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 ...

§. 57. Of salvation accompanying good works.

WHat those better things are, the Apostle doth thus expresse, Things that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 company salvation. That these are the better things meant, is evident by 〈◊〉〈◊〉

copulative conjunction, AND; For it joynes this latter, as an exposition of the former.

Of salvation see Chap. 1. v. 14. §. 159.

The a 1.1 Greek word is of the genetive case, whereby is implied that the things here intended, do as it were, cleave to salvation: salvation cannot be separated, nor taken away from them: it necessarily followeth upon them.

To expresse more distinctly, what these things are, the Apostle himself mention∣eth these particulars: their work, their labour of love, their respect to Gods name, that is, to his glory. Their Ministring to Saints, and their continuance therein. To these may be added, saving knowledge, justifying faith, patient hope, sound repentance, new obedience, humility, sincerity, constancy, and all other sanctifying graces, and perseverance in them.

This phrase, such things as accompany salvation, doth hereupon clearly demon∣strate,* 1.2 that salvation is the recompence of good works. In this respect hope is stiled the helmet of salvation. (Ephes. 6. 17.) Salvation is as an helmet upon the head of him that is possessed with hope: salvation is also said to be the end of our faith, 1 Pet. 1. 9. More generally it is said that to them who continue in well doing shall be etern•…•…l life. Rom. 2. 7. And he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matth. 10. 22. And be that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Gal. 6. 8.

The special & only ground hereof is Gods high account and good approbation of those things. Hereupon he promiseth salvation: now faithful is he that hath promised. Heb. 10. 23. salvation therefore must needs follow upon such graces as have been before mentioned, and others like unto them.

Herein lyeth a main difference betwixt common and renewing graces. They who are endewed with the former may perish, Matth. 7. 22, 23. The other shall assured∣ly be saved, Rom. 10. 9, 11.

This is a strong motive to stir us up to use all good means, whereby we may at∣tain* 1.3 unto those graces; and to give no rest to our soules, till we have some assu∣rance thereof: and in this assurance to rest quiet, in that salvation will be the end thereof. If salvation be worth the having, our endeavour after those graces will not be in vain. To inforce this motive, see the excellency of this salvation set out Chap. 1. v. 14. §. 159. And the eternity of it, cap. 5. v. 9. §. 51.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 cum genitivo signifi∣cat haerere alicui, ut conse∣quentia praece∣dentibus hae∣rent.
• * 1.2

  Salvation the reward of good works. See v. 1•…•…. Sect. 88.
• * 1.3

  Seek after Salvation.