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 ...

§. 69. Of this phrase, He hath said.

THe Promise here expressed is thus indefinitely set down, He hath said. There is no antecedent mentioned by the Apostle, whereunto this Relative [HE] hath reference. But because the expresse words of the Promise are in the Old Testa∣ment, it is taken for grant, that God is here meant. For it was the Lord that made this Promise to Ioshua (Josh. 1. 5.) and where the said Promise is made to the Con∣gregation of Israel; He that makes the Promise is thus set out, The Lord thy God, D•…•…ut. 31. 6.

Of the divers wayes of citing Texts of Scripture, See Chap. 2. vers. 6. §. 50.

This indefinite expression of him that made the Promise, by this Rela∣tive [HE] giveth us to understand, That whatsoever is registred in the Old Testament, is to be taken for Gods Word: and thereupon to be rested on, without making any question thereof, or opposition against it. The Dis∣ciples

of * 1.1 an ancient Philosopher had their Master in such high account, as they accounted what he had said to be so true, as no question was to be made thereof. When they affirmed any thing in their Disputes, and were asked why it was so, they would answer, He said it. This by the Heathen themselves was counted too great a presumption in scholars to give it, and in Masters to take it. But in refe∣rence to God who is truth it self, it is most proper to conclude, He hath said, and thereupon to rest as on the surest proof that can be given. See Chap. 1. §. 46.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Pythagoras. Siquid Pythago∣rici affirmarent in disputando, cum ex his quae∣reretur, quare ita esset, respon∣dere volebant, Ipse dixit. Cic. de nat. D•…•…or. l. 1. Hinc proverbi∣um, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.