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 ...

§. 15. Of the Resolution of, and Observations from, Hebr. 11. 4.

IN this verse is a commendation of Abel's faith.

His faith is commended two waies.

• 1. Comparatively.
• 2. Simply.

The comparison is betwixt him and his Brother. Wherein observe,

• 1. The persons set down by their names, Abel, Cain.
• 2. By their act. Herein observe,
  • 1. Wherein they agreed.
  • 2. Wherein they differed.
• They agreed,
  • 1. In their act. They offered unto God.
  • 2. In the subject-matter of the act, a sacrifice.

They differed,

• 1. In the matter of their sacrifice, implyed in this word of comparison, more excellent.
• 2. In the manner of offering; Abel did it by faith, Cain not so.

The commendation of Abel's faith simply set down, is by witness. This is twofold; partly while he was alive, partly after he was dead.

The former is,

• 1. Propounded.
• 2. Amplified; and that by two waies.
  • 1. By the subject-matter which was witnessed. This is double.
    • 1. Concerning his person, that he was righteous.
    • 2. Concerning his gifts.
  • 2. By the Author of the witness, God testifying.

The testimony given after he was dead, is set out two waies.

• 1. By the evidence of his innocency, he speaketh.
• ...

• •…•…. By the continuance thereof, in this particle, yet.

Both these are amplified by the ground of them, which was faith, in this re∣•…•…, by it.

Doctrines.

• I. Gods truth, in accomplishing his word, is to be remembred. The meaning of this name, Cain, importeth thus much.
• II. Mans vanity is to be oft considered. The meaning of this name, Abel, importeth so much.
• III. The Church is an antient society; it hath been from the beginning of the world. That which is here noted of Cain's and Abel's offering, implyeth that the first Family that ever was, was a Church.
• IV. Gods Church did ever consist of a mixed society; There were good and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 persons in it. This was evidenced in the first Church that ever was.
• V. It is faith that commends a man and his actions. Thus is Abel here commended.
• VI. Believers will offer what is due to God. It is here said of Abel, he of∣•…•… unto God.
• VII. Expiation for sin was sought by Believers from the beginning of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Abel by offering a sacrifice shew'd as much.
• VIII. An Hypocrite may perform external worship. So did Cain. For this particle* 1.1 than, taketh it for granted that Cain offered.
• IX. Hypocrites can be at some cost with God. For Cain offered.
• X. Hypocrites can bring to God of that which is their own. For the Historie •…•…stifieth, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground, whereof he was a tiller, Gen. 4. 2, 3.
• XI. Believers give their best to God. This is implyed under this compara∣tive, more excellent, and expresly set down in the Historie, Gen. 4. 4.
• XII. Believers content not themselves with that which Hypocrites do. Abel's sacrifice was more excellent.
• XIII. Faith addeth worth to the duties we do. By faith was Abel's sacrifice 〈◊〉〈◊〉 greater.
• XIV. Grace followeth not external privileges. Cain was the elder, but Abel the better. Prov. 12. 26. See §. 11.
• XV. Faith is a means of gaining good testimony. By it Abel obtained wit∣ness.
• XVI. Men may in this world be righteous. So was Abel.
• XVII. Mens persons are first approved of God. God witnessed that Abel was righteous, thereupon his sacrifice was accounted excellent. The Lord had respect •…•…nto Abel and his offering. First to his person, then to his service, Gen. 4. 4.
• XVIII. God will that Saints know his mind. This was the end of Gods te∣stifying of Abel.
• XIX. Gifts may by men be given to God. Abel gave gifts to God.
• XX. Saints are subject to death. It is here said of righteous Abel, that he was dead.
• XXI. Saints are subject to a violent death. Abel was slain by his Brother Cain, Gen. 4. 8.
• XXII. Saints live after death. That particular of Abel's speaking being dead, giveth proof to this general.
• XXIII. Innocent blood cryeth for vengeance after it is shed. This is one re∣spect wherein Abel is said to speak being dead. In reference hereunto, the dif∣ference is made betwixt the blood of Christ, and the blood of Abel, Heb. 12▪ 24.
• XXIV. Cry of blood continueth to the worlds end. This particle, yet, intends as much.
• XXV. Faith causeth a good memorial after death. By it Abel still speaketh.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.