This towne was also called Cesaria-Philippi by Philip Tetracâ—… of Tracoâ—…ites in honour of the Romane Casars Agrippa also inlarged this Citie and called it Neronia in honour of Nero. Iosep. ant 20. cap. 6. Now we must not thinke that this was rashnesse and temperitie in Abraham with so few men to follow so great an armie so farre but rather true courage and fortitude because he was led by Gods spirit and because hee was assured of Gods helpe therefore hee knew there were more with him then against him besides the iustnesse of the cause the good end that Abraham did ayme at in this fight his vpright life and the testimonie of his conscience made him bold to despise death it selfe Sapiens non metu frangitur non potestate mutatur non extollitur prosperis non mergitur tristibus Amb. ad Simpl. And if any thing make a man feare it is the guiltinesse of his conscience Nam â—…imidum nil facit animum nisi reprehensibiliâ—… vit ae conscientia Sen. 4. de virtut Q. What successe had Abraham in this battle against the foure kings A. He smote them and persued them to Hoba he rescued Lot and his goods the Sodomites and their goods and here we may see Abrahams policie in diuiding his seruants and that in the night to teach vs that it is lawfull to vse policie and subtiltie against our enemies if there bee no falsehood and vniustice â—…ound in it We know that God commanded Ioshua to lay an ambush behinde the Citie Ai for to take it Iosh. 8. 2. He came suddenly vpon the fiue kings in the night Iosh. 10. 9. Gedion vsed the stratagem of trumpets pitchers and lampes to ouercome his enemies Iudg. 7. 16. And Dauid the meanes of an Amalekite to ouercome the Amalekites 1. Sam. 30. 15. For if it be lawfull vpon iust occasion to raise warres against our enemies it is also lawful to vse such stratagems as may further vs in obtaining the victorie Secondly wee must not attribute this victorie of Abrahams to his strength or policie but to the Lord who made him rule ouer kings and gaue them as the dust to the sword c. Isay 41. 2. Thirdly God would haue Abraham to bring backe the Sodomites and their goods that both God might show his wonderfull mercy and patience as also make them inexcusable Fourthly this Hoba into which Abraham persued his enemies was a village in Hieromes time where certaine Ebeonite Hebrewes dwelt Fifthly as the foure kings troubled Canaan but are ouercome by Abraham So the foure great kingdomes of the world haue troubled the Church but are ouercome of Christ the Sonne of Abraham Q. What was Melchisedec A. Not the holy Ghost as some heretikes haue affirmed for the holy Ghost is not a man nor king of Salem nor a priest nor priest of the most high God except we will make him inferiour to God Secondly not an Angel for the Scripture showeth no such thing neither is an Angel a priest for euery high priest is taken from amongst men Heb. 5. 1. Thirdly not the Sonne of God for he is not Melchisedech the priest but a priest after the order of Melchisedech Psal. 110. 4. Fourthly not Sem the Sonne of Noah as the Hebrewes affirme rather of malice then sound iudgement because they cannot endure any stranger should be thought superiour in any thing to their father Abraham for is Sem was Melchisedech Moses had not concealed it being an honour to haue such a noble progenitor Secondly Melchisedechs genealogie is not mentioned in Scripture but Sems is Thirdly Melchisedechs descent is not counted from the Hebrewes progenitors Heb. 7. 6. Which plainely sheweth he descended of another stocke then the Iewes did who came of Sem. Fourthly all this country in which Melchisedech reigned was possessed by Canaans posterity Therefore Sem could not bare rule here to be both a king and a priest among them Fifthly if we should yeeld that Melchisedech was Sem wee must be forced to deny a chiefe relation betweene Melchisedech and Christ which Paul toucheth Heb. 7. Which is this as Melchisedech beeing a stranger from the family of Sem was notwithstanding a priest and king so Christ though a stranger from the tribe of Leui which onely was appointed for the priesthood is notwithstanding a king and priest for euer Sixthly Melchisedech had no successour in his priest-hood but Sem had for Abraham was a priest so was Isaac Iacob and the children of Leui. Seauenthly if Melchisedcch was Sem. Then whereas Leui payd tithes being in the loynes of Abraham he being also in the loynes of Sem because Abraham came of Sem did pay tithes to Sem which is absurd Eighthly if this be true then we must confesse that in the person of Sem both the priesthood of Aaron and Melchisedech was ioyned together for Aron was in the loynes of Sem and so we must yeelde that Christ in that he was a priest after the order of Melchisedech he was also after the order of Aaron Ninthly if Melchisedech had beene Sem it it is very like that Abraham all this while that he was in Canaan would not neglected to haue sought him out and conuersed with him both for his further comfort strength and instruction then the fift opinion is soundest which holdeth Melchisedech to haue beene a Cananite yet a true worshipper of God for it is very like that as God had his priests amongst the Iewes so he had some amongst the Gentiles and as Aaron among the Iewes was eminent so Melchisedech among the Gentiles for God is the God of the Gentiles as well as of the Iewes and besides that Philo and Iosephus are of this opinion the chiefest of the auncient Fathers doe defend the same Q. Where did Melchisedech and the king of Sodom meete Abraham A. At the valey of Saueth not farre from Ierusalem where Absolom set vp his pillar 2. Sam. 18. 18. This valley is called the kings dale eyther because the kings and princes did vse to exercise themselues heere in running or els because of the excellency and pleasantnesse thereof being a place fit for kings Herein the king of Sodom though a prophane man we see great humanity and thankfulnesse that hee would goe to meete Abraham and reioyce with him at his happy successe humanity and gratitude are commendable in al for Beâ—…eficiorum memoria non debet senescere Senec. lib. de benif Q. Of what place was Melchisedech king A. He was king of Salem which afterward was called Ierusalem from Iereth and Salem that is the vision of peace for Abraham called the hil on which he would haue sacrificed his Sonne Iebouah Iereth Gen. 22. Then Iereth being put to the old name Salem is made vp Ierusalem after Melchisedech the Iebusites had the dominion of this city and from them it was called Iebub Ios. 18. 28. Iud. 19. 10. But afterward Dauid conquered it and did enlarge it with many goodly buildings so that it became
discords they haue lost their ancient glory and Constantinople which was the Queene of the Easterne Cities and sometimes the house of God and vineyard of Iesus Christ is become now a cage for Mahomet the diuell and his excrements the Turkes who as it seemes were only borne to be a plague to Gods people Q. Which are the three sonnes of Gomar here mentioned A. Ascanaz of whome came a people which did inhabite Ascania a countrey in Asia-minor in which there was a lake of the same name euen in the time of the 〈◊〉 Kiphath of him came the Paphlagons a people also in Asia which name they had of Paphlagon the sonne of Phiâ—…eas Thogarâ—… of him came the Phrygians a people in Asia neere to Bithinia Lydia and Misia they are called by the Hebrewes as Iosephus saith Thygrammanes from this Thogarma Q. Which are the foure sonnes of Iauan A. The first is Elishah of him came the Aeolians a people of greece who leauing their country went to Asia and seated themselues in Mysia which they called Aeolia from their owne name Elishah sold blew and purple to the Tyrians Ezech. 27. 7. His second sonne is Tharshish whose posterity inhabited Cilicia now called Turcomania where that famous City Tarsus was built as is thought by Sardrnapalus in which Paul was borne Act. 21. 39. hither 〈◊〉 fled 〈◊〉 1. 3. the people of Tharshish were famous for shipping Ezech. 27. 12. therefore Pompeius vsed their helpe in his sea fight against Caesar and the medeteranean sea is called Tarsis from them Psal. 48. 7. The third sonne is Cittiâ—… of whom came the Cyprians who did inhabite the Iland Cyprus not farre from Syria and Cilicia therefore the Iland was called Citica the Hebrewes call it Chittiâ—… and here was the city Citiuâ—… This Cyprus was many yeares vnder the gouernment of the Venetians but now they are vnder the seruitude of Magog the Turke His fourth sonne is Dâ—…danim of whom the Rhodiant came who inhabited Rhodus an Iland in the Carpathian sea famous for the citie Rhodos which was possessed by the Christians many yeares But at last proud Nabuchadnezzar the Turke by our negligence tooke both the city and the Iland Q What is meant by the Iles of the Gentiles A. Not onely the plots of ground which are compassed about with the sea but also countries and regions within the continent for the whole earth may be called an Iland because it is all compassed with the sea the Iles are giuen them with the rest of the earth to the sonnes of men the Iles are inuited to praise God Isa. 42. 10. The Iles shall waite for Christ. Isay 51. 5. the kings of the Iles shall offer gifts to Christ. Psal. 72. 10. and this was accomplished when God perswaded Iapheth to dwell in the tents of Sem. Gods children in this world may be likened to Iles for as Iles are separated from the rest of the earth so Christ hath chosen his Saints out of the world Ioh. 15. Secondly as Iles are compassed about with the sea and most subiect to stormes so the the Saints in this world are most subiect to afflictions Ioh. 16. Q. Which was Chams first sonne A. Câ—…sh the father of the Aethiopians of whorn mention is made Isa. 11. Ezec. 29. and 30. Amos 9. Nahâ—…m 3. Soph. 2. and else-where but the name of Aethiopia is sometime giuen to Arabia sometime to India because of the commerce that was betweene the Aethiopians these countries as also because they in sâ—…merare both black but Aethiopia properly 〈◊〉 in Affrica vnder which name not only the country of the Abissines is coÌ„prehended but also the Southeast part of Affrica from the meridionall line to caput bonâ—… spei and this confusion of the name hath caused many errors amongst the learned then this name of Cush and Aethiopia so often vsed in Scripture is rather to bee vnderstood of Arabia which was neere to India then of the remote countries of Affrica therefore Moses wife being a Madianite is called an Aethiopian Numb 12. Theodoretus thinketh that the Queene of Saba who came to see Salomon was Queene of Aethiopia Quest. 22. in Num. The Aethiopians did vse to call their Queenes Candaces whose chiefe gouernour the Eunuch was conuerted by Philip. Act. 8. Mathiac the Apostle did preach the Gospell to the Aethiopians as thinketh Sophronius Q. What was Mizraim A. The father of the Aegyptians who are still called by this name in the new Testament but in the old Mizraim and because Mizraim was Chams son therefore in Scripture Aegypt is called the land of Châ—… Psal. 105. 23. and 78. 51. If Mizraim was the father of the Aegyptians they neede not brag so much of their antiquity This country was first gouerned by their owne kings whâ—… they called Pharaoh then they were subdued by the Aethiopians in the dayes of Hezekias After that Cyrus the Persian ouercame them But vnder Darius Nothus they fell away from the Persian and were gouerned by their owne kings till Alexander subdued them After his death it fell to Ptolomeus by whose name their kings were called till Cleopatra after whose death the Romans made it a Prouince after them the Saracens had it and now it is vnder the Turkish slauery This country was famous for Abraham Ioseph the Patrâ—…kes the birth of Moses the deliuery of the Israelites for arts and sciences fruitfulnesse and riches townes and schooles for Christ and his mother who fled thither for many Martyrs and Christian professors for the first Monks and Eremites who from thence did ouerspreade all Europe But as before it was infamous for idolatry so now it is for Mahometâ—… blasphemous herefie Q. What people came of Phut A. The Lyrians a people in Affrica neere Mauritania where there is a riuer called Phut They are called by this name Eze. 27. and 38. cap. But they are called by the name of Lybia Act. 2. and Dan. 11. in Lybia there hath beene famous Churches but especially Carthage renowned for that learned Bishop and glorious Martyr Cyprian Q. What was Canaan A. The cursed sonne of Chaâ—… of whom came the Canaanites which did inhabite that land which was called Canaan the land of promise Iudea and now the holy land it was deuided in Iudea Samaria and Galile in it God was once well knowne but now instead of God Mahomet is worshipped Q. What was Seba A. The sonne of Cush and father of the Sabeans a people in Arabia-felix but there is a twofold Sheba the one in Arabia the other in Aethiopia this in Hebrew is written with Sâ—…mech that with Shiâ—… from this the Queene of Saba came to Salomon from that the wise men came to worship Christ both these places are mentioned Psal. 72. 10. the Kings of Shâ—…ba and 〈◊〉 shall giue gifts Q. What other sonnes had Cush A. Hauilah the father of the Getulians Sabtah of whom came a people called Sabathâ—…i dwelling in Arabia-felix Raamah and Sabtecha whose posteritie also did
called Pharaoh In the time of Abraham and this name remained amongst them till the returne of the people from Babylon then in the beginning of the Grecian Empire they were called Ptolomees till Cleopatra being ouercome Augustus did redact it into the forme of a prouince but after the Empire was diuided Egypt being gouerned a while by the Grecian Emperours and weary of that seruitude they did chuse Calipha the captaine of the Saracens to be their King from whom the Egyptian kings for almost the space of 447. yeeres were called Caliphae afterward the kings of Egypt were called Sultans after the death of Melechsala Q. How was Saraies chastity preserued A. By the hand of God for Pharaoh and his house were plagued with great plagues because of her then questionlessâ—… as God had a care to keepe her chastity from Abimelech so now he hieth to keep it from Pharaoh though here it bee not directly expressed as there because shortly after mention is made of Isacks birth whom some would haue thought to haue been Abimelechs sonne and not Abrahams Secondly here we see the care that God hath of his children in their extremities hee suffereth no man to doe them wrong Psal. 105. 14. Thirdly Kings must take heede by this Pharaoh that they do not oppresse and offend Gods children for hee hath reprooued kings for their sakes Psal. 105. 14. Fourthly wee may see here the fiercenesse of Gods iudgements who for this sinne of Pharaoh did plague his whole house so many times for the wickednesse of a king the whole land is punished Quicquid delirant reges plectuntur Achiui Fifthly God plagued Pharaoh for Abrahams wife euen so whore-mongers and adulterers God will iudge Heb. 13. 4. Examples we haue of Pharaoh here Rubin Gen. 35. The Beniamites Iudg. 19. Dauid 2. Sam. 11. The Israelite with the Moabite woman Num. 25. 6. If God plagued Pharaoh who ignorantly tooke Sarai what plagues must they looke for who take a pride and pleasure in committing adultery Seauenthly not onely Pharaoh but the Princes that counselled him are plagued euen so shall all wicked counsellors bee handled Malum consilium consultori pessimum Then let none wonder why they are also punished Quid mirum â—…os regiae penae fuisse participes qui regis in patrando flagitio fuerunt adiutores Chrysostom Q. Did Pharaoh commit adultery with Sarai A. No for he is plagued before he touched her or else to what end had hee beene plagued after he violated her Secondly it was not the custome amongst these nations for kings to take them wiues before they had purified themselues certaine dayes yea a whole yeare as we may see in the booke of Hester Thirdly although Pharaoh had touched her yet properly wee cannot call that copulation adultery because she yeelded not of her owne accord but was compelled both by her husband to saue his life as also by Pharaoh So Abraham did lye with Agar and yet we cannot say he committed adultery seeing he did not of lust but by the counsell of his wife to beget children yet the surer way is to hold that she was not touched Fourthly we may collect here by Pharaohs words that if he had knowne Sarai to be Abrahams wife he would not haue taken her Qui pratâ—…ndit ignor antiam condemnat intemperantiam Ambros. lib. de Abr. cap. 2. This prophane king had learned so much continency euen by the law of nature Fifthly it is like that Pharaoh was warned by God in a dreame as afterward Abimelech was that Sarai was the wife of Abraham Q. Why did Pharaoh giue charge to his men concerning Abraham A. Because he would not haue any to doe him wrong and like enough the Egyptians did enuy him because for his sake the king and court was plagued as also because hee grew very rich amongst them in that short time he remained there Secondly because he would not haue any violence offered to Sarai for he knew how prone to lust his people were Here then we see that the hearts of kings are in the hands of the Lord Prou. 21. 1. Secondly Abraham in this tentation lost nothing but gained both riches and honour then true it is that all things worke together for the best to them that loue God Rom. 8. 28. Now whether Abraham taught the Egyptians astrologie or not is vncertaine yet like enough he did although he did not remaine their long for it is very probable that Abraham did labour to bring them to the knowledge of the true God which he could not better doe then by the knowledge of the visible celestiall creature and truely no man fitter to teach them then Abraham being bred amongst the Chaldeans the onely astrologers in the world hauing also himselfe the true knowledge of God and none fitter to learne this science then the Egyptians who were naturally inuited thereto because of the perpetuall serenity of their ayre beeing altogether free from cloudes which doe take away the light of these celestiall bodies oftentimes from vs. Questions on the thirtenth Chapter Quest. HOw is it vnderstood that Abraham went vp out of Egypt into the South A. He is said to goe vp out of Egypt because this country lyeth lower then Canaan So in the precedent chapter vers 10. Hee is said to goe downe to Egypt Now Abraham going to Canaan from Egypt is said to goe vnto the South not as though Canaan did lye Southward from Egypt for it is Northward But by the South here Moses vnderstandeth the Southerne parts of Canaan As Canaan was a type of heauen so is Egypt of the kingdome of Satan Abraham came out of Egypt to Canaan so must we from the power of Satan to the kingdome of grace he went vp from Egypt so wee must ascend by faith and seeke those things that are aboue he went vnto the South as to the sunne so we must follow the sonne of righteousnesse and walke in the light while it is day hee tooke his wife and Lot with him so we must helpe forward our friends in this spirituall iourney he was very rich when he went vp so we must be rich in faith Iam. 2. 5. Rich in good workes 1. Tim. 6. 18. Rich in vnderstanding Col. 2. 2. Rich in all vtterance and knowledge 1. Cor. 1. 5. Q. Why did Abraham returne againe to Bethel where he was before A. Not to pay his debts which hee had contracted going to Egypt as Rabbi Salomo prateth but because he knew this place better then others Secondly he had more acquaintance here then else-where Thirdly he receiued here some blessings from God therefore his affection is more bent to this place then to any other Fourthly this place had beene consecrated already by building an alter and calling vpon the name of the Lord therefore he would not seeme to neglect that place which was once consecrated for Gods worship teaching vs not to despise the publike places dedicated to Gods seruice Fifthly he would not seeme to
if it is lawfull to defend the poore to releeue the oppressed to punish the wicked to preserue our selues friends children and goods if the Magistrate beareth not the sword in vaine if God himselfe hath prescribed the manner and forme of fighting if Abraham Moses Iosuah Dauid and other holy men haue made warres then it is lawfull for Kings and Princes to raise warres the former conditions being obserued but because peace is better then warres as saith the Poet. Pax vna triumphis innumeris potior Kings must be slow to vndertake warres as Hozekias was with the kings of Assyria and some iniuries must be winked at which doth show the magnanimitie of a King not for euery small iniurie to be inflamed with wrath but rather to forget them as Caesar by Cicero was commended that hee did vse to forget nothing except iniuries and aboue all things crueltie in warres is to be hated for Pax homines suas trux decet iraferas Q. But may Christians vnder the Gospel raise warres A. Yes but they must be very carefull to auoide warres and to vse all the lawfull meanes they can to maintaine peace For Christ the Prince of peace hath left his peace with vs. Ioh. 5. It was foretold that wee shovld beat our swords into plow shares and our speares into pruning hookes Esay 2. It was Christs commandement that wee loue one another Ioh. 15. We must not resist euill Matth. 5. Wee must not reuenge but giue place to wrath Rom. 13. Our greatest strife and warres must be against our spirituall enemies therefore we are exhorted to put on the whole armour of God Eph. 6. This spirituall armour did the Christians vse in the Primitiue Church to subdue the greatest Monarches in the world and to propagate the Gospel Peter is commanded to put his sword into his sheath Matth. 26. And we are all commanded to loue our enemies to blesse them that curse vs to doe good to them that hate vs. Matth. 5. Which testimonies doe alleadge not altogether to condemne warres in case of necessitie but to show how loath Christian Princes should bee to raise warres and how rather they should loose some of their right and dignity then to trouble the peace of Ierusalem to shed the blood of their brethren whom Christ hath bought with his owne blood to bereaue parents of their children wiues of their husbands to defloure virgins ouerturne Churches and Chappels destroy religion extinguish learning and discipline lawes and iustice and to make away for the Turke the Diuels eldest sonne the professed enemie of our Sauiour the scourge of Christians the rod of Gods indignation to sweepe away that little remnant of the Christian world which is left and to ouerthrow all with that not Aegyptian but Tartarian darkenesse of Mahomets doctrine as he hath already done these glorious Countries and Churches which wee haue shamefully lost through our pride and contention Heu quo discordia ciues perduxit miseros Q. Why did Chedorlaomer raise armies against these other kings A. Because they rebelled against him and here we may see that it is not lawfull for any people to rebell against their kings although their gouernment be vniust Secondly they deserued to be tributaries and seruants to a strange king because they were the seruants of filthy and strange sinnes neither are they worthy to be a free people whom the sonne hath not made free Thirdly the truth of Noahs prophesie may here be seene that Canan is Sems seruant Chedorlaomer of Sem is king at this time ouer the Cananites Fourthly here we may see what a dangerous thing it is for a people to rebell against their kings for by this meanes vnitie is broken order and discipline is euerted lawes and religion are extinguished and all things turned vpside downe and therefore the authors of rebellion haue beene most fearefully punished as the examples of Core Dathan and Abiram against Moses and Aaron Absalom and Seba against Dauid and many more can witnesse Therefore kings must be obeyed in all matters indifferent but not in those things that are against the glory of God for it is better to obey God then man and they who doe not obey their kings in matters against God are not to be accounted rebels except we will make Moses and Aaron who resisted Pharaoh Christ Iohn Baptist and the Apostles who resisted the Iewes the Christians who resisted Idolaters to be rebels which to thinke is impious Q. Why did the king of Elam with his confederates kill the Rephaims A. These Rephaims or Gyants with the Zuzims Emims and Horites tooke part as it is thought with the Sodomites and did hinder the king of Elam from taking Sodome and Moses here mentioneth their ouerthrow to show vs of what great power the king of Elam was then that he was able to ouerthrow so many nations now these Rephaims were a people then dwelling in Canan Gen. 15. And are here ouerthrowne in Ashteroth a citie in Basan where Og afterward was king Iosh. 13. 31. The Zuzims are these people as it is thought who in Deut. 2. 20. Are called Zamzummims and they are ouerthrowne at the citie Ham where they dwelt the Emims were a great people and accounted Gyants Deut. 2. 10. These are ouercome in Shaneth or the plaine of Kiriathim the Horites were a people that dwelt in Seir where they are now ouercome Esau and his sonnes afterward droue them out from thence and this mount was called not Seir at this time but afterward had this name from Esau. Seir signifieth Heary these then were chased by Chedorlaomer his confederates vnto El-paran or the plaine of Paran which is a barren or comfortlesse wildernesse neere to the desart of Sinai and heere the Israelites wandered thirty eight yeares Q. What was En-mishpat A. The name of that place where the Israelites were iudged and reprooued by God because they murmured for want of water for En-mishpat doth signifie the wel of iudgment this is called also Cades which is a city in Arabia where Mirian Moses sister was buried the desart next adiacent is called Cades and Cades-barne from whence Moses sent the twelue spyes to Canaan Hither Chedorlaomer returned with his confederate kings and smote the Amalakites and Amorites in Hazezon Thamar a city in Canaan which afterward fell to the tribe of Iuda and was called Engedi Ios. 15. 62. Here wee may see what happy successe Chedorlaomer hath ouer his enemies which is neither to be ascribed to fortune or his courage but to him who is the Lord of hosts there is no king saued by the multitude of an host a mighty man is not deliuered by much strength Psal. 33. 16. Yet this we must commend in him that he vsed such diligence and expedition in suppressing these rebels before they grew stronger It was the praise of Alexander Macedo that whatsoeuer battell hee vndertooke he did it with wonderfull celerity and expedition Curtius lib. 5. And that was a meanes that
in so short a time he did subdue so many nations and from hence wee must learne with all expedition to subdue our sins for Periculum est in mora Q. What successe hvd Chedorlaomer and his confederates against the Kings of Sodome and Gomorrha A. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrha fled and fell into the slime pits not of ignorance for they were better acquainted with that ground then their enemies but of purpose that so they might escape the fury of their enemies in these pittes questionlesse a great many perished and others of them fled to the hils Secondly all the goods and victuals of Sodom Gomorrha were taken which was a very great spoyle because in Sodom there was both riches and abundance of bread Thirdly Lot is taken captiue and his goods taken from him which was the cause that Abraham made warre against them and ouercame them Here then we see that many are killed in the iudgement of God and some escape in his mercy Secondly the goods and the victuals of Sodom are made a prey to the hungry souldiers in Gods iust iudgement because they did not vse them eyther to Gods glory or the comfort of the poore but to pride and ryot Thirdly Lot is taken and so he is partaker of their misery because he desired to be partaker of their fruitfull country Q. What league made Abraham the Hebrew with Mamre Eschol and Aner A. Abraham the Hebrew for so he is called from Heber because he retained his faith or else from Habar because hee passed ouer Euphrates from which his posterity are called Hebrewes to put them in mind of their originall made a couenant with these three men or rather they with him because he was so highly beloued of God which couenant was not of the nature of those couenants that conquerours make with the conquered which are nothing els but lawes which the conquered must obey according to the pleasure of the law-makers neyther was this covenant to desist from warres and maintaine peace for there was no wars betweene them but it was onely a partition betweene themto defend and maintaine one anothers right against their enemies and questionlesse this couenant was made by the speciall direction of God for the comfort of Abraham who beeing a stranger there had notwithstanding the ayde and assistance of these great men when occasion serued and wee must note heere that Abraham is called an Hebrew and his posterity Hebrewes which name signifieth a pilgrime and stranger to put vs in minde what the children of God are in this life euen pilgrimes and strangers By which they shew that they seeke a country Heb. 11. Q. But did Abraham well to make a couenant with these Amorites being infidels A. Whether these three were infidels or notit is vncerten and I rather hold that they were not both because Abraham made 2 couenant with them rather then with others as also because wee cannot deny but there were some in these parts who knew the true God As Melchisedech who conuersed in these countries was both a king and priest of the most high God it is very like that his seruants and many more were of his profession and if there were why should we think that these three who were Abrahams speciall friends to be infidels seeing the holy man made a couenant with them but suppose they were infidels yet we cannot reprooue Abraham for this couenant made with them because as yet there was no positiue law to the contrary Secondly the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full Thirdly Abraham could not liue amongst them if hee had not had mutuall commerce and made some couenants with them Fourthly in this couenant Abraham did not offend God seeing otherwise he could not haue liued peaceably among them and in this he gaue no advantage to the Idolaters to blaspheme God Fifthly many holy men haue made such couenants with infidels and are not reprooued as Iaeob with Laban Gen. 31. Isaack with Abimelech Gen. 26. Salomon with Hiram 1. King 5. Yea the Israelites themselues had power to make couenants with their neighbours nationst except with those seuen mentioned Deut. 7. Q. Was it lawfull for Abraham being both a priuate man and a priest to raise warres A. A priuate man cannot raise armes except he will be counted seditious now Abraham was no priuate man because by Gods owne mouth he was appointed Lord of this land and it was his by right although not by possession neither were these three brethren priuate men with whom Abraham was confederate Yea although Abraham had beene a priuate man yet this fact of his is no president for priuate men to rayse armes except they haue the same measure and direction of the Spirit that he had for if he had not beene directed by God it is vnlike that with three hundred and eighteene domestick seruants hee would pursue foure mighty kings Moreouer although Abraham was a priest and a prophet also yet he rayseth armes lawfully beeing called by God so did Moses and the Leuites fight against the worshippers of the golden calfe Moses killed Og king of Sihon and Samuel Agag king of Amelec yet these are not presidents for the ministers of the Gospell to rayse armes for they were called extraordiâ—…arily vnto this function but the preachers â—…f the Gospell are not Againe the preaâ—…ers of the Gospell must eschew all things â—…hat hinder them in discharging of their funâ—…tion especially warres which if they follow â—…hey must neglect prayers preaching and ecâ—…lesiasticall discipline Besides the Apostle â—…heweth that the weapons of our warrefare â—…re not carnall but mighty through God â—…asting downe euery strong hold 2. Cor. 10. Yet I deny not but the preachers may exâ—…ort the magistrateto raysearmes against the enemies of God for the priests vnder the law â—…ounded the trumpets and carried the Arke when the people went to battle Q. How farre did Abraham pursue his enemies A. As farre as Dan a place in the North of Canaan and one of the springs of Iordan a hundred and foure miles from Ierusalem it was of old called Leshem but being wonne by the Danitâ—…s it was called Dan. Ios. 19. 47. And it seemes that eyther Moses now giueth it this name by way of prophesie or els Ezer as who set the bookes of the olde Testament in order did change the old name beeing out of vse into this other name Dâ—… Here it was where Iereboam set vp the golden calfe and Peter confessed Christ to bee the Sonne of God and where the woman was miraculously healed of her bloody fluxe in memory of which miracle the woman caused a pillar to bee erected in that city on which the image of Christ was set and the woman behinde him touching the hem of his garment but Iulian caused this Image to bee pulled downe and his owne to be erected in the same place which shortly after was throwne downe with thunder from heauen Euseb. lib. 7. eccles hist. cap. 14.
inhabite Arabia-felix and mingled themselues with the Sabeans Q. What sonnes had Raamah A. Sheba whose posterity dwelt in Aethiopia and Dedan whose off-spring did possesse a part of Arabia-felix not farre from Idumea of Ded◅n mention is made Ier. 49. 8. Ezech 27. 15. and 38. 13. Q. What was Nimrod A. He was also the sonne of Cush and the first tyrant in the world who is mentioned here apart not because he was a bastard as some thinke but because Moses is to speake of his tyranny and greatnesse Secondly Nimrod heere is saide to bee mightie in the earth that is bloody and cruell for power and greatnesse is from God and therefore good if it be free from crueltie and blood but so was not Nimrods greatnesse and all bloody conquerours are Nimrods successors Thirdly Nimrod beeing of the posterity of Cham should haue rather beene a seruant then a Lord but it fals out many times that the wicked in this world doe flourish like a greene bay-tree when as the godly are appointed as sheepe to the slaughter Q. Why is Nimrod called a mighty hunter before God A. Because he was a persecutor and oppressor of his brethren for such are called hunters in scripture and sometimes fowlers for as hunters and fowlers vse all the snares and tricks they can to take away the life of the beasts and foules so doe the mighty tyrants to kill and destroy men Of these fowlers Dauid speakes Psal. 61. 3. Psal. 1◅4 7. of the hunters Ier. 16. 16. where such persecutors are called alfo fishers before God that is openly and without feare of God so tht now he became shameles in oppressing and cared not though God tooke notice of his wickednes this is the qualitie of impudent Lyers Q. Is Nimrod all one with Belus of whom prophane histories make mention A. Yes for both are said to build Babilon Secondly both were mighty men and oppressors thirdly they are both said to liue about 200. yeeres after the flood in Babylon fourthly they were both the inuenters of idolatry fifthly as the histories acknowledge no king in Babel before Ninus but Belus so the Scripture acknowledgeth none but Nimrod Q. Which are the four◅ cities that were subiect to Nimrod A. Babel the chiefest city of Chaldea where Nimrod began the Tower Belus his successor built the city which was amplified by Semiramis the wife of Ninus and at last Niniuie being conquered was reedified by Nabuchadnezzar The secōd i◅ Erech a city beyond Euphrates otherwise called Edessa and Hie◅ The third is Accad otherwise called Nisibi◅ a city vpon the riuer Tygris The fourth is Caln◅th a city of great note as wee may see Amos 6. 2. this was called Seleucia and Cresiphon in this towne the Parthian kings did vse to winter and these cities were built in Chaldea and Mesopotamia called here the land of Shinar and Mich. 5. 6. the land of Nimrod Q. Who was the builder of Niniuie A. Assur the sonne of Sem who to auoide the crueltie of Nimrod left Shinar and for his greater securitie built Niniuie which afterward was the chiefest citie of the Assyrian Monarchie and here we must not thinke that Assur was a mightie hunter like Nimrod in that he built a strong citie for hee did not build it to that intent that Nimrod built Babel but onely to secure himselfe from the crueltie of Nimrod Q. When was Niniuie built A. Three hundred yeeres after the flood and 2000. before Christ about the time that Abraham was borne by Assur whom the histories call Ni◅ this Citie was famous for the greatnesse beautie and riches thereof a◅d for the preaching of Ionas It did continue in great glorie for the space of 1400. yeeres and more till it was destroyed by Nabuchadnezzar at this day Niniuie hath many goodly buildings and spatious streets in it compassed about with walles the inhabitants thereof are for the most part Nestorians Q. What other cities built Ashur besides the great citie Niniuie A. Recoboth a citie by the riuer Euphrates mentioned also Gen. 36. 37. Chalah the chiefest citie of the countrey Calacina in Assyria Resen the citie Bess◅ra also in Assyria Q. What sonnes had Misraijm A. He begate Ludim or the Lydians mentioned Ier. 46. 9. who inhabited the country of Lydia in Asia-minor famous for that rich King Craesus and the riuer Pactol◅ secondly Anamim they did inhabite as it is thought the countrey Pentapolis in Lybia thirdly Lehabim they possessed Libia in Africa fourthly Naphtuhim they were the people Napatei in Aethiopia fifthly Pa◅sim they were the people Pharusij in Africa beyond Mauritania mentioned Esay 11. Ezech. 29. sixthly Casl◅him they inhabited the countrey Casiotis in Syria from them the Philistims came who possessed the land of Canaan Amos 9. 7. where they remained not cast out to the great griefe of the Israelites seauenthly Caphtorim a people called Cappadoces who did destroy the Philistims and dwelt in their land Deut. 2. 23. Ier. 47. 4. Q. What posteritie had Canaan A. Of him came Sidon father of the Sidonians hee built the citie Sidon in Phenicia which was after allotted to the tribe of Asser secondly Cheth of him came the Chethites or Hittites who inhabited the places about Bersabae◅ and of whom there were Gyants their land onely is promised to the Israelites Ios. 1. 4. because they were most afraid of them thirdly Iebus or the Iebusite he founded the Citie Iebus which after was called Salem and last of all Ierusalem Iudg. 19. 10. Gen. 14. 18. they were not vtterly subdued by Israel but continued till Salomons time who made them Tributaries 2. Chron. 8. 8. fourthly the Emorite or Amorites a people high as Ceders and strong as Okes Amos 2. 9. whose King was Og they were dispersed into diuers parts of the land for some of them possessed Libanus some Mount Galaad and others the hillie countrey of Pharan Therefore the whole countrey beareth their name Gen. 15. 16. when the Prophet would expresse the sinnes of Israel hee sayes their father was an Amorite Ezech. 16. 3. fifthly the Gergasite or Gergasins Matth. 8. and Gadarens Luke 8. sixthly the Hiuit◅ of whom came the Gibeonit◅s whose liues were spared by Iosua Iosh. 11. 19. seauenthly the Arkit◅ who dwelt in the citie of Arc◅ in mount Libanon eighthly the Sinite or the people of Sinai mentioned by Iosephus 1. Antiq 6. ninthly the Aruadite from them a part of Canaan was called Aruad mentioned in Ezech 27. 8. tenthly the Zemarite they inhabited ◅emarim which after fel to the Beniamites Iosu. 18. 22. eleuenthly the Hamathite from whom two cities beare the name the one is Annochia which Amos cap. 6 calleth Hamath Rabba or Hamath the great once the Metrapolitan of Syria the other is Hamath the lesse called also Epiphania from Antiochus Epiphanes this citie stood on the north side of the Israelites ground So these are the eleuen nations that came of Canaan in the 15. chapter of this booke there
are reckoned vp but ten and Deut. 7. 1. Act. 13. 19. there are counted but seauen for it seemeth that some were wasted or mixed confusedly with the rest before the Israelites did possesse the land Q. Which were the borders of the land of Canaan A. Sidon on the North-west allotted to the tribe of Aser Gaza on the South-west a citie which befell the tribe of Iuda Sodom with the other cities that were destroyed Gen. 19. on the South-east and these are the bounds of the whole land of Canaan Ioshua onely describeth the West part thereof Iosh. 13. 3. Q. Why is Sem called the brother of Iapheth here and not also of Cham A. Some are called brethren by nature as Iacob and Esau some by nation as the Iewes were Pauls brethren some by affinitie as Christ and his kins-folkes Matth. 12. and some by religion and affection as all Christians Then Iapheth and Sem are called brethren because they were not onely so by nature but also in affection So Siâ—…eon and Leui brethren for their affection in euill Gen. 49. Then though C ham by nature were Sems brother yet God accounts him not so because he was not of his affection and religion euen so wicked and prophane Christians though they are accounted our brethren in the iudgement of the world yet they are not so in the iudgement of God Q. Why is Sem called the father of the sons of Heber onely seeing he had more sonnes then Heber A. As Cham is called the father of Canâ—…an onely because his curse was visibly executed on him so here Sem is called the father onely of Hebers sonnes because his blessing was visibly powred on them Gen. 14. 19. Secondly because they onely retained the faith and religion of Sem thirdly by this God will show that Sems blessing did not belong to all his posteritie but onely to those that retained his faith Neither can we be partakers of the blessings of our Elder brother Christ except we be followers of him and holy as he is holy Q. Which are the sonnes of Sem A. Elam of whom came the Elamites so called from him but afterwards Persians from Perseus their gouernour secondly Assur father of the Assyrians who were enemies to Israel Assur is also the name of a citie in Iudea built by Salomon thirdly Arphaxad his genealogie and countrey are not spoken of in Scripture but that he is the Father of Christ. Luk. 3. yet it is thought that Chasdin or the Chaldeans are of him fourthly Lud of him came a people in Africa neere Aethiopia this I know is contrarie to the receiued opinion for this Lud is thought to be the father of the Lydians in Asia and Lud the sonne of Mizraim is thought to bee the father of this people in Africa but wee must not thinke that the world was so deuided among the sonnes of Noah as though Sems posteritie did onely possesse Asia Iapheths Europe and Chams Africa precisely without entermingling for as Madai thought Iapheths sonne did inhabite Media in Asia and Canaan who came of Cham did possesse Palestina in Asia so why may not Lud though Sems sonne inhabite Lidia in Africa fifthly Aram of whom came the Syrians called Aramites from him and their land Aram in the old testament but Syria in the new the chiefest citie of this land is Damascus Q. What sonnes had Aram A. Hus whose sonnes possessed the land of Hus Iobs countrey Iob 1. 1. which was a part of Idumea Lam. 4. 21. secondly Chul he inhabited Armenia thirdly Gether hee dwelt in Caria a countrey in Asia-Minor betweene Licia and Ionia fourthly Mash whose posteritie inhabited the hill Masius aboue Nisibus and they were called Masiani Q. What sonnes had Arphaxad A. In the Hebrew text Selah is called his sonne but the Greeke hath Caman which Luke followeth in his 3. chapter for there as also here in the Greeke Selah is called the sonne of Cainan and Cainan the sonne of Arphaxad some thinke that Selah was the adopted sonne of Cainan and the naturall sonne of Arphaxad but it is like that Luke in a matter of so small moment would not disagree from the Greeke text because it was in great account amongst the people then according to the Hebrew text Selah is the sonne of Arphaxad and father of Heber Q. What sonnes had Heber A. Peleg in whose daies the earth was diuided that is the inhabitants of the earth who before were of one tongue and one countrey are now diuided into diuers tongues and regions and therefore because when he was borne this diuision fell out hee is called Peleg which signifieth diuisionâ—… some thinke this name was giuen to him before he was borne by way of prophesie but it is like hee had it from the euent that fell out when he was borne neither is their opinion sound who thinke this diuision to haue beene in the end of his dayes which was in the 48. yeere of Abrahams age and 38. yeeres after the death of Ninus for at that time the world was replenished with people with diuers languages Kings and kingdomes and therefore this diuision was long before the last yeere of Peleg His other soâ—… is Ioktaâ—… who hath here 13. sonnes reckoned but because they seated themselues in remote and vnknowne regions beyond the East-Indies and fell away from the God of Heber to worship vnknowne Gods therefore they are little mentioned in Gods word and they doe yet remaine vnknowne to vs. Q. What countries did Ophir and Hauilah possesse A. Ophir did possesse the land which from his name is called Ophir doubtfull whether it be Cephala in Aethiopia or Chersomsus in India or Peru in America but we know that Salomons shippes fetched store of fine golde from this Ophir 1. Kings 9. and 10. chapt Hauilah did possesse India as Iosephus and Hierome doe affirme Q. What are Mesha and Sephar A. Mesha is a countrey in India where the sonnes of 〈◊〉 dwelt so called as it is thought from Mash the sonne of Aram. Sephar is a hill in India also and Luther coniectureth that this may be the hill Ararat or Iâ—…anus Q. Was there such a diuision of nations beforâ—… the flood as now is after A. Before the flood their was a diuision amongst men in respect of qualities for then some were good some bad c. Secondly in respect of religion for the posteritie of Setâ—… who are therefore called the sonnes of God did onely worship the true God but Cains posteritie were Idolaters or rather Athiests Thirdly in respect of place For Cain remooued from the place where he was and dwelt on the East-side of Eden Gen. 4. and there his posteritie planted themselues apart from Seths progenie yet their was not so great a diuision before the flood as after because after the flood the world was diuided in diuers tongues and speeches sects and religions lawes and gouernments townes and regions arts and occupations orders and degrees c. And in this
of God Gen. 24. Iacob confesseth that Abraham and Isacke walked in the sight of God Gen. 28. God requireth Israel to walke in his wayes Deut. 10. They are blessed who walke in the law of the Lord Psal. 119. Euen so we must walke in the newnesse of life Rom. 6. We must walke honestly as in the day Rom. 13. Wee must walke by faith 2 Cor. 5. We must walke in the spirit Gal. 5. We must walke worthy of our vocation Eph. 4 In loue as children of the light Eph. 5. Worthinesse of God Col. 1. And if we passe our life in walking so we shall hereafter walke with him in white Reu. 3. Who walketh in the midst of the seauen golden candlesticks Reu. 2. Q. What plaine was this which is here called the plaine of Mamre A. It is a plaine or an oake groaue not farre from Hebron which city of Hebron was also called Mamre Gen. 23. 19. Therefore from the towne this plaine is so called and this towne was called Mamre from a certaine Amorite of the same name with whom Abraham made a couenant Gen. 14. 13. Where there is mention made of him and his two brothers Eschol Aner In this Mamre Abraham liued a long time and neere to it he and his wife Sarai Isack and his wife Rebecca Iacob and his wife Leah were buryed in one graue Gen. 49. 31. Q. What was Hebron A. A city in Canaan which was built seuen yeares before Zoan in Egypt Num. 13. 22. Which Zoan is thought to be Tanis and it is supposed that this Hebron was builded by Heth the sonne of Canaan whose posterity the Hittites inhabited in it till Iosuahs time it was sometimes possessed by Gyants whom Caleb droue out Ios. 15. 14. It was a chiefe city in the tribe of Iuda and after called Kiriatharba Ios. 14. 15. From one Arba a greaâ—… man amongst the Anakims This towne became the inheritance of Caleb Ios. 14 14. And was made a city of refuge Ios. 20. 7. Here Dauid was first annointed king and reigned there seauen yeares 2. Sam. 2. This towne then was both a seat for the kings and the priests also and it was called Hebron from Hebron the sonne of Caleb and some thinke it was to this city that Mary came to visite Elizabeth which Luke calleth a city of Iuda in the hill countrey Beza in annot in Luc. cap. 1. Q. What did Abraham when he came to the plaine of Mamre A. He built an Altar to the Lord both to sacrifice thankfully to God as also to sanctifie this place where he was to remaine and this is the third Altar we reade that Abraham built He hath set vp three altars as three testimonies of Gods loue to him and his thankfulnesse to God and that in three famous places one at Sechem the other at Bethel and the third at Hebron Now as Abraham whether soeuer he went did build altars and sacrifice thereon to the Lord so should we at all occasions be ready to offer vp spirituall sacrifices praise and thanks-giuing the calues of our lippes Orationum hostias et miserecordia victimus saith Lyranus To pray euery where lifting vp pure hands without wrath and doubting 1. Tim. 2. 8. For God delighteth not in outward sacrifice nor in burnt offerings for the sacrifice of the Lord are a broken spirit he is pleased with the sacrifice of righteousnes Psal. 51. 16 c. Questions on the fourtenth Chapter Quest. VVHy doth Moses so carefully set downe the warres of these kings A. That we might consider the excellent carriage and happie successe of Abraham in warring with so many kings with so few men and that with such a happie euent that both hee ouercame them and tooke their goods and rescued Lot Secondly that we might see the reward that Lot hath for desiring to dwell with such wicked companie himselfe is taken prisoner and his goods taken from him Thirdly that wee might see how mercifull God is and slow to destroy those cities in the plaine because of their crying sinnes had already deserued fire from heauen Yet God by this small ouerthrow will warne them if they doe not repent a greater punishment is at hand Fourthly that wee may see the cause of this and all other warres for the most part to wit pride and ambition for ambition mooued Chedorlaomer to subdue so many nations and pride mooued those nations to shake of his gouernment Fifthly to teach vs how God oftentimes vseth the seruice of the wicked to punish the wicked that the punishers themselues may be punished as Assyria the rod of Gods anger is sent to punish hypocrites but God will punish the stony heart of Assyria Isa. 10. Sixthly that we might know that the Sodomites were iustly ouercome because they resisted the ordinance of God and refused to be subiect to the higher powers for there is no power but of God Rom. 13. Q. What kings came against Sodome and the other cities of the plaine A. Amraphel king of Shinar that is of Babel and this is thought to be Ninias the sonne of Semiramis Secondly Artioch king of Elasser that is of Persia as some thinke and not of Pontus Thirdly Chedarleomer king of Elam the Elamites were a people that dwelt in the vpper part of Persia. Fourthly Tidal king of nations that is of a people gathered together of diuers nations so Galile is called Galilec of the nations Esay 9. Matth. 4. These foure kings came against the fiue cities of the plaine which here are forewarned of God by these warnes but afterward were burned with fire from heauen except Zoar which was spared for Lots sake Gen. 19. And for the smalnesse of it was called Zoar for this cause also it seemeth that Moses doth not here name the king of this Citie because it was so small Q. Where did these kings ioyne battell together A. In the valley of Siddiâ—… which is the salt sea and it was so called afterward from the euent for at this time it was a pleasant plaine but afterward it was turned into a salt sea or lake for the Hebrewes call euery collection of water sea and as this part of Canaan was turned into a barren lake so now that whole land is made barren of all spirituall graces and as this plaine for sinne is turned into a sea of salt so was Lots wise for looking backe turned into a pillar of salt because neither this countrey nor shee were seasoned with grace and obedience to teach vs how we should be seasoned we must haue salt in our selues Mar. 9. 10. All our sacrifices must be seasoned with salt Leuit. 2. 13. Yea our speech must be seasoned with salt Col. 4. 6. Q. May kings lawfully and with a good conscience make warre A. If their cause be good their affection sanctified their authoritie lawfull and if they finde there is no other meanes to suppresse the enemie to secure themselues and aduance Gods glory they may lawfully raise wars for
4. 18. But the wicked trauell towards the North from whence a plague shall bee spread vpon them Ier. â—… 14. Because the way of the wicked is as darkenesse Prou. 4. 19. Q. Why went Abraham downe to Egypt A. Not because hee distrusted of Gods prouidence for hee was assured that God could miraculously feede him as afterward he did the widow of Serepta and Eliâ—…h Secondly not because hee was inconstant and mooueable as many are who can neuer settle themselues in one place but like wandring starres and carryed vp and downe from place to place Thirdly neither fled he for any villany he had committed or murther as Moses did from Egypt Fourthly nor to increase his stocke as marchants doe Fifthly nor curiously to increase his knowledge in humane sciences as Pythagoras Emsedocles Democritus and Plato who for this end trauelled so farre countries but he went first because of the famine in the land therefore hee would not tempt God by neglecting lawfull means Secondly because he would propagate the knowledge of the true God in Egypt as Saint Chrysoftome thinketh Hom. 30. in Gen. And for this end the Apostles trauelled through the world now although this was a very fruitfull land Deut. 8. 7. Yet God made it barren for the wickednesse of them that dwelt therein Psal. 107. 34. Barrennesse and misâ—…ery are the fruits of sinne let no man glory in their fruitfull Ilands for sinne will make them barren as Sodom and Gomorrha Againe when Abraham thought to haue â—…ase and wealth hee is frustrated for hee is faine to flye for hunger so God doth exercise his children wiith such punishments that his care and their faith may appeare the more so he did pinch Isack Iacob Ioseph Elias Eliseus and other Prophets Paul and other Apostles with hunger Moreouer Abraham for the sinnes of this land fared the worse and so many times Gods children dwelling with the wicked are partakers of their plagues Q. What did the going downe of Abraham into Egypt signifie A. That as he went thither so should his posterity after him and the most part of the circumstances doe agree First as famine was the cause that Abraham went to Egipt So famine was the cause that mooued Iacob and his sonnes to goe thither Secondly as Abraham was now troubled so afterward Israel was more afflicted Thirdly Pharaoh for Abrahams sake is plagued and Pharaoh for Israels sake was drowned Fourthly Abraham was vsed â—…ell for Saraies sake and so was Israel for Iosephs sake Fifthly Sarai Abrahams wife was faire to looke vpon therefore she was eâ—…ticed to lye with Pharaoh so Ioseph Israels sonne was a faire person therefore was enticed to lye with Poâ—…iphers wife Sixthly Abraham departed rich from Egypt hauing sheepe beeues asses and Cammels so did the Israelites hauing spoyled the Egyptians of their siluer gold and rayment Q. Waâ—… Sarai beautifull at this time A. Yes and her beauty was extraordinary seeing it was not diminished neither by her long iournies nor by her age for now she was 6â—… yeares old tenne yeares yonger then Abraham And as Saraâ—… was beautifull in the eyes of Abraham so is the Church faire in the eyes of Christ her well beloued But this beauty of the Church doth not so much consist in externall splendor as in internal grace for the kings daughter is all glorious within Psal. 45. 13. This beauty of Sarai made Abraham giue her counsell to say that shee was his sister and not his wife for hee knew what danger there is to haue a beautifull woman And truely oftentimes beauty hath beene the cause of murther and mischiefe the wife of Vriah Lucretia Helina and many more can testifie therefore beauty is not so much to be regarded as vertue Abraham then had good cause to feare the Egyptians because they are blacker then the Cananites and when they see a faire woman which is scarce in that hot country they are exceeding prone to defloure her hee knew also that the aboundance and plenty in Egypt brought out incontinance and intemperance among them Q. Did Abraham sinne in perswading his wife to say she was his sister A. He did not sinne in sauing his owne life seeing nothing is more precious then the life especially Abrahams because all nations should be blessed in his seede Secondly neither altogether did he lye in saying shee was his sister for she was his brothers daughter and such as are neere a kinne the Hebrewes did vse to call brethren sisters Thirdly noâ—… yet did he sinne â—…in giuing this hard censure of the Egyptians for what he spake of their cruelty and lust hee spake it by experience though not in himselfe yet in others he knew what the nature and qualities of barbarous people are without the knowledge of God yea it seemes by the euent he speakes this as a Prophet Fourthly neither can we altogether say that hee sinned in hazzarding his wifes chastity if we looke to his faith For we may thinke that hee who in greater matters depended vpon Gods prouidence did also in this and was assured that God would rather deliuer her then suffer her chastity to be abused as the euent sheweth yet we will not deny but some humane infirmities are mixed with this action of Abraham for he did not call Sarai his sister in that sence that Pharaoh vnderstood her to be Secondly in that he did seeme too much to hazzard his wiues chastity hauing no such warrant from God Thirdly in that he was too feareful of death when he should haue rather assured himselfe that God who had preserued him hitherto would not leaue him now destitute Fourthly in that he gaue an euill example to others by counselling his wife to dissemble Yet these and such like infirmities in the Saints are not to vs matter of imitation but of humiliation rather considering that there is a law in our members warring against the law of the minde Rom. 7. 23. Q. What hapned to Abraham when he came to Egypt A. His wife Sarai is commended by the Princes to Pharaoh and she receiued into his house here then ws see that Sarai did as Abraham desired her and in this shee shewed her selfe a louing and faithfull wife who will rather hazard her chastity then suffer her husband to be killed Secondly in that the Princes commended her we haue here the nature of flattering courtiers set downe who accommodate themselues to the humors and vices of their king Thirdly we see in the Egyptians the nature of carnall men who are more mooued with externall shewes and beauty then with internall vertue and grace For Sarai is sought not for her vertue but for her beauty Fourthly in that Abraham is the first of Hebers posterity who went to Egypt we gather from hence that the Hebrews are not descended of the Egyptians as Iosephus in his books against Apton doth prooue Fifthly from hence also wee gather that the name of Pharaoh is euery ancient seeing the Egyptian kings were generally