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 ...

§. 71. Of the Words resemblance to a two edged sword.

WHat the Apostle had simply set down concerning the efficacy of the Word of God, he proceedeth to amplifie comparatively. His comparison is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from a sword.

A good Sword useth to be made of hard steel, which of all mettals may be made* 1.1 the sharpest, whereby it pierceth the more speedily; and being long and thin, the more deeply.

a 1.2 The Greek Noun is derived from a Verb that signifieth b 1.3 to fight, Jam. 4•…•…. For a sword is the most usuall instrument wherewith men fight. By it they may •…•…∣fend themselves, and annoy their enemies. For both these ends did Peter draw 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sword, Iob. 18. 10.

Every souldier therefore hath his sword, beside the other warlike instruments* 1.4 which he useth: and most Gentlemen use to put on their sword when they go abroad, and that for defence and offence, as occasion is offered. There is no other instrument more fit for both those uses.

Magistrates also use to have a sword carried before them, as a sign of that A•…•…∣thorty* 1.5 and Power which they have to punish malefactours, to keep their people in •…•…we, and to preserve peace. Hereunto the Apostle alludes in this phrase, H•…•… beareth not the sword in vain, Rom. 13. 4. By the sword he means especially powe•…•… of punishing, and that with the sword, even to death.

The sword is a mortall weapon: any limb, even the head it self may be cut of* 1.6 thereby: or the body and the heart soon thrust thorow.

It all ages more have been slain by the sword then by any other instrument: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Hebrew c 1.7 the same word that is used for a sword, signifieth all destru∣•…•…. This phrase to slay with the sword, is frequent in Scripture, 1 King. 19. 10. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 11. 37.

F•…•…ly therefore is the Word of God resembled to a sword. Nothing more de∣•…•…* 1.8 Errors, Heresies, Blasphemies, all manner of corruptions and enormi∣•…•… then the Word of God.

To adde emphasis to this Metaphor, the Apostle styleth it, a two-edged sword: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Greek, d 1.9 a two-mouth'd sword. In Hebrew * 1.10 mouth is attributed to a sword, (〈◊〉〈◊〉 we in English call the edge:) because as a mouth, especially of a ravenous 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or fish, devoureth that which entreth into it: so a sword destroyeth such as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ruck therewith.

The other two Learned Languages, e 1.11 Greek and f 1.12 Latine, imitate the Hebrew 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

I•…•… reference to this Metaphor, a sword is said g 1.13 to devour, 2 Sam. 2. 26. & 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 2•…•….

Now there are some swords which have two edges, or edges on both sides, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are called h 1.14 two-mouth'd, or two-edged swords: they devour or cut on both 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Psal. 149. 6. Rev. 1. 16.

It appears that the two-edged swords, used of all swords to be the sharpest:* 1.15 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this Epithete sharp is frequently attributed to a two-edged sword, Rev. 1. 16. & •…•…. 12.

The h 1.16 Positive of the * 1.17 Comparative translated sharper, is derived from a k 1.18 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that signifieth to cut: so as it implieth such a sharpnesse as cutteth and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The comparative is here used to shew that the thing compared (which is the* 1.19 Word of God) farre exceedeth, in the sharpnesse and piercing power which it 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the two-edged sword whereunto it is here resembled. And because some swords are sharper then others, he inserteth this particle l 1.20 any, or every: whereby be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that there never was, nor can be any two-edged sword so sharp as the Word.

There is included in this comparison a gradation of four steps.

• 1. The Word is sharp.
• 2. It is sharper then a sword.
• 3. It is sharper then a two-edged sword.
• 4. It is sharper then any two-edged sword.

This resemblance of the Word to a sword, and this manner of expressing it,* 1.21 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then any two-edged sword, is added in sundry respects.

• 1. In generall, for illustration of the point: Resemblances being taken from* 1.22 things sensible, with which we are well acquainted, the virtue and efficacy whereof •…•…e well know, doth much illustrate and clearly set out the spirituall mystery that is resembled thereunto. To this end tend our Sacraments.
• 2. In particular, for demonstration of the manifold uses of the Word, which are such as these:
  • 1. As a two-edged sword, so the Word hath two sides or two parts, the Law* 1.23 and the Gospel: The Law is one edge to slay the impenitent sinner: the Gos∣pel another, to slay sinne in the believer.
  • 2. As a two-edged sword cuts which way soever it be turned: so the Word of* 1.24 God. The Word works in the godly and the ungodly. The promises and the threatnings thereof do all work: Apply it to the minde or heart, to opinion, affection or action, to Civil or Ecclesiasticall matters.
  • 3. As with a two-edged sword a man may defend and offend, so with the Word.* 1.25 Ve•…•…ity and virtue may be maintained and defended, and errour and every enormity may be refelled and repelled. See The whole Armour of God, Treat. 2. part. 8. Of the Word of God. §. 4, 5, 11.* 1.26

From this Metaphor learn these lessons;

• 1. Take heed of opposing against the Word, or hindering Ministers from* 1.27 preaching it. It is the Ensign of Christs Regiment: It is the Sword that is carried

• before him. Will a Magistrate endure such as strike down the sword that is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before him, and thrust the sword-bearer out of his place? Wo to them that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any hand in opposing or interrupting the Government of Christ.
• 2. Slight not Gods Word, as if it were a blunt thing, which could neither 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.28 nor pierce. It is sharper then any two-edged sword. The sword of Elisha (which was Gods Word in his mouth) slew tho•…•…e that escaped the sword of Hazail a•…•…d Iehu, who were both mighty Princes, 1 King. 19. 17. I have h•…•…wed them by the Prophets, I have slain them by the words of my mouth, saith the Lord, Hos. 6. 5. It was in reference to the Word of God, that the Lord said thus to his Prophet, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I have this day set thee over the Nations, and over the Kingdoms, to root out, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to pull down, and to destroy, &c. Ier. 1. 10. It was in reference to Gods Word 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is said of Christ, He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he s•…•…ay the wicked, Isa. 11. 4. Well therefore might the Ap•…•… say, that it is sharper then any two-edged sword. It is not safe for children, such as we are in spirituall matters, to dally with such a sharp two-edged weapon as the Word is. Slighting Gods Word hath been the cause of severe judgements, •…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 2. 25. 2 King. 17. 14. 2 Chron. 36. 16.
• 3. Apply Gods Word to thy sinnes. It is a sword whereby thou mayest 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.29 them down. As Ministers in their Ministry must do this to others, so every 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to himself. Against prophanenesse, apply Heb. 12. 16. Against hypocrisie, M•…•…▪ 24. 51. Against swearing, Ier. 23. 10. Against unmercifulnesse, Iames 2. •…•…▪ Against whoremongers and adulterers, Heb. 13. 4. Against liars, Rev. 21. 8. So 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other cases.
• 4. Let all evil doers fear. This sword of the Word, of all other swords, shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.30 be born in vain, Rom. 13. 4. This sword pricked the Iews in their heart, Act. •…•…. •…•…▪ This made Felix tremble, Act. 24. 25. This struck Ananias and Saphira 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Act. 5. 5. Though these were extraordinary judgements, and do not ord•…•… fall out, yet assuredly the souls of evil doers are ordinarily struck dead 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ with.
• 5. Make use of both edges of the Word, because it is a two-edged sword. Make* 1.31 use of the Law and of the Gospel, for slaying thy corruptions.
• 6. Have this sword alwaies in a readinesse: As Gentlemen use to have th•…•…* 1.32 swords. Have the Word of God in readinesse to defend thy self against all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of assaults, and also to repell and drive away thy spirituall enemies.
• 7. Let them who are in Authority lift up this sword of the Word of God in 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.33 places where they have Authority, for suppressing evil doers, and encouraging 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that do well, Rom. 13. 4.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Of what a sword is.
• a 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, gla•…•…ius.
• b 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.4

  A sword for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and d•…•…fence.
• * 1.5

  A Magistrates 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.6

  Sword a mor∣tall weapon.
• c 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 gla•…•…ius, desolatio.
• * 1.8

  The Word de∣stroyeth all sinnes.
• d 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• e 1.11

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Luk. 21. 24
• f 1.12

  Os gladij.
• g 1.13

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 gladius edit seu devorat.
• h 1.14

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.15

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• h 1.16

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.17

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• k 1.18

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, seco.
• * 1.19

  The Word sharper then any sword.
• l 1.20

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.21

  In what re∣spects the word is a sword.
• * 1.22

  1. This resem∣blance illu∣strates the Word.
• * 1.23

  2. The Word hath two edges
• * 1.24

  3 The Word works every way.
• * 1.25

  4. The Word for defence and o•…•…ence.
• * 1.26

  Dir•…•…ctions f•…•…ō the Metaphor of a sword.
• * 1.27

  1. Oppose not the Word.
• * 1.28

  2 Slight not the Word.
• * 1.29

  3. Apply the Word to sin.
• * 1.30

  4. Fear the Word.
• * 1.31

  5. Make use of Law & Gospel.
• * 1.32

  6. Be expert in the Word.
• * 1.33

  7. Advance the Word.