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 ...

§. 241. Of Faith in raising the dead.

THE express mention of women in these great effects of Faith, giveth proof, that women may give as good proof of Faith, as men. It hath been shewed* 1.1 in the former session, that this evidence of receiving their dead raised to life, is the greatest effect that hath been noted of Faith, among all the worthies here set down. See more hereof v. 11. §. 53.

The particular effect of Faith here mentioned, giveth further proof, that the* 1.2 vigor of Faith extends it self to the raising of the dead. Witnes the two foremen∣tioned instances of the widow of Zarephath, and the Shunami•…•…e. Witness also

the Faith of another widow (Luke 7. 15.) and the Faith of Iairus and his wife (Mark. 5. 40.) and of Mary and Martha, (John 11, 34.) and of the Widows that remained by Dorca's dead corps, Act. 9. 39.

To raise the dead, is within the compass of Gods power, and not always a∣gainst Gods Will, as the forementioned examples shew.

Now what God can do, Faith in an humble submission to Gods Will believeth.

• 1. Herein we have a confirmation of the eleventh Article of the Creed, con∣cerning the Resurrection of the dead.
• 2. Here is a demonstration of the want, or at least the weakness of their Faith, who are affrighted with such dangers, as may prove deadly; especial∣ly if they be so frighted, as to renounce their holy profession, or any way sin against God. He that can raise from death, can prevent death, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sufficiently support a man in death. Faith in Gods power of raising the dead, will enbolden a man to any thing; witness Martyrs.
• 3. It will be usefull frequently and seriously to meditate on this evidence of Faith; as it is the greatest evidence of Gods power, so of the strength and vigour of mans faith.
• 4. By way of allusion and inference, we may be here stirred up to use all means for quickning the dead in sin, and to use them in Faith: for we have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ground here in this world, to believe the Resurrection from death in sin, than from a natural death. When Dorcas was dead Peter was sent for, Act. 8. 38. So send for Ministers, or at least carry thy Children and other friends un∣to the means of quickning their souls, as the friends of him that had a dead pal∣sey, carried him unto Christ, Mark. 2. 1.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Women wor∣thies.
• * 1.2

  Faith extends to raise the dead.