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 ...

§. 55. Of Rest in Heaven from Troubles on earth.

THat which under the word here translated a 1.1 Rest, the Apostle doth in speciall give us to understand, is, that there shall be a freedom from every thing that is toylsom and grievous in this world. The wise man in Ecclesiastes declareth how* 1.2 full of outward molestations and inward vexations this world is: and that as long as men abide therein. Besides the many expressions that he hath of the vanity of the things of this world, (sometimes in way of aggravation doubling the word, and adding this note of generality ALL, unto it, thus, Vanity of vanity, vanity of va∣nities, all is vanity, Eccl. 1. 2. & 12. 8.) and besides the labours, travels and trou∣bles that he there mentioneth ten severall times, he useth this clause, Vexation of spirit: But in the Rest here mentioned, they rest from their labours, Rev. 14. 13. and all tears shall be wiped away from their eyes, (Rev. 21. 4.) under labours, all molestations of body are comprised: and under tears, all vexations of spirit.

Labours and troubles are not the things whereunto God hath ordained man, as unto his ultimate end. Man by sinne hath pulled them upon himself. Sin was the* 1.3 cause of this doom upon the woman, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow, &c. and of this upon the man, In sorrow shalt thou eat, &c. Gen. 3. 16, 17. From sin proceeded all manner of evils; even evils of punishment.

Obj. The Lord himself saith, I create evil, Isa. 45. 7. Hereupon a Prophet ma∣keth* 1.4 this inference, Shall there be evil in a City, and the Lord hath not done 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Amos 3. 6.

Ans. By evil in those and other like places the just punishment of sin is intended. That God is said, to create, and do in these respects.

• 1. God ordained that sin should be punished.
• 2. God by his providence ordereth the punishments which are inflicted on sin: and that for the kinde, measure, and continuance thereof.
• 3. The Ministers and means whereby sinners are punished, are appointed and sent by God.

On these grounds we may conclude, that Gods people shall for the present be sufficiently supported in their afflictions: and at length be fully freed from all, 1 Cor. 10. 13.

Upon expectation of the soresaid freedom and rest, it is just and equall both* 1.5 diligently to work the work of our Lord and Master, all the working time of this our Pilgrimage: and also patiently to endure whatsoever the Lord shall be pleased

〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon us. Christ hath made himself a worthy pattern herein, I must (saith 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the works of him that sent me, while it is day, Joh. 9. 4. And Though He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered, Heb. 5. 8. There being a freedom and rest to come, Christ had an eye thereto, Heb. 12. 2. So had 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Heb. 11. 26.

When we are pinched or grieved with any work, travell, trouble or affliction,* 1.6 〈◊〉〈◊〉 us call to minde and meditate on this freedom and rest. Marrine•…•…s passe over 〈◊〉〈◊〉 boisterous and dangerous seas, in hope of attaining to a quiet haven. La∣bourers toyl all the day, in hope of rest at night. So others in other cases. Expe∣•…•… of freedom, rest and recompence, upholds their spirits: yet they may •…•…ail of their expectation. But they for whom this rest is prepared, shall not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof. What then should we not do, what should we not endure in hope of this rest? The 〈◊〉〈◊〉, because hope thereof is certain and sure.

If the joy, honour and glory which will accompany this rest, were duly 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it would much more stirre us up to this duty.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.2

  This world ful of vexations.
• * 1.3

  Sinne causeth trouble.
• * 1.4

  How evil of God.
• * 1.5

  Here we must labour & suster
• * 1.6

  In troubles think on rest to come.