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 ...

§. 81. Of slothfulness about sanctifying graces. Verse 12.

THe Apostle to enforce his exhortation unto diligence, addeth an inference against the contrary vice, thus, a 1.1 that ye be not slothfull &c. By this inference, it is im∣plyed, that if they be not diligent, slothfulness will seize upon them. Which if it do, they cannot attain to the forementioned assurance.

The Greek word translated b 1.2 slothfull, is the same that was interpreted, dul, Chap. 5. 11. §. 58. There is shewed the notation and emphasis of the word. In reference to the mind, it importeth dulness: in reference to practise, it intendeth slothfulness: slothfulness, I say, in use of meanes, whereby grace may grow, and ga∣ther strength.

The word is properly used of such as are slow of pace, as an old man, or an Asse. It is contrary to quickness.

Here it se•…•…teth out not so much a naturall imperfection, as an acquired vice, which* 1.3 seized upon them by their carelesness. They had not exercised themselves in Gods word, thereby to sharpen their wits, and make themselves more capable of the my∣steries of godliness: they had not acquainted themselves with the promises treasu∣red up in the word: nor with the properties of him, who made those promises: and thereupon became dull of hearing, and slow of believing.

Object. The Apostle commended their diligence in the former verse, and desireth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 still to shew the same diligence: why then doth he here forewarn them of sloth∣•…•…lness?

Answ.

• 1. He that admonisheth one to do what he doth, commends him for so* 1.4 doing.
• 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commended their diligence in charity, but admonisheth them to take 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of slothfulness in matters of faith, hope, and other like graces. It appeareth, that herein they were not so diligent: therefore he desireth that they be not sloth∣full therein. For
  • 1. They who are forward in duties of love to man, may be dull and slothfull in* 1.5 knowledge, faith, hope, &c. Saul is thus commended, He cloathed the daughters of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scarlet, and put on ornaments of Gold upon their apparell 2 Sam. 1. 24. Yet was he slothfull about sanctifying graces.
  • 2. Duties of love to others are more outward, and in that respect more easie.

Object. Love is a fruit of faith, Gal. 5. 6.

Answ. Indeed true Christian love is so: yet there may be many specious shewes of such a love, as sprouts not from faith. As Saul in his time was diligent in seek∣ing and procuring the good of his people, yet slow in believing Gods promises, and backward in relying a•…•…d trusting on Gods providence. So others in other ages; and

in this our age also; Many that have been abundant in workes of charity, have been of mean knowledge, and weak faith; if they have had any faith at all. See 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hereof §. 79.

Notes

• a 1.1

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.3

  Sloth from mens own fault.
• * 1.4

  Qui monet ut facias, quod jam facis, ille monendo lau∣dat, &c. Ovid: de Trist.
• * 1.5

  Men diligent in love may be slothfull in faith.