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 ...

§. 146. Of faith, whereby a just man liveth.

THat the Apostle might the better instruct us in that life which is proper to •…•… just man, he expresly sheweth the means whereby he liveth, which is faith. Foure

distinct times is this in these words set down by the Holy Ghost, as a poynt most re∣markeable, Hab. 2. 4. Rom. 1. 17. Gal. 3. 11. and here in this text An Apostle ex∣emplifieth this in himself thus, I live by the faith of the Son of God, Gal. 2. 20.

By faith is here meant a true justifying faith, whereby we so receive and apply Christ unto our selves, as we rest on him for supply of all our necessities, and for all needfull succour in all distresses, and assistance against all assaults: and in that re∣spect abide faithfull with him, and never depart from him.

Faith drawes life from Christ in these and other like respects.* 1.1

• ...

  1. It is that instrument whereby we lay such hold on Christ, as we are united unto him, like a Siens put into a stock.

  Thus Christ is resembled to a Vine, and we to the branches thereof, Iob. 15. 5. Hereupon Paul saith, I live by the faith of the Son of God, Gal. 2. 20. And Christ is said to dwell in our hearts by faith, Eph. 3. 17.

• 2. It draweth vertue from Christ, as a branch from the stock. For of his fullnesse we all receive, and grace for grace, Joh. 1. 16.
• 3. It perswades the soul of Gods love to us, as to such as are united unto his So•…•…▪ Hence followeth assurance of reconciliation with God, remission of sin, and acceptation to eternall life.
• 4. It makes confident in Christs support and assistance against all tryals by man or Devill. This is the Victory that over commeth the world, even our saith, 1 Joh. 5. 4. Faith also is a shield whereby we may quench the fiery darts of the devill, Eph. 6. 17.
• 5. It maketh us resigne our selves and affaires to Christs desposing, cheerfully go∣ing on in our warrantable courses, and patiently waiting for that issue which he will give. Faith makes a man believe that his head better knowes what is fit for him, then himself.
• 6. It workes hope above hope, Rom. 4. 18. It makes a man thorow a thick cloud of temptations, to behold comfortable glimpses of Gods favour; and against sense to rest on Gods word, Psal. 43. 5. Thus by faith we are united to Christ, justified, sanctified, supported, established, quieted. Therefore it is a soveraigne means to make us steadfast in our profession, and to keep us from apostacy. This is fitly added to patience as the ground thereof, See Chap. 6. v. 12. §. 86.

If faith do so support us and and keepe us from apostacy, surely it cannot be to∣tally and finally lost.* 1.2

This text, the just shall live by faith, being three severall times quoted in the new Testament, I hold it meet to shew how in every of the places they agree with the Prophet out of whom it is quoted.

The maine scope of the Prophet and of the Apostle is the same, namely to shew how, when all means faile, a man may be safe. For this end he declareth who is safe, the just; and how he is safe, by faith. All are not safe, nor are any safe by any thing in themselves. But the just by faith; thus is he established. This text is pro∣duced, Rom. 1. 17. to prove that by nature men are not just; because the righte∣ousnesse of God is revealed from faith to faith. This is proved by this text.

Again, this text is produced, Gal. 3. 11. to prove that no man is justified by the law, for the Prophet sayeth, the just shall live by faith.

Here it is produced to prove the stability of Christians, which ariseth from faith.

All these are intended by the Prophet, For he inferreth.

• 1. That all men are not righteous. Because the righteous live by faith, For all •…•…ave not faith, 2 Thes. 3. 2.
• 2. That no man by his works, which is by the law, can be justified, For they live by faith.
• 3. That faith is the ground of their stability. For his soul which is lifted up, is not upright in him; that is, a man confident in himself cannot be stable, the just shall live by his faith.

Faith being the ground of mans stability, we may well think that want of faith is* 1.3 an especiall reason of mens restlesse cares for future wants, and troublesome feares of being undone. What makes men upon every sin to question Gods favour, but want of faith? What makes men faint in their Christian course? what makes them fear that they shall not hold out? what makes them use indirect means? what makes

s•…•…n to abound and Satan to tyrannize, but want of faith? want of faith is it that makes m•…•…n revoult. Is it any marvell if a corps putrifie, and swarme with wormes and other vermin, when it hath no life in it? where there is no faith there is no spirit, no life, no assurance of Gods favour, no right to Christ. Faith brings all.

This is enough to stir us up to use all means for getting, strengthening and pre∣serving faith. Hereof see more in the whole Armour of God, On Eph. 6. 16. Treat. 2. Par•…•…. 6. §. 17, &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  How faith brings life.
• * 1.2

  Agreement between the Prophet and Apostle.
• * 1.3

  Want of faith makes unsta∣ble.