A Commentarie of John Calvine upon the first booke of Moses called Genesis

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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,

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¶Imprinted at Lon-
don, for Johz Harifon and
George Bifbop.

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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, |
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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<llion
the difobedience of Adain, finne entred info the tvo2'd, Let bs
imacine that there ig nothing worſe, then the tranfareffion of
the commandement: Pet notwithanding, we Hall thereby

| p2ofite

-YOHN CALVIWNE

? + profite little fo ertenuate oꝛ diminiſhe Adams ſinne. God ape
pointing bint to be free inall things, and the king of the world.
woulde trie bis obedience in abfteining from one tre onely.
his condition pleaſed not him. Let peruerle Khetoricians
niake ercufe, that the woman twas entifed with the beautie
fulneffe of the tree, and that the man was intangled With the
flatterics of Heuah: Bet notwithſtanding, the moze fufferae
ble and cafe that the conmmaundement of Ood twas, the lefle
follerable was their crokedneſſe in refufing to ober. But ive
mutt pet feke higher fo2 the opiginall and caufe of finne. Foꝛ
they durſt neuer fo baue rebelled againſt Ood,ercept thep bad
firft refuted fo giue credite vnto his woꝛde. And nothing ens
tifed them fo defire the fruite,buf mad ambition. So long as
they beleeuing the worde of God, fuffered themfelues willings
ly to be qouerned ofhim,thetr affections were righflp ordered
and framed. Foꝛ this cogitation,that God is iuft, tobich was
grauen in their mindes, twas a notable bzidle: and that noe —
thing ts better then to obey his commaundementes : alfo that
it is the ſumme of abappte life to be loued of him. Wut after

. that they gaue place to the blaſphemie of Sathan,they begat,
as if thep bad been betwitched,to want reafon and indaement s
and (ing they were the bondellaues of Sathan, be had thetr

Sinnes are ſenſes alfo captiue. Moꝛeouer tue knolue that finnes are not

ce otiettae ectemed before God, accozding to the outtward ſhewe, but afe

before god fet the inward affection. Nowe in that the falling alway of
according our firft parentes,ts ſaid to be the vniuerſall deſtruction of all
co the out- · mankind, tt feemeth fo many verte abfurde:and fo2 this caule,
warde ther would gladly lay the blame bpon God. Dn the contrarie
fhewe yarte Pelagius, leatt the corruption of mans nature might be
imputed vnto God, (which be fallely feared, )p2efunred fo des

nie originall finne. Mut fo groffe an errour is plainely confus

ted, not onely by found feftimontes of Scripture, but alſo by

° experience it ſelle. The copruption of our nature was bus
knotwen onto the Whilofophers, when as other wiſe they were

wittie inough. And this their ſenſeleſſe blindencfie, is an eui⸗

pent teſtimonie of originall ſinne. Foꝛ whofoeuer are not

Garke blinvde, doc fee that there ts no founde 02 whole parte in

bs : they ( that our minde ts ſtricken With blindenelſe, and

tts

4

VPON GENESIS: CAP. 22-43; 0
5

Andkected with an innumerable ſorte of errours: that all theafs
feetions of our heart are full of rebellion and Wwickednes ; and
thyhat filthie luffes and other grieuous diſeaſes do reiane there:
alfo that all our fenfes do flotve with many vices. But becauſe
none but God, is a meete Judge of this caufe,we muff content
pur ſelues with the iudgement of bis polite worde contepned
in criptures, Firſt, the Scriptures plainely teache that We are
Pie are cuen in our birth impure and finneful. Gaine was the “oecful ia
rauill of Pelagius,in faping that finne came fromt Adam to bs out bith
byinitation, Foꝛ Dauid being as pet ſhut bp in bis mothers Pl. st. 7.
wombe, could not be a follower of Avant: who notwithſtan⸗ diooe com
bing confeiteth that he was conceiued in ſinne. But for a h noe
nroze larae p2ofe of this matter, and fo2 the definition of 021+ , eee,
ginall finne, reade nour bake of Inſtitutions: fauing that :
Jwill briefly in one word ſhewe, how farre the fame exten⸗
net if felfe, We doe tuftly account twhatfoeuer is defiled and
coprupted in our nature to be finne , becaufe it is not mete
that we aferibe the fame vnto God, Wut the Apottle Paule tr
e thude Chapter of his Cpittle to the Momanes , teacheth “°™3-
that corruption is not in one part onely, but alfo that tt polſſeſ⸗
feth the whole ſoule and euerie parte thereof, Wherevpon it original
followeth;that they doe verie chiloithly erre, which do confider fiance.
priginall fine, onely in the luſt and in the ino2dinate motion
or appetites:when as tt fulfilleth the feate of realon ano the
{whole hart, Guiltines and condemtatton is annered fo fine: Rom.§.1%6
02, as Daule ſpeaketh, ſinne came by man, and Death of ſinne. Ephe.2.3
Therekore in another place be pzonounceth that we are the
children of wrath: as ifbe ould make vs ſubiect to cuerlafs
ting malediction. In ſumme, that we are ſpoyled of the moſt
excellent giftes of the holie ghoſt, ol the light of reaf ott, of righ⸗
froufrielle , of fincerifi¢jand'ar¢ pone to all manner of euill:
alfo int that tee being tof and damned, arefubtect vnto death,
it ig our condition by inheritance, anda iuſt plague whiche
Sod hath latve vpon all mankinde. ow tfany man obiect,
that itis vniuſt thatthe guiltleſſe ſhould be puniſhed for the
Anne of another: Janſwere, that what rifts foruer Cod hath
bellowed bpd bs in the perfor of Adam might veric latvfutly
be taken alway, teeing be wicksoly tranſgrelſed. either’ *

96

YOHN CALVINE: | \

nedefull that we flic to that olde imagination of fome, that”

foules haue their original of the firſt ſfocke. Foꝛ the pofferitie
toke not their corruption naturally of the poogenie of Adams
but the fame rather dependeth bpon the o2dinaunce of Gods

who as be had adorned the whole nature of mankinvein ona. ~

GWebeare Man with motte excellent giftes:fo inbim, be made the fame

mot the’
punifh=
ment of
anothers

faulr.

Koowleg

without

nature naked and bare againe, And now, fo fone as we are
co2rupted in Adam, toe beare not the puniſhment of anether
mans fault,but we are quiltie thꝛough our oun fault. Thero
is a queftion alfomoued offome, concerning the time of ths
fall, o2 rather of theruine, This opinion was allowed of dis
uers, that they fell the faine dap hereon they were created >
‘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.'? <P
ifaman fhoulde giue a ſwoꝛde and buckler into the handes of
another . Seing the vnhappie ede and ſucteſſe was fore⸗
knowen vnto him, he might haue remedied that which hediw
ndt But when we ſhall come vnto man, we tail fue that
be ſinned willingly, and not — the free, ag by " ~~

on -
ee ebbs eve

“98

.° TOHN' CALVINE: \

trerfe and croked motion of the minde, he veparted from

God, his maker, Meither can twe fay that it as a finall fault,
when be,not beleutng the worde of God, eralted him felfe ar
gaint him though wicked emulation: when be woulde not be
ſubiecte vnto bis twill and commaundement : and inher
be proudly fellfrombun . Wherefore, tubat ſinne and offence
ſoeuer is in the fall of our firſt parentes,tt refteth in and vpon
them : and whereas the efernall counfellof Gov went before
if,it wanteth not iuſt reafon and caule, though the fame be
hidden from vs. We doe fee that fruite doth daily {p2ing front
fuche hoorible ruine, becaufe God doeth leade bs to humilitie
by our owne mniferies : alfo,becaufe he doeth moze plainly fet
forth bis godneſſe. For bis grace is moze plentifullp powꝛed
forth vppon the worlde by Chriſte, then it twas beſtowed bps
pon Adam it the beginning . Nowe, tffobe our reafon will
not reach berebnte,it is no meruell if fo be the ſecret counſell
of Gad be bute bs like a Labyrinth. [And they fewed fige
tree leaues together, That twhiche Jſayde before , that they:
were led to repentaunce , neither with true thame:, no2 with
ferious feare , doeth nowe better appeare. They made them
breeches , 02 aperits of figge leaues. Wo what ende? That as
it were with an inuincible forte 02 bulwoꝛke, they mighte
driue Dod farre from them, Wherefore the feeling of their cull
twas onely confufed,and iopned with dulneffe, mucy like vnto
a dꝛeame in vnquiet fleepe, here is none of bs which deri⸗
deth not their follie (as in deede it was ridiculous ) in fetting.
fuch a beileo2 coucring befo2e the eves of Cod, In the meane
time, we all are ficke of thefame diſeaſe: fo2 cuen af the firſte
pꝛicke of confcience, woe tremble ¢ are afhamed: by ¢ bp there
crepeth in a fauourable iudgement of our felues, whiche teas

deth bs to baine fopes : as if ue might eaſily mocke and des

cetue God, Therefore vnleſſe our confctence be moze peeled,
there is no ercufe 92 colour fo baine, tober with ive do not cons
tent our felues : pea, if no ercufe may feruc, pet notwithſtan⸗
ding, Wwe pleafe our felues, andthinke that we are berie well
coucred,byp the foꝛrgetfullneſſe whiche commeth of thre dapes
fpate To be thot, oles here defcribeth the colde and halfe
deade fcling offiune, whiche is naturally ingraffed in the
eit I mindes

VPON GENESIS: CAP. 11%;

~ mindes ofmen, that they map be made inertufable, Not⸗ ? ?
withſtanding it map be Demaunded, ¥f our whole nature be
infected with the fpottes of finne: why doth the deformitie aps
peare in one parte of our bodic onelp 2 Foꝛ Adam and Beuah
poe not onelp couer their face , 02 their bret, but alfo their
fame and fecret partes . J thinkethey did it vpon this orcas
fion, that men might commonly knotwe , that thereis no other
cozruption ofnature, then in venerious and fietblie luff, i5ut
they ought ta weigh and confider,that there was no leffe cauſe
of chame, inthe eyes andin the eares, then in the genitall oz
fecret parte, which as pet was notdefiled with finne: wheres
as Adam ¢ Weuab had defiled their eares and epes, aud bad as
it were fortified the diuell. Wut it fufficed Ood, that there
was fome note of ſhame in mans bodie, whiche might put vs
in minde of inne, Furthermo2e, as we [aid euen nolwe, Adam
and Heuah knewwe not as pet their filthinefle, when as they
fought to hun and bide then felues from the prelence of Cod;
by fo flender and light a couering.
8 [ Afterwarde they hearde the voyce of the Lorde, ] a
fone as God fpake, Adam and Peuah knew that their aperns
of ſigge leaues vid p2ofite them nothing at all, with the wht
che theyr.thought them ſelues berie well coucred. Doles Ww2ts
teth nothing bere, but the verie fame, which remaineth and
is daily tobe (iene euidentlyx in the nature of man , The diſte⸗ :
rence of god and euillis qrauen in thebeartes of all menas Ro. + %
the Apottle Paule teacheth.But all men burie and couer their
faults with bine leaues, vntil God by his word ſtrike and ter⸗
rifie their confcience.Perof came the trembling conſciences, to Men nas
Witte, after that God hauing put atway all fenfelefneffe, coms turally ex
ftraineth them to bere his voice, Mut wheras Hicrome tranls * *
lated if thus, After Noonetide, the Pebzue texte is, At the ‘20s
winde of the day. The Grekes, omttting the name of twinde,
haue tranflated it thus, Attheeuening , Thus there grelwe
an opinion, that Adam hauing finned about Nonetide, was
called at the fetting of the Sunnetotudgement. Aut J doe
rather incline to the contrarie coniecure, that they being clad
With their couering, palſed the night in filence andrett, the
darkenelſe beeing an belpe sa 48 bppocrific ; seam a
tps! ij.

—

100 TOUuUN CALVIXNEIE \

beeing throughly awaked about the mozning, they remember.
them felues, Ge knotue that at the rifing of the Sunne, there
rifeth a fofttwinde naturally : therfore with this winde, God
allo appeared, And Moſes thoulde verie improperly call the
eueningtide the cole of the Day, Dthers take it fo2 the South.
part, And ſome think that the fame ts fulfilled tubich the ſcrip⸗
fure pronounceth, that thep whoſe confciences accufe them,
are alwares afearde andont of quiet, where thereis no pes
rill o2 cauſe of feare Berevuto they referre that whiche ts ade
ded concerning the winde, as though Adam twas afearoe at
the ratling fal of a leafe. Wut that which J bane fet downe bes
fore is. the moze truc and fimple meaning : that the fame this
che lap bid in the darkeneſſe of the night, twas. diſcouered bp
the rifing of fe Sunne, MPenertheleile J doubt not, but that
there was ſome nofable fiqne of the prefenceof © DD in
that winde , For although ,as J fatde before, thereis wont
fo be allwapes at the Sunne rifing ſome foft 02 cole wind, pet
fo all that, the fame letteth not, but that the Loꝛde gaue an
erfraozdinarte fiqne of his conuning, fo waken the confcien-
ces ‘of Adam and Weuah, Foꝛ ſeeing he is incomprehenſible
when his will is to manikelt him ſelle vnto men, be put vpon
Pfal. 104.3 him thofe marks wherby he might be knowen Dauid caleth
the tuindes the meffengers of God, bpon whoſe winges he rie
nefh,o2 rather flleth with incredible ſwiftneſſe: but fo often as
tf feemeth god onto him, be vſeth as well the windes, as o⸗
pcl.tzo⸗ ther creatures at bis owne toil, confrarte to the order of nas
The pre. fate. Wherefore, whereas Poles in this place maketh mene
fenceof fion of the inde, be meaneth in mp tudgement, that there
Godise- fuas ſhewed a ſtraunge and notable fiqne of the deuine peer
wery wher force, which areatly altonithed the minds of our firſt parents,
Nowe, , this latter remevie of flight was no better then the
firfie : forfomuch as ODD bringeth them backe againe as
thepivere flexing, with his bopee onelp. It it wꝛitten, Whe-
ther (hall I flee from thy prefence ? If1 afcende into Heauen,
thou artthere: lf lye downe in hell, thouart there ¢ Let me
_, take the winges of the morning, and remaine in the depthe of
the fea : yet thither fhall thy‘hande feade me ,and thy right
hands holde me, We all confelle this to be true, and yet nes
aN rhe uctthelefe,

‘

| VPON GENESIS. CAP. IIT) yoy

werthelette {we ceaſſe not to fake baine farting hoales : and
imagine euery hadowe, tobe bnto vs anotable oefence.
And it is not to be omitted, that man finding by erperience,
that a fetwe leaues did p2ofite him nothing at all, be fled to the
{hadowe of the tres. For fois cur quife and wont toben we
are excluded front vaine cauilles, fo deuiſe new ercules whi⸗
che may bide bs as tt Were vnder the moze thicke ſhadowe.
When Poles faith that Adam and his wile hid them ſelues
in the nuddetk of the tree of Paradiſe ( for fo ts the Hebꝛue
tert:) we mutt note that the fingular number is put fo? the
plurall: as if be badfaiv, Among the tres,
9 [And the Lorde God called Adam, J Now they tere
aſtonniſhed at the voyce of the Lord God, but being afearde,
they lay fill vnder the trees, vntill an other voyce entercd
moze effectually into their minds , Doles faith, that the Lo
called Adam: Wwas he not called before 2 Wut that was a cons
fufed founde, whiche was not fozceable inough to p2rffe
and b2ge their confciences:therefore Ood now conuneth moꝛe
nere vnto them,and cauſeth them to come ſorth in the mideſt
out of the thicke of trees, cuen againſte their wills . After
the fame manner allo are we terrified at the vopce of ODD,
fo fone as bts lawe foundeth in.at our cares: but by and by
ive feeke fo2 ſhadowes, vntill he prefling bs moze bebements
ip conſtraineth bs to and guiltie before his tudgentent feate, T. 15. of
Paule calleth this the life of the lawe, when the ſame conuin⸗ the lawe. |
cingour ſinnes killeth vs. Foꝛ ſo long as twe flatter our ſel⸗
ues, and are puft bp with a falfe opinion of life, the lawe is
Dead Onto bs: becaule we dull the edge thereof with our bards
nelle: but when it pricketh and cutteth bs more deepe, we
are terrified anewe.
«ao, [Lheardethy voy ce. JAlthough this feemeth to be
the confeltion of one that is humbled and caſt downe: note
withſtanding by and by it twill appeare, that be twas not
as petfafficiently tamed, noz brꝛought to repentaunce. Be —
imputeth feare to the voyce of ©. D:D: and to his nas
— as thoughe not-befoze he hearde GD Dſpes ·
ing, without feare, nay, be twas ſweetely comforted with bis = 6. >
—*F An that he doeth not — thecaule of an
3 ©, ttf,

Nakednes
the caufe
of fhange.

Original
finne is in
all partes
of mans
Bodie, and
foule.

Obedience
moſt accep
table vnto

God.

IOHN'CAL VINE

TO? tobe in bis nahednes therin alfa be ts too much ouerteenther⸗

fore be declareth bintfelfto haue fuch a feeling of punithment,
that as pet he confeſſeth not bis fault , Neuertheleſſe, he pros
ueth that to be truc, which J ſayde before, that originall finne
refteth not in one parte of the bodie onely , buf reigneth in the
whole man,and occupicth all the parts of the foule: in fomuch
that no one parte hath bis integritic, For with his leaues,he
ig neuer a whit the leffe afearde at the prefence of God.

1 [Who tolde thee. ] This is an indirect reprebenfion fa
reproue thenegligence of Adam, becauſe he ack nowledgeth
not the faulte in the puntiment : as if it bad bene fapde,that
Adam was not fimply afearde at the vopee of Gov: but that
the vopce of the Judge was feareful puto him, becaufe he is a
finer, Alfo that nakedneſſe was not the canfe of feare, but
the fotwluefie of the bice wherewith he defiled bimfelfe + and in
dede tt was intollerable blafphemic again G DD, that bs
fought the originall of the euul in nature, Shot that he accuſed
Oodin plains wordes: but bewapling his miferic > and
in the meane time diffembling bint felfe to be the authour
thereof,be wickedly aftribeth puto God that which be dught
fo fake vpon himlelfe, Wher God fayth , Haftthou eaten of
the tree,he ſpeaketh doubtingly, not that he doubted in deede
but to the ende he might the more deepely pricke the ſenſeleſſe
man, who being ficke euen vnto death, felt hot fo2 ail that bis
maladie. Pereby let vs learite,that ine Hall pcfife our ſelues
nothing at all by walking in bylwapes , but Good hall als
Wwapes take bs tarde in the finne of Adam . hele wordes,
{Concerning the which I commanded thee that thou fhouldeft
not cate, } are added to take away the peetence and colour of
ignozaunce, Foꝛ God declareth, that Abam was admoniſhed
itt time:and that he perithen fo2 no other caule, but becaufe be
Wittingly and toillingly threw him leife into deſtrucisn: A⸗
gaine, the hainouſneiſe of the ſinne ts noted in the tranſgreſ⸗
fon and rebellion. Foꝛ, as nothing is moze acceptable vnto
God then obedience ; fo nothing is tette follerable, then there
men preſuming vppon his commaundententes; obey Sathan
and their oune lufe... 67 >
© a2) [ Che womanwhich thon gaueft me. J Holve the vnta⸗
re hi, med

j VPON GENESIS. CAP. 1If:

» med difobedience of Adam bewrayeth it felfe : Foꝛ he is fo far
from being ſubdued, thathe burfteth fo2th into moze groſſe
blaſphemie. At the firſt he did priuilp debate the matter with
(od; nowe be beginneth openly fo contend with him, and
ſtoutly defendeth bis cauſe. Mhereby we fee hot prefumptus
pus and vntamed acreafure man twas, after be twas fallen
from God. Foꝛ a liuely image ofour corrupt nature ts ſet
forth vnto bs in Adam, after the time of bis fall, Euery one is lam.a.q
fempted of bis olune concupifcence, fayth Saint James ; and
Adam him felfe had not ſhewed him felfe rebellions again€
od, but at bis owne franke twill, Pet not withſtanding, as if
he had knowne no manner ofeuillby bim ſelte, he made bis
Wife guiltie in bis ead: Wherefore ¥ hauc eaten,fayth he, be⸗ We readi-
caute the gave me, And not being contented with this, be lay. '¥ ru"*
eth the blame vppon God alfo , obiecting that the wife twbiche “™ *’
brought the miichiefe, was giuen into bis: hande by him, We ae
alfo being taught in the fame ſchole of originall ſinne are to oS
ready and prompt to make the like ercufes, but without p20 ence: and
fite;fo2 how ſoeuer Wwe colour and thift off the matter, tnfide- pride brio-
litie nottwith anding is Within, which leadeth vs from the o⸗ geth forth
poe a of God: within is prises which beingetd ſweth cons ——

t
And the Lorde God fayde to the woman.7] God cone.
fendeth no further with the man,neither isit nedefull . Jfo3
at the firfte, by a baine defence, after that by a wicked repro⸗
uing, be rather increafed bis. fault, then cafed the fame: to
conclude how fo ener be gainſaveth, be is notinithitanding
found guiltie, Pow the Audge turneth himlelf to the woman,
that the caufe of them both being knowen, be may at the laſte
eo fentence, And the Jnterpetoures turne the words

te

©od thus, Wherefore haft thou done this? Iut the Bebue |
raſe conteineth moꝛe vehemencie in it: fo2 it is a ſpeach of
admiration, as in a monſtruous thing: that tt ought rather
fobe tranflated, Howe hafte thou done this? As ifbe had ſayd,
How coulae it be that if choulde come into thy minde, to be fo
epee acounteller. te thy bu(bandz [) The Serpent deceined
ms) ab ought to baue bene aftonnicd atthe monſtruouſ⸗
| het iniciconete, toher eof the was admonifhed, sot,
Ouuiy, withlſtan⸗

IOHN CALVINE | \

104. {uithfanding the is not filent :but'atter the erample of her
huſbande the poatteth ouer the fault to another: and blaming.
the ferpent the thinketh her felfe to be free : but foliſhly and
impudently. Foꝛ thisis p Canune of ber replie, J receined that”
twhiche thou forbaddeſt, of the ferpent : the ferpent tas the
deceiuer. But who conttrained Heuah to harken fo the deceit⸗
full perfuafions of the ferpent 2 pea,and moze greedily fo credit
bis wordes, then the woreof Ooo? Dobe thorte,bowe div
the receiue then, but bp making a breache, and fetting open
an entry, which God had fufficientlp fortified? But the fruit of
Original finne every where ſheweth it felfe:becanfe he is blind
in ber bypocrifie, he would willingly make God without 4
fongue anddumbe,And from thence come fo many murmure
inges daily, but becauſe God holdeth not bis peace, fo ofters ‘
as Our mindes are blinded? |» «'
14. And the Lorde fayde to the Sérpent. } Bee aſneth
not the ſerpent, as be had done fhe man and the woman: ber
caule in the beaſto there was no feling of finne: and alfo bee
caufe be woulde leaue no hope of pardon to the diuell. he
might &x officio, by bis authozttie, haue pronounced ſentence
vpon them, though thep had. not heard it: JIſpeake of Anant
and Beuah, WL by then doeth be call them foanaccount, but’
becaufe he hath a care fo2 their faluation? This doctrine is.
to be applied fo our vſe. There needed not any action ofthe:
tale, oꝛ any folentne forme of tudgement fo condemne bs ,
Gaherefore, when. Ooo herein indeuoureth him felfe,to vreſt
out of our mouthes the confeflion of our fault, he rather plays
eth the part ofa Phpfician,then of a Judge, Whis is the reas
Ponifh- fon toby the Lorde beginneth with the ferpent, before he ade
ments Of june men fo their punifhment ,.3Fo2 other puniſhmentes, as
name 4 we thall ſe, are belonging to chattifement,and are lapde vpon
yvsrore- Sto this end,that they map leade bs forepentance: tn this
pensance- thereisnone fuch thing, Wut it is doubtfull to whome the
wordes are fpoken, whether to the ferpent, 02 fo the diuell.
MPoſes faide, that the ferpent was a fubtile and craftte beak :
notwithfanbding tt ts certeine, feing Sathan fought mans
deftruction,that be was guiltleſſe of his fraude and malice,
Waherefoze many expound this place Allegozically ; and the
' eas

} VPON GENESIS. CAP. IT.
» — peafons whiche they bring are plaufible, Wut all thinges bes
ing more nearely confidered, the readers whiche are of found
iudgenient hall cafily fix, that itis a a mixt ſpeech. Fo2Govto’
fpeaketh to theferpent, that the conclufion belongeth to the
Diucll, Af it (eeme abfurd fo any man,fhat a brute beak ſhould
be punithed for the frande and deceipt of anothers the ſoluti⸗
on is eaſie fobe made: that feeing be was created for mans
fake, be is not accurſed without caufe, now that be ts turned
fo his hurt and deſtruction. And the purpofe of OD D ts to
prone by this bengeance, how greatly be eſteemeth mans fale
uation ; enen as if a father fhould curfe and detett the ſword,
Iwheretvith his childe was Maine, Andhere we mull not onty-
confider what rule God hath oner bis creatures, but alfo to
what end he hath created them, as we laide before. forthe e⸗
quitie of Gods iudgement, dependeth vppon that beder of nae
ture which he bath ratified : that be might hane nothing todo
{with blinde reuenge. After this fort the reprobate are deliue⸗ rh ined
* pmo Hey ieee Ate en pes ean tear ak
ey haue no niotion of themfelucs;petnotivithttandutg they wickednes
sre thitruietts ofentls committed , “So tebat diieketnette puni-
ſoeuer man committeth,is afcribed to his handes and theres thd.

. x

tore thep are counted polluted; when as not withlſtanding they:
mone not them felnes, ercept when they being conſtrained
by'the wicked affection of the heart; exequute that whiche
is there conteiued· According to this reaſon the ſerpent is
ſaide to Doe that, bohiche the diuell did ofhimſelle. Wut if
God pimiche thedefEructron of man fo felterelp bpon the brute
beat, muche lefle bath be {pared Sathah', the Authour of
tie whole mifchtefe: the whiche Mall better appeare by the
concluſion. [Curfed art thou aboue' enetie creature. ") This
curfe of Gav twke place in the ferpent: whereby it ts cometo
patle that he is vefpifed,and (carte follerabte to Hetuen and:
Catth, leaving a hfe veri vaungetous,and replenitheo with.
daily feares: alfo that heis not onelp hatefull vnto bs, as a
mto2fall enimie of mankind, but is ſeuered alfo from all other
— warreth after a ſort mi ——— tue f ie
at the fir he twas tame, in fo muche that tye woman dio not.
ann bsannar compan Bu tetoezteofotsne xine
— BG...b., more

105

106 a ITOHN CALVINE |

~~ ttoze bard: becaufe it ſeemeth to be naturall which God thoeas

teneth ſor a puniſhment: as that be thould creepe on bis bellie

mid eate duft. This obiection moueth certeine learned anv

Wwife men to fay,that the ferpent was tant fo go vpright, bes

fozefuche time as Sathan had abuſed him. Wut there thalbe

no abſurditie, if tue confelle, that the ferpent was appointed ae.

gatne fo bis old.and feꝛmer condition, wherevnto be was als

readicnaturally ſubiect. Foꝛ thus be was to be ſubdued, wis

che had eralted himſelſe againtt the image of God;as if it were

(ato, Thou miferable and filtbie beat batt preſumed to rebell

again man, whom Jhaue made Loꝛrd and king of the whole

worlde: as though tt were thy parte, being fired and nailed

as it Were fo the earth,to reache and exalt thy felfe onto eae

uen. Cherelore F doc pull thee backe againe thither , front

whence thou halt aflaped to lift bp thy (elfe : that thou mailt

learne to content thy felfe with thy Mate and condition, and

not foleke any moze the ſhame and rep2oche of man, Peuers

us +. .fheleffe, be is ſo retkrained from bis lafciuioufues to. bis wane,

ted pace and going, that be is alfo perpetually condenmed to.

euerlalting thame, To eate duſt, is a figne of a vile and filthis

nature:the Wbiche in my tudgement is the ſimple fenfe and

meaning, Wwhiche the teltimonie of Clate alfo confirmeth, Foa

EGsi.cs.r5 when be promileth the full and perfect reſtoring ofa pure and,
3 {well ordered nature, vnder the kingdome of Chriſt, among o⸗

ther thinges be reckoneth bp, that theferpent thall haue duſt

in ſtead of bread, Wberefoze there is no caule why we Mould ;

feeke for a newe chaunge inall thoſe thinges, whiche Poles
ſpeaketh of in this place. . Yad dind stp) crane: De

15. [L will alfo putenimitie.] 9 interp2ete this fimply,that

mankinde (hall haue alwayes ſtrife and debate with the fers

pentes,as is.to be lene at this dap, Foꝛ it conuneth to paffe ,

by fhe fecrete feling ofnature, that men doabbozre them.

Serpentes And in that Come haue pleafure.in them,it is monſtrous. But

areto put ſo often as the fight offerpentes doe bring abozrour vnto our
vs in mind mindes,the remembzaunce of our fall is renued. Alf, J make
of our i one and thon th oe tnbithe ea ri i ae e fhall 5*

y head,and thou Malt brufe his heele. e pꝛonounceth

that tere Galbe — * hatred, that they, halbe troubleſome

“either

oF

j

| | VPON GENESIS: CAP. 117,

either to other. The ferpent thalbe an enimie vnto men, and
men liketwife thall feeke the deſtruction offerpentes . In the
meane fime we fee, that Gov bfeth great clemencie in chattie
fing men, in that be giueth vnto the ferpent no further livers
tie, then to touche bis hele : whereas be giueth him power to
wound the ferpents head, For tn the names of head and hele,
therets a difference betweene the bigher andthe lotver, And
thus God leaueth a cerfeine p2tncipatitie tu man, becauſe be
plateth a mutuall defire of hurting fo, that notwithſtanding
thereis not anequall condition, but the man fhalbe the fus
periour inthe conflicte, sow we muſt bende our ſpeech from
the ferpent, to the Authour bimfclfe of the miſchiefe, and that
not by way of compartfon onely : foꝛ there is alfo a verte libes
rall ſenſe: becatife God vid not fo powꝛe forth his wrath bps
pon the external inftrument,that be (pared the diuel, in whom
all the whole biame reſted Df the which, that we may p moze
rerteinlx aſſure cur felues, ſirſt it is neceffarte that we note,
that God ſpake not for the ſerpentes fake, but foz mans fake,
Foꝛ fo what purpoſe was it to threaten wordes again the
ferpent, whiche he vnderſtode not 2 Wherefore aconfideras
tion of ment was had: both that they miqht be touched witha
greater ho2ro2 of their finne, fing hove arcatly the fame dif
pleafed God: that hereof they might take folace of their miſe⸗
rie; becaufe they felt that ODD was as vet fauozable vnto
them, Wut nowe; howe weake and fruifleffe an argument
of god hope Houlvetwe haue if mention werd madedf the fers
pent onlpe all men fée:fo2 then no pꝛsuiſion were made but for
the tranfitozielife ofthe boop, Ven (hold remaine neuertheles
bonddaues vnto SDathan/ who ſhoulde proudly triumph over
themt,and treade their beads vnder his feet Aeherfore, Gav to
tomſort the faints and fieble mindes ‘oF tien; to recreate‘ the
oppꝛeſſed With defer ation, thought it hecetarie; that the vie⸗
torte ouer Sathan, bp whofe’ fabtil deceiptes they had peri +
ched, chouide be pꝛomiſed dito them, tobe fulfilled in time fo
come. This wãs the onelp wholfome medicine, which might
gather together thoſe that Were loſt, and Which might reſtore
Bead men vnis life? therefore attire , that O D wD, bn?
aeothe name Of the ſorpent doth principally,’ in se ar

a

—
4—

107

The whok
fome me⸗
dicine of
life.

\
ee IOHN.C LYINE
108 | 4

ftrike St thunder again him bis iudgement: whi⸗
che be doth for to cauſes. Firſte, ‘that men map learne to
beware of Sathan, as of amoatall enimie : Secondly, that
they map Wwarre With bim with an afured confidence and truft
fo ouercome, But although not all differ in minde front Sas
Sahanis than, vea a great part do cleaue onto him to familiarly; pet
* —3 notwithſtanding, in very deede Sathan is their enimie: nei⸗
ther doc they cealſe to feare him, whom otherwiſe be pleaſeth
{With bis alluring baptes . And becaule be knoweth that mens
mindes are bente again bim, be craftily infinnateth bim ſelfe
by uidirectmeanes: and fohe deceiueth vnder the perfon of
another. To be ſhorte, it is a thinge naturally ingrauenin
_ bs, to ſchunne Sathan as our enimie. And ODD to ſhew,that
this hatred hall not continue fo2 one age onely, faith exprellp,
¶Betveene thee, and the feede of the woman: ] thatis to fap,
fo lengas mankinde laffeth and thall be increafed . He theres
fore erpreficth the woman sbicaufe as the bad giuen place fo
fhe craft and {ubtiltie of the diuell,and twas firſt deceiued, ma⸗
king ber bufband partaker of ber fall.:fo the ſtode in neede of
fpeciall confolation. [ She thall treade downethy head,-] She
Papiſtes haue verie wickedly and ignorantly expounded this
place, applying that whiche is fpoken bere of the fede, to
the mother of Chill, Jn the wordes of Poles therets no ame
biguitic 02 doubtfull (peache ; but concerning the ſenſe, J dee
not agree with others, S02 they take without controuerfie the
fede for Ch2itt :. ag if it were faine, that Due thould arife out
of the womans fede, Wwhiche choulde wounde the ferpentes
bead, Jwoulde gladly approue their fentence with my opints
ou, Were it not that J fe that the 1020 (Sede) is to biolents
ip fuzefted of them, Jfo2 who will graunt, that a Potwne cols |
lectiue is vndertode of one man onelx? Alſo, as the perpetu⸗
itig of the cnimiticis noted; fo. by the continual order and ſuc⸗
ceſſe of ages, vidoziets promifed fo mans (ede and polſteritie.
Mherfore J do generally interprete (Saexde) of poſterities. ul
{wing erperience teacheth,that it cannot be, by any meanes,
that all thefonnes of Adam ſhoulde be victors 02 conquerers
of the dinell; we mute necdes come vnto one heade, that we
iron aa to whome the bidozte perteincth, <0 ————

\

VPON GENESIS. ° CAP. 11: 109

os front the feede of Abzabam vnto Chꝛiſt: becaufe there were
niany degenerate 02 baffarde fonnes, thaough wnbelefe :
twherebppon it falletweth, that the vnitie of the bodie floweth
from the heave. . UUberefore the fenfethall be in iav indge⸗
ment, that mankinde, tubich Sathan went about to opp ete;
hall at the laſt haue the vicorie ano preeminence .. An the Mankiode
meane time ive muſt note the manner of ouercommming,as the
Scripture defcribeth the fame. Sathan hath helve men cap chan,
fiue in allages at bis otune twill: and he boloeth that lamen- |
table triumph to this day: therfoze be is alſo called Whe prince loho.n·
of the world, But becaufe a ſtronger then he ould come from >"
heauen to ſubdue him, hereof itis come to paſſe, that the whole
Church of God triumpheth miahtily over him in like man⸗
ner vnder thrir heade. othe whiche effecte belongeth this
ſaving of Paule, The Lorde ſhall thortly treade downe'Sathan po. 15.16!
vnder yourfeete. By tuhich wordes he aiueth to Onderitand,
that all the faithfull haue polwer given vnto them to. treade
downe Sathan bnoder thetr fete, and to ſubdue him, and that
fo the bleffing ſhall belotig to the whole Church: but withal be
admoniſheth,that the fame is onely begonne tn thiswWozlve: —
becauſe the Aorde crotoneth none but thole that are tried to
runne and to t2eltle twell 2 i

~ 16 «{ Tothe woman hefaide, ] To theend the maieſtie
of the Fudge might the mozeappeare,Oon vſeth not any long
difputation: whereby alſo tue perceive howe little be regar⸗
deth our halting aud ouerthwart excuſes. Lhe forpent being
arraigned and accufed; Heuah thought het (rife quit and fret
butODD nothing regarding her chiltes, pronounceth fens
tence of condemmation again ber . Thereſore the finner
ceaſſeth to pleade bis cauſe when he cometh befo2¢ the Tribu⸗
nall (eateof GD D: leak hedoe more greeuoufip pꝛouoke
bis weath againtt hint, whome he hath alreadie to much of
fender... Nowe iet hsife the kinde of punithement whiche he
laveth vppon the woman; UWiben be faith , 1 will multiplie
thy forrowes, |} ‘he compꝛehendeth all thole paines whiche
women fuffer from that time, in the which thep haue conceis
ued, asthe toathing of meate, faintneſſe ſowninges/ Weari⸗
neile, g an innumerable ſorte more,vntili vse yay? |
TN 4

}

Ho: ‘€£$ TOHN CALVINE
whiche bringeth with it harpe and mofke bitter paines and
torments Jfo2 itis credible, that woman fhould haue brought
fo2th without ſoꝛrowe, 02 af leat without fuffering fo great
paine, tf the bad ſtode in ber firfte condition, But ber fall from

od, made ber fubiect to fuch incommodities .
Sorrow & . =e fecande punithement whiche be layeth vpon ber is fubs
fubieCtion tection, Foꝛ this ſpeache, [Thy luft thall belong to thy bufs
arethe wo band, jis as much tn effecte, as if he ſhoulde dente that hee
mans pd- ſchoulde be free,o2 ber obne, but fubiect to the rule of ber huſ⸗
nulhemect Handestodepende vppon his: Wwilland pleature + Asif be
Gene. 4.7 Moulde fay; Thou fhalt defire nothing but that thy huſband
Heush is Will, As itis {aide in the fourth Chapter following, Vnto
bound to thee his defire ſhall be fubie&te, and thou fhalt haue the rule
herhul- oyerhim, Cuenfo the woman twhiche had peruerfly erceedes
bande. ¶ her boundes , is reftrained and brideied · Shee twas before,
fubtecte tober bufbande: but that ſubiection was fre, and
alfonothing fo harde: whereas nowe the is caſt into bons
Dage and ferutfude, | | |
17 [Alfoto Adam he fayde.] Firft we muſt note, that not
onely our firlt parentes are puniſhed, that the wath of Goa
might reff only bpon tivo, but the fame is generally ertended
vnto all pofterities:to the end tue may knolwe,that mankinde
is accurſſed in their perfon ; alfo that they are fubtect onely ta
tempo2al puniſhments that they map concetue hope of pardon
bpon fhe moderation of Gods wꝛath. Ood ſhewing tie caufe,
why bedoth thus punith the man, taketh from him all occaſi⸗
on of murmuring, J02 be wanted all excuſe,which hav rather
obey bis wile then God: pea, which had contemned God for
bis wiues fake, giuing fo greate credite to thedeceipts of Sas
than,of the which the was the meflinger ¢ inffrument,that be
was not afeard traiteroufly to dente bis maiſter. And though
be dealeth precifely and b2eefelp with Aoam, pet notinithitans
bing be therefore ouerthrꝛoweth the ercule, thereby be had als
laied fo elcape, that be might the moze eafily lead him to reper
taunce. After that be bath fpoken b2ecfely of the fin of Adam,
be pronounceth that the earth thall be accurſſed fo2 his fake.
Sow as the bleſſing of the earth is called in the fcriptures,fers
tilitie 02 fruitefulnetle , which the Loꝛde by bis say ak

inlp

Adams pu
nifhment.

u @

VPON'GENESIS$. | CAP. ITT, Wort
infpireth; To the curffc isnothing elfebut the contrarie prinas
tion 02 lacke, where God withdeaweth bis grace and fauour,

Aud it ought not to feeme abfurde,that the puntthment is laps

ed bpon the earth, thought be fauitiefle,fo2 the finne.of man,

Foꝛ as the firfte mouer , carrieth all the celeftiall {pheares

rounde with it: cuen fo the ruine and fall of man.ouerthzetwe The firſt
alltreatures, which were made fo2 hint, and which were ſub⸗ may
iect vnto him. And Wwe fee daily, in tefpett of men,that the cons Poo OS
bition of the wo2lde chaungeth according as God is anaqri¢e mers pri
with them, 02 ſheweth bis fauour towardes them, Moꝛeouer, mum Mos
fo {peake poperlp,the whole bengeance is not layde vpon the bile is a cis
earth, but vpon man alone, 3foz the! earth. doeth not beare * aboue
fruite fo if felfe,but vnto ts, that it map prelde fade ahd ſuſte⸗ — *
naunce to our bowelles. Wut the Loꝛd would have bis wath
like a floude to querflotve all the partes of the worlde, that
which tway focner man ſhoulde loke,; the haynouſneſſe of finne

mich fette it felfe before his- eves. Wefore the fall, the ſtate of

the wozlde was a pleaſant and delectable fightiand {pectacle

of the fauour of Ood, and of bts fatherlie loue towards mans

kinde, Nowe in all the elementes we beholve our felues tobe
accurfled . Andaltheugh,as the Prophete Dauid fayth, the ;
earth is replenifhed with the mercie of God: pet notwithſtan⸗ Pfal. 32.
ding there withal Doe appeare manifeſt ſignes of bis alienatiz, © = - r
on front bs4)Wwherewith vnleſſe we be moued, we doe bes

Wap our blindeneſſe and fenfelefle buderftanding. Dnely,the:

Xoꝛd hath diſperſed terteine markes:¢-tokensof bis godneſſe

bere and there, leaſt any ſoꝛrrowe and ho2roz ſhould ſwallowe

bs bp. But although the pure and liuely bleſſing of God, is no

Where to be feensas it {was when man was entier and perfect: -

vet not withſtanding, if that which rematneth be confivered in

if felfe, Dauid doth iuſtly and truely cry out,that the earth is

fullof the mercieof Ood .| Alfo, oles in laying that Adam

fhall cate of the earth , meaneth thereby,that be thall cate the
fruitesof the earth, which come forth of thefame. Whe He⸗

brue word, fo p tubich Wwe haue here,Sorrowe,is alfo vſed fo2

patne and wearineſſe. In this place is acomparifon bet weene
painefull labour and pleafant ; wherein Adam did ſo erercife
Hinfelfc at the firtte, that he did alter afozte play, fo be

~ githiay as

Pion “yr? TAS IOHN CALVIN E }

>; ;
HD: wasnot made to liue idlely but —A ‘Wherefore

the Lowe made hint ouerſeer of the! garden to dreſſe it. Wut
whereas in that labour be had a ſweete and pleafant. delight,

nowe feruticlabour is appointed bute him, dnd pet notwith⸗

ſtanding the tharpenefle of this puniſhment ts mitigated

foy and thorough the clemencte of God, becauſe ſome toy is mired with
labour is ‘fhelabaures of men, tothe ende they might not be altogetber
mixed to= pntharikefull,as Jwill declare in the verfe followina: 332
gcther, 18. [Thornes alſo and ‘thiltles ſhallit bring foorth. Be
doth moze largely profequute that: whiche he hadtouched;
concerning the reaping: and gathering the fruttes -of the

earth with paine andlabour And be ſheweth the caule, be⸗

caulſe it hall not be the ſame earth whiche it was ‘at the ſirſt

to bung forth pure and ſincere fruites. Foꝛ he pronouriceth, It

fhall come to patie, that the fruttefullnette of the earth thall

turne to thornes, and to other impedimentes . What corrupt

thinges focuer therefo2e do qrotwe,let bs knowe that they are

nob the naturall frites of the earth,butcozruptions whiche

haue their originall of finne , Peither is there any cauſe why

we fhould murmuragaint fhe earth, ifthe ſame doe not ſatiſ⸗

fic our deſires, and the labour of thofe that tilleth if,as though

the fame did wickedly deceiue bs : but rather let bs conſider

The earth in the barrennes thereof the wath of God,and lef vs bewaile
barren gar ſinnes. That is alfofalle which fome fay , that the earthy
ur in long continuance-of time, doth wither atvaysas though the
daily peclding of fruite made the fame wearie and vnluſtie.

Wut they iudge more rightly/ which ſay, that as the wicked⸗

- nelle of men increfeth,fo the bleffing of God which remaincth
; is diminiched by little and little . And verily it is fo be feared,
that except the world doe repent, that the qreatett part of met

(hall perithe with hunger and with other great miferies, and

that ſhortly. [Thou fhalt eate the heatbe of the feelde.) This

in my iudgement is to frictly erpounded of fome , whiche

thinke that Adam thas depriued of all thofe fruites, whereot

he had libertic to eate before . Dnely ‘the meaning of Oodis,

that he hall want fo much of his'delitateplentic, that he halk
beiconttreined to ioyne ther with fora helpe, the hearbes whi⸗

— are ordeined Foz bꝛute beattes, Foꝛ the ſuſtenaunce ie

iche

. VPON GENESIS: CAP 111211
whiche was amiddelt that exceeding plentie at the firft, was 3
much moꝛe delicate then afterwardes it was. Ood therefore
erp2elleth parte of the lacke, onder the name of bearbes : euen
as ifthe hing ſhoulde ſende one of bis Nobles from the table
of p2efence , to fitte at the common boꝛde with the inferiour
forte: 02 a8 ifa father, being offended with hts fonne, ſhoulde
feede him with the breade of feruauntes ; not that be ſorbid⸗
deth him all other meates , but becaufe he diminiſhed much
of bis wanted liberalitie, Notwithſtanding, this may be ta⸗
ken to be added tn ſteede ofa confolation: as iftt bad bene
fayde, Although the earth be replenif}ed with thornes and
thiſtles, whiche ought fo be onelp the mother of god fruits, pet
nofwithianding it doth therivithall palde thee the ſuſtenance
which nowe thou cate, |
19 [Inthe {weate of thy face,] Dthers tranfate if, Labo2,
but not without much wreſting the wordes. And by ſweate
ts vnderſtod hard labo2, full of wearines, which theoudh p difs
ficultie thereof caufeth ſweate Foꝛ it ts a repetition of the fo22
mer fentence, there it twas ſaid, Thou thalt eate it with laa
bour,Certeineiqnozant men, vnder the colour of this place,
will te all men to handielabour, For © D D commaun⸗ i p·
deth not here, asa maiſter, o7 lawemaker, but he pronoun |...
ceth puniſhement as a Judge. And, farule were here pre ed rohan-
fcribed, then all muſte of neceſſitie be huſſandmen, and none dy labour
may practife other ſciences: Wwe multe then ſeke ſor our
apparell out of the world, and fo2 ofher neceſſarie thinges apa
perteining fo this life) What meaneth the Lorde God then 2
Forlwth, God pronounceth as it Were front his iudgement
feate, that mans life from that tints fo2th ſhallbe full-of fo22
rowe and paine : becaufe Adam Heed himfelfe to be vnwoꝛr⸗
thie of that quict, happte,and iopfull fate, toherebnto be was
nrade If any man obied, that there are many Touthfull and t
ile perfons: the fame letteth not but that this turſe (preadeth ,
if félfe duer all mankinde F fap that no mands flouthfull tw
fo great {olendtie which is not contrainedto fale thatthis bes
longeth bute ill men· Some ſhunne labour iad paine: and
manie ſceke all That they tan to be fre :but thea ode preſſeth *
nen Sikh theyxoke of ſeruitude/ whiche he laveth
H. vpon

—
—

a

’

FOHN CALVINE

114 vpon them. Wut we mutt alfo note, that labour is not laine

Pial.137.6

vpon cuery man alike, but (ome are appointed fo labour moze,
and ſome leſſe. Therefore, labour is fatde fo belong tothe
whole bodie , and not te be proper fo any one member, but fa
farre fo2th as tt pleafeth the Lorde, out of the common and
generall heave of mifertes, fo appoint fo eucrie man a cere
fcine meafure. Jn the meane time we muſte nete, that they
twhiche doc quictly ſubmitte them felues bnto fore wes, doe
veelde thetr acceptable obedience bnto © D D : tf {ove the
knowledge of their finnes be topned with the Cufferaunce of
the croffe, which leadeth them to humilitie: but tt ts faith only
whiche offereth fuch a ſacrifice vnto God . Wut fhe farthfull,
the moze they labour in feeking ſuſtenance, with the greater
p2ofite they are pouoked to repentaunce, and doe accuſtome
them (clues to the mortification of their fielh. Howbeit, Goo
fo his children oftentimes renutteth parte of this curfe, leaſte
they ſhoulde fainte vnder their burden . To the whiche efs
fede perteineth this fenfence , They rife early , and goe late
to bedde: Chey eate the bread of carefulneffe:But the Lord thal
giuc fleepe vnto his beloued: Foz the godly fale O DD more
beneficial vnta thent,and do entoy the ſwetneſſe of bts father»
ly clemencie; in that thep are reffozedand butided againe

by the grace of Chriſte: tubiche twas defiled tn Adan. Wut,

.

Wether
vntempe·
rate and

fuch hke

bicaufein the belt allo, the flethe muſt be ſubdued, it cemineth
aftentimes to pate, that the godly are wozne and (pente with
great labours, and therwithall futfer hunger alfo. Therefore,
there is nothing better; then when we being admonithed of
the prefent ſoꝛrowes aiid paines, to belwaile our finnes ; and
to feeke fo2 eafe at the grace of Chrife, whiche will not onelp
initigate the tharpeneffe of ſoꝛrowe, but allo feafon the fame
Wit) a ſweete temperature , Wut Moles doeth not reciton bp
al inconuenicnces and anopances wher with man bath intan⸗
gled hint felfe theougy firme, Foꝛ tf is, apparent, that all the
patites of this p2efent life proceeded out-of one founteinc, why
che erperience teacheth to be innumerable. The infemperas
fure of the aive, yer, thunders, vnſeaſonable raines, dꝛouthe,

are the fru hailes, and wyat ſoeuer ts extraordinarie in the world, are the
ss of Go, iruites of linne. Heither is there anyother Bribe caulent mite
aR vaheas

‘ “yy %

VPON GENESIS: CAP, IIIs 15
eafes : the whiche is confirmed even by Poeticall fables: na

poubt,becanfe the fame came fromthe Fathers bp tradition

as it were, Wut Poles, who fought tobe bꝛefe accoꝛding to

bis manner, was contenfedto touch that which was mof ape

parent , as the common people were able fo comprebende it:

that we may learne bp one example, that the whole oder of

nature was turned bpfide dowue though mans default, If

any man obiecte againe, that there is no miſerie almoft laide

vpon men, whiche docth not alfo belong buts women: Jan⸗

ſwere, that the fame ts fo appointed,to the end Wwe may learne

that the curfe did flow from the finne of Adain indifferently to

both feres 02 kindes:eucn as Paule tettifieth that all are dead Rom.s.120

in Avant, Where remaineth pet one queftion tobe anſwered, , a:

Seeing ODD at the firlke giuing bope ef pardon, fhelved him ane

felfe fauourable to Adam and to bis wife, Luby be beainneth

a freſhe to punithe them? In that fentence, The feede of the

woman fhall ſtrike the ferpeates head: was conteined remifs

fion of finnes ,and the grace of efernall faluation. and it is bes

rie abfurd, that Gad beeing once reconciled, ſhould afterwards

in deed profequute bis anger. Lo anſwere this queftion there

is inuented a diffinction of Double remiffion, that is to fay, of

faulte, and of punifgement : wherevnto afteriwarde was alfo

added the imagination of fatiffacions. They imagined that antwere:

God did fo abfoluc men from the faulte, that be retcined the

puniſhement fill , intending according fo the rigo2 of bis tue Abfoluri-

fice to erequute the fame af the leaſte wiſe, a tempoꝛall pus 07 2Pe~

nithement . But they whiche haue thought, that punithe- 2 * col

mentes are fatiffactions ,are prepotterous Interpreters of fs) ines

the indgementes of © DD . Fox ODD doth not tweiah artin-

What the faithfull haue deferucd in chaftifing them, but guiſhe.

twhat is profitable fo2 them againſt time fo come: andhe raz

ther erecuteth the office of a Phyſician then of a Judge.Ther/

fo2e it is a full and perfect , and not a halfe abfolution whiche

be beſtoweth on bis children. In that be receiueth inte fae

uour thofe whome neuertheleſſe be puniſheth, fuch chattifes Chattifes

ment feructh fo2 medicine again time to come,and ought not —*

p2operly to be counted the puniſhement of ſinnes committed.

BM we rightly confiver howe greate the fluggihnche of mans
X H.ij. diſpoſition

IOHN CALVINE.
116

nifvefition is, bow great bis lafciaioufacde how areat bis res
bellion, bow munch bis lightnes, ¢ how ealie his forgetfulnes,

we Will not wonder at the {cueritieaf God in fubduing bint,

Si he doe admoniſhe bs with odes , bets notheard: if he
adde ſtripes, we care but a little fox them. And when tt kor⸗

tuneth that be ts beard, the defhe neuertheleſſe rebelleth,
peti Laſciuiouſneſſe o2 vntamed wantonneſſe, ts nothing foeuill,:
worle then @ that hardenelſe of heart : whiche with al! might and force.

vnbrideled fetfeth tt felfe againſt God. If any man be indued with that
luſt. meeke and gentle ſpirite, that he refuſeth not to veelde obedi⸗
ence vnto God: pet notwithſtanding after one finne commit⸗

fed, he being M13 from the band of God, by and by falieth to the
fame,ercept be be kept backe with biolent hand . Wherefore

Wwe nin here obferue a gencrall rule, thaf all manner of mis

Mifries ſeries, wherevnto the life of men ts fubtect and indaungered,
leade vs to arg neceſſarie erercifes, wherebp God doth partly leade bs fo.
ih ae. repentance, and partely bringeth bs fo humilitie, and partelp
litie, and maketh vs afterward moze vigilant,to betware of the allure⸗
teachevs ing intifementes of ſinne. [ Vntuli thowreturne to duſt. Be:
tro auoyde affirmeth that the end ofa miferable life Mall be death : as if
fina. he ſhould fay, that Adam chould come at the lat through ſun⸗
tech is Die andcontinuall mifertes,to the end of all euils Thus that.
the ead of Whiche we fatve before was fulfilled , that the death of Adam
mifcries, began by and by after the dap of hts tranfarettion, Foꝛ the ace
curfed life of man could be nothing cife but the beginning of

Life accur Death, Wut there is the victorie againt the ferpent, ifer#
fed the be- treame death take hint2 Jfo2 the wordes importe, that man
ene muſt be opprelſſed of death, Theretore the ppomiſe which Was:
— giuen a litie before vaniſheth away, (ring Adam by death is
depꝛiued ot᷑ all thinges. Allo, there was verie ſmall hope of
recouering ſaluation giuen. Foꝛ Jdoubt not but that: thefe
thundering words, greatly afflicted the deiected mindes with

ſorrowe and heauineſſe. Wut ſceing they were aſtoniſhed with
ſauden deſtruction, ¢ were not truly ſtricken with the know⸗

ledge of their ſinne: it is no maruell if God doe ſtande more
vpon the reckoning bp of puniflmrentes, that be might as itt
were with redoubled ſtripes beate thenvdotune, Although the:

perry be obſcure and weake of it (clfe ; pot notwithſttan⸗
ding

VPON GENESIS. © CAP. I48- IE

bing God mave the fame (ufficient to Tay their hope, leak the ~ 7
weight of their miſeries Mould vtterlx ouerwhelme them. In

the meane time tt Was meete that thep ſhould be helde vowne,
Wwith the manifolde beape of miſeries, bntil God hath wrought

in them true ¢ ſerious repentaunte Mo2couer,although death
be plated bereas the laff line, that ought to be referred vn⸗ peah is
to man: becanfe nothing thalbe found in Adam but death : but che laa
by this meanes be is pꝛouoked to feke for remedie in Ch21f, linc.
[For thou art dutt.] Seeing that which Ood pꝛopoũdeth bere,
belonaeth to nature, ¢ not fo bice oꝛ faulé : death feemeth not
to be accidentall puto man, Wherefore that tobiche was ſaide
before, Thou thalt die, is taken of fome ſpiritually, who think

that although Adam had not finned, bis bodte notiwithitading
fhould haue beene feparated from the ſoule. But ſceing Paule
ſpeaketh cuidently , faping that all die in Adam, euen as in
Cheiſte they hall rife againe: this wound alſo twas giuen by

finne, This queſtion is eaſilx anfivered, CAbp God pronouns

eth that be Hall returne fo duff, tobiche was taken out of

Dull Foꝛ fo fone as be was aduaunced fo fo areate dignitie,

that the glozte of the image of God ſhined in him, the originall

of the terrettriall bodic was almofte buried, Now, after that

be was Depriuedof the diuine and celettiall ercellencic, what
remaineth,but that be acknotuledge him felfe tobe earth, by .
the verie end of life? Hereot it commeth that we feare death; We feare
becauſe a diffolution cannot naturally be defired,fo2 that it is —* *
an enimie to nature. The firſt man, if be had ſtode tn his per⸗
fection,ſhould haue paſſed into a better life. But then there

bad beene no departure of the ſoule from the bodie, no coꝛrup⸗

tion,no maner of deftruction,and fo be ſhorte, there bad bene

no biolentmutation. © Peod on

20 [Andthe man.called his wiues name,Heuah.] Theſe
wordes may be reade two tapes, Firſt, in the time moze thei
perfectly paſt as, Adamhad called; This if we approue; the
meaning of Moſes halbe, that Adam twas verte fatre decei⸗

wed; whiche protien to himfeife and to his potteritte, life to

precede from bis wife,whom he felt afterward to be the brin⸗

— Per of death. Anodit is the vſual manner of Poles,as we haue
Geongalccadic not keeping the order of the billopig,to.ann thoſo

goin sD, thinges.

*

“a8

tf .TAROPFON NH CAL VONES” “
thinges which ought to be firtt in order. Ff Chou read if in thé
tine pal sthou mayer take it either in god parte, oF in enilf
part, Foy there ate ſome which thinke that Adami being com⸗
forted with the hope of a better fate, becauſe the Lorde bay
ꝛomiſed, that the ferpentes head Mould be wounded by the

Feush f fide of the woman, called ber The mother ofliic, Thus, the
nifieth the (02titude of his minde was laudable, and beroicall: feing that
mother of he coulde not without a bard and fore confitct, account ber the
the living. mother of the lining, who befoze any tian twas bore, had

downed all men in euerlaſting deſtruction. Wut becaufe J
feare leaft this be a weake coniecture : let the readers weighe
and confiver, whether the purpofe of Moſes twas not fo fouch
the rafhnes of Adam, who being ouerwhelined in death, gaue
not withſtanding fuche a proude name bnto bis wife. Aud pet
nofivithitanding % doc not doubt, buf that be gathered cous
rage and boloeneffe,fo fone as he heard the bopce of God cons
cerning the proroging of life: and fo being refreſhed gaue bis
ife her name of life, Wut tt followeth not, that his fatth bea
ing leuclicd by the worde of God, be triumphed ouer death as
it became him. Thus therefore J doe interpret it: So fone as
be had efcaped prefent death, and being comforted with ſome
folace, he celeb2ated the benefite of © DD in the name of bis
wife, which had happened vnto him contrarte toalifove. -
21 [ The Lord God did make coates. Myoles after a rude
and groſſe manner declareth here, that the Lode take fuche
paines for Adam and his wife,that he nade them garmentes
of ſtinnes. 3Fo2 tue mutt not fotake bis wordes, as thonabe
@on were a Tawer of ſkinnes, 02 a Datler, either is it cred
dible that ſtinnes were offered bnto thent by chaunce: but fees
ina beaftes were appointed at the firtt for their ble: and they
now being beqed with new neceMfie, killed fome, with whole
fkinnes: they couered them felucs: and they toke this deuice
from the counfell of the Loꝛde. Foꝛ the whiche taule, Moſes
calleth Dod the authour thereof. Wut why were they cladde
With garmentes of fhinnes 2? This feemeth fo me to be the
reafou'? becaufethew carmentes being made of that mats
ter, thep rather ſauoured of that tubiche was beaftlic, then
of linnenpozofwall,| OD D therefore would haue —
Ayu 3 rentes

VPON GENESIS; CAP. iff?

renies to veholde their filthinette in this mater of habitesno 9
leſſe then they did af the firſt in their nakednefle , and ſo tores
member ſinne. Neuertheleſſe we muff not denie,but that he
hath (et before bs an example, whereby be might acquaint ts —*
With (paring and fober apparell, And J woulve to Gov that pope
fine and nice perfons would loke vpon this; tubo neuer thinke and compe
themfelues trumme enough tn apparell,ercept they erceede in race.
pride, Pot that all manner of ſumptuous apparell ts bere
condemied, but becaufe when immoderate finenefle and coſt
is curtoufly fought, nof onelp God is deſpiſed, who woulde
baucour apparell a token of ſhamefaſtneſſe: but alfo after a
fo2fe, ioe warre againſt nature.

22 [Beholde the man is becomeas one of vs, Ji his is ſpo⸗
ken in derifion of Adam, becauſe the purpofe of Con twas not
onely to pricke the beart of man, but allo fo wounde it to the
berie rote, Meither pet doth be cruelip triumph ouer him, he
being miſerable and afflicted : but rather vſeth a moze violent
and-tharpe remedie accozding to the nature of the difeale. For
though Adam was confounded and aſtonniſhed at bis calami⸗
tie:vet notwithſtanding be did not fufficicntip weigh and cons
fider the. cauſe of bis miferic, that being wearie of p2ide,be
might learne to imbace true humilitie Porcouer,it may be
that God bled not this fcomeagaint him, fo much as again€
bis poſteritie, that be mighte commend modeſtie to all ages.
And, it was a lamentable and greeuous ſight, that he in whom
of late,the beautic of Gods image hhined , thoulve be clad with
_ filtbte fkinnes tocouer bis Game and repꝛoch: and thatthere .
is moꝛe comlineffe in a Deadbeat then ina liueman.[Know-
ing good and enill.] This expꝛeſſeth the caufe and oviginall +
of fo great-cuill :namelp, that Asam being not contented
with bis ſtate, aſſayed to afcende higher then Was lawfull for
bint: as if it ere ſayde:Beholde notve where vnto thy ambi⸗
fion bath caſt thee, and thy peruerſe defire of vnlawfull knows
ledge brought thee, Wowbcett the Lowe doth not vouchſaſe fos
much as to talke with him, but contemptuoully bainacth bin
forthito bis greater infamie Dhus it was mete that his tes ~
lie p2wefhoulve be hammered; that deſcending at the laſt inte
Dim felle,be might moze ¢ moze miſſelike of him ſelſe. [As one

| H.iiij. o

“SOHN CAL VPNE
of ys.) Some thinke this to be fpoken of Angels: as eGov
did put a difference betweene man, being a terreftriall and dels
fpifeable creature, and the celeſtial creatures, But this femeth
tobe a bere farre fetcht erpofition . The ſenſe thall be more
fintple if thou interp2et it thus , Bereafter Adam hall be like
-. Dnata me, that ive map be felloives toaether. And whereas
Chaeiſtians gather ouf of this place the doctrine concerning the
thr perfons in God, J feare that tt is to weake a foundation;
Foꝛ Chis and the place going before, are not alike, inhere it is
fapde, Let vs make man, &c. Becauſe Adam is here compre⸗
bended onder this wordſ Vs: but there,fome diſtinction in the
eflence of God is expꝛeſſed. [And now leaft he put foorth his
hande. This is an buperfect (peeche, whiche Jthinke is thus
fo be made complete, Now it remaineth that from henceforth
be be driuen From fge fruite of life. For by theſe wordes Adam
is admonifhed,that the puntihment wherebnto be is adiudged
fhall not be for a mament,o2 for afew daves: but that be hall
be allway a baniſhed man from the bleſſed life. They are deters
ued which thincke that this is ſpoken in a contvaric fenfesas if
God dented that the tree of life choulde profite man though be
did cate of the fame, Foꝛ be rather dep2tuing him of the figne;
taketh from him allſo the thing it ſelle. We knoe what the
Thetree fo2ce of facramentes are:and it was fayd before, that the tree
of lite was Was gtuen for a pledge of liſe. Whereforeto the ende man
but a facra might knot that be twas depriued of the former life;afolenme
* of exconmunication is added tnot.that the Lord intended to cut
Theft Off from him all hope of ſaluation: but onely totake aap
excommu that bohiche be bad giuen, thathe might fake for newe belpes
nication elſe where. For there remained a purgation and ſatiſfaction to
efmam be madciu facrifices, which might reftore him fo the life whieh:
he had loſte. At the firſt, conununication and talke with Gon
gaue life : afterwardes, he being fallen front God, twas to rez
coner life in the death of Chriſte, whoſe life then liued. It
is moff certeine that man contd not enioy life Without the wil
of Oad,fhough he had deuoured the whole tre, Wut God in
reſpect of his oꝛdinance, topneth life with the externalpledge;
wnfilkthe pꝛomiſe were taken therefro, For there twas at no
time anpintward lorce o2 bertuc in the tree : but in reſpect that

bp.

420

VPONIJGEN ESTS.: CAP. IrrT.

othe blo theredt he had ſealed and conutmed bis grate vntd

man he maueth the ſame the giuer vf lifes: Forz he neuer pfier
reth anp thingvnto vs in ſigures deceiptſully, but he always
talketh vnto bs with etfect Be conclude, God woulde take
pit of the handes of man, the matter oftruſt whith he had gis

uen,lefte he ſhoulde perſuade himſelfe in vaine ofthe perpetu⸗

itie pflife which he had loſt. go. X O3U 2 i}

.-.23u (Therefore the Lorde God ſent him farthi) Bere Maz
fes,partly pꝛoſequuteth that which be had ſpoken concerning
the puniſhment layed vppon man: and partely be commen⸗
deth fhe godneſſe of Gov, whereby the rigor ofthe iudgement
Was mitigated ..Oov doth mercifully mitigate the baniſh⸗
ment of Avant, tuber as vet he leaueth vnto him the earth to

21°

dwell inzand alſigneth vnto him his liuing by filthsthough the -

fame were laborious. Foꝛ thereof Adam gathereth, that the
Loꝛd hath fome care of hint, whichis. a teſtimonie of fatherlie
lone, allo, Wofes fpeaketh againe afithe puniſhment, when be
declareth that. Adam was erpelled.cand that Cherubims tnere
ſet with the blade of a ſhakingſworde, to driue him from enter
ring into the garden. Doles ſayth that the Cherabms were
fehon the Cate fioe,on the which parte man might haue ente⸗
red, if fo be bis paſſage had not bene ſtopt with the ferrour of
the ſhaking 02 tivo edged ſworde. Wherefore, Cov graunting
life vnto Adam, and, peelding onto him ſuſtenance, doeth fo
reftraine bis beneficence, thatthereremained alivapes fill
before his eves: ſome tokens of bis weath: fo the endehe
might thereby confider., that he was to patio fo the liſe from
Inhiche he fell, theough infinite miſeries, though temporal

extle;and thaough death it ſelfe. For we mut call fo mind that.

which tue fayoe,hotue that Adam was not fo gat dolune,but
that fone hope of pardon was leafte bntobint, Be twas bani⸗

Hhed-from that kinglie palaceswhereofhe pad bene a orde: but

vet he founde place elſe where to dwell in. He was depeiued of
bis fozmer delights, vet he wanted not neceflarte ſuſtenance.
We was excommunicated from the trer of life ,/but a newe rer
medie is offered in facrifices ome fay vᷣthis Mating (uote
was ſuch a one as was not alwar ſhahing with the edge to⸗
Ward man, bat ſometimes Gatlina aiſo, togiue place vnto

28 bd repene

a.

Cheru-

bims and
their fig-
nification.

Gala. 4.3.

IOHN . C&LVINE

—— Bat this is a fond Allegeꝛie: ſeing it was the
purpoſe of God vtterlyto exclude man out ary garben;that be
might {eke life elſewhere. And ſo ſone as that plentifulneiſs
and pleaſantneſſe of the place was aboliſhed, the terrour of the
ſword was fuperfluous . 6p the Cherubims there ts no doubt
but». Moles meaneth Angels: € therin he frameth him felfe to
the capacitie of bis people. God had cõmanded that tivo Ches
robirus fhould be placed ‘ab the Arke of the couenant, whiche
ſhould ſpeead thetr wings oner the coucring thereof Therſfors
be is.oftenttines ſaide to fit bettweene the Cherubims, In that
be woulde haue Angels to be painted afterthis forme, thers
is no Doubt but that this was fo appointed,to. beare with the
rudencfie of the alde peopte. Foꝛ thatage needed andrequis
red childiſh runimentes and inſtructions, as Paule teacheth.
Hereof Poles borrowed the name whiche he gaue ‘to the Ans
gels: that be might inure men with that kinte of reuclation,
whiche he hauing receined from God, faithfully delinered bp
tradition . Foꝛ God woulde haue all that be kneweto be p20
fitable fo2 bis people,to be knowen inbis fanctuarie., | And
tue mutt note this oꝛder, that we knowing our obone infitmi⸗
tie, pꝛeſume hot without oꝛdinarie meanes arid helpes to flce
vnto Heauen. Foz otherwile if will come to palſſe, that all our
fenfes wil fatle bs in the middell of dur flight. The ladder and
chariot at that time twas the Sanctuarie,the Arke of the couce
nant, the Altar, and the able with the appurtenances ,
and 3 call thentcharriots. and lavvers, becaufe thefe ſignes
were not ordeined to this end,that the farthfull houlo hut tp
God in the Tabernacle as ina prifon,o2 ſhoulde tie him fo
earthly elementes: butte theende they being holpen with
tonuenient andapt rudimentes, might feeke God on high. So
Dauid and Czechias, being truely invucd with ſpirituall
Drderikanding ; were farre from thoſe groſſe imaginations,

as to tie God to any places Aud pet ſoꝛ allthat they are not a⸗
— — fo call the Loꝛde ofheauen and earth, Lhe God which

thoͤr divelleth betweene the Cherubims, that they might
keepe thentfelues and the relt within the gouernment of the
law. Furthermoꝛe in this place;the Angels are alſo called af⸗
€or v¶ lame manner Cherubims, by which the name of the *

VPOWN GrN ESSER! CAP. 1111.
of Chritis giuen to the holy bread of the Lode ſuppor. And 123!
that Angels tere fo cally, it* hereby appeareth. The Wyo 2.28.
phete Csechiel gaue this it eet past ar kingof Tere, *
comparing him to one bf the thefelt Angels in — |

sh ene seer tate

Fterward the man — his wife whi.
che conceiued and bare Caine,and faidesl haue
obteined a mamby.thelborde. -

“And againe fhe brought foorthhis ‘brother
“4 Habel, and Habel wasa keeper of fhee Ps: and
Caine wasa tiller of the ground.
- 3° Andina proceffe of time itcame to paffe ; that Caine
brought an ablation, vnto the Lorde of: the: fruite of the
grounde.

4 And Habel alfo him felfe brought ‘of the firft —*
of his fheepe, and of the fat of — the Lord —* ſreſpect
vnto Habel,and to his offering, 12

¢- But 'vnto Caine:and to his offsing he had mo » regards
Wherefore Cainewas exceeding Wrothe,and bis —
fell downe, it
_ G6. Then the Lord faidvnto Caine:Whyarte thou wroth?
and why i isthy countenance calt downé? + «

» 9 Wf thou doewell, thalt thot not be aicteptedaafd iftbou
docft not well, fiuiheibyeth at the dore: A lfo ynto thee his defire
thal. be fabieét,and hod Malt rule ouer huml 21) bo A tc
8 Then Camefpake to Habel his brother: And when
they were in'the fealde, Caine roſe vp gait: Habet his bio-
therandMewebimacis ious of.
9 Then the Lorde fide vata Caine , Whereit Habel

past

42 108

~rin
aetna”

(f-Raiss I 0 HN, (CAL V INE,

12 4. a * When thou ſhalt till, the ground, it fhall not hencefoorth

7. ‘?
6? *eeu

¢

~ yeelde vito thee her ftrength s a: vagabonde and a runnagate

pl th

altthombee vppon the earth... PI SHEL C93 NO Shed
(3 Then Caine fideo the Lorde,My punifhementis creas
ter then I can beare,

14 Beholde,thoa haſt caſt me out this day from the earth,
and from thy face fhall I be hid, and hall be vagabonde,and
arunpagate in the'carthe, and whofocuer findeth mee {hail

aY¥IBSsdt6) bie.onis ous | |

i5 Then the Lorde faide vnto him, Doubtleſſ⸗ whofoeuer
flayeth Caine, he thall be punifhed feuen folde. And the Lorde
fet amarkevppon Caine, léafte any man finding him fhould
kill him. Pests J
6 Then Gaine wente out from the prefence of the Lorde,
and dwelte inthe lande of Nod » towarde the Eafte fide of
Heden. 4 share wy
az) ‘Cainelalfoknewe his wife, whiche concejued and bare
Henoch:and he built a citie,and called the name of the Citic,

‘by thename of his fonne Henoch ,

18 5: And to Henoch was borne Irad, and Irad be at Me-

huiael; and. Melhuiaclbegat Methuthael, and Methuihael be⸗

gat Lamech.

0And Lamech toole to him twowiues: the name of

the one was Adah,and the nate ofthe other Zillah. :
#0204 And Adah bare Iabal, sho waéthe father of fuch as
dwelt in thetentes; and of fuclvas haue cattelil... ah
a And his brothers name was tubal whoowas the Fas
ther.ofall/that play on theharpe,andorganesy oo |
«22.0 And Zillah alo bate Tubak saine , who wrought
cunningly euery craft of brafle and of yrony: andthe filter of
Tubal-Kaine was Naanhaligyy oho) ofae Lory noe Qs
ei 2p: Then Lamoch ſude vnto hiswiues Adah;andZillahy
Heare my yoyce ye wiuesof Lamech: harken vnto my {peachs
fot —— flay tmminin'my ‘wound’ and ayoung manin
my hurte, INL OT MONT git ty | Tod
24° IfCaimethalf beauenged: feucn folde, truly Lamech
fcucatia. times ſeuen fold, —— 4 CIOL OG borg » cient
25 And Adam knew his wife againeand the batea —
eal cs Ube 6 an

— OT os as

— —
4

VPON GENESIS. CAP. TI 1TfF. :
and ſhe called hisname Sheth: for GO D, faith: the, hath aps !*9 |
pointed another feede for Habel, bycaufe Caine flewehim,’

26 Andto the fame Sheth alfothere was borneafonne, _
and hecalled his name Enoth. Then began men to call vpon
the name of the Lorde,

1 [ The man knewe Heuah his:wife. |] Nowe Moles
beginneth to deferibe the propagation andincreale of mana
kinde. Zu the whiche hiſtorie it is worthie to be noted , that
this bleffing of © DD, Growe yeand increafe, ts not abo⸗
liſhed though ſinne:and not onelp that,but alfo that God had
confirnsed Adams minde, that he might not lothe and abhoꝛre
fo beget poſteritie and fede. And as Adam knew avthe begin
ning of generation the fatherlie moderation of Gods wath:
euen ſo bets afterivarde conſtrained againe to taſte the er,
treame bitter fruites of finne, when Cane killed Abel. Wut ,
let bs follotweand pofequute Moſes wordes. By the wore ation
of knowing, be doeth modekly note the carnall copulation of j; one of
the man and his wiſe, a matter of it felfe to bluſhe at Nowbeit the frites
the filthines of copulation, ts to be reckoned among the fruits of fone.
of finne : becauſe it ſpꝛingeth front the intemperancie ot luff.
And although Boles doeth wot erpretke,that Caine and Abel ioe and
Wwere fins: yet notiwithitanding;t¢ fiemeth tame verie pro⸗ AP! Were
bablethat they were for For after he had ſaide, that Peuahet
ber fire conception bad brought forth her ſirſt begotten:
Eraight after be addeth, that he bought forth another alte,
Thus making mention of a double birth he ſpeaketh onclp of
one copulation... Thoſe whiche thinke other tile, Jleaue to
their ſenſe. Neuertheleſſe it ſeemeth to me verie reaſonable,
that ſceing the world twas tobe repleniſhed with mbabttants,
that not onely Caine ¢:Abch torre begettenat one tonception,
but many nize afterwardalfojas weil mates:asfemates. {1
haue obteined a man by. the Lord: IThe Vebrue word whiche
Motes vſeth, lignitieth bothto obtein ¢ alfo fo poſſeiſe:and it is
allone in effect tabether way thou take it, The greater mats
ter fo Land vpon is, why he fatth that Gr hath obteined of the
sm Some erpounde it, as it Heciah thailo haue fate,
ue xeccimed a man bythebentſut or gract of God : attri⸗
wygt uting

4 TOHN CALVINE® - ’
buting fo the Lord the bletting of potteritiesas itis ſaide in the

Pi.127.3 Plalme, Chitoren are the inberitaunce of the Lode, andthe

fruite of the wombe his relvarde, Dthers, thus, Lhaue pof-
fetled the man of God: As if Heuah houlp haue fatde, Pow F
haue bun, whome God promifen ſhould be the conquerour of
the ferpent, Thus they praife Peuabs faith, becaufe he aſſu⸗
redly belecued the promtfe, concerning the treading downe of
the diucls bead by ber (eed. Wut they think that the was decei⸗
ued tn the perfon,becaute the reftrained that to Caine, which
Was promiled concerning Chriſt. But this fenteth tome fo
be the moze proper fenfe € meaning, What Beuad reiopcing
quer her newe bo2ne fonne, offereth him vnto GD D, as the
firite fruites of ber kinde, Wherfaze ¥ thinke if god toturne
it thus, I hauc obteined a man to the Lorde : the whiche alfa
conuneth moze neere vnto the hebrue phate. and be cals
leth the infant newely bone >A man: becaule the ſawe that
mankinbde Was renewed, whome fhe and ber bufband had dee
roped theough their defaulte. i
2 [{ Andagaine the brought foorth his brother: Habel, J
WMhereof Caine toke bis name, and in what refpede be was
fo named, is wellenoughe knowen , F02 bis Mother
faithe, that he bath obteined a man: therefore the cale
leth bis name Caine, But why Abel had his name, it is not
expꝛeſſed. Cibereas fome thinke that his mother called bing
fon contentpf,as though be were fuperfluous and almoſt vn⸗
profitablerttis berie abfurde. gfoꝛ the was wel aduifed wher⸗
bnto ber fruitefulnete tended. Neither had the forgotten this
bleffing, Increafe ye and multiplie, We thal in my t udgment
fay moze rightly : that Heuah bauing in ber fir begotten
fonne declared the iop twhiche foudenlp appeared, and had ces
lebzated the grace of Gon, aftertward in her other birth the res
membꝛed the miſeries of mankinde. And in verie deve » the
nelve bleging of God twas no ſmall occation ef iove , Wut or
the other parte , the could not beholde her poſteritie without
molt bitter grieſe and ſorrowe, whome the hav > through ber
fault, caſt into ſo many mileries Wherefore he woul have F
monument of het ſorrowe ertant in the name of ber —2
ſonne, and would make hima ſpectacie to all men, Wherei
wifi, | ther

VPON GENESIS. CAP ITIT. of

fhey minht fe the whole p2ogenie of mans banitie. Whereas ~ 7

ſome blame the prepoſterous tudgement of Heuah, becaule

fhe reiectcd the godlie and boliefoune, in compariſon of the

Wicked and vngodlie, J allowe it not, Foꝛ Heuah hath cauſe

to reioyce in ber firft begotten fonne. And fhe ts not to be bla⸗

uted, that in the fecond (he made a memoztall fo2 ber felfe ano

fo: others of ber owne banitie,to the end they might erercife

themfelues tn the datlie confideration of their miferies. [And

Habel was a keeper of {heepe..] Moſes reporteth not whether

both thefe ſonnes of Adam were married, ¢ kept ſeueral hou,

fes.o2 no. Therfore in this we muſt fufpend our tudgements,

Hovbeit, it ts moze probable, that Caine was married before

he killed bis brother Abel:becauſe ſtraight after Moles adveth

that be knowing his wife, begat chilazen, no mention being

there made of marriage, Goth thele bꝛethren followed a trade +511, 5¢

of life, whiche was holie and laudable of if felfe. Foꝛ the tilth was com-

of the earth was commaunded by God: and the labour of kez maunded

ping and feeding beattes, was no leſſe honett then p2ofitable ; by Sod

to befhozt, the whole life ruſtike ts hurtleſſe, imple, and mok .

ofall framed to the true oder of nature, Firſt of ali therefo2e

this is to be noted, that they both erercifed fheni felues in las

bours acceptable vnto od,and nece Marte foz the.common bfe:

of mans life. Wherevpon we nay gather that their Father

Adam had brought them vp verie weil, The which alo more:

plainelp appeare.by the feruice of facrificing-becaufe-the fame;

teflifieth «that they were exerciſed in the worſhip of G D Di:

Caine therofore in outward ſhew lined a tuell ordered Itfe; as)

one which ſhewed himſelfe dutifull towardes Goi in the wor⸗

kes of godlineſſe, and whiche got bis living and his families

with honeſt and vpright labour, as it became a thaiftis and.
maodeit houſholder. nd here if ts neceſſarie we cal ta minde

that which we ſaid befoze, that our firk yaronte were ſo depri⸗

—* the facramentof Gods louewohrn they: Aneverrcluden 4

thomythe pledges twberenf they ban in farksfices. EFoꝛ we mute

thus perfuade our flues , that tbey Da no athly eutle the
manner of facrificing,; but recei {ane from God , 443:
{ming the Apollle attributety the w —* —
Onn

139 || MOHN CALYVINE

“” fice vnto faith: it kolloweth that be offered not fhe fame twiths

out the comandemtent of Goo, Furthermore, it twas euer true

, front the beginningof the worĩde that obedience was better

“7°52 phous facrificesyand twas the mother of all bertues, Wherebps
Obedience pon it followweth,that God commaunded all whatſoeuer pleas
POA Pyhin, Lhirdly, ting Goo twas allvapes lite bimfelfe, we
nic, mab not fay that Goo was at any time fimply delighted with
tarnall and erternall worſhip. Wut it pleated bim alwayes ta

accept ofthe facrifices of that firtt age. $f followeth therefore

that thep were fpirttually offered vnto him: that ts to fay,the

bolte Fathers did not content them felucs With vaine ceres

monies: but comprehended matter of areater Wweight,¢ more
moſticall: whiche they could not doe luithout the worde. For

tt is the onelp intwarde tructh, whiche in erternall ſignes dif:
xneth the naturall and reafonable woꝛſhippe of God, from
The wore [Dat which is grolſe and fuperftitious.and in verte Dede, they
thippe of coulde not otherivife fincerelp bend their minde fq worſhippẽ
God {prin- God, but by beeing certified of his godwill and fauour: bes
geth from cauſe Soluntarte reuerence (prinacth from the feling¢ trutt
athe = gE his qodHelfe } and contrariwiſe, whattoener be be, whiche
fieleth his wath and difpleafure againt him, is confrainey

though feareand ho2rour to flie and thunne bis prelence, dle

fe. therefore that God taking alway the tree of life, whereiit at

the fir he had giuen a pledge of bis grace:teltifieth and declas
reth hinfelfe notwithltanding tobe gentle and merciful vnto
men by other meanes. And when be adopteth them to himtelfe
to be tworMippers of him; he inuiteth them alto to:Taluation,
Jf any man obiect thatthe Gentils hav alto their tacrifices,
wheretit there was no o oꝛ Hound religions theaunfivere
iseafic to be niade , that Boles ſpeaketh here of facrificcs,
laivfal an able Raia eating fo
imitate; compton ane Faltitied iio atthonah the Debsud
Sacrifices, Wore which aperes SPH betesp peel» Aa hite esti
ertended to Wit m

| n ers from the beginning fo2
Hoccaufes > Ar, that the vxereite of roplinete ntiahe betonts
—X ‘mow to an al iter acin wieding thu both they themfelnes,

Py: ane

VPON GENESIS: Yt SAD eee

and alfo all that thep had, belonged vnto God, Scronoty, that
thep might be admonithen, that thep ſtode in nade of fome fas
fiffactozie purgation to reconcile them (clues bute Gon, Gnd
whereas verte one offered ſomewhat of their godes, tt was
a folemne giuing of thankes : as if they teltified by their pres
fent action ,that they did ole vnto God whatfoeuer they ban,
‘ut the killing of beattes and the effuffon of bioud conteineth
ſomewhat more: fo wit, that they ould haue death always
befoze their eyes,and vet fo2 all that, hould allure themſelues
fo make God faucurable vnto them, There is no mention
. Made of the facrifices of Adam. |
_ 4 [And the Lord had refpe& vnto Habel. IGod is fayde
to bebolde,o2 fo haue refpect vnto man, when be voucheth fafe

29

to like and to loue him. WBut we mutt note the order whiche Good wor
Poles ſetteth downe here ..Jfo2 be doeth net ſumply ſhew, that kes of
the worſhip which Abel gaue vnto God was acceptable vnto them- - -

him: but be beginneth at the perfon: whereby he giueth to
vnderitande, that cad workes merite nothing with God, nei⸗

felues are
not accep
table vnto

ther are they accepted of him, but when as the worker is firfte Goa,
accepted.and loued And no meruell, Foꝛ man bebolveth after 1.Sam.16_

_ fhe outwandapperance, but God beholdeth the hearts. Ther⸗
loꝛe be eſteemeth notof wozkes, but as they pꝛocede from the
founteine of the heart. Wherevppon allo it commeth fe patie,
that be doth not onely deſpiſe, but alfo abhorre the offerinacs
of the wicked, howe glorious ſoeuer they ſhine in the fight of
men Foꝛ if be which is polluted in ſoule, do defile thoſe things
Which are pure and-cleane, with bis fpottes and filthinefle :
howe canit be,butthat whiche proceedeth from hint mult be

a»

alfo vncleane? Chen as God reiecteth the counterfetrightes |

ouſneſſe, tuber ein the Felves boaſted, he fayth by the mouth of

his Prophet, that their hands are full of bloude. After the ſame EGie.x152

Manner Aggeus confendeth againſt hypocrifes. Thereſfore the
erternall ſhe we of workes, which can delude our epes being
fm lleſhly, baniſheth alway in the fiaht of God... Andthis thing
was knowne even tothe Heathen, whole Woets fpeaking of
the worſhip of Ood with a fincere minde, require beth a purs
bearf,andalfo cleane handes. Wereof alfa came the folemne
rite of uathing before facrifices , among all nations rhe

J. MUAY

ono SS YOHN CALVING? |
Adsas.o, HUNG THE holy gholte ‘ettifieth in another place by the mouth
Faith pus Of Peter,thatmens heartes are purified through faith , and
rifiech that the boty fathers bad no other puritie : the Apottle gathes
mens roth not int vaine that the oblations of Abel were better then
beattes. his brothers So thatfirtte twe mul nofe,that twhatfocuer
Woorkes ino2kes are done before faith, and what glozie of righteouſ⸗
withour Meme ſoeuer hineth in them, the fame are nothing but mere
faithare Mites; becaufe they are defiled by their rate, anddoe ſtincke
fiuncs, in the prefence of the Lo2ve, to whome nothing is pleafant
Without the cleanneffe of the bart. ¥ would to God they would

confider this , which imagine that men are apte and mecte

to receine the grace of God, by their otune motion offre twill,

yen there hauld be no controuerfie, but that God tuitifieth

Iufificas Men freelp ; and that by faith, This ought to be our anchozes

—— holde: that there is no reſpect of workes in the iudgement of
NRbr Gon, ontill man be received into fauour, And there ts ansther

; Wherevnto we ought to cleaue as faft as to that:namely, that
ſceing all mankinde is hatefull vnto God, there is no other

Way foreconctle bun vnto fauour, but by fayth . Wut, feing

Favri jy Meh ts the free gifte of Dod, andthe ſpeciall tltumination of

bis lpirite alfo, we map eafily thereof gather; thative-are pres

gifte of ented by his meere grace, no leſſe thenif he houlderatle be
God. — Fromodeath, Inthe whiche fenfe Peter alfo ſayth, that itis |
Act.i5-9 God which purifieth the bearte by faith, Fforthis choulde not

agree, vnleſſe he wꝛought faith in the beartes of men,in fuche

Wife, that tt might be verily felt that it is his gifte. Nowe Wwe

null fee howe and in what forte, puritic is the effec of fayth,

It ts tw fonde and bale Whilofophic, to fap that puritie

ts the effect of fapth,becaufe men feekenot God the retwarder:

but by fapth, They which ſpeake thus, doe wholy burte the .

grace of Cod, which the holy ghoſte principally commiendeth..

Others alfo ſpeake verie cololy, which teach that we are pure

ged by fapfh,oncly for the qifte ofreqeneration, that toc may:

be accepted bnto Gov, Jfo2 they voe rot onelp omit the one

halfe part, but doc alfo butloe without a foundation, when as,

bicaufe of the curfe of in ntind, freereconciliation mutt nats

goe before, Alfo,feeing Goddoth neuer fo regenerate bis chils

deen in Chis world, that they doe perfectly ſerue him, no *7

VPON GENESIS" Ol CAP rit .

af man ranbe acceptable onto him without fatiffadozte puts %
gation, And herevnto fended the legall ceremonie of wathing, Chit
that men might learne to ſceke for cleannefie from anothers)
fo often as they would come vnto God, Wherefore then at thet. dience
latte God twill haue refpect onto our obedience, when be ber acceptable
holdeth bs in Chriſte. rood qulefari cas. sa vate God,

¢ (But vnto Kaine and to his offering. Thereis no doubt but
that Caine bebaued hinnlelfe,as commonly hypocrites do, tubo
to pleafe God offered external facrifices foz a fathion,and cared
not fo peelde and bende bintfelfe wholy vnto him. Wut law⸗
full tuo2thip berets to offer vnto God {ptrituall oblations. It Spiricuall
is no meruell if God doe hate andcannot abide fuchebppocctay?' FY
fie, when he ſeeth that the fame is ioyned with groſſe mants\,, ochip.
felt ſcorning of him: whereof alſo if commeth to paſſe, that he: .
reiecteth their wo2ks, which withdraw themfelues from him.
F02 firſte, he will hane bs addicted vnto him: fecondlyp,he res’
quireth our works fo2.a teſtimonie of our obedtencefowards:
him, but theſe mull come in pᷣ fecond place And we mult note:
that all imaginations, where with men doe dallie with Gods:
and deceiue them felues,are the fruites of intidelitie. Herebn⸗
toal(o is ioyned pride, becauſe the bnbeleuing , contemming
the grace ofthe mediatour, doc ctarciefip intrude thent ſelues
into the peefence of Gon; Lhe Jewes fondly imagines that
the oblations of Caine were not acceptable tuto Gon,-becanle:
he defrauding Gon ofthe replenithen cates, offered vnto hint:
onelp-thofe that were ſchronke, and balfefull.. WBut hie ſinne
was qreafer andanoze fecrete, to wit, the vncleanneſſe of bis:
hearte,whereof Jhaue ſpoken; euen as onthe contrarie part,
thefilthie finch of the burning of the fat,coulne not make the:
facrifices of Abel pleafant: bite God : but Hep being perfu⸗
med with the god and ſwerte ſmell of faith, ban apbeafant ſa⸗
ugur.fCaingwasiexceeding wroth. J Bere it anap be deman⸗ Q uettion:
bed; howe Caine vnderſtode that bis cblations were leſſe res
garbed then bis brothers· The Hebrues, according to their,
manner, keigne that the ſacrifice of Abel was conſumed with An{were.
fire trom heauen. But becauſe we ought not totake ſo muche
libertie vnto our felucs, as to bꝛing uvmiraties whiche haue
no warrant out ofthe ſcriptures: let bs deſpiſe the fonde faa

J.ij. bles of

yoo (iii | Ao TOMN CALVINES |

1B af the Jewes. And it is more probable, that Caine made a cons
_ tecture bp'the continuall {ucceffe'of matters, of p tubich Moſes
~ maketh mention. Be ſaw p bts brother profpered better ther

he: therof he gathered, that Ood was fauozable vnto his bros

ther, and difpleafed with him, And we knotwe that hypocrites
elſteme nothing better then carthly blefinges.. Wut in the
Hypocrits perſon ot Caine we haue an image of a wicked mat painted
—— of weth vnto bs), who notwithſtanding his wickednelſe will be
5 counted infty and arrogateth to him ſelfe the chiefe place az
of earthly mong the Sainctes. Theſe wholy bende them felues to
biefliogs. make GO D fauozable onto them by erfernall workes: but
“1. their heartes being replentthed with fraude and deceipte, they
ecet betore him nothing but counterfeite ſhewes: that no⸗
thitig may befincere in their laboztous and painefull worſhip,

but onelxa meere bifo2 and painted hhetv , After they fix that

they profite nothing , they bewray the fecrete popfon of their

minde: Foꝛ then they doe not onelp murmur againſt God, but
alfo they bruſte forth into. manifett rage, info much that ifit!

were tit them; they woulde gladly pull him out of his heauen⸗

ip throne, This pride ts naturally ingraffed tn all hypocrits,

that vnder the colour of obedience, thep would make © D D>

fubiect vnto their toil, Wicauſe they.cannot ſhunne bis power:

and authozitie, thev allay to flatter bun,as tf be were a childs .

int the meane time,they areatty effeeming their feigned topes,
think that God is gretly iniurious vnto thent,ercept be allobo
and like then; But when be pronounceth that thép are vaine
and nothing worth in bis fight, firfte they beainne to frette,
ano afteriwarde: foburit forth mto furious outrage, Dnelv-
impietie is thelette wohiche keepeth them from beeing recon⸗
cilen vnto· G sD ED 2 but they woulde beat! peace with Goo
after their otune wiki The thhiche beeing dented them, they
burne with farioasindicnation, tobiche being conceited ‘ae!
gaint Gon, they poture forth againſt his chilozen . So when
Ente was angrie with Ood, ye bttered his madneſſe againſt
his innocent brother. J
6. henthe Lorde ſaide vnto Caine, ] Mow the Lote
taketh Cain’ in banee, and citeth him before his Tribu⸗
nail feate, to the end the miſerable wzcteh might amine
: . $

VPON GENESIS. CAP. I11f-

be profited nothing with bis outrage. Be woulde haue honour
giuen fo bis facrifices, the whiche becaule be doth not obteine,
he is made angrie, Inthe meane time he doeth not confine r,
that bis obbne wickedneſſe is the cauſe, that be bath not his
Wwithe. Fo2 if be had knowen the euill which was Hidden frown
bint, be would bauc left off fo complaine and finde fault with
God, and fo rage again his innocent bother. Boles doeth
not erp2efie how ¢ tn what fozte God ſpake:whether by a vis
fio, 02 by an o2acle oꝛ boyce from heauen , 02 els by fecret ins
fpiration, be felt the beauie iudgement of Ood bpon him, To
drawe thts to the perfon of Adam, and fo fay that be was the
Prophete of God, and an Interpreter , inrepzebending bis
fonne,ts to far feteht and alfo colo. J beare what god men far,
which are both godlie and learned , whiche dallie with ſuch
imaginations : their purpofeis fo commend and ertoll the ers
ternall miniferte of the worde, and fo cut off all occafion from
the delufions of Sathan, whiche be doth infinuate o2 craftis
jp conuepin vnder the colour of reuelations. Foꝛ there is
nothing mo2e profitable J confefic,then fo2 godly minds fo be
kept onder the oder of preaching ¢ the obedience of the ſcrip⸗
ture, that thep may not feeke the worde of Mod in erronious
ſpeculations. But we nuff nofe,that the wove of © D DW
twas reucaled by o2acles from the beginning, that when the
fame fhoulde be afterwarde preached by men; it might haue
the more reverence . Igraunt alfo, that the autho2itie of teas
ching twas committed fo Adam: neither doe F Doubt but that he
diligently admonifhed and taught bis chilozen. Wut they soe
to biolently twee the wordes of Moles , whiche confider
not that © D D (pake othertwife then by bis minifters , Let
ther affirme that God , before ſuch time as the heauen⸗
ip doctrine Was grauen in tables of tones, often times reuea⸗
led bis twill by extraordinarie meanes: and that this was the
foundation whiche bare bp the reverence of the tuo2de: and
that the doctrine whiche was deliuered by the bandes of men,
twas like vnto abuilding . But howe much that imaginati⸗
on doth ertenuate and weaken the force of Gods rep2ebenfion,
al men knotwe,though J holoe my peace, Therelore, as afore-
time the voyce of Oon had founded into the cares of Adam,

J.iij inſomuch

133

YTOHN CALYINE

D4 inſomuch that be knewe affuredly that © D D fpake seuent
nowe the fame ig directed vnto Caine,

7 [If thou doe well, (halt thou not be accepted 2] By thefe
wordes Godreprehendeth Catrie, fo2 that be twas angrie
Without a cauſe, whereas be hun felfebare the tobole blame
of the euill. Foꝛ it was a folifhe murniwration and indignas
tion whiche was moucd,bycaufe the facrifices td not pleafe,
the faulte whereof he did not feeke fo amende, Cuen fo all the
Wwicked , after they haue along fime, and berie much fretted
and fumed agaiaſt God, are at the laff conuinced by the iudge⸗
ment of © DD, infomuch that they defire in vaine fo lay the
blaine of the evil bpon an other. Some of the Hebrue Doctors
referre thofe wordes fo the countenaunce of Caine, as if Ood
fhoulde promiſe fo lifte bp the fame , whiche at that time
through ſorrowe and griefe was caftdotune . Dthers of the
Heb2ues , drawe them to remiffion of finnes : as if it had
bene faide , Doe well, and thou thalt haue pardon. Wut bez
taufe they Doe imagine a fatiffaction,whiche doeth derogate
from fre pardon , they are farre Wide from Boles meaning,
Dye thirde expolition commeth moze neere the truth,that lif⸗
ting bp, for the which we haue bere, (accepted, and which the
Hebꝛue woꝛd alfo doth fiqnifte,)is taken for honour after this
manner : There is no caule why thou ſhouldeſt enuie thy b202
thers honour:becaufe if thou bebaue thy felfaright,Oon thal
alfo aduance the to the fame degree of honour, who being note
offended 8 thy fins, bath condemned thé to fhame¢ reproch,
But this alfo liketh me not, Dthers interpret tf more fubtily,
as,p Caine fhould find God fauorable onto him, and ſhould be
eaſed with bis arace,if be brought the puritic of the heart pro⸗
ceeding from faith, with erternal ſacrifices. To whom allo J
giue leue to vſe ¢ inioy their fenfe:but % fearc, lef that which
thep wold haue,be carte found. Hicrome turneth thefe words,
Thou thalt be accepted : Thou fhalt'receiue : meaning , that
God docth promife a retwarde to pure and latwfull worſhippe
wWwhiche herequireth, Mowe that ¥ haue recifedother mens
iudgementes, let me otter that whiche F thinke Doth better as
gre. Fir, the Hebrue word voth fiqnifie as muche as accep⸗
fing, andis the contraric whiche is (cette again retecting,
, Alſo

VPON GENESIS. GAP. Iii

Alſo, feitig mention is made of a matter fubicct, ¥ interpzefe
the ſame to be ſpoken of facrifices, hoin that God w tll receiue
them, when they are rightly offered; Shep which are ſkilfull
in the Hebrue fonge, know that thereis nothing bere weeſted
02 diſagreeing frd the proper fignification of the word, Now, p
berie o2der of the matter leadeth bs herevntoe: that God pos
noiiceth,that ſacrifices are reiected,¢ are of no p2ice, When they
are offered amiſſe: ¢ that they thal be receiued,as acceptable,¢
of a god {mell, if thetr offering of them be pure ¢ lawful, Now

135

Wwe fee, bow vniuſtly Caine ts angrie,that honour is not giuen ine⸗
fo bis facrifices , which God ts readie ta tmbace ¢ fo receiue, anger is
fo that they might be free from fault, Notwithſtãding, we muſt voiut.

bere withall remember that tobich J fatd befo2re,how that the

rincipall point of well doing ts,that the godlie bearing them
felues bolde bpon Chriſt the mediatour, and bpon the free re-
conciliation gotfen by him, bend € frame themfelues fo wor⸗
Hip God fincerely , and without diſſimulation. Wherefore,
thefetwoare linked together in one knotte:that the faithfull,
fo offen as they come forth into the prefence of God, are com⸗
tended by the grace of Chriſt onely, their faults beeing cleane
blotted out: andyet notwithſtanding doc bring thither the
true cleannefic of fhe heart. [And if thou doeft not well. IOn

fhe contrarte parte, God pronounceth a horrible fentence as —

gaint Caine, fhe harden bis heart in totckednes,and delight
in bis finne, Andit is averie forceable fpeeche: becaufe God
doeth not onelp ouerthrowe an vniuſt difpleafure, but alfo
ſheweth that nothing hall be moe agaw Caine him felfe,
then bis otune ſinne, which he foltereth in bis heart, Thus tn
felve words he reprehendeth the wicked man,that be can find
no fhift : as if be fhoula ſay, Thou doſt profife nothing by thy
sbitinacic. Foꝛ, that thou mapelt hauc nothing fo do With me:
thy ſinne twill neuer fuffer the to beat reff, buf will ſharply

ricke thee, perfequute the, beac thee, and will not ſuffer the
to eſcape. Pereof it follotueth,that be dtd not onely rage in
baine and without p2ofite, but alfo was found guiltie in bis
one conſcience, though no man elfe accufed him, Forꝛ wher
as itis faite, Thy finne lieth at thedoore: ifts referred fo
fhe inward iudgement of the ee whiche prelſeth ſore

J.iiij. a

136

Mins con-

ITOHN CALVINE

a conuicted perfon being befette on euerie fide with bis finne.
Let the wicked at their pleafure imagine that God ts tole irs

heauen, let them ſtriue as muche as they can in repelling the

feare of bis iudgement : pet notivith®anding be will bring
their ſinne before his iudgement feate, (which they feeke to
ſhunne) indefpight of theirteth, and though they ſeeke by all

fcienceis ameanes to. cloake the fame. The whiche was not bnknowen:

thouland
wirtnefles.

nth ank-
fulncffcin
Caine,

to the verie Heathen, as their fayings teftifie: and there ts ne
doubt, when thep fap that amans conſcience ſtandeth in Fede
of a thoufand Wwitneffes, and tuben they compare the fame fo
moſt cruel Death, and p2eferre it befoze any torment, but that
God twas the authour of fuche ſpeches, welling the fame out
of their mouthes, But the ſpeeche of Moles conteineth a fine
gular force. Sinne ts fatd to lye, but pet at the doꝛes. Foꝛ the
finer is nof by and by tormented with feare of iudgement,
but walkethas tt were in a large rome,feeking ail manner of
belightes and pleafures to deceiue him felfe: but when be
cometh ta the end, he meeteth with finne in the face snares,
Then the confcience is taken,bound,and tormented, tobiche
before thought it felfe fre, and recetueth double punifhment
fo2 the delay. Alfo vnto thee his defire fhalbe.] All Interpꝛe⸗
ters almoſte referre thefe woꝛdes vnto finne,and thinke, that
by this admonition wicked luftes are reſtrained, which carrie
alway the minde of man, Therefore, according to their opini⸗
on this thalbe the fenfe: If finne arife againſt the, to fubdue
thee, why doef thou giue place to the fame, and doeft not ras
ther labour in reffraining andbidling if? For it was thy
part totame and fo fubdue the vnbꝛideled and rebellious afs
fections in thy flelhe, Wut ¥ thinke that the purpofe of Poles
is farre otherwiſe. Foꝛ Moſes doeth not fpeake p2operly of
the tuickednes it felfe, but of the blame and quilte which come
meth thereof, Now, howe Mall thefe woꝛdes agra, Voto thee
his defire fhalbe 2 But there needeth not any long refutation,
twhen ¥% (hall (ette dotwne the true and nafurall fenfe. It ſe⸗
meth rather to me to be a rep2ebenfion, whereby Cad acculeth
the wicked man of inaratitude,in that he maketh no account
of elderſhip, and of the honour of the firft begotten, Lhe grease
ter the benefites are whiche any of bs bath receiued at the
| 7 hands
—

Paes, Se

VPON GENESTS. CAP. IIT?

handes of (Gob,the areater our impietie thall chebbe it etre to 137
besercept ive feeke diligentty to feruethe authour of grace, to
Wwhome tue are bound, Dhough Abel were leſſe regarded then
bis baother Caine: pet notwithſtanding, he was a diligent
worſhipper of Ood, Wut the elder beother worſhipped Gop
negligently and fo2 afathion,by tobole gwodneſſe he twas exal⸗
ted to fo great dignitie: and fo God amplifieth bis finne , bes
caufebe did not follotuc his brother Abels tteppes whome ag Coo. 3..6
in degree of honour, ſo alfo in godlineſſe he ought to haue farre
excelled. And this phraſe of fpeecheis verie commonly vſed
among the Heb2ues, What the defire of the pounger ſhould bee
long bute bint,to tobole wil be is ſubiect. Do Moſes ſpake core
cerning Heuah, faying that ber defire ould belong vnto the
man, But they are childithly fonde, which weeſt this place to
pone free twill, Foz admit vᷣ Caine is admoniſhed of his vutic,
to indeuour himſelfe to fubdue finne, pet notwithſtanding we
cannot thereof gather,that man bath any power of him felfe :
becauſe it is moſte certetne, that the affections of the fleſh are AfeAions
moꝛtified by the grace of the holie ghoſte, leat thep Mould pres of the Acts
uatle. Peither muſt we gather p we haue fufficient Frenath, Phere
fo often as God commaundeth any thing to be done: but we oor
muff rather remember the faying of Augufline, Da quod ia- tie holie
bes,c inbe quod velis , Chat ts to fay, Give that whiche thou Ghoſt,
commaunde(ft,and commaund what thou wilt,

8 {And Caine fpake to Habel his brother ..] Some inters
pete this to be fo fpoken by Caine, as if he diſſemb ling falls
lp bis anger, fpake botherly to Abel, Hicrome exp2elleth the
wordes of ſpeache tobtch paffed, Come, let vs goe foorth, Wut
in my tudgement it is a delectiue kinde of (peache, and ſome⸗
what not expreſſed is to be vnderſtod: not withſtanding, what
it ſhoulde be it is oncerteine. Neuertheleſſe, Jthinke that Mo⸗
{es doth repeebend the ticked freacherie of the Wyporrite,
iho fpeaking familiarly,bare a countenanee of bꝛotherly con
corde, vntill ocrafion Was giuen bint, to comnut his ticked
and horrible murder. And by this example twe are faught,that
hypocrites are never move tobe feared, thew when they deſtre
conference vnder the colour of friendihip: berauſe when they
cannot hurte by open bistence ſo muche as they woulde, they

: 4.0, ſouden⸗

IOHN CALVINE
— foudeinly diſlemble them ſelues delirous of peace . But thers
cons are is no hope, that they will fincerely keepe faithfull friendchip
dangerous With men; which are cruell and outragions beaſtes againit
when they Ood, Neuertheleſſe, let the reader weigh and conſider, whether
defire Holes rather ment not,that although Caine was. reprehen⸗
fucadthip- ded of God: pet nenertheletfebe contended with bis bother,
And fo this fpeache of Caine muſt depende vppon that whiche
goeth befoze .. Jam rather of this iudgement,that be did not:
keepe and conceale to him felfe bis wicked affection,but bruſte
fo2th into the accufation of his botbher,¢ angerly layde vpon
hin the caufe of bis heauineiſe [And when they werein the
feelde, Hereof we gather,that although Caine complayned
of his bother at home, yet notwithitanding be fo covered bis:
diuelliſh madneſſe wherewith be as inflamed, that Abel ſuſ⸗
pected no worſe matter. Fo2 be referred revenge vntill acons
The —* uenient tune And this one wicked facte euidently declareth,
o nurder, Wherednte Sathan carrieth men headlong , when they haue
hardened their mind in malice,in fo much that their obſtinacie
defcructh to be made a notable example by puniſhment.
9 (Where is Habel?) 20 hey which feigne that Adam aſked
Caine fo2 bis fonne Abel,doc weaken the twhole force of the
alaitay Pet rine, which Motes purpofed to deliuer here : As, that God
ae i... both by fecret infpiration, and alfo by fome ſtraunge meanes
wrayed by ſummoneth bloudie murder befoze his Dribunall {eate, and
onemea- fthundereth as tf were from beauen againt the fame. Foꝛ we
nes oro- mulſt h olde fatte that which Jſayde before: thatas God now
tbet. falketh With vs by the (criptures, fo in olve time he revealed
hint fel{e fo the fathers by ſpeeches from heauen:and after the
fame manner alfo made bis tudgementes knowen fo the res
probate children of the Saintes . So the Angel fpake fo
Agar in the wod, after fhe wasdeparted from the Church, as
we fhall fer in the firtenth Chapter following. It may be that
God afked this quettion of Caine by the fecrete eramination
of bis confcience,and that be tn like manner aunfwered tn bis
heart with fretting and murmuring. Notwithſtanding, we
mult thinke certeinly, that he was examined not onely by the
erternall boice of man: but alfo by Ood huntelfe,fo the end be
might fele,that be hav to voc with Gon, But lo often * os
* Lae . cre

VPON GENES?TS.: CAP. IIII 39

- feevete pricks of conſcience, do moue vs to weigh and confiver

our finnes,let 3 remember that God doth talke with bs, For

the inlwarde feeling, wherewith we are ronuicted of ont finnes, -

is the proper Judgement hall belonging vnto Gor, where be -

erecuteth bis iurifpicion ALet thoſe therefore take heede by the

erantyle of Caine, whole confctences doe accufe them, lett thep

harden themfelues in malice . $02 this ts to ſpurne in dede a⸗

gaint God, ¢ to refit his fpirite, when we reiect thoſe cogita⸗

tions, which are nothing elſe but pronocations fo repentance,

But it is to common a fault,to adde at the laſte, peruiſh obſti⸗ Obftinacy

nacie fo the fines before conunitted, that God might not be ' 2 42>-

obeyed, who conftrainch the finer, maugre bis heade, to > Taek
file in bis nunde, bis finne , thereby if doth appeare , hoive

greate the wickednelſe of mans difpofition is,twho being cone

uicted and condemned in bis olwne proper fenle , pet notiviths

ſtanding ceaffeth not fo ſcorne and fo erclame againſt his

Judge. FE is monftruous and ſenſeleſſe hardneſſe, that Cate

hauing comnutted fo great wickedneſſe, obftinately retecteth

Gods reprehention, whole hande for all that he coulde not e⸗

fcape, Büt this happeneth datly to all the wicked , among

wwhonte there is not one whiche defireth not fo ſeeme f utile in *

making excuſes For mans heart is fo incloſed with ſuch lur⸗ 2

king corners and by turninges, that it tga verie eaſie thing tym ade

fo2 the wicked to adde the obſtinate contempte of Cod to their by the wie

wickedneſſes: not that their obſtinacie ts harde enough to re ked,

pell theiudament of God, but becauſe they harden them felues

through blinde rebellion . Foꝛr althonah they be hidden tn the

foreſayd lurking cooners, pet neuertheleſſe they are fered and

tormented with fecret burning prons, And hereby the force of

Gods iudgement is platnely ſeene, which fo pearceth into the

Teelte minds of wicked men, that they are conſtrained in their

conſciences fo be their ofone. Judges , either doth he (utter

thent to blott out tie Feline of their fault (o, but that there re⸗

mavneth the marke or ſcarre of he ferrite pron, Then be dez

nieth p be was the keeper of bits brothers liſe, although hereby

be goth about to repel the iudament of God with diolent forces

pet notwithltanding he thinketh himfelfe fo be cleared bp

this’ cauill, from giuing an account fo2 bis Gaite —
becauſe

110 | F IOQHN CALYVINE

+ becaufe he bab no erp2efle commaundement of keping the
fame, ny. rly

The horfe LOL What haft thou donez The voyceof thy brothers bloud.]
in fome SO 9fes ſheweth bow little Caine profited before God by hafs
cétries isa ting 02 colouring bis fault .At the firſt Ood demaunded where
bralen en- His bother twas ; nolve be commeth moze nere vnto bint
gine made to make hint, twill be nill be, confelle his wickednefle. For neis
oe ance ther the horſe, neither the racke, nor any Kinde of fozment, is
by putting £0 Diolent to vꝛge malefactozs, as was this thunder of Coos
fire vender, VOPce,fo ſtrike Catne, and to ouerthꝛowe bun fo confuſion.
much like Foꝛ God doth nof inquire any mo2e whether be hath done it:
vato Pha- byt pronouncing in one worde that he bad done tt, amplifieth
latis Bull. the baynoutnes of bis wicked facte, Moreouer we are taught
vnder the perfon of one man, what ul ſucceſſe their caufe thall

) baue, which dare prefume fo pleade againſt Ood, 02 be whi⸗
Freufer che knolweth the thoughtes of mens beartes,nedeth not any
may not long circumface of inquifition,but in one word fo thundereth
kelpe ia againlt the wicked, quiltie, that it is fufficient enough fo cons
iudgment demnation.Khetoricians place the firſt kinde of defence in dee
nying of the facte: when the facte cannot be denied, they fice

vnto the fate of the qualitie. From etther of thefe defences

Caine is dꝛiuen. Foꝛ Ood both pronounceth that be bad come

mitted the murder, andalfo defineth howe wicked bis facte

was , Andby bis erample we are taught, that thiftes and

coloured ercufes are made In vaine, when the quiltie inners

are ſummoned to come before the iudgement feate of OD D,

i ( Thevoyceofthy brothers bloude cryeth,] Firf of all God
ſheweth, that be knoweth and vnderſtandeth the faultes
of men, though none complaine 02 accuſe: fecondly,that mans
life is more deere vnto him, then to fuffer innocent bloude fo
3 be fhed Without punifhement : thiroly, that be bath a care
forthe godlp, not onelp fo longe as they liue ,but alfo after
death . Carthly iudges Meepe verie much, vnleſſe the accue

fer waken them: but the iniuries doe fufficiently prouoke
God of themfelues to take bengeance:pea, although he which -

is hurte holde bis peace. This is a wonderfull fweete confor
lation fo the godlyx, which are vniuſtly dered, oben the iniu⸗

ries done Onto them, whiche thep quietly (uffer, dog of *
owne

VPON GENESIS. CAP. IITI. 14

dione accorde peeſent them felues'befoze the Lore torequire
bengeance, Abel helde his peace when he was laine: but afs

ter his death the vopce of his bloude niade amore forceable Poud o:
crie, then any eloquence of KRhetoricians coulve doe , Thug oF
oppꝛeſſion and filence are no lette vnto © D D , but that
he can iudge of the cauſe, tobiche the worlde thinketh to be buz
ried, This confolation aineth vnto bs plentifull matter of paz The fruire
ticnce, when Wwe heare that we thall lofe nothine of our riaht,°f paticace
if with a quiet minde ine fufferiniurtes ; pea, © D D twill be

moꝛe readie to reuenge our cauſe, the moze modeſtly Chat re

ſubmit our felues fo ſuffer all thinges: becauſe the quiet ſi⸗

lence of the foule, ſendeth forth ſtrong cries, whiche make
Heauen and Earth to ring of them, And this doctrine doeth

not onely belong to the Late of this prefent life, that ve may

know that the fame bp Gods protection ts in ſafetie amiddeſt

an innumerable fo2te of perilles, but alfo putfeth bs in hope

of a better life : bpcaufe that they, for whom God hath a care, The im-
rematne aliue after Death. Andas this ts a confolation fo the ty oh
godly, ſo alſo it is a great terrour to oppreffors¢ wicked mens?)
becaufe God of his swnenature, not by the compulſion of o⸗
thers,taketh in hande the defence of fuch caufes,as want the
defence andapdeof met, and will be an Ondoubted reuenger
of Wwickconeffe,; althonahe be whiche ts hurte make no come
plaint, Burderers oftentimes triumph,as thoughe they haue
eſcaped puniſhment, but God will ſhewe at the laſt that inno⸗
cont bloud was not dumbe, and that he hath not ſaide in taine;
that The death of his Sainctes as precious inthis fight Hobo °O-15 35
groat eaſement of minde bringeth this doctrine to the faithful,
that tgey ſhould net be ouer carefull fe2 their life, for the whi⸗
rhethey veare that Goddoth tuatchen The whiche is no (mall
bridle and terraur to the wicked, whiche are not afearde te
harme and to edie toate, saint Gop hath tauen ‘noe big
protecttass .

“ones Nowe thescfoxe thod —* (att ihe * 1 &%
fer that Caine was conuinced of bis wicked fact; be receincth
iudgement ſor the ſcune And HE ODDimakerty the’ carth to
he an inſtr iunẽt of his vengeãnce becauſe it was dettled with
——— ieee ſaide: Thou even:

nowe

vengeance

142 IOHN cVINE
+ nowe denied the murder t whithe thot hak commited: bub
the boufmandifeniletfe earth it felfe thall require pumtthment,’
And this maketh for the inlarging of the hainouſnes of the
facte,as though a certeine contagion thereof came cuen fo the
earth, to whome the erectition of the punifhmient is commie
fed, Wheras fome thinke that crueltie ts here afcribed fo the:
» ‘earth, as if God did compare the fante to a twilde beaſt, which
dꝛewo in the bloude of Abel, they hander wide from the true
fenfe. Rather clemencie and genflenefic,in mp iudgement, is
Profopo- attributed therebnto,by a figure called Profopopoiia: becaufe
— —— the fame abbozring filthines,opened ber mouth fo receiue and
oF eset, , tocouer the bloud, whiche was ſhedde bp the hand of Caine a
ro fpeake, U2other. For ſo much the moze deteltable is the crucltie of
man, which abhorreth not to {hed the bloud of bis netahbour,
thereceiuer whereof is the bofome of fhe earth. And pet note
withllanding, we muff not feiqne any miracle herein, ag
~ though the bloud were fuckt bp by fome ſtraunge and vnwon⸗
ted qulph of the earth: butitisa figuratiue ſpeech, which de⸗
clareth, that there was moze: humanitie in thecarth , thew
in man himſelfe. But, in that Cainets now accurfed with o⸗
ther wordes, then was Adam at the firft: fone thinke that be
was moze fanourably dealt witball : becauſe God. intended:
to fpare mankinde: whoſe opinion hath fomecalour, Adam
heard if ſaide vnto him, Curfed thatthe earth.befor thy fakes;
and now the thynder of Gods vengeaunce ts ſhaken and laide
bpon Cate, And whereas fome thinke that a tempozall pur
21 niſhment is nofed,becaule tt is fatd, Thou art curfed‘fiiom the!
carth:rather then, fro heauen;left the poſteritie of Caine, ſccing
all hope of faluation cut off, fhould moze defperatelprun into:
their olune damnation: tt feemeth to me verie torake. 5 iui
ZF rather thinke, that tudgement ts committed to the earth, to!
the end Caine might know that a Judge twas not tobe ſought
far off,and that it was not nedefull that Anacls ould come:
from heaven, ſeeing the earth of ber owne accorde offered her
(elfetotakebenqeaunte, 7 —RW8
12... [When thou thalt till the ground. J This is an expo⸗
Gtion of the verſe going befb2e.gFo2 it Doth moꝛe euidently ers
pice, what itis to becurſed from the arth; namely wher
| the

VPON GENESIS: CAP. Thi 143

the carth withholdeth her fruit of labour from ber fillers and
inhabitants. $f any man obiect, that this punithment was as
fo2¢ laide bpon all mo2fall men tn the perfon of Adam: Jaun⸗
ſwer that 4% doubt not, but that ſomwhat of the bleſſing which
remained, was taken from fhe murderer, that be might fele
that the earth twas an enimie vnto him privately, Foꝛ, als
though Goo maketh his fanne to thine daily vpon the gad and "heer —
bad: pot neuertheleffe he punitheth the finnes of certetne mert 1) mech
fometinte, and fometime the ſinnes of fome one people, with men fom-
raynes, hayles, and windes, fo often as it feemeth amd bntotimes.
hint, and fo farre forth, as tt is profitable to teache them,and
to. put them in mind of bis iudgement to come ; and alfo to ade
moniſch the world, by fuche examples, that nothing hall haue
happie and profperous ſucceſſe, when Oodis angrie and vile
pleafed . And God would hewe a ſingular erample of male-
diction in the firlé murderer, that the rememb2aunce thercof
might neuer be forgotten, fo long as the worlde laſted. [ A va-
gabond and a runnagate fhalt thou be,] Now be recetueth his
other panifhment, whiche was,that be ould not be in ſecu⸗
ritie and reſt in any place whitherſoener he came, Motes vſeth
two tearmes, betweene the whiche there is ſmall or no diffe⸗
rence: ſauing that the one ſignifieth To wander,and the other
To tlie. Whe diſtinction which ſome bring, that a vagabond ts
be which hath no lirme or certeine abiding place: anda run⸗
nagate; whiche knobeth not whiche way to turne bint: is of
no weight in my iudgement, becauſe if wanteth profe.DWher- Caine a
fore the proper fenfeis this, that whither ſoeuer Caine ſhould vagabond.
come,be ould be vnſtable and a wanderer: as theeucs com⸗
monly are, who hand nore oy firme abiding, Ffor there ig Theeue⸗
no manner loke 02 countenaunce of man, which bringeth not sage
a ferrour bute them:and the carefulneſſe it felfets alfo.a hO2- mans face.
tour inthem But this (emoth nottobea mate ẽ ronucnicnt 4.
puniſhment fo2 a murderer, ſceing itis rather the fatall cons’
dition of the chilozenof GDM: fo2 they,of all other men, fle
themſelues to be the greateſt Pilgrimes in the fyo2lde. And1.Cor.g;
sont — —— reſt of bis companions complaine, that they '-
pave no dwelling place in the worid. Jaunſwere, that Caine auntwere:
is nolonely condemned to conpozail erile bat hath alfo a
4 greater

2

“

IOHN CALVINE

14-4 greater punithment laide tpon bint, as that he thall finde ne
parte of the earth, bere be (hall not be fearefull and fugitine
in minde. Foꝛ as a god confcience is wily called a bꝛaſen
wall: euen fo a hundꝛed walles and bulworkes, ſhall not de⸗
liuer the wicked from vnquietneſſe. The faithfull are ſtraun⸗
gers and foreigners in the earth, and yet neuertheleſſe they
haue quiet and peaceable reſt. Ther being oftentimes cons
ſtrained by neceſſitie, wander from place fo place, but whither

ooo) po» MOGUL they are drꝛiuen by the tempelt of perfequution, thep
. bring with thent a quiet minde : and fo thifting from place to
place, they paſſe thoough the twwozld in fuche toile, that they ars
euerie where bpholven with the hand of Ood , Such ſecuritie
and reft is not graunted fo the wicked, who are th2eatencd by
all creafures ; and although they fauour them, pet neverthes
leffe the minde is fo difquieted,that it fuffereth them not to be
at reft, After the fame manner Catne,although be thould not
haue chaunged and thifted bis place, souloe not hake off the
feare and trembling, twbiche he had conceiuedin bis minde,
And althoughe bee was the fir manne that buildes a Cia
tic: pet the ſame is no lette but that be allvapes wandered in
bis owne neff, NHS? OF
13 (My punifhment is greater then I can beare. J Herein
all {nterp2eters fo: the motte parte agree, that this is a ſpech
of vefperation: becaufe Caine, being confounded with the
iudgement of God, depriueth himſelfe of all hope of pardon.

‘ And this is true,that the reprobate doe neuer feele thetr miſe⸗

oe Pie Tics but with prelent deftruction: from whence they may not
rewarde eſcape: that isto ſap, when the finner ts obftinate to the end,
oftoolate and hath ſcoꝛned the patience andlong fufferaunce of God,
repftance. This is the tuft reward of late repentaunce: fo fele horri⸗

bie torment without remedic: if we may calla blinde, ano
alfonnithed feare of punifhment,twithout any batred of finne,
02 Delire of reuerting,repentaunce, So Judas allo confeſſeth
bis finne, but being ouerwhelmed with feare,be flyeth the
Repro- prefence of Codall that he may, Andit is vndoubtedly trie,
bares are that the reprobate haue no meane. So long as they baue any
seroni. rele, they are verie careleſſe and negligent : but when the
tics, Wath of ODD. vegeth them, thep are rather truthed to

_ peeces,

VPON’ GENES INS1° 0. CAP. YITIW

e TAS

peeces then amended Therefore their feare maketh them

. tofaint,inrfomuch that they thinke vppon nothing but euera

ing dettruction and thepaine ofbell Mot withſtanding. ~**

laſting

doubt not but that the woedes haue another'meaning. Foz
when Caine ſayeth, My puniſhment is greater then 1 can
beare: though he doeth not bereby excuſe his une, beraufe
beis driuen from allcloakingand! thifting offof the ſame, yet
_ nenertheleti¢ he complaineth of the heauineſſe of the iudge⸗
ment!) Cuen fo the duels, othough thep fele that they are
iuſtly tozmented : pet fo2 all that, they ceaffe not fo crie out
again! ©DD the Judge; and to lap crneltie fohis charac,
Alſo ſtraight after ſolloweth the expoſition of theſe wordes,
when be fapeth; Beholde thou haſt caſt me out thisrday. from
the earth, and! ftomithyiface: ſhall Ibe dde Wy Whiche
wordes he doeth euidently murmur again © DD; as ifbe
ſhoulde handle him moze hardly. then twas mete, without
any clemencie oꝛ moderation. Foꝛ it is as muche as if be
bad ſaide; Fito be afafei dwelling im the worbe be deni⸗
ed me/, and that thoudwwilt not voucheſafe to care for me/whab
then wilt thou doe for nicez” Were it not better once ta
bye, then dailx to be ſubiecte to a thouſand deathes: Gaberes
by we gather, that the:reprobate, holw fo euer they be cone
uicted and confounded, never make an ende of erclaming:
inſo much that of their own impatience and outrage they take
occaſion to raile,as though thep toulde bring God info hatree,
through the weight of their miſeries This place alfo mote cut
dently teacheth/ what the condition of Pagarant walking, 02
that exile was whereof Moſes little before madé mention:
namely, that the Lord had lelt vnto him no corner of the earth
fo Diveli in oꝛ quietly totake any reſt in. For he being exclu⸗
ved from the common right and libertieof men, that he might
no moꝛre be reckoned among the lawfull inbabitantes of the
earth, ſayth that he is caſt out from the face of the earth: and
that therefore he ſhall be a runnagate, bycauſe the earth ſhall
denie hinventerteinments:that-he might be driuen by necel⸗
fitie;to get that as it were by theft, which he potterteth not by
right Lobe hidden from the face of Cod, is not to be beholden

OF regarded oF Oonjo not to be protectenby bis. guarde. And

B. {hig

od

No peace
without

Gods pro-
uidence.

11.6 »-ITOHN CALVINEO

Enid confeſſion is a witneſſe, which Coo hath weelted dut of

the mouth of the wicked murderer, that men haue no peace, .
except thex reſt them {clues in the prouidente of Gon, and
perfuade thomfelues that be bath a care fo2 their life: and that
they doe not inioy any of Gods benefites,but when they ature
theiſelues that: thepiare. placed! in the worlde fo2 this caufe,
to pate thetr life vnder bis bande and gouernement: Diferas
ble therefoze is fhe inſtabilitie of the wicked, whiche knowe
—* thep bane no one fote of ground) graunted onto them of

00,

. 14 Who foeuer findeth me thall flay me. J Becaule he is
no moꝛe vnder the pꝛotedion⁊ delence of Godhe concludeth,
that be Mall be ſubiect to ali iniuries and violence: and iuitly.
For the hande of God onelp doth wonderfully: preſerue ve
among fo many perilles. And they bane fpoken wifelp; which
haue not onelp fayde thatour life doth bang vppon a thred:
but alfo that weare come ont of the wombe, froma hund2ed
deathes, into atranfitozic hfe, Bolwbert Caine: doth not onely
confider tn this: plate that bets fpopled of Gods protections
but alfo, that all creatures are by Gods Appointment are
med avaitntt bim,fo take vengeaunce of fhe ‘wicked murder
committed . This is the reafon why be feareth fo greatly ta

meete with any man. 3fo2feing man is a creature made foz
coutpanie,and feeing all men doe naturally deſire mutuall fels
lotufhip : this is ta be accounted monſtruous, that the compas
nie of alt men twas fearefull to this murderer,
1¢ [Whofoeuer flayeth Caine, } They whiche thinke that
this was Caines wiſhe, thathe might dpe once; tobe ridd out
of feare in continuall perilles, and that the prolonging of bis
life turned fo bis affliction: J fe not with what reafon fhep
were moued foto fpeake Wut the Jewes do muche moze abe
furdly in maining this fentence:and do feigne inthefe words
afigure called Apofiopedis, after the which fomet hing not ers
peſſed ts tobe vnderſtode: andthen thep frame a newe ſen⸗
tence,thus: He ſhall be pumſhed ſeuen folde. The which they
will haue ta be referred to Caine. Howbeit as vet they donot
agrée together concerning the ſenſe · Some interpret this ver

rie —_— ——— we will chewe anon. Otherſame er⸗
pound

*

VPOWVGENESIH NT OICAP. 11123 147

pounde. it of the fond’; whiche came vppon the fenenth gener

ration, And that alſo is berie frivolous and baine , feeing the SE
fame wasnot.a pinate punitimnent of ne frock,bnt generally 7°¢ Sous
belonging fo allmankinde Wut this ſentence ought tobe reap, ral 1 punt
indiuidually thus, Doutlefle whofocuer flayeth-Caine,thall be. ment for
punithed feuen folde And this woꝛde (Dontlette) doeth betos, mankind
ken that God woulde haue a care, leaſt any man ſhoulde reas

dilx fallte murder: Pot that God: ordeined a priuilege fo2

the murderers fake, 02 heard bis. petition: but bpcaule be Cod bea·
woulde prauide for poſterities, ſor the pzeferuation of man· c
kind. The order of nature was monſtruouſlyx violated. VMhat on of mur
woulde haue cometo paſſe afterwarde, the malice and pee⸗ derers.
ſumption of men increaſing, vnleſſe the outrage of others had

bene reſtrained with violent hand? Fsꝛ we knowe what peſti⸗

lent and deadly poyſon Sathan offereth in euill examples, ex⸗

cept a ſpeedie remedie be prouided . Therefoꝛe the Loꝛde pro⸗
nounceth that whofocuer thallinutate Caine, hall not onely Fuilex>
be inercufable by bis erample,but alfo ſhall be moꝛe greeuouſ⸗ wples 8
ly puniſhed: becaute they ought to fein bis perfon,jolw.vetels ——
tahle a wickedneile that ts before God, Whereſfore they are

much deceiued, Which thinke that the wrath of God. is. miti⸗

gated by the cuftome of finning, the whiche is rather theres

by the moze inflamed «| And, the, Lorde ſet a marke, IJ

ſayde befo2e,that the Lorde graunted nothing to the murderer

of fauour,but pꝛouided foꝛ time to comes againſt crueltie ana

vniuſt violence. Ther efore Moles fayth nowe, thatamarke

was fet bppo Caine, which might be a tecrour to all membe⸗

cauſe they might beholde asinaglafle, that the judgement

of God is to be fearcd again bleudice- men. | Wut becauſe the
Scripture doth not erpelle what manner offigne) this was,
Interpsetonres haue gheiled, that bis body alfway quaken and
trembled. Mut lettt (uffice bs, that there was ſonie viſible

marke, which might reftraine the behoiders thereat ſram a

defire and bolonefe fo burte,

91926 ¶ Then Kaine wenrout from the prefence of the Lord. 3
Caine is fapne to goe forth of the prefence. and fight of the
Loꝛde:becauſe, whereas hitherto he hav lined vppon the garth

—* the Roꝛdes pꝛotecion, nowe he wandereth and nee

lf,

vas. | TAOYORR ICA LVDNE |
abroad front Hider his guard as a baniſhed man far feparaten:
fro the prelene of Dov, Dy elle verily (which is no teste proba⸗

so. +.» Ble) Mates onderttandeth that be wapren before the Dribur

Hall ſeate of the Fadae; vntill he ſchoulde be condemned: and
© that nowe Gon hauing leaft off to fpeake with bim,be hauing

no feeling of his prefence, gotte him elfetwhere 5 and ſought a

newe habitation, wherei n be night chadowe him felfe from

_ the epes of thie Lore’. Whe lande whither Caine fied is cals
led the lande of Pod, of theinhabitant. And whereas it is plas
- codon the Catt ide of Paradile; we may: qather;that to: be
true which we fade before, that Adam had a certetne place ale
loffed vnto him to divell in, excelling all others, both for the
pleafaunt fituation there of,and alfo fo2 the plenticof fruites.
Foꝛ if muſte needes bea limited and bounded place; thie
che lyeth! vuer again diuerſe coaltes and partes “of. the’
Wwoilde,°-— 8 Mee Se VitisHst MMe & lua
17 _[ Kaine alfa knewe his wife, ] Bp Moſes wordes

. Wwe may gather.that Caine had married a wife befoze be Ney
his bother, 02 elfe be woulde haue ſaide Come what now cons
éerning bis marriage, becante-it was a thing worthie to be rez
menith2ed ;that'there teas a filter founde, tohiche was niot a⸗
fearde to ptit her felfe inte his hand, who twas knowen to haue
deſiled hin felfe with bis brothers bloude, and rather choſe to
follotw a baniſhed man and arunnagate, the hauing the choice
in her Celfey then to dwell in her fathers houfe. Wozeoner,he
reciteth this as a thing monſtruous, that Cainc, catting aſide
all feate, of the Which be made mention, applicd his. minde to
beet childꝛen. Foꝛ it is meruell, that be , whiche feiqned to
dint felfe fo many entinics , as there were men in the worlde,
did not rather hide him ſelfe in ſome deſarte afatre off. This
alfo is againſt nature; that he being attonmither with feare,
and feling God to be bert againſt hint) could cine him ſelfe to
any ntanner of pleafure Mowe’ y Boe! poubte; whether he
bad — any other childꝛen beſore this time o> no. Io⸗
it (all be no abhirditic if we fayy thatthey) whiche were
begotten and borne after the wicked facte committed, are {per
Cialld mentioned as a deteſtable federand allo that he repor⸗
oudie Difpofition and wilde manners of the —
WMV 1a

Ack:
eee |

VPON'GENESIS.« 1 CAP, IiItr,

This is out of all,controuerfe,that there are many as. well 149
men as women omitted: becaule the purpole of Poles twas,
to pꝛoſecute one line 02 focke onely;ontilhe came to Lamech.
Therefore the houfeof Caine was a much moꝛe populous
houfe, then Poles erprefieth: but he touching one onely or⸗
der, by reafon of the worthy hiftozie concerning Lamech, wht»
che be Will abde anon 5 ouerpaſſeth with filence the reſt of the

namber, . sD ph otiind 2 rodent :
48 (And he builta citie. J This at the fire hetwe, fernreth
greatly contrarie, both to the iudgement of Cod, and alfo to
the former fentence . Foꝛ Adam and the reſt of his familie, fo
whome GD D hadagraunteda fiyed and firme ftay of dwel⸗
ling, live inpm2e cottages 502 elſe in the sprmaire; and dos
feeke their ladginges onder trees where they chaunce to come:
Caine the banifhed man tohome © D D had commaunded fo
wander as a Dagabonde; being not contented witha priuate
boufe, buiined fo2 him felfe.a citie. But it is likely,that be bes
ing a man of aguiltie tonftience,:and thinking not bint felfe
ſafe indugh within the priuate walles of his boule, deuiſed a
newe manner of munition. Foꝛ Adam and thei reſt liue dife
perſed abꝛode thꝛoughout the feeldes fo2 no other cauſe, but
for that they arc leſſe afearde. Wherefore it is a token of a
fearefull and quiltie minde , that Caine defired to builde a cts
tie, thereby to ſeparate him ſelfe framether men: notivith: ⸗·
ſtanding bereby it doeth appeare, that tuith bis diſtruſt and
carefulnefle pꝛide was topned, tir that be calleth the citie
after. bis fonnes name, Euen fo offen fimes,diuers and fune
Deleaffections, doe ſtriue and weeſtle fogetber in the bearfes
ofthe wicked. Feare conceiuedof his wickedneſſe, ranfeth
bint toiclofe him (elfe within ſtronge twalles:; thereby te
fortifie him ſelfe otherwiſe then bad bene -attuffomed ¢ and
here hence ſpringeth forth vaine pride and (welling vanitie.
Werilp he ought rather to haue withed, that his name might
haue bene buried fo2 euer. Foꝛ to what ende ſhoulde his nae
me be remembꝛred but to be accurfied 27. otiwithanding;
ambition forceth him to erecte monument in the name nf cages
the tific to his tocke What thall feel fay here olſe, bub that ambisiow
be hardened himtelfe againſt * puniſhnient/ that he ri

pF IO iij. olde

Titt .<CTAPOHN CRVVEIERWENOTY

RO holde out againt GDD the welling: teegat Of His obſtina⸗

The ori-
ginall of

cie? And; althoughe: it be latwfull'to: deſende our life by the
Wwalles and bulworkes of Cities and caſtles: pet) notwith⸗
fanding the firtke originall of them is to be noted: becauſe it

walled ciz is profitable, alwaves to beholde dur faultes in the remedies

ties and⸗

Caſt les.

The be-
ginniog

of poly ga-

themfelucs. And whereas certeine (coffers doc demaunde
in ſcorne tubere and from whence Caine gotte ſo manv buil⸗
ders and workemen to builde a Citie: and from whence he
tranſported citizens to inhabite the ſame: J in like manner dee
maunde of them, by whome they doc belieue that the citie was
builded of foure ſquared ones; and with great cunning, and
no leſſe co and charge , the builoing thereol continuing a
long tine 2 For Wwe can gather nothing by the wordes of 02
fes,but that Caine walled the fame about for him and his
pofteritie, with earth, 02 elſe with fome fach like groffe mat⸗
ter. As touching the inbabitantes: euen at tie fir beginning
of humane ferfilitie and increale , when they came to the nes
phelwes nephewe, or fo fonnes in the fourth degive ofttinealt
deſcent, his ſtocke grewe into lo qreat anumber, that it could
eafilp make the boop ofone citie. is
19 [ ‘Lamech tooke to him two wives , Jo Bere tue
haue the originall of the hautng of more wiues then one, ina
peruerfe and Degenerate people:: and the firſte authour
thereofa tutlde man,and bopde of all hamanitic: Wut whe⸗
ther be were moued $erebnto theoughe an immoderate deſire
fo inlarge bis ſtocke, as ambitious and pꝛoude men are wont
tobe ꝛ oꝛrthꝛough carnall luff, it maketh no matter sbecaule
by eitherof then bebake the bolp lawe of wedlocke, whi⸗
che pꝛocceded from Gov. Dod had o2dcined that there ſhoulde
be two tm one flefhe: and this was the euerlaſting order of nae
fure , Lamech thoough brutiſh beafilp contempt ot Gand, cos
rupteth the lawe of nature. Therefore the 1.020 woulde haue
the co2ruption of latwfull Matrimonte to proceede out of
the bonfe of Came, and to beginne at the perfor of Lamech,
that thep whiche bane many wiues,may be aſhamed of the
erample,. Noiti !.s . NiO) i! a,
26° (Who was the father of fach as dwellintentes.) otv
Poles ſheweth that among the euils whithefprang wr
00") oftt, EE route

Th Gs tees

VPONITGENESES.M MN OCAD. I1IFr- Hi
houſe of Caine, there was ſome godneſſe mit: Fo2 the inue/·
tion of artes and ſuch other like thinges, whiche fevuefoythe |.
cominon ble andibenefite of life; isthe gifte of ov not toes TS'e
defpifed,and a vertue wothie tobe praited. It is meruell that Ooi cei
the ſame people which bad motte ſwarued from all integritie, chegift of
ertelled all the reſt of Adams polteritic. in giftes not to be res God, ~
pented of, 31h DG ALG IUIHG (85 B24); IGG Fit
9° But mytudgentent is, that Poles ſpake expreſly of theſe
artes, founde in the familie of Caine, to the end toe might
knowe that it was not (o accuriled of fhe Lowe, but that be
indued bis pofteritic with ſome notable giftes. Foꝛ it is likes
ip,that the wittes oſ others were not in the meane tinte bis
erercifed , buf that there were ſome pracifea and forward
menamong the formes of Adam, who bulicd themfelucs, in
finding out and practiſing artes. Aud Poles crpzefipronimens
deth in that people the blefing of Gon which was left; whiche
otherwiſe was thought fo be cleane boyde of all god thinges.

Lefts knowe therfoze fhat the fonnes of Caine were ſo depri⸗

uediof the ſpirite of regeneration, that neuertheleſſe they Were

induced with giltes not to be deſpiſed: cue ad the experience

ofall agesitearhethjhotwe that as touching the furniture of

this preſent life,the beames of Gods glorie hath alway hincd

in bnbelceuing nations: and at this vay we fe what ercellent eran
giftes of the ſpirite, are (Hen forth bpowall mankinde, 990203 arces are
ouerythe iberalkartes and: (ciences haue flowed to vs from —
the very Heathen: inſomuch as we muſt needes aſcribe vntdofs om bea
them Atrologie, and the other partes of Phildſophie whys thea.
ſicke, and the order of ciuil gouernement, And there ts ro

doubt but that the Lorde hath. as liberally inriched: them

with ercellent graces, to theende their: inipietic might haue

the leſſe ercufe. « Wut let vs in fuche wife haue tn admiration

fhe riches:of Gods grate; which he bath powred vppon them,
that we muche more eſteeme the grace wfiregenération 5
wherewith be doeth {pectally ſanctifie to him ſelfe his e⸗

lect, And though the finding out of harpes and fiche like
MPulicall inrumentes , doth rather ferue for pleaſure and
Delight, then foe neceſſitie: pet notwithſtanding it ought not
fodeme altegetherfupet yous, a much lelſſe it deſerueth *

— UY, 8

-

(COHN CAL VINE o>

15> se condemned in it fle. Dleafure-is. comnentited:, tnlemteiths

iopned inith the feare of Gad, and withthe cemmon pꝛdũte ot

Muf:ke humane ſactietie Wut ſuche is the confiveration of Duficke;
is of it felf that it may be appltedite the duties of godlineſſe, and nay als
sonmen- fo.p2ofite men: fo that vicious and ticked mticementes be

dable,

not iopned therewith: and if ſabe there benot a vaine delight,
which holdeth men in vanitie, being dawne away from bets
ter exerciſes But admit that the inuention or deuiſe af the
harpe deſerueth nopzailespet it ts ſuffitiently knowen, hove
farre the protite ofthe Carpenters craft extendeth it ſelfe. In
conclufion,the purpoſe of Moſes, th my iudgement ts to teach,
that the fame people flourtihed twith fundzie and notable
giftes,whiche both might make them inexcuſable, and alfo
might be euident teftimontcs of the godnes of Gon: Deis cals
led She father of fuch as Dwell in tentes 5 becauſe he was the
firfke finder out of that — teM others afterwards
followed.
23 CHearemy voice ye wines of Lamech, IThe purpofe
of Mofesis to expꝛeſſe theicrueltte of this man, iwheriote
withſtanding twas. the. fife) from Caine. the: murderer of
bis brother : fo the ende we map knowe, that he was fo farre
from being terrified bp the example of Gods vengeannce,
whiche be bebelde inbis greate granvfathers grandfather,
that he twas the moꝛe defperate and fonte hearted. Suche is
the obftinacte of the wicked: Foꝛ they are fierce and oute
ragious at the puniihmentes of Cod, whiche ought to mate
them meeke and gentle , The abſurditie and hardneſſe cf this
place;tubiche bath bought forth vnto bs diners interpzetati>
ons came (pecially bereofsthat wwheras Boles {peaketh as one
that beginneth with one matter, and foudenlp breaketh off to
another,the interpeters haue not confidercd twherebdnte his
fpeache tended. Lhe Jewes, according to their manner; haue
imagined a vaine fable: as, that Lamech was a bunter,and
blinde, and forthe fame cauſe hadaboy to quide bis hanbde,
Nowe Caine lurking tothectumd, was Maine by bith with
an arrowe : becaufe the hop deeming him to be a wilde beaſt,
directed his hande to ſhote at him. Wherefore he reuenged
* ſelfe on tine who though bis ante ofdiferetion,
was

VPONIGENESIES! CAP, PrYP..

was the caufe of the murder. Thus the iqnozance ofthe mat. 53 .
ter bꝛought to paffz ; that every man imagined ſomewhat aes
cording to his one fantafie, Wut in my opinion their iudge⸗
ment ts true, which turne the Uerbe of the paeterperfert tenſe
into the! time to come orꝛ future tenfe; and vnderſtande tt
indefinitely: as ifhe did boaſte, that be Was rong and vio⸗
lent enough, tokilbthe motte rong enimie. Therefore J
reade the tertafter this manneryl will kill a manj&c. Ano we
mult note that octafion, ‘as Jſayde, tobich be had to ble fache
talke With his Mines We knowe that bloudſhedders, as thep
area terrour foothers ; fothep arebatevofallmen, There⸗
foze the bioletice which was in Lamech dtd iuſtly terrifte his
wiues:foꝛ fomuche as the fame is deteſted of all mankinve ;
left theouah a confpitacie all men ſhoulde oppreſſe him he de⸗
ſeruing the hatred and curſe of al ment show Moles to expr elle
bis deſperate barbarontnelle, tobereas the faire ſpeeches and
ſmoth bebautour of the. wiues, ts. often times wont to mir
tigate cruell and fierce bufbandes , fapth that Lamech tur⸗
nea forth inte the bofomeofhis wiues the poyſon of bis cru⸗
eltie| Dhefumme is this, that be boatteth that ‘he bath cous
rage and ſtrength enough, to terrific any that durſt aſſav dune,
In theſe tyo2des,(A man, and, Ayong man, jis tonteined a ree
petition of one thing, according tothe Hebꝛue phate: leſt any
man ſhoulde thinke, that ſundeie perſons are noted: ſauing
that in the ſeconde be ampliñeth his furious: pꝛeſumption,
When be boaſteth that voung men in the middeſt of their Adri⸗
thing age are not able torefitt hint: as if he ſhoulde fap, Let
the ntoft valiant champton come fozth,anotwbat focuer he be,
Jwil kil him Wherfore-he is ſo farre from putting his torues
in hope that be: will bend hin leife toa moze humane and ci⸗
uil life, thatlike vnto a madde beaſte, be fometh forth nothing
but murder and bloudſhed. Whereby tt doth eaſilx appeare,
that he being altogether replenithed with crueltie, reteined no
parte of humanitie hele wordes (wounde; and hurte) map
be read diuerſſx. Ifſo be ine thinke tt godito read tf thus, in the
Accuſatiue cate, L wilt kill a man into my wounde, and hurte:
the ſenſe Halt bes 3 viapoe of allcare, do take the daunger that
map fail, bppasury lelte — de at — *
cuuo v.

LON “CALVENE

1) - tide mes: becauſe J knotve well inoughe by what way toc
cape) And we muſt make one fentence of that whiche follow⸗
eth: Caine thalbe aucnged ftuenfolde;&c, ut if we bas ray
ther read it in the Ablatiue cafe; thus;Z twill kil a man in my
wound, and in my butte, then we haue alſo a double erpotts
fin: the iris, Althengh J were wounded, yet notiwithitans
bing J world kill a man : What will Ido then, J being whole
ann fre frem harme? The other is; Jfany man pꝛouoke me
though imturie,o2 qo about to. oppeefle me, be hall well feele
that be bath to dor witha ftrong and bahaunt man; For be

Sinne the (hall not eſcape vnpuniſhed vehiche hurteth me. And this in
older itis, my iudgement is the moꝛe ſound expoſition. This example
theworle teacheth 5 that men doe alwaves growe from eutll to worſe.
is warcth. o> the wicked fate of Caine was deteſtable: but the cracls
tie of Lamech came to that pafle; thatbe (pared not mannes
bloud.Moꝛeduer when be ſeeth that his wines are aſtonniſhed

th2ough feare;be ts fo farre from meekeneſſe and pacification,

that be whetteth and confirmeth him ſelfe the nioze in cruels

tie, Thus the brutiſh outrage ofcrueil men doeth increale,

when they perceine that they are hated: and they are ſo little

touched with repentance,that they. are alway readie peeſt to

burie onc murder with tenne more. Wibérebpon it commeth

fo pafic,that they neuer make an end of ſhedding bloud, after

that thep haue once imbrued themfelues therewith, :

24 (Cainedhalbe auengechſeuen folde, | Mp purpoleis not

to fétte Dolwne the dꝛeames and doting imaginations ofall

men ; neither would J that the readers ſhould loke fo this at

my band . Jwill elſe where briefly and fparingly touch them:
{pecially tf there ſhall be any peetenco oꝛ colour to decettte : to

the enve the readers may learne alwayto take heede vnto
themfelues;being fooften times abmonithed .: Therefore as
touching this p2efent plate, whiche hath beene diverfly tele.

ted, 4 care not what this opthat man bath written, but! tilk

holde my felfe contented with the true alin proper: erpofitions

Gons will wasythat Gainethould bea hoꝛrible erample to o⸗

thers to flie murder : and fo this ende be ſette bppon him a
markeofrepoche! Neuertheleſſe; leaſt any man thouln fols
—— he laide that —

ou

VPON GENESTS.— CAP. IIIT. 155% |

Mould Rill hint, he Mould be pimiched feuenfold more. Lamech!
wickedly peruerting this ſentente of Gov, ſtorneth at his ſe⸗
ueritie: tor thereot be taketh greater libertie tofiune , as if
God had giuen fome ſingular priuilege to murderers, Pot
that he thought fo in god earneũ, but becaule he being voyde
ot all fling of pictic,promifeth vnto himfelfe to efcape vnpu⸗
niſhed and in the meane tinte in Dalliaunce he pretendeth the
nameof Ooo! cuen as din that Dionyfius, when he boaſted
thatthe Gods did kauour deſperate wicked perforts, to the end
he might put alway that infamie tn the whiche he Was. Mors⸗
ouer, as the ae Of feuen in the ſtripture ſignitieth a mul⸗
titude, euen fo ſenen folde in this platejand in other places al⸗
fo, is taken ſorvexceeding intreate » According to this faving
of Chrifte, 1 Gp notwato thee that thou fhalt forgive thy bro- r atth. 18
ther ſeuen times, but ſeuentie times feuen times; >

1 ag 'PAnd Adam knéw his wife againe.] Hereof ſome gaz
ther,thafat that time our firlt Parentes twere Without anp
offpring, ſceing ene of their fonnes was Maine , and the other
caſt a farre ot intocpile,: Wutidienot'trerible, that Adam
and Heuah were barreit ſo many peares, (pecially the bleſ⸗
fing df Gor being at that time fo-plentifullin inlarging man⸗
hinds, Wutrather before fuchetime. as Abel was flaine , Per
uah had beene fu fruitefaul in bringing forth children, that the
had made Adams heule populous, Foꝛ it was mette that the
efferteldf this fentetice,Growe ye and multiphe vatill ye haue
revienithed theearth, ſhould ſpecially appeare in him and in
pis wife, TWhat is therefore the meaning of Moſes? For
ſoth thatour firth Parentes being aſtonniſhed with the hor⸗
rout of the wicked murder, abſteined fo2 a while from the
matrimoniall bedoe. For if could not other wiſe be, but that
thepthoula bealmoſte quite diſmiaved and diſcouraged, in reas
ping that fo2rowfill bitter fruite of their falling trom Coo,
And where as now Pofes vuerpalſeth ochers,p reafon is this
becauſe he had purpoſed to prolequute the generation of the
godlie krõ the lite of Seth. But in p Chapter follotwine, where
be faith,that Adam begate fonnes æ daughters: he compzchen
Defi doubt many, which were bowie before Seth, of whore

— — no great account is made, becauſe — —
parate

“we

56

IOHN \CALVINE

parated fro that houle which worchipped God purely,e aright
and might truly be counted the church of God, {For God hath
appointed mean other ſeed for Habel, } She meaneth fome
other ſingular (eae, Fo2 we ſaide, that others were bꝛought
fo2th, whiche were growne alreadie before the death of Abel.
But as mankinde ts prone toenill , his whole houtealmofe
had bp diuers meanes coprupted it felfe .. SLbherefore Wenah
Had conceiued but alittle bope of the reſt of fhemultitune, vn⸗
till fuch time as God, had raiſed op onto ber. a newe fede, of
whome the hoped better . GAberefo2e he maketh account that
the is depriued in the perfon of Abel, not only of one foune,but
of all the re of ber childꝛen al. 90322:

»:26,[ Thea began men to call vpon thenameof the Lord.}

There is a figure called Synecdoche in this word (call; :) bes

Touocatis
on is the
chicfe
point of
the wor-
fhip of
God,

caufe if Doeth generally compzebende the whole Wwoothippe of
God. And: religion is aptly tearmed of the principall parte
thereof, For Cod preferreth this duetie of godlineue andoof
fatth befoze all other facrifices : as we may reade in the fiftte
Plalme : pea this is the {pir ituall worſhip of Ood; which faith
bringeth forth. The whichis principally worthie to be notede
becauſe Sathan goeth about nothing moze, then to’ force
02 falfifie, With all manner of cozruption, the pure wo2thip
of God: oꝛ elle to b2ing vs from inuocating vppon God alone
fo call pon the creatures: ea, he bath not teaſted to pꝛactiſe
this from the beginning of the woride » that imiferable men
night Wearie them felues in vaine in the fale woꝛrſhippe of
© D D. But let vs knowe, that the whole pompe of ados
ration ts nothing worthe, except this p2incipall point of woꝛ⸗
thiping God aright, be kept, Potwbeit ie may moze fimplp
erpounde it, that the name of God was at that time againe
remembred andcelebzated. Wut the former ſenſe, becauſe if
is moꝛe full, and conteineth a pꝛofitable doctrine, and alfo as
greth with the bfuall phate of the Scripture,is in mp iudge⸗
ment fo be preferred. Andit isa fonde imagination , that’
God at that time began to becalled Oppon with other names:
ſeeing Boles doth not reprehende here twicken (uperftitions,
but commendeth the goviineffe of one boute , Which worchip⸗
peo © D D purely an aright, religion being cozrapten:

among

* CIM

VPON GENESIS! “!TCAR V.

among others: And pet notwithltanding there is no doubt, but 157
that Adam and Heuah, anda fewe others of their childzer,
were the true w

02 de Wut Moles meaneth, that
Wickedneffe hav fo ouerflowed in the woride at that time,that
religion tended almoftto deftruction:becaufe it remained one -
ly in a ſewe men, and flouriffed not among: any one people,
we 0 prt en that Seth twas the god and faithful
feruaunt of © D D. Audyatter that he begat a fonne like vn⸗
to bimfelfe;and had bis houſe well o2dcred,there began to ape
peare a diftinct Church and the worihip of God twas fet bp,
which ſhoulde remaine vnto pofteritics .. Suclpa vreformati⸗
on of religion was made inour time alſo: not that the fame
was btterly ertinguithen before, but becaule there was no
certeine 02 knowen 5° whiche called. vppon the name
of the Aorde, betauſe — ——— pꝛofeſſion of faith
and becaufeno ſincere religion coulde any where be founbe,
Therby it doth to eutdently appeare, how prone men are-to
faleitheninto groſſe contempt of God,o2 elſe into fuperttition:
th theſe euils muſt needes at that time over flowe,

feel tepozteth it asa nuracle , that there was ‘then
—e the worlhip of Govt was fee
has, encvy o WGHEAIR TeB)Res Mini bowl boA 2

© --Snael SE I SF
2 <3. Inthedaywherdin, God created shan, iathe

hg Ss elle of God, made hedum. Hso@ o%
Maleand female \created he.them,, and
Eleſſed them, and called their name Adam,
in the day that they werecreated . Selodiudol
—* oi Nowe Adam lued anhundred and thirtie ye ares and
oune lileneſſe, after hisimage ——
led fey name Sheth. : ch
Andth damit hebadbegorten Sheth |
were eight hundred yeares, and he begat fonnesand daiaghe

— of bas bow djiv bollaw doomH bru

Sothat all the dayes that;Adam an er nine: Sab

aclicc⸗· l ch te dsladtjucdo=J 4 —

8 Vv 1 A sTOHN: CALV ENE.
130 6 And Sahin anand and fiers and bea

G3 113015 ta Brae seo? p :
oy. AndShethlinedaier be begat «right bandsest
and feuen yeares;and ghters.t 09 |
8 Soali cndayesot Sheth wereoinundred and ‘welug
yeares: and hediedioi.5 to» l
— Mp Alfa Eo lnied ninetie yearesyand begate Kenan.
a0! And Eno Inder begat nde

begate g

in 'Soalltht — Enoth were nine huaucad and fue
yeareszand he died.

12) Likewate Kenan lined feuentie yeares, and begae Mx

haladl 9
— Kennett begat Mahalae ei hare
and fourtie. and daughters. ch

14 —— —— of * were nine — and tenne
yeares : andhe died.
. % Mabalael alfa lived Gitte bene yerciiand bigete lered
16 Alfo Mahalael liued after he begate lered, eight hun·
dred and thirtie yeatess and begate fonnes anddaughters."" ,
17 Soallthe dayesiof Mahalael; were eight hundred nines

tic and fiue yeares : and he died.
18 And lered liued an hundred fixtieand two yeares, and

¢ ricnoc
7b Phas Tefed ined dere te ate Henoth eighth
yeares,anid bebate fonnes andidauehters:
_ 20 Soall the dayesof Iered vere ——
—** and he died.
Alfo Henoch liued fixtie and fue yeares and begat
Methuh thelah.

rts ‘And Henocly walked with God ‘fled hebepite Me-
chuithela

h, three hundered nd ate fon es
daughters. ie ty beg ier 4 anid

23 So allthedayes of Henoch were three hundred fit

anid fiue yeares. |

24 And 7* — with God, and he was no more
Keene : for God togkehimawayi!) Foo 21) lesen ioe

45 Msthuthelah alfo liu od an Hundred eightiolaid teuen

| ‘ Yearesy

VPON’ GENESIS? i CAP, VI. 139
yeares,and begate Lamech. ‘ode
26 And Methufhelah thashafterbe “ed Lamech, fubm
hundred eightie and two yeres,& begate fonnes & daughters,
27 So ali the dayes of Methuthelah » were nine hundred
fixtie and nine yegres: ‘and he died.
28 ‘Then Lamech lived an hundred cightie and two yeres:
and begatea fonne. ©
29° And called his name Noah faying 2, This fame (hal com-
forte vs concerning our worke andforrowe of our handes, as
touching the earth,whichthe/Lorde hath curſece.
30 And Lamech lited after he begate! Noah , fiue hun-
dred ninetie and fiue yeares and begate fonnes and daughters. |
30 Soall the dayes of Lamech were ree —**— ſeuen
tic and ſeuen yeares: dnd he died.
32 And Noah ‘was fiue —— yeares * “And Noah
begate Shem; Ham, and Iapheth·
—* ¶ This is the Booke of the generations.] In this Chapter
abziefe recitall is made how long if twas ere that the floud in⸗
ſued thecreation of the tworlde ; and withall Moles gathereth
ſomwoat from: the biftozic of that time. and although we br’
derffand not the purpofe of the holie Obot, why be hath thas
rotigh Glence duerpaſſed great matters ¢ worthie of remem:
bꝛance:vet not withſtanding itis ourpartto weigh ¢ confioer.
diligently many fhinges which are kept ſecrete. As fo2 ſpecu ·⸗
lations, which euerie man imagineth in his owne conceipto—
light coniectures, Jallow not; neither toil Jbe the authour te
giue libertie to the readers fo pleaſe them ſelues in this point:
but it may be gathered after a ſorte as it were by a naked and
bare narration, what the fate of their time was, as we thal
—— places, This word (Booke) accoꝛding tothe phꝛaſe
of the hebrue tongue is taken for a Catalogue. This wor
(Genérations) ffqnifieth a continual ſucceſſion of a ſtock 02 kin⸗
red,ovelfe a continual progenic. Wut the envof {etting volwH A Church
this Catalogue was,that we might know that there hath bem bath God
fonte, thoagh fewe in nuncheramong a greate 02 rather baie stays ree
iniultitade of nteit,whiche haue worihipped OD iD; and that <<) °°
the fame bath bene wanderfully preſerued by the nightie
panne of Rape: lealt that the name ot Te meee
abouſhed,

SSIOHN iCALVDNE

abolithed, and the fede of the Churche perithe. In the day
wherein: God éreated man] He doeth rot reftrairic the genes
rattous to the dap of creation, but oneiynoteth the beginning:
And withall be putteth a dickerence betweene fhe ficle men and
fie reſt, wyome God afterafingular manner bought forth
‘tito thislifestubereas others were borne and deſcended from
a bigher Cocke and from parentes . And Moles repeateth as
gatne that which hé bad taught before, how that Adain was
made according tothe image of God: becaule the ercellencie
and worthinelle of thts grace cannot be fuffictently praifen,
It was much that man ſhould haue the preeminence among
all other creatures But this nobilitie is farre mozeercellent,
thathe ſhould be like onto his maker, euen as the fonneis
“like onto the father. Foꝛ God could not. deale moꝛe liberallp
With hun, then in imp2inting in him bis glozie, that he might
be as it Were a liuelic image ofthe wiſedome and righteouG

160

nefle of Ood. This alfo ferueth to ouerthowe the llaunders

of the wicked, who would willingly lay the blame of their
Wickednelle bpon the tworkemaifter,if fo bert were not plains
ly erp2effed,that man in nature was other wife created, then
bets now made th2ough the fault of bis otwne falling away,
Wedlock *!7 Male and Female created he them] Theſe words com⸗

and focie- mend the bolic knot of wedlock; and the infeparable focietic of

ticcom- cthe man and the wife. For after that Moſes hath named one;
mended, ſtraight way he includeth tivo vnder onename, And be attri⸗
buteth a common nante to both alike, fo the ena the poſteritie

might learne the moze reuerently to imbꝛace focietic among
themlelues, then they fer that our firlt parentes were placed

vnder one perſon. Wheras the Jewes vo trifle € fay that onip

marricd perſons are called Adam, they are confuted by > bil»

torte of the creation. Foꝛ in verie Dede the purpofe of the bolie

Oholte in this place ts nothing elſe, then to (ewe, that after
wedlocke was ordeined, the man and the wife were as one

man. And be maketh mention of blefing, to the ende we

may recount therein the wonderfull grace of Gov, becaute

it continued Without infermifion : notwithftanding, let bg

knotp, that it was fometwhat let ann interrupted thzough the
Malice and wickedneile of men, | )

3 [And

qe

VPON

GENESIS, CAP. y,
161

_ 3 [And begate achilde in his owne likenefle,} We ſayd a
little before, that Wofes noth onely pofequute in the line of
Seth the offp2ing of Adam, fo the end he may fet before vs to
be confidered of the o2der of the Church.and whereas be fapth
that he begate a childe in his owne likeneffe, it is in part ree
ferred fo the firft originall of nature + notwithſtanding, the
fo2ruption and pollution is to be noted, which being drawne
from him though the fall, flotved to all poſterities. If ſo be he
had remayned found and perfect, be would haue giuento alt
bis childzen that which he bad received. Wut nowe we reade
that Seth with the ret was defiled, bycauſe that Adam tho
was falen alway from bis ozicinal, could beget none but {uch
as Were like onto him ſelfe. ZF any nian obtect and fay, that
Seth with bis houtholve was by the fpeciall grace of Gov e⸗
lected: the anfwere is ready and cafie fo be made : howe tha

a fupernaturall reme

dic letteth not,but that fhe carnall genes

ration map be pouldzed with the corruption of finne . There⸗

fo2c, according to the
afterward renued ag

fleth, Seth was borne afinner: and tag seth wag
atne by the grace of the ſpirite. hig fo borne a in

fo2rotwful an erample of the bolp Patriarch, offereth bute bs ” yrs.

large matter of betwayling our miferic, eqs
4 (And the dayes of Adam after he had begotten Sheth, }

Firk of all, tue are to conũder in the number of yeares which

is bere fet downe, howe long the holy Patriarches lined. Fo2

by the {pace of fire whole ages, twhen as nolwe the familie of

Seth was growne into a great people, the voyce of Grant

might daily refound the remembraunce of the creation, of the

fal,and of fhe puniſhment, might tettifie the bope of faluation,

which was left after

the chaftifement ; and might recite the

iudgements of Cod, wherewith al men were fo be inftructed,
He being once vead , the childzen might haue giuen to their

pofteritic, as it tere

from band te hand, that which they bad

learned: but the doctrine proceding from bis mouth, twas

farre move effectual,
But fuch wonderfull
“men,that the mott pe

which twas an epe witnelſe of al thin as,
and monfruous cbitinacic was among
rfect part of mankinde, could not be held

fo2 all this in the obedience and feare of God.
§ CAndhedyed.] This ſentence which ts added fo the

iL, death

“TOHN CALVINE

162 death of cuery one,is not ſuperfluous. F02 it teacheth vs,that
Death be- neath was not Denounced to mer in vaine: and that nowe we
ll cen, ave fabtect vnto thefame curfle, buder the which be was fet,

except we be delivered byanother, In the meane time, we
mutt diligently weigh and confider,in how lamentable a cone
pition we and, nowe that the image of God being abolithed,
o2 at leat wile blotted out in bs, Wwe (carce reteine a ſmall
chadowe of life, from whence we mult hatten vnto death. And
it is profitable to behold in the picture of fo many ages at one
viewe, a continuall courfe and teno2 of Gods bengeance ; bys
caufe otheriwife we doe after a fo2te , imagine God to be for⸗
gettull: and tue are moze proane to nothing, then fo dꝛeame
Imotalitie to be on the earth, except now and then we haue
death before our cpes, .

22 [And Henoch walked with God.] There is no doubt,
but § Wenoch is fpectally prayſed among other men, when be
is fayd fo haue walked with Oop, Hotwithltanding, Seth, E⸗
nos, Cainan, Malael, and Yared lined ; whole godlineſſe was
prapled in the Chapter going before. And pet tt was no rude
02 barbarous woꝛrlde, {which had many ercellent teachers.

Tuhereby we gather, that the vprightneſſe and godlineſſe of
this holy man twas rare,and almoft finqular 02 alone, whom
the holy Ghoſt erempted from the common order of men. Ne⸗
uertheleffe, leatt thetr peruerfe manners, witty whom Wwe are
conuerfant, carrie bs alway,bere ts ſhewed vnto vs a way to
beware, Fo2 pubhqne cuftome ts a violent tempeft, bycaule
ov ae’ we both fuffer our felues eafily to be carried by the multitude
dangerous Jitber and thither : and alfa bycaufe euery man thinketh vᷣ ta
be god and latvfall, whiche ts vſually recetued. Foꝛ thus
hogges take itching one of an other : neither is there any cons
tagion moze woꝛſſe 02 nopfome, then that {which commeth of
cuilleramples, 0 much the moze dilicently this definition
of an bpriabt life is te be noted, bycaufe Wenoch walked with

God.

Nowe let them boalt that lift, that they line according fo *
che cuftome of other men, Wut the {pirite of ODD hath aps ~
pointed a rule of god and cooly life, where mens eramples are
foxfaken, which franie not their life and manners — os ‘

awe

Se

VPON GENESTS CAP. Y,

lawe of ODD. Fo2 he which letting aſide the word of Gor, 16
bath qiuen him leit to follow} twozld,ts tabe reckoned to line [Vos
Wwith the diuell, Wut as ¥ fapde alittle before, all others are 7 the
not fpopled of the prayſe of righteouſneſſe: but a fpectall ex⸗ diuell.
ample ts {et before bs in the perfon of one man, who ove
ſtedfaſt in time of hozrible confufion: tothe ende we may
learne fo giue more regard vnto God, then onto men, if fo be
Wwe {uould frame our lines aright . 3fo2 the fpeache whiche
Moſes vſeth, is as muche as if he had fayde: be, that he
might nof be dalvne away with the cozruptions of men,
had reſpect vnto © D D alone, that he might imbrace gods
lineffe With a pure conſcience, euen as if be bad bene in bis
p2elence. .
24. [And hewasnomore feene : forGOD tookehim a-
way.] We thallbe contentious {without tame, which twill
not confeffe, that fome erfrao2dinarie matter ts bere noted,
All are taken out of the wo2ld by death : but Moles plainely
erprefleth, that Benoch twas receiued of the Lode after a prenock
ſtraunge manner, and not after the tyonted forte, Henoch wastrange
therefore being in the muddle courte of life, ſoudenly and after ly tranflie
affraunge fathion, vaniſhed out of the fight of men: bycaute ted.
the Lorde toke him alway : euen as we reade if happened fa’
Clias. Seeing inthe taking away of Benoch, we baue an
erample ſhewed of immoꝛtall life: there is no doubt but that
the purpofe of © DD, was to lift bppe the myndes of his
Hainfes, with a ſure truſt before death: and by this confolaz
fion, to mitigate the terrour whiche thep might concetue bp
death, bycaufe they knewe, that a better life was layde bp in
Hore for them elſewhere. Wut itis merucik, that Adam was
deoriued of the helpe of this truff and confolation. jfo2,feing
that terrible tudgement of © DD, Thou thale dye the death,
founded daiip in bis eares, be ode in creat nede of fome
confolation,that be night conceiue fome other thing in teath,
then malediction and deffruction, But fiftie peares after bis
death,o2 there aboutes, chaunced the tranflation of Henoch,
who Mould be as a bifible token of the bleſſed refurrection ;
Wwherby be being made famous, might willingly prepare him
lelſe fo his departure, ut fing the Lorde in puniſhing, mt
| Lij. tigated

IrOHN CALVINE

164 tigated bis vigour, anv teeing Guam him felfe bad heard that

from bis mouth, which might greatly comfort him: be being
contented with this kynde of remedie , ought patiently to
beare both the continuall croſſe in this two2lde, and alfo the
fharpe and forrotwfull ende : but feing other fome, being not
fo well inffructed by the manifeft oracle, to hope fo2 the pro⸗
mifed victorie ouer the ferpent,there was a common doctrine
fo? all the godly in the tranflation of Benoch, that thep nught
not qround their hope bpon moztall life, Foꝛ Boles ſheweth
that this tranflation, twas a teftimonie of the loue of © D D
tolwardes him, when be iopneth the fame to bis godly and vps
right life. Pet fo2 all this, to be dep2iued of life, is not of if
felfetobe deſired. It follotwcth therefoze, that he chaunged
for the better place : pea, and that when be was an inbabis
taunt in the world, be twas receiued tnto a celeffiall countrie,
Hebr.r.5. The which the Apoftle in his Cpittle to the Hebrues plaine-
OCvichion ly teacheth, Wut ifit be demaunded, wherefore Henoch twas
tranflated, and what manner of condition be is nowe in: J
Anfwere, aunſwere, that by a fingular patutlege, fuch twas bts pallage,
as the paſſage of other men fhould be, Foꝛ although it was
mete that be ſhould put off that tubich was co2ruptible : pet
notwithſtanding, be was exempted from that violent feparas
tion which nature fhunneth, To be ſhorte, this tranflation
was a pleafaunt and iopfull departure out of the worꝛlde.
And yet for all that, be was not receiued info heauenly glo⸗
ric, but Iwas onely diffolucd from the miferies of this pre⸗
fent life, vntill Chitte, the firft fruites of thofe that rife as
gaine, Houlocome, And ſeeing be was oneofthe members
of the Churche, tt was neceflarte, that be ſhould wayte vntill
all thinaes come forth together to mete with Chꝛiſte, that
Obieétion the whole body might be vnited fo the bead. Af any man obs

Actwere. rete this fapuig of the Apottic, It 1s appointed to al mento dye

Hebr.p.27 once + the aunfwere map ealily be made, that death is not als
{way a diuorce of the foule from the bovp : but they are ſayde
fo dpe, which put off the co2rupt nature, after the fame mane
ner fhat their death (hall be, home the lak dap Hall take rez
maining, Z |

29 [And

VPRON GENESIS; Cap. y:
29 [And hecalled his name Noah, faying : This Gane Thal
comfort vs. Ramech in thefe words pꝛomiſeth onto him felfe
eaſe 02 folace front his laboures, But it may be demaunned
iwherbpon he conceiued this hope concerning his f onne, whoſe
wit and diſpoſition as pet be perceiued not, Herein the Jewes
thinke not amilſe, when they affirme the ſame to be a prophe⸗
ſie: but thep doc to grofiy reſtraine that fo huſbandrie, which
belongeth fo all the ſorrowes of this lifc, Which prorede from
the curfle of Ood,and are the fruites of ſinne. For J am per⸗
ſuaded thus, that the holy fathers did carefully figh and grone,
when as they being compaſſed about with fo many miferics,
Daily rememb2ed the fir originall of all euilles > and res
‘counted them felues to be out of the fauour of Goo, Therſfore
‘in the labour of the handes, there is conteyned a figure called
Synecdoche:bycauſe vnder one particular kind, it comprehen⸗
deth the miſerable Tate whereinto mankinde twas falne, For
they no doubt remembzed that which Motes fpake of befo2e,
concerning the labo2ions, fo2z0twfull,and carefull life, wheres
‘bnto Adam Was bound: fo2 fo much as the wickednes of men
daily increafing moze, there could no departure be hoped fo2,
vnleſſe the Lord did helpe vnloked for, It is bery likely that
they warted greatly fo2 the mercy of ODD, For farth was
mighticin them, and necellitie vrged them, in fo much, that
they longed greatly fo2 help. And hereby we may gather, that
Noah had not his name given vnto him bnaduifedly, bycaufe
Holes noteth the fame, as a thing worthy 66 be remembred.
CThere was fone realon in other-the names of the Fathers :
nofivithifanding, be ſcheweth no reafon why thep were fo cals
led, and ſtandeth bpon Moab alone, Wereof therefo2e the cons
fenfious reader may not iudge, that there ts fome peculiar
thing in Noah, which belongeth not to others that were bes
fore hint, Wherefdre J doubt not, but that Lamech loked fox
ſome fraunge and vnwonted matter to be bought to paſſe bp

bis fonne,and that by the inſtinct of fhefpirtt. Some thinke |

that he was decetued, bycauſe he beleucd that be ſhoulde be
Chik : but they bring no mete coniccture hereof, It is moze
likely, that fing fome-notable thing wa⸗ promifed concer,
ting bis foune,be could not refraine buntelfe, but mull needes

| fl tf. ioxne

165

16$ ~~ (FORM CAEL ONE o ¢:
ioyne his olune imagination withthe dinineoracle,enenasp =“
Saintes alle are wont fo ercede the meaſure of revelation:
whereby it commeth to palſe, that they touch neyther heauen
rior earth.

32 [And Noah was fiue —2 yeres olde.] Jfozall that
Subich Bales hath hitherto fpoken concerning the Fathers,
fue can not gather whether euery one of them Were the firk
begotten or no: for his purpofe was onely to polequute the
sontinuall o2der-of the Church, Wut God oftentimes to ſup⸗
prelic the baine confidence of fleſh and bloud,hath choſen thofe
vnto hun felfe, which by nature are the vongeſt. Wherefore J
am vᷣncerteine whether Moſes bath rebearfed the catalogue
of thoſe whome Osan peferred before others, 02 elfe which bad
the principalitic among their brethren, by the right ot elder⸗
ſhip: in like maner, how many fonnes euery one bad.As con⸗
cerning Noah, tt is Wel ynough knolwne,that he had ne moze
forines then three : the which Moſes of purpole oftentimes res
peateth, to the ende we map knolwe that bis whole familie
twas ſaued. But in my tudgement, they are much deceiued,
Which thinke that the chattitie of Moab is bere commenden,
bicauſe be led a finale life bythe ſpace almok of fiue ages. Fo
it is not faid, that this is the firt time that be married a wiſe,
neither pet what vegre of his age be began fo be a father, But
When fhe time is funply noted, wherby he was admoniſhed of
the floud fo come; Moles alſo addeth, that be was a father of
thre fonnes,almott at the fame time 02 there abouts:not that
he had them nowe already, but bycauſe thep were boone not
long after, It thal euidently appeare by the clenenth Chapter,
that the fiue hundred peare was paft before Sem wes bone
vnto him: cocerning the other to,there is nothing cerfein to
be found,faning that Japheth tras the yonger. Wut if is mers
nell, p ſo fone as be heard p horrible newes of the deftruction
of mankind,be twas not, theouah erceening ſorrow, reftreined
from the companie of bis wife ; but it was meete that fome
remmants ſhould be left,bicanfe that houſe was appointed for
p repairing of » fecond twozld. Although wwe reade not at what
time his fons Coke them wiues, pet notwithfanding, J think
that they were married F befoze the oud; but by the peo⸗

| uidence

VPON GENEST $i! CAP. vy, 16 q
uidence of God they were made barre, who hav determined <2 7
to faue only eight loules. a oma apap \ ise
: (CHAPTER. yr
Nd it came to paffe,whé men began to multiply

? 6
° ” e

3 AndtheLord faide, My ſpirite fhall not alway ftriue with

~ man, for that he is fleth : and his dayes hall be an hundred
and twentie yeares. J Lf. ok

4° There were Giants in the world in thot days: & afterthat
the children of God had gone into the daughters of men,

[50 ‘they begot vrito them'childretys thefe aie mightie,and haue
bene men. of renoumea longtime.) :

§ And the Lorde fawe,that the wickednefle of men was creat

in the earths and ¢hatall'the imaginations of their heartes,

~* “was only euill continually: 0°) >>. ein

ST hen! the ‘Lorde repented that he had made man in the
earth,and was forriein hisheatr,

7 And the Lord ſaid, will deftroy man, whome ] haue crea⸗
ted, from off the face of the earth, bot}, manand beaft, ynto

~ - the'worme that creepeth, and-vato the foule that fleeth in
the aire: bycaufe it repenteth ine that ih, aue made them,

8 And Noah found grace in the fight of the Lord. .

9 Thefeare the cenerations of Noah, Noah' was aiuft man &
perfect in his generations: Noah walked with God. 0) }

10! And Noah begate three fonnes, Sem Cham and rag .

a And theeatth was corrupted before the Lorde : the earth

Was filled with ani Wities? FOL of ‘E38 S397 69 if

i2! And God fawetthe earth, and behold, it'was corrupted: for

~ “all flefh had corrupted his way vpén the earth,

13 God therefore'fuide vnto Noah, The end of all flefhie coms

oy ~ meth before nie? bycaufe the earth is filled with iniquitie,
“Mand behold] will deftroy them withthe earth; «| !

24" Make thee an arlte of Pine trees,and take chambersin the

Alee and pitehi¢ withinand without with pitch.) , .

J— L.aiiij. is And

168

1OHN:> CALVINE-

15 And thisisthe meafare whereby thouthalt make it · The

length thereof fhall be three hundred cubites, the breadth
thereof fue hundred cubites: and the hei ght therof thirtie
cubites. r,s ASTIAR

36. Thou Malt makea windowe forthe arke, in acubite fhale
thou finiih the fame aboue; and thou fhalt make the doore
of the arke in the fide thereof: and thou fhalt makeit with
three loftes oneaboue an other. | .

‘17 And behold,I,cuen I,wil bring a floud of waters vpon the

earth, that 1 may deſtroy all fleth, whereinis the breath of
life vnder heauen : euery thing that is in the earth thal dye.
18 And I will make my couenaunt with, thee, and thou fhale
- enter iftto the arke, thou, and thy fonnes, and thy wife, and

, thy fonnes wites which are withthee. J Re ae
39 Andofall that liueth, what fo euer flefhe it be, fhalt thou

bring into the arke,of euery thing a payre,to keepe them a⸗

liue with thee. |
20 And maleand female fee that they be; of birdes after their
kind,and of beaftes in their kind, and of all manner, wormes

of the earth in their kind? a pa
vito thee,that they may be kept aliue. an dyes

9). And take vnto thee of al manner meate that may be. eaten,
and lay it vp in ftore by thee, that it may be meate both for
thee,and for them, And Noah did according to al that God

commaunded him,euen fo did he.

~ [When men begantomultiplic.] Moſes hauing orderly
{poten of the tenne Patriarches, who reteined the true wor⸗
fhip of God, ſheweth nov that their houſes alfo were corrup⸗
ted, dnd this declaration is to be begon further » then at p fiue
hundeed pere of Moab. Foꝛr to pᷣ end be may pzepare vnto hun
felfe'an enterance to the hiſtorie of the floud,be ſheweth firtt vᷣ
the whole world was coprupted:in fo much,} nothing almott
remained onto God amidlſt fuch hogrible confufion.And p this

may the better appeare, we mutt remeber this principle, that ~

The world's vᷣoꝛid was as it were then Divided into tio parts : bicaufe

was diuis

ded into the boule of Seth imbaaced the pure and latwfull woꝛſhip of
qwo pays. God, from the which the re were fallen, And although all

mats

yreofeuery thing ſhall come

i

VPON GENESIS. CAP.VI,

mankind was created to this ende and purpole, that the fame 109 ,
mightinuocate and call bppon the nanie of Con, and that
therefoze fincere religton ought to reiqne in euery place : pet
notwithſtanding, becauſe the greater part had pelded it felfe
either to the contempt of God, o2 els fo wicked fuperflitions:
it was conuentent that the fame ſmal portion, tobich God by
a notable p2tuilege bad adopted vnto buntelfe,fhould remaine
fecluded from others . Wherefore it was filthicingratitune,
that the pofteritie of Seth had mingled tt felfe with the Cate °F
nites and with other prophane nations , becaule the fame of (acriicge
his otune free Will dep2iued tt felfe of the moſt pretious grace in the pos
of God, This alfo twas intolerable facrilege , to pervert and feritic of
confound the order appointed of God . At ſemeth at the firſt Seth.
ſhew beryp baine,that the fonns of God fo2 chafing bitto them
faire toiues from among the daughters of men, Mould be fo
feuerelp condemned, But we mutt know that it is no light of⸗
fence, fo beeake fhe difference and oder which God bath ap-
pointed: and that it was a holy o2der and reuerently tobe im⸗
b2aced, that the worſhippers of Ood fhould be feparated from
Wicked nations, that there might be a Church of Ood bppon
the earth, Whirdly, that the ficknefles tere paſt cure, when
mien reiected the remedie which Godhadodeyned, Tocon⸗
clude , Moles noteth ertreme diforder and confufion , when he
faith that the childzen of the godly did degenerate, whom God
had chofenfrom all others,to be as it were a peculiar and pꝛe⸗
tious treaſure fo bimfelfe, That old fable concerning the lps
ing of Anaels {orth women, is fufficiently confuted with the
abfurditie therof; and tt ts meruell that learned men were bez
Witched in old time With fuch groffe and monſtruous doating
dreames. Very cold alfo is the opinion of the Chaldean tnter-
peter, how that all marriages betweene great ¢ noble mens
fonnes , and the daughters of the.common fo2t are conden
ned, So that Moſes doeth not therefore feclude the ſonnes of
God from the daughters of men, as thouah erther nature o2
oꝛiginall were not ineither equal o2 alike; but bycauſe they
- Were by adoption the fonnes of God, whome he had chofen ta
bim felfe : others might like as them lifted.
AIt any man obiect, that they are bnwozthy to be reckoned
L.v. among

‘IGHN CALVINE

170 among the ſonnes of God, which had thamefullp fallen from

- the faith t obedience of God: the folution is eaſie fo be made,

how that honour is not attribufed vnto their, but bnto the

Sonnes of grate of Gad, which as pet thined in thofe houſes. For oben p

ee in A&ipture fpeaketh of the fonnes of God, it hath ſometimes

<a name, Lelpect Onto the cternall election , twhich is not ertended but

vnto the lawfull beires : and fometimes to the erternall cals

ling, according fo the which many are in wardly wolues : and

although in very deede thep be ftraungers, pet neuertheleſſe

, thev haue the name of fonnes, vntill fuch time as the 1020 res

naounceth them Bea, Moles doth caſt their onthankefulnette

in their teth by ſo honsurablea title, for that they lorſaking
the heauenly father, made themſelues as runnagates.

———— 2 [ That they were faire, J Moles doth not pꝛeciſely con⸗

comliz demne this that beautie and comlineſſe was refpected in thas

acfeis fing wiues: but becaufe mere lu reigned . Foꝛ wedlocke tg

—* “ * a moe holy thing, then for men to be carried through the va⸗

PS nitie of their eves to the pleafure of carnall-cepulation . Foꝛ

the ſocietie of life is infeparable , whiche conteynethall- the

parts df life : cuen as Wwe heard befoje, that woman twas creas

Beautic & ked to be an helpe to the maw, Wherefore that is beaſtly appes

viral she tite and luſt, when we are fo carried alway with the mafkitig

ked roge-,ettes of peautic, that thote thinges which are principal ate
theria nothing regarded. And Moles doeth mo2¢ plainely erpre&h
choice. holw bidlent the aſſault of luſt is, when he fatth that they tok

out ofall, fuch as pleated them: whereby he giueth to vnder⸗

ftand, that there was no choice made of the moze neceffarie

atftes, but that the fonnes of holy men wandered in the luttes

of concupiſcence. Andby thele waves tue are taught, that

Tempe- femperanceis to be imb2aced in holy wedlocke , and that the

tancein pꝛophanation thercof is no light offence before ODD. For

wedlocke whoredome is not here reprehended in the forms of the faints,

—— „ but their licentious tuft in the choice of their wiues. And it

cannot be but that in continuance of time, the ſonnes of God

mutt deqenerat, fering hep do fo topne thenifelues tn the poke

with infioels . And (his as the ertreme fubtiltie of Bileam:

Nomb.31. at what time he being vepriucd of abilitie to curſe; commaun⸗

s+ BED owomen of the Pavianites tobe painted colourably , that

thereby

VPON GENESTS. CAPVr?

fhereby they might canfe the people of God fo fall info wie⸗
Reonefle , Thus, feeing m the fonnes of the Patriarches, af
Whome Poles fpeaketh bere , the fozgetfulnefie of Gods grace
beſtowed vppon them, was of it felfe a great finne, at what
fine they married vnlawfully after their owne tut ; the avs
Ding of another wickednefle mutt needes be worlle , in that
they mingling themlelues with the wicked, prophaned and
polluter the woꝛſhippe of God, and fell alway from the faith:
accozding fo the wonted manner of this cozruption, whtch ts
alivapes fo2 the moſt part wont fo follotwe,

3_ [My {pinite thall noc atwayes {triue.] Although Hotes
hath ſhewed alreadie, that p woꝛld was come to ſuch wicked⸗
neſſe € impietie, that p fame ought to be no longer boone with:
yet neuertheleſſe, fo the end if may nio2e cerfeinly appeare;
that the fame vengeance was no leſſe tuft then (cuere, where⸗

171

Lith the tubole world was fivallowen vp:he bringeth in God
bimfelfe (peaking. Foꝛr the fentence is of mo2e weight when
God pronounceth the ſame with his olyne mouth; how that -

the wickedneſſe of menis moze delverate, then that any bope
of healing may appeare : and that therefore. there i¢ no cauſe
why they thould be {pared, And feeing tt was a hoꝛrible exam⸗
ple of the wath of Ood, af the oncty bearing whereof we are
nowe alfo afraid, if was neceflarie fo be erp2efled,. that Gon
Wwas not ouer baftie,as moued with the feruencie of weath,o2
that be was moꝛe ſeuere then there was caufe: but that be
Iwas almoll confreined thoouch neceſſitie, vtterly to deſtrox
the whole world, faning one houſe onely. Fo2 men oftentimes
ſtay not themſelues, but that they accufe Ood cither of tw
much batt, when be taketh vengeance of fhe finnes of men,o2
els they unagine bimtobe cruel! . Therefore, leſt any man
chould murmur, Moſes pronounceth here in the perſon of Cov
that the wickedneſſe of the world was infollerable and more
obſtinate, then tobe curedby any remedies . Wut becauſe
the Beb2uc word ſigniũeth oftentimes To tudge, and fomes
times To ſtriue, there artfe hereof diuerfe interpretati⸗
ons, Foꝛ fome expound it, that © D D twill no more vouch
(afe fo gine buto men the governement of bis ſpirit, becaufe
the holy Ohott plapeth in bs the part of a Judge; — oa

’

172

God con-
tendeth to
bring men
to repen-
tance.

TIOHN°CALVINE
the fame illumineth bs with reafon, that fue folloty that whi⸗
che is right . Luthcr,acco2ding to bis manner , draweth tt to
the erternall qouernement of the {pirit, which it erercifeth by
the minifterie of the Prophetes: as if one of the Patriarches
hav ſaid in an aſſemblie, It is god to make an end of crying:
becaufe it is not mecte that the {ptrite of God (peaking by bs,
fhould wearie tt felfe any moze in reproning the wold, This
is Wwiftily ſpoken: but becaufe the fenfe of the Scripture is
not fo be fetcht from vncerteine contecures , ¥ doe ſimply in⸗
terpret if thus, That the Lord as wearied with the obffinate
ſtiſfeneckedneſſe of the world, doth threaten preſent venge⸗
ance, which hitherto be had deferred. Foꝛ fo long as fhe Loꝛd
noth deferre the punifyment,be doth after a ſorꝛt confend with
mei: efpectally if be ſtirre them bp fo repentance either with

_ threateninas , 02 with the erantples of light chaſtiſementes.

hus he had contended during the fpace of certeine ages with
the world , which notwithſtanding became worſe and worſe.
And now as one twearied, be declareth that be bath no luſt to
rontende any longer , Forꝛ, feetng Cod tn calling the bnbelees
uing to repentance, had long contended? with them: the floud
made an end of the controuerfte . Peuerthelefle, Jdoe not vt⸗
terly reiect the iudgement of Luther,botw that God hauing ere
perience of fhe irrecouerable wickedneſſe of men , would not
haue his Prophetes to labour in batne any longer , Wut a gee
nerall fentence ought not fo be reſtrained to that particular,
And twhereas the 1020 fatth, 1 wil not contend for ever: he rez
pocheth themwith fo much and incurable obſtinacie:and ers
pꝛeſſeth alfo a teſtimonie of the long fufferance of Cod : as tf
be ſhould fay, that There hall neuer be any end of cdtendina,
ercept he once cutt offthe occafion bp vnboonted vengeance.
She Oreekes taking one letter for another , haue falfified the
tert thus: Shal not abide: Wi bich they commonly inferp2eted,

as though men at that time were depriued of found and pure |

Dnderflanding . Wut this perteineth nothing tothe prefent
place, [ For that heisfleth..) The reafonis added, becaufe

there is.no profite to be hoped fo2 by contention. And the io2d —

feemeth here to fet bis ſpirite againi the carnall nature of
mien, After the which manner Panle affirmeth, that the natus
tall

——

VPON GENESIS: CAP VY:
rall man perceiueth not the thinges which belong to the ſpi⸗ 173 .
rite of God: fo2 they are foliſhneſſe vnto him. Wherefore the *C* 4
fenfe is this, that the {pirite of Ood doth oifpute in baine with
fieth, which is not capeable ofreafon, And©odcallethmenby ..
the name of llelh to their repoche , whome notwwithfanving (2587
be fathiones in the beguining after bis owne image. And this * pind
manner of (peache ts bery often vied in the Scripfure, Whey ruption, is
which reftraine this name to the infertour part of the foule, aptly cal⸗
are greatly deceived, For fering the foule of man is altogether led 8c!
coꝛrupted, and ſeing bis reafon ts no leſſe blinde, then bis af⸗
fections pernerte,be ts tuftlp called altogether carnall. There⸗
fore knowe we that the tobole man is altogether fleth natu⸗
rally , vntill be begin fo be (pirituall, thaough the grace of ree
generation, sow as touching the wordes of Poles, thereis
no doubt but that they conteine a fo2rewful complaint of God
together with a repzoch. Man ought fo haueercelled all other
' «creatures, for becaufe of fhe mind wherewith be Was indued:
but now being declined from reafon, be is like almoſt vnto
other beattes . Ood therefo2e inueigheth againtt the degene⸗
rate and coprupt nature of man, becauſe thꝛough their olune
fault they were fallen to that maduefle, that nol they were
moꝛe like brito beattes then bnto true men, which are fuch as
they ought tobe by their creation. Wut he meaneth,that if ts
an accidentall fault,that be fanoureth nothing, but earth:and
that plight of vnderſtanding being extinguiſhed, be followeth ;
dis defires. [ And bis dayes thalbe an hundred and twentie
yeares. ] Certeine old writers haue to groflely erred,as Lac-
tantius and offers, who thought thatthe race of mans life Lactanti⸗
Thould be ended in this (pace of time: when as if is manifelt, °°"
that there ts ne fpeach bere of the priuate life ofenery one,
but,that time ef repentance ts graunted to the whole world.
Here alfo the wonderfull godneſſe of God oth thine, in that
be being wearied with the wickedneſſe of men, deferreth nots
withſtanding as pet the erecution of extreme vengeance moze
* then an hundred veares. But bere ariſeth ſome ſhewe of con⸗
fravietie, Foꝛ Noah departed out of this life, when he badly
ucd nine hundred and fiftie peres, And tt is fain that be lined
after the floud thre bund2¢d and fiftie peares, — he
as

"7 TOHN CALVINE

1 74+ was fire hundzed veares ol, the fame dap that be enfered in⸗

Giantcs.

Jofust3.
34

to the Arke. Where now fhall there be found twentie peares?
Whe Jewes aunfiwere , that the wickedneſſe of men mereas
fine, they were cut off, Wut there is no nevde of this ſhitt, ſce⸗
ine the Scripture , when it ſpeaketh of the fife hundred peare
of bis ace, afvirmeth not that be was now alreadic come ta
the fame, And this ts a berp vſuall manner of fpeaking, fo2 as
well the beginning of time, as the ende, to be nofed in num⸗
bers , Dherefore, becaule the greater part of the fifte hundzed
peare was pent, in fomueh that be was nere five bund2ed
peares-of ane, he is faid fo be fo olde.

4 [ There were Giants vppon the earth.] Amongeſt maz
ny fo2tes of corruptions, tuberewith the carth was filled, Mo⸗
fes rechoneth bp one {pecially tn this place: namely, that Ore
ants raunced violently andtp2annically : But Jthinke not
that he ſpeaketh of all the men of that age and time, but ofa
cerfeine number, who being moze puiflant then others, pre⸗
fuming of their ſtrength and might,cralted themfelucs witha
odut lawe and meafure . Some thinke that they were called
@iants, becaule they erceeded the common ature of men:and
ſome, becauſe thep made others afrawe tuith their greatneſſe:
Wut their iudament feemeth to me moze true, which fay,that
it is afimilitade of a ruſhing twafer.o2 bislent raine: fo2 that
as a tempeſt 02 biolent water falling frem beanen deſtroyeth
and fpoyleth the fieloes: euen fo theie violent theeues by their
irruptions, haue brought detriment and decay fo the world.
either doth Moles (ay that they were of an vnwonted ſta⸗
ture of body: but fatth onelp that they were ftrong men . Jn
another place % confeffe-by the (anie word, ts noted the falls
neffe of ftature,the which Was terrible to the efptals and em⸗
baffadours which were fent into the land of Chanaan. Wut
Mofes docth not bere diſcerne thofe of whome he fpraketh in
this p2efent place ,fromothers, fo much by their cozpulent

c

hugeneſſe, as by the opp2eflion and violence which they bfea,
Firſt Moles ſheweth that there were Grants: then he addeth 3
that there were certeine alſo out of that confuſed and mingled

potteritie, fo fone as the fonnes of Cod toyned themſelues
with the daughters of mun, Jt had bene a merucllif fuch bru⸗
P tiſhneſſe

e

VPON GENESIS, “CAD yy,
tihhnelſe had reigned in the poſteritie of Caine : but the vni⸗ 175,
uerſall blemiſh and corruption, doth hereby moꝛe plamelp ape
peare,in that the holy tock twas defiled with the fame corrup⸗
tion. So great contagion which bad defiled a fewe families,
which ought tohaue bene the holy houſe of God, doth not a
little amplitic the greeuouſneſſe of the euill. So that the Gi⸗
antes bad a further originall. Wut thep afterward followed
their fede whiche were begotten of the mingled coniunction.
{ Thefe are mightic, J The princtpall bice tubich twas tn thete
men twas pride, becaule they pꝛeſuming of their frength,are _
rogated moze vnto themlelucs then twas mete . Pꝛide be- pine
gate the contempt of God: becauſe they being puft op with >...
diſdaine, began to cafk off all obedience andfubtecdion . They rempr of
Were alfo tniurious and crucll again men: becaufe if can⸗ God.
not be that thep ſhould bebaue themſelues modeſtly towards
men, tobich will not abep God, Moles addeth that they were
men of name 02 fame: tubereby be giueth fo buderfEand, that
thep boatted and reioyced in their wickedneſſes, and that they
Were gentlemen theues. And there is no doubt but that they
were ſomwhat moze ercellent then the common fo2t of people,
by which ercellencie they got them fauour and renotwne, Ne⸗
uertheleſſe, vnder the title fo magnificent of peres,they ruled
With crueltie and oppreſſion: and by inturies and vndoing OF The fire
their beeth2en,thep got vnto themſelues might and renotwne, origioall
And this was the fir nobilitie of the two2ld: leaſt any man of nobili<
ould fm much delight inlong and farrefetcht pettigrees: yO.
fay fuch twas that nobilttic,as tt eralted if {elfc by the diſdaine
aiid contempt of others ,. Bonourable name is not befcof it
felfe condemned: fo2 it is neceMfaric that they twhoime the Lord
bath inducd with efpectall giftes, haue the preeminence ouer
others: and it is profitable that there be nifferences of eſtates
in the world. Wut fering ambition is alway wicked, and their
fpeciallp, when tprannicall crueltte is topned theretwith,intoa
much that the mightier oppreſſeth the vnderling, itis a wic⸗
kednelle not fo be fuffered > And if is much worſſe, when the
" wicked {eke fo get vnto themfelucs dignitie by their wicked

factes : and the moze bolde that euery one ts to burt, the mo2e

proudly doth he boalk of vaine titles, Mozcoucr,as Dathanis
acuns

=

—

IO _VINE
176 OHN CALVIN

a cunning pacicioncr fo make lies,therby fo counferfect the
trueth of God, and to bring the fame in ſuſpicion:ſo the Poets
haue feiqned many thinges concerning Oiantes , whome J
thinke they therefore called The formes of the earth , becaufe
they take bppon them domination and rule, without any ers
ample of the elders,
¢ [And the Lord fawe that the wickedneſſe of men. J Mas
fes profequuteth that whiche be bad touched cuen now , hots
Anthro. that God tuas not to ſeuere 02 forward in punifhing the wies
popathia kednelſe of the world. And be bringeth in © DD {peaking
isafigure, after fhe manner of men, by a figure called Anthropopathia?
by whiche hecauſe otherwiſe he could not expꝛeſſe that which was berp
orca neceflaric to be knotwen : namely , that God twas not fo2 any
are atiric Mabt caufe,no2 readily moued fo deſtroy the worlde. For this
butedto Wword (Sawe ) nofeth longe patience: as if be ſhould fap, that
God for God did not pronounce bis fentence fo2 the deftruction of
our capa= men, before fuch time as be bad well ſeene, and long confides
one. ume Fev their incurable and defperate wickednefle, And that whi⸗
thofe thin the follotveth hath not alittle force and bebemencie , howe
ect which that there was great wickedneffe tn the earth. be might baue
clong to pardoned the leſſer finnes . Jf in one part of the worid onely
him, arc tpickednefle had reigned, other countries might haue bene
comprez fre from the puniffment , Wut nowe,feinginiquitte was
henfible. crowne fo the full, and bad inuaded the whole world, in ſo⸗
Sede lone much that integritie was. to be foundin no comer thereof ae
fufferance UP More, tf folloiweth that wt was more thewtimeforthe pus
ofthe nilhment to come. Oreat wickedneſſe therefore reigned eue⸗
world ry where, inſomuch that the whole carth was couered theres
with . TUbereby we fe, that the earth was not deftroped:
With the floud of waters, before that the fame twas firſt o
uerwhelmed with the beape of finnes . [And that all the
smaginations of their heartes. } Moſes hath hewen the cauſe
of the floud in erternalt twickednefics :nowe be proccedeth
further, namely that men were peruerfe,not onelp in the
ftafe and in the cuttome of euill liuing: but alfa that inward
wickedneſſe was moe Deepely inqrauen tn their Heartes,
then that there might be any hope of repentance, He could not
moze liuelp expreſſe, that the wickedneſſe was fuch, as that
9 it

' VPON GENESIS: CAP. Vr. 1
if coulde not be cured by any mennes remedie. It may be that. 77
men doe fone times giue them felues fo finne, in whome

notwithſtanding there thall remaine fome god diſpoſition.

Wut Moles teacheth that thep,of whome he {peaketh, were fo
wickedly difpofed , that their whole minde might vtter and

bing fo2th nothing but that whiche was damnable. And it

is a berie forceable ſpeache tubiche be vſeth. It was tnough

that be bad ſaide, that their hearte was cull: but beeing not

content with this {peach , he adoeth alfo theſe woꝛdes, [ All

the imaginations of their heartes was oncly euill. | As ifbe

ſhould denice that there was any drop of godneſſe mixt therz

With. [Continually.) Some tranflate it; From his firlle in-

fancie: as if he ſhoulde fay, that men haue wickednefle natue

rally ingraffed in them euen fromtheir birth, But the moze

truce ſenſe is, What the worlde was then hardened and fullp

fetteled in their wickedneſſe, and that they were ſo farre from
bringing fo2th god fruit, oꝛ from conceiuing any liking of
repentance, that in continuance of tune they became Worle
andiwozle. And further, that it was not the wickedneſſe of a

felue Daves, but obftinate wickedneſſe, whiche the children ree

ceiuing as it were by birth right, tranſported from thetr pas

rentes to their pofteritie. Mo2couer,althoughe Boles {peas

keth bere of the wickedneffe which at that time p2euatledin

the worlde, pet neuertheleſſe a generall doctrine ts well and

aptly taken out frombence ; netther doe they weeſt the place

amiſſe, which extende it to.all mankinde , So Dauid when ;
be faith that allare gone out of the tway, and are become vn⸗ * 104
‘profitable, that there is none that doeth god, no not ene, that ~ i
their thooateisan open fepulch2e, and thatthe feareof God

is not before their eyes:he bewaileth the iniquttte of his time.
HPotwithfanding Paule draweth the fame to all moztal mer po sy
ofallages; and iuſtly: Foꝛ itis no fimple complainte of a”
fewe, bit a defcription of mankinde, when the fame bering

voide of the (pirite of Goo are left puto them felues , There⸗

lore itis verie apt that the obftinate tvickednes of men is cons

demned itt thefe wordes:for they had fo long abufed the god⸗

neffe of God . Withall notwithttanding it is ſhebed what

the nature of man is, when it ts boyd of the grace of 9 aah

) 1c

178 IOHN CALVINE

6 [ Then the Lord repented him that he had made mary
inthe earth, |} The repentance which is bere attributed vn⸗
to God, doth not p2operly belong onto bim, but ts referred to

Repentics dur fente and capacitie , Foꝛ becaufe we cannot contp2ehend
belongeth him as be ts, itis neceflarie that he tranffigure him felfe after
norvato a fo2f fo2 our fake. That God cannot repent hun, tf doth eui⸗

God.

Godis

dently appeare by this one thing, becanfe nothing happeneth
vnto him vnloked fo2 , 02 not foreſeene. The like confideras

tion is to be bad of that whiche follotweth, bow that Ood was ©

fo2rie. Cod verily is not greeued 02 ſoꝛrie, whe alwaves res
maineth one and like him (elfein bis heauenlp anv bleſſed
reſt. But becaule we can not otherivife vnderſtand holy much
Sod hateth firne, therefore the boly Ghoſt frameth himſelfe ta
our capacitie. therfore we need not infangle ourfelues with
intricate and harde queftions , when if is eutdent, wherevn⸗

‘to thefe (peaches of repentance and greefe doe tend : namely,

to the end we may knowe that Ood doeth not reckon man fo
fone as he is coprupfed among bis creatures : as if be ſhoulde

‘fay : This is not my worke, this is not the man whiche was
‘fozmed after my image, and whome Jadorned with ſuch nos

fable giftes: Jdiſdaine fo acknowledge this degenerate and
corrupted perfon fo2 mine . With this agreeth that whiche is
fet downe in the fecond place concerning ſoꝛrowe: namely,
howe that God ts no leffe offended with the greeuous finnes
of men, then if they did wounde bis bearte with deadly greefe.
Were ts therefore in this a ſecrete compariſon betweene the
founde and perfect nafure, whiche ODD had made, and the
cozruption whiche ſprang of finne. Therefore, if fo be we wilt

rouoked not pꝛouoke God ¢ greeue him,let vs learne fo bate and to fie
boa fiane finne. Foꝛ this fo fatherlte godneſſe and fufferance ought

fo Dawe bs not alittle from the defire to finne, for that God
the moꝛe effectually fo pearce into our beartes bath put vpon
him our affections, Dhe learned haue called this figure An-

J

thropopathia, ſo often as God taketh that to him felfe, whiche J

is pꝛoper to humane nature.

7 [ Iwilldeftroy man whome Lhaue created, J Motes
againe bringeth in God deliberating of the matter, fo the end
tue may the better wnaine that the worlde was not ——

: ithou

*

»

VPON GENESIS? PCAR (VE 179
{without the deep and ſage purpoſe of God. Fo2 the holy Ghoſt
would haue bs diligently admonifhe for this caule, that he
might cut off all occafion of ticked murmurings,to vtter the
which we are tw readie, This word (faid ) is bere put, for purs
pofed o2 thought:becaufe the 1020 fpake no word, but inwards
ly determined what he woulde doe, Moreouer, he had no necde
of any newe counfell, acce2ding to fhe manner ofmen, that
he might giue bis iudgement as it were of a matter lately
knowen: But all this is (poken in refpect ofour infirmitic,to
theende we might neuer thinke ofthe floute, but that alfo
Wwe might therewithall remember that it was the iuſt iudge⸗
ment of God, Foꝛ GD D not being contented with the pus
nif}ementof men, poceded in faking bengeaunce vppon
beaſtes, vpon foules, and bpon all kinde of lining creatures
that are bppon the earth . Wiberein be ſemeth fo puniſhe
beyond all meafure. For although the impictic of men be o- Qusoe
dious vnto him, pet fo2 al that,fo what purpole was bis wꝛath
erfended again the brute beaftes whiche offended not ? but
thofe things which were created for mans fake, which lined
fobis vſe, perithed with him: and no meruell, The Alles and —
the Oxen with other beaſtes had in nothing offended: but be⸗ Aniwere.
caufe they were fubiecte vnto man, be falling, they were
drawen alfointo thefame deſtruction. The earth was agit. up
were a ſtorehouſe, repleniſhed with all kinde of neceflaries j, 2: 2 fox
and barieties of thinges. solve becauſe man hath not one⸗ houte of
lp defiled him felfe but the earth if felfe alfo with bis wicked⸗ all pleory-
neffes, and all thofe thinges twheretwith it is repleniſhed, God
woulde haue alfo ertant in the fame a monument of bis pus
nifhement : euen asa Judge intending to punifhea wicked
man, fo2 bis areater fhame, ſhould conunaund bis boule to be
racedand vtterly ouerthrowen. And all this feructh fo dive
info bs a hozrour of finne. Foꝛ we may gather how greeuous Beaftes
the fame is,p punifpment wherof is extended fo brute beats, ——

8 [And Noah found grace in the fight of the Lord. This ¢ rbrgpe
is an Hebrue phraſe, whiche fiqnifieth that God was fausura-
ble vnto him. Jor thusare the Hebꝛues wont to fpeake,1t
I haue founde fauour in thy fight: in ſteede of this , If J be
acteptable vñnto the ; 02, If thouloue me , Whe whiche is

M.ij. theres

oO ae ee
therefore to be nofed,becaufe certeine vnlearned perfons

mrake a fonde collection thus: 9f fo be men finde grace before

God: then dae they by their owne induſtrie and merites get

the ſame. Iconfeſſe that Noah ts ſayd here to be acceptable vn⸗

acai to God becauſe he lining aholie t a godly life, kept him felfe

rt °? vnſpotted from fhe pollutions of the worlde Wut how came he

by fuche integritie, but becaule he was alreadie preuented by p

grace of Dod? Wherefoze the beginning of the fauour twas fre

Gods {ree Mlercie, After that the Lorde had once imbraced him, be kept

mercy and him vnder bis holy hande, that he mighte not goe to wacke
not me- with the reff of the worlde.

: wel yy 9 [Thefearethe generations of Noah. | The Bebzue

Ni, Wd2de, properly Kanifieth thus muche : Howbeit fometime it

is further extended, namely to the whole hiſtorie of life. And

this ſeemeth tabethe ſenſe of this pefent place. Foꝛ feeing

Woafes fayde before, that there was one man founde, tobome

God, intending fo veftrop the twhole worlde, woulde ſaue, be

brielly declareth what manner of perfon be was, And firfte of

al he ſayth that he was iuſt and perfec among the mew that tia

ucdin bistime, Neither doeth Woles without cauſe topne

theſe fiva together: fo» the world as it is alwayves taricd mith.

the erfernall ſhewe and glorie, deemeth not righteouſneſſe bp

the affection of fhe heart, but by bare two2kes . Wut if we des

fire fo be accepfed of God, and to be counted righteous before

bim,we muff not onelp frame dur handes,and sur fete, and

The iate- our epes,to the obedience of the Lawe , but alfo the integritie

el of the hearf is {pecially required,and bath the firtt place in the

«che che- Definition of rightcoufnelle, Neuertheleſſe let vs knotwe,that

felt poine NOt they are called righteous whiche are perfect tn cache

ofrighte- pointe,and tn whom nothing ts wanting : but they which une

oufacile. byace puritie with their tobole heart. For we knowe that Gov:

doth not deale with thofe thaf are bis, according to the ertre⸗

mific, as fo ſquare out their life after the perfect rule of the

latue : fo2 fo as hypocriſie retaneth not in them, but the pure

Aulwere.

loue of righteouſnes, and fo as the fame poſſeſſeth their harts, |

be acceding fo his godneſſe and mercie pronounceth
them take, This fpeche,[Imhis generations, } is very vehe⸗

ment and effectuall, 3fo2 be ſayde often tunes already, and |

freight

€

fn

VPON 'GENESTISHHOCAP. Vr 8

freight way he repeateth the fame agaites that thete twas ©
nothing moze corrupt then that age, that itis a wonderful
cerample of conftancie;that he being compatied about on eue⸗ — 9...
pte fine with the filthinelfe of iinnes; twas nothing at all thers: Gino
by infected, We knowe bolwe greate the force of cultome is, cous cwil
infomuch that nothingis moze harde, then fo liue agodty life
among the wicked, and not to be carried away bp thew euill
examples Scarfe one among anhundzed bath not this diuel⸗
lithe p2oucrbe in bis mouth, we mult howle among the
Wolues: and the greater parte framing to themfelues a
lawe by common bie , iudge all that the common fort receiue
to be lawfull. But as the ſingular bertue ef Noahs bere pate
fed, fo let ‘vs remember that it is here preſcribed what tue
ought todoe, the) whole wozlde running headlong into ther
owne diffruttion. Ff fo beat this day the manners of men be
fo vitious, and the whole ozder of life fo confounded, that bos
neſtie is ſeldome tobe founde : moze horrible and foule was
* theronfatton ta the fine of Moab; inſomuche that be had not
One companion in the worthippe: of God, and in the loug of +1. og:
righteduſneſſe Ff he coulde ſtande attain the: cozruptiong of pancie of —
the whole tworlde 5 and againſt fuche blacke and violent afz Noah. |
faultes of iniquitie there ts lefte fo2 bs no excuſe, except we
runne on the right courſe thꝛough an innumerable forte of
ſtombling blockes of bices, with the ſame courage, and forti⸗
tude. Neither isit vnlikely and not agreeing with the trueth
that oles fapde (Generations) in the plurall number, the bets
ter to.erp2effe, hou baliant and inuincible achampton Noah
was, whome fo many ages chaunged not.Moreouer the oder
of righteouſneſſe which be obferned is (ef downe in fhe terte;
namely, that be walked with Gov. | The which vertue he alfa
praplen in the holte father Enoch in the Chapter going before,
where we ſhewed what was by this tobe bndeltade . Dhe
ropruption of manners being thus great in theearth , if fo be
Noah hadrefpected men be had bene cafe into apofounde
Y Waberinth or maze He ſeeth therefore one onelp remedy, whi⸗
the was his not regarding of uten,and the bending of himfelfe
wholy bntoxSod; making him thettay of his life;TaAbereby tt
appeareth howe foliſhlx the Papiſtes crye, that the fathers
"ID P.iij, are

»

We °°” \FOHNCCALWANE: 05 'y 4.
— when as the holie Gholt doth plainelxcall
bs from following men otherwile then ‘as they leade bs vnto
God. Whereas Poles nameth his thee fonnes againe; he doth
it to this end, that we may know that euen inthe greateſt hes
uinelſe wherewith be might be alino fe confined, be had nots
withltanding a minde giuen vnto hin to beget espe ep et
God might reſerue to him felfe a remnant in ſtoꝛre.

ii And the earth was corrupted before God.} unthe fos
mer part Moles ſheweth the wicked contempt of God,fo2 that
there was nd godlineſſe in the worlde any more rwut the light
ofrighteouſneſſe being put out, ail were put forth to fune.gn
the ſeconde part be derlareth, that a defire ta burftrandesine
iuries, rapines and all kinde of bnrighteoumefiesanerflowen,
And theſe are the fruites of vngodlinelſe, that men being once
fallen from Oo, forgetting nautuall equitie antong them
ſelues ate catried to beaftly cracitic; to rapines , and to all
manner of oppreſſions And againebefapth,that Ood falve
this that bemighte commende vnto vs hts long differance:
Whe'earth! is here taken for the inhabitantes thereof: and
ſtreight way follotweth the erpofitton ,botve thatall flethe bad
corrupted bis hay. And the name of fehis bere put in pᷣgod
parte,and not inthe euill as befoze : but without any finifler

Ehic.4o5 meaning, it is taken for men cuen as in other places of Scrips

hy 2 ture alfo,as where it is fapde, All flethe thall {ce the glorie of
the Lorde. Alſo, Let alt fleth be filent before the Lorde, m

13 [God therfore ſaide vnto Noah.) Pere Motes beginneth
to ſhew how Noah twas preferuedsand fir of all he faith, that -
the purpofe of God was reucaled vnto him, concerning the
deltroying ofthe worlde Secondly, that commandement was
giuen vnto him to builde the Arke. Thirdly, that ſaluation
was promifed vnto him, tf he obcped the commaundement of
©od in going tothe Arke . Theſe principall pointes are ſeue⸗
rally to be noted: euen as the Apoſtle, when be ſpeaketh of the

Heb.11.3.' faith of Moabh,iovnetl therewith feare and obedtence. Andit
is certeine,that Moab was amnonithen of the horrible venge⸗· S
ance whieh twas at bande,te the end that be might not onely
be confirmed in the holie purpofe, but alfo tothe end be being
conltrained with feare, night the moze carngttly freke the
7 . grace

J

VPON'GENES TS. oar. Vir 13
sieace oftored tito bin, te knowe;chat when the wicken ets 193
cape vnpuniſhed the god and godlie are ſomtimes incouraged
to finne, Therefore the pronounting aſorehand ol the puniths
ment whiche was to conics ſerued fo this ‘enve,to bridle the
mind of the mar of Gon? let in liding alway bp litle and litle,
be might wholp at the lait fallinto the ſame laſtiuiouſneſſe.
Notwithitanding, Gov had regard efpecialip to that other,
to theend that Noah (etting that terrible vektruction of the
worlde, dailp before his epes;rleht be preted forward ntoze
and moꝛe fo feare and carefulnetie.' FF 02 it was neceſſarie that
be delpairing of help elſewhere, Hould include his faith ¢ truſt
inthe Arke. Foꝛ fo long as lifeiwas ppomiſed vnto tint in
earth.be neuer qaue himſelfe to the building of the Arke, as i€
became bim:but being feared with the indgement of God, he
earnettlp imbzaced the poomike of life , whiche was made to
bint, He apeth himlelfe no longer vpon the natural caules
02 meanes of life: but reſteth himfelfe byon the coucnant ‘of
Gov alone; by tubich he was wonderfully to be pꝛeſerued No
labour is harde and greeuous Unto him, neither is be difcous
raged with any tediouſneſſe. For the pricke of Gods weath
is move ſharpe to ſpurre him forward, then thathe might be
iniled: adlepe with the pleafures ofthe fle ,o2 wearied onder
temptations, 02 elfe delayed with vaine Hope ; but be rather
ſtirreth dp himéelfe as well to fie from finnes, as fo feeke re? yeh.
medic. Andthe Apoftle feacheth that this was not theleatk
parte of faith namely, for that he fearing thoſe thinges whi⸗
che Weve not ſeene prepared the Arke /Uiben the queſtionis
of faith ſimply, we oneiy haue conſideration of mercie , and of Fayth and.
the free promife: but when tue woulde expeeſſe all the: partes eg ey
thercof,arid diſcuge the whole’ force and natureof the fame; .ooc her,
Wwe mu of neceſſitie iopne feare alfo therewith» And in berie
deede noman ſhall earneſtly at any time fie onto the mercie
of God, but he which being torched with the threatenings of
Gorjhalbtr tinbleat the iudgement of eternall death, which
they denounce, that he may millike of bis fins,that he map not
carelefip beare with wickedneſſes no2 ſſeepe in bis filthineſſet
but mayrarefullp feke the medicine of bis maladies. And it
tas iat of grace, in that Gon tolde —

MD, tit,

ITOHN CALVENE::

18 4 Of the flouye whiche was to come, Be —2 commaun⸗

Luke 27.-
26.

The buil-

ding of
Bhe Arke,

deth threatninges fabe denounced again® the reprobate and
theelecte althe;that calling them beth ta repentance , be may
biunble the elett, and may makethe reprobate vophe ofall.ers
cule But ſceing the greater part retecteth all thatis fpoken
obſtinatelyehe frameth bis; fpeach fpecially to thoſe that are
bisswhich are as vet cureable, that be may bꝛing them vnto
godlineſſe by the feare of his nudaement, The fate and condi⸗
tiomofthe wicked inight ſeeme at that tine better 5 then the
carefulneſſe of Maat the feruant of God. Ther careleffely pica
fed them felues in their ſinnes: Fo2 we knowe what Ch2ifte
ſayth concerning the riotous fate of that tune . In the mean
time, the man of God,being heauy and carefull,fiahed as the
earth ſhoulde haue bene deftropen eucrpboure,,: Wut if thou
weigh andconfider the endes Cod beltowed an vnſpeake⸗
able benefite vppon bis feruaunt s when be tolde him of the
imminent perill; to the end be might beware of the fame:
»ow £ Theearth was filled with iniquitie:] God gineth bete
to vnderſtand that men were fo be deſtroved, that the: earth
might bepurged,the which they. with their wickedneſſe; defi
led. SFo2 he doth not therefore onelp make mention of iniquis
tie andhiolence, of decetfes and iniuries twbiebe they vſed az
mona themſelues; becaufebe would forgoe his rinht; but
beraufe this was a moꝛe groſſe and as it were a palpable twice
kedneſſe.

14 Make thee an arke of Pine trees J Powe follotneth the
commaundement of building the arke, whereby God vin wone
berfully pꝛoue the fayth and obedience of his feruant: Wut it
needeth not that we labour muchin (peaking of the building +
except fo farre as the fame belongeth to our edification .
Firte the Jewes doe not .agre among themfelues conz
cerning: theokinde of wadde whereof the Arke was madre.
Forfome mterpret Gopher to be Cedar} fome Fyrre, ¢ fome

P Pine: Wheyopffer alfoin the loftes and ſeuerall rons; bes

canfefome thincke that. the pumpe mde in the fourth: place, ..
whieh rece iued alfa the ercrementes and other offile. Dtber

ſome make five manſien places in the trople, foller, of the

aontibe the highelt ſerued fap the fanless: Anvithereare ſome

whiche

VPON GENESIS) CAP VT; Sy

Which thinke that there were but thee ſeuerall somes inthe ~~
toppe with fenerall partitions betiwane,, Furthermoꝛe cons

_, kerning the windowe they doe difagne 4. Jf02 there are fome

Iwhiche thinks that there was not one alone, but diners: wine

Doles.) ) } 1 t ig! gift le WBF 1

CThere are alſo ſome which fay that they were open to lette

in the apre, And otherſome ſay, that they were made onely te
receiue the light € that they were therefore glaſſed With chril⸗

tall, and pitched about. Jt ſeemeth moze probable vnto me,

that there twas but one onelp,and the ſame made, not to lett in
thelight,but to remaine alwaves ſhutte, fauing at fuch fime

asthe ble thereof requiventhe ſame tobe opencd, as we hall

fee hereafter, Surthermoge thattbere was atriplefoller, any
fouerall romes therein, for ataufe tobs vnkno wen, Bare Quoeſtios
habe is: the queftion 5 whicheis obiected 5 concerning the
gteatencHe thereof: For im olde time 5, certeine vngodlie
men, treublen Doles mith their ſcottes and ſcornes, for that
in ſo fheete a compaſſe of times: be. bad. fette. dotwne that ſo
greata multitube of living: creatures were thutte bp in the
Arke, the thirde parte whereof, Awoulde;fearlely conteme
foure Clephantes.- Origen: aunfwereiinthts obese ction; whe
fapth, that Moles in ſpeaking of thecubitemwvafuresmeqneth
a Geometricall cubite, the whiche. is ſixetimes greater then
the common cubite : with whome agresth Maint jAugulbne
inbis 15, Woke ofthe citie of Goda and. in his firſt Hoke of
queftions bpon Genefis , I grauntthat whiebetheyalicage;
how that Poles was learned in alimanner knowledae o the
Cayptianssbut vet ignoraunt of Geomitrie. But foꝛſomuch

as Wwe doe knowe that he alwayes framed himſelfe to ſpeake
grolſely and rudely for the capacitie of fhe common forte; ang
that he of purpofe abftained from curious diſputations, which
fauoured of deepe learning, Jcannot perſuade wry. feife, that
he contrarte to big wonted maner vſed any Geomotrical civ

TUNG os: ia vd toni) esd Minnon GoD , stirs
. Ae div not in the firlke Chapter intreate of the Starres
Philoſophically oꝛ as an Aſtronomer, but after the commnioit
manner forthe iqnozantcs Cake, he called the Sunne andthe

Pane two great lightes, onions we map in eucrieric

ite

+o

Anfwere,

96 TY S55 AOGOHN TEML YPN
eouer What manner of tubife! tis then vied gy cannot
fell: beeaute it Tatticeth tite.that@od tiaw not ignorant ( whom
without wll eontrouer ſis I doe ‘AckHiowiledad to be the chiefe
Wwozkematfter of the Arke,) how inuche the place would tots
teinestubich be hav deſcribed nto bis feruaunt. If ſo be thou
erclude the ertraordinarie power of God from this hitto2ie,
thou mapelt fap then; that meere fables are declared, But iE
OUTHE not to ſeeme fo abſurde a thing vnto bs, which confeté
that the remnantes of thetwozlve were faucn bya wonderkull
miracle how that many ſtraunge thinges arebere repo2ted;
that the rather therby that feerete and incomp2ebentible potws
er of Ood map the better appeare, whiche farre furmounteth
~ albotir ſenſes It map be that Porhyrius;o2 fome other dogge
will attirme this fo be fabulous) : becaufe there appearett no
reaſon, ox becaute it is vnwonted.de elfe becauſe the common
deder of nature gaineſaveth ity. on the contrarie parte af⸗
firme ; that this whole declaration of Wotes ; if it were not
furitites with miracles, would be colve, barren, and ridicu⸗
lous, But he which in this bitone will confiver the pofound
depeneno of Gonsicimntpotencic, as it is mecte y Hall rather
creuerently be altonniſhed, then occationcd peruerfiy fo ſcorne.
Aug lib. Ahereas Augultine docth drawe the figure of the Arke vnto
ts. De Ci- the bodie of Chriſte J doe willingly omitte the fame, becatife
aga oe ¥ finde no foundnelle in the fame, Ori gen alfo procedeth furs
Fach” therth Aleaovies : but thereis nothing moze’ profitable ther
n, tO Land vpon the true andnaturall handling of matters. It is
certcine bp tho teſtimonie of Peter $ the Arke was an image
of the Chureh, But it is not mete to frame eueri⸗ part thereof
bito the Churehjas J wil ſhewe when ¥ come vnto the fame,
18 [And I will'make mycouenant with thee, }iBecaute the
workemanthip of the Arke was berie barde, and becauſe mas
ny lettes might arife whiche might. breake off the worke bes
gunne, God confirmeth bis ſeruaunt by adding a pomife;

7

hus was Noah incourared to obey Gov, when as be beas ⸗·

ring bimfelfe boloe vpon his pomife, belecueth that his las
bour (hall not be beſtowed in vaine. Foꝛ then We doe gladiv
Unbace the conmaundements of God, when we haue ae

mifg

J

~~ nee called things or aut wetea and indeabr bcuall namrs

VPONIGENESINS:? CAP. VI: 387

miſe ioyned ith Whiche teacheth ba that we labour

notin vaine. it appeareth, bow fondly the Papiſts
are-deccined, which teache that ane led away by the docs

trine of faith. from adefire to 00 twell,, F702 What faint chere

Shall we haue to dog well, except we be incouraged theoughe

faith 2 Let vs knowe there lore that the promiles of God alone Gods pro:
is that which quicken vs, and vohiche inſpire ſtrength into all mils n=
pur members to obep Gad; and that without them we are mot Fo'rss ¥
onely flouthfulls but alſo almofte voyde of courage y in ſo ice
muche that neither the fete nor the bandes can doe thetr

duetic, And therefore, fo often as, we faintes, 02 be moze

flotue thoit we ought to-be to god wWorues let bs call to minde

fhe ———— of ©. DD, oiche aap correct our ſiowe⸗

So, as Paule witneſſeth, Loue is in the Baintes,be- cj 09,.¢
cate the hope whiche is laide vppe in heauen. Wut {pe-
cially,tealk the faithfull doe fainte in the middeſt of their iour⸗

Nev» it is neceſſarie that they be confirmed by the worde of
ODD tatheend they mar be aſſured that they doe not beate
the aire, oꝛ Lote their labour ; but refting themſelues vppon
the pꝛomiſe of © D D made vntothenr, they Fatlatw CDR, | |
who calleth thet not doubting of the fuceeffe,- .
, Dherefore this Coniunction is to: be —— that atter
GD D commaunded-bis fernaunt-Poab te doe his will, to
the ende be might bauc bint obedient to the ſame, he tettitteth
that be requireth nothing of him in vaine. Wut the ſumme
of this couenaunt, whereof Poles (peaketh was, that Moab
ſhould be infafetie, althougy the whole worlde periſhed with
the floude:, Foꝛ therets herein a fecrete comparifon , howe
that toe whole worlde being reiected, © DD would make
a ſpeciall leaque with: Poab alone. Wherefore if bebo:
urd Noah to lette this promifeof G O D/ on this concnant
in ſtead of an pꝛon wall again all the terrours ofbeath, e⸗
uen as it was the purpole of ODD vy this worde onely
to diuide life front death. And the couenaunt ts made With
him vppon this condition, that bis ſamilie might be ſaued
fo2 bis (ake: anvalfothe brute bealtes to repaire the world,
DE the. whiche J will mney more inthe niathe saree foilos

—
“39 [And

188

*

Ag IOHN CALVINE 3
i9 SP And ofallithathiatth, 7148p this he meaneth
‘all liuing creatures of what kinde ſoeuer they be. And he
ſayth that they went bp payres, not that one payre alone of at
Rindes twas recetucd into the arke, For anon we hall fe that
“of fome kinde there were thae 8 rand farthermozethat

| Chere Was but one alone ot thore 6 whiche were cleane;

which Noah afterward offered for a ſacrifice But becaule més

cion is here made onelpof offpring arid foarte, the number is
9 Not erpredy fet dotwne s bat the males are onelp topned with

Bebir 7.

The affal-
tes which
Noah {uf-
fered.

the females , that Noah might thereof concetue the reparatis
on ot fhe Whole worde ss MEA « 91°90

€

<

22 E ‘And'Noah made, J With fewe wordes but yet be» |

rie gallantly Poles commmendeth bere the faith of Noah Whe
ignorant meruell that the Apottle maketh him heire of righs
teoufnes whiche is according fo faith: As thoug be what vers
tues foeucr, and what fo ele was —— worthie in the holp
man, fprang not out from the fame well. Foꝛ we ought to ree
imember with what allaults of temptations, his minde tas
Dailp affailed . Firſte fhe hugenche of the Arkeit telfe might
haue ouerwhelmed al bis ſenſes, inſomuch that he mighthaue
bene diſcouraged from lifting bp his hande fo begin the famo,
Hotve great a number of timber trees were to be cut Downe,
let the readers confider: alfo how great the laboure of cariat
and fuch like Was + The buſineſſe was along time alread
Differred, JFo2 it behoued the holy father tobe! occupied aboue
a bund2ed peares in moſt prkefom labor, And we muffe not
thinke that he was fo fenfeles, but that be rememb2ed al thefe
lettes, Dozeouer tt was fcarfely to be hoped fo2,that the men
of that age woulde (uffer,that he ſhoulde pꝛomiſe faluation to
himſelfe alone fo their ignominie and rep2och. Wefore menci⸗
on was made of their beaſtly crueltie. Wherefore there is no
doubt but that thep dtd daily prouoke modelt and ſimple men
Without any caule.And this was a creat occation of ſcorning.
that Moab in cutting downe the trees in diuerſe places would
make the earth bare, and woulde defraude them of diuerſe
commodities , Sao Shans Teh i ; sipped tot
The common prouerbe is That waiwarde and contens

{ious perfons do contend about the thadoww of the Ae, What

then

.

8
po

VPON GENESIS. CAP. VI.

then might Noah thinke that thofe peuifh and mad Cyclopes 189
{uoulde doc , Who being erercifed in all violence, fought by all
> — means occafion to be cruell⸗· Wut this was the p2incipal thing
to inflame their madnes,in that be theeatened deſtruction to al
men, when as thep promifed rett vnto thentfelues . Verily,
vnleſſe thep had bene reſtrained by the miabtie bande of Gon,
they had a hundred times Toned him fo death. Notwithſtan⸗
ping it is likely that their outrage was not fo farre repreſſed,
but chat nowe and then they did ſcorne and deride him, and
aftaile him With diuerle threatenings and reproachfull ſpea⸗
thes, Peaand J thinke not that they refrained their handes
« gfron troubling and hindering the worke. Wherfore although
he chérefully toke the worke in hand, which twas commaun⸗
Ded hint, Pet. notwithitanding bis’ conſtancie night bauc
quailed a thoufand times andnioze cuery peare, vnletle it bad
bene kirmely grounded, Moreouer ſceing it thas a matter of if
felfe vnpoſtibie howe had be victuals for one whole peare 7
Howe got He prouiiffon and prouinder for ſo many beattes? 0.1, pis
is commaunded to lay dp fo mach as night futfice ſuche a temptati⸗
famili¢;fo Many beaſtes, and fo manie foules for fode forthe ons.
ſpace of tert monethes . Wut thts twas ridiculous fo2 him, af
ter be has brought from huſbandrie to carpenters craft,to be
continaunded fo gather double increafe ofall thinas fo2 ſtore
but be had much more buſinelſe and trouble in pꝛouiding thor
ver arid prouinder fo2 beaſtes themſelues Therefore it might
be ſuſpected, that God did mocke with them. Loe betk thing
{vas that be thoulve gather together beaftes of all kindes.
Gs thouahe be bad at will and commaundement all intlde
beattes , and as though he coulde make themtame: that the
Tolues miaht be pent bp with the Lambs, the Tygers with
Wares,the Lions with Dren,as Sheptogether tn one fould,
‘But of al other the qreatef temptation twas this, that to fave
bis life, be is commaunded fo go into the qraue,¢ Wwillistaly fo
D Depriue himfelfe of the atre and of pitall {pirite , Foꝛ the ones
2° lp ftincheof dung being without atte, and the place alfa fo
full farſted and tuft bp, might the fourth dap bane killed all
the lining creatures that were ithe Arke. Let bs remem⸗
ber thefe greeuous, manifoloe, and continual confides of the
F * h obe

190 holp Patriarch: to the ende we may kno wwe howe noble a vers

‘IOHN CALVINE

Noabhis fue if was to profequute that to the ende Which God had come
conftancie manded.Moſes faith in one word that he made it:but we muſt

Obedi-

ence.

confider botv far aboue mans trength this make and worke⸗
manlhippe is? inſomuch that it were better fo die an hun⸗
Dped times , then fo take in hand ſo laborious a worke, vnleſſe
he had refpected moꝛe then this prefent life. Wherefore a fine
gular example of obedience ts bere defcribed vnto bs: becaufe
Noah ſubmitting himſelfe wholy vnto God, gaue onto him
the honour due to his name , We knowe howe prompte and
readie men are in this cozruption of nature to (eke fo2 thifts ¢
ſtarting holes, € how wittie they be to make creules to chifte
off the obedience of God. WMherfore, let os lerne to go thꝛough
all kinde of impedimentes, and not to giue place to wicked
thoughtes , whiche are contrarie to the woꝛde of © D D,
arid wherewith Sathan goeth about to intangle our mindes,
to the ende they may not fellowe the calling of God. Foꝛ God
doeth require efpectally fo haue this honour giuen vnto bin,
that we fuffer bum to be wife forbs . And this-is the true
probation and triall of faith , when as we being-contented
with his commaundement onelp, doe prepare our felues to
the wo2ke,¢ doe not leaue off our race, what fumbling blocke

ſoeuer Sathan calketh in before bs: but are carried aboue the
woꝛrlde with the winges of faith, Moſes allo erp2efleth, that

Noah did not in one point alone obey God, but alfo p he was
obedient in all thinges. The whiche ts diligently to be noted;
becaule thereof efpecially a bozrible confufion arifeth in our
life: becaufe we cannot twithout erception fubmit our felues
wholy vnto God, but when toe haue done fome parte,
we mingle our affections oftentimes Wwith his word.
Foꝛ this caufe the obedience of Moab is commen⸗
Ded, for thatit was founde and perfecte ,
and not lame: infomuch that he omits
fed none of thole thinges which
God had commaunded,

*
.

CHAP:

—

VPON GENESIS:
CHAPTER. Vil.

——— Nd the Lorde ſaide vnto Noah: Enter thou
Ni) and all thy houfe into the Arke: For thee
Hf haue I feene mghteous before me in this
NY aze

a OF euerie cleane beafte thou fhalte

taketo thee by feuens, the male and his fe-

male,but of yneleane beaftes by couples, the male and his fe-

male. 2

Of the foules alfo of the Heauens by feuens, male and
fernale;to keepe feede aliue vpon the whole earth ..

For feuen dayes hence I will caufe it to raine vpon the

earth fortie dayes and fortie ni ghtes, and all the fubftance that

Lhaue made will I deftroy from off the earth, ©»
Noah therefore did according to all that the Lord com-
maunded him.

15:6) Arid Noah was fixe hundredyeares olde when the floud
of waters was vppon the earth 02 stow @afhlnhOus s

af 9° So Noahientered and his fonnes, and his.wife, and his
forines wives with him into the Arke, becaufe of the waters of

: _the floude: Shah Asie iJ

8. OF thecleane bea(tes, and of the vncleane beaftes and
oftlie foules ; and ofall thatercepeth vpon theearth. |
_ g! There eametwo and two vnto Noah into the Arke,
qaleand female, ’as’'G'O ‘D shad cotumaunded Noah.
10 And fe after feuen dayes, the waters of the floude were
vpon theeatth. boyoillohs 1129 sow yas
of yy. (In the-Gixt hundred yeare of Noahslife, in the fecond
oneth, the feuenteenth day of the moneth,in the fame day
Yreka Runener of the gteatodeepe‘broken vp; and the
windowes of heauen were opened. aan: |
v2 And theraine was vpon the earth fortie dayes and for-
tidniehtes. 7" iecA otnv Doinl by
4) 24g0: In the felfefameday: entered Noal with Shem, and
Hats; Tapheth the fonges of Noalr, and: Noahs wife, and tlie
three wiuesof has forines with themintothe Arse, ·
14 They;

ie IOHN CALVINE
9 * 14. They,and euery beaft after his kinde, and all cattell after

their kinde, and euery thing that creepeth, or moueth vppon
the earth after his kinde, and euery foule after his kinde,cuen
* birde ofewery fether. Forts}

1g Forthey came to Noah into the Arke, two and two ofall
fleſhe, wherein is the breath of life, |

16 <Andthey entering in , came male and female ofall

flethe, as God liad commaunded him: and the Lorde fhut him
in. 1 | :
17 Thenthe floude was fortiedayés vpponthe earth,and
the waters were increafed and bare vp the arke, which was
lift vp aboue the earth ,

18 The waters alfo waxed ftrong, and.were increafed ex-
ceeedingly vpon the earth ; and the Arke went yppon the was
ters. pio! —X fh 227 sb often dites

19 The waters preuailed {o exceedingly vppon the earth,
that all the high mounteines,that are ynder the whole heauens
were coucred,

20 >: Fifteene cubites ypward did.the waters preuaile, when
the mounteines were couered, ©: 2 © Sy e060 54. 33

21Then all feſhe ꝓeriſhed that :»moued, vppon the
earthe bothe foule and cattell, and beaſtes and euery thinge
that creepeth and moueth vppon the earth, and cueri¢
man.

22 Euery thingin whofe noftrels the ſpirite of life did
breathe,what foeuer they were inthe drielande they died,

23 » Sohedeftroyed euery thing that was vppon the earth,
from man to beafte, to the creeping thing and tothe foule of
the Heauen, they were euen deftroyed from theearthe,and |
yes onely remained,and they that, were,with him in, the

¢. d efi 211) 10 Yeh darpatnous} sed ft onone
24° And the waters preuailed pon the earth an hundred

and fiftic dayes, mow nopesd
1 [ And theLorde faide vnto Noah. J Jdoubt not but that
Noah twas often times confirmed with fundzic o2atles,as it
Was neceflaric. He had alreadie by p {pace of an 100, peres ſu⸗
Weincd great € grexuous allalts,¢ the wuinctble ——
gotten

Sf

VPON GENESIS) (CAP. vit. 1 *
gotten worthie bictories: but this was a molſt charpe battell, 93
fo bid the tuozld adue , and to renounice the commnon courte of
life,that he might hut bp himlelfe in the Arke; Mow the fate The doud
ofthe earth was fully beautified, and Moles noteth the time came in
ofthe peare wherein hearbes doe (pring, and frees Aourithe, the {pring
@Minter was now patt ; Which maketh both fhe heauens and °°*
theearth vnpleaſant thꝛough ſharp pinching cold, and glomie
tloudes, So thatthe Loꝛd choſe the moment of tite Co deſtroy

the world, euen in the very temperature of Hhefp2ing. For

Motes ſaith that the beginning of the oad was in the fecond

moneth: hobobeit Iknow that there are diners opinions cone

dronken with pleatures, Wherefore, the Lord dio not with⸗ Act mi-
out caule coinfozt againe the minde of his. ſeruaunt with a oute of che
newe pomife, left he ſhould faint, As ifhe Hould fay, hither⸗ nee
tothou'batt ſtoutly laboured amonge fo many offences but e
now necelſſitie requireth that thot be of god cheere; that'thow pores,
inapell receiue the fruite of thy labours the which lake thou 26.

not ſor vntill fhe Daines of the earth being opened, the wa⸗
>" ters front all partes thereof ruſhe forth, and vntill the fioud

gates of heauen being pluckt bp, the waters that are aboue
Dog ninth emia sates With great violence; but entering ins
ait : to the

‘ ;

liv MORN CALIVMANE vi ocy
IDE 65 ee.

{ubile all thinges are yet — therein ‘
pears;bntill feuen Dayes : thenthatt the, floud foudeinly come,

And although now at this day, oracles are not beoughtto bs

ſfrom heauen, vet let vs knowe thatthe continuall meditati ·

Les. °°) get the word ts: not in bane; Foꝛ as newe doubts ariſfe vn⸗

~"" fo vs nowe and then/ ſo God centirmeth our fatth with ome
—— or other: that hauing recetued ſtrengthe, it map
come at thelenath to:perfection. And it is our part to heare
with earneſt deſire the word of God: and not theough wicked
diſdaine to reiechexerciſes, 02 to neglect them as ſuperfludus
wherewith be either cherriſheth our faith; or ſtirreth it vp or
confirmeth it, according as be percetueth, the fame,etther to be
— pounge,o2 Decreafing,o2 tucake,,, 2)

Ot ew [Fonthee hane:],fe¢nesighteous before mee IThe Acrdin
laring that this was the cauſe why be ſaued Poabsnamelp
loꝛr that de was int, temeth to attribute the peaiſe of ſalua⸗
‘fon to the merites of workes. Foꝛ if fo be Noah be ſaued be·.
cauſe be is iuſtʒ it followeth that we atteine to lifebp gad -

Auafwere Weekes But Weare here willy to weighe the: purpofe of
Gad; namely that be weula fet one man againt the whole
world: that in: his perfor be might conoenine the vnrighte⸗

- pufnefte of allamen. Fox againe be telkifiethsthat the fame ven⸗

geance whiche he intended to take of the world teas tuft : bes

cauſe there was one man alone lef, ; which at: that time im⸗

heaced righteoufnetfe , foz whole fake God was mercifull-te

bis whole familie ———— any man obiect that

by this place tt is proued sthat OD D hath reſpect vnto men

infauing them ; the aunſwere is: readily made/ that This

is nothing contrarie to Gods free mercie and grace: bes

caufe be accepteth thoſe giſtes wiche he belloweth vpren

his ſeruauntes.

|. Firk of all it is to-be noted, that. be; loweth men feély,

oe when as be findeth nothing in chem, but that which deſeruech

dependeth Datted;fo2 fomuch as all men are borne the chilogen of wrath
noton ahdbeires of eternall,maledicion., Fn this reſpecte beadops

metites. feth them to bimfelfe in Chriſt, and intifieth them by bis fra, =

mercie Alter be hath reconciled them to bimtelfe after this
manner, be alto seit Mamie iti aie *
20 We,

VPON GENESIS) “CAP. VII.

ile and to righteouſneſſe. Herehence Howe gov tum rkes, 19 >!
which muit ot neceſſitie pleate God himlelfe: ,: Dhus he doeth
not vnely loucthe fatthfull , but theit workes alfo, Notwith⸗ Workes
Standing we mulſt note, that becauſe there is alwayes ſome are alway
imperfection in inozkes, they cannot be approued but by mer⸗ impertcte
cic, Dherefore it isthe grace of Chriſt tobich maketh workes
of price,andhet their dine woꝛthineſſe op merite, Det neuer⸗
theleſſe we denie not but that Goo makethpaccompt of them,
euen as bere be acknowledgeth and accepteth the righteoul
nelſe of Poab, which proceeded from bis grace. And after this
maner, as Saint Auguttinedpeaketh,be crowoneth his giſts.
Allo that whiche he faith i tobe noted ,:Thee haue I feene
righteous before mee. Wy Which faping be doeth not onely o⸗
nertihoine allthe counterfeit chewes ofrighteoufielic, tubers
inthe finceritie of the heart is not tobe founde , but challen⸗
geth onto himfelfe bis right: as tf he ſhould fay, that be is the
onely mecte Judge to deeme of righteouſneſſe. This Tapia,
{In this generation,)}! asi fatdbefo2es is added fo2 ampli
fication:fo the wickedneiſe of that age was ſo farre patt recos
nevic sthat it was tounted a wonder/ thats Noah ſhould be
clare from the ronunoifpot and filthinette, |
Okfeuerycleane beat} He repeateth againe, that |
whiche he bad faid befo2e concerning the beaſtes: and not
baine, Foꝛ, it eas nd eaſie matter to gather together fo
creat a multituneof wilde beattes out of the nrounteines,
woddes anddeanesyof fhe which peraduenture many kindes
ere not knowen: and many of them Were as Wilde as thofe
whome we nowe fre. Wherefore God incourageth the holp
Patriarch, leatt be being diſcouraged with that great labour,
Gould faint. Af
~ oottwithEanning here appearcth fome chew of contrarie⸗ ObieAion
tie at the lirſt ſicht: becaufe, whereas before he ſpake of cou»
ples: he now fpeaketh. of ſeuens. The ſolution is ealie to be Aunlwere?
made:becauſe befaze this tine Moſes exprelſſed not p number,
_ but fatdouly that themates thould haue their females toyned
With them: as if he had ſaid, that Noah himfelfe was coman4
ded tb ſtallvp beaſts without renarn but to choſe ot front a4
— Hpatres forthe preteruatton ofthe —*
N. Uf. kin e

—

196

iy LOAN CALVUANE 1
kinde vppomtheecarth, Mut now bei fycaketh of thenmnber,
Sind by ſeuen and ſeuen, bnver and not fo many paires of es

~~ uerphunve,but thoeele., to the whiche one beatt is added ouer

Gods pro-
uident
care for
a0.

and aboue the euen paire,fo2 facrifice. .) And the Lod would
haue the number of cleane beaſtes ta be. threfoid greater then
the reſt, becauſe men Mould much moꝛe ble them then before,
TWherein ue are to conſider his fatherly godneſſe towardes
bs; twbereby be aa maued aon muah eration: of vs in all
thi

aE take keepeleed ealine vppon the whote darth: 7 That i is
tafay,that ſtoare might ſpeing thereof, Wut this ts referred
to Moab hunfelfe: For although God alone (to fpeake proper⸗
ly.) .quickeneth ys pet notwithſtanding Goa: bath refpect vnto
thofeducties; which be had eniopned his fernaunt todoe >and
in reſpecte of the minifterie 92 tumzke, he commaundeth him
to gather beattes together, to keepe them aline, And no mere
uell ; ſceing the miniſters of the Gofpell are ſaid to gine ſpiri⸗

tuall life, In thele wordes tubtich follotwe,{V ppon the face of

the whole earth .} here is a Double conſolation: becauſe the
waters after thep coucred the face of the earth for a times.
Wwere fo bopde alway againe,: that the faceof the earth might

d2te. Allo , beranfe not onely Poah fhould remaine
aliue, but alfo the number of beattes chould be increaſed by
the bleffing of God, that they mightbe multiplyed thaoughe
gut the whole world. Thus in the middlſt ot deſtruction, a res
ſtoꝛing is promifed bnto bun, Moſes taboureth mich in this⸗
to ſhewe that God fought by all meanes to kcepe Noah in'the
abediente of his word, and that the boly: —— relded
bimfelfe vnto the ſame.

A very profitable doctrine berily,{pecially — God either
pꝛomiſeth oꝛ thꝛeateneth anv thing that is ineredible: when
as men doe not gladly receiue any thing) but chat whiche ſce⸗
meth vnto them probable. Mowe, there! was nothing ntore
contrarie fo the tudgement of tleſhe and blown, then that fhe
wold Mhould be deftroped by the toozkentaitter thereor } bes

caule this was to ouerth2o the order of nature which he hav

eftablithed, Wiherefoze) unletie: Poah had bene ver'p well ad⸗
—— of this: ena —— he durſt
have

VPON GENESDS. CAP. VII.

haue ee ‘leat be thoulp — Cod to he catrarie vnto OF
“¢ DAnd Noahdid tas Ah wat all thiniges.) his i is no

bare repetition of the’ former fentence : but Moles commens

beth the fame,and the continual teno2 of obedience in keeping

all the commaundements of God : as if he ſhould fay, in what

part oꝛ point ſdeuer it pleaſed God. to prouc his obedience, he

ivasalwapes conttant ; either ts it mecte to obcy fome one

or other conunaundement of God, that hauing perfornwda

lame obedience, fhou maveſt afterward withdrawe thy (elfe,

Foꝛr we mull remember that fapitig of James, He whiche lames.2.

hath forbidden to’killjhath alfo forbidden to {teale, 10.

. 6 [Noah was fixe hundred yeares old; 3) Mofes doeth not The fault

without caufe defrr ibe againe the ane of Noah. Foꝛ olp age of old age.

amonge other bices bath this efpertally , that itmaketh men

moze flouthfull and wayward» ‘CUibereby the faith of Moab

doeth moze cuidently appeare, which in that generation quai⸗

led not, And as tf was a great vertue not to faint by the {pace

of an hundred peares : fo bis readineſſe deſerueth not atittic

pꝛaiſe, in that be being commaunded tornter tuto the: Arke,

obeped without delay. Whereas Moles a hittleafter addeth,

that be entered into the Arke becaufe of the floud of waters,

it ought not to be expounded , as though the waters ruſhing

vppon him be was conftrepned to fice into the Arke : but bes

cause he being made afratd with the word/ beheld bp faith the

- floud;twbieh all others derided, Whereſfore in theſe words bis

faith is peaiſed againe ; and that becaufe be) litted vp —* eves
aboue beaucnand earth,

8 [Of the cleane beaſtes. J Mobbe apofes oxpretieth thaf,
which as pet was noubtfull,namelp how the beaftes were ga⸗
thered together into the Arke.. And he ſaith that: thep came
willingly of their olwne accord»: Jf any man.thinke this to be
abfurd,let him call to minde that {which was ſaid before: how
that in the beginning all kinde of bealtes offered themfclucs
fo Adam, that be might name them at bis pleafure,and.n ves
ry deede we Doe not fo2 any otber cauſe abhorre the fiaht of
Wilde beattes , but becauſe we hauing call aſide the ferutce
and ——⸗ of God, haue loft that preeminence, which was

RN. iij. giuen

198

UVYATOHN°CALVINE' O% &
giuen vnto Avant, And this was as it were a reſtoring againe
of the tirſt nature, at what time God brought onto ) Mah thofe
thinges which by bis labour and: minittorte he would baue
preſeruede For Noah dion otherwiſe keepe the vntamed beas
ſtes in his Arke, then hennes and geele are kept and fedd in a
penne or coupe, Neither ts that which is added fuperfiudus;
how that the beats themfelues came euen as Ood gaue com⸗
nraundentent to Noah hintfelfe : For he qineth to vnderſtand

that God bleften the cbediente of Poab⸗ that his —— *

nofbetibaine,

It twas impollſible in reſpect of tar, that in one: moment
there ſhould come together fo many beattes of all fortes.
Wut beecaufe Noah ſimply commending the ende and ſuc⸗

cefle vnto God, crequuteth thatiobiche is commaunded hint,

God in like manner .addeth power to his commaundement,
leaſt it might want effect, Now ſpeaking properly, this was
the pꝛomiſe annered fo. the commaundements of God. heres
fore toc muſt make this accompte,that the faith of Moab was
of qreater force then all foples enets to take beattes.And that
the faine alfo was the nate, whereby the Lions, the Wolues;
the Tigers, with the Dren'¢ the Lambs entred infothe Arke.
And this ts the ohlp reafon, twherby ive ouercome all Doubts;

when as tue being perfuaded that the famets eaſie vnto God,

Which is tos impoſſible, doe conceiue courage of hope. Wile
haue ſhewed before how the bealtes enteredin by two and
two, Me haue fet downe alſo diners opinions concerning the
moneth. Sor, becauſe the Hebrues hit diuine matters doe bes
ginne the vere at March:and in woꝛldly matters, at Deptem⸗
ber: oꝛ which is allone, becauſe tivo Cquinoctialls doe with
them make a double beginning of the peare: ſome thinke that
the ſacred oz holy peare isheere noted: and other fome the
politicall veare. Wut becaule the former o2der of veares
Was ordeined of God, andis alfo moze agreeing fo nature,
it feemeth more —— ot the floude beganne about the

Springtime. >
11 (All thefounteines F the great deepe, J Moles putteth
vs in minde of the firtt creation, Foꝛ the earth was naturals
iy coucred with waters + and — the ſingular godneiſe of God
it was

VPON GENE’SIS)° CAP.VII.

dt was bꝛought te pafle ; that-thep gaue place, thereby fhe 19 9
hbeattes of ‘the earth might haue ſome fpace given bnto them.
Gnd the Philofophers are conſtrayned fo confelle this, that
itis againſt nature, that the waters fhould lye lower then
the earth. Alto the holy Scripture’reckoneth vppe this a
mong the miracles of G DD, that herepelleth the rage of
the Sea as it were with walles, leak it ſhould dꝛowue part
of the earth, which is giuen to men fo dwel in, Moſes allo ſaid
in the fir Chapiter, that other waters were bonge aloft in
heauen: euen as Dauid atlirmeth » that they are thut bppas
if were in a bottell, ?

To conclude, in that part of the earth whiche is to be ine
habited, GDD hath erected a Theater for men; and it is
broughteto paſſe by bis: ſecrete power, that the waters bn?
der the earth braſte not vppe, nozthe waters aboue the Hea⸗
uens fall downe vppon vs Wut nowe Moles fayeth-, that
God intending to deſtroy the whole world with the floud, res
moued fhofe boundes.. Andbere. we are foconfider the won .
derfull counfell of © DD, ꝓfoꝛ he tould haue ſhutt vppefa
great plentie of waters tn certeine chanels oꝛ veines of the © boc
earth, as might haue ferucd for the bfeof mannes life but
ofpurpofe hee hath ſett bs betweene fiuo graues, that we
‘might not carclefly contenme bis grace , wherevppon depen
Beth our life. Foꝛ the Clement of water, whiche the Philo⸗
fopbers make one of the principles of life, theeateneth vn⸗
fo bs Death aboue and beneath ; were it net that-the fame
is refrained bythe mightie hand of ODD , Whereas be
fayeth that the founteines of the deepe Were bꝛoken Dppe, and
fhe floudgates opened,they are Detaphoricall fpeeches; tober
by he giueth to vnderſtande, that thei waters flowed) not: acs
coꝛding to their vſuall manner, noꝛ vet that the raine fell as
if Was wont: but that the diſtinction being taken abbay whi⸗
the Wwe fe was (ett of God, there were no moꝛe anv lockes
which nicht halo backe the: biolent foꝛce.

12) [And the raine was vppon the earth fourtie dayes. } ab
though the Lord brake vpthe floudaates of the waters 5 vet
not withitãding be would not bꝛeake thenvbp at ene moment,
* ther might be and by ouerllowe the earth but passe

HP, tif,

tIOHN* CALVINE

© ene raine of, fourtienapes:partlp to the end HNoah
by long meditationmight more deeply print that in bis mind,
which he had learned before out of pis word:and partly that
the wicked might feele and know before their death, that thoſe
threateninges were not in baine which they ſcorned and tel
tedvat. Foꝛ they which bad fo long time ſcorned the long ſucfe⸗
rance of God, were worthy by little and little to feele that thep
periſhed bp his inf wogement; which had bene to themas a
fable bp the {pace of an hundred peares, And the Lord doth of
tentimes fo tentper bts tudgments, that men do better weigh
and confider by reff and leyſure thofe thinaes which by a foue
baing comming might aftontth then, Wut here the wonders
Mans wic. fulb bickedneiſe of our nature betwzapeth it felfe ; that if tobe
kednefl: the borath of Gor doe foudeinlp rome vppon bs , twe are amas
in cétem- fed as men wit hout all reafon : but if fo be it qoe forward as
ning both it were by Degrees, the berp cuftome therof maketh bs to cons
rc log _ temne the fame: becaute tue do not willingly acknowledge the
of Gal, & power of God without miracles: and alfo are eatelp harde⸗
allo his tied at the fesbt nf Gods tuorkes, —
foudeine g¢.13 ANu the felfe fame day entered Noah’ with Shem.) pot
wrath. ſolloweth a repetition with wordes pnough; according as
Moles briefly toucheth the hiſtorie of the floud : but pet note
withſtanding nothing fuperfiuous , Foꝛ it was the purpote of
the holy Ghoſt to kepe bs inthe confioeration of fo horrible
vengeance, whereunto no feucritie of wares could be compar
rable Moꝛeouer nothing ts here declared which is not hard
fo be beleued. Ciiherfo2re Moles oftentimes repeateth one and
the ſelle fame thinges, that bot farre foeuer they be from our
bnderfanding , yet notivithfanding we may belecue them.
Thus the narration concerning the beattes , tendeth to this
end, that by the fapth of holy Moab; thep were drawne out of
Wwodes and demes into one place, cuen as if they bad bene
ledd by the band of God, Wherefore we fer , that he doth nat
ffand vppon this point in baine : tothe ende we may knowe
that beattes of all kindes were faued, not by chaunce , nor by
the induftrie of nien: but bycauſe the Lord reached and offe⸗
rea ta Noah bun felfe from ae to * all * * would
baue to befaued. |

‘16 And

20

VPON GENESIS, CAP. VII.

» a6) (And the Lord fhuthim in ] Pepther was this added
Apithout caufe,nepther ought itlightly to be omitted. at ne⸗
ped to haue bene a wide gate, whereat an Cliphant enteren,
Nepther could there be any pitching fo firme and ſure, neither
could the ioyntes of the arke be fo clofelp fhut, but that the ex,
ceeding fo2ce of the water. would make many leakes, {pecially
in fo violent a ruſhing and tefling of wanes, Doles therefore,
to cut off the occafion of vaine immaginations, which {pring
of our to much curiofitic, pronounceth in one woꝛrde, that it
came not to paffe bp mans art, but by diuine miracle,that the
arke efcaped the daunger of the floud. Shere ts no doubt, but
that Noah twas then indued with an vnwonted wit and ders
terifte, to the end be might omit nothing fo2 the building of
the arke : but leatt this grace might want fucceffe, it as nez
ceffarie,that fomewi)at more tout be adden, Wherelore,to
the end we might not meafure the manner of preferuing the The Ark
Arke with the capatitic of ourfente , Moles teacheth that the 1. reer
waters were reſtreined from ouerwhelming the Arke, not ucdby god
onlp by pitch, but much moze by the power of Ood, and by bis
mightie potecion.
17 [ Thenthe floud was fourtie dayes vppon the earth.
Moles alfo is moze large herein, to declare that the whole
woꝛrld was drowned with the floud, And the declaration is to
be referred fo this end , that we might not attribute the floud,
wherewith the world perither, to fortune : according fo the
comnton cuftome of men, tubo are wont to bana as tt were a
baile, before the tuozkes of Ood, thereby epther to obfeure his
godneſſe, 02 elfe hisindgementes in them, But when it is
plainly erp2effed, that what fo euer was in the earth was de⸗
ſtroved, hereby we gather, that the wogemente of God twas
certeine and manifeſt: {peciallp, whereas Noah remaineth az
lone: bycaufe be unb2aced by faith,the word wherein ſaluati⸗
on twas confetned. Furthermore, he calleth that fo minde
twhich we faide before, as hoboe defperate the wickedneſſe of
men was, and howe qreeuous thoſe finnes torre, for the which
God was moued fo deſtroy the whole worlde: who no doubt,
actosding to his vnſpeakable clemencic,had {pared bis work⸗
manthippe, if be bad (ene that a moꝛe fanourable remedic
N.b. would

201

202

¥. Pet. 3.12.

IOHN’' CALYVINE

{would haue taken place. And be toyneth thele tive thinges fo»
gether: that mankinde was deffroped,and that neuerthelefte,
Noah with hes familie were faued, Pereof we may learne,
what tt profited him to followe Gon alone, and to fo2fake the
Wwozld:the which Moles doth not fo much for the prayſe of the
aman, as to call bs to theimutation of bun. Moꝛeouer, leak
the multitude of thofe which ſinne, withdrawe bs from Gon,
ine mutt be contented fo be ſcorned of the wicked; vntill fuche
time as the Lord by the berp end declare, that our obedience
is acceptable vnto him, In this fenfe Peter teacheth, that tt
was afigure of WBaptiſme, that Moab efcaped the generall
floud: as if be thould fay;that the manner of faluation which
iwe baue by Baptiſme, doth anre with that deliueraunce of
Noah : bycaule at this day alfo, the woꝛlde is full of vnbelee⸗
ners, euen as it was at that day: and that therefoze itis nee
ceſſarie, that: we feparate our felues from the greater multés
tude, that the 102d may deliner bs from deftruction, After the
ſame maner the Arke ts aptly € tel compared fo the Church.
But tue mult note the ſimilitude, whereby they do well agree
fonefher : and the fame likeneffe doth confit in the two2ve of
Sod alorte : bycaule as Noah following the promife of Cond,
eſcaped with bis wife and familie, vnder a certeine ſhewe of
Death, front death tt (elfe : fo tf is meete, that we renounce the
Wwo2ld, and that we dye,that the Lorde may quicken bs with
Ais word: Foꝛ there is no fafe fay of faluation elfetwbere.
‘But fonde are the Papiltes, who build au Arke —* *
worde
CHAPXXÆM. VIII. |
-} OWE, God remembred Noah , and euery
beaft, and all the catrell that was with him in
} the Arke: Therefore GO D madea winde to
paflevponthe carth,and the waters ceaffed.
~ ‘The founteines alfo of the deapth , and the

*. Qwindowes of heauen were {topped ⸗ and the poy from

-, ‘heauen was reftreined,
3) Andthe waters returnedifrom abatie the earth, going; anid
returning. And after the ehd of tlie ** —* fiftie day,
the waters abated, x

ne And

—

)

VPON GENES?YS: CAP. VIII.
4 Andin the feuenth moneth, and in the feuenth day of the
moneth,the arke refted vpon the mounteines of Arrarat.
5 And the waters were going and decreafing, vntill the tenth
~ omoneth:in the tenth moneth,and inthe firlt day of the mo-
neth,were the tops of the mounteines feene.
6 So after fourtie dayes, Noah opened the windowe of the
arlce which he had made. | 7

returning; vntill the waters were dryed vp vpon the eat

403

7 Anddentfoorth a Rauen,which went out going foorth va

3: Againes he fenta Douefrom him, that he might fee if the
waters were diminifhed from off the earth. -

9 Butthe Doue found no reft,for the foale of her foote:theres
fore {he returned vnto him into the arke : for the waters
were vpon the whole earth : And he put'foorth his hand &
receiued her,and tooke her vnto him into the arke,

ron iAnd he abode yet other feuen dayes,& againe,he fent forth

the Doue outof the arke. | ef chs
a1 And the Doue came to him in the euening, and ‘foe, in her
mouth was an Oliue leafe, that fhe had plucked : whereby

Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth,

32 Notwith{tanding,he wayted yet other feuen dayes,and fent

» forth the doue, which returned not to him agaimeany more.

33 And in the fixe hundred and one yere,in the firft day of the
firft moneth, the waters were dryed vp from off the earth,
and Noah remoued thecouering of the arke,and looked, 8
behold,the vpper part ofthe ground was drie.

14 And in the fecond moneth, in ‘the feuen and twentith day
of the moneth was the earth drie,

ig. ThenGod fpaketo Noah, faying:

16 Goefoorth of thearke, thou and thy wife: and thy fonnes,
and thy fonnes wiues with thee. i nae

17 Bring foorth with theeeuery beaſt that’ is. with thee, of all
fleth, both foule and cattell, and euery thing thatcreepeth
and moueth vpon the earth; that they may breede aboun-

diantly in the eatth, and bring foorth fruit, and increaſc vp~
on the earth. .

48 So Noah came foorth,'and hisfonnes, and his wife, and his

fonnes wiues with him.
| 19 Eucry

IOHN CALVIN®

204, 19 Every beaft, euery creeping thing, aiid every foule, all that
ee re the earth, after Hind kindes went out of the

A) pul, 0150

20. ThenNoah built analter vnto the Lord, — eue-
ry cleane beaft,and of euery cleane foule,and offered burnt
offerings ypon the alter.

>: And the Lord finelled a fauour of reft : and the Lord faide
in his heart: J will hencefoorth.eurfle the ground nomore,
formans caufe;for the immagination of mans heart is euill,
even from bis! youth: neither will 1 fmite any more all
things liuing as Ihaue done.

22 Hereafter; rede time and harueft,and colde and heate, and
-fammer and winter, and day and night fhall not ceafe, fo
» Jong as the earth remaineth. | | |

a cNo we God rertiembted Noah. J gli Poles etten
deth (pecially to (peake of that other parte, howe that Noah
was difappointed of the hope of faluation, which Cod had pro⸗
mifed bnto him, This rememb2ance whereof Doles {peaketh,
ought fo be referred,nof only to the outwarde appearaunce of
fhe matfer, but:allo to the affection of the bolyp father, Ft ts
terfeine, that fofmne as ODD had receiued Moah vnder bis
protection, be was neuer bnmindfullofbim. Bea;it was ne
leffe a wonder, that be perifhed not in the p2ifon, thoough the
tloſeneſſe of the fame,then tf be being Drowned in the waters,
had lined without beeath. And a little before Moles (aide,that
the waters were reftreined by the fecrete (hutting vp of Gov;
that they might not pierce into the Arke, ut when as the
Arke had floated by the {pace of fiue monethes vpon the wa⸗
ters, that delay wherewith the Lorde fuffered bis feruaunt to
be difquiefed, and carefully troubled, might feme a certeine
ſorgetfulneſſe. And there is no voubt, but that bis heart was
Diuerfy carried, when be falue him felfe to. be ſo long delayed,
Foꝛ he might contecture, that his life was the longer pꝛolon⸗
ged, that be night be moꝛe miferable,then all other men, And
Wwe know, that tue are wont fo faine God to be abfent, vnleſſe
it be when Wwe fecle bis prefence bp euident erperience, For als
though be helde fat vnto the endes the pꝛomiſe which be bad

once

“ VPON GENESDs, CAP. VIII.

pte imbzaced, pet notwithſtanding, there ts no dout,but that a0F
be twas greuouſly affayled toith divers: temptations ; dnd

ODD no doubt of purpoſe, erercifed his faith and patience,

#02 Why was not the worlde oeftropedin thee dayes 2 Ann
wherefore din the waters ſwell fiftcene cubites bigher, after

that they had couered the highett mounteines of all : but onlp
totheend; that Noah and bis familie, might the better be in⸗

pred tomeditate vpon the iudaments of Ood ; and that when

the daunger was palt, thep might knowe that they were .

tapeda thoufand deathes 2 Let bs learne therefore by this e

ample; to fay sur felues bpon Cods pꝛouidence, then he ſee⸗

meth mott of all to haue forgotten bs. Foꝛ at the latt,cuen by

the very declaration of belpe, be wil teſtifie that be was mind⸗

full of vs. Wut if fo be fleth and bloud procureth bs to diſtruſt, The Lorde
vet notwithltanding, let bs not gine place onto the ſame: but feclueth
fo fone as this thought enterethinto our hearts, howe that sc).
God careth not for bs, 02 is a Aepe,o2 farre off let bs ſtreight ping vs ag
lway bold againtt it this buckler. The lord tubieh bath pron ncede.
fed bis belpe to thofe that are in miferie, will belpe vs in time,

that we may fele in very deede, that be bad a care for bs. Met-

ther is that which is added of ſmall weight, bow that God res
memb200 the bute beaſtes. Foꝛ ifin refpect of the faluation
pomifed onto men, bis grace ts erfended to bute and wilde
beaſtes:howe merciful ſhall tue thinke that be twill be vnto

his children, when be bath fo ltberallyand folemnly giuen bis
faith 2 [God made a winde to pafle vpon the. Hereby it doth

moze euidently appeare, that Moles ſpeaketh of the effect of
remembrance: fo2 that Moab knewe in very deede, and by an

affured erperiment, that Ood had care of his life, Wozeouer,

when as Godby bis lecret power might haue dried the earth,

he bfed the winde: the very fame meane alfo be Died in dꝛv⸗ wide &
ing bp the red fea, And thus be would haue it knotwne,that as orers o-
he had the waters readie at bis commaundement fo execute bey God.
his wrath, ſo nowe the windes are in bis hand fo remedie and

to helpe. And althongh Moles fetteth dovone bere a particular
hiſtorie, pet notwithitanding, we are taught, that the windes

donot arife by chaunce, but that thep are ſtirred bppe by the
commaundement of God, euen as it is ſaide in the *

206

IOMHN-CALVINE

that —— of ODD + and alſo, that.
Ood rideth vpon their winges. Wo be hort) the varietie and

contrarie motions of the elementes and their mutual con? -

flicfes,do confpire to perfourime obedience vnto Cod, Moſes
alfo addeth other fmall belpes, by bohich it came to patie, that
the wafers were diminiſhed, and brought fo thetr courfe as
gaine. The fumme ts this,that Gov to retto2r the order which
be had fir fet, called backe:the waters to their appointed

bounds : that the waters ofthe beauens, might bang in the

aire as congealed : that other waters might lpe bid in their

gulpbhes: and others flowe in thew feuerall chanels anv ttreas

mes : and that the fea alſo might abide m bis compafle,
3/ {In the end of the hundred and fiftie dayes. ] Some think

that the whole time ts bere noted, front the beginning of the
Aoud, vnto the decreafing of the waters; and fo they compres

hend fortte dapes, During the tobich, oles faith, that there
twas a continuall rayne, Wut J diſpoſe the time thus,;that the

waters flowed with newe flondes and increafings, dntill the

fo2tith day : and that from thencefw2th, they continued at the
fame fay,a hunded and fiffte Days: Foꝛ epther number mas
keth fire moneths and a balfe,and ſomwhat moze, And Moles
faith, that the waters appeared fo be fo diminiſhed, about the
end of the feuenth moneth;that the arke taped bpon the top of
a bill,o2 at left, that tt ttrake vpon fome ground, Aifo,thepurs

pofe of the 1Lo2d was,fo ſhew by all this continuance of time,

that the horrible deftruction of the woꝛlde, came not bpowthe
earth bychaunce,but was a manifeſt token of bis iudgement:
and that the deliueraunce of Moab, was the mightie worke of
bis grace,deferuing to be remẽbꝛed for euer. Howbeit, if thou
reckon the feuenth moneth from the beginning of the peate,
(twhich none do,)and not from the time that Noah entered in⸗
to the arlie,the retting of p arke, whereof Doles (peaketh haps
pened foner : namely, when as nowe the arke bad floated fiue
moneths. If this fecond opinion be recetued, we hall haueall
one confideration of the fenne monethes; fo2 the ſenſe thal be,
that the fops of the mounteines were ſeene the eight moneth,
after the beginning of the floud.Conterning the naming of the
mounteine Arrarat,4 follow that which is moſt oats
pe

—

VPON GENESIS, " CAP: VIII.

pet nofivithitanding, J fer no reafon twhpifome thould dente it
to be Armenia:the which hath the mott high mounteines,asip
moſt auncient waiters baue affirmed with one confent. Alto,
the Chaldean paraphzafe cheweth what hilles they were, ters
ming them p mounteins Cardu. But wheras Joſephus repoz
teth that the fragments: ¢ pieces of pᷣ arke were found there in
bis time,+ Pierome,that thep remained in his time alſo, whe⸗
> it be fruc 02 no, Ileaue it tothe tudgement of fhe reader,
6 [Soafter fortie days. Pereby we map gather,bow much
the minde of the holy father was qreened, After be perceined
that the arke reſted vpon firme ground: pet: neuertheleſſe, be
durſt not open the windowe before the fortith day: not bicaufe
be was difcouraged quite;but fo2 that fo fearefull an example
of Gods vengeance, had ſtricken hum with fo great feare and
ſorrowe alfo, that knowing not what to doe, he kept him felfe
quiet in the cabbine of the arke,, At the laſt, he fendeth fo2th a
Rauen, by whome be might be further certified of fhe dzincile
pf the earth, Mut the Kauen finding nothing but ſtinking
marithes; houering about, fought by and by fo be receiued as
gaine, And J dout not,but that Moab choſe the Rauen fo2 the
nonce; whom be knew might be allured with the {mel of dean
carcales, fo flee abroad the longer, uf fo be the earth tere now
d2ied; but the Maven fieing back againe, went not farre. Wut
ZF meruell howe it came to paſſe, that inthe Oreke¢ Latine
tranflation, the Rauen is denied to returne againe, contrarie
to Moles Webouc terte: ¢ {pecially feeing if alfereth the ſenſe.
Hereot ſprang there a fable, Yow that the Kauen finding ded
carian, frayed, and returned not to bis former roſte. After
this followed vaine Alleqories,accozding to the trifling appe⸗
fife of mens curiofitic. But at the fir (ending forth, fhe Doue
folotwed the Kauen,bicaule he returned backe againe into the
arkezat the fecond time the Doue brought an Dliue beaunch
in bis bill, At the third and laſt fending fo2th,as diſmiſt, it ine
ioved the whole (cope bppon the earth vnder the firmament.
Some fand very curioufly vpon the Oliue braunch : bycaute
among the auncient fathers, it was a figne of peace ; euen as
the Latw2ell is atoken of victorie, Wut J rather thinte that
* Oliue tree groweth not vpenthe mounteines, aud no
4 erp

207

208

' FTOHN CALVINE

bery tall free, and that the Lorde qaue fome ſigne fo his fers
uaunt, whereby be might gather that the beit and mott fertile
countries for god fruites, was now purged with the waters,
Whey which thought that the fonwbenanne in the moneth
of September, haue the tranflation of Sainte Hierome, foz
a confirmation of their opinion, which faith, that the bꝛaunch
had greene leaucs vpon it. Wut the wordes of Moles haue no
fuch thing. And it may be, that the 102d intending fo refrethe
Noahs foule, offered abraunch onto the douc, which twas not
quight couercd with water. :
1s (Then God {pake to Noah,faying:] Although Moab twas

Noahs fof not a little terrified with the iudgentent of God, pet not with.

feranceand

abiding

ſtanding, bis fufferaunce is commended tn this point, fo2 that

the Lordes he hautna'the earth before his epes, which offered a manſion

leyſure.

place, vet fo2 all that,he durſt not qo foꝛth. Wicked men wold
attribute this to ouermuch fearefulneſſe and cowardiſe, but
vet it is abolpfeare, which ſpringeth from the obedience of
faith, Therefore knowe we, that Noah was kept backe with
godly modeltic, that he might not (uffer him felfe to inioy the
benefite of nafure, before fache time as he hearde the voyce
of God fo2 his twarant. Moles toucheth this tuith kebo woꝛds:
but it is mete that we qiue diligent heede tuto fhe matter tt
felfe,dnd all men ought of them felues to rementber this,bow
great a vertue it was, after the vnſpeakable vrkſomneiſe of
one peare, when the floudcealled, and a newe life appeared?
that fo: all this,be moued not bis fote out of the graue, with⸗
out the commaundement of God. Thus twe fee,that the holy
father obeped, and beleeued in Godcontinually : bycauſe at
the commaundement of God, be entered into the arke : and
there be kept bim felfe, vntill God appointed his going out az
gaine: and he rather chofe fo lye in his ftinch,then to be in the
open aire, dntill be knewe that his going fo2th Mould pleaſe
©od, Vea, and the ſcripture commendeth onto vs this modes
ration,cuen in the leaft matters,to the end we might take no⸗
thing in hand, without an affured confcience. Howe much leſſe
is the raſhneſſe of men fo be follerated in matters of areat
weight, iffo be they giue vnto them felues libertic to doe that
Which ſoemeth god onto them, without the will of God, —9—

VPON GENESTS: CAPM Witter 20

mnft not loke that God ſhould pꝛonounte by fpecial Oracles, 9
euery moment, what is nedfull to be done : pet neuerthelete,
ft is our parte fo Depend bppon bis mouth, that we may be
certeincly perfuaded,that wwe take nothing in bande, but that S°**
inbich is agreeing With bis worde. Whe mutt alfo craue the
fpirite of prudence and counfell, wherewith be neuer fatleth be the war
thoſe, whiche ſhewe themſelues tractable and obedient fo big ase of all
commandements. In this ſenſe Boles ſheweth pᷣ Moab twent cv" 2%-
foo2th of the Arke, after be being aſſured by the heauenly Dra. °°”
cle, knelwe that a newe dwelling tuas giuen bnto him on the
earth,
17 {Thatthey may breede aboundantly ypon the earth.}

WAith thefe wozdes the Lozde woulde comfozt Moab, to the

ende be mighte be affured that increaſe twas pꝛeſerued in the

Arke, Wwhiche ſhoulde be multiplied to the replenithing of the

whole worlde. In felve wordes,the repairing of the worlde is
promifed bnto Poah : that be miaht knowe that the worlde

twas (hut bp in the Arke,and that it ould not be a defart and

vorde place foz euer, at the fight whereof be might be quite
diſcouraged.

20 Then Noah built analtar.] As Noah teſtified his os
bedience in many thinges: fo now he offereth vnto bs a vieb

of bis thankefullneffe, And this place teacheth bere,that facrts Tharkee
fices Were o2dcined from the beginning to this end, that men BB °°
might inure themfelues with fuch erercifes to celebzate the );, bene
godneſſe of God, and fo gine him thankes . The bare confeſſi⸗ fires,
onof the fonque, pea the fecrete acknowledging of the heart

might fuffice God . Wut we knowe, howe many pouocations

our flouth requireth. Therfore, wheras in old time the holy fae

thers profeſſed their godlineſſe towardes God by facrifices,

the vſe thereof was not fuperfluous , Po2couer, it was mete

that they fhoulde haue altvayes before their eves ſignes and
fokens, wherewith they might be admonithed, that they bad
nothing to do with God without a mediatour, Mow, the come

ming of Chit bath taken away thoſe olde ſhado wes. Where/

fo2e let bs ble thofe finall helpes whiche the Lorde bath ape
pointed. Wut when 3 fay that facrifices were vſed of the holie
fathers,to celebzate the benefites ae fpeake of one —*

onelꝝ.

*~*efYOHN-:GCA LVINE., *

onely. 302 this oblation of Moab, is in ſteede of a peace offes
Queftion ring,and of an oblation of the firt fruites, ut bere tf may be
demaunded, by what inftinet o2 motion Noah offered a ſacri⸗

fice vnto God: becaule be had no commaundentent,¥ anfwere

Aunfwere,. hat although Moſes doth not expꝛeſſely helve that Gon gaue
commaundement that be ſhould doe this thing: pet neuerthe⸗

leffe tue may giue anere gheſſe bp that which follotweth, and

by the whole o2der of the tert , that Moab leaned bppon Oods

worde, and pꝛeſumed bppon his conmandement fo farre,that

be perfourmed this wo2thippe, whiche be knewe vndoubtedly

pleafed him. We fapde befoze that there was one bealk of eue⸗

ry kinde referucd ouer and aboue the cuen paires. And we

haue ſhewed fo what ende fhe fame twas fo Done. But it was

an bip2ofitable thing fo appoint beaſtes for facrifice , except

this fecrete purpofe of Ood was reuealed to holp Moab, wha

ſhould be a prielk to kill ſacrifices.Moꝛeouer, Moles fayth that
facrifices were chafen from among the cleane beaftes, Wut i€

is certeine that oat did not imagine to bun (elfe any dtffes

rence: euen as if is not in the twill and choice of man, Where⸗

bppon if folloiveth, that be toke nothing tn bande, whereot

(od bimfelfe was not the authour. Streight after allo Moe

__. feg adoeth,that the ſmell of the facrifice tuas acceptable vnto
5 is God, And we mutt note this general rule, that all worihip⸗

—* —— pings whatlſoeuer doe ſtinke before God, whiche are not per⸗
factifices, fumed with the odour of faith. Know we therfore that Noahs
altar was builded bppon the wo2deo0f God. And the fame
worde was asa falte to bis (acrifices,that they nught not be
vnſauourie. ayy .

21 [And the Lord ſmelled a fauour of reft.] Boles nameth
that a ſmell of reft,twhereinith God was pleafed:as ifbe bad
ſayde that be bad bene fully fatifficd . Wut there ts nothing
moze abfurde, then to imagine, that God with the tinking
finoke of the bowels and flefhe was pleaſed. But oles heres
according to his manner,putteth bppon Cod the perfon of
nian, thereby toframe hint felfe to the capacitte of the rude
people. either alſo muſt we thinke that the bery rite of far
crificing, was of it felfe acceptable vnto God, as a meritoꝛi⸗
ous woꝛk: but we mutt haue reſpect onto the end of the work,

| and

*s o* ate

210

VPON GENESIS} CAP, VIII ia ay:
and not ſtand vpon the outwarde ſhewes. What elfe was the ~~
purpofe of Noah, but fo declare that the mercie of Cov alone
was the preferuation of his lifesand of the cattell with him
This godlineſſe cauſed a god and ſweete fel before the Lor,
euen as it is fapde in the Wlalme, What fhall I giue vnto the
Lorde for all thofe thinges that he hath done vnto me? I will Pfal ne.
take the cuppe of faluation, and will call vppon the name of *
the Lorde. The Lorde fayde in his heart. The fenfe ts, that
@od had defermined neuer after fo curfle the earth. And this
foznte of fpeeche bath init a a great weight. Foꝛ although Ooo
doth not call backe that which he hath ſpoken openly with bis
mouth: pet notwithſtanding we are moze affected when we
heare that he ts fully determined bppon fometwbat twith hint
felfe : becaufe fuch an inward decree dependeth by no meanes
bppon the creatures. Whe ſumme ts this, that God hath fully
determined, neuer fo deffrop the tuo2lde any moze with the
floud’. Foꝛ the worde of curffing is not generally taken: bee
cauſe we knowe howe greatly the fertilitie of the earth decays
ed, after that the fame was co2zrupfed with the finne of man,
and we fele daily by diners meanes that the fame ts curſſed.

And he erpoundeth himlelfe a little after faping, [Neither will
I finite any moréall thinges liuing . ] Foꝛ tn thefe wordes he
ſpeaketh not of all manner of vengeaunce: but of that whiche
mtay deſtroy the whole world, and all mankind, With al living
thinacs . As if be ſhoulde fay that He had reffo2cd the worlde
for this cauſe, that it might neuer after perithe with the floud,
Ho when the Love pronounceth that be twill be contented Ef.54.9:
With one captiuitie of the people onelp,be compareth the fame
fo Noahs floud , with the whiche be woulde haue the earth
drowned but once, { Becaufe the thought of mans heart. This
feemeth to be a verie bnlikely caufe . Foꝛ if fo be the wicked
neffe of man be fo qreate that it ceaffeth not fo ppouoke the
wath of God, if mult needes be that it being deſtruction bps
pon the worlde. Mea God ſemeth tobe contraric fo him felfe,
who firſt affirmed that the world was fo be deſtroyed, becauſe
the wickedneſſe thereof was incurable , Wut we mutt haue
bere afurther confideration of bis purpofe.God woulde that
there ſhould be alwayes bypon the earth fome foctetic among
) | O.ij. men,

212

Man is na-
turally
prone to
wicked-
acſſe.

WOH CALYVINE

men. But if fo be they thould be velt withall according fo their
deſertes, then it were needefull that there fhoulde come euerp -
Daya floude, Wherefore, he pronounceth that be will fo take
bengeaunce bpon the wickednefles of the fecond worlde, that
be wil notwithſtanding preferue fome furniture of the carth,
and that be twill not take alway the creatures where with be
bath ado2ned the fante, Piet
~ Thus tue fee that ſuch a tway is taker as well by the pubs.
lique as by the (peciall tudgementes of © D : that neners
theleſſe the tubole kate of the woꝛlde ſtandeth, and nature res
taineth fill bis courſe. Gnd forfomuch as Ood pronouns
ceth bere after what fo2te men fhall bebaue themſelues vnto
the ende of the worlde, it is manifeſte that all mankinde is
bere condemned of wickedneſſe. And be fpeaketh not bere ons
ly of cozrupt manners; but be faith that wickedneſſe and cor⸗
ruption is naturally ingraffed in them, from whence nothing
but that which is eutll proceedeth. Wut J meruell fro whence:
this falfe tranflation came, that mans thought is pone fo
euill: It is berie likely that the place was thus coꝛrupted
of thofe that baue tm curioufip difputed of the cozruption of
mans nature. It feemed berie barde Onto them to make
man fubiec vnto finne, as a captiue of the dtuell. Therefore
fo mitigate the matter, they faide, that he twas prone into fin.
Wut forafinuch as the heauenly Judge thundereth fren beas:
uen, that the thoughtes of mans bearte are eutil, what belpeth
it fo mitigate that twhiche neuertheleſſe abineth faft ans
firme? Wherefore, let men knowe fo2 a ſuertie, that. they are
a corrupted wozkemanthip,fuch as they are bozneof Adam:
and that therefoze they forme nothing but wicked thoughtes,
bntill uch time as they are made the newe workemanſhip of
Chꝛiſte, and are by his {pirite framed into a newe life. And
thereis no doubt, but that the Loꝛde fapth,that the minde of
matt itfelfe is wicked, and altogether infeeted with finne, ins
fomuch that all the thoughtes whiche p2oceede therefro are
euill, $f fo creat defection bein the founteine it felfe, it fol
loweth,that all the affections are eurll: and thatthe woꝛkes
are blotted with the fame (pottes : becaufe it is neceſſarie that
they fauour of their oziginall , Foꝛ be doth not onelp fay that
' Bun

| VPON GENESPS. ) “CAP. VirT 21
tien do ſomtimes thinke euill:but it is a generall (peach, whi⸗ 213
che comprehendeth the tre with the fruites. Neither is it con⸗
frarie to this, that carnall men are oftentimes ofa ciuil diſ⸗
pofition, that they take maters in bande whiche are honett in
fhewe, and alfo ſhewe forth certeine documentes of Vertue.
Foꝛ, becaufe they haue aminde coꝛrupted twith the contempt
of God, with pride, with felfelouc, with ambition, with hy-
pocrific, with fraudes, and with vanitie, it cannot be,but that
all thetr cogitations muft be infangled with fuch bices . As
gaine,thep cannot fende to a god ende. WMherevpon it cour
meth to pafle, that they are iudged fo be croked and vntoward,
as they are tn deed: For al thoſe things which do delight vs vn
der the colour of bertue,are like vnto wine coꝛrupted with the
muttie.cafke. Foꝛ as Wwe fatde before, the verte affections als
fo of nature, whiche are of thent felues commendable, are note
Wwithtanding defiled with oziginall finne, and by reafon
of vntemperatneſſe they doe Degenerate front their nature:
fuch are mutuallloue betivene man and toife, fatherly loue
toWwardes their childzet:, and ſuch like. And thefe words whi⸗
che are added, [ From his childhood, J doe better erp2effe that Originaps
men are borne euill: to oeclare that fo foneas by age they finne.
Aware ripe fo thinke,they haue a coꝛrupt rot of the mind. The
Philoſophers in tranfferring that to a habite 02 qualitic, whi⸗
che Good bere afcribeth to nature,belwray thetr ignoꝛance. And
no merucll : fo2 Wwe pleafe ¢ flatter our felues :fo little we pers
ceiue howe mootall the fickeneffe of inne is, and howe qreate
wickedneſſe poſſeſſeth all our fenfes. Notwithſtanding, we
muft pelde our ſelues to the iudaentent of Cod, oben be p20-
nounceth that man is fo captined vnto finne , that be bttereth
nothing thatis founde andfincere. Howbeit we mu alfo
note, that Gen cannot be blamed, feeing the beginning of the
fault is tithe fall of } firſt man, by which the o2der of the cre⸗
ation is ouerthzowen, Moꝛeouer, men are nof deliuered from
blame ¢ guiltines,by the pretence of this ſeruitude:bicauſe al⸗
thouch they doe fall beadlona into euill : pet notwithſtanding

they are not dzatven by outivarde force, butby the proper

‘motion of their bearte ; to conclude, they ſinne not , but of
their otune free will,

D, tif, 22[ So

——— IOHN. CALVINE ©
* 14 22So long as the earth reinaineth. J In theſe woꝛdes the
world is reſtored againe to bis former ſtate. Foꝛ, ſo great con
fuffon and deformitie of al things had ouerivbclined the earth;
that it required to be renewed after afo2te againe. In confides
ration whereof peter calleth it The old world which periſhed
with the floude. Furthermore the floude was the beeaking off
of the o2der nature , Foꝛ the Sunne and Mone ceafled to
keepe their courſe and ture: there was no difference betwen
Summer and UWlinfer . Wherefore the Lorde teltifieth that
bis pleafure is,that all thinaes ſhoulde recouer thetr naturall
ſtrength againe, and that they ſhoulde returne to thetr for⸗
mer Offices and plates. The Jewes doc diuide amilſe the
peare into fire parfs,becaule Doles, fetting the Sununer az
gaint p Winter,accoding to the common meaner of the bul

2.Pet.a5.

gar fo2te,diutdeth the whole peare after that fort, And there is.

no doubt but that by colde and heate, be noteth the fame times,
Under the names of Sedetime and Baruck , he noteth the
commodities which men recetue by the temperatnetic of beas
uen and of the aire, Jf any man obiect; that we do not behold
front peare fo peare, an equall temperature of Weather: the
aunfwere ts eafic to be nade: how that the o2der of the woꝛld
Sinneis is fronbled through our wickedneffe, infomuch that there are
thecaule many vnequal motions, oftentimes the ſunne denicth to giue
. vie wea Distemperate heate , ſnowe and haile come in ſteede of dewe,

cher. theatre ts troubled with diuerſe tempefts, But although the

worlde be not fo tempered, that there is allfvayes an equality |

tie : pet we fee, that the order ofnature p2euaticth , in fuche
wile, that euerte peare we haue Winter ¢ Summer, day and
night, the carth peldeth fo2th ber fruifes tn Summer and ta
Autumne,

CHAPTER. 1X,

Nd God bleffed Noah and his fonnes,and faid
vnto them: Bring foorth fruite, and multi.

plie, and replenith the earth.
Alfothe feare of you, and the dread of
you fhall be vpon cuery beaft of the earth,and
vpon

VPONSGENESIS. ('‘CAPL IX?

vpon euery foule of he Heauen, and vponall that moueth on
the earth :and-vpon all the fifhes of the fea into your hand are
theydeliuered. At @B

»3 Euery thing that moweth and liueth fhalbe meate for you:
as the greene hearbes haue I giuen you all thinges,

4 But flethe with the life thereof, I meane with the bloude
thereofjfhall yenoteate, ©

5) For furely I willrequire your bloude wherein your liues
are:at the hande of euery beaft will I require it:and at the hand
ofman, cuenat the hande of amans brother will I require the
life of man. 4 Laan’

6 Whofo theddeth mans bloud, in man fhall his bloude
be fhedd: for in the image of God hath he made man,

«7 Butbringye foorth fruite and multiplic, groweplenti-
fully in the earth , and increafe therein, |

8 God fpake alfoto Noah, and to his fonnes with him,
faying: :

: * Beholde I, euen I, eſtabliſh my couenant with you, and
with your feede after you. | :
-, so» And. with euery liuing creature that is with you, with
the foule, with the cattell, and with euery beafte of the earth
- with you, from all that go out of the Arke; vnto euery beafle
of the earth. }

_ a1 And my couenant will I eftablithe with you, that from
henceforth all fleth thall not be rooted out by the waters of the
floude, neither fhall there be a floude to deftroy the earth any
more. | |

12 Then God faide, This isthe token ofthe couenant,whi-
che I make betweene me and you, and betweenceucry liuing
thing thatis with you,vnto perpetuall generations.

13, Lhaue fet my bowe in the cloude, and it fhall befora
figne of the couenant betweene’meand theearth.

14 And when Ithallcouer theearth witha floude, and
the bowe fhal] be feene in the cloude,

15. Then will Iremember my couenant which is betweene
meand you, and betweene every Jiuing thing in all flefhe,
rin there {hall beno.more waters of a floude to deftroy all

cthe, a Rin) ogee —

O.iiij, Thero

215

216.

* Or,
Talirge.

: -FROHN CAL VINEY ©« ¥

16 » Therefore the bowe ſhalbe in the cloude, that I mayr
{ceat,and remember the euerlafting couenant betweene God?
and cuerie liuing thing, in all flefhe that is vypon the earth.

47 God faide yet to Noah, Thisis the figne of the couenant,
which I haue eftablifhed betweene me and all flefle that is vp⸗
ponthe earth,

18 Now the fonnes of Noah going,forth of the Arke,were,
Shem, and Ham,andJapheth, And Ham is the father of Ca-
haan. ’ |
19 Thefeare the three fonnes of Noah,and of them was the
whole earth ouer ſpread. ated

20 . Noahalfo began tobe an husbandman , and planted a
vineyarde. | |

21 And hedronke of the wine, and was dronken, and was
vncouered in the middeft of his tent. TRS 03 ci aM

22 And when Ham the father of Canaan, faw the nakednes
of his father,he tolde his two brethren without, iat
23. Then tooke Shem and Iapheth a garment, and put it
vpon bothe their fhoulders,and went backward, and couered
the nakednefle oftheir father with their faces backwarde: fo
they fawe not their fathers nakednefle . ' | Bs :13

24 Then Noah awooke from his wine,and knewe what his

younger fonne had done yntohim,

25 And faide,Curfed be Canaan:a feruant of feruants ſhal
he be ynto his brethren, oi
_ 26 Hefaid moreouer,Bleffed bethe Lord God of Shem, &
let Canaan be his feruant.

27 God * perfuade lapheth that he may dwell inthe tentes
of Shem,and let Canaan be his ſeruant.

28 And Noah lived after the floud,three hundred and fiftie

cares. |

4 29 Soallthedayes of Noah, were nine hundred and fiftie
yeares: and he died, 7

» [And God bleffed Noah,} Hereby twe coniecture , with
hoo great feare Moab was aftonnithen,becaule Good ſo oftens
times, and fo many wayes proceedeth in confirming € ſtreng⸗
theuing him. Foꝛ when Boles faith that God bleſſed *
* an

VPON'GENESIS." CAP. Ix; ¢

and bis ſonnes, he doeth noffinply meanes that the grace of 217
fruitfulneſſe was giuen bntothem: but alfothat the purpoſe
of God was revealed concerning the reſtoring of the woride a⸗ beaſtes are
gaine:fo2 the doice of God, whereby he fpeaketh vnto them, Pe?
is annexed fo a bleſſing. Wie knowe that euen the b2ute beatts blefling.
doc not bring forth their voung, but by the bleffing of ODD;
but Wales {peaketh here of a priutlege, whiche belongeth vn⸗
to menonelp. Therfore left thefe foure men with their wiues
being checkt with feare, ſhould doubt to what end they were
Deliusred,the Lode ſheweth them, what the condition of their
life halbe: namely,to raiſe bp mankinde from death to life,
This he doeth not onely by oneand the leife fame worde rez
new the world, by which word he created the fame at the firſt:
but alfo he applieth bis word vnto men: that thep might re-
ceiue againe the latufull vſe of wedlocke: that they miatt
knowe that the care of begetting potteritic pleated Cod: that
they might truft that fo qreate an offp2ing ſhoulde come of
theni,as by the fameall partes of the earth ould be reples
niſhed, and inhabited againe, although it were become voyde
and defarfe; And pet for all this,a confuſed qeneration twas
uot graunted bnto men, as that thep ſhould begette children
of whome it liked thent: but he reſtoreth againe the lawe of
wedlocke, whiche be bad appointed. And although the bles
fing of God ts after a forte extended to difodered copulations
and inatches, tothe end poſteritie may ſpring therof : pet note
withfanding the fame ts an adulterous fruitefullnefie: ano
none ts lawfull but that which fpringeth from the bleſſing of
Ood pꝛoceding front bis mouth, (Pec .

2 [Alfothe feare and dread of youe] his alfo efpeciallp
belonged fo the reſtoring of the worlde, that men ſhould haue
the dominion and rule ouer all other creatures. And although
beaftes,after the fall of man, became moꝛe fierce and cruell +
pet notwithiEanding there remained fome parte of that domi⸗
nion, tubiche God had giuen atthe beginning, Alife he promis
feth that the fame fate fhalbe nolu. He fee that wilde beaſts
doe fall brolentiy bpon men, and that they tedre andrent mas
np in pieces: and vᷣnleſſe Gon Mhould b2tdle their fierce mad⸗
nelle, mankind Were vtterly deſtroyed. Thereloze, that *

“eo

Marriage
reftored.

218

| IOHN CALVINE
fue fade concerning the diftemperature of the aire, and ot the
inequalitie oftunes, bath place alfoin this part: Wild beattes
Ut berie Deed DO raunge, many Wayes are nopfome vnto men,
And no maruell: fo2 fering Wwe are difobedient vnto God, why

Mſhould not the beaſtes rebell againſt bs 2 Neuertheleſſe, the

Wilde

prouidence of © D D is a fecrete bridle fo reſtraine their outs
rage, For how commethit fo paſſe that ferpenfes forbeare bs,
but becaufe berep2efleth thei popfoned force? Holm commeth |
if fo paffe that Digers, Clephants, Lions; Beares, Wolues,
and an innumerable forte of fuche wilde beaſtes, do not teare,
renf,and deuour all that belonacth bnto mien, but becauſe they
are by this {ubiection as it were impounded? Wherefore in
that we remainc in fafetic, we mult attribute the fame to
Gods protection and defence. Foꝛ what elf may we fhinke
Will come fo paffe, when as they feeme fo be bozne fo2 our des
truction,and to burne with an oufragious defire fo burt bs 2
And the bridle, wherewith © D D reftraineth the cruelti¢e of

beattes arc beattes that they may not burte men, is feare and trembling,

budled

from hur-

ting vs.

which Gon hath ingrauen in them,that they might as tt were
reuerence the fight of men, Daniel fpeaketh this {pecially of
kinges, nately that thep haue obteined rule and dominion,’
becaufe the Lord docth ſtrike with the feare and dead offhent
both men and beaſtes. Wut as that is the firſt degree of feare,
to defend the focietie of mankinde : euen fo farre forth as God
hath giuen vnto mana generall rule ouer beaſtes, there 1s a
certeine ſecret marke in the greateſt and leaſt of all, which ſuf⸗
fereth not the crueltie of wilde beaſtes to haue his ſcope.Mot⸗
withſtanding, there is here nofed another commoditie, tubich
alfo further erfendeth it felfe:namelyp,that men may entoy the
beaftes fo their owne commodific,and may applic them to dts’
uers bfes for their neceſſitie. Therefore in that Dren fubnut
their necks vſually vnto the vokerin that the flerceneffe of hor⸗
fes is tamed, in fuch wife that thep fuffer men to ride thent,oz
are contented fo beare packes and ofber burdens: in that
Lyne giue dotwn their milke, ¢ ſuffer themfelues to be ſtroked:
in that alfo {hep rand fil vnder the hand of the (hearer, if des
pendeth vppon this rule, the which although it be qreatly im⸗
paired, pet notwithſtanding itis not btterlp abolithen.

, 3 (Euerie -

VPON GENESIS. CAP. IX;
3 [Eueric creeping thing that liueth. 1] J The Lode pro⸗ 219
ciedeth further, and graunteth the beattes vnto men fo fode,
that they may be fedde with their fleſhe. And becauſe this
is the firſt time that Wofes maketh mention of the graun⸗
ting of this libertie vnto men, allinterp2eters fo2 the motte
parte gather, that if was not latwfull fo2 men before the floud
to cate flethe, but that the naturall fruites of the earth onely
Were araunted vnto them fo2 meate, Wut. this tsno firme
argument, jfo2 Jantofthis opinion, that Gov giueth bere
vnto men no moe then he had giuen before: but onely rendez
reth that which twas taken awap, that thep might bebolde ae
gaine the poſſeſſion of thofe god ciftes,of the tobhich they were
Dep2tued, Foꝛ (xing they killed before bealtes to offer facrifice
vnto Ood,¢ {ing tf toas lawfull fo2 them fo to d0,and of their
fkins,fo make them garments ¢ fentes:¥ fee not what ſhould
debarre them from the eating of fleth . Wat becaufe if maketh
no matter : of whether opinion thou art in this cafe, ¥ affirme
nothing We ought ta make this a matter of qreater weight:
that whereas we eate flethe of beaſtes, the fame ts qraunted
bnto bs by the godneſſe of Ood : and that we doe not take the.
fame with violence as theues ¢ robbers do,fo fatiffie our luſt:
neither doe Wwe as tpzants ſhed the. innocent bloud of beattes,
but do onely take that which is offered vnto bs by the hand of
God, We haue beard what Paule faith , hobo that Ft is latws
full to cate of euerie thtitg.fo that tue haue an affurance of cons
ſcience:and how that all things are vncleane fo hint that imas
_ Sineth the fante fo be vncleane. Wut from whence happeneth Beattes are
“this vnto man,that be Hould eate of all maner meates before giuco
God With a quiet mind,and not through bubsialen licence,but for foode-
only becauſe be knoweth that Gon hath delivered the fame ins
fo bis hand by a free deede of gift? WMherefore, as Paule allo tes
ftifieth, The word of Gov doth fanctifie the creaturs vnto vs,
that we may eate thent purely and lawfuily. Let that word be
cleane taken alvay,¢ b2ead fhall fede no mans bodie, but there
Wwith alfo his foule thatbe defile, Therefore there is no doubt
but that the Lorde intended fo frengthen our faith, wien be
plainly teftifieth by Mofes,that be bath qranted vnto men the
free vſe of fleth,that we might not eat of the fame with a doubt
full and fearefull confcience, PotwithHanding apart

220

Man

IOHN CAL'VINE
be initetb vs fo thankefaiuing,

Wherefore Paule addeth praver to ——— the
manner of fanctifpuig, by thefame place tobiche before 3 tis

fed, And nowe we mul holde fatt that libertie, whiche the

DL DRDE bath qiuen vnto bs, whiche he would haue weit⸗
ten in common tables. 302 by this voyce be ſpeaketh vnto all
the poſteritie of Noah that be might make bis benefifes conv

mon to all ages . To tubat end ſerueth this, but onely that the

faithfull map boloelp challenge to themfelues , that whiche
thep know proceeded from God the authour 2 Jfo2 if ts a crueil

ought not.and tpzannicall o2der not to be fuffered, after that ODD the

to torbid
the vie of
Gods gifts

maker of all thinges, bath opened vnto bs the earth and tbe
aire, that from thence we may take, asout of bis houfes of
office, all manner of fwde , fo2 man to fhutte bppe the fame

from bs ; who is not able fomake fomuche as a fnatle 02
flie. Jſpeake not ofthe erfernall prohibition : but % fap

that greeuous inturte it Done bnfo ODD, tohen we giue fe
greate libertie vnto men, that they map pronounce thatte
be bnlawfull ; whiche ODD would baue latofuil, and doe
binde mens confciences, fet at libertteby the word of © DD,
With their forged lawes. And whereas GO D retrained
fhe olde people, from vncleane beattes : becauſe that excep⸗
tion was but fo2\a tine, Poles bere fpeaketh nothing of
the fame,

4 [But flefhe with:the life thereof. J Some expounde
this, thus: Sx that ve eate not that parte o2 member whi⸗
the is cutte off from the lining beatt. The whiche is not to be
allolved, WBut feing there ts no Contuncion copulate:
commung betinene thefe tivo wordes, bloud andlife : FJ doubt
not buf that Moſes hauing fpoken of the life, added this
worde, bloude, to crpoundfhe ſame: as if he fhould fay, that
the flethe ts after a fo2te deuoured with bis life, when the fame
hauing the bloude thereof in if,is eaten. Wlberefoze,life and -
bloud are not here put as thinges different , but they fiquific.
allone thine, Mot that the bloud is of it felfethe life: but
becaule the vitall (pirites doc {pecially cont therein/ in res
{pect of our fenfe tt doth repzefent life, asa feale and pledge
thereof, And this is plainelp fet dobone, to the ende mien —*1
e

VPON GENESIS, CAP. 3%.

fhe more abhozre the eating of bloud, $02 if fo be it is a bealks 4 21
ly and barbarous thing to deuoure the life 02 to rauine and
ſwallowe bp line flefhe , men bewray their crucitic in eating
bloud ·And it is euident wherevnto this p2obibition tenveth +
for the purpofe of the Lorde is, in the abſterning from the
bloude of beaſtes, to inure men with mekenefle and gentles
neſſe: leſte if they raunged to farre in eating wilde fode,thep
might atthe length come to that patle,that they twoulde not
fpare mans bloud, MotiwithLanding we mutt note , that this
reftraint was a parte of the slo latwe. Nherefore, that which
Tertullian repogteth tvanteth not ſuperſtition, how that the
Chꝛeiſtians in his time accounted it an dnlatwfull thing to
tafte of beatts blond, Foꝛ inthat the Apoftles commaunded
the Gentiles tokeepe this rite for a ſhoꝛte time, thep vivit,
not fo feare mens confciences, but left the libertie twbich twas
of it felfe holy and latwefull, Houlde bꝛeede offence among ths
rude and weake.

5 ¢ (For farely I will require yourbloud. IWy thefe woꝛdes
the Lorde euidently declareth, that be doeth not forbid the vſe
of bloud inrefped of the beaſtes themſelues: but becaufe be
hath the life of men in great price sand becaule the onely ende
of bis lawe is tocommend bute them common humanitie az
mong themfelucs.% thinke that the whole terte ought to be
read thus : And verily your bloud, whiche isin your liues, or
whiche is to you for life,that is to fay, which quickeneth you,
~ and which maketh you to liuein refpeé of your bodies, will I
require: at the hande of euerie beafte will L require the fame +
At the hande of man, at the hande I fay ofa mans brother
will [require the life man . The diftincion by whiche the
Jewes make foure kindes of murder ,is baine: Foz 3 haue
deliuered the fimple and naturall fenfe, botuve that OD D
fo qreatlp eftemeth cur life , that be will not fuffer murs God will
bers fo efcape bnpunifhed.dnd beoften times repeateth thts per P
matter, thereby to make their crucitic the maze deteftable, °°"
which lap violent hand vpon their neighbours.Gnd this ts no
{mall teftimonic of Gods lone towards bs, that he taketh Ops
pon him the defence of our life,and teftifieth that be wil be the
reuenger of our death, Whereas be ſayth, that be will puniſh

«4 euen

22

~

f 88% YORN CAL VEN Ee
euen the beatt for the faking alway of maris lift, tf perteineth
toerample . Foꝛ if bebe angrie with the brute beattes for
mans fake, tubichthzouch a blinde and Dnb2tdeled defire are.
carried to (eke their fede: what doe tue thinke thall become:
of matt, which falleth bppon his brother, vniuſtly, and cruelly,
and contrary to the fenfe ofnature? ;

6 [Who fotheddeth mansbloud ,] Theſe woꝛdes fols
lowing( In man) ferue fo2 amplification, Some erpounde if
thus,Who fo fheddeth mans bloud before witnefles, Dthers
referre it fo that which kolloweth, how that by man bis bloud
fhallbe ſhedde. Wut all thefe interpretations are weeſted.
Wherefore tue muff note that whiche J fayde before, namely,
that by this ſpeache the crueltie and hainouſnelſe of the fact
is rather expreſſed, bycauſe whoſo killeth a man, dꝛawth bpon
bimfelfe the bloud and life ofbis brother. As touching the
ſumme of the matter they are decetued, in my tudgement ,-
which thinke that a politique latwe is here ſimply fet dotwne,
fo puniſh murderers. Idoe not denice but that the puniſhhment
which lawes appoint,and which Judges erequute,ts grounds’
£0 bpon this fentence of God, Wut J fay that the wwo2des doe
coutpebende moꝛe. Beis wꝛitten, The bloudthirftie ſhall
not liue out halfe their dayes, And we fee that ſome dye itt the

Plal.ss.25 high wayes, ſome in brothel houfes and ſtues, and fome in the
Murder e- Warres , Wherefore howſoeuer Dagittrates doe winke, God
{capethnor ratleth bp elfe there ercquutioners, whiche repay to blouds

vnpuni-
Med.

ſhedders their rewarde.And God doth fo thꝛeaten vengeance
to murderers, that neuertheleſſe, he putteth the ſworde into
the Magilſtrates hande, to puniſh murders, leſt mans bloud be
ſhed without puniſhment. (For in the image of God hath he
made man, ] Gov, the better to confirme the former doctrine,
teftificth that be ts not fo carefull for mans life for nothing,
and without cauſe. If we haue refpect vnto men onely,thep
are not worthie that God ſhoulde care for them : but becauſe
they beare the image of God, he counteth himlelfe wronged in
their perfon, Cuen fo foꝛ fomuch as men haue nothing proper
tothenifelues , whereby they may winne the fauour of Gor,
berefpecteth bis giftes in them, whereby heis prouoked to
louc thent,and to care fo2 them, And we are diligently to note:

the

VPFON GENESIS. CAP. IX

fhe vocfrine,hotve that no man can be iniurious vnto his bꝛe⸗ 3
thren, but he mut burte God himlelfe. The which, if it were God is
Well imp2inted in our mindes, Wwe woulde be moꝛe ſſowe ther burt vben
Wwe be to offer iniuries. Jfany man obtectsthat the fame i," .
mace is blottedout:the aunfivere is eaſie to be made, that ·
fome part thereof is lefte as pet, in fomuch that man doth ers

cell with no {mall honour, Alfo thac the heanenty workmaſter

hint (elfe,holv corrupt foeuer nian be, bath not withſtanding

the ende of the firſt creation befoze bis eyes, by twhofe crample

if becommeth bs to weigh, fo what end be hath made men,

and what ercellencie he bath touched fafe to beſtowe bppon

them aboue all other lining creatures.

- 7 (But bring ye forth fruiteand multiplie. JAgaine be bers

beth bis {peach to Noah and fo bis ſonnes, that he may exhort

them to baue a care to bing forth pofteritic: as tf he fhouloe
fap, Be fee that Jam bent to folker andto defende mankinde,
SCherefore endeuour-pe pour ſelues {with me fo inlarae the
ſame.And theretwithall commending vnto them the preferuas

tion of feede; he feareth them from committing murders and
vniuſt vtolence. Notwithſtanding, that was the principall end
whiche J touched before: namely, that he might comfort the
(weakened mindes . 3fo2 there is not a bare commaundes

ment in thefe wordes, but a promiſe allo therein ts contei⸗

ned.

8 [God fayde vnto Noah. ] Lette the remembꝛance of the
floud fhould afterward bzing newe feares, fo often as the hea
uen ſhoulde be darkened with cloudes, as though the earth
fhoulde be dꝛowned againe, this carefullnedfe ts taken alway.
And if fo be we weigh bow readily man ts inclined to diſtruſt,
we wil not iudge that thts teſtimonie was ſuperfluous, yea e⸗
uen fo oah. We was enducd with arare and incomparable
fayth , infomuche that it was a miracle to beholde the fame:
but there coulde be no ſuch ſtrength of conffancic, whiche that
fo fo2rotwfull and.bo2rible bengearice of Ood coulde not ferris
fie and quaile. Therefore, fo oftenas any create and continu⸗
all chewer thall feeme to threaten a floud onto the earth, a
May is fet again the fame, bppon the whiche the bolic man
map ref hintclfe, And although bis fonnes haue maze *

Pena ere eee of

. eer

. ct YOHN CALVIN p
224. serie confirmation ther bimtelfe: yet notwithttanding the
Loꝛrde (peaketh (pecially for bis fake. Andto this endeare
thele wordes to be referred, [And to his fonnes whiche were
with him.] Foꝛ how commeth it fo paffe, that Ood making |
bis conenant with the fonnes of Poab,commaunneth them ta
hope twell 2 Forſothe, becaule thep are topned with their
father, who is the p2incipall,to whome the couenant is made,
that thep might be the nerte beires and ſucceſſors of the fayde
couenaunt, Moꝛeouer, there is no doubt but that the purpofle
of © DD twas to pꝛouide for allbis pofteritie, Wherefore
there was no pꝛiuate couenaunt made with one familie ae
lone : but fuche aone as twas common fo all nations, and
whiche hall endure thoughout all ages, vnto the ende of ths
worlde. And feing at this dap wickednelſe doeth no leſſe ae
bounde, then it div in the dayes of Poah: if ts more then
needefull, thatithe waters be reftrapned by this worde of
© DD, asby a thoufanve cates, leſte they burite forth to
Delroy bs. Wiberefoze we bearing our felues boloe bppon
this paomife , let bs loke for the latter dap,in the tobichs
fire fhall purge Heauen and Carth by confuming them, -
10 [And with euetie liuing creature.] Although the
grace Which the 102d promifeth,ts ertended alfo vnto beaſtes:
yet neuertheleffe the Lorde Doth not ſpeake in batne fo men
alone , who by the fenfe of faith can comp2ebende this benes
fite . We doe commonly iniop Heauen and the aire with
bealtes , and doe drꝛawe all one vitall beeath with them: but
this is no fmall 02 common p2tuilege,that be applieth onto
bs bis worde, twherebp we map knowe bis fatherly lone,
therewith be loueth bs. :
And there are bere three deqres fo be noted . For G D D
as it were in a pefent matter maketh a couenaunt mith
NKoah and with his familie, that they might not be afeard
ofthbeflous. Secondly, heerfendeth bis couenant vnto poe
fterities , not onelp that the continuall fucceffion of the efe
fecte may come vnto other ages: but alfo,that they may take
holde of bis teſtimonie by faith, which were to be bo2ne aftere
wards, and might alure themlelues that it is the tery fame to
them, which was promiled to the fonnes of ——
decla⸗

~

VPON GENESIS». GAR IX. 2
beclareth,that be ipill be faourableto the bute bates alias 77°
oitely that the effect inithout fenfe and, vnderſtanding, might J
perteine fo the defending of their life, Aheteby the ignorance Asabapti⸗
of the Anabaptifics map.be confuted, which denie,that the coz fkes etroue
nenaunt of Ood may belong vnto Fx lants, bicaule they want confuted.
prefent faith. As though wher Gao piomiteth faluation to 4
thoufande generations, the fathers of the Infants are not as
mediators, whofe effice is to deliuer from bande to hande,the

promife receiued froin God. And fo many ag doc denie, that

{as the greatelt parte of men, evtpet co

belerte in bis wor, vouche 3 iall belpes a
meanes. ine agora we haue ſpoken mn phone :
of lignes in the ſecond Chapter: pet neuerthelelle, We mu
br<eflp note here, bp the — cB that figues arg.
feparated amulle from the worde . J call that the words,

not which the Papiltes boat of, by, inbiche they charm
bzeade,tvine, ople, Ipager, and tach like, wuith Dasicall typi
porigs,but which byiloeth faith,eucn as the,Lozde [peaket

plainely bere tobolp Poa, and to his ſonnes. Alfo,be addet

the ſeale for aſſurance fate, Mherelore, il ſo be the face ament sacraméts
be taken alway fromthe worde, it ceaſſeth tobe that tehich if and the
is callen, AE muſt needes Alay, bea vocall figne, that it may worde are
weteinehis force, and not dege ierate from his.nature Pen, Po “0 be
fherisitoneya vaine adminiſtration of facraments, where f°
the worde [OD Dis filent, but alfo it bꝛingeth with if the

mere deluſions of Sathan, Hereot alfo we gather, that this

was proper to @acramentes front the beginning, a the

idle aa oul

226 ' £OHN CALVINE “
Faith "¥s _ touts ferue fo the confirmation of faith. * berily, the
firmed: b promife is inclided in the couenaunt, wherevntd faith ought
Agnes, » toagre , It ſeemeth to ſome abfurde, that faith ſhould be

| Trenachened with ſuch fhtalthelpes. Wut they which (peake
ſo firftof all, weigh not howe great the rudeneſle and imbe⸗
eillitic of our minde te. Seccondlp; they attribute not the
pravſe of working to the fecrete power of the ſpirite which
they ourhe. hy it belongeth fo ODD atone,to beginne and
to finiche faith. but pet he vſeth ſuch inſtrumentes as pleafe

bini,the free chopre tuberrof tyeth in bint 7)’
43 CL baue fer my bowe in the'cloud.) 459 thefe words, ters
"The Rain- teine creat Diuines were moued ‘to dente, that the Kapne⸗
bowe was U bowe hat befo2 p) 4 the floud: the which is friuolous and vaine.
— the Heyther doe Potes fyorde5 i import, that a bowe as made >
which was not before: but that a marke was given fo p fame,
which — giue a ‘figrte into men of Gods grace and god⸗

fete an

vv

fbeas ctitotes: to lift t Alstt the be mindes ict
— thinke that the heauen ikon, ‘which twas ‘at the
naturall, is Here confecrated into a figne and pledge sand
that fo atretoe office is giuen vntb the fannie, when as rather
nfit felfe,tt ould be the fiane of 4 contta ape Hing Foi When
it appeareth, tt —— Tong * Let this thereto
be the meaning’ of the wordes. “0 offer a⸗ fhe rapne ma⸗
keth pou afraide, beholde the bowe,- For although tt ſeemeth
' _., fo cafe rayne to onerivbelme the earth : vet neuertheletfe, it
“tie a witneſſe to pou of the drouth fo come: atid fo pe
o pane gteater confidence and trutt ‘ther; fhai when
“+ tis fatre anvcléare. Githeretase, t deeig rio cauite
‘toh — fhould contende with the Philoſbphers “about the
Rayneboine 7 For although thot colotrs dee avite of tide
rall caules: yet fo2 all thatzther do iad anit em
ic

VPON GENESIS, CAM IX
227

WwWiich go about to take from bim bis right and rule which be)
bath ouer the creatures, »).

5 [Then will Lremember, my coucnaunt | Pafes bring⸗
ing Gad {peaking fo often times, teacheth, that there are {pes
ciall partes of the woꝛde, and that thereof the fiqnes are to be

cemed, And © DD, fpoaketh after, the manner of men,
hen be fapth, that be Mul, call to minde his couenaunt at the
fight of the KRaynebowe. But this ought tobe referred to the
fapth of men, that they map conuder, that God ts not forget⸗
is of bis cauenaun⸗ a often as. —— his bowe in the
cloudes.
18 [The anes of Noah. $90 safes teckoneth bppe the fons
nes of Noah, not onl eee he intendeth fo make a way te

fee

caufe of ſo felve perſons ina thoote. timsy. fo exceeding, a mul⸗
titude of memecante ; and bycauſe one boute, being but (mall,
increated into fo many numbers.of nations,

20 [Noalralfo began to bean husbandman.] J doe not fa
interprete this; as though Noah then firft beganne to be an
huſbandman: but in.mp iudgement., Doles rather meas
neth, that Noah being, comforted againe, though be were
an olde man,returned to his bufbandzie and. wonted labours,
But whether he were a dreſſer of Wines, 02 no, If ts vncer⸗
teine. $f 1s commonly thought,that there was no ble of wine
before that tune, And men haue bene the mo2e ready fo to
thinke, bycauſe it might be an honeſt ercule , to mitigate
Noah his finne. Wut it fcemeth not likely. fo me, that the
fruite of the bine, whiche ercelleth all otber. fruites, Lap till
then neglected. and wnp2ofitable, Gifo, Boles fapth not that
NHoah the berp fame Daye.that he. dronke of the wine, twas
ponken, , “i Therefore omitting this, 3 rather thinke that

we are to learne bp. tbe dronkennelle of Noah, howe loule
we nefeftable a thing donkennelleis.. * F ght,

‘Lye holy Patriarche ,. whiche was a notable and rare
esample of moderation and temperaunce , forgetting bint
felfe iste a motke filthie and thamefull ſorte, lyeth. naked

P.ij. vppon

BG cr PORN CARVE «0%
vppon the grormd, tobe made a {eome and ielt of all men?
Holve greatly therefore ought tue to imbeace fobzictie, teak
the like, oy a great Beate worlle Matter happen vnto vs? A
Wine the certeine Heathen Philoſopher faive tony ago, that Cine is
bloud of the bloud ofthe earth: and that therefore vohen men do quatfe
theearth. and ſwill intemperately, they arc initly puniſhed of the carth
fhe mother, Wut let bs rather remember, that byeatife men
dec pophane; through’ Mehte abuſe, the noble and precious
aiff of ODD, tels the reuenger. And let ds knowe, that.
Noah by the indkemiehtoKGDD, was made an example, to
Noahs dis teache all other men, not to make them iclues dronken with
— vnmealurable deinmtiig. Xecue might after'a lort be giuen to
the Doly father, Sho hating sone his labour, and making Hitt
for euer, felfe merrie with wine; thinketh that ‘He taketh bis ivit re:
Ward. But GD D letteth vppon him an enerlatting blot,
WMhat then Malt we thinks wll befall dle bellies, and infatts
1. able gormandiz ing dronkards dnd qluttons, whoſe only Krike
? and contention ts; fo make friall who tan quaffe moſt and
although it bea tharpe kinde of cogretften: pet notwithſtan⸗
Ding, the feruant of God twas tell dealt with all, when be be,
ing called fo fobzietie; leat he going on fo folle we the vice
wherewith he twas once defiled , ould deſtroy him felfe ;
euen as we ſee terteine dronkards though continual erceffe,
to be drowned at the length theretty, 8 et clone
‘23 [Cham the father of Canaan This ciréinifannee ts
adoed,fo increafe Poahs qrefe : nately, that he is ec2ned of
bis owne fonnie, For we nin alwayes remember’; that this
punifhment teas laid vpon him of God: partly, bpeatile bis of⸗
fence wag not falls and partly, bycante G DD might ctue
a leffor of femperaunce,to all pofterities fo2 cuer. · Drenken⸗
neſſe of tf felfe deſerueth this, that the drenkardes Mould be
Dronkards ſcorned of theit obone chtldzen, which Doe deface the image of
co degene GDD their heauenlyp father, in them ſelues. Foꝛ verily, fo
rate from much as in them Ipeth, doonkards deſltroy their minde, anddo
eealon, depriue then felues of reafon ,’ that they map degenerate
into bynte beaftes, But let vs remember, that if fo bee the
Loꝛde did fo greuouſlyx puniſhe one onelp fault of the holy fas
ther oah, be twill be no leſſe a moſt ſeuere reuenger a *

tho

VPON GENESIS.) CAP. IX,

“ . J x "
thoſe which daily make them felues dronkent and which haue * 2
eramples nowwe befoze their eyes of the fine. Neuertheleſſe, *

kednes

Cham, difdainfully {corning his father, bewꝛayeth his wicked ia cornin g
diſpoſition. We knowe that parents are nert vnto God, re⸗ his father.

‘merentlp to be worſhipped: and although there were no books Parentsare
noꝛ fermons, nature datly telleth vs this : and all men haue ae °° be ho⸗

greed bpon this, that godly reverence tolwarde parents, is the
mother of all vertues. Therfore tt mult neds be, this Cham
was of a wicked and peruerfe difpolttion , who had not onelp
pleafure in his fathers Thame, but alfo betw2aped the fame fa
His brethren. And this is no fall fumbling blocke : Firk,
that Noah, the minifter of mans faluation, andthe prince of
‘the repaying of the worlde, in fo qrieuous olde age, lyeth
dronke at home. Secondly, bycauſe wicked € vngodly Cham,
came fozth of the fanctuarte of Ood, God had chofen eight fous
les as a boly number, and as a feede purged from all droſſe, to
renue the Church, But the fin of Noah doth tufficiently ſhew
howe needfull a thing it is for men to be helde backe with the

nored,

‘budle of God, how vertuous focuer they be.Dhe vngodlinede sin, wich-
af Cham doth ſhewe vnto vs, howe depe the rote of wicked⸗ out the
nelſe is in men, which dailp groweth mo2e,ercept it be where bridle of
the polwer of the (pirite is mightier. But if in the holy fanetus °° 'P!-

arie of ODD among fo felwe, one diuell was faucd, let bs not
meruell, if at this bap in the Churche, tobere there ts a farre
greater multitude of men, the wicked are mingled with the
god; And there is no doubt, but that the mindes of Shem and
Japheth were qreuoullp Wounded, when fhey ſawe ſuch wie⸗
Ked {coming tn their brother, and on the other part, their fae
ther lying filthily bpon the ground. Such a foule chance of the
minde, in the prince of the netw world, and in the holy Patri⸗
arch of the Church, could no leſſe aſtoniſh thẽ, then tf they bad
feene the arke to dath in peeces, and to periſh. Neuertheleſſe,
they ouerpaſſe this fumbling blocke, with no lee courace ¢
ſtrength of minde, then thep-couer it with modeſtie. Cham az
lone taketh occaſiõ greedily fo ſcorne and to deride his father :
euen as vngodly men are wont to giue offences, twhich map
bring libertie to firme, And bis age maketh him fo much the
leffe ercufable;fo2 be was nof a wanton child, which lanabing

—J P.iij. raſhlꝑ

rit increa=

ſeth.

230

The mo-
deftie of
Shem and
Japheth.

IOHN CALVIWNE

raſhly bebbeaved bis foliſhneſſe: be was nowe aboue a hurts
dred peares olde; Ghereforcit is likely, that be div thus twice
kedly friumphe ouer bis father, that he might get libertic to
bint felfe fo ſinne without puntihment. Many (uch tele at
this day, who very arecdilp feeke fo finde faulfes in god and
gonlp men, that they them felues map without ſhame, giue
them felucs to all manner of wickedneſſe: pea, they feeke by
mens faultes, howe thep may harden them ſelues to the cons
tentpt of God,

23 [ Uhen tooke Shem and Iaphetha garment, ] Bere as
wel the godlineſſe as the modelſtie of the tive bretheen is pats
ſed: leaféthe mateftie of their father might ware bile in their
eves, but that they may allwaps reteine that reuerence which

they owe vnto bim,they turn alway thei epes front bebolving

his thame, And fo they teftific , that they haue atrue care foz
their fathers honour,in thinking that their epes ſhuld be defis
led, tf they willingly bebeld bis nakedneſſe, which Mas ſhame⸗
full; and withall alfo,they pouide fo; bis honeſtie and fhame,
Foꝛ as Wwe faide tn the thirde Chapter, the nakedneſſe of man
carrieth with tt fuch a ſhamefaſtneſſe, that no man dare {carte
loke bpon him felfe, without a pꝛiuie witneſſe. Whey alfo rez
prehend the wickedneffe of their brother, in that be {pared not
bis father, And hereby let bs learne, how acceptable vnto Gon
godlinefie is, whoſe erample here mentioned, is fo be accounts
fed fo2 a nofable teſtimonie of fhe holy Ghoſt. Wiberefo2r, wf
fo be godly reuerence tolvards an earthly father, was fo notas
ble and praiſe worthie a vertue, howe much moze ought we te
reucrence the holy maieſtie of ODD ? Wut very fondare the
Papitts, which couer the {pots of their idol, yea,the ſilthineſſe
of thetr whole Cleric, with the cloake of Sem and Fapheth,
% ceaffe,to ſpeake howe great difference there is betweene the
rep2orh of Noah, and the erecrable fincks of fo many wicked⸗
nelles, which defile heauen and earth. Wut Antichatt and hig
mitred Biſhops, with allthat filthy rable, mull nedes prone
themfclues fathers, when they would pane any honour giuen
vnto then,
24. [ Then Noahawooke from his wine .] Although Noah
had ink caule to be aſhamed ; vet notwithitanduig, be Pr
: me

-

VPON GENESIS: CAP. 1x,

feemte fo behaue him felfe ſcarſe modeftly and gravely, He we2st

ought at the leaſt wiſe, to haue bewapled bis finnebefore Gon

ſecretlyx: and to haue teſtified alſo bis repentance, With chame

before men. But nowe, as though he had nothing at all offers

ped.be thandereth very feuerelp againſt his fonne, But Moles

both not fet downe bere the angrie ſpeaches, which he bttered

in choler and difpleafure; but he rather bringeth hint in, ſpea⸗

king by the ſpirite of prophelic, Wherefore, there is no caufe

why tue ould doubt, but that the holy father humbled hint

lelfe truelp,as if vas conuentent fo2 bis fault, and well wey⸗

ed with bint felfe what be had deſerued: and that nowe be has

uing pardon, and his finne being faken awap, he commeth

fo2th as a pꝛoclamer of Oods iudgment.And there is no dout,

but that the man of God, being other wiſe of meeke diſpoſition,

€ one ofthe bef fathers , bttered this fentence with moſt hits

ter greefe of mime againſt bis fonne, He fave that be was

twonderfullp peferued among afeluc, and that be had place

ania the molt ercellent choyce of mankinde, Mowe theres

fo2e, be being conttreined with bis owne mouth to proriounce

hun a baniſhed man from the Church, thereisno doubt, but

that he ſighed beryp beautly at tie curſſe of his forme, Wut by eet,

this example God would have bs taught, hatwe muſt holde

fatt the conſtancie of fatth,if at any tune we fee thoſe fal awap

which were iopned vnto vs ; and that we ought not to be diſ⸗

couraged: pea, and that the feneritie tubich Ood connmanns

deth;is fo to be erercifed, p ive fpare not ſo much, as our owne

boivels, And fo2 fomuchas Noah pronounceth not fo hard a Sontempt

fentences but by the inſtinct of ODD, tue may gather by the o —

ſharpnes of the punifhment, how abhominable vnto God,the punithed.

Wicked contempt of parents is: info much, that tt peruerteth

the boly order of nature,and vielateth the maieſtie and potver

of God in their perfon,tobome be bath —S———— rulers in

their place and degree. cot): ‘ef.
«29 FCurfled be Canaan J ‘Fire of allit — usttion,

Shoah abfleining from curing dts fonne, ertendeth the ſeue⸗

ritie of the puniſhment which he had deſerued, to his innocent

nephetv, Peither ts tf agreeing with the iuſtice of God, fo caſt

* faults ofthe parents vpon the childꝛen WBut the aunſwere Aoſwere.

Put, is

TOHN: CALVIWNE

Antw 232 is wel ynough kno wne, that Con although be profeenteth his
wer iudgements agatntt the chilozen, and the ſtecke and kinred of
the wicked, net fo2 all that,be neuer is crucll againſt the inno⸗
cent; bicauſe they alfo ſhalbe found ur fault. & Mherfore tf ts ne
abfurditiesif he puniſh the wickedneſſe of fathers vpon the rez
probate ehiidzen:fo2 fo much as they mutt needes be fubtect to
bis weath,to whom be bath not vauchedfafe to gine bis ſpirit.

Obiection But it ig meruell, that Noah curfling bis fonnes fonne, ouer⸗

pafieth Chant bis fonne;twbo was the authour of the wicked⸗
—J— It ſcemeth to the Jewes, that conſideration twas had of
the grace of God:and bicauſe the L020 vouchedlafe, to beſtow
on bun ſo great honour, the curſſe was laide bpon bis fonne.

Anfwere, But this is a vaine coniecture, J doubt not,but that p punithe
ment ts ertended onto the poterities,ta theend the qrevouls
nelle therofimay the better appeare: as tf the Lord bad openly
declared,» be was not contented with one mans punifhment,
but would baue bis curſſe fo typed to pofterities, as pit might
paſſe from age to ane. Jn themean time,Cham bun ſelf is not
erempted, then Ood weapping e bis: fon with Popes:
vp his iudgement .

Queftion, _ An other queſtion altſo is — why amone alt the
forines of Cham, God chafcth one to be ftricken, Wut leak
webefacurions in this pointe, let bs remember, that the
iudgements of O D D, are not called in vaine a bottomeleſſe
pit: and thafit is vnmeete that Dod, before tohofe Dribunall
feate, ive mutt all one Day Ttand, ould make him felfe ſubiect
vnto our tudaments,o2 rather fo our foliſh raſhneiſe. He chs

Acliwere. feth whom it feemeth god bnto him, in whom be declareth his.

grace and c@dneffe:others he appointeth to an other end,that

they may be eramples of his wrath anv feucritie, Here, ale
theugh mens mindes be blind: pet notivithifanding, let every:
one of bs, knowingour olune tifirmitic, rather attribute the
prapfe of righteouſneſſe bnto God, then theough mad bolones:
to caft our felues hedlong into the bottomleffe pit. When God
accurſſed p whole ſed of Cham,be named only p Chananites,
to curſſe thé aboue others. and hereof we cather,p this indge⸗
ment pꝛocceded from God:bohich was at the length peoucd by

ſucceſſe. What p coition of fhe Chananits Mould be, Noah’

front

ay a

_

VPON GENESIS. CAP. 1X,

from fief} ¢ bloud could not learne. WMherfore in obfcure and 233 )
hidden thinges, the holy Obhok directed his tongue . There is
pet another obiection behind bnaunfwered, For When as the Obicétion
Hcripture teacheth that God doth puniſhe the finnes of men
vnto the third ¢ fourth generation , it feemeth to appoint and
limit this meafure tothe to2athe of God: but the vengeance
Wwherof mention ts made now, ertendeth if ſelfe vnto the tenth
generation, J aunfwere, that by the wordes of Scripture a Aunfwere,
lawe ts not appointed buts God, twhich he may not paſſe, that
be might not be fre in puniſhing finnes beyond foure genera ¢ Gp j,
tions . Dnely we muff haue regard fo the comparifon of pus more mers

niſhmentes and grace: whereby Wwe are taught,that Cod ts cifullio
“fo inft a punither of finns, that neuertheleſſe be is moze prone ‘Pag
to mercie, Thereldee let vs leaue vnto hint hts libertie, to ex⸗ «<0 U**
tende bis vengeante (0 farre fo2th as it pleateth him. CA fer- thing,
uaunt of feruauntes fhall he bee. } Whe Hebꝛue phale fignifi-
eth, that Cham thalbe the lat, 02 the loweſt 02 bafett among
feruauntes: as if be bad fata , His condition thall not onely be
feruile, but woꝛſſe then common feruitude, Motwithſtanding Obicction
the thundering offo ſeuere and horrible a pꝛopheſie femeth to
be but in mockerie and vaine, ſceing the Chananttes ercelled
in ſtrength and riches, and had bery large Dominions, Where
then ts this feruitude? Firſt aunfwere, that God doth fo Auolwere.
threaten men, that he doth nof by and bp crequute that which
he denounceth: and pet notwithſtanding bis threatenings are
neuer boyd and without effect. Sccondly,the iudgementes of
Gon are not always layed open before the eves of men,neitber
are they vnderſtode of fleth and bloud . The Chananttes hae
uing caſt of the yoke of bondage and feruitude, whieh God bad
laped bppon them, got bute them in fene thereof rule and do⸗
minton. But although they triumphed for a time, pet notwith
ſtanding their condition before God twas not accounted free. —
Euen as wher the kaithlull are bnintly oppreſſed anderuelip joo
bered of the wicked: pet fo2 all that their fpirituall libertie 15 ,),. aib⸗
not erfinguifhed before Goo, And we muft be contented with ful! har
this allowatice of Cods iudgement, that Cod promifed to his frecdome
ſeruaunt Abraham the rule and dominion of the land of Cha- “hg
naan, and voweth the Chananites at the lalt to — = {

¢ u

o™e

— —

"IOHN CALVINE-

234 But becaule the Pope (s greatly contendeth * be doth ſom⸗
fines pꝛopheſie euen as Catphas did: leaſt we might feme to
dente hint all things, 7 dente not,but that the fame title with
the which be eralteth himlelk, is giuen to bint of p holic Ghoſt:
lef him therfo2e be a ſeruant of feruants,cue as Canaan was,

26 [Blefled be the Lorde God of Shem. ] Noah blefleth the
reff of hts ſonnes, but after another forte. Foꝛ Sem ts placen
in the biaheit degre of honor And this is thereafon why No⸗
ah in bleffing bin, burſteth forth into the patfe of God, ⁊ ſtan⸗
beth not vpon the perſõ of man. Fo2 the Hebrues, when mens
fion is made of any rareo2 notable ercellencic, by and by haue
reſpect onto Ood, Wherefore the bolic father, when he vnder⸗
ſtode that the moſt plentifuli grace of Ood was appointed vn⸗
fo Sein, falleth fo thankſgiuing. MWhereby Wwe gather, that bis
fpeache proceeded not from carnall ſenſe, but that be ſpeaketh
of the fecret benefits of God, which Mould be reucaled in time
long to come, To be tho2t,by thefe words it ts fo be noted, that
the bleſſing of Sem ſhould be diuine o2 heauenlie.

27 [{Godinlarge Iapheth. |] This tranfation being als
iotwed,this thalbe the ſenſe, that the poſteritie of Japheth, whe
they had been foz a time farre remoued and feparated from the
tentes of Sem, thould at the laſt be fo inlarged and ſpread as
b2oade,that they thould come mo2eineare, and dwell together,
as tf were in one houſe. Notwithſtãding ¥ like better of their
tranflation which baue (et it dotwn thus, God gentily incline,
02 perfuade Japheth. Wut whether of thefe two we foilotwe,
Noah loreſheweth that there Mhalbe a tempozall difagrement
betweene Sem and Japheth: albeit he refeineth them bothe
fo his houfe,and calleth them both latwful heires.Alſo that the
fime thall come, wherein they thall topne together againe in
one bodic,and haue one diwelling place together, And it ts
molſte certeine,that be prꝛopheſieth bere of thinges vnknowen
inrefpect of man: and that God was the onely authour theres
of, the ſucceſſe at the latt ſhewed. Divo thoufand and cerfeine
hund2ed peares paſſed before fuche time as the Jewes ¢ Gens
tiles were gathered together into one faith) Then the fonnes
of Scin,of whome the areater part were fallen alway, and had.
cutte off themfelucs from of bolic; houſhold of Cod, were *

VPON GENESIS. CAP. IX

fhered fogether againe, that they might dwell onder one tent. 2 35
‘Whe Centiles allo ſpringing of Japheth, who had wandered

€ gone aftray along time, are recetucd info the fame tent, $02 The
-@od by anew adoption made of diuers natures one people: ¢ Gentiles
ſetled brotherly vnitie amõg ſtrangers. And this was brought bay.
to patie by the gentle and milde voyce of God, which be btteren “P"“

in the goſpell: and this prophefie ts daily fulfilled as yet, when

God calleth the difperfed Hheepe vnto bis flocke,t qathereth fro

bence € cuerte where, thoſe which hail reſt with Abraham, J⸗

faac,t Jacob, in the kingdome of heauen. And this is no ſmall
vpholder of our fatth,tiat the calling of the Gentiles, was not The al-
only decreed by the euerlaſting countel of Ood, but alfo plainly ling of the
teftificd by the mouth of the Patriarch ; leat we Mould thinke Cen’!
that it came to pate vnloked fo2,02 by chance, that the uberis Pree
tance of euerlaſting life,was generally fet before al men. More :

ouer thefe words, Iapheth fhal dwel in the tents of Sem xom⸗

mende vnto bs the mufuall foctetic which ought fo be ainong

the faithful, Foꝛ, becauſe God had chofen to hinrfelfe a Charch

out of the progente of Sem, he adopted the Gentils afterward

bpon this condition that they ſhould topne them ſelues to that
people, in whom the couenant of life refted,

28 [And Noah liued after the floud.] Although Boles in

bare words briefly toucheth the ace of the holie man,t recko⸗

neth not bp the verely affairs which were worthy to be remẽ⸗

bred: pet fo2 all that, thole thinges which are certeine, which

the {cripture fpeaketh of elſe where, ought fo be remembꝛeed of

bs, Within the compaſſe of an 15 o.peres, the poſteritie whiche

{pang of three fonnes was fo greatly increafed, that tt luffici⸗

ently appeared, what this bleſſing of God ment, Increale ye &
multiplie He {eth not one citie onely replenithed with bis ne⸗
phetus,no2 bis fede ſpꝛead info 300, houſholdes: buf many

peoples to fp2ing of one, tobiche inhabited create and larae
countries , This wonderfull inlargement being a visible to⸗

ken of Oods god will towardes him, made him no doubt excce⸗

Ding topfull, 4Fo2 Abꝛaham twas almolte fiftie peares olde,

when his great araunde araunde father Moah died. Jn the
meane time, be was conftrained to fee many thinges, whiche
grieued bis bolie minde, X

236

1OHN CALVINE
To omit other things, be fatwe in the houſe of Sem, the Sanc⸗
tuarte of God pulled dotwne, 02 at leaft all fo torne and renf,
whereinto the fonnes of Japheth were to be recetued, Foꝛ {es
ing the father of Abꝛaham bimlelf,leauing his peftred place,

erected fo himſelfe a p2opbane tabernacle, the remainder of

them twas very fall, which worſhipped God with one cone
fent of a pure faith. What greeuous tozmentes of minde , this’
ho2rible confufion bought tnto the holy father, it cannot bp
wordes be fufficiently expꝛeſſed. Mherefore we mutt knowe,
that the eyes of bis faith were very cleare, which could bebold
fo farre off, the grace of God in preferuing the Church, being
ouerwhelmed with the prefent wickedneſſe of men,

(CHAPTER. xX,
Owe thefe are the generations of the fonnes of
tl | Noah, Shem, Ham, and lapheth : ynto whome
7 y fonnes were borne after the Houd.
)} 2 The fonnes of Iapheth were Gomer , and
: Magog, and Madai, and lauan , and Tubal, and
Methech,and Tiras.

3 And the fonnes of Gomer, Afhkenaz, and Riphath, and
T ogarmath.

4 Alfo the fonnes of Iauan, Elifhahand Tarfhith, Kittim:
and Dodanim.

¢ Of thefe werethe Ifles ofthe Gentiles diuided into their
landes , euery man after his tongue, and after their families in
their nations,

_ 6 Moreouer,the fonnes of Ham were Cuthe, & Mizraim,
and Put,and Chanaan.

7 And the fonnes of Culh, Seba, and Hauilah, and Sabtah
and Raamah, and Sabtecha: alfo the fonnes of Raamah wete
Sheba and Dosen,

8 And Cuth begat Nimrod , who began to be mightie in »
the earth.

9 He wasa mightie hunter before the Lord — is
ſaid, As Nimrod the mightie hunter before the Lord.

10, And the beginning of his kingdome was Babel, and E-
rech,and Accad,and Caluech, in the land of Shinar,

1. Out

—

V PON "GEIN’E!S!t's; “ead x:

“GP OuF oF that land came A thir, and hinlded Niniuehjand 239
the citie Rehoboth and Calah:

*) a2 Refen alfo setwene Niniuch & Calah:thisisa great citie,

3 And Mizraim begat — Anamim, and Lehabim,
and Naphtehym:

14 Pathrufitialfo; aiid Caflatiytn (out of whom came the
Priliftimes) and *Caphtotithes . # Or Ca-
is Alfo Canaan-begat Zidon his firft borne,and Heth, podocians,
i6 And Tebufi,and —— Girgafhi,
17 And Hivi,and Arki,and Sini.
© 18° And ‘Aruadi,and Zemari, and Hamathi: and afterward
were the families of ths Cahanites ſpred abroad.

19 “Then'the borders of the'Cananites was from Zidon , as
thou cõmeſt to Gerar yntil Azzah,and as thou goeft vnto Zai
dom and Gomorah,and Admah, & Zeboiim,cuen vnto Latha.

20 Thefe are the fonns of Hath: according to their families,
according to their tonges,in their countries & ih their nations.

Yh Wto Shem alfo the father of all the fonnesof Eber, and
elder brother of lapheth were children borne,

~ 22 The fonnes of Shem were Elam and Athur,and Arphae
fhad,and Ludjand Aram.

23 And the fonnes of Aram were Vz & Hul, and Gether,
and'Mafh,

O84 ‘Alf Arphathad begat Shelahsaiid Shelah begat Eber.”
~ “25 Vnto Eberalfo were é borne two fonnes,the name of the
one was Pele : for in his dayes'was the earth diuided : and his
brothers name was lo@tan.
~ 26 Tthen Toétan begat Almodad yand — and —**
* ————— Ierah,
~ “27 And Hadoram,and Vzal,and Dicklah,
And Obal,and Abimael,and Shebah,
~ 29° And Ophir, artd Hauilah,& Iobab. Allthefe were the
ſonnes of lo < fying
_ 30 And their dwellingés was from Metha,as thou coelt
a Se har mount of the Eaft.
[hele are thefonnes of Sherh, according ‘to Bee Fami-
————— to their tongues, in their countries and nations,

32. Thefe are the families of the fonnies of Noah after thet
4 gencra-

238

yy FOHN Cr bwWoOME 8 o

generations among their-people : and out of thofe soe nae
tions diuided in the earth after the floud.

_ 1. Thefe are the generations,, JAIf arty man thinke gad fo
ditcutte the genealogies, whiche Poles ſetteth dotwne tn this
Chapter ¢ in the nert following , J difallow nothis diligencee
ind fonte interpreters haue not vnprotitably ſpent their la⸗
bour and trauell herein. Let them therefore for all me;inioy

the fruite and reward of thew labours, Notwithſtanding, it

{hall be fufficient for me,b2eflp fo fouch thoſe thinges, which
% thinke moze profitable fo be noted, and for which caule J
thinke Moles hath written thele genealogies. Firſt therfore,
thouab be fetteth downe bare names, vet notiwithfanding,
Wwe haue in them fome fragment o2 part of the hiſtorie of the
world: and the nert Chapter hall ſhewe, howe many peares
were froin the foud; vntill that time wherein Ood made his,
couenant with Abraham. And lirlt of all, this ſecond originall
ofimankinde ts worthie to be knowne: and deteſtable ts their
ingratitude, who when they bad beard of their fathers and
grandfathers, howe wonderfully the world was reſtored ina
fhozte time : pet notwithſtanding, willingly lorgot the grace
and ſaluation of God, She greater part bad quite forgotten
Pfloud, Clery fetv gaueregard how, oꝛ to what end they were
faucd, Dany veares after that, bycaufe by the iudgement of
God, the wicked forgetiulnette of mren having, abfcured his
mercy, a gate twas opened fo the lyes of fathan: by whole ſub⸗
tiltie it was brought to paſſe, that the vaine imaginations
of Poets, ſpread abroad (uch burtfull fables, that by them the
truth of Gods workes was defaced. Thereſore, the qwdneffe
of Ood did wonderfully rine with the wickedneſſe of men,
for that life was fo lone deferred from fuch outhankfull, bru⸗
tifh,and barbarous men, Nowe, to ſcofting perfons and cont,
mon deriders, who count it no abfurditic,fo dente a maker of
the world, fuche a fouden repleniſhing and inlarqing of the
woꝛld, ſeemeth incredible, and therefore as a fable they {cone
the fame. % confette verily,» if if were lawful by our fenfe and
refon, fo deeme ÿ which Moles reporteth, it ought be counted
fo: a fable. But they deale tm pceeuiſhly and obſlinately, which
regard not p purpole of the holy Ohotk, Foꝛ J pray —

~

VPON°GENESTS,” CAP. x,

elfe {was the purpoſe of the holy Ohotk, but to declare, that the

ofteritic of fh2ce men twas ſo increafed by the wonderfull pos

ser of God, and not naturallp, 102 affer the common o2der,
that tt teplenithed and duerſpread the whole earth 2 Thep
which account this miracle of Gon fabnlons for the great⸗
neiſe thereof, will much leſſe beleeuc, that Moab, bis fonnes,
and their wiues lined amiddelt the waters, with the beaſtes
alfo, without Sumne, and aire, by the ſpace of one whole vere.
This thereſore ts great wickedneſſe and outrage, fo ſcorne
that which is ſpoken, concerning the repairing of mankinve ;
bytaufe therein the vnſpeakablẽ power sf GD D doth thine,
Howe much better werẽ tt in the hiſtorie of thofe thinas whi⸗
che Moab ſawe with his eves, not without wonderfull admi⸗
ration fo behold Ood,to wonder at bis potver, to fet fo2th bis
‘godnefle, and to acknowledge bis band replenifijed wth my⸗
fertes , uo leſſe in reſtoring the worlde, then tn creating the
fame ? And {we mutt note, that euery principal point is not
fpoken of, in the thzee Catalogues which Moles deſcribeth:
‘but only arebearfall ts nade in the nepheives of Moab, who
Were the cheefe beades of the Gentiles. Foꝛ thereafter, as e⸗
uerr one among the brethren ercetled in Witte, in vertue, in
Yabour, andin other giftes : fo he got him felfenamte and au⸗
thoritie, mfo much, that others reftinig vnder their ſhadowe,
willingly yealoed vnto them preeminence and fupertozitie,
‘Wherefore, in the fonnes of Japheth, of Cham, andof Sem,
Moles reckoneth bp thole onely which were famous, and af,
‘tet tubofe names the people were called. And, why Boles be-

itmeth at Fapheth, ¢1n the {econd place vefcendeth fo Chant,
ugh there be no manifelt caufe : pet notwithltanding,

ie «be

Bi a zabable, that the firlt place is giuen to the fonnes of Ja⸗
e

bicauſe they hauing cone through many countries and
hauing palſed alſo ouer the fea, were departed farre off from
‘thet eee: bicaule thofe nations oꝛ Gentiles were leſſe
Knowen ko the Iewves, therfoze he toucheth them beefiy. The
“fetond place he affigneth to ‘the fonnes of Cham, the were
etfer in nate Ditto the Feines,bicaule they dwelt nere vnto

| bycaufe be Had determined to make a feel! vif

contort Dtor of the Churche, bee delerreth te p20
gen ie

239

240 - FLOWN CALVEMEr 5 ¢

4 genie of Som, from whence the fante cam e,buntil the E place,
dherelore we mulſt not regard tn the order which be ath obs
fered, ᷣ dignitie ofany perfon, fo2 fo much as Boles maketh
them chiefe of all, whome be purpofed lightly to touche as obs
fcure, Moꝛeouer, tue mulſt alfo nofe this , that the childaen of
this world are aloft fo a time, inſomuch that the whole world
_ may feeme to be made fo2 them: but their glorie as if ts tranſi⸗
tozic, fo it bantfheth away: ¢ the Church cralling as it were
bpon fhe ground onder a bale and contemned ſorme, is preſer⸗
ned of God, vntill in conuenient time he may exalt the fame,
Concerniig the names, J hauc faid alreadic that J leauc to o⸗
thers their patnefull trauell, Df certeme of thent there is ma⸗
nifefl profe fo be made out ofthe ſcriptures, as of Chus, Vib
raim, Magdai, Chanaan, and of fuch like : in fonie, there are
_-Bery likely coniectures: in otherfome there ts greater obſcuri⸗
tic, then that any reafon fo2 the fame may be found, and thoſe
imaginations which interpzefers bring, are partly tyrctten,
partly vnſauoꝛie, andfuch as haue no colour. Xt leemeth fo be

baine curiofitic,to fecke for feucrall nations in every name

When Moles faith that the Pies of the Centiles were Dia
ded krom fhe fonnes of Japheth, vnderſtand thereby that ah
countries on the otherfide of the fea were diuided among then
(clues. 02 Greete,and Ftalic, ¢ certeine other maine landes,
were of the Hebrues accounted Illandes, no lefle then the
Uhodes, and Cpp2es, becaufe of the fea which ran betweene.

Wthereby we. gather that tue ſprang from thoſe nations.

8 Coa begat Nimrod -}st is certeine that this rats ae

cell aboue the bfuall manner, ana J thus —— tha the
ſtate of men was then but meane, in ſomuch that if-any hap
the pꝛeeminence ouer others: vet for all that they bare no rule,
neither take they vuto them anx kingly authoritie, but being
contented with fome dignitie, gouerned others.after a ctuil
Maniter , and. had moze authozitic then power... For Iufhnus

faith,that this was the moftancient Gate of the ivozld, Pow
Moles faith, that Nimron, as if behav forgotten t at pes
a BaP the highelt dear, Moa lined as,

yPON GENESIS: GAP, x
cerkeine that be was of great eſtimation, and reverenced of all 41
men There were other excellent men alſo:but ſuch was their
moderation, that they were contented fo be equall with their
inferiors , who rather reucrenced them of louc,then as being
conttrained by power. The ambition of APentrod, brake the
houndes of this modeſtie. And, {ering itis eutdent pnougd,
that by theſe words of Poles, an euerlaſting mark of repoch
ts (ef vppon fhe Typꝛrant, we may thereby gather, how much
amoderate qouernement and rule among men pleated God,
And in verie deede, whatſoeuer he be whiche remembreth him
felfe to be a man, be will gladly imbrace ſocietie With others.
As touching the hebrue two2d, it ſignilieth properly Hunting:
notwithſtanding it is oltentimes taken for Weate. Wut wies
ther Motes faith that he was ffrong in bunting, or in haun⸗
ching his prep, be meaneth mefaphozically that be was acrus
ell man, and moꝛe bealllic then manlie. Theſe wordes, Bes
forethe Lorde, feente fo me fo erp2effe, that Nemrod went
about te erentpte him felfe from among the number of men,
euen as proude men eralte thent (clues through a vaine confi-
pence, that they may defpife all ofhers,as it were from alofte, Tyrantes
{ Wherefore it is faide, As Nemrod :] That ts to fay, hereof are Nem=
cometh a prouerbe of Tprantes, that they are like to Nem⸗ trodes.
rod, dnd J voubdt not,but that God woulde haue the firlk Ty⸗
rant and autbour of tyrannie tobe bated and euill fpoken of
throughout the whole worlde.
10 [Thebeginning of his kingdome was Babel, ] Moſes
noteth here Nemrods manour lace: and be fapth that foure
cities were fubicct vnto Hint: whether he were the founder
Of them, o2ꝛ whether be expelled ont ofthe fame the right ow⸗
hers, 4 cannot fell. and although mention ts made elfe Ww ere
of Chalnech:pet notwithitanding Babylon was the moſte fa⸗
mous ofall other: and Jdoe not thinke, that tt was of that
largeneffe,and that the building thereofiwas fo qreate,as pro⸗
phatie torifers make report. Wut tt may be that feeing tt was
a fertile and pleafant fople, that the commoditie of the place,
firred by others aftertward to inlarge the citte, TUpcreof As
riftotle in his Politiques, compareth the fame being broucht
fromthe common opder and Peaperfion of tities, vnto a pꝛo⸗
te umce

242

Ambition.

IOHN CALVINE 1%
uince 02 countrie. Hereof it commieth, that many affirnte the
Caine fo be the worke of Semyramis: and fome,that it was not
builded by ber, but garnithed onelp and ispned to bridges.
Whelande of Minear is added to make a difference + bes
caufe the other Babylon alfo twas in Caypf, which mena€
this Day call Cairum . But it is demaundedhotve Pemroad
was a Wabrlonical Tyrant, when as Poles inthe Chapter
following addeth, that a Tower twas there begunne, which
receiued the name of the fonqus which were confounded there,
Home make this a diſordered declaration, as that the fame
Wwhiche Poles twill ſhew hereafter,concerning the building of
fhe Dower, was by o2vder of time fir, Wut J rather thinke
that Pofes giueth that name to the Citie, which was afters
wardes giuen by the euent oknewe matfer:. Andthis is the
reaſon of the coniecture , becauſe itis probable,thatat the
fame time the inbabitantes of that place were many, whiche
toke in bande fo buge a woke, It may alſo be thaf Nemrod

fecking fo inlarge bis fame and power, by this pretence ins

flanted their mad defire , howe that fome notabie monument
was builded, wherin thetr eucrlafting memorie might fand,
But becaute tf is Che common manner of the Heb2ues, fo pros
fequute that afterwarde,twbich they bane boefelp touched,
% doe not bfterly retecte that former fentence.

n [ Ont ofthat lande came Afhur, } It is likely that
Athur twas one of the pokeritieof Sem, Not withltanding.
By occaſion men commonly thought,that be is ſpoken of bere,
becaufe when be dwelt nere vnto Memrod, he was violentlp
erpulfed from bis feafe . And that after this forte Moſes no⸗
teth the barbarous crueltie of Memrod, And verily thee are
wont fo be the fruites of abauahtie minde, whiche erceedeth
beyond meaſure:whereof commeth the olde, prsuerbe, Creag,
kingdomes are great oppreſſions. It mulſt needes be , that
ſome haue the rule over other forme: but bere ambition hath
plate, and a defire fo be moze loftic then is erpentent, it doeth
nof onely b2ing with it great and manifolde iniuries, buf alfa
tendeth to the fubuerfion ofhumanefocicfte, , Wut Jrathen
imbrace their iudgement, which fay that Athur, in this place
is not the namie ofa may but ot a lande ſo called he him;

VPON GENESIS. CAP: ss 2

fothe ſenſe thail be: Meinrod not being contented with alarge 43.
mid plentifull kingdome, deſired a great deale more, and ertens

bed the bozders of bis dominion vnto ATyzta, ¢ builded there epi. 31g
alfo nev cities. There is onely one place of the Prꝛophet Elaie |
againt it, where be faith, Beholde the lande of the Chaldeans:
this was no people: Afhur founded it by the inhabitantes of
the wildernefle:they fet vp the towers thereof : they rayfed the
palaces thereof, and he brought it to ruine. Jfo2 the Pꝛophet
feemes to fay, that the cities therof were built by the AMpztans

in Chaldea, whereas Uefore, the inhabitantes thereof were
vagarant and diſperſed as in a wilderneſſe. But it may be that
the Prophet (peaketh of other mutations of kingdoms which
afterwarde inſued. For at what time the Monarchie was
inthe Adpzians power, tehen.as they flourifhen with areate
aboundance, if ts credible that Chaloca, Wwhiche they bad tube
bued Unto them (elues, twas by them garniſhed and inlarged
though lounge peace, infomuch that tt might ſeeme to be founs
bed by them. And we knowe, that when the Chaldeans in
like manner toke by bislence vnto them emperie and domi⸗
nion, Babylon was exalted alofte with the ruines of Niniue.
2u qf Vato Shem alſo the Father, J Moſes intending ta
ſpeake of the formes of Shem , vſeth a brefe preface, wht:

che be had not done in others . And not in baine: Foꝛ, becauſo
this was a ſtocke chofen of Ood, he would feparate the fame
from ofber nations by fome {peciall note. This alfo is the reas
ſon why be laith erpeellp,that be twas the father of the fonnes

of Cher, and that he was Japhethes elder brother , Foꝛ the
bleſſing of Shem did not generally ertende itfelfe to all his
nephewes, but reſted vppon one houſholde onely, Gnd als
though the nephevos of Cher alfo were fallen from the true
worſhipof G D D, infomuch that the Love might iuſtly
haue diſinherited them:pet notwithtanding,the ble@ina was
not vᷣtterly extinguiſhed, but buried onely ſor a fine, vntill
that Abꝛam was called, fo2 whoſe honour a ſingular nobi⸗
litie here is attributed to the ſtocke and name of Cher, For
the fame cauſe alfo mention is made of Japheth, that this
fame promife might be confirmed, God perfuade lapheth,
that he may dwellin the tentes of Shem, In this place Shem
: : ; ¢ ig

Osta N, .

PAA IOHN CALVIUENE
4.4. is not called the brother of Cham, becaute he being eufte of
front fhe order and right of bis bꝛethren, was as a baniths
cdman. Onely the brotherhode remaineth betweene Sem
and Japheth: becauſe although they were diuided, pet God
had determuned fo ioyne them together againe. As touching
fhe name of Cher they which dente tt to be proper to bts Tock,
but derive fhe fame from paſſage, by this onely place are tuts
ficiently contuted, riser

CHAPTER: X1> >. stony pi

"| Hen the whole earth was of one language,and of
.| one {peache, MOG” 4!
“@9| 2 Andasthey wente from the Eaft, they
+ A9 | foundea plaine in the lande of Shinar,and there
they abode. 3 ECA ICH

3 And they faide one toan other,Come let vs make brické,
and burne it inthe fire.So they had bricke for ftone, and flime
had they in ftead of morter.

4 Alfothey faide: Go to,let vs builde vs alſo a Citie, and
a Tower,whofe toppe may reache ynto the Heauen, that-we
may get vsa name, leaft we be{cattered vpon the whole earth.

s Butthe Lordecame. downe to fee the Citie and Tower,
whiche the fonnes of men builded.

6 AndtheLordefaide,; Beholde the people is one, and
they all haue one language, and this they begin to doe: neither
can they nowe be {topped from whatfoeuer they haue imagi-
ned to doe, | . ey 20

7 Comeon,let vs godowne, and there confounde their
language,that euery one perceiue not anothers {peach. |

8 SotheLord fcattered them from thence vpponall the
earth,and they left off to builde the citie.

9 Therefore the name of it was called Babel, becaufe the
Lorde did there confounde the language ofall the earth : from
thence then did the Lorde fatter them vppon all the earth,

to. Thefe arethe generationsof Shem : Shem was an
hundred yeares olde, and begat Arpacthad two yeares after
the floude. . ?

a And Shem liued,after he begat Arpacthad, fiue — *

C

VPON GENESIS. . CAP: Sia

dred yeares, and begat fonnes and daughters, |
42, } Alfo Arpacthad lined fiue and thirtie yeres, and begat
Ss elah. te fia 1 Le a
, 13. And Arpacthad liued after he begat Shelah foure hun-
dred and thre¢yeres,and begat fonnes and daughters. |
14 And Shelah lived thirtie yeares, and begat Eber.
1g So Shelah liued after he begat Eber, foure hundred and
three yeares , and begate fonnes and daughters,
16 Likewife Eber lived foure and thirtie yeares, and be-
gatPeleg.
17 Sober lined after he begat Peleg, foure hundred &
thirtie yeares, and begat fonnes and daughters .
18 And Peleg lived thirtie yeares, and begat Rev,
19 And Peleg liued after he begat Reu,two hundred and
nine yeares,and begat fonnes and daughters.
20 Alfo Reu liued two and thirtie yeares,and begat Serug.
_., 21 So Reuliued after he begat Serug, two hundred and
. feuen yeares, and begat fonnes and daughters ,
q22 Moreouer Serng liued thirtie yeares,and begat Na-

245

_y...23 And Serug liued after he begat Nahor, two hundred

yeares, and begat fonnes and daughters.

af _. And Nahor liued nine and twentie yeares, and begat
Terah, |

25 So Nahor liued after he begat Terah, an hundred and
ninteene yeares, and begat foanes and daughters,

26 So Terah lived: feuentie-yeares, and begat Abram,
Nahor, and Haran. |
11927 Nowe thefe are the generations of Terah:T erah begat
Abram,Nahor, and Haran ; and Haran begat Lot.

- 28 Then Haran died before Terah his Father, in the
lande of his natiuitie,in Vr of the Chaldeis . .

29 So-Abram and Nahor toke them wiues,the name of A-
brams wife was Sarai,and the name of Nahors wife was Milcha
* daughter ot Haran, the Father of Milcha, and the Father of

cha, | +0
30 ~— But Sarai was barren,and had no children, |
i030 Them Terah tooke Abram his fonne,and Lot the
ia Quij. ſonne

246

TOHN CALVINE™
fonne of Haran hie fonnes forine; and Sarai his daughter tn
lawe, his fonne Abrams wife: and they departed together
from Vr of the Chaldeis, to go into the lande of Canaan, and
they came to Haran and dwelt there,
32. Sothedayesof Terah weretwohundred and fiue yeres,
and Ferah died-in Haran.

1. [Then the whole yeartl was ofone language IBeraute
before mention was made of Babylon breefelyx, nowe Moſes
ſheweth more largely whereof the place toke bis name. And it

is a hiſtorie well worthie to be remembꝛed, wherein we may

fx howe greate the rebellion of ments again God, and how

pil they profite in bis iudgementes:, And although at the firfte
viewe the hainouſneſſe of the euill appeareth nat:pet not with».
Handing the punithment which followed, tettifieth how greats

Ay that thing which thefe men toke in bande diſpleaſed God,
‘Whey whiche maine that the Gower was builded fo this:

end, that it might be a Sanctuarie and refuge fo2 the wicked,.
-if fo be God intended at any fine fo ouerthzowe. the earth

With a floud,followe nothing but the tmagination of their

owne braine, $02 the wo2rdes of Moſes tend to no fach thing:

but bere onely madde ambition, and the p2oud contempt of

Bayt bul Govt is noted. Let bs builo(fay they) a Dower. the top where⸗

of may reach vnto the beauen, and let bs get bs a name. We
fe the purpoſe and ende of the wozke begun, Foꝛ whatfoeuer

fhall happen, they will haue an immortall name vppon the

earth : thus thepbutlve as tt were in deſpight of Gon, ann ber
rily ambition ts not only inturtous vnto men, but perue ¢ as

greate a fault: but fo appoint vnto themfelues an enerlatting

‘monument, which fhouldeendure thoughout all ‘ages ; that

fauozeth of exceeding pride iopned with the contempt of God,
And hereof {pang the fable of the Oiants , that they ſhoulde
fet mounteines vppon mounteines, to pull lupiter out of bis
beauenlp throne. And indeed this Allegorie viffereth nof much
from the wicked purpofe, which Motes toucheth. Foꝛ fo fone
as moztaliimen forgetting themfelues,eralt themſelues high⸗
er then is meete it is certeine that like Oiants thep doc *—

‘gaint’ God hin felfe. To builde a Tower, was not of it ſelfe ſo

~

VPON GENESIS:— «-.. CAP? 3 3

With God. Whey profetle not this with their mouth: but itcan
- not otherwiſe be, but that be mull needes directly affaile Gov,
which goeth beyonde bis boundes, As touching the time, Be-
rofus fragment isto be feene,(if Berofus the authour of fuch
frifies be fo be regarded ; ) where amongelſt other thinges , an
hundred and fhirtie peares are reckoned bp from the floun,
when they beaanne fo builde the Dower, Mut admit that this
account Wwanteth a fitte autbour : pet neuertheleffe it is moze
allowed then that reckoning of the Jewes, who fet thae hun»
dred and foztie peares betivene the floud, and the building,
Heither hath another tudgement of theirs any moze colour,
howe that fhefe builders toke this worke tn bande , becaufe
men at that tune were verie plentifull in euerie place, infos
- much that they percetued, that by reafon of the daily increate
and multiplying of mankinde, they ſhoulde ina ſhort time be
conttrained to trauell further, Gut againt this argument
the ſingular blefling of Oodin multiplying mankinde is fet,
But Doles leemeth to take alway all controuerfie. For after
be hath made mention of Arpacthad in the third place among
fhe founes of Sbem, hebpand by nameth Peleg bis fonne
in the fourth degree, in whofe time the tongues were diuided.
And by the fupputation of yeares, which be fetteth do wne, it
appereth fo2 certetne,that there came one only age betweene.
But it is to be noted that it is not ſayd, that the tongues were
diuided freight after that Peleg twas ho2ne: no2 pet that any
certeine tine is p2efired , Mozcouer, this was added ouer and
ahoue all the qreate miferies of Poab,that be beard that this
cked counfell was taken in bande of bis pofteritic, And
there is no doubt but that be tuas wounded with areat ariefe
when be lawe that they were fo tharpe fet fo runne headlong
into their otune deftruction, Wut the Loꝛde thus erercifed the
holie Father,cuen in his ertreame olde age: to teache vs not

fo be difcouraged with continuall conflictes, Jf any man like.

better of that thiche the Jewes commonly holde, the diui⸗
fion of the earth thall be referred fo the firtte Departures fo
divell elfe where, when men began fo be diftributed into di⸗
ners countries ; but that which we haue heard already in the
SHR going befoze, concerning o Monarchie of Nemrod, is
: Q. iiij. contrarie

247

“248

FOUN CALVINE

rie to this. But tue may, if we Will, allowe of that iudgement
whiche was ſet do vne in the middle place: howe that the con⸗
fuſion of tongues happened vnder the extreme old age of pes
leg. For he lined almoſt two hundzed and fortie veares. Nei⸗
ther ſhall it be abſurde, if we ſay that the dominion of Nem⸗
ron laſted two 02 thc anes, Wut Jas in mafers doubffull,oo
willingly fubfcribe,that there was moe fpace of time bes
tweene the floud,and the purpofe of building the Tower.

Moꝛeouer, when Wofes fayth, The earth was of one language,
be commendeth the rare arate of God: fo2 that among men
farre difpearfed, be woulde notwithſtanding haue the bolie
bonde of ſocietie continued, that they might baue one tongue
02 language generally among themfelues, And verily the dts
uerfitte of fonquesis-fo be accounted asa nuracle. Foꝛ fees
ing the fonque is the character and erp2effer of the mitive, how
commeth if fo paſſe that men being all partakers of reafor,
and boone fo a life in ſocietie, ſpeake not al one language toge⸗

The diuig Cher? Therefore Moſes teacheth that this defect, becaute tt is

on of ton-
Ques isa
iuft pu-

nifhment

of God.

contrarie to nature,ts accidenfall,and that it ts a puniſhment
ſent by God vnto men, that their tongues might be diuided:
becauſe they wickedly conſpired againſt God. Whe vnitie of
ſpeache ought to haue mainteined the conſent of godlitieffe a⸗
mang them: but this route of whiche Poles ſpeaketh, after
they bad withdrawne then ſelues from the pure worſhippe
of God, and from the boly companie of the faithful, felt teres
bellion again Gov Therelfore, by the iull vengeance of Cov,
their fongues were diuided.
‘2 [ Fhey found a plaine in the latide UF Shimat: Sp chele
Wwordes We may coniedure,that Poles ſpeaketh of Pemrov,
and of the people whiche be bad qatbered vnto bint, Wnt avs
mit, that Nemrod twas the cheefe capfeine to butloe fo greate
a building, whereby be might make a fearefull ntonument of
bis crucltic : pet for all that, Wofes plainely ſheweth, that this
Wwo2ke twas not taken in hande by the counfell and will of one
man : but that all confptred together, infomuch that the fault
and blame cannot be layde bppon one 02 a fewe.

3[ And they fayd one to another.) That ts to fay, hey mus
** n⸗ one another? euerie one did not only are?

dup

VPON GENESIS.) “TCap, x1.
bilyfet to his hande, bufprouoked others alfo to cine the ets
torpꝛiſe. |Comelet vs make bricke.) Moſes meancth,that they
were not moued fo take this thing in hande by the catnettoot

249

e worke, oꝛ by other neceſſaries, which were at hande: but
rather that they ftrone euern againſt great and hard lettes By

which ᷣ greeuoulneſſe of their factis increafed, Foꝛ hot cow
meth it to patle, that they tyre and werie themſelues th vaine,

inapainfal and labovions workesbut onely betauſe like onto

madde men; they fet themſelues againſt Gon Oltentimes
ditficultie and hardneſſe to bring cur purpoſe about, doth diſ⸗
courage bs front neceſſarie workes: bat theſe men lacking
ffones and mo2tcr; pet fo? all that make no doubte to erecte
abuilding that ſhall reach to the cloudes: .) 5p this exumple
therefoze tare taught; wherebnto the luſt and oefire-of men
fendothywhenthepareanbitionly minded Cuen as itis alfo
fayed bp the Beathen Poet: The preſumptuous dare take alt
thinges in hande: Mankinde falleth;by obing that Wbiche is
vnlavfull And a littleufter that be ſayth: Thero is nothing
to harde for mortall men, Theough ſoliſhneſſe weifaile the
berie Beagens;.)) aie see sys ver odidel . nindhiad s
04 (EWhofe'toppe may reach'vito the heavens ,7}) hts
is a Hyperbolical {peach,by which they greatly extol, theꝛough
boatting of the building, the beiath which they aoe about, And
to this effect pertcineth that twhiche they adde freight after;
That we may get vs'a name: Jfo2 they meane that tt ſhallbe
fuchea worke, that it ſhall not onely make the: beholders td
wonder at the fame as at amiracle:but alfe that tt that be ſpo⸗
ken of,cucn to the furthett partes of the earth. And this is the
continual madnefle of the worlde, to neglect beaucn,¢ fo ſceke
fo2 immoꝛtalitie in the earth, where there is nothing but that
_ Swbiche is tranfitozic and vaine. Therefore their care and fra:
uell perteineth fo none other end,but only to get them a name
inearth . his ſo blinde a defire is iuſtly derided by'the Pro⸗
phete Dauid in the 49.4dfalme. And fpectally when as erpert-
ence (which ts the ſcholmaiſtreſſe of foles)b2ingeth not potterts
ties, being taught by the eramples of thetr elders,to a founde
minde:but madnelſe reigneth tall ages , It is knowes that

Iuuenal fayth , Onely death confefleth what weake and ſmall

Q.y. thinges

the world
feeketh
for immo
talitie in
the earth.

lal.49 7

250 ILOHN CALYINE *
75° shinges thebodies of men ar⸗ But not fo muche ad Death coms
recteth our pride : neither doth if make vsſto confetle earneitlp
the miferie of our lotte, Foꝛ often times there is moze pide to
Pride of fy be ftene tn funeralles , then in the pompe and ſolemnitie of
ocralles ex Marriages, Motwithſtanding we are taught by this erample
celleth the hobve expedient a thing it is fo2 bs to liue and fo dye humbly .
aes And this is not the leaſte parte of true peudence; (ing inthe
acts middeſt of our life we haue death before our eves, whiche map
©" leave bs vnto modeftie, Fo wholocuer Defireth tobe great in
earth, ſirſte the fame is contumelious, and difvainfull again
men, and Chen after wardes bis facrilegious pꝛeſumption bur +
teth fo2th againf God him felfe, infomuch that like a Giant
be Warreth againſt Beauen . [ Leaft we be {catered vppon
the whole earth. }- Some Juterp2etoures tranflate it, Bes
fore we be fcatteted.. But the popertte of the tongue will not
beare this, For thep deuiſe howe they may Wwithtande the pes
rill Which was like to come vpon them: as if they thoulde fap:
It Cannot come fo patle,the number increafing , that the fame
countrie ſhoulde alway holde vs all : therefore we mutt erect
a building, whiche map keepe our name there’ for euer, als
though tue be ſcattered into diuers quarters of the earth, Not⸗
withltanding it may be demaunded, howe the rememb2ance
of the ſcattering to come came in their mindes Some cond
lecture that Noah tolde ther of the fame, who perceiuing that —
the world ſhoulde returne to bis fozmer wickedneſſe ¢ corrup⸗
tions, foꝛeſawe allo therewith by the fpirite of pꝛopheſie a cers
feine horrible confuſion whiche was tocome.and they thinke
that the Babylonians, when they could not Directly Withitand |
hoo God, thent indirectly about to turne awap the punthhment
which was thoeatened onto them. Dtherfome think that thep
_ popheticd of their owne puniſhment by the fecrete inſtincte

of the holy Ohotte,and that without any intelligence,

ut thefe erpofitions are farre fetcht : neither is there as
ny reafon toby we Mould drawe that which they fay, ontothe ~
curile which was layed vppon them. Dhep knewe that the
earth was made to be inhabited, and that the fame euerie
where peelded her fruite to nourithe men + and the multis
tude it ſelle taught thom, that it coulve not be that thep ſhould
remaine

VPON "GENESIS. CAP. Xt,

remaine ſhutte bp any long time {within fo ftraite a compalſe.
Uber efore,at what time they ſhoulde goe to another place,

“they thought god to leaue bebinde them a Tower fo2 are
smembaunce and teſtimonie of their o2iginall.

250

[ Butthe Lorde camedowne, } Morwe followeth the .

Jatter parte of the biftozte, {wherein Moles teacheth howe ear
fily the Lord ouerthzotweth their mad enterp2ifes , and brin⸗
geth fo naught thetr {whole pꝛouiſiõ. Foꝛ there is no dout,but
that they bololy enterpeifed that whiche they bad purpofed int
their mindes, ut firtte Moles teacheth,that OD D for a
twhile fared as thoughe he had not feene them, to the ende he
breaking off the worke begun by the confusion of tongues 5
might the moze euidently neclare bis iudgement. For be doth
oftentimes fo beare with the wicked, that as onea ſlepe be
poth not only ſutter the to take many wicked thinaes tn band:
put alfo he maketh them fo retoyce at the luccelle of their tutes
ken enterprifes, that af the laſt be may make therr fal the greas
ter. Foꝛ the comming downe, whereof Poles maketh mens
tion, ig rather referred vnto men, then vnto God, whom we
knolweis not moued by place, But he meaneth that God ſhew⸗
ed bimfelfe a reuenger by little and little, and as it were faire
gquotoftly . Thereſore the Lorde deſcended to fe , that is te
fay,be euidently declared, that be knewe well pnough, what
‘the Babylonians tote in hande.
sùbBeholde the people is one } Some expounde it thus,
that GD D complatneth of this fo great wickednelſe of men,
that with iutt ſorrowe ¢ graefe be prouoketh him felfe fo ven⸗
geance ; not that there are any affections in bint: buf te the
ende we may learne, that humane affaires are not neglected
of him:and that as he hath a care fo2 the faluation of the faith,
full : {0 alfo he beholdeth the vngodlinelſe of the wicked, euen
‘as it is laide in the Pſalme, The countenance of the Lord'is o-
wer thofe that do'euil,to cutoff the remembrance of them from
thecarth. Dtherfome thinke that it is a cotttparifon of fhe leſſe
‘and of the moze: as if he ſhould ſay, There are as yet but fetv,
and they ble but one language onely:what therefore will they
not dare doc, if by reafon of the multitude they be difperfed in⸗

~ ee

to Diners. nations 7 Wut it ſeemeth rather fo nie, “oa
ny

Pfal. 34.3

253 Ix -ILLIOHN.CALVINE: 7,
5 ſpeche is ironical sas if Gon ſhoulde make the matter harp
bnto him, to repreſſe their boloenefie,as if he ſhould ſay:This
peopleis knit together ina firme confpiracte : they haue all
one language among themfelucs : Bolv therefore map thep
be diuided? Wut he docth, J fay, ina contrarie ſenſe derive
thetr ſwliſh andrathe trutte : becaufe,tuben the wicked poe
weigh and confider their firength,they arrogate muche vnto
themſelues. rot
7 [Comeon, let vs goe downe.] Powe Poles bringeth
m God fpeaking; who pꝛonounceth that the fame whiche thep
thought couloe be by no meanes flacked, ſhoulde eaſily be cons
founded, And this ts the fenfe of the wordes: Jwill not vſe
Waly engines, but Jwill onely blowe vppon them, that their
tongues being confounded , they may be (cattered like
foles, And as thep hauing gathered together a greate power,
went about foreach euen vnta the cloudes:fo on the contrarie
part God cathereth together his armies, by whoſe apa he map
tuithitande their outtage, PotwithHanding tf may be deman⸗
ded what armies he meaneth. The Jewes thinke that be {peas
Keth to the Angels, wut becaute there is no mention made of
Angels :and becaule GD D placeth them, to whome be
fpeaketh,in the fame deqrer with him : that erpofition mutt
nedes be wetted, and iuſtly reiected Thi⸗ place rather agree⸗
eth with the former , whiche we had before in the creation of
man, at what time alfo the Love fayde, Let vs make man af=
ter our owne image, Foꝛ God doth veric aptly fet bis euerlaſt/
tg wiledome and power againt this Greate people :asifbe
fhould fay;that be had no neede of forreigne belpes,but that he ©
bad with bimielfe a ſutficient fupplie to dettroy them, Gbers
foze out of this place it is p20ued not diſorderedly, vᷣ in one eſ⸗
tence of OD D there are thre perfons . And this crample of
Oads vengeance perteineth to all ages ; foz men are altpapes
ber'y defirous to doe moze then is meete , Ano this hiſtorie tes
ttifieth,that Goo will be alwayes an enimie to Cache coun⸗
ſelles and practiſes: inſomuch that we fer here aliuely image
Prou,.21.30 Of that which Solomon faith; T here is no counfell, there isno
wifedome,thereis no ftrength againft the Lorde . Cinlefle we
baue the bleſſing of Gon, from whiche alone we are to *

VRPON"“GENE#Or GS oO CAP. XL 159°
for protperous fucectte 5 wWhattoencr fue take in hand mo 3
needes come to haughty And fo} fo much as Dod prenounceth
that be hath continual warr with the vnbeidled paeſumption
ofinen , whatſoeuer we take inhan without tis tuill, that
haue ill fuccefte, although all the creatures of the worbtoke
parte with vs. Moreoucr, although the worlde at this day
beate this curfe: pet neuerthelefic, in the: middelſt of the pu⸗
nithinent and horrible crample of Movs weath againſt the
pride of met , the wonderfull qaducile of Gon doth shine; far
that the nations are able to ſpeake Dtuers languages one to
another : ¢ (pecially becaufe be hath publiſhed one Gofpell, in
all tongues throughout the iebole two2 lde,and hath inftructed
the Apottles with the afte ot tongues. Whereby it isacane to
palſe, that they are growen together in the vnitie of faith, wht
che were aloretime nit(crablppiuined. In this ſenſethe Pro⸗
phet Claie ſaith, that all men chall ſpeake the language of Ca? EGis918.
haan onder the kingdome of Chriſte: becauſe although they
differ in founde of (peache vet notwithſtanding they {peake
alone and the telfe fame thing, when they trie Abba, Father.
“gx [Sothe Lorde fcattered them. Men were ‘before this
fime difperfed : neither ought this to be counted in ſtead of a
puniſhment, fering tt rather flotucth from the grace and bleſ⸗
fing of God. Wut thofe thom befoze the i020 badbonouras
_ bly diftributed info Divers dwelling places, be now ſcattereth

With ſhame and reproche, diſperſing them bere and there, as
srembers of a tortie bonies Chis therefore was nota fimple
fratferin, fo replenithe the Garth, that the ſame might baus
the fillers ¢ inhabitants thereof dwelling everic where: buta
violent cafting forth, becauſe the pꝛincipall band ofmainteys
ning coniunction among them, was cuta funder.
«9 [ Pherforethe:name of ĩt is called Babel. ]1Seboloe bere
what they gotte by ſreking aname through foolithe ambition.
They truſted that the remembraunce of their name was gra?
nen for euer itt the tower’: but God doth not onely diſappoint
thenrof their vaine confidence, but allo ſetteth vppon theme⸗
uerlaſting reproche, that they might be execrabie to all poſ⸗
terities, becaufe of fo great miſerie brought bpon mankinde
through their fault, Whey hada name) but not fuche a we as

~

2 ¥ IX MAM ONRN CALYEN - ry

54. Chey defired. Thus Wod heateth downe their pride fo thei¢

Hames whiche vſurpe moze fo themfelues then is mete, -
£310) ¶ Theſe are the generations of Shem, J Concerning the
pꝛogenie of Ohem, Moles had ſaide ſomewhat in the Chapter,
goiug before:but now he iopneth fo the names of men vᷣ {pace
Of Peres; leſt the life of the world might be bnknown onto vg.
Foꝛ vnleiſe tins thot deſcription were extant, men houly not
kud wat this vay, how much fime there was from the floun
te thefame day, wherein God made his couenant with Abas.
ham. And it is to be noted, that God fo2 honours ſake recko⸗
ueth vp the veares of the world from the progenie of Shem:
euen as they whiche are writers of hiſtories, ſette forth their
Chꝛronicles with the names of Kings and noble men. And vet
fo? all that this cõmendeth nat fomuch the woethines s€ Wwell
deſeruings vf that familic,as theit fre adoption, Foꝛas we
call lee anon, the pottcritic of Shem fo2 the areatelt: part fell
away from the true worſhippe oF. Gad. . Wherefore they des
fered at the handes of God not onely to be blotted aut of bis
Calendar beakes, but allo tobe quite ¢ cleane taken out ofthe
190310) WBut he edemed nore oF his elsction, wheyeby he had
cholen this ſtocke from among all otberpeople , then that he
would fuffcr the ſame to fall forthe fins of mien. Therforꝛe out
of manpot the fons of Shemsbe choſeth one Arpacſhad:out of
the fonnes of Arpacſhad, he chwſeth onelp Sela: and out of the
fonns of Sela he taketh onty Chershutilhe commeth to Abra⸗
dam: whoſe calling ought to be accounted the renuing of the
Churche, As touching the retour, it ts likely.» befoze one age
Wwas complete, they fell to wicked ſ uperfttttons, For when be
calteth the Jewes in the teeth, their fathers hare and Na⸗
lofua.24.2 choꝛ ſerued ſtrange gods:let bs pet know the houſe of Shem,
wherin thep were bone; was the fpeciall fanctuarie of God,
where pure religion ought (pecially to florich: what thall we
think happened to others, which might feame tobe as it were
fet at libertie from) beginning? ⁊ hereby afwel pinonitrous
wickednes and vnto wardnes of mans diſpoſition, as alſo his
hardnes of hart, appeareth· Noah ¢ his ſonnes, being eye wit⸗
netics ofip ſloude acd as vet:the deciaratiõ of p Which hiſtorie
aught to haue teritied tbem no leſſe. thenᷣ biſibie bebolding of —
Ged, Ther were inſtructed front thetr infancic in gpa n>
ciples:

VPON GENESIS, Gar. xr

~~

riples:how Goo wold be woꝛſhiped:how reuerently Hts word 255

was fo be obeied:what qreeuous uniſhment remaineth for al
thole, which haue broken the oder y he hath let: vet fo all that
they canot be held,but that they being corrupted 15 their vani⸗

tie, muſt neds fall away. euerthelefle, there ts no dout but

P bolic Noah, accoꝛding to bis ſingular zeale ¢ noble fortitude,
ſtriued by all maner of means fo defend the glorie of God, in fo
much p be was verte earneſt ¢ feuere:yea,e thundered againk
the traiterous apottafie of bis nepheives: and whereas if was
meefe p all men Mhould fremble at his becke only, they are mo⸗
ued with no maner of crying reprehenſions, but being carried
alway Wb their outrage, went on Mill, Let bs rather learne by
this erample,then by p bain flattcries of fophitters, how fruits
ful p copruption of our nature is, WMherſore if Moah, Shem, ¢
other fuche areat teachers friutic fo valiantly, tould not res
Traine the impietie of p world:let bs not maruel if at this dap
alfo,the luff of the woꝛld runne vnbridled fo all maner of wie⸗
hed ¢ vngodlie worſhippings, nofwithtanding allthe lets of
doctrine of adinonitions,¢ of thaeatninas, And here withal we
nwit note,how firme p ſtrength of faith as in pᷣ holy fathers,
how ſtedfaſt their patience , who newer ſtackered at ſo manp
ſtũbling tones which were daily calt in their Way, Uery welt
therfo2e doth Luther compare p vnſpekable torments, wher wᷣ
it was neceffarte vᷣ they ſhold be bered, fo many marty2doms?
foꝛ ᷣ falling alway of their kinſmen frõ Cad, did no leſſe moue
fhem, then tf they bad feene their olen bowels vent and tome,
anocall inte Sathane finke ¥ hell pitte. But tober fhe worlde
was thus replenithed with wicked € vngodly mien, Cod won⸗
derfully kept a fewe vnder the obedience of bis worde, that he
might {ane bis Churche from deſtruction dav although we
haue fatd, that tho Father and Grandfather of Abraham were
apoſtataes⁊ asit is likely nbtoncly they, but diuers of their
antefters alſowet not wſtanding, becauſe through Wods clecs
tion, the church was Thut op in § Rocket becauſe Cov had tea
fervied ſome, euen vntil p calling of Abꝛam which might Wo
ſhip him aright: Boles ſetleth doe a continuall line, ⁊ ſo rec⸗
koneth them vp ii zᷣCataloge of ſainte TAherby we gator,
as Jſhewed a litle before, what great account the Lore ma⸗
beth of bis Churche, which though it conſiſted of a ſmall num—⸗

Oli

256

~

Queftion,

Anlwere,

1X 4A SN OHN CALVINE

ber of men; pee notwithtanding it is preferred before fhe
Inhole woelde. TWIG BOT IN Fe 7
» 10 {Sem wasan hundred yearesolde,] Foꝛ fo muche ag

es hathe put Arpacthad inthe thirde place, among the
fonnes of Sem; if may be demaunded how tf agreth that be
was borne two peares after the floud;Lhe anfwere ts cafie fo
be made, o it cannot be exactly gathered out of the Cataloges
Which Motes reciteth,at what tine eneric one was bone, fees
ing ſometimes he affigneth to one the fir place, whiche note
withEanding by the opder of birth ts thelatter. Dthers ans
fwere,that there to no abſurditie, if Doles Mewe » that when
two peares were ended, be beegate the thirde fonne, wut the
former aunſwer ts rather tebe receined, |
: 127 Thare beegate Abram,] ere alfo Abram is placed
firfbamong the baethzen:not becauſe he was P firft begotten
{as J deeme:) but becaule Poles following rather the (cope of
bis hiſtorie, was not verie carefull in placing the fonnes of
Thare in order. Andit maybe that be beegate other fonnes
alfo, 302 in that Moſes maketh mention {pecially of three it
Was done fo? Lots fake, and fo2 the wiues of Iſaac,and Jas
cob, And now, toby ¥ thinke that Abram twas not the firſt bee
gotten, J Will bey render a reafon, Moles faith immedte
ately, that Dhare died in thelande where he was bo2ne, before
his father leaning the land of the Chalovans, went to Warans
And Abzam was then feucntie and fiue veares olde, when he
Went out of Baran to diwellin the lande of Canaan.ano the
number of yeres after» death of Thare is here erprctely fee
bone, Pow if we tmagine,that he was boone when bis
Father was three {core and tenne veares vide wo lhall alſo
confelſe that tue lacke thee ſcore veares: whiche ts motte abs
furde, The divination of Lugher, how that © DD. hath
buried that time tu-oblinion, to the intente he might bide
from bs the end of the worlde, it ts firt of all verie friuolous
and vaine: ſetondly, it may be confuter by firme and euident
argumentes. Otherſome violently week it to the former
departure: who thinke that he aboade fill at Haran with bis
Father foz the (pace of thre ſcore veares: the whiche ts verie
bneredible, > -, | Cat cecal SH! ts caghe —

J an | ; to? 4 pet tne) TD
#e02d4 «\ v9 Se ; ; at ee ed e

⸗

“¥PON GENESiS. CA. Xr?

Foꝛ fo what end ſhould they make ſuch long delay, in the mine
deft of their tourney 7 Wut therenadeth not here any long diſ⸗
putation, In what veare of bis age Abzam left his countrie,
Moles maketh no mention: be faith,that twoben he was feuens
fie and fiue peares olde, he came into the land of Canaan, at
{what time bis father dyed, when be bad liued tivo bund2cd ¢
fiuepeares, CUlbo twill not hereof cather, that be was bo2ne,
{when bis father was a hundꝛed and thirtie peares olde 2 Wut
he is named fo be the firſt among the theee, whome Share is
fayde fo haue begotten, when be was tha (core and fen yeres
olde, % confelle if : but {uch a recitall, maketh nothing to proue
the degrees of birth, as we haue fayde alreadie. Neither doth
Moles erprelle in what peare of bis life Thare beaate fonnes:
buf onely that be liued to the age afozefapde, before be begate
thofe thee fonnes,of tybome mention ts made here. Where⸗
fore the age of Abraham ts fo be knowne by the ether compaz
rifon: namely, when as be atfributeth bnto him feuentic and
fiue peares, when bis father dyed, whoſe life reached vnto two
hundred t fiue peares, A firme € ſtrong argument ts allo dra⸗
wen front p age of Sarat. It is well knowne, that the was but
fen peares poncer then Abram. Ff fo be the twere the Daughter
of the ponger brother, then muit (he neceflarilyp be as old ag bis
father. They which obtect that the was Pacho2s daughter in
lawe, 02 bis Daughter only by adoption, they bring no realon
to pꝛoue the ſame, but mere cauils.

28 [Haran dyed.J] Haran is fatd fo dye before bis fathers
face: bycaufe helefthimaliue, And be ts fayde to dpe in the
lande of bis natiuitie,namely in Uꝛ. The ewes of the p2oper
name of the place make an appellatine,and fay,that be dyed in
fire, jfo2.as they are bolve in imagining fables, they feiqne,
that be with bis brother Abraham, bycaufle they hated Idola⸗

trie, were cat of the Chaldeis into the fire : but yet that Abra⸗

ham elcaped through the conftancie of bis faith. Wut the foure
€ tinentith Chapter of Jofua which F cited before, doth plains
ip declare,that the tubole ttocke and kinred was no leſſe infec⸗
ted with fuperititions, then the countrie it felfe where thep
dwelt. FJ graunt, that the name is deriued from fire,cuen as
cities are ——— named rue of their fituation, 02 m of

’ wie

257

IOHN CALVINE (°*

forte ofher caufe. It may be that they kept € mainteined there
the bolp fire; 02 that the Sunnie ſhined there moe brightly thé
in other places. Others will baue the citie to be fo called, bps
cauſe it was fituate in a ballep, But there is no caufe why tos
Mould be curious in this point : let it Cuffice, that Moſes has
uing ſpoken of the countrie of Abzabam, by and by expreſſeth,
that it was U2 of the Chaldeis,

30. [And Sarai was barren. ]. $e doth not onely fay that As
bain wanted childzen, but ſhebbeth allo the caufe, which was
the barrenneme of his {wife : to the end we might knowe, that
if came not fo paſſe without great miracle,that he afterward
bꝛought forth Iſaac, as hereafter toe will moze fully declares
inhen we come to the fame, hus God would humble bis fers
uaunt, Foꝛ there is no Doub, but that the want ofchildzen did
berp much greene him, Pe ſawe that the wicked did increaſe
without mealure, fo the repleniffing of the earth : be alone ts
depriued of children: Wut although be were ignoraunt of bis
calling : pet nofiwithanding, Ood would make manifett in
bis perfon, as in a glaffe, from thence and howe the Churche
Mould arife ; Foꝛ at that time it lay hin vnder the earth, asa
drie ſtocke. ———
31 [ Then Thare tooke Abram his fonne.] Bere ought to
be the beginning of a Chapter, bycaufe Boles beginneth to
handle oie of fhe principall pointes of the boke: namely, the
calling of Abꝛaham. Foꝛ Poles doth not alone declare, thas
Terah only chanced, but allo quite and clean foꝛſoke his purs
poſe:⁊ alfotheweth the end,namely,that be leauing bis natiue
ſoyle, toke bis iournp, that be might come into the land of Cas
naan, Wherby tue may eafilp qather,that be was not fomuch
the authour and quide of the iourney,as bis fons companion.
Neither is it anplet that Poles aliqneth vnto him the chefe
place, as though that Ab2am went fo2th by his guidance and
conduct, rather then by the commanndentent of ODD, Foz
this honour is qiuen for fatherhodes fae. And J doubt
not, butthat Abzam, twhen be ſawe bis father to obey of his
owne accozd the calling of God, he in like manner ſhewed him
felfe obedient vnto him, The authozitie therfore is attributed
to the father,as;that be twke bis fon, Sop it Mall moſt plainly
$512 ' appeare

VPON GENESIS.” CAP. XII

gppeare anon, that Abzam twas called of God;befo2e futh fime
as he once moued bis fote fo goe out of his natine foyle : Ine
read not,» bis father twas caled. Therfoꝛe we may coniecture;
that the oꝛacle of Ood twas reuealed vnto hint, by bis fons res

port. Nether dtd fhe commandement of departure let,but that
Aina might hep bnto bis father, that be went from bim for
no other caufe, but fo2 p be poeferred the comannemet of Ooo,
before al other huntane duties. Theſe tivo things without alt
controuerfic, ue gather out bf the words of Doles : namely, p
Abeam twas called by God, before {uche time as Terah lefe
bis countrie : alfo ÿᷣ Terah him felf reſpected nothing elſe, but
that be might come into p land of Canaan, $ is to fay, that be
might ioyne him felfe.a willing companion to his fon. There⸗
fore Jam alured, vᷣ he went out-of his.countrie no long time
before bis death. For it ts Dery folith,y be being gon out of bis
countrie, fo. qo directly fo the land of Canaan, ſhould tarrie as
a queft thee ſcore peres.in an other towne It is moze likely, ð

259

the man being fricken in peares, was ſtayed with Gcknefle €.

wearinelſe. And yet notwithſtanding, it maybe} Ood helde

the in fufpente fo2 a time: bicaule Moles faith, they dwelt iss,

Chavan Aut it is euident by p which folotweth, that the Belay

waas not folong, fing that Abzam went fe2th in the ſeuentie
’ € fift yere of bis age, who being now of a full age, ¢ feeing alfa,

the barrennefie of bis wife, went thither. dnd the towne bohi⸗
ehe the Hebrues call Charau,all weiters with one confent,ral,
Charras, which is fituate tu Pelopotamia, Howbeit, Lucanys,
rather Poetically then truly, placeth itin Affyria.. It twas a
place famous at the deltruction of Craflus, and at the ouer⸗
Syegve of the — armie.

CHAPTER. XIL

Or the Lordehad ſaide to Abraham: Get thee
C out of thy. countrie, and from thy kinred, and
from thy fathers boufe,vnto the land that T Ww al

W |. thewe thee.
i: And I will make of theea great nation,and uf
bleffe thee,& make thy name great, & thou fhalt beable Ging,
31 will al(o bleffe them thiat bleffe thee; & curile them that
wd < R.ij, curfle

$0

IOHN CALVINE

curffe fhieesandt inthee fhall all families of the earth be bleffed:

4: So Abram departed, auen as the Lord fpake vntohinrs
And Lot went with him : and Abram was feuentie and fine
yeare olde,when he departed out of Haran.

Then Abram tooke Sarai his wife, and Lot his brothers
fonne,and all their fub{tance,that they poffefled,and the foules
that they had gotten.in Haran : and they departed, to goe to
the land of Canaan : and tothe land of Canaan they came,

6 So Abram paſſed through the land,vnto the place of Se-
chem: and ynto the plaine of Motch : And the Cananite was
thenin the land. ~

> 7 And the Lorde appeared vnto Abram, and faide, Vnto
thy feede wil I giue this land. And there builded — an altar yn-
to the Lord'which appeared vntohim.

8. Afterward retmouing thence vnto a moanieioe Beftwaid
Bieri Bethel, he pitched his tent,hauing Bethelon the weft fide
and Hay on the Eaft fide : and there he built‘an altar vnto ashe
Lord,and called on the name of the Lord. 19

“9 Againe,’ Abram went foorth, ¢ going and 1 journey ing sto
ward: the South: ” a

10 Thencame alee’ in ile land: dlienefire Abram went
downe into Aegypt,to foiourne there : for there was a great fa-
mine in the land,

‘' ay And whenhe drewe neare to enter into Aegypt, he faid
to Sarai his wife : Beholde, nowe I knowe that thou arta a faire
woman tolooke-vpon.

’ 12 Therefore it will come to pafle, that when the heayptt
ans fee thee, they will fay,She is his wife: So willthey kill me,
but they will keepe thee aliue.

13, SayI pray thee, that thou art my Gfter: that I may fare
well for thy fake, and that my life may be preferued by thee.

4 Nowewhen Abram was come into Acgypt, the Acs

tians behelde the woman : for {he was very faire.
4g And the Princes of Pharao fawe her, and commended
* vnto Pharao:ſo the woman was taken into Pharaos houſe:

6 Who intreated Abramwell for her fake : And he had
fhéepe,aud beeues,and he afles, and men feruaunts, and maide
{¢ruaunts,and the afles,and camels,

17 Bur

VYVPON' GENESIS.) ‘CAP. xr: 261
«47 But the Lord plagued Pharao and his houfe-with-great “~*
plagues,bicaufe of Sarai Abrams wifes icsiouts css
"a8 Then Pharao called Abram, and faide: Why haft thou
done this vnto me? Wherefore diddeft thou. not tell me that
the wasthy wife? |
“19 Why faideftchou,She is my fifter,that1 fhould take her
to be my, wife? Now therfore behold thy wife,take her and goe
thy way. yout en wie ron
io "and Pharao gaue men commmaundement concerning
him: and they conucyed him foorth, and his wife, and all that
he had. ; ;
1 [For the Lord had faid to Abram.) S00 the end the diſordeed
Diutfion of the Chapters may not trouble 02 fay the readers,
ict them iopne this fontence with p tive latt verſes of p Chaps
ter going before. Boles had ſaide before, that Terah ¢ Abam
went out of their contric,to dwel in the land of Canaan, Pow
be declareth, vᷣ they were not moucd raſhly fo to doe, as is the
guile of rath and fickle headed men: noz pet fo2 the difliking of
‘bis contric, as oft times tt hapneth to peeuiſh ¢ wayward pers
fons: noꝛ vᷣ they were runalwayes,fo2.any euil they had done:
neither pet that they were moucd by any folifh hope 02 intices
ments, as many are Caried this ¢ that way,thzough their stun
Defire; but that Abzam was cõmanded of God to depart,¢ that Abram
be would not haue moued his fote, Wout be had ben arf ware wet ouref
ranted bp the word ot Dad, They which expound this, $ Gan p's <ontsic
fpake vnto Abram, after the death of bis father,are eafily con·
futed by thefe wards of Doles, Foꝛ if Abram Wanted nowe A gement
countrie, and lined as a ſtraunger elſwhere, the commaundes
ment of Cod were fuperfuous when he faith, Goc out of thy
owneland,out of thy countrie,and from thy fathers houfe. S29 °
this alſo is to be added the authozitic of Steeucn, who is to be Ades.7-.
iudged a mete interpreter of this place. He plainly teftifieth,p ꝰÿꝰ
Gop appeared to Abraham twhen he was in Pelopotamia bee
, fore heltaied in Charan.Thi be reciteth this oracle, which we
— 9 reat p —— p aban petals saute
‘Muent out of Chaldea, either is $ to ted, Which G
ing: Tam che Lard which brenghe tes outfrom ¢., 19.73
eis, H02 Shenae ine gather that thefamewas
Uf, not

252

—

Ix “TOK M.CALVINGE © & es,
not the firtt time, wherin the 102d reached vnto him his hanv,

after be had dwelt at Haran: but whe as vet be dwelt athome —

in Chaldea : And this comutandement of Bod, whereof doubs
fing is folif}ly made, ought to fuffice bs to ouerthꝛowe the
contrarie errour. Foꝛ God could not haue fpoken after this
fort, vnleſſe be had bene; as it were, in the midlt of his hell, in
profperitic, at qutet and ref; without any chaunge of life, as
mong hts kinſmen. Otherwile, he miaht haue repleed.and faiv,
Lhaue left my countrie: Tam farre from ‘my ‘kinred. To be
ſhort, Motes fetteth forth this oracle, to} end tue may know,
that Ab2am and bis father Werab,toke nof vpon them fo long
& tourney, Without the commandement of God. Whereby alfo
iappeareth, that Terah was fo deluded with Cuperttition, ¥
notwithſtanding he feared God. Ft Was a hard matter fora
worne {pent old man,fo be dꝛawen from bis countrie. There⸗
foze a certeine true religion, although choaked, was as vet in
his minde. For fhis caufe, when he knewe that the place
Wwasaccurfled, from whence bis forme is commanrited fo des
part, be intendeth not there to periſh: but iapneth him felfea
compattion fo hin, whome the 102d taketh away, That ma⸗
ner of witneſſe, ¥ pray pou, fhall thts man be in fhe latter dar,
fo condemne our ſſuggiſh negligence? Pe miaht haue made a
bery refonable ercufe,that he would be quiet at home, bicaufe
he had received no contmaundeinent to the contraric, But bee

ing blinde it the darknelſe of infidelifie, he speneth notivith>
» Handing, his exes, fo the ſparke of light obfcurely fet before

Gods free

macrcie in

dram

him. Wut tue at this day, when the calling of God doth directs
Ip and clerelp ſhine Onto bs, are nothing at ali moued. And
this calling of Abzant, is a notable example of the free mercie
of Gop. Bad Abram preuented God,byp any merite of tuorkes z

calling A- came be dnto him at any time 2 had be won bis fauour? Pay,

but let bs alway remember that which J cited before, out of

the erhoztation of Jofua, howe that be was d2olwned inthe |

finke ofidotatrie : but God nowe of his obone god twill, rea,
cheth forth his band, tebzing him, being out of the way, inte
the right path, Be voncheth fate * bis holy mouth, that
being deceiued with the (Hates of fathatt,be Mhetweth vnis bine
the way of faluation, And itis maruell, that themniierabtoane

| 1s) CA? y 4
VPON GENESIS Xry. 263.

fof man fhulo be preferred, befoze fo many bolp wo2thipers of ©
God, in fo much; that the coucnant of life ould reſt vpon him,
the Church railed dp inbim, and be alfo appointed the father
ofall tbefaithfull. Wut this was done of purpole, tothe enn
tue might bebolde in bis perfon, a moze eutdent commendatis
on of the grace of God: 02 he is an crample of the calling of
bs all: wherein we plainely fee, that thefe things which are
net, bp the mere mercie of God, beginne fo be fomtbing. [Get
thee out of thy countrie.] Pere feemeth to be afuperfiuous ree
petition of woꝛdes. To this effect alfo is it,that Poles in an
ather place being fo berefe, expꝛeſſeth one matter being plaing
and eafic, with theee maners of ſpeakings. But the matter is
otherwiſe. Foꝛ feng that exile and baniſhment, is of it felfe
forrotwfull, ¢ the ſwetneiſe of natine ſoyle,holdeth all men ale
moſt bound vnto the fame, God ſeeketh by comanding Ab2am
toleane bis countrie, that be may thzougbly perce bis minde.
If be had faidin one woꝛd, Leaue thy countrie,he bad not a lits
tie greeued him: but pet foz al that, beis moze pricked, when be
beareth that be mutt forfake bis kinred,and bis fathers houſe.
And pet fo? al that, we muſt not think, that God, as ayant,
hath delight tn the qreefe and trouble of bis feruants:but thus
be proucth ¢ crantineth all their affections, to theend he map
leaue no lurking corners tn their barts, We fe that many are
feruent fo2 atime, which are afterward bery coloe. Whereot
xcommeth this, but bycauſe they build Without a foundation? path xeate
od therefore would thzoughlyp fift all the fentes of Abꝛaham.

v he might take nothing tn hand rathly or vnaduiſedly, bp ¢
by repenting him felfe, might tend backe againe, Wibherfo2e,
if fo be we defire to follote God confantly, we mutt diligently
cal to account al maner of incõmodities which remaine fo2 vs,
al difficulties, ¢ all perills : pᷣa fouden zeale map not only bud

€ bloffome fo2 a time,but alfo $ toe may all cnt life long bꝛing
forth the fruits of codlineffe,from a tel grounded rat, [Vnto
the land that I will fhew thee, Mere is ant other triall to ppoue Tye sea
Abrams faith. Foꝛ thy doth not God thetwe him H land ont of
Hand, but only to the end by keeping bis ſeruant in ſuſpenſe, he
may make the better friall, hot truely be ts addicted vᷣnto his
0204 As if he Mould fap,F aD thie to co fogth blindſoid:

; ' : iiij. and

264. —5 IOHN CALVINE
and ¥ fopbio thé to inquire whither J wil lead thee, bntil thor
batting denied thy contric, hall giuen thy ſelle wholy vnto me.
True obe And this is a true experiment ofout obedience, when we are
dicoce, not wilſe in our on concett;but doe commit our ſelues wholy
vnto pᷣ lord. So often therfore as he requireth any thing at our
hands, Wwe mult not be fo carefull for the ſucceſſe, either feare:
6} carefulnes may Lay bs. Foꝛ it ts better to folotv Cod blind
folde, then bypreſuming of our olwne wiſedome, to gee aſtray
through crake bypivays wher vnto p fame leadeth bs. If any
man obiect, that thists cõtrarie to the former fentence; where
Mates (aid, that Terah and Abram went out of theirrontric,.
that they might coine into the landof Canaan; the anſwere ts
isa brec(, Sate tobe made, tf we graũt that the figure Prolepfis ts inthe
proveatié ſpeach of Moſes, as it is aifo following in the name of Wethels
of hinges, and is oftentimes to be found th the ſcriptures. hey knewe
which are not wohither they ſhould come: but bycaule they determined
af ig oy with thenrfelues to come whither focuer it pleated Dod to cal
nely ferre them, Dates fpeking in his perſon, namet h a land which was
forth Or, not as pet known onto them, but was afterward ſhewed vn⸗
whé thofe td Abꝛam Therſoꝛe itis true,that they went forth with this
thinges prt pofesthat thep night come inte p land af Canaan : bitauſe
hold fol: they hauing receiued a promile concerning the chewing of the
before, WaNDdntothem, fuffered thentfelues tobe gouerned by God,
vntil be bad perfo2rined that in berp dead, which be had pꝛomi⸗
fed. vnto them. Bolwbeit,it may be,that God pꝛouing bolve As
bram was affercted,toke front him all maner of doubting Fo⸗
we Da not know in what moment of time, that was reuealed
vnto him, which God tvould haue tobe hidden from him, entp
for a tune. It ts {uffictent,tiat Abꝛam declared that be trucip
obepen Dod, tohen as he cafting all his care bppon bis prouis
dence/ ⁊ as it were, cafting all that might let hintinto bis lap,
doubled not to leaue his countric, being vncerteine where be
Mhould divell.. For by this meanes, the wiledome of the flethe
Ddichtion as fubdued,¢ all his affections tamed, Motivithtanding,tt
may be Demanded, bohr God did rather tranflate bis ſeruant
Anfwere. into the lande of Canaan, then into the Catt, where be might
haue lined with certeine of the holy fathers, Sonre,leaft that a
chaunge might ſeeme to be mare foz the wozfke, fay, ihe *.
G73 WN]

Prolepfis ,

zoug

VPON°GENESIS, CAP. xXII. 165:
brought thither, $ he might divel with bis creat grannvfather ~~~
Hem, whom they imagine fo be Melchiſedech. Wut it ſhuld be
bitlikely ¢ cleane'tontraryp,) Abram toke His tourney to ano»
her place,if the putpole of God were fuch. And we read nots
be met With Melcbiferech, but whẽ he returned from the war
of the Sodomites. But how Vaine their imagination is, which
fay, that Sem was Pelchiſedech: tue thall fee toben we come
to intreat of Delchifedech. And as touching the matter which
we haue nowe in bande, we map gather,p the purpoſe of Ood
was far other wiſe then they imagine,by the end which at the
lenath infucd. Thole nations,bicaufe of their delperat wicked
neſſe were bowed to deftruction.Ood wold haue bis feruant te
be a pilarime among the fora time, » be might though faith,
beholde the inheritance of that land, the poficMion toherof,bis
polferific ould inioy a long time after bis death. Mhereſfore
$e was not cõmaunded to take his tourney into p land fo2 any
other caufe; but only fo2 p the fame twas to be voyded € cleared
of ber inhabitants borꝛne there, p it inight be given to his fete
to poffeffe it.And it was a mater of great weight, that Abzam,
Baar, and Jacob, were but fo2rrcine tibabitants in that land,
and that they intbzaced though faith, that dominion whiche
woas prdinifed vnto them of Gov, to the end their pollevitic
might haue the dreater courage fo iniop the fame, on!

2 (And I wil makeof thee a great nation.) Bitherfo Boles oo come
bath ſhewed what Ab2a was cOmanded fo do: now he addefh maundech
a pꝛomiſe to the commandment of God, and vᷣ for no light caufe, bot with-
Foꝛ Wwe being flow to obey, God fhould command bs in baine, °°% pie⸗

vnleſſe be Ghoul incourage bs with the promife ¢ truſt of bis ·
grace ¢ blefling . The which, although J touched befoze in the
hiſtorie of Moab, pet J doe not nol inculcate the fame againe
in baine:fo2 this place alfo requireth vᷣ ſoinwhat be faid : a the
repetition of that doctrine, wherein is fo great weight, ought
nof fo feeme fuperfluous, Foꝛ it is certeine, that faith can not Faith ftan-
ftand,bnilefle it be builded vpon the pꝛomiſes of God, Wut on⸗ cth vps
lp fatth begetteth obedience. Therefore to the end our mindes sm pee
amay be framed to fallowe ODD, it is not ſutficient tocom⸗
maund {imply tobat be woulde haue done, dnicfie he promile
bis bleſſiug therewithall. And the pomilets to be noted, that
Abꝛam hall be made a greate cay Pages wife ey
Vy aie

. TOHN CALVINE
266,

anding, was barren. This might haue bene bery effectual, tt
God bad offered hope of the matter it felfe ; but now, ſceing the
barrennelie of bis wife thꝛeateneth onto him perpetual depri⸗
uation of the promife, a bare promife would baue bene berp
colde, vnleſſe Abꝛaham did wholp depend bppon the mouth of
@od. Wiberefoze,be bebolving the barrenneſſe of bis wife,tae
keth bold by hope of the promife, that be ſhould be a great peos
ple. And the Prophete Cate greatly ertolleth this grace, that
God by his bleſſing fo greatly increafed bis ſeruant Abꝛaham,
as fo be a great nation, whome be found alone ¢ folitarie.ane
this which is p2omifed bere, is fpoken with great force, as that
be ſhould haue the potteritic which thould come of bis fade, te
be great in number, and alfo a people peculiar and chofen front
ofbers,in fuch wile,as they thuld baue aname by them felues,
{And will blefle thee] his, partly is added, to erpound the
fentence going before. Foꝛ leat) Abram Mhould deſpaire, God
propoundeth bis bleffing, which might be moꝛe miraculous
then that which is naturally (ene in others. Neuertheleſſe,
this bleſſing ertendeth it felfe further,then to bis fea: as,that
be ould bane profperous and iopful fucceffe in al pis affaires,
She twbich plainly appearcth in thefe woꝛds following, [And
make thy name great, and thou fhalt bea blefsing..} #02 bape
pineſſe is pzomifen, which may make all men enerp where te
wonder, in fo much, that they may take vnto them the perfor
of Abꝛam, for a forme of bleffing, as an example. Dthers res
folueit into an Adieciue, Thou thalt bea blefsing, that is te
fay, All men thal bietle thee. Wut the former ſenſe doth befer a⸗
gre. Dany alfo erpoundit aciuely,as ifit were (aid, Dp grace
thal not ref in the,that thou alone mayſt iniop the fame : but
if hall ertend it felfe much larger,enen to all nations, heres
fore ¥ do nol ſo peald fhe fame vnto the, that it hall redound
fo the whole woꝛld. Wut Cov commeth not as pet to this pare
ticipation,as % twill (heive anon,

3 Cl will bleffe al them that bleffe thee.] Bere $ godnetſe
of, Ood doth toonderfullp ſhew it felf,in that be fantiliarlp mae
keth a conenant with Abzam, eucn as mé are wont fo do with
their fellotues ¢ companions, Foꝛ this is a folemne forme of
couenants betwee kings and others , the ſame do 5*

VYPON GENESIS. CAP. XII. 46
hat they twill be either enimies 02 friendes, one fo an offer, 7
This is an vnſpeakable pledge of rare loue, that Cod Both fo
far abafe bun felfe fo2 our (ake. $0} although be ſpeaketh here
to one man in another place be declareth the fame affection tos
Wards al bis faithful ſeruants. So p here we map gather a ge
nerall doctrine, holy p God doth ſo loue vs, be will bleſſe our
fricnds,¢ fake vengeance vpon our enimies. And tue are tans
ght by this fentence, § howe much fo ever the childzenof Gon. , 4 -
feeke after peace: pet not vᷣſtanding, they thal nener want ents 3,00 neues
mies, Werily, if euer any man bebaued him felfe peaceably as want cni-
mong men, inſomuch p he deferued fo be beloved of all men, A⸗ mics.
bam may be numbed among the chéefe, Yet notwitanding,
be wanted not enimies: bicauſe be had p diuell his aduerfaric,
who hat p wicked in his band, whom he firreth bp continual
ly fo annop e frouble the god. Therfore there tg ne caule why
the vnthank fulnes of p woꝛlo thould viftourage bs,ifmany,to
whome Ive Hane dene awd, be our eniintes, ¢ fecke to burt bs,
being »ꝛouoked With no manner of iniurie:but let bs confent
out ſelues With thie only ſolace v Cod taketh onr part: Pores
otter, God exho eth Bis terucnts fo imbrace fauth € humanity
With al p qod!p:t allo p they do abſtein fronval maner of iniu⸗
ric, Foꝛr this is no ſmall incouragment to belp the faithful, if
Wwe do them any god, God wil retvard it: neither ought it a lit ⸗
tle fo terrifie vs, p he thꝛe ateneth vnto vs war, if we burt any —* re
of bis, [And intiice thal al families of the earth be blefleds IIt sich tie
anp man itke te fake this place moze ſtreightly, bycauſe they fairhtudl.
which bleſſe their chilozé 02 frends, wil take p name of Abꝛam
by a prouerbal ſigure:let him iniox bis fenle, Foꝛ p phꝛaſe of d
Hebꝛue tong bearcth this,p Abra be ſaide to ke anotable ex⸗
ample of happineſſe tu time fo come. Motwittanding, Fertend
it further, bicauſe J think $ the fame is pꝛomiſed in this place,
which G3 moe plainly repeateth in the 22/ Chap, following,

And the teſtimonie ¢ authoitie of Paul leadeth me herevnto,

» Who faith, the pꝛomiſe Was made onto Abrams ſeede, vᷣ is to

fay ,bnto Chit,430.peres befo2c the law.Gind the ſupputatiõ
eres eet the bletfing ſhould be promifedin Chriſt,
when he came info theland of Canaan, Wherefore Godin my
iudgement pꝛonounceth,that althe Centiles ——

268 162 TOHN CALWENE |
Ain his fernant Abram: bicauſe that Chzitt was incladedin his

lopries. After this forthe noth not only giue vs to bnderttand;
§ be fal be an example, but alfo fhetweth onto vs the caufe of vᷣ
vleffing:that there map be a fecret comparifon between Adam
and Ch2itt, Fo2 feing we areal bo2ne accurſſed,ſo fone as the
fir man fel from Ood, here a new remedie ts offered vnto bs,
Neither is there anptet, but p we may fetch the bleMing from
Abram him felfe, bycanfe this is (poken in refpect of Chziffe,

| Pere the Jewes difpute the caule, and heap bp many teũtimo⸗

Deut.10.8,
Efa. 65.15,

nies of feripture, whereby it may appeare,p fo bleſſe ¢ te curfe
in ſome one, is nothing elfe, but to with well,o2 to With pllafs
fer the fame fathion. Sut their cauill is eaſily ouerthꝛowne. J
confette that it is oftentimes true which they fap: but notals
wavos· Foꝛ when it is faide, That he might blefle the tribe of
Leuie, in thename of the Lord, tt is euldent pnough, that Ood
is pꝛoclamed to be the founteine of all god things, that Iſrael
might not ſeeke fo2 any part of godnes fromany other Seeing
therfore it is a doutful kind of {peach they muſt needs confefle,
that either this 02.9 fenfe is tobe chofen, according as tt ſhall
beſt agree with the caule. As fo2 Paul, he toke a general rule,
twhich is receiued among all the godly, t ought not fo be denis
cd, how pᷣ almankind ts ſubiect vnto the curile:¢ that therſoꝛe
the bolp people is bleſſed, with the only grace of the Pedtatoz.

— LAherevpon he concluded,that p coucnant of faluation, which

God nade v8 Abram, is neither fable no2 firme,but in Chriſt.
hus therfore J interpret this prefent place,p God promiſeth
a bleffing to bis feruant Abzam, which thal afterwards flow ¢
fpzing to al nations But bicauſe this mater thalbe moꝛe larg⸗
lp expounded in an otheriplace, 3 do now beefy touch p fame,
4 [So Abram departed. ] They take thefe words to help their
erro2,which think } gov ſpake to Abzam in Charan, But p cae
nil is eafily confuted, to2 after: be bath ſhewed p cauſe of p de⸗
parture:twhich was, bicauſe Abzam was cOftreined by p conte
mandement of God to leaue his natiue ſoile:he now returneth
to p order of pᷣ biftozie. Gaby Abzam abone for a time at Para
we know not:except it were bicaufle god laid bis hand on him,
$ be might not by ¢ by inioy § fight of p land, p which though
tt were pet vnknobone: pet notwithſtanding, he poeferren the

é

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XII. 69

fanebeforebis countrie. Nowe he is fayde to go out of Bas

rait, that be might goe forward in bis iournic begunne : the

Which alfo the next verſe confirmeth, tobere be is ſayd to take

his wife Sarat,and his nephewe Lot with bun, Foꝛ as they

went out of Chaldea, hauing the conduct and compante of

their father : even fo nowe Abram being the bead of the fami

lic, be ſucceedeth his father in executing the fame. Howbeit, it

may be, that the Lorde then alſo exhoꝛted him to goe foztward,

bycauſe his father dyed in the meanetime, and confirmed the

former calling, Wwith a fecond oracle, And it is certeine,that the

obedience of faith ts prapfed in this place sand not that alone,

but alfo the perpetuall perfenerance in the fame, For Jdoubt

not, but that the purpoſe of Poles was to ſhewe, that Abram

abode not at Waran, for that be repented bim of bis tourney,

as though be ſwarued from the right courte of bis calling:but

that be bad altwayes the commaundement of od p2inted in

his minde. So that thefe wordes, [As the Lord had fpokcn, }

4 thinke it god rather to referre to the firft o2atle, as if Mo⸗

fes had fapde, that be perleuered in his purpofe, and that bis

vefire to ferne God, twas nothing at all quatlen by the death of

pis father, Moreouer, wehauc here prefcribed vnto bs in one A rule to

word, a rule fo2 the framing of our whole life: that tue mighf omer oure

take nothing in band, but that God may be the authour of the * val.

fante, Jf02 what fo ener men difpute of bertues and vuties, 2"

there is no worke worthie fo be prayſed, nor deſerueth to be

reckoned among bertues,but that which pleafeth God, 3F02 «King. 35.

He him felfe tettifieth,that be eftcemeth moze of obedience,ther ++

of facrifices, Wherelore, our life hall then be {well o2dered, if

ine Depend bpd Dods mouth, and take nothing in band, with⸗

out bis word and commanndement,

And it isto be noted, that be intreateth not here of any one

yarticular worke, but ofa general principle of Leading a bole

€ godly life, For the calling of Abaabamt ts handled, which ts a

conmnon figure of the life of all the faithfull, For wwe are not

all generally commaunded fo forſake our countrie: and %

graunt, that this is fpectall in Abꝛam: but he will haue all’

men generally fubiect vnto bis worde, atid to feckeo fo2 the rute

of life from bis mouth, that thep be ————
aN : | cit

fOHN CALVINE

their own fantafie, o2 with v imaninations of men, Therfore
by theerample of Abzam, the firme deniall of our felues is
conunaunded, that we may liue and dye to God alone.
The firtt ¢ (And the fouls which they had gotten in Haran.] Sous
mentid of 1S Tianifi bere, feruaunts and maives, Anv here is the firſt
fcruants in Mention that is made of feruants 02 ſeruitude:whereby it aps
the Pita) peareth, vᷣ not long after the floud, it came to paſſe theough the
* wickedneſſe of men,that the libertie which by nature was cõ⸗
mon te all men, was debarred from the greateſt part of mans
Kinde, Wut it can not beeafilp folde,twhereot the beginning of
feruitude came: ſauing that it is commonly repozted , that tt
beganue by warres: bycauſe the conquerours whome thep
toke tn battcH as captiues, thep conſtreined to ferue thems
Seruitude And bereofmenbzing the name ofbondmen, Wut whether
was not at (hep were oppreſſed by the laive of warre,o2 conſtreined thro⸗
the begin- ugh neede and pouertie, which ſerued the ürſt bondage:this is.
— * the certeine, that the oder of nature was violentlpcoꝛrupted:
ofGad, bicauſe men Were therefore created, that they might baue mus
fuall forietie among them ſelues. And although if be p2ofitas
ble, that ſome haue the fupertozitie oucr others: pet notiviths
ſtanding, there was a certeine equalitie to be oblerued, as as
mong brethren. Wut although (cruitude be contraric fo a
right moderation, which ought to be wiſhed:and although the
Seruitude beginning thereof wanted not coꝛruption: vet notwithſtan⸗
is now law Ring, it Doth not therefore follotwe, that the ble tobich twas.
full. aſterwardes receitted, tobich neceflitic ercufeth,is onlawfull,.
Abzam therefore might as well potlee feruaunts that tocre
bought with monte, as the bondflaucs allo that were bouche.
in his houſe. Foꝛ this common laying, What which peuays
led not from the beginning, can not take place by tract of
times admitteth (as we knowe well pnough) certeine erceps
tions, and ive fhall baue examples thereof,in the eight and,
fourtith Chapter following,

6. [So Abram pafled through the land.) . Motes (heineth.
here,that Ab2am,fo fone as nel was come info the land,found
not by and by a reſting place: Foꝛ be {atth,that be paſſed thro⸗
uth fheland, Sichemsis.not farre from the mount @aresim,
towardes the wiloerneffe and South part, Gayearieyes *

270

VPOrw GENESIS, CAP. XII.

wordes Of Mofes are as much as if be ſhould fay,that the faith
of Abꝛam is pꝛoued againe, when God fuffered him to make
fuch a long pilgrimage thaough theland, before he gaue onto
him any abiding place, 3fo2 howe hard a thing is it, tuben
God promifed that he would be his hoaſt, not to qraunt onto
hint fo much as alittle copner, wherin he might fettle him felfz
Wut fo the end he miaht be moje and moze evercifed, and bro⸗
ught fo the denyall of bint ſelfe, be is conſtreined to wander,
and tofetch along compafie, [ And the Cananite was then in
the land, ] This which ts bere fpoken of the Cananite, is not
raſhly added : bycauſe if was no light temptation, fo licht as
mong a falfe, Wicked, and churlif} nafion. What might the
holp mat think then,but that be twas betraied info the hands
of the moſt wicked men, of whome he fhould ſhortly be Gaine,
02 elſe leade a miferable life among continuall iniuries and
forrolwes 7 But if was profitable fo2 him, tobe thus exerciſed
and inured fo the hope of abetter life. Foꝛr tf fo be he bad bene
gently and friendly entertained tn the lande of Canaan, be
{would haue hoped fo2 no better thing, then to baue ben a cons
tinuall dweller there, Wut God nowe maketh bim to haue a
further regard, as fo allure him felf,that be Mould one day be
Loꝛde of the land,and beire alfo of the (ante, at what time the
inhabitants there were vtterly deffroped. Do2couer, he as
‘With daily bnguictnefle ,admonithen to lift bp his minde vnta
heauen. Foꝛ ſceing the inberitaunce of the lande, was ſpeci⸗

ally prontifed vnto him: and ſceing the fame pertained not to

his kinred, but for bis fake onely : it follotucth, that the lande
Was not afligned vnto him,as to the lait inheritour, wherein
be was fo pil and vngently handled: but that heauen ts ſet bee
fore him, therein to reft and Kay hun felfe,

7. [And the Lorde appeared vnto Abram.] otvehe thee
weth, that Abam twas not cleane forfaken, but that God Ml
reached forth bis hand vnto him. Pofwithtanding, it is to be
noted, after what forte, God helpeth him in his temptations.
We offereth onto his his bare word, and tn fuch ſort ta,as A⸗
bam micht thinks that he was derided, Be pronounceth p be
wil giue Pland vnto his ſced:but there ts p (eed, where is the
hope of fed, fering he Was Wout child2F,an old nian,+ i alfg
3) Seg a barren

271

YOHN CALVINE

2 724barren woman to bis wife 2 Chis therfore was an vnſaus⸗
Faith, and rie cõfort fo the fleſh. WBut faith fauoured another thing, whofe
the proper pꝛopertie ts to holde all the fenfes of the godly, bound with the
sic therof. reuerence of fhe 02d,» the pꝛomiſe of God alone may fuffice,

Furtherimoze, although Ood doth in very deede eaſe andints

tigate the miferics of bis feruaunts : yet notwithſtanding, be

Doth not fatilfic the whole defire of the fichh, further fo2th then

is erpedient, Hereby lef bs learne, that this onely remedie

ought fo be fufficient for bs nour miferies, when Cod ſpea⸗

keth vnto bs by hts worde, that our mindes may feele him fo

be fauourable bnfo bs : nepther is the bridle fo be lofted, to the
inordinate deſires of fhe eth, Cod twill not fayle to doe that

which belonacth onto him, but by the teffunonte of bis qrace,

Wwill comfo2t the afflicted, [ And he builtan altar.) This altar

Abrahams Was 4 token of thankfulneffe, So fone as God appeared onto
thankful. Dutt, beerectedanaltar, To what end? Surely to call vpon
ace, thename of God.Therelore tue ſee, that be bended him felfe to
giue thankes, and that in remembzaunce of the benefite, be
builfanaltar, If anp man demaund, whether be could not

God mut woꝛſhip God without the butloing of an altar: 3 aunfwere,
beworlhip that the inwarde woꝛſhip of the beart is not fufficient, ercept
— 2* men topne therewith an outwarde profeſſion. Godlineſſe
4 hath bis proper feate in the hart: but from the fame rote con⸗
outwardly feffion fp2ingeth aftcrivard as the fruit. Foꝛ we are created
and inz 0 this end, that we might offer our fouls and bodies vnto the
wardly. Xorde. The Cananites bad their religion : they had altars to
offer their facrifices : but Abzam fo2 feare be ſhould mingle

hint (elfe with thetr fuperttitions, erecteth a domeſticall alfar, —

where be might facrifice : cuen as if be ſhoulde fet a kingly

throne for Godin bis houſe. Wut bycauſe the worſhip of Gov

Ceremo- is fpirituall ; and bycauſe all ceremonies, without the right
nies are and latwfullend, are not onely vaine, and nothing worth, but
vaine with DO alſo counterfet the true two2rthip of Cod, with a forged and
out the falfe thetue, tue mutt diligently note that Doles faith, that an
fpinisuail altar was builded tocall pon God. Wherefore, analtar is a
which is f2meofthe diuine worſhip: andinuocation, is the ſubſtance
principall, AND veritie. This note, eafily difcerneth hypocrites, from the
true wozrthippers of God, who are moze liberall in erternall

pompes

VPON GENESIS: CAP. x Orr:

pompes then is mete, and reſt wholy bpon bare ceremonies, 273
Thus all their religion ts vnſtable, bycaufe it tenveth to ne
certeine end, Their finall intention is(as they fay)to worſhip
God: but godlineſſe daaweth more neare vnto Gon; and thers
fo2e if trifleth not with erternall figures , but it reſpecteth the
trueth and fubltance . To be ſhort, ceremonies are no others
Wife acceptable bnts God, then as they are referred to the
fpirituall too2thip of God.To call vpon the name of the L020:
02 in the name of the Lord, is five wayes crpounded : namely,
fo2 fo pray vnto God, o2 elfe fo extoll his name with pꝛayſes.
Wut becaule prayer and thankeſgiuing are two thinges, whi⸗ Praicr md
che can not be feparated : J qladly allow both interp2etations. ——
Aut we fayed belore inthe fourth Chapter, that the worthip see.
of Cod is not noted here in vain by a figure called Synecdoche, parated.
vnder one kind:becauſe God effeemeth of no dutie of godlineſſe
mo2e,t taketh ne facrifice in better part,then the calling vpon Pfal.s0.23
bis name:as the Prophet Dauid teſtifieth. And, lo often as we Pial.su1 9
reade this name (altar) let os there withall alfo remember the
facrifice, Fo2 from the beginning God would haue mankinoe
to knowe, that there is no acceſſe vnto him without a ſacri⸗
fice. Therefore Abram out of a generall doctrine of godlineſſe,
prepared abeaucnly way to himfelfe to offer facrifices , that
be might worſhippe God aright. Wut we knowe that Goa
was neuer pleated with the blond of beaſtes. Wherefore if
follolveth, that Abzams fapth twas directed vnto the bloude of
Chrifke, Wut it ſeemeth abſurde, that Abram erected an altar obiecion
fo bunfelfe after bis one will, tbo twas neither a4D2Ief, ,
neither pet had be recetued any expreſſe commaundenient
from God, anfivere, that by the wordes of Doles this doubt abvere.
is taken away : Foꝛ be fapth not fimply,that Abrant erected
an altar vnto Ood: but vnto God which appeared vnto him.
Wherefore the altar was founded in that reaclation : nepther
ought tt to be ſeparated from the fame,a parte and an appen⸗ 4
dtr tuhereof onely it is.Superttition frameth a Gov to it felfe Superstiri
as it beſt liketh: and then tt worſhippeth bint after ſundrie °™
fathions , Cucw as the Wapiffes at this day boatte with
greate pride, that thep wo2thippe God, twhen as they doe but
~ make fpozte with their maſking ‘ery the godlineſſe of
batt ‘ Abram

IOHN CALYVINE -

2 7+ Abram is commended, fo2 that he tuczthipped C on twhich aps
peared vnto him, by erecting analfar, And although Mofes
MHeweth with what purpoſe Abram erected an alfar , when be
)fapth that be called tppon God there : theretwithall notiwiths
ſtanding be inferreth that the fame feruice pleated God. 303
this ſpech confetneth a teflification of the holx Ghoſt, wheres
by be pronounceth that he did rightly and truely call bppon the
nante of God, Others boatted, that they did flercelp worſhippe
Oad:but Abꝛam in only prapting Ood, retecteth all the rites €
rultomes of the Gentiles, as the filtbie pophanation and oi
honouring of his holy name,
~ LAfterwarde remouing thence. ]@Uben we heare that Abram
remoued ont of that place, tobere be bad builded an altar vn⸗
fo od, we ought not to doubte but that be was conſtrained
fo fo doe by fome necellitie, There be found hoalſtes ſcarſe fas
&brama uourable.Therefore be remoueth bis tente to another place,
Pustim. Wherefore, if Abram ſuffered patiently continuall wande⸗
ringes: our delicate tenderneſſe cannot be by any meanes ex⸗
culable, when we fret againſt God, except he graunt vnto ts a
quiet neſt. But forſomuch as Chꝛiſt bath opened heauen fo2 bs
and openly inuiteth bs thither daily vnto him: we are fo take
if in god part if be will haue bs pilgrims in the woꝛld. Ther⸗
fore fhe ſumme of this place is, that Abꝛam was vnſtable (as
«.Cor.4-1 touching bis aboade,)the which title Paule attributeth onto.
Cheittians, Moꝛeouer, there is amanife figure called Pro-
Abcam leplſis in the twozde Wethel. For be fo nameth the place, that be
was con-~ Mtlabt applic his ſpeech fo the men of bis age. LAnd:he built an
ftanrin all altar there:_] Moſes conunendeth the inceſſant and perfencs
godlincs. ranfcare and loue of godlineſſe, which asin Abꝛam. F02
by thefe wo2ds be gineth bs to vnderſtand, that to what place
focuer be renioued ,. be erercifed him felfe tn the externall wos
fhippe of God ; both, that be might not worchippe after the
manner of the Wicked : and alſo that he might reteine bis fas
The wick milie in fincere godlineſſe. And it ts likely that hereby be pur⸗
ked would ehafen vnto bint felfe no ſmallhatred:becauſe there is nothing
hiueal’ that vereth the wicked moze, then a contraric religion, twheres
sheir iclic bY thep doe not onely thmke thenifelues to be contemned; but
gio. alo vtterly condemned of blindenelle And we — that the
: ananites

VPON GENESIS: GAP XII: 275
Cananifes woere fierce and proud, and tm redie fo reuenge des
ſpightes.Alſo tt map be, that this was the caule of his ſo often
remouins,fo2 that hts neighboures twere fore offended at the
altars which becreded, Bea, in that he twas not oftentimes Abram id
ffored, it ought fo be referred fo the wonderfull qrace of God, venrureth
Notwithſtanding, becauſe the bolte father knoweth that thig bs bie to
is iuttly required of him: namely, that be choulde teſtitie that “ore
He had a ſpeciall and peculiar God, and that he woulde not bes 7°”
nie him through falle diſſimulation: he doubteth not to pres
ferre the glorie of Ood, before his otone life,

9 Againe Abram went, IThis twas the third remouing of
the bolp father within a ſhorte time, ſo fone as he might ſeeme
fo haue founde any reſting place. tt ts certeine, that be dtd not
fo2 the nonce,fo fatilfic his nunde(as fome light and fickle pers
fons are wont fo doe) runne fo and fro: buf there were cers
teine neceſſities, which erpelled him, to p end he might learne
by continuatl vie that be was not onely a pilgrim, but alfo as
a miſerable vagarant perfon,in the lande twhereof be was
Lode.’ ut there infued no ſmail fruite of the often remo
uings:becaufe be fought all that be could fo nedicate vnto God
all thofe parts of fhe land, toberebito be came, and perfunied
the fame alfo with the odour of bis faith.
10 [ Thencameafamineinthelande, ] solve Dofes
fettefh downe a farre moze fharpe temptation, whereby the
faith of Abꝛam twas tried to the quicke. Foꝛ bets not onely
conftrained fo wander th2ough diuerſe partes of the land, but
alfo be is dꝛiuen info erile from that lande, whiche God bad
giuen vnto him and to bis polteritie. It is to be noted, that
Chaldea was verie fruitfull: beeing accuſfomed with plentie
be commeth fo. Baran, where afterwardes it is thought that
be lined well ynough, becauſe be was increaled with feruants Abas de
andriches . But nowe being theough famine driuen out of 6. sed
that lande, where he made account toleade a happte and ricbe wich ta~
liſe, pꝛeſuming vpon the woꝛd € pꝛomiſe of God: that might miae.
be thinke With bimfelfe,tf he bad not bene well armed againit
fhe fhares of Safhan 2 Wis faithbad bene overtheowen an
undꝛred times. And we know. that lo often as our erpetation
is deceiued, and that matters fall not out According fo our des
9,1 fire,

ITOHN CALVINE

fire, fiche ant bloude by and by fingeth this forte, God decei⸗
ucth the. But Moles ſheweth breefely how valiantly Abram

ſuſteined this violent aſſault. He doeth not with long diſcour⸗

ſes greately commend bis conſtancie, but in one worde breefe⸗

ly and ſufficiently ſheweth that be excelled paſſing meaſure,

when be ſaith, that be came info Cayppt to ſoiourne there. For

his meaning ts,that beneuer a whit the leſſe kept in bis mind

the poſſeſſion of the promufed land, although be was caſt out of

the fame theough famine, and fied to an ofber place fo gette

fode.And Wwe are faught by thts crample, that the feruants of

©od mu friue again many lettes , that they may ende and

finithe the race of thetr calling. | .

Foꝛ we mult alwayes remember, that Abzam was not

Abramis fome one of the faithfull, but the generall father of thenrall,

the father that all might frame them felues to followwe him. Thereſore,

* be as the condition of this peefent life is vnſtable, and ſubiecte to

om" sethoufande alterations : ſo let vs remember, that to what

itraites fo cuer, famine, warre, andfuch like mutations doe

driue vs, whiche nowe andthenbappen vnto bs contrarteé:

fo our expectation:we mut: not withſtanding keepe the right

She courſe, and p. bot fo cuer our bodies are caricd toe fro,petour

rance js kaith ought to Lande ſtedfaſt. And itis na meruell, femathe

quired of Cananites mainteined their life but fo fo +, that Abzam was

Abrams conſtrained priuately toprouide for hiniſelfe· He bad not fo

children. much as one acre of land: be bad to dee with acruell and mot

Wicked people, tubo would haue fuffercn him rather to peril}

With hunger an hundred times , then they twoulde baue bol

pen him tn bis neve, Such circumſtances as theſe, doe ane

plifie the pꝛaiſe ofthe faith and fortitude, whiche was in A⸗

bam: Firſt, that where as he twas oppreſſed with famineas:

_ touching bovilic fade, be feeneth himſelte with the onely pro⸗

miſe of God : Secondly, that he ts not daawen alway by any

force from that place, (but only fora hort time) where he was

cõmanded to dwell. Hert he is far bulike fo manic men, whõ

euerie light occafion carrieth atvay to fozfake their calling,

1 [ Hefaide toSaraihis wife, } Be ſheweth here howe

Abram purpoter to ſaue bis life, when he dꝛewe nerebnte
Cappt, Wut becaule this place is like vnto a rocke, vohereat

| | many

276

VPON GENESIS. ‘er. Sy tes

many tumble , it is meete that tue weigh foberly and reues fe 7 7
rently, how far. Aba ts woꝛthie fo be excuſed, and how farre Abe
fobeblamed. Jirlke of all there feemeth to bea kinde of lie oe...
mixed with diſſimulation, to the whiche he leadeth his wife,
And although be doth afterivard ercufe himfetfe,that be lied
not, and that be feiqned nothing otherwiſe then the cafe fod:
pet notivithfanding, herein he was greatly fo be blamed, that
it was no gramercie to him, that his wife was not defiled.
Foz in denying her fo be his tuife, he putteth her honeſtie in
hasarde. And hereof cerfeine wicked dogges take occafion to 4p...
barke,and fay that the holie Patriarch was a Watvde to his fandered
Wife: and that he might fubtily prouide fo2 him ſelfe, he nei⸗ by wicked
ther (pared ber honeſtie no2 bis honour, But we may eaſily o⸗ dogses-
uerth20 we this fpttefull popfoned fander thus:namely, p A⸗
bam hada further regard, feeing be was inducd With fo great
courage in other matters, Furthermaze, bow could it be that
be fhoulde rather go info Egypt, then fo returne backe againe
to Haran, 02 into his otune countrie, vnleſſe that in one thing
be bad God alwares befoze bis eves, and his promile firmes
Ip ſettled in his minde2 Seing therefore be neuer ſwarued
fromthe worde of G D D: thereefalfo we may gather, why
He fo greatly feared his life, that be feeketh to hunne the pes
rill thereof, by an other greater then the fame , No doubt he
Wwifhed fo die an Hundzed fimes, rather thento hasarde bis
Wines fame and credit, and fo depriue him felfe of her compa⸗
hie and felletuihippe whome be loucdalone . Wut he confides
ring that the hope offaluation was included in him, and that
be was the founteine of fhe Churche of God, and that the blel⸗
~ fing was pꝛomiſed fo him and fo bis fede in vaine, vnleſſe he
liued: be Doth not nowe make account of bis life for any pats
uate affection be had fo the fleſhe: but becaufe be woulde not
haue the effecte of Gods calling fo vaniſhe alway tn bis death,
fo great acare be bad to preſerue bis life, that be inrefpecte
thereof neglected all other thinges. Thus farre forth be pes
' ferueth praile, that deftring fo line to. a god end, be was reas
bie fo redeeme bis life with any ranfome, Wut in that he deui⸗
feth this indirect meatte, whereby he might boing bis wtfe tne
fo perilLof adulteric,be feemeth bf be excuſed. fhe had ben
ttf, cars

on

278
Errour _
ten tin
1s fap’
with 2°
good in-
ent,

IOHN CALVIWNE

carefull of his lifc, which be might lawfully be, he. ſhoulde at
the left wile hane catk bis care vpon God. J graunt that p pro⸗
uidence of God letteth not ᷣ faithful any thing at al to p2ouise
fo the ſelues: but fo,that they ga not beyonde their appointed
bounds:hereof it falloweth vᷣ Abram foke a right courfe,but in
p verie Way be erred:as it befalleth bs often times, although
we bend our (clucs fo Godward: yet not vᷣſtanding, we fal frs
Dis worde through onaduifed ratheneffe,in feking vnlawfull
means.And this ts cõmonly feene in douffullauatters;becaufe
whenno fuccelle apperefh, ive are eaſily led alway info ſundrie
bywars. Therlore though they be rah Judges, which preciles
ip cõdemne this fact of Abzam: pet nofiwitanding a particular
fall ts not fo be denied, that be fearing death fo be at bande,

committed not the euent of the perill vnto God,rather then to

Queltion.

Aunfwere

Beantie is
ofrentims
derely
bought.

hazarde the honeſtie of bis Wife. Wbherefo2e we are admoni⸗
fhed by this crample, in donbtfull and intricate matters fa
craucthe ſpirit of counfell and prudence of the Loꝛds: and al⸗
ſo to embꝛace ſobꝛietie, that we take nothing m bande raſhly
without his woꝛde. [ 1 knowe that thou arte a verie faire wo-
man, | If may be demaunded howe Sarai could be thus faire
deeing an ode woman. Foꝛ admitte-that the bad. bene afoze
finte a paſſing fatre & comlie perfonage: pet it mult needes be
that veres had abated ber grace: ¢ luc know by experiẽce how.
greatly old ¢ aged wrinkles do deforme, euen the belt ¢ laireſt
coun tenances.Firſt Janſwere, that there is no dout,but that.
there was then moe linelines in men then there ts now:and
we knotue vᷣ ſtrength ¢ life mainteineth forme ¢ beautie, Alfa
ber barrennes p2eferucd much ber beaufic,¢ the whole comlp
ſhape offer bodic:becaule there is nothing that doth weken
women nio2e, then the offen binging forth ofchildaen. Gnd J
doubt not but that the perſectneſſe of her beautie inthat aqe,,
was the fincular gift of Gad. But why be would net haue the
beautie ofthe holte woman fo be woꝛne and impaired fo quic⸗
kelp, we know nof, ercept becaufe the comlincs of ber beantie
was the occafion of great arate tober huſband. Andcommon
erpertence teacheth, that they whiche are nof contented with
a louelp and indifferent co ralluelſe, doe file fo. their great Dav.
mage hotw deere exceeding beautie ts.

a2 Therefore it will come to pafle , J Abzam Geant fo

~

VPON GENESIS? “~ "CAP xXII.

be ininrious vnto the Cqvptians,fo2 that be bath an euil opts
nion of thei, of whonie as pet be had receined no burfe, Ue
rilp, ſceing charitie is not ſuſpicious, be feemeth not to deale
hp2ightly, that be doth not onelp accuſe them of tuft , but alfo
bath themin Cufpicion of murder: J aunfWwere, that the
holy father is not afearde in vaine of that nation, concerning
the which be had bearde many euill reportes. And be had alrez
Die hadelfe where ſuch erpertence offo great wickedneſſe of
mien, that be bad iuſt caufe fo be vtterly afcarde of the pros
phaneconfemnersofOod. Notwithitanding, he pronouns
ceth nothing of the Egyptians: but feeking to perfuade and
bring his wife ints the fante opinion,admonitheth her betime
what may bappen . And Ood commaundeth vs fo fo abſteine
from wicked and finiffer iudgementes, that neuertheleſſe he
permitteth bs fo beware of ſtraunge and vnknoben men:
and this ts done Without iniuring of fhe beth2en . HNotwith⸗
ſtanding, J dente not but that this feare which was in Abzam
erceeded : anda prepoſterous carefulneffe cauſed bint to in⸗
fangle bimfelfe with an other bice,as we haue faide alreadie.

1s ‘{ Andcommended her vnto Pharao . ] Although as
bam finned by fearing fo much, and befo2e the time: pet nots
withſtanding, the ende feacheth thathe feared not in batne:
For bis twife beeing taken from him, is carried onto the king.
Andfirlke , Motes fpeaketh of the Egyptians generally: then
he comimeth to the Courtiers, Wihereby be gineth to vnder⸗
ftand, that repo2te was made euery where of the beautic of
Sarat: and that the twas the mo2e areedilp interteined of the

279,

2

Courtiers, who walke to wilfully in wandering luſtes. AND xioge⸗
Wehereas be addeth that they tolde the king, tue gather botve Courres
olde a corruption it is, whiche at this day ts tobe found twith + are full of
out meafure in Kinges Courtes . Foꝛ ſeing all thinges are “ay,

there garniſhed with flatterics ¢ faire fpeches, the Noblemen “
and Genflemen principalp endeusur themſelues fo bring that
from fime fo fine, which may pleafe their Kinges fantaſie.
Thus tue fer, that he which defireth fo be tn deepeſt fauour, is
addicted not onely to ſeruile flatteries, but alfo contented to
play the Appleſquire. [ Sothe woman was taken into Phara-
os hovfe,] Foꝛ ſamuch as the Was carried atyay,t had ber ae
bode [02 a time in fhe Court many thinke that the was deliled
&, tif, by

280 10UN CALVINE
Sarai ig ULEelbing Fozr it is not credible, that feciug.a lecherous
danger of Mant han ber in hande, that he (pared ber honettie Thus much
defling, Abram had deferued, who ſubmitted not himlelle to the grace

of God, neither yeelded the chatkitic of his wife inte hts protec⸗
tion and cuftodie: buf the puniſhment which follotved freight
after, ſheweth that the Lorde had a care for them both: and
thereby alfo we may gather, that he remained vntouched.
Gnd although Beles erprefleth no ſuche thing in this place:
yet notwithfanding, by comparing this and the like ſtorie,
Genro.6. (inhercof mention ts made in the twentith chapter follotwing)
we gather that God twas ber garde and defence, at that time
{he was th the ſame pertll, God fuffered ber uot to be defiled of
Abimelech the king of Gerar: and thall wwe thinke that be pals
ped her to the will and luff of Pharao? Woulde he not rather
haue made her ſubiect to the {econde rep2oche, being once alres
bie defiled: then fo haue preſerued her, twhiche had alwares li⸗
ucda chafte matrone 2? Furthermoze, ifhe ſhewed himſelle
fo fauourable vnto Abzant, that he deliuered. bis wife front,
chame, being pelded therevnto by him againe: howe can it be
then that he fhoulde not haue prevented the firſt daunger: and
it may perbaps be, that greater integritie was to be founde in
that age, infomuche that the luſtes of Binges tere not fo vn⸗
b2ideled as they be nowe in fome places. ſomelimes. Poreo⸗
uer, korſomuch as Boles addeth, that Abram wasfriendly and
liberally intreated for Sarais fake swe. thereby gather, that
ſhe was honourably interteined of Pharao, and not. accoune
tedas an harlot, Therefore in that Moles ſayth that he was
carricd into the kinges palace, Idoe nofinterp2ct thefame te,
be pone, that the might by and by goe Leepe with the king: but.
that p king might after a ſolemne mancr fake ber to bis wife,
17 [But the Lorde plagued Pharao. J. If Poles did,fimply.
chewe that God puniſhed the ing for adulterie committed,
then it choulde not focuidently appeare ,that be bad. pꝛouided
for the chaftitie of Sarai. But feing be plainly erpreMeth, that,
the Kinges houſe twas plagued fo? Sarai Abams wife, inmy *
iudgement all douting is taken abbay:becaule Ood fo, his ſer⸗
uants fake,put fo his mightic band in time, left Sarat Moule,
berefiled, And bere we bane a notable leſſen, bate tuccu 4

VPON.GENESIS6. CAP. XII.

the Lode keepeth bis feruauntes, who toke bpon him the pro 53.
fection of a contemmed and bate Lraunger,againt a mot puis 22 "°°
faunt king: cuen as this hiſtorie, and fuch like, are celebrated pore that
in the Pſalme:Albeit they were few in number, yea verie fews are his.
and {traungers in the lande: and walked about from nation to Pia 105.14
nation,from one ki. gdome toan other people: yet fuffered he
no man to doe them wrong, but reproued kinges for their fa-
kes, faying: Touch not mine annoynted, and do my Prophetes
noharme. She twhiche alfo confirmeth our fozmer erpofis
tion, Foꝛ if God reproucth Pharao, teak he ſhoulde burt As
bzam., it follotucth that. be kept Sarais honour onuiolated,
Let bs alfo being taught bp ſuch cramples knowe, that hows
ſoeuer sur ſmallneſſe in number and wealteneſſe is contemned:
before the worlde:vet notwithſtanding, that tue are precious
before Gov, infomuch that ve wil declare bimfelf to be an ente
mie vnto Kings, peato the whole worlde fer our ſakes. Let bs
knolve that weare defended, by bis protection, leaſt the vio⸗
lence and twill of thoſe tobiche are mightier then tue, oppreſſe
os. ut it may be demaunded, whether this puntihement Queftion.
Were iuſtly layde bpon Pharao,o2 no: feeing be tntended nef,
neither bp deceipte, nozpet by force, to take alway an ofber:
mans wile. 3 aunfwere that the decdes of men are not to be cvere,
deemed by our indgement, but, are rather fo be examined by
Gods teuell and line : becaule it conuneth to paſſe oftentimes,
that the Lo2de findeth matter in vs iuſtly fo punifhe bs, when
as tue feente in our olwne conceit, fo be boyd of blaine, Kather
let kinges learne out of this hiſtorie to bꝛidle their power, and
in meafure fo bfe their authoitic, and alfo to tye them ſelues
fo a boluntarte lawe of modeſtie. ‘1

F02, although there do not openly appeare any faulte irs
Pbarao ; pet not withſtanding, becauſe he hath not a faithfull
ſcholemaiſter among menne, whiche dare reftraine bis twill,
the L D RD C chakiteth him from heauen. As touching God feerh
bis familie, the fame was without blame: but the Loede bath cauſe of
alwayes iuſt occafions, though hidden from vs, toby be ſhould Aart!
punithe thole whiche may leeme fo be innocent. Jn thathe yo
ſpared bis feruaunt Abzam from puniſhement, tf ought to be ſeethk aos,
alcribed to big fatherly godnelſſe.

ae S,h, 18 [ Thea.

282,

11x -'TOHN CALYVINE an

48 (Them Pharao called Abram, } Pharao doeth iuſtly
ſinde fault with Abꝛam, in whome all the blame was, THe
reade nof here what aunflwere Abram mane: if may be that

he vxcelded fo the true ¢ iu repꝛehenſion. Mottvitkianving,

it may be, that Motes omitteth p ercufe, tubafe purpofe was,
to fhelwe bis diuine prouidence in preferuR? Aba, and his⸗
wile. And although that Abram knew ‘hat he twas iuſtly pu⸗
niſhed for bis foliſhneſſe and pꝛepoſterous warineſſe: pet nots
withſtanding at another tine be fell info the ſame fault, as
toc (hall fee when twe come fo the fame,

20 [And Pharao gaue commandement.] 4n that Pharao
gaue cõmandement,that Abram Mould be fafe conducted out of
bis realure, be might ſceme therefoze fo do 1f,f0 auoide Danner:
becauſe Abram had cauſed the countric fo hate him,as though
he had brought the fcourge of Ood thither twith him. Wut bez
cauſe this coniecture is of fmall credife, J moze finply inter⸗
prete,that Abꝛam had leaue fo departe, and had certeine fouls
piers tent with bim, leatt be might be made a pꝛey. Foꝛ Wwe

knowe how proud the Capptians Were and cruel: and Abzam

alfo was ſubiect onto their enuie, becaufe be being ſoudenly
there inriched, carried as it were ſpoyles away with bum.

CHAPTER. XIII.

Hen Abram went vp from Aegypt,he and his
.| wife,and all that he had,and Loc with him to-
i} ward the South. |

'| ~ And Abram was verie riche in cattell,in fil-
uer,and in golde, :

* 3 | ‘And he went on his iourney from the South towarde
Bethel,to the place where his tent had beene at the beginning ,
betweene Bethel and Haai,

4 Voto the’ place of the altar whiche hee had made
there at the firft: And there Abram called onthe name of the -
[corde si cus 27 tte, BiG ATS
¢ Lotalfo, who went with Abram, had theepe, cattell,
andtentes': ©

6 Sothattheland could not beare them, that they —
we

VPON GENES IS.:.; CAP, XIII.
dwel together: for their ſubſtance was great, ſo that they coul
not dwell together.

7 Alfothere was debate betweene the heardmen of A-
brams cattel, and the heardmen of Lots cattel. (And the:
pees and the Perizzites dwelled at that time in the
Jande. y

8. Then faid Abram vnto Lot, Let there be no ftrife I
pray thee betweene me and thee, neither betweene thy heard-
men and mine heardmen : for we be brethren.

g Isnot the whole lande before thee? Departe I pray
thee from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then will Igo
tothe right; or if thou gv to the right hand, then I will take
the left, pFing |
20 So whenLot lifted vppe hiseyes, he fawethat all the
plaine of lordane was watered euerie where: (for before the

orde de{troyed Sodome and Gomorrah, it'was as the garden
of the Lord,like the land of Aegypt, as thou goeft vnto Zoar.}
u Then Lot chofe ynto him all the plaine of lordane, &
tooke his iourney fromthe Eaſt: and they departed the one
fromthe other. J a ; ot

12, Abram dwelled inthe land of Canaan; and Lot aboade
im the Cities of theplaine, and pitched his tent euen to So-

me.
13 Nowthe men of Sodome were wicked,and exceeding
finnersagainft the Lordy; ) « o.9¢) 0 hop

. 14 Thenthe Lorde ſaid vnto Abram,(after that Lot was
departed from him) Lift vp thine eyes now,& looke fromthe
place where thou art, Northward, and Southward , and Eaft-
ward,and Weſtward. . |

15. Forall the lande which thou feeft,will I giue vnto thee,

and tothy {eedeforeuer, wey pa

26, And J will make'thy feede, as theduft of theearth: fo

that ifaman can number the duft of the earth, then thal! thy
ſeede be numbered,

’ +17 Arife, walke through the land,in the length therof, &

breadth thereof: for I will gue it voto thee. >
>, 28 -Then Abram remoued his tent,and tame and dwelled
‘ys inthe plaincof Mamre, whiche is in Hebron, and builded
there

4283

IOUHN CALVINE
+ there an altar vnto the Lord,

~ a (Them Abram went vp from Aegypt ] In the begin⸗
ming of the Chapter, Moſes commendeth the grace of Ood in
protecting Abzant: whereby it came to pate, that be did not.

onelyretur ne againe in fafetic, but bought with bim alfo
great riches, For this circumttance ts to be noted, that when

beteft Cavpt,being laden with treafure and cattell, be paſſed

his iourney in peace: becauſe it is maruel that the Capptians

Would (nffer that to be tranſported to another place, which Ae

brant had gotten among them, Alto Moles Hetveth, that A⸗

brains riches were no lette onto hint » but that he went for⸗

Ward to the mark confantlp, which be had fet befoze his epes,

bending himlelſe thither ward without fainting 02 Wwearines,

Riches,are Wile knowe how greatly many are lette Wwith meane riches,
aletynto in ſo muche that they cannot lift bp their bead vnto beauen,
tidy - Wut they whom God hath inoued with great riches, are not
ling. onely negligent and flouthfull,but alfo teboly d2otwned in the
Abrams Arth. Wherelore Poles letteth the vertueof Abzam againtt
riches hin- the common bice of others, when he ſheweth that be was held
dered him backe With no impediments to come into the land of Canaan,
Rot. Fo2rhe might haue fought his owne eafe anv commoditie, bits
Der an honeſt ercule, as many are want to doe: ag that it was

tatwfull fo2 him to abide in Egypt, hauing the fanour of God,

whole blelling he had felt there in large and plentifull wife,

ut he forgetteth not what God had giuen to him in charge,
Wherefore as one at libertie and ontied, he hattencth thither,

whither be was called, Wherefore all excuſe is taken front

riche men,if fo be they being fat tied Unto the earth, gtue ne

regarde vnto Oods calling. Wherefore we are here to take

heede of tive extremities. Many appoint angelicall perfecti⸗

bn fo be tn pouertie, as if if were not lawfull to imbꝛace god⸗

lines, and to followe God, ercept we cat away all our riches,

Fewe folloty Crazes of Thebes, who catt his treafure into the

fea, becauſe be thought that he coulde not be faued without

they Were lof. Notwithſtanding, many light and rathe heads

debar rich men from all hope of faluation: euen as tf pouertie

alone Were the gate and tay to heauen: the which notwith⸗
anding,

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XITY,
anding oftentintes doeth intangle men {vith many moe lets
then do riches, Wut Augultine verte wiſely teacheth ve, that.
God aathereth together the riche with the pare into all one.
inberitance of life: becaufe Lazarus the poze man twas taken
bp into the bofome of riche Abraham. Alfo, we are to beware
of the other vice:namely, leſt that riches ſtoppe and binder bs,
o2 clogae bs fo, that ive cannot co foꝛward to the kingdome of
heauen. Ory 3511 |

J

3 And he went on bis iourney,) By thefe wordes Wofes
teacheth that Abram Was nof in quiet,before fuch time as be
was returned backe againe to Bethel; For though be pitched

bis tent in many places:yet notwithſtanding/ he ſettled him⸗

felfe no where, to abide Millin one place. He fpeaketh not of
the South inrefpecte of Egypt :but bemeaneth, that be

" fame info a parte of Sonth Juda:and that fo be came into

’

thatplace, where be bad determined to abide after along
and weariſome tourney. Allo Moles thetucth, that he bad there
builded an altar afore time, and that then alfo he had called
vppon fhe mame of the Lord:to the end tue may knowe, that
hetoas alway conttant in the worhipping of G D D, and
in declaring his godlineſſe. Wthereas fone affirme,that the
inhabitantes of that place tere brought bnto the pure wo
fhippe of God: itis neither likely, nor pet to be gathered out
of Moles wordes. Wie haue ſhewed tn another place, what,
the meaning of thefe wordes is, To call vpon the name of the:

| Lode: 02,3n thename of theLow:namely, To profelle fhe’

frue and pure woꝛſhippe of GD D> For Abram did not
twelue times onely call vpon ODD in bis life time: but
When be prayſed hint, and openly declaren by folemne fernice,
that be bad no fetlowwthippe with the ſuperſtitians of the Gen⸗
tiles, he is then ſaide tocall byon GOD. Although theres
fore be alwayes woꝛſhipped Gon, exerciſed him ſelfe itt dats
ly pravers: vet notwithſtanding, becauſe be daily feitified az
mong men his godlineſſe by outward profeſſion, this vertue
is ſpecially pꝛaiſed by Moles , Wherefore with the altar, in⸗
uocation oucht tobe ioyned: becauſe by the fatrifites tubtche
be offered; he declared what © D D he woꝛſhipped:to tie end
the Canamtes might knowe, that be was not ginen to com⸗
| male

285

186 | -TOHN CALYVINE
* mon idolatries. *
s [Lot alfo,who went with Abram,] How follotveth vᷣ incom⸗
moditie which Abram ſuffered by his riches: namely, that he
las ſeparated and driuen from bis Nephew, euen as from bis
botvells,whome he louedalone, No Doubt, ifhe had had bis
Riches di- tuifhe,he would rather haue catt atvay his riches,then to haue
uide tric⸗ Departed front him, whome be accounted as bis onelyp ſonne:
ndes often notwithſtanding be founde no other remedie fo auoyde balles
tumes· andcontention. Dhal we tinpute this to his evil o2 overmuch
waywardneſſe ,02 elſe to the peruerſe peuiſhneſſe of bis Ne⸗
phetu? Wut F rather indge that we mult conſider the purpofe
of God. It twas fo be feared, that Ab2am woulde haue liked
fo Well of his pꝛoſperous eſtate: euen as wealth and p20s

fperitic blindeth many mei, Wherefore God tempereth the’
fivecteneffe of richelle twithtbitter (Dall : anv taffereth not the’

minde of bis ſeruant to be to much delighted therewith. And
inher a deceiuable opinion vrgeth bs to defire riches inordi⸗

natelp,becaufe tue doe not feele howe many and hoy great ins
ronuentences they bring with them, let the remembaunce of

this hiſtorie ſerue to b2idle that immonerate toue. Gite fooften

as riche men féele any troubles 02 aricfe to tpaing from theu⸗

riches, let them learne to purge their mindes With this medi⸗

cine , leat thepbe addicted beyonde meature to their preſent
godes.And in verie deede vnleſſe Gon ſhould bridie them now

and then, whither woulde men fall, when they abounde in
Inelth?Againe, if ve be brought into any extremitie, let bs als

ſo knowe, that God after this manner feketh to cure the {es

trefe faultes and difeales of our flethe . Zo conclude, ict them

which haue plentie,remember that they are befet rounde a⸗
—— bout with thornes: and let them take hede, lealt they be prices
mes =» REDAL EE them whiche are poze and leſſe plentiful knotve, that
God bebholoeth them, leaſt they choulde be intangled with euill
and hurtkul Mares, This diuorce greeried Abram verie much:

but pet be coulde correct muche of the ſecrete enill, leat riches

ſhoulde choake the feruencie of his seale. Utherefore tf Abram

had neede of fuch a purgation to expell popfon, let vᷣs not mers

uell, ik Ood oftentimes laxying fone puniſhment bpon bs,fubs

due and keepe vnder our laiciutoufaede , Foz he doeth not als
ayes

a

VPON GENESIS. ‘CAP, XIII, 29
Wwavres tarrie till the faithful be kallen: but pꝛouideth fo2 their, 7
againe time fo come. Thus be cozrected not the couctoufnetle
and pride of bis (cruant Abꝛam: bufbya p2eleruatiue medi⸗
cine he bꝛought to paſſe, Sathancoulde not infect his minde
With any manner ofenticeing baites,

7 [Alfo there was debate. |Shat which J haue ſpoken als

readie concerning riches, mutt alfo be thought concerning the
greate fo2e, retinue, and houſholde. We fee howe ambitioully
a great many defire fo haue a great multitude of feruantes,e- —*
uen like vnto a whole people, ut ſceing the great familie of one houte
Abain was fo coftlp,let bs learne fo be well contented with breede tu.
{mall fanulics: 02 elfe alfo to be quite without them if tt feeme mule and
fo gad vnto the Love, Foꝛ tf can not be, but that there muſt Como.
nevdes be a great firre and hurlie burlic in the boule replents °™
fhed with a great number of men, And experience proueth the
pꝛouerbe fo ve frue,that a multitudets commonly verie trous
bleſome. Powe, tf ret and tranquillitic be an vnſpeakable bes
nefite: let bs knowe that tue are in berte god cafe, when we
haue a {mall houfe,and being Without many feruantes do line
{without tumult, We are alfo warned to take carefull heede
by this erample, lea Sathan by indirecte meanes bzing vs
fo contention, Foꝛ when he can not kindle mutuall hatreng
betiveene bs, be bringeth bs info fozreine bzalles and ftrifes, i
Lot and Ab2am did agre fogetber :buta contention being ——
betweene the Sheepeheardes, he carrieth them violently, inſo⸗
much that they are conſtrained fo depart the one from the oz pram,
ther, And pet notwithſtanding there is no doubt, but that As
bram did faithfully inſtructe his ſeruantes to followe peace;
but biscare and endeuour toke no fuche effecte, but that he
perceiueth that they were like vnto blowing bellowes to kine
Dle the moſte peſtilent fire of difcorde in bis houle. Ga berefore
itis nomerucll, if there arife troubles and.tumultes often
tunes tn churches and, congreaations whiche are populous,
Abram had about thee hunded ſeruants: and if is verie like⸗

“Ip that the boutholve of Rot was much leſſe. What then tall
We thinke twill conte. topafle among fine 02 fire thoufande:
{pecially , where they whiche contende are not feruauntes,

vout at their owne libertie Mut euen as we muſte ws
; c

288

OITOHN CALVINE

be troubled with fuch offences : foby all meanes we mutt bes
Ware,that the contentions ware not hot. For evcept a remedis
be prouided in time, they will quickely burt forth into daun⸗
gerous diſcorde The Cananite,and the Pherefite,] Moſes ad⸗
deth this, to amplilie the euill. Foꝛ be telleth that ſuche was
the heate of the contention,that it coulde not be reſtrained or
mitigated. no not with thefeare of prelent deſtructien· Whey
Were beeſet rounde about, with as many enimies/ as neigh⸗
bours. here wanted nothing therefore to deſtroy them, but
the occafion whiche thep gaue by their contentions ¢ b2altes,

Anger ba Thus alfo blinde anger and outrage Depriueth men of reafon,

mifheth re .
fon from

at what time they are qrowen tobe evceding bot in ſcoul⸗

men often DUNE AND chyding, infomuch that they reqarde not death, whi⸗

times.

che they fe before their eves. Wut although the Cananites doe
not alivay befiege bs: pet notwithſtanding, we are conuerfant
among enimies,fo long as we are pilgrimes in the worlde
WU herefore, if ſo be tue haue any care foz our olwnelafetie,o, —
fo2 thefafefie of our bꝛethren, let bs beware of contentions,
which put vs info thedeathfull handes of Sathan,.

8[And Abram fayd vnto Lot,] Fir Boles teacheth, that
when Abram ſawe that contention was grotwne he played the
part of a god houſholder, which feeketh to make peace in bis

familie, and then by bis moderation feketh a remedie to take

Se ruants
ofttimes

fet ftrife

alway the mifchiefe, and although the ſeruantes onely contens
Ded: pet notwithſtanding, he fayth not in vaine, Let there beno
' contetition betweene meand thee. Becaulſe tf can verie hard⸗
Ipbe, but that the contagion of biall and contention twill
come from the houſhold feruants, to be betwene the maifters

betweene themfelues,althouch otherwiſe thep doc agree well togethers

eheir mai

fiers.

and he at the lattforcfeth, that friendthippe can not fande

pnbroken off, orcept he faeke to —8* a remedie in time, the
miſchieke comming on ſo fall, - Mut he remembreth the bond
ofbloud and kinten shot becaule the fame ought to be ſuffici⸗
ent alone to mainteine peace betweene them: but that he might
the moze Bend and mollifie the minde of bis: Pephetw, For at
what time the feare'of Ood ts leſſe effectuall with bs then it
ought toberitis profitable to vſe other helpes, to kœpe vs in
the doing of our ductic, But nowe, ſceing Weare all adopted
i and

VPON GENESIS: CAP: X1mIT.

and chofen fo be the fonnes of God, to the end we might be bre⸗
then mutually one to another,this holie chiunction ts leſſe eſ⸗
teemed of bs then it ought fo be, ercept it be able to pacifie cons
tentions,

9 [Isnot the whole lande before thee?] This is the
fame moderation whiche J (pakeof :. holwe that Abram, to
put alway rife, willingly departeth frombis right. 3fo2, as
pirovernio , that is to lay, ambition , oꝛ a deſire to ouercome, , 1.04
is the mother ofall contentions: euen ſo, then a nian doeth js che mo-
quietly and temperatelp ſforgoe ſome part of his olune right, a the: «
notable remedicis fonnd suf to take alway all beart burning teatious.
and bitterneſſe. Abram might with an bone excuſe, haue tif.
lp defended bis right, which be remittett:but he holoeth back
nothing to purchafe peace: and therefore be gtaunteth vnto
dis nephew bis tithe and defire,

10 [And Lot lifted vp his eyes, As the equitie of Abram
deſerued no ſmall praiſe, ſo the raſhneſſe of Lot is worthie te
be blamed, which Doles deſcribeth here, Modeſtie wilicd him
not to contend with bis fathers bother: and fo the order of
nature required. But euenas if eueric Way be had bene the
fupertour, be taketh the firſt choice, ¢ appointeth to himfelfe
that countrte whiche feemeth to be moꝛe fruifefull and pleas
Tant then the other. And Without all doubt if muſt nedes be,
that whofocuer ſeeketh greedily his own cõmoditie, is vngen⸗
tle toward others. And there is nd doubt but that this inhu⸗
manitie pricked the minde of Abram but with ſilence he digelſ⸗
ted the ſame, leſt happily he might haue giuen occafion of neta
‘offence, And toc ought alwayes thus fo bebaue our felues, fo
often as we fe thofe;to home we are iopned, bninindefull OF cufferance
their duetie: othertwife there (all be no cud of troubles, and of ioiuric
contentions. And whereas he compareth the plaine countrie endech
which lap neare to Sovome, bute the Paradile of God: many “i
interp2eters erpound it,as if be had faive,s if was pleafant,+
, berie fruttfull:becaute the Hebꝛues cal ally ercelleth, diuine.

Not vͤltlanding, J thinke p the faine place is noted, where A⸗

Dam was atthe firkt planted:fo2 Motes letteth not dotwn a ge⸗

neral ſimilitude;but faith p the fame countrie Was wel wates

X red:euen as he ſaid betore of pᷣ fit Entanfionplace of man, how

that a riuer being divided into —— parts watered the ſame:
the

289

IOHN CALVINE

2 90 fhe ſame alfo he addeth concerning parte of Cappel . VFhereby
if doth mozeeutdently appeare, that in one patticular poin€
onely, this place is compared With theother flyo.. 2
13[ Now the men of Sodom were wicked. ]iLof thought bint
felfe happie and blefled, that he had happened bpon fo notable
a bleffing : but at the laſt beperceiued that the choice, twohich
be had taken both rafhly and greedily, chaunced vnto him vn⸗
luckily: becauſe be had fo doe. with pꝛoude and peruerſe pens
ple,to beare with whoſe manners twas a farre moꝛe grieuous
thing,then to wreſtle with the barreneſſe of the land: Zhus he
Foolifhe being wholy carried away with the pleafantnefle of the pro
phantafic fpert;is pumithed foz bis folity vefire.And let bs learne by this
Lor, example, not to give credite onto our eyes: but rather tabes
ware of their inticements,ica they-enutron vs with manpes
Lot (eking uilles vnawares: even as Lot was, tubo, when-he: thought
aParadife that be divelled in the middeſt of Paradile. was fallen almoſt
found hell into the middeſt of hell, Wut it fenreth france, that ſceing the
Rusition. purpole of Poles was to condemne the Sodomites of ertreme
wickedneſſe, why be faith they were euil before the Rorde hp
doth he not rather fay,Beforemen?Jfo2 when men come before
fhe iudgement ſeate of Cod; all mouthes muſt needes be Tope
ped, and the tubole world alſo fubiett bnfo Damnation, Calhere
fore it feemeth that Boles ſpake thus, to extenuate their emt,
But the matter ts otbertuile : fo2 he: meaneth; that they were
Aniwetce not pefiled with common finnesstwhich are oftentimes. found
among men,but thatthey were giuen to horrible wickednes.
the cry whereof was aſcended bnto heauen, and called for. bene
geance at the handes of God, as: we hall {ee hereafter, And in
that the Lorde beareth with them fo2'a time,and not onely fo,
but alfo (ufferen them to dwell in a moſte fruifefull countric,
who notwithfanding were vnworthy of light and life: let vs
thereby learne,that the wicked bane no caufe to flatter thems
felues, when p 102d beareth with them for atime:peashebane
bling them gentlp € liberally, by bis forberance ſtriueth with
their onthankefulnefle, Qotwithitanding, although they tri⸗
umph in theirriot,and.are outragious againt God:vet fo? ail
thatthe childzen of Gop are warned not tocnutethetprofper ⸗·
ritie, but to tarrie the Aords leifure, vntill brains "

a

VPON: GENESIS: « CAD. XII:

from their dronkenneſſe, calleth thent vnto horrible anv feare⸗ 2
fulindaement. Wherefore Csechiel fpeaking of the Sodomites Ezech. 26)
faith that the caufe of thetr deftrurtion was,becaule they were,
full of beead and wine, and repleniſhed with all oelicates, and
were crucll and proude folwardes the pore.
a4 [And the Lordefaydto Abram.)] Pow Moles ſheweth
after that ‘Abzam was diuided from his Pephew, God aaue
him ſolace to quiet his minde, There is no doubt, but that
the dinozce betweene him and Lot did wounde him verie ſore
fing be twas conſtrained to fendehint away, whome be loved
as bis owne life, When as therefo2e he ſayth, that the Love
fpake,the circumſtance of time is to be noted? as if he ſhoulde
fay, that falue ‘was giuen bim to beale bis qreefe. And thus be
teacheth, that the bett remedie to mitigate and helpefo2rowwe,
is placed in the woꝛd of God, (Liftvp thine eyes now, IUhen
the Lo2de p2omileth to Abrams fede the land, we beboloe bis
wonderfull counfell in the departure of Lot. He had appointed
and allotted the land vnto one:if Lot had remained with him,
the chilozenof them both would haue bene mingled together,
The xauſe of the diffention was finneful,but the ore, acco2s
ding to his vnſpeakeable wiſedome, turneth tt onto a gwd end
leſt that the pofteritie of Lat ſhould enioy any part of the inhe⸗
witance. This ts the reafon why be faith, Al the land that theu
ſeeſt will I giue vnto thee,and ynto thy feede for euer. Mhere⸗
fo2e there is no cauſe toby this ſolitarineſſe ſhould be fw aries
uous vnto ther, fince thou art to receiue fo notable a rewarde.
For although the berte fame was promiled vnto Abram alres
die: pet notwithſtanding God nowe applieth his promite, to
remedie the p2efent forrawe. And thus we muit note;that not
onely the promile is repeated againe, which might frenathen
and confirme the faith of Abzant: but alſo that a ſpeciaũ ora⸗
cle is giuenuberebp Abzam might learne, that his fede was
pꝛouided fo2, when i ot twas fepatated from him Luthers ſpe⸗
culation it this and int other places alſo/ is nothing formd,as p
’ God ipake bute him by fome Prophet. Mhen the land is p20»
miled fo2 euer, a perpetuitie is not ſimply merit, buf fuch acon
finuance as ſhould haue an end by vᷣ comming of Chriff Euen
as allo the cauenant tobitly the 102d —⸗ settee
ber ’ fs

49

202 TOHN CALYVINE
| 9 is in many places called euerlaſting:becaute 6 office of Chik
| Was by bis conuning fo renew fhe twozld. Wut the aiteration
which Cheilt brought, was not an aboliſhing of the old promis
fes, buf rather a confirmation of fhent . gn that therfoze God
bath not nowe any peculiar people in the lande of Canaan,
but euerie where difperfed thacughout all partes of the
woꝛlde, that letteth not but that the euerlaſting poffeffion of
the land twas rightip pzomiled to Abꝛams fede, ontilithe res
newing fo come,

16 { And1 will makethy feedeas the duft, ] 4 omifting
all fubtile ¢ curious erpofitions,wherin others vainely ſpend
the tune, doe ſimply inferprete that the fed of Abzam is conte
pared to duſt, becanfe of the erceeding multitude. Andin bes
tie Deed we are not to fetch the fenfe and meaning hereof front
any otbher,then from the wordes of Moles. And tf twas necels
farie that this fhoulde be topned , that God waulde ratfe hint
bp a fede, which as pet be wanted . Thus twe fe bo Oop.
doeth allwayes keepe him within the compafie of his worde,
and how be will haue bim alwayes fo Depend vpon hts mou
the, dbzanvis commaunded to beboide the oul : but when
* caſteth bis eyes vpon bis houſe, what ſimilitude bath ſoli⸗

arineſſe ¢ want of (ede with the duſt which ts innumerable?

od therefore challengeth vnto bim feife this power and aus
thozitic, and twill bane fhe fame attributed vnto bis worde,
that the fame map be fuffictent fo2 vs. This alſo fenieth to
be moze ridiculous, that Gov.commandeth Abzam fo wander
about, bntillbe bath viewed the whole Lande. For fo tbat
ende ſhoulde be doe this , but onely that he might moze eute
dently knolwe that be was a ſtraunger, and that being wea⸗
ried with continuall vnquietneſſe tn baine, be might defpaire
of a ftable and firme polleftiouz S02 howe might be perfuade
bimfelfe that be was Lorde of that lande, tobere he might
fcarfily d2inke Water,though with creat labour he had digged

Farchis Wwellszibut thefe are theerercifes of faith,» tt may behold that

ofteatimes in the woꝛde which ts far off, and hidden from the vnderſtan⸗

tied. ding of the flethe. . Foꝛ faithis a bebolding of thinges abſent:
and it hath the woade as a looking glate 5 voherein it may bee
holde the hidden grace of God. And the srnitiomale begins oo
; aA RY *

VPON GENESIS. CAP? XIIT

at this day is nofbnlike . Foꝛ fing thep are hated of all

men, contemned € flaundered, fing allo they haue no firme

abiving place, buf are ſomtimes driuen hither anv thither,

and doe fuffer nakedneſſe and penurie: yet notwithſtanding.
they nuit take bolde of fhe inheritance of the worlde whiche
is pꝛomiſed onto them, Wherefore let vs learne fo to walke
through theearth, that toben we are ercluded from all reft
and peace, we baue recourfe onto the loking glaſſe of Cons
worde.

a8, { Then Abram remoued his tent. J Bere Moſes ſhebo⸗
eth, that the bolp father being comfo2ted with the newe pro⸗
mife of Ood, went through p land with gret courage, even as
though with bis countenance alone be ſhould ſubdue it. Thus
ive fee howe greatly the worde of God did profit him: not that
be beard any ſtraunge 02 vnwonted thing from the month of
od: but becaufe he had an apte and! timelp medicine.fo2 bis
p2efent greefe, infomuch that with a baliant minde be lifted

‘Bp bin ſelfe towarde heauen, At the lat Moles ſheweth, that

the matvof God hauing finithed bis race and courte, be, retur⸗
med backe againe fo the ballic of Dawe, that he might dwell
there, WBut once againe be commendeth bis godlineſſe, fo2 that

he hauing built an altar; called vppon the name.of God. And

Jhaue alreadie diuerſe times erpounded, what the meaning
wF this is , Foꝛ he carried analtar in bis heart: Wut leing the

Vande was full of pꝛophane and defiled altars, iuberebpon the

Cananites and other nations did falfifie the wo 2hip of Gav,
Abram p2ofelled that be twozthipped the true God: and.that
mot by channce, but accoꝛding tothe fathion which twas pie-
ſcribed vnto him out of the woꝛd of Gov, hereby we gather,
that the altar tobereof mention is made,wwas not with⸗
_ , gutcaufebuildedby bim, butthatit was
confecraten by fhe ſame worde |
hoe 1 of God

¥ —* | — Y | T iii, 3 P CHAP-

‘293

Gods
worde isa
glaſſe of
faich.

too” YOUN CALVINE
1 CHAPTER. XIIII. *

‘Nd in the dayes of Amraphel King of Shinar;
| CONS. Arioch ‘King of Fllafar, Chedor-laomer King
OVE! of Elam,and Tidal King of the nations.
2\€ — Thefe men made warre with Bera King of Sos
——= ——! dome, & with Birfha King of Gomorrha,Shi-
nab King of Admah,and Shemeber Kingof Zeboiim, and the
King of Bela,which is Zoar.
3°) O All thele ioyned together in the vale of Siddim,whiche
3s the ſalte fea, S021 |
4. Twelue yeres werethey fabie& vnto Chedor-laomer,
but in the thirteenth yeare they rebelled,
». $10 And inthe fourteenth yeare came Chedor-laomer,and
ithe Kinges that! were withhim, and finote the Rephaims in
‘Alhteroth Karnaim,and the Zuzims in Ham, andthe Emims
in Shaueh Kiriathaim.
6And the Horites itn their mount Seir,vnto the plaine of
Paran,. which is by the wilderneffe,

7 Andthey returned andcame to Enmifhphat,which is :

Kadeth; and fmote all thecounttie of the Amalekites,ahd alf
‘the Amorites that dwelled'in Hazezontamar,))

8 Thenwent out the King of Sodom, and the King of
Gomorrah, and the King of Admah,and theKing of Zeboiim,
and the King of Bela,whichis Zoar: and they ioyned battell
‘with them,in the vale of Siddim. In Ce
— g Towit,withChedor-laomer King of Elam,and Tidal
King of nations\and Amraphel king of Shinar, & Arioch king
of Ellafar : foure Kings againft fiue, J

10Novw the vale of Siddim was full of flyme pittes, and
the Kinesof Sodome and Gomorrah fledde,and fell there; and
the refidue fleddeto the mounteine. )

11 Then they tookeall-thefubftance of Sodomand Go- -

morrah,and all their victuals,and went their way, ,
12 They tooke Lot alfo Abrams brothers fonne,and his
fubftance (for he dwelt at Sodome) and departed,
13, Then came one-that had efcaped,and tolde Abram the
Hebrue, whiche dwelt in the plaing of Mamre the ig
Os

— —

VPON GENESTS: “AICADS XRII 295
brother of Ethcol,and brother of Aner, whiche were confedes "7 ©
gatewith Abram. . UL e VIN ;

14.!. When Abram heard that his brother was taken, he
brought foorth of them that were borne,and brought vp in his
houſe, three hundred and eighteene, and purfued them ynto
Dan, tl COIs S004 OF hi ij & sues 1

ay) Themhe and his feruaunts diuided themfelues againft
them by night,and {note them, & purſued them vnto Hobah,
whiche is on the left fide of Damafcus. |

16 And herecouered all the fubftance , and alfo brought

ine his brother Lot,and his goods, and the women alfo,and
abe ope fOr, 7 ;

i7 Afterthat he returned from the flaughter of Chedor-
Jaomer,and of the Kinges that were with him,came the King
of Sodome foorth to meete him in the vallie of Shauch, whiche
$s the Kinges dale.

18 And Melchifedech King of Shalembrought foorth
ave ,and Wine: and he was a Priefte of the mofte highe

19 Therefore he blefled him, faying, Bleffed art thou’ A-
bram, of God mofte highe, pofleflour of heauen and earth.

20 And bleffed be the mofte highe God, which hath deli-
tered thine cnimicsinto thinchand. And Abram gauc. him
titheotall iia siong dns .yruP 993 (etned atric 3 |

2i Then the King of Sodome faideto'Abram, Giue me
the perfons, and take the goodesto thy felfe. Cf

22. And Abram faide to the King of Sodome, I haue lift
vp my hand voto the Lorde,the mofte high God, pofleffour of
heanen and cath: 22) chi) DS . Mast uomn
qia3 That L will not take ofall thatis thide } much asa
thread or a fhooelatchet, leaft thou fhouldeft fay] haue made
Abram riche, | m

Nag) Saue onely that which the young men haue eaten, and
the partes of the men which went with ine, Aner, Efchol, and

’ Mamites let them take their partes): 25)

é And in the dayes of Amraphel Che biſtorie which
ss lette ſoꝛth in this Chapter , —— to be remembern
iiij. 2

296

Ambition
is an olde

finne.

rmiX WZodHNn CAL MINE | OFF’
fo} ——— cauſes: namelybecauſe Lot erhortenthe Bor
domites fo repentance, with a ſofte and gentle chaſtiſement;
vnleſſe they had beene pait teaching, and deſper ately obſtinate
in their wickednes: but Lot was beaten with the ſame ſcour⸗
ges, who being deceiued mith the fat of the carth»bad iopnen

bintfelf with the wicked and vngodlie. Secondly,becaule Gor -

hauing mercie on him, ſtirred bp Abꝛam tobe areuenger and
deliuerer of him, andto deliuer the captiue outof the enimies
hande. Wiherein the vnſpeakable godneſſe of ODD toe
wardes thoſe that arebis, doeth plainely thine; twben for one
mans fake; he faueth many moſte vnworthie perfons for a
time, Thirdly, becauſe God had honoured Abrꝛam With nes
table vietorie, and bleſſed hint by the mouth of, Melchiſedech,
in Whole perſon the kingdome and prieſthood twas ſhadowed.
as appeateth by other places of fcripfure. As touching, the
ſumme of the hiſtoꝛie,it ts a hoꝛrible fpectacle both. of * co⸗
——* alſo of the pꝛide of man.
Mankinde had as vet bis thee lathers, Shem, Chant, aud
Japhet: by the fight of fuhont, al men were admonithed that.

they came cucrychoane out-of one boule, And the remem ⸗

boaunceof the oviginall, was a holie pleage of brotherly cons
iunction,that they might belpe one another with mutuall du⸗
ties .. Notwithitanding, ambition taketh place, an fo much
that force of armes beareth the fivay, and enerie one goeth as
boutfo fahauec another. Wherefore, when wwe fe at this dap
Princes fo raife tumult without meature, and to bende their
whole power to ſhake the earth; let bs remember that it is an
olde euill; (ering) in allages a defiretorule bath reigned as

mong men. dWithall notwithſtanding, let vsnote that there *

is no Worle fault then haughtinelle of the minde, which many
think to be anobleaffection, Ihe. ambition of Chadorlaomer
twas the caufe of the whole warre: fo2 be being inllamed with
adefireto rule, brought thee others with him to iopne with
him tn the warre : Wut as for the Sodcnutes ; pride moued
them and their fellowes to beare armour, that thrpmigh¢ |
take off the yoke.

{nt whereas Motes maketh mention of fo many Lings :
Shem being as pet aliue, (thoughe of wickea men it be Monk

—

“VPON GENESIS. CAP, XIII. 207

ned asa fable,)it hath init no abſurditie, if fo be we wey and
confider that fo great an increafe of mankinde , twas the firs

gular and Wonderful woꝛke of Oop, Foꝛ feeing the Lorde
fine to Noah himſelfe and to his fonnes, Growe yeand mul-
tiple: be therby ment fo lift them bp to the hope of the renew⸗
ing of the wold, tubiche fhould be farre more execellent then
the vſuall oder of nature. This blefing is perpefuall >and

~~ fhallatt onto the endof the wozlde ; but it was bebwfeful that

the force thereof ſhould be at that time ertrao2dinaric, wheres
by thote firſt fathers might euidently knotve, that God had
kept a new woꝛld in fore, The Ports feigne that Deucalion,
and bis wiſe caſting tones: bebinde them 01d ſowe menafter
thefloud. WBut it muſt needes be, that miferable fouics were
deluded with thele trifics, when they departed from the pure
fructhof ODD. And Sathan bled his (ubtile ſlight, to diſ⸗
credife the muracles wꝛought by God, Foꝛ, becauſe he coulde
not fo quickly blotte out the remembzance of the floudj:ann
the ftraunge inereafing of the net worlde, be Datkened the «.-: «.
mindes of men with childiſhe imaginations) thatthe fame
might be taken for a fable, whiche afozetime was knowen f
acerfcinetrueth. Meuerthelefle, we muſt note, that Poles ..
talleth allthofeikinges, whiche had thechefefeateand ata — -
thozitie i any foivue, 02 fall companie of men, Jt maybe §
demaunded, whether thole things which followed Chadorlaos
mer dwelt farre off,orneare hand’: becaule T hideal isicalles
hing of the nations, here are fome twhiche imagine thathe
had verie large dominion over divers nations, euen as if be
had beene King of hinges. Alfo the olde Interpreter fetcheth
Arioch, out of Pontus:tubich is berie-ablurds, J rather thinke
that be was fo called, becauſe hehad gathered an armic toge⸗
ther of runnagates and — leauing their coun⸗
trie came vnto him
Therelore, becauſe his bande was not one bodie,and ore one
natine ſoyle, but a rafcal fort gathered tonether from al parts,
he is aptly called iking of the nations, Whereas he faveth;
that the battell teas fought in the vallie oꝛ dale of Sidim/
whiche was then the falte fea: there is no doubt, but that he
aN at and meaneth the wastes Cg lometime Afphalis
V. tes,

“YOHN CALYINE

aK 8 tes ¢' De bid knowe for whome he was appointed a kea⸗

cher’, therefore be alway frameth bis {peache to the capacttie

oftherudeforte : and this commonly he doeth in the names

of places, as Jhaue touched alreadie before. Pottwithitans

ding, before the war began, Moles faith that the inhabitants

of fhe countric in diuers places were ſmitten € banquifhen, It

ts verie likely that they all were {cattered and diſperſed: bes

taufe they had no Capteine vnder whofe ſtandard they might

light, vntill the fiue kinges mette with them, with an armie

well appointed, And although Chadorlaomer, rather by tps

rannie , then by any latvfull authoritie and power, had made

ſo many nations tributaries tuto bim, and fobis ambition

isto be diſallowed: pet notwithitanding, the fubiectes are

iuſtly plaques.becaufe they bad without a cauſe rebelled, Fo⸗

although libertie benot to be hoped fo2 : pet notwithſtanding,

the ſubiection whiche is once laide vppon bs, cannot be atk

off, without rebellion againſt Cod: becaufe all potwer is ordei⸗

Rom. 13.1 ned FO DD sr although inthe beginning it ſpꝛang front —*
button, anda defire to rule.

Rebellion © 2! Mberfore fome of the rebellious (oot arc killed like —*

aaioſt the atherfome,though they put on armour , and are readie to res

Prince,is ſiſt, pet they are put fo flight : fuch vnfoztunate chaunce ſhall

rebellion gif thep haue which dente to pay tribute. And ſuch hiſtories

—— as this are to be noted, that thereby we may learne, that they

do fight againtt ODD , whiche ſecke to be without) gouerne⸗

ment.

io And the Kings of Sodomeand Geriogta fledde, 7
Some erpounde it, that thep fell into the pittes; which ts not
likely: ſeeing they were not iqno2ant of the places thereabous
tes): this might rather happen to the contrarie parte, whiche
Wwereftraungers . Dtherfome fay, that they fell mto theſe
pittes to ſaue their life.w5ut ¥ rather inferp2ef it that as men
in ertreame dDefpaire they chanuged one death with another.
As if Doles Houlalay,that the ſwoꝛds of their enimies were
ſo terrible vnto them that they feared not to caſt themſelues
headlong into thepittes. For ſtreight after he addeth, that
they which eſcaped aline,fied vnto the mounteites . Wdiberes
by Wwe gather, that they ree whiche fell into the * —

nelp

re
)

VPON GENESIS, CAP. XITIL

Onely tet bs knotwe, that they were not fo muche deceiued
with the iqnozance of the place,as they were difcomfiten with
feare whiche caufed their fall,

12 [ They tooke Lotalfo.] It is doubtfull tohether Lot
farried fill at home, when others went forth to fight, ano
was taken there of his entmies ; 02 whether be was conttrais
ned to put on armour with the reſt of the people. Wut becaule
Motes maketh no mention of him, but when he cometh to the
facking of the citie, tt is ap2obable coniecture, that the ſkir⸗
nthe being Done, be was taken bnarmedat home. Fir,
bere tue fee, that ſorrowe and trouble is common bothe tothe
euille tothe god. Secondly,that the moze nere that we are
topned fo wicked and vngodly men, when God powꝛeth bis
bengeaunce vppon them ; the fener bis fcourge commeth one
to vs. |

13 [ Then came one that had efcaped,] This is the ſecond
part of the Chapter, where Poles declareth,that when ODD

loked bppon bis feruante Lot, be gaue Abzam onto him to be
‘his helper and deliuerer, to free him out of the handes of his
enimies, But bere arife diuerfe queftions, Whether it
woere lawful for Abꝛam, beeing a pꝛiuate man, to arme bis fas
milie againſt hinges, and fo take in bande open twarre. Ifor

‘my parfe doubt not, but that as be went fo battell, beeing ars

med With the power of fhe holy Ghoſt: fo alfo be twas furni⸗
hed with the commaundenient of © D D, that be might not
paſſe the boundes of bis calling,

either ought this to fame new , feing his calling fas
{peciall.e was alreadie created hing of that lanve. Although
the poſſeſſion twas deferred vntill an other fime:pet not with⸗
Landing, God wouldve gine fome fingular teken of his power,
whiche was as pet vnknobwen vnto men: Suche a begin⸗
ning Wereade Was in Boles, who killed the Capptian, bee
fore be openly prꝛofeſſed him ſelfe to bea reuenger and deli⸗
uerer of bis countriemen.

And this ts therefore to be nofed,fo the end that they which
defire fo Defende them ¢ theirs by dint of ſword, fo often as any
ſorce ts offered bnfo them, might not make this veda rulefo
ſerue their furne, Hereafter we Hal ſee, that fame * *

iently

299.

‘IOHN CALYVINE

3 hal tiently and quietly fuffered ininries , tobiche might no leſſe
haue ſtirred his minde . Alto, that Abram twke nothing in
hande vnaduiſedly, but was rather appointed and firey: by
of God fo this enterpiſe, it hall plainly appeare anon by the
commendation whiche Pelchifevech giueth him. Therefore
lef bs aſſure our ſelues,that be toke this war in hande by the
fingular direction of the holy Ghoſt. If any man obiect,that
neuertheleſſe he proceeded further them toas mete, when be
fpopied the conquerours of their prey and captiues,ano fet the
Sodomites at libertie, which were not committed to his gard
and defence: J aunfivere, that teeing itis euident, that Gov
was bis quide,and the authour of the enterpriſe, the whiche
ts to be gathered by the allowance thereof, there is no cauſe
why we thoulde difpute of bis {ecrete tudgement, The Sodo⸗
mites, their neighboures being deftroyed, were referucdto
a moze heauie tudgement,becaule they were the worſte of all
other. Wherefore be kirreth bp his feruant Abzam, fo deliuer
thofe that were admoniched by a chattifinent tharpe inough :
to the ende they miaht be made the more merculable. So that
this fpeciall inſtincte of the holy Ghoſte, ought fo be drawen
—* example no moze , then the whole warre whiche be

lde.

As touching § metlinger which brought nelwes fo Abram of
the ouerthzotwe of p Sodomites: Jallow not that which fome
Imagine: namely, thathe was a godly man. We may rather
contecure, that he being fled from bis houfe, and ſpoyled of
all that be bad, came vnto Abram, that he miaht finde’ fome
humanitie at bis hands . Abram is here called an Hebrue, bee
cauſe became of Cher, Foꝛ itis the name proper to bis kins
red, And the holy Ghoſt publiſheth bere againe honourably,
that the fame ftocke twas bleffen . [ Whiche were confederate
with Abram], It apeareth that Abzam in cotinuance of time
Was moze friendly interteined, in fo much that be bad frends
Mippe and familtaritie with the princes ofthelande . Foꝛ
the noble vertues that Wwereinbint , mave them fo thinke
that be was a man not to be deſpiſed. Bea, ſoing he hin felfe
‘had (0 areata familtc,be might haue place among the ings,

vnleſſe be had bene a mere Kraunger and foiourner , sd
u

ae

-VPON GENESIS. CAP. XITIT,
But ODD would thus prouide fo2 bis peace, by a tems 301
porall league, in fo muche that be was neuer mired with
nations, “nod that all this bufinefle was directed by
ODD, we mar hereby eafilp coniecture, becaule his adhe⸗
rentes durff affatle with greate perill , foure Ringes, accor
dina to the ftate of the time, of (ufficient ftrength,and coura⸗
gious bppon truſt of bicto2te. Uerily, they would nes
uer fo2 a ftraungers lake baue enterp2ifed fo farre,bad it not
beene by the fecrete motion of God,
14. [When Abram heard that his brother was taken, ] Mo⸗
fes b2eefly ſheweth the cauſe why Abzam foke this warre in
hand:namely,that be might deliver bis coufine out of captiui⸗
tice, In the meane time let bs remember that tobich J ſaid
befo2e,that be armed not himſelfe bnaduifedlp , but by Gods 5
appointment, who bad made him Lorde of the lande. Moſes ped him-
calleth thoſe which accompanied Abram fo the field,feruants: (clfe at
but not fuche as were trained bp in feates of tuarre, as many Seds ap⸗
thinke: but in my iudgement rather fuche, as were bought Pom
bppe bnder bis band,and were onder bis difcipline from their
childebwde, in fo muche that they fought couragioufyp vnder
bis faith and conducte, and were readte to fuffer any manner
of perill for bis fake. | Gnvin fo qreate a familie, we are fo
confider ,befide the endenour of the holie father, the bleffing of
God, by bohiche be was increafed beyond fhe commen and
wonted manner,
~. ag {Then he and hisferuauntes diuided.] Some fay,
that Abzam alone, with bis houtholdarmie , fell bppon their
enimies. Dtherfome, that be,and bts tha confederates di⸗
uided themfelues into fenerall fropes, that they might terri-
fie their entmiesthe moze. Dthers alfo thinke, that it is an
Hebꝛue phrale,tn ead of, To bꝛeake bppon the face, and into
the middeſt of ther enimics. J rather allolwe the ſeconde
erpofition, that encountering with the cnimies on Ddiuerfe
partes, be ſoudenly amazed them. Foꝛ to this effect ferueth
—* circumſtance of time, becaufe they aſſailed them tn the
nicht,
And althoughe twe finde fuche eramples in the pophane

hiſtories,

rOHN CALYVINE

302 hittortes, of f like bolones:pet nofwithtanding, it ought fo be

- — afcribedto the faith of Abzam, that be dur with a finall band
inuadea great armie, and proude alfo of the vidorie and ſpoile
alittle before gotten. And in that be made a full conquett of
thent quickely with little ado,and without feare purſued thoſe
which were farre moe in number then bis fide, we are to ate
tribute the ſame to the grace of Good,

17, (Camethe king of Sodom foorth. ] Although the king
of Sovom knewe,that Abzam armed not himfelfe, but fo2 bis
kinfeman Lots fake : pet notwithſtanding, for honours fake
he goeth forth to meet him, that he might he himſelf thanke
full onto him, Foꝛ it is the duetie of Humanitic, fo acknow/
ledge thofe benefites which are beſtowed on vs, as well by oc⸗
cafion and chaunce,as of purpofe, And, all this turneth to the
greater glorie of Ood,that Abzams bictorie was fo ſolemni⸗
sed, He nameth the place alio where the king of Soom mette
With Abzam : namely, in the Kings dale ; the which J thinke
twas fo called of fome King rather for bis pleafure, then bee
cauſe Kinges bien to mete there, |

| 18 [And Melchifedech King of Salem.) This is the third
yee principal point of this Chapter,that Belchiferech by the right
Saha. Sf prieſthode bleſſed Abzam the cherfe father of the Church, res
bram. cetuing bim with a banquet, € take of him tithes, There is no
poubf, but that Gov intended to make p victorie of Abzam fas
mous, and to be remembꝛed of all potterities , by the comming
ofthis thing alfo to mete him. Wut a moꝛe bigh and ercele
lent myfteric was herewithall havowed . Foꝛr ſeeing the holie
: BPatriarche, whome God had eralted to the moſte high degree
ofhonour, fubmitted him felfe fo Welchifenech, there is no
doubt, but that be appointed him to be the beade alone of the
whole Church. Foꝛ withoutall controuerfie,the folemne ble
fing, which Melchiſedech bfurpeth to him felfe , was a figne of
principall dignitie. Ifany man obtec and ſay, that he was a
prtefte : twas not’ Abꝛam alſo a prielte 7 Wherefore God doth
bere commend onto bs fome fingular thing in Welchifevech, —
twhen be preferreth him befoze the father of all the faiths
full, But it thall be better fo Weigh and diſcuſſe all the vooꝛdes
| ne)

)

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XIIII:
sill abam ealonthatinetimnationsnars oatuer sie tees OR
the ſumme of the matter. In that be gaue Abzam and bis coms
panic interteinment, it was kinglies and blefing properly
belongeth to the office of Pꝛieſthod.

Sherefore we ought to order the wordes of Boles thus:
Melchiſedech ing of Salem brought fozth bseave and twine: Melchiſe⸗
and being the Paielbof God, he bletten abram. So we hath ics
attribute that which belongeth to either perfor, feucrallp.be: , Pricft ale
refreſhed the wearie and bungrie armic with kinglie liberas fo,
litie: and becaule be was a Pꝛieſte, be bleſſed with afolemne
rite of payer the firfte begotten fonne of Gon, and the fae
therafthe Churche..

And although J dente not, but that this was the mofte ane
cient manner;that thep whiche were kinges: erecufed the ofe
fice of Pꝛieſthode alfos Notwithſtanding it appeareth, that
this: was an. erfraozdinarie. thing in Melchiledech in that
age. Peither bath be any conunon title giuen onto him, when

bode ts ſayde to be confirmed by the ſpirite. We

Enotne how corrupt religion twas euerie where at that time,
when as Abzam bun felfe,, which fp2ang from the holy ſtocke
of Sem and Cher, was with bis father and graundfather,.
drowned in the deepe gulphe of fuperttitions. Thereſfore mas
hy imagine that this PMelchiledech was Sc: to whome J
tannot{ublcribe, being letfe:by many reafons, Foꝛ the Lode
Wwoulde not haue noted a man woꝛthie of euerlatting memes
ric, with a newe and obfcure name onely, that be mighte ree
maine dnknowen, Againe,it is not likely, that he came out of
the Cafe into Judea, neither can Wwe gather any ſuche thing
out of Moles two2des..

Thirdly, if Sem had divelt in fhe lande of Canaan , A⸗
beam woulde not haue wandered about in fo long a compaſſe,
as Poles hitherto hath declared that he did , vntill be bad
fene ¢ faluted bis great grandfather , And the admonition of
_ the dpoftle is of great tucight:namely that this Pelchifedech, :
whoſoeuer be was,came as if were froin the cloudes bnto bs, Heb.73-
without oviginal,¢ without ending; Jfo2 in aman bnknowen,
Setometali gers C22 doeth mozebzightly we

TOHN CALVINE-

'

; o4 cauſe amindelt the corruptions of the wold, be onelp twas &
ſincere mainteiner and follower of godlineſſe, in that Lande.
Jomitte the voting dꝛeames whiche Hicrome heapeth vp in
Anziting fo Euagrius, leaſte J be troublefome to the readers
Without fruife. ¥ am cafily perfuaded, that Salem is taken
fo2 Hieruſalem: and this opinion is moſte allotved. Howbe⸗/
if, if any man bad rather imbrace the contrarie opinion, that
it was a towne fituated in the ballic, Jgaineſay it not.
Hicrome in this point difagreth : not withſtanding, that whi⸗
che he ſheweth in an otber place, howe that in bis time there

- Were remaining certeine monumentes andfokens tn the old
ruines of Belchifenechs palace , feemeth fo me not credible,
ow it refketh, that we fe howe Welchtlerech bare the
figure of Chriſte, and was as if were the image ofhun . Whe
Phal.r10, 4 wordes are the Prꝛophet Dauives, The Lorde {ware,and will
Melchife NOt repent: T hou art a Prieft for ener, after the order of Mel-
dech a fi- Chifedech He firſt placed hint in bis kinglie feate,and then he
gureof giueth vnto him the honour of Prielthode. Wut it is euident
Chrifte. that thefe tivo offices were fo feuerall in the time of thelatwe,
that it twas bnlawefull for binges to take vnto them the
Priekthare , Aomitte that it was true whiche Plato tapth,
anid other of the Poetes allo, that it tuas the common cultome
ofthe Gentiles, thatone man thould be both dking and Pꝛrielſt:
vet the fame belonged not by any meanes to Dauid and fo
his polteritic, whome the lawe vtterly foꝛbadde the office of
Pꝛieſthode. oY
Ih. -efore it Was mete that the fame tubiche twas ordei⸗
ned by God inthe time of the. sloe lawe, fhoulde be abꝛogated
in the perfon of this Priel. Meither is if without cauſe, that
Heb.7.r0. the Avoltle affirineth the new Pꝛieſthod to be better ¢ moe
ercelient then that olde and thadowed prieſthode, whiche is
confirmed by an oathe, Wut butill we conre Onto Chrifke, we
(hall not finde this Ring and Prieſt, whiche had the preemi⸗
hence ainong all the reff, deine |
And as there was neuer any man befide Chriſt, which was
comparable to Delchifederh in dignitie:euenſo hereby we ga⸗
ther that erpretle image of Chit was offered to the fathers
in

*

VPON GENESIS. CAP. xtrry: Of
in his perſon. Peither doth Dauid bing forth any fimitifude, 3 5
ſorged by him felfe : but tettifieth wherefore the kingdeme of
Chu was oꝛdeined by Dod, and confirmed twith an othe: And
therets no doubt, but that thefame twas taught long agoe by

the fathers. The ſumme ts this,that Chitt thall be ſo the next

thing vnto G D D, that be hall be alfo annopnted a Peꝛielſte,

and that ſor ever: The whiche is very profitable fo2 vs to
knoine, that we may learne fo wpne the kingly power of
Chrilke, with the office of Pꝛieſthode. Whe very fanie theres

foze which ordeimed the onely and enerlatting Peieſt, that he
night reconcile bs vnto God, and affer bis facrifice offered,
might make interceffion fo2 bs, is alſo aking of erceding pos

iwer fo faue bs and to defend bs, by his protection. Thus it
commeth to paffe,that Wwe pꝛeſuming bpon bis defence,do prez

fent our felues Without feare befoze the face of Cod, whom we
knowe will be fauourable bnto bs, and trufting fo bis inuin⸗

tible arme, tue boldly boat again€ all kinde ef enimies. Mut

they which diuide one office from the other, fearing Chaifte in
peeces, mapme their faith, and depriue tt of balfe ber fap. Al⸗

fo it is fo be noted, that Chꝛiſte ts called a king for euer, like

vnto Melchiſedech. For fing the Scripture affigneth no end

ofbis life, but leaucthbim, as it were, aliue throughout all
ages : it painteth and ſetteth fo2th vnto bs in bis perfon, a
figure, nof of a tempoꝛall, buf of an euerlaſting kingdome,

And feing Chrfke by his death hath fulfilled the office of a
Pꝛieſte, it follotucth that by the fame one facrifice,God is once
pleated, info much, that now tue neede not ſeeke for any other
reconciliation. daherefoze all they doe great iniurie bntobim, |
and doe robbe him of that honour twhich Ood hath given bnto »,, priefts
bin by an othe, which epther fet bp other facrifices to fatilfie nowe: bur
fo2 finnes,o2make other Prieſtes. And J would to God that Chnt.
this bad bene wiſely weighed of the auncient weiters of the
Church. Foꝛ then they would not fo coldly, and fo ignorant⸗

lp haue tranflated the beade and the wine, to the ſimilitude of
Chailte, and of Delchifedech, which confitteth inmatters farre

different, | i
hey haue thought that Welchiferech is the image of

» Chrilke : bycaule he offered bꝛeade and wine . Foꝛ they *

—

306

{fOHN CALVINE *
that Chik hath offer cd his body, which ts the liuely anv quic⸗
kening beeade : and his bloud, which ts the (pirituall d2inke,

Hebr. 7.1, Wut the Apotkle itt his Cpiftle to the Hebrues, exactly collec⸗

The Pa-
piftes will
be like to
Melchifes.
dech.

ting, and particularly pꝛoſequuting all that, wherein Pelchi⸗
fedech had any fimilitude with Chꝛiſt, ſpeaketh not one worde
of bꝛeade and wine. Ff fo be the fabtile curiofitie of Tertullian
and fuch like be tric, if was very much negligence, in diſcuſ⸗
fing every particular point, which was of fmail weight, not to
ſpeake one worde of the p2incipall matter. And concerning |
the Prieſthode, feing the Apottle maketh ſo large and exact a
difcourfe, howe groſſe forgetfulneſſe was this,not to tauch the
nofable faerifice, therein the whole force of the Prieſthode
Iwas included 2 By the bleſſing and tithes, be p2oucth his ho⸗
nour: but howe much moze aptly ſerued this fo2 the purpofe,
that be offered inthe fiqure not lambes and calues,but the life
of the world, that is ta fay, the body and bloud of Charike 2 wy
thefe reafons, that olde unagination is fufficiently ouertheo⸗
wen, Howbeit, we map take out of the wordes of Moles a conz
futation plaine pnough, Foꝛ tue reabe not there, that any
thing was offered vnto God, but in one tert be fapth thus, He
offered breade and wine: and being the Prieft of the mofthigh
God,he blefSed him. Taha feeth not that the Kelatiue belongs
cihto both wordes: and that therefore Abzam twas refres
23. as Well with breade and twine, as honcared with the blefs
ſing? Wat very ridiculous ave the Wapiftes, which wel the
oblation of the bꝛeade and wine, to the facrifice of their Maſſie.
Foꝛ fo make Welchifedech itke vnto them, breade and wine
multe needes be offered in the Male, Where then is trans
fubantiation, tobiche leaucth nothing but barefianes? Gls
fo, with what pꝛeſumption doc they deliuer the body of Chriſt
to their fatrificers fo be offered? with what colour, fring the
fone of Oad ts called the only fucceffour of Pelchifedech, doe
thep appoint an innumerable compante of fucceflours 2 Where
fore Wwe fee, how groſſely they doc not only depraue thts place, —
but alfo babble without any manner of colour, ef
19 [He blefled him.] Unleſſe thefe two partes, He was the
Prictt of Gott,¢ He bleſſed do agre together, Moles repoꝛteth
nothing bere,butthat which is cõmon. Foz men do bleſſe one
an o⸗

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XIIII. leu,
another:that is to fay,theyp wiſh wel one to an other. Wut here 3 : 7
the Pꝛieſt of Dod is nefcribed vnto bs, who bythe authoꝛitie
of his office,bleffeth his inferio2, Foꝛ be wold never haue pes
ſumed fo bleſſe Abzam, Onlefle he had knowne that in this

point be excelled hint, After this maner the Leuiticall Prichs fa
are conumaunded to bleſſe the people:¢ God promifeth that the Num-es
ſame thal be effectual,o Ch2ifk afcending info beauen,lifting Luk.24o$te
bp bis hands, bletted his Apottles,as the nunifter ef the grace
of God: € then twas the truth of this ficure perfozmed. Foꝛ be
teftified.that the father bad qtuen vnto bun authoz2itie to bleſſe
the Church, the which was pefiqured in Melchiſedech. (Blef-
fed art thou Abram of God.] The purpofe of Welchifedech is
fo confirme ¢ ratifie fo holpAb2amt,the grace of the diutne cale
ling. 302 he meaneth that honour, where with God had efpecte
ally adorned hint, chafing him from al the reſt, adopting hint
fo be bis font. And be calleth Gud, by tobom Ab2am was cho
fen, the poſſeſſer of heauen € earth:to put a difference betwœne
him e the falfe idols of the Gentiles, Afterward, God adorned
him felfe with other fitles, that by a moze neere note, be might
make bint (elfe familiar onto men, who according to the bants
tic of their nature, toben they beare that Oodis the maker of
beauen ¢ earth, ceaſe not fo wander vntil they banith alway in
their own imaginations. Wut bicaufe Ood twas already knos
Wen bute Abram, ¢ {eeing bis faith was foꝛmed by many ora⸗
tles, Melchiſedech thought it fuffictét by p title of the creation
fo teftific,$ ut was p true ¢ only God, whom Abram worſhip⸗
ped. And although be him ſelfe alſo had the ſincere worſhip of p
true God:vet notwithſtanding, he calleth Abzam the bleſſed of
(Sod, in refpect of the euerlafting couenant: as if he ould fay,
that by right of inheritance, the grace of Con reſteth bpon one
ftocke ¢ kinred, bicaufe oniy Abzam twas chofen from among
the whole world. Where is alſo added a (peciall gratulation of
the victorie, but not fuch as ts cOmonly bled among prophane
nicn, toben as one of them ertolleth an other with vaine prai⸗

” fes : but Melehitevech giueth thankes to Cod: ¢ maketh p vice

torp which holy ma had gotten, as a feale of his fre calling.
. 20 [And Abram gaue him tithes. ] There are fome which

» alter this tert,¢ fap,$ tithes toere giuen fo Abꝛam: but the as
8 V.ij. pottis

308

Abram of-

fereth tic
thes to
Melchife-
dech.
Hebr.7,

IOHN CALVINE

poftleteacheth otherwiſe, howe that fenthes were giuen fe
Leui in the lopnes of Abzam, feeing that Abzam offered tithes
toa moꝛe ercellent Prieſte. And it is abfurde, that men will
haue them fo be moze cheefe : bycauſe if Welchifedech had bene
a Prick, be ſhould rather haue receined tithes, then giuen thé.
But thereis nodoubt, but that Ab2am tn the perfon of Pels
chifedech, offered his gift vnto God, ÿ in fuch tithes he might
nedicate all that be had bnto him. Abram therfore of his owne
acco2d, offered fithe for Melchiſedechs fake, that he miaht hos
no2 bis P2tehad, And fring it is euident,that the fame was
not done amiſſe, nepther without caule,the Apoſtle gathereth
iuſtly, that inthis fiqure the Leutticall Prieſthode was ſub⸗
tect tu the Prtelhwde of Chriſte. Fo2 other caufes afterward
bnder the tine of the lave, God gaue commaundement,that
tithes (hould be giuen tothe Leuites: MeuertheleMe, in As
bams time tt was onely a holp oblation, and a pledge and tes
ſtimonie of thankfulnefle, Potiwithtanding, it ts bneerfeines
whether be offered the tenthe of his fpoyles, o2 of bis godes
Which be bad at home in bis houſe. But bycaule it ts not tikes
ly, that be was liberall of other mens godes, and that be gave
tie tenth part of the pep, wherof he would not touch fo much
as a thꝛead: J rather coniccure, that thele tithes were rather
faken of bis owne godes. Howbeit, ¥ affirme not that thep
Wwere payed cuerp peare as fome thinke : nepther could be at
that time giue if by tradition : but it was a folenine declara⸗
tion,the effect whereof ſhortly after followed,

21 [ Thekinz of Sodome faide to Abram. ] Bycauſe Po⸗
fes had bꝛoken off the ſtorie of the king of Sodome,in making
mention by the way of the king of Salem,be nowe returneth
fo the fame againe: and teacheth, that the king of Sodome
nict with Abram, not only to qratifie him, but alfo to gine vn⸗
to hint bis due reward, BWhereforehe remitteth onto him the
Iwhole pep, ercept the men: As if be ſhould fap, It ts a greate
benefite that % haue recouered mp men:as fo2 all the reſt, take

it for thp reward, And this is woꝛthie of pratle,that be Hhetve ·

eth bim felfe thankfull nto man: iffo be he bad not bene vn⸗
tbankfull onto © D D, in that be twas made neuer a whit the
better, neyther by bis (cucritie,no2 by bis clemencte,

“

Alto,

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XxIII, 309
Allo it may be, that the man being poze, and {popled of all his
gods, through feruile diffimulation of modeſtie, fought to act
the fauour of Abram, that be might at the leaſt inioy the priſo⸗
ners, and the emptie citie. Foꝛ hereafter we thall fer, that the
Hovomits tocre vnmindkul of the benefit receiued, when both
proudly and wickedly thep bered holy Lot. Whis olde cerenios
nie was berp apt to expreſſe the force and nature of an oath,
Foꝛ by holding bp our bande vnto heauen, Wwe ſhewe that we
call God fo be a witneſſe: and alfoareuenger, tf we decciue.
Foꝛ by this evternall geſture they telkified, that they appealed
to the pefence of ODD, making bun as well the defeuder of
trueth,as alfo the puniſher of periurie. Notwithſtanding, it
map feeme Trance, why Ab2am fo eafilp is moued to fiveare ¢
302 he knew that this reverence was to be giuen to the name
of God, that we ſhould bfe the fame fparingly,and ontyp fo2 nes
tellitic. Janſwere, that he bad a double cauſe tofweare, Foꝛ
bycaufe falfe and vnconſtant men, are wont fo meafure other
men by them ſelues, they feldome giue credife onto fimple
Wwo2ds, The lking of Sodome therfore would haue thouught,
that Abram hav not in god earneſt forgone bis right, vnleſſe
be bad bfed withall thename of ODD, Againe, it was necels
farie that all men ſhould (ee and knowe, that be went notte
warre for hire, The biftovies of all times doce ſufficiently dee
clare, that thep which haue had tuft caufe of tuarre, haue note
withltanding, fought thetr owne p2tuate commoditics. And
ag men are wile fo finde thiftes, and to make ercufes, fe thep
neuer want caules, although couctoufneffe onlp pricke thent
forwarde. Wherefore, vnleſſe Abram had ſtoutly reieced the wy... 55 op
fpotles of the warre, it would quickly baue bene reported, that certimes
vnder the colour ofrecoucring his kinfinan,be aredily ſought eke in
the prep. Lhe which repost, it behwucd him carefully to ſhun, heed !or_
not onely fo2 his otune ſake, but alfo fo2 the glo2y of Gon, to
whome ould haue bene giuenfome finifer nofe. Porcover,
Abram thought qed fo arme him felfe with the name of Cond,
as witha buckler, againlt all the inticing Mares of couetouſ⸗
nefic. For the king of Sorom Would not haue ceaſſed, to tempt
bis minde by diuers meanes, onlefle with gentle ſpeaches, all
» occafion bad bene cut of in time,
¥ V.iij. 33 [So

310 ' IOHN CAL VINE iy
23 T80 much as a thread or a Mode latchet,] The Hebrues
haue an vnperfect forme of ſwearing, wherein is to be vnder⸗
Trade a wiſhing for puniſhhment. Sometimes a full expreſſion
rSamur4 is £0 be foundin the Scriptures yas, The Lord do fo and fote
44. ine,&c. Notwithtanding bycaule it ts a horr ible thing fo lall
Into the handes of the liuing God, fo the end a greater conſci⸗
ence mar Be made of an othe this vnperlect and broken ſpeach
feacheth men, fo weigh and conſider with them ſelues what
they dee > Foy it is as much as if they ſhould lay their hande
bpon heir mouth,and ſhould breake off in the middelt of their
Swearing ff peach, Anythis ts molt certeine, that men af no time ſweare
— without a cauſe, but they pꝛouoke the vengeance of ODD fo
col to. ight vppon thent, and make hint theirentnte, [Leatt thou
wrath, fhoaldeft ſay l haue niade Abram ticli] Although thete words
fiente to note a haughtie mitide, fo much defiving a name: vet
nofwithTanding, bycaufe Abzant in this point ts commended
by the holy Ohott,this was holp fostitude of the minde. But
an exception ts added: namelp, that he will not haue bis bes
ralitie hurtful to his fellowes, nor pet make then fubica vnts
bis lawes. Fo2 this is not the lett part of vertne,fo to Yo well;
that thou conttreine not and tye others onto thy example, as
onto a rule, Let euery one therefore confider, what bis calling
Both require, what belongeth vnto his dutic,lef by their own
iil, they be iniurtous one fo an other, For it is tomuch impes
rious waywardneſſe, fo make that which toe follow as right,
fo be in ſteede of a law vnto others, Which may nof be broken.

CHAPTER. XV.
2] Fter thefe things, the word of the Lord came to
Abram ina vifion, faying : Feare not Abram, I
§| am thy buckler, and thine exceeding great re-

warde.
And Abram faide,O Lord God, what wilt thou

giue me,feeing I goe childleffe,and the {lewarde of mine houſe

is this Ehezer of Damafcus ?
3 Againe, Abram faide, Beholde,to me thou haft giuen no
{cede : wherfore:loe,a feruant of mine houfe thalbe mine heire.

4 Then behold,the word of the Lord came vnto him,fay-
| ga A, ing,

_

on

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XY. il.
ing, He fhall not be thine heire, but one that fhall come out of *
thine owne bowels, he ſhall be thine heire.
¢ Moreouer,he brought him foorth, and faide, Looke vp
nowe vnto heauen, and tell the ftarres, ifthou be able to num-
ber them: and he faide vnto him,So fhall thy feede be.

6 And Abram beleeued the Lorde, and he counted that to
him for righteoufnefle, *

7 Againe, he ſaide vnto him, Iam the Lorde that bro-
ught thee out of Vrofthe Chaldeis, to giue thee this lande to
inherite it,

8 And hefaide,O Lord God,whereby fhall I knowe,that,
I thall inheriteit ?

9 Then hefaideynto him, Take me an Heyfer of three
yeares olde, and a fhe Goate of three yeres olde ,and a Ram of
three yeares olde, a Turtle doue alfo,and a Pigeon,

10 Sohetooke all thefe ynto him, and diuided them in
the middeft,and laid euery peece one againft an other : but the
birds diuided he not.

it Then foules fell on the carcafes , and Abram droue them
away. :
- And when the Sun went down,there fel an heauie flepe

vpon Abram:and loe,a very fearefull darkneffe fell vpon him.
13 Then he faid to Abram, Knowe this of a furette,that thy
feede fhall be a {traunger ina land that is not theirs, foure hun-
dred yeres,and thal ferue them: and they fhal intreat them euil.
14. Notwithftanding,the nation whom they thal ferue, will
iudge, and afterward fhall they come out with great fub{tance,
15 But thou fhalt goe tothy fathersin peace, and fhalt be
buried in.a good age. Prez
a° 16 And in the fourth generation theyfhall come hither a-
gaine : for the wickednefle of the Amoritesismot yet full.
17 Alfo;when the Sunne went downe, there was a darknes,
and beholde, a fmoaking fornace, anda firebrand, which went
betweenethofe peetes; Poi aivesl
18 In that fame day the Lorde made a couenaunt with, A-
bram,faying, Vnto thy {cede haue I giuen thistande, from the
riuer of Aegypt,vntothe gréat riuet,the riuet Euphrates.
» 9 The Kenites,and the Kenizitessand the Kadmonites, .

Vanj. 20

IOHN CALVINE

312 _ 26 Andthe Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephai

mes. *

21 The Amorites alſo, and the Canaanites, and the Girga-
fhites,and the Gebuſites.

1 [Theword of the Lord came to Abram.] Seeing that al
things were nowe In peace, and according fo the harts deſire,
fhis viſion map feeme fo be fuperfluous: efpecially, the Lene
commaunding bis feruant to be of god chere, as if be were
ſorrowfull and afflicted tuith feare. Therefore, ſome intagine
{hat Abram being returned from the deliueraunce of his kinks
nian, was annoyed fone manner of wap, whereof Moſes mas
keth no mention : euen as the 11020 oftentunes humbleth bis
feruants, leat they Mould reioyce to much in peofperifte: and
that when Abram was cal done, be twas erected againe bp
an other miracle, Wut bycauſe no fuch thing can be gathered
out ofthe woꝛdes of Moles, Jiudge thaf there was an other
caufe. Firk, although be bad commendation of all men, there
is no doubt, but that diners cogitafions came into bis minde.
Although Chadorlaomer and bis adberents, were ouercome
in batteil: pet notwithſtanding, Abram had prousked them fo,
that thep might with a newe fupplie, affaple the lande of Caz
naan againe. Meither were the wibabitants of the land quite
without feare of that perill, Alſo, as great felicitte hath enuie
alivaps ioyned with it, ſo Abram becanne fo be ſubiect fo ma⸗
ny ſiniſter reports, after he had pꝛeſumed to ſkirmiſh with the
conquering armie of foure kings. Shere might alfo a falle ſuſ⸗
picion arife, as that it would in ſhort tine come to pafle, that
be would bend his force. wherwith be had. affapled the forreine
kings, againſt bis neighbours and barbourers, Thereſore, as
the victorie turned to his honour, ſo there is nodoubt,but that
it made him fearefull and fufpected to many,and of many alfa
to be hated : ſeeing all men were afratde of bts ſtrength anv
happic ſucceſſe. Wherefore it is no merueil, if he were moued
and verp carefull, ontill God comforted him againe thzonghly
With trult of bis belpe.Alfo,thero might be an other end of the
oracle: namely, that GOD might prenent the contrarie vice.
Foꝛ Abram being proud of the bictoꝛie, might forget *
i⸗ uig 3

.

VYPON GENESIS. CAP XV. 12°
fing: info much, that he miaht fale to get principalitic, and? 3
though the wearinelſſe ofa wandering life, and p2kfomnefle
of continuall veration, might defire better foztune,and amore
quiet tate of life, And we know how eafilp men may be made profperi-
pronken, with the qatterics of profperitie, God therefore doth cicmakerh
pꝛeuent bint, and before that banitie entereth into the mynde mé droake
yt Syeiholy father, he putteth him in mynde a freth of the ſpiri⸗
fidlPrace, that reiting him ſelke thereon, he might deſpilſe all
otherthings. othitiianding,bycaule this 13020, Feare not,
fourideth,as though Ood {would comfort him,being in ſorrow
and care, it ts likely that be fade in necde of fome fuch confirs
niation, bycaute be ſawe that many Div mialicioufip fpeake as
gaint bis victorie, and alfo his olve ace in Daunger of many
froubles. owbeil it may be, that Gon doth not therefo2e ſor⸗
Hid him to feare, bycauſe be was greatly alraide in dede: but
to the end be might learne ſtoutly to contemne and fread vn⸗
der fete the whole ſauour of the world, and earthly riches : as
ifhe had ſaide, So as thou map haue me fausurable vnto
thee, there is no caufe why thou chouideſt be afraide. There⸗
fore thou being contented with me alone int the world, goe for⸗
Mardin thy pilarimage, Ws thou hat hitherto done + and ra⸗
ther devend thou vpon heaucn, then fettle thy lelle vpon the
earth, Howe fo euer it was, (or revokety bis ſeruaunt onto
Him, chewing that farve greater benefites were layde bp for
him, leatt be might Tay him felfe vpon the victorie. But Poles
faith, that Gov ſpake fit a biftor: whereby be aiucth to vn⸗
pertkand, that fome vilible ſigne of the glorie of od, Was ads
nod onto the word: to the end the oracle miaht haue the qreas
fer authouitic, And this was one ofthe two e2dinarte means,
by which God was wont tn time pat, fo mantfel hum f elfe
vnto the Prophetes, enen as it is fet dotune in the boke of
Numbers. [Fearenot Abram. Jalthough inthe tert the p29? Ram. ix6·
miſe be the laffer : yet notwithirandina, by order it goeth hes
fore bicauſe the confirmation. dependeth bpon the fame, Lp
Which God deliuereth the heart of Abram from feare.Ood ers
horteth Abram to be of aquiet minde : but wherevpon is ſuch 7
fecuritie builded,but inhen as through faith we ave porfuaded
? ‘that Goo careth lor 08, anid do rett our felues vpon bis prout⸗

| U.v. dence?

ITOHN CALYINE

314 dence 2 Wherefore the promiſe hath the firtt place, howe that
God is bis buckler,and a fufficient large rewarde : wherevn;
fo the erboztation is annered as an apyendir, Fearenot, bys
caule be ſhould beare him felfe bola of fuch a fauiour, ano au⸗
thourof felicitic. Therefore, to the end the meaning of the
wordes may be more plaine; we mutt put tn the cafuall note,
Feare not Abram - bycaufe lam thy buckler. And by themame
of buckler, he meaneth 3 Abram thal be always fafe vnder his
protection. fn calling bimfelf a reward,be cheweth ÿ be ought
fo be fufficient fo2 bim,And as this was in refpedt of him a ges
nerall doctrine, to the end be might knowe that the victozie
Wwas not all and the ſumme of thofe benefites, which Goo hav
determined to beſtowe bpon him: even fo let bs knowe, that
the fame is promifed vnto bs all, in the perfon of one man, Foꝛ
by this voyce be ſpeaketh daily to all bis faitbfull feruaunts,
bycauſe be hath once taken bpon him their defence, he always
hauing acare to preferue them in fafetic, ¢ to pꝛotect thé with

Godisa bis power. And as God attributeth to him ſeife the office of a
buckler of buckler, that he may fet him felfe to be a defence of our faluas
defence to tion: euen fo, this p2omife ought; to be onto bs in ſteede of a
she godly. alen wall, that in any manner-of perills we feare no moze
then is conuenient, Wut bycauſe men being comtpaticd about
with diners and innumerable defires of the fieth, are now and
then Wwauering, and are alfotm muche addicted to the loue of
thts pretent life, the other part followweth, whereby Gon tettifis
eth, that he alone is fufficient to the full perfection of a bleſſed
life. Foꝛ the reward fignifieth as much, as the inberitance or
felicttte, This, if it were well p2inted in our mindes how that
in Godconfifteth the chefe and full perfection of god thinges,
ive would eafily moderate our wicked affections, which do mis
ferably diſquiet vs.And the ſenſe is this, that tue ſhall be then
_, perfectly bappie, tehen GDD is fauourable pnto bs, Foꝛ be
doth not onely heave vpon vs all plentte of his godneſſe: but
alfo offereth him felfe vnto bs to inioy. Nowe what ig if that
Plal.ro.6, MCN CaN Defire moze, when they inioy GDD- Danid knewe
"What this promiſe meant, who fapth, that an excellent lot wag
befallen him, bycaute the Lorde was bis inheritaunce. Wut

bycaule there is nothing harder, then to b2idle the aie ats
ections

VPON GENESIS, CAD. xy. *
315

fections of the fleſh, and bycauſe the vnthankkulnelſe of men is
fo filthie and f wicked, that God neuer fatifficth them,GDD
Doth not ſimply call hun felfea retwarde, but a very large res
tard, wherewith it becommeth bs fufficiently to be contenz
fed. And the fame ts derp plentifull matter of truſt, and an
infallible ap 02 prop. Foꝛ Wwhat fo cuer he be that perfuadeth
him (elfe, that bis life is protected by the hand of G D D, and
that he chall neuer be miferable, fo long as be is fauourable
vnto him, and al(o that will fi vnto this hauen, in all bis di⸗
ſtreſſes and troubles : he thall finde a ‘motk ercellent remedte
it all afflictions, | Mot that the faithfull are cleane voyde of
all feare and care; folong as they are toffed among the waues
of perills and ſoꝛrowes : but bycauſe fearefulnetie is mitiga⸗
fed in theié mindes: and as the protection and vefence of God,
is greater then al perils, ſo if ouercimeth feare through truſt.
2 [O Lord God,what wilt thou.) By which appellation
we may gather, that there twas fone token of Oods glorie to
be fane inp vilion, fo that Abram wothing doubting of the aus
thor, might wout feare burſt forth into this voyce. For feing
fatban ts a Wwonderful'practifer of deceit, deludeth men by fo
many lecerdemaines, vnder the colour of Oods name,tf was
meefe,fhat there Mould be a notable otfference fo be feen by the
true and celeftiall oracles, which ſhould not fuffer the mindes
of the holy fathers to doubt. Therefore in the vifion, whereof
mention is made,the maieſtie of God was reucalted fo Abzant,
Which might fuffice for the aſſurance of bis faith. Mot bicaufe
God appeared fuch as be was : but fo farre forth as he might
be comp2ebended of humane fenfe. Wut be feimeth to bebaue
bint felffcarfe modeftip, who nealecting fo magnificent a pro⸗
mife, complaineth of the toant of fede: and murmureth as
gain God, bycaule hitherto be had giuen hun no fede, That
could be moꝛe to be defired, then to be recetued into the garde
and pofection of God,¢ by the fruition of bum to be vleficd: It
feemeth therfore to be a ſcarſe modeſt obiection, when Abram,
as if were, not regarding p benefite Incontparable which was
offered vnto hint,is nof quiet ¢ contented, vatill be hath fede,
Wit fir the boldneſſe and frankneſſe of Abzams ſpeach ts to

) we Wiis bycaule the Lozd (uffercth him focatt into bis ps

&

Pad

TOHN GALVINE
316

the cares toberetwith we are bered, and the troubles where⸗
with we are oppreſſed. Secondly, the end of the complaint isto
be confidered, £02 be Doth not fimply teach, that he 1s folitarie:
but bycaufe tie effect of all the ppomiſes depended vpon fede,
he doth not without cauſe require, that fo neceſſarie plenge —
fhould be atuen vnto him. Foꝛ tf fo be the hope of the bleſſing
and faluation of the world, fandeth onelp vpon fede, when be
faine that he wanted this principall part, if is no meruell, if
other thinges Doe as it were vaniſhe away, 02 af leaſt wile,
not pleafe bis mynde, noz fatifiie his deſire. And this is the
very reafon, why God doth not only fake tn god part the conts
plaint of his ſeruaunt, but alſo doth by and by berp fauoura⸗
biy beare bis requeſt. Moles attributeth to Abram that afters
tion which is naturally incident in all men: but this letteth
not,but that be had a further regarde, when be ſo greatly deſi⸗
reth an betreto come out of bts lopnes, And in very deed, theſe
pꝛomiſes were not oufofbis mind, Vato thy feede will J giue
this land: Alſo, In thy feede thall all the nations of the earth be
biefled. DF the twbich,the firk was fo annexed to all the reff,
that the fame being taken away,the other were of fmallo2 no
credife af al, But the latter conteined in it,p whole free pledge
offaluation, Therefore Abzam doth rightly include in the
fame all the pꝛomiſes of Gov, [Sceing I goe childlefle :] This
is a Metaphoꝛicall ſpeach. We knowe that our life is like vn⸗
to a race. Ab2am being now of a god age,fapth, that he is pro⸗
ceeded fo farre forth, that there is but a litle of bis race bebind
birunne. Mowe, fayth be, J am almoff come to the goale:
therefore the race of my life being ended, J thall dye without
childzen, And to make the matter moze baynous, be faith,
that a ſtraunge man thall be bis beire. It may be,that Abram
bought this Sp2ian of Damatcus,in Pefopotantia, And there
fore in contentpt and difdeine of him, Abram ſpeaketh thus :
3 (Wherefore, loe, a {eruaunt of mine houfe ſhall be mine
heire.) As if be (ould fay, Miſerable is my ſtate and condition,
Obickion in fo much, as Jcan not hauca free man tofuccedeme. Mote *
withfanding, it may be demaunded, howe be could be of Das
Aofwere. maſco, and Abrams feruant of bis houfe. The folution ts tivo
wars to be made:be is called the fone 02 feruant of bis ~~ (
no

VPON TGENESTS. “OAP. Xv.

not bycauſe he was borne in thefame, but only bought bppe 317
thereitt : 02 that be came out of Damatcus, bycautebis father
wad a Syrian. | as} (3.2)

4 [He thall notbethineheire.) Hereby we gather, that
Abrams defire was acceptable vnto Ooo, « Tabercof alfo that
other followeth, that Abrꝛam twas not moucd by any affecs
tion of the flethe, to make this petition : but with a holy and
godly defire, to inioy the bleffing which twas pomifed, And
God doth not onlp promiſe onto him ſede, but alfo a great nas
tion, which ſhould be in number and multitude equall with
the ftarres ofheauen . They which expound it Alleqozically,
howe that a celeftiall eve is pꝛomiſed, vohich ts comparco to
the ftarves, (hall for me haue thetr fenfe : but let bs rather im⸗
brace that which is moze found, as that, by the fiaht and bez
holding of the ſtars, Abrams faith was holpen. Forxthe L020;
to make his feruants the bettet affected, and the moze effectu⸗
allp to perce inte their mindes, after be bath knocked at their
eares by bis worde, doth alfo by erternall fignes lift bpthett God mo-
epes, tomake them giue moze diligent heede. Wherelore the ueth vs by
fiabt of the ſtarres was not fuperfluous, but the fame dught cxteroall
fo haue ftricken Abrams minde with this cogitation : ODD fEr*
which with bis word only bought fo2th fo foudenly, fo qreat
an armie, that therewith be might adorne the beauen 02 firs
mament, which twas before bopde and emptic ; can not be res
plenith mp voyde and emptie houſe, with fede and pofteritic 2
Borcouer, itis not neceffarie, that we feigne oz imagine this
vilion to be inthe night, bycaufe then the farres appeared,
which are not in the day time fence, Jor, fering this was done
ina vifion, Abram hava tvonderfull viewe, which openly the-
{wed and {et forth fecret and hidden things. So that,although
be moued not his fote: pet notwithfanding, he might be bros
ught out of bis tent by a viſion o2 dꝛeame. Nob it may be des
maunded, of what (ene the pꝛomiſe is to be vnderſtode. F002
it is certeine, that neither the pofteritic of Iſmael nor of Clan
are reckoned inthis order: bycauſe the latwfull ſede is to be
reckoned from the promife, which Ood wold hauc to reſt vpon
Iſaae and Jacob, Potwithtanding,the fame doubt artleth co
) cerning the potteritic of Zacobsbycaule many tohich seer

us ou

18 k ZFOHN CALDV INE O89

3 out of that fockeafter the flethe, being decenerate and ftartas
Wayes fromthe faith of their fathers, bantihen them felues, J
aunſwere, that this ſentence is generally ertended to alt the
posplestw yon God had adopted vnto him felfsbut bicante ma⸗

ny were dawn awap through their infoclitic, we muk come

vnto Cheilte, who potteth adifference betwene the trues the

falfe lonnes. After this maner the poſteritie of Abram is b202

ught vnto afmall number, that it might afterward grow to a

greater. For in Chik p Gentiles are alſo gathered together,

¢ ate by fatth grafted into the body of Abrabam,that they map

haue place among bis latufulk ſonnes Concerning the which,

tue will ſpeake moze in the ſeuenteenth Chapter following,

‘6 [And Abram belecued the Lord.) Powe fruitfull and

precious a doctrine this place conteineth, none of bs wouls
coniecture, bitlelle that Paule had opened the fame onto bs,
But this is wonderfull ¢monftruons, that ſæing the fpirit of

Gad hath kindled fo great alight: pet fo2 all that,many intere
preters, as tf thep were blinde,qrope and (eke, wandering as

. in the darknelſe of the night. ¥% omit the Jewes, whole blinds
Rom.4.3, Neflcis commonly knotune, But thep which had Paule a berp
Oy plaine.interpeter, haue fo vnſauoꝛlpcoꝛrupted the fame, that
it is amonfer,as J apd, to behold. Wowbeit,hereby it appease
vert reth, that fathan inno age fought any thing moze, then either
fouzhr to COLttinguith, 07 elle to depraue the free righteoutes of faith,
deftroythe bohich ts here plainly erpzetted, The wordes of Woles aresHe
rightcouf- beleeued the Lorde, and that was accounted to him for-ri ghte-
acileof oufnefle. In the former place,the faith of Abzamis commen⸗
™ | pen, wherewith be imbraced the pꝛomiſe of Gon. Secondlysthe
pꝛaiſe and conunendation of faith it ſelſe is added, bpcaufe Ae

bam got righteoutnette thereby before Gon, and that by ime
putation. Foꝛ the Beb2ue word twhich Moles bfeth,is rela⸗

fiuelp referred fo the iudgement of Ood:as in p Pſalme where

it is fatd, The zeale of Phinees was imputed to him for righte-

a 106 5 oufnelfe. feuertheleffe, what the meaning of this ts, it thal the
Leuia7.4. better appeare by fhe contrarie. Jn Leuiticus it is faine,that
2.Sam.ts. the peace offering being offered, iniquitie thall not be offered
19 fo aman, Againe, The bloud fhall be amputed to that man. ls
#KeB™15 go it is (aid, Let not the King impute wickednefle vnto mae
ERTL @

VPONS@EWE SYS. CAP. xv. ,
fhe Which allo agrath this plare , They imputed not yntothe 319
sneh,j nto whofe handes they deliuered the monic for the buil-
ding tthat is to fap, they fake not accouat of them fo2 the mor
nie: but put them in trot with the payment, Potwe let bs res
furne to Moles. Cuen as toe account them guiltie before Gov,
to whome their iniquitie ts imputed,euen ſo to vhome be uns
puteth riqhteouMmelte,thole be alloweth fo2 iuſt. Nherfore, by
the imputation of righteouſnes, Abꝛam was received into the
O2der and nuhiber of righteous mer. Foꝛ Paul,to thew plaine
Ip the force, nature,o2 qualifie of this righteouſneſſe, bꝛingeth
bs fo fhe heuenly tribunall feate of Gov. herfoze thep do but
foliſhly trifle, which draw this to p fame of honeftic.as though
Abꝛam were counted a iu and riqhteous man in bis affairs,
Neither doe they any lelſe ignorantly corrupt the tert, which
fay, that Abꝛam gaue vnto Gon the qlozie of righteouſneſſe, in
fomuch,that be durſt fafely truſt onto bis peomtfes, acknow⸗
edging hint to be faithfull and ruc. Foꝛ although Poles doth
not expreſſe the nante of God: yet notivithfanding, the vſuall
manner of {peach in the Scriptures taketh alway al ambiguts
tie. Furthermore, itis no leſſe blindneffe then impudencie,
when tits ts (aide fo be imputed to him fo2 righteouſneſſe, to
mingle another fenfe,then that the faith of Abram was recko⸗
ned for righteouſneſſe befo2e God, But it feemieth fo be ablurd, obichiog
that Abram was iuftificd, bicaute be beleeucd p bis fed Hould
be equall with the ffarres innumber. Foꝛ tt could not be but
a particular faith , which fufficeth not to the full righteoufnes
of man. Furthermoze,of what effect twas an earthly and tem⸗
porall promife,to eucrlatting faluation 2 J anfiwere,that this Aofwere }
beleefe, tobereof Hotes maketh mention, ts not reftreined fo
one mentber, but comprehendeth the tubole promife which is
bere fof doton. Alfo,that Abram did not tociah and eſteme the
pomiled fede by the prefent o2acte onely, but by others alto,
wherin aſpecial bleſſing was added, Wherby we gather,that
he hoped not fo2 any common fede,but fo2 fuch aferde, wherin
§ wold was tobebletten, If any man wilfully perfil herein;
P the ſame is wyeſted vnto Chill, which ts cõmonly ſpoken of
the childꝛen of Abzari-firt itean not be denied, that Cov doth
novo reiterate Op recite againe the pzomiſedohich betore he bad

J

arneq made

Vo TORN CALWINED oo ¥

3 20 made onto his ſeruant, that it mightantwere bis complaint;
Foꝛ we haue fayde, and the matter it {elfe doth plainly prone,
that by p confivcration of the pzomifed blefling; Abzam twas
confreined fo greatly to with for ſeede. Wherevpon tt follos
tweth, that he toke not this promife, as divided from others.
Wut fo lef alithis pale, we mul confider what is intended
pere,that thereby we may tudge of the fatth of dbzam,ODD
doth not promiſe this o2 that thing only onto his feruant,euen
as fometune be beſtoweth alfo fpectall benefites vpon the vn⸗
belecuing: notwithſtanding, that they haue no taſte of his fas
therly lone : but he feltifieth, that be till be fauourable vnto
bint, and confirineth. bim, prefuming bppon bis defence and
grace, in the truſt of faluation. Foꝛ who fo ever bath God te
his inberitaunce, the fame reioyceth not with tranſitorie toy;
but being as it were lifted bp vnto heauen, poſſeſſeth the pers
fect ioy of euerlatting life, And we are all to holde fat this

Gods pro- ground,that all the promiles of ODD, which are made to the
ceed feo kaithtuil, doe flowe From bis free mercy, and are teſtimonies of
his mercy, his fatherly loue,and of his free adoption, whereon their ſalua⸗
tion is builded, Dherefore, we fay not that Abram was iuſti⸗
ficd, bycaufe he toke holde of one 102d, concerning the beget⸗
ting of poftcritie : but bycauſe be imbꝛaced God fo2 bis father,
Faith by Neither doth faith iuttifie bs for any otber caule, but onty foꝛ
the merite that it reconcileth bs bnto God : and that not fo2 the merite
thereof thereof, buf when as tue recetue the grace offered fo bs in the
doth not pꝛomiſes,⁊ being certemly perfuaded.p twe are beloued of Gov
iultiſie. fo2 his ſons,doubt not of euerlaſting life, Foꝛ be which attei⸗
neth to righteouſneſſe by twozks, bis merites are reckoned bee
fore God, Wut we take holoe of righteouſneſſe by faith, then
as God reconcileth bs frelp vnto him. Wherevpon it follos
weth, that the merites of workes Doc cealle, when as rightes
ouſneſſe is fought by faith. Foꝛ it mut needes be,that God gi⸗
ueth the ſame of bis otone free will, and offereth the fame in
his word, that euerp one might poſſeſſe the ſame by faith, He |
the end this nap be the mo2e eafily vnderſtode, when Moles
faith, that faith toas reputed to Abꝛam foꝛ righteouſneſſe, be
meaneth not that this faith was the fir and principall cauſe
of righteouſneſſe, whiche ts called the efficient caute, * im (
gma

”

VPON GENESIS. CAP. xv:

fo2mtall onelp : As if he hadfapde, that Abzam was therefore
iuſtiſied, bycauſe he retting him felfe bppon the fatherly god⸗
neſſe of God, truſted to bis mere mercy, and not to him felfe,
noz fo bis merites, Foꝛ this is {pecially tobe noted, that faith
borroweth righteoufnelle from an otber, of fhe which we are
deſtitute tn our felues. Dtherivife, Paule ſhould compare
faith with workes amiffe, when be intreateth of the obteining
of righteouſneſſe. And the mutuall relation betiweene the free
promife and faith, taketh alway all doubting. Nowe the cirs
cumſtaunce of time is tobe noted. Ab2am was iuftified by
fatfh, many peres after that be was called of Cod, and leauing
bis countric, twas a willing ptlarime, and was allo a notable
erample of patience and conftancic, after be bad wholy giuen
him felfe to holineffe, and after be daily exerciſing him felfe in
the fpirituall and erternall wozthip of God, bad lived almoſt
an Angelicall life, It follotveth therefore, that enen to the
bery end of our life, we are brought fo the euerlaſting kings
Dome of God, by the righteouſneſſe of faith. In which pointe,
many are to groffely deceiued. Shep qraunt that righteouſ⸗
neffe, which is freely giuen vnto finners, and is offercd bnta
the vnworthie, is receiued by faith onelyx: but they reſtreino
this onto a moment of time, as that be is righteous by god
workes, which from the beqinning bath once gotten righte⸗
ouſneſſe by faith. After this manner faith ts no other thing,
but the beginning of righteouſneſſe: and righteoufnelle confi
ficth in tuozkes, During the whole courfe of life, Wut they
mutt needes be out of their wit, which are thus folifh and tris
fling. Foꝛ iffo be the Angelicall inteqritie of Abꝛam continus
ing in faithful courfe fo many peares, could not belpe him, but Abram
that be muft fle to faith, thereby to atteine to righteouſneſſe: could ve⸗
Where in the whole world Mhall Wwe finde fo great aperfection, Yo ""°°,
which may abive the fight and preſence of Ood 2 Wherefore by he her
the o2der of fime we certeinly gather, that we muſt not place in faith.
the righteouſneſſe of tvozkes, in ſteede of the righteouſneſſe of
faith, that the fame map perfect that whiche the other bath
begunne : but that the Saints are tuffified by faith, fo lona as
they liue tn the world. If any man obied,that Ab2am firkk bes
leued God, when be followed the caller, and — —

x, e

zꝛ

PON CA (os?
$22 LVYINE

felfe to via arde and defence: the folution is eaſie to be
made, that there is nothing Cooken bere,at what ttine Abrom
began fo be inftificd,o2 to belceue in God:but in ane place itis
Declared, how he was iulſtified ſor all the time that he liued on
earth, 302 iffobe Moles by and by after bis firkk calling had
ſpoken thus, the foreſaid cauillation dyould haue bad moe cos
lour,as that it was a beginning: righteouſnes of faith,and not
perpetual. ul now ſeeing after fo long continuarice, bets til
ſaid tobe righteous, it doth therby eafilp appeare.} the Saints
are tuftified freely, euen bute death. 3% confette, that after the
faithfull are regenerate by the {pirtte of Gad, the maner of tus
ifping doth ſomwhat differ from the former. For they which
are borne only of the fick, thofe God reconctieth fo him felfe,
being cleane voyd of all godneſſe: and when as he findeth noe
thing in them, buta horrible heape of euils; by imputation be
7 accounteth them for righteous, And to whome he giueth the
Good wor fpirite of fanctification d righteoufnetiey thole be compzehens
be frit ac. DEth With bis giftes, Moreduer, that their gwd trorkes may
counted pleaſe Cod, they alfo mutt neds be iuſtitied bp free imputatiõ:
goodby bicaufeelfe thex are alwayes buperfect) Peuerthelefic,this is
frec impu- ay infallible rule, that men are witified before God, by belce ⸗
cation Pe win, € not bp working, wneillthep obteine grace by faith, br⸗
caufe thep cannot deferuc a reward bp wozkes, And whereas
Paule afterward aftirmeth, that Abram tran not by Works P
righteouſneſſe, which he bad before circumciſion, is nothing at
al repugnant With the former doctrine, Thus pᷣ Apoſtle Paul
maketh bis argument: Abrams circumciſion twas after bis
righteouſneſſe by order of tinie: therfo2c it could not be-p cauſe
thereof : For tf muſt neceſſarily oo befoze bis effect. J confefie
alſo, that Paule gocth about by this reafon, to p2 oue, ÿ works
are not meritorious, but by the couenaunt of the lawe: of the
Which conenant,circumeifion ts put as a feale and token. But
as Paule doth not define the force and nature of circumcifion,
out of the pure ¢ true opdinaunce of Cod, but rather dtiputeth
according to their capacttic vnderſtanding, with whame be
bath to do:euen fo he toucheth not the couenaunt wich he had
made before with Abram, for that the mention therof was fue
petaueu⸗ to the pelent cauſe. oth therctoze ſtande *
icau

VPON GENESIS) CAD) xy, 77
bicaule the righteouſneſſe of Abꝛam can not be attributed fo 3 3 |
the conenaunt ofthe lawe, when as if went beſore circumeifis
on, Alſo, that the righteouſneſſe of the moſt perfect fo2tc,cons
ſiſteth fo2 ener in faith, toben as Abram with all the excellen⸗
cic of his bertues, after the long and no lefle ſingular reue⸗
rence of ODD, was notwithfanding,tuitified by faith. For
this alfo is finally worthie fo be nofed, thatthe fame which ts
bere ſpoken of one man,is attributed to al the child2en of Gen.

Foꝛ (xing he was not without cauſe called the father of the
faithfull, and alfo ſceing there are not moe ayes to atteine
faluation, beryp rightfully Paule teacheth,that a reall,¢ not a
perfonall righteouſneſſe ts defcribed bere,
© 7 {lamthe Lord that brought thee out of Vr. IBycaule it
belongeth gretly vnto bs,f0 hane God the quide of our iwhole
life,to the end fue may knowe, that Wwe are not without cauſe
entered into a cerfeine doubtfull way: therefore fhe Loꝛd cone
firmeth Abram in the race of bis calling, and putteth him in
minde of the fir benefite of his deliuerance:as tf he bad faite,
J, after J bad reached my bande out vnto thee, that. FZ might
bring the out of the deepe pit of death, baue thus farre forth
prolequutedinp arace, Thou therefore aunfiwere me in like
manner, by going forwarde conſtantly, andkepe thy fayth
founde and perfect, from the beginning to the end, Vea, this
ds ſpoken not only in refpedt of Abzam, that collecting the p20
miles of GDD from the firtk oꝛiginall of bis faith, he might
snake one body! but alſo to the cndall the godly may learne,
that the beginning of their calling did flowe from him to Az
‘bam the father of all : and fo might boldly boaſt with Paule, ore
that they knolwe, that be tobome they haue beleeued, and that °°" »
God who had chofen a Church to him felfe in the perfon of Az ~
bam, would bea faithfull keeper of the ſaluation committed
vnto bint. And that the Lo2de faith, be twas the delinerer of A⸗
bam to this end, itbereby appeareth : bycaufe be iovneth the
, promile, which be is nove abeut to make, with the firtt ree
‘Demption vas ifbe Hould fay, This is not the firtk time wher⸗
in ® begin fo promiſe vnto the this lande, For, for thts cauſe
haue J bought thee out of thy countrie, that J might make
) thee LXoꝛde and heire thereof, |
¢ STROM xX.ij. Nowe

ae

_ITOHN CALYVINE

324 Nowe therefore doe Jmake my conenant with the after the
fame forme,lef thou mighteſt thinke that thou watt deceiued,
or fed with baine words: and ¥ commaund the to remember
the firft couenant, to the end the newe promife map leane
bpon a better piller, which notwe after certeine peares patt 4 .4.
repeate.

Obiedion 8 CO Lord God,wherby thal I knov. It ſemeth berp ab⸗
furd, that Ab2am which firſt beleeued the ſimple word of God,
€ mtoucd no queſtion concerning the promiles made vnto bim,
reafoneth the matter now, whether that be true which be beas
reth out ofthe mouth of God, oꝛ no. Furthermore,be giueth
fmall honour vnto God, who doth not onelp murmur againſt
hint when be fpeaketh,but alfo requireth a confirmation of the
promife, to be otheriwife made, Moꝛeouer, from whenee coms
nieth the knowledge of faith, but from the worde Abzam thers
foze defireth in baine, to beaſſured of the future poſſeſſion of
the land, ſo long as be Dependeth not bpon the mouth of God,
4 anflwere, that the Lord doth fometime graunt this vnto bis
childzen, to obiect freely thofe thinaes whieh come into their
inind, Mepther doth be deale fo precifely with thé, but p he wil
fuffer bimfelfe to be demanded of queſtions. Vea, the moze cers
fenly be was perfuaded that God twas truc, the moze that be
Was addicted vnto his worde, the moze familiarly doth be caſt
his cares into his lappe, Do2couer;it map be, that the long der
lap twas no (mal let vnto hint. After that God had held him in
ſuſpenſe a qreat part of bis life, nowe being ſtricken in age,
and hauing nothing before his eyes, but death and the graue,
be fullp pronounceth that be fhall be ode of the lande. And
pet fo2 all that, be doth not fo2 any difficultierefufe and reiect
that whiche might feme incredible: but vttereth the arefe
which inwardly difquicted him. And this is rather a tefti-
monic of faith, then a fiqne of tnbeliefe, that be queftioneth
With Gov. Whe twicked, bicanfe their mindes are intangled
with diuers cogitations, do at no hand giue credite to bis pro⸗
mifes : but the godly which feele the impedimentes that are in
the lleſh, they giue place, left they fop the way to the word of
God, and feke a remedie fo2 thoſe vices, which thep knowe to
be in them ſelues. COOE wet (
Notwith⸗

Aofwere.

_ c

»

VPON GENESIS, CAP. XV,

frotwwithfanding, it is tobe noted, that there were cerfeine
{peciall motions in the Saintes, whome it ts not latwfullat
this day to dꝛawe intocrample, Foz bycauſe Cechias and
Gedcon required cerfeine miracles, it is not our parte to res
quirethelike. Let itfuffice bs to afke a confirmation, tobich
the Lord God hath thought god to chafe after bis otwne twill,

9 {Take mean Heyfer,] Some tranllate this otheriwifle,
turning the number of peares, into the number of beattes, fo
that thep would bane the of every ſeꝛt: notwithſtanding, J
like betfer of their interpretation, which vnderſtand the ſame
ofthe age. Although God would not dente bis feruaunt that
which be aſked: vet notwithſtanding, he granted not that whi⸗
che might fatiffte the defire of the fieth, Foꝛ what certeintie 02
afurance could he concetue,by the killing ofa bepfer,ofa gote
and of a ranmme ? Foꝛ the end of the facrifice, of the which we
fhallbeare moze anon, was vnknowne to Abram. Fn that
therefore be obeyeth the comniandement of God without conz
frouerfie, of the tobich notwithttanving there appeareth no
profite, he doth thereby proue the obedience of bis faith : ney⸗
ther oth bis defire tend to any other end, then that the let bes
ing faken alway, be might reuerently, as if was meet, reſt him
felfe vponthe word of God, ‘et os therefore learne quietly to
imbace thofe belpes and ayes, which Oodoffereth vnto vs,
fo2 the confirmation of our faith, although they are not agreas
ble fo our iudgement,but feme rather to be topes: bntill at the
length by the effect it noth plainely appeare, that be bath done
nothing leffe then dallie with bs.

10 [And diuided them in the middeft.] To the end no
part of this facrifice might want a mpfterie,certeine interpre⸗
fers take great paines in curious fcanning of the ſame. Wut
Wwe mult imbrace fob2tette, as Jhaue alreadie ſhewed. Why
be is commanded fo fake thee kindes of beaſtes, beſide birdes,
IJconfeſſe Ican not tell: except it were by that varietieto des

clare, that all the poſteritie of Abꝛam, of what fate and condi⸗

-

tion ſo euer they were of, were to be offered bp fo2 a facrifice,
that of all the people, of cuery part, there might be made one
facrifice, Where are alfo other things, the reafon whereof ifa

X.iij. confetle

28

) Man curtoully tke at my handes, I will not be athamed to
J ;

TOHN CALVING .

320 confefe my ignorance: bicaufe J map not runne through vn⸗
cerfeine (peculations, Wut Sisisthe ſum in my iudgement:
CUhereas God commaundeth thebeattes to ve killes, he thes:
woeth what theconbdition ofthe Church hal be. Abram wiſhed
to be aſſured conceriting the promifed inberitance of the land: -
ow he is taught, that there fyal be a beginning at death:that
is fo fay; that be and his mull dye, befoze they tnicy the rule of
thcland. Wibereas be commaundeth the laine beaſtes tobe
cut in peeces, it is credible, that this was the auncient rife in
making couenaunts, whiche came. afterwards alfo vnto the
Gentiles, ¢ was alivay put in vſe at ſuche time, as they cither.
onfred info any ſocietie,oꝛ muftcred an armie. Foꝛr the compaz
ions o2 ſouldiers, went though the partes diuided, that they
night the moze firmelp qrotwe together info one body, being
included in the facrifice together. Dhe Prophet Jeremie teſti⸗
fieth,that this was the bfuall manner of the Jewes, ſaying in

lere.34. 19 fhe perſon oſ God thus, L wil giue them into the hands of their;
enimies, that haue broken my couenaunt,.and haue not kept
the wordes of the couenaunt whichthey had made before me,
when they cut the calfe mm twaine,and pafled betwene the parts
thereof: [he Princes of Iuda, and the Prinees-of Flicrufalem,,
the Eunuches, aud the Prieftes, and all the peoplepfithe lande,
which paſſed betwene the parts of the calfeApotwbeit,it femeth
vnto me, that there was bere a ſpecial reafon,as that the Roꝛd
admoniſched the ſtocke of Abram, that the fame ſhould not onlp
be like vnto a dead carcaſe, but alſo to acarcafe rent and fo2ne
in peeces, Foꝛ feruitude twas moꝛe greeuous then death it felf,
with the which (eruitude thep were oppzeficd fo2 atime : not⸗
Wwithttanding,bicaule the facrifice is offered vnto Cov, death it
(clfe is bp and by turned into a newe life, And the reafon why
Abram fetting the parts one againfanother,frameth ¢ fitteth
the together, nas this:bicaufe they were to be gathered foges
ther agatne out of their diſſipation ¢ confuſion. And how bard
a thing the reftozing of p Church is, and how itis replenihhed
with many troubles; the horror e feare which came opon As
bam, fufficiently hetveth, We fee therefore, that tiva things
are berefet forth: he bard bondage and ſeruitude, wher with
the chilogen of Abꝛam tere fo be pzeſſed almotl to death, *

—
s

VPON GENESIS. CAR. xy:

fo diutfion : Alfo the redemption, which fhould be a nofable 327
pledge of | Gods adoption, And, in the fame example, the gener. -
rall condition of the Church is fet forth onto vs, euen as it is i.
the proper office of od to create the fame of nothing, and to church.
raifeit bp frombdeath, -

1 [Then foulesfell on thecarcafes.] Although the forefain
beaftes Were dedicated to be a facrifice to Mod: pet. notwith⸗
fanding,the fame are not free from the rauening and violence
of the foules. Foꝛ the faithfull,after that they are recetued inte
Gods protection, are.fo defended with his hand,that neuerthe⸗
leffe, they are affayled from all partes roundabout; when as
the world and Sathan, ceafle not fo worke them much troue
ble and buſineſſe. Dherfo2e left the facrefice be violated which
Wwe haue once offered vnto God, but that it may remaine pure
and vnhurte, the contrarte affaults and lettes are to be repels
ied, not torthout trouble and labour,

12 [There fell an heauic fleepe vpon Abram.] Potve the
vifion is mingled with ſleepe. So that the Lorde ioyneth thole
tivo kindes together, which a little before ¥ cited out of the
tivelfth Chapter of the bake of Numbers, where itis faypde,
When lL appeare to my feruaunts the Prophetes, I {peake vnto
them inavifionordreame. Mention was made of a vifion :
nolwe Moles ſheweth, thata dꝛeame was alſo added, Weſide
this, there was alſo a horrible ſmoke, to the end Abram might
knowe, that it was no common deame, but the ſpecial worke
of God. Potwbeit,it bath fome proportion with the pꝛeſent o2a¢
cle,euen as by and by God declareth by bis ounce wordes, ſav⸗
ing: Knowe this for a furetie,that thy feede hall bea ſtranger,
&c. Cie haue ſayde elfetwhere, that it is not the guiſe of the
Loꝛd fo bleare the exes of bis feruants, with baine ſhews and
outwarde appearances ; kut that the pincipall partes in viſi⸗
ons,haue alwayes belonged to the worde Therefore a dumbe
ſhewe is not bere fet befoze Gb2am to bebolde, but by an ora⸗
cle annexed fo the fame bets faught, what the erternall and
bifible ignemeaneth And it is to be noted, that before Ay
brant bad one fonne given, vnto him „he heareth that his
fede chall be a captiue and feruaunt a long time. Foꝛ

) thus the. Lorde dealeth {with big feruauntes ; be alwapes
f~ en xX.iiij. begin⸗

—

Pa

P - SPOHN CAthviNe “O4t*

3 beginneth at death, that quickening’ the dead, he may alwayes
. fhe better declare bis polver, This ought to be declared, partly

for Abrams fake : but the Lord had eſpecially reſpect Unto his
polteritie, leatt they ſhould faint in their ſoꝛrowes and trou⸗
bles,theend twhercof the Lode had promifed Mould be topfull
and happte: {pecially fetng the long continuance tt {elfe, wan
ted not excceding yrkſlomnelſe. And the things are fet downe
bpydegrees: Firſt, that the childzen of Ab2ant mult be pilgrims
fourfie peares, before they ſhould inioy the promifed inberts

2 ftauce: Secondly, that they ſhould be feruants : Dhirdly, that
they ſhould be vngently anderuelly tnfreated, Therefore,
wonderfull and finqular was the faith of Abram, tn that be
Was contented with fo ſorrowfull an o2acle, and beleued that
God would be his deliuerer, when his miferies tere come to
the full. Notwithſtanding, it may be demanded, how the nun
ber of yeares Doth agree. Some beginne the fupputation front
the time that be went out of Baran, Wut it feemeth moze p202
bable, that the time which came betweene ts onlp noted: as if
it bad bene ſaide, Thy pofteritie mut needes patiently waite;
bicaufe ¥ ant not defermined to performe that which · notwe
pomife, vntill fourtie peares are erpired;fo2 fo long Haltherr
feruifude continue. In conſideration hereof, Moles farth in
Ero.12.40 Crodus, that the children of Iſrael dwelt in Egypt foure hun,
dred and thirtie peares : when as notwithſtanding, we may
gather out of the firt Chapter, that there there not abore tvs

hundred and thirtie peares erpired, from the time that Jacob
came thither, vntill their deliueraunte. Where then (hall we

finde the other tivo hund2ed peares, but in reſpect of the ora⸗

cle? Df the which matter, all doubting is taken atway by the

Gals. 3.17 Apoftle, who reckoneth ſo many peres from the free couenant
of life, bnto the publithing of the lawe. To conclude, God doth

not ſhewe how long the ſeruitude of the people Mould be from

the beginning to the end: but howe long he would fufpend o2

deferre his pꝛomiſe. And tuhereas he omitteth thirtie veares,

it ig no newe thing, nor felvome dled, when peares are not ex⸗
actly reckoned, to kouch Only the greater fummes, And we fee

here that for bzeuities fake, all that time is bere diuided into

foure ages, Therelore int the omitting ofa little fpace,there is
. ns °.

—

nN c

VPON GENES?SD CARP XY,

no abſurditie af all, This (pecially ts to be confiveren,that the > ~~
020, to exerciſe the patience of his (eruants,deferreth his pro⸗
mite beyond fourcages, — YE GSI
14 [Thenation whome they ſhall ſerue. INow a tonſola⸗ ood will
tion is added, wherin this is the fire and p2incipall thing, that reuenge
Gon teltifieth that he will be a reuenger of his people, Ther: the cul
bpon it followeth, that he hath a care fo2 the faluation of thofe done tobi⸗
whome be imbraceth, and will not ſutter them tobe vexed of “YP?
the Wicked and vngodly, without reuenge. And although he
plainly ponounceth bere, that be twill fake bengeance vpon
the Capptians : pet neuertheleſſe, the ſame iudgement exten⸗
deth it (clfe fo all the enimies of the Churche : euen as oles
alfo extendeth the ſame to all ages and nations, in bis fond,
concerning the puniſhment of the 1020, which ſhal light vpon
all vniuſt perſequuters/ ſaving, Vengeance antlrecompenſe peu.ʒ 2.35
are mine. Therefore ſo often as we are hardly dealt withall of
tyrants (the which is a thing dery common to the Church) let
this be our comfort, that after our fufferance hath ben ſuffici⸗
ently proucd by thé erotic, God, at whole plefure We are hum:
bled, will be the lamo iudge, to recompente vnto our enimics,
the iult reward of crueltie which they now erercife, Let them
nowe reioyre with dronken toy, at the length if will appeare
by the end it felfe, that our miferies are happie, ana their trie
umphes mo bnbappie, bycauſe they haue God their enimic,
which is careful for vs: Wut lepbs remember pᷣ we mutt give .
place fo the t2ath of Goo, euen as Waule erhosteth, leaſt tye Rom 2-19
be carted headlong fo defire revenge, We mut alto giue place
bate hope, that the fame may holde bs vp, being oppreſſed and
ſighing onder the burden of miſeries To iudge a nation, is as
much as fo call fo tudgement,that God may openly thelve him
felfe to bea tudde, tober he hath bene long fitent and at reff,
1g) (Thou thalt go to thiy-fathers inpeace! } Hitherto the
Lorde hath loked bpon his feraant Abram and his potteritic,
to the end the confolation might be common to all: Nowe be
turneth bts (each to him alouc, bycauſe be ode tn neede of
fpectall confirmation, And thisis a remedio to miticate bis
ſorrowe, bycauſe he ſhould dpe in peace, after he came fo his
if extreme olde age, In that fome expound this of a —— or pau
¥,0, when

d

80 FOHN CALVINE
33 when no force 02 biolence canfeth the fame:o2 of an eaſie death
when as the vitall {pirites doe fatle willingly and naturally,
and life it ſelfe departeth by the ripencfle thereof, without any
feling of greefe, it is in my iudgement a bery coloeimaginas
tion, Foꝛ the purpoſe of Moles twas fo expꝛeſſe, not onely that
Abram hould bea very olde man, but alfo that the fame ole
age of iis ſhould be peateable, and ended With a topfull and
quict death, Myerefore the meaning is,that although Abzam
fo long as helined, ſhould not iniop the poſſeſſion of tye lande:
vetfoz-ail that, be thouloe haue matter of reft andioy, in fa
muche, that hauing happily ended bis life, be may peaceably
goe vnto his fathers. Andinvery deede, death doth princi
_ pally difcenne and feparate the childzenof ODD from the ree
pobate, whoſe lot anv conditionin life, ts: almoſt one and ae
ec ooo Uke s fautng that mot commonly, the chilozen of Ow D are
Perce jn PUE tO the Work. THherefore peace in death, ought to be acs
deathis f9UNtOD. a ſingular benefite, the which ts a teftimonte of that
Gods blef Difference; which F touched euen nowe. This alfo pꝛophane
fing. and Beathen men groping inthe darke, bane thought, Plato
jn bis firſt bake De Republica,citeth a verte of Pindarus hobo
that thep bohich baue lined a holy and vpright life, hall haue a
{weete hope following them, which ſuſteining mens beartes,
and nouriſhing olocage, greatly gouerneth and o2dereth the
wauering minde of men, Andbyeaule it mull needes be, that
inten, twhofe con(ciences doe accufe them, doe miferably qraue
c+ > and dere them felues among ſundrie to2ments, the poet affirs
ming that hopes the rewarde of a gwd conſcience, calleth the
fame the nurfleofoloe age . Foꝛ fing poung men in their
youth, being farre fet from death, careleficly take their pleas
fure, the weakneſſe which is in olde men, putteth them daily
in minde,that thep muff depart hence. Nowe, except the hope
Hope ma- 2 a better life did comfozt them, there is nothing left but mice
keth death ferable feares. To be ſhort,the reprobate pleafing and delighs
ioyfull. fing them felues all the time of their life,and Meeping carelefp
in their finnes, their Death muft nedes be troublefome, when
as the faithfull commend their foules into the bandes, of, Cod,
without feare and ſoꝛrowe. Wolherevpon allo BileamWwas
Mu.23. 10. Lontreined to burt fogth into this vaice, bet my fouled ie the

¢ ca

—

~

\

<

VPON GENESIS. CAP XY. 331:

death of the righteous, Wut bycaufe men baue not in their
bande and power fuch an end of life which is to be wiſhed fo2,
the 11020 in promifing fo his feruaunt Abram a peaceable and
quict death, teacheth,that the fame ts his fingular gift and bes
nefite. And tue fee that euen Kings of might, and all others
Which unagine thentfelucs to be bleffed in the two2lde, are im
neath troubled and fearefull: bycaule they are prickt with the
fling of their finnes; and bebolde nothing in death but des
fraction, But Abzam went to bis neath willing and ioy⸗
full, when tu Iſaac he bad an aſſured plenge of Gods bleſſing, ⁊
knew that a better life yas laid by tn ſtore for him in beauen,

16 [For the wickednefle ofthe Amoritesis not yet full.] Obieica

It ſeemeth tobeaverp abfurde reafon tubich be maketh, as:
that the childzen of Abram could not be faued, but by the de⸗

ſtruction of others. 3 aunfwere, that toe mut modeſtly and Antwere,

mendeth bere bis long [ufferaunce. » The Amwpites were e- ——
nen at this time vnworthie to dwell inthe land: pet.notiuithe Oo

*

d

humbly giue place to the ſecrete purpoſe and counfell of God.
Wycaule he had giuen that lande tuto the Amozites,that they
night be the perpetuall inhabitants thereof, be giueth to vn⸗
derfand, that he cant not without wi cauſe gine the poſſeſſion
thereof onto others. As ifbe ſhould ſay, toil graunt onto thy
fede the dominion and poſſeſſion of fhis lande, without iniu⸗
ring any other. The land is af this pap poſſeſſed of the latwfull:
otuners,to whom J haue giuen the ſame. Untill therfo2e thep
haue delerucd by their torckednes,to be by right expelled thers
fro, dominion fherof Mal not com to thy poſteritie. hus he!
teacheth bun,that the tand muſt bemade bord, to resemmencto

inhabitants. And this ts a notable place,teaching,that dwel⸗ s),.:5n6
ling places in the whole worlde are fo appotnted vnto men. are congue

that the L020 peferueth every nation quiet in bis ſeueral faz red for

tion, vntill fuch time as they dztue thent ſelues from thence, theit finn.

by their stone fines, Foꝛ in polluting theplace of their has
bifation,they doc after a fozte, bꝛeake the bounds andlinuts,
which Ood hath tet with bis owne hande, and which ſheulde
otherwiſe remaine vnmoueable. Dorecuers the Wore come

ſtanding, the Lorde doth not onely ſuſteine then for a time,
but alfo graunteth onto them ſoure ages, to repent them
‘ And

ng:

ANCOs.

POHN CALYAINE

332 And hereby thappeareth, that itis not im vaine, that fo offers
times be affirmeth him felfe in thefcripture, to be ſlowe vnto
inzath. “Wut the moze gently that he fufferetipmen, tf af the
latt thep repent nof, buf remaine obftinate, the moze feuerely

Rom.2, 4 doth be puntthe fo great vnthankfulneſſe. Wherefore Paule
fayth, that they whiche flatter them ſelues in their finnes,
heape bp onto thent ſelues wrath againtt the day of wath,
tubereas the patience and bountifulnes of Gov inuiteth thent
fo repentaunce : and that they do fo little benefite them ſelues
by delay, that the ſharpneſſe of the punithement is doubled:
euen as it happened fo the Anto2ites, whom the Lorde at the

_ laf commaunded to be vtterly rated out, info much, as the
bery infants thoulo not be fpared. Wherefore when webeare
that Gon doth lnke with filence from heauen, vntill fuch time
as INtquities come vnto their full, let bs knowe, that it ts no
time then to be ſluggiſhe and negligent, but rather let euery
mothers fonne firre bp him felfe, to preuent and furne away
bis heauenly iudgement and heauie tw2ath. It was long fince
ſaid by a Beathen man, that the wath of God commeth ſſow⸗
ly forward fo take vengeance, but when it comnneth,it recom⸗
penteth the long tarriance, with the weight andfeueritie of
punithment, Ciherefoze,there'is no cauſe why the reprobate
ſhould flatter them felues, when be fareth as though be div not
bebolde them : for bicaule he ſo refteth in heauen, that be ceaſ⸗
(eth not fo be p iudge of the world, neither doth be in tinte for⸗
get bis duetie. Po2eouer, tue gather by the wordes of Moles,
that {pace of repentance is fo graunted to the rep2obate, that
. pet fo2 all that, thep arealreadie vowed fo deſtruction.
17 [Beholde, a fmoaking fornace.] here twas added as
~~. > gaine a newe biffon to confirme the credite of the oracle. At the
firfl,db2am twas aftonithen with a thicke barknefle : nowe in
the middelt of the fmoaking foznace, be ſeeth a burning fires
band. Many thinke that it twas the facrifice which twas cons
fumed with fire: but ¥ rather interpzete if, tobeafigneofthe |
deliueraunce which was fo come, which agreed with the mata
tex if ſelfe. Foꝛ there are tivo things in ſhewe contraric, the
darknefle ofthe fmoake, and the brightnefle of the firebrand.
Hereby Abzam knetwe it ould come to patle,that — at “4 ‘
ng

R*

Cc

—

VPON GENESIS, CAP. XVI.

length ſhould arife out of darkneſſe. Wie muſt alivayes feeke
to finde a propoztions an arqeement of fignes with the things
fiquified, that they may be anfiwerable one fo the other, Wut
here in word, libertic is pꝛomiſed fo Abrams feede in the mids
nett of bondage. And the tate of the Church could not be moze
liuely depainted fo2th, then when Ood made a burning fire,
brand to come out of the ſmoake, leaſt the darknefle of afflicti⸗
ons ould ouerwhelme vs:but we haue god hope of life, euen
in death: bicauſe at the laſt it will conte to paſſe,that the Low
twill (hine vnto bs, if fo be tue offer our felues a facrifice vnto
him.

18 [In that fame day the Lord madea couenaunt with A-
bram.] J willingly admit that which J touched befoze, hotve
that the conenaunt twas made after a folemne fafhion, when
the beattes were diuided in peeces. Foꝛ it {eemeth to be a repe-
tition, wherein be feacheth to what end that (acrifice ferved,
whereof he hath made mention, Where alfo ue map note that
which J fapde, howe that the word is alwayes topned with
fignes, lef mens eyes thould be fed by vaine ceremonies with⸗
put frit, God commaumed beaftes to be offered onto him:
but be alfa ſhewed the end and ble, by adding the coucnaunt,
Wozeouer, iffobve Cyc 1020 make a league 02 coucnaunt with
vs, by facraments and viſible fignes, Wwe gather, that they are
teſtimonies of bis grace, and feales and pledges of ſpirituall
graces and benefites which {pring thereof. |

19 [The Kenites,and the Kemzites.] He therefoze reckos
neth bp the nations, whofe landes be intended to giue fo the
cbildzen of Abrant,to confirme that which be had pꝛomiſed bes

- fore, concerning the multiplying and inlarging of bis feed and

poſteritie. Foꝛ it twas like fo be vio ſinall band of men : but a
huge multitude , to whont the lord appointeth fo large a dwel⸗
ling. Before be bad fpoken of the Amozites only, whale gueſt
andinbabifant (peraduenture)at that time Abꝛam twas: but
nowe to amplilie bis grace, bereckoncth bp all the reff par»
ticularly, Ladi!

rN _ CHAPTER: XVI.

i N° we Sarai Abrams wife bare him no children, and thee

hadamaide an Acgyptian,Hazar by nance,
2 And

333

4 , :

_ (vi SPOHNOCALVINE |

334. 2 And Sarai faid vnto Abram,Behold,nowe the Lord hath
reftreined me from child bering, Lpray thee gointo my maid:
it may be,that I thal receiue a childe by her.And Abram obeys
ed the voice of Sarai. ) |

3 Then Sarai Abrams wife,tooke Hagar hermaide the Ae-
gyptian, after Abram had dwelled tenne yeares in the lande of

Canaan,and.gaue her vnto her husband Abram for his wife.
4 And he went in vnto Hagar,& theconceiued: & when the
{awe that fhe had conceived, her dame was defpifed in her eyes,

5 Then Sarai faid to Abram,T hou doeft me wrong, haue
giuen my maideinto thy bofome, and fhe feeth that the hath
conceiued, and J am defpifed in her eyes : The Lord iudge be-

‘tweene meand thee. |

- 6 Then Abram faide to Sarai, Beholde, thy maideis in thy

hand, doe with her as it pleafeth thee. Then Sarai dealt roughly
with her:wherefore fhe fled frott her.

7 But the Angel of the Lord found her befide a founteine
of water in the wildernes, by the fountein inthe way to Shur.

8 And he faid,Hagar,Sarais maide,whence commeft thou,
and whither wilt thou go? And the faide, Ificefrom my dame
Sarai. | om

9 Then the Angel of the Lord faid to her» Retarneto thy
dame,and humble thy felfe vnder her hands. |

-10 Againe,the Angel of the Lorde faide vnto her, I will fo
Breatly increafe thy feed, that it thal not be numbered for mule
titude, :

in Alfo the Angel of the Lord faid vnto her : See, thou art
with childe,and fhalt beare a fonne, and fhalt call his name Iſh-
mae! : for the Lord hath heard thy tribulation.

12 And he fhall bea wilde man : his hand fhall be againft
every man, and every mans hande againſt him: and he fhall
dwell in the prefence of all his brethren,

13 Then the called the name of the Lord that fpake vnto
her, Thou God lookefton me: For fhe faide, HaueI not alfo .
here looked for him that feeth me? |

14. Wherefore the well was called,Becr-la-hai-roy:loe, iti
betweene Kadeth,and Bered. pos

15 And Hagar bare Abram a fonne: And Abram oe his (

omnes

es

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XVI. 3 5
fonnes name, which Hagar bare,[fhmael, 4! 3
6 And Abram was fourefcoreand fixe yeares olde, when
Hagar bare him Ithmael. f
1 [Sarai Abrams wife.) Here Poles weiteth a newe hifkos
vic, howe that Sarat being thearie of the long delay, deuiſed a
way by ber (elie contrarie to the worde of Gov, whereby the
might receiue fteae ofher hufbande. She ſawe that the was
barren,and palt the age of childbearing, She tmagincth thers
‘fore, that a newe remedie is fo be fought, that Abzam might
iniop the promifen bleffing, And the purpofe of taking a {es
cond wife, came not fron: Abram, but from Sarat, as Moles
plainly ſheweth: to the end we may knowe, that the holy fa-
ther was not moued with ia to this marriage, but thinking ·bram Bs
na fuche thing was moued therebnto by the perfuation of bis 7° c.
life, PotwithHanding, it map be demaunded, whether Dae fi chic lok
rai onely fo2 the defire of ſeede, appointed her maide fo fupplic
berplace, Sone thinke that only to be the caufe, Wut it fers
- meth noteredible bntome; that the godly matrone was not
prinic vnto thofe poomifes; tybich were fo oftentimes made
vnto ber huſband. Gnd all the godly ought tobe perfuaded of
this, thatthe mother of Gods people, was a companion and
partaker of the fame grace with ber butband. Sarai therefore
didnot naturallp, onelpas women doc, defire a childe: but
through the defire of obteining the biefing, tubich the knewe
Oodjarproniuler,the willingly graunted her wedlock bed ons
to an other: not bycaufe fhe maketh a diuorce betweene her
and ber huſband, but bicaufe fhe aſſigneth an other wife to ber
huſband, by inhome fe might have children. And urberp dad,
ti fobe the ſhould haue defied a childe after the common man⸗
net, He would rather hanerememb2ed ta haue dane if by as
doption, fhen fo haue adiwmitten a fecond wife. For we knowe
how great p heate of gealouſie is in women.Therſore fhe fo2s
getting her right, by the beboldina of p poomtle,thiuketh vpon
, nothing but ofbzinging forth children to Abꝛam. A woꝛthie
erample,by whieh we receiue no ſmall frntt. Fo2 the deſire of
Sarat was folaunable, and te be praifed inrefpect ef the cna
and intent, where vnto it tended, p neuertheleſſe in the accõpli⸗
/ hing. therof, ſhe committed no ſinall offencesfos that the bei ng
/ Wiiepe bine.

%

ao

TOHN CALVINE

336 not contented fo be without chilozen,deparfed from the tuorde
— of God, that the might inioy the effect ok the woꝛd. When the
ara rer weigheth her barenneffe and old age, the defpaireth, ercept the
ers not beget chilozen to Abzam by an other meanes:herein the offens
without Ded, Wut how deſper ate and paſt hope fo cuer the matter was:
fone. petnottvithitanding, the ought to baue také nothing in hand.

Without the twillof God, andercept the fame had bene agrees

Sarai pol- ing with the lawfull oder of nature. God would haue mans
luteth the Rind fo fp2tng from holy wedlocke: but Sarai peruerteth the
wedlocke lawe of wedlocke, in polluting the marriage bed, which was
bed, appointed onlp fo2 two. Meither doth this excuſe pꝛeuaile, that
fhe would haue ber a concubine tn fede of a wife : bicanle we

ought alivay to holde this faſt as a fure rule, that the woman

is topned vnto the man, that they might be tivo in one kleſhe.
Although at thts time Polpgamie, o2 the hauing ofmanp twis

ues prevailed with many: yet notwitſtſtanding, it was neuer

in mans twill 92 potver, to ab2onate that lative, by which tine

were mutually knit together: Neyther was Ab2am without

fault in that be bearkned fo ber folith and prepofterous coun⸗

fel. Therefore, as the raſhneſſe of Sarat was cozrupted, fo

the readineſſe of Abzamis woꝛthie of repzebenfion. And the

faith of them both failed,not in the fubftance, but in the mean

it ſelle, oꝛ order of doing, in making bafte to fecke ſcede, which

twas fo be hoped fo2 at the handes of God, without the latofull
ꝛdinaunce Of Ood, Wiherby alfo we are warned and taught,

that ©od doth nof commaund in baine thofe that are his fers

uants fa be quiet, and to waite with filence, fc often as be des

twpauen⸗ ferteth and fulpendeth their defires. For they which make
cie preuca haſte before the time, doe not onelp preuent the prouidence of
teth Gods God, but alfo not being content with the word of God, do run
prouidéce. hepond their boundes, Wut it ſemeth that Sarat had reſpect
| vnto an other thing, who not onely defired that Abzam might
be made a father, but allo feeketh fo bring Unto ber felfe the

right and honour of a mother. ¥ anflwere,that ſeeing the knelw .

that all naftons were to be bleffed in the fede of Abzam, itis
no meruell if the would nof be depriued of the focietie of hos
nour : leaft fhe being cut off from the boly and bleffed body,
mightbe as a rotten member, and a fozreiner allo from the

pꝛomi⸗

\

RCQ

-

VP ON GENESIS) CCAP, XVI. 137
pꝛomiſed faluation, [Barehim no children, ] This feemeth to
be put fo2 excuſe fake; dnd in veriedeede Moles gineth vs to
pnderitand, that the din not feeke foz a ſupplie to proceed from
the matdes wombe, before fuch time as necellitie required the
fame, And his wordes declare, that fhe did modeflly and pa-
tientiy wayte to fe what the Loꝛde woulde doc, vntill fiche
tune as all hope was taken cleane away, when be ſayth that
be han thut bp ber womb that the miaht beare ito more. What
fault. then (hall we find with herz Surely herein He Was fo be
blamed, fo2 that the did not calk her twhole care vpon fhe 1020,
but typed bis power fo the oder of nature, and reftratned the
fame fo ber ctunefente, Alto, becauſe the gathering by the
tine patt, what ſhoulde after warde infue, confidereth not
that the wombe was in bis bande to open againe; whiche be
had chutte vno . SOFA Ms Eis Th TS 2
2 [It may be that IMallrecelue a childe by ‘her."] Phe
Heb2ue ferte is according to the letter, It may be that I may
be builded by her’. The which is Wetaphoricallp fpoken, bes
cauſe childzen are a building; and as it were a holding vp of
the ftocke. And Sararby the right ol her potwer and ſuperiori⸗
fie challenaeth onto ber febfe the childe, whiche Hagar has to
bing forth, becaule her maides did hot bring forth for them⸗
felues,enen as they bad not potver over their obon bodies. And
that the {peaketh fir tnto ber bufbande , the doeth not onely
admit a concubine, which ſhoulde be as his Parlot: but alfo
the fozceth the fame bpon him. And hereby it appear tth, that.
when men are moze tile in thetr owne conceit thenis mete,
they eaſily therby fal fo affay meanes that are bulawful, Whe
affection of Sarai fp2ingeth front the seale of faith: but be⸗
cauſe the is not fubtect vnto God fo tarrie bis leifure, fhe by
and by falleth to Polygamnie,that is, to the admitting of moe
wiues then one, the which twas nothing elſe, but the corrupti⸗
on of lawfull wedlocke. Wut fering Sarat, which was fo holy
a woman, as a paire of bellotves kindleth and pouoketh her
huſbande fo the fame impatience, which twas in her felfe : let
bs berebp learne, howe diligently we ought to watche, leaſt
Datdthan circumuent bs with any fecrete veceipte'.Jfo2 be Doth sarhan is
not only fubozne and craftilp (et forth the wicked and vngod⸗ a ſubtile

eaimiec.
lie mie

8 fOHN CALVINE
33 tic to affaile onr faith, all that they can openly, but alſo fomed
dines he fettoth vpon bs priuily,and by fealth,bp yan ¢ fans
xle men, thathemay oppoeſſe vs vnwares. Therefore toe
mulſt beware of his traines on euerie fide: left by fome means
02 other be vnderminde bs,,[And Abram obeyed the voice of
Sarai.] Dhe fatth of Abram faileth ; when he declining from
the word wf Oad,{urffereth bimfelfe,by the pacuocation of his
wike, to be carried tofteke a remedie, which twas forbidden by
Cod, NotivithTanding, be holdeth fatt the foundation:becaute
he douteth not; but that.at the lat hethal finde God ta be frue,
Sy the which evaniple we are taught, vᷣ therets no.canfe why
Wwe fhould be difcouraged, iffo be Sathan at any time hake
eur: faith,fop the truth of God be not taken out of our hearts,
Furthermore, feing Wwe fe that Abzam, who han twretFled fo
Many peares,as an inutncible Champion, and had tone thos
rough fo many harde ſtraites, doth nowin one moment giue
place to temptation : which of vs will not-be afeara of the like
peril? Therfore although tue haue fton along time conſtant⸗
ip inthe, fapth: pet neuerthelelle, we nt daily pray onto
Cod,that he leade vs not into tempations 9 6 Tot fa
.) 3 {And gaue hor to her hufbande Abram. J· Moles here
erprelleth what the purpoſe of Sarai twas. Fo2 the neither ins
fended fo make her houſe a Beothell houle, noe vet her felfe a
Walwde to her hulband, Notwithianving, Pagar is here vn⸗
properly called bis Wwife,fo2 that contratie to the lawenf Gor
Riansj. Heis brought into a Graunge bed. Wherefore let bs'kriawe ð
this marriage Was fo Mnlawfull; >} it was a meane betweene
onshaue whoredome and wedlocke. The like happeneth to all imagiz
ill lucceſſe nations and deuiſes which are iopned to the word of God, For
although thep be cloaked with an boneft pretence: pet nots
withlſtanding there is cozruptionin them, whiche degenera⸗
feth from the puritic.of Gods worde, and defileth thefame,

4 {Her dame was defpifed in her eyes. ] Were Motes

ſheweth p puniſhment which followeth oucrmuch hatte. Lhe
greatett fault was tn Sarai:becauſe notwithitanding Abram
was tm redie to content, Dod doth iuttly punith them both ace
cording fo their delart, Sarat, whiche was verie much € Crees
10115, was deſpiſed ofher handmayde sand Abram is re

’

—

VP ON GENESTS: “CAP, XVI. 3
fer with vniutt coiiiplaintes, Thus we fee that ther both; for aa
their liahtnette were puniſhed: and that’ the dewite hath te
ſucceſſe which being found ouf and imagined bp Sarar, was
to redily followed and imbraced of Abram. Wiithalk, we hate
anerample of onthankefulneffe fet before vs in Pagar, who |
hauing recettied a notable benefite and honeurs began to dit Votank-
daine her nuttrede, And becauſe this is tw cohimota'difeate, 7°
iet the faithful cnure thentfelucs with tuterauncey iffebe “°"
thep be fo bngently rewarded fo2 fhe gad turnes they hane
bone vnto others but fpecially let p intirmitie of Sarai mou
bs, which cannot beare the contempt sfbher mapde,
§ [Thou doeft ime wrong, ] apis alfo was a parte of pu⸗
niſhment, that Sarat Was humbled, that ſhe might forget ber
felfe fo2 a time, € being exccedingly nidued With anger, might
fo vnbridledly bebaue her ſelſe She hav alt vie, fomuch as in
ber lap, ouerthrowen ber butband: and now peeuilhly thera?
geth againſt hint without caule oꝛ fault iv him, Foꝛ ſhe alled⸗
geth nothing, wherein Abram is to be blanied, She ealteth
him inthe teeth that the hath giuen her handmayd into his bo⸗
fone; He complaineth that the is nowe deſpiſed of her's but
tried not pet Abrams minde whether he wouide dekende an e
uill cauſe oꝛ no by bis maintenance Wut ſo blinde is the race
of urath,that itis rathly carried euerie way, and ralhly colt? Wrath h
demneth thoſe, which arealtogether without blame. Bfener blinde
any woman was of nike and gentle ſpiritẽ, Sarar twas the
faine, Swing therefore te fe that He was brought fo impa⸗
tience bY cite offenee,the move euorie dne oF bs ought fo ender
uor our &lues,to temper our affections. [The Lord indge be-
tweene meand thee, IShe abuſeth the name of Cod, € almoſt
forgetteth thatrencrence whichis fe greatly commended to ßñ
nodlic. She appoaleth to the iudgement of God. Whatisthis. _
elfejbut to bring deſtruction vppon Her one head? For when
God hath tet himſelte a Judge bet wene thent, he hulk naoes'
take vengeance vpon one of thent, Abꝛam had don no miurie, ~~ -
It reſteth therfore $ the feele pᷣ vengeance of God whofe wath
the rathly wiſheth to het felfe,o2 to her huſband ¥f oles hav
Spoken this. of any prophane oꝛ heathen vwoman it might haue
bene contemued as a vſuallthing But now the 1429 ſheweth
up yerſon of the mother of all the kaithfull, lirſt howe violent
PY a thing

0 oo es BOHN CALVING }
3° 2 thing the heate of tzath is 5 and whither it carrieth men.
Secondly, howe greatly they are blinded, whiche pleats them
ſelues in thew otone doinges, fo the ende we mightlearne to
inftruct our felues,fo often as our otwne cauſe is in bis band;
Gusther thing alfo ts here-fpectaly worthie to benoted, names
Y dp, that the quicte and belt ordered houfes want not fomes
times bealles :-pea,and that this euill entereth euen into the
Churche of God, Foꝛ the houle of Abꝛam whiche is troubled
with contentions, was (as tug knowe) a liuelic image of the
Church.As tonching dometticall balles, we knowe that the
cheefelt parte of a foctall and fellotulie life, tubiche the Loꝛde
hath o2deined among men,confitteth in wedlocke: and pet not.
withſtanding, there happen diuerſe incommodities, whiche da
as if were blemiſh that. god ſtate. To ouercome thele greefes,
the faithfull mug arme and prepare them felues, The whiche
that they may the better doe, thep mutt weigh and confider
the oziginall of this euill.Foꝛ what troubles fo ever men feele
and finde in wedlocke, they mult attribute the fame fo finne,
a9. {Beholde thy maydeis in thy hande,] It appeareth by
the anfivere of Abraham, how great bis bumanitic anv mone?
ſtie was. He bpalleth not with his wife: and. although bis
caule be berie god, pet notwithſtãding, be doth not Lilly Hand
_, in the lame:but willingly korgoeth the wife tubich twas giuen
‘bute bim,dind,to purchafe peace, be fetteth apart al butbands
like and fatherly affection. Fo2 when he veldeth Wagar to the
plefure of ber angrie Dame, be bereth not with ber asa wife:
but after a ſorte careth not fo2 the fede twhich the had conceis
uedin ber wombe, And there is no doubt, but that be twas fo
milde € quiet in bearing with p intemperancie of his wife, bes
caufe be bad foundher obedient vnto him all ber whole life.
Sarsis obe Notwithlitanding, it was a great vertuc fo b2idle bis mind in
oa 7 6 great diſdaine. Wut here it may be demanded, how the care
bram to Of he blefle ede departed then out of bis mindeWagarcis
be tratta- greate which childe she bopeth that the fede Mall cone forth
ble, of her,bp which faluation is pꝛomiſed onto the worlde, bp
both be not rather neglecting Sarat, bende his loue and care
buto the fame 2 Vereby we gather, that all the: cogitations of
men doe vaniſh alway andturne fo fnokeSefoneasany ares /

Hous \

ar

~

—

VPON ; GENESIS; | CAP. XVI:

nous temptation commeth. Be hauing taken a wife without
the conunaundement of God, thinketh that the matter falleth
out well and happily, tuben be feeth her quicke with chide,
and be liketh well of bis fwlith peefumption, Wut when cons
tention foudenly arifeth, be knoweth not what to doc, be cas
feth alway all hope; 02 at leat Wile foꝛgetteth the fame: euen
as it muſt needes happen vnto bs, fo offenas tue take anp
thing in hande without the worde of God, infomuche that we
faint euen at the firlle bla of trentbling : of the tobiche this
is the onely ſtabilitie to haue Ooo the authour.speuertheletfe
God purgeth thefarth of fis feruant from all ſpotte: For be
mingling bis owne and bis wiues imagination with the
wo2de of Con, bad asit were choaked bis faith, herefo2c
to the end the ſame might thine againe to the full,that furplus
is cleane cut off. After this manner , God fetting himlelfe a3
gaint our ticked countels, calieth bs out of Aupie ſſuggiſh⸗
nelle to perfecte remembꝛance.A fimple pꝛomiſe was made, J
will bleſſe thy ſtede. Nowe Sarat the adoeth her imagina⸗
tion, that there (hall be no ſeede, but that tobich ſhould be fups
plied: by Pagar . This corruption of mans imagination,
wherewith the pron teas defozmed, mut needes be wiped
alway , that Abram might concetue nothing but that thiche
poceded from the pure two2deof God, [ Then Sarai dealt
roughly with her.] It was a verie harde thing fo2 the ang⸗
rie woman, to kepe ameafure in repreſſing the infolencie of
her maide. WMherefore tt may be that ſhe was moze cruell vps
pon ber then was mete, beeing not fo mindfull of her outic,as

fhe thought howe he might be reuenged fo2 the offence com-

miffed, Becauſe Moles expreſſeth no greater matter, Jim⸗
b2ace that whiche ts certeine : howe that Sarat vled her au⸗
thoritie in reprelling the omache of her maive, Gud we map
iudge by the euent,that Pagar was moued to fie, not fo much
by the crueltie of her Dame, as by ber owne obſtinatie. Wer
owne conſcience did accule ber: neither is tt likelte that Daz
rat would not haue beenc fo greatly moued, without greuous
offences. The woman therfore bering of a ſeruile vifsofition,
and verte ſtubberne, chofe rather to flee, then by buinble ac-
knowledging of her fault, toceme into fauour againo.

Buy, Aa [ But

341

2 IOHN CALYVINE
34 7 [Butthe Angel ofthe Lorde founde her.J tere we ara
taught howe gently and fauourably the Love dealeth with
thofe that are bis , although thep haue deferued greeuous pus
miſhment. As before be mitigated the punifhement of Abꝛam
and Sarai, enen fo now with afatherlie countenaunce he bez
holdeth Dagar : that he may beſtowe bis grace and loue vpon
the whole familie. He doth net wholy {pare them, to maintein
their firs:but cozrecteth them by moderate remedies. It is bee
rie likelie that when Wagar was come into the wilderneſſe of
Sur, {he thoughtofthe returne info ber countrie, Potiwithe
Tanding it feemeth that mention was mave of p wildernes, fo
the end ive may knowe, ÿ the being miſerably afflicted, tvandes
red out of p fight of men, bntill p Angel meeteth with her. And
though Moles erprefleth not the forme of p vifion:pet J doubt
nof,but that be appeared in the ſhape of a mans body, wherein
neuertho leſſe there ſhined manifett tokens of heauenly glorie.
8 [ Hagar,Sarais maid, By this maner of catlina,the Anael
declareth, though Wagar were eſcaped her Miſtreſſe hands;
Libertic pet notivithitanding the remained her feruant:bicaufe libertie
maynot Map notbe gotten bp ftealth,noz pet by running away, but bp
. eC nianumillion,o2 difcharge by leaue. Andby this bopre God
y Kealth. heweth, that he allo voeth of tiuil gouernment,¢ that the brea⸗
hing thereof is not ercufable, Hard was p condition of feruis
tide at that time : and we are fo giue thankes vnto the Lord,
that the fame barbarous rudeneſſe is abolifhed, And pet note ©
Wwithfanding, God pronounced frd heauen,that tt pleated him
that feruants ſhould beare the poke,cuen as alfo bp the mouth
Ephe.6. 5. Of Paute,fernaunts are not called to liberfie: neither doth be
depriue Maitters of their vſe: but onely commandeth them to
be gently ¢ liberally intreated. It is alfo gathered by the cir⸗
Lawes are cumſtance of time, that toe mult not only for neceffitie obey p
robeo- Politicall ¢ Ciuil gouernment:but alfo we mutt be ſubiect fo
beyed for wholſome lawes foꝛ confeience fake, Ffo2 although Wagar the
confcience fugitiue, could not be fozcably bought fo obedience,pet noth
ike. Fanding her condition was not chaunged before God, By the
ſame argument it is pꝛoued, that if Maiſters atany time doe
deale moze hardly with their feruants then is meet, or if thoſe
which are in authoritie doe lay a moꝛe heauie burden bppor \
their fubiectes then they can bears: pet notwithltanding their
rigog ¢ oppecMion is to be abidden; neither haue they any tule

cauſs

VPON GENESIS.. cAP. XVI? *
343

caufe to caſt off the voke, although they doe tw imperiouſſy ex⸗

erciſe their authoritie. To be ſhort, ſo often as we purpoſe to

defraude any man ofbis right, oꝛ fo Make oſf our tawfull cals

hing, let the bopce of the Angel found in our cares, euen as if

God (hould pul bs backe W his band, Whey which hauc proud⸗

ip o2 cruelp ruled, Hall one day giue an account vnto Cod; 4n

p meane time, fubtects mult abide their rigo2,fill God pꝛouide

a remedie for the fame, whoſe propertic is fo lift bp the abiect,

and to vale oppeſſed. If a cOparifon be made/, the authozitie

of magiſtrates is far moze follerable,then was that old Date

ferthip And the power € aufhozitie of the countriets natus

ralipto be beloued, ¢ too2thie of fauour. Ff fo be the flight of

Pagar were forbioven by the comandement of Ood,much lefle

Wil be beare with the rebellion of that people, which twill rile

againt their prince:o2 with the obftinacie of thofe childꝛen, Rebellion

Awhich will not obey their parentes, [ From whence commeſt 2829

thou 2] Betnquireth not, as ofa doubtfull matter ; but to the (°°

end Pagar might knowe that all ercufe was taken atway,be , bie.

pꝛeciſely reprehendeth ber flight: as if he had ſaid, Thou bas

uing forfaken thy abiding place thalt p2ofite thy {elfe nothing

by wandring about: bycaufe at laff thou thalt not efcape the

Hand of God, which bad placed thee there. Jt may alfo be p be

talteth in ber teeth the departure fro that boule, which at that

time twas the earthly ſanctuarie of God;fo2 the was not igno⸗

rant,p God twas woꝛſhiped there, after a peculiar ſoꝛt.And al

though the doth indirectly accufe her miſtreſſe of ‘crueltic,fays

ing, that the flieth front her dames pefence: pet neuertheleife,

the Angel fo fake alvay all ercufe,commandeth ber fo refurne

and fo ſubmit ber ſelfe. By which words, firſt be giueth to vn⸗

derſtand, that the bonde of ſubiection ts not diſſolued, by their

ſeuere and rigorous ruling which are in authozttic: fecondipy Subwiſſi⸗

belapeth the whole blame bpon Dagar, bycaule he had ſtub⸗ —

bernly refitted ber miſtreiſe:and forgetting her ſtate ẽ conditio

had exalted ber ſelfe more proudly and boldly then became powarde

maidſeruant.To conclude, ſcing the is iuſtly puniſhed fo2 her their ſu⸗

oifences, he cõmandeth ber to ſcek a remedie by amending thẽ. periours.

And in verie decd, ſeing nothing ts better then fo pleaſe pᷣ ſeue⸗

ritie of thoſe which haue power ouer vs, with obedience ¢ ule
cance:whẽ they are offended w our p2td, the fpectaly tue mut

/ endeno ourfelucs to bring thé to gentlenes by our fubmiffion,

L ; P.iiij. 10 cl will

34. \pOHN CAIMVINE
et 10 [IT willfo'greatly increafe thy ſeede. Do mitigate
fhe offence , and allo to make ber obep the, commaundement
Which he had given onto ber moze gladly, he pꝛomiſeth ablets
fing in the childe which fhe bare in ber wombe, God might by -
his authoritie bauc commaunded her to doe that whiche was
mete and right: but to theende Pagar might doc that moze
gladly which the knew belonged fo her ductic,he allureth her
to obey (as it were) by faire ¢ flattering ſpeeches. And to this
end perteine the promiſes, whereby be calleth bs fo volunta⸗
rie obedience. Foꝛ he will not after aferutle manner, drꝛawe
bs, that we may be conſtrained fo perfourme that, whiche is
commaunded bs : therefore be ioyvneth thereiwith gentle and
fatherlic allurements,¢ dealeth no leffe liberally with bs,then
With chilozen. And whereas the Angel promiſeth that be twill
noe that, whiche ts praper to God alone, there ts no abſurdi⸗
fic at all therein: Foꝛ God vſually giueth authorttie to bis
miniffers whome he fendeth, to ſpeake in bis perfon,to the end
bis word may haue the greater credite and matettie. Howbe⸗
it, J millike not that which pleated many of the auncient fas
thers, how that Chait the mediatour was alwayes chefe in
all oracles,and that this ts the cauſe, why the mateftie of God
is attributed vnto Angels. Of the whiche matter. Jhaue faide
ſomewhat before, and moze fhalbe ſaide hereafter, when we
haue better orcafion. —A—n
11 [And ſhalt beare a ſonne. JThe Angel expoundeth
HMmaela that whiche be bad b2eeflp ſpoken concerning the fede,as that
reprobate, if coulo not be numbered foz multitude, and he beginneth af
yertempo Iſmael,who thould be the head ¢ originall, And although we
te * bid {hall fe hereafter,that be twas a rep2obate: pet neuertheleſſe,
he voucheth fafe to giue vnto him an honourable name,ado2-
ning the fame with atempozall benefite, the partaker wherof
was Iſmael,becauſe be twas the fonne of Abraham, Foꝛ thus
% inferp2et if: namely, that God would haue a monument fo
remaine to all pofferities,of his fatherly godnes, which beers
tended fotvarocs the whole familic, and offpring of Abzant. |
Foꝛ although the conenant of euerlatting life belonged not fo
Iſmael:vet notwithſtanding, to the end be might not be quite
poide of arate, Cod appointed hint tobe the father ofa great

and \
) 1

/

VPON GENESTS. 1 CAPR XVI.
and famous nation, And thus we fer, that by the vie we of this
pꝛeſent life, his godneſſe ertended it fetfeto the, carnall: fave
of Abzant, Cather fore, if fo be be Would haue Iſmaelsaname an
euerlaſting rementbzaunce of his temporall benefife, our itr
gratitude hall not be boone withall, vnleſſe we celebrate his
heauenly and cuerlafting graces, vntilt death. [For the Lord
hath heard thy tribulation. We reade not that Pagar inher
extremitie fell fo paper : and this we may rather coniecture
by the wo2des of Moles, that the Angel came of bts.clone ac,
co2d2, when fhe was aſtoniſhed in her miſeries . It is there,
fore to be noted, that God hath reſpect vnto men two manner
of waves fo helpe them : either oben they doc humbly craue
bis faith and help,o2 elfe when he deliuereth them out of their
nit(erics, without infreafie: And be isproperly: (aide fo. heare
thet, whiche doc call vpon him, as a deliuerer by their prays
ers. Notwithſtanding, ſometimes, when men lie fill and fap
nothing,;and direct not their prayers vnto him, becauſe they
are amazed, hers faid fo beare their miferics. It is likely, that
this latter was fulfilled in Hagar, becaufe@od of his otwne ac⸗
co2de meeteth with ber, as the wandereth through the ve fer te.
But, becaule he fuffereth the bnbelecuing tebe verie much de⸗
ſtitute of bis helpe, vntill they, being wearied with long miſe⸗
ries, do faint, oꝛ elfe fuffereth them to be bwand by ouer vheb⸗
med: let none of bs beare with our negligence: but being ad⸗
moniſched with the feeling ofour miferies, let vs ſeeke him
without delay: Jn the meane time not withſtanding, thts fer:
ucth greatly foo the confirmation of our faith, how that the
02d will not deſpiſe our prayers who tuith bis helpe preuen⸗
teth the neqliqent and MAggiſhe:and that he, whichis p2efent
fo thofe that feke bim not, will be muche moze favourable fo
their godly pꝛavers. And he fhatbe a wildeman, IThe Angel
declareth what manner of man, Iſmael Hall bes In my iudge⸗
ment the fimple meaning is;that he ſhalbe a man of warre ¢
fearcfull to bis enimies, in ſo much that no man ſhould po-
uoke him withoutreucnge: Sonte erpound the Hebrue word,

345

vᷣ he ſhould be a Foꝛreſter x giuen to hunting of wilde beats, |

But we neede not fetche the expoſition from any other thine,
then from the texte it ſelfe: For by and by aftet tt —“
n 1 n OB a ne apes ts

346

IVA sTOHNNOCALVINE |
His hand:fhal be againft all men,and euerie mans hand againft

him, Notwithſtanding tf map be demaunded, whether this

ought to be reckoned among the benefits of Ood,fo aefend the
ftate of bis life by dint of ſworde, when as nothing is more to
be defired then peace. The anſwer map be made, that Iſmael,
though all his netabbours fhould war againg him,¢ confpire
bis death: pet not withfanding, be alone thould be of ſufficient
ftrenath to withſtand e repulfe all their aſſaults. WBut F think
that the Anael doth not pꝛomiſe any fall grace, but fome mean
and bnperfect gift, He ought {pecially to defire to haue peace
with al men. Becaule this is denied fo Iſmael, p which ts lee
cond in order is giuen vnto him, as p be ſhould not giue place
fo bis enimies,but Gould be rong ¢ Valiant to repulle their
force. And be fpeaketh not of the perfon of one nan, buf of the
whole progenie. For that which follotueth,belongeth not apt⸗
ip fo one man. Hf this expoſition may pleafe, a fimple € mere
bleſſing is not bere p2omifed;but a follerable, € meane ſtate;
vᷣIſmael may fele € knowe, that he with bis polteritie receis

ned ſomewhat from the handes of Ood,fo2 his father Abzams

fake, So pit is not fo be reckoned among the benefits of Gov;
fo haue ail men his enimies, & with violence fo rete all men?
but this is added as aremedte and ntitigation of the eutl,that
be ſhalbe able to withſtand his enimies, who hall haue many
aduerfaries, [And he {hall dwell in the prefence of all his bre-
thren, ] Secing this onely properly belongeth onto the people,
Wwe may thereby the better perceiue p they are decetued, which
reftraine this place vnto the perfon of Imael. Andothers
interp2et this place,that the potteritic of Iſmael hall haue a
firme Dwelling inthe prefence of bis brethren in deſpight of
their teeth: as if he ſhould fay, that thex thould violently occus
pie the land, tubherein they dwelt, although the bꝛethren went
about to withitand the fame, And otherſome bing a contrari¢
iudgement:as that the Iſraelites, thoughe they were among
many enimies : pet notwithſtanding that they thol not want

- frtendes, t bieth2erny Wut Jallowe neither opinions ; fo2 the

Angel rather meaneth, that bis people thalbe feparaten front
the reſt: as if pe fhould fay, Ve thall not be a parto2 member
ofone nation;but he fall make a whole bodic.n fo much that
the fame Mall haue a peculiar aud ſeuerall name.

‘ 13 [Thenu

VPON GENESIS. CAP XVI.

3 [Then the called thename of the Lord.) Idoubt not 34.7
but that Moſes meanetl, that Hagar after that the was admos
niſhed by the Angel, chaunged her minde: ¢ being fo ſubdued,
turned herfelfe fo prayers and intreatie. Cxcept peraduenture
the confeffion of the fongue be rather noted bere, then p chan⸗
ging of the minde. Inot withſtanding rather incline berebnto,
that Pagar being of a Kubberne diſpoſition before, beginneth
now at the lat to acknowledgetho prouidenceof God. Wut
wheras fome think that be ts called the Gon of the viſion, whi⸗
the appeareth and reuealeth himſelfe bute nten, it is to much
weeſted. Mather Bacar feeming to her elf to be violently care
ried and dꝛawen though the aelerte by chaunce; feleth no
€ confeffcth, that humane atfaires are qoucrned by God. Wut
wholoeuer is perfuaded p God regardeth hint, the fame mutt
needs be perfuaded,that be twalketh,as it tere befoze his eies.
Haue I not alfo here looked for him ythat feeketh after me?]}
aD he obfcuritte of this fentence hath caufed many erpofitions,
Certeine of fhe Beb2ues (ay , that Bacar merucllen when He
fawe the Angel: becaule He thought that Ood was feene no
where but tn Abzams boule. Wut this ts berie colac, and the
ambifiou tobiche ts in the Jewes, maketh them thus often⸗

times to dote, when as thep wholy bende them felues fo boaſt an

of thebonour of their Locke. Dtherfome interprete tt thus: "

Paue J loked after mp viſion? What ts fo fay, fo ſlowly, that. -
in feing ¥ (ould be blinde. After theindgemeut of thefe mest
the bifton of Hagar was tivo folde 2 the firft,crronious: fring
the apprehended nothing that was heauenlie in the Angel:but
the other twas truc,atter that he twas touched with the feeling
of the Diuinitie. It ſeemeth to fome that a negatiue anſwere
is fo be vnderſtod: as if be ſhould fay, F (alo him not going a⸗
wavrras if Pagar gathered by $ fouden vaniſhing away, that
if was the Angel of Gon, Zn the fecond member allo the inters
prefers difagree. Hierome turneth it, Thatfeeketh me backe-
» warde, The whiche manp referre fo att obſcure diſton: that
if may bea Metaphoꝛicall fpcache, Foꝛ, as boe do not perfect:
lp knowe men tohen their backs are toward vs: euen ſo they
arefatde to fie G D D his backepartes., to whome he doeth
yg not plainely manifett himfelfe to the full. And this opinion is
commonly receiued, Dtherfome thinke that Poles vled a
contra⸗

LOHN CALYVAINE

34.8 tontrarie figure :fo2 bp Gods backe hep vnderſtand f feeling

of bts weath: eucn as hio fate is ſaide to thine’ onto'bs,
when he ſheweth himſelſe mercifull and fauourable.

Thus accoꝛding fo their iudgement the ſenſe is, J thought
that Jhadeſtapede, that Jmight no moze be fubtecte to the
chattifement t coirection of Gan: Wut bere. Ifele allo, that:
he is diſpleaſed with me, and again me. Hitherto Jhaue
breefly Hetwed theiudgementiof others And although it is
notmy purpofe fe ſtande in refuting cucry erpofition; pet nes
uertheleſſe J fay freely, that none of thefe Interpreters haue
atteined to the minde of Moſes. J gladly recewe the opiniow
of fonte ,twhiche thinke that Pagar doeth wonder atthe gar
nefle of © DD; who had regarde vnto ber alfo euen in the
deſerte But the ſame is neither nothing, no2 pet all, Sirk of
all, Wagar reprebendeth ber felfe, that whereas af the fir the
was to blinde fhe now opencd her eyes to flolwely and negli⸗
gentlp to beholde God. Zfo2 the amplifieth ber ſlouth bythe
circumftance of the place andofthe time, Wlhen as ſhee was
taught byerperience oftentimes, that the Lorde bad regarde
vnts here vet neuer theleſſe, in ſchutting ber epes, the had con
temned his prouidence, euen as if fhe had turned away her face
wheu be offered. himſelfe vnto her openly .Powic Ihe acculeth
ber felfe, fo2 that the was no foner alwaked,fo fone as the Ane
gel’ appeared, All the confideration of the place is of greate
weight, that Gon, whiche had alwayes teſtified that be tas
prefent with berin the houſe of Abzam, doeth nowe followe
ber breing a runnatway euen in the wilderneſſe. This was to
grofle vnthankefulneſſe,to be wilfully blinde at the preſence
ofGoo: andivhen the knewe, thathe div bebolde her , not
fo lift bpherepes to loke vppon him. Wut this as pet was
moꝛe filthic blindneffe, when as the beeing a bagarant perfon,
and an exile was tuftly punifhed fo2 ber vntowardneſſe, did
not even then knoine,that the Lorde did loke bppon ber, and
that he was p2refent, owe we fee wherevnto this reprebens
ficn tendeths Weſore this tine Jhaue not fought Ood, neither
patie Jhad reſpect onto him, but confrained, when as he bons
ched fafe firſt to lake bppon me : nowe alfo being in the wil⸗
derneſſe and there afflicted with many mifertes; F ought *
Gy J ones : the

-~

VPON GENESIS: CAP: Xv:
fhe laf tobaue bene awakened, but after mine old vant J 349
ould rot fe, neither had Jat any time lifted vp mine eyes
vnto Heauen, vnleſſe the Lorde had bouched (ate firk to loke
bpon me,
: [ Wherfore the place wascalled, ] ¥ thinke that ae
gar gaue this name vnto the place, fo2 that the not being
contented with ene ſimple confeffion, Wwoulde haue the grace
of God teltified and ſet forth intime fo come:: and therfo2e the
Deliuered the teftimonie thereof as it tuere from hand fo hand,
Wercby we gather, howe profitable a thing it .is, fo be famed
With fripes,fo2 thoſe whiche are not humbled by their owne
accoꝛde. Hagar which was altwayes rebellious,and bad afo2e-
time dfterly thaken off the poate, appeareth now fo be a new
woman, after that the hardneſſe of ber hart was bꝛoken with
iniferie, Botwbeit,the was nat ſubdued with ſtripes onely, but
by a heauenlie viſion alſo, whiche made a full conuerſion in
her And the verie fame is: neceſſarie for vs: namely, that God
chattifing vs With bis hande, bringeth bs by bis ſpirite vn⸗
to meekeneſſe This name whithe Pagar giueth here vnto the
place fignifieth thus muche, The well of the liuing and ſeeing
mee.Some of the Hebrues lap, that this name was’ giuen of
Iſmael whiche was alive and. ſawe Ood: as if there were a
teſtimonie of double grace, that Iſmael reniued from death,
and that Cod bebeld Hagar his mother. Wut they doc mayme
amiffe thofe thinges, which are topned together. For Dagar
would haue it knowen, that he twas regarded of the living
God, the authour of life. -
1s [And Abram called his fonnes name,which Hagar bare
wnto him, Iſmael.Ihagar was commanded fo giue that name
vnto ber fonne: but Doles followeth the order of nature, be⸗
cauſe the fathers by giuing the name, declare the potier whi⸗
chethep haue ouer their fonnes . And We map coniecture,
_ that Bagar when he was returned bome,tolve all thofe thin-
. ges Wwhich bad. happened, A herefozre Abram the weth himſelfe
* thankfull and obedient vnto God, becaule he both nameth bis
fonne accogding fo the conunaunbdemnent of the Angel, and al-
fo prapleth the —— of — * in ** the miſeries of

Hagar.
| ‘C HAP

f tue

|

a)

TYTOHN CAEVINE © ©
: CABRIO Lid susie) Nal oi
Hen Abram was ninetie yeares old and nine;
| the Lorde appeared to Abram, and fayde vn-
: to him,Iam God all fufficient, walke before
: me⸗and be thou vpright.
2s And I will make my couenant betweene ~
* fish IE will multipliethee exceedingly. © 6
3) Ther Abramgfell on his nbc He talked with irs
faying: :

nek Behold, I gett my coutaant with cheesund thou thate
be a Father ofmany nations: |

Neither fhall thy name any. more. be called Abram;

but thy name fhall be'Abraham: For a father of — nitiona
haue L made thee. Joti la SSNs
76 > Alfol will make thee exceeding fruitefull , and wil
make nations of thee: yea, Kinges {hall proceede of thee,

“gy . Moreover Iwill eftablithe my coutnant betweene me
and thee,and thy feede after thee in their generations, for an e-
uerlaſting couenant,to be God «apes thiee and to thy. ſeede af
ter thees:* 2. ;

8 AndT willgiue diiegindthy feede after thee the: lande |
— thou atta {tr aunger : euen all the lande of Canaan for
an euerlafting pofleflion,and I will-betheir God.

9 Agdine,God fayde to‘Abraham, Fhowalfo ſhalt **
— re ne ſcede — — their ——“

10 Thisi is my couenant which yo fall keepe Betiveenie
mee and youand thy feede after thee. Let eucrie manchilde a~
—* you be circumciſed.

That is,yefhall. circamaifethe forefkin of your Felts é
and’ it fhhall be a figne of the couenant betweene me and ‘you,
12 And euetie-manchilde of eightdayes oldamong you

thalbe circumeifed in your generations,as well he that is borné
in thy houſe, as heahat is bought — — oe
which is notof tliy feede,

13. Hethatis borne in thine houfe, and he that fe bought
with thy monie, muſt needesbe creumeifed Io my —
ean ‘el in your flcthe,for an euerlaſting coucnant. yn

14 pe

‘

VPON GENES Es? @AP? xvyt

34 Butthe vacircumcifed:manchilde,in whole flefhe the
forefkinne is not circumcifed, euen that perfon thal! be cut off
from his people, becaufe he hath broken my couenant.
© aes Afterwarde God fayde to Abraham , Sarai thy wife
Shalethow not call Sarai,but Sarah fhallbeher name. _ ,

416 And I will bleffe her,and will alfo giue thee a fonne of
hersy ea, will bleffe her, and fhe fhall be the mother of nati-
ons : Kinges alfo of people fhall come of her,

reo: Then Abraham fell -vpon his face,and laughed, & fayde
in his heart,Shall a childe be borne vnto him that is an hun-
dred yeares olde? and fhall Sarah that is ninetie yeares olde
beare?
‘ag’ © And Abraham fayde vnto God: O that Iſmael might
five in thy fight, |

“ig ° Then God fayde, Sarah thy wife thal beare theea
fonne in deede,and thou fhalt call bis name Ifaac,and I will e-
fMablifhemy:couenant with him for an cuerlafting couenant,
and with his feede.after him,

» 200 Andas concerning Ifmacl , T haue heard thee: loe, I
haue biefled himjand will make bim fririteGallaad will multi-
pliehim exceedingly. T weluc princes thall he beget,and I will
makea great nation of him.
vicar’ But my couenant willd eftablithe with Haac, whiche
Saez fhall beare-vnto thee,the next yeare at this ſeaſon.

And heleft off talking with him, and God went vp
fear — OTT

(23. Thea Abraham tooke Tfinael his fonne, andall that
were borne in his houfe, & all that was bought with his monie
that is, euerie man childe among the men of F Abrahantis houfe:
and helcircumcifed the forefkinne.of their — in that felfe
dayjas'God had commaunded him.

24 Abraham alfo himfelfe was ninetie — olde and
nine, vhen the forefkinne of his fleſhe was circumciſed.

2¢ And Ifmael his fonne was thirteene yeares old when the
forefkinne of his flethe was circumcifed.

26 Thefelfe fame day was Abraham circumcifed and
ape his fonne.

_ And: all the men of his houfe, both borne in his

Ayes houfe,

*

“T SS 1ORNUCALVINE SS?

houfe,and bought with: monic, of the ftraungers y were cits
cameifed with him, tA

Rw f When Abram was ninetie ic yeares olde and bie. oe
{es cucrpatleth thirtane peares of Abrams life, not bycauſe
nothing happened tn that time worthie of remembzance : but
bicaufe p fptrit of Ood chofe at bis olwne pleature thofe things
whiche were molt neceflarie to be knowen. And fo gad cone
ſideration he thetucth, how muche time was {pente from the
tine that Iſmael twas boone, vntill Iſaac was pꝛomiſed: to
the ende tue may knowe that be ſtayed himſelle vppon that
foune , whiche twas at the laſt to be reiected, and that be was
deluded with baine hope. Thus we fee holve the Lord defers
red him, And it may be that be, thꝛough bis otwn fault, delayed
the pzomife, in potting tw fat fo a feconde marriage. Not⸗
withſtanding, becaule Motes ſpeaketh of no ſuche thing, J
leaue it fo other mens tudgement Let bs be contented to
take thofe things which are cerfetne: namely,that Abzam bes
ing contented with bis onely fonne,defired not other ſeede. Be⸗
foze,the want of iſſue ſtirred him bp fo peap and fighe daily,
Foꝛ the promile of Ood twas fo ingrauen in his nunde, thathe
earneſtlyx defired the accompliffment of thefame . Nowe be
falfely deeming that be bad bis defire, by the fight of his care
nall fonne,be is carried alway from defiring the ſpiritual fed,
MPozeouer,the wonderfull godneſſe of God herein ſheweth it
ſelle, when Abram is bꝛought to a new hope contrarie to his
expectation and deſire, and heareth at a foudaine that the fame
is giuen vnto hint, which be neuer thought bpon to afke. If fo
be be bad daily craued the fame by papers, it wold not fo eui⸗
dently haue appeared vnto bs, that the fame was granted brie
to him by the fre gifte of Ood,as now it appeareth being otle⸗
red onto him,be neither thinking bpon nor crauing the fame,
ottwithitanding, befoze we come onto Iſaac, itis needefull
that we confider the order and placeing of the wordes of the
Lert, Firk of al Moles faith that the 1020 had appeared vnto
hint: to the end we may knowe, that the oacle was brought
not onely by fecrete reuclation, but alfo that a biffon twas ads
ded, Mozcoucr tt Was na dumbe vifion, but it had the Mona

|

VPON GENESIS?) CAP! XVII.

ted vnto it, whereby Abrams faith was profited , Move fhe 333
worde conteineth this in ab2efe fine, that God makethacos
uenant with Abram, Alfo it oeclareth what manner of thing
the couenant it ſelfe is, andlat of alithe fame coucnant is
igned with a feale,

o¢° [Tam God all fufficient, 7 his is as muche as if the
Lore fhoulde haue fatve, that be is ſtrong ¢ mightic pnough
to protect Abꝛam:bicauſe our faith can neuer other wile and,
then when as we being cerfeinlp perſuaded, that the only gard
and protection of God ts ſutticient for bs, doe boldly deſpiſe
whatloeuer tithe worlde is again our faluation, © D D
therefore doeth not boatt of his power, which lay hidde in bint

ſelke, but of the fame whiche be thelweth towarde bis chiloen,

4 .

*

that thereof Abꝛam night conceiuc imatter of truſt. Thus
in thefe wo2ds a promilets included. gn making the couenant
God requireth of his feruant ; obedience, wut God faid not
in baine thathe is aftrong © DD, and armed with power,
to deſende thole that are bis’: becauſe it was meete that A⸗
ham ſhoulde be called backe from all other thinges, that
he might giue him ſelfe to God alone, Ifoꝛ no man fhall at as
ny time bende himſelfe vnto Gov; but be whiche defpifing
the creatures , beboldeth him atone : And, the power of God,
veing once knowen vnto bs, ought fo fo carrie bs to the admi⸗ Gods
ration therof, and the reucrence of him ought fo to poſſeſſe our ie
mindes, that nothing ſhoulde fap bs from worſhipping and ~ ae,
ferning bins, But, bycaufethe eyes of Gop haue regarde to ferye
faith and truth of the bearte, Abꝛam is commaunded to en⸗ him.
deuour him (clfe to be bp2tght |. forthe Webzucs call him
an vpright and perfect man, which ig not ofa deceiptfull and Vpright-
A minde, but whiche fincerely imbraceth that which is —
rig t at 2

To be ſhorte, the integritie whereot 2 is made x *
here , ts euen the contrarie to bypocrifie . And in verie deede 3
, When we haue to doe with © D D ,wecan not oiffemble,
* Motve , welearne out of thele wozves , to what ende Goo
gathereth a Church onto him ſelſe: namely : * they nu ight
be holy whome be bath called.
la of Gods calling, is the feée ponte: but

ther

*

IOHN CALVEINE

334 then this ſolloweth ftraite aftcr,that they confecrafe and pels
them ſelues to the righteouſneſſe of OD D,twhome he hath
chofen tobe a peculiar people to bun ſelfe. Foꝛ beadopteth
childꝛen vnto him bppon this convition, that be in like mane
ner night be accounted and honoured as Father . And as
be lyeth not: fo by riaht he requireth mutuall faithof thoſe
that are his , CUberefo2e let bs knotve,that © D D ts theres
fore made knolwen bute the faithfull, that they might Hue
vnder bis fight: and might make buna Judge uot onely of
their workes, but alfo of their thoughtes. “hereby alfo we

+ gtather,that there is no other marke to direct bs fo lead a gods
> He and bpgight life, but onelp this, that we holy depend vp⸗
— pon GCod.

2 [ I will makemy couenant. J owe He beginneth
moꝛe plenfifully and fullp to erpounde that, tubiche be bas
beeeflx touched, We faide that the couenant whiche G D WD
made with Abram confiked of tivo parfes . The firfke parte
is a teſtimonie of fre lone , wherevnto the promileof a bleſ⸗
fed life was annexed. And the other parte is an erho2tation fa
a fincere defire to follolve and imbrace righteouſneſſe. By⸗
taufe © D D byone worde hav giuen a light fafte of bis —
faith, and deſcended by and bp tothe ende of the calling, whi⸗

the was, that Abram might be bpzighfe : fo the intente
be might the moze willingly endeuour bim felfe fo frame bis
minde and life, as well tothe reverence of © D D, as to
infegritie + a moꝛe plentifull dectaration of grace is added,
as if Gon had fatde ; ebholdehotu fanourably J deale with
thee: Fo2 J do not by mine authoꝛitie and right atone,require
inteqritie of the : but Jowing nothing vnto the, doe freely
of my (elfe bouchfafe to make a couenant beftwene me and
the, Pozeouer , he fpcaketh not as of a newe matter: but res
newing the remembzance of the couenant which be bad made
befoze,be in better wife confirmeth € eftablitheth the certein⸗
tie thereof. Fo2 ODD isnot wont to btter newe o2acles,
to abrogate the credite of the firfte, 02 whiche might obſcure
theliaht thereof, and mitigate the force of the fame : but
be continueth with one teno2 thofe pꝛomiſes whiche be bath
onceginen, @herefoze,in thele wordes pis meaning is
notping

,

a)

YPON GENESTS; CAP. XVII.

nothing elle, but to eſtabliſhe and ratific that coucnant , of
the whiche Abraham had hears befoze:and he maketh erprefle
tention of that pꝛincipall pointe, concerning the multis
plying of the fede, whiche afterivarde be often times repeas

teth.

3 { Then Abram fell on his face.] Ute knowe that this
was the auncient manner of worchipping. Abani feflificth
thathe knoweth © D D , af Whole fight all fefhe ought te
be filent,¢ to humble it felfe: alfo be declareth, that be doth res
teiue and louinaly imbrace, whatſoeuer Ood intended to fay,
CUtherefore, if this were a confellion of fatth , ue mu note,

that faith, whiche reffcth bppon the grace of God, cannot Faith aad
be feparated from a pure conſcience. Ood in offering bis grace 2 pure con

bnto Abram, requireth of hint a fincere affection fo liue an
Spriahe and holy life. Abzabant in proſtrating him felfe,declas
Teth that he doeth obediently recetue them both . Therefore
iet bs remember, that hth oneand the felfefame coniunctis
on of faith, the free adoption, therein our faluation confitteth,
is fo beiopned with newnelſe of life. Andalthough Abram bte
tereth neuer a woꝛde: pet notwithſtanding be fpeaketh more
plainly in holding bis peace, then if he cried with a lowde and
thrill boyce , that he obeyed the worde of Gad ,
- 4 [ Behelde I make my couenant withthe, J In the p20¢
noune (1) thereis a great Emphaſis 82 force , Fo? ſirſt, God
Sere declareth, that it is be which ſpeaketh:to } end bis woꝛds
may baue § mo2e authoritie. Fo2,bpcaufe our faithcan not be
builded elfe where, thew bppon bis euerlaſting truth,this fame
ought to be declared onto bs before all other thinges, that the
matter tobiche be fetteth before bs, proceedeth out of bis
mouth. Dherefore this is (poken, that Abzam might be quiet
in minde, and that all doubt being taken alway, be might rev
teiuethe proferedcouenaunt . Whereot a p2ofitable docs
trineis gathered, that faith muſt neceflarily be referred vn⸗
fo Ood:bprante although all Angels and men talke with bs:
vet notwithfanding, they Hall neuer haue fo create authoꝛi⸗
fic, as fo ſtay our mindes,
And it cannot be, but that we muff neds {vauer , till this
Boyce found from heauen, I.euen J. Wherby allo it appeareth,
SIGS Zt. what mans

{cience
can not be
feparated.

256 2 10 NCALVINE
3? manner of religion, the religion of fhe Papafie is, When as in
the ſteede ofthe worde of © D D, onely the deuiſes, and ima⸗
ainations of nien are boaſted of. And, thepare iuſtly ſub⸗
ject fo a continual waucring,and doubting, which depending
vpon the niouth of men, not without inturie bute Gop; attri⸗
bute moze vnto them,thenis mete. Wut lef bs bane none oz
ther beginning of faith,thetr this,(1)not bttered of euerte one;
but p2oceeding from the month of Ond alone. Wherefore, ale
though never fo great antultifude of men/do fet themfelues as
gaint this,and do pꝛoudly crie out, We,we: pet neuerthelefics.
let this voice of God, 1, Lpꝛeuaile to confound the found of the
plural number. [And thou fhalt bea father of many nations,}
Here,a queſtion may be demaunded, what multitude of nati⸗
ons thofe were,whereof ntention is made bere .. It ts well i⸗
nouch knowen that diuers nations ſpꝛang from fhe holie Pa⸗
triarche . Foꝛ Iſmael qreiw into a qreat peopic: on the sther
parte the Idumeans were wonderfully inlarged ; of his other
fonns allo, whom Ceturabare vnto hint, came great kinreds.
But Moles had further regard: nantely,that p Gentiles were
to be drawen into the ſtocke of Abram by faith, although they:
fpzangnot front him,after the fleſh: of the tohich matter Paul
is a faithfull Interpreter, and witneſſe. Jfoz be doeth not ga⸗
Abramis. Wer together the Arabians,the Joumeans,and other nations:
_ madeth: which might make Abana father of many nations : but: he
fatherof extendeth the name of father, tothe whole tyozld,that pens
the Gentils tiles from all partes might growe info one familie of Abꝛam,
by faith. whiche other wiſe were forreiquers,and a farre off, J confelle:
that the twelue tribes, ſtode fo: atime in fed of fo many nas
tions: but onely to this end, that they might be a forꝛeſhewing
of thathuge multitude, which at the la was bought toge⸗
ther into the ftocke of Abꝛam. And that Poles meaneth thoſe
fonnes, which being regenerate by faith, pale info the name
and ftocke of Abꝛam, itisby this onely reafon fuffictently
pꝛoued.Foꝛ the carnal tock of Azam could not be diuided ins
to diuers nations , but that thep whiche were departed from.
that bnitic, mult nedes by and by begin fo becounted frauns
gers. elt led ad daha
hus the Church hath catt ſorth the Iſmaelites, the
! m

Idu⸗
eans,
*

⸗

VPON GENESIS... CAP. XVII. .
357

sneans, and others thatthey might be reputed and taken for
fozreigners, Wherefore; Abrꝛam was not therefore called the
father of many nations, bycauſe bis fede was to be diuided
info diuerfe proples , but rather that the barietie of nations
Mould be gathered vnto hin, Allo tye chaunging of bis name,
is added in ſteede of a pledge ¢ feale, Foꝛ be beginneth now to
becalled Abraham, that the name it felfe night beainne fo
teache, that be ſhould not be the Father of one ktnred : but
that a pꝛogenie thould arife vnto hun out of an erceeding mule
tifude, tontrariefotbe common manner of nature. Foꝛ
this caule the WLozde fo often times repeateth the promife,
Foꝛ the repetition it felfe teacheth, that there ts no common
thing promiſed.

7 (And thy feede after thee, ] here is no doubt, but
that the Lorde putteth a difference betweene the ſtocke of As
bram, and the reſt of the worlde. Nowe let vs ſee what peo⸗
ple be meaneth They are deceiued which thinke that the elect
onely are bere noted, and that all the faithfull are contpebers
Ded without erception, of what people fo euer they came as
touching the flethe . Foꝛ the Scripture (peaketh againſt this,
that the focke whiche proceeded out of Abꝛams lopnes, twas
peculiarly and alone recetued . And the doctrine of Waule ig Ro.ti.16.
plaine concerning the naturall fonnes of Abram, howe that
they were bolte baaunches ,bpcaule they ſprang out of abolp
rote, Alſo, leaſt any man ſhoulde reftraine this fo the ſha⸗
dowes of the lawe, 02 ſhoulde trifle with an Allegorie, he
plainly ſheweth in an other place, that Chꝛiſt came to be a Rom.zs.8
minifter of the circumcifion . Wihereforc,thereis nothing
moze cerfcine,then that God maketh bis coucnaunt with the
fons of Abzam, which ſpꝛang naturally from him. Iſfany man
obiecte that this agrecth not with the fentence going befoze,
where we ſaide that they were reputedthe lawefull fonnes of
Abram befoxr © D D, which beeing through faith ingratted
, ints bis bodice, make one familie: the reconciltatton ts eaſie to
" be made, foas we appoint cerfetne and diſtinct degrees of ads
option, tohich may appeare out of fundzie places of Scrip-
ture, Inthe beginning, beforethis couenant was made,tie
, condition of the whole woꝛlde Was allone and alike. Wut

Z.W fo

358

“AFo wy (6 ATV PE!
But fo fone as it was ſayde, Iwillbe thy God, and the
God of thy feede after thee, the church· was divided from other
nations, euen asin the creation of the worlde, the light came
out of Darkenelie, Then fhe people of Ffracl , as fhe flocke of
God, was receiucd mito his stone ſhepefolde: other nations
erred fheough vefart places, mounteines, and wodes, like
wilde Bealtes. Seeing this diqnitic, whereby the children of

Abram excellod ail ofher nations, depended vpon the worde

Ephe.g 18

Galat.2.15.

Wat. 8,12..
Rom.o9.8.

ef God alone, fhe free adoption of God perteined fo them all
ti generall. Foꝛr iffobe that Waule depriue the Oentiles of
ODD, and ofcuerlaffine life, becauſe thep were ſtraun⸗
gers krom the coucnant.: it folloiveth that all the Iſraelites,
were the familie of the Churche, andthe fonnes of ODD,

and betres of cucrlafting life, And although they ercelled the
Gentiles, by the grace of God, not by nature : and the inberiz
tance of Gods kingdome, came vnto them by promiſe, and not

by the fiethe: vet nofiwithfandina, by nature thep are ſome⸗
times fayde to differ from the reff ofthe worlde. Paule cals
icth them Saintes by nature sbecaule the Lode woulde not
erfende his grace to the whole fede by a continnall oder and

fucceffion, In this fenfe,they whiche were belauing among —

the Jewes, are notwithſtanding called bp Chriſt, The fonnes
of the heauenly kingdome. Neither is that which Paule faith
repuqnant fo this,boine that nof all which are of Abzam, are

fo be rectioned latwfull ſonnes: becaufe they arenat the chtls

dren of promife, but of the flethe onely,

Foꝛ there the promiſe is not taken generally for the exter⸗
nall worde, by whiche God beſtowed bis grace as well vp⸗
por the reprobate , as bpponthe clecte: but it ought tobe
reſtrained to the effectuall calling, which be in wardly fealeth
by bis holie (pirtte. And that the cafe ſtandeth thus, it may
cafily be proued, Foꝛ the prꝛomiſe was common fo all men,by

Wwhiche OD WD adopted them all tobe their ſonnes. It can

not be dened but that therein euerlaſting faluation was otfe⸗
red fo all, Mhat therefore meaneth Paule,in that he senteth
rerfeine fo be accounted fonnes by the righte ofthe promiſe,
but onely becauſe be vifputeth no further concerning the arace
offered outwardly, but of the ſame, whereot the elect only taſte
“ efrectually2*

«f/f
o

{ .

VPON GENESIS... CAP. XVII.
359.

ectectuallye Here now appearcth vnto bs two forts of fonnes. ?
inthe Churche, 3Fo2,becaufe the whole body of the people ig Two forts

gathered by onc andthe felfe fame boice into the cheepetolde of fon0¢8
—— men without exception in this reſpect, are counted ead
fonties, anv the name of the Church belongeth generally to ayy ꝰ cae·
men: but in the ſecrete ſanctuarie of God, no others are couns
ted the ſonnes of Gon, then. they in whome the promile ts raz
fificd by faith. And although this difference ſpringeth from the
founteine of fre election , from whence alfo faith it felfe aris
feth: pet notwithſtanding, becaufe the purpofe of God is bine
den from bs of tt felfe, therefore we difcerne the true fonnes
from baftardes,bp the marke and badge of faith and infidelis
tie, This reafon and difpenfation continued vntill fhe publi
thing of the Oofpetl: and then the partition wall being tas Ephe 224
ken away, God made the Gentiles equall with the naturall
formes of Abram. That twas the renewing of the worlde,
wherein they began to be called fonnes, which afore that time
were ſtraungers. Notwithſtanding, ſo often as compariſon is
made betweene the Jeboes and the Gentiles, the inheritance
of life is attributed vnto them as lawefull and by right ap⸗
pertepning to thent, but to the Gentiles tt is fapde to be acci⸗
denfall,o2 comming as tf were by lotte , Jn the meane time
that oracle is fulftilen, by whiche God promiſed that Abram
houlde be the father of: manp nations, Foꝛ Whereas at the
firfe,bp a continuall teno2 , the nephelwes ſucceeded the natu⸗
ral formes of abram, and the bleſſingbeginning at him, ſpread
it ſelle to the nephetues : the comming of Chifte by a quite
contrarie o2der,topned them fo bis fantilie, whiche afozetime
were diuided from bis fede: at the laſt the Jewes were calk
cleane out of the doꝛes, ſauing that with them rematueth the.
hidden fede of election, that the remnantes: might be faued,,
It was necelſſarie that thus muche fhoulde be fpoken concer⸗
ning the leede of Abram that therebp: we might haue a plaine
, Wapmade vnto thole thinges ‘which folloive, [In their gene-
rations, } The fucceffionef generations plainely teftificth,
‘that the pofterities of Abram were fo taken into the Church,
‘that children ſhoulde be bone bute theat, vvwiche choulde be
/betres otche tere urace. F NM °$)

Zz. ‘itty, , sitter,

“YOHN CALYINE

360 After this manner if is'called an euerlaſting couenant vnto
fhe renewing of the world, which happened by the coming of
Chrifte, J confetle that it wanteth end, and that it may pro⸗
perly be called cucrlatting, in that it perteineth fo the whole
Church: but pet this muff alwaves abide firme,that the order
of generations, by the comming of Chꝛiſte, was partely bꝛo⸗
ken cff,and partely chaunged ¢ becaule the partition wall bes
ing taken alway, and at the length, the naturall fonnes being
pifinberited , Abram began to haue ait affociate kinred choſen
ont of the parts of the woꝛld. [To be God voto thee. ] 8p this
one word, we are plainely taught , that this was a {piritualt
couenant, made not in refpect of this pefent life onlp,but that
Abzam miaht by the fame, conceiue hope of euerlaſting life,
and being lifted vp, as highe as beauen, might take holde of
found,and perfect bleſſedneſſe. Foꝛ thofe thom God adopteth
to himſelfe, tobe bis people, be alfo maketh partakers of his
righteouſneſſe, and of all bis bleſſings, and giueth vnto them
alfo the inheritance of life. Let bs therefoze nofe, that this
is the p2incipall point of the couenant, that be, whiche is the
God of the linina.and not of fhe dead, p2omifeth that be wil ber
the Gov of Abrams children. Ft follotwcth alfo, as it were in
fede ofan inlargement , thatbe ponounceth > that be will
give vnto them alande, Jconfeſſe that ome greater matter
Was confeined,and ſhadowed onder fhe land of Canaan: nes
uertheleſſe the fame ts no lette, but that bis promife was an
addition, oꝛ an appendix ob that principal point, Lwill be thy
God, And although Govarmeth againe. as afore , that be
Will giue the land to Abram himfelfe : petnenerthelefle, let
bs knowe, that he neuer-intoped the rule thereof, but that
the holie Father was contented with the right thereof, ale
thouch be had no poſſeſſion of the fame and therefo2e be pale
fed out of bis pilgrimage tn peace fo the kingdome of heaucn,
Acaine be repeateth, that he will be a God vnto the potteritte:
of Abram, that they miaht not ſtay themfelues bppon the |
carthe , but that thepmiaht confider that they were ledde fo a
btaber place. J | it —X

9 Thou alſo Malt keepe my couenant: J Cuen as itt
time palte, coucnants were not onely weitten in ** *
4 iki a> Sy

t

.
>
<

VPON GENESIS. CAP, XVII. 61
bles, but alfo were wont fo be grauen in b2afic,o2 in fone, to 3
the end they might be the better rememb2ed:cuen fo now Gov
graueth his couenant tn the fietheofAbam. Foꝛ circumeifts
on, was (as it Were) a folemne monument of that adoption, by
lwhiche the ſtocke of Abzam was chofen tobe a peculiar peo⸗
ple vnto OD D. Whe godlie had before, other ceremonies,
whiche certified them of the qrace of God: but now the Low
fealeth a new couenant with a new kinde of ſigne. But why
he fuffered mankinde, fo many aces fo want this teſtimonie
of bis arace,the reafon ts hidden from ts: fauing that toe fe

if was then inftituted, when be choſe bute hunfelfe one cerz
feine nation: the which thing dDependeth bpon his fecret coun
fell, And althouch (peraduenture)it Were a moꝛe apf o2der of
teaching,fo aather a fumme of thole things, whiche are to be
fpoken of circumcifion: pet notwithſtanding, J will followe
tlhe order of the ferte, the whiche J thinke agreth better
With the office of an Jnterp2eter.

Firſt, ſeing Boles calleth circumcifion the couenant of cireyme-
© D D, we thereby cather,that the promile of grace was ine fionis cas
cluded therein, Foꝛ, iffobe amarkeonelp, 02 feale of the led Gods
erfernall profeſſion bad beene left tuto men, the name of coz couenaat.
ucnant would by no manner ofmeanes haue agreed there
with, the whiche ſtandeth not in force; ercept faith be aun⸗
{wearable thereto. And this ts common vnto all facramentes,
to haue the worde of Ood topned vnto them, tubereby he de⸗
clareth bimfelfe tobe fauourable vnto bs , and calleth bs fo
the hope of faluatton : yea,afacramentis nothing elfe, but 4 fica.
the viſible worde, 02 a picture,and image of the grace of Gad, menr de-
Wwhiche nore plainely ſetteth out the worde. Wherelore, fed.
if there be a mutuall relation, betwene the worde and faith,
it follotveth that this ende and ble, is appointed to ſacra⸗
mentes: namely, fo belpe, increafe, and confirme faith,

And they, whiche dente facramentes , tobe helpes onto faith, 5...
02 tobe proppes and ſtaves of the woꝛde fo confirme faith, ments are
they mutt needes blotte out and deface the name of couenant: helpes vn-
becaufe, either ODD offereth himſelfe there a covenant te fic.
maker, andpromiler', fo deceiue: 02 elſe faith findeth ſome⸗
what there, wherewith it map vpholde it felfe, and roa

Z,¥, ?

35 TOHN CALVINE

5 é
~ bp it may confirmte thecerteintie thereof, Aud althouah te
muff rementber the diftinction betweene the fiqne and the
Wworde: pet notwithſtanding, let bs knowe, that fo fone as the
figue commeth befoze our epes,the woꝛd ought to found insur
eares.
i So that, when as in this place Ab2a0 ts: commaunded
wise £0 keepe the couenant, God dothnot onely commend vnto hins
ioyned the bare ble ofa ceremonte: butalfo be woulde haue him to
withthe giue ſperiall regarde vnto the end. And in verie deve, feng
worde, the promife is the foule of the fiqne: dohen the fame is ſepara⸗
fedfromthefiane, thereremaineth nothing butadeade and
vaine ſight. This is the reafon toby tee fay that the Papittes
haue aboliffed the facramentes : becaulethe voice of God
being taken away, there remaineth notiing in them but
dumbe fiaures. And tf is verie vaine that they ertoll in ſteede
Qf the worde their Magicallconiurations. Foꝛ it carmot be
talled a couenant, vnleſſe the fame being plainip reucaled, is:
fo ſeene of bs,thatit map builde our faith: from the twhiche
thoſe plapers are farre tide, whiche vſe onely an externall
gefure,and a confuſed whiſpering. +
Now letvs marke how p couenantis rightly kepf: name,
Ip when the worde going before, tue embrace the ſigne fo2 a
teſtimonie and pledge of grace. For as God bindeth hint
felfe Onto bs by bts feale , fohe conditioneth to haue of bs the
confent of faith and obedience, Alfort ts worthie fo be noted
tubich follotveth.
[Betweene me and thee, ] Whereby we are faught,that
a facrament doeth not onely perteine fo erternall confetti
on: but that tt is alfo a middle pledge betwane ODD,
and the confcience of man. Thereſoꝛe, who fo euer be be
Wwhiche is not Directed tuto © D D,-by facramentes , he
pophaneth the ble thereof. Mo2eouer,the name of couenant
is Denominatiuely referred to circumcifion, the whiche is
fo iopned with the worde, that it cannot be ſeparated from the
fame, :
10 [Let euerie man childeamong you be ciroumcifed.]
Although God promiled that thing to menand women -_
| ven Ther,

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XVII- | 6
ther, Wwhichebe aftertwarde confirmed by circumcifion : et 3 5
poftwithianding,be confecrateth the people vnto him ſelſe vn⸗
‘per one kinde.
For fering by this fiqne, the promife ts confirmed, why
the twas without erception made fo men, and women :
(anditis certeine, that women as well as men haue neede
of confirmation: ) it followeth,that the figne was ordeined
fo2 bothe feres fake . Neither ts tt any lette, that ail are coms
maunded to be partakers of facramentes ,. if fo be they will
receiue any fruite thereby : becaufe na p2ofite commeth vnto
thofe,whiche neglec the vleofthem . Foꝛ the coucnant of
Sod twas printed and grauen in fhe bodies of the males foz
this cauſe, that the women. allo mighte be partakers of the
fame fiane,
u [Ye thallcircumcife the forefkinne of your fleth.] At
the firtte chhewe this commaundement may feeme fonde and
ridiculous, The bolic couenant, whereby righteouſneſſe, fale
tiation,and bappinetic is prontifed , is handled : whereby alfa
the fade of Abram is difcerned from other nations » that it
might be bolic and blefled, Noboe, to haue the badae of fo great
a myſterie fet in the partes of ſhame, who will allow it mete
and conuenient 2 Wut as if was mete for Abzam fo be a
fole,that be might theive him felfe obedient vnto God: euch:
fo, who fo cuer willbe wife, the fame mutt foberly and ree
uerently recetus that wuhiche ODD femeth koliſhy to come
maunde.
Aud yet fo2 all that, we mutt inquire ann fe, whether there
appeare Here any propo2tion o2 likeneſſe betweene the tifible
lagne, and the thing figntfied, For the fiqnes whiche God hath
ordeined to cafe our infirmitic , muſt nedes be framed fo
pur capacitie, leaſt they be vnpꝛofitable. And it is likely, that
the Lorde for tivo cauſes commaunded fhe ſoreſkinne of the
fiche tobe circumeifen: namely, to ſhewe that what ſoeuer Vccaae
is beqotten by mat, is corrupt and finncfull: and alfo , tat ——
faluation was fo come out of the bleſſed ſeede of Abram. rwo cauſes
Firſte of all therefore, what proper thing fo cue’ men commane

baue by their generation, © D D bathe conaenmed the ded.
ſame

TOHN CALVINE

3 54 faine int circumciſion: that the coꝛruption of nature being des
clared, the fame may bing them fo the mozttfping of the tleſh.
Wherevpon alfo it follolweth, that it tas a figne of repens
taunce, Mofivithftanding, therein allo the bleſſing whiche
Wwas pꝛomiled in the fede of Abꝛam, twas fealedand noted,
Wherefore if it ſeme abfurde to any man, that the pledge of
fo ercellent and fingular grace was giuenin that parte of the
bodie: let him alfo be afhamed of bis faluation, whiche flowed
out of fhe lopnes of Abꝛam: but thus tt pleaſed © D D to
make the wiſedome of the worlde foliſheneſſe, that be might
beate Downe the moze the pride of fiche. And thus nowe
the feconde time , we haue the reconciliation bettvene
God and men declared by this ine , the which reconciliation
was offered in Chriſt. Foꝛ the which cauſe, Paule calleth it,
Whe feale of the righteouſneſſe of faith. Let this be fufficiently
{poken concerning the pzopoztion of the thing, and the
figne,

12 { Andeuery manchilde of eight dayes olde, ] Moxwe

¥ od appointeth the eighth day fo2 circumciſion: tuberby if aps

sp anegy peareth that it was parte of that gouernment, vnder the whi⸗

nore eafie CUE He Woulde haue the olde people erercifed. Foꝛ greater lis

chen cir- berticis permitted at this Day, in the adminiftration of Bap⸗
cumecifion tiſme.

Mo2couer, fome denie that there needeth not any curious

pifputation aboute the number of dayes; becaule the Lode

hath {pared the tendernefle of infantes: for that if wanted

not pertll, to wounde them being newly borne. And although

be coulde boing to paſſe that circumcifion might burt nothing

‘at all : pet neuertheleſſe, there Mall be no abfurditie herein, if

we fay » he had a confiveration of their fender age,to declare

vnto the Jewes his fatherly loue euen fo their infantes . To

others this feemeth tw colde,and therefo2e they ſceke for a fpt-

rituall mpfterie inthe number ofdapes . hep thinke that

by the feucn daves this prefent life was Allegorically noted;

and that God commaunded the infantes to be circumciſed the

cighth day, to ſhewe that we muſt meditate bpon the moꝛtifi⸗

cation of the fleſhe, all the courfe of our life: but pet that the

fame is not perfected vntill the ende thereof , —

alſo

VPON GENESIS) CAP. XVIE

alſo deemeth that © D D had reſpecte tothe reſurrection
of Chriſte, whereby erternall circumcifion was abolis

ihed, and the truth of the figure offered. | Zt ts verie like,and

agreing with reafon,that the courfe of this preſent life is nos
ted by the nuntber of ſeuen. Thereſore it map feme that the
Loꝛrde hath put tothe cighth day; to figure and ſet fm2th the
beainning of anewe life, Wut bycaufe there ts no reafon

giucn in the Scriptures, ¥ dare fo2 certeine affirme nothing.

iherefore let it (uffice bs. fo. holde that wich ts certeine anv

power, thereby declareth bis fingular lowe towarde holy A⸗
bram:bycauſe he copebendeth bis whole houſe buder arace,
We knotve that feruantes in fhe olde: time were fearfelyp ace
counted anton the number of mew. But G D D, for the
loue that be bare towarde Ins ſeruant, adopted them to be his
fonnes , To this mercie nothing at all can be added, neither
is there any thing contparable with the fame . The prideof
fielh alfo is beaten downe, when Ood without reſpecte of pers
fons, taketh both bonde and free to bine felfe. But in the perfor
of Abꝛam he p2efcribed thts lawe vnto all bis ſeruantes, that

363

The how.

they might labour fo bring alt thole whiche are fubiect vnto (. of the
them, infothe fame focietie of faith . Foꝛ cnerp honfe! of fairhfult
the faithfull ought fo be a ſeuerall Churche , Wherefore if are Chur-
ine defire fo be godly in deede, ue mutt euerp one ofbs ende⸗ ches ·

uour ourfelues fo frame our houſholde fa the obedience of
© DD .: And Abzant ts not conmmarnded oncely to offer
and dedicate bute the LDA D E thole fhat were borne m
bis houſe, but all others alfo,whiche be afterwarte bought
{with monic, ——— | i | .
13. [ Foran euerlafting covenant, [ This place may tive
wares be bnverffmde: either that God promiſeth that his
grace (hall be cuerlatting,of the whiche, circumciſion was a
teſlimonie and pledge? or elfe that he thoulde haue the fiqne
to be obferucd and kept fo; euer. Foꝛ my part, J doubt at

366 IOHN CALYVINE |
3°” but that this perpetuitie ought to bes referred fo the biffe
ble ſigne. But thep Whiche gather hereof, that the bfe
of this figne, ought now to be at this day among the Jewes,
are in my iudgement decciued, F02 they departe from
that Parime, 02 General rule, wherevnto we ought fo
Micke: namely, Sing that FDTD is the end of the
lative , the perpetuitie of tune, Which is attributed to the ceree
montes of the lawe, was ended fo fone as Chꝛiſte appeared,
The Temple was the perpetuall feate of GD D, as it is
Ww2itten, This is my reft for euer, here wil I dwell. The fanctifie
Plalazu cation of the people, was not a temporall, but a perpetuall
84. Sabboth o2 ref. And yet for ail that, we mutt not denice, but
\ that Cbzifte bought an ende vnto them, Otherwiſe, we
ought not to thinke of circumcifion . If the Jewes obiecte,
that Cheilt, after this manner, violator the lawe: the aune
{were is eafte to be made, that the externall vſe was fo abro⸗
gated, that the trueth theresf was eltabliftjed. Foꝛ by the
comming of Chritte at the latt, circumcifion was fully ratis
ficd, that it might alwaves continue,and that the fame coues
nant night be ettablithed, twhiche Gov once made, And leaſt
the chaunging of the viftbic figne Mould trouble any man,
ive mutt remember that renewing of the worlde, whereot 4
ſpake, the whiche renouation,binging with it a certeine bae
rietic and channge,finithed thofe things, which othertwife had
bene traufitszic. Therelore, although the bfe of circumeifion
cealed: vet nofwithitanding , the fame cealicth net tobe a
couenant foz ener: it ſo be that Chꝛiſte be ——— for a

meane, who chaunging the ſigne confirmed the trueth
And that the erternall circumetfion ceaded > by the come
ming of CHRISTA, it euidently appeareth by the wor⸗
des of Paule: whe not onely teacheth that we are circum⸗
Coloſ.a.it ciſed bp the death of Chꝛiſte, ſpirituallp, and not With the care
Z nall figne: but be appointeth #aptifine by name, in fede of
circumciſion. Foꝛ Waptifine coulne not {ucceede circumciſi⸗
on, but that if mutt needes aboliſhe the fame, Wherefoze, in
the Chapter following, be fayeth that circumcifion, and
bncircumecifion are al one:becaute then it as athing *

ren

‘vpOoON GENESIS. “CAP, XVII. 367

rent, and okrno weight. Wherefore their crrour is confu⸗
ted, iwhiche thinke that the fame ſtandeth of fozre tilt among
the Jewes as a peculiar ſigne belonging vnto them, whiche
ought neuer fo be abꝛogated. Iconſfeſſe that the fame was
permitted buto them for a time, vntill the libertic whiche
Chri brought was better knowen: but f,that the fame cirs
cumcifion retcined net her force . Foꝛ if were eric abfurde,
to make an entrie into the Churche with to ſignes at once:
of the whiche the one night teftifie, and approuc, that Chk
is come: andthe other, might bea figure, (as it were) of bis
ablence,

14 [Butthe vacireumcifed manchilde.} To the end cirs
cumcifion miabt be the moze imbaced, ODD threateneth a
greeuous puniſhment acainit thofe whiche neglecte the fame,

And as thereby it appearcth,botw areat a care he bad, for the
faluation of men ; cuct fo theirs negligente ts rep2oucd. Fo⸗
feing GDD, fo gently offereth a pledac, and coucnant of
bis louc, and of euerlaſting life : to what end addeth he thzeas
tenings, but onely to ftirre bppe thetr ſſackneſſe, who ought
fo runne with all viligence 2 This threatening therefoze of
the puniſhment, noteth men of foule ingratitude: becauſe cts
therthey reiect the grace of GOD, oꝛ elfe contemne the fame,
Moꝛeouer, this place teacheth, that ſuche contempt fall not
efcape vnpuniſhed. And becanfe God thzcateucth pantihment rpfsores
onelp fo defpifers , we gather that the vncircumciſion of tne dying be
fantes,vid nothing at all burte thens, if fo betbep died before fore they
the eighth day. Foz the bare promife of Cod twas ettectuall·
nough to their faluation. Meither did be fo confirme the fame vere nor.
With erternall feales, that be tyed bis power buts thent, And wichianz
Motes taketh away all contronerfie of this matter,adding the ding vnder
reafon ; nantely,that thep made the couenant of Gon of none the pro~
effecte. And we knowe, thatthe couenant twas not bro⸗ ™
ken, when abilitie and power twas taken away. Let bs know
therefoze that the faluation of Abzams focke , was meiuded
in this worde, I will be the God of thy {eede, And althoughe
circumcifion came in ftede of confirmation: pet notwith⸗
Kanding, it din nothing at alt diminilh the fozce,and ſtrength
Of the woꝛde. R

But

68 “ TOHN CALYVINE

3 But becaule it is notin the will of men to feparate thofe
The Gone thinges, whiche Cod hath topned together? no man could des
andthe {pile,02 neglect the ligne, but he mult alto reiect the twoz0,anp
word may Depztue him ſelfe of the benefite: there offered, Wherefore
notbe te- God lo ſeuerely punithed the negligence onely. Anvifto be aa
paratccd. ny infantes were depeiued of the feale of faluation by death,
he ſpared them, becauſe they did nothing at all contemne the
_ ctouenant of Ood. And the ſame conſideration is to te hav at
He that thts dap of aptifme. CAhatfoeuer be be, that at this dap
cotemncth neglecting Baptiſme, feianeth him felfe to be contented with
ath, the bare pomife,treadeth onder bis ferte, fo muche as in him
thebloud leth,the bloub of Chritte s02 at lealk tite fi uffereth it not to
of Chit, flowe, to waſhe and cleanfe bis chilozen . 0 depzittation of
grate, whiche is a iuſt puniſhment, followeth the contempt

of the ſigne: becauſe by a wicked ſeparation of the fighes¢ the
worde, the rouenant of Ood ts tozne afunder and broken. and
to appotnt damnation to.infantes, whome fouden death fufs
fered not fo be offered to Iaptifine, before that the parented
coulde be tn any point negligent, is crueltie ſprong front
ſuperſtition. Wut there is no doubt, but that thepomite
alſo pertetneth vnto them. And what is move abhi utde, then
that the figne thould take atvap the. fozce of the promitey this
the figne was added fo2 aconfirmation of the fame 2 Wiberee
fo2e we muſt thus moderate the bulgar opinion, by whiche
if ts fatde, that Baptiſme is ſo neceſtarie, that without the
fame there can be no faluation, leatk we tye the arace of (od,
and the force of the {pirite to erternall ſignes, and accuſe God

of deceipte. | ar

» [Becaufehe hath broken my. couenant. J For then the

couenant of OD.D is kept, when through faith we imbace
that which be promifeth. If any man obiect that infants were
guiltlelle of this fault, tho as pet wanted reafon : J anſwere
that this voice ought not tw muche to be vrged, as thoughe
God made inkantes guiltie of their owne fault: but Wwe mulf

note the compariſon, thatas GDD adopteth in the perron

of the father the infant to be his ſonne: when the father refus
feth ſuche a benefite, the infant is faive to banithe himfelfe
trom the Church, ; BOSSA 04
Foz

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XvVIr. 69
Foꝛ that ts the meaning of this fpeach, That perfon fhall bee 4 9
cut off from his people : that is to fay, fromthe people which
God had chofen bnto hun felfe. GUbereas fome expound it, '
that they were not Jewes, nepther pet that they were tobe
reckoned among the people, to whome vncircumciſion was
icf :itis to colde. Shey mult procede further,as,that Con
quill not acknotvledge them to be bis people, whiche will not
carrie the badge of bis adoption,
1g [Sarai thy wife fhalt thou not call Sarai.] Nobo the 1020
promileth that the latwfull {eve thal (p2ing from Abzam, She
was(as ſaid)to rath, when as thee appointed ber handmaid
{without any commaundement of Dod to fupplie her place: €
Abꝛam alſo was to readie, tubo tw fwlithly ¢ raſhly followed
his wile, which went about to pꝛeuent God. Vet not with⸗
fkanding the fault of them bothe letted not, but that Cod ma⸗
eth knowen that be will gine vnto them that fede, of the
which they were almoft pat all hope. WAbereby the free god⸗
nes of Gon doth moze plainly apeare : becaule, although men...
by their lettes do hinder the courfe thereof : yet neuertheleffe j.4 5.13.
it commeth onto them, And, God chaungeth Sarais name, forthe ine
fomake ber ercellencie moze famous , whiche in her fozmer creale of
nante tag leffe honourable. So that noiv God twill haue Sa⸗ honour.
rai Without al erception fo be accounted a Ladie and p2ince:
the which is expreſſed in the text, vhen Cod promileth that he
Wil giue vnto her a fonne : out of whome at the latt, Nations
and sings thoul ſpring. And although at the firſt ſhewe, this
is avery large blefting: vet fo2 all that, tt is farre moze fruits
ful, then it appeareth to be in woꝛds:as we hall fe anon.
17 [Then Abram fell vpon his face, and laughed.] This
{was a feftimonic,not only of reuerence,but alfo of faith. sfoz
Abram doth not only worſhip God, but alfo gining thankes,
feftificth § he Doth receiue and imbzace by faith, $ tobich was
pꝛomiſed concerning a fonne. Bereof alfo tue gather he laugh? Abram
, &d, not that be delpiſed, either counted fo2 a fable, oz reiec⸗ laughed
ted the promife of Cod: but as tf is oftentimes done in thinas for soy, &
not loked fo2, be burfteth forth into laughter, partly fo2 toy, ¢ alfo for ad
partly bicauſe he was as it were befide himlelfe with amnviras
tion, Meither am J of their opinion, which thinke that this
, aa, laughter

370

Rom.4,19

Obiection

Anſwere.

IOHN CALVINEI

laughter prokeeded only ot ioy:but Jrather think,that Abram
Wwas likewiſe aſtoniſhed: the whieh alfo the nert interrogatiõ
confirmreth, when be fata, Shal a childe be borne vnto him that
isanhundred yeres old? Foꝛ although he reiecteth not) which
Iwas ſpoken by the Angel as Vatue : vet notwithſtanding, he
declareth him felfe to be no other wife affected, then if be had
beard fome wonderful newes. Thus the netoneffe of the thing
amazeth him, inſomuch $,fo2 a ſhort time,be is aſtoniſhed:and
vet notwithltanding, be humbleth bum (elf before Goo, ¢ being
troubled in minde, though faith adoreth bis power, poftras
ting him fclfe byon the earth, Foꝛr, that this was no ſpeach of
boubting, Paule teſtifieth to the Komanes, who denieth that
Abꝛram confirercd his bodp, being withered ¢ dead, epther the
barrenneſſe of Sarais wombe: 02 that he doubted of the pros
mife of Ood through onbelefe,but ¥ be beleucd though hope,
bepond all hope. And wheras Wotes faith,that [Abram {aid in
his hart] ¥ 9 not fo interpzete it,as though be cöceiued this in
bis mindfeuerally: but as ntany things happen vnto ts one
aduiſedly, this troublefon thought came inte his mind, wahat
meaneth this,that a fonne ſhalbe boone onto bint, which is an
hundred veares old? Wut this ſeemeth to bea certeine conten⸗
tion, betweene the reafon of fleſh, and faith. For although As
bram reuerentlp proſtrating hint (elfe before Ood,fubmitteth
bis minde to his word: vet neuerthelefic,be is troubled as pet
with the newneſſe of the thing, Janſwere, ÿ this aomiration
which did net dente b power of God, was not citrarie to faith:
hay, thereby the force of faith nin the better appeare , in that tt
patted thoouch fo hard a ſtreight. Therfore he ts not reprehen⸗
bed, bicauſe be laughed, as Sarat was in » Chapter falowing.
18 [And Abram aide ynto God.]} Abram doth not nowe
Wonder ferretlp within hem felfe : but be maketh bis petition
and paper, Dotwbeit,this vopce, O if(02,¥% tyould to God,) If
mael might liue inthy fight, proceedeth as pet from a troubler
€ wauering mind, FFo2 he confenteth him ſelfe with the fonne
which was alreavdie boone, as though he durtt not hope fo2 fo
much as God proinifeth: not that he reiecteth the pꝛomiſe cons
cerning the newe fede : but bycauſe be is contented with
the grace whiche be had alreadie receiued vbnlelle yi *
ou

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XVII.

would further extend bis liberalitie towardes him, Wherfore
be reiecteth not that which the 102d offereth vnto him: but bes
ing readic to imbrace the fame,this,O that Iſmael might live,
pafteth from Hint, through the Weake onderflanding of the
fiethe, Some thinke that Abram ſpake thus,bicaule be was az
fraide of bis firft begotten fonne, leaft God in giuing an other
fone, thould take alway the firſt: as though his latter grace,
fhoulo ſwallowe bp the firſt. ‘ut there is no reafon why we
fhould thinke,that Abram was thus afraide, And the anſwere
of God confuteth this fenfe, which followeth anon. That thers
fore which Jhaue alreadte (ct downe, is moze cerfeinesnames
lp, that Abzam payed, that the grace of God might be confir⸗
med vnto hint, whereon he Fayed him felfe. And vnaduiſedly
be maketh this petition, when as through isp, be cõceiued not
that which be had beard from the mouth of the L020. To line
before p Lod, is as much, as tobe pꝛeſerued in ſaftie thꝛough
bis delence:oꝛ to be bleſſed of pint, Abzam therefore craueth of
the Lord, that be will preferue that life, which be bath giuen
vnto Iſmael.

19 [ Sarah thy wife fhall beare theeafonre indeede.] In
thefe words, the 1020 ſtirreth bp the Dull mind of his feruants
as if he Gould ſav. The beholding of one grace only is alet vn⸗
to the, that thou cantt not higher lift bp thy felfe: thus tt coms
meth to patte, that thou doeſt tw muche reftreine thy fenfes.
Now therefore fet thy mind moze at large, that thou maiff als
fo admit that which Jpromiſe concerning Sarat, Foꝛ p cate
of hope ought to be open fo receiue the largeneſſe of the word.
[And I will eftablifh my couenant with him.] Pe reffreineth
fhe fpirituall couenaunt to one familie, that Abram therebp
might learne,to hope foz the bleſſing pꝛomiſed before. Foꝛ bi⸗
caute he had feigned to him (elf a kalſe hope, without the word
of God, it vas mete that the fame ſhould be firſt pulled out of
his heart : to the end, that be might nowe the better fap bint
felfe vpon the heauenly oracle, and might anche2 kalt bis faith
vpon the foundtruth of ODD, which faith wauered before in
falfe imagination, He calleth it an euerlaſting coucnaunt, in
the fame fenfe thereof we fpake before.· |

Alto he expreticth, that it thal not be tied fo one perfor only,
Gat, but

371

* POHN CALVINE

37 buf that if chall be to the whole ſtocke, bycauſe by continuall
Obietion lccelſlion, if hall come fo the poſterities. otwithitanding,
ioa it ſeemeth abfurd,that Goo commandeth Finael to be circums
Aalwere. gifed, whom he depriueth of bis grace. Janſwer, that although
Ifaac re~ Che 1020 make Jlaac the firſt begotten and head, from whome
ceiucththe He will haue the couenant of faluation to (ping: pet notwith⸗
coucnant. fFanding,be doth not vtterly erclude Iſmael: but rather in az
bopting the whole familte of Ab2am,be ioyneth Iſmael fo his
bother Iſaac, as an inferiour member, vntill be baniſhed him
ſelfe from bis fathers houſe, and from b2ofberty focietic, We
lwas not therefoze circumerfed in baine, vntill he fell from the
couenant: the which although tt were not wholy made ith
hint: pet nofoanding, be might haue taken part therof with
bis bother Iſaac.To be ſhort, ÿ Lo2d by thele words nieneth
nothing elfe, but p Iſaac thal be p heire of p pꝛomiſed bleſſing.
shnaxhdes eee [And as concerning Iimael,I haue heard thee. ]e now
ceiueth a putteth a moze plaine difference betincene the two fonnes of
temporall Abꝛam. Foꝛ in promifing riches to the one, and dignitie, and
blelsing. other thuigs which belong to this preſent life, he ſheweth that
be ts a foune of the fleſh. Wut he maketh a ſpeciall couenaunt
with Jfaac, which ercelleth the wozld and thts prelent life:not
that be cutteth atway all bope of faluation from Iſmael: but
to teach fhat falnation muſt be fetcht from the ftock of Zfaac,
where it hall rel, Moreouer, Wwe gather out of this place, that
the holy fathers were not fied to the earth With the pꝛomiſes
of Ooo: but rather that they were lifted vp vnto heauen. Foꝛ
what fo euer ts to be wiſhed fo2, in refpect of an earthly life,
©od liberally and largely promiſeth the fame to Iſmael: and
yet notwithſtanding, be maketh no account of all the aiftes
- Which be beſtowed bpon him, in comparifon of the coucnant
which was fo be eftablifhed in Iſaac. It followeth therefore,
p netther riches, no2 power, no2 any other tempozall thing, is
promifed fo the fons of p ſpirit: but an euerlaſting benedictis,
Temporal bohich is by hope only poſſeſſed in this world. Therefore with
blefsinges Lubat benefites and pleafures fo euer we aboundnow: yet nes
are re °° uerthelefie,our felicitie is tranſitorie, vnleſſe theough faith we
Meheae enter into the heauenly kingoome of ODD, where a greater
uealy. abd higher bleting is laide bp fo2 bs, oie
“ Not with⸗

. VION GENESIS. © CAP. XVI 4
Potwithtanding,it may be demaunded, whether absambav 3 3
acare onely fo2 an earthly life, when be praved fo2 bis fonne,
Foꝛ fo much the Love feemeth to affirme, when be pronouns
ceth that be hath giuen the fame onto him, which be alked,
and yet maketh mention of no moze then we haue ſpoken of,
But it was not the purpofe of God, fo. comprehend the whole
deſire and requelt of Abram : onely be giueth to vnderſtande,
that he bath fome confideration of Iſmael, for whome Abꝛam
hadintreated : to ſhewe that the fathers conumendation was
not voyde. Foꝛ be would haue tf knotwne, that be fo loucd Ae
bram, that foꝛ bis fake be receiued the whole frock, and bouch⸗
fafed to beſtowe ſome benefite 02 other bpon then,

_ 22 [And God went vp from Abram. ] Theſe wordes cons
teine a p2ofitable doctrine: as, that Abꝛam knew fo2 certeine,
that thts bifion was of God: Foꝛ berebnto tendeth this going
vp. But it ts neceffarie fo2 al the godly, that God be made kno⸗
wen to be the autbour of all thofe things which they beare, lett
they be carried fo and fro,but rather that they may wholy des
pend bpon heauen. And whereas now Cod, after be bad made
anend of ſpeaking, is not openly ertolled info his beauenly
glozy before our eves, the fame ought nothing at all to dimi⸗
nit the cerfeintie of our faith : bycaufe once a full manifeftas
tion twas offered tn Chriſt, with the which if is mete that we
be contented, And although God doth not afcend vpward daily
by a vifible ſigne: in this notwithſtanding, bis mateftie doth
' no leffe hine, that be tranffozming ts into bis image, lifteth
bs an high. Allo be bringeth autho2itie pnough to bis woꝛde,
when he fealeth the fame in our hearts by bis holy ſpirite.

23 [ And Abram tooke Imael his fonne.] Nowe Moſes Abrams’ —
comumendeth Abrams obedience, bycaufe be circumciſed him obedience
felfe and bis whole familic, accozding as be was commanded,

Foꝛ tt muſt needes be, that he was wholy addicted bnfo God,
which is not afratde fo giue vnto him felfe a qreuous wound,
whereby bis life might haue comeinperill. Herevnto alfo bes
longeth the circumftance of time; that be deferreth not p fame
vnto an ofber day, but by and by obeyeth the conmrandement
of God. And yet nofwithKanding, there is no doubt, but that
he wꝛeltled with diuers cogitations, And to let paſſe an innu⸗

| Aa.iij. merable

374

Abrams
houle was
well orde-
ted.

MTOUHN CAUVINE boty
merable fort of others, this might haue come inte bis miude
J haunting bene fo tong tered with many aduerfities, and cate
into diuers baniſhments, haue not withſtanding, neuer ſwar⸗
ued from the word of Godeif bythis faneshe would conſecrate
me fo be his ſeruaunt, top bath be put me off,euen vntill my
ertreme olde age? What nteaneth this, that J can not be faz
ucd, Onlefle ¥ fo cut my felfe; as itmay bing my hfe tothe
graue ¢ Wut this was a mo2e plaine pꝛofe of obedience, that
be hauing ouercome all lets, followed God the caller fyeedilp €
Without delay, And therein be did no leſſe notably declare his
Faith : bicaufe, bnleſſe be bad certeinelp imbꝛaced the promifes
of God, he would not haue bene fo readte to obey. Wereof thers
fo2e came fo great readineſſe, bicauſe be ſet the worde of Gon,
again diners and fundie temptations, tubich might baue
Haken his mind,and baue drawen the fame cuerp way, Two
things alſo are bere worthie to benofed. The firſt nas, that
Abꝛam was not difcouraged with the difficultie, tuberebp be
ra haue the leffe perfogmed the dutie which be did owe vn⸗
fo God. -

Gae knowe , that be had a create multitude af home ,
{which twas aloft a people of it felfe. It was ſcarſe credible,
that {o many men would fuffer themſelues fo be wounded, no⸗
thing appearing but a ſcoꝛne Thus be had god caule to feare,
leat be ſhould caufe a great tumult in bis quiet houfe:ypea, lett
fie greater part of bis ſeruants fhould rebel againſt him, with
one conſent:notwithſtanding, he bearing bim felfe bolde vpon
the worse of ODD, outly taketh wi hand a matter impoſ⸗
ſible.

Furthermore, tue fe what a well ordered houſe be bad:
that not onely thep tobiche were borne in bis boule , but
ſtraunge men alfo,andfuch as were bought with monte, were
contented quictly to take the twounde, which was both ares
uous, and alfo ſhameftull in carnall fenfe, Jt appeareth theres
fore, that Abꝛam was bverp carefull to haue them doe their
Duetic . And bycauſe he had them vnder holy mifcipline, he —
had. the rewarde of hts diligence : which be reaped, m finding
them fo tractable, in a matter pat all reafon an’ reache of*
man, Euen ſo at this dap, ODD ſeemeth to —

matter

—

VPON GENES ES) CrAR XVI. |
matter impoſſible to be done, tuben be woulde haue his Gols
pell preached to the whole worlde, that he might reſtore the
fame from death tolife. Jfo2 we fe, howe great the obftinas
cie and peruerſneſſe of all men fo2 the moſt parte is : alfo with
pow many and forceable practifes, Sathan withfandeth the
fante in fuch wife, that there is not fo much as entrie left to
the beqinning.thercof : pet notwithſtanding, it becommeth
euery man to doe his ductic, and not fo ftay.fo2 any lette ; |

at the laff,our endeuour andlabour ſhall haue his
fruite, although as yet, the fame
doth notappeare,
Rey |

CHAPTER. XVIII ii dged
2. Myf bh <p ND againe,the Lord appeared vntohim,
Or AVC ZEA inthe plaine of Mamre, as hee fate inhis
. [EY tente doore,about the heate of the.day.
And he lifted vppe his eyes, and looked
andloe , three men ſtoode by him: and
when hee fawe them, hee ranne to meete
them, from the tente doore, and bowed
him felfe to the grounde. | +h | =a
_ 3 And he fayde,Lord, if] haue nowe found fauour in thy
fight, goenotI pray thee from thy feruant.
»_ .4 Let alittle water I pray you be brought, and wath your
feete,and reft your felucs ynder the tree. | |
>) § 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 <j Motes giueth Uouſhol⸗ |
to vnderſtande, that Abraham chall enioy the grace pꝛomiſed des mutt
vnto him, , ifheinttract thofe that are committed vnto bis be broght
chatads in the feareot@® D D,. and gouerne his boule well ay?
sBut vnder the perlon of one mana rule is ginen toatl thecod,
Roolies (rsd ela‘P sieio, G3 Pe Rrjyeet adi to ary
iad Wb, ity, {03

Foꝛ they whiche are negligent inthis pointsreiect as much
as in them lieth, oꝛ at leatt wife; doe ſuppreſſe the grace
of God. Dhereforc fo the end, ine, and our potterities, map
haue alwayes the poſſeſſion of Gods giftes, toe mutt take
heede, that we cutte them not off by our negligence. Not⸗
Withanding, hercof aman fhould falfely gather, tf the fame
fhould thinke, that be maketh men faithfull by bis diligence,
and deferucth that God thould fulfill thofe thinges , whiche
de promifeth. Ffo2, this two2de ( That,) is oftentimes . vfed in
the Scripture, rather to erp2effe the confequence, then the
taufe, Foꝛ althouahe the qrace of God , onely beginneth our
faluation, and perfecteth the fame: yet notwithſtanding, bes
caufe in following © DD bis calling, we finithe our race,
we are alfo ſaide after this manner,to obteine faluation atthe
handes of Goo, : —X

20 [Becaufe thecrie of Sodome, & Gomorrha is greate,}

Bere the 102d beqinneth to declare moze plainely his purpoſe
to Abꝛaham, concerning the deſtroving of the fine cities Bowe
beif, he nameth Sodvome,t Gomorrha only, which Were more

famous then the reff, Ano befoze he maketh mention of the
puniſhment, be difclofeth their wickednefle, to the end Abra⸗

ham might knowe, that thephad iuſtly deferned to be deſtroy⸗
£0 : otherwiſe the biftorie Hould not ſerue fo2 erudition, and
Gotis inſtruction. But hereof conuneth a feare to finne, When we
difpleafed_ feele that the weath of Godis prouoked theough mens faults,
with finne a0 laith that the cric was multiplied, theongh the greuout
neffe of their Wwickedneffe: becante,bowfoener the. wicked pers

_ fuade them felues, to efcape vnpuniſhed, bp couering their e⸗
uils,and are quietly boone withall of men: pet not withſtan⸗

dina, their finnes mutt needes found aloftsin the eares of Oo,
Sines Y aC herefoze this ſpeache teacheth bs, thatall our dedes, which
cires of Wethink are clearte'forqotten,tome beſoae the Tribunal feate
God, of God,anddo of themſelues cal fo) vengeance, although there
benonetoaccufe bs, 0 x cre
21 [I will goe downenow.]: Beraufe this twas a ſingular
erample of the tv2ath of Gov, which God would pane knowen
throughout allages , and: twhiche he ſetteth notwne in diuers
places ofthe Scripture; therefore Doles diligently ong

VPON GENESIS. ~'CAP! XVIITI.
foth thoſe thinaes, which are tobe reckoned antong the iudges 39 3
mentes of God:euen as in this place be connnendeth vnto bs,
the moderation of the Lode, in that be docth not by and by
thunder againtt the wicked, nor Mratght way powꝛe forth bis
bengeance: but when they were growen paſt hope, then be
erccuteth that punithment,twbiche be had kept a long tite in
fulpente . Peither doeth the Lorde teflifie in baine,that be
pꝛocedeth to puniſhment in god order: betauſe fo offen as he

chattifeth,wethinke, that be dealeth moze ſeuerely with bs;

then is mecte, Bea, when as he wayteth vpon bs, with won⸗

derful long fufferance, butil we come Onto the full mcature of

pour wickednes: ¢ when as our Wwickednes,is moze obſtinate,

then that it ſhold be any longer ſpared: we not vᷣſtãding, con

plaine of bis to much haſtening of riga2:therfoze,be painteth Wicked-

forth bis cquifie in bearing with bs,as if were ina plaine,g nes being

maniteũ table,to the end, we may know that be never falleth "P* So?

to puniſhing, but when wickeonefic is ripe. Pow tf on the o- puastherl

ther five, we haue refpecte vnto Sovome, we thal there behold

a horribie erample of blindneſſe. Foꝛ the Sodomites procede,

asifthey bad nothing to doc with © DD: thep hauing no
‘féling of god and euill, wallowe themfclues , like brute

beaſtes, in all manner of ũlthineſſe: they flatter them ſelues

in their finnes,as if they chould neucr gine an account of their

life. Bccaufe this difeale, was tn all ages,fo common, and

is alfo at this day in mof mien : it is verie Nedefull fo marke

this circumftance,at what time , the Sodomites licentiovfiy

raunged, ſhaking off the feare of God, and perfuaded them⸗

felues, that tuhat finne ſoeuer they commutted, ther fhall ef

tape vnpuniſhed: that God taketh counfeil, to deſtrop them : ,

and that be was ſtirred bp With the lobod crie of their wicked⸗

neffe,to come Downe into the earth, at what tine thep were

ina dead Neepe . Wherefore, iffo be God at any tune deferre

his indgementes,let bs not therefore thinke ourfelucs tobe

any whit the better,but befoze the complaints of our wicked⸗

neffe doe wearie bis eares, we being alvaked with his threa⸗

fenings,let bs make hatte fo pleaſe him in time, Wut becauſe

the Cufferance of Gop, in this tuife , cannot be comprebendea

ofos, Moles bzingeth him tn {peaking after the manner of

men

ve

. ‘r1y™ WOHN GALVINE-~--
394-

Abram

men. (Whether they haue done, J oles hereby meaneth/
that Good came to fe;twhether their ſinnes were come fo the
full meafure: euenas be ſaide before 5 that the iniquitics of
the Amoꝛites were not as yet fulfilled. Therefore the ſumme
is, that the Lord wold fe whether they were cleane pak recoz
uerie, euen as thep that baue caſt themſelues headlong to the:
ertremitic of euils:oꝛ whether thep were as pet in the middtt
of their courte, whereby they might be beought to a found
minde: becauſe he would not vtterly baue deſtroyed thofe
cities, if ſo be their wickedneſſe had beene bp any manner of
meanes curable, Some tranllate this , If they haue pone fo,
their finall deftruction ts alreadie come: 3%f not,Z will fe how
farre fo2th they are to be puntthed . Wut the fozmer ſenſe do⸗
eth belt agree. | | HNO? aid te snitle
22 [But Abram ftoode yet before the Lorde.) · Firſt Mo⸗
fes fayth, that the nen went further, meaning, that when the
talke was ended, they bad Abraham farelwell, that he might
returnebome, hen be adoeth,that Abzabam ſtode fillbes
force the Loꝛde: euen as they are wont, which being diſmiſt,
bo not by and by depart, becauſe there remaineth fomivbat as
ret to be faide 02 Done. And Moles veriecunninglp, when
niention is made of the tourney, attributeth the manic of men,
to the Angels: but he faith not, that Abꝛaham ſtode before
men, but befo2e the face of God : becaufe,altbough with bis
eves, he beheld the ſhape of men:yet notwithſtanding, though
faith, he behelde God, And bis wordes doe fufficiently der
clare,that he (pake not as with a moꝛtall man. WMhereby we
gather, that tue deale verie buo2derly,if (o be erternal fiaqnes;
“wherebp Oovrep2efenteth himſelfe, do hinder or fay vs,that.
we cannot come directly vnto Gov, We areby nature prone
to this vice: but fo muche the moze Wwe, are to ftrine, that;
through the feeling of faith; we may be lifted bp buto © D D
him felfe, leaft erternall fignes holde bs backe tn the worlde.

makethin Furthermore, Abꝛaham came bnto God; fo2 reverence fake,,
rercefion Foꝛ he doeth not contentioully oppofe himſelfe,as though be |

forthe

had authoritie to make interceflion : but be humbly befeecheth

Sodomits hing : and euerie worde Declareth, what greate humilitic ,

J

at

WPON GENESIS. "CAP. XVIII.

sribinnodeltie, was in the bolic father's · I arannt , that the 92>

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? <j ha
Wat nowe, he being tn fhe mownteine bopde of care 5

Sathan circumuenteth him with newe alaultes, Wherefore

fhe purpoſe of the holy Ghoſt ts, to exhort bs by this example
‘fo Watching : bycauſe when Wwe thinke lea of it, an inuiſi⸗
ble enimie lapeth nares fo2 bs : euen as Pofes hath ſhewed
before, that Adam twas’ deceiued in Paradiſe. Wherefore,
4f ſo be tue ſuſpect our felues, the faine will make bs to fake
fufficient hede, fo withſtande all the fubtiities of our enimie.
Foꝛ there is no man, Wwhiche doeth not carrie aboute Lith
7 deceiue him telfe , a thouſande entiſementes of Bar
| ‘,

37 fAnd the elder barea fonne. Thic was hoꝛrible blinds
nelle, that the daughters of Wot, fetting tame aloe, {et vp as
it were a remembaunte of their bertues, but an verp dede,
they haue tettifies, to.all poſterities by an enerlatting monu⸗
Ament, their hameleſſe diſhoneſtie, Shey gine naps to thew

sbildeen,o, rather ta tuo nations ondes theit mae berobe

92

* 10N CALVINE
43 2 all men may know, that they are an adulterous procenie,and
{pong from an inceftuous cõiunction. The firlk boatteth, that
ber fonne came from ber fatber : and the other, that the bath
borne a fonne begotten of anere kinred, Thus they both doe
impudently publithe their Wicked fac, by reafon of the thame
{whereof they ought to haue bid them (clues in caues fo2 ever,
Gnd being not contented With the infamte oftheir age and
tinte, thep ertend their bile fact to ofber generations, There⸗
fo2e there ts no doubt, but that they being bewitched of Sas
thai, bad forgotten all difference betweene filthineffe and ho⸗
Sphe. 4.19 neltie. Paule faith, that the reprobate, after long libertie oF
—— ſinning, are at the laſt, paſt all feeling of greefe. Suche ſenſe⸗
leſneſſe no dout, had poſſeſſed thefe damofels, feeing thep were
not aſhamed fo publiih openly the rep2och of thetr inceſt. But
this example of Gods vengeance ts fet fm2th onto bs, leak we
giuing place fo any ſinne, do fall into brutiſh ſenſeleſneſſe: but
rather let bs,thzough the feare of Ood, irre bp our felues vn⸗

fo repentance,

ta CHAPTER. XX.

; Md Abraham went from thence into the South
countrie, and dwelt betweene Cadesand Sur,
| and was a foiourner in Gerar.

And Abraham faid of Sarah his wife, She is my
fifter,And Abimelech king of Gerar fent, and

tooke Sarah. |

3 And God came to Abimelech ina dreame in the night,

and faide ynto him: Beholde,thou art a dead man, for the wife
which thou haft taken : and fhe is married to a husband .

Notwithf{tanding, Abimelech had not yet come neere

her, And he faide, Lorde, wilt thou flay euen the righteous na~
tion?

5 Said he not to me,She is my fifter ? Yea,and fhe her felfe
faide, Heismy brother: with an ypright minde,andinnocent .
handes haue I done this.

6 And God faide ynto him by a dreame, I knowe that thou
diddeft this with an vpright minde, and Ikepttheealfo, that
thou fhouldeft not finne againft me ¢ therefore fuffered I not

thee

VPON GENESIS: CAP; x Xe] }
thee to touche her. : 433.
7 Now then deliuer the man his wife againe: for hei isa
Prophete,and he fhall pray for thee,that thou mayeft liue: but
ifthou deliuer her not againe , be fure that thou thalt dye the
death,thou and all that thou hat,

8 Then Abimelech rifing vp earely in the morning, cal-
led all his feruantes,and tolde all thofe thinges vnto them, and
the men were fore afraide,

9. Afterward Abimelech called Abraham,and {aide vnto
him, What haft thou done vnto ys, and what haue I offended
thee, that thou haft brought on me,and on my kingdome, this
_ great finne? Thou haft done thinges vnto me, that. ought not
to be done -

10 So Abimelech {aid to Abraham, What faweft thou, that
thou hait done this thing?

1 Then Abraham anfwered, Becaufe I thought thus, Sure-
ly the feare of God is notin this place » and they will flay me
for my wiues fake,

12 Yet in verie deede the: ismy fifter: for fhe is the daugh-

ter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother, and the
as my wife.
13 Nowwhen the Angels caufed meto wander out of my
fathers honfe, I faide then to her » This is the kindenefle that
thou thalt fhew vato me in all places where we-come : iy thou
ofme,He is my brother.

14 Then tooke Abimelech fheepe , and beeues ,and men-
feruaunts,and women-feruants,and gaye them ynto Abraham,
and reftored him Sarah his wite.

15. And Abimelech faide, Behold, my lande is before thee:
dwell where it pleafeth thee.

16 Likewife to Sarahhe faide , Beholde, [ haue giuen thy
brother a thoufand peeces offilner: behalde,he isthe vaile of
thine eyes, to all that are with thee, and to all others, And fhe
was thus reproucd.

17 Then Abraham prayed vnto God, and God healed
Abimelech,and his wife,and the women fernantes: and they
bare children,

18 For the Lord had fhut — of the houſe of Me
e. 18*

**

“YOUHN CALVINE
434 bimelech esau of Sarah Abrahams wifes,

» And Abraham: went from ifieriee! FF hat whiche oe
fes hath bitherto declared, concerning the deftruction of So⸗
dome, is as tf were a bymatter: and now he returneth to the
oder of the hiſtorie, as to ſhewe, what wasdone- with Abra⸗
ham, how be behaued bimfelfe , and holw the Lorde defenden
him:alſo, how long if was per the pramifed fade, the originall
of the Church, ould be borne vnto hint, And he faith, that
Ab r aham came into the South countrie + not that be went
ouf of the boundes of theinheritance wwhiche Was giuen vnto
him, but becaufe be leauing his firfke abiding place, went tor
ward the South. And the countrie whiche he noteth, was foz
the mofic parte ciuen bp lot nto the tribe of Juda, Potwiths
ſtanding it is wot knotven with tobat purpole he went, 02
What necelſitie conſtrained him to chaunge the place ; excepte
it were, becauſe we ought to be perſuaded, that he remoued
not bis ſeate for any light cauſe fo another place, {pecially fees
ing a ſonne Was of latepromifed vnto him by Sarat, whome
be ought not fo muckeasto withe for, Some imagine, that he
fledde that greeuous fight, the whiche was daily before his
eyes, Foꝛ he ſawe that theplaine conntrie,. whiche was of
late pleafantto beholde, and repleniſhed with great abun⸗
dance of frutte, twas chaunged into a defozmed-heape, and
ouglie ſhewe. Andit map be that the fauour of bꝛimſtone an⸗
noyed all thofe that divcit thereaboutes, and were alfo others
wile corrupted, to the end they might the better fele fhe tudge
ment of Ood,

Therekore, it is not out of ſquare fo. fap ,- that Abra⸗
ham, becaule the Lorde had accurfed. ths place; was draw⸗
enbpthe loathing thereof, to another habitation. Alfoit is
credible, (whiche happened vnto him at another time after
that,) that be as dꝛiuen alway bp the malice and iniuries of
thofe among whome be dwelt. 3Fo2 the moze liberallp that
the Lorde had reucaled his grace vnto him, the more bis fuftes
rance in like manner ought to be erercifed, that be might
confider with hun (elfe, that be was a ftrauncer inthe lande,
Aud Holes diligentlperpeetleth 5. that. he dwelt as a ſtraun⸗

VPON GENESYS* CAPS XX

ger itt the lande of Gerar . Thus we fee that the fame holie
Houſe was d2iuen fo ¢ fro,euen as chaffets carricd about with
inde, when asthe wicked haue afirme abiding place. Wut
it is profitable fo2 the godlie to be after this. manner vnſtable
inthe carth, leat they fattening their mindes bppon a come
modious and quiet Divelling place, doe loſe the inheritance of
heauen.
2 [And Abraham ſaide of Sarah his vvife. an this hiſto⸗
rie the holie Ghoſt ſetteth before bs a mantfett viewe, as well
of mannes weakeneſſe, as of Gods grace, It 1s a common
pouerbe,that Foles are made wiſe beeing harmed. Wut as
braham hauing forgotten a great daunger, which bad happe⸗
ned vnto him in Egypt, ſtumbleth againe at the ſame ſtone:
when as nofivithitanding, the Lorde bad chaſtiſed hun of
purpofe, that the ſame might be a profitable admonition vnto
hint suring bis whole life, Therefore we beholde in the erz
ample of the bolic Patriarche, bow eaſily we forgette both the
punifhinentes ,and allo fhe mercte of God. Foꝛ in that heres
membꝛeth not that he had once tempted ODD, andthatit
twas no gramercie fo him that his twife was not defiled of an⸗
other nian, therein bts fo muche ouerfight cannot be excuſed.
Wut if fo be we doe thꝛoughly conſider ot our ſelues, there
thalbe no man almofte found, whiche thall not finde that be
doeth offentinies Lune in this point. Mozroucr,if may be that
Abraham was not fre from vnthankfullnefie 5 becaule tf be
had weighed thatthe Lorde had Awonderfuily preſerued bis
wile, be would neucr wittingly and willingly haue cal hime
felfe into fuch danger. Foꝛ be maketh fo much as in him lveth
the former grace, whiche God had beſtowed vppon him, voide
and of none effect. Moreouer, it ts to be noted, uhat manner
of finneit was, whiche alfo we touched before, For As
braham, to faue himlelfe , 010 not put his wife in peril, as
Wicked mencautil, Wut as he was carefull at the firſt to
ſaue histife, butill be had receiued the fede twhiche © @ D
bad promifed onto him: even fo nolv,be teeing his twife to be
greate with childc, to inisy fo areat a benefife, be thinketh not
of bis wiues perill , ,
Thereloze, iffo be Wwe weighe all thinges well, be finned
Ce,y, through

435

436

IOHN CAL VINE.

thoough onbelote, attributing leſſe to the pꝛouidence of Cov,
then be ought, hereby alſo we are put inmind, how daun⸗
gerous a thing tt is to truſt to our owne imaginations , For
Abꝛaham is well vifpotced , fo long. as herefpecteth the pros
mifeof ODD, Wut in that be not wapting patiently foz
God his helpe, taketh an vnlawfull wap in hand 5 in that
point he is woꝛthie of rep2ebenfion, (And Abimelech King of
Gerar. There ts no voubt, but that the Lode intended toy pus
nifhe the rathe purpofe of his ſeruant. Suche fruttes of their
diſtruſt thall all they haue, whiche fay not themſelues, as it
is. conucnient,bppon the proutdence of God, Some peruerfe
perfons difculfe and toffe this place > 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<losiq'ts 7 : A dp
- 33 Afterward the:meate was fette before him: bat he faid, I
wil not cate, vntil I hae faid my meflage:& he {aid Speakon,

34 Then he faide;f am Abrahams feruant;

35 And the Lorde hath bleffed my maifter wonderfally,
that ‘he as become greate: for he hath giuen hinr{heepe, and
beeues,and filuer,and golde, and menferuantes, and maidfer-
uantes and Camels;and Affes ,

36 AndSarah my maifters wifehath borne a fonnetomy
maifter, when the was-olde : and vnte him hath he giuen all
thathe hath, _

37 Now my maiftermade me fweare,faying : Thou fhalt
hot take awife to my fonn,of the daughters of the Canaanites 5
| Ii, in

497

1X 34 — jb dadeabeah 4 7
498

hofeland'T dwell. a bed gj oO wmBOT I

38> 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 <GENESDS.) |i CAP. XXII. 5
ig to fay,that fox his mercies fakes’ he tas true in fuldilting”
his pzomilesia siicad wale Sune tndtetawa od noo i
, The lpeache is vttered vnto men:euen as it followeth alfo
in fhe 49, derfe. of, this Chapter , Nowe thetefore if ye will
deale mercifully and:truely with my maiſter tell me, Potwith-
{Landing it belongeth property pntoGDD, that he fausureth-
and belpeth men ot his fre mercie: and that he alwaves pro⸗
ucth him felfe to be Faithfull and true; in that he neuer diſap⸗
pointeth them of their hope This thankefaiuitis therefore
teacheth bs , that we mutt haue alwaves before our eyes the
pꝛouidence of Oon,that {we map attribate fo hin whatſoeuer
god ſucceſſe we haue.· And the maide ranue and toldethem
of her mothers houfe, }atmay be that Kebeccas mother dwelt
by ber felfe apart: not that (he havafamilie diuided fromt her
Hufbande, but bycante fhe had daughters and handmnaides vn⸗
der her charac. Wore ſimply alfo we: map expounde it, that he
came directly into her mothers chambre, oͤpcaule the might
the moze freely tell the whole matter brite herʒ thervto hor fas
ther... and itis likely,thatwben: Wefhul vascertified by"
the reparte of bis wifes dLaban was ſent eur ‘bp both their:
conmaurdententessto letch an the guelte. Che reſt needeth n°
erpoſition 3 * ad ds, ONE. IHS, ri
33+ CL will noteate yntill bhanefaide my meflage, } Moſes
beginneth to help hoboe thaparentes Dr aebedes were indue
co0,to gine ber, hte ber atepbetmtatbiter gu ehae the fernan€
jng meate fet belore brats rofulerhstaraty before be
fuatchen-his butineties therein dis diligenco and faithts ko
be ſceue is halk ve worthilg reekoned among the be⸗
chites, which Gov vouched fafr-tebellorbe vpor his fervant
lbzahana,that be had osted thfiell a terugn and diligent in vane
—
lie cipling, lotibe notmiacctalisthatiseive murhe cerununtes fervances
are founde, when as theparad thot piarcs to vil gouerned. at this day
thouctybe bemeth to ster luperduous Speached pot me: comms th
offe, here ia wathina white belouneth Hot To the p2e7 *
mari oy oãth to ſend their daughter g wrn tar Froittucrs ment.
cm Fi of ali thevfoceberecsquast up aroahan eich P
"3 ey

THOHNOCALVINE |

512. ‘thep might not be afearte fo plate their daughter with a riche

man. Then he hetweth,that aac was boone of bis mother
being a verie oide woman: net onely to the ende they might
knowe that be twas giuen to bis father bya notable miracle
of Gad; whereby they might coniecture that be Was ordained
by ©od fo2 great and notable matters:but alfo,that he might
be commended fo2 his age. Lhirdly, he affirmeth that Iſaac
Was the onelp beire of bis father, Fourthly, he declareth that
be was bounde by anoathe,to fekea wife fo bis matiter J⸗
faac out of bis owne kinred, Ano this care of Abraham was
beric effectuall to mone them. Fiftly, he telleth that Abraham
trufted that Ood woulde be the directour of the tourney, inſo⸗
much that he commended all bis bufinette onto him . Sirtly,
he reciteth after what fozme be made his prayer vnto Goo,
SPeuenthly,be tettifieth that he had obtcined at the 1 o2ds bane
bes all that be craued in bis prayer, that it might appeare that
this marriage twhiche he went about, pleated God, Powe we'
fee that the end of his ſpeach is,that he might perfuade Rebece
fag patentes, that be was neither fent to deceiue:no vet that
be had done any thing traftily; or by indirect meanes : but in
the feare of God, atcozding to that godlineiſſe, which marriage
requireth . Alſo, that be craueth nothing of them, which {hall
not be both p2ofitable and honotirable for thei To be thot,
that God twas the moderato: of the whole matter. And where⸗
as Abꝛahams feruaunt; being percuaded that the Angel of
God would be the quide of his bufinette 7 and pet for all that,
neither prayeth no2 gineth thankes Suto hint : let vs thereby
learne,that Angels are not therfoyc appointed fo ps; to be the
minilters of Gods bleflings, that thep might be called bpon of
__ BS, 02 that they might tranfferre the worſhip of God to them
ſelues:euen as thts ſuperſtition atmo oucrfloweth the whole
Wwo2ld,that men may derine part of their traf and confidence,
from the ontp founteine: of alt god thinges, to ſmall rivers,
49/0 The Lorde: before whome I walke . J Althoughe
fome referre this to the honeffie,¢ gwd confcience of Abraham,
J rather interp2cte the fame toncerning atteofatt fatth, in
that he bad mane Won the gouernour of his life, and trutting
that be had a tare fo: bint,nepenved wholy vpon bis grace. -
49

\

VPON GENESIS. (CAP. XXIIII. 1!
49 [lf ye will deale mercifully and truly with my maifter.] d 3
‘4 (helwed a little before what this (peache meant : namely, fo
ſhewe humanitic,and fo deale faithfully, hus modeſtly and
humbly he intreateth, that they might giue their confent vnto
the marriage of Iſaac and Kebecca. If they giue him the res
pulle, be fapth, that be will goe onto the right hande o2 to the
icft, thatis tofay, be twill (eeke elſewhere. For be fetteth the
right and left bande againſt the right way, by which he wa
bought vnto them. Wut vaine ts the contecture whiche cere
feine of the Hebrues being, that be would go vnto Loft, o2 vn⸗
fo Iſmael. |
50 [This thing is purpofed of the Lord.) Bycaute fhep are
perfuaded by the mans {peach, that God is the authour of this
marriage, thep denice that tt is latwfull fo2 them fo fpeake any
thing to qainefay the ſame. Shey fay, that this thina is pur-
pofed of the Lo2de : bycauſe be bad reuealed his will by vn⸗
doubted fignes. Wereby we perceive, that although true religi⸗
on be partly choaked, and partly infected with bictous erro2s:
pet notwithſtanding, that the feare of OD D twas neuer fo
bfterly ertinguifhed, but that this qround ſtill fone fatt,that
God is tobe obeyed. GAberefore, tf fo be miferable ivolaters,
which had aloft fo2faken all godlineſſe, ſubmitted them ſel⸗
ues onto Gad, bicaufe it was not mete fo Decline from bis ap
| pointinent : howe much moꝛe ready ought Wwe to be fo obep
him⸗ Therfore, ſo fone as the will of God is knotwne vnto bs,
iet not onlp all tons be filenf, but alfo all our fenfes be quiet :
bicaule itis bolde ſacrilege, to admit any cogitation, which is
repugnant fo the fame.
52 [He bowed him felfe toward the earth.] Againe, Mos
‘fes repeateth, that Abꝛahams feruaunt qaue thankes vnto
ODD: nepther doth he without caule, repeate this duetie of
godlineſſe: bycauſe, ſceing ODD requireth no creater thing of
vs, Our filthie Mouth and negligence betw2apeth it felfe in this
point, The acknowledging of Gods benefites, is a facrifice of The belt
a ſwete fintell: pea, it is a woꝛſhip ercelling all facrifices, Men octifice ,
haue heaped bpon them daily,by God, an innumerable forte of fn
bencfites, Therefore bnthankfulnefle is not follorable, vn⸗ chankes
leſſe men erercife them ſelues, in mus thankes vnto ae giuing.
ik, 03

5

IOHN CALVINE

3! + fo2 bis beniefifes,

¢4 [And when they rofe yp in the morning.) %ofes ſtan⸗
deth the longer vpon this {peach-partly to commend the faiths
full care of the ſeruaunt, in fulfilling bis maifters commauns
dements: and partly foteach, that his minde was inflamed

by the {ptrite of God. Foꝛ it ts fo fet on fire,that be araunteth

no refpite to others, no2 any refting to bim felfe. Althouab be
fo bebaucd him felfe, as tt became an honeſt and thaiftie fers
naunt; pef notwithſtanding, there is nodoubt, but that the
41020 pricked him forwarde for Alaacs fake. Thus the Lorde
watcheth fo2 his fernauntes when thep Aeeve, and finthhelb
their buſineſſe they being abfent, and bendeth all affections fo
farre forth as itis erpesient, tobelpe them, TAbereas fome
take the tenne dayes, by which Laban and bis mother defired
the departure of Kebecca to be deferred,fo2r peres 02 meneths,

itis to much wꝛeſted. Foꝛ it was a womanly defire of the

mother, bycaufe the twas fcarfe contented, that ber Daughter
ſhould be carricdcnt of hand from her prefence,

57 £ We will call the maide.] Bethuel hauing before ſim⸗
ply giuen bis daughter, nowe be feemeth to be ſcarſe conftant
hibis purpofe, Wut in that they offered the daughter atthe
fir without exception, if was meant, fo farre forth as thep
bad authozitic. ut Poles nowe teacheth,that they erercifer
not tyrannie ouer thetr daughter, to thoutt ber forth again
ber twill, 02 fo conftreine ber to marrie with one, with whome
fhe would not ; but that thep gaue vnto her free choyce. he
authoritie of parentes ought to be Holy in this bufinefie : but
an indifferent way is te be faken, that the parties willingly

rheconfent Ald with mutual confent cotract together, Mheras Rebecca

of both

wartics.
ro

anfwereth fo pecifelp, tue mult not fo take p fame, as though
fhe deſpiſed her fathers houfe, 02 as though the poung matd to
areedilp defired a hufband: but bicauſe the ſawe that the mato
fer was pafled by the authozitic of ber father, and confent of
ber nother, e alfo pealdeth.

$9 (So they letRebecca their fifter goc.] Firſt Poles thes
weth, that Kebecca was honeſtly fent away: bycauſe fhe ban .
a nurſſe topned with ber to beare her companie. And Jdoubt
not, but that they had domeſticall nurſſes which were maids :

ng

»~
*

VPON GENESIS. CAP; XXIIII.

not that mothers vtterly ceaſſed to do their dutie, but bycauſe
-fhep committed the care of education to one certeine damoſel.
Wherefore they were called nurfles, which helped mothers in
fhe bringing bp of their childzen,

~ 60 [And they bleffed Rebecca.) By which Poles meneth,
that ber kinred wiſhed onto her profperous eflate, Mie know
that this was a common cuftome in all ages, and among ail
nations, to with prolperitie and happie ſucceſſe to marted pers
fos, And although the polteritic bath much degenerated front

515

the frue and pure vſe of the fathers: pet notwwithfanding,Ocd.

would haue fome publique teftimonic to be extant, by which
nien might be taughf,that there are no lawſull martages,but
fuch as thalbe rightly confecrated, ow if ts bery likely, that
the forme of blefling which is bere fet dolvne, was commonly
vſed: bicaufe nature telleth, that the inlarging of potteritie,
is the end of mariage. And onder the victory which they with,
is comprehended the happie eftate of life. Potwithttanding, p
{020 directed their tongs to propheſie that, tobich was to them
vnknowne. Wo poſſeſſe the gate of the enimies,fignifieth, Zs
beare rule: bicaule iudgementes were bfed to be giuen in the
gates, and the towers of the cities were placed in them,

63 [And Ifaac went out to pray.] Jt appeareth that Iſaac
divelt fron: jis father by him felfe : either bicaufe of the excce⸗

ding qreatnefle of the houſholde: o2 elfe bicaule the ble and cus

ſtome twas fuch, And it may be, that Abzabam Had bought in
ait other wife: in fo much, that fo2 the quopding of b2alles, it
feemed more conuenient fo2 him to dwell ina boule by bun
{clfe, Dus creat riches are not without their troubles. Werts
lp, among the carthly bleſſings of God, none twas {verter fo
- Abraham, then to dwell with his fonne. FZ thinke not that he
{was depriued of his companie and ble, Fo2,bicaule Iſaac was
godly, thereis no doubt,but that he fought to do that duetie ta
his father in each point, which it became a childe to dor, This
was the only want, that they dwelt not together in one houſe.
oles alfodeclareth, howe it came to patle that Afaac met
with bis twife, before fhe came into the boule, Foꝛ he faith,
that be went forth about the euening, to meditate 02 fo p2ay,
Foꝛ after hoth wayes the Pebzue * may be —
* k ij.

516.

It is likely that be Did this, according to his —— that

10—80 CALVINE ‘

he ſought to pap tn a priuie place,to p end his mind being free
fronvall lettes, he might the moze heartily callbpon © DD,
But whether his purp ofc was to meditate o2 to pray, the
Lorde would giue bint a figne of bis pretence, by this iopfult
nieting,

64 [Alſo Rebcoss lifted vp her eyes. ] tHe may eafily con⸗
iecture, that Iſaac ſeeing the Camels, went thither ward, With
a deſire fo ſee his houſe. Hereof occaſion was giuen to Ke⸗
becca to queſtion. Wut hearing the aunſwere, the by and by
fo: honours fake, alltahfed from ber Camel, to falute ber bul
band, Foꝛ whereas fome thinke, that the alliqhted fo feare,
itis berp vnlikelx. She bad made to long a tourney te be as
fraide at the fight ofone man, efpectally, he bauing fo manp

‘attendant vpon her. Wut thofe tnterp2eters are deceiued, bys

caufe they confider not tn the wordes of Moles, that areafon
1s afterwardes rendered : that the fenfe may be this, Rebecca
twhen He ſawe Iſaac, allighfed from ber Camel: bycaufe Ge

had afked of the ſeruaunt who it was : and he bad ſapde, that .

it was bis mailters fonne, Foꝛ (he had not inquired of euery

nian that He met : but bycauſe he was nowe tolde, that the ~

was not farre from Abrabams houle, the fufpected him at the
leaſt fo be one of the houſhold. Motes alfo fapth, t' rt he twke
off ber baile: the whiche twas a figne of ſhamefaſtneſſe and
modeſtie. Foꝛ hereof alls came the worde of marrying, bicauſe
thep were Wont fo giue wiues couered buts their huſbandes.
And J doubt nof, but that the fame fafhion was obferued of
thefathers. Whereby twe fee, that the laſciuiouſneſſe of our
age ts moze filthic, and leſſe ercufable, wherein b2tdes are fo

apparelled, as all ſhame and womanlike modeſtie ſeemeth to
be taken alway,

67 [Ifaac brought her into the tent ofSarah.] Firſt, be |

bought her into the tent: afterwarde, be twke ber to be bis
Wwife. 5p which order of wordes, Moles putteth a vifference
betweene the latwfull manner of marrtaces, ¢ barbarouſneſſe.
And the holinctfe of wedlocke requireth this,) man woman
iopne not together like brute beatts,but that they hauing firſt
called mine name of God, plighted ther troth either to other.

nog

-~

VPON GENESIS. Ar. XXV.

po afterwards divell together. Furthermoꝛe, it is to benoted,
that Iſaac was not by any cruell commmaundement of bis fas
ther, canftreined to marrie a wife: but after be fet bis minde
bpon ber, be toke ber freely : and plighted vnto her from bis
heart the matrimoniall faith. [So aac was comforted. ] Sees
ing Iſaacs qreefe was but nowe mitigated, which be bad ta-
ken fo2 the death of bis mother, tue thereby gather how areat
the fame was , Foꝛ there was along {pace betiveene this and
the death of his mother. Hereby alfo we gather, that Jfaac
Iwas of a tender and pittifull minde: and that be loucd not bis
mother after the common maner, whofe death be fo long time
belwapled, And this is profitable to be knotwne,leaf tue ima⸗
gine the bolp fathers, fo be ſtonie and hard hearted: eucn as
fome doe, who place fortitude in crueltic, Only we mult indes

317

uour our felues to mitigate creefe ; leaſt it either burfte fo2th |

into Wicked murmurings, 02 elle do ouerthrowe the hope of
the refurrecttd fo come. either do J alfogether excuſe Iſaacs
greefe: onelx ¥ fay,that tee fame which belongeth vnto huma⸗
nitie, ought not altogether tobe condemned’, Andalthough
this was bictous, that be could not put atwap greefe out of bis
minde, ontill the contrarie ioy of wedlocke pꝛeuailed: Moles
hotivithftanding, reckoneth bp this among the benefites of
ODD, that be appointed fome remedie at the laſt fo2 bis fers
naunt,

CHAPTER. XXV.

Ne | Which bare him Zimram, and Tocfan, and Me-

IN dan,Midian,and Isbah,and Suah,.
And Tocfan begate Seba, and Dedan. And
the fonnes of Dedan were Aflurim, and Letufim, and Leum-
mim.

4 Alfo the fonnes of Midian,were Hephah, and Hepher,&
Hanoch,and Abidah,and Eldaah, All thefe were the fonnes of
Keturah.

5 And Abraham gaue all his goods to Ifaae,

<7, Ow Abraham had taken him an other wife cal-

S But ynto the fonnes of the concubines which Abraham

Kk.iij, had,

ent

VAN BDOWN CAILVIN'E

had, Abraham gaue giftes, and fent them away from Tfaac his |

foe whikhe yet liued Baltward,to'the Batt countrie.
And this i& thie age df Abralianis life, Ww mich he * an
* red {euentie and fiue yeardsy ©

8 Then Absaham’yealded the fpirite, and dyed ina g2i0i
age aũ dlde man, and of great —— and was gathered vnto
his people, |

9 And’ his —* Iaac ‘id Hirao buryed himin the dou-
ble caue of Mach pelalss Au the ficldeot Sige 3 fonne of Sohar
the Hittite before Mamre, 0 1

10 Which fielde Abraham bought of the Hisitey, where
Abraharn v was buryed with Sarah hie wife,
® rr Andufter the death of Abraham, God bleſſed Tiaac his
fonine. And'Haac divele by the: wel of Rerahat! -roy’.
“ “tz Nowe thele ‘are the generations of Iimae!l Abrahams
fone, w home Hagar the Aegy ptian, Sarahs handmaide bare
ynto Abraham.

13 And thefe are che names of the fonnes of Hinael : name
by. name according t to their kinreds. The eldeft tonne of Tires
was Nebaiorh: and Ceder, and Abdeel,and Mibfam: 2
’ 14. And Mifinah, and Damal, and Mala fone Canes

15 Hadar,and Thema yfetur Naphis, and Cedinah.

‘16 Thete are the fonties of Hmael , and thefe are Sip
names by their townes, and by their caltels : to witte, tw elie
Princes of their nations.

17- And thefe are the ycares of the hee oF Ifmael, an ‘hate
dred thirtie and {tuen yeares : and he yealded the {pitites and
—— was gathered ynto his people.

nd they dwelt from Hauilah vnto Sur, that is towarde
ptas Hie gocit to Afbur . Tmael dw elt in the prefence

seg breth *

19 Likewife J are the. gencrations of Ifaad Abrahams
fonne.Abraham begatediaac.

20 And Ifaac was fouttie yeares olde when he — Res
becca to wife, the daughter of Bethuel, the Aramite, of Paday
Aram,and fitter to-Laban the Aramite,

21 And, Iſaac prayed vnto the Lorde! for pes ee bycaufe
fhe was barren: and the J Lorde | was intreated of him: bord Re

eccq

VPON GENESIS, CGAY, XXV. 519
becca his wife conceiued, rr ogngley
_ 22 But the children ftroue together withinher ; Therefore ""
fhe faide,Seeing it is fo,why am I thus? wherefore fhe went ta
aske the Lord. 7
23 Andthe Lorde faide ynto her, Two nations are inthy
wombe, and twomanner of people fhall be diuided out of thy
bowels, and the one people fhall be mightier then the other :
and the elder fhall ferue the younger, |
24 Therefore, when the time of her deliuerance was fulfil-
led, beholde,twinnes were inher wombe.
25 Sohe that came out firftwasred, and he was all ouer as
_arough garment ;and they called his name Efau, «.
26 And afterward came his brother out, and hishand helde
Efau by the heele : Therefore his name was called Jacob.
27 Nowe Ifaac was three {core yeares olde when Rebec-
ca bare them. bid
28 And theboyes grewe. And Efau was a cunning hunter,
and liued in the fieldes : but Iacob was a plaine man,and dwelt
in tentes. |
29 And Ifaac loued Efau : for venifon was his meate. But
Rebecca loued Iacob.
30 Nowe Iacob fod pottage, and Efau came fromthe field
and was wearie. ,

31 And Efaufaide ynto Iacob, Let me eate I pray thee of
that pottage fo red, for Iam wearie# Therefore was his name
called Edom? Y (ante

32 And Iacob faide, Sell me euen nowc thy birthright :

33° And Efautaide,Loe,I ant almoft dead,what tien is this
birthright vnto me? | |

34 lacob then faid,Sweare to me euen nowe.And he fware
vnto himyand folde his birthtight vnto Icob. 4)

35 Then Jacob gaue Efau bread and pottage of Lentils,and
he did eate and drinke, and rofe yp and went his way : And ſo
Efau contemned his birthright. | |

a [Nowe Abraham had taken him an other wife.] It feta
meth berpablurde, that Abraham twas faide to be withered €
Dead in body ciaht ¢€ thirtie peres, before the death of Sarat,e

ROBE a Lk, tity, when

520

Ronm.4. 19

1 Chro.r.
32,

ITOHN CALVINE

‘when the Was deade that he ſhould take an other wife, Chis

berily befemed not his granitic. Po2couer, Paule commens
bing bis fatth,voth not only fay,that Sarais woinbe was deri⸗
ed Op, when Iſaac ſhuld be begotten: but alſo that his kathers
body was dead. Wherefore the deede of Abraham was ridicu⸗
lous,tf he, aftter he was a widower, and a very olde man,mars
ried a wife. Alfo tt diſagreeth from Paules Wwo2de8,that be be⸗
ing at a hundzed peares of age, colve, and not able to beet
childzen,fourtie peares after begate many fonnes. Manp, to
ſhunne this ablurditie,make Keturah and Pagar al one. But
thetr imagination is by and by conkuted in the fert : where
MPoles farth, that Abraham gaue giftes to the fonnes of the
concubines. And the fame alfo map be gathered by that tobich
is Written in the firlt Chapter of the firk boke of Chronicles.

thers coniecure, that Abraham toke an other wife, while
Sarat was pet alive. Whe which alfo was worthie of great
reprehenſion: pot notwithſtanding, if ſwarueth not from the
faith. We knotw that this is ordinarie, that men are made to

bolde,bp the taking of tw much libertic.uen fo, Abraham has |

ulng once tranſgreſſed the late of wedlocke, peraduenture af
ter the diuorce of Wagar, he made no end of tie taking of nae
ny Wiues. Mozcoucr it is likelp,that his minde teas wounded
With that diuozce, which Sarat cauled him to make with Bas
gar. This was a great reproch and thame to the holy Patri⸗

arch. ut among all coniecures, none femeth tome moe

pobable then one, The tubich if we reeciue,the narration thal
be brought tn,in an other place: euen as Poles is wont oftens
tines to ſet thofe things in an other order, which by tine are
to be placed firft, And though this reafon feruc not: pet neuers
thelefle,the matter tt felf neclareth.that there ts in this bifto2p
a Hy(teron protcron, that is, Afettting of the cart before the
hore. Sarat was aboue fourſcore and tenne peares of ane,

luhen the bought fo2th ber fonne Iſaac: and the dyed in the

hund2ed and feucn and twentie peare of ber ade. Iſaac toke a
wife when he was fourtie yeares olde, SCherefo2re,there were
almof foure peares bet weene bis mothers death,and the mars
riage, If Abraham toke a wife after this, what came in bis
minde, (ing he bad already accuftomed him felfe to line in

widowers.

*
fF ~ any £

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XXV. 521
widowers fate many yeres. Wherefore we may coniecure
that Poles, when be came to the extreme acte in tw2iting of
Ababanis life, putteth in that tobich be had omitted. Yet nots

withſtanding, the matter is not fully anflwered. For how came

‘be by newe ftrength to lye With women, when paule teltili⸗
eth, that be toas long before withered, and d2ped bp in bodie,
Auguttine thinketh, that frength was giuen vnto him, not
only fo2 a thot time, which might (uffice to beget Iſaac, but
alfo that by the mightie power of God,be flouriſhed againe all
the reft of bts life, The which tudament J willingly imb2arce,
both bycaufe tt amplifieth the glory of the miracle, and alfo
fo2 other caufes. Neyther is that any let which Jſaide before,
that Iſaac was begotten by miracle, that be might be a ſpiri⸗
frail fede, Foꝛ properly for bis fake, the deade body of Abas
ham was reutued. CUbereas others were boone afterwarde,
it was (as if Were) accidentall. Cuen fo that bleffing of God,
Grow ye and multiplie, which is topned to wedlocke, is ertens
ded fo Wandering luſtes. Af Abꝛaham toke a wife, Sarat bes
ing pefaltue, the which J beſt hike of,. be was vnwoꝛthie to
haue his adulfersns wedlocke bleffenby God, Wut although
we knotve not twby fuch plentie of grace was heaped bpon As
beabant : pet not withſtanding, herein the wonderfull prouts

dence of God doth thine,that when as of the other fonnes there

came mightie nations, bpon Iſaac alone vetted the ſpirituall

| couenaunt, ot the which the others bare the ſigne and token in

their fleſh.

6 [But vnto the ſonnes of the concubines. ] Motes ſheweth,
that when Abraham drewe neere vnto his death, be deuiſed a
war, wherby be might take alway all contention from among
bis childzen after bis death : which was, that Iſaac being aps
pointed bis only heire, he might fend away the ref with gifts.

CThis in outward ſhewe, ſemeth to be a hard and cruell diſ⸗

milſſion: buf pet agreeing with the ordinaunce and decree of
God, that Jfaac and bis polteritie might haue the tobole pot
fellion of the land. Foꝛ it was not lawtull for Abꝛaham to di⸗
uide the inheritaunce after bis olune will, whieh teas wholy
gtuen to Iſaac already. Whereſoꝛre there reſted nothing, but
that be ſhould pꝛouide foꝛ them by this way, bohich is bere
k.v. deſcri⸗

OHN CALVINE '

522% delcribed. At this day, ik aman chafing one of bis lonnes to be

his beire; doe exclude the reft, he ſhall doc iniurie vnto them,
and by the firebrand of vniuſt diſinheriting, be thall kindle
Daungerous contentions in bis boule, Wherefore the ſpeciall
reaſon is to beconfidercd, by Which Abꝛaham was not onely
moucd, but alfo conffremed fo difinberite bis fonnes, and to
ſem them a farre of eaſt by their ſetting in of their fote,the
quiet and {cle pofletion which G DD had promifed to Iſaac
fyould be troubled, Tile haue ſayde alreadic,that the Hebrues
call ber a concubine, which twas a bedfellotwe, but not partas
ker of the gods. The fame alte hath bene by the cuſtome of all
nations confirmed, € by laives eftablithed. So afterward we
(yall! fee, that ea and Rachel were principall wives : and
Bllha and Zilphain the fecond degre, that their fate anv
condition might be feruile, though they were receiued into the
Wwedlockebed, Seeing after Chis manner Abraham toke Baz
gar and Keturah fo be bis wiues, tf feemeth latofull fo2 him,
to giue Onto their fonnes a {mall portion onely ofbis godes:
pea, it was nepther latwfull no2 indifferent,to make themes
quall in the legacte with the latwfullbeire., And peraduens
ture, there was no contention about the fucceffion fo come :

but fending them a farre off, be poeuenteth that peril! whereof

% haue {poken, that they might intoy no parte of the lande,
which God had wholy appointed to the potkeritie of Iſaac as
icite, thy | ies Sut

7 [And this is the age of Abrahams life.] Moſes nowe
comitteth to the death of Abraham. And firtt ofall in bis age,

the number of peares is to be noted, in the which he was _

pilgrime. Foꝛ tt was a praife of wonderfull and incomparas
bie fufferance, that be wandering about by the {pace of a hun⸗
dred peares, was contented with the bare promifeof ODD,
as well in death as in life. What can they fap nolwe, which
murmur and grudge, if by the (pace of a fewe veares, 02 one
veare onelp, thep be troubled 02 difquicted: tuben as Abas
ham the father of the faythfull, was not onely a ſtraunger in
the land tobere be dwelt a hundred peres, but alfo oftentimes
banifhed 2 Neuertheleſſe Motes plainely declarcth, that the
iLozde perſourmed buto him that. whiche be bad et

J he ou

VPON GENESIS “CAP XXYV. 5

Thou fhale dyein a good age. And alffough be bad fought? 3
afjardeandatharpefiaht, pet forall that, it twas no light or

ſmall confolation, that amiddeſt fo many arefes, be knewe
that God had a care fo2 his life. Mherlore, if fo be the only bes
folding of cod fulteined him al bis life time, that be miaht not
faint among areuons flondes among many bitter fo2rowes,
among fhe boyling of cares,and among a huge beape of euils,

let 05 alfo learne, neuer fo be wearied, to reff our felues vpon

this ay, that the Lorde bath promifen vnto bs a happie env

of life sand that much m0 2¢ plainely, then pe did vnto cur fas

ther Abraham. —E—— OF GIF OF

8 f Abraham yealded the fpitite.] They are deceiued Abraham

which thinke thaf fouden death is nofed bp thefe woꝛdes: as dycth ina
though he languiſhed tot alway with ſome long ſickneſſe, but zood age;
pealded bp bis breath without qreefe, Wut Moſes rather meas

neth, that the father twas not exempted from the common lot

of the fapthfull: leatt we Mould be diſcouraged, fubenour ers

fernall man is coꝛrupted: buf meditating bpon that renouas

fion which ts layde bp in hope; let bs quistly fufter this fratle
fabernacle to fide and pale away, There is no cane theres

fore why a leane and ſyent boop, dull cves,trombling handes,

and the favlting of all’ the members ſhould make vs fainte,
Lopereby Wwe miaht be the leſſe topfull and couragisus, fo

make hatte vnto death, after the erample of our father. More⸗ yeah is
ouer, although Abraham had his lof with the reſt of mankind the come
which Was fo be olde, and at the laſt fo dye: Moſes a little aks mon totof
fer, ag touching the fodine dPdeath, putteth aditerencedes*|! “>
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 <TOHN CALVINE |
Vv is as pet lafpended : therefore contenting bimfelfe with hope
of the inheritance to.come,be douteth not bp hone? fo preferre
bis bother befo2e him, ¢ to confeſſe himſelfe to be his feruant,
And there was nothing fained tn theſe words: bicaule he was
content to bere bis brother on bis ſhoulders:ſo as he might not
lofe the right of the time fo come , which as pet was hidden.
¢ [Lhawe Beeues alſo & Affes , ] Jacob fpeaketh not of bis ris
ches,to boaſt of thent: but that by this meanes Clau might be
inclined to bumanitie. For tt bad bene fo foule and bozrible a
thing, that be whiche bad bene inriched in a farre countrie by
the grace ef God, ſhould be onerth2otven and put fo flight.
Poꝛeouer, be cutteth off the occafion from the emulation fo
come, Foꝛ iffo be he had returned emptie € pw2e,Clau might
bate conceiucd newe difpleature , theough the feare of confuse
ming that which belonged vnto them, Jacob therefoze tettifis
eth that he commeth net to confume bis fathers fubftance, 02
to be inriched with the loſſe of hts beotber : as if be bad fayo,
Thy inheritance thal remaine wholy to thee, fo2 thy right thal
not be diminiſhed by me: onelp Cuffer me fo live . yp this exe
ample tue are taught how to feke peace Ww the Wicked. For the —
31020 forbindeth bs not to defend our right, fo far forth as our |
aduerfaric twill qiue bs leaue:but we mut rather fo2goe our
right, then that any contention ſhould rife thzougb our faulf.
6 { Sothe meffingers came againeto lacob,] Elau goeth
forivard fo mete with bis beother fo2 god wil:but Jacob cons
ſidering bis fierceneffe, bis proud minde, and bis cruell theeas
tes, loketh fo2 no courtefie at bis bande. And the 11020 would
haue the minde of bis feruant to be thus troubled and greeued
fo2 a time, about nothing : that be might make him the moze
feruent iu p2aper. Foꝛ we knowe how greate colonefle {es
curitie cauleth in this point , Dherefoze,leatt faith bauing no
prickes anderercifes thould decay in bs; God fuftereth vs of⸗
tenfimes to feare many things, which are not to be feared. jfop ~~
although be preventing our defires , pꝛouideth for our mifes .'
ries: pet notwithſtanding, be biveththe remedies, ontillbe

haue erercifed our faith, PeucrtheleMe, let vs note; thatthe .

chilozen of God are never fo rong and conttant, but thatalfo
the infirmitic of the ficthe belwzayeth it felfein them, . ed
142 they

VPON GENESIS: CAP. XXXII.
hey whiche doe imagine to them feluesa truſt voyde ofall y
feare, haucnener tatted tobat true faithis. For the Lordo Faith is
doth not promiife that be twill be with vs to this ende, that be 2 aad
{will make bs boyd of the feeling of perils: but vᷣ feare preuaile
sot , and ouerwhelme bs with dDefperation, Morcouer, our
faith and trutt is neuer fo perfect in cach point, that if putteth
alway all doutings, and corrupt feares,as it were to be wiſhed.

7 (And diuided the people that was with him, IMoſes
thetweth that Yacob,accozding to the pefent occafion;follotwed
bis purpote , For Dividing his familie into tivo companies,
he placed the women in the firft place, fo abide the ſirſt affault,
ifnede forequired: but his wines hefet further from peril,
Gnd hereby tue gather,that Jacob twas not fo aſtoniſhed with
feare, but that. be could (ef bis things in an o2der. Tile knowe
that when a greeuous anda throughe feare poſſeſſeth mens
mindes, they knowe not what to bac, buf. ate as men with⸗
out courage amazed , tubo ought to loke buto their buſineſſe.
@Xherefozre,this came of the ſpirite of faith, in that Jacob fet
fome diſtance betwene the two partes of bis: familie, leat if
there ſhould be any flaughter mane, the mbolefene of b Chur⸗
che might be deltroped . For Wwiththis purpafebe offered the
halfe parte to be (laine, that the promifed inheritance might
come at the latt to thofe that remained aliue,
9 £O God of my father Abraham, } Bis thinges being
difpofed, according to the pꝛeſent neceflitic,he turneth himlelfe
now fo prayer. And this pꝛaver isa witneſſe, that be was not
oppꝛeſſed with fo greate teare, but that bts faith had the vic⸗
forie. Foꝛ he commendeth not pin felfe_anv his doubtfully
pnto od : but bearing him felfe bolde, as well bppon the pro⸗
mifes of God, as vppon the benetites reeciued, be cafteth bis
cares ¢ greefes into bis lappe. We haue ſhewed before, twhere-
fore be giueth thoſe titles to GOD: namely, that when as

4 . Fnemare further leparated fram Cod, ther that they can reach

ofthentfelues onto bis bight, he himſelle commeth downe to

» the faithfull.2hus be calling bimfelfe, he God of Abrabant,

\, ‘ano of Ilaac, gently inuiteth their fonne Jacob onto him.Foꝛr

the holy man had a readie atcefle to the vontefticall God.Fur⸗
thermozexbecaule the whole woꝛlde was muerth smn with:
BUI CAw uper⸗

668

TOHN CALVINE

perititions Ood would put avifference bet iweene himtelfe and
all tools, that he might kepe bis elect people in bis couenant,

Therelore Jacob callingthe 102d erpreflely; Lhe Cor. of bis
~ fathers, fetteth plainely before him felfe the promifes made

onto bun in their perfonsthat be might not pay witha doubts
ful mind, but might fafelp reſt himſelle vpon this ſtay, that he
beeing the beire of the ppomiſed bleiling,thoulde haue © D D
favourable vnto him. And.in berie Dede Wwe nul fetche the
rule of peaping froin bis worde, leaſt tue raſhly preſume to
come into the preſence of Dod , buf qoe forwarde vnto hint,
fo farre forth as be hath renealed him felfe vnto vs. The

whiche alſo moze plainely appeareth by the terte following,
where Jacob calling the commandement and promiſe of Goa
fo minde; icaneth as tf were bppon two pillers, And in verie
Dede this is thedawefull manner of papina, that the faith
full may be aunfiverable fo God the caller ¢: and that fo there

heamutuallconfent betivene bis: worde and their pravers:

even as there cannot be imagined a m02e pleafaunt-confent €
Agrientent, 1020 (faith he) Ireturne at thy conmandements
furthermoze , fo ime returning thoa balk p2omifesfaluations ©
itis meefe therefoze that thou thew thy felfe the quideof mp
idurney. This is a holie prefumption,wwhen we bauing done
our dutie, accoꝛding fo Gods calling, doe familiarly craue of
him that whiche be bath peomifed, when as be binding bint
felfe vnto bs freely, is become as it were a boluntarie debter.
Wut wbhofocuer be be that without any cOmandement of Gon
D2 promife, pꝛeſumeth fo make prayers, be doeth nothing elfe
but beate the atre. This place alfo moze cerfetnly confirmeth
that which twas fain before; that Jacob did not falſſy beare bis
wiues inband,that God twas the authour of bis returne. Foz
if fo be be lyed then, there bad now ben left no ground of a gad
hope Wut be Doubteth not fo come forth befoze the heauenly
Dribunall feate with this ronfivence, that he thalbe protected
with the bande of Gad, by whole conduct he aduentured to ree
turneinto fhelande of Canaan, |
10 Jam not worthic of the leaſt of thy mercies.) Jacob cona *
felſeth that God had heaped vpon him a greater number of bes
arau⸗ chen be durſt hope for: and that therefore He. * re
orthie

VPONSGENESIS su rGQarp, XXXII. 6

wo rthie to —** which he requireth. Therefore, (actor⸗
bing to the verte letter)he ſayth that be is leſſe then the graces
of Ood, bpon whome he Was vnworthie that the Lo2d ſhould
fo liberally beffolwe fuch excellent gifts, And that we may.the
better vnderſtand the purpoſe of the bolie Patriarch, we muſt
nofe the fubtiltic: of Data sFoz,to keepe vs from praying, by
the feeling of our owne vnworthineſſehe conuaveth this the-
ught into our hearts, WMWho art thou that thou dareft prefume
tocomeinto the pꝛeſence of God: Jacob preuentcth this temp,
tation in time, when be confelling him felfe firkt fo be vnwor⸗ 4 ‘og &
thie of the former benefites of God, withall notwithtandings cube co
acknotuledgeth that God is not like vnto men,that he ſhoulde be ioyned
at any time be wearied with continuing 02 inlarging of bene together
fites. Meucrthelefe, Jacob hereof qathereth matter of trult ¢
becaule he bad alreadie founde God fo bencficiall oftentimes —
ontohun:Dherfore he had a double refpect ; becaule be would
poeuent the diſtruſt, which might come info his minde, by the
erceeding beape of Oods bencfites: and be turneth them intoa
contrarie end, that be might perſuade him lelfe, that be would
be the ſame God towards him Hil which be had bene hitherto;
And he vfeth thefe to words, Mercies,and Wrueth, fo giue
nten to bnderfand, that God by his meere godneſſe is moued
fo doe men god: and after this manner to proue bis faithful-
neſſe and trueth . And this coniunction of mercie with frneth,
ts oftentimes fo be found in the ſcriptures : to the end we may
kuowe,that all cad thinges-come vnto bs of the free mercie Of Gods mer
God: ¢ that we are made capeable of them. when we imbrace cic and
bis pꝛomiſes by faith, (For, wifhimy f{taffe came] ouer this —* ate
Tordans{] Jatob reckoneth not bpall the graces of God : but ··
vnder one kind he comprehendeth others, that whereas hebe⸗
ing a poꝛe and ſolitarie traueller tm his paſſage ouer Iordan,
now returneth rich and plentifull. and wwe muſt mote the com⸗

Ppariſon betweene vᷣ fatte,t the two d20aues 02 bands, wherby

he compareth:p foꝛmer ſolitarineſſe 1 the pꝛeſent abundance,

» a (I pray theedeliuer me out of the hand of my brother.]

‘. After behath made mention phe is bound by the manifold be»
nefites of God, in ſuch wiſe that be cannot boaſt of bis merits,
andtperebp erected him ſelfe to greater hope:now be —

moe et

IOHN CAT VINE =”

67° teth his necettitie, as if be ſhould fap: Worde, ercepf fhou wilt

bing fomany notable benefites fo nothing, it is nowe time
that thou helpe mc, and that thou turne alway the deſtruction,
whiche my brother will ſhortix bring vpon me. And hauing
vttered his feare,he addeth ſome wohat concerning the bloſſing
fronted to hint, that be may confirme himfelfeiaqaine with
the prontifes made vnto him, (7 thittke that theſe words, To
kill the mother with her children, was a Prouerbiall ſpeache
among the Jewes, vſed in ſteed of, Wo bring tonaughtia Wes
faphoze taken fronvbirdes ,Wwhen the Kyte taketh the young
—9 with their Damme, aud bettropeth allo ‘the whole
neſt.
13D And tooke of that whidhe caine to: andes + In that Ke
fecketh to pleate his brother with giktes, he doth it not thꝛough
diſtruſt, as thouah he doubted that he thoulde be fafe vnder
@ovs protection, Fo this is to common a faulfamong mer,
that when they baue made their prayers Onto Goo, they twas
ver to and fro,and ſeeke to leane bppon vaine ayes + ſceing
this is the principall frutte of prayer, to wayte fo2 the Lowe

in ſtlence anv peace. But the bolp man purpoſed another thing |

then to murmur and qrudae,as though be tere not contented
With the belpe of Gov alone . fFor although he Were certeinly
perfuaded, that this one thing twas fufficient fo2 him, that he
Had the fanour of Oov: yet notwithltanding, be omitteth not
thefe meanes and remedies whiche were in bis hand, leauing
fhe ſucceſſe vnto the will of God. 4Fo2 althouah by paying we
caſt our cares vpon the 1020, that we may bane quiet minds:
pet notwithſtanding, this {ecuritie ought not to make bs
flouthfull , Foꝛ the Loꝛde twill hauc all thofe belpes, which be
reacheth vnto vs , tobe putin ble. And this diligence of the
godly differeth much from the troublefome cares of the to2tn:
becaute the worlde feparating bis care and induftric from the

blefling of God, wrigheth not what is right 02 latwfullto be .

Done : furfhermoze, it allvayes feareth, and is neuer quict;

buf nieze and moze carefull:but the godlp hoping frõ no others

thing fo2 the profit of theirlabour,then from vᷣ mercicof God, .

Doe onely therefore applie their minde to ſceke remedics, leatk

te thetr negligence they buriethe giftesiof God: ano hauing
pone

—

VPON GENESIS: CAP. XXXII. 671

pore their dutic,. they depende vppon the fame grace of od:
and being deftitute of meanes , they are neuertheleſſe at
peace.) gnntiedi i501 6 |
| . 14 { Twohundred fhee Gotes,} Hereby tue perceiue, howe
greatly Jacob eſteemed the promife mave vnto hin, when be
refufeth not fo make fo great hanocke of his gods. We know
that thofe thinges, tubich are gotten with great paine and las
bour, are mo eftamed. So that thep are much moze barde
and {paring, which are made riche by their obne labour. And
this alfo was no ſmall Decrefing of great riches z to giue fortis
Kine, thirtie Camels with their Colts,. twentie Buls, as ma⸗
nie Affes with their Foales, tivo hundred ſhee Gotes, and as
many Sheepe, with twentie Kanmies,and as many he Ootes.
And Jacob willingly peldes to pay this,fo as he may fafely res
turne info bis countrie, It had bene no hard matter to find out
fome cozner, where be micht haue liucd and kept his gods to⸗
gether: netther bad bea leſſe cduentent habitation elfewhere.
But for feare be ſhould loſe the frutt of the promife,be buveth
of bis bzother with fo areata price, a quiet dwelling in the
lande of Canaan. To hamefull therefore ts our ſſackeneſſe
and neqligence ; which doe wickedly pull backe our fete from
the right courfe of our calling , fo fone asany thing is to be
loft > 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

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}

"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 ‘~~ <TROUN €ALVINE
7 in forte point if was vnperkect, was acceptable vnto God:be⸗
caule be knewe that the purpoſe of the bolic man tas to des
tt. toremaine bpon the cath. Lhe earings no doubt were bade
ges of fa- Ges Offuperttition, euen as at this day in the Papafie an ins:
perftion. numerable ſoꝛte of trifies are to be feene 5 by whiche impietie
declareth it felfe, HO) TG Kt WaT)
§ [And the feare of God was vpon the cities, Nob if aps
peareth tn berie deed, that God had not promifen ſaluation in
vaine fo the bolic mam, when as he goeth on not onelp fafe,
but alfo quiet, euen thooughe the pikes. ll the nafions
round about were inflamed with hatred again one familie,
becaufe of the deltruction of the Sichemites : yet notipiths
Handing, not one feketh reuenge. Doles ſheweth the reaſon:
namely, becaule the feare of the 1D RDE came Spport
them, whiche bzidled them from giuing any biolent aſſault.
God m- Wereby let vs learne that the hearts of men are in the hand of
leth meas God, to make them trong, who are of themfelues butsutdkes
heartes at € allo to mollifie the Meelp hardneſſe, ſo often as it tanith god

Ais will. vnts him. Somtimes he ſuttereth many to ſpue out the tome

of their pride, againſt whome be afterward bendeth bis force:
but oftentimes be maketh them cowardly thoough feare, whi⸗
che Were no leffe couragions then Lions. Thus we fe that
thele Giants which might a hundred times haue deuoured hos
lie Jacob, are with fouden feare attonithed and faint bearted,
CUherfore,fo often as we fee the wicked fret € fume, to worke
our deſtruction, let not our heartes faile and be diſcouraged.
Let bs remember this terrour of God, bp which the bolones

of the whole worlde, be it neuer fo furious, is eafilp famed,
7 (Andhe built there an altar.) @e hane chewed alreas
die, Why it was conuentent that the holi¢ fathers ſhould hate
apzoper alfar different from offer nations : namely, fo de⸗
clare that they worchipped not ſtraunge Gods, wherebnto the
External! worlde was fo» the molke parte ginen: but that they had apes
confeflion culiar Ood, Foꝛ although Gon be worſhipped with the mindt
isacom- pet notwithltanding, externall confettion is an bnfeparable
** o companion of faith, Furthermore ail men know well though,
—* how profitable it is foꝛ vs to be ſtirred bp fo the weechi
od⸗

ſtroy idols, and int token of abhorring them not to ſuffer them

ce: @

VPON“‘GEN’ESY$.)° CAP, XXXV.

God, by helpes, It any man obiect arn fay, tharehere nppea-
red no difference in out ward Hew betweene Jacobs altar, and
other altars:Janſwer, that this was nd ſmall difference, that
whereas others vnaduiſedly, and vppon a raſhe zeale, builded
altars; Jacob alipapes tyed dimſelfe fo the word of God, And
there is no lawfull altar, but that whiche is conferrated with
the word. Alſo Jacobs wor Mhip oxcelled byno vther notes but
becaufe he take nothing in hand without fe commandement
of Gov, Whereas God calleth fhe name ofthe place Wethel,tt
feineth to groſſe: and pet notwithſtanding tho faith of the bor
lie man ts commended by this title,-+ that riahthy,fe2 fomuch
~ * keepeth himlelte within the liſtes and limits ——
d. 2* ij S43i+ 79 2 $i
Fond ¢ wich are the ——— praiſe —*
litie by brutiſh modeſtie. But pᷣ humilitie of faith is laudable,
wi it defireth not fo be more Wife then the Lord permitteth.
Cuen as When he commeth down to b8,he doth abaſe himeelf,
and as it were fpeake rudely with bs : euen ſo alfo; he would
haue vs to talke rudely with him And this-is to be trip Wile;
when we imbrace God, according’ a9 he applieth him (elfe' to
our capacitie Akter this maner Jacob doth not turioudly diſ⸗
pute concerning the eſſence of Godrbut by the oracle receitied
he maketh God familiar vnto hiv! “And verauſe Late
bis ſenles ti the revelation; thts rudeneſſe and fiinplititic , as
A haue faid, is acceptable vnto hinn Mut aalth dugh at this bay
the knowlege of Gad more brightiy chlnethe pet not withttat-
Ding, becaule Godin the Gotpell taketh vppon hum the perfon
of a nurfle, let bs learne fo humble dur Minds only let bs re⸗
member, that Ye commeth do wae vntd B38, that hema pife vs
Dp. Foꝛ he doth not therefore ſpeake after an eurthly manner,
fodziue bs from heauen: but rather to lift vs bp bp this char-
riot. 5p fhe twap allo we muft ovtetiic here arule? Ramely,
that fo2xfomuche as fhe name was giuen to the altar by a hea⸗
uenlie oracle, there was a true edification of faith fef downe.
Foꝛ where the lively vovee of Gon foundeth nsf, all fhe pom⸗
pous and glorious fiqhtes that may be feene, are buf vaine.
Cuen as in the Papafie there is nothing to be (ens , but bel-

lies full Gute with winde.

Vp.v, [Then

733

7 TOHN CALVINE,

Pt p By Lo Then Deborah Rebeccas nurfle died ere we bane
H¥ale acslawation of the Beaty of Deborah, whome we may
coniesture.tg bea holy matrone, and tohom the houfe of Jacob
reuerented no leiſe then a mother. Foꝛ the perpetuall name
ofthe place sothifethsthat fie was Verte honourably and with
great iquuentation puricd. Shortly after Mhalbe ſhewed pᷣ death
aud buriall of Machel: pet noucrthelege, oles ſaith that there
Bas o ſagne od mauccing fo⸗ hertefte vnto the poſterities.
Toere ore this likolp.that fhe was accounted of them all as
a grandmother Asut it may be demaunded, howe the came
into Jacohs companies ſceing as pet-be was not come fo his
ſathey· Aud the age of the olde woman twas not meete fo2
paincfull trauell. Some interpreters imagine, that Weber
Cadet Hexito mente, with ker ſonne Jacob . Wut FZ fe no mans
net of likelihsde that thew. coniecture bath. Noeither can

alledge arp cerkeintic,ercept peraduenture the loucd Jacob
from bis childhode, becaule fhe was bis nurſſe: and beating
af thecaule of his exile/ followed him foz the loue of godlineſſe.
Poles verily uot. withoutcaule maketh mention of ber death,
with fuch great commendation. 09 66 cdr ca dee

9 + Againe God,appeared vnto Tacob,] After that Moles

Hath (poken a fewe wordes of the death of Deborah, be reci⸗

teth thefecond bition, by the tubiche Zaceb was confirmed als

fer bis returne into Bethel. He bad once alreadie feene Ooo

in the fame place; when be went into Mecopotamia: after the

whiche GD D many wayes declared, that be was euery

where prefent with him, theoughout his whole peregrinatts

on. But nowe be binaeth him backe againe to the fame

place, whore a moze plaine and notable o2acle is giuen vn⸗

to him, that we map receine a newe confirmation of faithe,

Che bleſſing of God tn this place , is nothing elfe but a pro⸗

mile, $02 as men wiſhe wellonetoanother: fo ODD poe

nounteth, thathe twill be the authour of perfecte felicitie.

And Jacob hearde no netve thing then, but be beareth the

fame pꝛomiſe whiche was made before, that returning into :

bis countrie againe, and gathering newe frength of faith, be J

nught the moze. couragiquily finithe the rett of the courleof =~.

| tm | sol Thy }

r {

x

>

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-fhebar&ethe 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 <ivpigyylius yor) *

J

Phataos houſe 1;
yeba Hhh, 15 So

1's

_ — «=

850

IOHN CALVINE O89

1s So when'monie failed in the land of Aegypt, and in the

Jand of Canaan,then all the Aegyptians came ynto Iofeph, &

faid,Giue vs bread: for why fhould'we die before thee “for our
monic is ſpent. : |

16. Then faid Ioſeph, Bring your cattell,and I wilgiue you

for your cattell,1f your monie be fpent.

17 Sothey brought their cattell ynto Jofeph, and Ioſeph
gaue them bread,for the horfes, and for the flockes of theepes,
and for the heardes of cattell,and for the aſſes. 3

18 Sohe fedde them with bread , for all their cattell that

eare.
19 But when the yeare was ended, they came vnto him the
next yere,and faid ynto him, We will nothide from my Lord,.
that fince our monic is fpent, and my Lord hath the heards of
the cattell,thereis nothing left in the fight’of my Lorde, but
our bodies, and our ground, |

zo Why thall we perifhe in thy fight, bothe we and’ our
fand¢? Buy vs, and our lande for bread, and we, and our
lande,will * bounde to Phazao: therefore gine ys ſeede⸗

that we may line, and notdie; and that the lande goe not to

Walley: ta ave’ ssl; ! | |

21 Sa lofeph boughtall the lande of Aegypt , for Pharao:
for the: Aegyptians folde euerie man his drouhd > 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 <a
; a

ee

9

; 9

—

x)

)

VPON GENESIS. CAP. XLVIII.

had made his coucnant, that be woulde bea father fo Abra⸗

ham and to bis ſonnes Let vs alfohereby learne, rightly to

weigh and coniiderthole benefttes Wwhiche we receiue at the

handes of Gov,that they may be helpes to confirme our fatth,

his isthe beſt way tofeeke after Cod: ſirſte fo beginne at

—* ae >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.

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