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 ...

§. 1. Of the Resolution of the whole 13^th Chapter.

IN this Chapter the Apostle prosecuteth his Exhortation unto such Christian duties, as tend to a worthy walking of their holy pro∣fession. This he doth till he come to the very close of this Epistle, even to the 20^th v.

There are a 1.1 two general parts of the Chapter:

• 1. A Direction to behave themselves as becomes Chri∣stians, to verse 20.
• 2. The Conclusion of the Epistle, in the six last verses.

In his Direction, Duties of three sorts are prescribed,

Concerning

• 1. Others.
• 2. Themselves.
• 3. God, v. 15.

Duties concerning others may be reduced to five considerations,

• 1. As they are Professors of the true faith, Let brotherly-love continue, v. 1.
• 2. As they are Strangers, Be not forgetfull to entertain strangers, &c. v. 2.
• 3. As they are afflicted, Remember them that are in bonds, &c. v. 3.
• 4. As they are Ministers, v. 7, 17.
• 5. As they are in want, v. 16.

The first of these contains the Summe of the second Table, so far as it concerns Professours of the faith.

The second, third and fifth are branches of the sixth Commandment.

The fourth is a branch of the fifth Commandment.

Duties concerning themselves have a three-fold respect,

• 1. To their bodies. Of these there are two sorts:
  • One, to use the means of chastity, which is Marriage, vers. 4.
  • The other, to avoid uncleannesse contrary thereunto, vers. 4.

  These two appertain to the seventh Commandment.

• 2. To their Estates: About which,
  • 1. Covetousnesse is forbidden.
  • 2. Contentednesse is commanded.

  These two are comprized under the eighth Commandment.

  To enforce the one and the other, Gods promise of sufficient provision is alledg∣ged v. 5. and an Inference of Confidence on God is thereupon made, v. 6.

  Duties to Ministers have a double hint,

  • 1. In reference to such as were departed: About these
    • 1. The Duty it self is expressed, both generally, Remember; and also par∣ticularly, Whose faith follow.
    • 2. It is enforced by an Argument taken from Christs immutability, v. 8.
• 3. Duties concerning their Souls are of two kindes,
  • 1. That they take heed of strange Doctrines.
  • 2. That they forbear to joyn legal Ceremonies with the Word of Grace, v. 9.

This later is pressed by the Damage which may thence follow.

This is, losse of right to Christ.

This Damage is,

• 1. Propounded, under a metaphor taken from the legal Rites, We have an Al∣tar, &c. v. 10.
• 2. It is further confirmed by other like Rites.

In this Confirmation are set down,

• 1. The Types: For the bodies of those beasts, &c. v. 11.
• 2. The Application of the truth thereunto, Wherefore Iesus, &c. v. 12.
• 3. Two Inferences made thereupon,
  • One, to abandon the world, Let us go forth, &c. v. 13. This is enforced by a Christians condition in this world, For here, &c. v. 14.
  • ...

    The other Inference is to make a right use of Christ the true Altar. This is, to offer up Sacrifices on him.

    These Sacrifices are of two sorts,

    • 1. Praise to God, v. 15.
    • 2. Beneficence to the poor, v. 16.

Duties to Ministers which were yet present among them, are of two sorts,

• One, that in general concerns all. This is
  • 1. Propounded, Obey them.
  • 2. Pressed, by their Ministers charge over them, They watch, &c. v. 17.
• Another, that in particular concerns the Apostle himself. This also is
  • 1. Propounded, Pray for us.
  • 2. Pressed by a double motive.
    • One, his Integrity, v. 18.
    • The other, his desire to be restored to them, v. 19.

The Conclusion of this Epistle is in the last six verses thereof.

It consisteth of five distinct parts,

• 1. Intercession for them. Herein is,
  • 1. A Description of him to whom he makes his Intercession, v. 20.
  • 2. A Declaration of the matter for which he intercedeth, v. 21.
• 2. Petition to them, well to accept his Epistles, v. 22.
• 3. Information of two points:
  • 1. Of Timothies deliverance.
  • 2 Of his purpose to come with Timothy to them, v. 23.
• 4. Salutations. These are of two sorts:
  • 1. Of them whom they should salute.
  • 2. Of those that saluted them, v. 24.
• 5. His Apostolical Benediction, v. 25.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Circa hoc du•…•… facit▪ Primò b•…•…rtatur eos ad bonum▪ Secundò •…•…rat pro i•…•…s. Thom. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.