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 ...

§. 59. Of Gods casting off transgressors of his Covenant.

OF the Greek word translated regard not, See Chap. 2. v. 3. §. 19.

As here the word is used it giveth a proof, that peoples violating Gods co∣venant provoketh God to cast them of. On this ground the Lord cast of the house of Ely, 1 Sam. 2. 30. and Saul, 1 Sam. 13. 13, 14. and Solomons kingdome in part, 1 Kings 11. 11. and Coniah, Jer. 22. 28, 30. This is exemplified in sundry parables as of the vineyard, Esay 5. 5. of the figtree, Luk. 13. 7. Of the olive branches, Rom. 11. 20. and of the husbandmen, Mar. 12. 9. The like is threatned against Christi∣ans under the new covenant, to whom the Apostle thus saith, If God spared not the naturall branches, take heed least he also spare not thee, Rom. 11. 21. And Christ to the Church of Ephesus, thus, I will remove thy Candlestick out of his place, except thou repent, Rev. 2. 5. and to the Church of the Laodiceans, thus, I will spew thee out of my mouth, Rev. 3. 16. Lamentable experience hath given proof of the truth hereof in most of the Churches of Greece.

Gods truth, justice, and wisdome moveth him, thus to deal with unfaithfull con∣federates. His truth because he hath threatned as much. His justice, because re∣venge is as due to transgressors as reward to observers of the covenant. His wise∣dome least he might seem too indulgent to transgressors; and least transgress•…•…rs should thereupon grow insolent and and impudent.

It stands us in hand upon the foresaid ground to have our eye alwayes upon the

•…•…dition which by vertue of the covenant is required of us: and to be as carefull, and conscionable in keeping the condition as we are desirous to enjoy the benefit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 priviledges of the covenant: which now under the Gospell, is faith and repen∣tance.

Of this phrase saith the Lord. See v. 8. §. 31.