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 ...

§. 143. Of the benefit of Exhortation.

THe a Greek word translated Exhort, is a compound. b The simple Verb sig∣nifieth to call. It is used in this verse and phrase, c called to day: Thereupon this compound signifieth to d call for, Act. 28. 20. We use to call for those to whom we intend some good, either by direction, admonition▪ exhortation or consolati∣on. In this respect it signifieth also to beseech, Rom. 15. 30. and to comfort, 2 Cor. 7. 6. Most frequently it is translated, as here, to exhort.

To exhort one to a duty, is to call upon him, and to stirre him up to do it. In reference to spirituall duties we are very dull and heavy, and need exhortation and incitation. Witness the Disciples both at Christs Transfiguration, and also at his Passion. One would have thought that the glory of the one, and their compassion at the other, might have so roused up their spirits, as to have kept them waking: But neither the one nor the other did it. At both times Christ withdrew himself with them, to pray, (This is a spirituall and heavenly duty) yet at both times they were heavy with sleep, Luke 9. 28, •…•…. & 22. 45. These were men regenerate, endued with true sanctifying grace: and that so farre as the spirit of them was willing: but Christ renders the reason of their heavinesse and drousiness, The flesh

is weak, Matth. 26. 41. Now the flesh is in the best. The best therefore have need to be exhorted.

Yea further, exhortations are needfull for those that are ready and forward to put them on the more. As in striving for the mastery, they who are forward to put out their best ability for the prize, by acclamations and shoutings are the more put on: So Christians in their Christian course by exhortations. Exhorta∣tion therefore is needfull for all, and usefull to all.

Notes

• a

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ vocare.
• c

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• O•…•… nouns de∣rived from this verb, •…•…ee Ch 6. v. 18. §. 144.