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 ...

§. 8. Of a Christians course resembled to a race.

THe main duty which the Apostle intendeth, by setting before us the example of such as well finished their course, is in these words, Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

He doth here set out a Christians course of life by a race: and answerably the* 1.1 manner of carrying themselves, to their behaviour, who in running a race look to get the prize. For they will make all the speed they can, with as much patience as they may, till they come to the end of that race which they are appointed to run, and where the prize is to be had.

In setting out the poynt, he appropriateth not the duty to himself, saying, I will* 1.2 run; Nor putteth it off to others, thus, do ye run: but by a word of the first person and plurall number, includes others with himself; and incites both others and himself, by this phrase, Let us run. Hereof See Chap. 2. v. 1. §. 4.

In the foresaid exhortation every word hath an emphasis: and are all pertinent to the Metaphor of a race, whereunto he doth resemble a Christians course: which is some what more fully set out, 1 Cor. 9. 24.

Particulars wherein they may be resembled, are these.* 1.3

• 1. There is a distance betwixt the goale where they begin, and the goale where t ey end. On earth we begin our race, at death it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Heaven is the prize. We may not think to be in heaven so soon as we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into this race.
• 2. There is a prize at the end of the race, 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8.
• 3. An endeavour must be used to attain the prize, Luk. 13. 24.
• 4. There are many runners, Luk. 13. 24.
• 5. All that run do not obtaine the prize.
• 6. Runners fit themselves to the race; so do true Christians, 1 Cor. 9. 24.
• 7. There are like duties to be observed by Christians, which runners in a race observe, 2 Tim. 2. 5.

God hath thus ordered our Christian course.

• ...

  1. To give proof of those graces which he conferreth upon children of men.

  As of Faith, Hope, Obedience, Patience, Courage, and other like. Our Faith in God, our Hope of Heaven, our Obedience to Gods word, our Subjection to his will, our Patience in holding out, our Courage against opposition, are here∣by manifested, proved and exercised.

• 2. To wean us from this world, Had we not a race to run, and a prize set before us, we should be like Peter, and think it is good to be here still, Matth. 17. 4.
• 3. To make us long for Heaven, and to make death the more wellcome.

In these and other like respects, our Christian course is also resembled to a jour∣•…•…, to a pilgrimage, to a battaile, to a labour, and to other like things. Answe∣•…•…, Christians▪ are stiled travailers, pilgrims, souldiers, labourers.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Our life as a race.
• * 1.2

  He inciteth himself and others.
• * 1.3

  Wherein our life a race.