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 ...

§ 181. Of suffering the word of Exhortation.

THat which the Apostle earnestly beggeth of those Hebrews, is thus expressed, Suffer the word of Exhortation.

The Noun translated a 1.1 Consolation, is derived from the Verb which signifieth be∣seech b 1.2. Hereof see Ch. 6. v. 18. §. 144.

It is sometimes translated Consolation or Comfort, 2 Cor. 1. 3, 4. and sometime

Exhortation, Rom. 12. 8. This phrase, Word of Exhortation, is used, Acts 13. 15. It is called c 1.3 word of Exhortation, because exhortation useth to be given by word of mouth.

Here this phrase may be taken for all manner of Instruction, whether In∣formation, Direction, Admonition, Incitation, Consolation, or any •…•…er the like.

The Verb translated d 1.4 suffer, is usually applied to such things as seem to a mans affection somewhat grievous, or distastefull: but yet in his judgement suffered or born with. It is used of Christs suffering the weaknesses and unbelief of his Di∣sciples, yet was some grief unto him, yet he suffered them, and saith, How long shall I suffer you? It is sometimes translated to endure, 2 Tim. 4. 8. Sometime to bear with, Acts 18. 14. Sometimes to forbear, Ephes. 4. 2. Here it implieth, that they were somewhat offended at the Apostles manner of instructing them, so as they did not so well take it as they should: Or at least he feared that they might di∣staste it. For he had been both earnest and severe in his Reproofs and Ex∣hortations. He intimateth, That they had forgotten the Exhortation, Chap. 12. 5. That they had need of patience, Chap. 10. 36. That their hands hung down, and their knees were feeble, Chap. 12. 12. But especially his Apo∣stolical severity is hinted, Chap. 6. 1, 2, &c. & Chap. 10. 25, 26, &c. There∣upon he is in the close of this Epistle very earnest with them, to suffer the word of Exhortation.

This implieth a backwar•…•…sse in people to receive that Word which is delivered unto them, though it b•…•… •…•…or their own spiritual good. Prophets and Apo∣stles much complain hereof, Deutey. 29. 4. 2 Kings 17. 14. 1 Corinth. 4. 18. Phil. 3. 18.

This therefore is a very needfull Caution; and for making the right use there∣of, people ought to be well perswaded of their Ministers, of their good will towards them; yea and of their desire of their best good. They ought to be like the Thessalonians, who received the Word which they heard, not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the Word of God, 1 Thess. 2. 13.

Notes

• a 1.1

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• b 1.2

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• c 1.3

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• d 1.4

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