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 ...

§. 46. Of undeniable Principles.

Vers. 7. THe generall proposition noted, §. 43. is here in the seventh verse ex∣presly set down: namely, that he who blesseth is greater then he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he blesseth.

So true and sure is this proposition, as the Apostle premiseth this phrase of asseve∣ration, without all contradiction.

The Greek noun translated, a 1.1 contradiction, is the same that was used, Chap. 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 16. §. 121. and translated, strife. The notation of the word was there de∣clared.

b 1.2 This generall particle, all, addeth emphasis, and implieth, that none that is of understanding can or will deny the truth of the foresaid assertion.

This manner of asseveration, as it setteth forth the certainty of the thing it self, so a duty on our part, which is, to yeeld to the truth thereof, and not oppose a∣gainst it.

From this particular instance, may well be inferred this generall observation.

There are principles so infallibly true, as they admit no doubt, or despute thereabout. The Apostle about another and greater principle useth a like assevera∣tion, c 1.3 without controversie, 1 Tim. 3. 16. To like purpose this phrase is used, This i•…•… a faith•…•…ull saying, and worthy all acc•…•…ptation. 1 Tim. 1. 15. and 4. 9.

• 1. Some principles are expresly set down in the word of truth; these are to be re∣ceived without all contradiction. He that commeth unto God must believe that he is, &c. H•…•…b. 11. 6. A must, A necessity of believing it, is laid upon us. Such are all funda∣mentall principles.
• 2. There are principles so agreeable to the light of nature, to reason it self, and common sense, as they admit no contradiction: such are these, a true body is cir∣cumscribed within a place: and it hath the essentiall properties of a body: A Priest is greater then the sacrifice: works of merit must be answerable to the reward me∣•…•…ited. They on whom we call, must be able to hear us, and help us.

• 1. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Papists is hereby discovered, in that they maintaine many here∣•…•… contradictory to expresse evidence of Scripture, and to principles of nature; as those before named, and s•…•…ndry others. Therein they contradict those things which are without all contradiction.
• 2. It will be our wisdome carefully to observe such principles, and quietly to rest in them: neither stirring up needlesse controversies about them: nor suffering our selves to be drawn from them. The Philosopher thought not him worthy to be disputed with all that denyed principles. If a man deny the fire to be hot, the best demonstration to prove it, is, to put his finger or hand into the fire.

Notes

• a 1.1

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• b 1.2

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• c 1.3

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