A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 102. Of the hainousness of sin continued in.

Verse 10.

Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They d•…•… alway 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in their hearts, and they have not known my waies.

THe fearfull effect of their sin is here propounded in this verse: and aggrav•…•… in the next.

This first particle * 1.1 Wherefore, is not in the Psalm: but here fitly added by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Apostle, to set out more distinctly, both the cause of Gods grief, and also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 effect or consequence of the peoples sinne. It is the very same that was used before, v. 7. §. 73. It giveth to understand, that long continuing in sinne grieveth Go•…•…

Spirit. Because they tempted God fourty years, therefore God was grieved.

To this purpose is this time of Israels continuing fourty years to sinne against God, oft pressed: as Numb. 32. 13. Amos 5. 25. Acts 7. 42, & 13. 18. This their long continuing in sin is also upbraided as a great aggravation thereof, Exod. 16. 28. N•…•…h. 9. 30. Psal. 78. 40. Luk. 13. 34. For,

• 1. Sin the longer it continueth the stronger it groweth, and proves to be the* 1.2 more daring and outfacing, and in that respect the more provoking, Ierem. 44. 17.
• 2. Continuance in sinne is a multiplication of sinne: and in that respect an ad∣dition of more fuell, which maketh the flame of the fire greater. Thus Gods Spi∣rit is more grieved, and his wrath more incensed: whether by the same man lying in one sin, or adding sin to sin, or by other men, children, or other successors treading in the footsteps of their Fathers and predecessors.

This may be a forcible motive to such as have sinned to repent, and not to continue in sinne. As continuing in sinne causeth grief and wrath; so there is j•…•…y in the presence of the Angels of God over a sinner that repenteth, Luke 15. 10.

This also may be a warning to such as observe the sinnes of others, to take heed that they hold not on in the same course, lest they cause more grief and wrath.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. See chap. 6. v. 1. §. 2.
• * 1.2

  See §. 109.