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 ...

§. 236. Of Valour.

THAT true valour is praise-vvorthy is herein evident, that it is set down* 1.1 among those things, for which the elders obtained a good report, vers. 2.

• 1. Valour is a grace vvhich God expresly requires, Iosh. 1. 7.
• 2. It is promised as a blessing, Lev. 26. 8.
• 3. A reward is promised to it, Deut. 31. 23.
• 4. It is commended in those that had it. 1 Chr. 11. 10. &c. and 12. 1, 8. &c.
• 5. A recompence hath been given to it, Josh. 14. 14. These particulars demonstrate Gods approbation of valour.
• 6. Saints have prayed for it, Act. 4. 29.
• 7. They have incited one another thereto, 2 Chr. 32. 7.
• 8. Praises have been sung in commendation of it, 1 Sam. 18. 7.
• 9. Thanks hath been given to God for it, Psal. 144. 1.

True valour is an evidence of more than an humane spirit, even of a Divine* 1.2 one. When Sampson did any valourous act, it is said that the spirit of God came upon him, Judg. 14. 6, 19. and 15. 14. When that spirit went from him, he be∣came weak as other men, Judg. 16. 17.

1. Obj. This was an extraordinary example.

Ans. Yet it giveth evidence also of ordinary courage: for the same spirit* 1.3 worketh ordinary and extraordinary valour. It is said of Caleb, whose courage was but ordinary, that he had another spirit, (Numb. 14. 24.) another than the other, timorous, and faint-hearted spies, that discouraged the people.

2. Obj. Sundry Heathen men, were men of great valour, as Hector, Achilles, Alexander, Scipio, Pompey, Caesar, and others.

Ans. 1. That valour, which they had, was rather vain glory than true 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

2. What was good in it was by the spirit. For the •…•…pirit worketh on the unregenerate as well as on the regenerate, though not in the same manner. The spirit of God came upon Balaam, Numb. 24. 2. and upon Saul, 1 Sam. 10. 10. In this respect Cyrus is stiled, Gods annointed, (Is•…•…. 45. 1.) that is deputed and enabled of God to destroy the Babylo•…•…ians, and to restore Israel.

True valour aimeth at Gods glory, and his Churches good. It produceth ma∣ny worthy effects. It 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the impudency of the wicked. It maintaineth good causes. It freeth the oppressed. It preventeth many mischiefs.

Heathen Philosophers could say, that true for•…•…itude is alwayes accompanied with justice and truth. Christians may further add, that it is joyned with piety and Faith.

What an incitation is this for every one to labour for this grace?

This is one of the things whereon the Apostle would have us think, Phil. 4. 8.

In special and peculiar this is to be heeded of Captains and Souldiers, whose* 1.4 calling is to go to war; for here it is said, they waxed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in fight, see •…•…he Dignity of Chevalry, on 2 Chr. 2. 9. §. 10.

It may also be applied to all sorts of Governours, who by reason of mens re∣bellious disposition against good and wholesom Laws, have great need of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and courage. Therefore it is one of the Characters of a good Magistrate, Ex•…•…d. 18. 21. Ministers also in regard of mens adverse disposition against Gods Laws, have great need hereof, Jer. 1. 17. Ezek. 2. 6. 1 Tim. 5. 20. Ti•…•…. 1. 9, 10.

Yea, all Christians in regard of the many stout enemies, which continually fight against them, have great need hereof, see the whole armour of God, on E•…•…hes. 6. 10. §. 4. and on Eph. 6. 14. §. 3.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Valour com∣mendable.
• * 1.2

  Gods spirit works valour.
• * 1.3

  Valour of Heathen not true valour.
• * 1.4

  Who need va∣lour.