Iacobs troublesome iourney to Bethel conteining a briefe exposition, or excellent treatise of the four first verses of the 33. chapter of Genesis: Set foorth by Iohn Overton, Maister of Arts. Jacobs troublesome journey to Bethel. Overton, John, Master of Arts. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A08614 of text S104948 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 18924). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 123 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 46 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A08614 STC 18924 ESTC S104948 99840678 99840678 177190 2240887276

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A08614) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 177190) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 897:04) Iacobs troublesome iourney to Bethel conteining a briefe exposition, or excellent treatise of the four first verses of the 33. chapter of Genesis: Set foorth by Iohn Overton, Maister of Arts. Jacobs troublesome journey to Bethel. Overton, John, Master of Arts. [8], 75, [5] p. Printed by Ioseph Barnes, At Oxford : Anno D. 1586. Appended, with caption title: A prayer against the enemies of the Church of Christ, vnder the borrowed name or speach of Iacob. Pages 35-36 torn, with some loss of print. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Jacob -- (Biblical patriarch) -- Early works to 1800. Bible. -- O.T. -- Genesis -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800. eebo Iacobs troublesome iourney to Bethel: conteining a briefe exposition, or excellent treatise of the four first verses of the 33. chapter of Genesis: Se Overton, John, Master of Arts 1586 92 21422 8 0 0 0 0 0 3.73 B The rate of 3.73 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2010-08 Assigned for keying and markup 2010-08 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2010-09 Sampled and proofread 2010-09 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2011-06 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

IACOBS TROVBLESOME IOVRNEY TO BETHEL :

Conteining a briefe exposition , or excellent Treatise of the four first verses of the 33. Chapter of GENESIS : Set foorth by IOHN OVERTON , Maister of Arts.

GENESIS 31. 3.

Reuertere ad terram Patrum tuorum : & ad cognationem tuam , & ero tecum .

AT OXFORD , Printed by IOSEPH BARNES , Anno D. 1586.

TO HIS MOST COVRTEOVS , AND LOVING FRIEND , MAster WILLIAM BRENT : IOHN OVERTON wisheth grace , peace , & all true fe licitie in Iesus Christour Sauiour .

WORLDLY riches haue I none where with to render the shew of a gratefull hart , but of such meniall stuffe as God hath lent me , I present & dedicate vnto your good name , & friendly acceptation this litle booke ( as the first fruits of my study ) intituled , Iacobs troublesome iourney to Bethel . His brother Esau came against him with foure hundred men . Whereby is signified by these two brethren , the miserable troubles betweene the malignant Synagogue of Sathan , and the militant Church of Christ : as also other matter very necessary to be considered in this piece of Scripture . And though it bee litle in quantitie , and in habite sutelike according to the hability of the author : yet when I gladly cal to minde , & with no small comfort remember your vnfeigned friendshippes , and fauours towardes mee heretofore at Ilmington , I cannot but be ashamed of my selfe , that abilitie doeth not afforde my hande so much to write , as my heart willeth my tongue to vtter howe deepely indebted I am to your great curtesie . But considering that your due and full rewarde is laide vp vntill another day , in an other place , by another man , of al fulnesse , & habilitie , Christ Iesus the high Steward , and paie-master of all , I am to request you til that time come , which I trust shall not be long , to accept my good heart , which in all possible dutie is and shall bee yours bounden to command . A smale rewarde for such benefites , I confesse , yet as kinde , and dutifull a mite , as the greatest valure of a farther summe . And sith that the most precious iewel in this worlde , which man can shew , or giue to man , is vnfeigned loue , then truely the loue that creepeth when it cannot goe , is aswell to be accompted of , and esteemed , as loue , nay perhappes the rather than when it carieth a higher looke , and a loftier countenance : for to say the trueth , benefites which are liberall for the gyft , & grateful for the repay , are in that respect said to bee great , or litle , as the affection of the heart is great or litle . But weying my vnhability , I am forced to say with Virgil : Grates persoluere dignas non opis est nostroe .

This consideration therefore , as also your zeale in religion , and loue of learning , did altogither moue mee to pen this worke .

And in this treatise is this especiallie to be obserued , how Iacob , whereby is signified the Church of Christ , hath beene maliced , & griuouslie burdened by Esau , the malignant Church , from the beginning . All places are so fraught and full of examples hereof , that wee neede not experimentes from farre . Only the Church of Rome in this place shall serue vs in steede of manie : which as long as shee was vnder persecuting TYRANTS , and sharpened as it were vppon a grynding whetstone , shee was found , and truely called the only nurse , or mistresse of all godlinesse , and continency : in whom all the giftes of Christian religion , and honest life did most abundantly excel , & most brightly shine . But afterwards ( the case being quite altred ) she began to malice Iacob , and to laie grieuous burdens vpon his shoulders , chiefly , when in steed of danger , persecution & vexations ; Riches , pride , sumptuousnes , & alielenes their companion came in place , & crept into the Church . And when as Byshops in steed of martyrs began to be persecutors of Martyrs themselues : and the strength , and force of the gospel decaied , & weakned more & more , into what wickednes & abomination that church did run , & fall , let euery one consider , & iudge with himselfe : I am not able sufficiently to expresse it according to the indignity , & hainousnesse thereof .

This example , and note ( by the way ) shal be sufficient for my purpose , especiallie , for that the matter appeareth so plaine , and manifest in al the bookes of the godly .

And thus submitting my selfe & this smal treatise vnto your frindly protection , & wonted fauor , referring the faults rather to the simplenes of my skil , then to my willing mind , and wishing you as great pleasure , & liking in the reading , as it hath bin some paine , and trauell to me in penning : I commend you to the direction and guiding of God his holie spirite , who grant you prosperous successe in all godlines . From my studie at Welsborne , the first day of April , 1586.

Yours with all dutifull endeuors , euer at commandement : IOHN OVERTON .
GENESIS XXXiij .

1 And as IACOB lift vp his eies , & looked , beholde ESAV came , and with him four hundred men , and he diuided the children to LEAH & RAHEL , & to the two maides .

2 And hee put the maides and their children foremost , and LEAH and hir children after , and RAHEL and IOSEPH hindermost .

3 So he went before them , and bowed himselfe to the ground seuen times , vntill he came neare his brother .

4 Then ESAV ranne to meet him , and fel on his neck , and embraced him and kissed him , and they wept .

IT hath bin euer a thing common in the world , and not so common as noisome , to all estates , that pride , enuy , & couetousnesse , Enuy , couetousnesse , and pride , soweth discord in the worlde . should sowe discord among the sons of men , to stir vp not only princes against princes , but also one brother against another . Wherof although 1. Reg. 1. 5. there be many examples extant sufficient to instruct them that haue any docility , yet there is none of more importance than this of Iacob , & Esau , set downe by Moises . for in it who list may beholde ( as in a glasse ) the most lamentable garboils between the malignant synagogue of lathan , & the militant church of christ .

The two principal causes of the hatred The causes of the hatred of Esau against Iacob . of Esau against Iacob , is not vnknowen to them which haue indifferently bin conuersant in the scriptures , namely the losse of his birth-right and blessing , wherein Gen. 25. Heb. 12. none was to blame but himselfe , which contemned the one , and by preuoking his mother , through his strange wiues , was forestalled of the other .

In this portion of scripture the meeting Gen. 26. In what array Iacob put his family . of these two brethren is prescribed , & in what arraie poore fearefull Iacob , put his company to entertaine that sauage knight his brother Esau , honorably vsing this courteous & humble demeanor as an ordinary meane offered of the Lord , for the appeasing of his brothers wrath .

Although there be no great felicity in The holy ghost is not tied to a method . divisions where the holy ghost is not tied to a Methode , yet because this piece of Scripture is in a manner diuided to our hands , let vs by Gods help in this our explication , stand vpon these four points only .

In the first place the injuries & miseries of Iacob , & so of Christs Church at these Gal. 1. 16. daies , whereof Iacob was then a figure , & the pomp & power of Esau : & so of the sinagogue of Sathan , which in our time , Esau did then represent , & to be noted out of these words : And Iacob lift vp his eies and loked , behold Esau came , and with him foure hundred men .

Secondly the disposing of Iacobs family , is to be obserued , because of his discretion , The disposing of Iacobs people . in these next wordes : And hee diuided the children to Leah & Rahel and the two maides , & he put the maids & their children foremost , and Leah & hir children after , & Rahel & Ioseph hindermost .

Thirdly we haue to consider the courage , deuotion , and humility of Iacob , in The deuotion , courage , and humilitie of Iacob . this meeting , in this third verse : So hee went before them , and bowed himselfe seuen times , vntill he came neare to his brother .

Fourthly is set forth the unlooked-for louing meeting of Esau & the ioy of them The louing entertainment of Esau . both in this fourth verse . Then Esau ran to meete him , & embraced him , and fel on his necke and kissed him , and they wept .

The first part .

COncerning the first , we haue to consider The feare of Iacob . Gen. 32. of these wordes , Iacob lift vp his eies and looked , the miserable plight that Iacob was in , which looked euer among when Esau should lay blouddie handes vpon him , and that the feare of his power , which was a litle before reported to him by the messengers , had smitten him to the heart , before hee sawe them , which made him ( no doubt ) with terror to looke vp so often , so as he might see , when he came , whom hee most necessarilie met , for it was in the waie to Bethel , whither God had commaunded him to returne : neither had hee forgotten Ge. 31. his Mothers advertisement when she sent him from home , that his Brother Esau was comforted against him , meaning to kill him : which caused him greatelie to feare the inuincible tyrannie The tyrannie of Death . of death , which he thought to bee at hand . For here , by the way , we maie note , howe Death is daylie ranging , & raging in the worlde sundry wales : the power and force whereof which of the Patriarks or Monarches of the world was once able to withstand : no not the dreadfull Maiestie of Kinges or Keasars could not at anie time haue her at becke or check , no craftie conueiance or drifte in Lawe , could circumuent hir , no worldlie wealth could bribe hir , nor no Pharisaical holynes , Religion of Bishops , Monkish austeritie or prayers of Priestes coulde euer intreate hir . No citizens policie or handie craftes labour coulde banish hir of house or Towne . Finallie no strength of nature , no reason of man could at any time resist or giue hir the foile .

This force , and great feare of death being stroken into Iacob , knowing the malice of his barbarous brother , not unfournished with the power of vengeance ; It seemed good reason that it mooued him to looke vp so often , but heere hee shewed his great infirmitie , Iacob fainted in gods promises . Gen. 32. 28. who did not stick to the promise of God , which hee had receiued assuredlie , Cum hominibus proeualebis , that hee should preuaile with men , but did as it maie bee said , so much faint by lifting vp his eyes to his Brothers power , which shoulde haue beene fastened vpon the couenant of the Lord , with whom hee preuailed : not that wee condemne his forecast , and vigilancie in foreseeing the daunger that was like to ensue , but that it was likelie , that this often lifting vppe of his eyes , and his looking so longlie , proceeding from a doubting and quailing heart , which should haue beene established in the othe which GOD sware vnto his Grandfather Gen. 22. & 26. 3. The promises entailed to Iacob , spiritually . Abraham , and his father Isaac , which was as it weere intayled vnto him spirituallie , in the decree of the Almightie , which decree his Father could not alter , as well as he loued Esau , For so often as we distrust gods promises Ge. 25. 28. when wee haue vsed the ordinary meane , we derogate from the glorie of God , by calling his credit in question , through our infidelitie , which deserueth no pittie at his handes , but to vee forsaken . Take Ge. 3. 12. We must beware of vnbeleeuing harts . heede therefore , that wee haue no euill and unbeleeuing hartes to depart from the liuing God , by lifting vp our eies , and looking still with faithles fearefull hartes vppon the violence of Esau , since God hath said to the maintainers of equitie , Non derelinquam ie , nec deseram Iosua . 1. 5. te , I will not leaue thee , nor forsake thee .

Wee will proceede to the exposition of the other member of the first part , before wee goe farther , that in the explication they maie bee vsed Ioyntlie . That which followeth therefore conteineth the pomp and power of Esau : And beholde , Esau came , and with him foure hundred men . The worde Iohn . 1. 36. Beholde , betokeneth demonstration . As Iohn Baptist poynted at Christ passing by with his finger saying , Behold the Lambe of God which taketh awaie the sinnes of the worlde . Heere is noted vnto vs , that Iacob discribed Esau a farre off comming before hee mette him : which hee might the better doe , because hee came with so great a companie , which did awaite vpon him . Moreouer this worde Beholde in the Scripture prepareth attention to some strange matter which ensueth . Such Recorick vsed Gods Angell , when hee would declare that Elizabeth being both Luke . 36. olde and barren , should beare a sonne : to both these vses it serueth in this place .

It followeth , Esau came & with him foure hundred men . This great retinew Esaus retinew was of his sonnes and kindred . of his , as may appeare els where , was of his sonnes & kindred , which had encreased vnto him of his Cananitish wiues among the Hittites , men of great account , Ge. 26. 34. dukes , and nobles of the earth , liuing neuertheles of the spoile , as many do , which beare their heades full high at this day .

In our iudgement it may be thought that Moyses mentioning-foure I undred men doth closely distinguish betweene the warlike marching of Esau , and the wearied traueling of sillie Iacob , which was combred with Women , Children and cattle , in his iourney . But to come to our purpose , wee see here the miserie of Iacob , and the pomp , and power of Esau , to bee considered . Esau martcheth The misery of Iacob , the pomp of Esau . forwards , with what purpose wee know not : saue that a man may coniecture by the circumstances , that he came with a purpose of reuenge against his brother . For that rictous assemblie would haue made ante man in Iacobs case to suspect no lesse , especiallie considering the place whence hee came , euen from among the Heathen . It was verie like that hee returned Esau came from among the Heathen . from thence more deformed , then reformed , concerning his malicious mind : As manie of our countrimen haue doone from the other side of the Sea , feeding vaine mens fautasies with Italian graces , Spanish fashions , and french courtesies , and verie seruiceable in speach , A Vostre commandemente Monsieur : & are therefore become a by-word vnto the Deuils in carnate . worlde to bee called Deuils incarnate . To let passe that whereof wee haue no certaintie , this troup of men was easilie able to ouermatch the wearie , and weak companie of Iacob : and who woulde thinke now , seeing the great inequalitie of their states , but that the birthright and blessing which Iacob had receiued aboue his brother Esau , was a meere mockerie :

This no question , is the Iudgement The iudgement of the flesh Rom. 9. 8. of the flesh , which esteemeth things according to the outward shew : but Iacobs promise was spiritual , with which hee held himselfe well apaied , neither held he himselfe beguiled , if it were fulfilled in his posterity , as shal be shewed in more due place . In the meane while though Iacob be despised , let vs learne with wise hearts , to esteeme of things as they are . For God is not as man : if he promise , he promiseth to the heart of Man . And without faith no man is capable of his promise lawfullie , but shal bee accomptable for instruction .

This euer hath beene the condition Iacob , ment by Christes church despised . of Iacob , which is to bee ment of Gods Church upon earth , to bee vile in most places in the eies of the world , to be an vnderling , to bee tossed from post to pillor in all the members of the same , which might bee prooued by manie testimonies and examples , from Abel to Christ , and from Christ to this daie : but it were to carry stickes into the wodde , and to set up a candle where the sun shineth . On the other side , Esau , whereby is ment , the Esau termed the Diuels Church . Diuels Church : for we purpose to dwell a while in both the branches of this comparison : for in such matter of teaching wee haue the Apostle Paul for a warrantic ; Gal 4. 24. The congregation of the wicked are mighue . and therefore we may say , that the congregations of the vngodly are mightie , the worlde goeth on their side , they eate the fat of the land , they haue the best preferment , and offices , they liue at ease , they aile nothing , & yet they can scarce afforde Iacob the bare breathing of the aire . In Sam. 2. 7. this worlde they suffer no pleasant thing to passe by them vntasted , their Kyne cast Iob. 21. 10. no Calues , their Children daunce in the streets , they drink wine in carued bowls , Amos. 6. 4 5. 6. 7. they stretch their limmes vpon beds of Iuory : But none of them remember the calamity of Ioseph . Iacob is maliced , yea Iacob maliced . Esau will come against him with foure hundred men . It was so then , and is so now : we haue iustified our fathers in all their crueltie . Gods Church is made a Stockfish amongst them , & hir Children are sent home by weepeing Crosse . It is 1. Cor. 1. 26. no maruel therefore that Paul saith , Not many wise after the fleshe , not many mighty , not many noble are called .

And here by the way we haue to look in Iud. 3. 7. The wrath of God against the Church of the Israelites . ( as in a glas most clear ) how the church of the Israelites forgotte the Lord their god , & serued serued Balaam & Astaroth , & therefore the wrath of the lord was kindled against Israel , & he sold them into the hands of Cusan King of Mesopotamia . Againe Iud. 4. the Church of the Israelits did wickedly in the sight of the Lord , and therefore the Lorde solde them into the hands of Iabin King of Canaan . God and his Christ be as mighty & strong at this hour , as when his word was preached in the Churches of Goletta , in Tunes , in Cyprus , in Rhodes , in Constantinople , in Iudea , in Macedonia , Ponthus , Bithinia , Cicilia , Phrygia , Greece , Egypt , and the endes of the worlde . But Esau came against Iacob with foure hundred men , and defield Christian mens handes , and filled their fingers full of iniquitie , their lippes spake vntruethes , & their tongus vttered wickednes , Esau & his company haue made Esah hath made christians forget God . christians to forget the lord , & serued Balaam of Rome , & Astaroth of Florence . They be either superstitious idolaters , or Godlesse and thancklesse Epicures , and worldlings . Esau his companie came against Iacob to praie , and spoile , to fill the land ful of Usurers , bribers , and extortioners , and the Sea ful of Pirats , and robbers : therefore the Lord hath hid his face from Iacob , to be ment the Church of Christ , and hath solde into Esau the Turkes hands , not onely Constantinople , Christian kingdomes subdued by the Turke . Cyprus , Goletta , Moldauia , Bulgaria , Hungaria , Strygonyum and Buda , but also hath opened thereby to the Turke , Christendome both by Sea and by land . No great iourney hath the Turke from Buda to Saxonie , and Demnarke : and how nigh the Danes , and Saxons bee to The Turke hath no farre Journey to England . England , Englishmen should remember . No great Journey hath the Turke , from Goletta to Spayne : and howe nigh Spaniardes bee to Englande , Englishmen cannot forgette . Yet Iacobs familie in England wanteth not a Captaine and heade , but hath a good and gracious gouernor , We haue a gracious captaine and Head in England . whom God preserue with Gods word and Sacramentes , Peace , plentie , and all good things . But it was not enough for the Israelits to saie , Templum Domini : nor for the Iewes , Domine , Domine : nor for the Romanists , The Church , the Church : nor for vs , The Gospell , the Gospell : but we must doe works worthy of the worde , and worthie of the Gospel . Ferte igitur fructus , bring forth therefore Ma. 3. 8. the fruites &c. Well , wee reade that Esau came against Iacob , and with him four hundred men . Whereby we gather , that the congregation of the wicked and vngodlie are manie and mightie , they haue the world at will , they remember not the miserie of Ioseph , and Iosephs miserie forgotten . Iacob is maliced . And can this great wickednes escape vengeance : no truely . For whosoeuer is guiltie , & so persisteth , shall heare his owne condemnation . The very ground groneth vnder the burden Esay . 26. 21. of Tyrantes , and shal disclose hir blood , and hide hir slaine no more .

And heere wee haue to consider , how much of hir owne blood and of the blood Rome came by her regiment by shedding of blood . of strangers did Rome shed before shee came to the regiment , and rule of the worlde : but the blood of Gods Martyrs which they haue persecuted crieth for vengeance to God , euen as the blood of righteous Abel , which was slaine by wicked Kaine , Oh God of heauen neuer plague vs again with that infernal Synagogue of Rome : if there be any Christian heart doe wish it , God open that heart to the sincere acknowledging of his Gospel , and Rome could continew hir persecution no longer then God had appointed . the embracing of his mercies in Christ Jesus . But when the time of their tirannie and persecution was ended , no longer or farther could they go , as the captiuity of Babylon was appointed to continew threescore & ten yeers , & so to cease .

And when Rome had aspired to the rule and gouernment of the world , what shameful oppression raigned on the earth , their owne Chronicles make mention . This did the Prophete Esaiah foresee , saying , Quid vobis accidit , atteritis populum meum , & facies pauperum commolit is ? Esay . 3. 15. What haue you to do , that you beate my people in peeces , and grinde the faces of the poor ( saith the lord ? ) Audite quoeso capita Iacob , & Duces Israel , nonne vestrum Mich. 3. 1. erat scire iudicium ? Heare , I pray you , you heads of Iacob , and you Princes of Israell , should not you know Judgement 's But they hate the good , and loue the euil : they pluck off the skins from them , & the flesh from their bones , they choppe them as small as flesh to the potte . These were the complaints of Isaias & Micha in their times . If they had liued with vs , what The complaint of the prophet Esay , and Micha . shal we think we should haue hard at their handes ? Iacob hauing experience of his brothers malice , lifteth vp his head fearefullie , looking stil for more anger : For the burnt Child feareth the fire .

Dauid after Saul had darted his Jauelin at him , fled from his tiranny . And gods 1 Sam. 18. 11. & 23. 43. Gods church persecuted looketh for greater troubles . Church amongest vs hauing alreadie susteined many great iniuries , lifteth vp and looketh with great feare & trembling for sorer oppression . But least any man should think that she complaineth & lifteth vp hir eies without a cause , let vs consider by these fewe particulars , the wrong that is done to Israel . The souls of the people are most precious iewels & tenderly to be kept ( for Actes . 20. 28. The soules of the people being precious iewels are betraied . they cost christ his life ) they are neglected , nay they are betraied into the handes of the Diuell . Although Esau himselfe ( I mean the Pope ) be banished by a most noble & vertuous prince , yet the stincke that he hath left behinde him hath to this day infected many .

There are some that deny him in word , Vnfaithfull protestantes . Ephe. 4. 18. and yet build vp his kingdom : For is not ignorance the pillor of his kingdom ? Hath not the blindnes of our harts bin the chiefest weapon , with which he hath driuen so Ignorance the pillor of the Popes kingdome . manie of vs before him , as Oreu to the slaughter ? Why then is Iacob ( we meane gods Church ) with domb dogs , I meane domb Deuils , so iniuriously burdened : I cal the ignorant , & domb ministers , domb dogs , & not I , but the Prophet Isaias . Esa. 56. 10. And we call the ignorant vsurping Ministers which fil vp the measure of their sins , with licencious life , domb Deuils , which cannot be cast out , without fasting , & prayer . Gods church burdned with dumb dogges . Mark . 9. 29. For wherin are they not become vnto vs in steed of Belial ? Alas , alas , poore Iacob , how dost thou mourn in thy ashes : why do men cal thee blessed , since thou art yet subiect to the oppression of Esau ?

Let vs mark , I pray you , the power of these Traditionaries : Esau hindereth the reformation of Iacob . they come out euen to the number of 400 , to hinder the reformation of Iacob : and if any be desirous to know the cause why , Demetrius the siluer-Smith shall aunsweare for them all , Sirs you know , by this craft , we haue our goods . Acts. 19. 25. Let Esaus Traditionaries descend into the consideration of their Canons , which they so mightily defende , then shall they perceaue in steede of reforming malefactors , discipline bought out , and Discipline bought out for mony . Hose. 4. 8. so in the corruption of their consciences , making marchandizes of sin , Peccata populi mei comedunt , They eate vppe the sinnes of my people , & lift their hands to iniquitie . And is this the friendlie intertainment of Iacob ? With what face dare they looke vpon the Sunne , which haue let souls to farme to the Diuel : Let vs speak the trueth , and lie not : we stand euen now in the presence of God , who wil not suffer vs to escape vnpunished , if we speak of the roote of bitternesse like Esau Heb. 12. 15. Ios. 7. 15. A excommunicate thing in the land . It is said , there is a excommunicate thing , and before that excommunicate thing be taken away , we shall not be able to stand against our enimies . what is that pyonder Antichristian Esau , & that foule Dragon Re. 9. 10. 11. Abaddon of Rome with his locustes . Abaddon with his locustes hath left his taile behinde him , and is not the sting in the taile : That is true , the wounded of Gods people shall shew you . That which superstition cannot doe because it is in a great part weakened , ( the Lorde haue the glorie for the same ) Sathan hath committed Sathans authority . to the spirite of Ambition , & Couetousnes to accomplish . The time was when Iacob came in the name of Esau , & Gen. 17. 18. was blessed , but now is Esau stopped in with the smooth handes of Iacob , and is Esau blessed , Iacob cursed . cursed .

The time was when many seemed to melt at the misery of Sion . The time is , when the selfesame men , ly frozen in their Zoph. 1. 12. The miserie of Sion . dregges in Babylon . When the kingdome of Sathan began to increase after the decease of Godly pastors in the Primitiue Sathans kingdome increased . church , idle and prophane men vsurped the place and tooke to themselues condemnation by violence . These men beeing both vnable , and vnwilling themselues to execute their office in teaching the people , put ouer their charge to stocks and stones , & dombe Idols . To this end Gregories error pleased them wel , That Images are Lay-mens books . Pope Gregorie his error .

Thus wrapped they mens hearts in ignorance , & with the price of their Idolatry The papistes enriched by Idolatric . built them Pallaces , which threatned the heauens . Consider therefore , that Erercise , and diligence , in hearing , & reading of Gods worde taught , or preached , bringeth men from ignorance , And again Erercise & diligence causeth men to haue a credit in Religion , whether it be true or What bringeth religion into credite . false : for it neuer taketh place and root in the people without diligence , as it is to be perceaued in the Actes & gests done in the time of Ieroboam , & Roboam Kings 3. Reg 12. The Masse brought into credit . of Israel & Iuda . What brought the masse and al other Idolatry into estimation , but daily saieng & preaching therof , with such laud and praise , that the most ignorants knew what a Masse was worth ? Fifteene Masses in a Church were not enough for the Prestes of Baal to bee said daily : And should one Sermon in a daie be too much for a godly & euangelicall Minister ? But here some will say , labor is left and mens businesly vndone .

Surely this is ungodly to bee spoken : The sayings of the vngodly . for those that beare the people in hand of such thinges , know very well , that there was neither labor , cares , needs , necessities nor any thing els , that could heretofore keep thé from masse , though it had binsaid at four of the clock in the morning . Therfore wee may perceaue the people were contented to leese more labour , and spend more time then , to goe to the Devil , than More labor spent to go to the Diuel , thá to come to God . now to come to god : wherefore where daily praier is said , not only in churches , but also in priuate houses , the Parentes , Maisters , Children and family shall finde aduauntage and gaine thereby at the yeeres Daily praier in priuate houses . end , though they hear daily a sermon , morning and euening praier euery day in the weake .

Thus did Adam serue god , after he was Gen. 4. Adam serued God . called to repentance , and in steed of a minister , did teach his children , and familie , first to know their sauiour , and to serue god , in true faith , as witnesseth the oblation of his obedient son Abel . Seth and Enoch Seth & Enoch called on god . Gen. 5. Heb. 11. Gen. 6. Noah the preacher of righteousnes . in like manner serued God , for it is written of them , that they began to make inuocation to the name of the Lord .

Noah with his children & family was not onely saued from drouning , but hath this true title to be called the preacher of righteousnes .

What should we speake of Abraham , Isaac , Iacob & Loth , which made inuocation Gen. 11. 12. 47. Heb. 11. Iacob & Loth preached gods word . to the name of the lord , and in steed of preachers , taught the word of god themselues , and retained the true faith surelie grounded vpon the said word , and by good example of life , and doctrine , left the same to their families & posterities : but when , as we haue said , in the kingdom of Sathan prophane men vsurped the places of godly men , in the primitiue Church , and had wrapped mens harts in ignorance and Idolatry , Mens harts were wrapped in Idolatrie . they maintained Esaus Traditionaries with the gaines thereof : but now ( thanks bee giuen to God ) in these latter times we haue eased Iacobs shoulders of such burdens , and haue well purged our Churches from such abominations .

But yet must it needes bee said , that Many ignorant ministers of the meanest sort . Reg. 12 31. there are put in the places of godly pastors many an ignorant , & dissolute person : and our ministers for the most part , are as the priests of Ieroboam , euen of the lowest of the people . And this we haue don , least we Wee loue not to haue our faultes reproued . should hear hard things , least our ambition , and couetousnes should be reproued : and why should we not speak plainly and tel the truth : for filthy lucre sake we haue committed Sacrilege , nay wee will saie Sacrilege for Lucre sake . Soules murthered . more , we haue murdered the soules of our brethren . Will anie bodie put vs to our proofe : Who wil then seek for reformation when it is proued :

Many are patrones of benefices , & they Benefices sold to Symonistes for mony . sel that for mony to them that wil giue most , among the wicked Symonists men of litle account , lesse vnderstanding , & least conscience of al : & yet they say we are no Church Church-robbers . robbers , and we murther no soules .

Noblemen and men of worship ( or els they bear lies ) write their letters vnto the Bishops for admitting of vnworthy persons to the ministerie , yea such as are of Vnworthy persons admitted to the ministerie . the worser , and baser sort , farre vnmeete for that calling : neither learned , godly , or zealous , but couet the roomes of godlie pastors , to lead an idle life , and for couetousnes Christs Church fraught with vnlearned hierlings . sake they may bee well tearmed good cheap hirelings . Iacobs church is at this daie so fraught with them , that the learned which desire the office to set forth the glorie of God , and the edifieng of his people No place for the godly and learned in Christes church . in the right knowledge of his word , can haue no places to increase their talents , vnlesse they wil be hirelings for ten pounds by the yeere , although the liuing be worth to the parson or farmor , and hundred pounds by the yeere .

The common people say , that Spirituall men haue too much , they keepe no The murmor of the people against the spiritualtie . hospitality , they neither preach nor teach after they haue liuings , they become couetous . They ware rich , & wil not arise out of their nests , which they thinke they haue built in a rocke . Those that should Psal. 74. 9. be ouer-seers of these , lie idle , not looking to their charge , they send foorth manie to waite vpon Esau , but fewe to wait vpon Iacob . They which haue the places of punishing sinne , haue learned their lesson of the horsle aches two daughters . A man Pro. 30. 15. may trauel some way , & find not a preacher Preaching decaied . in fifteene Parishes , nor yet any Minister able to expound fire woordes of the Scripture . Haue we not then iust cause , to take vp the ould complaint of Moses Exod. 32. 21. against Aaron ? what did the people vnto thee , that thou hast brought so great sinne vpon them ? All these miseries of Iacob not withstanding , cast vp your eyes about , and you shall see a pompe like the pomp of Esau . What they were in times past , that maketh no matter to vs : God Gal. 2. 6. Ezech. 33. 12. accepteth no mans person , their oulde works are forgotten . If they discontinue I say many of them now , whether of Iacob or no , wee can not tell . The Lord knoweth who are his . But this wee are sure of , they lift vp themselues against Israel , musling the mouth of the Oxen that treade out the corne : and comming out 1. Cor. 1. 9. Psal. 9. 12. with foure hundred men , some dumbe dogges , some filthie Cananites , which The proceedings of Iacob hindered . haue cast in their lots among theeues , to hinder the proceeding of innocent Iacob . Will not God haue all these things in minde , when he maketh Inquisition for bloud : Can not hee iudge through the Iob. 12. 13. darke clouds ? Yes , yes , God hath not so conteinned the lifting up of Iacobs eies , nor colerated the wayes of the scornfull , that he should returne to visite them , and take them as he findeth them . Neverthelesse let us pray for them , euen the prayer of the Prophet , Giue them , Lord : What Hose. 9. 14. shalt thou giue them ? A barren womb , and drie brests : Let the children perish for the sinnes of their fathers . As for Esau himself , let him drinke , and be drunk , and stumble , and fall , and rise no more . It is little enough that to some we seeme more sharpe , than the matter requireth . But I would to God we were more touched with the ruine of Ierusalem , that Iacob , I meane Gods Church , might finde redresse for these iniuries .

Who is he amongest men , or what is A similitude of the church . his name , which hauing one onely daughter , most vertuous , & most beautiful , adorned with most excellent qualities , the staffe of hir fathers comfort , being betrothed to a worthie king of great estate , would not bee drowned with teares , and swallowed up with unmeasureable sorromes , if shee were violently taken from him , and given to a miscreant bastarde , Iothsome and deformed person , being infected with all manner of most filthie , and contagious diseases ? And is not this the case of gods church ? How glorious is the Psal. 45. 15. Eph. 5. 27. 2. Cor. 11. 2. Christs church committed to the ministers charge 1. Sam. 4. 11. kinges Daughter within ? She hath neither spot nor wrinkle : she is betrothed to Christ : And by procksie he hath committed her to the charge of his true ministers . But lift your eies , & look , behold , I say , & weep . For the arke is taken from the Leuit: the spouse of Christ is committed to the hands of filthie , uncleane , and brutish persons : Reuelat. 9. 3. Iuskish locusts are ingendred of the smoke of bastard discipline , which are as thornes to our eies , and scorpions to out sides . The sheeprives stand by , and looke on , yet none of them stretcheth forth his arme to pluck the lamb from the Eagle , nor the Turtle Doue out of the hande of the Psal. 74. 19. beast . And now wee beseech you giue sentence , are the tears of Israel as the tears of an unconstant woman ? Or hath be not iust cause to complain ? But to what purpose are the iniuries of the Church laide before The iniuries of the church laid before vs , you , & compared with the iniuries of Iacob ? Forsooth to this end , that like as the iniuries alreadie offered to Iacob , made him to fear farther violence , & therfore to lift up his eies , and look when Esau came : So it might appeare that the iniuries offered to Gods Church maie iustlie make it to feare farther vengeance from God , and violence from men : and therefore to lift up their eies , and looke when the Pope himself shal come . For let him come A number of the Popes knightes dubbed to maintain his kingdome . to morowe , and wee haue dubbed a number of doltes for his purpose : He shall need to alter neither the men , nor their orders : and if wee haue made idle pastors , hath not Gods church reason to lift up hir eies to see , when the Idols themselves shal follow ?

If we varnish his styrrops , wil we neglect his sadle ? If wee be so desirous of his discipline , wil we make daintie of his doctrine ?

The Turk keepeth himselfe to his Alcaran , the Iew to his Talmud , or Kabala , & the Pope to his Portuise . But if gods The true church of god accused of singularitic . church cleaue to the singlenes of the word , refusing mixture , and seeke a service and administration thereafter , she is then accused of singularitie , How say you nowe ? do not these things giue Iacob good cause to lift up his eies and to looke when Esau should come with four hundred men ? Beleeue me , beleeue me , if any Magistrate should goe about to colour these thinges , but not with the couering of gods spirite , and say , what maketh this to vs ? we maie very well say againe , What make they then in the places of government in the Church of Christ ?

Therefore let the godly lift vp the eies of their harts to God , and pray vnto him , from whom nothing is hid , that there may be a zealous reformation of Iacobs troubles , We must pray for the reformation of Christes Church . and griefes , which is to be feared wil not be , unles we cease from carnal gospelling , oppression of the poore , couetousnes , earthly mindes , fleshly Iusts , and not to be wise in our own selues , but to seeke to be wise in the lord . For he is the opener and mollister of all hartes which hee turneth . Knock therefore , that the lord may open , seeke that you may finde , but see that you knock , and seeke aright .

The same god that opened the bowels of Moses towards his brethren , giue al his elect pittiful harts towards poore Iacob , yea & to our owne soules , that we may in simplicity and rightnes of spirites , tacke our powers to the highest pin , for the aduancement of gods glory . Let this suffice We ought to lament the miseries of Christes Church . for the first part , concerning the injuries and miseries of Iacob , and the pomp and power of Esau : Now followeth the second part concerning the disposing of Iacobs family conteined in these wordes .

The Second part .

2 And he diuided the children to LEAH and RAHEL , and to the two maides : and he put the maids and their Children foremost , and LEAH and hir children after , and Rahel , and Ioseph hindermost .

HEere is first to bee considered and obserued that difference which is The differece between the faithful & the vnfaithfull . Gen. 31. 1. found between the vnfaithful & them that feare god with a confidence assured in his promises . For although Iacob , otherwise feared the violenee of his brother Esau , and bewraied his infirmitie , euen after God had comforted him , by an host of Angels , and had giuen him victorie in wrastling : yet was he not amazed nor blasphemed Psa. 5. 5. & 62. 4. god , like the wicked , with curses and most terrible othes , of all fortes : against who the prophet Dauid crieth out saieng : The wicked blaspheme god , swearing cursing , and lieng . The vnrighteous shall not stand in thy sight , O lord : thou hatest them that work iniquitie . Thou shalt destroy al them that speake lies : but how much more likely is it , that the lord will destroy all them that speake blasphemie , and abuse his holie name :

Saul verily blasphemed the name of the 1. Reg. 28. 8. Blasphemers punished . lord , because he called not vpon his name in his extreme misery , and trouble , but asked counsaile of a Pithonisse , was compelled to kil himselfe with his own hand , after he had seene his people downe right slaine by the Phylistines his enimies , and his sonnes lie dead in the middest of the people .

Ananias & Saphira his wife , lied to the Acts. 5. 3. 10. Lyers punished . holy ghost , and falling down sodenly to the ground , go with shame enough to the diuel of hel .

Senacherib sweareth & blasphemeth 4. Reg. 18. 30. the name of the eternall God , before the walles in Ierusalem : but anon after hee for his labor was berest of his puissant army , and in his owne gods temple shot thorough by his sonne .

Iehoachim and Zedechias both kings of Iuda , and blasphemers of gods name , 4. Reg. 24. 20. 4. Reg. 16. 9. & 10. are taken captiues , & slain by Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon . Achas , Iesabel , and the priestes of Baal are cleane wyped by King Iehu , because that they vnder the colour of God & godlines , persecuted the true religion .

The man that blasphemed the name of Leuit. 24. God , was ouerwhelmed with stones to death .

The which examples of holy scripture , as they are terrible , & dreadful , so are they written for vs , to consider , that not the least part of our calamities at these daies do happen vnto vs , because of our detestable lying , cursing , & horrible othes , which few magistrats , parents and maisters do goe about to redresse as they shoulde doe . Magistrates & Parentes must punish blasphemers . Many blasphemous people in these daies . Wherefore the name of the liuing god is blasphemed with passing deep , and horrible othes of al sortes , and of al ages , so that it is verily to bee thought from the beginning of the worlde , was there neuer such blasphemous people , as are in this wicked age of ours : and therefore are we vexed with vnspeakable and endlesse troubles . The plague neuer goeth from the house Eccle. 23. 12. of swearers : For God is true & cannot ly , which saieth , That they shall not escape Exod. 20. scotfree , that take his name in vaine . We should then be so tru , one of vs to another , and careful to say the truth , that our communication should bee yea , yea , nay , nay . For whatsoeuer is more then this , is sin . Mat. 5. The men of our time do not only take the name of God in vaine , but doe of malice blasphemously defile it . It were therfore very godly , not only that the magistrates , but also parents , and masters , in euery of The dutie of houshoulders . their priuate houses , would looke to this horrible abuse of gods name , and sharplie punish those that are accustomably giuen to swearing , cursing , and lying : and sincerely by good example & liuing , set forth the true worship of god among their people , ouer whom they haue charge : Or els , if this may not be obtained at their hands they will bee no worse nor godlesse then Caiphas : who when he hard as he thought Caiphas . Mat. 26. Mark . 14. 10. 18. Luk. 21. blasphemy against the name of god , rent his clothes and cried that the blasphemor was worthy to die . For assuredly vnlesse Christian magistrates , and gouernors of families do not very earnestly punish the Vngodly housholders worse than Caiphas . offendors herein : it cannot otherwise bee said , but that they are a great deale worse than that wicked Caiphas .

But now to come againe to the effect of our matter , wee may well perceaue , that Iacob although hee was put into a Iacob in his crouble blasphemeth not God . great fear and agony by his brother Esaus comming against him with four hundred men , yet did hee not by any meanes blaspheme god . or was amazed like the vngodly : but behaued himselfe wisely . descreetly & prudently , in disposing of his family , for the best safety and aduantage , if ought had betyd him more rigorously : wheras the wicked in time of peril are at their wits end , & stand amazed like stocks , Iob. 18. 11. or els are driuen into such brutish passions , that they be wray their fearfulnes , ( so far separated from discretion ) that they neuer had any great strength . Example hereof we haue in Ahas , and his people , who at Pro. 24. 10. Esau . 22. the report of the comming of Aram against them , are said to bee moued with feare like the leaues of a tree shaken with the mind . It is true that the wiseman saith , Blessed is hee that alwaies maketh himselfe Prouer. 28. 24. afraid . For if wee acquaint not our selues with mortification , and set before We must acquaint our selues with mortification . vs the terror of God , to be exercised and humbled in the time of peace , and quietnes , it is to be feared , lest when the storms of affliction beat vpon vs , we be so affrighted as much some strange thing , that wee shall not onely bee beereft of patience , the Patience the principal exercise of faith . Deu. 28. 29. principall exercise of faith , whereby wee possesse our saluation : but also be disabled to vse the ordinary meanes , set before vs for our deliuery , without the which wee shal not bee able to escape the violence of our enemies . Moreouer if this disposing of Iacobs family be considered , as occasion wil be giuen by & by , we shal perceaue the doubting of the man which we speake of in the beginning . And these infirmities The infirmity of the Fathers not to be excused . Gen. 30. 4. 10. of the fathers we must not go about to excuse , neither in this , neither in that , he begat children of Bilhah and Dilpah , his wiues maides , whereof mention is made , nor yet in his plurality of wiues , least that I should iustify a piece of clay , and besides that preferre iniury to many . Yet in one respect ( although I reioice not in their sins ) since God hath so ordained that their Saluation consisteth only in Gods mercie . 1. Cor. 9. 10. saluation should consist in mere mercy , we may reioice that they fel. For example of gods mercy , for in raising them which fel in the beginning , is a staf to hold them up , which are now bowed downe with their infirmities . Not that man should wound himself in hope of this salue , but that those which are already wounded and know it , might not be to seek of the Chirurgian .

But to come neer to our purpose , Iacob Iacobs discretion , and his wisedome not in fleshe nor bloud . not withstanding the fearfulnes of his hart , yet sheweth he great discretion , and wisedom in ordering of his busines , as one purposed to vse the best ordinary meanes that was offered , & to leaue the rest to the lord , And whence had he this staiednes & wisedom in so trouble some a time : certainlie neither of fleshe nor blood , but by the gift of God , without which no man can stand vpright in the euil day .

We read in this former chapter howe he prepared himselfe to this purpose with Man nothing without god . Gen. 32. 9. Iacob prepared himselfe with humble praier . feruent and humble praier , for that is the tower of the faithful , and the very ordinary way , & meanes , whereby god is moued to help vs in our necessities : & they which seldom vse it , prouide euil for their faith . Surely the good successe , that the Lord gaue Iacob here ( after the said praier ) should encourage vs to enterprise nothing before we haue first craued the direction of our god , and so much the rather , by this example , because it appeareth by the tenor of this praier and the politique disposing of his family being compared with that which followed , and succeeded , that God God gaue Iacob more than he asked . Psal. 79. 13. gaue him more then he durst either aske , or looke for , so plentifully receiued he , his praiers rewarded home againe into his own bosom . Our lesson by the way is , that when we haue poured out our spirites before God , crauing any thing at his hands , We must rest in gods prouidence . we must so rest in his prouidence , that we do neuertheles vse the ordinary mean , & not lie still presumptuously tempting the Lord , as the maner of some is . Thus did Iosua . 7. Iosua work the will of the lord in his battel , & the fruite of his labor was the fulfilling of his praier . Yea when we haue an assurance of that we aske at the Lordes hands , yet the example of Elias teacheth vs 1 Reg. 18. 24. Praier doth exercise our faith . to pray stil , that our faith be not dul , & idle .

The conclusion of this note is , that if we wil not haue our wisedome to fail vs , when we most neede it , let vs not forget in the In our troubles we must put the Lord in mind of his mercies . searefulnes of our harts because of our infirmity , to put the lord in mind of his mercies , least when danger is laid vpon vs , our shadowe of wisdome be scattered into the clouds , & we crushed vnder 〈…〉

Further more here is 〈…〉 care & love that this holy Patriat 〈◊〉 The christian love and care of Iacob towardes his family . had towardes his familie . The malice which was in Esau , he knew wel , was but against his own person . And therfore if his tender love towards his wiues , had not greatlie preuailed which him , he might haue taken his flight to escape from the hands of Esau : But he as a louing , & faithful father of a family , did not only carry by it , but also put them in such array , as might best beseem the intertainment of the lord Esau , or rather might best serue for the safegard of come of their liues , which was kindermost , by taking their flight , if Esau should assault the foremost . This christian loue Iacobs loue to his wines , is wanting in many husbands in these daies . of Iacob to his wiues , & the godly care towards his family , is wanting in many in these daies , which range abroad not for any danger that driveth them , but they go to seek it . If one that were in autority shuld examine many of our young gentlemen , which haue bound them to the unseparable knot of holy marriage , what is the cause Vaine trauell . that english ground cannot bear them : why some of them shake the buckler in Paris , & some other walke the streets in Venis : & Like husbānd 〈…〉 〈◊〉 they can giue as good account of it , 〈…〉 wiues which they haue left behind them , can do of their unchast behaviour in England . But such marraige is no more honorable than whoredome .

And here by the waie we may wel consider , The vngodly attyre of weomen . that Iacobs wiues were not appareled , like to our wiues in England in these baies , more like Maskers , than Matrons , with heades compassed like to Rammes Hornes , and frilled haires , more meet for sparrowes to make their nests in , than for christians to wear . If they were wel disposed to reade the scriptures , they should learn what Saint Peter speaketh of women-like apparel , saying : That womens 1. Pet. 3. 3. 4. 5. 6. apparel should not be outward with broyded haire , either in putting on of gorgious apparel . But let the hid man which is in the heart , bee without all corruption of a meeke and quiet spirite , which spirite is before God a thing much set by . For after this maner , did the women in the old time which trusted in God , attire themselves , being obedient to their husbands , euen as Sara obeied Abraham & called him Lord . Cyprian that godlie martyr writeth this Cyprian speaking against the vnseemly attyre of weomen . of women , saying . Qua sericum & purpuram induunt , Christum induere non possunt . Women that advance themselues in putting on silke , and purple , cannot lightlie put on Christ . And againe , Foemine crines suos inficiunt malo proesagio , capillos enim sibi flammeos auspicari non metuunt . They which colour their heires with red & yellow begin to prognosticate of what colour their heads shal be in hel . And farther hee saith , Qui se pingunt in hoc seculo , aliter quam creauit Deus , metuant , cum resurrection is venerit dies , ne artifex creaturam snam non cognoscat . They which loue to paint themselues here in this world , otherwise than God hath created them , let them feare , least when the day commeth of resurrection , the creator wil not know them . And for these and the like abuses the lord both punish our sinnes , one with another . Wee may heere in like maner obiect the example of Iacob with the peeuish Papistes , which uppon forged pretence of conscience , haue left their Nature soile , their wiues , their children , their families , and haue broken their obedience to their true , lawful , and christian Princesse : and when England is to hot for them , are run to roust at Rome . If Iacob had fled , hee had fled from Esau , a tyrant . But they in fleeing 1. Sam. 15. 10. 1. Reg. 11. 4. are become like to Ieroboam , which fled from peaceable Salomon , to the Egyptians . But they haue a vow in Hebron like Absolon a traitor to his own father . And can there bee a more vnconscionable act , then to break the loialty of true subiectes towards so louing a princesse , & to make themselues slaues to a infamous stranger ? we may maruell with what forehead they may plead conscience any longer . The maner , why Moses doth so diligently report the order of this array , is , that wee might vnderstand whom Iacob was most Iacob desired to saue some . desirous to saue ( if any danger had bin ) for the foremost were in most danger , and likest to be slaine first , if Esau had drawne Gen. 32. 8. sword against them : and therefore he declareth that the twoo Maides with their children were put in the Fronttire , and Leah , and hir children next , and Rahel & hir children hindermost . Onely this note is here to be giuen , that when he thought to prouide for the escape of some , Ioseph Ioseph most precious in Iacobs eyes . his yongest sonne , and the only son of Rahel was most precious in his eies , and ( no doubt ) he was conforted in the hope which he had of him , euen when he was yet but a child : and therefore placed he him with his mother hindermost , that hee might escape with the first . Our instruction out of this example is twofold . First we learn not to Wee must not be desperate in troubles . cast off al care of busines , though thinges go not forward as we would haue them , for that were to be desperate : but to do the best we can to saue some , though there be no hope to saue all . Iacob looketh not to saue all , yea , hee feareth to lose the most part : yet doth he not set all at sixe and seauen , as one without care , or counsel ; but hath a respect to his posterity after him , Iacob hath a respect to his posteritie . Ios. 14. 23. expecting to himselfe nothing but present death . Likewise Moyses , although the Lord told him flatly , that none of the people which he brought out of Egypt should enter into the land of promise , but Caleb and Iosua , thought not he had lost his weary and long trauel among the rest . For he knew that in time God could accomplish his promise , much vnlike to those peeuish spirits , which if the Lord follow not their Peeuish papistes . humor , bid him take al ( as it is in the prouerbe . ) And the prophet sheweth , that the Isay . 1. 9. reseruing of a remnant maketh vs that we are not destroied , as Sodom , nor consumed Sodom . Gomorrah . like Gomorra . Our other lesson is , that they which are guides , especially gouernors which should be as noursefathers and nourse mothers : not to put the weakest Gouernours should be nurse fathers and nurse mothers . to the worst , but to prouide carefullie for Ioseph . But now the daies are come again that Ioseph is carried away from his father , & sold into Egypt by his brethren , where they cast him into prison . Notwithstanding his blessing which his father Iacob gaue vnto him , was also repeted by Moyses , as he then had a carnal fruition of it , so shal be in the latter times ( in his posterity ) obtaine a spirituall possession of the same : Namely , the blessing of God , which dwelt in the bush , shal be vpon the Gen. 49. 26. Deut. 33. 16. head of Ioseph , and vpon the toppe of the head of him , which was separated from his brethren . If it bee demanded why Iudas Why Iudas was not placed hindermost . was not rather placed hindermost for his safetie , seeing that the scepter was his by promise , and seing that of his tribe should come the Messias as appeareth in his prophesie vpon his death bed , the answere is Gen. 49. 10. easie , for as per this was vnknown to Iacob himselfe , who had not the reuelation before he was towards his death .

Nowe to the last note of this second part : you shall obserue the notable gouernment of Iacob , howe reuerend a father of a family wee may gather him to haue bene , by this place , and of how great The notable gouernment of Iacob . autority in al his houshold . You haue hard how they all went in great danger of their liues . In which cases euery one of vs , is giuen to shift for our selues , though it be to the breach of obedience . It is maruel therfore , that they stroue not who shuld go hindermost , and that euery one coueted not the place of most safety . Surely in that they were obedient , & stood in such array as he thought good to set them , there is a notable president vnto vs of his prudence , & autority , which had trained them vp to this tractablenes : and in them commendable A notable example of obedience . obedience , which quietly kept their places assigned without brawling or contention .

The like example was notable before Gen. 17. 23. Abrahams family obeied him . 1. Reg. 2. 3. 4. in his grandfather Abraham , to whom al his seruantes obeied and were content to haue their foreskinnes cut , which was a grieuous wound in the flesh , when circumcision was ordained . Contrariwise Eli the high priest his two sons Hophni Elies sonnes obeied him not , and are slaine . and Phinees , because they obeied not their fathers monition , when he rebuked them for their wickednes , for lying with strange women , which waited at the doore of the tabernacle of witnes were both slaine by the Philistines their enemies . Ely also Elie plagued for not correcting his sonnes . himselfe because he did not sharply punish and correct his sonnes for their wickednes , & disobedience , but did seem to winck at their sins , saying , Sons , how is it that I heare such report of you , that yee make the lords people to trespasse against him : What became of Ely for omitting punishment ? Surely when he hard the ark of the Lord was taken by the Philistines , he fel from a stoole and brake his neck . Hoc scriptum est ad nostram doctrinam : These things are written for our learning : And Parents must be reuerend , to be reuerenced . that maisters , and parents should learne by the example of the two godly fathers , to be reuerend , that they may be reuerenced : and by Ely and his sonnes to minister sharp discipline for notable offences . And let them both by nurture , example and discretion , go in and out before their family , that they haue them obedient in al the wil of the Lord . For it must be obserued , that because both Abraham and Iacob went Gen. 18. 19. Abraham and Iacob did gods will . Num. 22. 23. about the wil of their God , therefore they enclined the hartes of their family to obedience . Otherwise , the very Asse , whereon Balaam rode , was disobedient vnto him , because he went about wickednes , & himselfe disobeied the almighty . Thus we conclude this second part , wherein wee haue noted the discretion , and staiednes of Iacob , whereby the danger not withstanding , he feared not like the faithles Mammonists , the infirmities of the fathers not The Mammonusts feare . to be excused , the preparation of Iacob by praier , the loue towardes his family , and how he sought to saue some , not hoping to saue al : how he tendered the weakest , and his authority and gouernment in his family . The lord powre a great measure of his spirit into the hearts of our guides to dispose the family of Iacob discreetly for the preseruation of Innocent Ioseph .

The third part .

The third part is conteining the courage , deuotion & humility of Iacob in his meeting of Esau .

3 So he went before them & bowed himselfe to the ground seuen times , vntil he came neere vnto his brother .

In the first member of this sentence where hee saieth ( so hee went before them ) Moyses in this doth declare the courage of Iacob , which like a good captaine ledde them the way chearfully . In the second Iacob a good Captaine , goeth before his family . member when it is said , To haue bowed to the ground seuen times , is set down his deuotion towards god , & his humility towards his brother . In euery one of these we see nothing , but that which beseemeth so great a Patriarke , as Iacob Iacob did that which beseemed a Patriarke . was . First therefore you heare how he set himselfe foremost in the ranck , least by his feare , and towardlines , the rest should bee discomforted . After that the prophet Dauid Dauid slattereth himselfe in the flesh . had put affiance presumptuously in the flesh , flattering himselfe in his ease , that he should not bee moued for euer , he was compelled to confesse that when God had hidden his face he was troubled , & to sing this new song : Lord of thy good pleasure Psal. 30. 28. thou hast stablished strength to thy mountaine . That is to say , before & fastened my Ancre vpon my present wealth & peace , or I spred forth my sails at my merigales of wind , I presumed vpon my self . and depended not vpon the free fauor of God : therefore in so doing the Lorde by withdrawing his countenance taught me , that my courage was but foole hardines , and in mercy shewed me a more sure hold , where to trust , euen his mountaine , to which his good pleasure hee hath established strength . Now Iacob ( we know ) submitted Iacob depended vpon gods produidence . himselfe wholy to Gods prouidence , being ready at all times to resigne into his hands whatsoeuer God had bestowed vpon him . With this faith therefore Faith looketh God in the face . which euer looketh God in the face , who performeth that hee promiseth , hee goeth boldly and couragiously before his people . And surely if we haue faith , we are not afraid , Mat. 8. 28. Rom. 5. 5. and if we hope we are not ashamed . For the grimly countenan e of the tirants vpon earth whom we behold with our bodily eies , are not so terrible vnto vs , as the Lord of hostes is comfortable , whom our faith , which is our spiritual eie , beholdeth , armed for our defence in the heauens . But in this couragiousnes , Iacob hath companions but a few , for the heads of the people and gouernors of the earth , are content to erceed others in wealth and ease , and from There is no bridle can keep vs from couetousnesse . Esau comming , we shrinke backe . the lururious pomp of this worlde , there is no bridle to pluck them back . But when Esau commeth , they are content to loose their place of dignity , they straine curtesie there , who should go foremost . This is true in the gouernors , this is true in the priests , they care not who go before them , when any danger is at hand . But if there bee any time at the length in which they may cease to be apprentises to the Diuel , let them not stop their eares against the great pastor of the flock , which saith , That Ioh. 10. 11. a good she epheard giueth his life for the sheep . After the decease of Moyses which couragiously went before the people thorough a roring wildernes , his seruant Iosua was raised vp to continew their conduction : & because he had many barbarous Giaunts to suboue , and perilous exploits Iosua . 1. 5. 7. 9. to atchiue , the lord driueth him for wards often with this commandement , Cōfortate , & Heb. 12. 13. roborate valde . Be strong onely be strong . And that he might make streight steps to his feete , least by halting he should turne out of the way , he setteth this promise before him : Non derelinquam te , ne que deseramte , The promise of God to Iosua . I will not leaue thee , nor forsake thee . And the same arme of God , which then smote the proud and confounded his enemies before him , which cut Rechab , Rechab . 2. Reg. 4. 12. and wounded the dragon , shal in our daies also wake vp , if we wil be strong in Gods strength , to scatter Esau , and his four hundred men before us , as chaffe before the winde . But the same exclamation , which was woont to be in mens mouthes at the death of the faithful prophets agreeth too wel with our time . Oh the charriots of Israel , and the horsemen of the same , for the true prophetes decay , and their praier 〈◊〉 Reg. 13. 14. and prophesie was of more force than all our warlike munitions , and whose spiritual courage was more mighty than the sturdines of the flesh . As for the most part which remain , they are turned backward , they are like to the sluggard which saith : There is a lion in the street : yea manie will rather leade the daunce to iniquitie . The courage of Iacob was built upon Iacobs courage built on faith . Heb. 11. 2. & 12. 1. Iacob a patterne of christian courage . faith , therefore is he reckoned in the nomber of those fathers , whose stedfast beliefe the Apostle saieth , Hath compassed vs with a great number of witnesses . Wel we see a perfect patterne of christian courage : the commaundement of God was of more force in him , to make him obey , than the perill that was instant to make him afraid .

There was no other way to Bethell Gen. 13. 13. whither he was commanded to returne , but by Esau : should be therefore contemne the voice of God which said , I am the god of Bethel , where thou annointest the pillar 〈◊〉 no : If God have said go to Bethel , we may not stay in Padam Aeram , though Esau with foure hundred men stay in the way , ( as wee shal finde them in the right We must obey Gods word . way ) yet must we go to Bethel . Obey the word of God , he is the God of Bethel ,

It followeth that Iacob bowed himselfe Iacobs deuotion and humilitie . to the ground seuen times vntill he came to his brother . Here in these words ( as we haue said before ) is comprised the humility and devotion of Iacob . For it is probable , and it is the iudgement of many , that all this curtesie was not giuen to Esau alone , but that hee also in the way deuoutly did humble himselfe before God . This deuotion as it is at all times most requisite , so do we then most use it , & feele the most fruit of it , when any danger hangeth ouer our heads , and we know by experience , as many as haue not put awaie the feeling of Gods spirite with both their hands , that we are apt by nature to gather pride unto our selves in the time of prosperity . And we then forget god most , when In prosperity we gather pride & forget God . be powreth his benefits most beneficially upon us . Therefore both the lord gather by the flitting of his children by afflictions , to set an edge upon their praiers , that they may bee keene to cut the cloudes and come before him . Some that are not of Our earnest praiers cut the cloudes before God . the stubberner sort he humbleth in spirit , and maketh them to goe foorth sowing in tears , when he seemeth to bend the brows of his iudgement upon their terrified consciences . Others that are more unruly , he correcteth with the roddes of men , and tameth Terrified consciences . them with outwarde punishment , teaching them deuotion in the schole of affliction . Finally there is no dispensation giuen to any of Gods children . For the apostle both set down appossitiue lawe . As 2. Tim. 9. 10. manie as will liue godlie in Christ Iesu , must suffer persecution . And when we see the fruite of affliction in the person of Iacob , euen deuotion , and a religious care of godlines , whereas to many of us , our ease & fulnes of bread hath brought forth contempt and security , which of us hauing a spirit any thing better than the spirit of a Pagan , wil not wish rather to abide all God correcteth whom he loueth . his life under the correction of the Lord , the corrector of them whom hee loueth , than by wallowing in such prosperitie , which many are not able to weld , to become like a horse or mule , which hath no understainding ? Psal. 32. 10 The prophet Dauid bringeth in himselfe for an example , to confirme this doctrine . Before I was afflicted , ( saith he ) Ps. 119. 67. 71. I went astray , but now I keep thy word . And a little after , It is good for me that I haue bin afflicted , that I may learne thy statutes . For this cause , ought we all to lift up our weake hands to God , that our true repentance may turne away his anger . In which hee threatneth to make our sunne to go down at noon , because he hath Amos. 8. 9. found us in the number of those , of whom Moyses prophesied thus in his song : He Deut. 32. 15. that should haue bin vpright , when hee waxed fat , spurned with his heele : thou art fatte , thou art grosse , thou art laden with fatnes , therefore he forsooke the God that made him , and regarded not the strong God of his saluation .

Questionles , if Moses were now aliue , Deuotion in prosperitie is the sister german to the papisticall daughter of ignorance . to stand by , & behold our insolency , he could not haue met more iumply with our sin . This is euen the deuotion that our prosperity hath brought foorth . sister german to the papistical daughter of ignorance . But how much better were it , if wee would in the dais of our peace , draw our sleepy souls with violence to the tribunal of god ? Then should not our deuotion betied to affection , neither shuld our righteousnes be like the deaw , & the morning cloud . And there we have to learn , that if god should never touch his child rem , whom he loveth which the rod Without affliction we forget God . of his fatherly discipline , but to take the bitte between their teeth , & so to run forwards & never to be pluckt back , but as it were , alway to fil the belly like gluttons which delicat meats , the ears ful of musick , to flow in wealth , to excel in authority , to flo rish in honour , abound with friends , richly appareled , garded which routs of serving men , The vanity of the world and worldlings . had in admiration & reverence in the face of y world : but what then alas , shal become of our miserable & wretched souls : therefore let us look , what is don in our inward world , let us open I pray you the secret & inward eies of our harts , them shal we wel understand , that ther is a far other world then this , where far greater riches , & richer treasurs are found of them , who seriously We must look for the world to come . & hartily trauel to seek them out . Wherfore we must not murmor against god for his louing correction , when we set greater force by the pleasures of this world , then the observation of his wil & commandements .

Now concerning the humility of Iacob to his brother , it is evident in his obeizance which he made to him . In that he bowed himselfe before him , it was the maner of the people that dwelt Eastward ( among whom Iacob had bin to be curtous in such Iacob vsed the curtefie of people that dwelt Eastward . kind of curtsy , in bowing themselves down before great personages . This example serueth us that Iacob held the patience of hope : & because he beleeved , therefore he made no hast but was content to be bumbled to him , ouer whom his father in his prophetical blessing had ordeined him Lord : not Gen. 27. 29. because he distrusted that which his Father had spoken , but partly because he understood it spiritually : & partly because the time was not yet come , in which the kingdom of Israel which was of Iacob , should exercise that dominion ouer the Edomits , The Edomies were Esaus posterity . which was the posterity of Esau . And although the wicked do usurpe the blessing of gon upon the earth the lawful use wherof Heb. 1. 2. christ hath restored to none but his brethren : yet the children of god are so lifted up which the riches of their hope , that which an holy concempt they vouchsafe not to giue at tendance upon this world , where they haue Heb. 3. 13. no abiding City , but ley for the world , where they look for one to come . Thus shortly haue we performed that we promised in the beginning .

But before we go farther , we haue one The promises made to the fathers . Gen. 27. 29. thing here to obserue , concerning the promises made to the fathers . Isaac said , Be thou lord ouer thy brethren : and let thy mothers children honor thee . But for al that , Iacob stowyeth lowe to Esaus foote . Likewise to Salomon , it is said , Thy throne O God is for euer and euer . But Psal. 45. he is no sooner dead , but ten Tribes are rent from his sonne , & given to a stranger : 1 Reg. 11. 31. and within 419 yeeres after his posterity were captiues in Babylon . So christ promised to ratifie the doinges of Peter , but Mat. 16. 19. Gal. 2. 12. 13. yet the spirit of God , which spake in Paul , withstood him to the face for his dissimulation . Notwithstanding in al these promises , the word of the lord standeth firme , and his truth reacheth to the heauens . In The word of God standeth firme . Many of the fathers bare the person of Christ . the scriptures many of the fathers bare the person of Christ and of the church , and in Christ or his church those promises the fathers sawe then no otherwise , than Abraham saw the daies of christ , that is spiritually . Concerning Peters promises , I Aug. in Psal. Peters promises . am of Augustines iudgement , that many things are spoken to Peter , which haue not their ful sense , but being applied to the whole Church , for the authority of the keies , where of the Pope boaffeth , pretending Ioh. 20. 13. Greg. lib. 4. senten . succession from Peter , As it was given to Peter by name , so was it also given to the rest of the Apostles generally without respect of persons : and so to them only which persist in their doctrine . As for the Heb. 1. 8. Salomon was a figure of Christ . eternal throne promised to Salomon , the Apostle to the Hebrewes sheweth that it both properly belong to Christ , of whom he was a figure .

And as touching Iacob whose example we haue in hande , the promise of his soveraignity was fulfilled in Dauids daies . 2. Reg. 8. 20. from whose times the Edomites continued in subiection , til the daies of Iehoram : in whose time , they rebelled for the sinnes of the people . The Apostle minding Heb. 7. 9. to prove Melchizedech , of whose order christ was a priest , to be aboue Leui , to whom tythes were due , reasoneth thus : The Priesthood of Melchisedech abouc Leui. To say the truth , Leui also which receiued tythes , paid tythes in Abraham , for hee was yet in the loynes of his father , when Melchizech met Abraham . Euen The Edomites worship the ofspring of Iacob . so may we reason in this promise in the respect of Eau , that since the Edomites which came out of the Ioines of Esau did worship the offspring of Iacob : therefore Esau did worshippe Iacob , as Leui is said to haue worshipped Melchizedech . Neverthelesse , to the outwarde appearance , Iacob is bowed downe before his brother , and disdained not , for hee looked for the things he saw not . And surely wold to God , wee had the humility of Iacob , Iacobs humility proceedeth of hope 1. Pe. 4. 1. which proceedeth of hope : for what though we be wronged of Esau ! What though the wicked do assault us iniuriously ? Have we not learned that therein is our conformitie Math. 11. 29. with Christ , who saith , For I am weake and lowly in hart ? What though our bodies be made euen with the ground , so that the wicked go ouer vs , and plough long furrowes upon our backes ? What is al this to the iniuries of him , which neuertheles triumphed in patience ? Onely let We must stand to the defence of the trueth . 2. Ti. 2. 24. 2. Ti. 2. 2. The seruants of God must not striue . vs consider where about we were : if wee stand in the defence of the trueth , there is no ground to bee giuen , but in all this , let vs holde fast the rule of the Apostle : The seruant of God must not striue , but must be lowely minded . Behold in this one man , a liuely patterne of long suffering , faith , discretion , and humilitie . He awaiteth the Lords leasure patiently , for the accomplishment of his promise . He beleeueth that hee shall haue dominion , his present subiection withstanding : he disposeth his family , and doth homage to his Brother . And hee lost nothing by it . For it is possible , that many of Esaus retinew , did seeke more after ambition , and vaine glorie , than after the honestie of themselues , or their Lorde : As diuerse Sicophantes , Sycophantes . about great men doe at this daie , vpon reporte that Iacob should bee Lord ouer their Lord . The which thing Esau had determined to preuent , by making hauock of him , and all his , had not the Lord vsed the humble submission of Iacob , as a meane , not to make them beleeue the Prophesie , whereby their outrage was staied . How euer it hee , humilitie was in him a great vertue , By humilitie we draw nees to Christ . and most excellent : and it is that , wherein wee drawe neere to the image of Christ .

The Lorde therefore of his mercie graunt that wee maie imprint this lesson deepe in our memorie , that the nearer wee drawe to the Lorde , the more we be displeased with our selues .

The Fourth part .

NOw in the fourth part remaineth the bulooked for louing meeting of Esau , and the ioy of them both are described in these wordes .

4 Then Esau ran to meet him , & fel on his neck , & embraced him , & kissed him , and they wept .

MOyses hauing declared how Iacob The successe that god gaue to Iacob . bowed himselfe before his brother Esau , proceedeth to them diligently by circumstances , what successe God gaue to his deuotion and humilitie , by mentioning the running of Esau to his brother , his embracing him , his falling vpon his neck , his kissing him , and his weeping with him . Here we haue found the wise man Pro. 15. 1. as good as his word . That soft and gentle aunsweres and lowly demeanor , breaketh anger .

There is no cause why any man should Esau his affection . cal Esaus affection towardes his brother in question , before that the lord , which can turne the streams backwards , and checke God turneth al things at his wil. the raging of the sea , that it swel not aboue his pleasure , had mostified his heart , and brought him againe for a time to that natural loue of a brother , from which , otherwhiles both before , and after he had verie barbarously degenerat . With so much the more admiration , let vs note this great alteration : How God turneth the harts of the vngodly . A cruel enuious tirant to become gentle , and louing . But to whom : euen to him whom he purposed to murder . Before he came marching against him with four hundred men to destroy him & his : Now he runneth to him , that hee might preuent him with Brotherly greeting . Before he went to stretch foorth his hande to take him by the throte : now spredeth his arms abroad to embrace him . Before he would fal vpon him to kil him : & hee now falleth vpon his necke to kisse him . At the first , he wept for curst hart ( like a woman ) when he had lost his blessing , and afterwardes knitting his frowning browes against his brother ( as the picture of enuy : ) But now between sorrow , for their falling out , and ioy for their pure meeting and reconcilement , he falleth forth into weeping . The good nature of Esau was not of himselfe . The triumph of vertue ouer vice .

And truely heere we haue to note , that this came not of the good nature that was in Esau , but was the onely working of the lord , & the triumph that vertue hath ouer vice : that wheresoever shee is most hated , there doth shee sometimes shew her selfe . And this is the great punishment , that God bringeth on the wicked : Euen as the Poet saith , Virtutem vt videant , intabescantque relicta . Virgil. That though they Ioue not vertue , nor cannot like to follow hir : Yet shal they pine away with a longing desire after hir . And this I am sure striketh deep Vertue woundeth the conscience of the wicked . & woundeth the conscience of the wicked , that though they haue set their hartes as hard as an adamant stone , and made their faces , like flint to do al kinde of mischiefe : Yet God by his great mercy and grace , worketh throughout their consciences , mollifieth their harts to godlines : And so doth cause them to confesse sometimes that the way of vertue is best . As for example . There was neuer so unpure and dissolute an adulterer , but he hath said sometimes , The chast body is best . There was neuer so great , and cruel a murtherer , but sometimes hee calleth to minde that God hath commanded him : Thou shalt do no murther . Exo. 20. There was neuer so blasphemous , nor vile a swearer , but sometimes he hath treambled at gods maiesty . There was neuer man so proud , & ambitious , but sometimes he remembreth that he is but dust , & ashes . There was neuer such an vsurer , nor couetous wretch , but sontimes he thinketh his Gold & siluer shal canker , and Ia. 5. 2. the rust of it , shall bee a witnesse against him . There was neuer so riotous a person , sumptuous , & prodigal , but sometime he condemneth his own doing , and saieth with the prophet Dauid , Psa. 37. 12. The vnrighteous man boroweth & paieth not again . What should we say more : For as it is in a wicked life , euen so likewise in a corrupt religion . Trueth that is strongest , Trueth in religion forceth the papists to confesse hir . Merites . and ouercommeth all , in religion forceth the enemy to confesse hir . For their was neuer papist , that so magnisted merits , and talked of his workes of supererogations , but sometimes in his conscience he wold surely confesse , That when he had don al , Luk. 16. 17. yet he was vnprofitable . There was neuer any so great an enemie to faith , but when his conscience was touched with the grief of sinne , hee would crie aloud , Faith alone doth iustifie . There was neuer papist Faith alone iustifieth . Fleshly worshippings . ( I am sure ) yet so dronken , that made so much of al his fleshly worshippings , of organs , & singing , of altar , and altar clothes , of frankencense , sweete smelling sauor , of banners , and streamers , of goodly tunes and melodies , of siluer crosses , & chalices , but he hath said sometime : Who requireth Esai . 16. 12. Ioh. 4. 13. these things at our hands ? The true worshippers do worship in spirit and verity . There was neuer papist , in so deep a sleep of pardons , and purgatorie , but hee hath Pardons , and Purgatorie . surely said , such weak engines can break down , but paper walles : And such colde water , can quench but painted fiers .

There was neuer Pope , nor generall General counsailes . councel so desperately bent to set vp worshipping of Images , but their own harts haue often cried within them : They haue Psal 115. 5. Images . mouthes , and speake not , they haue eies and see not , they haue eares and heare not , they haue noses and smell not , they haue hands and handle not , they haue feete and walke not . Thou shalt not bow down to them , nor worshippe them . There was neuer papist so blinded Papistical superstitious Transubstantiation . with the great absurdity of transubstantiation , but some times seing the wine in the Chalice , he hath vin afraid to say , By this , & by nothing els , let my sins be washed : & seeing the cake in the priests hands , Thou alone hast redeemed me , & alone by thee I look to be saued . This much we haue spoken to that intent , we may see the working of the lord in the hearts of al his enimies . Refuse him , how they wil in life , or religion , Papists doe striue against God and his word . they carry day and night , a witnes in their brests against themselues , that they rebel & striue not against flesh , & blood , but against God , and the trueth of his word .

Truly so may we see how god wrought in the hart of Esau , howsoever men talke of the force of nature . We cannot impute it to any thing , but to the miraculus doing of the lord : Who , though we be in the bottome of the sea , can command the water , Esai 45. 15. that it shal not drown vs . And , though we Hos. 2. 18. go through the fire , can keep vs from burning . To this purpose speaketh the Prophet in the person of God : I will make a couenant for them with the wild beasts , Hos. 2. 18. and with the fowles of heauen , and that which creepeth on the earth , and I will break the bow , and the sworde , and the battel out of the earth . And if he haue taken an oth of his domb creatures , that they shal not do his chosen harme , much more shal he incline the hart of one man to be louing towards another . Notwithstanding , Esaus gentlenes was but a violent motion . this was but a violent motion of Esau , & therefore endured not . For afterwardes be slang away from his brother , and the spirit of enuy returned vnto him , and possessed Gen. 36. Math. 12. 45. him as before . It is nothing therefore , that many fond worldlings bost themselues ( if they haue but one sparcke of humanity ) seeing they are caryed about like waterles clouds , and haue no continuance The wicked continew not in goodnes . in that which is good .

When Dauid both by word & deed , had witnessed his innocency towards Saul , At 1. Sam. 24. 17. Dauids innocencie towards Saul . what time he let him escape aliue out of the caue of Engeddi , only cutting off the lap of his coat : the enuious tyrant , which persecuted him , being conuinced by open Saul weepeth for his iniury don to Dauid . testimonies of his iniurie , lift vp his voice & wept , acknowledging his fault , which sought after blood without a cause . Such is the power of Gods spirit , which expresseth it selfe in the Godly , that the wicked many times are ouercom by their vertues , whom they hate to death . Esau by al likelihood supposed ( for such is the maner of the wicked to thinke al men like affected The wicked think al men like to themselues . to themselues ) that Iacob presuming vpon his fathers blessing , would haue behaued himselfe stoutly , and disdainfully towards him ; and therefore he prepared to encounter with him . But when he drew neer and perceaued his humility , hee was enforced with tears to run , and embrace him . And How we must deale with the froward . learn we here , to deale with the frowarde discreetly . For , the maintenance of christian concord , what greater foyson coulde Iacob haue of his humble , & lowly minde : his desire was only to escape aliue , out of the handes of his brother : but the lord did more for him than he desired . Behold Esau , in what taking he is , he runneth , he embraceth , & he weepeth . But how now Esau : The perplexity that Esau was in . how commeth this to passe , that you are so kind vpon the sudden : Is this you , which a little before was ready to burst with enuie ? I perceaue , it is the lord , that keepeth the keies of al harts , he openeth and The lord keepeth the harts of al men to doe gods pleasure . Gen. 30. 26. shutteth at his plesure . This roas the blessing , that alitle earst , god gaue to Iacob , Thy name shal be caled Iacob no more , but Israel : because thou hast had power with god , thou shalt also preuaile with men . And now you see , he preuaileth with his brother so mightily , that a hart of flint is turned into A field wonne without bloudshed . a hart of flesh . The glorie of a field wonne by shedding of blood , had not bene comparable to the triumph of this victory , this was indeed to preuaile with men . So truly said our sauiour : When all thinges are Mar. 13. 31. turned topsie turuie : yet the word shall not fail , but be accomplished .

But to returne a little to the vnstablenes God maketh the wicked instruments to worke his pleasure . of Esau , we see how the lord can make the wicked , instruments to work his pleasure , maugre their beards , though in their own kind they set vp their vristles against him . Esau sheweth himself wonderful curteous Esau curteous to Iacob . Nu. 40. 18 20. Esaus posterity molesteth Iacobs children . to Iacob , but his posterity would giue his children no passage in time of their miserie . Wherein it appeareth , that he had rather suborued them to malice , than erhorted them to peace with his brother . The egyptians which lent to the Israelits ( by Gods working ) their Jewels , & their Exo. 12. 35 30. The ouerthrow of the Egyptians . raiment , within a while after , God hardned their harts , were turned against them to pursue them , till the Lorde ouerthrew them in the midst of the sea .

The same people which would haue made christ a king , & which strowed their Ioh. 6 15. garmentes in the way when christ passed through the streets , and greeted him with Hosanna : the selfe same people , within a Mark . 12. 8 9. short time after , were ready to stone him to death , and cried , Crucifie him , Crucifie Io. 10. 31. him , which had neuer offended them . Thus the inconstancy of the wicked betraieth The vnconstancie of the wicked . it selfe : they think they haue doone God high seruice , when they haue left one or two shewes of Christianitie , though they return to their vomit . But wee haue not so learned christ Jesus : Esau hateth , Esau loueth , and Esau hateth againe . Neuertheles , although that the confidence , The friendship of the vngodly is like the house of a spider . which is put in the friendship of the vngodly be like the house of a Spider , yet herein the louing prouidence of god sheweth it selfe , when he giueth poore Iacob a time of intermission from his tribulations and persecutions . And his name is so much the more to bee glorified in this , because where Iacob looked for nothing , but thistles , he gathered sigs : & when the danger was most dreadful , the lord as it were The lord doth work by impossibilities . vpon impossibilities , that the knowledge of his power might be grauen more deeply in our brests , replenished his hart with ioy , and gladnes . And that their condemnation may be iust , to whom be giucth no grace to beleeue .

After that the Jewes had beene threescore and ten yeares prisoners vnder the Psa. 126. 4. Dauids praier for the Iewes . king of Babel , the Prophet praieth , That the lord would bring again their captiuity , as the riuers in the fourth : Shewing that he which maketh waters to flow so abundantly , in baren and dry places of the wildernes , which to vs seemeth vnpossible , was also able to deliuer his people from the bondage of their enemies . Oh We must fear the lord with a holy feare . that we feared the lord with a holy feare , and that wee were right humble before him like Iacob . Then shoulde Esau haue no power to hurt vs , though we were as a brand , halfe burned : yet should the Lorde pluck vs out of the fire , and make vs grow When we thinke god far off , he is most nigh to vs . to the bignes of a forrest . Then , then shuld al the creatures of god crie truce with vs , when we do not deny the power of godlines , to be of one , and true religion , professing christ rightly and his Gospel , extending We must haue truce with al men . the same by our Godly life and conuersation , and to become as members of one body , whereof Christ is head . And as saint Paul did write this doctrine to the We must al be members of one body . 1. Cor. 12. 12. Corinthians : Euen so he speaketh to vs of England . As the body ( saith he ) is one , and hath many members , and all the members of that one body , being many , are one body : euen so is Christ also . The church of England as one hath many members . This body of Christ his Church in England is one , and hath many parts , English men , Scotishmen , Dutchmen , Spaniards , Italians , Noblemen , Ministers , Lawyers , Marchaunts , Farmors , Artificers , Laborers , and Poorfolke . And though they bee many , yet are they but one body , which by one spirit , are baptised into one fayth : Whether they bee Iewes or Grecians , bond or free , Englishmen or any other of the afore named .

If al were Nobles , where were then the If we were all of one vocation , there were no common wealth . Preachers : If al were Preachers , where were then the Lawiers ? If al were Lawyers , where were then the Merchants ? If al were Merchants , where were then the farmors , the poor and the laborers ? One of these cannot saie to another , we neede you not , least there should be diuision in the body .

Noble-men , Gentle-men , & Lawiers should not say , these Ministers haue too We must not despise one another . much , they keepe no hospitality , they neither preach , nor take paines after they haue gotten liuing , they eat of the milke , Idle ministers & Preacher's reproued . & cloth themselues with the wool , they become too couetous , not seeking to feede the flock of christ whom they haue charge of .

Ministers & Lawyers , & others should Vngodlie and vnbrotherlie crueltie . not say , many of these great men , & gentle men , their partners & seruants , doe take away , & withold many mens freeholdes , Coppyholdes , and Leases , goods , and chattailes at their pleasure . Take away goods by sea of Englishmen and others , Papists and Protestantes , such as come next to hand . They maintaine & set forth Backward papistes in religion . Such as are of no religion . such as are backwardes in religion , and looke euery day for Mariana tempora . They are of Esaus decinue , making no accompt of religion : all is one to them , if they serue their present turne .

Noblemen , Ministers & others should not say of the Judges , and Lawiers , that they do nothing but talke , and take mony , defend bad causes for mony , peruert iudgement Lawes wrested by crafty Lawiers for lucre-sake . & iustice , for rewards , make Lawes doubtful , that they may expound them as they wil : & picke holes in good Lawes , to make strife , & debate ; for increase of gaine and lucre . Rich men should not saie of The riche ought not to reuile the poore . The poore ought not to speake all of the rich . poore men , they be idle persons , Roages , Uagabondes , Darlotes , burne them in the care , hang them . Nor poore men should not say of Rich men , these Cluttons doe nothing but eat and drink , they haue many farmes , many Lordshippes , many houses , their hawkes , and their houndes , they spend more than many a good body . They take such great fines , and rents . They spare themselues and their friends , and so wring the poore subiect in subsidies , tares , and such like paimentes : that they bee forced to liue miserably .

Though faults be faults , and neuer Faultes to be corrected in subiects . Freedome of speach dangerous to religion and gouernment . so true , in respect both to be spoken of , and corrected in subiectes of any degree , by loue and charity : Yet this late freedome of speeches at tables , and such other priuate places tuching the states , may grow dangerous to religion & gouernment .

And surely euen as that famous Demosthenes oration to the Athenians . Drator Demosthenes did say in an oration to the Athenians , When the field is lost , the Captaines blame the souldiers , and the souldiers the Captains ; the foreward , the rereward : and the Battell , the winges . But if euery one that blameth his fellow We reproue others when we are most blame-worthie our selues . had doone his owne dutie , all had beene wel . And so if such Noblemen , Gentlemen , & others , as blame Ministers , Preachers , & Lawiers : such Merchantes and farmors , as blame Noblemen , Gentlemen & others : and such rich as blame the Euery man must doe his owne dutie . There are many godly and vertuous poore in England , would euery one doe his own dutie , al would be soone wel . For God be praised for it , there be many good Noblemen , and Gentlemen , many learned and godly Preachers , many zealous of all vocations , God bee praised . The godly being ioyned together in amity , the wicked cannot hurt them . and vertuous Lawiers , Merchants , Farmors , and others ; the which if they would throughly agree togither , and helpe one another in their vocations , and callings , all Esaus Canonists & Traditionaries , & other had persons of ech degree , would soone either be reformed , or driuen away , allothed and oppressed should be at liberberty , superstitious A Egypt would bee religious Iuda , the ruinous walles of the Church would glister with the Law and the Gospel , Iacob and his familie should haue a free and quiet trauell to Bethel , the people of God woulde bee brought againe from Ephraim to Beersaba , from vice and error , to the vertue and trueth of the Lorde God of our fathers , the Apostles of Christ , and his blessed Martyrs .

But alas , the postes of Christian concord The postes of Christian concord defaced . and amity , be digged vp , the rayles broken , and the pales carried away . So that poore Iacob , and his family , are in great daunger . Esau commeth against them with 400 men . So that it is not for Matth. 6. 22. naught , that Christ saith , The light of the body is the eie , then it is not hard to discerne by the strangenes of our steps , the blindnes of eurcies . For if our eies were Hippocrites say they Ioue the lord , and hate their brother . single , I meane if wee were not hippocrits , we wold not say , we loued the lord , & pet hate our brother : Neither would wee fil the mouths of our enemies with laughter , with this woful dissipation , in which we are diuided against our selues .

The death of Saul and Ionathas was 1. Reg. 31. 5. 2. Reg. 1. 20. Dauid his sorrowful song for Saul and Ionathas . the ioie of the vncircumcised Philistines . Wherefore Dauid sang sorowfully : Tel it not in Gath , nor publish it in the streets of Ascalon , least the Daughters of the Philistines reioice , least the Daughters of these vncircumcised triumph . And what shal we say ? Is it not nough that we haue changed the couenant of our God , The enemies of christ laugh his gospel to scorne . 1. Cor 3. 3. Saint Paul rebuketh the Corinthians for dissenuons . Mark . 3. 24. vulesse wee make the enemies of Christs crosse to laugh his gospel to skorn ? Saint Paul when he hard of contentions among the Corinthians , asked them earnestlie thereupon : Are yee not carnal ? and it is vehemently to be feared , seing that eur controuersies haue passed the bands of charity , least we also be carnal . And it must bee true that Christ saieth , Omne regnum in se diuisum desolabitur . Euery gouernment diuided within it selfe shal be ouerthrown . Iacob and Esau run together and meet one another , louingly . But we with al the rancor of our vnquiet hearts which boile ouer to the offence of many , run a silder : one sort giueth no place to the trueth , another Our abuses declared . raiseth slanders to strengthen the wrestes of discord to our shames ( we may speak it ) the peace of the church is broken . Iacob & Esau embrace one another , but we disgrace one another , reioising in their How we backbite one another . transgression , ouer whom we haue power to insult . Iacob & Esau kisse one an other , but we kick one another . They weepe one vpon anothers neck , but one of vs scorn another behind his back . And now I pray you tel me : Is this the fruit of christianity ? Is this the meed of 28. yeers labor , to make the sun a witnes against vs , by suffering The Sunne a witnes against our wickednes . Eph. 4. 26. Gal. 5. 15. Enme causeth vs to be consumed one of another . Mat. 6. 12. How we do abuse the lords praier . it to goe down vpon our wrath ?

Let vs take heede ( being warned of the holy ghost ) lest while we bite one another , we be consumed one of another . If we seek not to haue peace with all men ( as much as in vs lieth ) our daily praier is that gods vengeance may light vpon vs : seeing that forgiuenes of sins we craue of the lord , is according to the proportion of the forgiuenes , which we extend to them that haue offended vs .

If therefore wee haue any bowels of compassion in vs , if there bee any spark of charity raked vp in the ymbers of any Phi. 2. 1. religion towards God , any loialty towards his church , or any christian sobriety , temperance or lowlines in our selues , let vs now crie truce , let vs meet togither in charity , let vs embrace togither in godly We must now cry truce and be in loue and charitie with al men . vnity , let vs meete together in true penitency : Let vs all ( as one man ) returne to the lord , that he may turne to vs , & remember our wickednes no longer .

The lord in the treasures of his rich We must pray for al magistrates . mercy make the day star to shine bright in the barts of the magistrats , & shape the harts of the people to al godly obedience , that Iacobs wrongs may be righted , & the tyranny of Esau may bee suppressed : that the family of Iacob may be discreetly disposed , We must pray for the concord & vnity of the church . that his christian courage may not be abated , that his deuotion & humility may be sound & perfect , that his godly attonement may be accomplished . So that a christian concord being wrought in al sincerity and simplicity , of Gods eternal tesTament , we al ( as many as purpose to lift vp pure hands without wrath or douting ) may one with another run with patience to the eternall throne of grace , through Jesus Christ our Lord , Amen .

A PRAYER AGAINST the enimies of the Church of Christ , vnder the borowed name or speach of IACOB .

O Eternal God and most mightie shephcard of Israell , which commandest Iacob thy Ge. 31. 3. seruant to return out of Mesopotamia to Bethel the land of his fathers , and to his kindred , promising to be with him , and that hee should preuaile Ge. 32. 8. with men : the which thy commaundement he obeing , diddest according to that thy promise cause him to preuaile with Esau his Brother , who came against him with foure hūndred men , thinking to haue ouerrunne him & his family . But thou hauing the keies of all hearts to open , and shut at thy pleasure , doest miraculously , and as it were by impossibilities make the stonie hart of the most cruell , to become a heart of flesh , and the wicked to do thy wil : we therfore thy seruants , O thou god of Bethel , do lift vp our eies to the throne of thy maiesty with an holy feare & faithful harts , most humbly beseeching thee to look down with thy merciful eies vpon Iacob ( we mean thy Church ) that that excommunicat & Antichristian Reuc . 9. 10. 11. Esau ( we mean the pope ) that foule dragon Abaddon with his locustes , Traditionaries , Symonistes , and domb dogs , and al idle hierlings which are careles of thy family , may be rooted out of thy vineyeard , who go about and practise by all possible means to deface and hinder the proceedings of Iacob & of thy faithfull seruant , our gratious Quene Elizabeth , whom thou hast sette to gouern and raigne ouer vs , to set forth & maintain the preaching of the gospel of thy son Christ Iesus , & to place in the roumes of Godlie Pastours , dumb dogs , Traditionaries , Esai . 56. 20. and idle hirelings , which shall seek to fil their bellies , & not caring to feede the beloued flock of thy son Christ , whom he hath so deerely redeemed , with his own precious blood : & also to break in sunder the vnity , and concord of thy catholick church , and this common wealth , which the godlie learned compare to a defece , about which there be postes , pales , and railes , that so long as they be fastened the one to the other , so long they keep in & out all things accordingsly : but if any of them be pulled away or broken down , the rest are more easier to bee ouerthrown : So that the wild boar Psal. 70. 13. of the wood , and beasts of the fielde maie haue their waie to root it vp , and eat the grapes of the vineyeard . Power out therefore , O omnipotet god , vpon thine elect , that as members of one bodie , whereof christ is the head , we may professe 1. Cor. 3. one true faith and religion agreeable to thy most holy words , hauing pityiful harts towards poorlacob , yea & to our own soules , we maie also with Iacobs humilitie , simplicity , and vprightnes of spirits rack our powers to the highest pin for the aduancement of the glory of god . To whom bee all honor and praise both now and euer .

Amen .