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 ...

§. 84. Of dead workes.

THe filth purged from the conscience is expressed under this phrase, dead works. Under workes all manner of sinfull motions are comprised, whether in thought, word, or deed. They are called dead works, in regard

• 1. Of their cause, which is want of life.
• 2. Of their condition, which is very noysome.
• 3. Of the consequence, which is death it self, as hath been shewed, Chap. 6. v. 1. §. 8.

Sin is thus expressed to make it the more loathsome unto us. For dead things are loathed. Among other dead things nothing so loathsome, as these dead works. It is utterly destitute of the spirit of life: and is acted by him that hath the power of death. It makes us odious in the sight of God, Angels and Saints: and brings us to eternal death and damnation.

Well may sin be said to be deceitfull, that causeth any to delight therein: The issue thereof, if it be considered in the extent of it, will be found to be more woefull then can be expressed, then can be conceived.

On the other side, this doth much amplifie the benefit of Christs sacrifice, in that it hath a vertue to purge from dead works. This is the main end of setting out this effect of Christs blood after this manner. There can be no such incouragement a∣gainst death, no such comfort in death, as▪ that dead works are purged away. The sting of death is sin, 1 Cor. 15. 56. Take away these dead works, and death will be no death.

Christ manifesteth his power in quickning such as are dead in sin, as much as •…•…e did in raising Lazarus out of the grave.