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 ...

§. 44. Of the priviledge of having promises.

THe person blessed is not by name expressed, but thus described, a 1.1 him that had the promises. This description doth so cleerly belong to Abraham, as it may easily be known that he is meant thereby: for it hath reference to this phrase, God made promise to Abraham, Chap. 6. v. 13.

This p•…•…rticiple, b 1.2 had, may have reference both to God, who made the pro∣mises, and so gave them to Abraham: and also to Abraham himself, who believed and injoyed the benefit of the promises. In this respect he is said to have received the promises, Chap. 11. v. 17. and to have obtained them, Chap. 6. v. 15. Of this word 〈◊〉〈◊〉, See Chap. 4. v. 1. §. 6. Of promises.

This description of Abraham is set down for honour sake. For the Apostle set∣teth forth Abrahams priviledges, that thereby, the priviledges and dignities of Mel∣chisedec might appear to be the greater.

〈◊〉〈◊〉. seeing the promises were such as appertained to the whole mystical body of Christ, why are they here appropriated to Abraham?

Answ. God was pleased to chuse Abraham as an head and Father of his Church •…•… & that both of that paculiar visible Church of the Jews▪ which for many ages was se∣vered from the whole world; and also of that spirituall invisible Church, the com∣pany▪

of true believers, which should be to the end of the world, Rom. 4. 11.

Though this honour of having the promises be here in speciall applied to •…•…∣ham, yet is it not proper to him alone: but rather common to all that are of the same faith, who are stiled •…•…eires of promise, Chap. 6. v. 17.

It hereby appeareth that it is a great priviledge to have a right to Gods 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Among other priviledges belonging to the Jewes, this is one, that the promises •…•…∣tain to them, Rom. 9. 4. On the contrary side it is noted, as a matter of in•…•…amy, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be aliens from the covenants of promise, Eph. 2. 12.

Gods promise is the ground of all our happinesse. There is no other right where∣by* 1.3 we may claim any thing. Man by his fall utterly deprived himself of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 happinesse, wherein God made him. It is Gods free promise that gives him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hope of other happinesse, Gen. 3. 15. But they who have a right to Gods •…•…∣ses, have a right to all things that may make to their happinesse. For what good thing is there, whereof God hath not made promise?

Beleevers have much cause to rest hereupon, and to rejoyce herein. Let 〈◊〉〈◊〉 brag of their outward priviledges. The promises made in Christ, whereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉 infidelity they have deprived themselves, far exceed and excell all their 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Let worldings brag of their outward preferments, dignities, wealth, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like things. If they have not a right to the promises, they have a right to 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

This should stir us up in generall to walk worthy of the Lord, who hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 these promises, Col. 1. 10. 1 Thes. 2. 12. and of the Gospell, wherein and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they are tendered unto us. Phil. 1. 27.

In particular we ought hereupon, To believe the promises made unto us, •…•…∣wise we deprive our selves of the benefit of the promises, Chap. 4. v. 1, 6.

• 2. It will be our wisdome to observe the conditions annexed to those promises.
• 3. It is just and equall that we moderate our care about the things of this world, and not seek great things for our selves here, Ier. 45. 5.
• 4. It becomes us to rest content in the state where God sets us. Having such pro∣mises, as God hath made unto us, we have enough.
• 5. These promises should make us with patience, expect the time appointed for the accomplishment of them.

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

  Gods promise the ground of our hope.