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 ...

§. 85. Of keeping down corruption.

THis phrase, a 1.1 springing up, added to the foresaid root of corruption, sheweth, that that root is to be kept down, and in the very beginning to be suppressed. Herein the Apostle alluded to a skilfull and carefull Gardner: who will weed up all noysome weeds, so soon as they begin to spring and peepe above ground. So did David, 1 Sam. 24. 6. 2 Sam. 24. 10. and Peter, Matth. 26. 75.

This is to be done

• 1. In regard of the nature of it, which is growing and encreasing. Like an ill weed that groweth apace: and the longer it groweth, the stronger it groweth; and the stronger it groweth, it is the more hardly rooted out. It is said of the Crocodile, that no creature growes from so small a beginning to so great a magnitude as it doth: and that no creature is so dangerous to man, as it is. Corruptions in the soul are like noysome humors in the body, which suffered to abide, prove incurable. Experience gives sufficient evidence hereof, Ier. 13. 23. In relation to the metaphor, note Prov. 24. 30, 31.
• 2. Corruption is speedily to be rooted out, in regard of the effects: For it is •…•…trary to Gods purity, it offendeth his majesty, and incenseth his wrath, which

• is as a fire. See more hereof in The plaist•…•…r for the Plague, on Num. 16. 46. §. 32.
  • 1. This sheweth an especiall reason of that abundance of corruption which every where aboundeth. Breeding corruptions are suffered to spring and grow up, to get head, and so to soake out the life of grace.
  • 2. This discovereth the folly of putting off, and deferring repentance. See The whole Armour of God, on Eph. 6. 14. Treat. 2. Part. 4. §. 12.
  • 3. To observe the main direction here given for diligent circumspection against corruption. For this end observe these rules.
    • 1. The first peeping of corruption, which is in the heart and affections. Here∣in every one hath a great advantage over himself, because he knoweth the things within himself, 1 Cor. 2. 11. This we cannot know of others.
    • 2. Do what thou canst to pluck it up by the roots; other waies, it may sprout up again.
    • 3. So soon as the blade of corruption is seen to grow up in others, suffer it no longer to grow in them, Lev. 19. 17.

Notes

• a 1.1

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