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§. 16. Of Enoch, and his name.
By faith Enoch was translated, that he should not see death, and was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 found, because God had translated him: For before his translation he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this testimony, that he had pleased God.
THE second Worthy produced for exemplification of the vertue of Faith,* 1.1 is Enoch. He was indeed the seventh from Adam, Iude v. 14. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doubt but that Adam himself, and the five betwixt Adam and Enoch, were all pious men and believers. But the Holy Ghost having recorded no memorable effects of their faith, the Apostle passeth them over. See v. 32. §. 192.
After Enos was born, it is said, that then began men to call upon the name of the Lord, Gen. 4. 26. But it is not said, that Enos brought them so to do. Therefore that act cannot properly and necessarily be applyed to him.
From the Apostle's passing over so many betwixt Abel and Enoch, and others in other places, we may inferr, That it is a point of wisdom to content 〈◊〉〈◊〉 selves with such matters, as the Holy Ghost hath thought meet to relate. This is to be a 1.2 wise, or to understand according to sobriety, Rom. 12. 3.
The particular person here commended, is Enoch. This is an Hebrew name, derived from a verb that signifieth to dedicate, and may be interpreted, dedicated. His condition did fitly answer his name; For of all the Patriarchs he was most especially dedicated to God: as the testimony of his walking with God, and of Gods taking him to himself, giveth evidence.
There were others of his name, as Cain's first son: who also gave the same name to a City that he built, Gen. 4. 18. And Abraham's Grandchild by Ke∣turah, Gen. 25. 4. and Reuben's eldest son, Gen. 46. 9: But the translating of that Enoch which is here mentioned, sheweth, that it is he, which was the se∣venth from Adam, who is here meant.
The same faith before spoken of, even a justifying faith, resting on the pro∣mised Messiah, is here without all contradiction meant. For by it •…•…he pleased God.