A41670:22264
A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein…
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 Wednesdays lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine William Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabetical tables ...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 ...
London: printed by A.M. for Joshua Kirton, 1655
Chapter 13 › Section 189: §. 189. Of preferring the substance before circumstance.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
By this caution it appeareth that Timothy was not at that time present with this Apostle; but he shortly expected him.
If there should fall out any occasions of keeping the Apostle and Timothy one from the other (as that Timothy upon his delivery should again be restrained, or importuned there to abide with some Christians: or upon weighty occasions go to another place) the Apostle would not for want of his company be kept from the Hebrews.
This circumstance therefore much amplifieth the Apostles desire of seeing the Hebrews. He was very loth to go without Timothy, and greatly desirous of his company: yet herein he had rather deny his own mind and desire about Timothy, then about seeing the Hebrews.
Of the two desires this later was the more weighty. This was the main substance of his desire. The other concerning Timothy's company was but a circumstance. He would not therefore suffer a circumstance to hinder the substance. If both might stand together he accounted it the best: but howsoever, he meant himself to see the Hebrews. Nay he would not suffer the foresaid circumstance of Timothy's company to procrastinate or put delay to his coming: and therefore saith, If he come shortly. It is a point of wisdom well to discern things that differ: and to prefer the things that are most needful and useful.