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 ...

§. 45. Of the need and benefits of Afflictions.

UPon observing the foresaid condition of enduring chastisement, it is added, that God dealeth with them as with Sons.

The a 1.1 verb translated, dealeth with, properly signifieth, to offer to. See chap. 5. v. 1.

Here it hath a reciprocal reference to God himself; as if it had been said, he offe∣reth himself, or he is offered to you as to Sons.

Of Gods respecting Saints as Children, see v. 5. §. 32.

The inference of Gods atherly respect to Sons of men upon their enduring cha∣stisement, gives further proof that afflictions are fruits of Gods fatherly care over his children, as hath been proved v. 5. §. 37.

It is further manifested by the need we have of correction, and by the good which commeth to Saints thereby.* 1.2

• ...

  1. The need ariseth from without us, and from within us.

  Without us, The world, and the things thereof, as plenty, peace, pleasure, pre∣ferment, & such like allurements do ordinarily make men secure, wanton and loose: But afflictions take away the sweet of all those alluring baits, & experimentally dis∣cover

• ...

  the vanity of them. Witnesse the mind of men in pain of body, in sicknesse, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of liberty, and other crosses, Isa. 30. 22.

  Within us are proud thoughts, ambitious imaginatious, covetous desires, noy∣some lusts, and many other abominable corruptions, which as festring matter lie in the soul, eating up the life thereof: But afflictions are as a rasor to l•…•…nch the sores of the soul, and to let out the putrifying infecting matter. They are as purging pils and potions to purge out noysome humors, and in that respect needfull.

• 2. The good that commeth to Saints by afflictions, is an effecting of those ends* 1.3 which their wise Father aimeth at: even such as these.
  • 1. Examination of mens selves, to find out that corruption which is to be purged out, Lam. 3. 40.
  • 2. Humiliation under Gods hand, Iosh. 7. 6, &c.
  • 3. Deprecation, not only of the Judgment, but of the cause thereof, Psal. 32. 5.
  • 4. Conversion unto God, 2 Chron. 33. 12.
  • 5. Circumspection, that they offend not in the like againe, Psal. 119. 67.

Of the good fruits of afflictions, See more v. 5. §. 37.

The principall duty hence arising, is that which the Apostle himself hath noted in the beginning of this verse, that we endure afflictions, See §. 44.

Notes

• a 1.1

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

  The need of afflictions.
• * 1.3

  The benefit of afflictions.