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 ...

§. 158. Of extending Scripture instructions to future ages.

THe Apostle here repeateth the very words of the Psalmist, and applieth 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.1 to Christians. The point it self of taking the opportunity of hearkning: Christs voice is a very remarkable point, and of great concernment. So as re•…•…∣tions* 1.2 of matters of moment are lawfull and usefull; and that whether they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣peated in the same words, and same sense: or in the same sense and diffe•…•… words. See more hereof in The Saints Sacrifice, on Psal. 116. 16. § 98, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 108, 109.

There is the more weight in repeating this point, because it is repeated in •…•…∣ry terms of sacred Scripture. Hereof see before §. 74.

Of this expression of the time, To day, See §. 76.

Of hearing, Christs voice, See §. 77, 78.

Of the heart and hardning it, See §. 79, 80, &c.

Of this note of resemblance, AS, See §. 89.

Of this title Provocation, See §. 90.

Of the severall Observations gathered out of the severall words of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…. 8. §. 120.

By repeating the very words of the Pfalmist, and applying them to Christians,* 1.3 the Apostle giveth us to understand, that Scripture instructions are of perpetuall use. As they were of use in the Prophets times, so also in the Apostles, so still in ours, so will they be in future ages till the worlds end. They are as the Lamps which continually gave light in the Tabernacle, and were never put out, so long as it stood, Exod. 27. 20. So long as the Church remaineth these Lamps ought to shine, yea they will shine in it. The Prophet is commanded to write his Prophesie before the people in a table, and to note it in a book, that it might be for the time to come, for ever and ever, Isa. 30. 8. An Apostle saith that the Prophets did minister unto us the things are now reported, 1 Pet. 1. 12.

Gods truth is an everlasting truth, It endureth to all generations, (Psal. 100. 5.) even for ever, Psal. 117. 2. Gods truth is as himself: and his Will as his Nature, He changeth not, Mal. 3. 6.

This justifieth such collections, inferences, and applications which Preachers use to make of Scriptures to their auditors: as where they finde any generall duty commanded, there to presse it upon their people, as a duty whereunto their peo∣ple are bound. We have the warrant of Christ and his Apostles for this. When Christ was tempted to presumption (Matth. 4. 6.) he knew that this precept of Moses, Ye shall not tempt the Lord, (Deut. 6. 16▪) belonged to him. So when he was tempted to fall down to the devil, and worship him, he pressed this injunction long before delivered by Moses, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve, Matth. 4. 9, 10. In this respect he reproved the Jews of his time, for transgressing the Commandments of God▪ given in their fathers time, Matth. 15. 6. See more hereof v. 8. §. 89, 90. & Chap. 13. v. 5. §. 68.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The same words repeated.
• * 1.2

  See Chap 9 v. 28 §. 138 & Chap. 10. v 8. §. •…•…2.
• * 1.3

  Why matters repeated.