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 ...

§. 58. Of afflictions working Gods holinesse.

MEntion is here in special made of Gods holinesse, to give proof of the profit of correction•…•…. They work in men that admirable gift of Gods holinesse. Thus much an Apostle intendeth under this phrase, that the trial of your faith might be found 〈◊〉〈◊〉 praise, and honour, and glory, 1 Pet. 1. 7. On this ground another Apostle ex∣horteth Christians to count it all joy when they fall into divers temptations, Iam. 1. 2. Manasse (2 Chro. 33. 12.) and the prodigal, are special instances hereof.

• 1. Afflictions bring men to sight of sin, to sorrow for the same, to an humble con∣fession thereof, and to earnest deprecation from the guilt and punishment of sin. Thus they come to obtain some sweet evidence of the remission of their sins, and ju∣stification of their persons, Psal, 32▪ 4, 5.
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• 2. Afflictions are grievous to the •…•…lesh, and thereupon put on men to seek some ease and refreshing in spirit, which can be no other way, then by partaking of Gods holinesse.
• 3. Afflictions are an especiall means to wean men from the vanities of this world, and to subdue the unruly lusts of the flesh, whereby the first part of sanctification, which is mortification, is wrought in them, Hos. 5. 14, 15.
• 4. Afflictions make men enquire after God, and learn what may be pleasing unto him. Upon this enquiry duly made, it will be found that nothing is more pleasing to God then holinesse, Hos. 6. 1.

Adde this motive to sundry others that have been noted before, and it cannot but bring us to endure what it shall please the Lord to lay upon us.

This is an especial means of trial, whether afflictions have had a kindly work on us or no: If they have, we have thereby been made partakers of the holinesse of God.