That the signification of Abel, Seth and Enos, are all pertinent vnto Christ and his body, the Church. CHAP. 18.
ANd Seth (saith the scripture) had a sonne, and he called his name Enos. This man hoped to call vpon the name of the Lord, for the son of the resurrection liueth in hope, saith the truth, it is true: all the while that hee continueth in his pilgrimage here below, together with the Citty of God, which ariseth out of the faith of Christs resurrection: for by these two men, Abel, interpreted Sor∣row, and Seth, Resurrection, is the death and rising againe of Christ perfigured, of which faith the Citty of God hath originall, namely in these men that (a) hoped to call vpon the Lord God. For wee are saued by hope saith the Apostle. But hope which is seene is no hope: for hopeth he for that he seeth? but if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience abide it: who can say that this doth not concerne the depth of this mistery? Did not Abel hope to call vpon the name of the Lord God when his sacrifice was so acceptable vnto him? And did not Seth so also, of whom it is said, God hath appointed me another seed for Abell? Why then is this peculiarly bound vnto Seths time in which is vnderstood the time of all the God∣ly, but that it behooued that in him who is first recorded to haue beene borne, to eleuate his spirit from his father that begot him, vnto a better father, the King of the celestiall country, Man, that is, that society of man, who liue in the hope of blessed eternity, not according to man, but GOD, be prefigured? It is not said, He hoped in God: nor he called vpon God: but he hoped to call vpon God. Why hoped to call? but that it is a prophecy that from him should arise a people who by the e∣lection of grace should call vpon the name of the Lord GOD. This is that which the Apostle hath from another prophet, & sheweth it to pertaine vnto the grace of God, saying, Whosoeuer shall call vpon the name of the Lord, shalbe saued. This is that which is said, He called his name Enos (which is, man) and then is added, This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hoped to call vpon the name of the Lord: wherein is plainely shewne that man ought not to put his trust in himselfe. For cursed is the man that trusteth in man, as wee reade else-where, and consequently in himselfe: which if hee doe not, •…•…e may become a cittizen of that Citty which is founded aboue in the eternity of blisse, not of that which Caine built and named after his sonne, beeing of this •…•…orld, wauering, and transitory.
L. VIVES.
TH•…•… (a) hoped] Some reade it, Then men beganne to call vpon the name of the LORD: