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 ...

§. 150. Of Inferences upon doing and enduring for reward s•…•…ke.

• 1. THe foresaid doctrine of having an eye to the hope set before us, is the doctrine* 1.1 of all reformed Churches, taught by their Preachers in their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, main∣tained by professors of Divinity in their Chaires, and published in the books

• that are printed about this point; and yet Papists falsly charge us to deny that Christians should have any respect to reward. The Rhemists in their notes on Heb. 1•…•…. 26. thus, The Protestants deny that we may, or ought to do good, in respect or for re∣•…•…ard* 1.2 in heaven. And Bellarmin chargeth Calvin to deny that we should do good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 respect to reward. But in those places which he quoteth of Calvin, there is no∣thing to be found tending to that purpose.
• 2. It cannot be denyed, but that there are some of this perver seopinion, to deny the truth of grace in them, who are either incited to good by hope of reward, or restrained from evill by fear of future revenge. But this conceit we utterly detest.
• 3. The foresaid doctrine giveth evidence of the great indulgency of God towards man, in affording such allurements to incite us unto our duty.
• 4. The said doctrine manifesteth the hardnesse of their hearts, who are no way •…•…rought upon: but remain like the Smiths Anvill, which is softned neither with the beating of the Hammer upon it, nor with any oyle powred on it. They are like those that Christ complaineth of, who were wrought upon neither by piping nor dan•…•…ing, Matth. 11. 17.
• 5. Let this part of Gods indulgency towards us quicken us up to use this help: and thereupon both to take notice of the hope that God hath set before us: and also seriously to meditate on the excellency thereof, and frequently to meditate thereon.

Notes

• * 1.1

  All reformed Churches 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that reward may be a•…•…med at.
• * 1.2

  Bellarm. de iustificat. l. 5. c. 8.