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 ...

§. 8. Of sin the end of Sacrifices.

THe fore-said end both of the type and truth, in offering Sacrifice, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by this phrase, for sins.

a 1.1 The preposition here used, and translated for, is the very same that was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 §. 4. In general it here intends the end of a thing: but not, as there, the good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it: unlesse metonymically the effect be put for the efficient, sinnes for sinners: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where God saith, I will be mercifull to their sinnes (Heb. 8. 12.) that is, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that have sinned in pardoning their sins. Thus saith the Publican, God be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to me a sinner, Luk. 18. 13.

The Sacrifice may be said to be for sinners even for their good, in that it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 means of removing the guilt and punishment thereof.

But this particle for, being indefinitely taken for an end, sins may here 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be understood: and Sacrifices offered to obtain pardon of sins. Hereupon it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 concerning such an one as had a Sacrifice offered up for his sin, it shall be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, Lev. 4. 35.

If any will extend this end, for sinnes, to offering up of gifts also, the end 〈◊〉〈◊〉 further be taken in reference to sinne pardoned: for which mercy, gifts in •…•…∣mony of thankfulnesse, were brought to God: as they who to testifie their •…•…∣nesse for Gods bringing them out of their bondage into the promised Land, brought gifts to be offered to the Lord, Deut. 26. 10.

But I take the former sense of Sacrifice offered for pardon of sin, to be most pro∣per to this place.* 1.2

Hereby is intended that sin is pardonable. All Sacrifices for sin, all legal •…•…∣ings for uncleannesse, all prayers for pardon, all promises of pardon, all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of sinners do prove as much.

• 1. This gives evidence of Gods free grace and rich mercy to man, Exod. 34. •…•…. Is•…•…▪ 43. 25.
• ...

• 2. This affords matter of admiration, in that none is like unto God herein, Micab 7. 18.
• 3. This is a ground of singular comfort, as Christ said to a poor distressed man, Sonne, be of good cheer, thy sinnes be forgiven thee, Matth. 9. 2. Assu∣rance of the pardon of sinne, is the most soveraign ground of comfort that can be.
• 4. This affords manifold Directions, as,
  • 1. To be well-instructed in the grounds of pardon.
  • 2. To consider the need we have thereof.
  • 3. To apply it aright unto our selves.
  • 4. To rest thereupon.
  • 5. To be watchfull against sin for the future, Ioh. 5. 14. & 8. 11.

See more hereof in my Treat of the sin against the holy Ghost, §. 5, 6.

Notes

• a 1.1

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

  Sin may be pardoned.