saying] That is, the Midwife speaking in some passion, as searing lest the manner of the birth would be perillous to the mother, or children, or to both. this breach be upon thee] That is, imputed to thee. Sarah when she chargeth Abraham with the contumacie of the handmaid, saith, My wrong be upon thee, Genesis 16:5. Or, this breach be upon thee, that is, the remembrance of it shall be set upon thy name, thou shalt be called Pharez, that is, a breach, because thou hast not put forth an hand as thy brother did, but hast broke through all impediments, and made him draw back his hand againe to give thee precedence, that thou maist be the first-borne; and accordingly is Pharez set before his brother Zarah in the Genealogie, Numbers 26:20. 1 Chronicles 2:4-5. and brought in by Saint Matthew, Chap. 1. 3. as a progenitor of Christ. In the birth of these two brothers, we may note the difference in the new birth, which should be whole, and intire as that of Pharez, not like that of Zarah who was borne but in part with one hand thrust out and presently drawne back againe; such is their regeneration, or new birth who are religious but in part, and soone depart from the profession they have begun; that birth though it may make some shew for a time, as Zarahs hand tied about with a Scarlet thread, will not be sufficient for salvation, no more then one thread is enough to make a whole suit to cover the nakednesse of a sinner. Divers Divines of ancient, and late time apply these two brethren to the different state of the Jewish and Christian Church, understanding by Zarah who put forth the hand, the Church of the Jewes, appearing with justification by workes, which are attributed to the hand, and drawing back by unbeliefe, and obstinate rebellion, Romans 10. last; and by Pharez the Church of the Gentiles coming after him, yet being a more perfect birth, getting the primogeniture or birth-right from him; and then by Zarahs coming forth wholly after him the new birth of the Jewes, called to the profession of the faith of Christ in the Evangelicall Church.