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 ...

§. 114. Of circumspection against false doctrine.

Verse 9.

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines: For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace, not with meats, which have not pro∣fited them that have been occupied therein.

UPon laying down the only true Foundation of all sound and saving Doctrine,* 1.1 which is Iesus Christ, the Apostle fitly inferreth a disswasion from divers do∣ctrines. Hereby he sheweth that by fixing our mindes on Iesus Christ, and on such things as set him out, we may be brought the better to understand sound and sa∣ving doctrine. Limners by eyeing the person whose picture they draw, draw that picture much more to the life.

It therefore becomes Christians to be well instructed in the Doctrine of Iesus Christ, and in those principles which concern him. They who study the Gospel will thereby be established in that truth which will bring their souls to eternall salvation.

The first word of this Text, as our English hath set it down, translated a 1.2 carried about, is a compound, and fitly, according to the composition, turned, carried about. It is applied to such impotent persons as could not go of themselves, but were by others carried hither and thither for cure, (Mark 6. 55.) and to clouds carried about with windes, (Iude v. 12.) and to other light things which are easily moved and carried up and down, Eph. 4. 14.

It here implieth two things. 1. Levity. 2. Inconstancy.

Levity in the disposition of men: in that they are easie to be seduced and drawn* 1.3 aside: like those whom the Apostle cals children, (Eph. 4. 14.) and silly women, 2 Tim. 3. 6, 7.

Inconstancy in their entertaining one opinion after another.

That this is mans naturall disposition, is evident by the Apostles manner of ex∣pressing this disswasion, Be no more children tossed to and fro, (Eph. 4. 14.) In that he would have them to be so no more, he implieth that formerly they had been such, and might also again be such. Wofull experience of all ages hath given too great evidence hereof. Upon Moses his absence from the Israelites about fourty daies, they turned to Idolatry, Exod. 32. 1, &c. so soon as Iehojada was dead, King and people revolted from the Lord, 2 Chron. 24. 17, &c. Many of those Jews which in congratulation of Christ, cryed Hosanna, as he was coming to Ierusalem, (Mat. 21. 15.) within few daies after cryed out against Christ, Crucifie him, Mark 15. 13.

This levity and inconstancy in people gave occasion to S^t Paul thus to complain, I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you, &c. Gal. 1. 6. and thus, O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth? &c. Are you so foolish? Having begun in the spirit, are you now made perfect by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉? Gal. 3. 1, 9. Scarce was there any false doctrine broached, but it found many enter∣tainers thereof. It is said, That many shall follow the pernicious wayes of false prophets, 2 Pet. 2. 2.

There is in this respect great need of much circumspection, that we be not seduced: and of labouring to be established in the Doctrine of Christ, whereof see more §. 118.

That with which men are ordinarily seduced is here styled b 1.4 Doctrines. This is the same word that is used Chap. 6. vers. 2. §. 11. but in a farre different sense:

• 1. There it is used in the singular number: and implieth the Harmony and A∣greement of all sound principles, making up one form of Doctrine: but here the plural number is used, which implieth a variousness and disagreement in false Do∣ctrines; as the word divers in this verse implieth.
• 2. There it is taken for the Doctrine of Christ, the Doctrine of Truth and Sal∣vation: here for the Doctrines which vain men teach; doctrines of falshood and perdition.* 1.5

Seducers have their doctrines (as well as faithfull Ministers) which they teach, and wherein they instruct their Di•…•…ciples. The Pharisees and Sadduces had their doctrins, Mat. 16. 12. Mention is also made of the Doctrine of Balaam▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans, Rev. 2. 14, 15.

There is in seducers a diabolical spirit, that makes them restless, they think it no∣thing for themselves to run in the broad-way that leadeth to destruction, unless they draw others with them thereunto.

The Scribes and Pharisees would compasse Sea and Land to make one proselyte: and that two-fold more the childe of hell then themselves, Matth. 23. 15. Though they were blinde, yet they would be leaders: Blinde leaders of the blinde, Matth. 15. 14.

This sheweth the necessity of a sound orthodox Ministry, whereby men may be* 1.6 instructed in the true Doctrine of Christ: and kept from these doctrins of men. The Apostle setteth down this as a principall end of Christs giving to his Church Pastours and Teachers, that we be henceforth no more chil∣dren tossed to and fro, &c. Ephes. 4. 11, 14.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The depen∣dance.
• a 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. What it is to be carried about
• * 1.3

  Men prone to be led aside.
• b 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, doctrina 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, docere.
• * 1.5

  Seducers have their doctrins.
• * 1.6

  Necessity of a sound Ministry