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 a Believers respect to reward.

BY the aforesaid reward Moses was the more encouraged, because his eye was still upon it. That is implyed under this phrase, a 1.1 he had respect.

The Greek word is a compound, and properly signifieth to look from one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to another.

Of the b 1.2 simple verb, which signifieth, to see, we have spoken, on Chap. 2. 1. 9. §. 72. And there shewed how it is sometimes properly used, for seeing with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eye of the body: and sometimes metaphorically, for seeing with the eye of the soul. This c 1.3 compound is here to be taken Metaphorically for the sight of the soul.

Thus d 1.4 a like word of the same signification is used in the next verse, and ap∣plyed to that which is invisible. To see him who is invisible, must needs be meant of a Metaph•…•…rical, and spiritual sight.

In setting down this sight, there are two prepositions, one signifieth e 1.5 from, with which this verb is compounded. The other signifieth f 1.6 to, and is joyned by way of reference unto the recompence of reward. These two prepositions, From, To, imply two terms of motion; One, from which one turneth; The other, to which

he turneth. It importeth a remooving of the eye from one object to an other. Hereby the mind of Moses is excellently set out; he turned his mind and heart from the honours, pleasures, and treasures of Egypt; and fixed them upon the honors, pleasures, and treasures of Gods Church here on earth, and of his Church above in heaven.

Thus was he moved to prefer these before those.

This act of Moses, in having respect to the recompence of reward, is here ap∣proved, and it demonstrateth that respect may be had to reward. See more hereof Chap. 6. v. 18. §. 149.

The inference of this act of Moses, as a reason of that which he did before,* 1.7 namely, that he suffered affliction with the people of God, and refused to be cal∣lad the Son of Pharaohs daughter, and esteemed the reproach of Christ greates riches than the treasures of Egypt, giveth proof, that respect to reward maketh a Believer deny any thing, or endure any thing; as those Hebrews suffered affli∣ctions, and took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, Hebr. 10. 33, 34.

They know that God can and will abundantly recompence all.

This sheweth one reason why so little is done and endured for Christ. Men do not look from that which is present, to that which is to come. They consider not the recompence of reward.

Let us therefore acquaint our selves therewith, and oft meditate thereon, and duely weigh who is the rewarder, and what is the reward, both for the greatness, and also for the continuance thereof: then shall we know that our light affli∣ction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17. This is it, that will make us stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, 1 Cor. 15. 58.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• c 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 respicio.
• d 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• e 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a•…•….
• f 1.6

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…d 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.7

  Reward puts on to do and endure.