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. XXI. Giveing an account of the Birth of Jacob and Esau. (Book 21)

AT the earnest request of Isaack Heaven was obliged to grant that at last, which a long time before God had promised him; and in conclu∣sion therefore, behold Rebecca great with Child and ready to lye down. But as the pleasures of the World are not durable, so she quickly feels the ap∣proaches of her labour; They are no other than pains and throws, and her Womb seemed to be a thick Cloud of Thunders, and a Field of Battle, in which two little Children begin an intestine War against each other, which cannot end but by the Destruction of the Mother, or the death of her Children.

However it were, she consulted God; and God answered her, that she bore too Nations in her Womb, and that two People should issue forth of her Bowels, one of which should Triumph over the other, and the Elder be slave unto the Younger; And Iacob though the Younger, supplanted Esau who was his Elder Brother.

For this reason Iacob received his name; for as his Elder Brother was stiled Esau because his whole Body was covered with rough Hair; so Iacob was called Iacob, because at the issuing sorth of his Mo∣thers Womb he h••ld Esau by the soal of his Foot, to testify that he would supplant him?

Is not this an early beginning to War with each

other, since in their Mothers Womb they began the intestine Duel?

But what ever happens, Iacob shall be vanquisher; for Heaven is on his side, and the supplanting of Esau shall rather proceed from the Hand of God than that of Iacob.

But alas! What strife? What Victory? What ••riumphs? When the Crowns we gain are but Roses staind with Blood, and Lawrels which wither in a moment, and transform themselves into eter∣••all Thorns.

It is not for this prize Iacob sought in his Mothers Womb, but he assaults and supplants Esau for the purchase of Immortal Crowns.