_Answer._ He was sometime endued with the gift of Prophesie that God had communicated unto him, as it appears, _Numbers 22._ so 23, 24. But in a speciall manner in 23.26. the Lord is said to have _put words into his mouth_, so also verse 20. & chapter 24.2. _the Spirit of the Lord_ is said _to have come upon him_, and verse 4. he is said to have _heard the words of God_. Yet he was not a holy Prophet of God, but as he was given to other vices, and especially to covetousnesse, so also he was skilfull in the Magick arts, by whose helpe, as it is said _Numbers 24.1._ he used to seek for inchantments. Such an one therefore he was amongst the Prophets, as _Iudas_ was amongst the Apostles: of which sort also the old Prophet that dwelt at _Bethel_, seemes to have beene in some respect. The Doctrines arising herehence. Doctrine 1. _The wicked of every latter age do in their courses imitate those wicked men, that lived before them._ This is gathered from these words: _Following the way of Balaam_. For these men did not propose _Balaam_ unto themselves for an example to imitate, but because they went in the same wayes, therefore they are said to have followed him. _Reason_ 1. Because that in-bred corruption, from which such wicked courses are derived, as from their originall fountaine, is one and the same. For although it doth not work alwayes and in all altogether after the same manner, yet when it meets with natures alike, and the like occasions also happen, then it is no lesse like it selfe, then an egge is like an egge. 2. Because the same teacher of wickednesse, the tempter and old Serpent works effectually in his bond slaves throughout all ages. 3. Because oftentimes also the courses fore-going do not only by tradition, but by transmission as it were also beget courses like themselves. _Vse_ 1. This may serve to enforme us, not to be too much troubled at the wickednesse of men, that live with us, because there is nothing new under the Sunne in that kinde. 2. To admonish us, not to expect any singular thing from wicked men, while they remaine such, above that which we read of other wicked men before them in ancient time. 3. To exhort us therefore, to labour to be like the ancient godly men, that are commended in Scripture. Doctrine 2. _This is common to all the wicked, to forsake the right way, and go astray in that which is not good._ This is gathered from these words, _Which having forsaken the right way are gone astray_. _Reason_ 1. Because the right way is in observing the will of God, or in doing the good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them, _Ephesians 2.10._ _Psalms 119.1,2._ &c. But wickednesse is another crooked way, which men have found out themselves, cleane contrary to the will of God. 2. Because that is the right way which certainly leadeth unto life, and eternall happinesse, _Matthew 7.14._ but wickednesse tendeth unto death, _Proverbs 7.27._ & _8.36._