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 ...

§. 88. Of Timorousnesse.

THat which hath been delivered of the evil Nature, and Effects of fear of man, affords matter of Lamentation and Exhortation.

Of Lamentation, in regard of that timorousnesse which many Professours of the

true Religion bewray: whereby they bring a great blemish even upon the Profes∣sion it self. If persecution arise for the Gospel, so as their goods, liberty, and life be in hazard, they are ready to renounce their holy Profession, and to imbrace the Religion of the times, though it should be apparently Idolatrous. Yea, if reproacch and disgrace do accompany the power of the true Religion, they are moved to abate of their holy zeal, and to be no more forward then the common sort. In these and other like cases they are like to a foolish man, who uponsight of a flaming fire pictured on a Map or wall, is so afrighted therewith, as he starts back, and fals into a true burning, flaming fire; wherewith he is terribly scorched, if not clean consumed. Their timorous disposition shews, That they prefer man before God, and this world before the world to come. Such walk by sense more then by faith. Things visible seem to the eye of a mortall man more terrible, then things invisible. He therefore who dotes upon matters of sense, cannot but be afrighted with the terrours of men.