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 ...

§. 100. Of imitating our Guides.

THe duty which is required of people in reference to the foresaid faith of their Guides, is expressed in this word Follow.

The * 1.1 Greek word translated follow, implieth an endeavour to be like those whom they set before them. Our English hath borrowed a word from the b 1.2 Latine

which carrieth some emphasis, namely to imitate. There is c 1.3 a Noun derived from the Greek word, which we translate follower, frequently used in the New Testa∣ment, as 1 Cor. 4. 16. Heb. 11. 1. and in other places.

That Noun is by other Authors used to set out d 1.4 a stage-player, who endeavoureth to be as like him, whose part he acteth, as possibly he can be. There is also ano∣ther e 1.5 Noun derived from the same Verb which is more usually appropriated to a stage-player. There is also another f 1.6 Noun which is used to set out an Ape, Now of all creatures an Ape is most given to imitate men.

I have noted these things about this word, to shew how fitly it is used by the Apostle, implying, that people ought in matters of faith, to endeavour to be as like to their prudent and godly Guides, as they can be.

This is it which the Apostle requires of some, 1 Cor. 4. 16. & 11. 1.

This is it for which he commends others, 1 Thess. 1. 6. & 2. 14.

This is the best use that we can make of such as God hath made Guides un∣to us.

This is here in particular to be applied to such Guides as God in speciall hath set over us. Our English therefore thus translates it, which have the rule over you: but in Greek, your Guides. Hereof see §. 96. in the end thereof.* 1.7

Of imitating Christ, See vers. 13. §. 132.

Of imitating God, See Chap. 4. vers. 11. §. 62.

Notes

• * 1.1

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

  Imitari:
• c 1.3

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Plut. Symp. 8.
• e 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, mimus.
• f 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, simia.
• * 1.7

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