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 ...

§. 67. Of the meaning of Heb. 12. 13.

Vers. 12.

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.

Vers. 13.

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way: but let it rather be healed.

THe first illative, a 1.1 wherefore, sheweth that this verse hath reference to the for∣mer, as an use to be made thereof, and that by prescribing meanes for the bet∣ter observing the foresaid point of well enduring afflictions.

The means are set down metaphorically.

The Metaphors are two.

One in this phrase, Lift up the hands which hang down.

This is taken from Fencers, or Wrestlers, or Souldiers, or other like Cham∣pions.

The other in this phrase, And the feeble knees. This is taken from runners in a race.

Champions use their hands: runners their leggs, made usefull by the joynts in the knees.

Both these parts in the body are very pertinently produced, because they are of all parts most active, and most usefull for acting, and effecting any thing.

This phrase, b 1.2 which hang down, is the interpretation of one compound Greek word, which signifieth slack, or loose. It is derived from a simple verb, which sig∣nifieth to c 1.3 send, or let go.

The epithite here used, applyed to hands, signifieth dangling hands, d 1.4 hands that have lost their strength. A body that hath lost its ability, agility or vigor, by inordinate pleasures, hard labours, much sicknesse, or old age, is called a spent,* 1.5 or wasted or weak body.

The other epithite applyed to the knees, is also a Greek compound; we translate it, e 1.6 feeble. It is derived from a simple verb that signifieth to f 1.7 loose, Luk. 13. 15. The compound participle here used is oft taken by way of a substantive, and transla∣ted, taken with a Palsey, and the disease it self, namely a g 1.8 Palsey, hath in Greek a derivation from the same root. A Palsey is a resolution of the nerves, sinews, arte∣ries, and other ligaments. By this means a mans knees and other joynts come to be very weak and unfit for their function. Fitly therefore is the word here translated feeble.

Concerning the foresaid dangling hands and feeble knees, the Apostle here exhor∣teeth

h 1.9 to lift them up. The word here used is derived from a noun that signifieth i 1.10 right, and properly signifieth to rectifie, re-edifie, or make up againe that which is decayed, Acts 15. 16. Luk. 13. 13. It is a very fit word to expresse the Apostle•…•… intent about redressing that which is amisse.

The things which are here spoken of the parts of the body, hands and knees, are meant of the Soul, and the faculties thereof. Thus are they used, Iob 4. 3, 4. Isa. 35. 3.

The meaning of the Apostle may more plainly and fully be expressed in this para∣phrase.

Considering that most precious and glorious fruit ariseth out of the affliction•…•… whereunto Gods Children in this world are subject, be not dejected in your mind•…•…, nor faint in your spirits by reason thereof: but as Champions use their armes and hands with their best ability; and runners in a race use their knees and legs with their best agility; and in case their hands or knees begin to faile, they will with their utmost endeavour raise them up againe: So do ye, in your Souls be couragi∣ous; and in case your spirits begin to faile, quicken them up againe, and endeavour to renew your spirituall strength and courage.

Quest. How can such as have hands hanging down, and feeble knees, lift them up▪ Such hands and knees import weaknesse, but lifting up, strength.

Answ.

• ...

  1. Christians in their greatest weaknesse have some strength•…•… for weak grace presupposeth some grace, and some spirituall life: Where there is life, there is some ability to move, to stir, to do this or that.

  Herein lyeth the difference betwixt those that are spiritually dead, and weak. The dead can do nothing at all. The weak may do somewhat.

• 2. There are degrees of strength: Some strength is in so small a degree, as it may be rather counted weakness then strength. Thus much is hi•…•…ed in this phrase, I beleeve, help my unbeleef, Mark. 9. 24. If lifting up be taken for an act of strength in the highest degree, weaknesse cannot lift up: but in some low degree it may. A sick man may go, though not so strongly as an healthy man.
• 3. God is so gracious in accepting the truth of mans endeavour, as if he offers to lift up his hand and knees, he will accept thereof; yea he will thereupon give strength, and enable them indeed to lift up.

Notes

• a 1.1

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• c 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• d 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.5

  Corpus lan. guidum, con∣fectum.
• e 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• f 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sol. vo.
• g 1.8

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• h 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• i 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.