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 ...

§. 191. Of the Resolution of, and Observations from Hebr. 11. 31.

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them * 1.1 that believed not, when she had received the Spies with peace.

THE sum of this verse is in two words, Faiths proof. Hereof are two parts.

• 1. The point proved.
• 2. The kind of proof.

In the former, we have

• 1. The particular grace, Faith.
• 2. The person whose faith it was.

The person is described,

• 1. By her name, Rahab,
• 2. By her condition, an harlot.

The latter which is the kind of proof, admits, two considerations.

• 1. An event that fell out. This is
  • 1. Propounded, in this phrase, she perished not.
  • 2. Amplified by the contrary event, which befell others.

  In the amplification is set down

  • 1. The kind of Judgment implyed, in this phrase, with them.
  • 2. The cause thereof, in this phrase, that believed not.
• 2. An effect. In setting down whereof three branches are expressed.
  • 1. The particular act; she received.
  • 2. The object, or persons whom she received, the Spies.
  • 3. The manner how, with peace.

Doctrines.

• I. The seed of Faith is accounted for Faith. Such was the Faith here mentioned. See §. 181.
• II. God takes notice of penitents by name. Witness Rahab. See §. 182.
• III. Some Gentiles under the Law were called. Such a one was Rahab. See §. 182.
• IV. Women may prove Worthies. Rahab was a woman, and here reckoned a∣mongst Worthies. See §. 182.
• V. Notorious sinners may obtain much mercy. An harlot here so did. See §. 183.
• VI. God hath penitents in high account. Rahab was a true penitent. See §. 183.
• VII. Faith keeps from common destruction. See §. 184.
• VIII. Others may reap benefit from the faith of some. By Rahabs Faith, all that were in her house were preserved. See §. 184.
• IX. God can put difference betwixt different persons. Rahab perished not with others in the Citie. See §. 184.
• X. Infidelity is the cause of destruction. They perished who believed not. See §. 185.
• XI. Spies are lawfull. This is here implyed by the mention of Spies in this place. See §. 186.
• XII. Men in danger are to be preserved from such as seek their lives. Thus did Rahab preserve these Spies. See §. 187.
• XIII. They who are taken under protection, must be dismissed in peace. So were these Spies. See §. 188.
• XIV. Mental equivocation is sinfull. See §. 189.
• XV. There are cases wherein the Church is to be preferred before ones own Coun∣try; Rahabs case was such an one. See §. 190.
• ...

• XVI. Faith is justified by works. So did Rahab here justifie her Faith. See §. 18.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Or, that were disobedient.