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 ...

§. 37. Of Saints afflictions being chastisements.

THe word whereby the afflictions of Saints are here set down, is stiled, a 1.1 cha∣stening▪ and according to the notation thereof, signifieth such correction as a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 giveth to his child, and that for his amendment, Rev. 3. 19. Psal. 89. 30, 31. 2 Sam. 7. 14.

That they are such, is evident by the ends which God aimeth at therein.

One general end is their good, Prov. 8. 28. Therefore some of them have ac∣knowledged it to be good for them, Psal. 119. 71. Lam. 3. 27.

Particular grounds have reference either to this life, or the life to come.

In this life the grounds are either privitive, or positive.

Privitive in regard of sin: and that

• 1. To prevent sin, 2 Cor. 12. 7.
• 2. To redresse it, Psal. 119. 69.

The positive grounds have respect to grace: namely to prove it, 1 P•…•…t. 1. 7. or to exercise it, Iob. 1. 12.

The good of afflictions hath respect to the world to come two wayes.

• 1. To prevent damnation, 1 Cor. 11. 31.
• 2. To increase heavenly glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17.

This maketh an apparent difference betwixt the afflictions of Saints and others.* 1.2 They may be all in their externall appearance alike: for all things fall out alike to all, Eccles. 9. 2. but yet there is a great difference betwixt the afflictions of the one, and the other, as,

• 1. In the moving cause. Love putteth God on to chastise his children, v. 6. But wrath puts him on to judge the wicked, Deut. 29. 23, &c.

Object. God was angry and wrath with Moses, Deut. 1. 37. and 3. 26.

Answ. That anger and wrath was not vindictive, but Paternal.

The words, Anger and wrath, are used

• 1. To give evidence that God neither approveth, nor justifieth sin in any, not in his beloved ones, 2 Sam. 12. 14.
• 2. To prevent the like for the future.
• 3. To be a warning to others, 1 King. 13. 23.
• 4. To revenge others sins in the chastisements of his children, 2 King. 22. 20.

• 2. In the ends, whereof we heard before. For God aimeth not at those ends in judging the wicked, at which he aimeth in chastising his children.
• 3. In the effects. For,
  • 1. Saints by afflictions have some sins prevented, and some redressed, Luk. 15. 17. But others have thereby sins occasioned, Exod. 16. 2. and increased, 2 King. 28. 22.
  • 2. Afflictions draw Saints to God, Hos. 5. 15. but they drive others from God, 2 King. 6. 33.
  • 3. Saints by afflictions are the more humbled under God: and brought to acknowledge his divine justice, yea and mercy, Dan. 9. 7. Lam. 3. 22. Others have their mouthes opened against God, Rev. 16. 9.

This is a farther invitation patiently to bear the afflictions which God is pleased

to lay upon us, even because they are chastisements: they are for our instruction. Though they be grievous to the flesh, yet they are needfull and useful to the Soul.

On these grounds we willingly take bitter pils, and fulsome potions, and patiently endure corrosives, lanchings, seerings, & cutting off of members. Let judgement and faith help us in Gods dealing with us. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee, Prov. 9. 8. Hear yee the rod, and who hath appointed it, Mic. 6. 9.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The ends why God afflicteth his children.
• * 1.2

  Difference be∣twixt the afflictions of Saints and others.