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 ...

§. 56. Of the ground of a strong Faith.

THE reason of Sarahs strong faith is thus expressed, Because she judged him faithfull that had promised.

Of the conjunction translated a 1.1 because, see Chap. 2. v. 14. §. 136. It in general intends the true ground and cause of her faith, which was her per∣swasion of Gods truth and faithfulness in making good his word. Gods promise is in it self a sufficient ground for faith: and it is the more sure ground, because he that maketh it is faithfull. Yet these work not faith but in such as judge him so to be: and this will work an invincible faith.

Of the Greek word translated b 1.2 •…•…udged, see Chap. 13. v. 7. §. 96. The word is oft translated, counted, or accounted, Phil. 3. 7, 8. It implyeth an as∣sent of the mind to the truth of a thing; and here a full assent, without any doubting at all: as it is said of her Husband, He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief▪ &c. being fully perswaded, that what God had promised, he was able also to perform, Rom. 4. 20, 21.

Obj. The Historie maketh mention of her questioning the truth of the pro∣mise,* 1.3 and doubting of the accomplishment thereof, Gen. 18. 12.

Answ. Distinguish times, and her doubting and believing may be reconciled: for when first she heard the message, through weakness she distrusted the event; but the promise being again repeated, and she put in mind of Gods almighty power, she stedfastly believed, Gen. 18. 14. Thus Zacharias at first believed not: but afterwards he was strengthened in faith, Luk. 1. 20.

Herein we have a proof, that weak ones may attain to a stedfast faith. This* 1.4 may be by reason of further means afforded for strengthening faith, and by rea∣son of Gods blessing upon those means.

It is therefore needfull and usefull to continue the use of means for strengthening faith, and increasing other graces. We do not here, while we are in this world, attain to the full measure of faith, or of any other grace: We may not therefore give over the use of means, but continue to use them so long as we live.

Let such as are weak in faith, and subject to doubtings, take notice, that weak ones may be strong in faith, and thereupon use means for strength.

Let Ministers, Parents, and others, that have the charge of any soul under them, when they observe any of their Charge, weak, and wavering, and doubt∣ing, do their best for strengthening and establishing them: and that upon this ground, that weak ones may be made strong.

Two things are joyned together, which added much to the strengthening of her faith. One was the Promiser, the other was his property.

The Promiser is set down with some emphasis, thus, c 1.5 He that had pro∣mised. This is the interpretation of one Greek word, and it pointeth at God himself; who is here thus described, to shew the ground of her faith: which was no vain phantasie of her own brain, but an express promise, and that of God himself. Of the word translated, promised, see Chap. 4. v. 1. §. 6. & Chap. 6. v. 13. §. 94.

The property that is here noted of God, is d 1.6 faithfull. Hereof see Chap. 2. v. 17. §. 177.

This epichite, faithfull, is added, to shew the height of the reason of her be∣•…•…ing so incredible a promise: which was Gods truth and faithfulness in ac∣complishing whatsoever he promiseth, being great or mean, likely or un∣likely.

Of Gods promise the ground of faith, and of Gods faithfulness a strong Pillar to support it, see Chap. 10. v. 23. §. 73.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.2

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

  Who doubt may be assu∣red.
• * 1.4

  Weak faith may be strengthned.
• c 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• d 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉