§. 21. Of applying to our selves rewards given to others.
COncerning the persons that unawares were thus recompenced, they are thus set down, some. Hereby the Apostle himself inferres that every one who per∣formed that duty received not that particular recompence; yet he sets it down as a motive unto all. For all may be encouraged by that recompence which is given to some only.
This kinde of argument is oft and much pressed in the New Testament: In the inference which this Apostle makes in the beginning of the sixt verse of this Chapter. Concerning Gods imputing righteousnesse unto Abraham, who be∣leeved, the Apostle inferres that it was not written for his sake alone: But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we beleeve, Romanes 4. 23. 24.
From Gods delivering Lot out of Sodom, when it was consumed with fire, the Apostle maketh this conclusion, The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly, &c. 2 Pet. 2. 9.
This Apostle having set down the many great rewards which God gave to the •…•…aith of his servants in the 11th Chapter of this Epistle, maketh this inference, Where∣fore let us run with patience, Heb. 12. 1.
On this ground Saints of old pleaded for themselves Gods former dealings with others: as Psal. 22. 4, 5. 2 Chron. 20. 7. Nehem. 9. 10. Gods blessings on some are evidences of his good will; of what is pleasing to him, and what he approves. For did he not approve such and such things, and were he not well-pleased with them, certainly he would not bestow blessings on the per∣formers thereof, in reference to the doing of them. Now God is ever of the same minde, (Iob 22. 13. Malach. 3. 6.) what once he approveth he will ever approve: and what he approveth he will assuredly recom∣pence.
This assuredly is the best and most proper use that we can make of Gods former gracious dealing with Saints, registred in sacred Scripture: namely to ap∣ply them to our selves, and to be encouraged thereby to go on in such courses as they did: resting on this that God approves us therein: and that he will recom∣pence us some way or other.
They who reade the acts of Saints, and Gods goodnesse to them, as meer hi∣stories of things done in former times, and apply them not to themselves, fail of the best use to be made thereof.
Wherefore to make a right use of the Scriptures, observe these few Rules.
- 1. Exercise thy self in Gods Word by reading and hearing it frequently, dili∣gently: that thou maist be well acquainted with the very letter and history of the Scripture.
- 2. Use all means to get understanding of the true sense and meaning thereof. For this end, Prayer, Meditation, Conference, and diligent attending upon the publique Ministry are good helps.
- 3. Beleeve what thou conceivest to be the true sense and intent there∣of.
- 4. Apply it to thy self so farre as thou conceivest it any way belonging to thee: For whatsoever things were written before time, were written for our learn∣ing, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope, Rom. 15. 4. This is a great point of prudence. The life, the power, the profit of the word consisteth herein.
- 5. Be a follower of those who are therein approved, so farre as that which they did may concern thee.
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