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§. 4. Of removing impediments.
UPon the forementioned number of witnesses, the Apostle inferreth a duty on us Christians about running our race: for the better effecting whereof, he premi∣•…•… certain means to help us in our Christian race: which are in generall the re∣•…•… of such things, as might hinder us in our Christian course. This in gene∣rll is implyed under this word, lay aside. In the Greek it is set down with a parti∣•…•…, thus, a 1.1 laying aside, implying thereby a necessity of using this course: in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we cannot well run our race, except we lay aside such things as will otherwise under us in onr Christian course. This phrase lay aside, is the interpretation of one Greek compound word, which properly signifieth to put from one. It is used of those, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 put off their clothes, and lay them down, Act. 7. 58. but most frequently it is •…•…aphorically applied to the putting off, and casting away of the old man, and the severall corrupt lusts thereof. Thus I find it five times used, besides this place, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 4. 22, 25. Col. 3. 8. Iam. 1. 21. 1 Pet. 2. 1.
That which is here intended under this removall of impediments, is the constant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Prophets, Isa. 1. 16. Ier. 4. 4. of Christ himself, Matth. 5. 29, 30. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Apostles, 2 Cor. 7. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 1.
All skilfull Artists take this course, for the better effecting of that good which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 intend. Physicians use to give preparatives; Chirurgions will first draw out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ses•…•…ring matter from a wound; husbandmen will root out Briars, Thorns, Broom, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such like hindrances of good seed.
Else all labour is lost. Thus much Christ implieth by his double repetition of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 phrase, It is profitable for thee, that one of thy members should perish, and not thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 body should be cast into hell, Matth. 5. 29, 30.
- 1. This manifesteth a reason, that men do make no better progresse in their Christian course. Impediments are not removed.
- 2. This teacheth us diligently to search, and wisely to observe what stumbling blocks lie in our way; that they prove not like the wounded body of Amasa in the midst of the high way, which made all the people stand still, till he was removed, •…•… S•…•…m. 20. 12.
When impediments are found out, they must be utterly abandoned: they must (according to the notation of the Greek word) be b 1.2 put from us; for it is com∣pounded of a verb that signifieth c 1.3 to put, and a preposition that signifieth d 1.4 from. As this word is applied to the old man, and the severall lusts thereof, it signifieth •…•…orow casting them off. Christ sets this forth under these phrases of plucking out, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 off, and casting from one.
It is an egregious point of folly, to dally with temptations; such are like the fly that is soon burnt with the Candle.