Page:The Holy Bible faithfvlly translated into English ovt of the authentical Latin, diligently conferred with the Hebrew, Greek, & other Editions in diuers languages.pdf/51

Rh admit the innocent and iust into the Kingdome of heauen, which is euerlasting ioy and perfect felicitie.

Thus we see the face and briefe summe of Religion in the beginning of the world, til the floud: and the state of the Church, which was alwayes Visible, consisting of men good and bad, with a continual Succession'' of Rulers, as wel spiritual as temporal. For the first-borne were both Priests and Princes in euerie familie. And amongst the same one euer chief of al. From which ranke Cain was excluded, or rather excluded himselfe, by Going forth from the face of our Lord. Wherupon holy Moyses reciteth this Monarchical succession of one chiefe, and Supreme Head, from Adam by the line of ''Seth, Enos, Cainan, Malaleel, Iared, Enoch. Mathusala, Lamech, and Noe''. Neuertheles he setteth downe also the progenie of Cain, the first beginner of a worldlie, schismatical, and heretical conuenticle, opposite to the Citie of God. He denied Gods prouidence (as Thargum Hierosolomitanum testifieth) protesting to Abel, That there was no Iustice nor Iudge, nor other world then this, no reward for vertue, nor punishment for sinne, and so desperately he killed Abel. Of these negatiue principles proceeded other like detestable opinions, and most wicked life, sauage and barbarous crueltie, and al kind of impietie. And in processe of time albeit manie remained in true faith and vnitie of the Church, yet by conuersation with such miscreants, especially by occasion of Mariages between the faithful and infidels, almost the whole world was corrupted in manners. But Noe was iust and perfect. In punishment therefore of so great and enormious sinnes, God sent the general floud, wherby al Cains progenie, and al other infidels were wholly destroyed and extinguished, and the true Church notably purged; onlie iust Noe and his familie reserued. By whom the same true Church was continued, and the world againe replenished with men.''

CHAP. VIII. ''The waters diminishing by litle & litle, 6. Noe sendeth forth a crow, 8. after him a doue, thrise: 18. lastly goeth forth with al that were with him in the arke, 20. erecteth an Altar, and offereth Sacrifice.''

ND God remembred Noe, and al the beasts, and al the cattle which were with him in the arke, and brought a wind vpon the earth, and the waters decreased. And the fountaines of the depth and the floud-gates of heauen were shut vp: and the rayne from heauen was stayd. And the waters returned from the earth going & comming: Rh