that the ground was drie in the first day of the first moneth of the 601. yeere as it is set downe in the 13. verse and the next verse showeth that the earth was dryed on the 27. day of the second moneth A. Both is true for the first day of the first moneth the earth began to drie so that the waters were quite remooued but the earth was not perfectly drie till the 27. day of the second moneth and by this reckoning also we see that Noah was in the Arke a full yeere that is 365. dayes for he entred the Arke the 17. day of the second moneth in the 600. yeere and there continued till the 27. day of the 2. moneth in the yeere 601. Q. Why did not Noah goe out of the Arke till God spake to him A. Although it was now time for him to goe seeing the earth was drie yet such was his modestie and obedience that as he did not enter the Arke without a warrant from God so hee will not goe out without the same warrant so should we depend on Gods mouth and doe nothing but what hee commandeth for obedience is better then sacrifice secondly wee see that many are the troubles of the righteous but the Lord desiuereth them out of all Noah had suffered much griefe sorrow and feare but now behold here is an end Q. Did the beasts also come out of the Arke at Noahs command A. Yes for these dumbe creatures were obedient to Noah because he was obedient to God Againe the beasts came out that they might increase and multiply this blessing was giuen to the creatures in the creation and the same is now renewed in the restauration of the world and in that none of the creatures did wagge till Noah gaue way and came out first himselfe in this we haue the patterne of a well-ordered family for there is the grace of God where the seruants obey their Masters the Master feareth God and all are ioyned together in loue and concord Q. What is the mysticall signification of the comming out of the creatures A. The Arke may signifie the Sinagogue the beasts cleane and vncleane the Iewes and Gentiles their comming out doth signifie that both Iewes and Gentiles which beleeued in Christ should come out of the Sinagogue that is forsake the Iewish ceremonics Q. Why did Noah build an Altar to God A. That by offering sacrifice on it hee might testifie his thankful mind vnto God 2. to teach his posteritie how they should serue God for any blessing receiued he offered sacrifice for his deliuerance vpon an Altar of earth and we must offer the sacrifice of praier and thanks-giuing vpon our Altar Christ. He offered to God the cleane beasts and wee must offer to him cleane soules and bodies which is our reasonable seruing of him his sacrifice was a burnt offering and ours must be a broken spirit Q. Of what matter was this Altar made A. It is most like that it was made of earth for this law was giuen after by Moses Exod. 20. verse 24. An Altar of earth thou shalt make to mee secondly this kinde of Altar was most vsuall euen amongst the Gentiles Hic viuum mihi cespitem hic verbenas pueri ponite thuraque Horat. lib. 1. od 19. thirdly by this Noah will teach vs that God delights not in external pompe and splendor he loueth the giuer more then the gift and the widdowes mite more then the rich mans sinnes For nunquam est manus vacua à munere si area cordis repleta sit bona voluntate Gregorie in Hom. Q. Had Noah any expresse command to build an Alter A. We doe not reade that God did expressely command this yet wee may gather by consequence that Noah did not this without warrant First it was ancient to serue God after this manner as we see in the persons of Caine and Habel Secondly Noah did nothing without Gods warrant without this he did not build the Arke nor enter therein nor come out from thence much lesse would he build an Altar Thirdly we see that God smelled a sauour of rest in his sacrifice which could not be if it had beene offered without Gods direction Fourthly Noah knew that the seauenth beast was receiued into the Arke not for procreation but for Sacrifice Fifthly he did questionlesse beleeue in Christ our perfect Sacrifice therefore he could not testifie his faith better then to build an Altar and offer a sacrifice Q. Why would God bee worshipped by Sacrifices A. First because he will haue them by this kinde of exercise to vse themselues to bee thankfull to him for though hee be a spirit and delighteth more in a contrite spirit then in burnt offerings yet because of their dulnesse he would haue them worship him with visible offerings Secondly these sacrifices were types of Christ whose body was to bee offered for them and no sacrifice without relation to Christ could be acceptable Thirdly Least the people wanting these visible signes should fall to idolatry seeing other nations vsed sacrifice and they not Q. Where did Noah offer this sacrifice A. The Iewes thinke it was vpon Mount Sion where Cain and Abel did offer before and on which Isaac was to be sacrificed but it is more probable that this was done vpon the mountaines of Armenia where the Arke rested Q. What doth it signifie that God melled a sauour of rest in Noahs sacrifice A. That it was acceptable vnto him not in respect of the offering it selfe for it is impossible that the blood of calues and goates should take away sinne Heb. 10. 4. but God did accept of it because it was offered in faith secondly with a willing minde thirdly because it had relation to Christ who had giuen himselfe to be an offering and sacrifice of a sweet smelling sauour vnto God Eph. 5. 2. Q How is it vnderstood that God would curse the earth no more for mans sake A. That is that God would not at any time ouer whelme the earth with water depriue her of her fertility inhabitants and ornaments as he had before yet this doth not exclude particular cursings vpon particular houses townes or countries nor that vniuersall fire by which the world shall bee purged in the last dayes and this couenant that God made with Noah concerning the waters is the figure of that euerlasting couenant of peace which the father hath made with vs in Christ. Q. Which is the imagination of mans thought euill from his youth A. Because of originall sinne which all men drawes from Adam for hee was the roote of mankinde and such a nature wee haue from him as he had himselfe that is corrupted with sinne then all mankinde is subiect to this euill because all are from Adam Secondly all the nature of man that is his body with the parts thereof his soule with the faculties thereof are defiled Thirdly it bindes all men to death both temporall and eternall Fourthly it depriues vs of Gods image and
thy sins here is the golden candle sticke if thou wilt wash thy handes and feete here is the brazen lauer wilt thou bee Purged from they Leprosie here is the riuer Iordan wilt thou florish like a Bay tree thou must be planted by this riueâ—… wilt thou bring forth much fruite thou must be sowne with this seed wilt thou sacrifice thy sins to God thou must kill them with this sword wilt thou goe to the kingdome of heauen this is the only way here is the fiery Pillar and the cloud to conduct thee to Canaan and â—…ere is the Star that will leade the to find out the Son of righteousnesse Iesus Christ that bright morning Starte with whome we shall shine in eternity of glory as Stars in the firmament In this word then must we conucrse both day and night not in curious â—…earching and prodigious speculation but in serious weeping and religious aâ—…oration neither must our minds be opâ—…ressed with terrestriall and infernal occupations but they must be filled with â—…elestall and supernall meditations Therefore if we will profit here we must last off all carnall affection that wee â—…ay receiue for our weary soules eternall refection for if no beast could â—…uch the mountaine and heare Gods â—…aw why should beastly minds touch â—…e bible and read Gods Law And in â—…arching this Word let vs not in it â—…arch for riches and honour to our selues which is to seeke for dirt amongâ—… Iewels and poyson amongst medicaâ—… ments to ouerthrow our selues but lâ—… vs search for him who only is sufficienâ—… to content our soules within our bodies as hee was the only efficient to presenâ—… our soules into our bodies Therfore wâ—… conclude with Augustine Scripturâ—… creatura ad hoc sunt vt â—…pse quâ—…ratur ipse diligatur qui ipsam creauit qâ—… illam iâ—…spirauit The internall and eternall generation of the word was not knowne to thâ—… Gentiles but was obscured with an obscure fable of Minerua begotten of Iâ—…piters braine by the which also they diâ—… signifie learned notions conceaued iâ—… the mind expressed by word or writ Then to be short right Honourable heere I doe offer to your tuition anâ—… fruition my Minerâ—…a not begotten oâ—… my braine but in my braine neither iâ—… shee armed with a helmet 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 speare to terrifie Mâ—…mus and therefore â—…e more desirous shee is to shelter herâ—…lfe vnder the shadow of your Honors â—…tronage being perswaded that you â—…e both a Patrone a patterne of learâ—…ng the fruits whereof haue not only â—…freshed the-hearts and eares of great â—…rittaine but with Dedalean wings they â—…ue bin transported beyond the Ocean 〈◊〉 that Rhodanâ—…s Betis and Rhenâ—…s haue â—…asoned their siluer streames with the â—…licious taste of your learned fruits â—…hen what remaines quam vt ocior Icarâ—… Visas gementis littora Bospâ—…ri Sirtâ—…sque Getulas câ—…norus Ales Hyperebâ—…rosque campos Moreouer your Honor being a Father â—…d Patrone of iustice if any wrong be â—…fered to her by Mâ—…mus she may boldâ—… fly to the Chancery for succor thereâ—…re I hope that as your Honor hath â—…rmitted your glorious titles to grace â—…r Frontispice so you wil not refuse to beautifie her with your gracious aspecâ—… and respect That GOD which hatâ—… exalted you to so great dignities in thiâ—… world preserue your body and soule and crowne you in the World to come with blessed Immortality Your Honours in all duty euer to command ALEXANDER ROSSâ—… THE ARGVMENT Q. WHo wrote these bookes of Moses A. Himselfe proofe hee was the first â—…at writ in the world Secondly The holy â—…host testifieth the same Exo. 24. 4. Deu. â—…1 9. and Christ Iohn 1. 45. and 5. 46. Q. When wrote he this first booke A. Before the Israelites went from Eâ—…ypt Râ—…as 1. Because then feeding his â—…ather in-lawes sheepe 40. yeeres in Maâ—…ian he was most at leisure to write Rea. 2. â—…o comfort the Hebrewes beeing oppressed â—…ith Egyptian seruitude for in this Booke 〈◊〉 read the life and death of their Anceours their courage patience vertue affliction Gods promises to Abraham that after 400. yeeres seruiâ—…de in Egypâ—… they should be deliuered and inioy the laâ—… of Canaan Q. How came Moses to the knowledge of these things contained in thâ—… Booke A. Either by reuelation from God 〈◊〉 by tradition of his Ancestors for the knowledge of these things Moses â—…ad from Iosephs children they of Ioseph he of Iacob Iacob of Isaac he of Abraham and he of Shem Shem of Noe hâ—… 〈◊〉 Methusalem and he of Adam with whâ—… be liued 243. yeeres Questions on the first Chapter Questions WAs the world created or eternal Answ. Created 1. There can bee but one eternall 2. Almost all the Philosophers are against the eternitie of the world 3. They that hold it â—…ternall can bring no sound reason 4. Thâ—… most ancient monuments or records amongst â—…he heathen are not so olde as the fâ—…ood of Noah Q. Could God make more worlds then one A. Yes for he is Almighty and hee made it â—…ot of any matter for that should haue bin exâ—…austed but more he would not because hee â—…eing one delights in vnitie Q. Why in Hebrew saith Moses Gods created joyning the noune plurall with the verbe singular A. To signifie the mystery of the Trinitie one essence in three persons 2. It is the propertie of the Hebrew phrase Q. Why in the beginning of this booke speaketh Moses only of heauen and earth A. Because by the name of heauen he comprehends all celestiall bodies and by the name of earth the 4. elements for water is in the earth fire and aire as witnesse the springs exhalations or earthquakes and burning mountaines or hote waters Q. Did God create the earth moveable or not A. Immoueable Iob. 38. Psal. 39. and 104. this is vnderstood in respect of the whole earth yet it is moued in respect of parts by earthquakes Iob. 9. Q. Of what figure is the earth A. Round Esay the 40. This figure is most perfect capable ancient Q. Is the earth vnder the water or not A. Vnder because heauiest yet Exo. 20. Ps. 24. and 136. it seemes the water is vnder the earth but it is to be vnderstood that a great part of the earth was made higher then the waters for mans habitation Q. Why cannot the whole earth moue A. Because hee is in his naturall place which if it should moue it should ascend and this is against the nature of the earth Q. What is vnderstood by the spirit that moued vpon the waters A. A winde which often in Scripture is called a spirit or the holy Ghost or the power and mighty operation of God which also is often called by the name of Spirit in this sense the Spirit of God is sayd to carry Elias to heauen and to haue caught away Philip Acts 8. Q. Why is God brought in speaking in the creation A. To shew his absolute power whose word is his worke 2. The second person
should haue beene spiritually and hâ—…auenly-minded before God that is openly in his sight Or Elohim may signifie Princes and Iudges here so that in the open sight of their Iudges they wrought wickednesse Hence then we see that it was not the Starres or any naturall causes that raysed the â—…oud but onely God being prouoked by sinne Q. Why is it said now that God looked on the Earth A. Not as though he did not looke before for all things are naked before his eyes but now he is said to looke on the Earth because he commeth to punish the Earth And this sheweth vs that God did not rashly and vnaduisedly punish the Earth but he looked vpon it first that is hee did seriously consider there was great cause to punish Man-kinde Q. What is meant here by all Flesh A. Man-kinde 〈◊〉 and not the beasts also as the Iewes thought for they cannot properly be said to corrupt their way because they want reason Lawes are not made for them they are not capable of life eternall they are not subiect to sinne and not lyable to punishment Q. What is meant by Way A. Their Religion and Faith as Acts 18. secondly their Manners and course of Life as Malice is called the Way of Caiâ—… Iâ—…de verse 11. Couetousnesse the Way of Balaam 2. Pet. 2. 15. Q. How is it vnderstood that God destroyed the Earth A. The Earth was destroyed for the sinne of man as in other particular iudgements mens goods perished with them Numb 16. 32. Ios. 7. 15. yet the Earth was not destroyed in respect of her substance but of her ornaments and fertilitie which was much diminished by the salt water Q. Why would not God saue Noe by some other meanes but by the Arke A. Because by this meanes God would haue the World to see that his iudgements were comming when they beheld the Arke preparing and if they would not repent they might at least be made inexcusable who both seeing the Arke in making and hearing Noe preaching did not repent Secondly because by this meanes hee would exercise Noes Faith the more which was very great that although the rest of the World did scorne him and followed their owne courses yet hee beleeued that God would performe his promise Thirdly although God at all times may worke miracles yet most times hee worketh by naturall causes therefore in the Desart he fed his people with Manna when he might haue fed them with nothing so he might haue giuen them Canaan without their owne helpe yet he would haue them fight for it and here he might haue preserued Nâ—… more miraculously but this way he thought fittest Q. Was this Arke like our Ships A. No but this was like a Chest or Cosâ—…in made not to sayle but to swimme and this forme was most commodious and capable of so many kindes of creatures and this Arke was admirable both in respect of the long time it was in building in respect of the greatnesse thereof of the end it was made to preserue all kind of creatures of the wonderfull preseruation thereof in that dangerous Floud as also of many things whereof it was the type Concerning this Arke the Poets haue stolne much out of this place Q. What kinde of Tree was the Arke made of A. The word Gopher doth signifie the Cedar Firre and Pine-trees so it is vncertaine which of those it was made of neyther is it much materiall but this word is not found in any other place of Scripture Q. How large was the Arke A. The length was 300. cubits the breadth 50. and the height was 30. cubits Now a cubit is the measure from the elbow to the fingers end containing a foot and a halfe but if the men of that time were bigger then now as it is like then the cubit was also bigger Then wee must not thinke with Origen that those were Geometricall cubits whereof euerie one containes 6. common cubits for Moses doth not speake heere of any other cubits then hee doth elsewhere and of no other kind of cubit doe wee reade in Scripture then of those common cubits aboue-named as Exâ—… 27. Deut. 3. 1. King 17. c. So then the Arke by this reckoning was sixe times as long as it was broad and ten times so long as it was high But how so many creatures could be contayned in so little roome was not impossible for him that miraculously sent the Floud and deliuered Noe from the â—…ame yet if wee duely consider the bignesse of the Arke we shall finde there was roome sufficient for them all Q. How could Noe and his three sonnes build so great an Arke A. Although they were the chiefe builders yet we must think there were many more vnder them hyred who laboured in building for their wages although they beleeued not and so they perished with the rest Q. Was there a Window in the Arke A. Yes but the Hebrew word is Zohaer which signifies Light therefore the Hebrewes thought that this was no Window but some precious Stone that was hanged in the Arke to giue light to the creatures therein Yet we must not deny but that there was a Window for Noe in the eight Chapter is sayd to open the Window and let out the Rauen and Doue Others say that this Zohar was a Lamp or Candle appointed to burne so long as Noe was in the Arke because the Sunne did not shine all that time but this is fabulous Q. What is this And in a cubit thou shalt finish it aboue A. That is Thou shalt bow the roofe of the Arke but a cubit so that it may bee almost flat but yet so that the water may easily slide off Q. How many Roomes or Stories were there in the Arke A. Three Roomes the highest for Man and the Fowles the next for all kinds of meat and prouision for the creatures the lowest and third roome for the beasts These three are onely mentioned here therefore Origen was deceiued that thought there were fiue Roomes As in this Arke there were three Roomes so in Moses Tabernacle and Salomons Temple were also three The Church also figured by the Arke hath three states before the Law vnder the Law and vnder Christ. Q. Why would Gool establish his Couenant with Noe before the Arke was built A. To confirme Noes Faith the more for he had need of such a promise that went about such a hard and dangerous worke as the building of the Arke was And here wee see that God neuer imployeth his seruants in any hard worke but hee giueth them comfort strength and courage to performe it And so it is our part to relye on Gods promises with Noe and not to encline eyther to the right or left hand Q. What Couenant was this that God made with Noe A. That he would preserue him and his Family in the Floud and this is a type of the Couenant which God hath made with vs in Christ. Now this Couenant belongeth to Noe and his Family
so God hath a more speciall care of them then if God remember the beasts much more will he be mindfull of man Q. Was this a wind that God vsed to dry the earth or was it the immediate power of the holy Ghost A. The Hebrew word Ruach signifieth both a spirit and the wind but here it signifieth a wind onely which he vseth to dry vp the waters as afterwards he did to diuide the red sea for the people of Israel yet we cannot say that this wind was generated of naturall causes as other winds are or that naturally it had that power to dry vp all that huge quantity of water but this wind as it was sent extraordinarily by Gods immediate power so it had an extraordinary and miraculous force to driue away the waters from the face of the earth yea contrary to the quality of other winds which causeth the water to rage but this winde did asswage them Q. Why did God stay the raine and stoppe the windowes of heauen A. First because now it was time and hee had sufficiently reuenged himselfe vpon that rebellious world secondly to show his wonderfull goodnes and to teach vs that he will not shut vp his mercy in displeasure for euer thirdly to show his mighty power for at his command the fountaines of the deepe were broken and the windowes of heauen opened and at his command they are stopped and the raine restrained fourthly to teach vs obedience for if these dumbe deafe and senselesse creatures doe with such alacritie obey Gods command much more ought man indued with sense and reason fifthly to show vs what we should doe with our sinnes as God stopped the fountaines that the water should flow no more so should we stoppe the fountaines of sinne least they burst forth into great floods and drowne both body and soule in euerlasting perdition Q. What mountaines are these which are called Ararat A. They are hils in Armenia which countrey lyeth neere Assyria and Mesopotamia these are thought to bee certaine toppes of the hill Cancasus and though the Arke rested there yet it followeth not that these were the highest hills in the world And it is also ridiculous to thinke that some fragments of the Arke were found here in Hieromes time Q. How doe wee reckon this seuenth month in which the Arke rested A. Some reckon it from the beginning of the flood but it is more probable that it is to bee vnderstood from the beginning of the yeere for so Moses doth vse it euery where in this narration and to thinke that Moses should else-where in this natration speake of the moneths of the yeare but hereof the moneths from the flood were to make him speake ambiguously and doubtfully Q. Why did Noah open the window for the Rauen and the Doue and did not looke out of it himselfe A. First because hee was so stricken with feare of that fearefull iudgement that hee durst not secondly because he could not see farre and remote places whether they were free from the wate or not but these fowles could flie abroad and so discerne Q. Why did Noah send out the Rauen rather then any other fowle A. Because the Rauen delighting in dead bodies would bee allured by their smell to flie abroad and so to giue a sure warrant of the setling of the water Q. Did the Rauin returne againe into the Arke or not A. The Latine and Greeke translations haue that shee returned not but by the Hebrew it is doubtfull yet it is thought of the most learned that shee did not returne The Rauin doth resemble the Law which giueth no euidence to mans conscience that the waters of Gods wrath are setled because we cannot fulfill the Law but the Doue resembleth the Gospel who returning with an Oliue leafe doth signifie the glad tidings of peace and reconciliation which Christ on whome the holy Ghost discended in the forme of a Doue hath brought into the world Q. How is it vnderstood that the Doue could finde no rest for the sole of her foote A. Indeede the tops of the mountaines were seene fortie daies before yet although the waters were diminished and gone the earth notwithstanding was slime and mire as yet therefore the Doue would not rest in the â—…e and dirt and she resembleth Gods Saints that can finde no rest but in the Church Againe heere is the spectacle of Gods fearefull iudgement that the Doue can not haue so much roome as to rest her foote where before there were so many pleasant roomes for all the creatures to rest themselues so the end of sinne is Gods wrath and the end of this is desolation Q. What signe did the Doue giue to Noah that the waters were abated A. Shee brought in her mouth one Oliue branch in the euening That Doue resembleth the Preachers the Oliue branch the Gospel which is the tidings of peace her mouth the preaching thereof and the euening this latter age of the world now it is thought because of Hieromes translation that this branch was greene and this is probable enough for though the waters did all this while preuaile vpon the earth and deface the same yet the Oliue might be preserued because it is one of these kinde of trees that are still greene the Iewes prate that the Doue flew to Paradise and got this branch because that onely was free from water so Rab. Lenni babbles that this branch was brought from the mount of Oliues because that Iudea was not drowned with the flood but these dreames are scarce worthy of recitation much lesse of refutation Q. Why did Noah send out the Doue so often A. Because he will not venter to come abroad till he be fully assured that the earth is drie which now hee knowes fully because the ' Doue returned not so he would not rashly cast himselfe into danger although he had beene so long in the Arke as in a stinking dungeon but patiently did waite till the earth was drie and the Doue was often imployed because of his good seruice this should teach seruants to be faithfull to there Masters as the Doue was to Noah and not to be like the Rauen. 2. This oft returning of the Doue doth show vs that when God is reconciled with vs he will make his dumbe creatures to comfort vs rather then we shall want 3. This practise of the Doue doth teach vs gratitude for he labours to comfort and bring good newes to Noah because of the care he had of him being in the Arke so we should neuer forget a good deede 4. We must bee louing and mercifull euen to the beasts for we know not what extraordinarie comfort they may afford vs. 5. As the Doue returned no more into the Arke hauing done her message so when we haue finished that seruice which God hath inioyned to vs wee shall leaue the Arke of this Militant Church and shall goe thither where our reward is reserued for vs. Q. How can this stand
their force and former goodnesse Q. Should the wilde bedstes such as Lyons haue fed on flesh before the Fall as they doe now A. No but on the hearbs only first because heere is no flesh mentioned but onely hearbs secondly if it had beene permitted to them to eate flesh before the Floud then those rauening beasts that were in the Arke should haue eate flesh but in the Arke there was no flesh for them therefore they did feed on the hearbs Q. How comes it now that these kinde of beasts doe not feed on hearbs now but on flesh A. Because the earth doth not yeeld such comfortable and nourishing hearbs as then secondly the temperature of the creature is not so sound now as it was before the Floud Q. How is it vnderstood that all which God made was very good A. All things were good first in respect of their substance which is vnchangeable secondly in respect of their perfect estate they were created in thirdly in respect of their accidents or properties fourthly because of their operations which brought forth perfect effects Q. Why did not God see that all things were very good till man was created A. Because man is the eud of all the creatures secondly in him as in a little world â—…n to be seene all the creatures thirdly becausâ—… Christ who is essentiall goodnesse was to sanctifie the nature of man in taking vpon him his flesh Questions on the second Chapter Q. DId God create the world at the saâ—… instant or in the space of sixe dayes A. In the space of sixe dayes first because Moses narration is historicall and therefore he speaketh of sixe distinct dayes secondly Moses Exodus 20. and 31. vrgeth the Iewes to worke sixe dayes and rest the seuenth because God created the world in sixe dayes and rested the seuenth this reason had beene ridiculous if GOD had made the world in an instant thirdly if we vnderstand Moses in this place allegorically then wee must make this whole historie an allegorie fourthly if the seuenth day had beene the first and in it God had created the world then how is it vnderstood that God rested the seuenth day fiftly how could so many diuers kindes of creatures bee created in the same instant of time yea then we must say that man was created and brought into Paradise and was cast asleepe and Eâ—…ah was formed of his rib the same instant Q. How then is that vnderstood Ecclesiast 18. He that liueth for euer created all things together A. It is to be vnderstood of that confused masse that God created in the beginning out of the which afterward hee created the rest of the creatures in their distinct dayes Q. Why did God spend so much time in making the world A. Not because he was weake and could not make it in lesse time but that we might the more seriously consider the order of the creation distinction and replenishing of the world and in these the omnipotencie wisedome and goodnesse of God Q. Did God make the world of necessitie or of his owne accord A. Of his owne free will because he made it at that time and manner he thought fittest secondly because he in creating wrought otherwise than the course of Nature doth for he made the heauens without light then made light first imperfect afterward perfect and he made the hearbs before the Sunne Q. Can it be gathered from hence that as God created the world in sixe dayes and rested the seuenth so likewise the world shall continue siâ—… ages or sixe thousand yeares and after shall be 〈◊〉 perpetuall Sabbath A. No for this computation is but a coniecture or fixion of Elias not the Prophet but the Rabbin hauing no ground Secondly 〈◊〉 this were true we should know how long the world should continue and fully know the time of Christs comming which cannot bee for his comming shal be as a theefe in the night as Lightning his comming shall bee aâ—… the comming of the flood of this houre knoweth no man not the Angels the Father hath put in his owne power the times and seasons Q. Were the Angels created or are they eternall A. Created Psal. 149. Reuel 4 10. Colâ—…s 1. The Church confesseth the Fathers confirme and generall Councells establish this point Secondly onely God is eternall Thirdly They are parts of the world therefore created Q. Are the Angels reall substances or onely good and bad motions in the minde as thought the Sadduces A. They are indiuiduall substances First Their names doe shew this for they are called Messengers Watchmen c. Secondly their actions and operations which onely belong to personall substances for they serue God come to vs comfort vs gather together the Elect an Angell wrestled with Iaacob conferred with Abraham they were receiued by Lot c. Angels declared Christs Natiuity to the shepheards his Resurrection to the women Thirdly some of them stood some fell therefore substances Fourthly wee shall bee like them Ergo they are not bare motions Q. What is meant here by the Host of Heauen and earth A By those of Heauen is meant the Angels for they are called the heauenly host Luke 2. also the Stars Esay 34. Therefore the Stars in their courses fought against Sisera Iudges 5. By the host of Earth is meant all the earthly creatures therefore God is called the Lord of hostes Q. Were the Angels created before this visible world A. No because God created all things in the beginning ergo Angels and not before or else this had beene no beginning Secondly They were created for the vse of man but man was not before the beginning ergo nor Angels Q. Were they created after the sixe dayes A. No for God rested from all his worke the seuenth day Q Then what day were they created A. The first that they might bee the beholders and admirers of Gods power and wisdome in creating the World Secondly They are called Angels of Heauen in Scripture not onely because they inhabit but also because they were created with the heauen the first day Thirdly this is manifest in Iob 38. where it is sayd that the Sonnes of God that is the Angels did sing and showte when God laid the foundations of the earth Q. Where were they created A. In Heauen for some of them fell from thence And Christ saw Satan like Lightning fall from Heauen therefore they are called the Host and Angels of Heauen Q. Why doth not Moses speake distinctly of the creation of Anâ—…els A. Because hee did accomodate himselfe to the rude capacitie of the Iewes therefore hee doth onely speake here of the creation of visible creatures Q. What is meant by Gods rest on the Sabbath day was he wearie A. No but by his rest is vnderstood his desisting and ceasing to make other creatures Q. Did God rest from all his workes A. Yes of creation but not of preseruation for yet the Father worketh with the Son Iohn 5. Q. Did God create no
if we respect the circumstances of Adams sinne to wit the place Paradise where no occasion of sinne was the time when he sinned immediately after his creation at the first encounter yeelding to his enemy the excellencie of the person that sinned Adam being created to Gods owne Image if wee regard also that infinite hurt and misery that hath falne vpon mankinde by that sinne of Adam we must confesse that it is the greatest sinne that euer man committed Q. Whether was the sinne of Adam or Eua greatest A. If we consider both their persons then Adam did sinne more grieuously because hee was wiser and stronger than Eua and hee was the head af the woman for this cause saith the Apostle that by one man sinne entred into the world Rom. 5. yet in two respects Eua's sin was greater than Adams first in that she did beleeue the Serpent more than God which Adam would not haue done secondly in that she did entice Adam to the same sinne Q. How were their eyes opened after the eating of this fruit A. They were not blinde before nor haâ—… they now more libertie of will than they had or greater knowledge but now they know â—…uill by experience which before they knew by science and their eyes are said to bee opened because they perceiue their nakednesse is ignominious and their affections inordinate which before were decent and holy Q. Why did they couer their members after the eating of the forbidden fruit A. Because they were ashamed of their nakednesse secondly by this they thought to hide their sinne but in vaine for none can hide sinne but God therefore blessed is he whose sinne is couered Psal. 32. Q Why did they couer their priuy members A. Because their inordinate lust began most to appeare here secondly these are the instruments of generation which then became sinfull therefore all people are ashamed to see those parts because sinne comes by generation Hence circumcision the signe of generation was on this part of the body Genesis 17. Q. Why did they 〈◊〉 the leaues of the Figge tree A. Because the leaues of the Fig-tree are broadest or else because their guilty consciences accusing them and being in feare they tooke of the leaues of this tree which was neerest Q. What is meant here by the noyse of God A. This sometimes signifieth thunder Exodus 9. sometimes any sound Ezek. 12. sometimes Gods distinct voyce like thunder Iohn 12. here it signifieth some fearefull noyse and sound by which God would signifie that now he was comming to encounter with Adam Q. What signifieth the winde of the day A. This is a description of the euening for at the going downe of the Sunne in those places that are neere the Mediterranian Sea commonly the winde doth blow from the Sea and as God came to iudge Adam in the euening so will hee come to iudge all man-kinde in the euening of the world with the sound of the Trumpet Q. How did God speake to Adam here A. God speaketh in Scripture sometime internally by his Spirit sometimes externally either by Angels or by men Here then it is like that Christ spake in the forme of man for in this forme he did oftentimes appeare to the Fathers of old and in the fulnesse of time this word was made flesh and dwelt with vs. Q. Why did not God accuse Satan as hee did the man and the woman A. Because Satan was alreadie condemned for his pride but the other two were to receiue the sentence of condemnation therefore hee would not condemne them till hee had conuicted them Q. Whether did God curse the Diuell or the Serpent A. He cursed both the Diuell mystically and the Serpent literally the Diuell as the principall agent and the Serpent as his instrument but this Curse is pronounced of the Serpent onely because it was the Serpent that Eua did see and speake to and the Diuel did lurke within the Serpent Q. How could the creeping on the belly and the eating of the dust be a punishment and a curse seeing this was naturall to the Serpent before mans fall A. The Serpents creeping before was pleasant now it is painefull then it was comely now it is base execrable and contemptible Q. Why did God curse the Serpent A. To augment Satans griefe the more who vsed him for his organ in this wicked tentation Secondly because the Serpent being Satans instrument was the occasion of mans fall as the beast with whom any man did lye was to be stoned Leuit. 20. Thirdly because by this God will shew how much he abhorreth sinne in punishing for mans wickednesse dumbe and senselesse creatures therefore the Earth was cursed for Adams sinne the beasts and fowles were drowned sor the sinne of the first World the Cities that entice the Israelites to Idolatrie must be burnt yea the Cattell and euery thing in those Cities Deut. 13. yea the dumbe creatures for mans sinne were dayly offered vp in sacrifice Q. What is meant by the Womans Seed and the Serpents seed A. By the Womans Seed is meant especially Christ the Womans Seed according to the flesh and with him all the faithfull by the Serpents seed are meant both the rauenous beasts which naturally hate mankinde as also wicked men which are called Serpents in Scripture and generation of Vipers Q. What is meant heere by the Head and the Heele A. By the Head of the Serpent is meant the power of the Diuell sinne and death by which he woundeth vs by the Heele is meant the humanitie of Christ and his members which Satan did hurt by the death of the Crosse and woundeth yet by persecuting his members Q. How can the multiplication of the womans consceptions be a punishment for sinne A. The conceptions of the woman are a punishment because sometimes their conceptions are imperfect and deformed secondly many children being conceiued doe perish before they come to maturitie Thirdly many children are wicked and rebellious not regarding the wombe that bare them with anguish nor the pappes which suckled them with danger These are great punishments inflicted on women for the sinne of Eua fourthly her conceptions are a punishment for many infirmities doe accompany a woman that is with childe as swimmings in the head tooth-aches perturbations in the minde vitiosities in the stomacke as to refuse good and wholesome meares to desire to eate those things which Nature being sound abhorreth Q. What is the reason that women doe bring forth their children in sorrow A. Gods decree in punishing the sinne of Eua secondly the narrow passage of the belly with a dilatation and stretching out of the internall parts thereof causeth most sharpe and sensible paines hence the Scripture compares exquisite sorrow and paine with the sorrowes of the child birth Psal. 48. Mica 4. Reu. 12. but this paine should not haue been in the state of innocency Q. Wherein was the ground cursed for Adams sake A. In that it did not bring forth fruite of it
of all his blessings and is the cause of all our infirmities and of all our actuall sinnes Q. Why will not God destroy all liuing things as he did A. Because mans imagination is so euill from his youth that if he should punish him as he deserued hee should euery age send a flood for there is none that doth good no not one Psal. 12. So then that hee spareth vs it is to be attributed to his mercy not to our merits Q. Is God the cause that mans imagination is euill from his youth A. No he made man holy but hee fell of his owne accord God then is the cause of mans heart and of his imaginations but not of the corruptions and vitiositie thereof and yet he doth permit sinne because he vseth it for a scourge to the wicked and for a means to aduance his owne glory Q. What doth God besides promise Noah A. That all the dayes of the earth seede time and haeruest heate and cold c. should not cease in which words he sheweth vs the renouation of the world which answers to the creation Before the creation there was confusion and darkenesse and so likewise before this renouation in the creation God made the lights of heauen now hee restores them then he gaue man dominion ouer the creatures now he restores the same as God gaue man foode then so he doth now man was then created to Gods image and the same is now mentioned God made a lawe then that man should not eate of the forbidden tree and here hee commands that man shall not shed blood they receiued a blessing then to increase and multiply the same they now receiue Q. Shall there be summer and winter night and day c. so long as the earth remaineth A. Yes so long as the earth remaineth in that state it doth now subiect to generation and corruption in the parts thereof and obnoxious to many imperfect qualities which at the last day shall be abolished the substance remaining for euer and then the summer and winter shall cease Againe that which is spoken here is meant of the world in generall and not of particular countries and times for there was neither seede time nor haruest for the space of three yeares sixe moneths in Eliahs time and in the land of Egypt there was no distinction of day and night for three dayes because all that time there was darkenesse and in the dayes of Iosua the sunne stood still a whole day Q. Why doth God speake onely of summer and winter and not of the other two parts of the yeare A. Because these are the two principall parts of the yeare and most opposite the other two depends on these and participates of their qualities the spring then and haruest being both hot and cold in the one they agree with Summer in the other with Winter So likewise here is mentioned onely heate and colde because these two qualities are more actiue and forcible in generation and because more sensible then moyst or dry so seede time and haruest are onely named because sowing and mowing are the most vsuall and profitable actions amongst men Q. Doth God promise to Noah onely these temporall blessings as heate and cold summer and winter and not spirituall A. Hee promiseth these temporall blessings and vnder them spirituall For as the stability of the world is promised so the stability of grace in Christ is included and vsually in Scripture vnder earthly shadowes spirituall blessings are couenanted Canaan was a type of heauen Dauids kingdome of Christs spirituall kingdome Solomons temple of Christs Church therefore altars priests and sacrifices of Christ our golden Altar our high priest our sweete smelling sacrifice againe we must note that oftentimes God altereth the seasons and qualities of the ayre but it is for our sins therefore when wee see cold summers hot winters raging stormes excesse of heate and cold drinesse and moistnesse let vs leaue to trouble God without sinnes and he will leaue to trouble vs with his plagues moreouer let vs not fixe our chiefest happinesse in these temporall blessings But let vs looke to him that is the giuer and the end of all euen Iesus Christ the authour and finisher of our faith And lastly let not these blessings be motiues of security but rather stirre vs vp to be thankfull to him that prouides all things necessarie for this life and a crowne of righteousnesse for the life to come Questions on the ninth Chapter Q. VVHy doth God first of all blesse Noah with increase of children A. Because of earthly blessings this was the greatest the earth being now voide of mankind and Noah knew not till now whether it was lawfull to beget children seeing God had destroyed mankinde Secondly to teach vs to account our children chiefe effects of Gods blessing and to bee thankfull to him for them behold children are the inheritance of the Lord and the fruite of the womb his reward Psal. 127. 3. Q. Is this blessing all one with that which Adam had in paradise A. Yes in respect of the matter but not of the manner for then procreation of children should not haue beene painefull Secondly not inordinate thirdly not imperfect Q. How could this blessing belong to Noah seeing he had no children after the flood A. Although this blessing was fulfilled in his children yet it is giuen to him because he beeing the roote their increase was his increase Secondly because he was found righteous before God and God smelled a sauour of rest in his sacrifice Thirdly to let his children know that this blessing did belong to them onely for their iust fathers sake Q. Is euery increase the blessing of God A. All that are lawfully procreated are Gods blessings both in respect of the childe begotten and in respect of the manner of begetting but those that are not begotten in marriage doe not proceede of Gods blessing in regard of the manner of procreation howsoeuer in themselues they may bee the effects of Gods blessing Secondly the increase of all other creatures doe proceede of Gods blessing but for mans sake for whom they were created Q. Which is the second prerogatiue that God giueth now to Noah and his sonnes A. That their feare and terrour may bee vpon al the beasts fowles fishes and creeping things this dominion had Adam but after a more excellent manner for the creatures were subiect of their owne accord now of feare and by constraint and although that man hath power to rule ouer the beasts with feare yet great men must not rule their inferiour brethren with feare but rather with loue for Viri sancti non praeesse gaudent hominibus sed prodesse Greg. mor. lib. 21 cap. 11. Q. Hath man this dominion ouer all the creatures and at all times A. No For the wilde asse derideth the multitude of the Citie and heareth not the crie of the driuer Iob 39. 10. the Vnicorne will not serue nor will he tarrie by the
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
779. can 10. Moguntinum an 813. c◅n 38. And other famous synods haue most strictly enioyned the paying of tithes then seeing tithes are both commanded by God to be paid as also by the ciuill magistrate it is both sacriledge and contempt against the magistrate whom we must obey for conscience sake not to pay them truely if it had not beene the speciall will of God euen in the time of the Gospell to pay tithes to the preachers Christ had not commended the Scribes and Pharises for paying of them which he doth Mat. 23. 23. Againe it was necessary in the old law to pay tithes to the Leuites much more needfull is it now in the Gospell for the preachers are not onely the Leuites successours but also their calling is more honourable and their charge is greater Besides our righteousnesse must exceede the righteousnesse of the Scribes and Pharises or else we cannot enter into the kingdome of heauen but their righteousnesse was so great that they did not omit to pay their tythes euen of the least things therefore much more carefull must we be to let the preachers haue their due the Gentiles also led by the law of nature were carefull in this practise as Cyrus king of Persia hauing ouercome the Lydians payed the tythes of his spoile to Iupiter saith Herodotus lib. 1. The Romans paide tythes to Hercules Cicero lib. 2. de offic The Arabians paide tythes of their incense to Sabis Plin. lib. 12. cap. 14. Lastly the punishments executed vpon these who haue defrauded the Church of her right are sufficient testimonies to prooue how dangerous it is to with-hold the tythes from her famine and pouertie are the effects of this sinne Hierome in Malach. 3. They are guiltie of the murther of soules before Gods tribunall who are pertakers of it August de doct Christ. they are punished with present and eternall plagues Chytre◅ in cap. 7. Iosuae Eagles feathers being mingled with the feathers of other fowles are said to consume these and themselues also euen so the tythes haue eate vp and consumed patrimonies and estates of many men as daily experience teacheth euery where but especially in the kingdome of Scotland Truly to meddle with the Church goods after this sort is to meddle with aurum Tolosanum Eras. in Adag Q. Why is God called the possessour of heauen and earth A. That by this title he might be distinguished from false gods therefore these and such like titles are giuen him in Scripture he is said to sit in the heauens Psal. 2. To make the heauen and earth Psal. 124. To stretch out the heauens aboue Esay 44. To stretch them out like a garment Psal. 104. To lay the foundations of the earth and the corner stone thereof Iob. 38. Hee is called the Lord God of heauen Ion. 1. The earth is said to be his and the fulnesse thereof the world and they that dwell therein Psal. 34. And Ieremie concludeth that these gods who haue not made the heauens and the earth shall perish from the earth Ier. 10 11. Now by the heauen and earth are vnderstood all things therein contained and this may abate the pride of these who haue great possessions which if they bee compared with heauen and earth they are nothing Againe they are not permanent for when man dyeth he shall carry nothing away his glory shal not descend after him Psal. 40. 17. Besides let a mans possession be neuer so great yet as Philo saith the right of possessing all things belongs vnto God onely man hath but the vse of these things which he doth possesse Secondly if God be possessor of all then the Sonnes of God haue right and interest in all the creatures the wicked haue none Thirdly because he hath the possessions of all nations we must wish well to all and despise none Fourthly if he be possessor of all then hee is by his power and prouidence in all things he is not far from euery one of vs Act. 17. 27. Q. Did Abraham well to sweare that he would take nothing from the king of Sodom A. Yes for by this oath he both satisfieth the king that hee dealt simply and plainly with him in deliuering the perso◅ and the goods as also the people who◅ might haue thought that Abraham for hi◅ owne gaine did vndertake this warre and not for loue of his brother Lot in such cases then it is lawfull to sweare both for the aduancement of Gods glory and confirmation of the truth for wee honour and loue God when we sweare thus Qui iur◅ aut veneratur aut diligit eum per quem iur◅ Aquin. in Math. Then seeing swearing is commanded by God himselfe Exod 22. Yea oftētimes vsed by him by Christ also By the Saints and by the Angels for we reade that all these haue sworne Christ did not reprooue the high Priest for adiuring him swearing also tendeth to the honour of God and the profit of our neighbours therefore the Anabaptists are ridiculous who oppose this doctrine yet we must take heed that wee doe not sweare at all times rashly for euery trifle so Gods name shall waxe vile and common Secondly that we sweare not to doe any thing contrary to Gods will for such an oath is euill but the action is worse as wee may see in Iephthes now and Herods oath Thirdly that we doe not forsweare or sweare to confirme a lye for that is highly to dishonour God if we make him a witnesse of our lyes Fourthly that wee doe not sweare by the creatures for that is to attribute Gods glory vnto them neither can that be an oath properly which is sworne by the creature because men sweare by the greater Heb. 6. 16. But there is no creature greater then man Fifthly that we doe not sweare deceitfully vsing ambiguous words speaking one thing thinking another for an oath is vsed to make an end of strife Heb. 6. 16. But such oathes doe increase strife Sixthly that we sweare not by the name of Idols or false Gods for that is also to attribute Gods glory vnto them and they that sweare by them doe seeme to put their trust and confidence in them if then we sweare at all let vs sweare only by God as Abraham did here who lifted vp his hand in testimony thereof for we know that the Gentiles did honour their false gods by vsing their names to confirme their oathes as the Romanes by Fides Plut. in numa The Vestall Nymphus by Vesta the Carthaginians by their countrey gods some by Iupiter and Hercules others by Castor and Pollux did vse to sweare much more should wee then seeke the glory of the true God by calling vpon him in our lawfull oathes Q. Did Abraham well to refuse the king of Sodomes offer A. Yes because he would not haue him thinke that it was for his owne profite hee vndertooke this battle neither would hee haue any thinke that he would bee so much beholding to a prophane king