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 ...

§. 106. Of the things wherein Saints are not to be imitated.

THis object of the forenamed duty, faith, (whose faith follow) is a limitation of that duty of imitation, and it sheweth that the doctrine and practice of other men, though pious, is no absolute and infallible rule. The particulars that are mentioned, or otherwise intended, do shew wherein such and such are to be imi∣tated: as the Prophets in suffering affliction; Iob in patience, Iam. 5. 9, 10. So others in other like things. The best Saints were men, and had the flesh in them as well as the Spirit, and many fruits of the flesh were manifest in them as well as of the Spirit.

That this point may be the more distinctly understood, I will endeavour to clear these two points.

• 1. Wherein they were not to be imitated.
• 2. Wherein they might and must 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

1. Concerning the negative, there are three things wherein they are not to be imitated.

• 1. Extraordinary matters: These were for particular persons, not for all.
• 2. Temporary matters: These were for speciall times, not for all times.
• 3. Sinfull matters: These were for no persons, for no times.
  • 1. It was the motion of an extraordinary spirit that moved Elijah to call for fire from heaven to consume two Captains and their fifties, 2 King. 1. 9, 10, &c. Therefore when Christs disciples alleadged this example for them to do the like,

• ...
  • Christ rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
  • 2. Ioshuas worshipping God on Mount Gerizin and Mount Eber was but temporary. It was therefore unwarrantably brought unto a perpetuall custom by the Samaritans, Joh. 4. 20, 21, 22.
  • 3. It was a sinfull practice of the Jews to put away their wives for every cause. Christ therefore condemneth their successors for imitating them therein, Matth. 19. 3, &c.

If it be demanded why those things were then registred: I answer, That though they were not all written for our imitation; yet all for our instruction and learn∣ing, Rom. 15. 4.

Particular instructions which we may gather from them, are such as these.

• 1. By extraordinary acts the doctrine which they delivered is confirmed.
• 2. By temporary acts the manifold wisdom of God is manifested, (Eph. 3. 10.) and Saints submission unto God answerably ordered.
• 3. By sinnefull acts the weakness of Saints is evidenced; and Gods good∣ness and patience toward them. Admirable comfort may be received from thence.

Quest. If patterns of Saints be not rules in all things, how are doctrines raised from thence?

Answ. Doctrines are not raised simply from the practice of Saints, but from the conformity thereof to those precepts which are an infallible rule for all: and from Gods approbation of them.

The limitation of Saints practice doth demonstrate the preposterous apology of Enthusiasts, who take their warrant from such as were extraordinarily inspi∣red: And of superstitious persons, who plead the practice of the Apostles about Jewish Rites which were in the time of their honourable buriall, Acts 21. 24. And of impudent sinners, who produce the sinnefull acts of Saints for justifying themselves in their sinnes. There is scarce a sinne which might not this way be justified. But I advise such to consider the evidences of Gods displeasure against such sinne; and the deep humiliation and through repentance of Saints for the same.