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 ...

§. 59. Of reproving upon just ground.

Verse 12.

For when for the time, ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

IN this verse the Apostle gives a particular exemplification of that for which he had in general reproved them in the later part of the former verse: namely, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dulnesse in hearing.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 exemplification is brought in as a proof of his reproof. So much is ma∣•…•… by this causall particle a 1.1 FOR. Before which in Greek is set the b 1.2 co∣•…•… particle: which is not without emphasis: and may be thus translated, For, Even.

The Apostles exemplification is set out in two Metaphors: One is taken from

Catechists, who need to be instructed in the first principles of Christian Religion, v. 12. The other from children who must have plain and easie matters delivered un∣to them, v. 13, 14.

By this manner of proceeding, in shewing the ground of his reproof, we may observe, That reproof must be upon good ground.

If thy brother shall trespasse, go and tell him his fault, Matth. 18. 15. This is to be done in private reproof. Them that sinne rebuke before all, 1 Tim. 5. 24. This is to be done in publick reproof. In the one, and in the other there must be a trespasse, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sin, for which the reproof is. Nicodemus took this for an undeniable principle, which he thus expresseth, Doth our Law judge any man before it hear him, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what he doth? Joh. 7. 51.

Hereby the Reprover justifieth his deed, and sheweth, that there was need thereof. Thus he maketh his reproof to pierce more deeply, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the reproved see his fault, whereby he may be brought to confesse and re∣dresse it, or at least his mouth will be stopped that he shall not have to oppose against it.

To reprove upon light report or meer suspition, savoureth too rankly of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rashnesse which beseemeth not Christians in such a duty.

Notes

• a 1.1

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉