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 ...

§. 39. Of the heads of Doctrines raised out of the third Verse.

XXI. DIvine mysteries may be illustrated by sensible resemblances. These two re∣semblances,* 1.1 Brightness, Character, are for that end here produced. There is in many visible and sensible creatures a kinde of divine stamp. In that they are sensible, we that are best acquainted with visible and sensible matters, are much help∣ed in apprehending things mysticall that are any wayes like them.

XXII. The Sonne is of the same essence with the Father.

XXIII. The Sonne is light of light, very God of very God.

XXIV. The Sonne is coeternal with the Father.

XXV. The person of the Sonne is distinct from the person of the Father.

XXVI. The incomprehensible glory of the Father most brightly shineth forth in the Sonne. So as the Father is made conspicuous in the Sonne.

These and other like mysteries are very pertinently set forth under these two Re∣semblances, Brightness, Character, whereof see §. 19, &c.

XXVII. Christ is the preserver and governour of all things. This phrase, upholding all things, intendeth as much.

XXVIII. Christ ordereth all things by his command. The Greek word, transla∣ted word, importeth as much. See §. 25.

XXIX. Christs command is irresistible. It is here stiled the word of his power, whereby he disposeth all things according to his own will, Psal. 115. 3.

XXX. Christ is a true Priest. The act of purging applied to him demonstrateth as much. For it is proper to a Priest to purge, Lev. 14. 4, &c. and 16. 16.

XXXI. Christ was a true man. This phrase by himself, sheweth, that the sacrifice by which Christ purged, was himself, namely his body▪ or his humane nature. For Christ hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God, Ephes. 5. 2.

XXXII. Christ was God and man in one Person. As man, he suffered▪ and was made a sacrifice: as God, he added such merit to his sacrifice, as it purged away sinne, Chap. 9. 14.

XXXIII. Christs sacrifice was effectual to take away sinne. For it is directly said, that he purged our sinnes, Chap. 9. 14.

XXXIV. Christ was exalted after he had humbled himself. His purging sinne implieth his humbling of himself unto death. When he had done this, then he sate, &c. This implieth his exaltation, Luk 24. 26, 46. Phil. 2. 8, 9.

XXXV. Christ having finished his sufferings, ceased to suffer any more. He sate down and rested, Rom. 6. 9, 10. As God when he had finished all the works of Cre∣ation, rested (Gen. 2. 2. Heb. 4. 10.) so Christ after his sufferings.

XXXVI. Christ as our Priest ever presents himself before God for us, namely to make intercession for us. Christs sitting implieth abode. This abode being at Gods right hand, is before God, even in his sight. This is he that purged our sinnes: therefore he is there as our Priest, and to make intercession for us. And because there is no limitation of his sitting or abode, it is to be taken for a perpetuall act. All these are plainly expressed in other places: as Chap. 9. 24. and 10. 12. Rom. 8. 34.

XXXVII. Christ as Mediator is inferior to the Father. The right hand is below him that sits on the Throne, Mark. 10. 37.

XXXVIII. Christ as Mediator is advanced above all creatures. The right hand is the next place to him that sits upon the Throne, and above all that stand about the Throne, as all creatures do, 1 King. 2. 19. Gen. 41. 40. Eph. 1. 20, 21. Phil. 2. 9.

XXXIX. Christ is a King. He sits on the right hand of the Majesty, or of the Throne of the Majesty, Chap. 8. 1. This is a royal Kingly seat, Psal. 110. 1, 2. 1 Cor. 15. 25.

XL. The highest Heaven is the place of Christs rest and glory. This phrase on high, intendeth as much. It is expresly said, that he is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens, Chap. 8. 1. And it is also said, that the Heaven must receive him untill the time of restitution of all things, Acts. 3. 21.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Verse 3.