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 ...

§. 2. Of the inference made upon Christs excellency.

HEB. 2. 1.

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, least at any time we should let them slip.

IN the five first verses of this Chapter the Apostle declares a duty to be perform∣ed in regard of that excellent Teacher which God sent (namely his Son, more excellent then the excellentest meer creature) to reveal his Gospel to men. This duty is to give more then ordinary heed unto that Gospel. Thus much is intended under this particle of inference, Therefore: or as it is in the Greek, * 1.1 for this; even for this cause. Because God hath vouchsafed so excellent a Teacher, he must be the more carefully attended unto. Of this particle of inference, see chap. 1. §. 117.

This here hath reference to all the branches of Christs excellency mentioned in the former Chapter. Because he is Gods Son, therefore give heed. Because he is the Heir of all, therefore give heed. Because he made the worlds, therefore give heed. The like may be inferred upon all the other special excellencies of Christ. They are so many grounds of the Apostles exhortation: and the inference may be added as a conclusion of every one of them severally, as here it is of all of them joyntly.

The eminency of an Author in dignity and authority, and the excellency of his parts in knowledge, wisdom and other gifts, do much commend that which is spo∣ken by him. If a King, Prudent and Learned, take upon him to instruct others, due attention and diligent heed will be given thereunto. The Queen of the South came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, Matth. 12. 42. She counted Solomons servants who stood continually before him and heard his wisdom, to be happy, 1 Kings 10. 8. Iob was the greatest of all the men of the East, and he was a perfect and upright man: thereupon when the ear heard him it blessed him,

Iob 1. 1, 3. & 29. 11. But behold a greater then Solomon: a greater then Iob is here intended by the Apostle, Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed, Heb. 12▪ 25. It was usual with the Prophets to premise before their Prophecies, such phrases as these, The word of the Lord: Thus saith the Lord, Hos▪ 1. 1, 2. & 4. 1. Exod. 4▪ 22. & 5. 1. and that purposely to work the more heed and attention in people to that which was spoken. This may be a forcible motive diligently to exercise our selves in all the holy Scriptures: because all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The excellen∣cy of the Teacher, re∣quires the more heed in hearing.