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 ...

§. 29. Of Observations raised from Heb. 12. 1, 2, 3, 4.

Vers. 1. I. EXamples of Saints before us are to be followed. The inference of this verse upon the former chapter, implied in this word, where∣•…•…, intendeth as much. See §. 2.

II. Former examples of Iewes are registred for us Christians. Thus much is im∣plied in this phrase, we also. See §. 2.

III. Suffering Saints are Gods witnesses. They are here so expresly called. See §. 2.

IV. God hath a multitude of witnesses. This metaphor, a cloud, and these two epi∣thites, compassing, and so great, do fully demonstrate this poynt. See §. 3.

V. Impediments must be removed. This is the first kind of helps here prescribed. See §. 4.

VI. Impediments must be clean abandoned. This word, lay aside, intendeth as much. See §. 4.

VII. Things burthensome hinder Christians in their race. This is implied under this word, weight. See §. 5.

VIII. Every burthen is to be laid aside. The universal note, every, is here expres∣ly set down. See §. 5.

IX. Original corruption is properly a sin. That is the sin which is here intended. See §. 6.

X. Original corruption is ready to stir us up to actual sins. This is the meaning of this phrase, doth so easily beset us. See §. 6.

XI. Inward and inbred corruption is to be s•…•…bdued. The sin here spoken of must be laid aside. See §. 7.

XII. General directions are to be applied to our selves. The manner of expressing the duty in the first person, us, declares as much. See §. 8.

XIII. Christians must draw on others to the duties which they perform themselves. The manner of expressing the duty in the plural number, which hath reference to others, proves this point. See §. 8.

XIV. A Christians course is a race. The metaphor of running a race here used, proveth as much. See §. 8.

XV. Diligence is requisite for the finishing of our Christian course. This metaphor, run, intendeth as much. See §. 9.

XVI. Patience must be added to diligence. Thus much is plainly expressed. See §. 9.

XVII. Perseverance is requisite for finishing our Christian course. This phrase, run the race, implieth perseverance till we come to the end of our race. See §. 9.

XVIII. Prudence is requisite for well ordering our Christian course. It is an especi∣all point of prudence, to observe what is set before, that is, what is warranted in Gods word. See §. 9.

XIX. That is most warrantable which is prescribed to us in particular. This is that which is set before us. See §. 9.

Vers. 2. XX. Ability to run our Christian race, is from Iesus. For this end is he here brought in, and described unto us. See §. 12.

XXI. An especiall means of receiving grace from Christ, is to know, and believe •…•…n him. This is intended under this word, looking unto. See §. 12.

XXII. Iesus first worketh faith in us. In this respect, he is the author of our faith. See §. 13.

XXIII: Iesus perfecteth the good work of faith which he hath begun. In this re∣spect he is stiled the finisher of our faith. See §. 14.

XXIV. Christ is a pattern to Christians. For this end that which he did, and endured, is set before us. See §. 15.

XXV. Christ had joy set before him. This is here expressed. See §. 15.

XXVI. By the joy that was set before Christ, he was encouraged to endure what •…•…e did. This preposition, For, intendeth so much. See §. 15, 16.

XXVII. Christ had his Crosse. This is implied under this word, Crosse. See §. 17.

XXVIII. Christ endured his Crosse to the full. The word, endured, intends as much. See §. 18.

XXIX. Christ was put to shame. This is here taken for granted. See §. 19, 20.

XXX. Christ despised the shame that was laid upon him. This is here plainly expres∣sed. See §. 21.

XXXI. After Christs sufferings followed glory. This copulative AND implieth as much. See §. 22.

XXXII. Christs glory is an established glory. Therefore it is here said, he is sat down. See §. 22.

XXXIII. Christs glory is an eminent glory. It is at the right hand of God: above all creatures next to God himself. See §. 22.

XXXIV. Christs glory is a royall dignity. He sits on a throne: even the throne of God. See §. 22.

Vers. 3. XXXV. Matters of weight are to •…•…e well weighed. The word consider imports as much. See §. 23.

XXXVI. Christs deeds and sufferings are especially to be weighed. This is ga∣thered from this relative, him. See §. 23.

XXXVII. Professors of the truth must look for contradictions. As the head was dealt withall, so shall his members. See §. 24.

XXXVIII. The vilest of men are subject to contradict the best. Sinners contra∣dicted Christ. See §. 24.

XXXIX. Christ was so contradicted as never any more. This particle of admira∣tion, such, intendeth as much. See §. 24.

XL. Christ himself was not spared. There were contradictions, not only against hi•…•… Disciples, but also against himself. See §. 24.

XLI. Christ endured the contradictions that were against himself. Thus much is plainly expressed. See §. 24.

XLII. Dangers are to be prevented. This particle, lest, intends as much. See §. 25.

XLIII. Contradictions may make Christians weary of their good courses. This in∣ference, lest you be wearied, imports as much. See §. 25.

XLIV. Wearinesse of good ariseth from mens own inward remisnesse. This clause,

〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…aint in your minds, intends as much. See §. 25.

XLV. A due consideration of Christs enduring will move us to endure. This I gather 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the inference of this verse upon the former, by this causal particle, For. See 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 23.

XLVI. Professors may be brought to seal their profession with their blood. This is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taken for granted. See §. 26.

XLVII. Christians must stand to their cause so long as they have any blood in them. This phrase, ye have not yet resisted unto blood, implieth as much. See §. 26.

XLVIII. Sin is the only true cause of Saints sufferings. They must strive against 〈◊〉〈◊〉. See §. 27.