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 ...

§. 13. Of Saints Calling.

THe Apostles good opinion of these Hebrews is further manifested under this* 1.1 phrase, Partakers of the heavenly calling.

The a 1.2 Originall Verb signifieth to call on by voice. When Christ said to his Disciples Follow me, b 1.3 he called them, Matth. 4. 19, 21.

This word Call is in Scripture used diversly: As

• 1. To give a reall being to a thing, Rom. 4. 17.* 1.4
• 2. To manifest a thing to be as it is, Luke 1. 32, 35.
• 3. To acknowledge one. See Chap. 2. §. 107.
• 4. To give a name to one, whereby he is distinguished from others, Mat. 1. 25.
• 5. To depute to a Function; and that both extraordinary, (Rom. 1. 1.) and or∣dinary, Heb. 5. 4. Rom. 10▪ 15. How shall they preach except they be sent? that is, called▪
• ...

• 6. To set in a condition or state of life, 1 Cor. 7. 17, 20.
• 7. To turn one to the true Religion, 1 Cor. 1. 24.

This is the calling here intended.

The Greek word here translated c 1.5 calling, is eleven times used in the New Te∣stament, and only once put for a civil condition of life, 1 Cor. 7. 20. In all the other places it is used in a spirituall sense: and setteth out the alteration of a mans naturall condition: which is a translation, or bringing him out of Satans dominion, unto Gods Kingdom, 1 Thess. 2. 12.

This an Apostle doth thus express, God hath called you out of darkness into his mar∣vellous light, 1 Pet. 2. 9. By darkness he meaneth that wofull and miserable estate wherein by nature men lie under the Prince of darkness, in the darkness of errour, and iniquity, subject to utter darkness. By light he meaneth the sweet and comfor∣table light of grace, and the eternall light of glory.

This is stiled a calling, because it is effected by the call of God.

The call of God is twofold:* 1.6

• ...

  1. Outward, by the Ministry of the word; and that in a double respect.

  One on Gods part only, in offering the means: as when he sent forth his ser∣vants* 1.7 to call them that were bidden to the wedding, and they would not come, Matth. 22. 3.

  The other on mans part also, by an outward yielding to the call: as he that came to the wedding and had not on a wedding garment, Matth. 22. 11.

  In the former respect, all that hear the sound of the Gospel are called.

  In the later respect, all hypocrites that live in the Church and profess the faith, are called: as Cain, Ham, Saul, Iudas, Demas, Ananias, Sapphira, and sundry others.

• 2. Inward, by the operation of the Spirit, who inwardly stirres up mens spirits* 1.8 heartily to accept Gods gracious invitation, and so to attend to Gods Word, as they do truly and savingly beleeve. Thus was Lydia called, Act. 16. 14.

Of this calling therefore there are two parts:

• 1. Gods invitation.
• 2. Mans acceptation: I call unto them, saith the Lord, they stand up together, Isa. 48. 13.

This is that calling which makes a link of the golden chain, that reacheth from Predestination to Glorification, Rom. 8. 30. These are they who are said to be with Christ, being called, and chosen, and faithfull, Rev. 17. 14.

The outward calling may make men members of a visible Church, yet it is an ag∣gravation of their just damnation, Matth. 11. 22, 24.

The inward calling wrought by Gods Spirit, makes men members of the invisible Church, and is the means of their eternall salvation. For all things work together for their good, Rom. 8. 28, &c.

This is the Calling here intended: and it is proper and peculiar to such as are indeed holy brethren, called to be Saints, Rom. 1. 7. 1 Cor. 1. 2.

Such were they to whom the Apostle said, Ye see YOUR calling, 1 Cor. 1. 26. Make YOUR calling sure, 2 Pet. 1. 10. These by an excellency are styled, d 1.9 The called.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Notation of this word cal∣ling.
• a 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.4

  Divers acce∣ptations of calling.
• c 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.6

  Distinct kinds of calling.
• * 1.7

  Externall cal∣ling.
• * 1.8

  Internall cal∣ling.
• d 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.