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 ...

§. 62 Of drawing neere to God.

Heb. 10. v, 22.

Let us draw neere with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evill conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

HEre beginneth the practicall part of this Epistle. It consisteth of sundry ex∣hortations.

The first is in regard of our selves which is in generall to seeke what we want. This is thus▪ expressed, Let us draw neere Though it be not here expressed to whom we should draw neere▪ yet it is implyed in this phrase v. 19. To enter into the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, namely, to him that dwelleth in the most holy place. So much also is in∣tended in this phrase, Let us come boldly to the throne of Grace, (Chap. 4. v. 16.) That i•…•…, to him that sitteth on that throne. Yet more plainly is it expressed to be God, in this phrase, come unto God, Chap. 7. 25. and in this, he that commeth unto God, Chap. 11. 6. The Greeke word is the very same that was used, Chap. 4. v. 16. §. 92. It is made the meanes of partaking of salvation by Christ, and an evidence thereof. See Chap. 7. v. 25. §. 104. Of setting down the exhortation in the plurall number and first person, See Chap. 2. v. 1. §. 4.

This exhortation sheweth that the priviledge of approaching to God must be* 1.1 used by them for whom it is procured. In the former verses it was shewed that this priviledge was procured, See v. 19. §. 53. Here he exhorteth to use it.

To stir us up the more carefully to use it, we have

• ...

  1. Christs invitation: thus expressed, Come unto me, Matth. 11. 28.

  To refuse so gracious an invitation, is a point of rebellion and folly* 1.2

• 2. Gods propensity to reach out to them that come unto him the Scepter of his grace and favour. Ahashuerus, was not so gracious in this kinde to Esther, (E•…•…. 5. 2.) as God is to believers. It is noted of one of the Emperours of Rome, that he never dismissed any that came to him for favour with a sorrowfull minde.
• 3. There is a promise made to such to be accepted and satisfied, Iohn 7. 37.
• 4. They may have assurance of sufficient grace. Chap. 4. 16.
• 5. Their drawing neer to God is an evidence of Gods drawing them, Ioh. 6. 44, 45.
• 6. Salvation is restrained to those that come to God, Chap. 7. 25.

On these and other like grounds we may, we must draw neere to God in all our needs, on all warrantable occasions.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Why we must draw neer.
• * 1.2

  Vespasianus nnnquam a se tristem dimisit.