THE MIRROR of Religious men, and of godly Matrons. EXHIBITED IN THE GOLden Legends of these six famous and faithful Persons. Abraham & Sara, Isaac & Rebecca: jacob & Rahel. Very comfortable to be read of all the sons and daughters of such faithful parents according to the promise, for the rectifying of their lives and the confirming of their faith. By I. M. Master in Arts. LONDON, Printed for E. White, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the gun, near the little north door of Paul's. 1611. TO THE RIGHT Honourable Bruce-sprung noble Lord JOHN, Lord Harington, Baron of Exton: and to the right noble and worthy, the Lady ANNE his wife, and the most virtuous Governess of the most graceful young Princess. Madam ELIZABETH Infanta of Albion, all heavenly and earthly happiness. IT is the custom (right honourable) of such as set or send out any work to public view, to make choice of some worthy Person for the patronizing thereof. So that I, being about the publishing of certain Essays and Meditations of mine, moral and divine, and among others, of this present Pamphlet, I began to bethink myself of some convenient Patron for the countenancing thereof. And in end after that I had considered of the nature and kind of the Subject sufficiently; and had weighed with myself the greatness of your humanity, both towards Scholars and my Countrymen; I was emboldened so much the more to publish it under the combined splendour of your united illustrious names. In it one may see as in a clear Mirror or crystal glass, a plain and lively representation of the saith, piety, and devotion, of the uprightness, charity, & compassion; of the Temperance, sobriety, and moderation; and of the diligence, industry & honest conversation, of the godly Men and Women of old, & namely of the six famous & faithful persons, therein more particularly painted out. In whose golden Legends, I hope the sharpest-sighted shall not espy so much as the smallest spice of any feigned fiction, falsehood or he: the which thing no doubt, many will deem and esteem a great rarity in a golden Legend. In it one also may see a perfect patterre and picture of a perfect Servant of God Man or Woman; together with an exemplary proof of God's bountiful requiting and liberal rewarding of them for their service. Therein likewise is as it were in a visible manner expressed to the eye, the exceeding great care that Almighty God hath of his children, even of all such as do commend their estate, and commit their affairs unto his fatherly providence. Finally this little Mirror doth afford divers moral observations and instructions, to the number of 68 touching the chief duties that men and women own unto God, and likewise one unto another: namely such as do mutually concern husbands & wives, parents and children, masters and Servants. Considering then that the nature of it is such and that it may serve somewhat for the furtherance of men and women, chiefly those of the younger sort, in the exercise of soundness of belief, and of sincerity of life, I am so much the more bold to implore your worthy Patronage therein, and to pray your honours in the behalf thereof to answer unto the signification of your two christian names, which do import Grace and gracious, and even to grace this mean Testimony of a dutiful mind, with your gracious acceptance. The which favour, if it shall please your honours to afford me; I shall be encouraged to be about the showing of some more ample signification of mine observancy towards the honour of your names. And thus wishing in the mean time unto a graceful JOHN and ANNA such felicity, hap, and honour, as hath befallen unto ABRAHAM & SARA, ISAAC and REBECCA, JACOB and RAHEL, whose godliness and virtuousness ye do so happily imitate: I rest Your Honour's devoted to all humble duties, JAMES MAXWELL. A SUMMARIE VIEW of the chief contents of this present Legend-booke. I. OF obedience unto the Lord's voice. page 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. II. Of faith in God, & of the wonderful effects thereof. 6. 7. 8. 9 10. 11 35. 36. 37. 38. 39 40. 41. 42. 43. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. III. Of the religious care that should be in Parents for their children, and in Masters & mistresses for their servants. p. 12. 13. 14. 139. 142. 143. 144. 145 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. 151. 152. 153. 154. 155. 156. 157. 158. FOUR Of the qualities of a good Servant. P. 14. 15. 16. 17. V Of the charity, pity, compassion, equity, and peaceable disposition that ought to be in christians. P. 18. 19 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 70. 71. 92. VI Of God's blessing and rewarding of such as serve him, and wait on him, p. 3. 25. 26. 27. 28. 57 58. 59 65. 66. 67. 68 76. 107. 116. 119. 120. VII. Of God's raising up of the despised, and of his casting down of the despisers, p. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. VIII. Of the subjection, modesty, and shamefastness, that aught to be in Christian women, p. 52. 53. 79. 80. 81. IX. Of Beauty and Bounty in women. p. 54. 55. 56. 57 71. 72. 109. 110. 111. X. Of God's presence & assistance in the time of the godly man's adversity and affliction. p. 66. 67. 68 69. 101 102. 123. 124. 126. 127. 130. 131. 132. XI. Of diligence and industry that ought to be in Christian men and women p. 73. 74. 104. 105. 106. 111. 112. XII. Of the humility and humanity that ought to be in Christian men and women. p. 75. 133. 134. XIII. Of the heart-fasting that aught to be in such parties as are about marriage, before that they be hand-fasted. p. 76. 77. 107. XIIII. Of parents and friends blessing, and well advising of the married couple. p. 78. 79. XV. Of the excellency of a virtuous wife, and of the great account that her husband should make of her. p. 82. 83. 84. 88 93. XVI. Of the fervent love that ought to be between married folks. p. 85. 87. 88 XVII. Of the great efficacy of the righteous man's prayer. p. 88 89. 90. 91. XVIII. Of God's love and favour, and of the great efficacy thereof. p. 95. 96. 97. 124. 125. 126. XIX. Of the patience, innocency, and modesty, that aught to be in Christians. p. 98. 99 100 102. 103. 112. XX. Of God's remembering of his children after a seeming forgetfulness, p. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. XXI. Of the Christians patiented waiting on God, and of the good issue thereof. p. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. XXII. Of the thankfulness that ought to be in Christians towards God for benefits received. p. 121. 122. 138. 139. XXIII. Of the care and charge that God's Angels have of the afflicted and godly. p. 127. 128. 129. 130. XXIIII. Of Christians acknowledging of God's graciousness, and of their own unworthiness. p. 135. 138. XXV. Of the great vanity of Idols, or shop-Gods of gold & silver. p. 140. 141. 142. ERRATA, Page 8. for unfalliable, read unfallible Page 19 for unsoundly. read unsonnely Page 49. for diseased, read deceased. Page 68 for bent, read bruised. Page 90. for was, read were. Page 100 for opens, read open. Page 133. for blesseth, read kisseth. The golden legend of ABRAHAM and SARA. ABraham as he was the father of the faithful, Gen. 17.4, 5, 6. Rom. 4.16, 17, 18. so was he more particularly, of all religious and godly rich men. He feared God devoutly, obeyed his voice readily, called upon his name diligently, lived among men uprightly, and followed his calling carefully. Gen. 12.1.2.3.4.5.6.7. & 15.1.2.3.4.12.13.18. & 2.17.8. His obedience to the Lords voice was such, that he left his native country, forsook his kindred and his father's house, and travailed towards the land of Canaan, Act. 7 2.3 4.5. which the Lord promised to give him & his seed: he left a certain possession for an uncertain, only relying & reposing himself upon the certainty of God's gracious promise. Yea more, when as God had given him a son, & one only son of his wife Sara, in their old age, contrary to the common course & ordinary ability of nature, Gen. 22.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. and 26. 5. james 2.21. he was willing at the Lords voice to offer him for a offering. So that not without great cause is the holy patriarchs obedience so highly commended by the Lords own mouth. By myself have I sworn (saith the Lord) because thou hast done this thing, and hast not spared thine only son, therefore will I surely bless thee, and will greatly multiply thy seed, as the stars of the heaven, & the sand which is upon the seashore; & thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. And as Abraham at the commandment of the most high, would have sacrificed his son, yea his young son, and his only son, and the son of his delight; and that with his own hands, & without protracting of time, (for he rose up early in the morning to offer up his son) so the Lord in consideration of his obedience, yea his admirable & memorable obedience, rewarded him most amply, and blessed exceedingly not only himself, but likewise his seed for his sake. Instruction. 1 Hence we may learn this lesson, that whosoever he be that serveth the Lord, he shall find that he serveth not a thankeles, but a most thankful master, according to that which he said unto Abraham: Gen. 1. Fear not Abraham, I am thy Buckler, and thine exceeding great Instruction. 2 reward. In Abraham's obedience in preferring the Lords voice and will before the love of his Country & kindred, yea before the love of his only son Isaac, all his children according to the promise, but chiefly rich men, are taught to yield obedience unto the Lord's voice; and even (if the cause require it) to abandon and forsake their dearest and most beloved things, for the cause of God, & to prefer his will before all earthly and corruptible treasure. Mat. 10.37 & 19 29. He that loveth father or mother more than me (saith our Saviour) is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And whosoever shall forsake houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children or lands, for my name's sake, he shall receive an hundredth fold more, and shall inherit everlasting life. Well knew holy Abraham this, who as he rejoiced to see Christ in the flesh, john 8.56 so he loved him far above all fleshly and corruptible things: he knew well what it was to be worthy of Christ, & would have rather forsaken all, then to have proved unworthy of him that made all. This great obedience in Abraham did flow from his exceeding great faith, as the Apostle to the Hebrews lets us to understand, By faith Abraham when he was called, Hebr. 11 8, 9, 10 17, 18, 19 obeyed God, to go out into a place, which he should afterward receive for inheritance, and he went out not knowing whether he went. By faith he abode in the land of promise, as in strange country, as one that dwelled in Tents with Isaac and jacob, heirs with him of the same promise, for he looked for a City having a foundation, whose builder and maker is God. By faith he offered up Isaac, when he was tried, and he that had received the promises, offered his only begotten son. To whom it was said, in Isaac shall thy seed be called, for he considered that God was able to raise him up even from the dead, from whence he received him also after a sort. Gen. 15.6 and 17.11 23, 24, 25 26, 27 Rom. 4.3.11.16, 17 18, 19, 20 21, 22. Gala. 3.6 jam. 2.23. Abraham believed God (saith the scripture) and it was counted to him for righteousness, who above hope, believed under hope, that he should be the father of many nations. Neither did he doubt of the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in the faith, & gave glory to God, being fully assured that he which had promised was also able to do it. Though Abraham had not by inheritance, so much as one foot breadth in the land of Canaan; yet he believed that the Lord was both able and willing, to perform his promise made to him and his seed, touching the possession thereof. Though he knew that Sara his wife, being both barren and old, could not by the course of nature conceive; yet he was assured that God was able to give him a Son, even of her. Finally, though he was commanded to offer up his Son Isaac for a offering unto the Lord; yet being strengthened in the faith, he considered how that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; and was fully persuaded that Gods promise made to him touching Isaac and his seed, should not, nor could not fall to the ground, and want the own performance in the own due time. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but God's promise is as unfaileable and unfalliable as God himself. Abraham, if he had been feeble in the faith, would have said, what a kind of a Commandment is this, for a father to be the slayer of his own Son? Have I received a Son, and but one Son only, after so long prayer, and expectation: and must I, and none other but I be the butcher of his body, the spiller of his blood, and the burner of his bones? Good Lord what an hard and heavy commandment is this? Is it possible O heavens, that God should be the author thereof? How much more like is this son-offering voice unto the voice of some monstrous Milcom or Molech, Levit. 18 21. the bloodsucking Idol of Ammon, rather than unto the voice of the most gracious God of Abraham? chief, he having promised in isack's seed to call and bless all the nations of the earth? and must I, and none but I, who was the instrument of his life, now be the mortal and unnatural instrument of his death? O my beloved Son Isaac, would God thou hadst never been borne: and thou my sweet wife Sara, would God thou hadst always been barren, rather than to have borne a son in thine old age after so long barrenness, whom thy husband, and his father, must now in so unfatherly a fashion, bereave of his natural being and breath. But Abraham was far from all such infirmity, and imperfection of faith; and therefore believing that Gods promise should not miss of performance, but that he was even able to raise Isaac again out of his own ashes; he delayed not to do that which the Lord had enjoined him concerning his son. Gen. 22.1. to 13. But when as he was in heaving up his hand to give him the mortal blow with the knife; behold the Angel of the Lord from heaven forbidden him to lay his hand upon the child. For now I know (quoth he) that thou fearest God, seeing that for my sake thou hast not spared thine only son. And thus Abraham's will to offer his only son for a offering unto the Lord was accepted for the deed. Abraham's obedience than was correspondent to his faith, whence it did flow: his faith was great, and therefore great was his obedience; Io. 8.56. he saw Christ but a far off, and he was glad: he saw by faith, and that a great faith, and therefore great was his sight, his gladness and his joy. And as he had a great faith in his heart, so made he a great demonstration thereof in the actions of his hands. Gen. 12.7.8. & 13.4.18. For Abraham wheresoever he sojourned, erected an Altar unto God, and called upon his name. As he forsook the Idols of his fathers, even their Gods, Josh. 24.2.3. which were no Gods, so he acknowledged and worshipped entirely, the only true God. Gen. 14 18 19.20. Heb. 7.4.8. Also he paid Tithes unto Melchisedeck the high Priest of the most high. Giving thereby an example to all his Instruction. 3 children, jam. 2.18. of showing their faith by their works: and namely unto the richer sort, of consecrating a part of their substance to the building & repairing of Churches, for the service of God, and of making his ministers partakers of their goods according as the Apostles exhortation doth bear saying; Galat. 6.6. Let him that is taught in the word make him that hath taught him partaker of all his goods. And not only was Abraham religious and godly in himself, but he was also careful for all such as were under his charge, Gen. 17.23.24.25.26.27. Deut. 10.16 & 30.6 jerem 4.4. & 6.10 Act. 7 51 Gen 18.19 to wit for his children and servants, that they should live before God, as men no less circumcised in their hearts, then in their flesh. I know (said the Lord) that Abraham will command his Sons, and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord to do righteousness and judgement. Whereby the Instruction. 4 children of Abraham after the promise, and chief all fathers and masters of families, are taught to give diligence that their children and servants be instructed in the knowledge of the true God, Tit. 2.12. and of godliness, that they may live godlily, soberly, and justly in this present world. And the effect of this his christian care for his family, may appear, both in his Son Isaac, and in his servant Eliezer of Damascus the steward of his house: as for his son, as he was consecrated to the Lord in his very childhood, Gen. 22.2.10.11.12. & 26.25. & 25.5. so was the whole time of his life spent in a spiritual and reasonable sacrificing of himself to the Lords service. Never was there a son begotten of man more father like then was godly Isaac, who followed the footsteps of his father's faith, piety, charity, equity, and virtuous living; and succeeded both to his goodness, and his goods: to his godliness no less than to his gold. And as for Abraham's chief servant Eliezer, his piety, and fidelity, are both of them mentioned in the scripture to his praise. His piety towards God doth appear in this, that being sent by Abraham to take a wife for his son Isaac in his own kindred, Gen. 15.2.3. & 24.1.2.10.11.12.42. he no sooner received his master's command, but as soon he commended his way and affairs to God's providence, and blessing by prayer: The which thing he did likewise, when he was arrived to the City of Nahor, O Lord of my master Abraham, (quoth he) I beseech thee send me good speed this day, and show mercy unto my master Abraham. Such as the master was, such was the man: a religious master and Instruction. 5 a religious man, whose piety towards God may serve for a lesson to all masters and men, to begin always their important affairs at God, by in calling of his name: for except God bless, man certainly shall miss, and miscarry in his designs. Likewise Eliezer when as he had received the sign which he had asked of the Lord, to know thereby the prosperous success of his journey, being arrived to the City of Nahor, Gen. 24.48.50 51.52. where Bethuel dwelled: he bowed himself and worshipped the Lord, and said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, which hath not withdrawn his mercy and his truth from my master: for when I was in the way, the Lord brought me to my masters brethren's house. The like was his religious and Godly demeanour, when as his errand had taken the desired effect, and that he had betrothed Rekekath, the daughter of Bethuel to his masters son Isaac, to be his wife. Thus godly Eliezer, as he began his business, in praying unto God for good success, so he ended it, in praising God for the good success already gotten. The which piety of Eliezer is to be practised of all good servants, yea, and of all masters too. To the end that God, who is the Alpha and the Omega, Revel. 1.8. that is to say, the beginning, & the ending of all things, may be likewise the Alpha and the Omega, of all our actions. Whether ye eat or drink (saith the Apostle) or what soever ye do, 1. Cor. 10.31. Col. 3.17. do all to the glory of God, and in the name of the Lord jesus, giving thanks to God even the father by him. And as this good Eliezer was pious towards God, so was he no less officious, and faithful towards his master the father of the faithful. For both he would not so much as eat a crumb of bread in bethuel's house till he had said his message, Gen. 24.33 37. 54.5●.59.61.63 64. and done according to his oath; and when as he had done the errand which he came for, and had obtained Rekekah for Isaac, he would not sojourn any longer in bethuel's house, but departed the next morning, bringing home with him the vertuo us Rekekah to godly Isaac; who as he went out to pray in the field toward the evening, met her coming home. And here again in this good servant Instruction. 6 Eliezer are all servants taught to do all diligence, and to use all fidelity and consionable carefulness in doing of their masters affairs. But to return from the man to the master; as Abraham's faith, was not a dead or idle faith, in the behalf of God (for we see it wrought by obedience, jam. 2.21.22. Galat. 5.6. and pious living in God's behalf) so likewise was it not dead or idle in the regard of man, but wrought by charity, Gen. 18.1.2.3. & 4.19.3. equity, and love. This appeareth by his hospitality, for he was wont to sit at the door of his Tent to invite strangers, and to bid the poor into his house. So that on a time he received Angels for his guests, at unwares. And the like did his brother's son Lot. Whereupon the Apostle to the hebrews, Heb. 13.2. giveth out this exhortation. Be not forgetful to lodge strangers, for thereby some have received Angels into their houses unawares. Instruction. 7 If than the father of the faithful, had this godly custom to sit at his door, to bid the stranger and the poor into his house, how unseemly and unsoundly a thing is it for the sons and daughters of such a father to be so far from bidding or bringing them into our houses, as not to receive or entertain them when they come, but even to chase them away from our doors? The world is now adays grown so Keycolde in charity, that if the very Angels themselves should come down from heaven into our houses, as of old, it seemeth, we would be more ready to bid them to be gone, then to harbour them with Abraham and Lot. But hear what our Saviour saith, If ye were Abraham's children ye joh. 8.39. would do the works of Abraham. Abraham was likewise full of tenderheartedness, pity, and compassion, toward the miserable and afflicted: whence it came to pass that he not only delivered Lot from captivity, Gen. 14.12 16 & 18.23. being taken and spoiled by Chedar Laomer in the overthrow of Sodom and restored him again to his own; but he also prayed very earnestly unto Instruction. 8 God for the sinful people of Sodom. Whereby the children of Abraham, are taught to comfort the comfortless, to pity the oppressed, to deliver the distressed, to aid the weak, to ransom and redeem the captive, and to pray for the conversion & salvation of all men, be they never so wicked. Yea Abraham prayed also even for such men as had done him wrong, Gen. 20.3.7.17.18. as for king Abimelech and his household, when as the Lord had plagued them for taking away Abraham's wife from him. Giving Instruction. 9 us therein an example of praying, even for our ill-willers and enemies, according to the commandment of our Saviour; Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, Mat. 5.44.45. do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which hurt you and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to arise on the evil, and the good, and sendeth rain on the just, and the unjust. If we be the children of Abraham, we will do the works of Abraham, and if we be the children of God, we will do the will of our Father which is in heaven. Abraham's peaceable and mild disposition appeareth in that, Gen. 13.5. to 12. when as the land was not able to bear him and his brother's son Lot to live together, by reason of the great increase of their store; he to avoid contention and strife, parted company very lovingly with Lot. Let there be no strife, I pray thee (said Abraham to Lot) between thee and me, neither between mine Herdsmen, and thine, for we be brethren. Yea, Abraham to purchase peace resigned his own right, and bid Lot choose what part of the land he did most like. Instruction. 10 Teaching thereby all his children to avoid all occasions of wrangling and contending with their kinsmen, neighbours & friends, and rather be content to lose a part of their own, then enter into quarrel with them for that which justly is theirs. To which purpose, Ro. 12.18. the Apostle exhorteth all Christians to labour by all means to have peace with all men. The good christian then after the example of his father Abraham will show himself always peaceable: that is a lover, a maker, and a taker of peace. He will cut off all occasions of contention as much as he can, and he will say unto such a one as would be at debate with him, let there be no strife nor debate I pray thee between thee, and me, neither between any of ours: for we be brethren, we be Christians, even children of one father, servants of one Lord, fellows of one Baptism, followers of one faith, and members of one militant Church. And in so doing, we shall be called, not only the children of Abraham, but even the sons and daughters of the most high, even of the God of Abraham. Mat. 5.9. As Abraham was peaceable, so was he likewise equitable and just; he would not receive at the hands of Ephron the Hittite a field which he had offered him freely to bury his wife Sara in; Gen. 23. but would needs give him the price thereof, even four hundred shackles of Silver. What shall we then say Instruction. 11 of violent oppressors, and possessors of other folks rights, of robbers, and wrongful with-holders of that which appertaineth to other men? how can such unreasonable, and unequitable usurpers and encroachers, claim to be called or accounted the children of righteous Abraham? If they were Abraham's children, they would not take another man's goods for nought, although being offered them by the owner: much less would they violently bereave a man of that which is his own, or yet with hold it from him, they having it in their hands. And if such men cannot claim to be Abraham's children, how can they make claim to any part or portion in Abraham's bosom? seeing the man that would repose in Abraham's bosom after this life, Luk. 16.22 25. must here in this life harbour in his heart, and bear in his bosom Abraham's living faith, which was made perfit through works, jam. 2.21.22. & wrought by obedience, equity, righteousness, charity, and love. But did this godly and religious disposition of Abraham, want a reward? No truly; I will make of thee a great nation (said the Lord) and I will bless thee, Gen. 12.2, 3.7. & 15 1.2.3 4 & 17.1.4. & 18.1. and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing. I will also bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee, and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed: fear not Abraham, I am thy buckler, and thine exceeding great reward. The Lord honoured him often with his presence, in appearing & speaking unto him: he made him of Abram, Abraham, of a father, the father, even the father of many nations, & dignified him with the title and style to be called the father of the faithful & the friend of God. Rom. 4.17 jam. 2.23 Abraham was a great father of many people (saith Ecclesiasticus in) glory was there none like unto him. Ecclus. 45 19.20.21 He kept the law of the most high, and was in covenant with him, & he set the covenant in his flesh, and in tentation he was found faithful. Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the nations in his seed; and that he would multiply him as the dust of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and cause them to inherit, from sea to sea, & from the river unto the end of the world. 1. Sam. 2.30. Them that honour me, I will honour saith the Lord. Abraham honoured and Instruction. 12 magnified the God of Israel, and therefore God honoured him, and made him the father of the most honourable on earth. Abraham blessed the Lord devoutly at all times, acknowledging all blessedness, to flow from him, and God crowned him with abundance, both of spiritual and temporal blessings. Among other, he blessed him with a virtuous and godly wife, whose faith towards God, and obedience towards her husband, are both of them highly extolled in holy scripture. Heb. 11.12 Through faith (saith the Apostle) Sara also received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when as she was past age, because she judged him faithful which had promised. The tenure of which promise is set down in these words, Gen 17.19 & 18.10.11 12 13.14 and 21.1.2.3. Sara thy wife shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name Isaac, and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. And as the Lord promised her a son, so he performed his promise, and after long barrenness, Instruction. 13 made her to bear even in her old age. To teach the sons and daughters of faithful Abraham and Sara, not to tie God unto the strict order of nature, nor to measure his power according to the ordinary ability of natural causes, For God as he is the Lord of Nature, & she his handmaid, so can he work both without her, and with her, aswell without means, and contrary to means, as with, or according to means. Gen. 16.1.2.3.4 Sara was despised in the eyes of her handmaid Hagar for her barrenness: But the Lord at last comforted, and cheered up sorrowful Sarai, and turned her sadness into gladness, and her mourning into mirth: he even changed her name, Gen. 17.15.16.19.21. and the inability of her nature both at once. Sarai thy wife, (said the Lord to Abraham) thou shalt not call Sarai (which is as much as my mistress or dame) but Sarah shall he her name, (which signifieth a Princess or mistress of many) and I will bless her, and will also give thee a son of her, yea I will bless her and she shall be them other of Nations, Kings also of people shall come of her. Sara, I say, was barren and despised for her barrenness, even at the hands of Hagar her own handmaid. But the Lord remembered her in end, and remedied both these evils: he made her the mother of Isaac, even the happy mother, of a most happy son, (for with him the Lord did establish his covenant) and so took away her barrenness, and reproach; yea more, he made her the honourable Grandmother of Kings and of Queens; and so not only took away her despisement, but also heaped much honour upon her head: and the insolent handmaid Hagar, who before had despised her deign was turned out a doors with her mocking son Ishmael. Gen. 16.4.5. & 21.9.10.11.12 13.14. Instruction. 14 Hence we learn two notable lessons; one is, that such as God hath imparted any excellent quality unto, or bestowed upon any ability of nature or of grace, that they beware of despising such as God hath not dealt so liberally with. Pro. 3.34. 1. Pet. 5.5. jam. 4.6. For God who resisteth the proud, and giveth grace unto the humble, will despise the despisers, and exalt the despised: he will scorn the scornful, and curse such as sit in the seat of the scornful. With the froward, Psal. 18.26 the Lord will show himself froward, Prou. 3.34 saith holy David: and with the scornful he scorneth, or will show himself scornful, saith wise Solomon his son. He that dwelleth in the heaven shall laugh, Psal. 2.4. the Lord shall have them in derision. As despising Hagar together with her mocking son Ishmael were cast out of Abraham's house, So shall all proud, despising Hagars', & all insolent mocking Ismaels' be debarred from Abraham's bosom. Wherefore seeing that (as the Apostle speaketh) we are not Children of the servant, but of the free woman: Gal. 4.28.29.30.31. children of the promise after the manner of Isaac, and not children of the bond woman after the manner of Ishmael: let us show ourselves not offerers of despisement and mockage with Hagar and Ishmael, but rather sufferers with Sara and Isaac, that we may be partakers of the inheritance with him. Instruction. 15 The other lesson we learn hence is this; that the sons and daughters of faithful Abraham and Sara, are taught to commit their cause, & to commend their afflicted, and vilipended estate unto God, who is always wont to be nearest, then, when as his servants by reason of the greatness of their anguish and grief think him farthest off. David was so far despised by his enemies that he calleth himself a worm, and not a man, Psal, 22.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.22.23.24. a shame of men, and the contempt of the people, and one that was had in derision of all: and his recourse was unto God, who drew him out of the womb, and gave him hope even at his mother's breasts. Even he delivered his soul from the dogs, and bulls of Bashan which had enclosed him about; whereupon the holy man resolved to praise the Lord in the mids of the congregation, & to exhort & encourage others to do the like. for he doth not despise nor abhor the affliction of the poor: neither hideth he his face from him, but when he calleth unto him he heareth. In one word, Psal. 15.3. such as hope in him shall not be ashamed. Wherefore it is good for all afflicted persons to draw near unto God. It is God (as the holy woman Anna singeth in her song) that maketh both the barren to bear, 1. Sam. 2 5 6.7.8. and the mother of many children to be weak: he maketh poor and maketh rich, bringeth low and exhalteth, he raiseth up the poor out of the dust, & lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among Princes, and to make them inherit the seat of glory. Thus sang Anna when as she had received a son from the Lord; 1. Sam. 6. being before for her barrenness, despised in the eyes of fruitful Peninnah the other of Elcanas wives. Thus, as the holy woman Anna after long barrenness, and much despisement & reproach, 1. Sam 1.20. & 3.4. & 7.15.16 17 judg. 13. ●. 4.5.7.24. brought forth her Samuel to be a Priest before the Lord, & a judge of his people; and Manoahs' barren wife her Samson to be the Lords champion against the Philistims; & holy Elizabeth her john to be the converter of the children of Israel, Luk. 1.5.6.7.13.14.15.16.17.57.60.63.76. the Prophet of the most high, and the forerunner of the Messiah jesus the son of Marie the blessed Virgin; So godly and virtuous Sara after long barrenness, and much reproach bare in her old age, with Elizabeth her Isaac to be the heir of Abraham, the seeds-man of all the blessed nations of the earth, and the figure and forefather of the Messiah according to the flesh. Thus we see; how that faith Instruction. 16 which transcendeth nature, Ephes. 2.8. and is not of nature, but of grace, not of man, but God's gift, made Sara to bear when as by nature she was barren. As without faith it is impossible to please God; Heb. 11.6. so without faith it was impossible for Sara to conceive and bear a Son in her old age. And God that doth unto every man according to his faith, Mat 9.29. wrought with virtuous Sara according to her faith. As Abraham above hope believed under hope that he should be the father of many nations, Rom. 4.18.19.21. being strengthened in the faith, and not considering the deadness of his own body: So his wife, Sara being strengthened in the same faith, and not considering the deadness of her womb, above hope believed under hope that she should be the mother of many Nations. Both of them believed him, that had promised to be both faithful in his promise, and powerful to perform it. Hence we may learn of how great virtue, efficacy and force faith is. By faith a man is counted Instruction. 17 righteous before God, for Abraham believed in the Lord (saith the scripture) and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Gen. 15.6. Rom. 4.3 9 By faith a man hath peace towards God, and pleaseth him, Rom. 5.1.10. Heb. 11.6. and so cometh near unto him, and without faith it is impossible to please God, saith the Apostle. Act. 26.18. By faith we are raised up from sin, and receive forgiveness thereof, & inheritance among the Saints: Act. 15.9. by faith our hearts are purified, and cleansed, and Blessed be the pure in heart, Mat. 5.8. (saith our Saviour) for they shall see God. By faith we are strengthened in God's grace, we resist the devil, 1. Pet. 1.2.5.9. & 5.9. the world and the flesh, yea, we overcome them; Ephes. 3.12 Galat 3.14 26. Ephes. 2.8, 9 2. Tim. 3.15. 2. King. 6.14.15, 16.17 we have free access unto God, we receive his blessing, we are made his sons, and in end we acquire the salvation of our souls. Elisha was so strong in faith, that he feared not the troops of the King of Syria, that he sent out to apprehend him. Fear not (quoth the Prophet to his servant being afraid of the mighty host of their enemies) for they that be with us, are more than they that be with them. The City of Dothan was compassed with Horses and charets, sent by the King of Syria to offend Elisha, and to apprehend him. But lo, the mountain was full of horses and Charets of fire round about Elisha sent by the King of Kings to defend his servant, and to confound his foes. The Angel of the Lord (saith the Prophet) pitcheth round about them that fear him, Psal. 34.7. & delivereth them. 1 Sam. 6. to 24. jonathan accompanied with his armour-bearer, discomfited the Philistims through the great faith he had in God, For it is not hard for the Lord to save with many or with few, quoth jonathan to his man. 1. Sam. 17.26.32. to 37. & 55. David being armed with an invincible faith in God, went out against the mighty Goliath, and smote him first in the forehead with a stone, so that he fell groveling to the ground; & afterwards smote off his head with his own sword. The Lord that delivered me (quoth David to King Saul) out of the paw of the Lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hands of this Philistim. No, the Lord not only delivered David out of his hands, but also delivered the uncircumcised Philistim into the hands of his champion David. The three children by their faith in God were preserved in the mids of the fiery furnace. Dan. 3.16.17.27.28. Behold (said they to the King) our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the hot fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O King! And according to their saith, so it fell out; for the fire had no power over their bodies, no not so much as an hair of their head was burnt, neither were their coats changed, no not so much as any smoky smell of fire came upon them. They were casten bound into the mids of the hot fiery furnace; but lo, the king seethe them lose walking in the mids of the fire, as if it had been amids a glorious and a fresh flourishing garden, together with one in their company like the Son of God. Their faith in God made the fiery furnace unto them as a fresh meadow, when as the flame thereof consumed the Idolatrous and faithless officers that threw them in: a wonderful work, that the fire should forbear to burn the smallest hair of the head of such as were cast into the mids of it, and in the mean while destroy and slay such as were without it. The servants of God were safe in the fire because of their faith in God: but the king's servants though being without the fire, were not yet safe, because they were without faith in God. whereupon Nebuchadnezzer the king was constrained to praise God, saying, Blessed be the God of Shadrach Meshach, and abednago, who hath sent his Angel, and delivered his servants that put their trust in him. And not only did he bless God for them, but also decreed, that whosoever should speak any blasphemy against him, that he should be drawn in pieces, and his house made a jakes. And withal as he honoured and magnified the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednago, acknowledging that there is no God that can deliver after this sort, and commanding all his subjects to do the same; so did he promote these men that thus did honour God, to great honour in the province of Babel. Wherein we find that saying of the Lord verified, Them that honour me, 1. Sam. 2 30. I will honour. The like was the efficacy of daniel's faith, Dan. 6.11.12.16.22.23.24.26.27. the strength whereof did surmount the strength of the strongest beasts, even of Darius his Lions. He was cast into the lions den, for making his supplication unto God, yet no manner of hurt was found on him, because he believed in God: daniel's faith made him safe in the mids of the den amongst a company of hugry devouring beasts; whereas they broke all the bones of their accusers which wanted faith in God, or ever they came at the ground of the den. Whereupon king Darius made a decree, that within all his dominions, men should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and remaineth for ever (said the king) and his kingdom shall not perish, and his dominion shall be everlasting. He rescueth and delivereth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth: who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the Lions. The Apostle to the Hebrews painteth out at large the efficacy of the faith of the men of God of old. Heb. 11. Faith opened the heavens to Enoch, and freed him from seeing of death. Faith preserved Noah and his household from the flood. Faith made the people of God under the conduction of Moses the man of God, to pass through the red sea as by dry land; which when the Egyptians had assayed to do, they were drowned: for they both wanted faith in God themselves, and they persecuted such as had faith, and believed in God. Likewise by faith the walls of jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days. Thus we see, faith is stronger than walled towns, for it maketh them to fall; stronger than Lions and Bears, for it toeth their paws, and shutteth up their jaws; stronger than the raging Sea, and the most overflowing floods, for it turneth them into dry land: and stronger than the consuming fire, for it maketh it cold as water, and as refreshing as a fair flowery field. The men of God (saith the holy Apostle) through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained the promises, stopped the mouths of Lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, of weak were made strong, waxed valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens: finally, by faith the women received their dead children raised to life. So that faith is not only stronger than walled towns, than armed men, than roaring Lions, than the raging sea, than the flaming fire, but also stronger than death itself: Yea, 1. Pet. 5.8.9. Ephes. 6.16 1. joh. 5.4. it is stronger than the devil, for it quencheth all his fiery darts, and maketh him to fly from us, with the wings of the wind, though his strength far exceed the strength of millions of roaring and devouring Lions. And as the Epistle to the Hebrews setteth before our face the force of faith in the holy men of old; So doth the holy Gospel afford us divers notable testimonies of the wonderful effects thereof in divers persons. Mat 8.2.3.5.6.8.10.13.14.15. The leper that came to Christ, through faith in him, believing that he was able to make him clean, was cleansed of his leprosy with one touch of our saviours powerful finger. And by the same faith and finger, was Peter's mother in law cured and freed of her fever. And the Centurion's servant was healed of his palsy. Speak the word only (said the Centurion to our Saviour) and my servant shall be healed. Our Saviour marveled at his faith, and said unto his followers, Verily I have not found so great faith even in Israel: and unto the Centurion himself he said; Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it unto thee. And his servant was healed the same hour. Mat 9.18.20.21.22.25.28.29.30. & 20.30.31.32.33.34. By faith was the woman that had been twelve years sick of a bloody issue, cured of her disease. for she said in herself, if I may touch but his garment only, I shall be whole. Then jesus turned him about, and seeing her, did say, daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole, and the woman was made whole at that hour. Her faith was great, and therefore delivered her from a great disease, and wrought upon her a great cure: her faith was present, and therefore was she presently cured without any protracting of time. It was a matter of good comfort to her that she was cured of a long and lingering disease. It was a matter of greater comfort to her that she was cured by the great Physician our Saviour Christ. And it was a matter of greatest comfort of all, that she being a poor patient, sick in body, and sinful in soul, became by the means of her faith, to be so much dignified as to be made and called the daughter of the Son of God. Daughter (said our Saviour unto her) be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole. The like honour and help, he vouchsafed upon the sick of the palsy seeing his faith, Son be of good comfort, thy sins are forgiven thee, said our Saviour unto the sinful, sick-man: whereupon he arose freed from the sickness of his body, and the sin of his soul both at once. jairus the ruler of the Synagogue believed that our Saviour was able to cure his daughter being diseased, yea to quicken her being diseased: My daughter is now dead (said he to our Saviour) but come and lay thine hand on her, and she shall live: And so did the issue answer unto his faith, for presently she revived and arose. Two blind men believed that our Saviour was able to restore them to their sight, and their eyes were opened as soon as he had touched them, and said, Mat. 15.22 22. be it unto you according to your faith. And unto the Cananitish woman whose daughter was vexed with a devil, who did sue at his hands for help with great importunity and fervency, his answer was; O woman, great is thy faith, be it to thee, as thou desirest: and her daughter was made whole at that hour. Mat 17.14 15.18. Mat. 9 17 to 30 Likewise the lunatic child was healed at the humble petition of his believing father, without any longer delay: & the Ruler of capernaum his son being sick unto the death, joh. 4.47.50.53. was healed, because of the faith of his father, who believed the word that jesus had spoken unto him. The holy Apostle Peter through faith walked on the water, Mat. 14.28 29 as on the dry land. And the holy Apostle Paul, Act. 14.8 9.10. beholding a certain impotent man which had been a cripple from his mother's womb and had never walked, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, stand upright on thy feet; and he leapt up and walked. Thus we see, how that faith is able to make the lame to go, the blind to see, the dumb to speak, the deaf to hear, the leper to be clean, the lunatic and mad to be in their right mind, and the dead to arise. No marvel then though the same faith was able to make Sara to bear in her barren old age: For as our Saviour said unto the man whose son was possessed, Mat. 9.23. all things are possible to him that believeth: and unto his disciples; Mat 21.22 what soever ye shall ask in prayer, if ye believe, ye shall receive it. It is not then without great cause that Moses exhorted the people going out to battle, Deut. 30.3 to have faith in the victory promised; 1. Sam. 12.20.21.52. that Samuel encouraged the people to trust in God, and that jehosophat enjoined the people to confide in God, 2. Chron. 20.20. and to believe his Prophets: Good cause had the holy Apostles to desire of Christ to increase their faith, Luk 17.5. and to exhort men to stand steadfast in the faith, 1. Cor. 16.13. 2 Cor. 13.5. and to prove themselves whether they be in the faith or no, Rom. 1.17 1. Tim. 6.12. and to grow from faith to faith: Finally, to fight the good fight of faith, 1. Pet. 1.9. and so to lay hold on eternal life, and in end to receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. And as Sara is greatly commended for her faith towards God, so likewise is she for her obedience towards her husband, her mildness of spirit, and modesty in attire: And therefore the blessed Instruction. 18 Apostle S. Peter exhorteth all women and wives to imitate the example of her excellent virtues. 1. Pet. 3.1.2.3.4.5.6. Let the wives be subject to their husbands, that even they which obey not the word, may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives, while they behold your pure conversation which is with fear: whose appareling let it not be outward as with broided hair and gold put about or in putting on of apparel, But let the Hid man of the heart be uncorrupt, with a meek and quiet spirit, which is before God a thing much set by. For even after this manner in time past did the holy women which trusted in God ner themselves, and were subject to their husbands. As Sara obeyed Abraham and called him Sir, or Lord, whose daughters ye are, whiles ye do well. Ecclesi. 26.35.27 A shamefast woman (saith Siracides) will reverence her husband. A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of all: But she that despiseth him, shall be blazed for her pride. This same subjection, shamefastness, and modesty of Sara in her carriage and clothing, the Apostle S. Paul recommendeth very earnestly unto women in his Epistle to Timothy, 1. Tim. 2.9.10.11. As our Saviour said to the jews, that if they were Abraham's children, they would do the works of Abraham: joh. 8.39. So may it be said of women and wives, as many as be the daughters of Sara, they will imitate the modesty, Gen 12.11 14. & 24.16. & 26.7. & 29.17 1. Sam. 25.3.42. meekness, shamefastness, and obedience of Sara. It is recorded in scripture, that Sara was a fair woman to look upon, and very beautiful, the like is said of Rebecca isack's wife, and of Rahel jacobs' wife, and of the virtuous and wise Abigaill David's wife, after the death of churlish Nabal. Eccles. 36.22.23.24 The beauty of a woman (saith jesus the Son of Sirach) cheereth the face, and a man loveth nothing better. If there be in her tongue gentleness, meekness, and wholesome talk, then is not her husband like other men: he that hath gotten a virtuous woman, hath begun to get a possession, she is an help like unto himself, and a pillar to rest upon. As the Sun when it ariseth in the high places of the Lord, Eccles. 26.16.17.18 so is the beauty of a good wife the ornament of her house: as the clear light is upon the holy candlestick, so is the beauty of the face in a ripe age: and as the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver, so are fair feet with a constant mind. The external beauty of Saras body was accompanied with the internal beauty of her mind; and in a fair body in her person was lodged a more fair soul. Instruction. 19 Thus in the example of the beauteous and bounteous Sara are all matrons & maids admonished to join bounty, meekness and modesty of mind, to the beauty of body, and virtuous carriage to the well-favourednes of their outward feature. Considering how that beauty without bounty in a woman (as the wise man speaketh) is as a jewel of gold in a swine's nose; Pro. 11.22 & 12.4. & 31.30. and that not the beauteous, but the virtuous woman is the crown of her husband. For favour is deceitful and beauty is a vanishing thing, but a woman that feareth the Lord she shall be praised. House and riches may be the inheritance of the fathers, Pro. 18.22 &. 19.14. but a prudent wife cometh of the Lord: and he that findeth such a wife findeth a good thing, and receiveth favour of the Lord. And doubtless Abraham who found so many good things, and so great favour at the hands of the Lord, he found this favour, & this chief good thing, to wit, a good wife amongst many other favours and good things. Eccles. 26.3.14.15.24 A virtuous woman is a good portion, (saith Siracides) which shall be given for a gift unto such as fear the Lord. Who feared the Lord more than did godly Abraham? and consequently what man could there be more worthy of a virtuous wife than he? There is nothing so much worth as a woman well instructed, and there is no weight to be compared unto a shamefast woman's peaceable, faithful, & continent mind: And who could be so worthy of such a worthy pearl as the worthiest amongst men, the holy Patriarch Abraham the father of the faithful? And as God blessed him with a virtuous and an understanding wife which proved the joy and crown of her husband, whose death therefore he had great cause to bewail, as he did with mourning and lamentation; Gen. 23.1.2 so did he endow him exceedingly with temporal store ●he magnified and multiplied him, Gen. 13.5.6 & 24. ●5. 36 so that he gave him in great abundance, men-servants and maidservants, silver and gold, Camels & Asses, Instruction. 20 Sheep and beeves. Wherein we find that saying of the Apostle verified. 1. Tim 4.8 Godliness is profitable unto all things which hath the promise of the life present, and of that which is to come. Lastly, the Lord hath such an honourable regard of Abraham that according to his promise made to him, Gen. 12.3. saying, I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee. He both cursed and blessed other men for Abraham's sake: As he plagued Pharaoh king of Gerar together with their households for offering to do him wrong: Gen 12.15 16.17.18 19.20. & 20.3.4 7.17.18. & 19.29. & 20.17. & 27 3.4.5. so for Abraham's sake and at his entreaty, he multiplied Isaac, and delivered Lot from the destruction of Sodom, and healed king Abimelech and all his household. So effectually was God with Abraham, that he was also with others for Abraham's sake. Wherein all the Sons and Daughters of faithful Abraham and Sara may behold clearly as in a crystal glass, of how wonderful great virtue and force godliness is, it being able to procure a blessing at God's hands, not only to the godly man himself, but unto others also, even unto such as the godly man, either prayeth for, or yet reapeth any benefit by. Thus God blessed and prospered Laban for jacobs' sake, Gen. 30.37 & 39.2.3.4.5.6. so long as he sojourned with him in his house. And thus he blessed Putiphar the Egyptian for joseph's sake, and made his blessing to rest upon all that he had in the house and in the field: And thus no doubt, but he will bless all such as the followers of Abraham's saith, jam. 2.21.22.23. and the workers of his works (for these two God hath conjoined together, and therefore man must not sever them) shall recommend unto God in their prayers. The golden Legend of ISAAC and REBECCA. ISack the Son and heir of faithful Abraham and Sara, Gen. 17.15.16 17 18. & 18.10.11.12.13, 14. & 21.1.2.3. & 25 5 & 26.25. as he was consecrated to the Lord in his very childhood; so was his whole life nothing else but a real and an actual sacrificing of himself unto the Lord's service: he walked in the ways and footsteps of his father, and followed the trace of his faith, piety, charity, equity, and virtuous living. He succeeded aswell to his goodness as to his goods: to his godliness, no less then to his gold: wheresoever he spread his Tent, there did he not fail to erect an Altar unto the Lord, and to call upon his name. Wheresoever he had his chamber, there God had his Church; yea his Tent was a very Tabernacle, & his bedchamber was as a chapel dedicated to the service of the God of his father Instruction. 22 Abraham. Whereby all the children of Isaac according to the promise are taught to worship God not only publicly in the Church, but also privately in their secret chambers. Both which duties the sweet singer of Israel doth jointly mention in the fourth Psalm, and recommendeth them to our practice. The private devotion, in these words, Psal. 4.4.5. Examine your own heart upon your bed and be still: and the public, in these, offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord. Whereby he giveth us to understand, that no place whether private, or public, is to be thought unfit for the practising of holy duties: for God's worship as it should be publicly performed in the Church according to that of the Psalmist, Psal. 22.22 25. & 111.1. In the midst of the congregation will I praise thee, so must it not be neglected privately in the chamber according to which it is written of the Prophet Daniel that he went into his house, Dan. 6.10. and having opened the window of his chamber that looked toward jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed and praised his God. These two, private devotion, & public adoration, God hath conjoined, and therefore man must not sever them. They are as the two hands of our christian profession: the public is as the right hand, the private as the left; the want of either maketh a maimed christian: And as no place is unfit for God's service, so likewise no time, whether morning, or evening, night or day. It is a good thing to praise the Lord, Psal. 92.1, 2. and to sing unto thy name O most high; to declare thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy truth in the night. saith devout David: Psal, 119.62. and again, at midnight will Irise to give thanks unto thee, because of thy righteous judgements: Hear my voice in the morning, Psal. 5.3. O Lord, for in the morning will I direct me unto thee, and I will wait. And to the same purpose Siracides saith, Eccle. 2.28 & 39.5. that we ought to prevent the sun rising to give thanks, and to salute the Lord before the day spring. The wise man (saith he) will give his heart to resort early unto the Lord that made him, and to pray before the most high for his sins. Psal. 55.17 Evening and morning, and at noon will I pray, (saith godly David) and he will hear my voice. Isaac waited on God, Gen 26.1.2.3.4.5. invoked him, and walked with him: And therefore God was with him, and provided for him in the time of famine which was in the land: he honoured the Lord, and the Lord honoured him with his presence and appearance. For he appeared unto him, and bid him dwell in the land of Gerer, and promised to bless him; and not him only, but also in his seed all the nations of the earth. As he was religious and godly far above all other, so was God with him, and blessed him far above all other. He both preserved him in the time of famine, & increased his substance and store. So that when as he sowed in that land, he found in the same year an hundredth fold by estimation. He waxed mighty and still increased till he was exceeding great. Gen. 26.12 13 14. As he was great in faith, and in godliness grew daily, so did he increase from day to day, in his family and goods: For he had flocks of sheep, and herds of cattle, and a mighty household. Gen 26.14 15.16.17.18.19.20.21.22. And though that the Philistims among whom he lived, did envy him, and vex him by stopping of his wells, and in end drove him away after much strife; yet the Lord was always on his side. The Philistims were his foes, but the God of Israel was his friend: and the man that hath God for his friend, is strong enough to withstand all his foes, be they never so furious. Isaac, when as he was resisted by men, was assisted of God: Gen. 26.23.24. for when as he was thus afflicted by the faithless Philistims. God who is faithful and true, and who loved faithful Abraham and his seed, appeared unto Isaac the same night in Beersheba and said unto him thus, I am the God of Abraham thy father, fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Instruction. 23 Abraham's sake. Happy is the man who with Isaac hath the Lord with him, and blessed is he whom the Lord blesseth: for he needeth not to be afraid, neither of famine, nor infection, nor yet of foes. Who so dwelleth in the secret of the most high (saith the Psalmist) shall abide in the shadow of the almighty. Psal. 91.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.10. The Lord will deliver him from the snare of the hunter, and from the noisome pestilence: he shall not be afraid of the fear of the night, nor of the arrow that flieth by day. There shall none evil come unto him, neither shall any plague come near his tabernacle. If God be on our side, what matter is it who be against us? For what better is their opposition, than a blow with a bended reed, or their violence, than a blast of wind? Fear ye not them (saith our Saviour) which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: Mat. 10.28 But rather fear him which is able to destroy both body and soul. And the Lord as he was ready and present to comfort & cheer up Isaac in his affliction; so was he not only his friend himself, But also he framed the heart of king Abimelech to favour him. Gen. 26.26.27.28.29. For the heart of the king is in the hands of the Lord, Pro. 21.1. he turneth whether soever it pleaseth him, saith Solomon. Abimelech of a foe was made a friend to Isaac, before he vexed him, but afterwards he went unto him to visit him, and to make an alliance and covenant with him. For we saw (quoth the king) that certainly the Lord was with thee, as if he should have said, we saw God to be with thee, and therefore it was not fit that we should be against thee: we saw God was thy friend, so that it was but a folly for us to be any longer thy foes. Instruction. 24 Whereby all faithful folks are taught, that God's help is most present, when as man's aid is most absent: as also that if we have our refuge unto him in our affliction with Isaac, God will also comfort and cheer us up with Isaac. Rom. 8.31 So that if God be with us, we shall not need to fear who be against us. For either God will turn the hearts of our foes, and make them our friends, as he did here with isack's enemies: or else they shall not be able to do us any notable harm. Gen. 26.30.31. And as Abimelech together with his Philistims and friends came to treat of peace, alliance and amity with Isaac; So did he on the other part show his peaceable disposition and gentle nature in entertaining them (for he made them a feast) and in accepting of the offer made by the king, for they swore one to another. And truly if we desire to show ourselves the children of Abraham and of Isaac: we must behave our Instruction. 25 selves semblably in the behalf of our neighbours, by the means of a courteous, gentle, kind and quiet carriage. In one word, the Apostles exhortation to all christians, is to have peace and amity, Ro. 12.18. if it be possible, with all men. That we may be the children not only of Abraham and Isaac, but even of the most high, Mat. 5.9. the father of us all which is in heaven. And as God blessed Abraham amongst many other blessings with a virtuous wife; so did he likewise his Son Isaac. For a prudent wife cometh of the Lord, Pro. 19.14 saith Solomon, and a godly woman is given to him that feareth the Lord, Eccles. 16.14. saith Siracides. Of Sara it is said that she was very fair, and of Rebecca, that she was beautiful to the eye, Gen. 12.14 & 24 16. & 26.7. and very fair to look upon. But this is not all, the external beauty of her body was accompanied with the internal beauty of her mind; and in both she proved the true daughter of Sara, whose beauty and bounty are both of them recorded in scripture to her praise. Eccles 36.22.23.24. The beauty of a woman saith Siracides, cheereth the face, and a man loveth nothing better, if there be in her tongue gentleness, meekness, and wholesome talk, then is not her husband like other men. As Naomi said unto Ruth, all the City of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman, Ruth 3.11. So all the City of Nahor knew that Rebecca living as yet in her father's house, was a virtuous and a modest maid; and after she was married to Isaac, all the land of Canaan and of Gerar knew that she was a wise and a well qualified wife. Eccles. 25.8 & 26.14. Well is him (saith Siracides) that dwelleth with a wife of understanding: and well was Isaac to have found such a wife as wise Rebecca. For there is nothing (saith the wise man) of so much worth as a woman well instructed. And thus in the person Instruction. 26 of Rebecca are all matrons and maids taught to join bounty to beauty, and mildness, meekness, and modesty of mind, to the welfavourednes of face and the outward feature, as I said above in the Legend of Sara. Besides her bodily chastity and virginal purity, whereof the holy scripture beareth witness, saying that she was a Virgin, and unknown of man; her industry and diligence is also set down to her praise: for she led not an idle or lazy kind of life, as many maids now a days do, but she was employed in the daily service of her father's house, Gen. 24.16.17.18 19.20. for Abraham's servant found her drawing water at the well for her father's cattle. Whereby young women and Instruction. 27 maids are taught to enure themselves even from their very tender years; to virtuous and profitable employments, and not to be ashamed to take pains about their parent's household affairs: considering how that there is nothing more contrary to chastity then idleness and laziness, which is the root of all evil, and the mother of all mischief. Ezech. 16.49. This may be seen in the Sodomites, who were full of idleness and also of unnatural lust: also in Dina jacobs' daughter, Gen. 34.1.2. who by her idle gadding abroad lost her virginity. Likewise in David, who being idle, 1. Sam. 11.1.2.3.4. committed adultery with the beauteous Bathsheba Vriahs' Instruction. 28 wife. Moreover in the person of Rebecca, women are taught to show all humanity & courtesy towards strangers and wayfaring folks, especially those of their own sex. For Rebccca disdained not to draw water for Abraham's servant being a stranger to her, and not only for him, but also for his Camels; wherein likewise her great humility & lowliness is descried. She disdained not to serve Abraham's servant, & God in requital of this her lowly and humble behaviour, advanced her to be the mistress of the man to whom she had formerly behaved herself as a servant. S●e humbled herself, and the Lord honoured her; she debased herself, & the Lord lift her up. jam. 5.5. And therefore the holy Apostle exhorteth all persons but chiefly the younger sort to humility, saying, Deck yourselves inwardly in lowliness of mind, for God resisteth the proud, job. 5.11. & 22.29. & 40.6.7. and giveth grace to the humble, he abaseth and bringeth low the arrogant and proud, and lifteth up the lowly. Gen. 24.49.50.51 52.57.58. Abraham's servant having asked Rebecca of her parents to be isack's wife, she was granted unto him accordingly and sent away home with him to Isaac with her own consent, and without all delay. Instruction. 29 Wherein we may learn how that the Lord blesseth and prospereth the affairs of such as fear him, and commend their errands (as this Godly servant did) unto God's fatherly care. 1. Pet 5.7. Cast all your care on him, for he careth for Instruction. 30 you, saith the Apostle. Likewise parents here are taught not to bestow their children in marriage without their free consent, the parties must not be hand-fasted by their parents, before they be hart-fasted of their own accord. No violent thing lasts long, and love that is constrained cannot continue. True love between two parties must flow from the heart on both hands, and the fastening of the heart must go before the fastening of the hand. Neither can there be any true content in this kind, except that mutual consent do go before. And the want of this hath marred many matches, and even turned marriages into marrages; for so may all constrained conjunction be rightly called. Rebecca being ready to departed, Gen. 24.60. her parents & her brother blessed her, wishing that she might grow into thousand thousands and that her seed might possess the gate of their enemies. In like manner the people that were present at the matrimonial solemnity of Booz and Ruth, Ruth 4.11 prayed that the Lord would make Ruth like Rahel and Leah, which twain did build the house of Israel: and that Booz might do worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem. Likewise Raguel blessed young Tobias and Sara his wife, Tob. 10.11 12. saying, The God of heaven make you my children to prosper before I die. And he said to his daughter, honour thy father & thy mother in law, which are now thy parents, that I may hear good report of thee, and he kissed them. Edna also said to Tobias, the Lord of heaven restore thee my dear Brother, and grant that I may see thy children of my daughter Sara, that I may rejoice before the Lord. Behold now I commit to thee my daughter as a pledge, do not Instruction. 31 entreat her evil. Wherein parents and kinsfolks are taught to pray unto God to bless their children and friends, being about to live in the honourable estate of marriage, and to advise them diligently, touching such godly duties as do belong unto married folks, whether in regard of themselves, or in regard of their household. Rebecca coming home to Isaac, Gen. 24.64 65. as soon as she saw him a far off, she lighted down from her Camel, & covered her head with a vail, in token of shamefastness, modesty, pudicitie, and subjection. Eccles. 32.11. Before ashamefast person goeth favour, saith jesus the son of Sirach. And Rebecca for reward of her shamefastness, found favour both with God and man. There is no ornament that so much becometh a Instruction. 32 maid, as the maiden's blush, which always doth bewray a shamefast disposition: And she that wanteth this shamefast ensign, lacketh a rare jewel, and therefore Siracides adviseth parents to have a diligent and a watchful eye over their daughters in whom this sign of shamefastness doth not appear. If thy daughter be not shamefast (saith he) hold her straightly, Eccles. 26.10 11. & 42.9.10 11. lest she abuse herself through too much liberty, lest she cause thine enemies to laugh thee to scorn, and make thee a common talk in the City, and defame thee among the people, and bring thee to public shame. Take heed of her that hath an unshamefast eye, and marvel not, if she trespass against thee. The daughter maketh the father to watch secretly saith he, and the carefulness that he hath for her, taketh away his sleep in the house, lest she should pass the flower of her age, and when she hath an husband, lest she should be hated. In her virginity, lest she should be deflowered in her father's house, and when she is in her husband's house, lest she should misbehave herself, & prove unfaithful: she that is bold, Eccle. 22.5 impudent, and unshamefast (saith the same wise man) dishonoureth both her father and her husband, & is not inferior to the ungodly. Contrariwise, a shamefast, loyal, peaceable woman, Eccles. 26.14.15 and of good heart (that is to say) of an honest heart, for an honest heart, is the best heart in the world) is a gift of the Lord, and there is no weight to be compared to her continent mind. Such a goodly gift received godly Isaac at God's hands when as he was going out to pray in the field towards the evening. Gen. 24.62.67. In his prayer no doubt but he asked of God amongst other blessings a virtuous wife; and God who hath said to every believing soul, ask and it shall be given you, Mat. 7 7 heard him and granted him his desire. Thus Isaac after his prayer found a good thing, for he that findeth a virtuous wife, findeth a good thing: Pro 18.22 saith Solomon after his prayer he received a gift at God's hands and a good portion. For a virtuous and shamefast woman is a good portion, Pro. 19 14. Eccles. 26.14.15.24 which shall be given for a gift unto such as fear the Lord, saith Solomon and likewise Siracides: Isaac after pis prayer found a possession, an heritage, an help, and a pillar to rest upon. For he that hath gotten a virtuous wife, hath gotten all these, Eccles. 36 24. & 22.4 and a wise daughter is an heritage unto her husband, saith jesus the Son of Sirach. Isaac after his prayer, found a matter of joy, gladness, and long life. For he found a wife full of grace, Eccles 26.1.2.17.13 and the grace of a wife is the thing that most rejoiceth her husband, for she feedeth his bones with her understanding. Blessed is the man (saith Siracides) that hath a virtuous wife, for the number of his years shall be double: an honest woman rejoiceth her husband, and she shall see the years of his life with pence. Whereas contrariwise, an evil wife is as a yoke of Oxen that draw divers ways, and he that hath her is as though he held a Scorpion. For such a one maketh her husband's life short, for the very talk of her tongue, is like the sting of a Scorpion's tail. Isaac after his prayer found an ornament of his house, Eccles. 26.16. for as the Sun when it ariseth in the high places of the Lord, so is the beauty of a good wife the ornament of her house. Isaac after his prayer in his wife Rebecca, found a Crown: Prou. 12.4. for a virtuous woman is the Crown of her husband, saith Solomon. Finally Isaac after prayer found an inestimable treasure. Eccles. 26.14.15. for there is nothing so much worth (saith jesus the Son of Sirach) as a woman well instructed, and no weight to be compared unto her continent mind. Who shall find a virtuous woman (saith king Lemuel) for her price is far above the pearls. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, Pro. 31.10 11.12.28.29. and he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life: her husband also shall praise her, saying, many daughters have done virtuously: but thou surmountest them all. Thus we see that godly Isaac after his prayer, in one good wife found a treasure of good things, and in one blessing received many Instruction. 33 blessings. To teach us that prayer is the proper means to pull down upon us abundance of God's good things, and as Rebecca performed the duties of a virtuous wife in her husband's behalf: so did Isaac play the part of discreet and loving husband towards her. Gen. 24.67 For it is said that he loved Rebecca, and was comforted in her, and by her, after his mother's death: for as I said before, out of Siracides, the grace of a good wife rejoiceth her husband, Eccles. 26.1.2.13. and doubleth the number of his days. And as it is recorded that he loved Rebecca, so is it also, Gen. 26.8. that he rejoiced and sported with her; according to that which the wise man enjoineth saying, Eccles. 9.9. Rejoice with thy wife which thou hast loved all the days of the life which God hath given thee under the Sun. And the holy Apostle as he enjoineth wives to be of holy behaviour, sober, temperate, discreet, Tit. 2.2.3.4.5 coloss 18 19 Ephes. 5.25 28. chaste, keeping at home subject, lovers of their husbands and of their children; so likewise he exhorteth husbands to love their wives, as their own bodies, and not to be bitter Instruction. 34 unto them, for he that loveth his wife (saith he) loveth himself. If a man's wife be of a sweet and gracious disposition; then ought the husband to join his sweetness to his wives, except he mean to show himself a beast, yea worse than a beast, in being bitter and sour in the behalf of his virtuous wife. And if otherwise she be of a more bitter & unpleasing disposition than behoveth, than he must show himself wise in allaying the sourness and bitterness of his wine's behaviour, with the sweetness of his patiented and gentle inclination: in labouring to reclaim her by all kind of fair persuasions, and enducements of love. Thus the discreet husband may amend that male-pleasing humour of his wife; whereas by using bitterness in her behalf, he shall turn his wives wormwood into gall of asps, and make her ten fold more bitter and sour than she was at first. Thus then in the person of Instruction. 35 godly Isaac and virtuous Rebecca, are all husbands and wives taught to labour by all means to be a comfort, and joy one unto another. Wives to love in most entire manner their husbands, to reverence and obey them with all subjection & submission of body and mind, and to be always a matter of joy and comfort unto them: and husbands on the other part, to make much of their wives, to love them entirely and to esteem of them as their greatest ornament, their best portion, their dearest inheritance, their surest help, their strongest pillar, their sweetest comfort, their richest pearl, and in one word, as their most glorious crown. Gen. 25.21 & 24.63.64. Rebecca was barren for a time, but the Lord at the prayer and entreaty of her husband Isaac made her to bear. Thus Isaac as by prayer he had obtained a virtuous wife, so by prayer he purchased at God's hands, for his wife, the strength and ability to Instruction. 36 conceive, and to bear children. Wherein, we find that saying of the Apostle verified. jam. 5.16. The prayer of a righteous man availeth much if it be fervent. Gen. 20 17 18. Abraham was a righteous man, and at his prayer Abimelechs' wife ceased to be barren, and Abimelech himself was healed: Deut. 9.20 21. Num. 12.10. Moses was a righteous man, and at his prayer Aron purchased pardon for his idolatry, and Miriam was cured of her lepry: Num. 16.47.48. Aron was a righteous man, and at his prayer the plague ceased from the people. Samuel was a righteous man, 1. Sam 7.8 9.10.11.12 and at his prayer the Isralites scattered & overcame the Philistims. Eliah was a righteous man, 1. King. 17 17.18.19 20.21.22.23. & 18.45. and at his prayer he obtained rain after the drought of three years, and restored his hostess son to life. Likewise at his prayer the two captains over fifty with their fifties sent by Ahaziah to apprehend him, 2. King. 1.7.8.9.10 11.12.13. were devoured by fire from heaven, and the third captain with his fifty at the Prophet's desire were preserved. Elisha was a righteous man, and at his prayer, the Shunamite conceived & bore a son to her husband being old, 2. King. 4.12.13.14 15.16.17 31.33.34 35.36. and that after long barrenness, whom afterwards he also restored again to life being dead: likewise at his prayer, the men that the king of Sirya had sent to apprehend him, 2 King. 18 & 2.23.24. was smitten with blindness. And the 42. children that mocked him, were torn in pieces by two Bears out of the Forest. The Prophet sent by God to jeroboam to reprove him, was a righteous man, and at his prayer jeroboams hand being first dried up was restored: 1. King. 13 6 So great is the force of a righteous man's prayer. It openeth the windows of heaven to give rain after long dryness, and the womb of women to bear after long barrenness. As the Apostle saith, through God I am able to do all things: So through prayer is the righteous man able to obtain all things. And as Isaac had his recourse unto God by prayer, Gen. 25.22.23.28. to make his wife fruitful; so She having conceived, and feeling the children in her womb to strive together, it is said that she went to ask the Lord concerning the meaning of Instruction. 37 that matter. Wherein men and women are taught in every difficulty to have their recourse unto God by prayer, for this hath been always the custom of God's people both women and men. It was revealed unto her that the elder should serve the younger, and that jacob should be more acceptable unto God then Esau, and therefore the holy woman loved jacob more than Esau: Gen. 27.6.10 and by her counsel and prudence, he got the blessing from his brother Esau; for whom the Lord blesseth and loveth, shall be blessed and loved of the best men likewise. And when as Esau in revenge had intended to slay jacob, Rebecca (which by interpretation is as much as contention hindered) did indeed and in effect answer unto her name: and therefore to Instruction. 38 hinder this mortal and bloody strife between her two children, she sent jacob away to Haran to her Brother Laban there to tarry until Esau's fierceness were assuaged. Gen. 27.41 42.43.44.45. In which doing, Rebecca as she bewrayed both her wisdom and her peaceable disposition, So hath she left unto all women, wives, and mothers, an example of imitation to preserve peace, and to prevent strife and contention amongst her children and servants. Happy then was godly Isaac to have received at the Lords hands such a virtuous wife and peaceable wife as was Rebecca, for a peaceable woman and of gaod fear (saith Siracides) is a gift of the Lord, Eccles. 26.1.14. and there is nothing so much worth as a woman that is well instructed, and blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife saith the same wise man. The golden Legend of JACOB and RAHEL. JACOB whom the Lord loved even before he was borne, Malach. 1.2 Rom 9.13. Gen. 25.21 22.23.28. and of whom he had foretold that his elder brother should serve him, was borne of Rebekah, after that God at the request of her husband Isaac had taken away her barrenness. As God loved him before he was borne, so his mother loved him more than her elder son Esau when he was borne. So that by God's providence who loved him, and the counsel of his mother who tendered him, he obtained of his father the blessing which by the law of birth was due unto Esau as being the elder. God give thee of the dew of Heaven and the fatness of the earth and plenty of wheat and wine, Gen. 27. 6.7.8.9.23.28.29.3●.37 (said Isaac in blessing of his son) let people be thy servants and nations bow unto thee: cursed be he that curseth thee and blessed be he that blesseth thee. So that when as Esau did complainningly expostulate in the presence of his father, against his brother, isack's answer was, I have blessed thy brother, therefore he shall be blessed: behold I have made him thy Lord, and Instruction. 39 all his brethren have I made his servants. Wherein we may learn first, whosoever is beloved and blessed of God as jacob was, shall also be beloved and blessed of all godly men and women, such as Isaac and Rebekah were. And next that, such as honour the Lord, and serve him as jacob did, the Lord will honour them with jacob Instruction. 40 and even make others to serve them, as he made Esau to serve his younger brother jaccob, according to that saying uttered by the Lords own mouth. 1. Sam. 2.30. Them that honour me, will I honour, and them that despise me shall be despised. jacob got his father's blessing in his elder brother's clothes; Gen. 27.15 16. and we christians which be jacobs' children, Instruction. 41 according to the promise, must get our heavenly father's blessing in our elder brother's coat, that is to say, being clothed with the wedding garment of Christ's righteousness: Mat. 22.11 Gen. 25.27 jacob was a plain man, that is, he was harmless Instruction. 42 and innocent: And christians are enjoined to be harmless as Lambs, Mat. 10.16 and innocent as Doves. jacob to shun and eshew the fury and fierceness of his brother Esau fled from his father's house in Beersheba, Gen. 27.43.44.45 & 28.10. to Haran to his Uncle Laban the brother of Rebecca. Instruction. 43 And our Saviour Christ enjoineth his Apostles, and in their persons all christians, to flee from the fury of their persecutors. When they persecute you in this City, Mat. 10.16.23, saith he, then flee into another. Christian's must carry themselves towards their persecutors, as sheep in the midst of Wolves; their surest defence standeth in flight: for nothing becometh christians better, than patience and sufferance of wrongs. And it is the most essential property of a true christian not to offer, but to suffer injuries. jacob being in his journey, came unto a certain place, Gen 28.11.12. and tarried there all night, and took of the stones of the place, and laid under his head, and slept. Young jacob had but a very uneasy lying, when as he laid his head upon the hard stones. Gen. 28.20.21.22 & 32.10. He went out only with a poor staff in his hand, and begged of God but bread to eat, and clothes to put on together with preservation and safety in his journey, going and returning home again. Whereby christians are taught Instruction. 44 to commend their voyages, and ways unto God's providence, & to be content with such things as are necessary for the conservation of life, as also to avoid luxury, voluptuousness and superfluity; and to enure themselves to endure indigence, scarcity and penury, till at what time God opens his hand, in a more liberal manner for our relief. jacobs' greatest desire unto the Lord, was that he would be with him, and so he was according to his wish. And even the same night that he did lie so low and so hard, the Lord with his holy Angels came as it were to see his servant lying on the ground, Gen. 28.12.13.14 15. with his head upon the hard stones. jacob saw in his sleep a ladder standing upon the earth, and the top of it reaching up to heaven. And lo the Angels of God went up & down by it, & the Lord stood above it, and promised to give him the land upon the which he then lay, even to him and to his seed; the which should be as the dust of the ground, and be spread abroad even to the four corners of the earth. Moreover, that he would be with him, and keep him whether soever he should go, yea & bring him again into that land, and never forsake him until his whole promises were performed. Whereby we are taught that Instruction. 45 always at the greatest pinch of God's children, God is most present, And when they are as it were forsaken and abandoned of all, that even then the Lord is most near unto them, to minister unto them comfort, assistance and aid. Gen 21.16 jacob being awake out of his dream, said, Surely the Lord is in this place and I was not aware. And so the godly man may say, when as in his greatest exigents and extremities, he findeth and feeleth God's providence for his good: surely the Lord hath been with me, though not in a visible manner. jacob had under his head hard stones, but above his head was God standing, and the Angels walking up and down by a Ladder. Whereby we are let to understand, Instruction. 46 that if with jacob we overcome adversity, and the hardness & harshness of affliction here below, by the means of a christian courage, that in end we shall be rewarded with the society of God & his Angels above. Take my brethren (saith S. james) the Prophets for an ensmple of suffering adversity, jam. 5.10.11 and of long patience, which have spoken in the name of the Lord: Behold we count them blessed which endure. It is thanks worthy (saith S. Peter) if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, 1. Pet. 2.19 ●0. 21. & 4.13 suffering wrongfully, for Christ also suffered for us, leaning us an ensample that we should follow his steps: wherefore rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when his glory shall appear, ye may be glad and rejoice. Heb. 12.1.2. Let us run with patience (saith S. Paul) the race that is set before us, looking unto jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the Cross, and despised the shame, and is set at the right hand of the throne of God. Hence it is, that we also rejoice in tribulations, Rom. 5.3.4.5. knowing that tribulation bringeth forth patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, 2. Tim. 2.12 & hope maketh not ashamed: for if we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with him: If we bear the Cross here with him on earth, we shall also wear a crown hereafter with him in heaven. jacob lying upon the stones, found notwithstanding rest to his Body: and if we repose ourselves wholly upon the Rock, 1. Cor. 10.4. Gen. 49.24. Dan. 2.34.41 Christ jesus whom jacob calleth the stone of Israel; and Daniel, the the stone cut without hands; we shall not fail to find rest to our souls. And Christ shall be unto Instruction. 47 us not only a Rock to rest upon and a stone to stay upon, but likewise a Ladder to climb upon, whereby we may ascend from this earth wherein is all hardness, unto the kingdom of heaven where is all happiness. jacob being come unto his Uncle Laban's house, entered into service with Laban, in which his service he was so exceedingly blessed of God, Gen. 30.27.43. that he became very rich, & got many flocks, maidservants, and men servants, Camels and Asses. Moreover Laban confessed that the Lord had blessed and enriched him likewise for jacobs' sake. Whereby the children of jacob Instruction. 48 are taught not to live Idly and without some lawful calling or trade, and rather to embrace the condition of service then to spend their time in sluggishness, idleness, and sin. And therefore we read that jacob brought up his own children in the occupation of sheepeheardes. Gen. 46.34. & 47.3 And Saul was taken from seeking of his father's Asses, 1. Sam. 9.3 & 16.11.12.19 and David from keeping of his father's sheep, to feed and rule the people of Israel: and the Apostle Saint Paul as he wrought with his own hands, 2. Thes. 3.7 8.9.10 11 Act. 20.34 so he commandeth that the man that will not work, should not eat. And therefore he exhorteth idle men to work with quietness, and to eat their own bread, and withal, recommendeth unto them his own example for imitation, how that he took not bread of any man for nought, but wrought with labour and travail, night and day, because he would not be chargeable to any of them. Pro. 5.15. & 12.11 14 & 14.23. & 20.4. & 21.17. Drink the water of thy Cistern and of the rivers out of the midst of thine own well saith Solomon: insinuating thereby, how that men ought to live of their own labours. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he that followeth the idle, is destitute of understanding: the recompense of a man's h●●as shall God give unto him, and in all labour there is abundance. The slothful will not plough, because of winter, therefore shall he beg in summer but have nothing: he that loveth pastime shall he a poor man, and he that loveth Wine and Oil, shall not be rich. jacob then who was so exceeding rich, was no doubt very free from the vices of idleness, superfluity and excess, And yet it was Instruction. 49 not so much his labour as the blessing of the Lord that made him rich. Psal. 1 27.1.2 Except the Lord build the house (saith the Psalmist) they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the City, the keeper watcheth in vain. It is vain for you to rise early, & to lie down late, & to eat the bread of sorrow, but he will surely give rest to his beloved. As if he should say, it is in vain for a man to toil and moil day and night, except the Lord bless his business as he did jacobs', & Laban's likewise for jacobs' sake, and as he did josephes' affairs and his three masters for josephes' sake, first in Potiphars' house, Gen 39 & 40. & 41 then in the prison, & lastly in the Prince's Palace. jacob served twice seven years, his Uncle Laban for his daughter Rahel: For it is said that he loved her and even so earnestly and fervently, Gen. 20.18 28.30. that so many years did seem unto him but a few days. Whereby such as are about Instruction. 50 marriage are taught to make choice only of such parties as they can most entirely love. Gen. 25.23 25.26.27.28 As jacob being the younger of isack's two sons was more beloved of God, and of his mother Rebecca then the elder son Esau: So of Laban's two daughters being jacobs' two wives, the younger was more loved of jacob then the elder, Gen. 29.16 17.18.19.20. even fair Rahel more than tendereyed Leah. As of the two brethren the Lord made choice of the younger; Mat. 1.2. Rom 9.13. jacob have I loved: so of the two sisters, jacob made choice of the younger, for Rahel he loved & served twice seven years for her. It is said of Rahel that she was beautiful and fair; the same is said of Sara, and of Rebecca, 1. Sam. 25.3. and likewise of Abigail who was both beautiful and singularly wise. Abigail is as much by interpretation as father's joy; and such a one was Rahel, even the joy of her father Laban, and likewise of jacob her loving husband, Pro. 10.1. Eccles. 26.1.2.13. for as a wise daughter is the joy of her father, so is a wise wife the joy of her husband saith the wise man. And Rahel Laban's daughter, and jacobs' wife Abigail, like was both. The greatest glory of a daughter is to be called her fathers or her mother's joy; And the greatest glory of a wife is to be accounted the joy of her husband. And here all daughter's Instruction. 51 and wives are taught to endeavour by all means to be such as Rahel and Abigail were. jacob loved Rahel for her beauty, but yet more for her bounty and gracious behaviour. For favour is deceitful, Pro. 31.30. and beauty is evanishing, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised saith Solomon & such a one was Rahel, who was not so fair in body as she was in mind, & therefore worthy to be loved of her husband, and landed of men. The beauty of a woman cheereth the face (saith Siracides) and a man loveth nothing better, Eccles. 36.22.23.24 if there be in her tongue gentleness, meekness, and wholesome talk, then is not her husband like other men. Instruction. 52 The beauty of a woman indeed cheereth the face, but the bounty of a woman cheereth the mind more, and is the sweetest solace of the soul. The eye of man loveth nothing better than beauty, and the heart of man loveth nothing better than bounty: the beauty of a wel-behaved woman is in the house, Eccles. 26.16 17 18. as the candle light in the Temple, Eccles. 22.4 & 36.24 or the Sunne-light in the heaven, saith Siracides. But the wisdom of a woman is the heritage and heartes-case of her husband. The beauty of a wife is the ornament of her house; but the bounty and wisdom of a wife buildeth the house. Prou. 14.1 for a wise woman (saith the wise man) buildeth the house, but the foolish destroyeth it with her own hands. Prou. 31.10.16.26. And king lemuel's virtuous woman as she openeth her mouth with wisdom, & hath the law of grace in her tongue, so she considereth a field and getteth it, and with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. Likewise it is recorded of Rahel and Leah that they twain builded the house of Israel: Ruth 4.11 Rahel then did not eat the bread of idleness, neither when she was married, nor yet when she was a maid: she was not like those careless women described by the Prophet Isay, Isai. 32.9.10.11.12 13.14. Pro. 31.10. to 31. but rather like the virtuous woman described by Solomon. Being married, she did take pains, in overseeing the work of her servants, and disdained not to work cheerfully with her hands: and being a maid, she was employed in keeping of her father's sheep, leaving an example Instruction. 53 to all matrons and maids to fly idleness. As her calling was to keep sheep, so her name signifieth a sheep: so that her very name served to put her in remembrance of her calling. But chief to show her how that she should endeavour to be like unto the Instruction. 54 sheep in innocency and harmless simplicity: and therefore our Saviour Christ doth compare often his followers to sheep. Unto his Disciples he saith, Mat. 10.16. behold I send you as Sheep in the midst of Wolves: be ye therefore wise as Serpents, and innocent as Doves. Ioh 10.1.2.3.4 11 14.15. And of all his elect children, he saith that his sheep hear his voice, and that he calleth them by their name, and leadeth them out, and goeth before them, and that they follow him, and know his voice, and that he himself is the good shepherd that giveth his life for his sheep. Rahel and Leah, jacobs' two wives were barren for a time, but it is said that in end God remembered and heard them: God may seem for a time to forget his children, and not to hear them, but in end they may be sure to be both remembered and heard. Not that God doth at any time forget his Instruction. 55 children indeed, and not hear their requests; but that sometimes he doth carry himself to our apprehension and feeling, as one that is subject to forgetfulness, and not willing to hear what we say or sue for at his hands, and that he doth even for our good: for so it pleaseth him to exercise us and to stir us up to greater fervency and earnestness in prayer. Likewise the delay of a benefit, sweeteneth the same, when it is obtained. That good thing which hath been gotten with great difficulty, with much ado, and after long delay, is by many degrees more dear unto us, then if it had been gotten with ease and at an instant. Gen. 29.31.32. & 30.17.22. The Lord at last remembered & heard Rahel & Leah which did both of them beg children at his hands: For it is the Lord that openeth the windows of heaven (being shut) to give rain, 1. King. 18 1.41.45. to make the earth fruitful: and it is likewise the Lord that openeth the barren woman's womb to make her the joyful mother of many children, 1. Sam. 2.5 Psal. 113.9 & 128.3. so that she is made as the fruitful vine on the house sides, and her children stand like Olive plants round about the Table. And as it is said that God remembered Rahel and Leah when he delivered them from barrenness, so is it also said that he remembered Noah, Gen. 8.1. when as he made the waters to cease upon the earth, & he remembered Abraham when as he delivered Lot at Abraham's request, Gen. 19.29 from the destruction of Sodom: and he remembered Ishmael, Gen. 21.17 when as he delivered him from extremity of indigence, and nourished him in the wilderness, being cast out together with his mother Hagar out of Abraham's house. And he remembered jacob being in tribulation Gen. 35.3. by reason of his brother Esau, and delivered him from his hostility and fear. Lastly, thus he remembered Anna when he delivered her from barrenness, 1. Sam 1 11.19. job 14.13 & 42.10.11.12. and made her to bear. So we see that the Lords remembrance is always conjoined with deliverance from some Instruction. 56 evil. Yea, not only doth God when he remembreth, deliver from some evil, but he also bestoweth some good: as may appear by these foresaid examples, and by the example of job. So that whosoever he be that serveth God, and sueth unto him, he may assure himself, at first or last to be heard, and not to begotten for ever. Prince's may sometimes forget their servants and suitors; but God never forgetteth his, Psalm. 22. & 25. & 27.2.8.9.10.11. & 28 6.7. & 30.10 11 & 31.12.14.16.21.22.23.24 & 32.6.7.10 11 & 33.18 19.20 21. & 3●. 4.5.6.15.17.18.19. & 37.6.7.34. & 40.1.2.16, 17. only it behoveth us with godly David to wait patiently upon the Lord, and to hope in him: & though for a time we seem to be forgotten with David as a dead man out of mind, yet we shall find by experience with David, that the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears open unto their cry: That he is near unto them, that are of a contrite heart, and will save such as be afflicted in spirit; And that though he hide his face from us for a while, so that we say in our haste, lo we are cast out of his sight; yet ere it be long he will turn our mourning into joy; Lose our sack, and gird us with gladness; hear the voice of our petition, and show us his marvelous kindness; deliver us from our troubles, and compass us with his mercy; establish our hearts, job. 8.21. and fill them with his good things, Psal 27.10. with gladness and joy. For though our fathers and our mothers should forsake us, and forget us, yet the Lord will gather us up, saith the Psalmist. O how much better is it then, to trust in the Lord, rather than in Princes, or yet in our natural Parents! Let each one say then with David. Psal. 130.5.6.7.8. I have waited on the Lord, my soul hath waited, and I have trusted in his word: my soul waitch on the Lord more than the morning watch watcheth for the morning. Let Israel wait on the Lord: for with the Lord is mercy, and with him is great redemption. Psal. 118.8 9 As it is better to trust in God, then in Princes, so is it better to wait on God, then on Princes. For want who will, God's waiter shall be sure not to want his rewards. Psal. 37.34 Wait thou on the Lord and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee, and thou shalt inherit the land, saith that good waiter on God, godly David, Psal 78.70 71.72. who waited so well on God that of a silly shepherd he was made a mighty monarch, and a glorious king. So that he had good cause to say, it is good for me to draw near to God to trust in him, Psal. 33.20 & 40.1. & 73.28. and to wait patiently on him. A king is able to make his waiter, of a mean man, a mighty man; of a Lad he is able to make him a Lord: but God can easily if he please, make his waiter, of a contemptible castaway, Psal. 113.7.8. Eccles. 11.1. a puissant Prince & a crowned king. It is he that raiseth the needy out of the dust, and lifteth up the poor out of the dung, That he may set him with the Princes, even with the Princes of his people. Yea, not only setteth he such as wait on him, with the princes, but also sometimes setteth a crown upon their heads, job. 36 7. and maketh them Princes; not only doth he place the righteous with kings in the throne, but also maketh them sometimes kings, Eccle. 4.14 and (as Solomon speaketh) bringeth them out of the very prison to reign. And therefore godly David acknowledgeth that God did prevent him with liberal blessings, Psal. 21.3 and that he set a crown of pure gold upon his head. So then, as I said before, be forgotten who will, the man that feareth God and waiteth on him shall not be forgotten, but shall be b th' remembered and remunerated with an ample reward, greater than any mortal king can give. Rahel and Leah as in their barrenness they prayed unto God for to give them the ability to bear children; so having received at God's hands the thing they did ask, they praised him for the same. Now will I praise the Lord, Gen. 29.33 35 said Leah when she had borne judah: & Rahel having borne joseph rejoicingl praised the Lord for taking away her rebuke. Gen. 30.23 1. Sam. 2.1 to 11. So the holy woman Anna having received a son of the Lord, praised him in a song. The like did religious Zacharie having received a Son by his wife Elizabeth in her barren old age. Luk. 1.68. to 80. Whereby both women and men Instruction. 57 are taught to pray unto God for all good things, they stand in need of, & having received that which they did ask, to prove thankful by praising him for the same: for the man that is not thankful, for good things already received, is not worthy to receive any more good at God's hand. And therefore the Apostle exhorteth christians to give thanks always for all Eccles. 5.4.20. things unto God, even the father, in the name of the Lord jesus Christ. And the Prophet Moses warneth the people that they do not forget to bless the Lord for their habitation and food, Dent. 8.10 11.12.13 14.15.16.17.18. & for the increase of their flocks, and of their silver and gold. Remember the Lord your God saith he, for it is he which giveth you power to get substance. And therefore let every one that hath received any good thing at the Lords hand, or yet looketh to receive more, say with holy David; What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits to me, Psal. 116.12.13.14. I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord even now in the presence of all his people. Psal 103.1 2.3.4.5. My soul praise thou the Lord, and all that is within me, praise his holy name. My soul praise thou the Lord, and forget not all his benefits, Which forgiveth all thine iniquity, and healeth all thine infirmities; which redeemeth thy life from the grave, and crowneth thee with mercy and compassion; which satisfieth thy youth with good things, and thy youth is renewed like the Eagles. But to return from jacobs' wives unto himself, jacob was envied of his own Cousins, Laban's children, which did murmur mightily against him for his great wealth. Yea, Laban's own countenance began to be changed, so that he was less kind unto him, than he had been before. It was no doubt an affliction, and that a bitter one too, for him to be envied of his own near Cousins and allies, yea of his own Uncle and father in law Laban, and that his good & long services were not better considered upon by him and his children, and how that the Lord had for his sake prospered them all. But though his nearest kinsmen and allies, were thus changed in their affection towards jacob, yet in the mean time, God who is unchangeable in his love (for whom he loveth, Ierim. 31.3 joh. 13.1. he loveth with an everlasting love) did never alter his countenance and affection in his behalf. When jacob was most crossed of men, than did God show himself most kind. And the frowardness of his friends was not of so great force to cast him down, as the present favour of God was to hold him up. Instruction. 58 Whereby we are taught to have always our greatest affiance in God's favour, for though our fathers and our mothers, let alone our kinsmen or allies, should fail us and forsake us; Psal. 27.10 & 125.1. & 146.3 yet the Lord will gather us up. They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but remaineth for ever. Put not your trust in Princes (saith that godly Prince) nor in the son of man, jerem. 17.5.6.7.8. for there is no help in him. Cursed be the man (saith the Lord) that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and withdraweth his heart from the Lord, for he shall be like the heath in the Wilderness, and shall not see when any good cometh, but shall inhabit the parched places in the Wilderness, in a salt land & not inhabited. But blessed be the man that trusteth in the Lord, & whose hope the Lord is, for he shall be as a tree planted by the water, which spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not feel when the heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green, and shall not care for the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Such a well rooted, green, and fair branched tree was jacob, who trusted in the Lord and not in man, and therefore when as man frowned on him God favoured him, Gen 31.3.13.17.18 24. & bid him leave his Uncle Laban and return into his own land: Where he pronised to establish him & his seed, & to make them in number as the dust of the earth, and as the stars of the heaven. And such was the care of the Lord for his servant jacob that when as after his departure he was pursued by his father in law Laban, God did admonish him by a dream that he should Instruction. 59 not speak unto jacob so much as one evil word. Wherein all faithful folks are instructed to commit, and commend their ways and estate unto the gracious providence of God, who will both help us himself, and hinder others from doing us any harm. Moreover when as jacob was in his journey, Gen. 32.1.2.3.4.5.6.7. and was greatly affrighted and troubled, because of his brother Esau, the Lord sent his Angels to meet him, and to accompany him for his preservation and safety: accordirg to the saying of the Psalmist, Psal. 34.7. & 19.11. The Angel of the Lord pitcheth round about all them that fear him, and delivereth them. He shall give his Angels charge over them to keep them in all their ways. Thus we read that the Lord comforted Hagar by an Angel, Gen. 16.7. to 15 when she fled from her mistress Sara, for using her roughly. Thus an Angel stayed Abraham at the Lords appointment, Gen. 22.11.12. from sacrificing his Son. Thus an Angel conducted Eliezer Abraham's servant to find a wife for Gen. 24.7.12.27.40 Isaac. Thus an Angel comforted Eliah and nourished him when as he fled from jezebel. 1 King. 19 5 6.7. Thus an Angel comforted and encouraged joshua being about the besieging of jerico. Josh. 5.13.14.15. Thus an Angel appeared unto Gideon, judge 6.11. to 28. to appoint him to be the saviour of Israel, out of the Midianites hands. Thus the Angel Raphael was sent of God to guide Tobias in his ways, Tob 5.6. & 1.3.14 15.18.19 20.21.22 Act 1● 7 8 9 10 11 12. & 27.23.24 and to prosper his business. Thus the holy Angels delivered the Apostles out of prison, and another Angel showed Saint Paul that none of them with him in the Ship should perish. Also the Angels ministered unto our Saviour Christ in the Wilderness after his forty days fasting. Mat 4.11. Luke. 22.4.5. And another Angel comforted him in the garden before his apprehension. Mat. 29.24 53. He might likewise have had legions of Angels to deliver him from the violence of the jews, but he would not. Also the Angels did tell the Maries and the rest of the devout women, Mat. 28.5.6. the news of our saviours resurrection. In one word, Luk. 15.7.10. as the Angels rejoice at the sinner's conversion, so are they appointed of God for the faithfuls protection, and consolation; according to that saying of the Lord unto his people: Exod. 23.20.23. & 32.2 Behold I send an Angel before thee to keep thee in thy way, and to bring thee to the place which I have prepared. Finally, our Saviour teacheth us in the Gospel, Mat. 18.10 that the Angels are appointed of God to be guardians of little Children. jacob prayed unto the Lord to deliver him from the hand of Esau, Gen. 32 9.10.11.24.25.28. and the Lord heard him, and in token that he should overcome his brother's anger, made his Angel to wrestle with him, and in the wrestling strengthened jacob, so that the Angel could not prevail. Thereby giving him to understand, that if an Angel was not able to vanquish him when as God was on his side to strengthen him, how much less should his brother being a mortal man be able to give him the foil? And therefore the Angel said unto jacob, thy name shallbe called jacob no more, but Israel, because thou hast had power with God, thou Instruction. 60 shalt also prevail with men. And herein we are admonished in the time of anguish, and adversity, but chiefly whenas we are in peril (by reason of great men) to have our recourse unto God with jacob, praying him to deliver us from the hands of our enemies that are stronger than we. This hath always been the custom of the men of God, namely of Godly David. Lord how are mine adversaries increased? Psal. 3.1.3.4.5.6.7. (said this holy man when as he fled from his son Absalon) How many rise against me? But thou Lord art a Buckler for me: my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I did call unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy mountain, I laid me down and slept, and rose up again: for the Lord sustained me. I would not be afraid for ten thousand of the people that should beset me round about. O Lord arise, help me my God, for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekebone: thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked. The Lord was David's guard against the insurrection of his Son, and likewise against the persecution of Saul. Psal. 18.32 to 42. God girded him with strength and taught his hands to fight, so that he not only wounded his enemies that they were not able to rise, but also consumed them, for he beat them as small as the dust before the wind, and tread them flat as the clay in the street. And as God consumed David's enemies, so he changed the hearts of jacobs' adversaries. This great King of hearts softened Esau's heart in his brother's behalf, for no sooner came he into his brother's sight and had done obeisance in humble manner before him, but as soon, God touched Esau's heart with a correspondent affection, so that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and they wept for joy out of a kind tenderness of heart. Thus Esau that once hated his brother mortally, now loved him exceedingly; and he that once intended to kill him, now blesseth him; and he that once did banish and chase him away, now runneth to meet and to embrace him in his arms. Instruction. 61 In Esau's demeanour we are taught to overcome all carnal desire of revenge, though we have power to be avenged on such as have either crossed us, or yet done us any wrong. Rom. 12.19.20.21. dearly beloved (saith the Apostle) avenge not yourselves, but give place unto wrath, for it is written, Vengeance is mine: I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with goodness. Again, in jacobs' humble behaviour towards his Brother (for it is said that he bowed himself seven times to the ground before his brother whom he called his Lord, and that he sent him a present of his goods that he might find favour in his sight:) In jacobs' humility, Instruction. 62 and courtesy, I say, the children of God are taught to use all the ordinary means of pacifying and appeasing such as we know to bear us any evil will, whether by doing of external submission and obeisance, or by using honourable and reverent compellations in their behalf, or yet by giving or sending them a present of such goods as the Lord hath bestowed upon us. The present that jacob sent unto his brother Esau, he calleth his blessing; insinuating thereby that as it was a blessing from God unto him: so should it be a blessing to his brother from God by jacobs' hands. And it is very likely that the Lord blessed Esau for jacobs' sake, for being appeased towards his brother, and for using him so kindly as he did, as he likewise had blessed Laban for the same jacobs' sake. But the piety and religion of jacob is notable: Gen. 33.5 11 God (saith he) hath had mercy on me, and therefore have I all things. First he acknowledgeth his children to be God's gift, they are the children (quoth he to his brother) whom God of his grace hath given thy servant. Gen 48.8.9 The like said joseph of his sons to his father jacob. Then his goods he acknowledgeth to have them, and hold them of God. Gen. 32.10 I am not worthy (saith this worthy man in his prayer unto God) of the least of thy mercies, and all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant: For with my staff came jover this Iorden, and now have I gotten two bands. He acknowledgeth God's mercy and free favour, and not his own merit, or any worthiness flowing from his nature to be the fountain of his good Fortune, and the wellspring of all his wealth. Instruction. 63 In the which confession and acknowledgement, all the children of God ought to imitate him. For God giveth to all, life and breath, and all good things, of his own free grace in Christ jesus. Luk. 21.36 Revel. 3.4. Ephes. 4.1. And whatsoever worthiness there is in us, it is not of us, but of him and from him, who hath called us and translated us, into the kingdom of his Son, and made us partakers of his rich grace: 2. Cor 3.5. Act. 17 25.28. For our sufficiency is of God, and in him we live, we move and have our being saith Saint Paul. Omne bonum Dei donum. Every good giving (saith S. james another jacob) and every perfit gift is from above, jam. 1.17 and cometh down from the father of lights. But jacob thought it not enough to be religious in a private manner, but he would also make an outward demonstration of his piety and faith in the sight of those amongst whom he lived, and that both for the edifying of men, and for the more celebrious glorifying of God. And therefore as soon as he had bought a parcel of ground in Schechem to pitch a Tent upon, he also set up there an Altar, and called it the mighty God of Israel. The same was the pious practice of his religious forefathers, Isaac and Abraham. jacob by the erection of this Altar and by giving it this name, Gen. 33.18.19.20. would show to the whole world in a most public and open manner, that he did confess and profess that all his might, strength, power, prosperity and hap, was the mere gift of God who loved him before Instruction. 64 he was borne. And herein we are taught, whensoever we do receive at God's hands any notable benefit and blessing spiritual or temporal, as of safety, and prosperity, that we endeavour by all means not only to prove thankful therefore in a private manner, but also to make as public a demonstration of our thankfulness as we possibly can, as by building or repairing of Churches, for the honour of God, or of hospitals and alms houses for the help and relief of the poor. Let your light so shine (saith our Saviour) before men, Mat 5.16. Philip. 2.15 that they seeing your good works may glorify your father which is heaven. And therefore we see that devout David, Psal. 22.22 25 & 116.12 13.14.17 18.19 saith not only that he would praise God publicly in the midst of the congregation, but also that he would perform his vows in the sight of them that fear him, even in the presence of all his people. Likewise when at the Lords appointment godly jacob went to dwell in Bethel, Gen. 35.1.2.3.4.5. there he also erected an Altar unto God that appeared unto him when as he fled from his brother Esau, and heard him in the day of his tribubulation, and was with him in the way which he went. And not only this, but he also commanded all those of his household to put away all strange Gods from them, and to cleanse themselves, and to change their garments. For it doth appear that there were some of his servants which had been brought up in Idolatry in the land of Haran where he had served his uncle Laban. Gen. 31.19.30. Who likewise himself was not free from that sin: as may appear by that it is recorded how that Rahel Laban's daughter, and jacobs' wife stole away her father's Idols, the Instruction. 65 which Laban calleth his Gods. Wherein may be espied the great madness and blindness of men, in making unto themselves such Gods as are not able to keep themselves from the stealing hands of thieves. Psal. 115.4.5.6.7.8. Their Idols (saith the Psalmist) are silver and gold, even the work of men's hands: they are golden Gods, made of gold, not able to make gold: made by men, not able to make a man: no nor yet the least worm creeping upon the earth: all which, the true God doth. They are dumb Gods, for though they have a mouth, they cannot speak, much less are they able to make the dumb to speak. They are blind Gods, for though they have eyes, yet they cannot see, much less are they able to make the blind to see. They are deaf Gods, for though they have cares, yet can they not hear, much less are they able to make the deaf to hear. They are senseless & dead Gods, for though they have noses, yet they cannot smell, though they have hands, yet can they not touch, though they have feet, yet can they not walk, though they have a throat, yet make they no sound: and in one word, though they have the whole lineaments of a man, yet have they no sparkle of the life of man: how much less have they of the life of the everliving God? They that make them are like unto them: so are all that trust in them. Even more senseless and blockish than stocks or stones. Isai. 44.9.10.11.12.13.14.15 16.17.18.19.20. And therefore the Lord by his Prophet promiseth to confound these shop-gods of stone and timber, and these forge-gods of gold and silver; even all these vain hand-made Gods, together with the fond and foolish Godmakers. Thus in the person of jacob are all masters of families taught to take care, that the only true God be acknowledged and worshipped of their whole household. For it is a very hard thing me thinketh that the man that worshippeth a false God, should prove a true servant in his masters behalf. It ought then to be their chief care to see that their servants be such as serve God, and fear him, by the means both of a pious and christian profession, and of a virtuous and honest conversasion. For if they fear God sincerely, it can not be but they will serve their masters likewise for God's sake, and in him, conscionably & carefully. Thus the Lord who loved jacob before he was borne, was feared, loved and honoured of jacob after he was borne: and not only of him, but also of his whole household. And therefore the Lord not only honoured him with his presence in appearing unto him, Gen. 35.9.13.15.22. & blessing him, but he also blessed his seed for his sake. I am God all sufficient (saith the Lord unto his servant) grow and multiply, a nation and a multitude of nations shall spring of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins. Also I will give thee the land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, even unto thee and thy seed after thee. The Lord blessed him likewise with a great issue, and gave him twelve Sons, for whose virtuous education he was exceeding careful. For he took order that they should not spend their young years in idleness, but should be occupied about cattle even from their childhood. And as he did with great diligence encourage them to virtue, so did he not fail to correct them, and sharply reprove them when as they did offend, or fall into any vice: as he did Reuben for his uncleanness, Gen. 34.1.7.25.26.27.28.29.30.31. & 35.22. & 49.4.5.6.7. & Simeon and Levi with the rest of their brethren for their revenge wrought upon the Shechemites for Shechem's deflowering of their sister Dinah. And herein are all fathers and mothers taught, to be very watchful and careful for the virtuous education and honest conversation of their children. Thus we read how that Abraham commanded his children to keep the way of the lord Gen. 18.19 And how that Moses did exhort the people of Israel to teach their children how they ought to understand and keep God's ordinances: and because that Eli the high Priest and judge of Israel did not correct his sons more sharply than he did for their sin; Deut. 4.9 14.20. & 32.46. and took not so great pains as he ought to reclaim them from their lewd and wicked ways, therefore the Lord said thus unto Eli. 1. Sam. 22.31.32 33.34 Behold the days come that I will cut off thine arm and the arm of thy others house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons Hophni, and Phinehas: in one day they shall both die. And afterward the Lord showed Samuel what should become of Eli and his house. 1. Sam. 3.11.12 13 14. I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knoweth, because his sons ran into a slander and he stayed them not. And behold the issue of the Lords commination and threatening! 1. Sam 4 11.17.18.19.20.21 22. In one day Elies two insolent sons were slain of the Philistims in the field. And old Eli hearing of his sons death, and of the taking of the Ark of God (the tidings whereof grieved him most) fell from his seat backwards by the side of the gate, so that his neck broke, and he died. Besides that which befell unto his daughter in law, who no sooner heard the report that the Ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, but she was stricken with such a sorrow, that she travailed before her time, and died when as she had named the child Ichahod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel; for the Ark of God is taken. So great is the anger of God against Parents for their negligence in correcting and directing their children as they ought; and therefore wise Solomon doth double and triple his admonitions and exhortations to Parents, that they neglect not this great duty. He that spareth his rod, Pro 13 24 & 19.18. & 22.15. & 23.13. & 29.15. hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betime. Chasten thy son while there is yet hope, and let not thy soul spare for his murmuring. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it away from him, withhold not therefore correction from the child, for if thou smite him with the rod, he shall not die. The rod and correction give wisdom, but a child set at liberty maketh his mother ashamed. The sum of all is this, that the rod hath a certain efficacy to drive away foolishness and fondness out of the heads of children, and to drive in wisdom and virtue into their hearts. And that if the father smite his child's body with the birchen rod of temporal correction, Satan shall not smite his soul with the bruising, iron rod of eternal destruction. To the same purpose jesus the son of Sirach in his wisdom exhorteth Parent's not to bring up their children delicately and wanton, nor to give them too much liberty, nor yet to withhold from them due correction. Eccles. 30.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 11.12.13. He that loveth his son (saith he) causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end. He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance. He that teacheth his son, grieveth the enemy, and before his friends he shall rejoice of him. Though his father die, yet is he as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like him. In his life he saw him, and had joy in him, and was not sorry in his death, neither was he ashamed before his enemies. He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, & one that should show favour unto his friends. He that flattereth his son bindeth up his wounds, and his heart is grieved at every cry. An untamed horse will be stubborn, and a wanton child will be wilful. If thou bring up thy son delicately, he shall make thee afraid: and if thou play with him, he shall bring thee to heaviness. Laugh not with him lest thou be sorry with him: and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end. Give him not liberty in his youth, and wink not at his folly. Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn & he disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow unto thine heart: chastise thy child, and be diligent therein, lest his shame grieve thee. And the same wise man in another place, Eccles. 7 23 24. ●5. ●●. 27.28. as he exhorteth the child to honour his father with his whole heart, and not to forget the sorrows of his mother, but to remember that he was borne of them, and that he cannot recompense them the things that they have done for him: So he adviseth parents to instruct their children, and to hold their neck from their youth: to keep their daughter's body, and not to show their face cheerful towards them, and to marry them to men of understanding. Finally (saith the wise man) if children live honestly, Eccles. 22.8 9 they shall put away the shame of their parents: But if children be proud with haughtiness and foolishness, they defile the nobility of their kindred. Thus we see then the great virtue of the rod in a discreet parent's hand. Moses Rod lifted up, Exo 14 10 21.22. divided the waters, & made dry ground to appear in the mides of the Sea, to give the children of Israel passage to the land of Canaan. And the fathers or mother's rod being lifted upon their children, will be a means to divide the waters of the waywardness & wantonness of their young years, & to calm the raging sea of their unruly passions, and fleshly afflictions. Whereby their soul may walk as it were on dry ground securely, and safely, without any impediment towards the land of the heavenly Canaan. Exod. 17.5 And as Moses rod brought forth water out of the hard Rock being smitten therewith: so shall the parents rod not only bring forth of the rocky nature of their children, the tears of Lamentation; but also turn the stony hardness and obstinatenes of their stubborn inclination, into the streamie softness of a docible disposition. The Rod or tree which Moses did cast into the waters of Marah, Exod 15.23.24.25. made the bitter water sweet. And the rod of Correction will turn the bitterness of the child's nature into the sweetness of a dutiful behaviour. Finally, as Aaron's rod budded, Num. 17.8 & brought forth blossoms and bear ripe Almonds: So the teaching Rod (for Aaron signifieth a teacher) of fathers, mothers and schoolmasters, will make children to bring forth the buds and blossoms of an hopeful behaviour in their young years; and to bear the ripe Almonds of honest and religious actions in their riper years. Let not Parents than spare the rod; for the rod used with discretion, is a means to bring children unto God. I say, with discretion; because Parents and preceptors must not kill children with cruelry, but correct them with lenity: they must not overcharge them rudely with the blows of indignation; but chasten them ruthfully with the stripes of compassion. In one word, corrections must not serve for the destruction of the body, but for the instruction of the Soul. And if it chance that a child be of so gentle & generous a disposition that he may be reclaimed or won with fair persuasions, and gentle enducements and allurements, than were it but mere madness to use any roughness or austere sharpness in his behalf: And therefore as children must hearken diligently unto the exhortation of the Apostle; Children obey your parents in the Lord: Ephes. 6.1.2.3.4. For this is right; honour thy father and thy mother (which is the first commandment with promise) that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayst live long on the earth. So must parents listen unto the admonition of the same Apostle thus, and ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in instruction and information of the Lord. Neither must they fail to bring them up in some lawful calling, and rather in some mechanical trade and manual occupation, then that they should live idle: for so did jacob bring up his Sons. So that when as Pharaoh said unto them, What is your trade? they answered the king, Gen 47.3. Thy servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers. Prover. 27.23.24.25 26.27. Be diligent to know the state of thy flock, (saith Solomon) and take heed to the herds, for riches remain not always, nor the crown from generation to generation. The hay discovereth itself, and the grass appeareth, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered. The Lambs are for thy clothing, and the Goats are the price of the field. And let the milk of the Goats be sufficient for thy food, for the food of thy family, and for the sustenance of thy maids. Hate not laborious work (saith jesus the Son of Sirach) neither the husbandry which the most high hath created. Eccles. 7.15 22. And if thou have cattle, look well to them. Neither let a man be ashamed of a mechanical trade, for we see that joseph the husband of Marie, Mat. 13.55 Mar. 6.3. Luk. 2.51. Mat. 4.18.19.20.21. & 8.23.24. Luk. 4.4.5 Act. 18.1.2.3. Exod. 28.3 & 31.2.3.4.5.6. & 35.30.31.32 33.34.35. and jesus the Son of Marie, yea, the Son of God disdained not to play the Carpenter. And the Apostles were fishermen, and St. Paul was a maker of Tents. And it is recorded of Bezaleel and Aholeab two Tradesmen that God gave them much knowledge in mechanical things, even filled them with an excellent spirit of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all workmanship, to work curiously in gold, silver, brass, in graving, and setting of stones, in hewing and carving of wood, in working of broidered and needle work in blue Silk, in Purple, in Scarlet, and in fine linen: finally in weaving and working of all manner of curious work man-ship. Let no man I say then be ashamed of a mechanical Trade or craft, seeing it is a gift of God's spirit, and that (as Siracides saith) in the hands of the craftsman shall the works be commended. Eccles. 9.19 Moreover, Gen 36.7. the Lord blessed jacob with abundance of substance and store; with cattle, Sheep, beeves, Camels, and Asses in great number, as he had done his father Abraham and Isaac before. Gen. 41. & 45. & 46. & 47. And in the time of the great and long famine of seven years that was throughout the world, God provided for jacob and his household by the hand of joseph his son, whom the Lord unwitting his father & brethren, had preferred to be ruler over all Egypt next under the King. Thus the holy man as he was blessed of God for his godly living, and spent his days in blessing of God: So he ended them in blessing of God, and in blessing of his children in the Instruction. 68 name of God. Teaching by his example all fathers and mothers, living and dying, to do the like in the behalf of their children; and that they teach them to know and acknowledge that all blessedness both spiritual and temporal, is the fruit and effect of God's blessing of them: and that therefore the praise of our whole happiness must be ascribed unto God: Eccle. 44.23.24. even unto him who (as jesus the Son of Sirach speaketh in jacobs' praise) caused the blessing of all men to rest upon the head of jacob, and made himself known by his blessings and gave him an heritage, and divided his portions, and parted them amongst the twelve tribes.