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 ...

§. 151. Of Christs Enemies.

THE time of Christs sitting at Gods right hand being thus expressed, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool, plainly declareth that Christ hath enemies and shall have enemies so long as this world continueth. These enemies are not only such as directly oppose Christ himself, as the Scribes and Pharisees, Priests and Ru∣lers among the Jews, who at length brought him to that shamefull death upon the Crosse, Act. 2. 23. or as Saul, who afore his taking up into heaven thought with himself that he ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Iesus, Act. 26. 9. and Iulian who with his breath breathed out this scornfull Title against Christ, O Ga∣lilean* 1.1 thou hast overcome) but also such as revile, wrong, oppresse, or any way per∣secute the Church of Christ, or any of the members of his body; It was in rela∣tion unto them that Christ said to Saul when he breathed out threatning and slaugh∣ter against the Disciples of the Lord; Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Act. 9. 1, 4. for beleevers are so united unto Christ as members unto an head, Ephes. 1. 22, 23. and thereupon it is that he that toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye, Zech. 2. 8.

That we may the better discern who and what these enemies are I will endeavour to rank them out as it were in battle array.

In a well set army, there is a Generall, and under him Colonels, Captains, Lieu∣tenants,* 1.2 Majors, Corporals, Ancients, Trumpeters, Drummers, Scouts, and of Souldiers there useth to be a Van-guard, man Battalio, Reer, right and left Wings, and Ambushments.

The Generall is that great Dragon and old Serpent, which is called the devil and Satan, Rev. 12. 9. Colonels, Captains, and other Commanders and Officers, who whet on and embolden all such as take part with Satan, are all sorts of infernall spi∣rits and fiends of hell; The Van is made up of Athiests, Idolaters, Persecutors, and other like open and impudent enemies of the Church. The Battalia consists of all manner of prophane and licentious persons. In the right wing are all the lusts of the flesh, in the left all the honours and pleasures of the world; In the Reer fol∣low sinne, death, grave, and hell it self with such like mortall enemies and their

deadly instruments: In ambushment lie hypocrites, false brethren, corrupt▪ teach∣ers and treacherous Politicians.

There being such enemies it much concerns us to be very watchful against them, and to take heed of security: And we ought to be strong in the Lord and in the pow∣er of his might, Eph. 6. 10. Yea, we ought alwaies to be prepared, and stand armed with the whole armour of God, Eph. 6. 13. &c.

Obj. Christ on his Crosse having spoiled Principalities and Powers, made a shew of* 1.3 them openly, triumphing over them in it, Col. 2. 14, 15. And when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, Eph. 4. 8.

By captivity are meant such spirituall enemies as held men in captivity. By lead∣ing captive is meant a conquest und triumph over them. If Christ did this on his Crosse, and at his Ascention, how do they still remain enemies?

Answ. 1. Though they be made captives, yet still they retain the minde and dispo∣sition of enemies, and so are indeed enemies.

2. Though they be overcome and triumphed over, yet the Lord voluntarily suffers them, to try what they can do. He suffers them to fight and to assault his members, but so as he himself remains the Moderator of the fight, to pull them back, to beat them down as he pleaseth: as Bearhards that have their Bears at command, will suffer them to fight with their dogs. But when the Church is fully perfected, then shall they be so destroyed as they shall not so much as assault any of the members of Christ.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Vicisti Galilae. Theodoret. Eccl. Hir. l. 4. c. 25.
• * 1.2

  The array of spirituall ene∣mies.
• * 1.3

  How enemies conquered still remain.