Anf-01 ix.vii.xxxiv Pg 10
Gen. xxvii. 28, 29.
If any one, then, does not accept these things as referring to the appointed kingdom, he must fall into much contradiction and contrariety, as is the case with the Jews, who are involved in absolute perplexity. For not only did not the nations in this life serve this Jacob; but even after he had received the blessing, he himself going forth [from his home], served his uncle Laban the Syrian for twenty years;4739 4739
Anf-03 v.iv.iv.xxiv Pg 27
Gen. xxvii. 28.
are there not in his words examples of both kinds of blessing? Indeed, the very form of the blessing is in this instance worthy of notice. For in relation to Jacob, who is the type of the later and more excellent people, that is to say ourselves,3460 3460 Nostri, i.e., Christians. [Not Montanist, but Catholic.]
first comes the promise of the heavenly dew, and afterwards that about the fatness of the earth. So are we first invited to heavenly blessings when we are separated from the world, and afterwards we thus find ourselves in the way of obtaining also earthly blessings. And your own gospel likewise has it in this wise: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and these things shall be added unto you.”3461 3461
Anf-03 v.iv.iii.xxii Pg 14
An inexact quotation of Isa. xl .28.
Although He had respect to the offerings of Abel, and smelled a sweet savour from the holocaust of Noah, yet what pleasure could He receive from the flesh of sheep, or the odour of burning victims? And yet the simple and God-fearing mind of those who offered what they were receiving from God, both in the way of food and of a sweet smell, was favourably accepted before God, in the sense of respectful homage2975 2975 Honorem.
to God, who did not so much want what was offered, as that which prompted the offering. Suppose now, that some dependant were to offer to a rich man or a king, who was in want of nothing, some very insignificant gift, will the amount and quality of the gift bring dishonour2976 2976 Infuscabit.
to the rich man and the king; or will the consideration2977 2977 Titulus.
of the homage give them pleasure? Were, however, the dependant, either of his own accord or even in compliance with a command, to present to him gifts suitably to his rank, and were he to observe the solemnities due to a king, only without faith and purity of heart, and without any readiness for other acts of obedience, will not that king or rich man consequently exclaim: “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? I am full of your solemnities, your feast-days, and your Sabbaths.”2978 2978
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge, Chapter 11
VERSE (11) - De 8:7-9 Ge 27:28 Ps 65:12,13; 104:10-13 Isa 28:1 Jer 2:7 Heb 6:7
