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 ...

§. 65. Of superfluous additions to perfection.

FRom the Apostles argument, that the Leviticall Priest-hood was imperfect, be∣cause* 1.1 another was raised after it; It may well be inferred, that Nothing need be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to that which is perfect. Hereby the wise man proveth the work of God to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, because, nothing can be put to it, Eccl. 3. 14. The like may be said of the word of God: and thereupon the wise man giveth this advice, adde thou not unto his words, Prov. 30. 5, 6.

• 1. Whatsoever is added to that which is perfect, must need be superfluous: be∣cause nothing is wanting, or defective in that which is perfect.
• 2. An addition to that which is perfect is dishonourable: for it seemeth to im∣peach it of some imperfection.

Hereby is discovered the boldnesse, pride, and presumption of the Church of* 1.2 Rome, who of her own idle brain, maketh many additions to things most absolute and perfect: as to God, Christ, the Holy Ghost, and holy ordinances.

• 1. To God, who is al-sufficient, they adde many idols to help them in their needs, as if God were not of himself able to help in all needs.
• 2. To Christ, who is in all that he undertaketh, willing and able to accomplish it, they adde in all his offices coadjutors, and helps. To his kingly of∣fice they adde a viceroy, an head, a spouse of his Church, as if he alone could not govern it. To his propheticall office, they adde a great Pro∣phet to coyn new articles of faith: to turn those which Christ hath esta∣blished, this way, or that way, as their Pope pleaseth. To his Priest∣hood

• they adde other Priests to off•…•…r up, as they say, true, real, •…•…∣pitiatory sacrifices for the quick and dead. To his mediation and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they adde the mediation and intercession of all the Angels 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Saints in heaven. To his blood, the milk of the Virgin Mary. To 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wounds, the wounds of their Saint Francis. To his death, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Martyrs: among whom they reckon many traytors, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣rious malefactors. To his merits the merits, of mens works.
• 3. To the Holy Ghost, who likewise is able to effect what he undertaketh: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in wisdome, in regard of mans weaknesse, he useth meanes: (which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are but bare instruments) they adde Bishops and Priests, to whom 〈◊〉〈◊〉 give a divine power of breathing in an holy spirit: and to the •…•…∣ments of working grace by the very act done.
• 4. To the word of God, which is most perfect, they adde Canons of •…•…∣cels, decrees of Popes, and sundry humane traditions.
• 5. To the two Sacraments, which Christ the wise King of his Church 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thought sufficient, they adde five others, namely, Orders, Pennance, •…•…∣firmation, Matrimony, and Extream unction.

Against these and all other like additions may the Apostles argument be pressed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God, Christ, the Holy Ghost, the word of God, and Sacraments be perfect, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 those additions are vain. But if there need such additions, then are not God, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Holy-Ghost, the word of God, and Sacraments perfect. Take notice 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the blasphemous positions of that whorish Church.

2. Let us learn to testifie our acknowledgement of Gods, and Christs, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spirits alsufficiency and perfection, by trusting wholy, and only on them. T•…•…e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is to be applyed to Christs offices, sacrifice, merits, word and Sacraments.

Notes

• * 1.1

  See Chap. 10. v. 14. Sect. 39.
• * 1.2

  Papists addi∣ons to things make perfect.