Heavenly pastime, or, Pleasant observations on all the most remarkable passages throughout the Holy Bible of the Old and New Testament newly allegoriz'd in several delightful dialogues, poems, similitudes, and divine fancies / by John Dunton, author of The sickmans passing-bell.

CHAP. XIII. Giveing an account of the Victo••ies of Abr••∣ham, and the assurances which God gave him of many favours, and of a Posterity 〈◊〉〈◊〉 numerous as the S••nds on the Sea, and the Plan••ts and Stars of the Firma••••n••. (Book 13)

Gen. 14.

Abraham rescues Lot with Men and Spoyls, ••rom diverse Kings whom he in Battle foils. Melchisede••k ••rings Abra'm Bread and Wine, And Abraham payes him Tenths of Corn and Wine.

BUt now who would have believed, that Abra∣••ams humour, and courage▪ ••ad been of a valour∣ous temper, when he was only seen to take Lot by the Hand, and say unto him▪ that all his goods belong∣ed unto him, and that to avoi•• War he gave the World for a Field of Peace, an•• for an assured t••sti∣mony, that he pref••r'd a quiet Life before all pre∣tensions whatsoev••r.

Nevertheless when news was brought him, that the King of Sennay, the King of the El••mites, the ••ing of Pont••s, and he that was commonly calle•• the King of Nations, were become Masters of the Field, and of the Sodomites Countrey, (who were his cons••••erat••••▪) and that even after the taking o•• Sodom, poor Lot, who fell into their Hands, wa•• lead by their command into a sad captivity; at th•• very same instant this p••aceable Traveller, instea••

of a Staff, took Arms into his Hands, and having selected three hundred and eighteen of his bravest Servants, he went forraging the Country, and so couragiously pursued his Enemies, that afterward being come to the confines of Iudea near the Foun∣tains of Iordan, and finding them still wholy puffed up with the success of their Victories, and loaden with their booty, he set upon them with so great courage, and dexterity, as at last he put them to a shamefull rout, and gave th••m so general a defeat, that he brought back both Lot, and all his Goods, with the remainder of the spoyls of all the Assyrians, who were all either dead or put to flight.

After this defeat Melchisedeck, who was King of Salem, and also high Priest of the most high, of∣fered Bread, and Wine, as a thansgiving for the Victories he had gained: Afterwards he gave his benediction to Abraham, who also presented him with the tenths of his spoyls and of ••is whole booty.

The King of the So••omites too fayled not to ren∣der his duties unto this Conqu••ror.

After this God made Abraham come out of his Pa∣villion, and then not satisfied with having promised him a Posterity numerous as the Sands of the Sea, he shewed him the Heavens, with promise that the number of his Children should equal the Planets and Stars of the Firmament. Adding to him afterwards, that suddainly he should have a Son by his dear Sara, who should be the Heir of his poss••ssions, and the Ornament of his Family.

Notwithstanding all these Assurances and pro∣mises Sara who felt her self Barre•• permitted her Husband what the Law and Custome of that time allowed; and much more, for this chast Wife hum∣bly intreated, that Agar though a Servant, might share with her in his Bed and affections: But Agar was no sooner become a Mother, but she would be at the same time also a Mistress.

So Agar having been disgracefully driven out of Abraham's and Sara's House, when her wandring heart had leasure to entertain more humble and mild thoughts; God who hath fatherly tendernesses for those who place their whole strength and Con∣solation in Meekness and Humility, immediately sent an Angel to her, who promised her a favoura∣ble return; and besides, gave her assurances that shortly she should have a Son, who should be called Ishmael: In effect, she conceived, and was deliver∣ed, as the Angel had said, Abraham being no less than fourscore and six years old or near upon.

But what! was it not sufficient to have even run for the spa••e of Ninty and ••ine years, and been in a Continual journey during the whole course of his life? Was it not time to make a halt, when he saw himself near the shore, and that his life was arri∣ved almost in the Haven?

It imports not (saith God unto him) it is I that speak, and thou must obey: On then Abraham, pass farther, I will be a Spectator of thy Voyages, and of the Progresses thou shalt make in the way of per∣fection.

Presently after, as if this f••rtunate and glorious Name had been the Seal of the Contract, and of the Allyance which God made with Abraham, he would render it more sensible. and add to these Cyphers of Love an Impression of Grie••, and a Charactor of Blood.

Then was Circumcision com∣manded not only for Abraham,* 1.1 but for all his Children▪ and Servants, and in general for all those that should be numbred amongst his Generations; provided nevertheless they were Males; for Women were exempted from the Law: Concerning the time prefixed for tho ac∣complishment of this precept, it was not to pass the term of Eight dayes; and the proposed end

was no other than mens accord and peace with God.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Commandement for Circumcision