GOD made Man in his Image , after his likenesse . And Man being made in the Image and Similitude of God , had free-will , Man made in the Image of God . which made him capeable of a speciall positive law ; according to which hee should live in all due obedience to his Creator , preserving himselfe , and all his posterity , in that good condition in which he was created ; as well thereby to avoid both sin and death , as also to render himselfe by his obedience a fit subject of a more cleare and perfect vision , and fruition of God , Aug. Enchir. cap. 25. Gen. 2.16 . The law which God gave unto him was delivered in terminis ; Of every tree of the Garden , thou maiest freely eate : But of the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eate of it : for in the day that thou eatest thereof , thou shalt surely die .

This was the primordiall law ; The primordiall Law . and ( as Tertullian saith ) in this law given unto Adam we acknowledge to be laid up all those precepts which afterwards , delivered by Moses , sprouted forth young . That is to say , Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , and with all soule : and thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy selfe . And Thou shalt not kill , and Thou shalt not commit adultery , Thou shalt not steale , Honour thy father , and thy mother , and Thou shalt not covet that which is another mans . For ( saith he ) the primordiall law was given to Adam and Eve in Paradise , as the wombe of all the commandements of God . Advers. Judaeos cap. 2. He had no need of further grace , for the observation of this law ; because hee might ( if he would ) have kept it , by the liberty and freedome of his owne will left unto him in the custody of pure nature . For which cause the breach thereof made him a transgressor to all the commandements ( if , as Saint Augustine saith , Adam's sin . it be divided into its severall members , ) For pride is there ( saith he ) , for as much as man delighted to be rather in his owne power , then in the power of God . And Sacriledge [ or Infidelity ] , because he did not give credence to God . And murther , because he killed himselfe . And Spirituall fornication , because the virginity of the humane minde was deflowred by the Serpents perswasion . And theft , because hee usurped that foode which was prohibited . And covetousnesse , because he desired more then ought to have sufficed him . And whatsoever else by diligent consideration , may be found to be in this one act of his transgression ; Wherefore , by one man sinne entred into the world , and death by sinne , and death passed upon all men [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] for that or in whom , ( namely , in that one man ) all have sinned . Thus was the deadly wound given by Adam , The propagation of Adams sinne . through the abuse of his free will , to himselfe , and unto all his posterity , who were then in him tanquam in radice , as in the root of mankind , Aug. Enchir. cap. 26. whereby both hee and they who were to descend of , and from him , by ordinary generation , were the same day made obnoxious , or subject both to the Spirituall or supernaturall , and to the bodily or naturall death , with all the dreadfull precedents , concomitants , and consequents of them both .

For this , ( and to the end that hee might restore that creature whom he had made to immortality ) God by his infinite wisedome , and of his great mercy , manifested unto man that expedient which he had foreseen , and determined from eternity ; that he would redeeme and save him , Gods Covenant of grace . by the seede of the woman whom the Serpent had seduced ; which seede should breake the Serpents head ; that is to say , overthrow the Devill and all his power . And therefore after Adam had sinned , and in him all his posterity , God maketh his covenant with him , and with them : and requireth both of him , and them , that they should on their parts , performe the conditions of it , by beleeving and applying it every one of them particularly to himselfe ; and to know no other Redeemer , by whom to be redeemed from sinne and death , brought upon them all by Adams transgression , but onely that blessed seede . The first saving grace therefore that man received after his Fall ( whereby he might rise againe from sinne and death , into which he was fallen ) was faith , even faith in Christ : for the promised seede was Christ . Here therefore siste gradum , for the order of this our historie doth require that I should adnote some thing by the way concerning that first , and most necessary grace .

The old Romans held and worshipped faith for a goddesse ; and Numa Pompilius is first said to have dedicated a Temple to Faith ; Concerning Faith . whether because in all the actions of life , and more specially in contracts , bargaines , and covenants , there is an urgent use , and necessity of faith : Or , whether because traditions streaming down even from Adam unto those dayes , had greatly manifested among the heathen themselves , that faith which is towards God , as that onely thing whereby God is moved to grant all the requests of men ; and by which every man may , and must attaine unto true happiness ; it is more then I will take upon me to determine . Probable it is that Numa was not altogether ignorant of that which was taught in the Church concerning faith : for the Temples which he built are said to be without Images , and his Bookes upon Livies report being found a long time after his death [ viz. Anno Urb. Cond . 573. Genebr . Chron. lib. 2. p. 411. ] were burnt , as not holding correspondence with the heathenish superstition of those Idolatrous times .

There is faith towards Men ; and there is faith towards God ; for so speakes the Scripture . I will restore thy Judges as at the first , and thy Counsellors as at the beginning ; Isa. 1.26 . afterwards thou shalt be called the city of Righteousness , the faithfull city . Faithfull towards God in believing all his promises ; faithfull towards God in keeping all his commandments . Faithfull towards Men , in all distributive , and commutative justice . But concerning that faith which is towards men , Faith towards men . and is nothing else but a certaine veracitie or truth of mind , whereby men approve themselves constant in their words , in their promises , and in all their contracts , bargaines , and covenants , to performe them , and is politicall , active or mercatorious ; it pertaineth not to this our History to discourse at large .

Faith towards God , Faith towards God . is that faith whereby a man doth believe in God , and apprehend and apply the Covenant of Grace , first made with Adam , and his posterity ; and all the promises of God thereupon depending ; to the saving of his soule . So that howsoever the name or word faith , be copiously , and variously accepted in the Scriptures ; yet as now we are to speak of Faith , S. Mat. 13.20 , 21. Heb. 6.4 , 5 , 6. Jac. 8.13 . Act. 2.19 . S. Mat. 17.20 1 Cor. 13.2 . Tit. 1.1 . we do not intend either the externall profession of Christian Religion onely . Or any temporall assent or bare knowledge of the grace of God . Nor yet any certaine perswasion conceived by Revelation , or by particular promise concerning the working of miracles . But it intends that faith which is properly and theologically styled Faith ; which pertaineth onely to Gods Elect , and to all of them ; which is passive , and is called by Divines , the justifying or saving faith ; because that thereby a man is justified , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in the sight of God , or with God , as the Scripture speaketh . Gal. 3.11 . It is a gift of God , or an holy habit wrought by the Holy Ghost , whereby the believer giveth his assent or credence unto Gods holy word , and doth apprehend and apply to himselfe , in particular ; as well the Originall promise , as also all other promises , of the saving good will , and grace of God , in Christ the promised seed , to his glory , and to the salvation of his own soul .

The efficient cause of which justifying faith primarily is God himself , The efficient of justifying faith . who is one divine essence distinguished into three persons , the Father , the Sonne , and the Holy Ghost : for faith is the gift of God , as St. Paul saith ; Unto you it is given in the behalfe of Christ , not onely to believe on him , Phil. 1.29 . but also to suffer for his sake . Yet so as that instrumentally it is either internall or externall . The internall is the Holy Ghost by his speciall working ( the shining of God in our hearts ) whereby faith is begotten in us ; 2 Cor. 4.6 . while that he doth dispose our understanding to the saving knowledge of Christ : and moveth our will to give assent , and adhere thereunto . The externall is the administration of the Gospell , in the dispensation of the Word and Sacraments , whereby the Holy Ghost doth ordinarily forme , and confirm the work of faith in us : although it must not be denyed that for the liberty of the power of his will , God without the use of this ordinary meanes , when , and where he shall so please , doth beget , and work , faith in the hearts of men . Rom. 1.16 . I am not ashamed of the Gospell of Christ , for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth , to the Jew first , and also to the Greeke . 17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith , as it is written , The just shall live by faith .

The matter of faith The matter of Faith . if considered subjectively , the proper subject thereof is the understanding and will of man , so farre forth as each faculty is regenerate by the supernaturall grace , and power of the Holy Ghost , whereby the understanding discerneth those supernaturall benefits of faith , offered in Christ to be true ; and the will applyeth them assuredly , as good and saving . O fooles and slow of heart , ( of understanding , and of will ) to believe all that the Prophets have spoken . Luc. 24.25 . But the matter of faith considered objectively ; in respect of the understanding , is divine verity : and in respect of the Will , the sole singular grace of God , promised in Jesus Christ ; both which are contained and circumscribed in the written word of God : all which , and onely which , faith respecteth , and embraceth , as its adequate object , and therein Christ crucified , as its principall , first , and proper object . Let us draw neare with a true heart , in full assurance of faith , having our hearts sprinkled from an evill conscience , Heb. 10.22 , 23. and our bodies washed with pure water . Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering ( for he is faithfull that promised . )

The matter of faith in respect of the parts of it , The matter of faith in respect of the parts thereof . are diversly considered , as well in regard of the subject , as of the object . For in respect of the understanding , and divine will , it is knowledge and assent : knowledge , whereby a man understandeth the whole word of God , according to the principall heads thereof , for the measure of grace revealed . Assent , whereby a man taketh it for granted , and is firmly perswaded in his heart , that all those things which he knoweth out of the Law , and the Gospell are so certainly true , that in them , as in divine truths , is setled rest to be found . Rom. 7.16 . I consent ( saith the Apostle ) unto the Law that it is good . In respect of the will of man , the principall and primary part of faith , is confidence ; which is a most firm perswasion of the heart , whereby all the faithfull doe appropriate the generall promise of Grace , to themselves in particular . Which confidence produceth a two-fold effect : whereof the first is a sure ground or foundation upon which a mans faith standeth in opposition of all dangers internall and externall . The second is a full trust in God , S. Mat. 7.25 . whereby a man doth depend on him , that he may be saved . It is the testimony of the Spirit , which ( as St. Paul saith ) beareth witnesse with our spirit , that we are the children of God . Rom. 8.16 .

The forme of faith The form of faith . consisteth in Relation , whereby the believer doth apply unto himselfe the word of truth , and the divine promises of the grace of God in particular . So that look what the Scripture promiseth , and propoundeth generally , the believer appropriateth to himselfe by a firme perswasion . As for example , God so loved the world , that he gave his onely begotten Son : S. Joh. 3.16 . that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life : And this is it which the Scripture speaketh in generall termes : and was first spoken to Adam after his fall , and is further spoken in all the old and new Testament , which yet the believer appropriateth to himselfe . God so loved me , that he hath given his onely begotten Sonne , that I believing in him should not perish , but have everlasting life .

The finall cause of faith , for the first and principall end of it , The finall cause of faith . is the glory of God , the Author of our faith , and the Redeemer of our Souls . But the next or secundary end is out owne salvation , which the scripture therefore calleth the end of our faith , and the reward of it , as the Apostle St. Peter sayeth , 1 Pet. 1.9 . Receiving the end of your faith , even the salvation of your soules . Here note by the way , Observation . that faith towards God is one , and yet divers . One , in the species ; for though there are many sorts of Christians , yet there is but one Catholique faith : for faith is species specialissima . One , in regard of the object ; for the thing believed is one and the same : upon which ground , St. Athanasius in his Creed , doth conclude peremptorily , This is the Catholique faith , which except a man believe faithfully , he cannot be saved . And the scripture accordingly , One Lord , one Faith , one Baptism ; Divers ; both in number , and in degree . Eph. 4.5 . In number . Every believer hath his own faith , proper and peculiar to himself , which is his own faith , and is not the faith of any other . In degree ; for faith is in some more , in others lesse , according to the measure of the divine grace of God . There is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . If God so cloth the grass of the field which to day is , and to morrow is cast into the oven , shall he not much more cloth you , O ye of little faith ? But the woman of Canaan had a great faith , S. Mat. 15.28 O woman great is thy faith ; be it unto thee even as thou wilt .

Now this which hath been said concerning faith , The Covenant diversly administred . bringeth us directly into the way of our sacred History . For that Covenant which God made with Adam , and with all his posterity , was diversly administred . At this time thus , at that time so , at divers times in divers manners , according as God was pleased to speak unto the fathers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at sundry times , Heb. 1.1 . and in divers maners , saith the Apostle . And according as God was pleased to invest it , as it were with divers Robes , excellently set forth in the type , Gen. 37.31 . by Josephs coat of many colours , dipped in the blood of the Kid which his brethren had killed . The times are distinguished into two Periods ; The times d●stinguished into two Period● . the first is of the promised seed to be exhibited when the fulness of time should come : The second is of that promised seed exhibited , when that fulness of time was come : for so St. Paul himselfe distinguisheth the Periods of the times , Gal. 4.4 . saying , When the fulness of time was come , God sent forth his Sonne .

Concerning that first period of time , the Covenant was administred Concerning the first Period of time , how the Covenant was administred . Geneb . Chr. lib. 2. p. 447. in divers manners . For the space of two thousand forty and six yeares or thereabouts ( for I scuffle not with Chronologers concerning the exact Computation of yeares , seeing that of Genebrard is very true , that as touching the number of the yeares of the world , a man shall finde as many opinions as writers . Neither will I have to doe with that vast difference betwixt the Greeke and the Latine writers , occasioned by the corrupted Septuagint , utterly inconsistent with the Hebrew verity . I follow those Latine writers and Chronologers , among whom I finde but little difference , and they who differ but a little , seem no tto differ at all ) I say , for the space of two thousand forty and six yeares , or thereabouts , from Adam to Abraham , and to the ninety ninth yeare of Abrahams age , the Covenant came forth naked , and was administred under the forme of that blessed promise , which God made unto man after his transgression in these words , saying unto the serpent in whom the Devill was , I will put enmitie betweene thee and the woman , and betweene thy seed and her seed , it shall bruise thy head , and thou shalt bruise his heele . This was the Originall promise , the Covenant of Grace , Gen. 3.15 . the sum and substance of the Gospel : which promise all the righteous faithfull , from Adam to Abraham ( though they knew no more of Christ ) did believe , that they might be saved . For , as learned St Augustine saith , None of all the righteous faithfull could attaine salvation , but onely by the faith of Christ : to them Christ was knowne , and had he not been knowne to them ( saith he ) they could not have prophesied Christ to us , sometimes more darkly , and obscurely , as did the former ; sometimes more plainly , and perspicuously , as did the latter Prophets . Enchir. Cap. 118.

The faith of the ancient righteous Fathers , The faith of the ancient righteous Fathers . was the Catholike faith , even the same which we have , though otherwise dispensed , and revealed to them more obscurely , to us more plainly : They were Christians as well as we , for they did believe in Christ : and Eusebius proveth by invincible arguments , that the very names of Jesus , and of Christ , were known from the beginning of the world , and had in honour by all the Prophets of God , Ec. Hist. Lib. 1. Chap. 1. And in the Revelation of Saint John , Christ is plainly said to be slain from the foundation of the world . It is , because by vertue of his death which was to come , Rev. 13.8 . they were saved , even as we . I know not , whether it were more impiously , or ignorantly averred , by the Servetani , that the Fathers of old time , and before the comming of Christ , did want both true faith , and spirituall life . Sure I am , it is against the truth ; for those righteous Fathers , who had nothing more but the originall Promise , had thereby the true justifying and saving Faith , according to all that , which hath been laid down before concerning faith ; for , they gave assent or credence unto that promise , and did apprehend and apply it to themselves in particular , to Gods glory , and to the salvation of their owne soules . The efficient cause The efficient cause . of it primarily , was God himselfe , whose gift it was ; instrumentally and internally the Holy Ghost , by his speciall working , while that he did dispose their understanding to the saving knowledge of Christ , and did move their wills to assent and adhere thereunto . Instrumentally and externally , it was the Gospell it selfe , administred by Tradition , before they had the Word written , or any Sacrament for the obsignation of that Promise ; whereby the Holy Ghost , as by the then ordinary means , did form and confirm the work of faith in them .

The matter The matter . of their faith considered subjectively , was the understanding and the will , so far forth , as each faculty was regenerate , by the supernaturall power and grace of the Holy Ghost , whereby the understanding did discern those supernaturall benefits of faith , offered in that promised Seed , to be true ; and the will did apply them assuredly to be good and saving . But the matter of their faith , considered objectively , in respect of the understanding , was divine verity ; and in respect of the will , it was the sole singular grace of God , promised in that seed , both which were contained and circumscribed in the originall promise ; all which , and only which , their faith respected and embraced , as its adequate object , and therein that Seed , as its first , next , and proper object . The matter of their faith , in respect of the understanding and divine will , it was knowledge and assent ; knowledge , whereby they understood the promise , for the measure of grace revealed : Assent , whereby they took it for granted , and were firmly perswaded in their hearts , that the promise was true , and therein found setled rest . In respect of their will , the principall and primary part of their faith was confidence , whereby they did appropriate the generall promise of grace to themselves in particular , which also produced a two-fold effect , whereof the first was a sure ground or foundation , upon which their faith stood , in opposition of all dangers , internall and externall . The second was , a sure trust in God , to depend upon him , that they might be saved ; which sure trust in God , was the testimony of his Spirit , Heb. 11.4 . whereby , as the Scripture saith , Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice then Cain .

The forme The forme . of their faith likewise did consist in relation , whereby that promise or covenant of grace , which was made unto Adam , and to all his posterity , every believer did apply and appropriate unto himself , by a firme perswasion : viz. that that Seed should come ; and for him , and for his redemption , should break the Serpents head , should overthrow the Devill and all his power ; purchasing for him salvation and everlasting life . Finally , the finall cause The finall cause . of their faith , for the first and principall end of it , was the glory of God , the Author of their faith , and the Redeemer of their soules . But the next , or secundary end , was their own salvation , which they , even as we , did work out with fear and trembling . And in this manner was the Covenant barely administred , under the form of that blessed promise , from Adam to Abraham , as hath been said before .

But , God reneweth his Covenant with Abraham , The Covenant renewed with Abraham , &c. Rom. 4.16 Gal. 3.9 . and with his Seed , generally with all the Faithfull , ( for Abraham is set forth , to be the Father of us all ; that is , of all us that believe : Abraham was blessed by Faith in Christ : And all they which be of faith , are blessed with faithfull Abraham ) for they are the spirituall Seed : Specially with the People and Nation of the Jews , the carnall Seed . He draweth his Covenant into Articles , indenteth it , Gen. 17.11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , and setteth his Signe or Seal unto it , the Signe or Seal of Circumcision : Ye shall circumcise ( saith God ) the flesh of your foreskin , and it shall be a token of the Covenant between me and you . He setteth downe , what he will do on his part , and what he expecteth , that his People should do on their part ; and he sealeth it with his Seal , Circumcision . And of all this , you may read at large , Gen. 17.

Circumcision Concerning Circumcision was a sacred action , wherein the fore-skin of the flesh of the Male kinde , was cut off , according to Gods Ordinance , for the obsignation of his divine Covenant with men . Who it was , that was deputed to that Office , the Scripture makes no mention ; probable , it is the most antient or honourable of that House or Family , of which the party to be Circumcised was descended , especially , before the Law given : for , God commanded Abraham to do it , and Abraham , at Gods commandement , Gen. 17.23 . Exod. 4.25 . circumcised Ishmael his Son , and his whole House . Zipporah , the Wife of Moses , ( although we have but that one precedent ) did circumcise her Son . When the People of Israel were arrived in the Land of Canaan , then did Joshua Josh. 5.3 . circumcise them . It is likely , that under the Law , that Office was to be performed by the Priests , as being by their Function sacred to God , and therefore the fittest persons to perform so divine a Ceremony . The Day appointed for Circumcision was the eighth day ; for so did God ordain : He that is eight daies old , Gen. 17.12 . shall be circumcised among you . And it is plain , that our Saviour Christ himself , as being under the Law , and Saint John the Baptist , were circumcised the eighth day , according to the Law . But , if a man had not been circumcised upon the eighth day , according as God had appointed , he might then be circumcised at any other time ; for , it is never too late for a man , to submit himself to the holy Ordinances of God . And therefore the Children of Israel , who travelled in the Wildernesse by the space of forty years , were ( notwithstanding their age ) circumcised in the Land of Canaan . Likely it is , that they did not circumcise with Knives , but with sharp Stones ; for Zipporah , the Wife of Moses , circumcised her Son with a sharp Stone : Then Zipporah took a sharp stone , Exod. 4.25 . ( a sharp knife of stone ) and cut off the foreskin of her Son , saith the story . And God commanded Joshua , saying , Make thee sharp knives , Josh. 5.2 . ( or knives of flints ) and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time . Circumcision was not without the shedding of some blood , and much pain : For , when Moses's Wife had cut off the fore-skin of her Son , she cast it at his feet , saying , Exod. 4.26 . Surely a bloody husband art thou to me . She said , a bloody Husband thou art , because of the Circumcision . And when the Shechemites were Circumcised , it is said , that the third day , when they were sore , ( sore of the wound of Circumcision ) Simeon and Levi took each man his sword , Gen. 34.25 and came upon the City boldly , and slew all the Males . They were sore , sore of the wound of Circumcision , sore the third day after ; and so sore , that they were not able to make resistance , no , not for their lives .

Circumcision was a great and venerable Sacrament , it was the Sacrament of initiation , or reception into the Covenant ; The mystery of Circumcision . and the mystery of it was great : For first , whereas Circumcision was ordained to be made in that part or member of the body of Man , which God would to be for the propagation of Seed ; it did fitly intimate man's uncleannesse by Nature , and the propagation of Originall sin . Every father stands in the place of Adam , and conveigheth unto his Child , besides the nature of Man , the very guilt and corruption of Nature : Eph. 2.13 . We are by nature the children of wrath . That naturall uncleannesse of ours must be taken away , or we cannot be saved . This is a second birth , as Christ said to Nichodemus , Marvell not that Isaid to thee , Ye must be born again . S. Joh. 3.7 . 2ly It did fitly give them to understand , that that Seed , in whom they believed ( Christ the Messiah ) should come of the circumcised seed of Abraham , according to the flesh , as God had promised , Gen. 22.18 . Lact. Instit. lib. 4. cap. 17. saying , In thy seed shall all the Nations of the earth be blessed , 3ly The making bare of that part or member , did ( as Lactantius observeth ) signifie , in the mystery , the true circumcision which is of the heart ; that the breast must be laid bare , and that the spiritual Seed must be circumcised in heart , to have their conversation with an open and simple heart . I say nothing of that similitude which some have observed , betwixt the heart and the prolifick member . Rom. 2.28 . He is not a Jew which is one outwardly , neither is that circumcision , which is outward in the flesh ; but he is a Jew which is one inwardly , 29. and circumcision is that of the heart , in the spirit , not in the letter , whose praise is not of men , but of God . 4ly That piece of skin which was cut off , did signifie the uncleannesse of Nature , in a state of sin : And like as they cast the prepuce , or piece of skin , upon the ground , at the feet of him that was circumcised , Exod. 4.25 . as may be conjectured by what Zipporah did when she circumcised her Son : So , that all uncleannesse of heart and action , must be circumcised and cut off , it must be cast away , as the prepuce throwne upon the ground , never to be reassumed . 5ly The circumcision-knife was a type of Christ ; for , that knife was of stone , and did intimate Christ the Rock , the foundation Stone , the Stone of Sion , elect and pretious ; the corner stone , who by his Spirit , doth circumcise the hearts of men , according to that of Moses , Deut. 30.6 . The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart , and the heart of thy Seed , to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart , and with all thy soul , that thou maist live . 6ly The drops of blood that were shed in circumcision , did give them to understand the blood of the Messiah , who was to be of the circumcised Seed , and that his blood it was , which should be shed for the remission of sins . 7ly The great paines and forenesse of circumcision , did represent as well the sufferings of Christ for us , as also , that they who will be his servants , must be nothing curious to suffer all paines and persecutions ; and , if need be , to shed their blood for the name of Christ . 8ly The day of circumcision , which was the eighth day , did set forth in a mystery the Resurrection of Christ ; for , like as Christ rose again from the dead upon the eighth day , according to the Jewes account , who begin to reckon their week upon the Sunday ; even so , that they who were circumcised , had an eight day to look for , the day of his Resurrection , by vertue whereof , they should rise again from the dead , being first risen with him unto newnesse of life ; that is to say , from a death of sin , to a new and spirituall life . Lastly , that same opprobrium circumcisionis , that shame and disgrace which the Jew had , by reason of his circumcision , among the Gentiles , ( for which he was mocked , despised , reproached , and scornfully termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Apella , Verpus , &c. ) did set forth the shame and scandall of the Crosse , giving the People of God to understand thereby , that the way to Heaven is not a way of popularity and honour , but rather of ignominy , reproach , and worldly contempt . Moses had learned that lesson by his circumcision , Esteeming ( saith the Scripture ) the reproach of Christ greater riches , Heb. 11.26 . then the treasures in Egypt . So great and excellent was the Mystery .