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 ...

§. 169. Of wicked mens boldness, in pursuing evill to their own destruction.

THE aforesaid preservation of the Israelites through the red Sea, is much am∣plified by the destruction of the Egyptians therein.

Under this word, Egyptians, are comprised Pharaoh, and that great Host which* 1.1 he had gathered together to pursue the Israelites. It is said that he took six hundred chosen Chariots, and all the Chariots of Egypt, and Captains over every one of them. Exod. 14. 7. This implieth, that Pharaohs Army was a very great one. All these seeing a way made in the Sea, wherein the Israelites went before them, little con∣sidered the mighty power of God, in destroying many among their Countreymen,

and the wise Providence of God in putting difference betwixt the Egyptians and the Israelites, whereof they had had many particular instances before, Exod. 8. 22, 23. and 9. 6, 26. and 10. 23. but presumptuously thrust themselves into the Sea, in that way that they saw opened for the Israelites, and thereby brought destruction upon themselves.

a 1.2 The Greek word signifieth experience or triall, and it is translated, v. 36. It implyeth, that the Egyptians would yet make a further triall whether God would yet still defend his people, or could protect them against this Army: and thereupon rush on into the Sea.

Herein we may behold the boldness of enemies in pursueing the people of God.* 1.3 The like may be noted of the Amalekites, who not long after the destruction of this great Host of the Egyptians, set upon this people whom God had so preser∣•…•…. Exod. 17. 8. And the like also of Sihon King of the Amorites, and Og the King of Bashan, Numb. 21. 23. 33.

Malice and hatred so blindeth the mindes of the enemies of Gods Church, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 intoxicateth their understanding, as they cannot discern the danger whereinto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 venture. They can neither think of things past, nor foresee and forecast* 1.4 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to come. Our Proverb saith, who so bold as blind Bayard?

• 1. This giveth proof of that satanical spirit which ruleth in wicked men: set∣•…•… their spirits on fire to do mischief: not regarding into what danger they im∣•…•… themselves: they are like mad bulls, who will run their career, though 〈◊〉〈◊〉 break their own necks. How do bloody minded men venture their own lives 〈◊〉〈◊〉 take away the lives of others? How doe all sinners run headlong down to their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 perdition, to accomplish their mischievous plots?
• 2. This doth much check the backwardness, coldness, and fearfulness of such* 1.5 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prosess the truth, in maintaining the same. How little will men venture in Gods cause? How doth every shew of danger discourage them? shall adversaries be so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and venturous in opposing the Truth, and in persecuting the Professors thereof, and shall Professors be timorous in maintaining it?
• 3. Let this put us on to an holy zeal▪ in the cause of God, and of his Church, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of our own and others salvation. Let the boldness of the wicked in their mis∣•…•… courses, animate and imbolden us in pious courses.

This is not to make us blind and mad, as the wicked are, by implunging our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into apparent danger; but to make us cast off the cloaks of sluggishness and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, pretending danger where is no just cause of pretence. Prov. 22. 13. and 16. 13. Let us shew that there is more power in the divine Spirit to en∣bolden us to good, than can be in a satanicall spirit, to imbolden men to evill.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Who compri∣sed under Agyptians:
• a 1.2

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

  Boldness of enemies a∣gainst Gods people.
• * 1.4

  Power of Sa∣than in wicked ones.
• * 1.5

  Many Profes∣sors too timo∣rous.