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 ...

§. 147. Of the Resolution and Observations out of Heb. 13. v. 15, 16.

15.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his Name.

16.

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

THese two verses declare Evangelicall sacrifices.

Thereabout observe,* 1.1

• 1. The inference in this word of reference, Therefore.
• 2. The substance: which setteth out,
  • 1. Duties to be performed.
  • 2. A motive to enforce the same.

The duties are of two sorts,

• One respecteth God, v. 15.
• The other respecteth man, v. 16.

That which respecteth God is 1: Propounded. 2. Expounded.

In propounding the duty six points are expresly set down,

• 1. The kinde of duty, Sacrifice of praise.
• 2. The act, or performance of it, Offer.
• 3. The persons who are to perform it, all sorts of Christians, Let us.
• 4. The object, or person to whom it is to be performed, To God.
• 5. The Mediator by whom it is to be tendred, Christ, By Him.
• 6. The time how long, Continually.

The exposition is▪

• 1. Generally hinted in this phrase, that is.
• 2. Particularly expressed: And that,

• ...
  • 1. Metaphorically, in this phrase, Calves of our lips.
  • 2. Plainly: Wherein we have,
    • 1. The act enjoyned, Giving thanks.
    • 2. The object, To his Name.

In setting down the duty which respecteth men, we may observe,* 1.2

• 1. The connection of this duty with the former, by this particle, But.
• 2. The description of the duty it self: Wherein we have
  • 1. A caution, forget not.
  • 2. A distinction of the duty in two phrases;
    • 1. Do good.
    • 2. Communicate.

The motive is implied in this causall particle FOR; and expressed in the words following: Wherein is set down,

• 1. The kinde of motive, God is well-pleased.
• 2. The object thereof, with such Sacrifices.

Doctrines.

• I. Use must be made of Christ. That is, Christ must be so used as he undertaketh* 1.3 for us. He undertaketh to be an Altar, Therefore we must offer on him.
• II. Saints are Priests. These are they to whom this duty of a Priest is enjoyned, Let us offer.
• III. There are spirituall sacrifices. These words, sacrifice, v. 15. and sacrifices, v. 16. are spiritually to be taken.
• IV. Praise is a speciall Evangelicall sacrifice. It is here so set down in the first place: Sacrifice of praise.
• V. God is the proper object of praise. It must be offered to God.
• VI. Praise is to be given to God through the mediation of Christ. This phrase, by Him, hath reference to Christ.
• ...

  VII. Praise is a duty to be performed continually. So much is here plainly ex∣pressed.

  Of all these seven Observations, See §. 142.

• VIII. An instructers minde is fully to be expressed. This phrase, that is, intendeth as much.
• IX. Praising of God must be published. They must be the fruit of our lips. See §. 143.
• X. Confessing God is a giving thanks. The expression of the Greek word, which signifieth to confess, by giving thanks, intends as much. See §. 144.
• XI. Thanks must be given to God as known by name. This expression of the object of thanksgiving, to his Name, implies thus much. See §. 144.
• XII. One duty must not cause another to be neglected. This is gathered from this* 1.4 particle But. See §. 145.
• XIII. Men are backward to works of charity. This made the Apostle say, forget not. See §. 145.
• XIV. Charity is a good work. It is here styled to do good. See §. 145.
• XV. What we have we must communicate to others. This other phrase, to commu∣nicate, intends as much. See §. 145.
• XVI. God is will-pleased with what he requireth. This is a generall intended un∣der this phrase, God is well-pleased. See §. 146.
• XVII. Praise and charity in speciall please God. These are the particulars which are here said to please God. See §. 146.
• XVIII. All manner of Christian duties please God. This particle of refe∣rence, such, implieth other-like duties besides those which are named. See §. 146.
• XIX. We must aim at pleasing God. This is the main scope of inducing this reason implied under this causall particle for. See §. 146.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Vers. 15.
• * 1.2

  Vers. 16.
• * 1.3

  Vers. 15.
• * 1.4

  Vers. 16.