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 ...

§. 127. Of the efficacy of Preaching the Gospel.

THis bringing of others to God, is here brought in as an effect of Christs Pro∣pheticall Office: and manifesteth the efficacy of the Gospel, whereby all that belong to God are brought in to him. Though by nature they be dead in sinne, yet the sound of Christs mighty voice pierceth into their ears and heart. Hereupon saith Christ, The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live, Joh. 5. 25.

We have an evidence hereof in Christs Ministry while he lived on earth. For saith he to his Father of his Disciples, While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy Name, Joh. 17. 12.

The efficacy also of Christs Propheticall Office, hath been manifested since his Ascension, by the Ministry of his Apostles and of their successours in all ages.

This is a forcible motive to incite us Ministers, to be diligent in declaring Gods Name and preaching the Gospel. We may rest upon it, that our labour shall not be in vain. The efficacy of Christs Propheticall Function since his Ascension, hath been very great. All that belong to God shall by the preaching of the Gospel be brought to God. Though there be many incredulous and obstinate, yet

Christ hath his children, and they will receive our word. If it were duly weighed, what an honour it is to be spirituall Fathers, and what recompence follows thereon, it would certainly put on Ministers to preach the Gospel with all di∣ligence.

This also may be a motive to people, to give good heed to the preaching of the Gospel. As this is to be done, in regard of the excellency of the Teacher, (as was shewed before, §. 2.) so also in regard of the efficacy of the Gospel. Hear and your soul shall live, Isa. 55. 3. For the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever, is an incorruptible seed, out of which men are born again, 1 Pet. 1. 23.