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 ...

§. 145. Of care in doing Good and Communicating.

Verse 16.

But to do good, and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

THe other Evangelicall sacrifice which hath reference to men, is inferred up∣on * 1.1 the former, which had reference to God by this particle a 1.2 But: which is commonly used as a note of opposition betwixt two contraries. But being set betwixt two duties, it intendeth an especiall care about the later: implying a neg∣lect therein. To manifest this more evidently, a particle of emphasis, especially, is sometimes added, thus, Let us do good unto all men, b 1.3 but especially unto them who are of the houshold of faith, Gal. 6. 10.

In this place a great care is required, not in regard of the duty it self, as if this were the more excellent: but in regard of mens backwardness hereunto, and neg∣ligence herein. For many who seem forward in offering sacrifice of praise to God, are very backward in offering the sacrifice of charity to men.

The Apostle doth further intend thus much under this phrase forget not; imply∣ing that the Hebrews had forgotten, or might forget this duty.

The Greek phrase translated c 1.4 forget not, is the very same that is translated, be not forgetfull, v. 2. §. 12. As that was there spoken in a particular reference to hospi∣tality, this may be here applied in a generall reference to charity: and the same emphasis every way here intended as was there.

There are two words here used to set out the duty of charity: both of them d 1.5 Nouns, though by our English they are translated as Verbs, thus, to do good, and to communicate.

e 1.6 The former is a compound derived from f 1.7 a simple Verb which signifieth, to do, and compounded with an Adverb that signifieth g 1.8 well; so as it implieth a well∣doing. The Latine hath a word that answereth it to the full, which our English according to the Latine, thus express, h 1.9 beneficence. The Greek useth two other words, compounded with two Adjectives; i 1.10 both of which signifie good: and the k 1.11 compound of one of them is translated, as here, to do good, Luk. 6. 33, 35. l 1.12 The compound of the other, to do well, 2 Thess. 3. 13.

The first word here used setteth out the generall nature of charity; and that in three particulars.

• 1. Charity manifesteth it self by doing good, 1 Iohn 3. 18.
• 2. Charity doth that which is good or profitable to others. In this respect the fruits or deeds of charity are called good works, because thereby good is done to others: as the good things which Dorcas did to poor widows, Acts 9. 46, 49.
• 3. Charity is a good and commendable act. God himself approveth the alms of Cornelius, Act. 10. 4.

m 1.13 The other Noun translated to communicate, signifieth a communication to others of such things as God bestoweth on us. The Greek word here used com∣eth from n 1.14 a Verb which signifieth to distribute to others, (Rom. 12. 13.) To com∣municate, (Gal. 6. 6.) and to make others partakers of that which we have, Rom. 15. 27. Answerably the word here used is translated contribution, (Rom. 15. 26.) distribution, (2 Cor. 9. 13.) fellowship, (2 Cor. 8. 4.) communication.

The meaning of this word sheweth that charity maketh others partakers of that which is ones own. They who communicate must have of their own: and having of their own they must impart some part thereof to others, and so make it common to others with themselves.

Of these and other branches of charity, See my Treat. on Luk 12. 33. of The rule of Charity.

Notes

• * 1.1

  §. 142.
• a 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.3

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• d 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• e 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• f 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, facio.
• g 1.8

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, bene.
• h 1.9

  beneficentia.
• i 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• k 1.11

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• l 1.12

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• m 1.13

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• n 1.14

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