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 ...

§. 27. Of striving against sin.

TO avoid another extream opposite to security, which is an unnecessary casting ones self into danger, the Apostle adds a limitation about Saints sufferings, in this phrase, striving against sin.

The word translated a 1.1 striving, is a compound. It is derived from a root that signifieth, b 1.2 strise; It is the word that was used v. 1. §. 8.

The c 1.3 preposition with which it is compounded, signifieth against. It is fitly▪ translated, strive against. It is, as the former verb, a souldier-like word, which impli∣eth, an opposing, or fighting, as an enemy, to whom a man will not yeeld.

The opposed enemy is here stiled, d 1.4 Sin.

Some here take sin metonymically for sinners, who commit sin: as Here∣ticks, Idolaters, or other impious persons, that would draw us from the profession of the truth. This is a good sense; but there is no need of using a trope here: for the sufferings of Saints, are for the most part, not against the persons of men, but a∣gainst Vices themselves, as Idolatry, Heresie, Error, or it may be, impious and li∣centious liberty. Sufferings of Saints are, because they will not yeeld to those, and such like sins of their adversaries.

Others apply the sins here meant to Saints own corruptions, which they say, are by afflictions subdued. This also is a truth in it self: but not pertinent to this place.

The sins of the adversaries of professors of the truth are questionlesse here meant, and so they set out the cause of Saints sufferings, which is sin. We must strive against sin, either by fast holding the truth, that, by falling from it, we sin not: or by not yeelding to that which is sin in itself.

Observe the approved and justified sufferings of Saints, in all ages, and you shall* 1.5 find this verified.

Daniel strove against sin, when he would not cease from calling upon his God, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 6. 12. The Apostles strove against sin, when they would not forbear to preach the Gospel, Act. 4. 2, 3, 19. and 5. 29. Believers in the Apostles time strove against sin, •…•…hen they would not renounce their profession of Christ, Act. 9. 2. So the Martyrs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suffered in heathenish Rome, and in Antichristian Rome.

On the other side, Ioseph strove against sin, when he would not yeeld to commit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with his Mistris, Gen. 39. 12. And Daniels three companions, when they would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bow to Nebuchadnezars Image, Dan. 3. 16.

It is the cause, and not the suffering, which makes a Martyr. Therefore to incitati∣•…•…* 1.6 •…•…o suffer, and remunerations of sufferings, the cause useth to be added, expresly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 implicitly.

Great is their folly who run a contrary course; who strive for sin, and suffer in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 striving, as Hereticks, Idolaters, Traitors, Murtherers, Theeves, Adulterers, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such grosse sinners: yea and busie-bodies also, 1 Pet. 4. 15. So did Achan suffer, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 7. And Ahab and Zedekiah, Jer. 29. 21. So Servetus, Legat, Campion, and other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Traitors. They strove to uphold the man of sin, and mischeivous plots a∣•…•… the Land of their Nativity.

It is a speciall point of wisedome, in all our strivings and sufferings, throughly to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the cause thereof. He that shall faile in his cause, his sufferings will be so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from bringing comfort, as, without sound repentance, they will be the begin∣•…•… of Hell torments: and a means of aggravating the same. To suffer for sin, so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suffering draws him not from sin, importeth impudent obstinacy. But if our cause •…•…e good, that we strive against sin, then may we have much comfort in our suffer∣•…•…. Thus striving against sin, let us resist unto blood.

Notes

• a 1.1

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

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• d 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.5

  Sin the cause of Saints suffering.
• * 1.6

  Causa non poe∣na facit marty∣rem.