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 ...

§. 19. Of Faith making the word profitable.

THe Apostle declareth an especial reason of hearers non-proficiency, in these words, Not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Our last English Translators, in their margin, note another reading, namely this, Because they were not united by faith to them that heard it. a 1.1 Sundry Greek copies and Fathers so set down this Text. Thus it carrieth this sense, the greatest part of Israel were not of the minde whereof Ioshua, Caleb and others, who believed Gods promise of bringing them into Canaan, were: and thereupon reaped no benefit by the pro∣mise.* 1.2 Though there be a difference in the words betwixt this and the other read∣ing: yet both agree in the same sense, which is this, that want of saith makes the word unprofitable: It makes even the Gospel it self, (which is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth, Rom. 1. 10.) altogether fruitless to such as believe not.

b 1.3 The Greek Verb thus translated, being mixed with is a compound. The c 1.4 sim∣ple Verb signifieth to pour in, or to fill, Revel. 18. 5. Thence is derived a d 1.5 Noun that signifieth a Chalice, or great Cup whereinto they use to pour wine. The e 1.6 Preposition wherewith the Verb is here compounded, signifieth with: So as this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a pouring in of one thing with another: which is a mixing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 together. This word is translated tempered together, 1 Cor. 12. 2•…•….* 1.7

The word is very pertinent to the point in hand. It is a Metaphor taken from a* 1.8 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the ingredients put into it, is mediciable or mortal The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the po•…•…on: which if it be mixed with faith, is sweet, and who•…•…: but mixed with infidel•…•…ty is bitter and deadly. The word was so deli∣vered to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ as they heard it: So much is here expresly set down [in them which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉] yet it was fruitlesse.

Thus we see that •…•…e Gospel heard, if not believed, remains fruitlesse: as the br•…•… •…•…rpent was of no use to them that looked not upon it, Numb. 21. 8. He that be•…•… verb shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned, Mark 10. 10. Therefore this act of believing is still applied to the Word, where the power of it is* 1.9 set forth, Act. 15. 7. Rom. 1. 1•…•…. Eph. 1. 13.

The Word doth only offer grace: it is faith that receiveth it. As to have meat

set before one, or to have a potion or any other medicine prepared and offered, doth no good, if the meat be not eaten, the potion drunk, and the medicine ap∣plied: so the Word preached and heard, doth no good, except it be believed. Faith is the hand, mouth and stomack of the soul, whereby we receive, eat and digest all manner of spiritual food.

We are hereby taught how to hear, namely so as we believe Gods word, and all things contained therein to be a truth: and thereupon to give due credence thereunto. Yea, also to believe it as a truth that concerns us in particular, and thereupon to apply it to our selves. Thus will every part of Gods word be usefull and profitable unto us. The precepts thereof will direct us: the admo∣nitions make us wary: the consolations cheer us: and the threatnings ter∣rifie us.

This mixing of faith with hearing the Word, shews, that there is a mutual relation* 1.10 betwixt the Word and faith. The Word as a mother breeds and brings forth faith: Faith as a loving daughter nourisheth, and cherisheth the Word, and makes it more fruitfull. Without the Word there can be no faith, Rom. 10. 14, 17. Without faith the Word can have no power.

If we desire faith, we must be diligent in hearing the Word. If we would have the Word profitable, we must believe it. As hearing distinguisheth Professors from pro∣phane: So believing distinguisheth the upright from hypocrites.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Chrysost. The∣ophylact. Occum. altique in loc. Complut.
• * 1.2

  Non prof•…•…it sermo auditus illis non co•…•…ra∣peratus fidei co∣rum qui obedie∣runt. Aug. Er∣ror. in Psal. 77.
• b 1.3

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, vel 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 infundo.
• d 1.5

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.7

  ^f 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.8

  The Word fruitless to un∣b•…•…levers. See §. 40.
• * 1.9

  Faith receivet•…•… what the Word 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.10

  A relation be∣twixt the Word and Faith.