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 ...

§, 72. Of knowledge a priviledge of the new Covenant.

ONe generall point intended in this third promise of the new covenant is this, knowledge of the Lord is one of the prerogatives of the new covenant. This promise is intended to them, my people shall know my name: they shall know in that day, &c. Isay 52. 6. and Hos. 6. 3. These and other like prophecie•…•…, are thus ma∣nifested to be accomplished. The new man is renewed in knowledge, Col. 3. 10. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have an unction from the holy one, and ye know all things: and ye need 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that any man teach you, 1 Joh. 2. 20, 27.

This must needs be a priviledge of the new covenant, because it is the ground work of all graces. If the understanding be not well enlightned, the will cannot fol∣low that that is good, nor the affections be duly ordered. If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light: but if thine eye be evill, thy whole body shall be full of dark∣nesse, Matth. 6. 22, 23.

• 1. By this priviledge sundry erroneous positions are discovered: as
  • 1. Ignorance is the mother of devotion. See Chap. 3. v. 10. §. 112.
  • 2. An implicite •…•…aith is sufficient: that is, as Papists expound it, an assent to what the Church holdeth, though he that pretendeth to assent, know not what the Church holdeth. This is the ground of much error: and the bane of all sound confidence.
  • 3. The Scripture is not to be translated into the vulgar tongue. This is an error so grosse, as Papists dare not stand to it: but have themselves tran∣slated it.
  • 4. The word is to be publickly read in Latine. The Apostle doth mainly oppose against this error, 1 Cor. 14. 2. &c.
  • 5. It is unlawfull for lay people to read the Scripture. Thus they shew them∣selves like those who shut up the Kingdome of heaven against men, &c. Matth. 23. 13. yea, they are like dogs in the manger, which neither •…•…at∣eth provinder, nor suffereth the horse to eat it: wretched guides are they and their followers a miserable people. The guides are Satans 〈◊〉〈◊〉: their followers are Satans prey. There is no one thing whereby Satan getteth greater advantage against people, then by the foresaid positions of ignorance.
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• 2. The foresaid priviledge of the new covenant should quicken us up, who are re∣•…•… to the time of this covenant, to seek after knowledge: As an help hereunto, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Whole Armour of God, Treat. 2. Part. 8. on Eph. 6. 17. of Gods Word. §. 7.