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 ...

§. 60. Afflictions are grievous.

THat which the Apostle here granteth concerning the grievousnesse of afflicti∣on, giveth us to understand, that God well understandeth Mans condition: he understandeth the nature of afflictions, the weight and smart of them: He un∣derstandeth

Mans sensiblenesse of them, and weaknesse in enduring them. God him∣self witnesseth as much concerning the afflictions of the Children of Israel in Egypt: 〈◊〉〈◊〉, I know their sorrow, Exod. 3. 7. He knoweth our frame, Psal. 103. 14. Thou hast 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my trouble, thou hast known my soul in adversity, saith David to God, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 31. 7:

• 1. It is God himself that afflicteth: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he must needs understand the hea∣•…•… and sharpnesse thereof.
• 2. God knoweth a man within and without, Chap. 4. v. 13. §. A skilfull Physician seeing a body anatomized, soon discerneth the diseases and anguishes thereof.

This is a great comfort to us in our greatest distresses. For we cannot but know, that if God understand our grievous condition, he will answerably support us and help u•…•….

This God will the rather do, by reason of the matter here granted, that afflicti∣•…•… are not joyous. For where affliction is, joy is said to be darkned, Isa. 24. 11. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 5. 15. Experience giveth sufficient proof hereof.

Obj. We are commanded to rejoyce in afflictions, Matth. 5. 12. Iam. 1. 2.

Answ. Not simply for the affliction: but for the cause and effect thereof. Of these see verse 5. §. That heavinesse in the affliction, and joy in the cause and effect may stand together, it is evident, 1 Pet. 1. 6.

This gives proof of the inhumane, and more then barbarous cruelty of them, who from the patience and constancy, and from the comfort and alacrity of Mar∣•…•…, infer that their sufferings are a pleasure and delight unto them: and there∣upon seek to lay the more load upon them.

Too neer to this barbarousnesse do they come, who in the sore trials of Saints •…•…antingly say, now be merry, now sing; like the cursed Chaldeans, Psal. 137. 3.

This gives instance of the unconceivable work of the Spirit, who can raise joy out of that which is not joyous. Surely this is no lesse admirable then Gods first work, Gen. 1. 2, 3.

The Apostle contents not himself with the negative, that afflictions are not joy∣out,* 1.1 but addes as a granted case, that they are grievous. So doth another Apostle, 1 Pet. 1. 5.

The grievous complaints, not only of weak men, women, and children, but also of the stoutest hearts, and men of greatest courage, give sufficient proof hereof.

They are contrary to flesh and blood, whereof all consist: they presse, they pinch it, and in that respect are grievous.

Consider the particulars, and this generall will the more evidently appear. Per∣secutions by imprisonment, banishment, sword, fire, sundry tortures, are they not grievous? so sundry diseases, as Stone, Gout, Strangury, &c. so reproach, losse of goods, oppressions, &c.

O Pitty and bear with them that are afflicted: succour and support them in what you can. Their condition being grievous, it needs and requires compassion, help, and succour. Herein shew your selves like unto God. See the Saints sacrifice, on Psal. 116. 5. §. 29.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Afflictions are grievous.