VERS. XX.
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For the creature was made subject to Vanity.
THE Gentile World were subject to Vanity of mind; but how, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same? May we not say, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, it became vain willingly, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, it was made subject to Vanity, not willingly? For let us recur to the very first origi∣nal of Gentilisme, that is, to the first confusion of Languages by reason of the attempt to build the Tower at Babel. I confess, there are some passages in the Gloss of the Targu∣mists upon this matter (Gen. XI.) that might move laughter; but, as to the sum and scope of the thing they are worth weighing.
c 1.1 They said, Go to, let us build us a City, and a tower, and let its head reach unto the top of Heaven, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and let us make us an house of worship in the top of it, and let us put a sword into his hand, that he may wage war for us against our enemies, before we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole Earth. We may smile in∣deed at that sigment about the Idol and the Sword, &c. But certainly they do not al∣together miss the mark when they hint to us, that this Tower was built upon an Idola∣trous account. So the Talmudists, d 1.2 It is a tradition. R. Nathan saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 they were all intent upon Idolatry. And hence it is that they commonly say, That, that generation hath no part in the world to come. Nor indeed does the severity of the punish∣ment (viz. the confusion of Languages, by which true Religion was lost in the World) argue any less, but that they sinned against God in the highest degree in that wicked en∣terprize. They were inclinable to Idolatry willingly and of their own accord, but that they were subjected to that Vanity, proceeded from the just indignation and vengeance of God. The whole World lay under Heathenism from the first confusion of Languages, to the bringing in of the Gospel among all Nations, two thousand years and upwards: And in this its most miserable condition, who could not but observe that God was angry?