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 ...

§. 79. Of diligence about our own spirituall good, as well as about our brothers temporall good.

THat which the Apostle desireth, is, that they would shew the same diligence, &c.

The verb translated a 1.1 shew, is the same that was used v. 10, and implyeth an evident, and clear manifestation of a thing, (see §. 69.)

It is not enough to have a purpose of doing a duty; or to do it in private, so as o∣thers can take no notice thereof: but we must shew that we do it, and give good proof thereof.

The noune here translated, b 1.2 diligence, is derived from the same root that the verb translated c 1.3 Labour (Chap. 4. 11.) was. So as it intendeth, both an indea∣vour, and also forwardness, and earnestness therein, and is fitly interpreted dili∣gence, which is to be used, for attaining that which is indeavoured after. Hereof see Chap. 4. v. 11. §. 63, 64, 65.

This relative d 1.4 the same hath reference, to the labour of love, mentioned, v. 10. and intendeth two points.

One generall, That diligence in our Christian course be constant. Such dili∣gence* 1.5 as we have formerly used, must still be used: even the very same: We may not •…•…lacken, we may not cool, we may not wax more remiss therein. Hereof see §. 72. and Chap. 3. v. 6. §. 68. &c.

Thus this relative implyeth a motive taken from their former diligence. For if they who have formerly been diligent, grow negligent, their former diligence will be a witness against them: and an aggravation of their after-negligence. Ephesus is checked for leaving her first love. This therefore is one motive to incite them to persevere: they had begun well.

The other point is more particular. That such labour, and diligence as we shew* 1.6 in behalf of others bodily need, we shew in behalf of our own soules good: For assu∣rence of •…•…ope tends to our spirituall good. In this respect the Apostle commendeth such as had attained to, and given proof of the one, and the other: namely, the work of faith (which makes to our spirituall good) and labour of love, 1 Thes. 1. 3. And he makes this the end of the commandment, namely charity, and faith, 1 Tim. 1. 5.

1. In both of them God is glorified. It was shewed, §. 69. how, love in ministring to Saints is shewed toward Gods name: So by hope, Faith, and other like graces which make to our salvation, God is glorified. Abraham being strong in faith, gave 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to God, Rom. 4. 20. and God accounted it a glory to be stiled the hope of Isra∣el,* 1.7 J•…•…. 14. 8. and 17. 13.

• 1. By being diligent about the graces that make to our salvation, we manifest spi∣rituall prudence about the good of our Soules, as well as charity to the good of our neighbours body by diligence in ministring to them.
• 2. By our care about our soules salvation, we manifest a Christian, and heavenly disposition, which diligence about the temporall good of others doth not necessa∣rily

• import. For Heathen, and other naturall men may be very charitable to others about their temporall good.

They therefore exceedingly fail in Christian prudence, who are di•…•…gent in matters of charity for others temporall good, but are careless, and neg∣ligent about their own souls eternall good. As they are justly taxed, who make pre∣tence of faith, and have not works of charity (Jam. 2. 14.) So they are more justly to be censured, who boast of their many good workes to others, and have attained to no assurance of faith and hope in regard of their own salvation. Hereof Popish, and superstitious persons are very guilty.

Ministers may here learn a good lesson: namely, to press upon people diligence in both kinds of duties. Many are very earnest in stirring up people to workes of cha∣rity, and bounty: but neither instruct them in Articles of Faith, nor stir them up to diligence thereabout.

Let us learn to adde grace to grace, and to give all diligence therein, 2 Pet. 1. 5, 6, 7. What God hath joyned together, let no man put asunder, Matth. 19. 6.

Notes

• a 1.1

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

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• d 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.5

  Diligence must be constant.
• * 1.6

  We must be as diligent for our own souls good, as for our brethrens temporall good.
• * 1.7

  It is a part of spirituall pru∣dence to care for our soul.