Reason. Because God doth not execute judgement according to the fiercenesse of his anger or fury, as men oftentimes use to do, but according to the counsell of his most perfect wisdome.
Use 1. This may serve to instruct us, not to ascribe those things unto fortune or chance, which happen unto us or others in this kind.
2. To comfort us, because in a world of all dangers and judgements, we may flye unto the mercy of God.
Doctrine 4. There are wont to be but a few godly men in the world.
This is gathered therehence, that Noah is called the eighth of the godly, or rather he may be called the seventh, because Cham was cursed.
Reason 1. In respect of God, because he gives this grace but unto a few, that his goodnesse and mercy towards them may appeare the more abundant.
2. In respect of the second causes, and of the nature of the thing it selfe, because that which is most difficult, and of the greatest care and perfection, is not wont to be found but in few. The gifts of nature are common unto all; of art and industry to fewer, but the gifts of grace to fewest of all. There are more good Taylors, then good Physitians, and more good Physitians then good Kings. So that that hath the greatest perfection, which is given but to a few.
Vse 1. This may serve to admonish us, to be so much the more diligent to make our election and calling sure.
2. To exhort us, to give God thanks, that he hath made us partakers of that happinesse, which he grants but to a few.
Doctrine 5. All the godly, that will be made partakers of Gods mercy, must be preachers of righteousnesse, as Noah was.