IN the time ordeyned before of God , by his vnsearchable and vncomprehensible wisdome after he had created man to his owne Image and likenes to the end that he might stirre him vppe to feare and obedience , and giue vnto him also some exercise of vertue to acknowledge his God his creator , there were ordeyned many signes Sacrifices and Sacramentes . First to our first Father Adam and to his successours being bodily men , were ordayned corporal signes of God , the better to approue and make knowen his obedience . Trees of life . Gene. 2. 3. Euseb. Theodor. & Seuer . To wit : The trees planted in the midst of the Harber and earthly Paradise . These trees although they were of no other quality then the other plants , yet they were dedicated & consecrated of God to serue for Sacraments , ( that is to say ) for holy signes , their qualitie then dedicated & hallowed to serue as a seale for a witnes , attestation & approbation of the godly will . For the infinite goodnes of god willing to make knowen the fellowship , bond , and alliance , contracted with man his creature , created to his owne likenes , hath from time to time ordayned outwarde and corporall signes which man might see & behold with his corporal eies , to serue for assurance gage , and pledge , of the diuine couenant , like as to our first & common father were ordeined trees , & corporall fruits , left and giuen vnto him to keep , without wasting , eating , or consuming , in paine of euerlasting death . We must then beleeue by faith , that the trees and fruites were not signes or sacramentes of vanitie , as a simple picture , but more that vpon them did hange both life and death they containing the signe and the thing signified . Wherein did consist the Prouerb . 1. 2. 3. knowledge and wisdome to feare God , and obey him . This was the cause wherefore they were called the fruites of knoweledge of good and euill , and the trees of life . For in keeping these fruits hallowed , in obeing God , euerlasting life was promised , contrariwise in abusing these Sacramentes in going against the will of God , declared by outward tokens euerlasting death and damnation was gotten .

For other exercises of man towarde Sacrifices before the Lawe written . God , to the end that he might reuerence , honor , & worship him , many & diuers sacrifices were celebrated , yea before the law written by Moyses . And although the almighty God creator of heauen & Psalm. 50. of earth hath no need of mans workes , neither is nourished with the bloude of beastes , or fruites of the earth : Yet hee hath alwaies desired to draw man vnto him in feare and outward obedience by Signes , Sacrifices , and Sacraments : In such sort that the sacrifice of the lambes offered by Abel , was pleasing vnto Gene. 4. H●bre . ●1 . Gene. 6. 7. 9. God . Noe likwise after the great flouds passed , in signe of knowledge and obedience toward God did erect an aultar , offered and lifted vp sacrifice of sheepe without spotte , and of birdes , wherewith he did make sacrifices sounde and pleasing vnto God . By these examples it is easie to know that sacrifices did not begin in the time of Moyses : But the innocent and iust lambe represented by the sacrifice of Abel ( the figure of Iesus Christ ) was slaine and offered vp from Apoc. 13. the beginning of the world .

After the rigor of the floud comen for the punishment of the offences of the tyrants of the earth in signe of reconciliation and couenant renued , our good God did ordeine the signe of the Bowe Rain● bow . Gene. 9. in heauen , for a gage and assurance of of God were holden in the wildernes of Arabia to them was ministered food of Manna . heauenly bread , wherewith they were Exod. 16. nourished 40. yeares . This holy sacrament instituted by the power of god was in such great admiration that euery of the people said , Manhu , what is this 1 Co●in . 10. Ioh. 6. here they did see the heauenly Manna giuen vnto them without trauell , a signe of the liuing bread descended from heauen and giuing life to all the faithfull .

Also another meruailous signe was ordeined Water of the Rocke . Exod. 17. Num. 20. 1 Corin. 10 , Iohn . 19. of God by the rocke flowing of liuely water in Horeb to quench the thirst of thirsty people a signe & figure of the true rock Iesus christ out of whom did issue water & bloud to staunch the thirst of all sinners for euermore .

The signes and sacraments aforesayd , Diuers sacrifices ordeined of God in the yeare of the world . 2455 were not only ordained of God , but also the law of Sacrificers was published by Moyses , as signes figures , and shadowes of the Sacrifice performed by Iesus Christ .

The Sacrifices are either publike or particulers , some were heue offerings , Holocausts . sacrifices consumed with fier : other were Diuision of sacrifices drawen out of Exod. Leui. and Num. of beasts slaine , and offered vp to eate , some were of earthly beasts , other were beastes of the ayre . Among the earthly beasts were such as were most obedient as Beafe , and Veale , sheep and Lambe , Beasts for sacrifices . the Goat & the Kid : Among the birdes also the most tame , the Pigion and the Turtle . Of Sacrifices some were publike , other were particuler , the publike either were daily , or else seuen times Daies appointed for sacrifices . a day , or in the new moones , or in time of abstinence , or else in three feasts celebrated in a yeare : To witte , in the daies of sweet breade , when the pascall Lambe was offered and eaten without Exod. 23. leuened breade , in the time also of haruest of first fruites , and in the feast of Wine and Oliues toward the end of the yeare . It is commanded euery day to Search the booke of Philo the Iew , and Iosephus . offer two Lambes the one in the morning , the other at night after that the Aultar was perfumed with incense and sweet odours . Also some of the sacrifices were ordeined for corporall thinges which were offered with shedding of bloud , other for incorporal things without Holocaustes Philo the Iewe in his treatise of beasts appointed for sacrifices . Iosephus . lib. 3. cap. 10. de antiqui . iudai . bloud . The sacrifices called Holocaustes did concerne only the honor of God , because all the sacrifice was consumed with fire , for the which sacrifice Holocaustes , the male & not the female was receiued that is to say , the Beaf the Lambe & the Goat of one yeare . For the sacrifice for health it was indifferent to take male or female , alwaies three parts of Leui. 1 , 2. 3. 4. the sacrifice was reserued for the Priest . To witt , the fat , the two kidneies & the kall or the fatte of the flankes . Another difference there is also betwixt the sacrifice Sacrifice for health . for health , and the sacrifice celebrated for sin , for in the one was ordeyned to eate all the sacrifice in two daies , & in the other for sin , it was enioyned to eate all in one day onely . By reason Sacrifice for sinne . whereof some sacrifices were called Holocaustes , other for health and other for sinne . The sacrifices for sinne , were diuerse aswell for because of the persons as for the offerings . For he that sinned Sacrifice for the sinne of ignorance . by ignorance , was clensed by offering an Ewe or a she Goat : but the clensing of sinne done wittingly was clensed with a Ramme . The sinne of the great Priest was clensed by offering of a calf : Sacrifice for the sinne of the high Priest , Prince , Magistrate & particuler person . Leuit. 3. 4. 5. 6. Sacrifice for the man poluted . of the prince by offering a goat & a bul , that of the magistrate with a Goat , that of any particuler , with the offering of a female . The sacrifice for clensing of sin done against God was done with a ram . The sacrifice for a man polluted was with an Ewe or a she goat : for clensing of a woman after her childbirth was a For the woman deliuered . Leuit. 12. Sacrifice for the Leprous . Leui. 14. lambe of one yeare , a young pigion & a turtle . For the clensing of Lepre , were 2 birds aliue , pure & cleane , Cedre wood , and Isope , 2 whole lambes & one Ewe of a yeare with floure and oyle . Another sacrifice also was made for the person poluted Sacrifice for the poluted menstruall . by seed shed or menstruous , with 2. turtles , & 2. yong pigions . If the great sacrifices did faile , then did they repare to doues , pigions and turtles , th one for the burnt offering , the other for the food of the Priests ▪ And in all sacrifices there was pure floure without leuen , salt , incense Leuen & hony forbidden in all sacrifices . A sacrifice for the woman suspected of adultery . Numb . 5 and oile . And it was not lawfull to offer any thing with leuen or hony vpon the alter . Alwaies in the sacrifice ordeined for the purging of women suspected of adulterie , there was no incense nor oile as in other sacrifices , but for her was offered water mixt with dust or ashes gathered vpon the pauement of the temple . Againe there was another Sacrifice of the Nazereus . Numb . 6. Philo the Iew in the treatise aforesayd . sacrifice celebrated for them which had made the great vowe called Naserius , when the time of their deuotion was done , it was ordeined vnto them to offer three sacrifices a Lambe , an Ewe & a Ramme . One ( to witte ) the Lambe for the burnt offering , the second ( being the Ewe ) for the saluation , & the third for health . Moreouer the heares of him which made the sacrifice should be cast into the fire with the burnt offering to be burned .

I haue thought good to discourse the diuersitie of sacrifices , briefly to the end to make knowen the great goodnesse of our God who by the lawe of Sacrifices published by Moyses , would ( as with a bridle ) restraine the rude people of Israel , which could not forget the idolatries of Egypt wherein they had beene nourished 430. yeares , vnder the tyrranny of Pharaoh .

But what straight lawes , what ceremonies & sacrifices so euer were ordeined for them , euer this people did fall to Idolatry abusing the law of God , and corrupting the holy sacraments and sacrifices it shall be declared hereafter .

If any man be desirous to know more of the multitude & diuersitie of sacrifices let him reade the books of Philo the Iewe and Iosephus of the Iudaicall antiquities , following that which Moyses hath plainely written in his bookes of Leuiticus and Numbers .

Another signe & sacrament instituted The Arke of witnes . Ex , 25. 27. 28. of God by the Arke of the couenant described in Exodus , being a holy signe dedicated to receiue the holy and heauenly answers to the end to bring the people to the remembrance , feare and obedience of God , to honour & accompany the Arke of the couenant . Many other exterior signes were ordeyned of God , as the ornaments and consecration of Priestes , specially the ornament Ephod . called the Ephod , the which and the sacrifices the Israelites did abuse by their Idolatries .

Another holy signe there was of the Purging water consecrated . Numb. 19. purging and sprinkling water ordeined by God to Moyses and Aaron the high Priest . This sprinkled water was consecrated with ashes gathered by a clean person of the sacrifice offered in Holocaus●● . To witte , of a Cowe all redde without any spot , and which had neuer bin laboured . The Wood ordeyned to make the fier for the burnt offering was Cedar & Hisope , Purple with Crimsin . With this water were sprinkled polluted persons for the purging and cleansing of their corporall defilings .

At the entring of the Temple or Tabernacle Exod. 38. was a Lauer made of Brasse , & forged first with the images of the women of Israell , in this Lauer was put the sprinkling water wherewith the sacrificers are sprinkled before the celebrating of their sacrifices , to the end they might be purified and obtaine grace & remission of their sinnes .

After the death of the great Priest Aaron , the people of Israell vnthankfull to God for the goodnes sent them of him , murmuring as annoyed with the heauenly Manna freely giuen vnto them for their noriture , were punished by the biting of venemous serpents . But the merciful God gaue vnto them an holy signe whereby they should be saued and restored to health ( to wit ) the brasen serpent Brasen serpent Iohn . 3. 7. lifted vp in the aire a figure of Iesus Christ crucified .

These were in summe the most part of the signes sacrifices and sacraments ordeyned of God in the first Church of the Israelites figures of the true and perfect sacrifice performed by Iesus Christ , the true Messias and euerlasting Priest , sitting at the right hand of God the Father .

Now resteth the summe to bring forth , Sacraments broken by Adam Gene. 3. how man by his owne proper fault did fall in obliuion and disobedience of God his creator , abusing Gods fauour , and corrupting the holy signes , sacrifices , & sacraments ordeyned to him .

What perswaded our first father and his companion to bide themselues at the hearing of Gods voice , but because they had abused the holy signe , and broken the lawe of the fruits to them forbidden . This holy signe which our first and vniuersall father had abused , was the originall of other vices and corruptions hereafter described , into the which all men are fallen sauouring of the corrupted lumpe of Adam .

Leauing the particuler corruptions of Corruption of the sacrifice by Aaron . Exo. 32 Deut. 9. the signes , sacrifices and sacraments before the law written by Moyses we will begin to bring forth briefly the most notable error committed by the most great sacrificers , as Kings , Priests and others hauing the chiefe gouernement of the people .

When Moyses was abiding in the mount Synay to receiue the commandements of God , his brother Aaron the high Priest forged a calfe of gold , of the golden earings giuen vnto him by the people of Israell , he builded an aulter offered incense , and celebrated sacrifice causing the common people to worship the molten Image .

Was not this an abusing of the Sacrifices ordeined of God , and a corrupting of the true vsage of the same , in causing the calfe to be worshipped in place of the slaine and offered sacrifice , as it was appointed in the law : His sonnes Corruption of the sacrifice by Nadab . & Abihu . Leui. 10 Numb. 11. also Nadab & Abihu , were not they consumed with fire , for abusing the vse of sacrifices in taking vnhallowed wood and corrupting the law ? The people of Israel vnthankfull for the goodnes done vnto them in being deliuered from the Pharaōical captiuity , did they not murmure against the holy sacrament of heauenly Manna , when they did disdaine and contemne this bread of life , and demanded Iosua . 7 flesh to eate : Achan the sonne of Charmes , did not he violate the lawe of the holy signes , when he committed sacriledge , and kept backe the spoyles of 〈◊〉 vowed & consecrated to God for sacrifices : If any more curiously desire to see the continuall abuses and corruptions of the people themselues , let him reade the histories of the Iudges of Iudg. 2. 3. 6. 8. 9 Israel , and in all times he shall find man neuer to be content with the true worshipping ordeined of God . But in steed of outwarde signes ordeined of God to draw the people to feare and obedience , they haue forged inuentions . And in place of reuerencing the alters and arke couenant in the name of the only God being ( outward sacred signes : ) The Israelites infected with the Idolatries of Iudges . 10 their neighbours , the Syrians , Sidonians , Moabites , Ammonites and Philistines did erect alters vnto their strange Gods , Baal and Astaroth . I●ptha , Iudge The vdgentle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ie 〈◊〉 . Iudg. ●● and Captaine of the Isralites , did not he corrupt the lawe of Sacrifices when he sacrificed his owne proper daughter , Iudg 8. 9 : Idolatry by the Ephod . Iudg. 17. 18. excusing himselfe by a vow , which hee made , which was not appointed to him of God : The holy signe ordayned of God for the high Priest to celebrate sacrifices in ( called Ephod ) the vppermost garment was not it abused by Gedeon , captaine of the Israelites , when as of the spoiles of the Madianits and of their earings he made an Ephoa of gold , whereby the people fell into great idolatrie : How long time was this holy outward signe Ephod abused ( an Image being erected by the mother of Michas in 〈◊〉 , Priests & sacrificers appointed expresly to sacrifice thereunto , an Altar builded and the true vse of sacrifices corrupted : So long as as the temple continued in Silo , into what wicked manners did the Priestes and sacrificers fall , which were ordeined of God for the ministrie of sacrifices and holy sacraments , when they vsurped by long possession to haue this priuiledge of the people , that when 1 Sam. 2. they did sacrifice , & the flesh of the offered sacrifice was seathing , their boy or seruant hauing a three grained flesh-hooke of yron in his hand had liberty to catch out of the potte or caldron all that he could cary with his hooke . Further the leuiticall tiranny was such that this seruant of the Priest had libertie to demand of the sacrifice giuer , flesh to roste for the sacrificer , otherwise to take it by force euen as he would . Was not this a great abuse and detestable corruption practised by the Pristes and chiefe sacrificers , vnder the pretence of sacrifices : What greater corruption can be declared , then that of the sonnes of the chiefe Ophni Phin●es , corrupt●●s of the sacrifices . 1 Samuel . 4. Priest Ely , called Ophni & Phinees ? Who vnder the pretence of deuotion comitted shameful whoredome with the couered women behinde the holy Tabernacle institued of God for the which wickednes they were miserably slaine , and the Arke of couenant taken away by the Philistines . Which they set in the Temple 1. Samuel , The arke of the holy couenant . of their God Dagon but God not suffering this holy signe thus to bee prophaned , threw downe the Image Dagon , & sent grieuous punishments to the Philistines in such sort that they were constrained to restore the Arke of the couenant of God . This holy signe was so precious that forasmuch as the Bethsamits ( which were not of the order of the Leuits ) had abused it 50000 of the common people and 70. of the chiefe rulers were rooted out and slaine by the vengeance of God . This example might make all Against corruption of holy signes . those to tremble which enterprise to abuse the holy signes and sacraments ordeyned of God .

Vzzah also for that he abused the same 2. Samuel 6. Vzzah . sacred signe ( notwithstanding that hee did it of a good intention ) for to lift vp the Arke of witnes hanging to much on the one side , was hee not punished with death ? Of others abuses committed by the Israelits , there is many examples , Osias Osias . was punished with leprosie for abusing 〈◊〉 the sacrifices , in taking vpon him the ministery of encensing appointed to the priests onely . Saul he first elected Saul . 1 Sam. 13. Ioseph . lib. 7 cap ● . of the Iewes antiquities . King of the Israelites was slaine and his kingdome giuen vnto another ( as was declared before of Samuel ) for abusing the sacrifices , and suffering his people to commit the like abuses . His successours in the kingdomes of Iuda and Israel haue not they alwaies continued in abusing and corrupting the sacrifices and sacraments ordeined of God , when they did offer sacrifices to the Gods , Astaroth of the Sidonians , to Chanios 1 Kigs , 8. 11. of the Moabites , and to Melcom or Moloch of the Ammonites , in so much that they builded temples and oratories , euen to offer incense , and to doe sacrifices vnto them .

●●roboam king of the Israelites , did not Hieroboam . 1 Kings , 12. only cause a golden calfe to be erected , as the high Priest Aaron had abused before , but also did ordaine two golden Kine in the two Temples of Bethlel and Dan , and ordained strange Priests corrupting the law of God , and causing them to doe sacrifice after the fashion of Kings . 14. Aaron . This Idolatrie and corruption of sacrifices did continue among the Israelites more than 400 yeares during the raigne of their kinges , who had taught them to corrupt the true vse of the sacrifices in chapels , and particuler oratories builded on the tops of hils and thicke forrests consecrated , in violating the law of sacrifices ordained by God in the holy temple , within the holy cittie . For particuler examples of 1. Kings , 15. the abuses committed against the true vse of sacrifices , the historie of Maatha mother of king A●a is manifest , wh● erected an Image of the God Pan , and did consecrate and dedicate vnto him a thicke forrest , offering sacrifices vnto it . Achah another king of the Israelites Achab. 1. Kings . 16. did erect an Altar , and made sacrifices to the God Mars otherwise called Baal . vnto whom he dedicated a groue , to satisfie his wicked wife Iesabel .

Hee caused also another Altar and Temple to be erected to the God of the Ioseph . lib. 8. chap. 10. Ty●ās , he ordained Priests Sacrificers , and instituted soure hunded false Prophets . His sonne and successour Ochosias Ochosias . taught of his father to corrupt the vse of the sacrifices , did not onely offer 2 Kings . 1. Ioseph . lib. chap. 1. to Baal ( otherwise called Mars ) but went forward in greater abuse , he builded a Temple vnto the God of Accoronites called by Iosephus . Myos , and by the Greekes 〈◊〉 , vnto the which God , he did sacrifice .

To be short , what more abhominable Purgatorie , 2. Cings . 16. 2. Kings . 16. 23. In the booke Alcoran . Asoar . 29. 46. Asoar 5. ignem gehennae non nisi numeto dierum preterminato animas sentire docet Aeo● liber , & ad diem veriatts omnes Iccedere ope●um suorum mercedem accepturas A●●ar corruption can bee described , then the inuention of the fire Purgatorie ? wherewith the Israelites did transgres , causing their children to passe through the fire in Tophet a valley of the sonnes of Ennon sacrifizing vnto the God Moloch . This corruption of sacrifices , notwithstanding that it was in the time of Mo●●es , yet the Idol Moloch in the valley of Ennon , was not cast downe till the raigne of King Iosias , more then nine hundred yeares after Moyses . Neuertheles this abuse doth continue among the Arabians and Affricans to this present , so that the Alcoramists and Mahometists haue this beliefe that the soules of the departed , must passe through the fire to bee purged and purified from their offences .

By this briefe gathering a man may clearely perceiue that from the begining of the world man by his owne fault hath fallen into the bottome of errour and corruption of holy signes sacrifices and sacraments ordained to him of God . But the principall abuse , whereof is Cause of the corruption of sacraments . sprung the originall of all Idolatrie , entred by this meanes , that fleshly & carnall men did sticke more to the visible signes and outward ceremonies , then to the things signified by the Sacraments : Apo ●3 . for in place of circumcisiing their hearts , and cuting away of the old skin Deut. 10 , 30. of sinne to be regenerated and purified by the bloud of the heauenly sacrifice offered before all worlds , they haue taken circumcision carnally for the cutting of the carnall skinne .

Wherefore did they not follow the interpretation of God , by Moyses to circumcise the foreskin of their heartes ? Wherefore did not the children of Israel giue credit to the good prophet Ieremie , Ierem. 4. which admonished them of the spiritual circumcision , and to circumcise the forekinne of their hearts , in putting away the foreskinne of their naturall corruption . The like is come to passe of the sacrifices and holy signes ordained of God , for figures of the sacrifice fulfilled by Iesus Christ : For the carnall man resteth in the corporall bloud of earthly beasts , where he ought to lift vp his spirit to heauen to comprehend and conceiue that which is figured and signified by the sacrifices of beastes offered vp . For this therefore the iustice of God is declared by the Prophets .

What neede haue I ( saith the Lorde Esry . 1. God ) of your sacrifices ? I am weary of your offerings of sheepe . Moreouer , I take no pleasure in the bloud of beasts , lambes , and goates offered . Wherefor● trauell you to addresse Altars vnto me ▪ I will none of your offerings and vaine sacrifices , I abhorre your incense , I can not suffer your new moones your Sabbaoths , your assemblies , and your feasts all is but vanitie . I hate your feastes o● new moones ( O Israelites ) and your solemne feasts . I am wearie in suffering so much . You haue goodly directed your prayers vnto mee , I will not heare you any more , for the abuses which you haue committed with your handes embrued with bloud . Moreouer I will not Psalm. 51. Esay . 66 , Ierem. 7. receiue of the house of Israel any Bull , because your sacrifices are not pleasing vnto me . I am as well pleased with the Eccle. 7. offering of a beast as with the murthering of a man , and with the offering of Incense as with the worshiping of an Idoll . Wherefore then ( saith God ) doe ye take so much paines to seeke Incense vnto Sabba , and odours from far countreyes , to offer and make sacrifices vnto me wherein I delight not ? Who hath moued you ( O Israelites ) to erect images vnto the Gods Moloch , and the star R●mph●m during the time that you were in the Wildernesse , where I did nourish you with my heauenly Manna ? Your feasts be odious vnto me your offerings oblations and sacrifices for the Amos. 5. health , I will reiect , your offerings do displease me . After what manner should Mich. 6. one prepare himselfe to God ? Shall it bee by sacrifices of Bullocks of one yeare ? Doth God take pleasure in a great number of sheepe offered vnto him ? Or in a great quantitie of holy oyles ? To him saith the Prophet shall I offer of the first borne , for the remission of sinnes .

Our good God hath very cleerely Psalm. 51. declared that seruice which he commandeth , follow equity , loue mercie , and of an humble and contrite heart , fal downe before him , for obedience is more worthy then sacrifice , or the fatte of offered Rammes .

What gaue an occasion to God to 1. Samuel . 15. put away those sacrifices and sacram● which hee himselfe had ordained , ● the abuse and ●orruption which the ●rae●ites had committed , taking ouer gr●sly the signes and ceremonies , ordai● to draw them to feare and obedience ▪

For in place of conceiuing th● which was figured by the signes a● corporall sacrifices , they did rest in t●● fleshe of the beastes offered . And ●stead of cutting away the foreskinne● their hearts , they rested in the carna● circumcision , and in the meane time tu●ned away from the true worshiping ● God , addressing themselues to creature● As to starres , to the queene of h●auen ▪ and other strange Gods , offering t● them incense , building for them temples , preparing for them priests , chaplaines and sacrificers to offer vnto them oblations and sacrifices .

Moreouer to accomplish this corruption they did sacrifice with the bloude of ●nnocents offering of them and causing them to passe through the fire of Purgatorie in the valley of Tophet Wherefore ( for the abuse committed by the children of Israell against the holy 4 Esdr ▪ ● . sacraments , sacred signes and sacr●fices ordeyned of God ) it was saide vnto them by the Prophets , that God would no more of their feastes , of their newe 4 Esdr. ● . Moones ▪ of their circumcision , nor of their sacrifices , celebrated by people ●dolatrous and full of bloud .

When the vnser● heable wisedome of God did perceiue the hardnes and infidelity of the people of Israel , which did euer continue to commit idolatry , by corrupting the holy signes , sacraments , and sacrifices in place of acknowledgeing the infinite goodnes of God , which had deliuered them from the Pharaonicall tyranny , which had nourished them in the Wildernesse , which had brought them into the fruitfull lande promised vnto them ▪ and which so many times had succoured them in the warres against their neighbours ▪ the Cananites , Moabites , Mad●an●tes , Philistines , Ammonites , Sy●●●s , S●donians , S●●yo●ans and other ●●●ous people : Neue●theles this rude people did continue● their ●dol●tries taught them by the● P●●estes ▪ Sacrificers , Kinges , and Pri●ces , without turning to the true wo●shipping of one onely God

Wherefore after the great mercy an● long ●arying of the iust Iudge ▪ which b● all manner corrections woulde ha●● brought againe his people by diuine vengeance particularly ; as by raisin● vp of warres , by captiuity & bondage by diuiding of the kingdome parte● betweene Roboam and Ierohoam , th● suc●essors of Sal●mon plunged in th● depth of idolatry in inward warres among the people diuided , and ●y other scourges accustomed to correct those whom God doth fauour ▪ to the end to bring them to his feare and obedience . In the end these people , to much hardened and waxen old in their Idolatries , were 4 King . 15. 24 taken into miserable bondage , vnder thy tyranny of Infidels , Assirians , & idolatrous Babylonians , their Realmes quite ouerthrowen .

But within a little while after that this selfe same people , by the great mercy of God was deliuered from the handes vnfaithfull tyrants , was set againe at liberty , and was restored to their land of promise : they fell againe to their Idolatries ▪ Ioseph. 13. cap. the Iew antiquitie . more then euer before , vnder the gouernement of their Sacrificers and high Priestes which ioyned the temporalty and spiritualty so together , that they were clad with Scepter , Roial and Crowne . Then succeeded the heresies of the Pharisees , of the Saduces Esseens , Galileans , Masbutheens , Hemerobaptistes and Samaritans , corrupted by Iosephus in the booke of the antiquities of the Iewes . the diuersity of strange nations which had inhabited and subdued the country of Samaria , neere vnto Iudea .

For the Babylonians did worship for their God So●cobenoth , the Cutheens & Persians hauing for their God Mergal , or Mergel , the Hematenses , called vpon their God Asima , the Ananoys did worship their God Nebahaze and Thartace , th● Sep●a●●ainenses did hold vpon the●● Gods Aaramelech & Aname●ech .

Vnto the which Gods they sacrificed their children causing them to passe● through the fier .

Thus then , when all kinde of Idolatrie was spread among the Isralites , the sacrifices were altogether corrupted , the Priestes became byers and sellers , couetous tyrants and Idolaters , the people pa●ed tribute to the tyrants of Rome their count●y of Iudea made one with the Prouince ioyning vnto Syria vnde● Iosephus lib. 15. cap. 3. Io●ephus lib. 1● cap. 3 ●●●op . lib. 1. cap. 2. the power of the Romains . The order also , the lawe & election of the high Priests was corrupted , & their d●gnitie abastarded altogeather , insomuch that without regard of the Leuiticall race , the high pt●estes were appointed by Consuls or Lieutenants of Rome as pleased them ▪ And whereas before they continued during their ●iues , now they changed ye●ely ▪ And when as the Scepter Genes. 49. was taken from the stocke of Iuda , and her kingdome quite ouerthrowne , as before it was prophecied : The incomprehensible greatnes of God did manifest it selfe by his sonne begotten before all worlds , which did so humble himselfe , that he tooke humane flesh of the virgins wombe to redeeme his people , and restore them to grace before God .

For as in Adam by his breaking and A conferring of Adam with ●esus Christ . abusing of the holy signe giuen vnto him to keepe , all the lumpe of mankind was corrupted with the leuen of sinne : Euen so by the second Adam Iesus Christ we are by grace purged from our offences . To our first and vniuersall father Adam was giuen a holy signe to exercise his obedience , and to his successours was giuen other holy signes , sacrifices & sacraments instituted of God , as the tree of life , the fruits of the tree of knowledge of good and euill , the raine-bowe , circumcision ▪ the lambe without blemish , the bread without leuain , the cloud ▪ the fiery piller , the red sea diuided , the heauenly Manna , the water of the rocke , the immolation and offering of beasts for sacrifices , the arke of couenant , the brasen serpent , the purging water , the Temple builded in the middest of the holy Citie : All which sacred signes , sacrifices and sacraments , were figures of that which was accomplished by Iesus Christ .

For first hee was the true tree of life , Iesus Christ the tree of life . Apoca. 2. Rom. 1● . planted in the midest of the garden of God , in whom and by whom we which were bastard trees are grafted and set , to the obtaining of eternall life : hee hath giuen vs the keeping of the fruites of the tree of wisedome by his holy gospell , and commaunded vs to keepe it whole without abusing , without corrupting , without adding or diminishing , in paine of eternall death .

He hath bin as the celestial Bow bended Rainebowe . in the aire to assure vs of the bande and couenant contracted between God and vs that wee should bee no more drowned in the floud of sinne . He was circumcised to accomplish the lawe in himselfe , that hee might cut away the Circumcision . Gala. 4. foreskinne of our hearts , to spoyle vs of our old corrupted skinne in Adam . The burning bushe . He was the flame in the burning bush , taking flesh in the wombe of the virgine conceiued by the grace of the holy Ghost , without the seed of man , the holy virgin as the bush , remaining neuertheles perfect and vncorrupt . Hee was sacrificed as the iust & innocent Lambe , Pascall lambe ▪ Iohn . 1. Hebr ▪ 13. his bloud being shed to preserue vs from the tyrannie of Sathan , and to open vnto vs the passage into the land of promise the kingdome of heauen . He is the true Bread of life . Iohn . 6. bread which came downe from heauen , without leauen , without corruption , and spot , whereof wee must eate for our spirituall nourishment , to the ende we may celebrate the feast of the Pharaonicall passage in the land of libertie . Hee was 1 Cor. 5. The cloude , ●●rie piller and red sea . the cloude , the fiery pillour , the red sea diuided , which hath conducted vs , which hath deliuered vs from the hands of our enemies , out of who●e side opened , 1 Cor. 10. Iohn . 19. came bloud ●nd water for our saluation and redemption .

He was the heauenly Manna sent from The heauenly Manna , the rock flowing water of life . 1. Corin. 10. heauen to nourish vs for euer , and the true rocke from whence flowed water to quench the thurst of all those for euer , which thurst and beleeue in him . It was he that made the sacrifice of health for Sacrifice . Heb. 7. 8. 9 ▪ 10. the defacing of our sinnes , the sacrificer and sacrifice , the offering and offerer abiding foreuer a sacrificer at the right Heb. 9. hand of God his father . He entred into the heauenvly sanctuary , builded not with the hands of men , but with the hand of God . He was the true Arke of couenant The arke of witnes . & appoyntment , by the which God did manifest and declare his oracles and in the which he did rest to accomplish his diuine and incomprehensible misteries . He was as the brasen serpent fastened to Brasen serpent Iohn 3. the crosse , to giue health to the sicknesse of al those which did turne toward him , and behold him in faith .

He was the true temple of God wherin Temple of God . Iohn ● . the holy ghost doth dwell , in whome and by whome one God in trynity is worshipped . Hee was the true and holy The host and holy water . sacrifice whereof was made the purging water for the cleansing of all spots , hauing by his owne ashes , that is by his owne bodie offered vp , sprinckled Iohn 19. and watered with water issuing out of his side , all people beleeuing in him .

The ceremoniall law being thus accomplished not by figures , but really executed by the incarnation , death and resurrection of Iesus Christ , our Sauiour , our mediatour , our euerlasting sacrificer , and mercy obtainer , the infinite goodnes of God was yet more manifested Heb. 9. by the new band , new couenant and new comming of the son of God incarnate : For by his new testament confirmed Rom. 8. by the death of the testator , he hath made vs fellow heires and inheritours of the kingdome of heauen with God .

For assurance of this heauenly succession gotten to vs by grace , after that he had finished the ceremonial law , and abolished the same ( as we haue shewed ) by the sacrifice perfectly made by the euerlasting Sacrificer , there were left ● . Augustine ●n his 3. booke of the christian doctrine . cap. 9. vnto vs two sacred signes and holy sacraments ▪ wherein God hath vsed more fauour and more special grace , than euer hee did before his incarnation , in this that hee hath deliuered vs from the seruile law of circumcision , of difference of meates , and of diuers sacrifices ordained in the first Church of the Israelites , and in discharging vs of this heauy burthen , he hath so much the more comforted vs in ordaining vnto vs for a memorie and remembrance of our regeneration and life euerlasting , two holy sacraments , vnder two holy signes . To wit ▪ Sacraments of the new Testament . the water of Baptisme , & the bread , and wine , for the partaking of his bodie , and that his grace might extend to all nations , God did choose those tokens & signes which were ▪ most common & easie .

For Circumcision was a speciall marke for Abraham and his posteritie , the which Circumcision other nations were not accustomed to vse , although Herodote a Greeke in the history which he writeth of the manners of the Egytians , Herod . lib. 2. doth attribute vnto them the custome to circumcise , especially their Priestes . But it is easie to coniecture , that hee had heard speaking of the Iewes dwelling in Egipt for the space of foure hundred and thirtie yeares obseruing the circumcision . Moreouer the Circumcision was ordained for the men onely , A comparing of the circumcision with baptisme . Exod. 12. and not for the women : there was also a day set for Circumcision , the eight day after the natiuitie : and the cutting of the skinne was paineful and greuous . But the grace of God hauing abolished Genes 17. by his incarnation and perfect sacrifice , the rigour of the ceremoniall law , as wel for the difference of meates as of dayes , hath left vnto vs by his new will and couenant , the holy signe of water common to all , as well men as women , without difference of dayes , & in this holy sacrament Num. 19. the child baptized feeleth no grief , as he did feele in cutting of the skinne .

This signe of water , to represent vnto vs the purging and cleansing of our sinnes by the bloud of Iesus Christ , was common not onely to the Iewes , which were wont to vse their cleansing water , but also to the Gentiles and all nations who had in vse the cleansing and washing with this water called Lustrall & Expiatorie , as may appeare by reading of auncient histories .