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 ...

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Title
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 ...
Author
Gouge, William, 1578-1653.
Publication
London :: Printed by A.M., T.W. and S.G. for Joshua Kirton,
1655.
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Subject terms
Bible. -- N.T. -- Hebrews -- Commentaries.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A41670.0001.001
Cite this Item
"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 ..." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A41670.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 22, 2025.

Pages

§. 49. Of not resting on blessings below as the highest to be expected.

THis consequence, (Then would he not afterward, &c.) is here inferred, to prove* 1.1 that Ioshua did not settle Gods people in that rest which David intended. It is such a proof as was before noted, §. 45.

The force of the proof resteth on these two words, after, another. The Argument may be thus framed,

If there had been no other rest for Gods people to enter into, then that where∣in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 setled the Israelites, David would not after that setling have spoken of another time to enter into a rest.

But David after that setling, spake of another day to enter into a rest.

Therefore there is another rest to enter into.

By this Argument the Apostle would draw the Hebrews from resting upon that* 1.2 typicall rest which their Fathers had long enjoyed. He plainly sheweth that the type is not the truth it self. Ioshua was a type of Iesus; and Canaan was a type of heaven: but nor Ioshua was Jesus himself, nor Canaan heaven it self. The Ark was not it which saved those that were in it from eternall destruction, (though it were a type thereof, 1 Pet. 3. 21.) For cursed Cham was in it. The cloud in the wilderness, (Exod. 13. 21.) preserved not all that were under it, from the scorch∣ing fire of Gods wrath: for many of them were consumed in the wildernesse. All that passed through the red sea, and thereby were saved from the Egyptian bon∣dage, were not baptized in the blood of Christ, and thereby saved from the slavery of sin and Satan. All that did eat of Manna, and drink of the water out of the rock, did not eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his blood, though all these were types and Sacraments thereof. The many sacrifices under the Law did not take away sin, (Heb. 10. 4) yet were they types of that sacrifice that did indeed take away sin.

Such externall types, figures and shadows were afforded to Gods people under* 1.3 the Law, in regard of their weakness, to raise up their minds and hearts to higher and greater matters: and to be as looking-glasses to shew unto them Christ Jesus, and such things as concerned their eternall salvation. They were not •…•…o given as to male Gods people to rest in them, and not to seek after further truths.* 1.4

We are taught hereby to take heed that we be not deceived in mistaking the mark, and placing happinesse in that wherein it doth not consist. Peter mistook the brightnesse and glory that appeared at Christs transfiguration, for the glory of heaven: and in that respect said, It is good to be here, Matth. 17. 4. There is

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great danger therein: For there is no proportion betwixt earthly and heavenly things. We were better be without the best things here below, then so to dote and rest upon them, as to neglect the things above.

To apply this to our times: let us consider what resemblances, what first-fruits,* 1.5 what pledges, what evidences God now under the Gospel, giveth to us of our hea∣venly rest and glory. Such are,

  • 1. That portion of goods, those delights, that health, long life, and like bles∣sings which here he bestows upon his Saints.
  • 2. That fellowship and communion which Saints have one with another.
  • 3. The peace and prosperity of Churches.
  • 4. Assemblies of Saints for performing holy duties.
  • 5. Liberty of Sabbaths and Ordinances.
  • 6. Comfort of soul, peace of conscience, joy in the holy Ghost.

Though these, and other like things be blessings of God, which we may enjoy, and for which we ought to be thankfull, yet are they not wholly to be re∣sted in.

For if true happinesse consisted in these, then would not the holy Ghost speak of an heavenly happinesse, eternall glory, and everlasting life to be hereafter enjoyed.

Notes

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