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 ...

§. 267. Of the worlds vile esteem of Saints.

THE other thing implied is the worlds esteem of Saints: and that is a base and vile esteem as if they were not to be regarded. For the aforesaid in∣stances that they wandered in Sheeps skins, &c. doth manifest a vile esteem of them. They neglected, they rejected, they ill entreated them. Is•…•…mael had a mean esteem of Isaac, manifested by mocking him, Gen. 21. 9. So had Saul of David 1 Sam. 22. 11▪ and Michal his daughter, 2 Sam. 6. 16. David's o•…•…t complaints hereof, Psal. 119. 51. and 79. 4. So Iob, Iob 30. 1. &c. The Pro∣phets observe this to be the common conceit of the world. Isa. 62. 4. Ier. 30. 17. So doth an Apostle, 1 Cor. 4. 13. Wofull experience giveth too evident proof of the truth hereof even in these our dayes.

This is so by reason of many corruptions in the world, As

• 1. Ignorance▪ both of the true worth of Saints, and also of Gods high ac∣count* 1.1 of them. The world is blinde in spiritual matters, 1 Cor. 2. 14. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• ...

• 2. Unbelief: The world will give credit to nothing revealed out of Gods word, Isa. 53. 1.
• 3. False principles: As false rules of judging, which are outward shew, sence, and worldly glorie. The world sets too high a price on external and earthly things.
• 4. Malice: This adds much to their blindnesse: yea, it casts dust upon the eye of their reason.

It becomes us to take heed of being beguiled vvith the vvorlds esteem and ac∣count of men. Yea, and to take heed that vve be not over credulous in belie∣ving the reports that the vvorld giveth, and rumours that it spreadeth abroad of Saints. What vile reports did they give of John the Baptist, and of Christ him∣sel•…•…, Mat. 11. 12, 19. The like might be exemplified in every age of the vvorld.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Why Saints vilely esteem∣ed.