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 ...

§. 153. Of the Resolution of Heb. 2. v. 14, 15.

14.

For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is; the devil.

15.

And deliver them, who through fear of death, were all their life time subject to bondage.

IN these two verses is a description of Christs Kingly Office.

This is set out by two effects accomplished by his death: so as a further proof is herein given of Christs humane nature united to his Divine.

Two points are hereabouts observable.

• 1. A connexion of Christs Regall Function with his Propheticall, in this phrase, For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood.
• ...

• 2. The demonstration of this Royall power.

The connexion sheweth a reason why Christ exercised his Kingly Office in ma•…•… nature: Namely because the children which God had given him were so.

In setting down this reason, observe

• 1. The relation of the persons at whose good he aimed: the children.
• 2. Their constitution: flesh and blood.
• 3. Their participation therein: are partakers.

In the demonstration of Christs Royall power is set down,

• 1. The nature wherein he exercised it.
• 2. The Acts whereby he manifested it.

About the foresaid nature is set down,

• 1. The Person that assumed it, He himself.
• 2. The kinde of nature, The same.
• 3. The manner of assuming it, He took part.
• 4. His resemblance therein to others, also likewise.

The Acts of his Royall Function are two.

• 1. A conquest, v. 14.
• 2. A deliverance, v. 15.

In setting down the conquest we may discern

• 1. The manner of expressing it: by way of a finall cause, That he might.
• 2. The matter whereof it consisteth. This setteth out,
  • 1. The kinde of conquest, Destroy.
  • 2. The means whereby he accomplished it, by death.
  • 3. The enemy conquered. He is set out,
    • 1. By his power, Him that had the power of death.
    • 2. By his name, Devil.

The second Act of Christs Royall Function is set out as the former.

• 1. By the manner of expressing it, which is by way of a finall cause, implied in this copulative, and, as if he had said, And that he might.
• 2. By the matter whereof it consisteth. Herein is set down,
  • 1. The kinde of Act, Deliver.
  • 2. The extent thereof, Them who, or whosoever.
  • 3. The parties delivered. These are described by that miserable condition wherein they were before they were delivered. This condition is set out two waies,
    • 1. By that fear wherein they are aggravated by the object thereof, death.
    • 2. By that bondage wherein they were. This is aggravated,
      • 1. By the straitness of the bond, subject, or fast held.
      • 2. By their continuance therein, all their life time.