Certaine plaine, briefe, and comfortable notes vpon euerie chapter of Genesis Gathered and laid downe for the good of them that are not able to vse better helpes, and yet carefull to read the worde, and right heartilie desirous to taste the sweete of it. By the Reuerend Father Geruase Babington, Bishop of Landaph.

Chap. 27. (Book 27)

In this Chapter we haue,

• The stealing of the blessing from Esau by Iacob.
• The manner of the blessing.
• The behauiour of Esau afterward.

* 1.11 IT is said, that Isaac was old, and his sight was dimme.* 1.2 Wherein we may note both a generall prouidence of God, and a particular. A general, that commonly men in age & time should by course of nature waxe darke of sight, that thereby they drawing to∣wards an other world, might be wei∣ned from earthly matters, and be occasioned more to meditate, by want of bodily sight vpon things that are not seene. A particular, by this meanes to drawe this man to doe that which otherwise peraduenture he would hardly haue done.

* 1.32 I know not the day of my death, sayth hee, &c. and who dooth knowe it.* 1.4 Ideo latet vltimus dies, vt obseruetur omnis dies. Therefore is the last day vnknowne, that we might bee in a readi∣nesse euery daye. Nothing more certayne then the thing, nothing more vncertaine then the time, and such like sayings many. Vpon this occasion Isaac will make ready for death, and dispose of his matters according to this vncertaintie. So let vs doe vpon the like cause. For you see wee knowe no more the day of our death then he did.* 1.5

* 1.63 He loueth venison. And to our comfort it teacheth vs, that vsing moderation, & remembring thanks, the Lord is not offended with our fansies.* 1.7 Hee hath sanctified all meates to the vse of his

children, and nothing is vncleane that the Lord hath created. And if further wee like this rather then that, euen so also is the Lord pleased, and giuing vs libertie to vse our liking, blesseth with his mercy that particular to vs. O gracious God.

4 Rebecca heard when Isaac spake to his sonne.* 1.8 Some note of the curiositie in womens natures,* 1.9 they will be harkening ouer often when they are not called to be of counsell, and it is a tickling desire in too many to knowe all that that is spoken, be it purposely wished otherwise. Sara before a good woman, yet harkning behinde the dore, and now heere Rebecca heard, and of like by some such priuie harkning. All women be not thus, but many graue & wise, to content themselues within their bounds, such as be so may well amend it, and be greatly commended.

5 Now hauing thus ouerheard her husband,* 1.10 she entreth in∣to talke with her sonne Iacob to preuent the ould man,* 1.11 and to deriue this blessing from his brother to himselfe. Wherein we see the picture of a partiall Moth••••, more addicted to one childe then an other, when yet both of them are alike derely bought to her. Touching the subtiltie she vseth,* 1.12 I doo not see how it can be iu∣stified, for she should haue taryed till God had performed his pro∣mise by some direct course.

6 Iacob obiecteth what danger may happen, and thereby we see the common saying true, Plus vident oculi, quam oculus,* 1.13 * 1.14 more see two eyes then one, and especially if ones minde be vehe∣ment vpon the thing in question, for earnest desire to obtayne a thing dazeleth the iudgement often, that it seeth not hidden euill and inconueniences. Therefore if euer I should vse my friend, I would surely vse him, and craue his due consideration to ioyne with me, when I finde my affections hote vpon any thing to effect it or haue it: for euen then sonest as I say by the vehemency of de∣sire may my iudgement fayle me, whereas my friend being sway∣ed no way with any affection, looketh more throughly into the matter, and with a cleerer eye then I can, so finding and seeing such perill and danger, such euill and inconuenience, as I for my

heate carying me vneuenly could not see. So doth Iacob in this place obiect what in deede in mans guesse might very well haue fallen out, and of like by his mother was not either at all or ear∣nestly thought vpon.

* 1.157 Iacobs care also not to offend his father, and so procure his cursse,* 1.16 is very worthy noting heere, to the example of all children and youth which in these licentious dayes of ours make little ac∣compt of parents displeasure. My father sayth he may possibly feele me, and I shall seeme to him to be a mocker, and one that would deceyue hym, so shall I bring a curse vpon me, and not a blessing. Looke at this yee children that mary against parents minds, and doo many things else to their great griefe. Where is this feare of your parents curse that you see in Iacob, or that they should thinke of you otherwise then well. Thinke you the parents curse now adayes being iust, is not as strong as in those dayes? deceyue not your selfe, for it is true euen in these dayes as euer it was,* 1.17 That the blessing of the Father establisheth the houses of the children, and the mothers curse rotteth out the foun∣dations &c. Reade the Chapter from the beginning, and you shall see more.

8 Vpon me be thy curse sayth his mother my sonne, on∣ly heare my voyce &c.* 1.18 You remember when the children strout in Rebeccas womb,* 1.19 what the Lorde tould her concerning the yonger, which promise of his it is to be thought her faith respec∣ting, and assuring her selfe God would blesse Iacob, as hee had sayd, she spake thus, fearing no curse to come to him, whome God in mercy had chosen and regarded. Therefore this in her may be lawfull. But can no wise authorise vs either in rage and heate of vnbrideled affections, or in deepe and dead securitie and vnfealingnes to vse like phrase in an euill matter,* 1.20 as those wic∣ked Iewes did that cryed, his bloud be vpon vs, and vpon our children, and as many desperate or blinde Friers doe, Semina∣ries and Iesuits, Priests and practisers for the man of Rome, that to incourage the people to disobey their Princes lawes,* 1.21 and go∣uernments that they liue vnder, bid them lay that burden vpon them, they will indure that danger, &c. Such seducing spirits

haue no promise to respect as Rebecca heere had, but a fearefull fulfilling of wrath vpon them for such temeritie as the Iewes found.

9 Iacob sayth he is Esau, and that God hath brought so soone the venison to his hands, all which was vntrue,* 1.22 to deceiue his blinde father that could not see him.* 1.23 The marginall note doth satisfie vs in it,* 1.24 that although Iacob was assured of this blessing by faith, yet he offended in seeking it by lyes, and the more because he abuseth Gods name therevnto. So see wee the imperfections of good men, that they haue bin euer, and often great.

10 The ould man calleth for him that he might feele him, and yet cannot discerne,* 1.25 so cunningly had his mother vsed the mat∣ter.* 1.26 We may marke in it how nothing is able to goe contrary to Gods will and determination. We shall feele and not knowe, we shall heare, and yet be deceyued, yea, when euen our owne mouths shall confesse it to be Iacobs voyce,* 1.27 yet with an outward coun∣terfet shew of Esau his roughnesse, we shall be caried away if the Lord haue so decreed it. Therefore let them that are to perswade others be content, if all beleeue not, and let them that beleeue not in so cleere light, feare least God haue decreed woe to them and hasten, if yet they wil be warned, from such hardnesse.* 1.28 The sonnes of Eli are a fearefull example if they will consider it.

11 Let vs consider heere who is blessed,* 1.29 surely a sonne that feedeth his father. And when doth the father blesse him? surely when his hart is euen light and cheerefull in him. All which tea∣cheth vs both how children ought to seeke to win the blessing of their parents, namely, by well vsing them. And also that then is a man most fit to powre out comfort or blessing to others,* 1.30 when his heart is not troubled, but cheerefull, and smelleth euen a sweet sauour in them whome he should blesse and speake vnto, for hard it is to sing one of the songs of Sion in heauynes, but the woe of minde and smart of griefe within letteth greatly the sweete streame of comfort that should flowe to others.* 1.31

12 Mark how he sayth that the smell of his son is like a feeld* 1.32

that the Lord hath blessed.* 1.33 From which gratulation all they are barred, that get their possessions, lands, and reuenewes, by vngodly meanes, as by stealth, bribery, oppression, and wrong, for such are like a feeld which the Deuill hath corrupted and sowen sinne in, to their certayne fall when time shall come, yet may their garments happely smell a great way off by the art of man, but neyther themselues nor their riches by blessing of God.

13 Agayne consider well in this blessing what wealth and what riches the father wisheth to his forme,* 1.34 and you shall see it is no pompe, no port, no vanitie of apparell, nor such things as the world now doteth vpon, but he wisheth him of the fatnesse of the earth, and husbandmans frute for husbandmans paynes. Which though it tye not euery man to till with his owne hands, yet tea∣cheth it that our godly fathers in those better dayes of theirs, thought it a speciall honor for their children to liue by Gods bles∣sings vpon the earth, and not by other idle course and sinister pra∣ctises. Marke the blessing well, and you shall see more.

* 1.3514 In that Isaac nameth nothing but earthly things, be not deceyued as some haue bin, to thinke that eyther himselfe rested in such things, or that he wished no better to his childe, for it is not so. But by and vnder these earthly blessings hee comprised and chiefely prayed for all heauenly and spirituall graces promised of God, and beleeued of Isaac to Abraham and his seed in Christ and by Christ. This manner of speech therefore is no other then vsually the Prophets haue by things outward and subiect to sense and the weakest capacitie, to vnderstand and meane things spiri∣tuall, not seene, but subiect to faith aboue many times our slender capacitie. So Esay 11. and many other places.

* 1.3615 The allegorie in this place that Ambrose maketh, is not amisse. To wit, that as Iacob the yonger is heere blessed in the name of the elder, and the clothes that he hath borowed of his el∣der brother, giue a sweete sauour in the nostrills of the Father: so are we in the name of Christ our elder brother, with whose gar∣ment of pure righteousnesse being clothed, wee smell sweete also

to our heauenly Father, and are accepted. This against indirect righteousnesse, and for righteousnesse of imputation.

16 That which he sayth in the 29. verse,* 1.37 let people be thy seruants, and nations bow downe vnto thee, &c. may bee a good proofe that Isaac stayed not in these earthly things which he nameth, but loked at higher matters. For how could he conceyue any hope of such dignitie as th••s, sauing that hee was assured his posteritie was chosen of the Lorde, and euen for the kingdome that after folowed, that it should be in his stock and line, and be∣long to them? Therefore sayth the Apostle▪ that Isaac blessed Iacob by faith, and Esau concerning things to come,* 1.38 as did also Iacob in the ende of this booke when he was a dying. This honor then that heere hee speaketh of, shot at that which was ful∣filled afterward in Dauid and Salomon, but chiefely in Christ, vnto whome all people are seruants, and all Nations bow,* 1.39 euen the knees of all things in heauen and earth, and vnder the earth,* 1.40 and to whome God hath giuen the heathen for an in∣heritance, and the ends of the earth for a possession, as sayth the Prophet. Yet true also euen of the godly is this which is said, he that curseth thee shall be cursed, and blessed be hee that blesseth thee:* 1.41 for euen in his holy tabernacle shall a place be giuen to them that make much of such as feare the Lord. And whosoeuer offendeth one of these little ones that beleeue in me,* 1.42 it were better for him that a milstone were hanged about his neck, and that hee were drowned in the bottome of the sea. But chiefely I say it is true in Christ who descended of Isaac that heere speaketh thus, which Christ, whosoeuer curseth by abu∣sing his person, or contemning his truth &c. that man shall be cursed, and whosoeuer blesseth him, by imbracing him, and be∣leeuing on him &c. that man shall be blessed.

17 Iacob was scarce gone out when Esau came.* 1.43 Marke I pray you the powrefull prouidence of almightie God,* 1.44 how it ru∣leth and gouerneth times and seasons, dayes and houres, and moments of time, to the safetie and benefite of his chosen. For doth Esau come before Iacob is gone? No, first Iacob is out of

his walke, and then he commeth. Yet see agayne the narrow es∣cape, and let vs learne by it not euer to looke for easy and great passage from perill, but be content if hardly and narrowly God deliuer vs, scarse he was gone, yet gone.

* 1.4518 After long debating of the wrong, at last Esau breaketh into teares, but preuayled not. Let it make vs wary and wise, least prophaning the dignitie of our holy calling to Christ, and vilely esteeming spirituall graces, selling them as this man did for some base price, and preferring profit or pleasure before them▪ we at last bewayle the same as now he doth, but all too late. Let the Apostles exhortation sound euer in our eares: Let there bee no fornicator,* 1.46 or prophane person as Esau was, which for one portion of meate sould his birthright. For ye know, how that afterward also, whē he would haue inherited the blessing, he was refused, finding no place to repentāce, though he sought it with teares. Surely such men & womē as hauing bin once zea∣lous & great louers of the word,* 1.47 of preachers & professors of the same, with very forward affection in all good causes, and after to please some mens humors, to purchase to themselues this or that profit, or that they may inioy some sinfull pleasure, either forgoe all agayne quite, or in great measure. Let them take heed they be not either in, or very neere the prophannes of this Esau. For what do they else then contemne spirituall things to obtayne earthly, sell their birthright, that is their title to Gods kingdome had by walking in his feare, for such sinfull reward as they gayne by their change. God awake all cooled harts, and giue them heate agayne, that so are slipped and thinke not of it. Remember Esau, and beware Esau.

* 1.4819 This blessing which Esau wringeth from his father, in∣cludeth temporall things,* 1.49 which are common to the wicked with the godly. And that breaking of the yoke from his neck, your margin sheweth you when it was fulfilled.* 1.50 That which I note in it,* 1.51 is a certayne vicissitudo rerum, an interchange of things. For hardly hath bin scene or rather neuer, that any man, any stocke, or any countrey, should be euer aloft, or euer below and vnder.

But the Lord changeth giuing the yoke, and breaking it away a∣gayne according to his good pleasure.

20 Agayne heere in Esau wee may note some properties of a bad man voyde and destitute of any true grace,* 1.52 and learne by them both to examine our selues, and to auoyde them if wee finde them. First, hee hated his brother for this thing, and hee that hateth his brother, is a mansleyer sayth the Scripture. Secondly, hee thinketh in his minde a secret venome of a poy∣soned heart, his tong hee stayes, sed loquitur in corde, hee sayth within him some euill. Like as the Prophet sayth, they imagine mischife in their hearts, meaning the wicked. Lastly,* 1.53 hee ap∣poynteth a time when hys Father shall bee dead, beeing con∣tent to make fayre weather, and to carry murder and suche murder as of hys owne brother tyll that daye. Thys is an hypocrites fashion euer to forbeare euill for feare of men.

21 But his mother heard of it.* 1.54 He happely afterwardes bolting out some suspicion. This is the Lord still and still, and euermore, in the behalfe of hys, nothing so secret to their harme, which some way or other commeth not out. Thus hath thy po∣wer O Lord appeared mightely, and by name in this Kingdome, and the protection of thy faithfull seruant our deere and gracious Souerayne Queene Elizabeth. O Lorde how hast thou ope∣ned the darknesse of sinne conceyued agaynst her royall person, agaynst thys lande, and the life of all that feare thy name.* 1.55 For wee were sould, wee were sould O Lord by many bloudy mindes, shee thy sacred seruant first as our head and stay vnder thy Ma∣iestie, and then wee her poore people, liuing and breathing vn∣der her shadowe, not to be for seruants and handmaydes, as complayned that Queene Esther to Assuerus, for then they had not bin so cruell, but to be destroyed after many miserable & mon∣strous torments, with bloudy sword of murdering mindes, that should haue licked vs vp, & drunke our bloud til they had vomited againe for fulnes with the same. And from all this thine owne selfe hath saued vs and set vs free, giuing them their portions eyther by Sea or land, by one meanes or other, as they did deserue.

Out thou broughtest Esau his conspiracies at all times to this day, and saued thy true Iacob, whome thou hast blessed amongst vs, and ouer vs, to our vnspeakable comfort ten thousand wayes. Some or other heard of it, as Rebecca did heere, and were in∣struments of wisedome, counsell, and seruice, to preuent it 〈…〉〈…〉 Lord wee thanke thee, with the very soules of our foules wee thanke thee, crauing mercy, that wee cannot do it as we should. O Lord continue thy mercy for thy mercy sake, and let the soule of our Souerayne be still deere vnto thee, write her deere Fa∣ther in the palmes of thy hands, and regard her euer as the apple of thine eye. Continue thy Gospell to this land, and the light of thy countenance still in our dayes, blessed for euer and euer for what is past.

22 Marke how Rebecca vseth meanes to saue Iacobs life, and yet she had Gods oracle that he should be mightie,* 1.56 and rule ouer his brother,* 1.57 so that if euer any might haue presumed of Gods apoyntment, she for one might: but yet she doth not, but leauing that, vseth ordinary meanes, and sendeth him away. How sense∣lesse then is it that some talke of predestination, that if it be to be saued, they cannot be damned, and if to be damned they cannot be saued, and therefore no meanes to be vsed: fye fye of such follies. Do as Rebecca heere doth, leaue God his apoyntment to him∣selfe, and take the ordinary course to be saued, heare his word, be∣leeue his promises, and indeuour to walke in the wayes of hys will, then shall God performe his apoyntment to your comfort as he did to Iacob, the other is but tempting of God, and deceyuing your selues. Christ himselfe flyeth into Egypt from Herod, and yet apoynted of God to liue his time, which no Herod could pre∣uent, with many moe.

Lastly, note Rebeccas words to her husband, I am weary of my life for the daughters of Heth,* 1.58 &c. See in them, how going about to get Iacob leaue to depart the countrey,* 1.59 she telleth not her husband the true cause, least she should grieue his heart, but maketh an other excuse, yet a iust one. Such wisedome and good discretion is commendable eyther in man or woman. Thus shee

had her desire, her husbands minde not troubled, her sonnes both saued, and her selfe in peace and quiet. It was the Lords good∣nes thus to direct her: and that Lord in mercy make all these things profitable to vs. Amen.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Verse. 1.
• * 1.2

  Isaac dim of sight why?
• * 1.3

  Verse. 2.
• * 1.4

  No man knoweth the day of death.
• * 1.5

  Verse. 4.
• * 1.6

  Liking of some meat more then others, a∣lowed of God.
• * 1.7

  1. Tim. 4.
• * 1.8

  Verse. 5.
• * 1.9

  Cur••••si•••••• of wom••••
• * 1.10

  Ve. 6. &c.
• * 1.11

  A partiall Mother.
• * 1.12

  Her subtil∣tie not a∣lowed.
• * 1.13

  Verse. 11.
• * 1.14

  More see two eyes then one.
• * 1.15

  Verse. 12.
• * 1.16

  The feare of fathers curse.
• * 1.17

  Syrac. 3.10
• * 1.18

  Verse. 13.
• * 1.19

  How Re∣becca saith that curse, be vpon me
• * 1.20

  Math. 27.
• * 1.21

  Seminaries & Iesuites.
• * 1.22

  Verse. 19.
• * 1.23

  Iacobs lye vnlawfull.
• * 1.24

  Verse. 20.
• * 1.25

  Verse. 21.
• * 1.26

  Our easy∣nes to be deceyued.
• * 1.27

  Verse. 22.
• * 1.28

  1. Sam. 2.25
• * 1.29

  Childrens vsage if they wil be blessed.
• * 1.30

  A cheere∣full spirit most apt to blesse o∣thers.
• * 1.31

  Psal. 137.
• * 1.32

  Verse. 27.
• * 1.33

  The Bles∣sing. Goods ill gotten.
• * 1.34

  What wealth hee wisheth.
• * 1.35

  By earthly things o∣ther meant
• * 1.36

  An alle∣gorie.
• * 1.37

  Vers. 29.
• * 1.38

  Heb. 11.20.
• * 1.39

  Philip. 2.
• * 1.40

  Psalm. 2.
• * 1.41

  Psalm. 15.
• * 1.42

  Math. 18.6.
• * 1.43

  Verse. 30.
• * 1.44

  Narrow escapes.
• * 1.45

  Teares too late.
• * 1.46

  Heb. 12.16.
• * 1.47

  Note.
• * 1.48

  Verse. 39.
• * 1.49

  ••sau his ••lessing.
• * 1.50

  2. Reg. 8.20
• * 1.51

  Verse 40.
• * 1.52

  Notes of wicked man.
• * 1.53

  Psal. 140.2.
• * 1.54

  The Lord discoue∣reth trea∣cheries against his.
• * 1.55

  English treasons.
• * 1.56

  Verse. 43.
• * 1.57

  The godly vse means, and pre∣sume not vpon God his apoint∣ment.
• * 1.58

  Verse. 46.
• * 1.59

  Rebeccas godly dis∣cretion.