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 ...

§. 67. Of Believers confessing their mean estate.

THE Patriarchs well knew what their present condition was, as is implyed under this word a 1.1 confessed. Of the composition and meaning of the Greek word, see Chap. 3. v. 1. §. 27. and Chap. 13. v. 15. §. 144. It here implyeth a free and open profession of that condition wherein they were, and giveth evidence that Believers are not ashamed of that condition wherein they are, though it be a mean and despicable condition.

This may be exemplified in Abraham professing his present estate, yea and Iacob too, Gen. 23. 4. & 47. 9. Oft doth the Apostle thus make profession of his Imprisonment, and of his Chain, and Bonds, Eph. 3. 1. & 4. 1. & 6. 20.

Faith pierceth thorow the thick Clouds of all meaness in this world, and be∣holdeth that glory which is prepared for Believers; and in that respect makes the Believer not ashamed of a present mean condition, but ready on all occa∣sions to make profession thereof.

Were we thorowly acquainted with the invisible, spiritual, and celestial pre∣rogatives that belong to Believers, and did we believe them, we should not be ashamed of any mean condition in this world, but, as occasion requireth, be ready to make profession thereof.

Notes

• a 1.1

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