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 ...

§. 89. Of the infirmities whereof Christ hath a fellow-feeling.

THe particulars whereof Christ is here said to have a feeling, are comprised un∣der this word a 1.1 infirmities. The Greek word is a privative compound. The simple Noun signifieth b 1.2 strength. Thence a Verb which signifieth to c 1.3 strengthen. •…•… Pe•…•…. 5. 10. The privative compound hath a contrary signification, which is d 1.4 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sick or weak, Jam. 5. 14. Rom. 14. 2. So this Noun signifieth sicknesse, Joh. 11. 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any other weaknesse and infirmity, 2 Cor. 12. 9, 10.

The plurall number, e 1.5 infirmities, is here used, because they were very many. They are said to be f 1.6 OUR infirmities, because they were such as we have in their 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and because they were undertaken for our sakes. In this respect he is after∣wards in this verse said to be tempted like as we are.

We have infirmities of soul and of the severall faculties thereof: and of the bo∣dy* 1.7 and severall parts thereof, both inward and outward: yea all the temptations and afflictions from others, whereunto we are subject may be comprised under in∣•…•…. Of all these had Christ a feeling.

That which is here taken for grant, that Christ was touched with a feeling of our i•…•…ities, may be taken two waies.

• 1. In reference to those infirmities wherewith he was in his own person afflicted. These were such as we are subject unto, as is shewed before. He was herein made •…•…ke to us. See Chap, 2. v. 17. §. 169.
• 2. In reference to those infirmities wherewith we are afflicted. Christ being our Head he had a fellow-feeling of them. It is oft noted in the History of the Gospel, that he was moved with compassion. See Chap. 2. v. 17. §. 176.

As an evidence of Christs fellow-feeling of our infirmities he wept, Ioh. 11. 35.* 1.8 Luke 19. 41. He groaned and mourned, Mark 3. 5. He invited such as were •…•…vy laden to come unto him, Matth. 11. 28. He preached to the poor, Matth. 11. 5. He comforted the afflicted, Matth. 9. 2. and absolved the penitent sinner, L•…•…k. 7. 47, 48.

Because we are most affected with outward evidences, it is expresly noted that •…•…e •…•…ed the hungry, cleansed the lepers, healed the sick, eased the pained, gave sight, •…•…ring and speech to such as wanted them, restored limbs, raised the dead, and dis∣possessed devils.

To shew that he had this fellow-feeling not on earth only, but that he retaineth it even still in heaven, he hath not only in generall said concerning his people, He t•…•…t toucheth you toucheth the apple of mine eye, (Zech. 2. 8.) but also in particular, when his Church was persecuted, he said to the persecutor, Saul, Saul, why per∣•…•…est thou me? Act. 9. 5. In this respect the Apostle calleth the afflictions of the Church, The remnant of the afflictions of Christ, (Col. 1. 24.) namely such as Christ through his compassion and fellow-feeling suffereth in his mysticall Body.

Obj. It cannot stand with Christs heavenly glory to have a fellow-feeling of •…•…iseries.

Answ. This fellow-feeling ariseth not from any passion, or proper suffering in soul or body; but from the mysticall union which is betwixt him and his members.

He accepts kindnesses done to them as done to himself: and accounts wrongs done to them as done to himself, Mat. 25. 40, &c.

Christ is thus touched with the feeling of our infirmities, that we might be the better perswaded to seek to him for succour in all our needs. See Chap. 2. v. 17. §. 176 in the end.

This doth much commend Christs tender heartednesse to us. He doth every way respect both our weaknesse and our wretchednesse.

It becomes us oft to meditate hereon for strengthening our faith. It is a great incouragement for us to go unto him: especially if we consider how he was touch∣ed in his own person, and by reason of his union with us. Let us hereupon lay open our sores and griefs before him. The more we are afflicted the more he will pity us.

Notes

• a 1.1

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• c 1.3

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• e 1.5

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

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

  Infirmities to which we are subject.
• * 1.8

  Evidences of Christs fellow∣feeling.