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 ...

§. 22. Of Considering weighty matters.

THe matter which the Apostle would have them so to observe, is as great and weighty a matter as can be, as will appear in opening the words fol∣lowing.

In generall it hence appeareth, That matters of weight are to be well weighed▪ The severall Texts before quoted about the different Greek words, give so many proofs of the point.

If matters be not at first duly considered, and throughly weighed, they may slip out, See hereof Chap. 2. v. 1. §. 6.

But by well weighing of them, the understanding will better conceive them, the memory retain them, the heart relish them, and so a man may be brought to make the better use of them.

Ministers may here learn so to press matters of moment upon their people, as* 1.1 they may consider them, and thereupon to call upon them to consider such and such a point: as the Apostle did, Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee under∣standing, 2 Tim. 2. 7. Thus they shall shew that they can distinguish betwixt mat∣ters that differ, and can distern what points are of most and best use: that they desire the profit of their people, and are loath that weighty matters should be lost.

That people may make the better use of this point, two prudent practises are* 1.2 especially to be observed. One with themselves. Another with others.

• 1. That with themselves is Meditation: This is an especiall part of consideration:* 1.3 Hereby we call to minde what we have heard or read, and so conceive it the better. That which is not throughly conceived at first, by meditation may be better under∣stood. Meditation to man is as chewing the cud to sundry beasts, whereby that which they eat is better digested. Sundry beasts which chewed the cud were under the Law counted clean, which in a figure commendeth meditation. Surely this brings much profit: which they finde who carefully use it.
• 2. The practise with others is Conference: This may be more usefull then medi∣tation,* 1.4 because thereby we have not only our help, but also the help of others. Hereby we may also bring help to others.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ministers must call on people to consider.
• * 1.2

  Consideration helped.
• * 1.3

  1. By medita∣tion.
• * 1.4

  2. By confe∣rence.