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 ...

§. 14. Of the difference between transgression and disobedience.

UPon the steadfastness of Gods Word, though spoken by Angels, it is inferred that every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward. This inference is joyned to the steadfastness of their word by a copulative particle a 1.1 AND: which sheweth that this penalty is a motive to give good heed to their word, as well as the steadfastness thereof. And that it is an effect that will assuredly follow thereupon: For because the word of Angels was steadfast, therefore every transgression was punished.

There are two words in this inference, namely b 1.2 transgression, and c 1.3 disobedience, which in the generall may intend one and the same thing; and yet here be also di∣stinguished by their degrees, yea and by their kindes. The verb from whence the first word in Greek is derived, properly signifieth, d 1.4 to pass over a thing: metapho∣rically having reference to a Law, or any other rule, it signifieth to swerve from that rule, or to violate and break that Law, e 1.5 Matth. 15. 3. In this metaphoricall sense this word is oft used in relation to the Law of God, and put for any breach thereof: as Rom. 4. 15. Gal. 3. 19. It is put for the first sinne of Adam, Rom. 5. 14. and for Eves speciall sinne, 1 Tim. 2. 14.

The other word according to the notation of it in Greek, intimateth a turning of the ear from that which is spoken: and that with a kinde of obstinacy and con∣tumacy: as where Christ saith of an obstinate brother, if f 1.6 he neglect to hear, (Mat. 18. 17.) or obstinately refuse to hear.

I finde the word here translated g 1.7 disobedience, twice opposed to a willing and h 1.8 ready obedience; namely of true Saints (2 Cor. 10. 6.) and of Christ, Rom. 5. 19. This opposition importeth a wilfull disobedience: or a contumacy as some here* 1.9 translate the word.

Others under the former word transgression, comprise sinnes of commission: and* 1.10 under the later word, disobedience, sinnes of omission. For the Verb from whence the later word is derived, signifieth to neglect or refuse to hear, Matth. 18. 17.* 1.11

There is questionless a difference betwixt these two words, either in the degrees, or in the kinds of disobedience; in which respect the universall, or (as here it is used) distributive particle, k 1.12 every, is premised: to shew that no transgression,* 1.13 great or mean, in one or other kinde passed unpunished.

Let not any think, by mincing his sinne, to escape punishment. A Prophet ha∣ving reckoned up a catalogue of sins, some greater, some lighter; maketh this in∣ference,

If a man do the like to any one of these things, he shall surely dye, Ezek. 18. 10, 13. Every particular branch of Gods Law is as a distinct linck of a chain; if any one linck fail, the whole chain is broken. The will of the Law-maker is disobeyed in every transgression, Iames 2. 10, 11. Herein lieth a main difference betwixt a faith∣full servant of God, and a formall professor: The former makes conscience of every sin: The later of such only as are less agreeable to his own corrupt humour, or such as he conceiveth most dammageable to himself.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• b 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• c 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• d 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• e 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• f 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• g 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• h 1.8

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.9

  Beza.
• * 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 transgressio pro∣hibitionum.
• * 1.11

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Omissio praece∣p•…•…orum. Paraeus in loc.
• k 1.12

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.13

  All sinnes pu∣nished.