jacob was.an hundred, fourtic, and feuen yeares. 29 Now when the time drewe neere that Ifrael mult die, “he called his fonne lofeph,and {aide vnto him, If I haue found grace inthy fight, putthy hand now ynder my thighe, and deale mercifully and truely with me,Burie me not I pray thee, in Acgypt. 30. But when I fhall fleepe with my fathers,thou fhaltcar- rie me out of Acgypt,and burie me out of their buriall :and he aunfwered,{ will doeas thou haft faide, om Then he faide,Sweare vnto me; and he {ware vato him, and Ifrael worlhipped towardes the beddes head, 4. [Then came lofeph.] Joleph doeth indirectly infinuate pimfelfc,to obteine at tbe kings banda dwelling in the lande ofGgppt. Hotwithltanding, this mopeftie (as we haue faid) wanteth craftieLubtiltie , Foꝛ Wharao by and by knows eth what be defireth, and liberally peldeth vnto him the Jande of Gothen, whiche be laide before excelled in godneſſe. Wit hereby we gather,that be gaue that whiche be gaue, with iudgement, and net by ignozaunce : and that he was not iqnozant of Joſephs deftre , though be durſt not fimply craue that whiche was bet, Whereas Joſeph commaunded bis father with the grea⸗ ter parte of bis bꝛethren, to abide in that region , the excufe ts eafie to be made. Foꝛ they coulde not bring their cattell {uit them: neither coulothey leaue their caftell , and come fe fas lute the Bing, vntill they bad nee appointed » sa | cy 851 832. YOHN CALVINE they might pitche their tentes, and fetfe their hinges: in orꝛ⸗ ber, Foz if had bene bolde rudeneſſe, before they had heard the Liinges pleafure,to occupie a place as their obone. Wherefore they abide in that region in ſuſpenle, vntill they knowing the Kin aes J———— appoint a cerfeine dwelling place. | 3 [Thy feruauntes are fheepeheards.] bis cenfeftion might feme areately to difarace the fonnes of Jacob, and e⸗ fyecially Joſeph him (elfe: whole greate and ropall dignitie Was niuch defaced. For the Capptians (as we fade) accouns ted this a hamefull kinde of life, Mhy then did not Joſeph raz fher fay,that bis baethaen were huſbandmen, 02 of fome ſuche like (ctence? Jfo2 they were not fo addicted fo keeping of Meepe,. that fhep were quite ignorant of tillage + 02, but’ that ther coulde batic vſed fome other trade of life. And although they had not by ahd by gained : yet notwithſtanding, we fe howe readie the Kings liberalitie was, Aifo they might eafily haue obteined one office o2 other intbe Court, Howe then come meth it to paffe,that Joſeph willingly maketh them ſubiect ta reproche, not without bts owne diſhonour alfo: fauing enely, becaule he Did not greately regard that temporall contempt⸗ This woulde haue bene verie acceptable in the beginnina, te haue liued wor rlhipfully among the Egyptians: but they had builded thena verie daungerous neſt. Nowe their bafe and: éontemptible kinde of life is asa wall, by whiche they are fer paratcd from the Cayptians : nay,Zoleph bimielfe fameth of purpofe,to endeuour him felfe,that the nobilitie which be bad gotten, might ina moment vaniſh alway, that be might not drowne bis poſteritie in Caypt : but rather, that they might growe into the bodie of bis grandfathers familie. And al⸗ though this confideration came not into their minde+ pet nots withſtanding, there ts no doubt, but that the Lode gouerned their tonques, that he might kepe the bovieof bis Churche pure and whole from confuſed mixture. This place alfo teas cheth, howe much beffer if is fo haue afmall anv out corner inthe Lordes court, then todwell in the midded ofa palace out of the Churche. Therfore,let bs not thinke it — * Levee holte vnitie With ᷣ ſonnes of bycontempt ¢ opprobeie of the Wold: CUCIE | \ 9 7¢ SS € —".% VPON .GENESLS..... CAP: XLVII. 8 euen as Joſeph preferred the fame befozeall the pleatures of 3 appt. — be a man cannot otherwiſe purely ferue.Ood,then bp making binlelfe to Linke before the iwo2ld, in this cafe let him fozfake all ambition, Chis was the purs pote of God, fo kcepe the fonnesof Jacob vnder infamie,on- till be reſtored them intothe lande of Canaan: to the ende _ therfoze thep might kepe them (elues vpright, bntill the time ‘af their deltucraunce, thep diffemble not that thep are fheeper beards . Lherefoze we mutt betware, that the vaine defire of Honour docth not puffe bs bp , when the Lorde cheweth noo» ther tway of fafetie, then forbs to be ſubdued. Wherefore, let bs gladly bebafe and contemptible for atime, that one dap the duacls may receiue bs into the focietie of thew euerla⸗ Hing glorie. ABy this erample allo they are taught, which ate trained bp in bafe occupations,not to be aſhhamed of their condition, Foꝛ they ought fo content them felues with this,that p ozder of life twhiche they leade is acceptable, puto Goo , Lhe other confets fion alfo twas not without thame , howe that they twere cone frained by famine to be Pilgrimes: but beresf came fuche fruit as was not to be repented of. F 02 in that they came a few tn number,and pyning ripe,and noted alfo with infamie, ſo as not one woulde ſcarſe ſpeake vnto them, the gloꝛie of © DD moꝛe brightly ſhined out of that darkenefle, when as he won⸗ Derfallp bzonaht fozth an erceeding multitude of people in the thirdeage, . F Then! —* Pharao to Toe(ph ſaying. IIn that Pharao was not offended, when they required aplace tobe ſoiourners in, it is to be attributed onto the grace of God. Foꝛ we fee, that sings are difpleated With nothing moze , then to haue their benefites reiected . Pharao offereth them a dwelling place fo2 euer , but thep rather bende their minde fo a departure. Lhe whiche defire thep bad to be admitted for ſoiourners and in» habitantes onelp foz a time, that thep might not be tyen vnto Pharao with the bonde of feruitude, Jf was verie profitable and neceffarie fo2 the fonnes of Jacob,to teffifie euen in the ver rie fir enteranceinte Egypt, howein what fort they deſired to Divell there , Gnd fo much delle ercnfable was that crueltte, ~ > 4 hb. iij. whiche J ee: +e indie ‘Shea tas ass 854 TOHN CALVINE © > 14 | S$ whiche twas mete attertiars , hernia theb were lo hardiy oppeeſſed contrarie to couenant , and were not fuffered ta. des parte; the whiche they erpzettely conditioned: She Prophete Cfaie faith . thatthe King of Egypt hav fome colont in this point, becauſe the fonnes of Jacob came of their otone'accszbe intobis dominionthut be (peaketh by compariton,that he nia the more greusully aceule the Afpzians , tha had inuaded the poſteritie of Jacob, ‘beeing quiet in their countrie and hav by oniuk btolence expelled them out of the fame, There⸗ fore cquitie as tot kept, tohen the Iſraelites Were oppreſſed ſeruilv, and denied fo returne info their countrie:fo2 the whi⸗ the they fecretip conenaunted, when they piofetted, that they Would be but loiourners there for the King ſhould haue pers formed faith and humanitie, when be bad once receiued thers onder bis defence. Wherefore, the chilozenof Hrael provided fo2 them felues befoze od, that thep might tuftly complain of the Egrptians. But becanle the promile whith the King had made,profited them nothing acording te the Heth, tet the faith» full by their example, arme them (elues onto patience, Foꝛ this is commonly feene,that he which entereth into the Court of a Tyrant, mult neds condition what libertie be will haue, cucn at the verie entraunce inte the fame . Wozectier, this 1s added, that Wwe may knowe, howe cently the houfe of Jacob was interteined at the fire: and yet alfo, that nothing twas giuen by Joſeph without the Kings commandement, Fo2 the greater that bis potver twas, the moze fparing it became bint. to be,leatt he beeing liberall of the kings fubftance , defrauded bothe bim,and alto the people, And 3% woutd to Oov, that this moderation might take’ phice With the Noble men of this worlde, that they might behane themfelnes in their priuate bufines no other wiſe, then if they tere of the connnon fo2t of people: but now their power feemeth nothing to them, ercept they make the fame a libertie to finne, And although Jofeph, bp the kings permiffion placeth them in the belt paffures: pet not withſtanding, in the other parte be bfeth not the kings bes nefite, to make them cheefe ouerfeers of the kings cattell : not only becaufe this adua untage would haue caufed them tobe enuied: but alfo,becaule he would not haue them Co nae , eld : ( (* La hae s ua VPON GEMESIS: «CAP. XLVIT. ated with uch Mares. J —V tliolepn alſo brought Iacob his father. J Although Mo⸗ fes, without any tap, fyelucth that Jacob twas bought vnte the king:pet nofwithitanding, Jdoubt not, but that there was ſome (pace of time bet wene; namely, vntill be hauing gotten the place, wherin be ſhould abide, might fhe moze fafelp leaue bis familic:and vntill alfo be himfelfe was fometwbat refrefhe ed atter the ucarinelfe of bis tourney, ut when he is ſaide to bette the bing, Poles therby meaneth not a common and peo⸗ —— 855 st wee t God, And this rule Jeremic cõmendeth vnto the Jewes, wile Ying them to pray for the peace of Babylon, folong as they Were to liue inerile : becauſe the peace of that lande ¢ king Donte, conteined in it theirpeace, flo be this duetic were cõmanded to miſerable captiues, who were violently reſtrai⸗ ned of their libertie,¢ carried out of their countrie : how much more ought Jacob to perfozme the fame toward a gentleand heneficiall King? wat whattocuer thep be that rule, we are commanded to make publique prayers, fo2 them, Wherefore, Tim. 2s the fame (ubiection is required priuatelp ofeucric ones <7) i) 8 [Hewolde art thou’) This familiar queltion peueth, that Jacob was gently interteined without any maner of Di paine : but the antwere bath muche maze weight, in defining the time of bis pilgrimage to be an hundred and thirtie veres. Foꝛ hereot che Apoſtle gathereth that notable doctrine show Heb-tr. ‘that Goo was not athamed to be called their. father pbocaufe 1 *- they confeftcd themfelucs to be trauellers, and pilgriats vpon theearth. Wentionis made here but of one man onely ; but bes caute be nas thus taught by the fathers , and deliucred the fa:ne —— his ionnes by fravition, the pottle giueth » nto theni a ‘bi commendation . Wherefore , as they were not oars. to wander all fhe dapes of their tife, and refuted not to be called traungers, and bannithed men, whither foeuer they came: euen fo, © D D vouchfafed to Yswont —— | Dpb. tus, beftowe yf. ) OS thofe that are bis to wander about, as it were bp the found of atrumpet,that they might not build their net bpon the earth, Mans life Dherefore, whether a man tarrie Killin bis countries ‘92 whe⸗ fime, Pntill he haning ended bis race,may come into the beas tiehiltelanD , Viggo Sorriea RAIN uIyT TO Ct 9 GPewe and euill hauethe dayes of my life beene,; Jacob feneth grudgingly fo complaine, that be hath liten‘but a “9 Beattie, Alfo, becarite within a chort pace of time ,. he hav. fuffered many grefes and ſorrowes: toby doth he hot rather reckon bp the great and manifolde graces of God, which were able to counteruaile allmanner of cuils he maketh an vmunt complaint of the ſhoꝛtneſſe of his life? fo2 why is be not con⸗ tented with one ace, and the third part of another 2 But if a: ‘man weigh the wordes ariaht be rather veclareth bis thanks ‘fullnetie,in ſetting forth the cabnetie of Gov towarbde bis fae ‘thers; Foꝛ he doeth not fo muche bewaite his owne olde age, “as Deertolleth the ftennth, which God hav ginen nts bis far thers. It was none wwe thing ‘to fee'a man bokelt,cr@ked,and: ‘creeping into the qrate, at that age Wthérefore,thie' compas · riforr,as Thane faid, onlp'beloriged to the praiſe of God, tohote bleſſing was more largely ertended'to Ffaae,and to Abzaham, *Po2couer;he compareth not bimfelf to the fathers in miferies, as (hough thep were moze fauourably dealt withall, * * yf j MU GG owe \. ps or * VPON GENESTS. CAP. XLVII. xnowe were fried tothe full,with all maner of temptations + but be Denicth that be atteined to their peares. As if be ſhould ſay, Jam come to thoſe peres, which make all men aged:ped, the tuft terme of life is fulfilled, But the Lorde bath prolon⸗ gevthelifeof ny fathers, in ſo muche that they baue farre exceeded me And he therefore maketh mention of euill dapes, meaning that he was not fo much wozne e (pent with peres, as with labour and ſorrowe. Thus we fer, that the holie faz ther infended nothing leffe,then to murmur againtt © DD. Hotwithſtanding, it leemeth abfurde , that be maketh bis life fhozter then the life ofhis fathers. For, where vpon doeth he diuine, that fo fmall a tinte remained fo2 him fo line, thatbe chould not atteine onto thett pearcs 2 Jfone thould fay, that be coniectured this, by bis {weake and {pent bodie, it were but a weake anfwere + fo; Iſaacs fight was blinded, and bis lims taken with the palfie thivtie veres befoze bis Death, But there is no abſurditie in this that Jacob loketh to Die euerie houre, ag though the graue were before bis eves. Not withſtanding, be was vncerteine. how much time was appointed vnto him, by the ſecrete purpoſe of God: wherefoze,be not caring for the _ gett of bis life, fpeaketh as if be (houlo Dye the next Day, ¥ yf, 12 (fF And lofeph nourithed his father and hisbrethren. J ABy this it appeareth, that Joſeph pꝛouided fade, and fed the whole familie of his father,cuenfrom the olvett tothe pouns geff, Wherby poles both commendeth the clemencie of Cod, and alfo the godlineſſe of Joſeph. i | 43 PT heland of Aegypt, and the lande of Canaan vere fa- mifhed. ¶ Chis twas a notable iudgment of Gov,that the moft fertile countries, which peclded bictualles fo farre countrics, and fo landes on the ot ber fe of the fea, were brought into ſo great ertremitic, that they were like to be famiffjen for want ‘of fore, Wtherefore,there is no cauſe why they fhonid truſt to their aboundance, which patte pleafaunt ſieldes and fruitful = bat let them-acknotolenges that fo great plentic doeth not fo gach tonic forth of the botwels of the earth, as it doeth diſtill : ‘and flowefronthearen,by the fecrete blefling of God;fo2 there ‘ie not any fatnelie fo qreat,but that it ts made barren, when Sod accurfeth the ſame. In Che meane tinte,let vs beholde this * Phb.v, fv | — 8 8 TOHN CALVINE ‘> y ſangular godnelſe of Gad , in that he nourithed his ſeruaunts in the midlt of famine:as it is ſaid in the Pſal.Moꝛeouer, if it *41:57-17 be the Lords will to try bs with bunger,let bs then peap bis to hunt, fo giue bitte ds ſucteraunce, quietly to abide hunger, leaſt like wilde and fierce bealtes we murmur again€ him. Surthermorze , Wofes prolequuteth the hiſtorie of the famine with this purpoſe, to the ende it may appeare thereby, that the propheſie of Joſeph twas fulfilled :and that the greateſt perils were fo preuented bp bis induſtrie and diligence , that Egypt bad god caule to acknowledge him to be the authour of her preſeruation· CUTE 2 leq 14 [And Lofeph gathered all the monie. J Firlt Pores cheweth, that the King of Egypt bad god fuccefle, in commits ting fo Jofephs difcretid the charge of proniding cone, Then be praiſeth the fincere and faithfullferuiceof Joſeph herein, We knowe,that there are verie fewe which haue to doe with the hinges treafure, which doe not defile their handes with purlopning of the fame. And among fo great heapes of moe nic, as a man hath great libertie to ſteale: ſo it is a verie hard thing to refraine . ut Poles ſaith, that what monic fo ever Jeſeph recetued, he brought the fame into the Kinges -houte. his tas rare inteqritie to kepe his handes pure. amiddeſt fo muche treafure. Ano be coulde neuer haue bene ſo truftic, it ſo be the calling of God had not bene a bzidle vnto him. soz thoſe, whom ambition haloeth from theft and rovberie, if thep feared not the fight andiudaement of men, they woulde bp and by put forth their handes to ſteale. But Joſeph might haue offended herein without any mans knowwledge. Mhere⸗ by it appeareth, that the pure feare of God twas in bis minve, And yet notwithfanding,be wanted not many colours and cloakes to couer bis theft withall: as, Sing thou feruett a Lyzant,whp mait thou not applie fome part of gaine to thp comtmoditic? Wi hereby it doeth the moze appeare,that be was verie iu , in that he reiected allintifementes, twhiche might haue allured him fo inrich himlelfe with another mans qos. < “15 ( For our monies ſpent. ] Moſes meaneth not, that all the monte which twas in Ggypt was brought onto the ings cofers Foꝛ their were many Noble menin the Court, ines ity the | ( — * Le * —— - s VPONIGENESIS. CAP. XLYVII. the kamine nener aréeuen But the meaning is that they were euery one alinoft confumed,infomuch that the common fo2t of people bad not ntonic inough to buy them come : andat the length, extreme neceflitie bought theni to the fecond remedie, of the which be (peaketh anon, Wherefore, this interrogation, Whierefore {hall wediebefore thee 21s not murmuration ae gaint Joreph , but fiqnifieth that they are toft, cxcept his cles mencie helpe them. Wut it map be demaunded, how the Canas anifes liued⸗ There is no doubt,but that the peftitence,a com panion of famine,deftroped many of thein except they were re⸗ eued by other countries , 02 elfe liued miferably of bearbes and rots, And it may be that fo arcat barreneſſe was not there but that they aathered vp in the feeldes , the onc balfe,o2 the third part of their lining . vd 46° Bring your cattell. J his was a miferable fpeetar tle and able to mollifie hearts of flint: to fr riche hufbandmen fobich afoze tinte had faces of come layed bp in their barnes pene ‘are nowe conftrained to beage their bead. Joſeph efoze may feemte crucll, in that be giveth not bead fo the nedie frelp, but ſpoyleth thei alfo of all thetr cattell, theepe, and atfes. But bicaute Joſeph dealeth for an other man, ¥ dare not condemne bis rico? of crueltic,if fo be theit coꝛne had been taken from fhem by violence any time within the ſeuen peres of plentie , then nowe be ſhould cruelly haue taken from them their cattell and flockes of ſheepe: but, becaute it was in their owne choyce, to Képe that fo ſtore in their barnes, whiche they folde vnto the king , they are nowe iuſthy punithed fo2 their negligence. And Joſeph ſaw well inough, that the purpofe of the 1020 was fo ſpoyle then, and fe inrich the kine by the fame. Alfo,feing it was lawefull fo him to fell come, be miabt by the ver tue of p ſame Commiflion make erchaunae thereof fo2 cattell The cone twas the kings. why then thoulve he not take monie fo2 the fame? Wherefore, if fo be Joſeph gaue the valuc ofthe cattell, F fee not wherein he beferued fo be blamed ; efpecially, (wing he Deatt not for him felfe,but for the Bing, tubo gaue hunt authoritie to buy and fell come fo2 his aduanntage, and not for him felfe. Af any man replie, that be ſhoulde at the leaſt haue yr 359 850 \TOHN CAL VINE 5+ : perfhe King foberontented {with that great gaine whiche “ Had alreadie recetued, J aunfwere, fhat.among many thins ges, Moles onelpby-the way ſheweth a felwe. But every man may eafilp coniecture, that Jofeph ouerpafied not matter of — fo great weight, without making the king priuie tothe fame, TMhat if the Counfell thought it meete that the bufbandmen fhoulde take for their cattell, fade fo2 one whole yeare'? To ‘be ſhorte, fing we ſtande and fall accozding fo the gwd pleas fure of od, it isnot our parte focondemne thatswbiche bis date doeth not plainly erp2effe . » 20° [ Solofeph bought all the landeof Acgypte] Againe, ‘aman woulde thinke this to be cruell and infatiable couce foufneffe, that Jofeph buyeth the feeldes alfo from the miſera⸗ ble hulbandmen, by the profite and increafe whereof they had nourifhed the kingdome, Wut as J faide euen nowe, there is no cauſe toby we ſhould condemne Joſephs facte, Jf any may fay that be abufed their neve, this one thing ts fufficient te make ercufe, that be contpelled them not to, any neceſſitie. ‘by Deceipt, by circumuenting, by lorce, noz by any. threate⸗ nings. Be did the kings buſineſſe faithfully, and with no leſſe Diligence: he erequuted the kings commandement without as ny biolent edictes. The famine beeing ſoꝛe, it was latvfull fo2 bint, fo {et out coꝛne to fale, as well fo the riche as to the pode. And nowe at the lat, why was itnot latwfull fo2 bins fo purchafe their landes for the king, giuing reafonably for the fame? Beſide this, be erto2teth nothing from them, but according fo their clone requeſt he bargaineth with them . J graunt that generally all that ts offered, is not to be taken, Foꝛ he whiche is by neceflitie verie fore oppreſſed, and fer keth to (hunne the fame, falleth to bnlatofull bargains. Ther⸗ fore, when a manfeketh vnto vs him ſelfe to be Dereiued, we are not fo2 the fame altogether ercufable:but J defend Joſeph not only by this ercufe, becaufe the Capptians willingly offe red vnto bim their floes, which were readie fo redeeme their life with any prtce: but this alfo J fay. ought to be weiahed, « that be obferucd equitie, though be left them nothing, It hav bene a moe hard conditiowstf fo be they had beene made bonds wien fo) euer, but nowebe leaucth onto them thetic, ones 12, | js 7! ⸗ VPON GENESIS. CADP. XLVI. ‘He, and bar gaineth With them for their landes onelp, which — had Vought for the mok part of poꝛe men. fhe hav taken their garmentes fo2 copne, hehad then after a Zinie foot Rilled them. For twbat difference is there bet weene e Faritithinia ofa man, andthe ſtaruing of bin with colde⸗ Hut Jotepy fo helpeth the Egyptians, that they were afters warde fra men, and might with their labour get a meane lis hing, $02, although they exchanged their (catesipet notwith⸗ franding, they are all mate the Linges farmours + and he doth not onely let them baue tie feeldes againe,but alfo the in@rus snentes tubiche be had bought, Wihereby tt appeareth,that be ſhewed all the clemencte be coulde fo belpe and cafe them. Pes uerthelede,let thofe whiche are to greedie in their olune pri⸗ nate bufinefle tate have, that they doe not falllp pretende the example of Joſeph: becaule if ts certcine, that all bargaines 861 Bargaines mutt be are wicked before God, whiche are not made according fo the made by rule of charitie, and by that equitie whiche nature teacheth vs by her fecrete inſtinct: that, Ne muff fo deale with other men, as Wwe woulde that they ſhould deale Wwithbs. 9° ‘ 2 ‘a1 [And he remoued the people viito the Cities] his tranſportation was berie fharpe : but iffobe te weigh bow inuch better it was for them to goe to another place, that thep miahte be free inbabttauntes, then to be boought onto ſeruile Wwo2rkes,allmen will confer that this cominaundement was follerable and berie gentle . Ff cucric man Lad tilled bis Lande, a3 be vas wont , it woulde haue ferred a ſore eracs tion of tribute, Joreph therefore deuileth a middle way, whi⸗ che might mitigate the newe and vnwonted burden, alge hing newe feelves, and fetting a tribute bppon them. * 99 [Onely the lande of the Prieftes bought ‘he not.) Lhe Wrielkes were excepted from the common lawe, becaufe the King allowed them an ordinarie It is poubtfull, whether this twere a helpe of prefent Heceflitic, o2 whether be twas want awaves fo nourith them af bis owne proper com and charac. BBut becauſe Moſes maketh mention oftheir landes, Jrather coniecturesthiat they being rich befo2e, becaule the dearth bad faken front thent alfo their reuenue, the ing pꝛiuiledged ~ them aboue the ret, Hereot it came to pate, that their landes y wae - remy Baits Chariue. IOHN. CALVINE. . — remained fee. Although many auncient writers of fortes doe feigne many thinges without tudgement, concerning the ſtate of the lande: whereas notwithſtanding they fay,that the huſbandmen do fo2 a {mall pice folwe and reape fo2 the Ling And the Pztckes.¥ cannot fell whether that it came from this dawe of Zofeph,o2 no : but omitting them, it perfaineth moe to the matter,to note that whiche Poles would haue erpreiip Anowemnamelyp,that the beathen king had a fingular care foz fhe worſhip of God, when he nourithed the Prꝛieſtes freely, that be night {pare their feloes and fubftance . Dhus a ſpec⸗ facle ts fet befoze our eyes that therbp tue map fe that p ſenſe Of qodlineffe is fatt fired in men, which thep cannot vtterly des face. Whereas Pharao nouriſhed ſuche ſacriſicing Wiettes, _ Which with their deceiptes bew itched the people, if was both Wickednefle, and folithe fuperfition ; nottvithtanding, this was praiſe worthie, that be (ufferednot the Wwo2thip of God to Ipe Onder foe, which would fhoztly haue come to pale, tf fo be P prieſts bad perithed with hunger. Wut feing this vndiſcret deuotion {pang frõ a gad beginning, what ought our princes Minifters bo doe which are accounted Chaiftians 2 Seeing Pharao was cughtto thus careful for bis facrificing pꝛieſts, that be fottered them fo be proul- bis otwn deftrurtion,¢ to p deſtruction of bis whole kingpome ** alfo,that he might not be butbankfull to his falfe Gods:what facrilege is it for them to neglect lawfull and god minifterg ofbolp things, whoſe labour they knotwe is allowed of God, and profitable fo2 them alfo? But it may be demanded, Inhes ther if tere latwfull for Zofeph to take bpon him this charges fo2 fo be was a mainteiner of wicked ſuperſtitions? Wut 3%, as Jeaſily graunt,that he which had fo great a charge and large autho2itic committed vnto him, might redily fall into fundzie offences ,fo J, Jſay, dare not p2ecifelp rondemne this deed. And vet nofiwithitanding J denie not, but that be offended even in this,becaufe be did not foutly inough withtande fuperttiti« : ons, WBut becaufe be could not by any lawe farue the Prieſts : fo death, and becauſe be was not a diſpoſer of the Rings coꝛne altogether after bis stone till and pleafure,iffo be the dking : would haue fode giuen to the Peieſtes frely,it was no more in bis hand to denie ttthem, then tt was conuenient fo2 bimfo dene ; 4 ——— 4 1* ) denie it fo the Moble men that were Couriers, Qeing foze if was the ings pleafure,he could not denice it ther, bots vnworthie ſoeuer they were of the lealt part of faftenance. 23[Then lofeph ſaidvnto the people, Pere the ſingular hu⸗ manitie of Joſeph is deſcribed by Poles, the which, as it then anfivered all complaintes,fo at this Day it iuftty refelleth and | putteth atvay all cauillations:be reſtored poze miferable mer | to their poſſeſſions, by a moft invifferent law, that thep might : pay vnto the King the fift of theit pearely reuenue. Xt ts kno⸗ Wen well enough, that long fince that time, binges in diuerle places haue by lawe required the tenth: and in time of wars, they haue doubled this tribute, What iniurie then wil we fap Was done to the Capptians , in that Joſeph tared the landes which be bad bought to the Kinges ble to pay the aft part of the pearely profite: efpectally,fecina that reaton is farre moze fruitefull then otber countries , fo asthe huſbandmen with ieffe paines and coſt reape the fruites thereof? Mo2eousr,this indirectway, the whiche required the tribute of the fift part, tended to no other ende, then that the Cappttans might the more cherefully till their lanve, freeing they were perfuaded that they were gently dealt withall by this bargaine and cor nenant.and after this fort they erpzeltcd that confeffion, whi⸗ che Moles fetteth downe. For firtt, they acknowledge, that : they owe vnto him their life: lecondly, they refufe not to be the : hinges fernauntes. Mhereby {we gather, that the bolp man pid fo indifferently bebauc him felfe , that be greatly inriched : the Bing: and pet rot withitanding , oppzeficd not the people With tyrannie . And J woulde to God that all @Monernours qwaulde vfe this moderation , that they would leke the kings tommoditie without poing of iniuric. of And Ifrael dwelt in the lande of Aegypt. } Boies mea neth not , that Jacob and his fonnes Were owners. of the faldes, whiche Wharao qraunted pnto them to dwell in, as 97 fher partes tere arau nted onto the inhabitants of Cappt for a perpetuitie:but that be dwelt there connenicntly for a tune, & fo were pofleffours by icaue, that they alfo might be at reff, Herot it came fo patte that they fo greatly increſed in ſo chort afpace of time Theretore § which Moles cheweth erteinen VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLV II. ' : thers 203 » — CALY Wn wees! OS 864, the bittozic of the tine following + pea, rates. he returneth to the proper tert of bis bittozic, wherein bis, purpofe was to teach; holv God protected bis Church from many deathes ¢ and not anely that, but alfo Wwanderfullp exalte it by bis {es crete polwer, 28 [Moreouer, Tacob lived in the land of Aegypt, Jat was no ſmall temptation fo2 the holy man, to be baniſhed from the lande of Canaan fo many veares. omitte that be came thie ther, being conſtrained with the prefent famine: why note withanding night be not returne agate, when flue peares were ſpent? JFo2 be was not there careleſſe, but be was theree fore quiet; becaufe be coulde not baue fre leaue fo depart, TWhereſore, in this point alfo God dia not lightly erercile bis patience, 3o2;although the pleafures of Egypt were ſwete: pet not with anding, tt was moze then miferable,to be Depate ued of the fight ofthat lande, twhiche was the erp2efle image ofthe beauenlyp countrie, With the childzen of this worlde earthly commodities woulde haue p2euailed : but fuche was the godlineffe of the bolic man, that no p2ofite of the fleſhe coulde counfernaile ithe loffe of the {pirituall benefite. But be ts moze depely wounded, when he feeth death, to aps poche: onto bim ; becaufe he is not onely depriued of the tne beritaunce pꝛomiſed vnto bint, but alfo leaueth bis fonnes doubtfull oꝛ weake in faith in Egypt, as inthe graue, But this example is fet befoze vs, that we might not faint thos rough the tedioufnelle of a lone conflicte : pea, the moze that Sathan.goeth about fo preſſe downe our mindes to the earth: —— the greater vehemencie let them aſpire and clime vnto eauen, 29 [He called his fonne Iofeph.] Bereby not onely the care of Jacob is gathered, but alfo his inuincible courage and fo2s titude , It is an argument of great vertue that no riches, no pleafures of Egypt doe allure him, but that be Mill defireth the lande of Canaan, wherein he had alwayes lined a barde and paincfull life, Wut this conſtancie of faith farre excelled, ; when he commaunding bis dead bodicfo becarriedinfothbe - land of Canaan, erbozted bis fonnes to the hope of deliue⸗ raunce. Thus it tame to pate, that ‘be being dead, meant - ged ws ‘ 2 vPON GENESIS, CAP XLVIIT 865: wed thofe that remained altue,as with the founve of a trum⸗ pet, Foꝛ,wherevnto tended lo greate a care of burial, but that the pꝛomile of Gos might be confirmed bute the pofkeris ties 7 Although therefore bis faith, were tolled: yet notiwiths Landing, tt neuer (uffered ſhipwracke, but directed others to the hauen. And berequireth an-oathe of bis fonne JIo⸗ fepb, not fo muche becaule of diſtruſt, as to ewe that be bap aferious matter tn bande, Serhe would not prophane the name of OD D, by alight oath :but the moze holie and for lemne thatthe promule was, the moze all bis fonnes ought te baue remenb ed, that it was berie bebofefull fo haue his bo⸗ die buried int the ſepulchre of his fathers. It is allo verie likes ly, that be wifely thought vppon the alfiwaging of bis fonnes enute, Foꝛ he knelwe,that the chopce appointing of a ſepul⸗ che, twouldoffend the Egyptians: and might haue occaſio⸗ ned them thus to (peake, Foꝛſothe, this fraunger would needes be buried in the lande of Canaan, as thoughe there were not a conucnient place fo be found fo2 his dead carcaſe in this noble lande. Wherefore, to theend Joſeph might the moe earneſtly craue this ofthe ing, and the more eaſily obteine bis Cute, be caufeth bin to ſweare: And in verie deede Joſeph afterward vſeth this pretence, to put away of» fence. Alfo,this was the reafon why be required Joſeph to do that fo2 him, whiche was the commoditic of all bis fonnes. Foꝛ this was not permitted fo others > and they dur not haue enterpriſed fuche a matter without leaue. Againe, we muſt nete,that Jacob vſed an oathe, te feache that be did not in baine,o2 rathly defire fo be buried in that lande, where be had (uffered many ſorrowes, and from whence be was dri⸗ uen at the length tof by fantine, Concerning the putting 4 - ofthe hand onder the thighe,.and What the Laine figne mea⸗ neth, 4 baue ſhewed befoze. : 30 [ But when I fhall fleepe with my. fathers. ] By this place it appeareth, that the woꝛde of ſleping, ſo often ast ts put fo2 fo die, is not referred fo the foule, but fo the bone. And fo what end twas bis bodie buried inthe double cauc, butte : teltifie their focietic after death 7 And with what bound were cther iopned together, ſauing that the effecte of thew faith 9 BREE couly 44. 3688 866 IOHN CALVENE‘* conlde not be erfinguithes by death it felfer Cuenas if this Voice founded out ofthe Sepulchre ow alto we haue a com⸗ mon inheritanee. fe TUDE OO: Ai! [And Iftiel wotfhipped toward the ‘Beddes head. 438 | thefe wordes acaine Moles confirmeth, that Jacob accounted it for a ſingulat benefite that Joſeph had peomiſed his requet to be fulfilled ,concerning bis burtall:fo2 be ſeeketh all that be tan, to lift bp his weake bodie,to gine thanks vnto God, as tf He had obteined'a thing whith be mofte deſired. Be ts faysd fo worthippe towarde the beddes heade, becauſe when he coulde not ariſe out of the bed, wherein belay, vet be fafhioned him felfe after the fonne sfonethat ppaveth with bis countenance downeward. The like is ped of Dauid, who hauing bis des 1Kin.2.10 fit'e, giueth thanks vnto Cod, Whe Grekes haue tranllated it RWBu. 22. Toward the toppe ot hits rodde, WMhom the Apoltle fo the Bee brues hath followed. Wut although it appeareth p they were Decciued by the ſimilitude of the voyce, becauſe the Hebrue worde ſigniſteth alle a Wate: pet the Apoſtle contented. bint felfé fo cite the place asi was then in commen tfe, leaft be: might ofend He rude in a matter of nothing But their expos — fition is farther ont of ſquare; whiche fay § Jacob worihipped foward his ſonnes ſcepter. Wut feng there ts no ambigui⸗ ticin Boles wordes, let if fuffice bs to remember that vhich % Yate layed , that by this ceremonie — —— declared the greatnue! of bis ior. R X 24tt 27 : J ie ‘\ the r : CHAPTER: XLVI. Gaine,after this, one fayde to Tofeph, Lo, thy father isficke, Then hetooke with him his | two fonnes,Manafles,and Ephraim. Alfo one tolde Tacob, and fayed, Beholde, : thy fonne Tofeph is come to thee. And Iraei ware his ftrength vnto him,and fate vppon the bed, 3 Then Tacob fayed vnto lofeph,'God-almightie appeared tome at Luz,in the land of Canaan,and blefled mee. 4 And he fayed vnto mee, Behold I will make thee fruite- full, and will multiplic the,and will make a greatnumber 2 people’ 2 rf OND oi oe : * 4 yPON GENESIS. . CAP. XLVIII. 80 | people of thee,and will gine this land vnto thy ſeede afterthee, ꝰ 7) for an eucrlafting poflctlion,. ¢ | Aad now thy two fonnes,Manafles and Ephraim,which are born vnto thee in the land of Acgypt, before I came to theé into the land of Acgypt, thall be mine, as Raben, and Simeon are mine. x | 6 But thy linage, whiche thou haft begotten after them, fhall be thines they fhall be called afterthe names of their bre- thren,in their inheritance. . ) Dn te, 7 Nowe,whea I came from Padan, Rahel died vppon my hande in the lande of Canaan,by the way , when there-was but halfe a dayes iournie of ground to come to Ephrath: the ſame is Bethelem. — te Hat'sd Hed) ’ f : Then Ifrael beheld Lofephs fonnes,and fayd, Whole are thele? — 4 7 4 9 And Iofeph fayed vnto his father; They are my fonnes, whiche God hath giuen mehere, Then he fayed, I pray thee bring them to me,that Imay bleſſe them. 45... 190 (For the eyes of Ifrael were dimme for age, fothathe coulde not, well fee.) Phen he caufed them tocome to him,and he kifledthem,and imbracedthem. . 5 4... bots u And Ifrael fayd vnto Iofeph, I had not thought to haus Seene thy face : yet loe God hath ſhewed me alſo thy feede, 12 And Tofeph tooke them away from his kuecs, and did reucrence downe to the ground, fe Tk of cone Hdan 13 Then tooke Iofeph them both, Ephraim, in his right, hande towarde Ifraels lefte hande: and Manafles in, his lofte hande towarde Iftaels right hande: fo he broughtthem vnto him, ) | ' 4 But Ifrael ftretched out his right hand, and Jayed it on Ephraims head, whiche was the younger :and his Iefte han vppon Manafles head,direéting his handes of purpofe:for Ma- natles was the elder, 7 _ a Alfo heblefled Iofeph,and fayd, The God before whem my father Abraham and Izhak did walke,the God which hath fedde meall my life long ynto this day bleſſe thee, \ sin 16 The Angel which hath deliuered me fromall euill, bieſſe — ————————— 868 ; gibt, “IOHN € ALVI NE thy children, And let'imy name be named vpponthem, and thename of my fathers, Abraham and ‘Izhak , ‘that they:may growe as fiſſie vnto a multitude,in the middeft of theeatth; 17 But when Tofeph fawe that his father Jayed his right hande vppon the heade of Ephraim, it difpleafed him: and rhe ftayed his fathers hand,to, remoucit from Ephraims head, to Manafles head, - : ~~ 28 And Iofeph faide vnto his father, Not fo my fatliek for this is the eldeſt, put thy right hand'vppon his head.’ 19 But his father refinfed,and faide,t know well my fonne,, I knowe well, he thall be alfo a people, and he thall be greate hikewifes but his younger brother fhall be greater then he, and his feede fhall be full of nations, > 206° Soheblefled them that day,and faid,Inthee Iiael hall bleffe,and fay , God make thee as E hraim, and as Manaffes + and he fette —5 before Manafles. 21 And Ifrael faide vnto Iofeph,Beholde I dye,and GOD: —* be with you, and bring g you againe vnto the land of your athers, 22 Moreouer, I have giuen vnto thee one portion aboue thy brethren, which I gate out of the hand of the Amorites, by my {worde,and by my y bowe,. 1 [Againe, after this, one faide to Tofeph. ] Motes coms meth now to the latt acte of Jacobs life, which we (eis verie nofable to be remembꝛed. Foz, feing he knewe that the Lod bad called bim fo bighlp,that he ſhould be the father of the fas thers of the Churche,be fulfilled the propheticall office, which was iniopned vnto him/, concerning the fate vf the Churche to come, a liffle before bis death, Wrtuafe men fette thetr houſholde affaires: in an order by feftamentes : but this bo» lie father bad another manner of corfiveration, with whom © DD had made bis conenant bpon this condition, that the fucceffion of grace might come to the pofferities . Wut before Icome to the full handling of this matter,thefe to things are to be noted, whiche Moſes breeflp toucheth:namely, $ Jo⸗ feph being told of bis fathers fickneffe,p2efently went to him: decondly,that Jacob hearing of bis comming, indeuoured * e 4 —* M > > -weON GENESIS. CAP: XLYVIIT. felfe to lift dp his trembling bodie for honours fake . And Joſeph therefore went fo hatkily to fe his father Jacob, and twas fo pꝛeſt to doc all other duties of godlineſſe, becaufe he moꝛe eſteemed to be one of thefonnes of Jacob, then fo haue the gouernement ouer abundzed kingdomes. 302 in that he bringeth his fonnes, itis as mucheas if he Moulde make them free from that lanve, toberein they Were bo2ne, and ree ſtore them to thetr firf€ oviginall . Foꝛ they coulde not make themfelues to be reckoned in the ſtocke of Abraham, but that they muſt needes make them felues loathfome to the Egypti⸗ ans. But Joleph peeferred this ſhame and rep2oche befoze all nianer of riches and renotune,fo as they might growe into the Holic bodie of the Church : notwithſtanding, his father lifting bp hin ſelfe vnto hint, giueth ſuch due honour, as he could, foꝛ the benefite receiued at bis hand. And in the meane time, he obeyeth the pꝛopheſie, whiche atthe fir had inflamed bis fonnes to madneſſe, that tt might not be greeuous vnto them, < ——— and Manalſes were appointedthe heades of tive ribes. . 3 [Then Iacob fayed vnto Ioſeph. Lhe purpofe of the hos lie man twas, to Wwithd2atve bis fonne from the riches and bos noures of Gaypt, and fo bing him wholy to the holie focke, from the tobich be was a little diuided. And be doth nof pouds ip boat of the riches and polwer whiche be bad receiued, fo pleafe him: but be ſetteth before him the onclp couenaunt of od: cuen as it is meete, that the grace of God, and of our as doption, fo fone asit is offered vnto bs, occupying all our fentes, it may ſwallowe bp all that is gloꝛious and precious inthe worlde. Whis place is notable, Gꝛeate is the glozic of dignitie in Joſeph. We feeth that the glorie of Mobilifie may come onto bis pofteritic, by the memoꝛie of his name: be can leaue vnto thent alarge patrimonie: he can eafily promote them to the kinges fauour,that they might baue place among the Nobles of the realme, Bow eafie a matter tf ts fo be ouer⸗ corte with fuche intiſementes, to many erantples doc ſhewe. Pea, the greater part dec knowe, by their owne erpertence, that fo fone as we receine the leatt hope froin the wo2lde, we are by and by carried away from the Lorde, and dzatune from Aizu, the 869 87 IOHN CALVINE Ri the care of a heanenlyplife. Af {mall dꝛoppes doe fhus make our flethe dꝛonken, hobo daungerous a thing ts tf fo drinke at the full tunne? But Jacob ſetteth againſt all the riches and honours of Caypt a bifion, tuberein © D D hadadopted him and his ſtocke to be his people. So offen therefore as Sar than goeth about fo infile bs with the allurementes of the Wwo2lde,te leade bs from beauen, tet bs call fo minde wheres fore we are called , that in reſpecte of fhe incomparable trea⸗ fure ofefernall life, we maploath all wherein the ficthe dee liahteth, jfo2 if fo be in olde fine, holie Joſeph fo honourably eſteemed of an obfcure bifion, that by the onlp rememb2aunce. thereof, be foꝛgate Egypt, andcanse greedily fo the contem⸗ ned flocke of the Churche : how thamefull at this dap ts our madnefle, how filthie our dulneſſe, how deteftable our vn⸗ thankfulnefic,if we be nef liketwife affected, nol that our hea⸗ uenlie father,opentig the qafe of bis kingdome, doth fo gents lp callbs? Withall notwithſtanding, it ts to be notes, that holie Jacob fetteth not befoze his fonne baine imaginations, but the bndoubted promife of © DD, bppon the whiche be might fafely ret him felfe. Whereby we are taught, that faith is truely founded bpon no other thing ..then sppon the worde of Ood alone. be faith that ODD appeared bnto himin the landeof Canaan, that Jofeph defiring the fame; might in the affection of bis heart be bannithed from the kings dome of Caypt, [ And bleffed me.] In this place the twogde of bleſſing foundeth not the preſent effecte,o2 the erbibition of abappte life: euen as the £020. is faide oftentimes to bleffe dis feruauntes, when he declareth in verie deede, the fauour whtche be beareth toward them,that it may plainely appeare, that they are bleſſed, because they are receiued vnder bis p20» fection. Sut Jacob thinketh hismfelfe bleſſed, becauſe be has uing inb2aced the grace promiſed bnto him, doubteth not. af the effecte. Therefore, Jtake that whiche followeth in the next berfe, fo be added erpofitiuely, 4 [Beholde,[ will make thee fruitefull,] he Lorde pro⸗ muted that be would being fo paffe,that nations fhould come out of him: becaule thirteene tribes, whereof one bodie of the people confilled , Were as it Were fa many nations, But bes caulfe<« ) VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLVIIT. eaufe this was but a beginning of that increafing whiche fols loined afterwarde, when Dod diſperſing the fede thaoughout the whole worlde, gathered vnto him felfe a Churche out of all nations, we fo acknowledge the bleſſing to be perfourmed in the olde figure, that tt ts conuenient notwithſtanding, to pꝛocede further. Wherefore, at what time the people grewe into fo qreat a multitude,and that out of twelue Patriarches there flowed thirteene populous tribes , thes the fame bes gan to growe into a companie of nations. Wut fo fone as the {pirituall Hrael bad ouerfp2eadall partes of the worlde. and that divers nations were gathered into one Churche, the multiplication began fo growe to the full, [ For an euerla- Ring poffeflion, ] What the meaning of this ſpeche is , we hate ſhewed in another place : namely⸗ that the Iſraelites Mould be perpetuall beires of the lanv, vntill the comming of Cherilt, wherein the worlde twas renewed. 5 [And now thy two fonnes, Manafles & Ephraim, } Jacob ado neth bis fonne with a fingular priuilege, that be being one, might make tive heads, that is tofay,that bis two fonns, as iftobethey were beires in the firk degree, might diuide the inberitaunce with their vncles. Wut what meaneth this, tha€ acrokevolde man alligneth, as a ropall patrimonie,the firte part of that land to bis nephewes, wherein be wandered as a pilgrime,and from the which be twas now agatne bannicſhed⸗ Who would not haue fatd,that he had tolde a fable⸗The coms mon prouerbe is, Ho man gtueth that whiche be bath not. WUthat then did it profite Jofeph, by ai imagined title to be appointed Lorde of that lande, wherein the giver could ſcarſe drinke of that iwater,for the whiche be had digged with areat labour, ¢ from twiyence the famine at the length erpellen bine sBut hereby it appeareth,Wwith how Mable a faith the holie fas fhers leaned bpon the word of the 1.020, fo2 whom tf twas bets ter fo depend bpon his mouth,then to haue a ſirme feate vpon earth. Jacob dieth a banniſhed man in Cappt : ¢ pet he calleth the couernour of Egypt fro bis dignitie to exile, that it may ge Well wᷣ him. Fofepd, becaule he acknotwlegeth his father to be ap2ophet of Gon, which imagineth nothing of pis oun baine, = maketh no leſſe account of the profered pons:, which appeared IJJiiij. not, then » i 871. 8 2 TOHN CALYINE 4 7 then if he had receiued the fame alreatyp, | 7 (Raheldied ypponmy hand. He therefore fpeaketh of the death and burialt of bis wife Kabel,that the naming of the mother might be a pricke to ſtirre Sp Fotephes mind, Foꝛ if ſo be all the ſonnes of Jacob came out of Sp2ta, it was no ſmall perfuation fo them,to know the biftozie which we bad afoze s namely, that the father by the commandement of God reture ning into the lande of Canaan, bought bis wines with him, Foꝛ, fo be tt greeued not the women, leauing their countries, to goe info a ſtraunge lande farre off » their crample ought to be no ſmall pꝛouocation fo2 their fonnes, fo fo2xfake Egypt at the commaundement of the fame God > AND. ta pepare them felues to poſſeſſe the lande of Canaan, 8 (Then Ifrael behelde lofephes fonnes.] Jdoubt not, but that be inquired concerning the chilozen,befoze that be calles them heires. And inthe aunfwere of Joſeph we are to note that which we touched afore, how that the fruite of the wombe fommeth not by chaunce,but is reckaned among the ercellen€ giftes of Gon, But let vs nowe breelly note the purpofe of Moa ics, which isto thetw,that a ſolemne figne was bfentoconfirme — the adoption. Jacob layeth his hanves vppon bis nephetwes, To that end: Pamely, to p2oue that he giueth them place as mong bis fonnes: and that fo Joſeph being but one, might make two beads, Ffor this was not the with of a pꝛiuate man, as grandfathers and fathers are wont to Wwithe proſperous fuccetfe vnto their potteritie: but there was beretn diuine aus fhozitie,as it was afterward p2oued by the euent. Therefore, be commaundeth them to be bought nere vnto him, that be mlay giue Onto them new honour, as a difpenfato2 appointed: of the Lozde : and Joep) in tike manner béainneth at adora⸗ tion, giuing thankes vnto Gov, 12 [And lofeph tooke them away from his knees.) Motes moze largely declareth that Wwhiche be had beefy touche, Joſeph taking his fornes out of hts lappe, fetteth them at bis C fathers nes, not onelp fo2 honours fake, but that he might Offer them fo the Prophet of God to be bleſſed: becaufe be was cerfeinly perfuaded,that holie Jacob did not defire to imbzace: them after the common manner ofmen : but as be was the . ~~ inters “ we nt ) VPON*GENESIS. ‘CAP. XLVIII. interp2eter of God,that fo be woulde beſtowe bppon thent,the grace Which was committed vnto bim, Wherefore thelaping on of bis bandes, was not onely to giue them equall po2tions with bis fonnes, but alfoto create them Patriarches of the Church,that they might be honourable in the ſpirituall kings Dome, r4, [ Butlfrach ftretehed out his righthande.] Jacobs eyes being dinune with age, thatbe coulde not fee Whiche of them twas the eloett : pet notiwithtanding , be did put bis bandes acrofle of purpofe. UWihereby we gather,that the holie Gholke was the director of this action, who illumining the minde of the holie man with bis fecrete light, made him to fee mozeclearely , thentbhole who bad moze tharpe fight with their bodily eyes. >) is [ The God before whom my father Abraham.) aithough Jacob knewe, that the vifpenfation of the grace of Cod twas committed onto him, that be might blefle bis nephewes with effect : pet notwithſtanding, be arrogateth nothing to bint felfe ; but humbly falleth to praver, that be might not dimi⸗ nich any thing of the glozie of God, Foꝛ as be was fhe lawtull aminifter of the bleſſing: fo it was mecte , that be fhoulde ace Enotwledge God tobe the authour alone. And beerebence all the minifters ann paftoures of the Churche mut take a conte mort rule, Foꝛ, although thep be called, uot onely witneſſes of the heauenly grace, but alſo the diſpenſation of ſpirituall gifts is commited vnto them: pet notwithſtanding, when we come fo make comparifon betweene Ood and them, they arenothing pecaufe he alone conteineth all thinges tn him felfe. Where⸗ fo2e,let them learne to humble and fubmitte them felues, lett they obfcurethe name of Cod. And the Lorde hath not ap, pointed minifters to him felfe,fo2 this caule, that they fhoulde arrogate any thing onto them felues : fo that aman doth not Without facrilege defire to feeme fometwhat of him felfe, with- out God. In the wordes this firft is to be noted, that be calleth bpon God, in whole fight bis fathers Abzabam and ¥fac wal ed. J£02,becaule f blefling depended bpon the coun ant made With them, it twas neceflaric, that their faith fhoulde come bee —, tweens, Godbharchoen them,and their potteritte,to be apie | 4A; +) >. ie 2) 45.0. pls s g 7 IOHN- CALVING 7 pte: but thertoxe that pocinite mas effectuall, betaute thep ays prehend the fame bp faith . And thus it came to patle, that they did (et ouer the right of the ſucceſſion to Jacob him felfe, cue fe nowe, that be doeth not in vaine fet before them the faith of the fathers , without the whiche he had not bene a latefuly fuccefour of grace by the couenant of © DD: not that As brꝛaham and Iſaac gat fo great honour to them ſelues and fo their pofferitie , 02 that they ercelled of them felues + but bes caule the L DK D by faith confirmeth anv ratifieth thofe benefites whiche be promiſeth, that they might not banithe alway, 12 [ The God whiche hath fed me, Powe Jacob des ſcendeth to bis otune ſenſe, for that he had continuallpmanyp wares founde the Lorde fauourable onto bim;euen from his childhode. Df late be founded bis blefting bppon the knows ledge of God, conceiued of his worde; and of the faith of his fathers ; nowe be addeth an other confirmation of bis otune erpertence: asif bethoulvefay , that be did not vainly babs ble fortha bleffing : but fuchea she,the fruite whereof be had felt all the dayes of hislife . And although the Lode fuffereth bis Sunne fo thine both bppon the int ‘and vppon the bniu€ , and fedeth the vnbeleeuing as weil as the faithe full : pet notwithitanding , becaufe to thefe onely he de⸗ clareth a (peciall token of bis loue and fatherly qodnefte in the vſe of bis giftes , Jacob inttly vſeth this reafon fo2 the confirmation of bis faith, howe that be twas alwapes p2otecs fed with Gods helpe , The vnbelceuing are fed, and made fa€ by Gods liberalitie : but they tutte them felues like ſwine, fo whome though acornes fall from the trees : vet not with⸗ fanding , they alwares carrie their ſnowte downe fo the ground. Sut this is the principall thing among fhe benefites of ©od,that they may be pledges 02 [eales vnto bs of his fathers ly loue. Jacob therefore of the verie feeling of godlineſſe, where with the fonnes of God are indued, docth rightly applie all fhofe benefites twhiche God had beſtowed vppon him, to the pꝛobation of the pꝛomiſed grace: as if he ſhoulde fay, that de knewe by plaine profe , howe truely and faithfully 7 and then to topne erperienced knowledge theres 1 — 16 [The Angel which hath delmered me, IHe fo topneth the Angel with Gov, that he maketh bit equall with bun, He attributeth onto him diuine worflnppe, requiring thoſe thinges of him, whiche he doeth of God . If thou vnderſtand this of euerie Angel, tt ſhall be an abſurde ſpeach: but rather he bearing the perfon and name of God tn bleffing bis fonne, is inthis point aboue Angels. Wiherefor,we mull needes hereby vnderſtand Chult who is not without canfe termed an Angel, becaufe he was an euerlaſting mediatour . And Pauie feftifieth, that he was the fame Angel, whiche was a guide and Capteine fo fhe old people in their tourney. Be twas not as pet fent of bis father.that taking bpon him our ficth, be might come moze neere ditto bs; but becaufe be was alwayes the bonde of coniunction of men with ODD , and that Gov én old time did not otheriwife reucale hime felfe then by bint, $75 t. Corts he is iuftly called an Angel. But although Chik appeared 21.16, in the forme of an angel:vet neuertheleſſe, we muff note what the Apottle faith, that he toke not bppon him the nature of Guecels , that be might be onc of the Angels, as be was made berie man, 302 when Angels toke vppon them humans bodies, they were nottherefore made men . Molwe, fering {we are taught by thefe words, that the proper office of Chꝛiſt ig to defende bs, and to deliver bs from all euill: we mull bes {ware that wicked oblivion Do not burie this grace: yea 5 fers ing he is nowe moze eutoently offered buto vs , then be was in time pall onder the latue , fines whiche tune Chriſte crieth,that the kaithtull are committed vnto bis charge,tyat none of them might pertthe: the moze the ſame ought to be in our bearts,both that we map woꝛthily pratfe the fanie , and may alfo ftirre vs bp fo ſeke for that our moftnotable defence the whiche is moft necellarie foz vs, Foꝛ it fo be lve weigh in 876 Eflaie. 4.1, IOHN CALVINE in howe many daungers we ſtande wo lhall finde,that tue o⸗ uerpalſſe no day, inthe whiche we are not delivered from a thouſande deathes Whereof commeth this, but becauſe the ſonne of God hatha care for vs: who bath receined bs af bis fathers handes, to protect and defend ws? [ And let my name be named vppon them,] Lhisis the marke of adoption, whereof mention twas mane a little bekore. For be giueth bus fo thein bis name, that they miaht bane place among the Pa⸗ triarchs, Foꝛ the hebrue phoale hath no other meaning, then fo be reckoned vnder thename. Sothe name of the huſband is fapdetobecalled vppon ouer the wife, becaule the wife bo2roweth the name from the head , to whome the is ſubiect. Therefore, berie fonde is the ignoraunce of the Papiltes, in ſeking hereby to pꝛoue, that the dead are to be called bppon, Jacob, fay they, after his death will be called bppon of bts pas ſterities. Wut to what end? Was it to this end,that toben be twas praped onto, he might belpe : and not rather , that the focictie of the fame name, might notiopne Cphzaim and Mas nates with the Patriarchs, that they might make tivo tribes Inthe holx peoples But tt is meruell, feing the Papitts vnder this pretence, haue made them fo many patrones, haue note Wwithfanding ouerpaſſed Abraham, Iſaac, and Jacob, as vn⸗ Wwo2thte. Wut the Lord, by this blockit and fenfleffe dulneſſe, _ bath taken vengeance on the wicked pofanation of hisname, 17 (Butwhen loſeph fawe that his father.] Jacob hauing acob blef fo put his handes acrofle, that be laped his left hande bps feth lo- fephs fonnes. on the eloctt fonnes head, Joſeph fought to cozrect the fame, aS a thing done out of oder , Be thought that he bad erred, through the dimneffe of bis ſight. Wut be followed the fecrete guidance of the {pirite of Goo: and gauc the right of honour to the younger, whiche nature had giuen to the elder, Foꝛ as be toke not vppon him the: office of bleſſing rahly, fo it was not meete fo2 him to doe any thing after his owne will. And the ende ſhewed that be ſpake from heauen. CUthereas Jos ſeph was difpleafen, that Manattes, which was the firft by nas tures laty, Was made the ſecond, this affection ſpringeth front faith, and from the boly reverence of the p2opbeticall office, Foꝛ he ould cafily haue (uttered his father to erre in the ted 2a « ©: _s . : « .& — =p 2 ‘7 VPON GENESIS. CAP! XLVIII- bracing of his ſonnes, but becaute be knoweth that be was fhe minilter of Gods arate , and that be had taken no trifling matter iivband: but pronounced from the carth that whiche ov had cleablithed in heauen, Motwithtandina, he ts decei⸗ ned, in fhat be tyeth the qrace of Gon to the accuflomed oder of nature , as though the Lorde doeth not oftentimes of pure pofe alter the vluall order of nature: to the ende we map knolwe,that the fame {which he giueth vnto ds frely,fandeth at bis will and pleafure . Af Gov choulde giue fo euerie one, nothing but that which is Due and debfesthen iuffly a cerfeine rule might be p2efired onto bis qraces ; but fering be olveth nothing fo any man, be 1s at livertic to beſtowe bis aiftes {where be will. ut efpectally , becaufe noman (houlde glove inthe flethe, be chafing them itv whonte there was no mane ner of worthinelle, declareth thereby his free mercie, What caule Will tue alledge,twhy be er alted Ephraim before his bro⸗ ther , fo whome he ſhoulde haue giuen place b¥ the latve of nature? It any man fay, that there lay bid in Him ſome fecrete {ede of ercetlencte, he doeth not onely vainly trifie., but doth alfo wickedly pernerte the purpofe of Gov, F02, feeing God tote the caule from him felfe, and from bis owne hiberalitie, Lwhy of the tivo be preferred the one pefore the other:be theres fore qaue honour tothe pounger,to ſhew that he is tyed fone merits of mett, but that be may freely beftolw bis aifts where it pleafeth bint. And althouah: this libertie of Ood is ertetts ped fo all manner of gad thinaes : nofwithftandine, in the firft adoption if doeth more euidently appeare, when out of de- frruction be doeth predeftinate to faluation, whome it pleas feth him. WAherefore ,let vs leaue vnto Cod his tobole power and if fo be at any time our flethly fenfe gainefay it , let bs know fhat none are here moze Wife, then they whiche are blinde in the wonderfull indgementes of God, that they may fake the cauife of the difference in no other then in him, As touching the gellure atid vſage of bis hands, they are verie ridiculous, {which imagine,that the mytterie of the croſſe was included therein. 3702 the Lorde had no other refpect , put that the crowing of the right and left bands, fhoulde chaunge the 8 877 Ephraim was by grace pre ; ferred be~ fore Ma~ nafics. 878 . Pert, , 3 IOHN CALVING ail order of nattire, snd, B21} Bhd Io nA she 19 [Ele alfothall bea people, Jatob difpufeth not whichs {hall be moze worthiethen the other: but onely pronounceth luhat God hath decrced concerning them both, and what hall roine fo paſſe in a long time afterward, » Therefore befetchs eth not the canfes front any other, but is only contented with his: one caufe, that Ephraim tall be multiplied, before Panalles. And verily our dianitic is hid in the onely purpote Bf God , vntill be make manifent by hts calling, that thall bes fall 0s, In the meane time, wicked emulationis taken away, inden becommaundeth Manalles to be contented with bis condition. The forme of the bleſſing, which is alterwarde ſet dobone better confirmeth that which Jtouched, that the grace Of God is commended in them both othat Manaſſes thinking moze fo be given him ther he deſerued „might not enuie his b20fber, HE | | 21 [And Ifrael ſaid vntoJ ofeph Behold I dye,} Be maketh mention of bis death, fo this end fo ſhew that the euerlaſting trueth of Gen doth not depend vppon the life of men: as ifbe had faped; By life being Hort. and trantitozie: palleth atvayp, but the pꝛomiſe of Gon, which hath no end, thall line when ¥ ain dead, God had ſhewed no vifion fo Jacobs fonnes, but o26 deined the holy olde man fo be an aflurer of bis couenaunt,bes fivene bimandthem, Diligently, therefore he difchargeth the office committed onto him, proutding aforehand int tine, that their faith might not wauer by bis death, Euen fo, when the Lorde deliuered big worde tothe worlde, by ntgzfall mei, thouch they baning finifged the race of this life,died accozding fo the flethe : pet notwithfanding , the boice of the Lorde is not ertinguithed with them, but doth quicken bs euen at this bay, BET ela Fae rai Therefore Peter weiteth, that be will doe his endeuour, that after his departure >the Church may be mindfull of the doctrine committed vnto them. Nnto the Jande of your fas thers, ]iPe doth not without cauſe chatlenge to bimfelfe,and to bis fathers,plomhip of that land; wherin they alwapes wane dered, as men that had no viwelling, Jo2, becaute P pꝛomiſe o€ God might freme after a fort to be bovd.beputteth bis tomes in —E — VPON GENE'STISA CAP) XLVI? Que in god comfort, # with anoble minde pronouncetl,p the land 79 is bis, whrrein neuerthelelle he ſcarſely ebteined a buriall place Wut tohereot came fo create confidence,but becauſe be would incourage bis fonnes to. beleeuc the Wo2de of Ood after bis example? Whis doctrine alfo belongeth to vs all, becaule tue Doc heuer ſtedtaſtlx belecue the worde of Cod, fo long as foc arctic fo ourfenfes, May, vntill our ſaith come fo farre that it may take holde of thoſe thinges, whiche are not be⸗ fore our epes,we knowe not what it is to ſubſcribe vnto Ood the fpeakers) 9°: : (022 [Moreouer,! hauegiven vnto thee one portion.] Here Jacob, to comfort his ſonne Joſeph the moze, alfiqneth onto dint one portion beſide his lot. Others expound if, that be cals ling him a double heire in bis fonnes, adozneth hum with one portion abour the reff, Wut there ig no doubt, but that be meas netha certeine region. And John taketh away the contro phoo. gs. uerſie. For be ſpeaking of a feelde nere onto the citie of Dts tol.24.32 ghar, layth that it was the verie fame tobich Zacob gaue vnts pis fonne Foleph, Wut here a queltion arifeth , how be fapeth that be cot thatfelve with his ſworde and his bowe, Wohiche Seo-33-1 he bad bought withymonic-, Wut becaufe a finall poztion of lofua. 24», Janveonely was bought, where be might pitch bis tentes, J — noubt not but. that be comprehended here a farte greatec f ſpace. LOTMA wo. (26 ; $103 Wwe may gather, by the price, what alittle plotte of grounde it twas whiche be poſſeſſed, before the deſtruction of the Citic, Wherefore he giveth nowe onto bis ſonne Zoleph, not onely the place where be pitched pis tent, tobiche colt a hundred paces of filuer : but the frelde alfo tubtche was the ronunon feelve of the Citic of Sichem. Wut let vs fee, howe be fayeth that the fame twas gotten bp his ſword, when asthe inhabitants were wickedly and cruelly killed by Simeon and Leui Howe then coulde he take if from them by the lawe of armes, wha were vniuſtly by warre aſſailed? Surely, Jacob woulde haue if knowen , ÿ he taketh nothing from pis fonnes Simeon and Lent, who hauing plaped the robbers, were no JaWwefull victors, and neuer inioved OnE fate of the land, after >? the bogrible murder committed. fai * + 1FOHN-CALVINE. - $8 O F032 they got fo little therby, that they contrained their father fo fice the countrie:and coulde not haue efcaped if fo be he han not bene deliuered by a miracle , Wherefore, when Yacob tas keth front them the baine title, he attributeth the right of the victorie to him felfc,as giuen onto him of Ood, Fo2, though be allways abbozred their wickednes, and afterward inueped again€ the fame, as tall appeare in the nert Chapter : pet nofwithanding, becaute be ban armes bis whole poute,thep fought as tt were vnder bis banner , That lubiche he woulde haue had, be coulde not bing to pale: namely , that the Die chemites might be preſerued: notwithltanding, be therefore maketh their feloe , being by their deftruction bopde and iwatte, bis owne: becaule the 1920 bad {pared the murderers fo2 bis fake, #00 ' CHAPTER XLIX. *# whe Hen Iacob called his fonnes,and faide,Gather (8), your felues together, that may tell you what ¥| thall come to you inthe laft dayes. intt} Gather your felues together, and. hear fonnes of Iacob, and hearken vnto Ifraghyout eit g father, 4) . Beis) es 3 Ruben my eldeft fonne, thou artem might, and the beginning of my {trength, the excellencie o dignitie,and the excellencie of power, | i O47 4 Thou waft light as water,thou Malt not be excellent,be- caufe thou wenteft vp to thy fathers bedde : then diddeft thou defile my bed : thy dignitie is gone, | 5 Simeonand Leui bretheren in evil] , the inftrumentes of crueltie are in their habitations, t 6 Into their fecretes let not my foule come: my glorie, be © not thou ioyned with their aflemblie: for in their wrath they flewe a man, andin their felfewill they digged downe a wall.) - | 7 Curfedbetheir wrath, for it was fierce: and their rage, for it was cruell; L will diuide them in Iacob,and {catter them in Ifrael, INTHE . $ Thou ® ~~ < —* % YVPON GENESIS. CAP. XLIX: | 88t 8 Thou Iudah, thy brethren ſhall prayfe thee,thy hande fhal bein the necke of thine enimies, thy fathers {onnes thall bow downe vnto thee. 9 ludah, asa Lyons whelpe fhalt thou come vp from the {poyle my fonne, he ſhall ly downe and couch as a Lyon,and as aLyonefle. Who thall ftirre him vp? 10 The fcepter fhall not depart from Iudah , nora lawes giuer from betwene his feete, vntill Shiloh come; and the peo- le fhall be gathered vnto him, . 11 Hefhall bindehis Affe foale ynto the vine, and his Af fes colt vnto the beft vine,and fhall wath his garmentin wine, and his cloke in the bloud of grapes, 12 Hiseyes fhall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milke, 13 Zebulon fhall dwell by the fea fide, and he hall be am hauen for thippes,and his borders fhall be ynto Sydon. 14. Ifachar fhallbeaftrong Affe, ceuching downe be- tweene two burdens, is And he fhall fee that reft is goed, and that the landeis pleafant,and he fhall bow his fhoulders to beare , and fhall be fubie& vato tribute, 16 Dan thall indge his people as one of the tribes of Iſrael. 17 Dan thall be a Serpent by the waye fide, and an adder by the path, byting the horfe heeles,fo that his rider thal! fall backwarde, 18 O Lorde! hawe wayted for thy faluation. | 19 Gad,an hoaft of men fhall ouercome him,but he fhall o- uercome atthe laſt. 20 Conceraing Athur, his bread {hall be fat, and he hall giue pleafures fora King. 21 Nepthalie fhalbe a Hind let go,giuing goodly words, 22 Ioſeph thalbe a frutefull bough, eucn a fruteful! bough by the well fide : the {mall bough fhall runne vppon the wall, 23 And the Archers grecued him, and fhot againft him, and hated bim. 3 : 24 But his bowe abode ftrong,and the handes of his armes were {trenzthened, by the hands ofthe mightie GOD of las ~’, cob, of whome was the feeder appointed by the {tone of Ifrael, | Kkk 2p Even ) ¢ = ? i 882 TOHN CAEVINE Ki 25 Fuenby the God of thy father, who fhall helpe thee, ‘and by the almightie,who thall blefle thee with heauenly ble finges from aboue, with bleflinges of the deepe that lyeth be neath, with bleflinges of the breftes,and of the wombe, 26 The bleflinges of thy father thal] be ftronger then the bleflinges of mine elders:vnto the end of the hilles of the world they fhall- be om the head of Jofeph , and on the toppeof the head of him that was feparate from his brethren. | 27 Beniamin fhall reigne asa woolfe, inthe morning he Mall denoure the prey 5 and at night he fhall diuide the ſpoyle. 28 All theſe are the twelue tribes of Ifrael, and thus their father {pake vnto them, and blefled them,euery one of them blefled ke, with a feuerall bleſſing. 29 And hecharged them, and faid vnto them , Tam rea- dic to be gathered ynto my people : burie me with my fathes in the cauc that isin the feelde of Ephron the Hittite, 30 Inthecaue that isin the feeld of Machpelah, befides Mamre, inthe lande of Canaan,whiche caue Abrahaai bought. with the feeld of Ephron the Hittite, fora poſſeſſion to burie in, | 31. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there: they buried Ifaac and Rebecca hus wife, and there L buried eah, 32 The purchafe of the feelde,and the caue thatis therein, was bought of the children‘of Heth, 33. Thus lacob made an end of giuing charge to his fonnes,. and plucked vp his feete into the bed, and gaue vp the ghofty and was gathered yntohis people, 1 [ Then Iacobealled his fonnes,] In the Chapter going befo2e, as ſhewed the bleſſing of Ephraim ¢ Manalles, bes cauſe if was mete, that thofe tive nepheins of Jacob Mould be graffed into the bodie of bis ſonnes, before be fpake of the Whole fate of the nation whiche ſhoulde come forth of bis lopnes, Mowe as One carried about the heaucns,be pponoun⸗ ceth, VPON GENESIS. CAP XLIX: ceth,not in the perſon of aman, but out of the mouth of Gon, —* the condition of all his ſonnes thoulve be fo2 along int And this firfk of all ts to be noted, that be bauing then thirs fene fonnes , propounded bnto himfelfe in every one of their perfons , a feuerall nation 02 tribe, Mherein great excellen⸗ cie of faith is to be feene. Foꝛ, becanfe be had oftentimes heard of the 1020, that bis (cede ſhoulde be ercedinglp multiplicn, this o2acle was fo him in ede of a high tow2e,from thence be night bebold thoſe thinges, which were hidden from mans Onderfkanding. Howbeit, if is not a ſimple confellion of faith, tuberein Jacob fekifieth that be hopeth fo2 all which the Low hath pꝛomiſed: but he goeth beyond the ſtate of men, as the interpzeter and meflinger of God, whiche ſhoulde oder the convifion of the Churche tocome. Wut, becaule the interpres fers thought,that this noble and ercellent pꝛopheſie was not, accoꝛding to the ercellencte thereof, fuffictently ado2ned, fhep haue added of their otune b2aine certeine new myftcries, And thusitis come to pafle,that tobiles thep go about to fetch out of the fame cerfetne deepe Alleqovies they depart from the frue meaning of the words, and baueby their imaginations corrupted all that twas bere vttered fo the edification of the godly, But let bs note the purpoſe of the holy Ghoſte, leatk ive confenme the literall ſenſe, as thoughe tt conteined not ampiteries deepe inough. Firſt of allthe ſonnes of Jacob are certified aforehande, what their kortune ſhould be, that they might know, that Cod had a ſpeciall care fo2 them: and although the whole worlde is gouerned by his prouidence, thatthep notwithſtanding were preferred before all other nations , as Donrefficals, This femeth in ſhewe verte bafe and contemptible, that a countrie full of bines,apt for bintage,ts pꝛomiſed fo the tribe of Juda : and in like manner the fatte patures whiche ſhould peelde milke. Wut ifanp man weigh ¢ confider, that p Lord in this giueth an euident teſtimonie of bis election,that as an houſholder be bouchlafeth to haue acare say —* € (etweth allo in the lea kk.y, things, $83 88 IOHN CALVIWNE + thins, that be is bound to the fonnes of Abzabam by the holy ponde of the couenaunt: J lay, be that confidereth this , will not require any further myſterie. Sccondly , the bope of the pꝛomiſed inheritance is renewed to them againe. And theres foze Facob,as if be ſhoulde put them into poſſeſſion with bis hand, familiarly erpounteth,as in a p2elent matter , what the ſtate and condition of euerie one of them ſhould be Shall the conſideration of fo fertous a matter be deſpiſed of the diſ⸗ rrecte readers? Not withſtanding, this is the principal point, that be doeth moze nerely pointe fm2th vnto them, from whence the king fhould come, whiche houlde bing perfecte felicitie. And after this ſorte becrpoundeth that whiche was abfcurely fpoken and pomifed,concerning the bleſſed fede. In thele thinges there is ſo great weight, thatthe fimple handling of them,if fo be we be true interp2eters,ought iuſt⸗ lp to bring bs into admiration. And to omitte other things, the qreate pofite of this pꝛopheſie appeareth in this, that it Toppeth the mouthes of wicked and vngodly men, whiche woulde gladly difcredite Woles,that they map not dare any moze fo fay, that he fpake by heavenly inſtincte. Let bs imagine, that Moles doeth nof thewe, that Facob prophes ficd long before , but what be (peaketh in his obne perfon > yhowe notwithſtanding coulde be diuine thole thinges tobich same fo pafle many peares after? As among other things, the pophefic conecrning the kingdome of Dautd , Wut there is no Doubfe, but that © MD D commannded the lande te be diuided by loft ,. that Joſua might not (ufpecte any thing. fo be Done bya compacte: and that it was diuided among the tribes, as be was taught by bis ſchlewmaiſter. After that the Iſraelites had obfeined the lande , the partition was not made after the will and fanfafie of men, TUberebvppon. came if to paſſe, that the tribeof Zabulon had bis dwelling nere vnto the fea fine: and to the tribe of Gifer the corne rounfrie appointed: and likewiſe fo otbers the fame chauns ted by lotfe, whiche ts bere expreſſed: faning that the Loꝛde woulde haue bis oracles confirmed by the effecte: and plainly heweth,that nothing happencd then, Whiche be 9 not . VPON GENESIS. . CAP. XLIX. wot long before teftified ould come fo pafle 2 4Fo2 nowe ¥ res turne to Poles wordes, tn the which holy Yacob is brought int, {peaking of things a farre off, wobhich be learned of the holp Sholt. ut certetne balling dogges doe barke and demaund, Wow Poles came by that ſpeach, which was vttered ina bate cottage,five hundꝛed peres aforerWefore ¥ anfinere,% in like manner Demaund, How he came fo knowe the places in the land of Canaan, the which as a cunning Surueper be alias neth cuery tribe, Ff this were a heauenly knowledge, (which we mult needes confeffe,) wohr will thefe wicked babblers des nite, that thofe things tere reuealed by God, which Zacob for⸗ ſhewed? Moreouer, among many other things which the holp fathers bad deliuered by tradition, this peediction 02 prophefic might then be knotune, Wherevpon came it to pale, that the people being cruelly opp2elfed, crieth fo2 belpe at the handes of - God the deltucrer 2 Mhereof came it fo pafle, that at the ones iy bering of the promife made long befo2e,they are comfo2ted: but becaufe there was pet acerteine rememb2ance of the dt» uine adoption? 9f fo be the coucnaunt ef the Loꝛd were come nionlp knowne, what nnpudencie Mall it be to Dente, that the fame which was necefarie fo be knolwen concerning fhe p20 need inberitaunce, was moze exactly obferucd of the choſen feruauntes of God? Foꝛ the Lode woulde not haue vttered his o2acles bythe mouth of Jacob, to be quickly forqotten a» gaine after bis death, as though be bad made buta vaine founde in the aire, Wut be rather publithed a doctrine coms mon fo manteages , that the pofteritics might knowe, from what founteine both the redemption ¢ alfo the inheritance of thelande came . Ue knolwe howe fearefully Moles toke bppon him the office and charge committed vnto hint, when be was called vppon fo deliver his brethren:becauſe he knewe that he ſhould baue to doe with a ſtubborne and obfinate nas tion. Dherefore it was neceflarie,that be ſhoulde come furnts {hed with certeine commaundementes , whiche might cons firme bts calling. Thereforc, he bought forth thefe propheſis, as publique tables , ont of Gods treafurie of euidences, leatt men fhoulde thinke that be intruded him felfe raſhly. 885 B86 TOHN CALVINE' Holbve by the premittes tue may ealily gather, that the whole time, from the Departure out of Cappt, vntill the kingdome of Chilis comprehended in this p2opbefie : not that Zacob recs: koneth bp euerp particular matter : but bicaufe inabrefe ſumme of matters which he gathereth,be appointetha peefirs ed 82der vntill Chit appearcth, | RvBEN 3 [Rabenmy eldeft{onne.] We becinneth with the eldeſt, Re not for honours fake, to ciue tuto bim bis degree, but to put: 8 him the moze to rebuke and fhame, thereby to humble bun, : Foꝛ Kuben ts put here frd the eloerthip, bicauſe be had defiled : bis fathers bed,by inceſtuous lping with bis mother in lawe. F92 the ſenſe of the wordes is, hou being by nature the fire begotten, oughteſt to hane ercelled, teeing thou watt my ftrens gthand the beginning of mp manty fo2titude:but bicauſe thou: batt ebbed away like water, there ts no cauſe why thou thouls deft arrogate any thing any moe dni fo thee. For from the dap of the incefE committed by thee, that dianitic bath banithea az Way, which thon broughtelt out of thy mothers wombe vpon the Day of thy birth. Sometake the Bebue worde to fignifie ferde,and fome grefe, and doe thus tranflate if , Thou art m ftrength , and the be ginning of my greefe. hey tubich interes sete it to fiqnifie,qreefe, gine this reafon : bicaufe chilozern bing fozrowe anv care vnto their parents, But if this ſignifi⸗ tafion be allowed, there houide rather be a comparifon bee tweene ſtrength and ſorrove. Mut bycauſe Jacob in one full fentencereckoneth bp the conunendation. of dignitic, which belongeth fo the firtt begotten, ¥ Dout not, but that be nameth the beginning of bis manbane. F02,feeing men do after a forte flourifhin their chiloren, the firtt begotten is iuſtly called the beginning of frength, Herevnto aifo perteineth that which follolweth ſtreight atter,that be tas the ercellencie of bis pigs nitte, and the ercellencie of hig ſtrength, before he had depri⸗ ued him ſelſe of them both. #o2 Xacob fefteth befe2e bis tonne Kubens eves his olde and fir honour, bicaufe it was p2ofitas ble fo2 him to fele from whence be twas fallen. So Paul laith, khakb he tetteth before the Corinthians with what uͤnnes they. Cor.6.5. Were defiled, that they might be athamed. Ffo2,byraufe Wwe dog Natter our felues in our wickednelle, nong of Ys are {carap ig — nae . VPON GENESIS: CAP. XLIX- vbrought onto afounde minde, after tue are fallen, except toe be touched with the feeling of our ſilthineſſe, And there ts nos ‘thing moze apt fo twounde bs, then when there is a compart fon made betivenc the araces, with the which the Lorde pre⸗ uenteth vs, and the puniſhments drawne by our fault, After that Adam was depriued of all god thinges, God derided hint thus, fapina: Behold, Adam is as one of vs. To twhat end was this,but that be weighing with hun felfe hotwe much be differ red from thatman, whiche be was created a little afoze, after the image of Gon, excelling with fo nrany notable gifts, might bewaile his prefent miferte? Tle fee then, that the fetting of our ũnnes before bs is neceſſarie, that we may bane amoze Sires ferious feeling of the wꝛath of God.Foꝛ ſo it commeth fo paffe ough a that not onely our finnes do difpleate bs, fo the which weare fbr alredy puniſhed, but alfo that we haue the moze care fo defend ourcycs. the aiftes of God in vs, leak they perifhe though our negli . gente, Thus therefore Iconclude, that if Ruben had fade ñedkaſt in bis vearee,be fhoulde baue bene the mofte excellent among bis brethren. 4 [Thou waft light as water, ] He meaneth that the hor nour all be vnſtable and tranfitozie in him, which bath not a god confcience fo keepethe fame: and thus be banifheth him from the birthzight . And be ſheweth the caufe, leat he might contplaine that be was puniſhed being innocent. Foꝛ this Was neceflaric,that he ihould be conuinced of bis wickednelſe, Teatt the puniſhment might be without profite . And we fer, that Jacob putteth away the affection ofthe ethe, and doeth couragion fy diſcharge the office of a Prophet. Foz this iudge⸗ ment is not to be attributed vnto wꝛath, as though the ta ther priuately fought tobe reucnged on bis fonne: buf if pro⸗ ceeded from the ſpirit of God, bicauſe Jacob knewe ery well, the office committed vnto him. ¢ [Simeon and Leui,brethren in euill, ) Be reprocheth bis st ME~ tivo formes, Simeon and Leui, with the horrible muroer of ON.*. Sichem,and Hhetveth the punichment of fo great tutckeonette, * * * Cel hereby we gather, howe batefull crueltic is vnto God, bes 4s caute the bloude of men is precious in bis fight. Foꝛ it ise , Men as muche as if be chould cite thefe tivo murderers before ) LEE UL, bis > [? God re- mitteth finnes without releruing parte, IOHN-CALVINE bis Tribunall feate,and thould ſhewe benacance, when they thought that they had eſcaped the fame. Potwithfanding,, if map be Demanded, whether God had not forgiuen them bes fore thts time:and if God had forgiuen them, toby doth be now cal them fo puniſhment: Janſwer, that it was both profitable fo2 them p2tuatelp, ¢ that alfo it perteined fo erample,not fo fuffer that murder to efcape vnpuniſhed, though thephad ob- tetned pardon fo2 the fame:fo2 Wwe fee that when they were ad⸗ moniched of their father at the firft,they were farre from that fo2rolve, which is the beginning of repentance. Therefore the Loꝛde, partlyto humble them,' and partly to leaue an admo⸗ nition fo all pofterities,laine vpon them the puniſhment ote⸗ uerlaſting ignomtinie. Wut after this manner be-reteined not the puniſhment, the fault being fozginen:but being truly and throughly pleafed, be bled anapt cozrection foz the time te: come, The Papittes feiqne, that he forgineth finnes onely in parte , becauſe be would not frely forgiue finners, But the {cripture teacheth otherwiſe, how that he layeth not bppon bs (uch puniſhments, as may counterueile our fines, but which. may purge our hearts from bypocrifie,and may call the electe ware, and may allo rettraine them with the bivle of feare. andreucrence. Wherevpon it foilotueth, that there is no⸗ thing moze prepoſterous, then faz the punifhments., whiche Wwe haue deferued, to be redeemed by fatiffactions + as though God would bepayed that, whiche is due vnto him > after the manner ofinen , Wut rather the free remiffion of punifhs Ments,and the ripes of chattifement, which do rather mete with the vices to come, then folloive the finnes alreadie come: mitted, doe berie well agra together, Wut toreturne to Si⸗ meon and Leut : how conumeth it to paſſe that God executing. thepuntthment, which behav deferred fo2 along time, draw⸗ eth them as qutltie fugitines to iudgement : but becaufe ims punitie was burtfull for them 2 And pet not withſtanding, he rather taketh bppon him the parte of a Phyſician, then of a. Judge, who therefore (pareth not,that be may cure; and — * fo repentaunce, and may ſtirre them bp ta carefullneſſe tober my VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLIX. 889 not ontely beale tivo ficke perſons, bufalfo bya. preparatiuc pꝛeſerueth others) from, infection of cructtie.| his allo is worthie to be noted, that Poles,in letting forth the infa⸗ mie ot his nation 0 the P2eacber of God, and doeth not onely vtter the common reproche of the whole people, but alſo ſet⸗ teth a ſpeciall badge ofignominie vppon the tribe, out of the wich bs was borne. WTlhereby tt doeth plainely appeare,that he fauoured not bis fieſhe and bloud one Whit;and,was moucd neither with fauour, nor with hatred to falfifie any thing: but as be was a Miniſter and witneſſechoſen of the Ho2de, fo be was mindefull of bis calling, and opened his mouth bothe fin, cerely,and alfo boloty to fpeake the tructh. Jf Boles had bene fuche aone, as the Lucan dogges doe barke at, as that be fought fo hauerule and authoꝛitie with the grote and rude people, why then doth he not {pare his otwne Locke and coun, trie, he hauing fo conuenient time to fette forth the Nobilitie of the ſame? Jacob in the firk place (peaketh concerning the faulte: then be addeth the puntfyment. The fault is, ber caufe they bad the inftrumentes 02 weapons of cructtie in their. tentes: and therefoze he teſtiſieth, that: bothe infongue, and itt beart,be abhorred their counfell:becanfe at their owne will and pleafure they deftroped the citie, with the inhabi⸗ tantes. The Wwhiche be therefore teftificth , that they might beginne to be difpleafed with them felues, and that all others alfo might learne to bate falſhode ioyned with crus eltie. ’ [nie tatu $1) 7 [Curfed betheir wrath,] AWe mult call fo minde that Ww yiche we haue faide, that we are warned of ov, by the mouth of the bolic Wophet, that we may fhunne all wicked f counfels. Jacob pronounceth a woe andcurfle to their wꝛath. H To what end doeth he this,but to bridle others,that they map \ beivare of the like crucltie 2 Howbeit, as ¥ touched beſore,; tt is not inouch to keepe our bands pure, except alfo we be farre from all focietic, Foꝛ although it benot allway in our power ) to puf alway vniuſt violence > pet notwithſtanding, that oil fimulation is wicked , whiche giueth acerteine kinde of con - fent, Here we mult ſette alive conſanguinitie, and all o⸗ kh, v, other RT IR: TAROMNTCAL OTR # o Other things which doc corrupt a pure iudgement, when wo fee that the holie father dott fo feuerely thunder acaint big ſonnes at the comnraundentent of God, be pronounceth that ‘the wrath of Simeon and Leui is fo much the more detetkas ble, becaule it was in the beginning violent, and not fo be ape peated to the berie ende, (I will diuide them in Iacob.) Lhts may (eme veric abfurde; that Jacob ordeining his ſonnes fo be the Patrtarches of the Churche, and calling them beires of ‘Gods cousntunt,threateneth onto them a curſſe in Keve of a ‘bleling. Motwith tanvdina, it was neceſſarie for him fo begin atchaftilement, whiche might make reme for the grace of God, as J will repeateagaine in the ende of the Chapter, But God mitigateth the punithment, when he leaueth onto them an honourable name inthe Churches yea, bis vnſpeakeable godneſſe herein appeared vnloked for wher as vᷣ punithment of Leut was turned tothe rewarde of the prieſthoͤde Che difperfion of the tribe of Lent toke the driginall at the fas thers oftence,that be might not pleafe bim felfe in peruerte and Unlawful reuenge , Wut God, whe from the beginning | brought light outof darkeneſſe, founde another caute, why the Leuites were diſpearſed into diners plates, not onely without reproch, but alſo with great honour;that no corner of the earth might want mite and conuenient teachers : euen as ifbe had font them forth to fowe the fede of eternal faluas tion,o2 fo be the minifters of his grace . Whereby Wwe gather, how much better it was fo2 thein to be chattifed fo2 a time fo2 thetr wealth, then fo puttific by lying inther fires Onpunts thed And it is no abfurditie, when the lande is diniden, that Cities farre diffant one from another are given fo the Le⸗ | uites, and that this cauſe being ſuppeeſſed, a contrarie is brought, that the Love is their. inheritaunce. F02 Jlayeda littic befoze, that this is one of the miracles of Good, to bing light out of darkeneiſe. If fo be Leui had bene condenined ins to farre erile, be nas moſte worthie of that punithment ; but nowe Cod fpareth him by degrees, when heaficneth onto dim a Wandering life in bis fathers inheritance . In Simeon there remained a certeine obfcure token of - — iO Ady e⸗ VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLIX. becaule tobis fonnes their p2oper inheritance did bappen bp lot,but they were mingled With the tribe of Juda; as it is faped in Fofua. Afterward, when thep came info mount Beir, the Amalechitcs being driuen ont from thence, thep enioped thetr countrie,as tf ts weitten tn the boke of Chronicles Were «. Chr.4. alfo wwe fe, what a noble minde bolie Jacob had, who being a +> verie olde man and baniſhed, and. lying) in his prinate and bafe bed ; pet notwithſtanding, as from aloftie thone ofa nightie king, be appointeth to bis fonnes their charae, And be doth this by hts authozitie , becaufe be knewe, that the cos nenaunt of OD D was layed downe with him, by whiche be was called, The betre and Lord of ibe land, and ehallengeth 620. to bun felfe, m that be bare the perfon of the prophet of lofya.s9.3 8 [Thou: Tudah, thy — thall praife thee.J an ‘the! VDA inode of p2atfing, there is an allufion to the name of Juda:⸗ Foꝛ ſo be was called of bis mother , becaufe be was matter an ocafion to pꝛaiſe Cod, Whe father bzinacth a nelw Etymes logie, that bis name fhall be famous and honourable amount his brethren, that be may be worſhipped of thenvall, as the fir beqotten. The double po2tion whiche beattributed euen now fo bis fonne Joſeph, depended bpon the right of the births right: but becaule the kingdome was tranfated tothe tribe of Juda, Jacob iuſtly pꝛonounceth,that bis name thall be lau⸗ dable: for Joſephs dignitie was tempoꝛall: But here be ſpea⸗ keth of a Durable and longdaſting power, whiche ſhould come fo all the fonnes of Juda... Hereby we gather, that when Goo ordeined the perfect fate of gouvernement in bts-people, be choſe alfoa Ponarchie » Wut whereas theccreation of a ising in the lalue , is partly attributed tothe pleature of men, and partly to the heauenlie decree; this: ought fo be veſerred to tha beginning of the kinguomes the which was therſore bn fostur nate, becauſe befoze it came to the full time,ithe people. grud⸗ gingly defired a King to be ginen onto them, Therctose,this prepoltcrous: hatte brought to vaſſe, that the Bingdeme thas not by and-by erected in, the tribe of Auda,but tt beganne fo Appeare as an Ontimelie fruites in the perfor of Saule: notwithtanving , at the length, by Cods furtheraunce, = ? 80 * touNn CALDVINE: 22 by lawekull oder, the dominion ofthe tribe of Juda appear red tit David, accozving to the propheſie of Jacob, [ Thy hande! fhallibe in the necke of thitie emnues. ] Wy thee wor⸗ des hedeclareth,that Juda ſhall not be free from enimies: but alfhough many trouble hint, and goe aboute to put him from bis riaht : pet notwithſtanding, be promiſeth victorie vnto him ? not that the fonnes of Dania had allway the bpper hande duer their enimies, (for their vnthankelulnelſe fuffered not the grace of © D D alwapes to kepe one courte :) but in this pointe Juda was the fuperiour , becaute the kinglie feate fod in that tribe, which God allowwed,and which was butloed bppon his woꝛde. For, although the kingdome of Iſrael fous riſhed moje with richeſſe, and with the multitude of peoples pet notwithſtanding, becauſe it was no true kingdome, there is no account tovemade of the ſame: neither ought the coun⸗ terkeit hinting hereof deface the glorie of Gods election, whi⸗ che was inarauen inthe tribe of Juda. Wherefore, in Dani thefo2ce ¢ effecte of this prophefie plainlp appeared:after him in Solomon: after whome although the kingdome was maye med: vet notwithltanding, it was wonderfully preſerued by the bande of God: other wiſe it bavdecaped a hundred times tra chorte compaſſe. Thus tf came fo patie, that the fonnes of Juda laved the yoake bpon their enimies . ut whereas tenne tribes fellas Wap, and did no reuerence tothe fonnes of Dawid , -therebp the lawfull requnent was troubled,” and vnlawtull confus for bronaht in ynotwithitanoing , Gods decree could not be weaken, bat that the! righte rematucd tn the tribe of Juda, 0 .ffsludah as a Lyons vhelpe A his ſimilitude -confirs meih the ſentence going before) that Juda Moulve be feares full to his erimies. Neuertheleſſe Jacob feemeth to allude fo the duniniſhing; whiche happened When the greater part ofthe people fell to Jeroboatt’.“sroy then the king of Juda bes gan tobe like a ſleeping Uyonr dor he made not himſelfe terri⸗ ble bp his ramping fierceneſſe/ but after a forte lay Till in his denne Notwithſtanding; in this lleepineſſe a certetne {eerete —— tap bid, vilomuch that the pet mow of all Gb PING BIGD Yu } PCIe i pithen r ’ € VYPON GENESIS: GAP: XLIUXs wiched bis deftruction,durft not trouble bim, though thep had abilitie to Doe thefame. Therefore, after that Jacob hav given the ſuperioritie to Juda ouer bis brethren, be now ads deth this in Meade of co2recfion, that although bis power Could be diminiſhed:vet fox all that, he Mould be terriblete bis enimies,cuen asa Lion whiche lyeth in bis denne. 10 [ The Scepter {hall not departe from ludah, ) Although 893 this place be obfeure: yet notivithffanding, it had bene an . rafie matter to bnderftand the fenle,tffo be the Jewes had not one about,arco2ding to their manner , wickedly to Darken the fame, It is certeine,that the Mellias is bere p2omifed, twhiche was to come out of the tribe of Juda . Wihereas they Qhouls willingly haue mette with bim to imbzace bim , they fought by all meanes to efcape , that they might withdrꝛawe them (elues ¢€ others into croked bywares. Thereloꝛe tt is no meruell,if fo be the ſpirite of bitterneſſe and obſtinacie, anda Defire to contend fo blinded thent, that they fumbled in the clare light. Although there was a godly diligence in Cherilti⸗ atis,to fet forth the glorie of Chrifte : pet notwithſtanding, there is fome ertremitie in thetr seale. Foꝛ while they vrge to precilelp certeine wordes/ they doe no god, but onely give orcafion of (coming tothe Jewes, who muft needs be inclos fed with a ftrong pale, that thep map net boeake fo2th. Wie therefore beeing warned by fuch eramples , let vs forte for the true ſenſe of the place {without contention . Firſt, let vs note the purpofe of thebolp Ghoſt: the whiche bath not his therto beene fufficiently confidered , no2 diſtinctly inough ers pounded. After be bath adozned the tribe of Juda with domt- nion, he bp and by pronounceth, that God twill haue acare for the people,to defende the fkate of that kingdome, vntill it came to the fulneffe of felicitic promifed. Faz. the dignitie of Auda is fo mainteined , that notwithfanding the fatuation of the whole people came thereby . Whe bleſſing promiſed fo Abrahams fede as we haue ſeene afore, coulde not be firme and ftable , if it fhoulde not floive from one beade, Jacob now teftificth the fame , that a King (hall come, vnder whome the pꝛomilſed felicitic ſhalbe perfected, Whe Fewes twill not — \S> 89 IOHN CALYVINE > iy + this, that when a meane blefling flourithed in the tribe of Aus da, there ts hope ginen here ofa better and moꝛe ercellen€é ate. They willingly allo will graunt the other, that the Mellias ts the onely authsur of full and perfecte felicitie ano glo2te . Nowe let bs adde the thirde point ; namely, that the. Kingdome whiche beganne at Dauid, Was a certeine begin⸗ Ning and ſhadowed ſheive of that greater grace, twhiche ag. Deferred vntill the comming of the MPelſias. Whe Zewes cons ceiue no fafte of a ſpirituall kingdome: therefore, thep rather The lew- imagine to hem felues richeſſe, and potwer, and pleafaunt —— cafe, and earthly pleaſure, then righteoutnette,and netoneffe Sflacobs Of life topned with free remiftion of finnes . Menerthelene, prophetic. thep confeffe , that the felicitie whiche was fo be hoped fo2 ons Der the Meklias , Was (hadowed vuder their olde kingdome, But now to returne to Jacobs woꝛdes, Vatill Shiloh come, thats to fap , Untill bis fonne come: fo2 fo the Hebꝛue word fignificth, and fo the greater parte of interpꝛeters erpoundit, though Hierome Cranflateth it thus, Vntill he come whiche isto befent, But bere againe the Jewes mifconfrue the meaning of the Patriarche, in referring this vnto Dania, Foꝛ, as J touched even nowe » Che opiginall of the kingdome is not promifed in Dauid,but an abfolute perfection in the Pellias, and in verte dede lo grote anabfurditie nedeth nog any long refutation , $02 what meaneth fhis, he kings dome (hall not haue anend in the tribe of Juda, ontillit be lifted bp 2 UVeriiy, To departe, fignificth nothing elſe, but, To teafle . Alfo Jacob fetteth done a continual pogreffe, when He denieth that a Lay gtuer (hall goe from bet weene his feete, Foꝛ there mu be a King placed alreadie in the th2one , that a Scribe might ſitte betweene bis fete , Wherefore,a kings Dome ts defcribed vnto bs, the whiche being once begon,ceats feth not, vntill a moze perfect fate fucceede the fame:o2 lwhich is all one, Jacob by this title cOmendeth the kingdome of Das utd to come: becaule if was afeale and pledge of that bleſſed glo2ie, which mas long before appointed to Abrahams ttocke. To be b2efe,be peonounceth, that the kingdome Which be gis ueth Co the tribe of Juda, tall not be any common thing: * cau VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLIX,. cauſe from therice fhall come at the lat, the accomplifhment 895 of the p2omifed bleſſing. 15ut bere the Actes doc proudly tris umpb, becauſe the euent may conuince our errour, Foꝛ it aps areth,that the kingdome continued not, dntilthe comming of Chzitt : but rather, fo fone as the people were carried into exile , the {cepter twas broken. ut if fo be thep doe belecne prophefies, before J anfwwere their obiections , ¥ woulde that they would thew mie, bow Jacob afligneth here the kingdome to bis fonne Juda. Foꝛ when as his poffeffion was yet ſcarſe firme, we knowe that be was foudenly fo2ne and diuided, and bis whole power almolt enioped by the tribe of Cphzaim, Did God here in refpect of them promife.any vaine o; tranfitozie kingdome by the month of Zacob 2 FF theyercept that the - feepter twas not therefore broken⸗ though iieboboam was ſpoyled of a greate part of the people: they cannot efcape bp this cauill, becaule the rule and gouernement of Juda is ere prefly extended by thefe wordes to all the tribes, T hy mothers fonnes fhall bow their knee betore thee, Therefore thep bring nothing againſt bs, which tee cannot by and by in like mar ner weft againſt thent felues. Not withſtanding, J confelle,. that the queftion is not as yet anflvered: but Z thought gap to ſpeake this by way of preface, that the Jetves laying afide their defire of cauilling,might learne quicily Wwith bs to weigh the matter. The Chriftians are wont after this ſort almoſt (0 5). or p2oue the continuall gouernment to be in Judas tribe Then gins onl the peoplerefurned from exile, fay they, the paincipalitie whi⸗ vion co che continued vntill the time of the Machabtes, was in Meede ceriog | of the kinglie (cepter . Gftertwarde, they fay there followed a lacob⸗ thirde order of gouernement: becaule the cheefe power of go⸗ prophefi uernement was in the handes of the ſeuentie, who as tt ape pereth by the piftoric, were chofen out of p kingly ftocke.And that autbozitie of the kingly race was had in fuch reputation, that herod beeing ſummoned fo anſwere bis cauſe, hardly el raped dDeath:becaute he obffinatcly withdrew bim felfe. here fore, our men conclude, that althouab the kinglp mateffte did not appeare in glozie from Dauid ontill Chik: pet notwith⸗ ftanding , there remained (ome paincipalitie in the tribe af Auda; and that fo the ozacle was fulfilled, Thelſe hele things, although they be true : vet notwithſtanding there mult be qreater derteritie vſed in difcufling the place as right, And firf we muk note, that the tribe of Juda ts euen | How appointed Prince among the retk,that be might excell in dignitie, though be bad not gotten as pet the kingly feate. any. Roes tethfieth in an other place, that the ret graunted tne . fo him the preeminence of their owne accorde » fo fone ag | — the people tucte redeemed, In the feconde place we mutt note, that there is a moꝛe ercellent thetue of this dignitie fet forth: in that kingdome, whiche Goo begannein Dauid. And als though there followed chortly after adefection > infomuch that a berie ſmall poztion of rule remained in the tribe of Jus ba: pet notwithſtanding, the right whiche Gov had giuen to the fame,coulve not be taken alwap : therefoze, at tobat time : the kingdome of Iſrael was replenithed with great aboune dance, ¢ twas of loftic eſtate, vet neuertheleffe the candle of the Xoꝛd twas faid fo be lighten at Hieruſalem. Let bs pꝛoccede further: when Csechiel korſheweth the ouerthrow of the kings dome, he fufficientlp declareth,bow the Lord wold p2eferue the ſcepter, vntill it came into the handes of Ch2itte Theſe are Iee.aias. The wo2nes , I will take away the diademe, and take off the crowne: this fhall be no more the fame , I will exalt the hums ble, and will abafe him that is high ,I will ouerturne, ouere turne, ouerturne it, and it thall beno more, yntill he come, whofe rightit is, and I will giue ithim , It may feme at the firf bluth,that Jacobs propheſie is come to nothing, when as the tribe of Juda is fpopled ofkinglp honour. Wut berebp we gather , that Gov was not bounde altvapes fo thew the biftble glorie of the kingdome from alofte, Dtherwife, other mos-9.1) łꝛomiſes Were falſe, whiche foreſhew the reſtoring of the de⸗ faced and ſpoyled throne In thatda y will I raife yp the tabers nacle of Dauid that is fallen downe » and clofe yp the breaches thereof, and I will raife vp his ruines, and will builde it, Howbeit, it were abſurde to alledge moze teſtimonies ſceing this doctrine is to be ſound in diuerſe places of the Pꝛrophets. Ahereby we gather, that the kingdome was not fo eftablis hed, that it houloe alwares thine in glozie alike : but that the « | $06 TOHN CALYVINE | VPON GENESIS; CAP. XLIX. the fame, which twas decayed and deformed fo2 a time, ſhould 89 7 afterward recouer the former pompe. Lhe Prꝛophets ſeme ta make the returne from the WBabplonicatlerile the ende of the ruines thereof : but {ing they pꝛomiſe the rettozing of the kingdome, to be no otherwiſe, then that of the temple anv Pꝛieſthode, that we may fe a plaine truth, we mutt needes compzepende the whole time, from the deltueraunce, vntill the comming of Chie . Wherefore the crowwne was vnſta⸗ ble , nof fo2 one Dap alone, 02 vppon one mans heave, but a long time, and many Wwapes,butill God ſetled the fame vp⸗ pon bis Chriſt, the latwefull king . And verily fate delſcri⸗ beth the originall of Chriſt, te be farre from all kingly pompe and glozie; There fhall come (faith be ).a rodde foorth of the ftocke of Lthai,and a graffe fhall growe out of his rootes, CHP E fairs. doth be rather name Iſhai then Dauid: but becauſe the Melſ⸗ fias was rather tocome outof the rufticall cottage ofa pot uate man, then out of a famous palace? Wiby ofa cutte an’ hewen tree, doeth he make no remainder, buf the locke and the rates: but becanfe fhe maieſtie of the kingbdome, was als mofk to be trove vnder fote, vntill the manifeſtation of Cheiſte? Ff any man replie and ſay, that the words of Zacob . haue an other meaning : anſwere may readily be made, that whatſoeuer at any time God promiled, concerning the erters nall fEate of the Church, twas foto be reſtrained, thatin the meane time he might erercife his iudgenentes in puniſhing the ſinnes of men, and might alſo proue their fatth. his was no light temptation, when the tribe of Juda, in the third furs ceffour, was fpopledof the greater parte of fhe kingdome. But amore greeuous friall followed that, when the Linges founes inthe ſight of their father were fiaine , the father bine felfc beeing drꝛawen into Wabplon {with both bis eyes prt out, anvall the things ſtocke at the length carried tuto ertic, But the moft greeudus of all was this, that when the people Were returned info the lanve, they behelde not that whiche they hoped fo, , but lay in fozrowfull diſſipation (cattered abroade. Kher the Saintes beholding with the eves of faith the fceps oe to be hidden Onder the carth , ty not, ntitber ſwar⸗ 1 ued 898 IOHN CALVINE = 2% ued out of theit race, J map feme (peraduenture) to pelve tea much tute the Jewes, becaufle J doe not place a reall pos minion in the tribe of Juda by a continual {uceeflion , Foz our men to proue that the Jewes are heloe as pet in fufpente, by a foolithe loking fo2 of the Dellias,ftand bppon this, that the fame rule ceaffed from Herods time, of the whiche Jacob pꝛopheſied: as though they had not bene tributaries an hun⸗ Ded peares afoue : as though alfo the diqnitie of the kinglie tace was not quite defaced,(o long as the tyrannie of Antio⸗ chus continued: andtoconclude, as though the Aſmonei vſurped net vnto them felues the titleand potver of honour; butiil the Jewes were fubducdby the Romanes . Ano that folution whiche is alledged, is not {uffictent as that either a kingdome, or elſe fome meane governement is feucrallp pros nufed : and that when the kingdome was deſtroxed; there res mained notivithtanding Scribes Foꝛ F,to put a difference betiverne the latvefull kingdome and tyrannie, doe acknow⸗ ledge that Counfellers were alfo vſed, fo gouerne the pubs lique fate in god over, Whereas therefoze certeine of the Sees expounds , that the right to weare the crotone was cis uen fo the tribe of Juda, becauſe it vas not latvefull to fette ouer fhe fame to anofher , and that it was not neceflarie that the glorie of thecrowne beeing once aduaunced; ſhould be ronfinucd : in ſome point Jthinke it conuenient te ſubſcribe vnto this fentence . J ſay in fome point, becauſe the Jewes 20fife nothing bp this cauill, drawing the olde deſtruction of the kingdome, to theimagination of the Deffias come, Foz we mull remember that whiche J admonifhed bees fore, that Jacob qoing aboute fo pacific and confirme the mindes of his poſteritie, vitilt the comming of the Peſſias, that they might not faint thrꝛoughe the tevioufnetic of long delay, ſetteth before them a vielw of the tempogall kingbdome; as ifhehadfaive, There is no cauſe why the bepe of the Iſ⸗ raclites houlde vaniſh away, at the oecay of Dauids kings Dome , becaule there hall come no other change, but that whi⸗ che is agreeing With the blefing of G D D, ontill the ree deemer appercth, Wheras that nation was fo2e Opp2effed and vered certeine peares, befoze the cõming of Chzift, that came to y —2 VYPON GENESIS. ~ CAP. XLIX. fo paſſe by the wonderfull countel! of God, that they might be ‘Kong With continuallprickes to wiſhe fo2 the redemption, In the meane time it Was neceLarte,that there ſhuld remaine foute bovic of the people, wherein the pꝛomiſe might be feene, But nolwe, ſeeing they are baniſhed out of their countric, and haue bene difperfed almofte fiftene ages without gouerne⸗ nient 3 wat colour baue they, bp the prophefie of Jacob, ta dreame of a redeemer to come? Cierily,as J retopee not tu their calamitie: enentfo,ercept they beeing by the fame ſubdued noe open their eyes, Jfrely pronounce, that thepare wor⸗ thie to periſhe a thouſande times without remedie. And this is verie pꝛotitable for the confirmation of our faith, when Wwe heare, that Chzifte was not onely promifedr,but alfo poin⸗ fed forth as it were With the finger, two thoufand peares bee fore be came . , [ And the people fhall be gathered vntohim, ] ere the calling of the Gentiles bath a notable teſtimonie, in that they Were fo be graffed into the focietic of the couenaunt, that they might be made one people with the naturall fonnes of Abra⸗ bam vnder one head. n [ He fall bind his afles foale yntothe vine ,j Pow be {peaketh of the ſituation of the countrice, Whiche fell to the fonnes of Juda by lotte. Foꝛ be meaneth,fhatthere thall be ſuche areat plentic of bines there, that they ſhall fande by the waves fide, as bꝛambles and onfruitfull trees doe in other places . Foꝛ, feing alles are went fo be typed vnto hedges , be appointeth bines fo the ſame contemptible vſe. oa this effect alo perteine the Wyperbolicall {peaches why che followe afterward , that Juda hall waſh bts garment in wine , and that be fhall haue redde eyes. #02 be meas neth , that there ſhall be fuche aboundaunre of twine , that the fame map be powred forth like water fo Wwathe twithall, {without any greate wale . Wut it femeth not conuentent, that walteing andintemperancie ſhould be reckoned tn the biching of © DD. Faunfwwere, that althoughe the plens fifuluefte is praiſed: pet notwithſtanding, the abute ts not permitted. RE ſo be the Loyd deale liberally {with bs; lealt that bis gifts ais LILy, fhould 899 IOHN CALYVINE aa Hould make the flethe incontinent , he pzefcribeth a rule in an other place,to vſe them purely and ſparingly. But Jacob in this place, omitting that is latwefull to be done, commens deth the plentic, whiche fhoulde (uffice to luxurie and exceſſe ercept the fonnes of Juda woulde temper them felues of their obone acro2ve , . ty 10 30 13. ( Zebulon fhall'dwell by the fea fide, J Although this von ~ bleffing conteineth no ercellent thing init, no moze then the } other ſollowing doe: pet notwithſtanding, we ought to ace count this ercellent inough, becauſe it teas then euen as muche as if God ſhould reach forth bis hand frombeauen, to deliner the fonnes of Iſrael, aud ſhoulde appoint to euery one bis dwelling place, Before that mention is made of the lotte, the fea coaſt ts appointed fo2 the tribe of Zabulon, which the ſame got by lotte tivo hundzed peares after. And we knowe, of what areat woight that inbertfance was , which as afeale confirined the adoption fo the old people, Wherefore it became not only one tribe,but alfo the whole people, to be incourages by this prophetic, to take holo of the profered grace, And Zaz bulons po2tion is ſaide fo be not onelp bogdering vppon the — fea coaſt, buf alfo full of hanens :fo2 be topneth the boundes thercot with the territozie of Spoon + in the which eutte we Knowe that there are noble and convenient bauens . Powe by this pꝛopheſie Cod woulde irre op the fonnes of Zabue lor fo coe vnto the promufed lande , and alfo certifie them that this lotte, when they ſhoulde inioy the ſame, came not vnto thei by chance, but hp the godnes € proutdence of God, 14 [ Hachar thall bea {trong aſſe. Bere partly mention is made of the inheritaunce, ¢ partly it ts ſhewed what the cons bition of this familie thall be. Although the ae is fatd fo be well tru and knitte to endure his labour : pet notwithitane ding, Withall his ſluggiſhneſſe is noted, Fo2 freight after it is added, that he hall be of a ſeruile bifpofition. Ui berfoze the meaning is,that the fonnes of Iſachar, thoughe they be of frength:vet notwithſtanding, they (hall be more quiet thew couragious,¢ readie to fuffer ſeruitude The reafon allots ers p2etled, becaufe they bering contented with their fruitful ana pleafaunt territorie, refuted not to pay tribute to ae 7 neigge =. VPON GENESTS. CAP, XLIX. neighbours,fo as. they might quietly enioy the fame. And al- ol though.this fuffrance,is neither pꝛaiſed noz blamed in thé: pet it is likelie, vᷣ their ſluggiſhneſſe is call in their teeth, for that they ſtode not in that livertic which Ood bad giuen to them, 16 [Dan thalliudge his people.) This is an aliufion to the name, Jfo2 Rachel qiuing thankes onto God, fo? the foune DAM. twhich was bozne ato herby the handmaide, gaue him big © name, as tf God had tudged and teuenged her caufe , Nowe Jacob tucneth the reafon of the name another tway,affirming that the fonnes.of Dan fhall haue part of the qouernement os uer the people. 02 the Jewes doe verie iqnozantly reftraine it vnto Samfon , becaufe be alone ruled the whole people, when ashe rather (peaketh bere of the perpetuall ttate of the famtlie, Jacob therefore meaneth that Dan, though be were bo2ne ofa concubine, thall be notwithſtanding, one of the Judges of Mrael : becaule parte of the gouernement and rule fhaltin generall belong puto his pofteritie, that this tribe may make one head, Jn the fecond plate bis craftic diſpoſition is deſcribed. Jfoz Jacob compareth this people vnto ferpentes, ° which creeping out of their larking dennes, doe priuily fet bps pon men afoze thep be ware, whom they intende fo burt The meaning therefore is,that be hall haue no fuche couraae as to fight in the open feeloc, but thall rather encounter by craft and ſubtiltie. Withall notiwithtanving, be ſheweth that he Mall haue the bppet hande of bis entmies , with whome be dare nofiopne in battell , euen as ferpentes by ſecrete byting ouerthzowe both hole and man. And here it is probable, that this fubtilitie in Dan, is rather pifcommended ther papier. 18 (O Lorde Thaue wayted forthy faluation, J Firſt it may be dentaunded, bp what occaſion the holie man was mos ued, breaking of bis foymer fpeach,foudenly to burſt forth ine fothis voite. Foꝛ,ſcing a little afore be pꝛomiſed the coms ming Of the Pewlias,it had bene moze conucnient to haue ſpo⸗ ken of fatuation, J thinke that be, fing as from a bigh watch fotze ; the fate of his poſteritie to be ſubiect to many inclia nations, andto be tolled with wares readie to be dꝛoboned, ’ ‘Was moued With carefulnefle andfeare. Foꝛ he had not put LU, tif, of SIOHN. CALYVINE™’ * 9 Qn ‘off fatherlic affection, as to haue no care for bis blonde, De feing therefore many troubles, many Daungers) mas ny affanites , many deſtructions, whiche thoꝛeatened ſo many _deatbes vnte bis fear, it can not be, but that he muff be verie ſorrie and troubled in minde, Baut as with inuincible conftancie of minde be rcfifter : all, manner of temptations : ſo he veeldeth hint felfe'ts . the Lode, who had promiſed tobe a defender. of his peo⸗ ple, Creept this cireumfaunte be obferued, Fife not Why Jacob ſhoulbde erie out nowe , more thew inthe! be⸗ _ ginning , 02 in the ende, that he truſteth tn the Lordes faluation., 02 whew a ſorrowfull confufion of thinges offered if felfe , not onelp violent to fhake hts: faith; but alfo-berie burdenfome to ouer whelme bts ‘minde; At twas a verie fitfe remedie , fa bolde this buckler bes fo2e him. — — — — —— *4 nn Alfo J doubt nof, but that be pꝛouided fo2 bis fonnes 5. that be mighte make them as confident as bim felfe . But becaule he coulde not be thecauthourto himſelſe ot frufting for Caluation, it was neceflarte: fo2 him to reſt Dppon the promiſe of God, After the fame manner alſo, we mult hope fo2 the peeferuation of the Churche at this Day. F702 though it ſeemeth to be cal into the troublefeme: fea, and alinoffe fo. be nzotwned with waues: pet nets: fvithfanding, among, manifolde deſtructions, we mute) Hope fo2 falnation in thedeliueraunce; whiche the Roꝛde dath pꝛomiſed. Aen IRD SEF _. Stmap allo be, that Jacob forefeing by ‘the tpitite;’ howe greate Onthankfulnefle , falfhode , and malice MHoulde be iu his potteritic, weettled againt thele temps fations . {nd although Jacob truften not to receiue fale uation (52 bun felfe prtaately , but alfo fo2 all bis poſteri· fe : pet notivithftanding , this is wozthie to be noted; that be Heiweth , that thecouenaunt of Gov thall bring” lauing health, fromt generation te generation: in ſuche wile, that he being dead, pet be doubteth not, but that ODD w truce , Wiberevppon alto it followeth, that VPON CENESIS. CAP. XLIX- he take holde of euerlatting life, euen at the laſt end, arto in the niivoett of peath . Wherefore, if fo be he in obfcure chadowes, truſting to receiue the ſaluation whi⸗ ae the was'a farre off, went bololy fortvardeto death, Lobat muſt we doe, vppon whome the Sunne of riqhfeoufnefle hath thined? Dz what ercufe thall we make, tf we faint in the like temptations? 9 f Gady amhoaft of men fhall-oucreome him. GAD 2 Facob alfo alludeth fo the name of Gad. He twas fo callen, becaute Jacob had begotten of bis mother Leah a large polteritie. Nowoe bis father fhelveth , that als thoughe be bath gotten name of multitudes pet neuer⸗ theleffe , be (hall haue to doe with a greate nuntber of ents mies intomuche that hethoutve be opp2eticd fo2 a time, And he therefore foretheweth this, leat bis pofteritic, trufting: onto their ſtrength, ſhoulde {ware proude, but might prepare them felues to fuffer ſoꝛrrowes, by twhiche the 1D & D woulde,and had already decreed to hum⸗ ble them, oo J wie" 8 MPozeoner, as he erhorteth them to fufferaunce ſo by and by adding a folace he comſorteth them: becaufe at athertenath they efcape from oppreffion , and triumph Guer their enimies, but this twas tawarde theend. his “prophetic may be applied fo the whole Churche : the whiche is afflicted not one day onclp', but is continually -qilitant here vppon earth, vntillthe LO KR Dat the fat deliuereth the ſame. | | | > bat of do 1, ‘Concerning Afser,his bread (hall be fotte] at ‘ SSERL fers inheritaunce is onely touched, the whiche be pro⸗ -nounceth Mall. be fruitefull with the belt and motte fwete graine, infomuche that he ſhoulde not ſtande in neve of the helpe of others » as touching fate and fus frenaunce fo2 bis houfe . If any man dhbiect, and fay, that it twas no greate matter to be fende with ſauou⸗ ric anv delicate bꝛeade: J aunfwwere , that wee mulſt confider the ende, as that they were thereby taught, that they ivere fende'by the fatherlie care of =e a BIG of CURR 3 r Sue 21 -o? / 7 : ’ * 8. FOF NEP= THALI 9. EPH RAIM- 10. MANAS- SEH. Il. Thefe were Io. fephs fonnes. — TOHN CALVINE: | ' 21 [Nepthalé thall be-a Hinde Jet goe. | Home thinke that ſwiftneſſe is here conuncidedin the tribe of epthali: but ¥ like better ofan other fenfe, as; that be ſhall acfend him felfe rather by eloquence and faire (psech, then by the violence of weapons.And to pacific fierce and cruell mindes, with faire € gentle Sperche, is a vertue not to be repenfen of, And he conte pateth the tribe of Pepthati to a Hinde let fcape, Which being faken in bunting ts not llaine » butis rather chervithed anv: 22_[lofeph thall bea frnitefull bough, ] Dthers tranflate if, The fonne of comlinefle,the which alfo well agreth, ane nafles Do, when he faith that Joſeph was prouoked,the ſame is commonly referred onto hin, Wut becaule he had compa: rong ſhoter of partes, whole bowe wareth not weake, ang wholſe armes faile not;and lofe nothing of their freugth, By whiche wordes he forethetweth bis inuineible fortitude : bes Auſe be fainted not by any manner of allaultes, Notwith⸗ ſlanding, withall be giueth to buderfande, that his — ode e c VPON GENESIS. .CAP. XLIX. ſtode not by their obne Mrength, but that they were confirs mcd bp iba barter Gov, whome hecalleththe mightie Con, of Zacob sbecaule be will haue his ſtrength to ſhine elpectale ip in the Churche. GW ithall he declareth, that the apde wheres by Joleph was holpen, came herebence, becaule God had cho- fen that boule to him ſelfe. Foꝛ the bolie fathers had a (peciall care fo2 this,that they and theirs might alwayes remember the free conenaunt of God, fo often as thep recetucd any benes fite, Aud in deede it is fotole negligence, not to inquire ont of iwhat founteine we drinke water. And withall he doth (ecretly rep2ouc his tenne fonnes fo2 thetr wicked outrage,in conſpi⸗ ring their b2others death, by whiche alfo they rebelled againtt ©od, Wut hereby all the qodlie mayrecetue a verie paofitable confolation, when they beare that the helping power of God doeth reſt inthe middeſt of the Churche:fo.as they doc tes ioyce alfo in him alone, as the Plalme teacheth, Some pe.) 0.7, truftin charriotes, and fome in horfes : but we will remem - ber thenameof the LordeourGod . Thereloꝛe the fonnes of Jacob mutt take herve, that they trufting not onto their olwne frength,doe ouerthꝛowe them felues,but that they may palliantly behaue themfelues in the Lorde [OL whome was the feeder, appointed by theftone of L{rael,} Xreferre this to God, who iniopned the office ofa ſheepeheard unto bis Cruant Joſeph. Foꝛ wherof came it to pafle,that be ſedde his kindred and people; but becaule be was a miniſter of the godnelle oF God And wuder this type the image of Chie is depainted, who;befoze he twas the conquerour of death,and the autho: of life, was made a marke fo2 all men to ſhote at, and fo gaine⸗ fay, euen as nowe alſo bis. Churche muſt needes be wounded with many dartes after bis example, that it may be preferued by the wonderful helpe of Gov. Finally, leak that the beethren : Ahoulac enuie bolic Fokeph God made bis victorie amiable bntothen, Jadcob teaching that be was therefore deliuered, that he might be their nurſſe 02 theepebeard. : a5 [Euenby theGed of thy father. JAgaine,be moze ful- \ iy confirmeth,that be was not delivered from Death , and Ady -uaunced to ſo great dignitie by bis.otune inpuftries but by the grace of Gov, And there a doubt, but that be sree oll 8 1 Mo c 905 06 '~* TORN CAEP S HO HoOgy. . 99 oes £0 at the Govlie) the méere ecobriete oF bb | that thes might arrogate nothinig te them (clues) when they were cis ther deliuered dut of porilles, oy elfe adtiatinced fo any Dear de of honour. Bis wordes ate thus muche in etter, Iu that thou batt felt the fatherlic care of Goo ‘in helping the, Jwoulde that thou ſhouldelt attribute that to the couenaunt whiche he hath made with me. And withall, he ſeparateth that GD Whome he taught ‘bis poſteritie to worſhippe, from allidols. But after he hath telliñed that Joſlebh was bietted as Wwell its. his fode, as tt his poſteritie, and alſo in bis preferuation, anv in all other thinges, he affirmeth the nére and prefent force of this his bleſſing? fapitic, that he doth more effettuallp blete him, them be was Uleficd of his fathers, For, though Goo was fruefromt the beginning in his promites * pet notwithtans ding be deferred the eifect, euen as if be fed’ Abraham, Iſaacx Jacob with wordes onely. Foꝛ howe long were the Patris arches multiplied in Cappt? Chere is that ercerding (ede, that houlde be like to the ſande by the fea five, ano to the Tarres of Heauen? Pot without cauſe therefore. Jacob pros notinceth, that the full time is come, twhereiti the force ofthe blefiings may appeare, twhithe lay hid as it Were inthe nape, Cihereas he fapth that this bleting thall bey Vinto the ende of tlie hilles ofthe worlde, ſome referre if to ‘the diſtance of places,and other fome tothe pergetuitie of time Both whiche fenfes doe luell agree’, cither that the kelicitie of Joſeph Halt extend if felfe vnts the vttermoſt hilles ofthe wosto,o3 that ft Hall endure fo long as the hilles of the woride fail endure; whiche are the molke trong parte'of the earth. and be fayeth, that the bleffirig Ghalltiqht vppon the Heado-ofbim., leatt he might be thought to ſpeake in vaine. At the lat hel apth, that Joſeph was feparated krom his brethren cither beeaute be was their crowne, becauſe of the common honour and glorie whiche redeunded from ‘him dito them aii oe elfe, berrau⸗ He twas ſeparated front them; ſor the dignitie wherewith he excelled. Foxꝛit may be taken both wayes Jotwithtandina, let 08 ketelwe; that this evcellencic tuag feimpozall , becaulſe it was eeethariey that ye with others Thould be ſubiect vnto the ſcepterat Jawa 34d ⏑⏑— Ad Gli 27 [Benia - — VPON GENESIIS> OAP. XLIX. ys) [Beniamin hall reigne asa woolfe, J Certeine of fheiy 5 uh : Ariwcatharke, that the Beniamites ake condemned s tho ha⸗ AMIN wing fuftered wicked luſtes to reiqneamong them,as ſpoilers were at the length deftroped, and almolſt roten out betauſe of podefiling of the Lenites wife, Dtherfome will haue it fo be ant ponourable titlesby which Saule was ado2n¢d;02 Mardoche⸗ us both Awbich were of thetribe of Beniamin. Our men doe very vnaptly wzek it fo p Apoſtle paule, Who was conucrted froma wolfe toa preacher. ut there feemefh nothing moze probable vnto me; then that the manners of the {whole nati⸗ on are deſcribed, becauſe they liued of the ſpoyle Therefore be fayth,He fhall deuoure'tthe prey, andat night-he fhall diuide thefpoyle, By whiehe wordes tho cuſtome ef ſpoyling is no⸗ fedii indild =. Gone Bin f dS ref atl ds: nu ; 28" [ Allthefe are the twelue tribesofilfrael], My thefe {wordes the purpoſe of Poles ts to teache, that thele prophe⸗ fies ret not bpponthe fonnes of Jacob alone, but doe alfo bes long to their whole ſtocke and pofteritic. Hitherto we hane plainly enough peclared,¥ their perfons along are not fpoken of, but this was to be added, that the readers might giue the moze diligent regarde fo the heauenlie maieftic of the ſpirite. Jacob {eth twelue fonnes . Admitte that the number of the kinred was a bund2ed fold in al from the Grandkather Jacob, vnto the third defcent, that is {olay , buto bis fonnessfonness fonnes hut he pꝛonounceth not tobat Shall happen vnto fire Hundzed, 92 to a thoufande men, but maketh whole countries and tations fubiect to bis iudgement: the which be doeth not rathly, becauſe afterwards it came to paſſe accogding fo bis faping : and plainely appeared, that, Gov bad certified him Lwhat be had decreed with him felfe fo dae. Powe; fering Jacob bebelve with the eves of faith , thete thinges whiche were not onlya farre off, but alfoquite and cleane hidden from humane fenfe; woe Onto our wickedneſſe, if we fhutte our eves, when the trueth and fulfilling plainly appeareth . Wut whereas Far cob is ſaped to haue bleſſed bis polieritie, it fameth not agree⸗ ing with reaſon. Foꝛ be hantthing Ruben from the bt right, pronounced no iopfull matter vnto hint, ie 0 12. 9 J 08 IOHN CALVIN®E 9 ‘He alfo deteſted Simeon anv Lent. % thas reconcile then, that the tempozall punihhments, with the which Jacob gent⸗ ly and fatherly chaſtiſed bis ſonnes ſubuerted not the couce naunt of grace wherein the bleding conſiſted but rather the blottes being taken away, they reitored them into the for⸗ mer degree of honour, from whente thep were fallen, that at the leat Wife they might be Watriarches among the people of God. Hf le be they auld not haue bene pureed after this fort, if is tobe feared, that thep twoulde haue hardencd themſelues more and moze in their ſinnes, and the hidden filth woulde haue bene matter of hurtful putrefaction, whiche woulde at the length haue pearced into the bowwelles, We fe howe wil⸗ lingly the flethe fecketh to pleate it felfe: ped, cuen when the LXoꝛde awaketh bs with fignes of bts twath. UGhat tien May Wwe thinke hall come to patie, if be winke altvapes 2 But becaufe Wwe, being warned by punithmentes, doe repent, this end doth not onelp ſwallowe bp the malediction whiche is unih= felt in the beginning, but alfo bringeth to pate, that the Lowe ents are in punithing doth blete the moze, then if be (pared / Hereot it lellings. commeth that ficknetles , pouertie, hunger, nakedneſſe, aria death tt felfe,fo farre fo2th as they further our faluation; ag chaunging their nature, are iuftly accompted bleffinges : e⸗ uen aS bloud letting is a remedie fo bealth,no lette then nous riſhment. a | 28 OH 3Q) Bag - 29- [And he charged therm, Wefore this time we heard; that Jacob gaue (peciall charge vnto his fonne Joleph, to bus rie him honourably in the lanve Canaan; ‘And nowe Motes repeateth, that the fame commaundement was giuen to all the fonnes,that thep might With one confent doe this dutie, and mutually belpe one another fo perfourme the fame. Bu lwhy be bath ſo great acare fo2 his buriall Wwe have ſhewed before . The whiche is alway to be noted, leat! the erample of the holie man, be d2atwne without iudgement fo ſuperſtition. Be wiſched not to be tarried into p land of Canaan,as though he being buried there Houle be moze n&re puto beauen, but to the ende-he might bebolve his poſſeſſion beita dead, whiche all bis life time he enioped but by leane, Not that any prtnate commoditie came to bim thereby, who bad alreadic Thee PI VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLIX. bis race: but becauſe it twas profitable fo haue the remem⸗ bzaunce of the pzomife renewed by this ſigne, that bis fone nies tobiche were aliue might afpire vnto the lame. Jn the meane time we gather, that bis minde Did not ſtande vppon the carth : becaufe,ercept heaven bad bene bis inberitaunce, he had neuer truſted that God for a dead mans fake would be foliberall to his poſteritie. owe that the comunandement may haue the moze weight, be ſheweth that this was not the fir tt time that this came into his minde, but that he twas thus fauabt by bis elders, Abraham, faithhe, bought that fepuls chre fo2 him and bist and we baue hitherto obferucd that lalwe twhich be hath aiven , Wherefore ye may not breake the fame, that after death alſo, there may remaine in bs fome marke ofthegvaccof@od, 33 [And he plucked vp his feete into the bed. IThis ts no 909 fuperfiuous ſpeache: namely , becaute the purpofe of Moles lacob di⸗ was foerpeetle the quiet and milve death of the holy man: as ‘ if be had faid, that the boly man, Wwith a quiet minde, Directed His members whither be woulde , euen as men in god health are want to frame their bodies Onto fisepe, And if muſt needs be , that he had a verie founde and preſent minde, when as he carrying death in bis lippes did fo notably exequute the ol⸗ fice of a Prophete, inioyned vnto bun. And there is no doubt, but that there appeared fuche efficacic of the fpirite in him, as wrought in his fonnes faith and reverence tolvard the p20 phefics. Aotwithtanding, withall itis conuenient to nofe, that this is the fruite of a god confcience, when tve departe thts worlde Without horrour. 302, (cing death is fearefull by nas ture , itdocth wonderfully tozment the wicked , when thep feele that they are ſummoned fo appeare before the iudgement feate of Dov. But fo the endethat a god confeience may bꝛing bs peaceably and quietly fo the araue,it muff needesieane 10 _ the refurrection of Chit. fo2 then {we qo willingly fe Con, if fo be ue haue an allured confidence of a better life: thenit {will not be greuous vnto bs, to leaue this fratie habitation, af (o be Wwe fet before our epes an immoꝛtall dwelling. CHAP» {h. TOHN CALVINE CHAPTER, L? ae Hen lofeph fell vppon his fathers'face, and. a 's, |. Wepte vppon him, and kiſſed him, And Jofeph commaunded his feruauntes the Phyficians to embaulme his father and the Phyficians embaulmed Ifrael. 3 So fourtie dayes were accomplithed : for fo long did the dayes of them that were embaulmed laft :and the Acgyptians bewayled him feuentie dayes, i 4 And when the dayes of his mourning were paſt, lofeph ſpake to the houfeof Pharao , faying, If 1 haue nowe found fa- in in your eyes , {peake I pray you in the earesof Pharao, and fay: | 5 My father made me fweare, faying, Loe, I die , burie me in my graue, whiche I haue made mein the lande of Cana- an + nowe therefore let me goe, I pray thee, and burie my fae ther, and I willcome againe, Hi 6 Then Pharao faid,Go vp and burie thy father,as he made thee to {weare, 7 Solofeph went vp to burie his father, and with him went all the {eruauntes of Pharao, both the elders of his houfe, and all the elders of the land of Aegypt. 8 Likewife ali the houſe of lofeph; and his brethren, and his fathers houſe: onely their children, and their ſheepe, and their cattell , leftthey in the landeof Gothen, 9 And there went vp with him both charriots and horſe- men, and they were an exceeding great companie, 19 And they came to Goren Atad 3 Which is beyond Ior« dan :and there they made a great and exceeding fore lamen- tation: and he mourned for his father feuen dayes, And when the Canaanites » the inhabitantes of the land fawe the mourning in Goren Atad, they faider'Thisis.a great mourning vnto the Acgyptians: wherefore the name. of it was called Abel-Mifraim, whiche is beyonde Jordan, 12 So hisfonnesdid vnto him,according ashe had coms maunded VPON GENESIS. CAP. L. maunded them, 13. Forhis fonnes carried him into the lande of Canaan, and buried himin the cauc of the feelde of Machpelah :which cane Abraham bought with the feelde tobe a place to burie — in, of Ephron the Hittite, befides Mamre, 14. Then Iofeph returned into Acgypt, he and his bre thren, and all that went vp with him to buric his father, after that he had buried his father , — ‘ag And when Tofephs brethren fawe that their father was dead, they faid, It may be that Iofeph will hate vs 5 and wilh pay vs againe a}l the euill whiche we did ynto him, 16 Therefore they fent vnto lofeph, faying , Thy father commaunded before his death , fayings 17. This fhall ye fay vnto lofeph , Forgive nowe I pray thee the trefpafle of thy brethren, and their Unne, for they re- warded thee eill ; and nowe we pray thee forgiue the tref- paffe of the feruauntes of thy fathers G OD; and lofeph wepte, when they fpake vnto him, ; : 1g Alfo his brethren came vnto him, and fell downe before his face 5 and ſayed, Beholde we be thy feruaun= tes, 1 19. To whome Ioſeph faide,Fearenot, for amnot I vnder GOD? : 20 When ye thought euill againſt me, God dh (pofed it to ood, that he might bring to patle , asit is this day, and faue muche people aliue. 21 Fearenotnowe therefore,1 will nourith you, and your children; and he comforted them , and fpake kindly vnto them. ) 22 So lofeph dweltin Aceypt,heand his fathers houfe:and lofeph Lived an hundred and tenne yeares, 23 And lofeph fawe Ephraims children, euen vnto the thirde generation Alo thefonnes of Machir, the fonne o Manafieh,were brought vp on Lofephs knees. o4 And Iofeph faide vnto his brethren , Jam readie to dic, and GOD will furely vifite you » and bring you out of this lande , vnto the lande whiche he fware ynte oul | on IOHN CALVINE vnto Abraham ,ynto Ifaac, and vnto Iacob, een 2y_And Iofeph tooke an oth of the children of Ifrael, ſay⸗ ing, God will farely vifite you ; and ye thall carrie my bones hence, 26 So Ioſeph dyed, when he was an hundred and tenne yeares olde sand they embaulmed him, and put hin in acheft in Aegypt, 1 { Then Tofeph fellyppon his fathers face , J In this Chapter is bꝛeefly declared, what happened after the death of Jacob, And he faith, that the fame was celeb2atecd with double mourning that is to ſay, with naturall and ceremoniall , UAhereas Jacob falling vppon his face fhedde teares: this ſpringeth from pure andtrue affection, Wut whereas the Cgpptians mourne fo2 him ſeuentie dares: becaule itis done fo2 honours fake, and according fo cuſtome, if. pꝛoccedeth ras ther of baine pompe, then of true forrolwe, And pet not with⸗ ſtanding, the dead are commonly after this fort mourned fo2, Mourning that they may hauethat twhiche is sue nto them, Wberebps S$. — pon alſo commeth this Pꝛouerbe, Whe heires laughe vnder their mourning bodes And aithough the mindes are ſome⸗ time ſeriouſly greeued:vet notwithſtanding, the affection and Defire fo ſhewe pictie addeth fomtbing, that they may weepe moꝛe plentifully in the fight of men, who hauing no bodie to ſce them woulde wepe moze ſparingly. Therefore friends hiche come together, vnder the pretence of folace, doc often _ times followe the contrarie butie,that they may info2ce them felues to weepe the more. And although the cuffonte of be wate ling the dead, ſpꝛang from a god beginning, that they which arealtue, might erercife them felues in meditating vppon fhe curfe of mankinde: pet nofWwithfanding, it was.altwayes defiled With many biecs becauſe it is neither directed bus to his true ende, no2 frame after a due and in over . As fouching true mourning , which commeth from the verie bots fome of the hearte , the fame twere not fo be blamed ,if fo be if obfcrucd ameature . Foz Joleph is net repachended here, bes cauſe be declared his ſorowe by weeping: but rather bis pietie is pꝛaiſed. But a bꝛidle and moderation is needfull, leaſt we ſorrow⸗ VPON GENESIS. CAR L. forrewing out of mealure, are carried again ODD with a 4 3 blind outrage. Foꝛ alwares the excelſſe of ſorrowe carricth bs ppadlong te obitinatie, Wut we mut mitigate the fame, -efpecially with the bope of the life to come, according tothe, thee «: poctrine of Paule. Aste a [ And lofeph commanded hisferuauntes, J Although in times patt, moze paines was taken in burping the dead, then Was beftotwed after the manifettation of the refurrection in Chik : pet notwithHanding we knowwe , that the Egyptians bellowed moze coſt, and vſed moze pompe,then did the Jewes: pea, the auncient Wittoziographers doe reckon bp this efpes cially among theactes of that nation , which are moſt woꝛ⸗ thie to be remembred. There is no doubt, (as we haue ſaide in another place,) but that the rite of burping the dead, flows ed from the bely fathers, that it might be afignification of the refurrection to come: but as Hypeccites are alwayes moe fo2tvarde in ceremonies , then they whiche bolve fatt the founde fubftaunce of thinges : fo it came to patle, that they {which fell from the true faith , fought te be move glozious In dutwarde chewe, then the Faithfull , whe knewe twell enough the right vfe and truth of the figne. It we compare the Jewes With vs Chriſtians, thoſe ſhadowed ceremonies, where⸗ int the Lorde woulde haue them occupied, ſhall beat this dav patting all meafure: who notwithfanding kepte a tollerable meature in thofe ceremonies,in comparilon of other nations their neighbours, But pꝛophane men knewe not fo what cnd they bettotved fo greate labour, and {pent fo muche monie. Wereby we gather, how vaine and trilling a thing it ts, to ate. tende onelp onto erternall ſignes; where there is no fincere doctrinc, which map ſhew the true oriatnalland latwfull end. Lo buric the dead is an exerciſe of godlineſſe. To embaulme dead mens vodies, ¢ to dreſſe them with (pices, twas not in old time difcomumendable: becaufe it twas Done fo this ende, that there might be fome manikeſt figne of the incoꝛruption focome. Foꝛ it can not be, but that the fight of a Dead man niuft greatly affonith 0s, euen as though we were to periſhe With the boute beattes without difference . At this day the refurrection of Chzitk ts a firme fay againtt temptation, But PYmm. — ' TOHN CALYVINE Olt cnr elders, to wheme the bight ſhining tay had hot yet ape peared, were holpen with figures: but mens minds beeing net tbereby erected to the Dope of abetter life, do nothing elfe but frific,and foliſhly follow the kathers. To be ſhort, where there bath not ben fome ſauour of faith,thatmen might know, that there remained fomewhat fo them after death, all their 5 alue ces haue ben vnſauourie. May, feeing they accounted death the euerlalting deliruction of } bodic, wicked thas the prophana⸗ tion of a poly € profitable ceremonte, Now in that Joſeph cons ſormed hiniſelfe te the Cgyptians, whoſe fuperfluous curioſt⸗ tic wanted not ſcorning, if ts credible, that be din the fante ras ther fo2 feare,then foz.any allowance 02 iudgment. And it map be that be dia counterfeite the Capptians,leatt the fate of bis father might be worfe then the condition of others. But it hap bene better to haue rettratned bimtelfe to the moderate ble of ‘bis fathers ’5ut bow fo cuer be ts to be belde erculed,if is not latvfall fo2 os ta doe the tike at this dap. F02 We mul ole moꝛe ſobrietie, ercept we will deface the glozie of Chaff, 3 [ Sofourtie dayes were accomplithed , j We haue ſhewed that Dofes ſpeaketh of the ceremontall mourning , and that therefore be appointeth nota latue 02 an example, whiche is latpfull fo vs fo. follotwe, For by lawes, certeine dares were appointed, that there might be ſome fay and moderation:not⸗ withſtanding omewhat was granted fo ambition, wut the Lorde Delivercth tnto bs an other rule of baidling our greefe. And Joſeph inclined mo2e tothe peruerſe manners of the Cs Syptians then was meet, the world thinking it lawful fo2 him fo folloty pᷣ fation, he feuentic dayes which Boles peefireth to» folemne mourning, Herodotus alſigneth to the ſpiceing: ¢ Diodorus faith, that the feafoning is fulfiiled in thirtie dapes, 4 [lofeph 1 pake to the houfe of Pharao. Pere Poles beeetly ſheweth, that Joſeph with the god leaue ¢ licence of the Ling, carried bis father tobe buried in the fcpulebze of the double raue. And although be him felfc Was in the great fauour of the Ling: pet not withſtanding, he vſeth the Courtiers ag helping meanes. Wby death he thts, but becaute the matter twas of if felfe odtous 2 Foꝛ as Wwe haue faive alreadie, the Capptians Could abide nothing lette, then foz their land to be deſpiſed, of «the VPON GENESIS. CAF, 6D 3 fhe holinetle whereof they mane efpeciall boat . Joſeph theres foze fo excuſe himfelfe.p2etendeth neceffitic,as tf be fhould fay, that the-buriall of bis father was not at his appointment, bes caule be was bounde fo perfoꝛme the fame after that forte by an oath. Whereſore we fe, that be was oppreſſed with feruile feare, thereby he durt the leſſe bololy profeſſe his faith, when be is conitratued fo fake bpon hin the perfon of another, that be might derive al cnnie fo him that was dead. Qeing a more fimple and found confeſſion is required of bs , whiche are fhe fonnes of God, let no man couer bimlelfe With ſuch clokes but rather craue at the bandes of Che Lorde the ſpirite of fortitude and conftancie , whiche may directe Ys to Me we forth and teſtifie qodlinefe . Wut andif we hauea free profeſſion of godlinete by men,let bs giue thankes. Nowe, in that Joſeph burt not once moue bis fot, without the kings pernufion, we herebp eather, that be was typed as with golden fetters by that honourable ate. Suche is the condition of all men, twhiche haue honour and fauourin ikinges Courtes, that there is nos thing better fo2 a wiſe and quiet man, then fo be confent with bis eſtate. Joſeph allo by an other circumffance mificateth the offence whiche be feared, when he faith, that if camenot of late infe bis fathers mind, to defire to be buried in fhe lan’ of Canaan:becaule be bad digged the fame for him ſelfe long before. Wherevpon it followeth,that he was not ledde here- vnto through diſdaine of the lande of Cappt. s { Goevpand burie thy father, J We fe that Joſeph ivalketh in the middle way , Fose be tvoulde neither bfterip foxfake the doing of his Butie: and pet notwithſtanding, be making an ercufe by the commandement of bis father, did not hololp enough bebaue bimfelfe. By this modeſtie Pharao might be moued, fo readily fo graunt bis requeft: and yet for all thaf,bis colvarbdlines is not allowet:becaufe the fonnes of God might vfe the fame .3fo2 if they do thetr dutie boldly, the 31020 twill gine vnloked fo fuch Cuccefle, as Wwe tvoulde wiſhe for, Foꝛ there is no doubt, but that God ſubdued the Binges mind € ntade him fo gently to qraunt that which be defired. Alfo tf is tobe noted, howe great a confcience the blinde and vnbelceuing wade of an oth, S02 although Pharao (ware not: i Mumm, tj, pet 915 916 TOHN CALVINE pet notwithſtanding, he accounteth it greate wickedneſſe fox bint, to bꝛeake by bis authoritie the oath and pꝛomiſe whiche another bad made. But at this say Gov bath fo fmall reue⸗ rence inthe worlde, that almott men make a trifle of tt, fo2 one fo deceiue an other onder the name of Goo. But fuch vn⸗ budeled licence (all not efcape the iudcement of Gov bnpu⸗ niſhed, whoſe Judge Pharao him ſeice hall be. 7 Solofeph went yp to burie his father, ] Poles profes quuteth the whole hiſtorie of the buriall , where that whiche be weriteth concerning the renewing of the mourning, as tell by Jofeph,as by his beeth2en,and the Cayptians , sught not to be tnto bs in ſteede of arule, $02 we knolwe > {bat becaule the flethe doeth neuer moderate it felfe, men doe almoft finne, both in fozrowing and in retoycing. And that creat nopfe and. cry can not beercufed, which the inhabitantes of the place wondered at, Alfo,thouch the purpofe of Joſeph was god in mourning ſeuen daves: vet hotwithitanding, the erceffe was euill , Peuerthelete , it was not Without caufe, that God would bane this funerall to be fo honourably celebrated: Foꝛ it Was neceflaric, that there ſhoulde be fome commemoe ration , which might commend the faith of Jacob onto the poſterities. Ifſo be he had beene buricd p2tuilp, and after the’ ommon manner, bis fame had bene by and by ertinguifhen> but nowe, except they woul be blind of purpoſe, they had date ly anotable {pectacle before theit eves , inbiche might cone firme thc hope of the promifted inheritaunce: they bebolog the difplapedentiane. of their deliueraunce to come, when the fulnefic of time choulde be fulfilled . Wherefore, the honour of fhe dead man is not here ſo much fo be loked bppon, as the: p2ofife of the dean, Pay, the Egyptians notknolving what they doe, carrie a tiaht befare the Iſraelites, that thep might Repethe courte of the viuine calling . The Canaanifes doe the like, when thep honour the place with a newe name, For hereot it came fo patte, that the acknowledging of fhe coue⸗ naunt of Cod remained moze frethe, 14 £ Then Iofephreturned into Accypt.) Although Jo⸗ ſeph and the rett left Many pledges in Cgppt,in fo much that it Was neceſſarie fo2 them toreturne agatne: pet notwithitans Ding. VPON GENESIS... CAP LE: ding, it is moze credible,that they Were drawne thither by the 9 17 a2acle of God, Foꝛ Ood neuer fuffered him to choſe bis feate after bis owne will: but as be bad carried Abraham, Iſaac, aud Jacob about beforc, euen fobe kept their fonnes in the laude of Goſhen as within certeine boundes . And there ts no Geu.ig.i doubt: but, that the boly fatbers leaft that Dzacle , whiche We heard befoze, vnto their fonnes, whiche they bad faithfullp kept as a precious trealure, Thertore they returne in Egypt, - gonttrained not onely with p2efent neceWitte: but, becaufe tt was not lawkull fo caſt off the poke twbich God hav layed vp» pon his choulders. And although the Lorde had not them all in general bound with voluntaric obedience: yet notwithe © Landine,he helde their mindes with fecrete bridles, that they might not withdrawe themfelues to another place: and pet ine cattconiecture nothing elfe, but that thep were reftrate ned by bis feare, leat they being avinonithed of the tp2anniy call opp2eflion which was at bande, thoulve fecke fo eſcape the fame. Wie knowe that they were not of fo mecke diſpoſition. Hut that nowe and then thep murmured and fpurned again lighter burdens , Whereloꝛre a fpectalt religion famed them in this point,that being quiet and filent, they might prepare them felues to bears mofte harde bondage. 15 [And when lofephs brethren fawe, that their father.) Here Moles ſheweth, that the fonnes of Jacob being curefull Hfterthe death of their kather: leared leatt Joſeph woulde focke i o rouenge the iniurie Done vnto bim in times pat, Whercof dame this feare: but becauſe they thought hun to be ſuch a on⸗ as them ſelues⸗ Whereas they bad ſounde him fo peaceable ano fricnolp, they attribute not the fame vnto frue godli⸗ nelſſe towards God, neither do they weigh that it is the ſingu⸗ lar gift of the fpirite: but doe rather imagine, that be had bene hitherto reftrained With the onelyregarde of their fas ther,thathe might but veferre the reuenge. WBut bp fo falfe a iudgement they doe vnto him great inturic, who had teſti⸗ fied bis minde to be pure from all hatred and vll till, by ens ; tertcining them fo liberally and friendly. Parte of the in⸗ iurie als redoundeth vnto © DD, whofe rare grace had appearedin the moderation of Joreph. Wut bercby Wwe ga» >> Maun, ther, + | 518 YOMNN CALVINE 4 91 ther, that euill conſciences are troubled with blinde prickes, that they may ſtumble inthe cleare light. Zoleph had for⸗ gtuen bis bꝛethꝛen: but they are bifquicted {with the prickes of finne , that thep may be enimies of their otune acco2d to thent felues, Foꝛ it was no gramercie to them , that they bought not vppon them felues the puniſhment whiche was lorgiuen: becauſe Joſephs minde might haue beene iuſtly of⸗ fended by their diſtruſt 02 what meaneth this,that be of hia godneſſe hauing twiſe and theiſe pardoned their life, doe as vet tuickedly fufpect him 2and vef notwithltanding, Jdoubt not, but that they bad repented long agoe of their Wwickeoneffe: but becauſe peraduenture thep were not as pet fufficiently purged, the Lozde (uffered them to be tozmented with fuche care and grefe, that they might be an crample to others,that an eutll confeience is a torment nto it felfe: and alfo,that be might bumble them by the newe feling of thetr fault, ‘3foz lwhen they fette them ſelues guiltie befoze their brother, they could not forget the Tribunall feate of God, except they were > to blockiſh and fenflette . We Ce the faying of Solomon daily ro..872. to be fulfilled.that the wicked fleeth, no man perfecuting him: Leu.asj6 but thus God inforteth fugitives to giue an account,and arg made to tremble at the nopfe ofa falling leafe, leatt the cares lefneffe of the flethe doe aboli~h the iudgement of God. There is nothing moze to be defired thena quiet mind; Wihen Go depriueth the wicked of that {inquiar benefite, whiche of ait men is Defired, be inuiteth vs toimbzace infeqritie: But eſpey tially; fing the Patriarches han bene alveadic affected with fertons repentance of their wickednelſe, and yet were a long time after ſharpely awaked, let none of bs flatter our felues, but let euerie one diligentty eramine him. feife, teatt that bps pocrific doe foſter within vs the feccete tinges of the weath of Ov: but that our beartes being throughly, purged; bleiſed peace map thine, Which will not owellin a double heart; Alſo this iuſt rewarde abideth for all thoſe, which come not. vnto Cod fincerely, and with their Wwhole beart, that they arecons trained to peelde them fetues fothe indgement of a moꝛtall man, iz OHA SIU Wiberefoze; there is na other way to deliner bs from vn⸗ ) “ guietnefle, VPON GENESIS. CAP. Ls quietneſſe, but for vs to come into the fauour of Dod. Who fo ever he be, that eth this remedic , {hall not onely be as fearde of antoztall man, but alfo of a chadowe and puffe of winde. - 16 {Therefore they ſent vnto lofeph, J Becauſe they are athamed to ſpeake them (elues, they {end meflingers fo craue peate, to whome Joſeph might giue the mozecredife. Wut bere alfa we perceiuc,that they Wwhichbaue euill confciences, knolwe not what fo dee . Foꝛ if fo be Jacob twas carefull fo3 thismatter, why dtd be not reconcile his ſonne vnto bis bre⸗ thren, whome he had alwapes at tommaundement? Furthers nroze, why do thep now feke to being that to pate, by mefline gers, whiche thep might better haue atchieued by their owne perfons? Therelore the 1020 fuffereth them to deale chilvithe ly, that we being taught by their erample, might loke to res reiue no proſite by friuolous imaginations But tt may be de⸗ maunded; how the ſonnes of Jacob came by met, to whome they might be boloe fo committe ſuche a meſſage: fo2 it vas no light matter to detece fomreat wickeonede to ſtraungers: and to be defamed thus among the Egyptians, had bene tw abs farde. It is likelte, that they tent fome of their houſholde fers nauntes,of whome thouah Moles maketh no mention, when he ſheweth that Facob came into Gavpt: vet not withltan⸗ Dinig, Wwe may eattly gather, that fome were carricd with bint fo2 cerfeine confinerations. 7 {Forgtuc nowe I pray thee thetrefpafle.] They cloke not the greuouſneſſe of their fine, but doe willingly accuſe them (elues . Therelore they defire not to be pardoned, as thouch their offence were light : but fir ft they fet the autho2ts tic of their father, and then the holie name of Cod, againtt the hapuoufnefie of their fault . This confellion was worthie of praiſe, if fo be they pad made the fame without colour fo pleate their bother. Nowe, feria they did fetche this reas fon from the founteine of godlinefic, that tt is mete for the feruauntes of God to haue their inne pardoned, te may heres of take a common erhoztation, that if fo be we be hurt of anp of the houtholoe of the Church , we ould not be tw hard and Ciffe to forgiue, 7 919 f gon, ttif. wie | allen ; but efpecially, we mut thet mercie vnto thote, that that the name of Jacob is erp2efled : becaute the peculiar tions, ought to haue iopnen them together with a moze here knotte: as if Gon, which bad adopted that familie; otfered bing lelſe an vndertaker to make peace, and fo bing thein inte (9 LAm not I ynder Ged?] Joſeph weighing the end of Gods prouidence, bridleth his affections; that they might not palle their boundes He was ofa meeke and gentle diſpoſition: but there is nothing better to pattie dis wath, then to ſub⸗ mitte him felfe fo the twill and pleature of Gon, Lherefore, the bath no power ouer bint felfe; but is carried With the luge Of the fleſh: except the Lorde diolently bridle his outra ge, And as this is the one} remedie ta vactfic weath, to acknowledge What tebe, aud lobat power Gog bath ouer vg euen fo as gaine, Where thig cogitation ts fat ſettled, there is no furie fe. biolent, fo mitigate the iubiche tt is not fufficient, : 20 [When ye thought euill againit me.) Joſeph (as we haue fapd) doth fet contider the ponivence of Cov, inſomuch concerning thig matter tithe; 4s, Chap. before: Pet notwith⸗ VPON GENESIS. “CAP, L. Fife theim:peraduenture,becaule he is offended with their fubs at tiltic ; notwithſtanding, be reteineth all one beginningsfes ing be was. brought into Caypt by the ſecrete counſell of od, that be might be the miniffer of life vnto bis bꝛethren, he Was diligently to endeuour him felfe berevnto, leaſt be ſhoulde refill God. As tfhe ſhoulde ſay, Seeing Cod bath put pour life into my bandes, ¥ thoulve rebell again bim,ercept Jſhoulde bea faithfull diſpenſer of bis grace, whiche be hath putinto my bande.and withall be doth diſtinguiſh cunnings ily betweene the wicked counfelles of men,and the wonderful righteouſneſſe of Ood, foattributing the couernement of all thinges vnto Ood,that be might be nothing fpottedby the vie ces of men, The felling of Joſeph twas a deteftable fact, both fo2 the eruelfte and falſhhode of fhe fame sand pet be was not folde but by the heauenlie decree Foꝛ Cod twas nofonely quite ef, and winked fo2 atune, loſing the b2idle to the wicked⸗ nefle of men, that be might afterwardes ble thts occaſton: but alfo be appointed an order of working, according to bis owne will and pleature, whiche he wouide not haue to be al⸗ fered, Thus truely and —— foe. may fay, that xotepd toss folde, both by the wiked fale of bis baethzen, and alſo by the pꝛouidence of Ood : pet nofwithitanding, fhe common worke bought not to pafle,that God. had.any fellotufhip o2 affinitis With their ticked deſire: becauſe, whiles they p2nctife fa Wwoske their boothers deſtruction, be procureth their faluatis on front aloft, Whereby we gather, that be bath diuerſe Wwayes to gouerne the world. This ts a generalirnule,that nor thing ts done without his will, becaufle be both moderateth the countelies of men, andalfo bendeth their willes, and furneth their endeuours this way and: that tuay , and tempercth the fucceffe ; but iffo be mon tabe any thing in bande rightly and iuſtly, he moucth them therebnto inwardly by bis holie ſpie rite,foas all goa thinges may iuſtly be attributed onto him. But if Sathan, oꝛ the wicked, burl fmeth , be fo we2kethby their handes after an onfpeahkeable manner, that the wicked⸗ neſſe refteth vppon their heades, and the blame ws imputed onto ‘omatee Foꝛ they. arestot — — Roatan. mit, 2, O12, 23, - — a ‘OF the tpititesas the Faithfull are moued fo doe that whiche iz nod, butthey are authours vnto them ſelues, and doe follotwe tic, 03 God neuer wanteth tut cauſe of woꝛking, anda per⸗ uerſe will in men maketh them guiltie, When we heare that Ood vifappointeth the wicked hope of men,and their bartty if bellies we thereby receiue no fmall confolation Let the Wwice ked wearie Chem flues as theplt&, let them rage: pet nots withfanding , thep hall p2ofite nothing at all thereby : and their biolence halt not onelp be voyde, but Mall alfo be turs ned to a contrarie (ucceffe,fo as they thall further our faluas tion againt their willes , hus, whatfocuer poyſon Satharn concetuety,© D Dtarneth the fame to medicine fo2 the elect, And although Goo is fayen bere, to difpote the Wicked purpote of Jacobs fonnes into god/ becaule vnloked fo2 he bought pꝛoſperous and topfutl ſucceſe to fo2rowfull beginninges 3 Pet notwithltanding, he tightly and. inttly farneth meate ine fo poplou, light into varkenelle, the tableinto.a ſnare, and life into death fo the tep2obate, Wf lo be mens minds cannot reach bnto fo high mpieries, let them tather humbly adore thent, then that earthen veſſeiles fhould controll thetr maker, [And faue muche people'aliue.} Joleph applieth the env of Gong prouidence vnto bis dutie. Qnothis ſobrietie is alwayes to be bfed, that whoſfoeuer through faith beholdeth God fromon high, holding the gonernement Of the worlde, map keepe him felfe within the limittes of bis calling: and being admoniihed by the (ecrete iungementes of God, may enter into the cramis ning of him felfe, ano exhort him telfe to doe his dutie Andale though a reaſon noth not by and bp appeare : pet not with⸗ fanding, we mutt take hede, that tue wander not farther then tt beecommeth vs,as certeine ftenfie and brainſicke men We wont to doe, OMS eT 21 (Ewill nourith you and your children.) This wag a ſigne of firme ¢ true reconciliation, not onlp to abiteine fkone euill doing and burte,but alto to ouercome euill with god, as Paule commandeth. And vorily;he which cealleth from doing Dis dutie, whenhe hath abititic to helpe, and — 7 UME the VYPONIGEIN ESS. ‘77 CAP. L- the fame,be thereby ſheweth, that be is not forgetful of iniu⸗ ric, The whicheis therefore diligently to be noted,becaule the greater partof men of the common forte doth thinke, that they haue forgiven offences, tf they requite not euill with euill : as though this were not to-reuenge, when we with⸗ poate aur hande from helping . Wherefore, then we Mall prouc our mindes ta be; pure from malice, if we Boe gwd vnto our eitimies of whome we are rll infreated, orn oie .22 [Solofeph dwelt in Acgypt. | Wales ſheweth, not with⸗ out cauſe, howe tong Zofeph lined, becaule the long continu⸗ zunce of time fheweth bis inuingible conttancic, Foꝛ, ale thou) be bad greate honour, and power among the Egrpti⸗ ans + pet notwithllanding⸗ be is iorned with bis fathers poute,, Giherebyoweenathe egthathe foximbe by little and little Courtlie pleaſuxes and rithes, becauſe be atcounted no⸗ thing better for bir; thento be bate: leatt: that earthlte dig⸗ nitie choulde feparate bine front: the kingdome of God. Be pad afore this time delpiſed all: intifementes:, whiche might poloe bis minde in Egypt: nowe it was neceſſarie foz bun to pꝛoceede furthers thatlaving honour alide, be might conte vn⸗ foabaterttatesand might weane his ſonnes from: the bope of fucceltion: Cate knowe how carefully forne tranell,both that they them felues may not be decreafed, and alfo that they may leaue their tubole ſubſtaunce pnto their pofteritie: but Joſeph, by the ſpate of threſcore pearessendeuoured him {elfe onelx herevnto, to ſubdue him (elie and bis, leat their high eitate ſhoulde feparate thent from the ſmall flocke of the! Lorde) We feeth of pis, owne line bis nephewwes he, phelwes, why tenis he not carefulbto prouide fas them with his childzen 2 Wut He doeth nof fomucy eſteeme cf Nobi⸗ ütie ,02 of riches, but that he rather defired to have thent {heepebeardes sand contemned ofithe Cavptians 5 then to he feclnded from the familie of Iſraelhc0 Moreouer,ʒ im the populous potterifie whiche he ſawe, he being vet atiues the Lowe gaue him fore tate of bis bleſ⸗ firig, whereby he might caucetue: bope of deliueraunce. For it was needefull that be fhoulae be encouragedand bolden bp with certeine pꝛoppes 5 leat: he Moulde lall anuddent to td many ree 923 7 ST A9 FOHN CHL TIE» P24 Hany temptations, © S190 of, | 24 [And Ioleph ſaid vnto his brethren, I Rhether Joſeph Wwas the urſt 02 the laſt of the brethren that died, 02 whether fome part of thentfarnined,it is vncerteine. Moles here brs ber the name of brethren comprehendeth alfo coufines,o2 nes phetwes, Wut J thinke, that Lome of the cheefe of euerie famis lie were called by bis continaundement,by whome the whole focke and poſteritie might be atteriwarves certified’; Ano als though itis credivle; that all the other Patriarches gaue the like commaundement, becauſe thebones of them all were tatried together info the lande of Canaan : pet notwithtans bing, ſpeciall mention ts made of Joleph fo2 ttuo caules , Fo fecing all ment, by reaſon of bis qreate authovitic had reſpect vnto him, it was mete that he MHouulde goe beſdre them ang that he thoulve carefully tate heede that the Glovic of bis dig⸗ nitie letted no man) HSeconvl pit belonged greatly to exampie fo2 him to be knowne of all the people, whiche twas the fecond perfon of Egypt: and pet not thltanding, forlaking fo great Honour, Was contented with His deqree,thathe might be onelp an heire of the bare promitey! Clam readie to dyeJ This peache ts euch as muche ag it he houlbe commaund his bres Sod is immoꝛtall. Foꝛ he twonlde tot haue them to depend bppon bis life, 012 vppon the life oF any other’, leatt that thep might preferibe-anyp time Onto Gov >but that they might patiently twapte vntill the full time came, Whereot hath pi fo great affurance,that be thoulbea witnelſe of the Raeinys tion to come: but,becaufe be had bene fo taught by bis father Foꝛ we reade not that Gop had appeared vnto him,o2 that ae ny oracle was brought vnto bin by Angels from heauen: but becauſe he was certeinlyx perfuaded, that Jacob was a teacher and a prephet appointe⸗ of Gov, tho hating recets ued the couenant of faluation; miaheconni tte the ſame bnte his ſonnes, ‘he relted no lede tarelefly vppon bis teſtimonie, then tf a biffon hav bene offered bp Anaels from heauen. FF 02, ercept the hearing of the worde be tufficient fo2 bs onto faith, ine are bnwogthieto bane to doe With God, whome wweves Craude af hts honour· Joe chat laith dependeth vppon are yPON GENESIS. eave Ls 7” but bicaufe be beareth (od peaking by the mouth of men, and 9 25 Cuffercth himfetfe to be caried further by their externall voice. 92 God by bis holy fpirite fealeth in onr beartes that which he peonounceth by men. hus faith is builved vpou no other ther in him: and pet the preaching of men wanteth not ber weight and rencrente . Thus their peenithe curiolitie is ſup⸗ pꝛelſſed, which defiring vilions, coutenme the minifterie of the Church: as though tt were abfurne for Cov, who ſheweth him felfe fomtinie to the fathers from heauen,to btter a voice out of pearth, But if fo be they conſidered bow maantficently he hath once alreany come downe vnto os,tn the perfon of bis fonne, they would not fo wickedly defire daily to haue heauen opened vnto them. 2¢ [ Godwill furely vifite you, | We fpeaketh as if thep they Mouid be buried in oblinion,fo long as they fhalremaine in Ce ppt. And in deed, that banityment was,as if God ſhuld turne his backe vnto them fora time. Joſeph notwithſtanding coals onan \ {eth not fo bend the exes of his minde vnto him , even as it is EGis 27. laide in the Prophet, L will looke for the Lord, who hath hid his face from the houfe of lacob, Lhis place alfo plainly teachs eth, to what ende fo carefull chopce of the burtall perteined + namely,that it might bea feale of the redemption. Fo2 after that be bad affirmed (Bod to be faithfull, which {hall perfo2me that in time which be hath promiſed, he immediatly taketh an dath otk his brethren, fo carrie bis bones foan other place. Thele were profitable reliques, the fight {whereof enidently ſhewed, that the cuerlatting couenant of God was net extin⸗ guifhed by the death of men, in the which conenaunt Joſeph commaundeth bis pofteritic fafelpy to reft . #02 be counteth it (uffictenf,to canfe them to fweare by thename of God, that they might deubt nothing at all concerning their departure a of Carpe. FIN IS. — ———— —_— ~~ a eee | : 7 ? a 9 *— —* st ee , R “~ Be Ne a a mS 4 ow > 58 = ZG Re OS cate 2S 0 he 2 8 ES C er — —— ee — .. —⏑ 2— AS Kero oF Red ee ie e . * Sek ee — © poeta. patho | “eS