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 ...

§. 154. Of Faiths increase.

THe Greek word translated [beginning] may be taken either for •…•…∣dation whereupon an Edifice is built; or for the first breeding, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a thing.

In the former sense it is used, Heb. 6. 1. and translated Principle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Margin the true sense of the Greek word is thus expressed, The •…•…∣ning.

That the word beginning doth there signifie 1 foundation, is evident by this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 following, Not laying again the foundation, &c. Beginning and foundation 〈◊〉〈◊〉 put for one and the same thing.

In the later sense, as it signifieth the first being of a thing, it is most freq•…•… used, as, The beginning of the Gospel, Mark 1. 1. By the Gospel he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 preaching thereof. Now because Iohn was the first Minister thereof, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing of it is called the beginning of the Gospel. So the first miracle that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wrought, is called, The beginning of miracles, John 2. 11.

In the former sense, the Apostle takes it for grant, that there had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 foundation of faith laid among them: Why else should he call upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hold it fast. This is it which is called, The form of sound words, 2 Tim. 1. 13. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 foundation, Heb. 6. 1. On that place there will be a more just occasion to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this Point.

In this place, as beginning signifieth the first being of a thing, it shewe•…•…▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where it is begunne▪ it must be preserved and increased. The Apostle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stified to the Colossians, That he heard of their faith in Christ, addeth, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not to pray that they might encrease, and be strengthned therein, Col. 1. 4, 9, 10, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Grace is not perfect at the first, 1 Cor. 13. 9. By growth it attains to •…•…∣ction.

Besides, growth in faith is an evidence of the truth of faith.

This is a point needfull to be pressed in these declining dayes. Christ may well say to England, as he did to Ephesus, Thou hast left thy first▪ love, Revel. 2. 4. Where there is a stay in grace there will be a decay. We have need to stirre up the gift of God that is in us, 2 Tim. 1. 6. We that are made partakers of Christ, ought to grow up into him in all things, Ephes. 4. 15. Hereof see The whole Armour of God on Ephes. 6. 16. Treat. 2. Part. 6. Of Faith, §. 64, &c.