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 ...

§. 143. Of that kinde of power which the devil hath over death.

THe a 1.1 Greek word whereby Satans power is set forth is somewhat emphaticall. It is twelve times used in the New Testament: and in every of those places, except this, attributed to God: so as, for the most part it sets out a Divine and Almighty power: even the power of him that saith, See now, that I, even I, am he, and there is no God with me, I kill and I make alive, Deut. 32. 39. 1 Sam. 2. 6. He it is of whom it is said, after he hath killed, he hath power to cast into hell, Luke 12. 5. He that said, I have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1. 18.) was true God. Therefore here it sets out a subordinate power given by God to him that hath it, Power was given to him that sat on the pale horse, Rev. 6. 8. For as Christ said to Pilate, Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from▪ above, Joh. 19. 11. so the devil could have no power at all, except it were given him from above. But the power that is given him is a great power. For power of

death must needs be a great power. What is stronger then death, which overcome•…•… all living creatures? Who can stand against death?

In regard of the greatnesse of the power of the devil, a wo was denounced to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea: and this reason is rendred thereof, for the d•…•… is come down unto you having great wrath, Rev. 12. 12.

Sundry are the respects wherein the devil may be said to have the power 〈◊〉〈◊〉 death.

• 1. As he is the executioner of Gods just judgement. He is in this regard as an Hangman, who may be said to have the power of the Gallows, because he hange•…•… men thereon.
• 2. As he is like an Hunter, Fisher, Fowler or Faulkner. He hunteth, fisheth and fowleth for the life, not of unreasonable creatures only, but also of reasonable men.
• 3. As he is a thief and continually laieth wait for blood, and seeks the precious life of mans body and soul.
• 4. As a continuall tempter to allure or drive men into sin: and thereby to death▪ Herein he spared not Christ himself, Matth. 4. 1, &c. As at first he dealt with the first man: so ever since hath he dealt with his whole posterity. This moved the Apostle to say, I fear least by any means, as the Serpent beguiled Eve through 〈◊〉〈◊〉 subtilty, so your minde should be corrupted, 2 Cor. 11. 3.
• 5. As he is an accuser of men (hereof see more §. 145.) and as an adver∣sary to presse Gods just Law against men, and to call for judgement against them.
• 6. As he is a tormentour: for when he hath drawn men to sin, he affrighteth them with the terrour of death and damnation.

In generall nothing is more terrible then death. In this respect death is called the King of terrours, Iob 18. 14.

This kinde of power, namely of death, attributed to the devil,* 1.2

• 1. Sheweth wherein his strength especially lieth: even in doing mischief and bringing men to destruction. His power is to hurt men: In this respect he hath names of destruction given unto him: as in Hebrew Abaddon, and in Greek Apollyon, Rev. 9. 11. and he is styled a murderer, Ioh. 8. 44.
• 2. It manifesteth the vile slavery and wofull bondage of the devils vassals. They* 1.3 serve him who hath the power of death, and doth what he can to bring all to death. What can any expect from him but death? The task that he puts on them is sinne: the wages which he gives is death, Rom. 6. 23. Herein such as having been rescued out of his power, retain a lingring minde after it again, are worse then the Israelites, who having tasted of Manna, lusted after the fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and garlick that they had in Egypt: and said, Let us return into Egypt, Numb. 11. 5. & 14. 4. Such are all they as are not truly regenerate, but remain in their naturall estate, though they professe the faith.
• 3. It is an incitation unto those to whom this kinde of power is made known, to* 1.4 be more watchfull against Satan, more manfull in resisting him, and the better pre∣pared against his assaults. Hereof see more in the whole Armour of God on Eph. 6. 1•…•…. Treat. 1. part. 3. §. 2, &c.
• 4. It warneth all of all sorts to renounce the devil and all his works, to come o•…•…* 1.5 of his Babel: to come into and abide in the glorious liberty of the Sonnes of God, which Christ hath purchased for us: and to renounce Satans service. As the devil hath the power of death, so Christ hath the power of life, Iohn 6. 39, 40.
• 5. It amplifieth both the glory and also the benefit of that conquest which Christ* 1.6 hath gotten over him that hath the power of death. The glory of that victory ap∣peareth herein, that he hath overcome so potent an enemy as had the power of death. The benefit thereof herein appears that he hath overcome so malicious and mischievous an enemy as exercised his power by all manner of death. Hence ari∣seth the ground of this holy insultation, O death, where is thy sting? 1 Cor. 15. 55. He who had the power of death, being destroyed, death now can have no more power over them that are redeemed by Christ. Hereof see more §. 148.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.2

  Wherein the devils power lieth.
• * 1.3

  The vile slave∣ry of Satans vassals.
• * 1.4

  Be watchfull against Satan.
• * 1.5

  Renounce the devil.
• * 1.6

  The benefit of Christs van∣quishing Sa∣tan.