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 ...

§. 1. Of the Analysis of HEB. Chap. VI.

IN this Chapter the Apostle prosecuteth his digression which he be∣gan, Chap. 5. v. 11.

The first part of his digression was reprehensory, in the four last verses of the fifth Chapter.

The other part is exhortatory, throughout this whole Chapter.

He exhorteth unto two Christian duties.

• 1. To Progress in the Christian course, from the beginning, to verse 11.
• 2. To Perseverance therein, from verse 11. to the end.

His exhortation to Progress is,

1. Briefly propounded, v. 1. Secondly, largely amplified.

In the amplification are set down,

• 1. The distinct heads of those first principles from which they must proceed, or wherein they must grow. These are six in number, v. 1, 2.
• 2. A motive to enforce that progress.

Betwixt those heads and the motive, there is a transition, v. 3.

The motive is taken from the danger of not proceeding. This is first propound∣ed, secondly illustrated.

The danger propounded is Apostacy: which he sets out two wayes.

• 1. By the steps whereon men ascend, before they fall, which are five. v. 4, 5.
• 2. By the fearfull downfall of Apostates. This is
  • 1. Affirmed.
  • 2. Confirmed.

That which is affirmed, is an impossibility of recovery, v. 4, 6.

The Confirmation is taken from an utter rejecting of the onely meanes of reco∣very, v. 6.

The Illustration is set forth by a comparison of ground moystned with rain, v. 6, 7.

Betwixt the fearfull downfall of Apostates, and the other part of the exhortation to perseverance, the Apostle inserteth a sweet insinuation, whereby he testifieth

• 1. His good perswasion of them, v. 9.
• 2. The ground of that perswasion, v. 10.

The second part of the Apostles exhortation, is to Perseverance.

This is,

• 1. Propounded, v. 11.
• 2. Proved by sundry arguments.

• 1. By their own former practise, implyed under this phrase, the same dili∣gence, v. 11.
• 2. By the pattern of such Saints as were before them, v. 12.
• 3. By the recompence of reward. This is
  • 1. Generally hinted, in this phrase, Inherit the promises, v. 12.
  • 2. Distinctly confirmed in Abrahams example, v. 13.

The confirmation is by Gods oath. About which the Apostle noteth,

• 1. The Object of it, God himself. v. 13.
• 2. The Form of it, v. 14.
• 3. The Issue of it, v. 15.
• 4. The Reason why God swore. This is set out two wayes.
  • 1. Comparatively, by mens confirming matters, v. 16.
  • 2. Simply, v. 17, 18.

In the simple consideration, two reasons of Gods oath are rendred. One in re∣ference to God himself, which was to manifest his immutable counsell, v. 17.

The other in reference to men: wherein two points are expressed.

• 1. The Benefit arising from Gods oath, Strong consolation.
• 2. The Persons that partake thereof, v. 18.

The last argument which the Apostle useth to incite them unto Perseverance, is the certainty of their Hope. This is

• 1. Set out by a fit resemblance, namely an anchor.
• ...

• 2. It is amplified by the place, where that anchor is setled.

This place is described,

• 1. By a type, the vaile, v. 19.
• 2. By Christs abode there.

For illustration of this last point, the Apostle sets out Christ two wayes.

• 1. In his entrance thither, as a forerunner.
• 2. In his abode there, as a Priest. Thus he falleth upon the main point, from which he had digressed, namely, the Order of Christs Priest-hood. v. 20.