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 ...

§. 1. Of the resolution of HEB. Chap. XII.

THere being two maine ends of the Apostles setting out Christ in his excellency, namely perseverance in the Faith, and worthy walking thereof, in this Chapter he finisheth the former, and setteth upon the later; of these two ends, See Chap. 1. v. 1. §. 10. in the end.

To enforce the former of perseverance, he produceth many Motives 〈◊〉〈◊〉 encourage them against the many trialls whereunto they had been brought, and •…•…ight further be brought for their profession sake. Then he raiseth an exhorta∣•…•… unto courage▪ v. 12, 13.

The Apostles motives are these,

• 1. The pattern of former Believers, to whom he hath reference v. 1.
• 2. The example of Christ. Concerning whom,
  • 1. He distinctly setteth out his sufferings. v. 2.
  • 2. He calleth Christians to a review or to a more serious consideration of him, v. 3.
  • 3. He removeth an objection, which might be this▪

Object. we have already suffered much.

Ans. Yet there remaineth more in that ye have not resisted unto blood, v. 4.

• 3. The Author of Christians sufferings this is
  • 1. Propounded v. 5. It is the chastening of the Lord.
  • 2. Amplified in the six verses following.

In the amplification is declared,

• 1. The motive that puts on God to correct, Lave, v. 6.
• 2. The evidence that he so doth, About this he
  • 1. Propoundeth the evidence it self, v. 6.
  • 2. He maketh an inference thereupon, v. 9.

The evidence is propounded two ways,

• 1. Affirmatively, under a paternal affection, by the mention of Son, v. 5, 6, 7.
• 2. Negatively, by denying them to be Sons, if they be without correction. v. 8.

The inference is, that we patiently submit our selves,

This is set down comparatively. The Comparison is, betwixt une∣qualls: which are the Father of Spirits, and Fathers of our flesh. v. 9. So as the Argument is from the less to the greater; In it.

• 1. There is one thing taken for granted, that children are sub∣ject to the correction of the Fathers of their flesh.
• 2. Another thing is inferred thereupon.

The inference is set down,

• 1. With an interrogation, thus, Shall we not? &c.
• 2. It is confirmed two wayes.
  • 1. By the different ends that the Father of Spirits, and Fathers of the flesh aime at, in correcting their chil∣dren. v. 9.
  • 2. By remooving an objection. The objection is this. Afflictions are grievous.

This is answered, by making known the effect that followes from thence; which is the peaceable fruits of righteousnes, v. 11.

The exhortation raised as a Conclusion from the former motives, importeth two duties.

One to redress what hath been amiss v. •…•…2. The other to endeavour after a bet∣ter progress; v. 13.

Hitherto of the main duty of Professors of the true faith. Hereunto are added other duties, which much gr•…•…ce a Christian profession.

The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 duties mentioned by the Apostle are these,

• 1. Peace with men.
• 2. Holiness towards God. This is pressed by the benefit thence arising, im∣plied under a negative: without it no man shall see the Lord: but with it they may. v. 14.
• 3. Circumspection against Apostacy, v. 15.
• 4. Avoyding such sins as disgrace a Professor. Hereof 2. sorts are mentioned.
  • 1. Uncleaness. Under this particular, Fornicator.
  • 2. Prophaness. This latter is exemplified in Esau, concerning whom, two points are noted.
    • 1. His sins. He sold his birth-right, v. 16.
    • 2. The punishment. He was rejected.

To inforce the foresaid, and other Gospel-duties, the Apostle falleth into a digressi∣on about the excellency of the Gospel above the Law. Therein he declareth •…•…. points.

• 1. The kind of excellency, v. 18. &c.
• 2. The use to be made thereof. v. 25. &c.

The kind of excellency is set down comparatively. The comparison is betwixt the Law and the Gospell. It consisteth of two parts.

• 1. The terrour of the Law.
• 2. The sweetness of the Gospel.

The terrour of the Law is manifested, by ten signes.

• 1. A Mount that could not be touched.
• 2. A burning fire.
• 3. Blacknes.
• 4. Darknes.
• 5. Tempest. v. 18.
• 6. The sound of a Trumpet.
• 7. The voyce of words, which the people could not endure, v. 19.
• 8. Beast not daring to touch the Mountain.
• 9. Striking such through, as should touch it, v. 20.
• 10. Moses fear, v. 21.

The sweetness of the Gospel is set forth by the Society whereunto it bringeth us. Hereof are eleven particular instances,

• 1. Mount Sion.
• 2. The City of the living God.
• 3. The heavenly Ierusalem.
• 4. An innumerable company of Angells, v. 22.
• 5. The general Assembly.
• 6. The Church of the first-borne.
• 7. They who are written in Heaven.
• 8. God the Iudge of all.
• 9. Spirits of just men, v. 23.
• 10. Iesus the Mediator of the new Covenant.
• 11. The blood of sprinkling, &c.

The use of the foresaid difference is twofold.

One is set down negatively, and it is,

• 1. Generally propounded; See that ye refuse not, &c.
• 2. Inforced by the damage, which will follow upon neglect thereof.

The damage is set down comparatively, and that by an argument from the less. Hereof are two parts.

• 1. Gods Judgement on despisers of the Law.
• 2. His Judgement on despisers of the Gospel. v. 15.

Both these are Amplified by the different manner of delivering the one and the other. The earth was shaken at delivering the Law. Earth and Heaven at delive∣ring the Gospel. The point is propounded v. 26. and expounded v. 27.

The other use is set down affirmatively. Wherein we have,

• 1. The ground of the duty. A Kingdom which cannot be mooved.
• 2. The kind of duty. To serve God acceptably. v. 28.
• 3. The motive to inforce it. God is a consuming fir•…•…. v. 29.