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 ...

§. 62. Of instructing others according to their need.

THis phrase, a 1.1 Ye have need, is brought in as a reason of the Apostles forbear∣ing to handle deep points. They had need of other kinde of instructions: So as people are to be instructed according to their need. Ye are not able to bear such and such Doctrines, 1 Cor. 3. 2. I have yet many things to say unto you: but you cannot bear them now (saith Christ to his Disciples, Iohn 16. 12.) It is ex∣presly said of him, That he spake the Word unto them as they were able to bear it, Mark 4. 33. This was the reason why Christ would not presse upon his Disciples that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Discipline of much fasting, while they were but novices. He declareth the equity hereof in two familiar comparisons: One taken from putting a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of new cloth unto an old garment: The other from putting new wine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 old bottles; which he saith no man will do, Matth. 9. 14, 15, &c. See more §. 66.

The Greek word translated b 1.2 Need, signifieth also use, Ephes. 4. 29. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 3. 14. And Experience teacheth, That things needfull doe prove usefull.

It is therefore an especial point of wisdom in those who have a charge over others, carefully to observe of what they have need.

This Conjunction c 1.3 Again, hath reference to their first entrance into Christs School, and it intends as much as if he had thus said, As at the beginning when 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first became hearers of the Gospel, ye were ignorant of the mysteries thereof, and had need to be instructed in the first Principles of Christian Religion: So 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ye remain ignorant: and notwithstanding the great means of knowledge af∣forded unto you, and the long time that you have enjoyed the same, ye are in such a case as you were in the beginning: So that it is needfull that we beginne all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 again.

Hereby the Apostle gives us to understand, that where need requires it, the same* 1.4 same things are to be taught again, yea and again. To write the same things to you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for you safe, saith the Apostle, Phil. 3. 1. To this tends the Prophets ingeminati∣on,

Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line 〈◊〉〈◊〉 line, Isa. 28. 10.

Thus we deal with our friends about bodily food. If we observe that by reason of weaknesse they need to be sed with such sustenance, as they used in their child∣hood, we will give them the same again. Physicians in deep consumptions use to ad∣vise well-grown persons to suck womens brests.

Should we not be as wise for peoples souls, as for their bodies?

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 〉
• * 1.4

  The same to be taught a∣gain if need require.