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 ...

§. 109. Of the blessings which Abraham enjoyed.

THe maine promise made to Abraham, was to blesse him, v. 14. which compri∣•…•…eth under it all manner of good things, that any way tend to make man bles∣sed, See v. 14. §. 102.* 1.1

Of this word promise. See v. 12. §. 87.

It is here said, that he obtained the promise. The verb a 1.2 obtained, is in Greek a com∣pound. The b 1.3 simple verb signifieth as much, and is oft so translated, as Heb. 11. 35. Luke 20. 35. But the preposition with which it is compounded, questionless addeth some emphasis. It may imply an obtaining to himself. He so obtained the promises, as he made them his own. He only and his seed did partake of the benefit thereof. Thus is this compound used, Heb. 11. 33. Rom. 11. 7. to exem∣plifie this in some particulars, the good things promised, which Abraham obtained, may be drawn to three heads, Temporall, Spirituall Eternall.

Concerning temporall blessings,* 1.4

• 1. He was honourable in the place of his abode. For the Nations accounted him a Prince of God among them (Gen. 23. 16.) that is a great Prince.
• 2. He was so mighty a man, as out of his own house, he could raise an Army. Gen. 14. 14.
• 3. He was very rich in Cattle, Silver, and Gold, Gen. 13. 2.
• 4. He was beloved of the Nations thereabouts: instance the good entertainment which Pharaoh King of Egypt in a time of Famine, (Gen. 12. 16.) and Abime•…•… King of the Philistines, gave him, Gen. 20. 14. Instance also that courteous dealing which he found at the hand of the Hittites. Gen. 23. 6. &c.
• 5. He had an heir, a lovely and gracious Son, a Son of promise, Gen. 21. 2, &c.
• 6. He saw his childrens children; for Esa•…•… and Iacob lived some years in his time.
• 7. He lived many dayes, and those many dayes were good dayes, Gen. 25. 8.
• ...

  8. He was ful of years, which phraise implyeth, that he outlived not his good da•…•…es.

  He was an old man and full of years, and died in a good old age, Gen. 25. 8.

• 9. He left a blessed memoriall behind him, none ever a better. His memory yet as a Lawrell remaineth fresh and green in Gods Church. He is counted and called the Father of the faithfull, Rom. 4. 11.

Concerning spirituall blessings, he was endued not only with those sanctifying* 1.5 graces, which were absolutely necessary to the salvation of his soul: but also wi•…•…h such as exceedingly adorned, and beautified his profession: and made him a good Parent, a good Master, a good Neighbour; and every way good. In regard of the eminency of those graces wherewith God endu'd him, he was called the friend of God, 2 Chro. 20. 7. Isa. 41. 8. Iam. •…•…. 23.

Concerning eternall blessings, he had not only a part of that rich and glorious* 1.6 inheritance in heaven, which Christ by his blood hath purchased, but in some re∣spects he may be accounted among men, the chiefest therein. See more hereof, §. 9•…•…▪

Notes

• * 1.1

  (c) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. ad. De simplici verbo vide c. 8. v. 6. Sect. 23.
• a 1.2

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.4

  Temporall blessings which Abraham en∣joyed.
• * 1.5

  Spirituall blessings which Abra∣ham obtained.
• * 1.6

  Eternall bles∣sings which Abraham ob∣tained.