be mollified This phrase as I may so say is a mollifying phrase See § 55. II. Priests received tithes This is here taken for granted See § 56. III. Children in their Parents do things before they are born Levi paid tithes in Abraham before he was born See § 56 57. IV. Difficult and doubtfull points are to be explained and confirmed This is the main scope of the tenth verse See § 58. V. Children are in their parents loynes An instance hereof is given in Levie See § 59. VI. Relations of children to Parents continue generation after generation This description of the time of Levi's being in Abrahams loines even when Melchisedec 〈◊〉 him proves this point See § 56. §. 61. Of the imperfection of the Leviticall Priest-hood Heb. 7. 11. If therefore perfection were by the Leviticall Priest-hood for under it the people received the Law what further need was there that another Priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec and not be called after the order of Aaron HItherto the Apostle hath set forth the excellency of Christs Priest-hood by way of similitude to Melchisedecs who was a type of Christ So as all the excellencies typically set out about Melchisedec were really and properly found in Christ the truth Here further the Apostle begins to declare the excellency of Christs Priest-hood by way of dissimilitude betwixt it and the Leviticall Priest-hood wherein he sheweth how far Christs Priest-hood excelled Aarons The Jews had Aarons Priest-hood in high account and so rested on that as they little or nothing at all regarded Christs The Apostle therefore endeavours to draw their mind from Aarons Priest-hood to Christs which he proveth to be far the more excellent The foresaid dissimilitude is exemplified in seven particulars See § 1. The first branch of dissimilitude is in the mutability of Aarons Priest-hood and the immutability of Christs From the mutability of the former Priest-hood the imperfection thereof is inferr'd which is the first point laid down in this verse and that by way of â—…on thus If therefore perfection c. The Apostle here taketh it for granted that perfection was not to be had by the Leviticall Priest-hood His argument may be thus framed If perfection were by the Leviticall Priest-hood there needed no other 〈◊〉 there needed another Priest-hood therefore perfection was not by the Leviticall Thus this conditionall conjunction IF is the ground of a strong negation The illative conjunction Therefore hath reference to that which he had before produced out of Scripture concerning Melchisedec who had another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Priest-hood then the Sons of Levi and concerning Christ who was the truth â—…pified by Melchisedec and witnessed to be a Priest after the order of Melchisedec This therefore being so perfection cannot be imagined to be by the Leviticall Priesthood Of the derivation of the Greek word translated perfection see Chap. â—… â—… 10. § 97. Here it is taken in the largest latitude of perfection namely for such a 〈◊〉 absolutenesse as nothing needs be added thereto The Leviticall Priest-hood was not so full and absolute For the Apostle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this Text implyeth that there was need of another Priest-hood The Leviticall Priest-hood was that which the Sons of Levi namely 〈◊〉 his posterity executed under the Law The Greek word translated Priest-hood is not the very same that 〈◊〉 used before v. 5. but it is derived from the same root and signifieth the 〈◊〉 thing See § 37. The main point here intended is that the Priest-hood under the Law was imperfect This is proved in this Chapter by many arguments which we shall note in their due place Perfection here meant is a furnishing of men with all such graces as may make them eternally happy It compriseth under it effectuall vocation justification sanctification yea and glorification That Priest-hood could not by true grace bring men to glory In this respect it is said that the gifts and sacrifices which those Priests offered up could not make him that did the service perfect Heb. 9. 9. And that the Law can never make the commers thereunto perfect Heb 10. 1. Quest. Why then was this Priest-hood ordained Answ. It was ordained for a meanes to draw men on to Christ. In this respect the Law is said to be our School-master to bring us unto Christ Gal. 3. 24. See § 68. This point discovereth sundry dotages 1. The dotage of the superstitious Jewes who lift up their eyes no higher then to this Priest-hood whereon they rested and built their faith They would not be brought to subject themselves to any other No not when this was actually â—…gated and another more perfect actually established in the room of it Herein they perverted the wisdome and goodnesse of God towards them and the main 〈◊〉 which he aimed at in appointing the Leviticall Priest-hood which was to lead them as it were by the hand to Christ and to afford them some easie steps in regard of their weaknesse to ascend upon and to see Christ the better thereby The fulnesse of time wherein the Messiah was to be exhibited was then to come God therefore afforded meanes answerable to their condition to support their faith and 〈◊〉 their hope But they made those means an occasion to withold or to withdraw them from Christ. Such an error this was as the Apostle saith of them that were seduced therewith Christ shall profit you nothing Gal. 5. 2. The Leviticall Priesthood and Christs Priest-hood can no more stand together then Dagon and the 〈◊〉 of God 2. The dotage of Christian Jewes or Jewish Christians who conform themselves to the Jewish ceremonies If the forenamed error of them who never made profession of Christ be so heynous as was before shewed what may be thought of them who being instructed in the Christian religion and thereupon professing Christ would induce a Priest-hood contrary to Christs For they who bring in 〈◊〉 ceremonies bring in the Jewish Priest-hood under which the Jewish ceremonies were first established Do not these crosse the main scope of the Apostle do they not advance the Leviticall Priest-hood against Christ and make Christs Priest-hood imperfect 3. The dotage of Papists who do directly establish another Priest-hood which is neither Jewish nor Christian nor after the order of Aaron nor after the order of Melchisedec a monstrous Priest-hood such an one as never was heard of before For 1. Their Priests are no such persons as Melchisedec was 2. Their sacrifice they say is unbloody and yet for sin but without shâ—…dding of blood is no remission Heb. 9. 22. 3. They make their sacrifice to be for the sins of quick and dead yet after death the judgement Heb. 9. 27. 4. They say that their sacrifice is the very flesh and blood of Christ yet that which Melchisedec brought forth was true bread and wine 5. The things that they say they offer are indeed meer creatures yet they call them their
of their Priest-hood and make it such a note of the true Church as they deny our Church to be a true Church because it hath not a Priest-hood on earth For us it is sufficient that we have a Priest in heaven As for their Priests they are here by the Apostle so proved to be no Priests as they shall never be able to answer his argument For our parts let not us be like those who seek the living among the dead let us not seek for the benefit of Christs Priest-hood here on earth let the eye of our faith pierce into heaven and there behold our Priest at Gods right hand and there seek for the benefit of his intercession and seek to enter into heaven where Christ is and where he hath prepared a place for us §. 11. Of the different places of Christs and the legall Priest-hood THe Apostle in the latter part of the fourth verse proveth his assertion that Christ is no Priest on earth because he hath not that warrant for a Priest-hood on earth which they who were Priests on earth had in these words Seeing that there are Priests that offer gifts according to the Law By Priests he here meaneth Aaron and his posterity who were the only true lawfull Priests to continue one after another on earth Under gifts synecdochically are comprised all manner of sacrifices and all things else that were to be offered up by legall Priests See Chap. 5. v. 1. § 7. By Law he meaneth that ceremoniall Law which appointed who should be Priests and what they should do See Chap 7. v. 16. § 80. There was no other Law that was ever given by God concerning Priests on earth therefore the Apostles argument is sound and pertinent His argument may be thus framed Priests on earth must offer gifts according to the Law But Christ is not a Priest that offereth gifts according to the Law Therefore Christ is not a Priest on earth The manner of bringing in this argument thus Seeing that there are Priests c. or word for word there being Priests c. sheweth that Christs Priest-hood and the legall Priest-hood cannot stand together they cannot be both in one place They are not granted upon the same Law they have not the same offerings they are not of the same order Christ was the truth and substance the others but types and shadowes It is therefore a most incongruous thing to make a mixture of the rites of the Law with the truths of the Gospell There were divers in the Apostles time that â—…uch troubled the Church herewith The first Christian Councell made an exprâ—…sse Canon against them Acts 15. 24. c. The Apostle is very zealous against such Gal. 5. 2 4 12. Yet is this dangerous and pernicious error revived in our dayes The main opposition betwixt Christs and the legall Priest-hood being about the place one in heaven the other on earth giveth us to understand that there is a great difference betwixt Christs Priest-hood and the Priest-hood under the Law as betwixt heaven and earth For the Priest hood is to be esteemed according to the place where it is exercised The different ends of both do demonstrate as much The ends of Christs Priesthood are spirituall and heavenly happinesse as to purge away â—…inne to reconcile us to God and to bring us to heavenly happiness The ends of their Priest-hood were externall and legall as to take away legall uncleannesse to admit them to the sanctuary to mâ—…ke their sacrifices accepted They were indeed types of the things that Christ did but they themselves neither did nor could effect what they tipiâ—…yed This discovereth their folly who so dote on externall rites as they neglect thereby spirituall truth They do herein prefer earth before heaven This not only the Jewes do but also Papists whose whole worship consisteth in externall carnall earthly rites which are either Jewish or worse Hereof see more Chap. 7. v. 16. § 82. The 〈◊〉 which the Apostle maketh of gifts that the legall Priests offered according to the Law intimateth that Christ had no such gifts appointed by any Law 〈◊〉 him to offer So as there was nothing for him to offer but himself whereof see Chap. 1. v. 3. § 29. §. 12. Of Priests serving to an example and shadow Heb. 8. 5. Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the Tabernacle For see saith he that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount THâ—… Apostle in this vers proceedeth yet further to prove that Christ was not such â—… Priest as the legall Priests were The argument which here he usâ—…th putteth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a difference betwixt them as hath been put The difference is as great as 〈◊〉 the substance and shadow thâ—… truth and type For of the legall Priests he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things but under those heaâ—… things he meaneth Christ himself and such things as appertain unto him who 〈◊〉 the substance of the aforesaid shadow This relative who hath reference to those who are described in the latter part 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 former verse stiled Priests that offer gifts according to the Law These were 〈◊〉 Priests The greek verb translated serve is in the New Testament alwayes used to set 〈◊〉 divine and religious service It is sometimes translated to worship as Acts 24. 14 Phil. 3. 3. Heb. 10. 2. It is applyed to the act of Idolaters in serving their Idols 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 7. 42. Rom. 1. 25. But that is by reason of the esteem which Idolaters 〈◊〉 of that service which they performed to Idols They esteemed it to be a diâ—… and religious service According to the composition of the word it signifieth to serve with fear 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thus it implyeth an awfull respect to him who is served To exâ—… this sense of the word the Apostle addeth thereto the qualification with reveâ—… and godly â—…ear Heb. 12. 28. There is a noun hence derived which is translated divine service Heb. 9. 1. The verb here used implyeth the manner of their obâ—…erving the legall ordinances even with an awfull fear circumspect leâ—…t they should offend This was their duty wherein they failed who otherwise performed those legall services Hereupon we are exhorted to serve the Lord with â—…ear and rejoyce with 〈◊〉 Psal. 2. 11. On this ground the whole service of God is comprised under this word fear Psal. 34. 11. If they so served unto the shadow how should we serve to the heavenly things themselves One thing whereunto they served is here translated example Of this word see Chap. 4. v. 11. § 66. Example here signifieth such a pattern as was set before them to direct them and to shew what they should do Hereof see more § 13. The other word shadow properly signifyeth a representation of a bodily 〈◊〉 as of a man Acts
the rites of the Tabernacle Those rites being types of truths to come so long as they remained in force they implyed that the truth was not come Behold here the great error of those that under the Gospel would revile the Jewish rights What is this but to rear up the Tabernacle again and to keep the open way to heaven closed against us §. 48. Of legall figures for the time present Heb. 9. 9. Which was a figure for the time then present in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him that did the service perfect as pertaining to thâ—… Conscience THis Text is here brought in as a reason to shew why the way into the holiest of all was not manifest while the first Tabernacle was standing The reason is taken from the end of the Tabernacle and of the services appertaining thereto The end is implied in this word figure The Greek word translated figure is a compound it is compounded of a simple verb that signifieth to lay or to cast and a preposition that signifieth 〈◊〉 Thus the compound signifieth to lay to to compare together Mark 4. 30. Thence is derived the noun which is here used which in the new Testament hath sundry significations for it signifieth 1. A dark and obscure sentence Mark 7. 17. 2. A comparison or resemblance of a thing Mat. 13. 3. 3. A proverbial speech Luke 4. 23. 4. The similitude or likenesse of a thing Heb. 11. 19. 5. A type of some thing to come So it is here used Thereupon our English hath translated it a figure For a figure is a representation of some other thing The Apostle to make his reason the more evident added the circumstance of time the time then present He doth not mean that present time wherein he wrote this Epistle the time of the Gospel as he useth a like phrase 1 Cor. 7. 26. but that time wherein the Tabernacle or Temple stood and the several services thereof were of use to Gods people Therefore our English hath well inserted this particle of time then which hath reference to the former times of the Jews Pedagogie The word figure or parable sheweth that the legal rites prefigured evangelical truth hereof see chap. 4. v. 8. § 50. And chap. 8. v. 5. § 13. The circumstance of time sheweth that legal rites had their use but for a time The opposition which the Apostle maketh betwixt the former time of the Law and the fulnesse of time wherein Christ was exhibited plainly demonstrated this point Hereupon he blames them for observing times after the date of them was out Gal. â—… 3 4 10. Their end doth plainly shew that they were but for a time Their end was to shadow and typifie truth when those truths were accomplished their end was out so as there was no further end or use of them How great is their folly who in this present time of the Gospel revive those abrogated rites They are more foolish then such as burn dim Candles in bright Sun-shine It was foretold concerning the time of the Gospel that the light of the 〈◊〉 should be as the light of the Sun and the light of the Sun seven fold as the light of seven dayes Isa. 30. 36. But these make the light of the Sun dimmer then the light of the Moon To dote on those rites after the truth is exhibited is to bring a Cloud before the Sun and to deny the truth 2. Behold here the manifold wisdom of God in ordering the estate of his Church Whilst it was in the non-age means fit for such a condition were used to instruct heâ—… and to keep her in compass even such as are here called figures which are distinctly described in the next verse This is very pertinently set out Gal. 4. 1 2. Now that the Church is come to a riper age those figures cease The means now afforded are more high and heavenly more spiritual and mystical 3. Hereby take notice of an especial difference betwixt legal and evangelical Ordinances Those were but for the time then present These are to continue to the end of the world Mat. 28 20. 4. Seeing the then present time is now past let us be stirred up to search more throâ—…ghly into those services which succeed them and remain immutable The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Christ and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in 〈◊〉 and in truth John 4. 23. Let our Worship of God be such and for this end let us prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Rom. 12. 2. §. 49. Of the impotency of legal figures about quieting the conscience THe Apostle confirmeth the point concerning the date of legall figures that they were but for a present time by the kinds of them and by the quality of them The kinds are thus expressed In which were offered both gifts and sacrifices This relative in which or according to which must have reference to the time before mentioned For it is of the same gender These two instances Gifts and Sacrifices and this word offered whereby the use of them is set forth synecdochically comprise under them all manner of legal serviceâ—… Of offering Gifts and Sacrifices and of the distinction betwixt them See chap. 5. â—… 1. § 6 7. The quality of those Gifts and Sacrifices is thus set down that could not maâ—…e 〈◊〉 that did the service perfect Of the meaning of this word make perfect See chap. 2. v. 10. § 97. Of the negative applying this to the legal rites thus could not make perfect See chap. 7. v. 11. § 61. chap. 7. v. 16. § 81. chap. 7. v. 19. § 86. The person whom the legal rites could not make perfect is said to be him that â—…id the service Of the Greek word translated him that did the service See v. 1. § 3. chap. 8. v. 5. § 12. It is here fitly added to shew that though a man did the uttermost that he could about those rites though he did fulfill the services that belonged to the Tabernacles yet could he not thereby be made perfect that is he could not be sanctified he could not be justified he could not be saved thereby The faults hereof did not simply consist in the negligence and carelesnesse of the observers of them but also in the impotency and disability of the services themselves and of all the types appertaining thereto and this is the main reason why they had their date and were not for ever to continue Whereas it might be objected that they who were unclean under the Law upon offering their gifts and sacrifices were counted clean to shew that it was not a legall external cleanness which the Apostle here meaneth he addeth by way of explication this phrase as pertaining to the conscience Of conscience and of the kinds thereof See chap. 13. v. 18. § 155. 1. Conscience may here synedochically
in once into the holy place having obtained eternall redemption for us THe Apostle having distinctly set down sundry legall types and services here he beginneth to shew forth the substance of them all This he continueth to do in the remainder of this Chapter in the former part of the next Chapter to the 19. v. In handling this point concerning Christ the truth and substance of the legall Priest-hood and the manifold types thereof the Apostle applyeth the substance to the shadows and the truth to the types This he doth generally in the 11. and 12. v. and more particularly in the verses following The first particle But implyeth that that was done by the truth which could not be done by the types He had before declared that the types could not make perfect BUT Christ the truth could Of this title Christ see Chap. 3. v. 6. â—… 54. Of Christs being an high Priest See Chap. 2. v. 17. § 173. This phrase being come implyeth an actuall exhibition of Christ after a long expectation of him It is a compound word and signifieth sometimes to come to a place as Matth. 2. 1. And sometimes to be present at a place Matth. 3. 1. Thus Christ came to his Church when he was first incarnate Ioh. 1. 11. And being come he continueth ever with his Church Matth. 28. 20. Christ being so come is said to be an high Priest of good things to come Of the various acception of the word good see Chap. 13. v. 9. § 116. By good is here meant that which is true solid and substantiall Good is not here exposed to evill but to figures shadowes types which are impotent and insufficient to make good Chap. 10. v. 1. They are said to be things to come not iâ—… relation to the Apostles time for then those good things were actually exhibited but to the time of the law while the legall types were in force Thus it may haâ—… reference to this phrase which was a figure for the time then present v. 9. At the present time these good things were to come If it be demanded what these good things are I answer 1. In generall All the truths typified under the law 2. In particular Christ himself His body and soul. The union of them with the divine nature His doings his sufferings especially his death as a sacrifice 〈◊〉 resurrection ascension and intercession The benefits also flowing from those 〈◊〉 expiation of sin reconciliation with God justification sanctification salvation 〈◊〉 two words Grace and Glory These are stiled good 1. In their kind and quality For they are good and perfect in themselves 2. In their unity and excellency They do good to such as partake of them Thus we see that the things where-about Christs Priest-hood was exercised were substantiall truths sufficient to make those that trust in him perfect In this respâ—… he is said to be a Minister of the true Tabernacle Chap. 8. 2. This must needs be so by reason of the excellency of his person who was God-man Yea this was the end which he aimed at in assuming the office of Priest-hood This manifesteth a main difference between the legall and Christs Priest-hood even as great a difference as is between a shadow and substance a type and truth â—… signe and things signified that which is imperfect and perfect carnall and spirituall unprositable and prositable earthly and heavenly O that Christs Priest-hood were esteemed by us Christians according to this difference §. 54. Of good things to come THat the foresaid good things were then even under the law to come it is the priviledge of Christians living under the Gospell for to them they are no longer to come They do actually enjoy the benefit of them In this respect the Apostle saith that God provided a better thing for us that they without us should not be made perfect It was that good respect which God did bear to the latter times which moved him thus to order matters for he could have sent his son sooner But thus as he honoured his son so he honoured all that should place their confidence on him We Christians have just cause in this respect to rejoyce that we have been reserved to these latter times And it becomes us to walk worthy of this priviledge See more hereof Chap. 8. v. 16. § 80 81 82. §. 55. Of the excellency of the true Tabernacle which is Christs body AS Christ is set forth to be the true high Priest typified by Aaron so the Aposile proceeds to set forth other truths of other types He begins with the Tabernacle which he stileth a greater and more perfect Tabernacle c. The Tabernacle here intended signifieth the body of Christ as is shewed Chap. 8. v. 2. § 5. where the resemblance betwixt the Jewes Tabernacle and Christs body is distinctly set forth This Tabernacle is here said to be a greater and more perfect 1. Greater not in quantity but in dignity Christs body was not in bulk greater but in worth It was worth more then Moses Tabernacle Solomons and Zorobabels Temple yea and all the world besides Because this mysticall Tabernacle Christs body appeared in Zorobabels Temple it is said that the glory of that latter house should be greater then of the former Haâ—… 2. 9. 2. More perfect as in the kind of it for Christs body was more perfect in the very nature and kind of it then the Tabernacle so in the vertue and efficacie of it for no legall type could make perfect v. 9. § 49. But Christ in and by his body and in and by those things which he did and endured in his body made all that trusted in him fully perfect So perfect were all things that Christ undertook as nothing needeth to be added hereunto Of this word perfect See more Chap. 2. v. 10. § 97. Yet further to set forth the excellency of this mysticall Tabernacle it is said that it was not made with hands namely with hands of men See v. 24. § 121. This the Apostle sets down in opposition to the Jewish Tabernacle which was made by the hands of men Exod. 36. 1 8 c. This negative expression not made with hands implyeth that it was no human work no work of such as have hands but the work of him that hath no hands which is God himself Thus it implyeth the very same thing which was expressed under this phrase which the Lord pitched and not man Chap. 8. v. 2. § 5. This phrase that is to say is added by way of explication Of explaining strange difficult and obscure words or sentences See Chap. 7. v. 2. § 19. The explanation is thus set down not of this building The word translated building is the very same that is translated creature Chap. 4. v. 13. § 75. There see the derivation and various acceptions of the Greek word here used The relative this hath reference to things here below
â—…ffer the lame and sick is it not evill offer it now unto thy Governour will he be pleased with thee Mal. 1. 8. It was so equall that sound sacrifices should be offered unto God as equity shewed the like was to be done to men In the case of Ministers maintenance the Apostle laid down sundry grounds of equity and among others produceth legal institutions as Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox and they which minister about holy things live of the things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are partakers with the Altar 1 Cor. 9. 7 9 13. As God is just and equall in all his dealings so his care is to satisfie men in all the ordinances which he imposeth upon men and thereupon ordereth them according to common equity that we may the better discern the equity thereof 1. This discovereth their erroneous conceit who put the books of the law oâ—…t of the Canon of Scripture There were of old certain Hereticks called 〈◊〉 who denyed the divine authority of Moses books The Manichees went further and rejected all the Old Testament These have of old been condemned by ancient councels There are many among us who too lightly esteem the books of the law and think they might be well spared surely such know not the right use which we christians may make of the legal types Of their use see Chap. 4. v. 8. § 50. and Chap. 8. v. 5. § 13. 2. The equity that is couched under the legall rites giveth demonstration of the â—…ent and perpetuall use of them And for this end we have everlasting records of them in the sacred Scripture They who can well discern the truths shadowed 〈◊〉 in types and the equity that is comprised under them will find that even the legall rites are among those things which were written aforetime for our learning Rom. 15. 4. 3. It will be labour well spent to exercise our selves as in other parts of sacred Scripture so in these and to pray for the Spirit of illumination that we may understand the truth and equity of them Of helps hereunto see Chap. 4. v. 8. § 50. §. 98. Of legall rites typifying like truths BY the first is here meant the very same thing that was called the first Testament or Covenant v. 15. § 90. And to make up this sense our English have well expressed this word Testament It is that which is also called the old in opposition to the new covenant Chap. 8. v. 13. § 80. This Covenant is called a Testament because after the manner of Testaments it was ratified with the blood of such creatures as were slain and so dead The ratification thereof is comprised under this word dedicated The Greek word is derived from a noun that signifieth new When sacred places or things were newly built or renewed they used by sacred solemnities to dedicate or consecrate the same The word implyeth a religious act whereby a person or thing was set apart to an holy use Here it is passively used and actively Chap. 10. v. 20. where it is thus translated he hath consecrated The feast and other solemnities which were a dedication are expressed under a title derived from this word and translated the feast of the dedication Joh. 10. 22. The latin useth a word of a like notation for dedicating of a thing which according to that notation our English translateth to initiate They who are baptized are according to that word said to be initiated that is consecrated and dedicated to God The main scope of the Apostle in this verse and the force of the argument which he useth demonstrateth that the rites of the law typified truths like to themselves They were for the most part with blood so Christ doth all for us with blood namely by his death Concerning the point here intended the Apostle saith of the Ministers of the law that they served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things Chap. 8. 5. As the body is like the shadow so the truth like the type The types themselves made nothing perfect Chap. 7. 19. Therefore to raise up mens minds to such truths as could make perfect the types were like to them This may be an especial means to help us in finding out the truth of types See Chap. 4. v. 8. § 50. §. 99. Of blood the means of agreement with God THis phrase of dedicating the first Tabernacle with blood gives instance that blood is the means of consecrating things to God Thereby all things are made acceptable to him All agreements since mans fall betwixt God and man have been by blood Under the first Testament here mentioned are comprised all agreements from mans fall till Christ was exhibited Under the second Testament which is the new all from Christs time till the end of the world Both these Testaments were dedicated with blood Thus much is implyed under this phrase Neither the first â—…hat iâ—… nor the first nor the second were dedicated without blood From hence we may infer that all agreements with God are in blood This might easily be exemplified by an induction of particulars as 1. The bruising of the heel of the seed of the woman Gen. 3. 15. imlpyeâ—… blood 2. Abels acceptable sacrifice was a bloody one Gen. 4. 4. and so was Noahs and all other like sacrifices in succeeding ages 3. Their Sacraments were bloody as circumcision Exod. 4. 26. and the paâ—…over Exod. 12. 6 7. Thus our Sacraments Matth. 26. 28. Rom. 6. 3. This is not in regard of Gods delight in blood but in regard of sin which in reference to Gods truth Gen. 2. 17. and justice cannot otherwise be expiated This is a great aggravation of the hainousness of sin that God thereby is kepâ—… from entring into covenant without blood If that true blood which doth properly take away sin even the blood of the Son of God be duly weighed the foresaid aggravation will be much heightned §. 100. Of making known Gods Covenant before the Seal be put to it Vers. 19. THe aforesaid general point of dedicating things under the law with blood the Apostle exemplifieth by sundry particulars In setting them down he beginneth with the time when that course was first observed and with the ground of observing the same The time is in these words When Moses had spoken every precept Of Moses See Chap. 3. v. 2. § 37. The Apostle in that which is here set down hath relation to Exod. 24. 7 8. For besides the sprinkling of blood there mentioned the very words spoken by Moses are quoted in the next verse This phrase had spoken implyeth that Moses declared the meaning of what he did before he used that rite of sprinkling blood whereby the Covenant of God was ratified so as Gods Covenant might be made known before the seal be put to it The blood that was sprinkled was a sign a seal a ratification yea and a kind of Sacrament
FOR in this place intendeth both a proof and also an illustration which is taken from a solemn Rite under the Law which was a burning of a Sacrifice without the Camp so as the Priest who served in the Tabernacle nor might nor could eat thereof The Illustration is by way of resemblance thus As the Priest under the Law serving in the Tabernacle neither might nor could eat of that Sacrifice which was burnt without the Camp So they who under the Gospel serve the Tabernacle cannot partake of Christ who was the truth of that Type The Apostle writing to the Hebrews who were well acquainted with the legal Rites and too much addicted unto them doth oft strike on this string of the Judaical Law both in shewing the impotency of those Rites and also in framing Arguments from them to alienate their minds from them Thus he fighteth against them with their own weapons See Ch. 9. v. 13. § 68. The word translated Beasts according to the notation thereof signifieth a living creature For the Sacrifices before they were slain were living Our English according to the Latine cals them Animals and we style a man that wants understanding An Animal This word is applied to those living Spirits which attend the Throne of God Revelation 4. 6. By reason of their resemblance in Courage in Strength in Speed and other like Excellencies to some particular Beasts But here it is taken in the most usuall sense for bruit Beasts For such were offered up for Sacrifice The Beasts here meant were such clean Beasts as were appointed for Sacrifice In particular here may be understood 1. The red Heiser of whose ashes the purifying water was made Numb 19. 2 c. 2. The Bullock that was offered for the Priests sin Levit. 4. 3 c. 3. The Bullock that was for the sinne of the whole Congregation Numb 4. 14 c. 4. And that most especially the Bullock and the Goat that were both slain on the solemn annual day of Atonement Levit. 16. 27. The Body of these beasts are expresly mentioned because their life was taken away before they were burnt For they were slain at the Altar Numb 4. 4. So as by their bodies he means their carcasses under which these particulars are expressed The skin of the Bullock and all his flesh with his head and with his legs and his inwards and his dung Num. 4. 11. As for the Bloud of these Beasts it is here said to be brought into the Sanctuary Oâ—… the word Sanctuary See Chap. 8. v. 2. § 4. Here under the word Sanctuary both parts thereof are intended both the outward part called the Holy place and also the innermost called the most Holy For the bloud here mentioned was brought into both and sprinkled in them both Levit. 16. 14 15 16. This bloud did typifie the bloud and death of Christ whereby Satisfaction was made for sinne Therefore it is here said That the bloud was brought for sinne namely to cleanse and take away sinne both from the Priest himself and also from the people For it is expresly said That he shall offer his Bullock of the sinne offering which is for himself and make an atoâ—…ment for himself and his house Levit. 16. 6. It is also added That he shall make an atonâ—…ment for the people ver 24. Of the Priests offering for himself and the people See Chap. 5. v. 3. § 14. Yea it is said That he should make an atonement for the Holy place and the Tabernacle and the Altar Levit. 16. 16 20. For this end the bloud was sprinkled before and upon the Mercy-seat Levit. 16. 15. to shew the concurrence of Divine Justice and Mercy For that bloud did typifie the bloud and death of Christ whereby Satisfaction was made for sinne Gods Justice being satisfied by Christs bloud way was made thereby for approaching to the Mercy-seat and obtaining mercy The things in the Holy place and the Altar were sprinkled with bloud to take away that guilt of sin which man brings upon himself and upon all that he useth or is used for his good The word translated brought is a Compound and to expresse that composition it may be translated brought in thus brought in into the Sanctuary For the Preposition in iâ—… twice used 1. with the Verb in composition and then joyned with the Noun Sanctuary It sheweth that the beast was slain and so his bloud shed without those two holy places namely at the Altar and from thence carried into those places Thus Christ was offered up on earth there was his bloud shed but he carried it with him into heaven and there presents it to his Father at the Throne of grace Hereupon it is that his bloud or death hath a virtue and efficacy to cleanse away our sinnes and to take away the guilt and curse which we have brought upon all things that we use and upon all things that we do and undertake The foresaid bloud is here said to be brought by the Highpriest Of an Highpriest See Ch. 2. v. 17. § 172. The Highpriest is said to carry in this bloud 1. Because none else might enter into the most holy place Chap. 9. vers 7. 2. Because Highpriests were ordained for men in things pertaining to God Heb. 5. 1. 3. Because the Highpriest was an especiall Type of Christ who by presenting his own bloud at the Throne of grace maketh atonement for the sins of all Gods people Of the resemblances betwixt an Highpriest and Christ. See Chap. 8. v. 1. § 4. §. 127. Of burning beasts without the Camp THe Noun translated Camp is derived from a double compound Verb. The simple Verb signifieth to cast the single compound to cast in The double compound to cast about It is used to set forth a pitching of Tents or setting souldiers in aray The Noun is oft used for a Castle wherein souldiers lie in Garison Act. 21. 34 37. It is also put for an Army which consisteth of souldiers set in aray Hâ—…b 11. 34. And likewise for a Camp wherein souldiers lie together in their several Tents Rev. 209. In this place it hath reference to Israels abode in the wildernesse where they dwelt in Tents and their Tents were pitcht by several Standards as the Tents of souldiers use to be in a Camp The bodies then of the foresaid beasts were carried beyond all their Tents and burnt in a void place where were no Tents and in this sense are said to be burnt without the Camp The Lord who commanded the bodies of the beasts so to be burnt did thereby manifest that he would not leave the Priests to feed on those Sacrifices as they did on others and therefore to take away both liberty and possibility of eating thereof he caused them so to be burnt and that in a type as the Apostle sheweth in the next verse As these so other Sacrifices especially those which are
say unto you I say unto all may be applied to the Epistles of the Apostles For in them they intended the good of all Christians The particular inscription of their Epistles to particular Churches or persons was as the ordinary dedication of books to particular persons which are intended to the good of all St Luke dedicated his histories of the Gospel of Christ and Acts of the Apostles to one man and by name to Theophilus yet he intended them to the good of all St Paul in that Epistle which he directed only to Titus by name concludes with this generall benediction Grace be with you all Tit. 3. 15. The Epistle to Philemon was written upon a speciall occasion yet so carried as sundry generall instructions meet for all Christians to know are couched therein All Christians therefore are to read and hear the Epistles of the Apostles as heedfully as they were bound to do unto whom in speciall they were directed As for this Epistle to the Hebrews it may seem in sundry passages thereof to be written by a propheticall spirit to meet with sundry heresies that were in future times to be broached rather then such as at that time were discovered such as these A true reall propitiatory sacrifice to be daily offered up yea such a sacrifice to be unbloody Sonnes of men to be sacrificing Priests properly so called Many Intercessors and Meaiators to be under the Gospel and sundry other which have been published by Papists long since this Epistle was written So as this Epistle in sundry respects may be as usefull to us who live in the time of Popery and are much infested with popish heresies as to the Hebrews if not more Hitherto of the Title §. 9. Of the Occasion of this Epistle THe occasion of this Epistle was two-fold 1. The immortall and insatiable malice of the unbeleeving Jews against all that professed the Name of Christ. 2. Their inbred superstition about the Mosaicall rites So implacable was their hatred of all that maintained the Christian faith as in that cause they spared not their own countrymen 1 Thes. 2. 14. St Paul while he was of the Jewish religion was highly esteemed of Priests Rulers and other Jews but when he became a Christian none was more fiercely and violently persecuted then he So dealt they with all that were of that faith and where they had not sufficient power of themselves they stirred up the unbeleeving Gentiles against all that professed the Christian faith especially if they were Jews Acts 142 19. Hence it came to pass that these Hebrews to whom in particular this Epistle was directed suffered much for their profession sake Chap. 10. 32 c. wherefore to encourage them unto all perseverance in the faith and to keep them from apostasie and falling away from the truth received the Apostle wrote this Epistle which is filled with many forcible encouragements and with terrible denunciations of sore vengeance against Apostasie St Pauls words were of old said to be thunders which is most true in this Epistle where he writes against apostasie Chap. 6. v. 4 6 8. and Chap. 10. v. 26 27 27 28 c. and Chap. 12. 25 29. This was one occasion of this Epistle to uphold them in the Christian faith 2. The Jews that lived after the truth of the Mosaicall Types was exhibited were notwithstanding so superstitiously and pertinaciously addicted to those legall rites as they would not endure to hear of the abrogation of them but in maintenance of them rejected the Gospel Yea of those that beleeved in Christ many thousands were too zealous of the Law Acts 15. 5 and 21. 20. Wherefore to root out that conceit the Apostle writes this Epistle whereby he proves that by bringing in the new Testament of the Gospel the old Covenant of the Law was abrogated and that the Law could not make perfect Chap. 8 and 9 and 10. And this was the other occasion of this Epistle §. 10. Of the Scope and Method of this Epistle THat main Point which is aimed at thoroughout the whole sacred Scripture especially in the new Testament is the principall scope of this Epistle and the main mark whereat the Apostle aimeth therein namely this that Iesus Christ is the alsufficient and only Saviour of man This was the Summe of the first Promise made to man after his fall Gen. 3. 15. This was the truth of all sorts of Types whether they were choice persons sacrifices sacraments sacred places sacred instruments sacred actions or any other sacred things This was the substance of the Prophecies that were given by divine inspiration This was intended by the great deliverances which from time to time God gave to his Church and people This was the end of writing the History of Christ by the Evangelists This is the summe of the Sermons of the Apostles recorded in the Acts and the ground of all their sufferings This is also the summe of their severall Epistles That this may the more distinctly clearly and fully be demonstrated the Apostle doth to the life set out Christs two Natures divine and humane in one Person his three Offices Princely Propheticall and Priestly together with the excellency and sufficiency of them To this do tend all the divine Instructions Refutations Exhortations Consolations Denunciations The severall points of this Epistle may all be comprised under two heads 1. Grounds of Faith 2. Rules for Life The grounds of faith are laid down from the beginning of the Epistle to the 22th verse of the 10th Chapter Yet sometimes he falleth into pertinent digressions by way of Exhortation Consolation and Reprehension to make them thereby to give the more diligent heed to those grounds of faith The Rules for Life are set out in the latter part of the 10th Chapter beginning at the 22th verse and in the three last Chapters The Grounds of faith are all about Christ. These are 1. Summarily propounded in the three first verses 3. Largely amplified in the other parts of this Epistle In the first generall Proposition these grounds of faith are noted 1. Christs divine nature This is manifested in this Title Sonne and in this divine work making the world v. 2. 2. Christs humane nature This is intimated under this phrase purged our sinnes which presupposeth bloud for bloud only purgeth sinne chap. 9. 22. and bloud demonstrateth Christs humane nature 3. The distinction of Christs Person from the Person of the Father This also is cleared by the Title Sonne in this particle By twice used in the second verse and by those phrases Brightness of his glory Image of his person 4. The Union of Christs two Natures in one Person This phrase By himself purged our sinnes declares the sufferings of his humane nature and means it of his divine nature in one and the same person 5. His Princely or Regal Office This is set out in these three phrases Heir of all things Upholding all things by the might of his
power Sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high 6. His Propheticall office This is apparent in this phrase God spake unto us by his Sonne 7. His Priestly Office For it appertains to a Priest to purge away sinnes and to be ever at Gods right hand for us These Points are further prosecuted in this Epistle For 1. The divine nature together with the Princely office of Christ are described in the first Chap. 2. His humane nature in the second Chap. 3. His Propheticall function in the third and fourth Chap. 4. His Priestly office from the fourteenth verse of the fourth Chap. to the twenty two of the tenth Chap. The Priestly office of Christ is simply and generally propounded in the three last verses of the fourth Chap. and also comparatively exemplified by two great Types The first is of Melchisedech to whom Christ is resembled in the 5 6 and former part of the 7th Chap. The other is of Aaron before whom Christ is preferred from the 11th verse of the 7th Chap. to the 22th of the 10th Chap. There are sundry digressions here and there inserted which we shall observe as we meet with them The Rules for life are 1. Persevering in the truth 2. Walking worthy thereof Persevering in the truth is much insisted upon from the 22th verse of the 10th Chap. to the 14th of the 12th Chap. Walking worthy thereof is set out in sundry divine Admonitions from that 14th verse to the end which in their distinct places shall particularly be noted §. 11. Of the meaning of the first Verse HEBREWS 1. Vers. 1 2 3. GOd who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets 2. Hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Sonne whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the worlds 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sinnes sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high THese words as they contain the summe of the doctrinall part of this Epistle so they serve for a Preface thereto which is here premised to stir up all that should read it to a more diligent heeding thereof for therein is set down the excellency of the new Testament above the old True it is that there is the same authority even a divine authority of both And that they are both a manifestation of Gods will Therefore God is said to speak by the Ministers of both God being the author of the one and the other they are both of the like authority and God speaking in both both declare the will of God God spake in times past and God spake in these last dayes The same God by the Prophets and by his Sonne The relation of this title GOD to the Sonne sheweth that the first Person in sacred Trinity the Father is in particular meant yet the other Persons are not excluded For the Sonne Exod. 3. 2 6. and the holy Ghost also Acts 28 26. spake to the fathers The same work may be done by the blessed Trinity the order and manner of working being rightly applied to each Person For as the Sonne is from the Father and the holy Ghost from the Father and the Sonne so the Father worketh by the Sonne and the Sonne from the Father Thus Iehovah the Sonne is said to rain fire from Iehovah the Father Gen. 19. 24. Some of the ancient Fathers assembled in a Council were so confident of the truth of the Application of that Title Iehovah twice used once to the Father and again to the Sonne as they denounced Anathema against such as should expound it otherwise Thus though the Sonne spake to the fathers yet may the Father as here be said to speak to the fathers by the Sonne and by him to make the worlds as ver 2. How God of old manifested his will by parts is thus further expressed at sundry times This phrase is the exposition of one Greek word but a compound word According to the notation of it it signifieth by many parts or parcels which necessarily implieth a distinction of times some at one time some at another Therefore it is not unfitly translated at many times God made known to Adam a Saviour of the seed of the woman to overcome the devil Gen. 3. 16. He confirmed the same by Sacrifices Gen. 4. 4. To Noah God by the Ark declared that few should be saved in comparison of the multitude that should perish and that they who were to be saved should be saved in the Ark of Christs Church 1 Pet. 3. 20 21. To Abraham God revealed his purpose of extending mercy to all nations Gen. 22. 18. To Iacob it was made known that the Messiah should come of the Tribe of Iudah Gen. 49. 10. Heb. 7. 14. To Moses that he should be a Prophet Deut. 18. 18. To David that he should be a King Psal. 2. 6. and a Priest Psal. 110. 4. To Isaiah that he should be born of a Virgin Isa. 7. 14. To Michaiah that he should be born in Bethlem Mic. 5. 2. Before the Law God gave to the fathers particular revelations fit for their times and their needs Under the Law God delivered many Ordinances Rites Types Ceremonies and shadows to foreshew Evangelicall truths and to uphold their faith therein For these ends also God sent divers Prophets from time to time till the fullness of time This manifesting of Gods will by parts is here noted by way of distinction and difference from Gods revealing of his will under the Gospel which was all at one time namely the time of his Sonnes being on earth for then the whole counsell of God was made known so farre as was meet for the Church to know it while this world continueth In this respect Christ saith Ioh. 15. 15. All things that I have heard of my Father I have made known to you and Ioh. 14. 26. The Comforter shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you The woman of Samaria understood thus much Ioh. 4. 25. when she said When the Messias is come he will tell us all things Obj. The Apostles had many things revealed unto them Gal. 1. 12. Answ. Those were no other things then what Christ had revealed before while he lived There is another difference in the word following translated in divers manners For that God who was pleased to reveal his will part by part was also pleased to reveal it after divers wayes These were either extraordinary or ordinary Extraordinarily God manifested his minde sometimes outwardly sometimes inwardly Outwardly by voice or signes but inwardly by revelation or inspiration To give particular instances of all these 1. God oft himself spake with his own voice and that when men were awake or at
renovation of them The Hebrew word gives proof hereunto For it properly signifies as by our English it is translated to change Hereupon sundry Expositors suppose another Greek word somewhat like this to be used by the Apostle a word that signifieth to change But seeing the former word translated fold up may include that sense why should any think of altering the Text from the agreement of all the Greek Copies therein and of the LXX whom the Apostle follows and of sundry Greek Fathers This that hath been distinctly and largely set down by the holy Ghost of the alteration of creatures and that both simply thus They shall perish and also symbolically under the resemblances of a garment waxing old and a vesture folded up doth much amplifie the unchangeable constancy of Christ For contraries laid together do illustrate each other as black and white course and fine pain and ease heaven and hell so also vanity and stability mutability and immutability §. 140. Of Christs power about altering creatures THE Authour of the mutability of creatures is the Lord Jesus to whom it is here said Thou shalt fold them up He that createth all hath an absolute power to preserve alter and destroy all as it pleaseth him It was this Lord Jesus that said Every living substance that I have made will I destroy Gen. 7. 4. And again I will shake the Heaven and the earth shall remove out of its place I will clothe the Heaven with blacknesse I create new Heavens c. Isa. 13. 13. 50. 3. 65. 17. This Lord Jesus being true God is the most high supreme Soveraign over all He doth all that men may know that he whose Name alone is Iehovah is the most High over all Psa. 83. 18. As he hath supreme authority so he hath also almighty power He is able to bring to passe what he will By the Word of the Lord were the Heavens made Psal. 33. 6. and by the same word they may be changed Therefore it is here added And they shall be changed Because the Lord Jesus hath a minde to change them they shall be changed for who hath resisted his will All things are alike to him Whether is it easier to say to that that was not Let there be Light in the Heaven Gen. 1. 14 or to say Let the Heavens be folded up and changed Upon the same ground that the former was effected the latter also shall be accomplished As the power of the Lord Jesus in creating and preserving all things tendeth much to the strengthning of our faith in the accomplishment of all his promises and in obtaining our lawfull desires of such things as are needfull and usefull and in protecting us from matters hurtfull and dangerous so his power in altering and abolishing what he pleaseth is of use to make us stand in awe of him and to be afrrid of offending his Majesty and provoking his wrath The Lords power in creating and preserving things for strengthning our faith is pressed Psa. 146. 5 6. Isa. 37. 16. c. Ier. 37. 17. Act. 4. 24. His power in altering and abolishing the Heaven and other things for working fear and awe in us is pressed Isa. 13. 13. 34. 1 4. Luk. 21. 26. 2 Pet. 3. 10 11. The former sheweth that he is the Lord of life and hath power to save and defend therefore trust on him Psa. 124. 8. The latter that he is the Lord of death and can destroy therefore fear him Luk. 12 5. §. 141. Of Christs Immutability THe Immutability of creatures being distinctly set out the Apostle returneth to the main point intended which is Christs immutability It was before generally set down in this phrase Thou remainest § 136. 138. Here it is illustrated in these two other branches Thou art the same Thy years shall not fail Though all these three phrases in generall intend one and the same thing namely immutability yet to shew that there is no tautology no vain repetition of one and the same thing therein they may be distinguished one from another 1. The first Thou remainest pointeth at Christs eternity before all times for it implieth his being before in which he still abides 2. The second Thou art the same declares Christs constancy There is no variablenesse with him Thus therefore he saith of himself I am the Lord I change not Mal. 3. 6. 3. The third Thy years shall not fail intendeth Christs everlastingnesse that he who was before all times and continueth in all ages will beyond all times so continue Thus these three phrases do distinctly prove the three branches of this description of Christ which is and which was and which is to come Rev. 1. 4. This name that Christ assumeth to himself I AM and this I AM THAT I AM Exo. 3. 14. and this also IEHOVAH Exo. 6. 3. do demonstrate a perpetuall continuing to be the same In this respect he thus saith I the Lord the first and with the last I am he Isa. 41. 4. or as some translate it I am the same for it is the very same word both in Hebrew and in Greek that is here translated the same This immutable constancy of the Lord is confirmed by this testimony with whom is no variablenesse nor shadow of turning Jam. 3. 17. no shew or appearance of alteration This may be exemplified in all the things that are Christs 1. His essence and being This is especially here intended So also Exod 3. 14. 2. His Counsell Immutability is expresly attributed thereunto Heb. 6. 17. It shall stand Psal. 33. 11. Prov. 19. 21. Isa. 48. 10. It shall stand immutably inviolably 3. His Attributes Sundry attributes for teaching sake by way of resemblance are ascribed to the Lord. In this respect it is said His compassions fail not Lam. 3. 22. His mercy endureth for ever Psa. 118. 1. His love is everlasting Jer. 31. 3. His righteousnesse endureth for ever Psa. 111. 3. So his truth Psal. 117. 2. So his judgements Psa. 119. 160. 4. His Word endureth for ever 1 Pet. 1. 25. This is manifested in the Law whereof not one tittle shall fail Luk. 16. 17. and in the Gospel which is an everlasting Gospel 5. His bonds whereby he bindes himself to us are unalterable as promises and oaths These are the two immutable things intended Heb. 6. 18. and his Covenant also Ier. 33. 20 21. See more hereof chap. 13. ver 8. § 112. §. 142. Of Objections against the Lords immutability answered Obj. CHrist was made man in the fulnesse of time and died Gal. 4. 4. 1 Cor. 15. 3. Yea being in the form of God he made himself of no reputation Phil. 2. 6 7. or he brought himself to nothing From hence it is inferred that he who was changed in his very essence Answ. Immutability attributed to Christ is properly meant of his divine nature which was no way altered by assuming his humane nature For he became man not by conversion of
96. The Apostle therefore may here have reference to the Law and that may be one word of Angels here meant But this must not be restrained only to the giving of the Law but rather extended to other particulars also which at other times Angels delivered from God to men For before the Gospel was established in the Christian Church God frequently delivered his will to men by the ministry of Angels as we shewed in the first Chapter § 96. And wheresoever any judgment was executed upon any person for any light esteem of that message which was brought by an Angel the same may be here understood and applied to the point in hand §. 10. Of the respect due to Gods Word by any Minister delivered SOme take the word Angels in the larger sense for any manner of messengers from God that brought his Word to his people Of this large extent of Angels see on the first Chapt. § 79 82. If Angels be here thus largely taken under the word of Angels may be comprised every declaration of Gods will by any Minister whether ordinary as Prophets and Levites or extraordinary as Prophets or coelestial as the heavenly spirits For the word or message of any messenger sent of God is to be received as spoken by God himself Isa. 13. 20. Gal. 4. 14. 1 Thes. 2. 13. In this sense the comparison will lie betwixt the Ministry of Gods Word before the exhibition of Christ and after it and proves the ministry of the Word since Christ was exhibited to be the more excellent This comparison will well stand with the main scope of the Apostle which is to incite Christians to have the Gospel and the Ministry thereof in high esteem But that which the Apostle hath delivered in the former Chapter and further delivereth in this Chapter ver 5 7 16. of coelestial Angels clearly manifesteth that such heavenly spirits are here principally intended By just and necessary consequence it may be inferr'd that the word of all Gods Ministers before the time of the Gospel was such as the word of Angels is here said to be stedfast c. §. 11. Of the stedfastnesse of Gods word OF the foresaid word of Angels it is said that it was stedfast that is firm stable inviolable that which could not be altered that which might not be opposed gainsaid or neglected It is attributed to Gods promise which never failed Rom. 4. 16. to an Anchor that fast holdeth a ship Heb. 6. 19. and to a Testament ratified by the Testators death which no man altereth Heb. 9. 17. Gal. 3. 15. The reason hereof resteth not simply on the authority or infallibility of Angels who delivered the word but rather on the authority and infallibility of the Lord their Master who sent them For the word of an Angel was the word of God as the word of the Lords Prophet was the word of the Lord 1 Sam. 15. 10. and as the word of an Ambassadour or of an Herauld is the word of the King or of him that appointed him For if they be faithfull as good Angels are they will deliver nothing but that which is given them in charge and that they will also deliver in the Name of their Master that sent them The word of Angels therefore being the word of the Lord it must needs be steadfast For with the Lord there is no variableness neither shadow of turning James 1. 17. I am the Lord saith God of himself I change not Mat 3. 6 §. 12. Of the stedfastness of the severall kindes of Gods Law SOme object the abrogation of the Law which is said to be delivered by Angels against the stedfastness thereof For a fuller Answer hereunto I will endeavour to shew in what respect the several kindes of Gods Law may be said to be stedfast notwithstanding any abrogation of any of them Gods Law is distinguished into three kinds Iudiciall Ceremoniall and Morall 1 The Iudiciall Law was steadfast so long as the Polity to which the Lord gave it continued 2 The Ceremoniall Law was steadfast till it was fully accomplished in the truth and substance thereof and in that accomplishment it remains everlastingly steadfast 3 The Morall Law which is here taken to be especially intended was ever and ever shall be a steadfast and inviolable Law It endureth for ever Psal 19. 9. This is it of which Christ thus saith It is easier for heaven and earth to pass then one title of the Law to fail Luke 16 17. Indeed Christ hath purchased for such as believe in him a freedom from the Law in regard of sundry circumstances Such as these 1 In regard of an end for which it was at first instituted namely to justifie such as should in themselves perfectly fulfill it The end is thus expressed The man which doth those things shall live by them Rom. 10. 5. The man namely he himself in his own person not by another nor a Surety for him Which doth namely perfectly without failing in any particular Those things namely all the things in their substance and circumstances that are comprised in the Law Our freedom from the Law is thus expressed We have beleeved in Iesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the Law Gal. 2. 16. 2 In regard of the penalty of the Law which is a curse for every transgression according to this tenour thereof Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them Gal. 3. 10. Our freedom from this curse is thus set down Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us Gal. 3. 13. And thus There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus Rom. 8. 1. 3 In regard of the rigor of the Law which accepts no endeavours without absolute perfection The tenour of the curse imports as much for it pronounceth every one cursed that continueth not in all things Gal. 3. 10. Our freedom from this rigour is thus exemplified If there be first a willing minde it is accepted according to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not 2 Cor. 8. 12. 4 In regard of an aggravating power which the Law hath over a naturall man For a naturall man committeth sin even because the Law forbids it and in despite of the Law and thus the Law makes sinne exceeding sinfull Rom. 7. 13. From this we are freed by the grace of Regeneration whereby we are brought to delight in the Law of God after the inward man and with the minde to serve the Law of God Rom. 7. 22 25. But notwithstanding our freedom from the moral Law in such circumstances as have been mentioned that Law remaineth most steadfast and inviolable in the substance of it which is an exact form and declaration of that which is good and evil just and unjust meet and unmeet and of what is due
desire to look into it 1 Pet. 1. 10 12. On the other side this great salvation is a great aggravation of all neglect thereof On this ground Christ aggravateth the Jews contempt of the Gospel in his time and plainly telleth them that the men of Nineveh and the Queen of the South shall rise up in judgement against them because a greater then Ionas and a greater then Solomon was among them Matth. 12. 41 42. This is the condemnation that light is come into the world and men loved darknesse rather then light Joh. 3. 19. This neerly concerns us who live in this last age of the world wherein this great salvation hath broken through the thick clowd of Antichristianisme and brightly shined forth to us and who live in that place of the world where able Ministers and powerful Preachers abound As God in this his goodnesse hath abounded to us so should we abound in knowledge in faith in hope in charity in new obedience and in all other Gospel-graces St Paul upon the apprehension of the abounding of Gods grace towards him over and above others maketh this inference I â—…nboured more abundantly then they all 1 Cor. 15. 10. Greater blessings require greater thankfulnesse God had abounded to Iudah in blessings more then to Israel thereupon a Prophet maketh this inference Though thou Israel play the harlot yet let not Iudah offend Hos. 4. 15. §. 22. Of Christ the Preacher of the Gospel THe excellency of the forementioned salvation is set out by the first publisher thereof who is here stiled the Lord. Of this title Lord given to Christ See Chap. 1. v. 10. § 128. It is here used to set out the dignity of the author of the Gospel thereby to commend it the more unto us Object God was the Author of the Word which Angels spake unto his people and in that respect that Word was divine Can there be any greater authority of a Word then to be divine Answ. Though there be no greater authority then a divine authority yet there may be sundry differences between the things that are divine For 1. Of divine truths there may be degrees Some may be of greater moment or of greater consequence then others to pay Tythes under the Law was a divine injunction but judgment mercy and faith were weightier matters of the Law Mat. 23. 23. 2. There were different kindes of revealing divers truths some more obscurely some more cleerly 2 Cor. 4. 14 18. 3. Some divine truths were more strongly confirmed then others Priests under the Law were made without an Oath but Christ with an Oath so as Christs Priesthood was more strongly confirmed Heb. 7. 20 21. 4. More excellent Ministers may be used in dispensing some divine truths then in others Behold a greater then Ionas is here Behold a greater then Solomon is here saith Christ of his own Ministry Matth. 12. 41 42. In all these doth the latter word here spoken of excell the former 1. In the very matter thereof Such mysteries are revealed by the Gospel as in other ages were not made known Ephes. 3. 5. The Law made nothing perfect but the bringing in of a better hope did Ephes. 7. 19. In this respect the Gospel is here stiled Salvation rather then the Law 2. In the manner of revealing The Gospel is farre more clear and effectual 2 Cor. 3. 18. See § 20 21. 3. In the ratification The Gospel is much more firm then the Law See § 36. 4. In the Minister None comparable to the Sonne of God the first Preacher of the Gospel See Chap 1. § 14. If Christ the Lord vouchsafed to be a Minister of the Gospel who shall scorn this function The Pope Cardinals sundry Bishops and others that pretend to be Christs Vicars are farre from performing that which Christ did in this kinde and many that lay claim to Peters Keyes are farre from observing the advice which he for the right use of them thus gave Feed the slock of God which is among you taking the oversight thereof not by constraint but willingly not for filthy lucre but of a ready minde Neither as being Lords over Gods heritage but being ensamples to the flock 1 Pet. 5. 2 3. Many took more Lordship upon them over Gods flock then Christ the true Lord did while he was on earth yet it was he that brought this great salvation Of Christs being a Prophet See ver 12. § 112. Of his being a Minister See Chap. 8. § 3. §. 23. Of preaching the Gospel THe relation of the foresaid Salvation is expressed in this word spoken namely by voice or word of mouth The mouth speaketh saith Christ Matth. 12. 34. And of God it is said He spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets Luk. 1. 70. So men are said to speake with the tongue 1 Cor. 13. 1. And words are said to be spoken Joh. 3. 34. 14. 10. The correlative to speaking is hearing We do hear them speak Acts 2. 11. For by hearing that which is spoken by one is best understood by another and by a right understanding of the truth and good of that which is spoken it comes to be beleeved Hence is it that God hath appointed speaking of his Word to be the ordinary means of salvation 1 Cor. 1. 21. Speaking the Word is oft put for preaching it and so translated as Acts 8. 25. When they had preached the word of God And Acts 13. 42. The Gentiles besought that these words might be preached Thus by our former English and others 't is translated in this Text which at the first began to be preached c. Without all question so much is here intended by the Apostle For he must needs mean such a speaking of the Word as might make it powerfull to that great salvation which he mentioned before For that purpose no speaking is comparable to preaching Preaching is a cleer revelation of the Mystery of Salvation by a lawfull Minister No man can attain salvation except he know the way thereto People are destroyed for lack of knowledge Hos. 4. 6. But what good doth any reaply knowledge unlesse he beleeve what he knoweth The word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard it Heb. 4. 2. But how shall any beleeve in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a Preacher and how shall they preach except they be sent Rom. 10. 14 15. He who is sent of God that is set a part according to the rule of Gods Word to be a Minister of the Gospel doth himself understand the mysteries thereof and is enabled to make them known to others he also standeth in Gods room and in Gods Name makes offer of salvation 2 Cor. 5. 20. This moves men to beleeve and to be saved This is the ordinary way appointed of God for attaining salvation This course Christ who was sent of God took He
went throughout every City and village preaching and shewing the glad tydings of the Kingdom of God Luk. 8. 1. He commanded those whom he sent so to do Luk 9. 2. Mar. 16. 15. So did they whom he immediatly sent Acts 5. 42. So have done others after them and so will do all true and faithfull Ministers of Christ to the worlds end Preaching being a means sanctified of God unto salvation how diligent and faithfull ought Ministers of the Gospel to be in preaching the same Thereby they may save themselves and them that hear them 1 Tim. 4. 16. But Idol and idle Ministers such as cannot or care not to preach the word do much hinder men from this great salvation How beautifull ought the feet of them to be that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tydings of Good things Rom. 10. 15. If this great salvation the effect of preaching were duly weighed Ministers would be diligent in preaching and people patient in hearing the same For this is a strong motive to enforce the one and the other Both preaching and hearing have need to be pressed upon mens consciences See more of preaching Gods Word Chap. 13. § 97. §. 24. Of Christs first publishing the Gospel THe first that cleerly and fully preached the Gospel of Salvation was the Lord Christ It took beginning to be spoken by him according to the Greek phrase Till he came and preached people sate in darknesse and in the shadow and region of death but when he began to preach they saw great light Matth. 4 16. It cannot be denied but that the substance of the Gospel and therein salvation was preached from the beginning of the world as hath been shewed before § 20. 21. but so dark was that kinde of light as like the light of the Moon when the Sunne shineth is accounted no light The day taketh his beginning from the rising of the Sunne and the light that cometh from thence So Salvation here spoken of taketh beginning from Christs preaching the Gospel Besides Christ is the substance and truth of all the shadowes figures types Prophesies and Promises of that Salvation which was set out by them When Christ the Lord came and declared himself to be the substance and truth of the Law he might well be accounted the first publisher of salvation Object It is said of the Ministry of Iohn the Baptist The beginning of the Gospel of Iesus Christ Mark 1. 1. Answ. Iohns Ministry in reference to the Ministry of the Law and the Prophets may be said comparitively to be the beginning of the Gospel because it was in the very time wherein Christ the substance of the Gospel was exhibited Iohn was Christs messenger sent before his face to prepare the way before him Mark 1. 2. Thus it is said that all the Prophets and the Law prophecied untill Iohn Matth. 11. 13. In Iohns time was Christ actually exhibited He was baptised by Iohn Matth. 3. 13 c. And Iohn declared him pointing him out as it were with the finger saying Behold the Lamb of God Joh. 1. 29. Iohn also heard of the works of Christ Matth. 11. 2. In this respect it is said that Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater then Iohn the Baptist Matth. 11. 11. Iohns Ministry was a middle Ministry between the Law and the Gospel between the Prophets and Christ. He took part of both kindes He preached that the kingdom of heaven was at hand Matth 3. 2. But Christ that the Kingdom of God is come unto you Matth. 12. 22. Thus in regard of the fulness of the Gospel and of a distinct and clear manifestation of all things that appertained to this great salvation Christ most truly and properly is said to be the first that preached it Behold here the benefit of Christs being sent into the world Then first came that true full and bright light of the world He that followeth this light shall not walk in darknesse but shall have the light of life John 8. 12. Fitly to the point in hand may I apply that which is said Iohn 1. 18. No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath revealed him §. 25. Of confirming the Word THough Christs own publishing of the Gospel were sufficient to make it worthy of all acceptation yet is it said to be confirmed That is confirmed which is further proved or fulfilled or made more sure and certain Thus Christ is said to confirm the word of his Apostles with signs Mark 16. 20. and God by sending his Son to confirm the promises made to the Fathers Rom. 15. 8. That also which is kept from failing or from being altered is said to be confirmed So God doth confirm his unto the end 1 Cor. 1. 8. and establish them 1 Cor. 1. 21. and we are called upon to be established with grace Heb. 13. 3. But that which Christ spake needed not in any such respect to be confirmed He is a faithfull and true witness Rev. 3. 14. He is the way the truth and the life John 14. 6. that only true way that leadeth unto life So as there was no fear of any uncertainty or of any failing in his Word Christs Word therefore was confirmed for these and other like reasons 1. Because he was not at all times in all places present with his Church to urge and press his word upon them For this end he sent forth in his life time Disciples to preach Luke 9. 2. 10. 1. And after his ascension he gave Apostles and others for the perfecting of the Saints Eph. 4. 11 12. 2. Because of our weakness Christ confirmed his word to support us that we might have strong consolations For this end God confirmed his promise by an oath Heb. 6. 17 18. 3. Because of the commendable custom of men who use to confirm their own words by the consent and testimony of others Thus St Paul in the Inscriptions of his Epistles joyns with himself Sosthenes 1 Cor. 1. 1. Timothy 2 Cor. 1. 1. Silvanus and Timothy 1 Thes. 1. 1. Timothy with the Bishops and Deacons Phil. 1. 1. All the Brethren which were with him Gal. 1. 2. 4. Because by Gods Law and mans at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established Deut. 19. 15. Thus Christs word was confirmed 1. In that there were many witnesses of the same truth wherein they all agreed Luke 24 48. Acts 2. 32. 2. In that such as despised him in his life time after his Resurrection and Ascension were wrought upon Acts 2. 37. 3. In that by reason of the power of the Spirit in them they who preached the Gospel of Christ after him were received as an Angel of God even as Christ Iesus Gal. 4. 14. 4. In that many who never heard Christ themselves believed that word which Christ had preached
any thing above or beyond the course of nature much less against it This prerogative the Lord of nature hath reserved to himself That men may see and know and consider and understand together that the hand of the Lord hath done this Isa. 41. 20. The things which are impossible with men are possible with God Luke 18. 27. For with God all things are possible Mark 10. 27. Nothing shall be impossible with him Luke 1. 37. As God can and doth daily work by means so when it pleaseth him he can work without means by extraordinary means and by contrary means 1. Without means God made the world Gen. 1. 3. Psal. 33. 9. Moses remained alive forty daies and forty nights and neither eat bread nor drank water Deut. 9. 9. So Elijah 1 King 19. 8. And Christ Matth. 4. 2. 2. The extraordinary means which God hath used have been manifold as 1. In the very thing it self or kinde of means Manna wherewith the Lord fed the Israelites fourty years together was a grain that fell from heaven Exod. 16. 4 c. the like was never heard of before or since 2. In the quantity of the means The meal and oyl wherewith the Prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephah and her houshold were nourished for three years together was in the kinde of it ordinary but that so little meal as could make but one little cake and so little oyl as was but sufficient for that cake should feed so many so long was extraordinary and miraculous The like may be said of the five loaves and two fishes wherewith Christ fed five thousand men beside women and children Matth. 14. 17 c. 3. In the quality of the means that Daniel and his three companions should for three years feed on pulse only and drink water only and yet their countenances appear fairer and fatter then they who did eat of the choicest meat and drink that could be provided for that end was also miraculous and appeared to be an especial work of God Dan. 1. 5 c. 4. In the manner of providing means that Ravens should be Elijahs Caters constantly to provide him bread and flesh in the morning and bread and flesh in the evening was extraordinary 1 King 17. 6. So also that water upon striking of a Rock with Moses his Rod should flow forth and run like a River Exod. 17. 6. Psal. 105. 41. 3. That the three servants of God should be preserved safe in the midst of an hot fiery Furnace was against means or by contrary means for fire is an ordinary means to consume things cast thereinto Dan. 3. 27. The like may be said of Daniels preservation in the Den of Lions Dan. 6. 22. All these and other like works that are beyond the course of nature are done by God himself Of them all it may be said This is the finger of God Exod. 8. 19. §. 29. Of creatures disability about miracles SUndry Objections are made against the foresaid truth but they may all easily and readily be answered Obj. 1. Christ in the daies of his flesh wrought miracles Answ. Christ in the lowest degree of his humiliation retained his Divine dignity and ever remained to be true God One with the Father John 10. 30. He being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation Phil. 2. 6 7. What thing soever the Father doth these also doth the Sonne likewise John 5. 19. Christ by his miracles proved himself to be true God Matth. 9. 6. This therefore confirmeth the point that Christ the true God wrought miracles Obj. 2. Prophets Apostles and others who were meer men wrought miracles as Moses Exod. 4. 8. Elijah 1 King 17. 21 22. Elisha 2 King 4. 25. All the Apostles Matth. 10. 1. Answ. God wrought those miracles by them They were but Gods Ministers and instruments therein Peter acknowledges as much Act. 3. 12 16. Thereupon Peter when he miraculously cured Aeneas thus saith unto him Aeneas Iesus Christ maketh thee whole Act. 9. 34. Obj. 3. Wicked men have wrought miracles as Iudas Matth. 10. 1 4. And such as followed not Christ Luke 9. 49. And they of whom Christ saith Depart from me ye that work iniquity Matth. 7. 22 23. Answ. God may and oft doth use wicked men to confirm his truth by miracles as well as to preach it Obj. 4. Miracles may be wrought against the truth For in the Law it is said If there arise among you a Prophet or a dreamer of dreams and giveth thee a sign or a wonder and the sign or the wonder come to pass whereof he spake unto thee saying Let us go after other Gods thou shalt not hearken Deut. 13. 1 2 3. Answ. 1. In the Text there is only a supposition made If there be which doth not necessarily imply that such a thing may be 2. There may be signes and wonders done which are not true miracles 3. Their foretelling of a thing may be upon meer conjecture as Fortune-tellers guesse at things to come But herein is nothing extraordinary 4. God may work by such evil instruments in such an evil cause to try whether his people will be drawn by any means from a known truth This may seem to be implied in these words For the Lord your God proveth you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul Deut. 13. 3. Obj. 5. The Sorcerers in Egypt wrought miracles For it is said that they also did in like manner with their inchantments Exod. 7. 11 12 22. 8. 7. they did as Moses had done before they turned the Rod into Serpents and water into blood and they brought abundance of Frogs Answ. In outward appearance there was some likenesse betwixt the things which Moses did and which the Sorcerers did but in the truth and substance of the things there was a very great difference The things which Moses did were true and proper miracles but the things which the Sorcerers did they did only appear unto mans eye to be so For the devil can present to the eye of man shews and shapes of such things as indeed are not But suppose that the things which the Sorcerers pretended were reall that there were true Serpents true Blood true Froggs the devil might secretly bring from other places such things and present them before Pharaoh and before them that were present with him And this not above much lesse against the course of Nature Obj. 6. A woman that had a familiar spirit raised Samuel after he was dead 1 Sam. 28. 11 12. Answ. That which appeared to be like unto Samuel was not Samuel himself but the devil presented unto Saul a shape like unto Samuel in which the devil himself spake unto Saul Though he pretended to foretell things future yet he did it but by guesse He saw the Philistims very well prepared and
sorts which are three 1. Signes 2. Wonders 3. Miracles 2. By their variety in this word divers Gifts are described 1. By their author the holy Ghost 2. By their distribution This is implied in the Greek word used by the Apostle The rule is thus manifested According to his own will Here observe 1. The kinde of rule with 2. The property of it his own §. 39. Of the Doctrines arising out of the 2 3 4. verses of the second Chapter I. MOtive may be added to motive To that motive in the former verse taken from the dammage of noâ—… heeding the Gospel in these verses another motive is added taken from the vengeance that will follow thereupon For men are hardly brought to beleeve Divine truths II. Suppositions may imply unquestionable truths The manner of the Apostles arguing by way of supposition If proveth as much See § 8. III. Angels were of old Gods Ministers to his Church They spake his word See § 10. IV. Gods Word is stedfast So is it here expresly said to be See § 11 12. V. Divine vengeance may be a motive to forbear sinne The inference of the vengeance upon the word spoken proves as much for it is here to that very end alleadged VI. There are different kindes of sin The distinction betwixt transgression and disobedience imports thus much See § 14. VII Nâ—… sinne shall pass unrevenged This generall particle every intends this VIII Pknishment is due to transgression It is therefore stiled a recompence of reward See § 16. IX Divine vengeance is most just So it is here expresly said to be See § 17. X Transgressors shall receive vengeance will they nill they This verb received intimates this point See § 17. XI Revenge of sinne is most sure This interrogative HOW intimates as much See § 18. XII There are degrees of sinne and judgement The inference of the later part of the comparison upon the former declares the truth of this point For neglect of the Gospel is made a greater sin then neglect of the Law and a greater judgement is thereupon inferred See § 18. XIII It is very dangerous to neglect the Gospel There is no way of escaping for such See § 19. XIV The greatest as well as the meanest falling into the same sinne are liable to the same judgement This pronoun WE includes the Apostle himself and all to whom he wrote See § 18. XV. The Gospel brings salvation It is thereupon stiled Salvation See § 20. XVI The salvation brought by the Gospel is very great This word So great intends as much It is far greater then that which by the Ministry under the Law was brought to people See § 21. XVII Christ was a Preacher He is here said to Preach See § 22. XVIII The Word is made profitable by Preaching For this end Christ Preached it See § 23. XIX Christ was the first Preacher of the Gospel This is here expresly asserted See § 24. XX. God would have his word confirmed See § 25. XXI Many Preachers of the same truth confirm it the more Thus by other Preachers the Gospel which Christ first Preached was confirmed See § 25. XXII Apostles succeeded Christ. These were they who heard him See § 26. XXIII Preachers confirm the Gospel to others It was confirmed unto us saith the Text. See § 27. XXIV God addeth his witnesse to the Ministry of his servants This is here expresly set down See § 28. XXV God only can work miracles This is here set down as Gods proper Act. See § 28. XXVI Miracles are above the power of creatures This followeth from the former by just consequence See § 29. XXVII Works are witnesses to Gods Word God by his works bare witnesse to his Apostles See § 30. XXVIII Signes by visible objects confirm Divine matters XXIX Wonders by the strangenesse of them do the like XXX Miracles also do so by a Divine power manifested in them These three last Doctrines arise out of the notation of those words Signes Wonders Miracles See § 31 32. XXXI Divers miracles were wrought to confirm the Gospel See § 34. XXXII Mens gifts are of the holy Ghost He gives them 1 Cor. 12. 11. Therefore they are here stiled Gifts of the holy Ghost See § 35. XXXIII Extraordinary gifts were abundantly given at the first preaching of the Gospel The Church had then need of them See § 35. XXXIV Gifts of the holy Ghost were confirmations of the Gospel They are in this respect here joyned with miracles See § 35. XXXV Mens Functions and abilities are of God Ibid. XXXVI The Gospel had greater confirmation then the Law See § 36. XXXVII God hath no other rule then his own will This relative His own implies as much XXXVIII God orders mens parts and places according to his will See § 37. §. 40. Of the inference of the fifth verse upon that which goeth before Verse 5. For unto the Angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come whereof we speak IN this verse the Apostle hath an eye to that main point which he insisted upon in the former Chapter which was that Christ is more excellent then Angels and also to the argument in the verses immediatly going before whereby he proved that more heed is to be given to the word of Christ then to the word of Angels In reference to the former Chapter a ninth argument is in this verse added to those â—…ght which were produced in the former Chapter to prove the foresaid excellency of Christ above Angels See chap. 1. § 64. In reference to the former part of this Chapter this verse containeth a reason why Christs word is to be preferred before the word of Angels namely because God hath given a greater authority to Christ then ever he did to Angels The first particle of this verse FOR sheweth that a reason is contained therein This reason is here set down as a double transition The first is from Christs excellency in reference to his Divine nature unto his excellency in reference to his humane nature The other is from the Apostles exhortatory digression unto his doctrinal point about Christs excellency In the former Chapter the Apostle sets out the excellency of Christ being God yet so as he considered him also to be man even God-man In this Chapter he sets out the excellency of Christ being man yet so as he considereth him also to be God even Man-God The reason here produced is comparative The comparison is of unequals for it is betwixt Christ and Angels 1. The inferiority of Angels is declared in this verse 2. The superiority of Christ is proved vers 6 7 8 9. The manner of expressing the inferiority of Angels is like that which was used chap. 1. § 46. It is expressed negatively unto the Angels hath he not put c. In this place the kinde of argument is the stronger in that it is denied to them by him who only
them himself He sanctified the creatures that are usefull for man by using them himself Other ends follow more distinctly to be handled in the words following in this Chapter All the forementioned ends and others also like to them demonstrate that Christ was in all things like to us for our good The benefit thereof redounds to us How just and equall is it that we should endeavour in all things wherein we may be like to him to endeavour to be so It will be our wisdom our honour and glory so to be yea though it be in suffering The Apostles rejoyced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christs Name Act. 5. 41. If we be like him here in afflictions and sufferings we shall be like him hereafter in glory 2 Tim. 2. 12. §. 172. Of Christ a true Priest THe most usefull and behoofull Office that Christ undertook for man is comprised under this compound Highpriest The Hebrew word translated Priest is derived from a Verb that signifieth in generall to minister The Noun also in generall signifieth a Minister It is sometimes used for a Minister in Civil affairs and is translated Prince or chief Ruler Gen. 41. 45. 2 Sam. 8. 18. 20. 26. Most frequently it is put for a Minister in sacred matters and translated d Priest The Greek word is derived from an Adjective that signifieth e holy The Function of a Priest is sacred and thereupon his name that carrieth holinesse in it is given unto him Aaron by reason of his Function is styled Gods holy one Deut. 33. 8. and the Saint of the Lord Psal. 106. 16. The notation of the Latine word is most proper to the title which signifieth Priest for it is from giving or offering sacred things Our English word Priest is supposed to be a contract of a Greek word that signifieth a President or one that is set over others or put before them For Priests are over Gods people in spirituall matters concerning their souls According to the severall notations in every language was Christ a Priest For 1. He was a Prince Isa. 9. 6. and a Minister for Gods Church Rom. 15. 8. 2. He was an Holy One Luk. 1. 35. Act. 2. 27. 3. 14. 3. He offered himself a sacrifice to God Eph. 5. 2. 4. He is set over the House of God Heb. 3. 6. All those things whereby this Apostle describeth a Priest Chap. 5. 1. do most properly belong to Christ. For 1. A Priest is taken from among men Christ also himself likewise took part of the same flesh and blood whereof other men are partakers See § 139. 2. A true Priest is ordained Christ also glorified not himself to be made an High-priest but his Father glorified him in that respect Heb. 5. 5. he Ordained him 3. A Priest is for men What Christ undertook he undertook for us See § 83. 4. A Priest is in things pertaining to God Thus much is expresly affirmed of Christ in this verse He is a Priest in things pertaining to God He is the one Mediator between God and men 1 Tim. 2. 5. 5. A Priest offereth up sacrifices Wherefore it is of necessity that Christ haâ—… somewhat also to offer Heb. 8. 3. He hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour Eph. 5. 2. A Priest offereth for sins Christ by himself purged our sins See Chap. 1. § 28. By all these it appeareth that Christ is a true Priest Thus was he foretold to be Psalm 110. 4. Zech. 6. 13. Thus is he very oft testified to be in this Epistle In that he is said to be a true Priest this Epithete true is not here opposed to false and deceitfull but to typicall and metaphoricall Priests He is a Priest indeed Such an one as really in truth and deed effecteth all that is to be done by a Priest All the Priests under the Law were typicall even Types of Christ that is sucâ—… as could not themselves perform indeed what was typified by them as to make atonement to take away sinne to satisfie justice to pacifie wrath to reconcile to God to make persons and services acceptable to God c. yet they shew that there was a Priest to come that could and would indeed perform all that belonged to a Priest This was Jesus Christ. All called Priests in the New Testament are but metaphoricall Priests by way of resemblance because they do such like offices as Priests did and offer such things to God as were like to sacrifices Their offices are to approach to the throne of grace to pray for themselves and others to offer gifts and services to God Of Christians particular sacrifices see § 175. In this respect it was thus foretold concerning Christians Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord Isa. 61. 6. I will take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord Isa. 66. 21. And in the New Testament it is said Christ hath made us Priests unto God Rev. 1. 6. 5. 10. Yea Christians are said to be an holy Priesthood â—… royall Priesthood 1 Pet. 2. 5. 9. Christ and Christ alone was a true Priest in that all things requisite for a true Priest were found to be in him and in him alone For he was both God and man and as God-man in one person he was our Priest All those things which concern a Priest may be drawn to two heads 1. Matters of Ministry 2. Matters of Dignity 1. In regard of Ministry a true Priest must 1. Obey and fulfill the Law Christ thus saith of himself It becometh us to fulfill all righteousnesse Matth. 3. 15. 2. Be subject to infirmities Heb. 4. 15. 3. Suffer Heb. 5. 8. 4. Die v. 9 10. 5. Be made a curse Gal. 3. 13. These and other things like to them Christ could not have done and endured except he had been a creature even a man 2. In regard of Dignity a true Priest must be 1. Of Divine dignity to be worthy to appear before God 2. Of Almighty power to bear the infinite burthen of sin to endure the curse of the Law to overcome death devil and hell 3. Of Infinite merit to purchase by what he did and endured Divine favour and heavenly glory No meer creature was capable of these requisites Finally a true Priest must be a Mediator betwixt God and man He must be fit and able to appear before God Heb. 8. 1. And such an one as men may appear before him Heb. 4. 15 16. In this respect an Hypostaticall union of the Divine and humane nature in one person was requisite for a true Priest This could none be but Jesus Christ God-man Immanuel God manifested in the flesh 1 Tim. 3. 16. By vertue of this union Christ himself was all in all As man he was a fit sacrifice He gave himself an offering and a sacrifice Eph. 5. 2.
As God he was the Altar that sanctified that Sacrifice for the Altar sanctifieth the gift Matth. 23. 19. As God-man in one person he was the Priest that offered that Sacrifice upon that Altar Through the eternall spirit he offered himself Heb. 9. 14. Herein the sufficiency of Christs Priest-hood is evidenced in that each nature did what was proper to it By the humane nature all matters of service and suffering were done and endured by the Divine nature all matters that required Divine authority and dignity were performed from the union of those two natures in one person the accomplishment consummation and perfection of all arose See more hereof Chap. 9. v. 14. § 78. §. 173. Of Christ an high and great Priest AS Christ was a true Priest so he is here styled by the Apostle an Highpriest In Greek these two words are compounded in one which word for word we may translate Arch-Priest as Arch-Angel 1 Thess. 4. 16. Jude v. 9. Arch-Shepherd or Chief Shepherd 1 Pet. 5. 4. Arch-builder or Master-builder 1 Cor. 3. 10. Arch-Publican or Chief-Publican Luk. 19. 2. In the Hebrew the phrase translated Highpriest is great Priest Levit. 21. 10. And the same person translated in English Chief Priest is in Hebrew Head-Priest 2 King 25. 18. Aaron was the first that had this title given unto him Lev. 16. 3. and the eldest son of the family of Aaron was successively to be High-Priest after the death of thé former High-Priest Exod. 29. 29 30. There were sundry Duties and Dignities proper to the High-Priest for the time being As 1. To enter into the most Holy place Lev. 16. 3. 2. To appear before God for the people Exod. 28. 29. 3. To bear the sins of the people Exod. 28. 38. 4. To offer incense Lev. 16. 12 13. 5. To make atonement Lev. 16. 32. 6. To judge of uncleannesse Lev. 13. 2. 7. To determine controversies Deut. 17. 8 12. 8. To blesse the people Num. 6. 23. Christ is styled High-Priest 1. For excellency sake to shew that he was the chiefest and most excellent of all 2. To demonstrate that he was the truth whom Aaron and other High-Priests typified 3. To assure us that all those things which were enjoyned to Aaron as High-Priest were really in their truth performed by Christ. For 1. Christ entred into the true Holy place which is heaven Heb. 9. 24. 2. Christ truly appeareth before God for us Heb. 9. 24. 3. Christ hath born all the sins of all the Elect 2 Cor. 5. 21. 4. Christs intercession is the true incense which makes things that are pleasing and acceptable to God to be so accepted for us Eph. 1. 6. 5. By Christ we have â—…eceived the atonement Rom. 5. 11. 6. Christ purgeth our sins Heb. 1. 3. 7. Christ is the supream Judge and determiner of all Controversies Christ is also called a great High-Priest Heb. 4. 14. to adde emphasis unto this excellency Never was there never can there be any like to him in dignity and excellency Nor Aaron nor any other had both these titles Great High given unto them Though an High Priest under the Law were in Hebrew styled a Great Priest Numb 35. 24 28. yet never was any called Great High Priest but Christ only He indeed was Great in his person being God-man Great in his sacrifice being an humane nature united to the Divine Great in the works that he did and continueth to do all of them carrying a Divine value and efficacy By the way note the intolerable arrogancy of Antichrist that Man of sinne who takes to himself this style The greatest Highpriest Two degrees higher then that which is attributed to Christ. §. 174. Of the excellency and benefits of Christs Priesthood THese two titles High Great applied to Christ as Priest do imply that he was a most excellent Priest Those titles simply taken import an excellency In reference to others comparatively taken they import a super-excellency above all others Never was there nor ever can there be such an excellent Priesthood as Christs was which the Apostle in this Epistle proveth by sundry evidences 1. The Dignity of his person Christ was not only a son of man but also the Son of God Other Priests were meer sons of men Heb. 7. 28. 2. The Purity of his nature Christ was holy harmlesse undefiled separate from sinners all other Priests were sinners Heb. 7. 26 27. 3. The Eminency of his order Christ was a Priest after the order of Melchiâ—…dech Heb. 5. 6. None so but he 4. The solemnity of his Ordination Christ was made Priest with a sacred Oath others without an Oath Heb. 7. 20 21. 5. The kinde of his Priesthood Christ was a true reall Priest others only typicall or metaphoricall See § 172. 6. The unchangeablenesse of his Office Christs Priesthood was unchangeable Others office passed from one to another Heb. 7. 23 24. 7. The everlastingnesse of his Priesthood Christ abideth a Priest continually others were not suffered to continue by reason of death Heb. 7. 3 23 24. 8. The perfection of Christs Priesthood Christ by his Priesthood effected to the uttermost what was to be effected by a Priest But the Priesthood under the Law made nothing perfect Heb. 7. 11 25. These excellencies are every one expresly noted by this Apostle and shall be more distinctly and largely handled in their severall places So excellent a Priesthood as Christs is cannot but bring many benefits to Christs Church For 1. It is necessary that the Church have a Priest to be for it in things apperâ—…ing unto God and that by reason of the infinite disparity and disproportion 〈◊〉 is betwixt God and man Hereof see The whole Armour of God on Eph. 6. 18. Treat 3. Part. 2. § 62. 2. It is also necessary that Christ be the Priest of the Church and that by reason of that infinite Dignity Authority Power and worth which belongs to that Priâ—… Hereof see § 172. All the benefits that flow from Christs Office and Passive obedience from 〈◊〉 Death and Sacrifice from his Buriall and Resurrection from his Ascension and Intercession are fruits and effects of his Priesthood For as our Priest he subjected himself to the service and curse of the Law he offered up himself a Sacrifice he was buried and rose from the dead he entred into heaven and there maketh continuall intercession for us Particular benefits of Christs Priesthood are these that follow 1. Satisfaction of Divine Iustice For Christ as our Priest and Surety standing in our room in our stead and for us satisfied Divine Justice Without this satisfaction no mercy could be obtained but through this satisfaction way is made for all needfull mercy In this respect it is said that God is just and a justifier of him which beleeveth in Iesus Rom. 3. 28. To justifie a sinner is a work of great mercy yet therein is God just because
had about Sarah to be the wife of Abraham was a simple ignorance because he was deceived by Abrahams speech Gen. 20. 5. yet was it sinfull in that it was possible for him to have found out the truth of that case if he had used his utmost endeavour Simple ignorance in both the forementioned cases may be either of the Law or of a fact The former is the more general and the more blameable We say of the Laws of a Land that every one should know the Law and that ignorance thereof excuseth no Subject that liveth under that Law Much more are all bound to know the Law of God because that Law was first written in mans heart Rom. 2. 15. Christ saith of the servant that knew not his Masters will and did commit things contrary thereunto that he shall be beaten A Masters will made known is a Law to his servant Though one particular servant know it not yet is he not excused thereby from blame and punishment Luk. 12. 48. The later which is ignorance of a fact is more special respecting some particular branches of the Law As Pauls persecuting Christians He knew that blasphemy persecution and oppression in general were sins against the Law so that there was not ignorance of the Law in him But to blaspheme the name of Christ to persecute and oppresse Christians which were particular facts he knew not to be sin for he saith I verily thought with my self that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Iesus Act. 26. 9. So as this was ignorance of such and such facts Christ saith in the like case They which kill you will think they do God service Joh. â—…6 2. Simple ignorance in the severall kindes thereof may extenuate sinne Luke 12. 48. Wilfull ignorance is in two other cases 1. When means afforded for knowledge are neglected as the Israelius who enquired not at the Ark which they had among them in the dayes of Saul 1 Chron. 13. 3. too much neglected the means which God afforded of knowing his will In this respect the sins which they committed upon ignorance of Gods will were sins of wilfull ignorance 2. When means afforded are rejected This is it which Christ thus layeth to the charge of the Jews How often would I have gathered thy children together and ye would not Mat. 23. 37. In these respects ignorance may be said to be voluntary 1. Indirectly when one by reason of pains or other imployments neglecteth to learn that which might restrain him from sinne To this tends that reason which Ieroboam rendred to keep the Israelites from going up to the Temple to be instructed there in the will of God It is too much for you to go up unto Ierâ—…salem 1 King 12. 28. To the same purpose tend the excuses which they made that refused to go to the Kings Supper One pretended his ground which he had bought the other his yoke of oxen Luke 14. 18 19. 2. Directly when one will purposely be ignorant of his duty for this very end that he may more freely go on in his sin as the Jews which gave this answer to the Prophet of the Lord As for the words that thou hast spoken to us in the name of the Lord we will not hearken unto thee but we will certainly do whatsâ—…ver goeth forth out of our own mouth c. Ier. 44. 16 17. The former of these is so far from extenuating of sin as it causeth some aggravation thereof The later doth out of measure aggravate the sin Ignorance properly taken is a sin See Chap. 5. v. 2. § 10. The ignorance comprized under these words They have not known my wayâ—… 〈◊〉 wilfull ignorance and that not only in the indirect kinde but also in the direct It was an affected ignorance most wilfull and therefore it is here well set down as a great aggravation Of their wilfulnesse in sinning against God See § 107. §. 112. Of the danger and damage of ignorance THat which hath been noted of ignorance aggravating sinne shews that the Position of Papists concerning ignorance to be the mother of devotion iâ—… 〈◊〉 most absurd Position I would demand Whether devotion be a good thing or 〈◊〉 If good How can it be the childe of such an evil as ignorance is Can sweet waâ—… come from a salt spring Iam. 3. 12. Who can bring a clean thing out of an â—…clean thing Not one Iob 14. 4. Surely the devotion which is pretended to coâ—… from ignorance is meer superstition or which is worse Idolatry When you 〈◊〉 not God you did service unto them which by nature are no gods Gal. 4. 8. It is also made by the holy Ghost the mother of self-conceit Rom. 10. 3. Oâ—…â—…tempt of holy things Iude v. 10. Of lust 1 Thess. 4. 11. Of murther Luke 23. 3 Of all manner of sin 1 Tim. 1. 13. Experience sheweth that where there iâ—… 〈◊〉 knowledge there is little conscience Of the hainousness of ignorance Sâ—… 〈◊〉 whole Armour of God on Ephes. 6. 17. § 24. They savour too rank of that Popish errour who think that much knowledge 〈◊〉 not fit for common people and thereupon do what they can to suppress freqâ—… and powerfull preaching Hereby it further appears that it is a most wofull plight wherein most peoâ—…lie and those not only Savages Pagans Turks Jews Papists but also the â—…mon sort of Protestants For ignorance blindeth the mindes of most which 〈◊〉 them so provoke God as they do The Devils are said to be the Governours of 〈◊〉 darknesse of this world Ephes. 6. 12. Who can be meant by darknesse but blâ—… and ignorant persons such as the God of this world is said to have blinded 2 Coâ—… 4. No marvel that Satan ruleth over such for they cannot discern his power â—…lice subtilty sedulity and mischievous enterprises When the Troops of Syâ—… were smitten with blindeness they were easily led into the midst of their 〈◊〉 2 King 6. 18 19 c. So ignorant persons are easily drawn into Satans pâ—… Consider the case of a blinde man how ready he is to wander out of his way 〈◊〉 stumble at this stone to rush against that poste to fall into any pit or pond 〈◊〉 is the case of an ignorant man The sinne of ignorance therefore is a sinne for which ignorant persons 〈◊〉 to be deeply humbled as for a disgracefull and dangerous sinne and 〈◊〉 earnestly to crave pardon for this sinne The Sacrifices that were offered 〈◊〉 the Law for ignorance Levit. 15. 27 c. afford good ground for performing 〈◊〉 duty It is a vain conceit that many have that their ignorance will be a sufficient 〈◊〉 against divine judgement Where Christ aggravateth sins against knowledge concludeth that they also who sin on ignorance shall be beaten Luke 1â—… Though some kinde of ignorance may somewhat extenuate a sinne yet no â—…rance of that which a man may and should know can make
that were comprised under their exâ—… and legall Rites By this means may we in many respects come to discern sundry particular benefits arising out of those truths which it may be we should not so readily discern in a single simple consideration of the truths themselves For finding out the truth of types observe these rules 1. Be well acquainted with the Prophets who were expounders of the Law A Prophet will tell you that circumcision intended the taking away of the foreskin of the heart Jer. 4. 4. Another will tell you that sacrifices set out the offering of Christ Psal 40. 6. 2. Observe what applications in the New Testament are made of the legall Rites unto their severall truths For the Penmen of the New Testament were guided by the same Spirit that Moses was and knew what was the intendment of his Rites Thereby we may know that the Rite of not breaking a bone of the Paschal Lamb Exod. 12. 46. did prefigure the kind of Christs death and the not breaking of his bones Ioh. 19. 36. Other types applied to their truths in the New Testament are set down before in this § 3. By just consequence may sundry truths be found out For example from this ground that the Highpriest prefigured Christ we may by consequence inferre that the Highpriest appearing before God for the people and bearing their names in his Breast-plate did prefigure Christs appearing before God for us and presenting us by name unto God Exod. 28. 29. Thus may the Highpriests Robes and Ornaments be applied to Christ. 4. A perpetuall equity will leade us to finde out the truth of a type as the equity of thâ—…s that prayer shall ever be made unto God in the Name of Christ shews that the daily offering up of incense did typifie as much Mal. 1 11. 5. A fit analogy and resemblance of a type with the truth as Israels bondage 〈◊〉 Pharach with our spirituall bondage under sinne Their deliverance by the red sea with our Redemption by the blood of Christ. The clouds sheltring them from the parching heat of the sun with Christs preserving us from the wrath of God So in other things §. 51. Of the Resolution of Heb. 4. v. 7 8. 7. Again he limiteth a certain day saying in David To day after so long a time as it is said To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts 8. For if Iesus had given them rest then would he not afterwards have spoken of â—…ther day THe summe of these two verses is this Canaan is not the rest to be rested in This is 1. Proved v. 7. 2. Confirmed v. 8. In the proof is set down 1. An inference on that which went before in this Adverb Again 2. The substance of the proof which is 1. Propounded 2. Exemplified In the Proposition there is 1. An intimation of Gods prerogative 2. A manifestation thereof Gods Prerogative is set out 1. By his act He limiteth 2. By the object thereof A certain day The manifestation of Gods Prerogative is by a Divine Testimony In setting down the testimony is noted 1. The Penman of it or the place of Scripture Saying in David 2. The mater of it That is 1. Simply considered in this word To day 2. Relatively extended in this phrase After so long a time The exemplification of the point is 1. Generally implyed in this phrase As it is said 2. Particularly expressed in these words of Scripture To day if ye will hear 〈◊〉 voice harden not your hearts Of the particular branches of this Scripture See Chap. 3. v. 7. § 76 c. The confirmation of the former proof is in the eight verse In it one thing is granted Another is inferred The thing granted is that Ioshua gave Israel a Rest. The point inferred is that that rest was not a rest to be rested in In the thing granted we may distinguish the persons and the point The persons are 1. The Doner Ioshua and the Donees in this relative Them under whom are comprised the then living Israelites 2. The point gift or thing given which was Rest. In setting down the inference observe 1. The manner by way of supposition If Then 2. The matter which contains a proof of the point that Ioshua did not give them the rest to be rested in The proof is double 1. It is taken from this circumstance of time Afterward 2. From the difference of time when Ioshua gave Israel rest and Davidâ—…teth â—…teth to enter into a rest This later is another day §. 52. Of Instructions raised out of Heb. 4. 7 8. I. PRoof may be added to proof for confirmation of the same point This is implied under this Adverb Again See § 42. II. God setteth seasons This is the intent of this word He limiteth See § 43. III. Times are not known to man This word certain is not certain or sure 〈◊〉 indefinite See § 42. IV. God spake by David This phrase saying in David hath reference to God See § 44. V. David was the Penman of the book of Psalms That Book is by a Metonymy 〈◊〉 David See § 44. VI. That whereunto we are invited to enter into long after must needs be another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that which was possessed long before This is the Apostles Argument It is 〈◊〉 in this phrase after so long a time See § 45. VII There is hope of entring while the day continues This is the main end of presâ—… this word To day See § 45. VIII Scripture proofs may be inculcated Four times hath this proof To day if ye 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. been insisted upon See § 46. Of sundry Observations gathered out of these words To day if ye will hear c. See Chap. 3. § 120. IX 〈◊〉 was Israels Governour X. Canaan was a place of rest to Israel XI Ioshua setled Israel in Canaan XII Gods work is ascribed to man These four last Doctrines are taken for grant and made the ground of the inference following See § 47 48. XIII Canaan was not the rest to be rested in This is the main point which the 〈◊〉 here proves See § 49. XIV Scripture circumstances are observable The principall force of the Apoâ—… argument resteth upon a circumstance of time Because David after Ioshua 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Israel in Canaan speaketh of another day therefore Ioshua's rest was 〈◊〉 rest to be rested in In another place the Apostle draws an argument from 〈◊〉 word seed in the singular number to prove that Christ was promised to Abraâ—… Gal. 3. 16. The whole Scripture is given by inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3. 16. We may not therefore think the least little therein to be in vain 〈◊〉 us in this respect to be the more observant not only of the generall 〈◊〉 and main scope of a place of Scripture but also of the manner of setâ—… 〈◊〉 down and of other circumstances appertaining thereunto §. 53. Of setting down the Conclusion of a Discourse Verse 9. There remaineth
Penman of this testimony 2. To the Holy Ghost who inspired David 3. To God the Father who is brought in conferring what is here affirmed 〈◊〉 his Sonne Neither of these crosse the other but all of them may stand together I take the last to be most principally intended because the Father who in the â—…mer testimony said to his Sonne Thou art my Sonne this day have I begotten 〈◊〉 saith also Thou art a Priest for ever c. Thus will these two testimonies more â—…cohere This later testimony is said to be in another place Though the word 〈◊〉 be not in the Greek yet it is well supplied For it is in another Psalm 〈◊〉 Psal. 110. v. 4. That Psalm is a Prophesie of Christ as hath been proved Chap. 1. v. 13. § 〈◊〉 In this respect the proof is the more proper In this testimony Christs Priesthood is thus expresly asserted Thou art a Priest Of Christs Priesthood See Chap 2. v. 17. § 172 173. Gods deputing Christ to that Function is here also declared For It is the Lord that saith to him Thou art a Priest Of Gods appointing Christ to be Priest See 14. § 20 24. §. 29. Of the everlastingnesse of Christs Priesthood THe everlasting continuance of Christs Priesthood is plainly set down in this phrase for ever Of the notation of the Greek word translated ever See Chap. 1. v. 8. § 108. Many points there delivered about the everlastingnesse of Christs Kingdom may be applied to the everlastingnesse of Christs Priesthood It is here evident by this testimony that Christ is an everlasting Priest he ever remaineth to exercise this Function himself This point is ost pressed by this Apostle 1â—… Chap. 7. v. 17 21 24 25 28. There were two parts of Christs Priesthood One was to offer sacrifice That iâ—… he gave Chap. 7. 27. The other to make intercession This doth he continue for ever and for this end ever remaineth a Priest Chap. 7. 25. It is necessary that the Church ever have a Priest and that such a Priest as Christ is as was shewed § 27. If Christ should cease to be our Priest who should succeed him No meer creature can go forward with that work which he hath begun The everlastingnesse of Christs Priesthood discovereth the vanity and folly of Papists about their Priests whom they account true reall sacrificing Priests What need other Priests Christ being a Priest for ever Either Christs execution of his Priesthood is insufficient which to hold is blasphemy or their Priests are altogether in vain This continuance of Christs Priesthood hath been the ground of the Churches addresse to the Throne of grace ever since the ascension of Christ into heaven and so will be as long as the world continueth For ever will this our Priest be for 〈◊〉 in things pertaining to God So long as he continueth our King to govern us so long will he continue our Priest to intercede for us We may with as much confidence still apply the sacrifice of Christ as if his blood were still trickling down His blood still speaks Heb. 12. 24. and ever will while there is any sinne of any of Gods Elect to be expiated §. 30. Of the Order of Melchisedec THe word translated Order signifieth a due and seemly disposition It is derived from a Verb that signifieth to appoint or set in order It is applied to the setting of Commanders or Officers of Warre in their places Luk. 7. 8. yea and to Gods ordaining unto eternall life Act. 13. 48. The Noun in my Text is used to set out a decent ordering of Church affairs 1 Cor. 14. 40. and a comely carriage of Christians Col. 2. 5. It here implieth that the Priesthood is a 〈◊〉 kinde of Office ordained and Ordered by him that hath power to do it It is in a like sense 〈◊〉 to Aarons Priesthood Heb. 7. 11. Hereby we are given to understand that the Priesthood here mentioned and the Priesthood of Aaron are two distinct kindes The Apostle doth here bring in this Priesthood as distinct from Aarons because there were many things in Christ which were not agreeable to the Order of 〈◊〉 as 1. Christ was a King But a King might not be of Aarons Order 2. He was of the Tribe of Iudah of which Tribe no man gave attendance at the Altar Heb. 7. 13. 3. He neither had predecessor nor successor Heb. 7. 24. but Priests after Aarons Order had both Other differences are observed by this Apostle Chap. 7. If therefore from such differences any should inferre that Christ could not be a Priest the Apostle sheweth that there was another Order of Priesthood Besides there were such infirmities and delects in the Order of Aaron as 〈◊〉 not agreeable to Christs excellency so as there must of necessity be another 〈◊〉 of Priesthood The infirmities and defects of Aarons Priesthood were these 1. That the Priest should offer for their own sinnes v. 3. 2. That they should offer beasts and birds Lev. 1. 2 14. 3. That they should oft offer the same kinde of sacrifices 4. That they should offer such sacrifices as could not make perfect Heb. 10. 1. There are but two kindes of typicall Priesthoods mentioned in Scripture 〈◊〉 are these One after the Order of Melchisedec The other after the Order of 〈◊〉 Of these two the former was many waies the more excellent Herein therefore 〈◊〉 Christ said to be after the order of Melchisedec Whatsoever was essentially belonging to a Priest in Aaron that was in 〈◊〉 truth accomplished by Christ and wherein there was any preeminent 〈◊〉 in Melchisedec's Priesthood above Aaron's therein was Christ after the 〈◊〉 of Melchisedec All these excellencies were really and properly accomplished 〈◊〉 Christ. The history of Melchisedec is set down Gen. 14. 18 19 20. This Apostle hath so distinctly and fully observed and applied to Christ 〈◊〉 thing that is expressed or by just consequence may be inferred from that Priesthood in the seventh Chapter of this Epistle as I suppose it meet to refer the 〈◊〉 of this mystery to that place In generall this may be observed that Christ was the most excellent Priest 〈◊〉 ever was Melchisedec was more excellent then Aaron Heb. 7. 4. yet was Melchisedec but a type of Christ. Therefore Christ the true Priest must needs be 〈◊〉 excellent then Melchisedec himself Sundry excellencies of Christs Priesthood as the Dignity of his person his â—…ny great undertakings and the glorious fruits and benefits flowing from 〈◊〉 have been expresly noted Chap. 2. v. 17. 1. 173 174. If the Jews had Aarons Priesthood in high account and Abraham the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Jews gave tithes of all to Melchisedec and accounted himself blessed 〈◊〉 blessed of Melchisedec how should we esteem Jesus Christ and his Priesthood 〈◊〉 rest in his blessing §. 31. Of the Resolution of Heb. 5. v. 5 6 5. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an Highpriest but he that said
v. 15. For Christ is no where said to be a Priest after the order of Aaron But he is said to be after the order of Melchisedec Psal. 110. 4. Of a negative 〈◊〉 See Chap. 1. v. 5. § 46. That then which is here to be especially observed is that Christs Priest-hood is of another kind then Levi's was The Apostle proveth this by many arguments namely in that it was after another order under another Law v. 12. by a Priest of another tribe v. 14. Of greater efficacy v. 19. having a better sacrifice Chap. 9. 23. and a more glorious place Chap. 9. 24. Aarons Priesthood was not sufficient actually and effectually to do the things 〈◊〉 are to be done by that function It could not cleanse from sin It could not 〈◊〉 It could not properly sanctifie It could not make perfect those which are 〈◊〉 it Chap. 10. v. 1. c. Therefore that which doth these things must needs be of another kinde This teacheth us to be of other minds and other manners not to dote on outâ—…ard 〈◊〉 after another manner to come to Jesus and to use him then the 〈◊〉 came to their Priests and used them We need not now go on pilgrimage to 〈◊〉 but with the eye of faith look to heaven We need not bring doves 〈◊〉 goats buls but spirituall sacrifices Another Priest requireth another kind of dispâ—…sition and conversation All things are now new So must we be new creaâ—… 2 Cor. 5. 17. §. 67. Of the meaning of the twelfth Verse Heb. 7. 12. For the Priest-hood being changed there is made of necessity a change also of the Law THis twelfth verse is inferred as a consequence upon the change of the Leviticall Priest-hood He proved in the former verse that that Priest-hood was changed by another which was after another order and substituted in the roome of it Hereupon he inferreth that the Law also must needs be changed The causall conjunction FOR is here a note of a consequence The consequence is insert'd upon the priviledge of a Priest-hood which was inserted in the former verse within a parenthesis The priviledge was this under the Leviticall Priest-hood the people received the Law Thence it followeth that upon the change of the Priest-hood the Law also must be changed The noune translated Priest-hood is the same that was used before v. 11. § 61. Of this word changed see Chap. 6. v. 18. § 135. Here it implieth such a change as one Priest-hood is utterly abrogated and nulled and another substituted in the râ—…om of it This noune change here signifieth in effect as much as the word translated disanulling doth v. 18. Both the words are compounded with the same simple verb but different prepositions We may not therefore think that the Apostle intends a translation of one and the same Priest-hood from one Priest to another though this word be sometimes used for translating the same thing from one place to another Chap. 11. 5. Act. 7. 16. but rather a taking of it clean away This phrase of necessity implyeth that it could not be otherwise There is such a mutuall dependence of the Law and Priest-hood one upon another as they cannot be separated They are like Hippocrates twins they live together and die together By Law some take the particular ordinances about the Leviticall Priest-hood to be meant But surely it here intendeth as much as it did in this clause the people received the Law v. 11. Now the people did not receive such ordinances only as concerned the Priest-hood but that whole Law which concerned the whole polity of the Jewes The Apostle doth the rather take this occasion of demonstrating the abrogation of the Law to draw their mind and hearts from it that they might more firmly and stedfastly be set and settled on that Law which is established by Christs Priesthood and that is the Gospel This is the principall intendment of this Epistle §. 68. Of the abrogation of the Ceremoniall Law THe Apostle in these words The Priest-hood being changed taketh it for granted that the Leviticall Priest-hood was abrogated For this he had proved in the former verse The main point here intended is the abrogation of the Law upon which he layeth a necessity The Jewes were under a threefold Law Morall Ceremoniall and Judiciall The Ceremoniall Law is here in particular intended for that especially depended upon the Leviticall Priest-hood The Morall Law concerns all the Sons of Adam but the two other concerns the Sons of Ahraham The Ceremoniall Law enjoynes such services as were to be performed to God 〈◊〉 such ceremonies and rites as appertained thereunto and withall it directed 〈◊〉 and people in the use of them This is that Law whereof the Apostle thus speakes There is verily a 〈◊〉 of the Commandement v. 18. This is that Law of Commandements which is 〈◊〉 be abolished by Christ Eph. 2. 15. This is that hand-writing of ordinances 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 said to be blotted out Col. 2. 14. Object This is it that is said to be a Statute for ever Exod. 28. 43. And â—… â—…nant of Salt for ever Numb 18. 19. Answ. 1. The Hebrew word translated for ever Is sometimes indefinitly 〈◊〉 for a long season the end whereof is not known to us Eccl. 12. 5. 2. It is put for an unalterable stability so long as the date appointed 〈◊〉 Thus that which continued unalterable till the year of Jubile is said to be for 〈◊〉 Exod. 21. 6. 3. It is put for the continuance of ones life Thus Samuel is devoted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 before the Lord for ever 1 Sam. 1. 22. 4. It is put for the whole time of the polity of the Jewes That which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 continue so long as that estate lasted is said to be for ever or everlasting 〈◊〉 17. 8. 5. It is put for that which ended in the truth the Lord Jesus and so is said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for ever as Solomons throne 2 Sam. 7. 13. In the first and two last respects before mentioned may the ceremoniall Law 〈◊〉 said to continue for ever For it continued a long time many hundred 〈◊〉 even so long as the polity of the Jewes lasted and it ended in Christ the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all the legall ceremonies 1. In this respect it could not properly continue for ever but must vanish aâ—…ay because it was the figure of a substance the shadow of a body and type of a truth to come Heb. 10. 1. Now a figure and type ceaseth when the substance and truth is exhibited and a shadow vanisheth away when the body is in place and present Herein lieâ—…h a difference between shadowes and types on the one side and 〈◊〉 and Sacraments on the other side that the former are of things future the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 things exhibited and past The former cannot retain their life and vigour together with the substance and truth The latter may retain their life and full vigour together with the thing signified
2. The ceremoniall Law was as a wall of partition betwixt Jew and Gentile whereby the Jewes were so fensed as the Gentiles could not be mixed with them as when beasts of one Lord are so fenced in a pasture as other beasts cannot come iâ—…to their pasture Therefore when Christ came to unite Jew and Gentile and 〈◊〉 make of them one He is said to break down this stop of partition wall Eph. â—… 14. â—… that Law had not been abrogated the Gentiles could not have been brought into Christs fold as of necessity they must be Ioh. 10. 16. Till the fulnesse of 〈◊〉 wherein the truth and substance of all the ceremonies and types was exhibited 〈◊〉 accomplished that Law of ceremonies remained in force with the Jewes upon 〈◊〉 grounds 1. The severall branches thereof were parts of Gods outward worship 2. Thereby they were kept from will-worship 3. They were also thereby kept from conforming themselves to the Gentileâ—… iâ—… their Idolatrous Services 4. They being types and shadows of Christ to come were as a looking glâ—…sse tâ—… shew unto them that Image of Christ. 5. They being many heavy burthensome painfull chargeable rites they 〈◊〉 the Jewes the more to long after Christ. In this respect the Apostle saith of 〈◊〉 Law that it was our School-master to bring us unto Christ Gal. 3. 24. For 1. It pointed out Christ under rudiments and ceremonies It forced men to seek help else-where because it could not perfect those that came unto it 1. This aggravateth those dotages which were noted § 61. 2. It informs us in Gods goodnesse to us who are reserved to that fulnesse of time wherein Christ hath been exhibited for we are freed from that yoak which neither 〈◊〉 nâ—…r our Fathers are able to bear Act. 15. 10. This is a bondage worse then the Egyptian bondage They that were freed from that bondage had many memorials of Gods goodnesse to them therein the more to quicken up their spirits to praise God for their deliverance and to continue the memory thereof from generation to generation 3. The change of the Law is a strong motive to stir us up willingly and cheerfullâ—… to submit our selves to this Law whereinto that is translated that is to the Law of the Gospell which is established under Christs Priest-hood This Law requires 〈◊〉 impossibilities as to ascend into heaven or to descend into the deep Rom. 10. 6 7. but it requires faith and repentance Mar. 1. 15. Faith to give evidence to the free gâ—…ace of God who requireth of us but to receive what he graciously offereth Repentance to demonstrate the purity of God who though he freely justifie a sinner yet he will not have him continue in sin Yea this Law of the Gospel giveth power and ability to perform what it requireth If this Law into which the other is translâ—…ted be thorowly compared with that we shall find just cause to acknowledge that this is an easie yoak and a light burden Matth. 11. 30. but that a yoak and burden 〈◊〉 none could bear Act. 15. 10. §. 69. Of the judiciall Law of the Iewes BEsides the ceremoniall Law the Jewes had a judiciall Law proper and peculiar to that polity This Law concerned especially their civil estate Many branches of that Law appertained to the Jewish Priest-hood as The particular Lawes about the Cities of refuge whether such as slew any unawares fled and there abode till the death of the High Priest Numb 35. 25. And Lawes about Lepers which the Priest was to judge Lev. 14. 3. And sundry other cases which the Priest was to judge of Deut. 17. 9. So also the Lawes of distinguishing tribes of reserving inheritances to special tribes and families of selling them to the next of Kin 〈◊〉 4. 4. Of raising seed to a brother that died without issue Gen. 38. 8. 9 Of all manner of freedomes at the year of Jubilee Levit. 25. 13. c. There were other branches of the judiciall Law which rested upon common equitie and were meanes of keeping the morall Law as putting to death Idolaters and such as inticed others thereunto and witches and wilfull murtherers and other notorious malefactors So likewise Lawes against incest and incestuous Marriages Lawes of reverencing and obeying Superiours and Governours and of dealing justly in borrowing restoring buying selling and all manner of contracts The former sort were abolished together with the Priest-hood The latter remain as good directions to order even Christian polities accordingly 1. By these kinds of Lawes the wisdome of God was manifested in observing what was fit for the particular kind and condition of people and in giving them answerable Lawes and yet not tying all Nations and States thereunto 2. That liberty which God affordeth to others to have Lawes most agreeable to their own Country so as they be not contrary to equity and piety bindeth them more obediently to submit themselves to their own wholesome Lawes and to keep peace unity and amity among themselves §. 70. Of the Morall Law THe Morall Law is a generall rule for all sorts of people It was therefore given to Adam and his posterity yea it was engraven in mans heart Rom. 2. 15. It is a perfect rule of all righteousnessâ—… whereby is declared what is due to God and man It is an inviolable unchangeable and everlasting Law of perpetuall use never 〈◊〉 be abrogated This is that Law which Christ came not to destroy but to fulfill Matth. 5. 1â—… 〈◊〉 is the Law which through faith we establish Rom. 3. 31. This is that Law 〈◊〉 which not one jot or one title shall passe till heaven and earth passe Matth. 5. 18. Yet because through mans corruption it is so far from bringing man to 〈◊〉 which was the primary and principal â—…nd thereof as it beateth him down into 〈◊〉 most woful and cursed estate it is by Jesus Christ who is the resurrection and 〈◊〉 Iohn 11. 25. in sundry circumstances altered or rather mollified It will be therefore requisite distinctly to declare both wherein that alteration 〈◊〉 qualification consisteth and also wherein the morall Law stil remaineth of use 〈◊〉 Christians It is mollified in these circumstances 1. In regard of justification Act. 13. 39. The Law was first given to justifie 〈◊〉 observers thereof but now in regard of mans corruption that is impossible 〈◊〉 8. 3. Gal. 3. 11. God therefore now hath appointed another meanes for that end 〈◊〉 is Christ and saith in him Act. 13. 39. Rom. 3. 28. 2. In regard of the rigor thereof The Law accepteth no duty but that which is every way absolute and perfect Thus much is implyed under this phrase 〈◊〉 man which doth these things shall live by them Rom 10. 5. This therefore is 〈◊〉 doom of the Law cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are 〈◊〉 in the Book of the Law to do them Gal. 3. 10. Yet there is a righteousnesse though not
comprised under the â—…oresaid commandement and you shall find it to be such a commandement as hath been set forth Some of the particulars are these The Tabernacle made of linnen stuffes skins and boards the Ark Mercy seat Châ—…ubins Table and Candle-stick made of Gold the incense and oyle made of spices and shew-bread made of flower the Altars and Lavers made of brasse the High-Priests Robes and other Priests garments Were not these and the other like to these external earthy alterable Their sacrifices were they not of beasts and birds See v. 11. § 61. Object Excellent ends of the Ceremoniall Law are set down v. 12. § 68. How then can this commandement be carnal Answ. It may be considered two wayes 1. Simply 2. Comparatively The simple consideration admits also a distinction For 1. The Ceremoniall Law being instituted by God as the outward part of his worship and prescribing types of Christ the truth may be accounted spiritual and divine and thus it was had in high account amongst Saints till all things typified thereby were accomplished in Christ. 2. That Law consisting of external matters specified before those external things separated from Christ the divine and spirituall truth was but carnall In this respect the Lord saith I will take no bullock out of thy house c. Psal. 50. 9. And to the Lord it is said sacrifice and offering thou did'st not desire c. Psal. 40. 6. Comparatively and that in opposition to the Gospel it was indeed a carnall Commandement especially as it was used for justification and salvation thorow the observing of it whether joyned with Christ or excluding Christ. §. 82. Of mens carnall disposition in worshipping God Tâ—…at which hath been said of the carnall Commandement discovereth the carnall disposition of Sons of men As most Jewes before and after Christ doted upon the Ceremoniall Law as it was carnal so the Gentiles in all ages had a kind of worship but meerly carnall in externall earthly ordinances Yea many Gentiles â—…verted by the Gospel to the Christian faith much doted upon carnal ordinances Gal. 3. 1 c. Cast your eyes thorowout the world and take notice of the worship of several nations and you shall find it to be a carnal worship Papists exceed herein Their religion is meerly carnal It consisteth in outward 〈◊〉 as in erecting curious Images and manifold Altars in arraying Priests with glorious Copes in pompous Processions in melodious Musick in abundance of Tapers in â—…prinkling water in magical croâ—…lings in numeral prayers in 〈◊〉 gestures and a thousand others These are carnal in their kind and use 1. In their kind They are outward and mâ—…er inventions of man 2. In their use They are all in an unknown tongue yet their whole service â—…sisteth herein Fitly is that Church resembled to a woman upon a scaâ—…let 〈◊〉 beast arrayed in purple c. Rev. 17. 3. This is that glorious religion which 〈◊〉 much admired and followed in the world If the extent of this Epithite Carnall be duly weighed many professors of the 〈◊〉 reformed religion will be found to be of carnal dispositions in that they 〈◊〉 themselves with a carnal serving of God and observing Christian ordinances â—…nally For howsoever the ordinances that we use as assembling together to â—…ship God prayers thankesgiving reading expounding and preaching the 〈◊〉 and hearing the same administring and partaking of the Sacraments be 〈◊〉 warranted by the Gospel and so spiritual and excellent in their kind as never 〈◊〉 to be expected while the world stands yet as men content themselves with a 〈◊〉 outward performing of them they are made carnal and prove to be but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…cises which profit little 1 Tim. 4. 8. §. 83. Of the meaning of these words But after the power of an endlesse life THis clause but after the power of an endlesse life is added in opposition to 〈◊〉 which was said of the carnall commandement as is evident by this 〈◊〉 of opposition BUT This last clause is spoken of Christs Priest-hood That is it which was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 power of an endlesse life He calleth the word whereby Christ was made Priest Power in that 〈◊〉 Priest-hood had a vertue efficacy and power to effect and that to the full all 〈◊〉 things for which it was ordained as to cleanse from sin to reconcile to God to justifie our persons to sanctifie us throughout and eternally to save us These ends of Christs Priest-hood are comprised under this word life So as that which the Apostle saith of the Gospell Rom. 1. 16. may bâ—… here fitly applyed to Christs Priest-hood It is the power of God unto Salvation It is a divine power A power that can and will effect what it undertaketh The Greek Epithite translated endlesse is a double compound The simple vâ—…rb signifiâ—…th to loose John 1. 27. The first compound signifieth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Act. 6. 14. This double compound being with a privative preposition â—…rifieth that which cannot be dissolved or destroyed but ever remaineth the 〈◊〉 â—…nd in that respect is fiâ—…ly translated endlesse This Epithite is here used in distinction from or opposition to our temporal life or our body which is thus described Our earthly house of this Tabernacle 〈◊〉 it is said that it may be dissolved 2 Cor. 5. 1. Here are three distinct points wherein the excellency of Christs Priest-hood 〈◊〉 commendâ—…d and whereby a supply is made of those things which the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Priest-hood could not do 1. That it was a Priest-hood of power In which respect it is said of this 〈◊〉 He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him v. 25. Thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 safely and securely rest upon him 2. Christs Priest-hood brings to life His power tends to this even to sate v. 25. 3. The life which Christ brings men unto is indissolvable In this respect 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stiled an inheritance incorruptible and that fadeth not away 1 Pet. 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Crown of glory that fadeth not away 1 Pet. 5. 4. The latter Epithite 〈◊〉 â—…slated that fadeth not away is the name of a flower called Amarantus which is said to continue fresh and flourishing Winter and Summer The word Amarantusâ—…cording â—…cording to the Greek notation signifieth that which fadeth not A Crown or â—…land made of such flowers was counted a not fading Crown or Garland The foresaid benefit and effect of Christs Priest-hood is a strong motive to 〈◊〉 as patiently endure the changes and alterations of this life they are but for a time After a little enduring we shall come to a setled and immutable estate Our light 〈◊〉 which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternall â—…eight of glory 2 Cor. 4. 17. This also is a great incouragement against death it self Sooner or later our earthly 〈◊〉 of this Tabernacle shall be dissolved but then we have a building that cannot be
of the Majâ—… 〈◊〉 the heavens Vers. 2. A Minister of the Sanctuary and of the true Tabernacle which the 〈◊〉 pitched and not man THese two verses set out the places where Christ exercised his Priest-hood 〈◊〉 about two things are observable 1. The circumstances 2. The substance The circumstances are two 1. A transition in these words The things which we have spoken 2. The sum of all Now this is the sum The substance is set out two wayes 1. Simply 2. Typically In the simple consideration two points are noted 1. Christs office 2. The place where Christ exercised it Christs office is 1. Expressed in this title High-Priest 2. Amplified two wayes 1. By our right unto it in this word we have 2. By his excellency in this relative such The place where he exerciseth his function is 1. Described 2. Named The place is described 1. By Christs abode there who is set 2. By the dignity there conferred on him This is set out two wayes under 〈◊〉 metaphors 1. On the right hand namely of God 2. Of the throne This is amplified by the supreme Soveraignty of him that 〈◊〉 thereon in this word Majesty The name of the place is thus expressed in the heavens Vers. 2. In the typicall consideration two like points are set forth 1. Christs office a Minister 2. The places whereof he is a Minister These are two 1. The Sanctuary 2. The Tabernacle This latter is amplified 1. By the kind thereof true 2. By the author who is set down 1. Affirmatively which the Lord pitched 2. Negatively and not man Doctrines Vers. 1. I. Transitions are usefull The mention of things spoken 〈◊〉 a â—…tion See § 2. II. It is usefull to give the Sum of a discourse So doth the Apostle here See â—… 2. III. Christ is an High-Priest So is he here called See § 2. IV. Christ is a spirituall and heavenly High-Priest This is the main sum of these two verses See § 2. V. Christ is such an High-Priest as noâ—… ever was or can be like him This word Sâ—… intends as much See Chap. 7. v. 26. § 108. VI. Christ remaines our Priest before God This act is set in reference to the place here set down giveth proof hereof See Chap. 1. v. 3. § 31. VII Christ as our Priest is inferiour to the Father VIII Christ as our Priest is advanced above all creatures These two last Doctrines are couched under this phrase at the right hand See Chap. 1. v. 3. § 33. IX Christ as our Priest is a King He is set on a throne See Chap. 1. v. 3 § 32. X God is a supreme Soveraign God is comprised under this title The Majesty which implyeth supreme Soveraignty See Chap. 1. v. 3. § 32. XI The highest heaven is the place where Christ exerciseth his Priest-hood See Chap. 4. v. 14. § 84. Vers. 2. XII Christ is a Minister Thus much is here plainly affirmed See § 3. XIII The most holy place typified heaven That was it which is here called Sanctuary which was a type of heaven See § 3. XIV Christ is a Minister of heavenly things He is a Minister of the true and heavenly Sanctuary wherein all things are spirituall and heavenly See § 4. XV. The Iewes Tabernacle was a type of Christs body Thereupon Christs body is stiled the true Tabernacle See § 5. XVI Christs humane nature was the immediate work of God This phrase which the Lord pitched hath reference to Christs body See § 6. XVII Gods workmanship is far more excellent then mans To demonstrate thuâ—… much this negative is added and not man See § 6. §. 8. Of the meaning of the former part of the third verse Vers. 3. For every High-Priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer THis causall particle For sheweth that this verse is added as a reason of that which goth before The main and generall point was that Christ is a Minister of the Sanctuary and true Tabernacle whereby is intended that Christ did such things as belonged to that Sanctuary and Tabernacle Among other things this was an especiall one to offer a sacrifice This he here proveth from the generall to a particular Every High-Priest is ordained to offer up gifts and sacrifices Therefore Christ the great High-Priest was also ordained to that end Quest. What sacrifice is mentioned in the former verses For this proof seemeth to intend a sacrifice that Christ should offer up Answ. 1. This phrase Minister of the Sanctuary and Tabernacle intendeth a sacrifice For it was one part of the ministrie of the Tabernacle to offer sacrifices 2. The Tabernacle was a type of Christs body so as to be a Minister of the Tabernacle was in the truth to offer up his body And it is expresly said that he offered up himself Chap. 7. v. 27. Object The Tabernacle was the place where sacrifices were offered up How then can it be pâ—…t for the sacrifice it self Answ. The same metaphor may in divers respects be applyed to divers things and the same truth and substance may be set out by divers types rites and figures Though shadowes types rites and figures were divers things one different from another yet one and the same truth may answer to them all namely in divers and different respects Thus one and the same Christ is the sacrifice the Altar and the Priest The sacrifice as man who was offered up the Altar as God who sanctified the sacrifice the Priest as God-man who offered the one upon the other One and the same Christ was also the truth and substance of the Ark the mercy-seat the Incense the Shew-bread the Tables the Lights and of other types used under the Law The same Christ was also the truth and substance of Noahs Ark of the clooâ—… that covered the Israelites in the wildernesse of the Pillar of fire of Mannathâ—… 〈◊〉 from heaven of the water that came out of the Rock and of other like types So also he was the truth and substance both of the Tabernacle as it was a place 〈◊〉 sacrificeâ—… and also of the sacrifices therein In what respects the Tabernacle â—…ed Christs body is shewed § 5. That Christs body was a sacrifice is evident by 〈◊〉 phrase We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Iesus Heb. 20. 10. The severall branches of the first part of this third verse have been handâ—… before Of Christ an High-Priest see Chap. 2. v. 17. § 172. c. Of ordaining 〈◊〉 High-Priest see Chap. 5. v. 1. § 3. Where the very word of this Text 〈◊〉 used Of the difference betwixt gifts and sacrifices see Chap. 5. v. 1. § 7. Of offering gifts and sacrifice see Chap. 5. v. 1. § 6. A speciall point here intended is that Christ did that for which he was ordained The force of the Apostles argument resteth hereon because every High-Priâ—… is ordained to
execution of the legall Priests office is set out by severall rites and types appertaining thereto which are generally propounded in this verse The generall proposition is thus knit to the former discourse Then verily the first Oâ—… therefore truly even the first Oâ—… the adverb translated verily See Chap. 7. v. 5. § 37. Of the conjunction translated then See Chap. 4. v. 14. § 82. The word covenant is not expressed in the Greek yet necessarily understood by reason of the inference of this verse upon the last verse of the former Chapter where 〈◊〉 spoke of this covenant and called it the first The manner of inferring the generall proposition in this verse upon the latter end of the former Chapter manifesteth a prevention of an objection against that which had been delivered about the abrogation of the old covenant The objection might be this If the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service why was it abrogated In answer hereunto the Apostle first granteth the substance of the objection that it had indeed divine ordinances but with all inferreth that they were externall and carnall imposed only for a time v. 10. By this it appears that in matters â—…f dispute a truth must be granted even to that which we speak against Thus this Apostle who set himself to abase Levi in comparison oâ—… Melchisedec granted Levies prerogative in receiving tythes Heb. 7. 5. And he that was very earnest against circumcision and other points of Judaisme granted a prâ—…ferment of the Jewes and profit of circumcision in the season thereof Rom. 3. 1 2. and Christ who denounced fearfull woes against the Scribes and Pharisies granted that they sat in Moses seat Matth. 23. 2. Thus we shall shew that it is verity rather then envy and desire of maintaining truth rather then a contradicting spirit that moveth us to say what we say against any person or thing §. 3. Of legall ordinances oâ—… divine service THis numerall note of distinction first is attributed to that covenant which God made with the Jewes under the law Of the reason hereof See Chap. 8. â—… 7. § 27. Of this covenant it is here said that it had ordinances The Greek word translated ordinances is derived from an adjective that signifieth just or righteous Of the notation of which word see Chap. 1. v. 9. § 114. This word in my Text is sometimes translated righteousnesse Rom. 2. 26. and 8. 4. Rev. 19. 8. sometimes judgement which is alwayes righteous Rom. 1. 32. Rev. 15. 4. 〈◊〉 justification Rom. 5. 16. and sometimes ordinance as here and verse 10. and Luk. 1. 6. Gods ordinances and such are here meant were all righteous in their season Of the notation of the Greek word translated divine service See Heb. 8. v. 5. § 12. There being two heads of types laid down in this verse the first is stiled ordinances oâ—… divine service The other a worldly tubernacle Some divide that first head into two branches 1. Ordinances 2. Services The reason of this difference is the ambiguity of the Greek word which hath the termination both of the genitive case singular and also of the accusative plurall and there is no article joyned to distinguish the one or the other They who make these two distinct heads thus distinguish them The former they interpret justifications that is expiations which being legally and externally taken were effects of their rites and ceremonies For by their many sacriâ—…ices and oblations by their water of purification and such other rites they were legally cleansed and expiations were made thereby Lev. 4. 20 26 31 35 Numb 19. 19. The latter translated divine service they interpret to be the very rites and ceremonies themselves as sacrifices oblations washings feasts and such like But seeing the end of these rites were for divine service and to expiate cleanse and purifie I thinke it best to joyn the rites and effects of them together as our English and other judicious translators and learned expositors have done For the words will very well bear this interpretation Thus they shew that legall rites in their time were sacred and religious ordinancâ—…s of divine service and parts of Gods worship and meanes of expiation In the new Testament the word is appropriated to divine service and so translated and service oâ—… God v. 6. Object Why doth the Apostle then say That they stood only in meats and 〈◊〉 and were carnall ordinances v. 10 Answ. He denyeth not the outward legall service and purging whereof we speak and whereby they were assured of spirituall purgings but he denyeth inward spirituall expiation by them and that of themselves Of the reasons why God ordained such externall services see Chap. 4. v. 8. § 49 50. By this we have an evidence of Gods care over his Church In wisdome he saw it meet to put off the comming of his son into the world to the latter age thereof Yâ—…t would he not leave his Church destitute of meanes to nourish their faith and hope in Christ to draw them to repentance and to pacifie their consciences For after they had sinned by their legal expiations which put them in mind of Chrisâ—…s death their consciences were pacified §. 4. Of the Iewish Sanctuary THe second head of typâ—…s here mentioned is stiled a worldly Sanctuary The Greek word translated Sanctuary properly signifieth holy which being of the newâ—…er gender may be applyed to thing or place Here it is put for the place wherein all the typicall rites and legall ordinances were exercised Hereoâ—… see more Chap. 8. v. 2. § 4. This is here called worldly in opposition to heaven v. 11. and Chap. 8. 2. This Epiâ—…hite is derived from the word translated world whereof see Chap. 4. v. 3. § 29. This Sanctuary is that which in the next verse is called a tabernacle It was made here in this world of things of the world such as were earthly subject to decay which things in heaven are not It was a kind of portable Temple made of poles boards beasts-skins which might at pleasure be taken down and reared up again Thâ—… roomes within it were divided by Silk curtains the end of it was â—…or people to assemble together for divine worship there God manifested his presence and caused his glory to appear Ex. 29. 43. It was made in the first year of the Israelites abode in the wildernesse and reared up in the beginning of the second year Exod. 40. 2. It was of the greater authority because it was made after the fashion which God shewed unto Moseâ—… in the Mount Exod. 25. 40. It continued to be of 〈◊〉 Sâ—…lomons Temple was built at which time it was carried into that Temple 〈◊〉 â—…here laid up 1 King 8. 4. According to the severall parts thereof it typified 〈◊〉 eâ—…angelicall and celestiall truths whereof the Apostle himself expresseth 〈◊〉 particulars in the verses following 〈◊〉 onely in generall it is to be
Greek The â—…tine have a word derived from thence which our English according to the notation of it calleth a planck it signifieth a plain table The LXX use the word which the Apostle doth in setting forth the tables whereon the Law was written Exod. 31. 18. There they are expresly said to be tables of stone So much doth the Apostle express and saith that the law was engraven in stones 2 Cor. 3. 3 7. The plural number tables is here used because there were two of them Exod. 31. 18. and 34. 1. Two tables of stone were twice made Once by God himself Of these it is said the tables were the work of God Exod. 32. 16. And again Gâ—…d gave â—…unto Moses two tables of stone Exod. 31. 18. These were never brought into the most holy place For Moses cast them out of his hands and brake them Exod. 32. 19. The other upon Gods commandement were made by Moses like unto the first Exod. 3â—… 1 4. On these latter the Lord himself wrote the words that were upon the former tables even the words of the coveâ—…tant the ten commandements Exod. 34. 1 28. These were they that are here meant for these were not only brought into the most holy place but also put into the Ark Deut. 10. 1 2. They are called tables of the covenant because the ten commandements ingraven upon them contained the covenant of God which he made with his people Of the 〈◊〉 of the word covenant and how it differeth from a testament see Chap. 7. â—… 22. § 94. The matter of these tables being stone signifie three things 1. Their hardnesse 2. Their firmnesse 3. Their lastingnesse 1. The hardnesse of those tables of stone signified the natural disposition of mans 〈◊〉 which is hard inflexible not easie to be wrought upon I knew saith God that thou art hard and thy neck is an Iron sinew and thy brow brasse Isa. 48. 4. Therefore when God converts a man he takes the stony heart out of him Eze. 11. 19 As a stone will sooner be broken all to pieces yea and beaten to powder then made soft So a naturall mans heart will sooner be confounded with Gods judgements then mollified with his word 2. Stones are firm they will not as boards laid in the sun warp or cleave or split asunder This sheweth the firmnesse of the law ingraved on them The testimony of the Lord is sure Psal. 19. 7. It is easier for heaven and earth to passe then one title of the law to fail Luk. 16. 17. The very heathen to shew the stability of their lawes had them ingraven'd in brasse A strong motive this is to have Gods lawes in high account This use doth David make thereof Psal. 19. 10. 3. Stones last they do not decay as wood doth So doth Gods law endure for 〈◊〉 Psal. 19. 9. The foresaid tables of stone were polished and made fit by Moses but the covenant was written and engraven thereon by God himself Exod. 34. 1. Thus it is God himself that writes his lawes in mens hearts We read of Gods writing his law four times 1. In the tables that himself prepared Exod. 31. 18. 2. In the tables which Moses prepared Exod. 34. 1. 3. In Adams heart Gen. 1. 27. This writing was defaced by Adams sin as Gods first ingraving by Moses casting the Tables out of his hands Exod. 32. 19. Some remainder thereof continueth in the heart of a naturall man Rom. 2. 15. 4. In the heart of those that are regenerate For the new man is after God created 〈◊〉 and holinesse of truth Eph. 4. 24. This is it that was typified by Gods second writing of the law in the two latter tables As Gods law was a perfect plat-form of Gods will so it was a lively representation of the Image of God renewed in man Col. 3. 10. The tables were a type of Christ. In Christ the whole will and counsell of God is as it were ingraven Ioh. 1. 18. In this respect Christ is stiled the Image of God 2 Cor. 4. 4. Col. 1. 15. Yea the expresse image of his person Heb. 1. 3. This is further typified by putting the law into the Ark for it hath been shewed § 20. that the Ark was an especial type of Christ. It is in this respect fitly said that in Christ are 〈◊〉 all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge Col. 2. 3. As these tables are stiled the Tables of the Covenant So is Christ the mediator of the covenant Chap. 8. v. 6. § 23 24. In and by Christ we must look to receive the benefit of the covenant §. 31. Of the Mercy-seat Heb. 9. 5. And over it the Cherubims of glory shadowing the Mercy-seat THe sixth holy type in the most holy place was the Mercy-seat which is amplified by the Cherubims of glory that shadowed it This Mercy-seat is distinctly set down Exod. 25. 10. c. About it we may observe 1. The Title given unto it 2. The matter whereof it was made 3. The quantity or measure of it 4. The place where it was set 5. The use of it The Hebrew Title literally is derived from a Verbe that signifieth to cover Mystically it is used to expiate and to remit By Christ sin is as it were covered when it is expiated and remitted though it be in us yet it is as not seen in us Therefore the Psalmist thus joyneth these two together Blessed is â—…e whose transgression is forgiven whose sin is covered Psal. 38. 1. According to the different signification of the root the word is diversly translated Some in the literal sense translate this type a cover Others according to the mystical sense translate it a propitiatory or mercy seat The LXX do joyn both together thus a Covering-Mercy-seat or a propitiatory cover The Apostle translates it only in the mystical sense Mercy-seat or propitiatory Of the Greek word here used in this mystical sense See chap. 2. v. 17. § 180. This Mercy-seat was an especial type of Christ for he is expresly called a propitiation Rom. 3. 25. Iohn 2. 2 Thus Christ was set forth to embolden sinners to draw near unto God Though God in himself be terrible as he manifested himself to be at the delivery of the morall Law Exod. 9. 18. 20. 18. Heb. 12. 21. yet in Christ is he as one pacified sitting on a Mercy-seat On this ground we are encouraged to goe with boldnesse to the Throne of Grace Heb. 4. 14 16. 2. The matter of this Mercy-seat was pure gold Exod. 25. 17. This typified the excellency purity and eternity of Christ and that to make us the more enamored with him 3. The quantity or measure of this Mercy-seat was two cubits and a halfe in length and a cubit and a half in breadth This measure was just the same that the Ark was of Exod. 25. 10 17. It was a cover to the Ark and therefore every way fit
for it of the very same cise This shews that Christ is every way fit for that purpose whereunto he is put 4. The place where this Mercy-seat was set was upon the Ark Exod. 25. 21. For it was to cover the Ark. An especiall reason hereof is thus rendered In the Ark tâ—… sâ—…alt put the testimony that I shall give thee This point was before mentioned in setting down thâ—… Ark. It is here again repeated in setting down the Mercy-seat Exod. 25. 16 21. Surely there was an especial end of repeating this point which was thiâ—… to make us take the more notice of the truth typified hereby which is that the rigour of the Law in accusing and condemning all that have not perfectly fulfilled the same is suppressed by the mediation of Christ and by the attonement which â—…e hath made for us Well therefore is he stiled apropitiation for us 1 Iohn 2. 2. And thereupon the Apostle saith There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Admirable is the comfort which hence ariseth to poor sinners Should the law be saffered to stand up against them to indight accuse and give witnesse against them they must needs be found guilty and condemned The law is the forest acâ—… that a sinner hath Without the law sin and devill want their evidence When one is arraigned if his accusers appear not at all or appear without evidence he is acquitted Thus by Christ shall such as believe on him be acquitted 〈◊〉 suppresseth all accusations against all that believe iâ—… him â—… The end or use of this mercy-seat is thus expressed by God himself There I will meet with thee and I will commune with thee from above the mercy-seat Exod. 2â—… 22. And of Moses it is said that he heard the voyce of one speaking unto him from off the Mercy seat Numb 7. 89. So as this was a place for God to manifest his presence â—…d to declare his will thereat In this respect is God stiled the Lord which dwelleth 〈◊〉 the Cherubims 1 Sam. 4. 4. Psal. 80. 1. Isa. 37. 16. For the mercy-seat was placed between the Cherubims § 32. This typified Christ to be the means of Gods manifesting his presence and declaring his will unto us Never was there so lively a representation of Gods presence as in and by Christ Ioh. 14. 8 9 10. Never was Gods will so fully and cleerly made known as by Christ Ioh. 1. 18. We ought therefore to hear him Matth. 17. 5. Yea to give more earnest heed to the things which he hath revealed Heb. 2. 1. §. 32. Of the Cherubims THough the Cherubims be here set down as an ornament of the mercy-seat thus and over in the Cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy-seat Yet they were a distinct type and may be so considered The history of them is registred Exod. 25. 18 19 20. About them these particulars are set down 1. Their title 2. The matter whereof they were made 3. The place where they stood 4. Their manner of standing 1. Their title Cherubim is an Hebrew word Some draw the notation of it from the Hebrew note of similitude and a Chalde word which signifieth a 〈◊〉 In Hebrew Cherub signifieth a form or Image of any thing See Chap. 1. v. 7. § 84. These Cherubims did set out Angâ—…ls 2. The Rhemists in their Annotations of this place do justifie the setting up of Images in Churches from this instance But I return these Answers 1. We must distinguish between times Then the Church was in the childhood much instructed by external visible and earthly rudiments 2. This place where these resemblances were was the most holy place kept from the sight of the people 3. For those Images the Church had an expresse warrant but Papists have no such warrant for theirs but rather a contrary inhibition Many of the Ancients apply these two Cherubims to the two testaments The old and the new and that on these grounds 1. Because they are two 2. Because they agree in one 3. Because they commend unto us the mercy of God Answ. 1. There is no warrant from any part of Scripture for this application 2. In other places they do apparently set forth Angels as Gen. 3. 24. Psal. 18. 10. Ezek. 10. 1. 3. Their description declareth them to be Angels 2. Their matter was of Gold Exod. 25. 18. This setteth forth 1. The excellency and glory of them For where the Angel of the Lord appeared it is said the glory of the Lords shone Luk. 2. 9. See Chap. 1. v. â—… § 90. They are called Cherubims of glory 2. The purity of their nature For they continue in that integrity wherein God at first made them and thereupon are stiled holy Angels Mark 8. 38. See Chap. 1. v. 7. § 89. 3. Their everlasting continuance For Angels are immortall spirits This matter is said to be of beaten work Exod. 25. 18. So as it was all solid gold not partly wood partly gold This set out their simplicity that they were without mixture spirits without bodies See Chap. 1. v. 7. § 86. This beaten work is said to be in the two ends of the Mercy-seat Exod. 25. 18. This declareth that their stability is from Christ. As at first they had their being from Christ Col. 1. 16. So by him they are established and so are we also Eph. 1. 10. 3. The place where these Cherubims were set was in generall the most holy place which typified heaven Thus heaven is the principal place of Angels aboad In which respect they are stiled Angels of heaven Matth. 24. 36. and Angels which are in heaven Mark 13. 32. And an heavenly 〈◊〉 Luk. 2. 13. There they were at first placed and because they remain pure there they still abide In particular they were placed over the Ark where God manifested his presence for they are ever in the pâ—…sence of God Matth. 18. 10. that they may still know his will and that in speciall for the Churches good They were in speciall at each end of the mercy-seat One at the one end the other at the other end Exod. 25. 19. This manifested their speciall attendance on Christ. See more hereof Chap. 1. v. 7. § 97. 4. The manner of these Cherubims standing is set down many wayes 1. With wings Exod. 25. 20. This sets out their sweetnesse Hereof see Chap. 1. v. 7. § 92. 2. With wings covering the mercy-seat Exod. 25. 20. In this respect the Apostle here saith that they shadowed the mercy-seat This signified the surpassing and incomprehensable Majesty of Christ for though he be a mercy-seat yet is he also a throne of glory In this respect Angels are set forth with two other wings covering their faces because they could not endure the brightness of Christs Majesty Should not we then here on earth adore that glorious Majesty 3. With faces looking one to another Exod. 25. 20. This shewed the
institution is Contrary hereunto are all popish ceremonies which are made signs and significations of divine matters without any divine institution Quest. May not men make spiritual applications of external things to spiritual and heavenly uses without an expresse divine institution Answ. We must put difference betwixt allusions taken from some resemblanâ—…es of things and divine significations to assure us of the participation of spiritual benefit signified thereby We may make allusions of outward matters to put us in minde of heavenly things As from washing our hands we may make an allusion of cleansing our souls by Christs blood from putting off and putting on our apparel we make an allusion of putting off the old man and putting on the new man But for such significations as shall assure us in a right use of such and such external matters to partake of such and such spiritual blessings we must have a divine warrant which is a divine institution Such a warrant we have for Baptisme and the Lords Supper and the sacramental rites thereof In that the holy Ghost signified evangelical mysteries by legal types it will be good pains to search into those types and mysteries couched under them as hath been shewed See chap. 4. v. 8. § 50. and chap. 8. v. 8. § 50. §. 47. Of the way to Heaven not manifest while the Tabernacle stood THe matter which the forementioned types and services signified is generally propounded in these words The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest c. Word for word it may be thus read The way of the holies The Greek word Holies is of the plural number and signifieth holy places Where it is set alone it is usually put for the first part of the Tabernacle See § 4 14. and to distinguish the second part of the Tabernacle from the first the word is doubled and stiled holies of holies 2. This word holies as it stands alone is put for the second part of this Tabernacle v. 25. 3. The word Holies is put for the whole Tabernacle in opposition to other places v. 1. 4. Holiest is put for Heaven it self v. 12. Thus it is here taken Therefore our English to make the point more clear have translated it The holiest of all Of Heaven stiled an holy place See v. 12. § 59. By way he meaneth the true right proper means of entering into Heaven which was Christ himself See chap. 10. v. 20. § 54. The word translated made manifest cometh from a root that signifieth to bring forth into light or to shine or appear Iohn 1. 5. Rev. 1. 16. From thence is derived an adjective which signifieth manifest Luke 8. 17. and thence this verb to make manifest or to make clear and evident Iohn 3. 21. The meaning then of this phrase is this that it was not fully and clearly manifested under the Law that Christ was the onely true way of entering into Heaven This is not simply to be taken as if true Saints and beleevers did not at all know Christ to be the way to heaven or as if they did not enter into heaven when they died for Lazarus is said to be carried into Abrahams bosome when he died Luke 16. 22. That was into Heaven for it is opposed unto Hell into which Dives was carried and in Scripture we read of no third place out of this world betwixt Heaven and Hell And as for Christ who is the way the truth and the life John 14 16. the only 〈◊〉 way that leadeth unto life he was ever the same Heb. 13. 8. yea he was a Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13. 8. And of Abraham it is said that he sâ—…w Christs day and was glad John 8. 5. 6. And of the Prophets it is said that the spirit of Christ which was in them testified before hand the suffering of Christ and the glory â—…at should follow 1 Pet. 1. 11. These words therefore must be taken comparatively that the way to heaven was not so fully so clearly so conspicuously so efficaciously made known under the Law as now it is under the Gospel There were then promises prophesies rites and types to declare that a Messiah a Saviour should come and do all things fit to bring mâ—…n to salvation but the Gospel sheweth that he is come and after what manner he came in particular and distinct circumstances and what he hath done and endured to bring men to salvation These things were not then made manifest they were not then actually accomplished so as they could not be so clearly known of them as they are of us This obscurity continued all the time that the Law was in force which the Apostle thus expresseth while as the first Tabernacle was yet standing This phrase The first Tabernacle is taken two wayes 1. In opposition to the most holy place which is called the second Tabernacle v. 2. 3. and in that sence it is put for that part of the Tabernacle whereinto all sorts of Priests had liberty to enter v. 6. 2. In opposition to the spiritual Tabernacle wherein Ministers of the Gospel accomplish Evangelical services This is the spiritual Tabernacle which is intended Ezek. 37. 27. Rev. 13. 6. This is called the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 11. 11. In reference to the first it is here intended that strict restraint of people and Priests to have access to the Mercy-seat and the restraint of high Priests having access thereunto at all times namely to go alone and but once in a year did declare that there was a time to come when our great High-Priest and all spiritual Priests and people of God should at all times on all occasions have free access to the Throne of grace but was not then while those things were so performed to the life and to the full revealed In reference to the second it is implyed that while the politie of the Jews and their ceremonial worship continued the substance and truth of them could not be exhibited and fully revealed In this latter sense the Tabernacle is synâ—…cdochically put for the Temple which Solomon built and for that also which Zorcbabel built yea and for all the rites and types of the Law so as while those places and rites remained no way could be made for the Gospel wherâ—…by the true way to heaven was clearly and fully revealed Hereby the Apostle would have Christians to know 1. That the Law and the appurtenances thereof obscured the clear and bright light of the Gospel 2. That the Law and the Gospel could not stand together This phrase was not yet made manifest implyeth a dark obscuring Cloud which was the Law And this phrase while as the first Tabernacle was yet standing doth shew that the light of the Gospel could not shine while the Tabernacle and the rites thereof stoâ—…d in force All this was to draw the mindes of the Hebrews and of all other Christians from conformity to
rites for they are all burthensome 6. This phrase untill the time of reformation hath reference to the time of the Gospel wherein and whereby those bitter things which time after time are promised are accomplished and whereby that which was defective in the law is made up and perfected If we â—…ay all these things together we shall find the Apostles reason to be a very forcible one For meats and drinks can but nourish and refresh the body they cannot cheer the soul and quiet the conscience Meat is for the belly and the belly for meat 1 Cor. 6. 13. and 8. 8. meat commendeth us not to God for neither if we eat are we â—…e better neither if we eat not are we the worse The like may be said of drink and of washings water can but wash the body it cannot cleanse the soul. Though thou wash thâ—…e with Nitre and take thee much soap yet thine iniquity is marked before me faith the Lord God Jer. 2. 22. What have ordinances of the flesh to do with the spirit Carnal and spiritual do not well agree The things that lie as burthens upon men cannot pacifie the conscience then would they be no burthen Therefore it is not possible that these things should make perfect as pertaining to the conscience especially in that they have a date which implyeth imperfection and that there is a time of reformation to come after them Of this imperfection See Chap. 7. v. 18 19. § 85 86. Of the time of the Gospell being the time of better things and so in that respect the time of reformation See Chap. 2. v. 3. § 21. and chap. 8. § 35. and Chap. 8. v. 16. § 80 81 82. §. 51. Of the resolution of Heb. 9. 8 9 10. Vers. 8. The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the Holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first Tabernacle was yet standing Vers. 9. Which was a figure for the time then present in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him that did the service perfect as pertaining to the conscience Vers. 10. Which stood only in meats and drinkes and divers washings and cared ordinances imposed on them untill the time of reformation Vers. 8. THese three verses declare the end of legall rights That end is to rais up mens minds to more excellent things then they were This end is 1. Propounded v. 8. 2. Proved v. 9 10. In the proposition there is set down 1. The warrant of that end 2. The matter thereof The warrant is divine This is manifested 1. By the author thereof The Holy Ghost 2. By the kind of warrant in this phrase This signifying The matter was that a more excellent way to heaven was prefigured This is amplified by the time how long this continued to be prefigured while the first Tabernacle was standing Vers. 9. Two proofes are produced of the foresaid point One is taken from the nature of the legall rites which was to be a figure This is amplified by the time how long they continued so to be for the time 〈◊〉 present The other proof is taken from the impotency of those rites This latter is 1. Generally propounded 2. Particularly confirmed v. 10. In propounding the proof he declareth 1. The heads of the legall rites Herein are noted 1. The kinds of them gifts and sacrifices 2. The manner of using them were offered 2. The impotency of them Hereabout observe 1. Wherein the impotency consisted They could not make perfect 2. The persons about whom it was manifested him that did the service 3. Wherein it was manifested as pertaining to the conscience Vers. 10. The particular confirmation is double for it is confirmed 1. By an induction of sundry particular rites 2. By a declaration of the date of them The particulars are foar 1. Meats 2. Drinkes 3. Divers washings 4. Carnall ordinances These are amplified by the necessity of observing them In this phrase impâ—… on them The declaration of the date is in these words untill the time of reformation §. 52. Of observations raised out of Heb. 9. 8 9 10. Vers. 8. I THe Apostle declared what was agreeable to the mind of the Holy Gâ—… For he declareth that which the Holy Ghost signifieth See § 46. II. The Holy Ghost was the author of the legall types He that signified what they intended instituted them See § 46. III. The Holy Ghost ordained the legall types to be significant He signified See § 46. IV. There is a true way to heaven This is implyed under this phrase Tâ—…e waâ—… into the holiest of all See § 47. V. The true way to heaven was not fully and cleerly manifested by the legall rites This phrase was not yet made manifest intends as much See § 47. VI. The continuance of legall rites obscured the cleer light of heavenly truth This is implied under this phrase while 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tabernacle was standing See § 47. Vers. 9. VII Legall rites were figures of future truths The word figure intends amach See § 48. VIII Legall types continue in force for the time of the law only The time then presâ—… intends the time of the law See § 48. IX Gifts were offered to God under the law See § 42. X. Sacrifices were then offered to God These two doctrines are expresly set down in their termes See § 42. XI Legall rites could not make perfect This is plainly expressed XII Observers of the legall rites were not made perfect thereby See § 49. This phrase him that did the services sets out such as observed the rites See § 49. XIII Legall rites could not purifie or pacifie the conscience This is intended under this phrase as pertaining to the conscience See § 49. Vers. 10. XIV Legall rites consisted only in externall things The enumeration of the particulars wherein legall rites consisted together with this exclusive particle 〈◊〉 demonstrated as much See § 50. XV. Legall meats cannot nourish the soul. See § 50. XVI Legall drinkes cannot refresh the soul. See § 50. XVII Legall washings could not cleanse the soul. These three are brought in as such as appertained not to the conscience See § 50. XVIII Legall ordinances were carnall So they are here called See § 50. XIX Carnall ordinances were imposed on the people under the law So they are here said to be See § 50. XX. Carnall ordinances cannot make perfect For this end they are here mentioned See § 50. XXI The Legall rites were but for a time This word untill intends as much See § 50. XXII The time of the Gospell is a time of reformation See § 50. §. 53. Of Christ an high Priest of good things Heb. 9. 11 12. Vers. 11. But Christ being come an high Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands that is to say not of this building Vers. 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood he entered
even in this world The negative not may imply a double opposition 1. To the Jewes Tabernacle which was of liveless and senseless materials Such as were had here below in this world 2. To our bodies Christs body was not such a body so built up as ours is and that in sundry respects 1. The extraordinary conception thereof Luk. 1. 34 35. 2. The hypostaticall union of it with the divine nature Matth. 1. 23. 3. The superabundant grace that was in it Ioh. 3. 34. Col. 1. 19. A main point here intended is that Christs body far surpassed the Jewes Tabernacle 1. The Jewes Tabernacle was but a type or shadow This a true Tabernacle Chap. 8. v. 2. 2. That was but a dead way to tread upon but this a living way to bring men to heaven See Chap. 10. v. 20. 3. That was The work of mens hands This of God Chap. 8. 2. 4. That nor any thing in it could make perfect This can Chap. 10. v. 10 14. 5. That in it self did not make acceptable to God but this doth Matth. 3. 17. 6. That was never united to the deity This is Rom. 9. 5. Had the Jewes their Tabernacle in high account which was only a shadow of this which was made of senseless materials which was the work of mens hands which could not make perfect How unworthy are they to live under the Gospel who lightly esteem this farr more excellent Tabernacle the body of Jesus himself §. 56. Of the difference betwixt the typicall and reall meanes of attonement Vers. 12. THe Apostle having declared the truth of the Tabernacle proceedeth to set forth the truth of the service which was performed in the most holy place whereunto the high Priest entred thorow the holy place This he doth negatively and affirmatively that the difference betwixt the type and truth might more evidently appear He beginneth with the negative thus Neither by the blood of goats and calves The high Priest under the law entred with the blood of these two kinds of beasts into the most holy place to sprinkle it upon the mercy-seat to make thereby an attonement Levit. 16. 14 15 16. But this was too mean a means for Christ to work a true attonement thereby For it is not possible that the blood of buls and goats should take away sins Heb. 10. 4. There is in the law mention made of sundry other kinds of sacrifices as of sheep and Lambs and of soules Lev. 1. 10 14. Yea there is mention made of a Ram for a bâ—… offering on that day when the High Priest entered into the most holy place Lâ—… 16. 3. But he carried not the blood of any other sacrifice into the most holy place but only of Goats and Bullocks Of the things typified under these and other kinds of sacrificâ—…s see v. 19. § 102. The Beasts which the Law stiled Bullocks the Apostle here calleth Calves because the Bullock was to be but a young one Lev. 16. 3. To shew what an infinite disparity there was betwixt the blood that was â—…yped by the foresaid blood of Goats and Calves the Apostle thus sets it out by his own blood This relative his own hath reference to Christ v. 11. Now Christ was true God as well as true man God-man in one person Hereupon it is said that God hath purchased the Church with his own blood Act. 20. 28. Well might the Apostle infer this latter kinde of blood with the particle of opposition BUT not by the blood of Beasts BUT by his own blood There cannot be a greater difference betwixt a type and a truth thâ—… in this The true price of â—…ans redemption is as far different from the type as God iâ—… from beasts The truth was actually to do what the type could not and so great a matter was to be done by the truth as could not be done by any inferior means then God himself yea then the blood of God This kind of opposition is a great aggravation of their dotage who reject the truth and trust to the type They prefer Beasts to God §. 57. Of Christs own blood the price of mans redemption THe expression of blood in setting out the truth as well as in the type confirmeth that which was before noted that there is no access to God without expiation and that there is no expiation without blood Hereof see verse 7. § 43. 53. The limitation of the kind of blood in this relative his own further manifesteth that the blood of God is the price of mans sin In this respect it is said that â—…esus sanctified the people with his own blood see chap. 13. v. 12. § 129. And that the Sonne of God purged our sin by himself see chap. 1. v. 3. § 29. In this sense it iâ—… said That â—…ey crucified the Lord of glory 1 Cor. 2. 2. 〈◊〉 Is there any blood in God could God shed blood Answ. No the deity simply and singly considered in it self could not but 1. The person God and man is here joyntly to be considered and that extended to the divine nature which was proper to the humane The divine nature so asseâ—…ed and united to it self the humane in one person as properties of the one are attributed to the other 1 Cor. 2. 8. Iohn 3. 13. 2. The divine nature afforded assistance to and supported the humane nature 3. The divine nature had proper works in the act of mans redemption as to adde dignity merit and efficacie to the sufferings of the humane nature Thus in regard of the inseparable union of Christs two natures and of the sufficient assistance which the divine nature afforded to the humane and of the proper actions of the divine nature the blood whereby man was redeemed may well be â—…led the blood of God No lessâ—… price could work out so great a work For infinite wrath was to be pacified 〈◊〉 justice â—…o be satisfied infinite grace to be procured 1. Beâ—…ld hâ—…re the value and worth of mans redemption Well might the Apostle 〈◊〉 it preâ—…ious blood 1 Pet. 1. 19. Nor Christ nor God himself could pay a 〈◊〉 price Heaven Earth all things in them are not to be compared to this blood 2. Take notice hereby of the vile and cursed nature of sin which must by such a means be exâ—…d Nâ—…â—…ood like to that which causeth death No death like the death of him that is 〈◊〉 God 3. Herein the extent of Christs love is manifested Eph. 5. 25. Though no lesse price could redeem the Church then Christs own blood yet Christ would not spare that The great God shed his blood for sinful man 4. O the more then monstrous in gratitude of such as will spare nothing for Christ their Redeemer not the vanities of this world which can do them no true good not their sins which make them most miserable 5. Let the consideration of this great price of our redemption move us to hold nothing
too dear for Christ who thought not his own blood too dear for us Well might Christ say If any man come to me and hate not his Father and Mother and Wife and Children and Brethren and Sisters yea and his own life also he cannot be my Disciple Luke 14. 26. 6. In particular let it move us to give our selves wholly to Christ. He gave himself to death for us He requires that we give our selves a living sacrifice to him Rom. 12. 1. He gained nothing to himself by shedding his blood but we gain remission of sins reconciliation with God justification all happinesse 7. From the foresaid price of our redemption ariseth a firm and sure ground of faith What place is left for doubting and despairing when such a price of redemption as Christs own blood is paid This price affords two strong props of faith 1. Infinite mercy 2. Perfect justice §. 58. Of Christ entering by his blood THe word translated entered is a compound and that of the same simple verb that was used chap. 6. v. 19. § 155. and the preposition is doubled with like emphasis as it was there Whereas it is said that by his blood he entered c. It is not to be taken of carrying the blood which he shed with him into heaven in a Vessel or otherwise as the high Priest carried the blood of the sacrifice into the most holy place That needed not in that he presented his body out of which the blood is shed and which was the sacrifice it self that was offered up which was more then that which the Priest did Christ shed his blood on earth before his ascention and that sundry times as 1. When he was circumcised Luke 2. 21. 2. When in his agony he sweat drops of blood Luke 22. 44. 3. When he was scourged John 19. 1. 4. When a Crown of thorns was clapt upon his head Iohn 19. 2. 5. VVhen his hands and feet were nailed to the Crosse Iohn 20. 25. 6. VVhen his side was pierced so as water and blood came out from thence Iohn 19. 34. This was the evidence of the losse of his life For the water that came out with the blood shewed that his very heart was pierced This phrase by his blood implyeth the merit of his death that thereby expiation was made for our sins For it was shewed that there is no expiation without blood § 57. §. 59. Of Heaven an holy place THe place whereinto Christ entered is here stiled the holy place Of the divers acceptions of the Greek word translated holy place see v. 8. § 47. Here it is taken for heaven it self The Apostle plainly expresseth as much v. 24. There never was any place to which this title so properly belonged as heaven Of Christs entering into heaven see chap. 1. v. 3. § 35. chap. 4. v. 14. § 84 85. The title given to heaven in this place sheweth it to be a most holy place So it is expresly stiled Psal. 20. 6. Isa. 57. 15. 1. Heaven is the truth of that type which under the Law was sanctified for the most holy place 2. As heaven at first was made holy so ever since it hath continued to be Never was it any way polluted 3. There is nothing in it but that which is holy As holy Angels spirits of 〈◊〉 men made perfect 4. It is further sanctified and glorified by the continual glorious presence of the holy God If such places on earth where God was pleased sometimes to manifest his presence ordinarily as the Tabernacle and Temples or extraordinarily as the place where he appeared to Moses Exod. 3. 5. and to Ioshua Ios. 5. 15. were 〈◊〉 much more the place of his continual residency in his greatest glory 1. This is a motive to lift up pure hands in prayer 1 Tim. 2. 8. for they are lifâ—… 〈◊〉 to an holy place David saith I will wash my hands in innocency so will I compâ—…â—…hine Altar Psal. 26. 6. Heaven is a more holy place then the Altar was we 〈◊〉 therefore be more careful to wash our hands in innocâ—…ncy when we approach to Heaven but in prayer the soul after an especial and spiritual manner entereth into that holy place This inference our Apostle teacheth us to make chap. 10. v. 19 20. 2. It is a motive to â—…eanse our selves from all filthinesse throughout the whole câ—…se of our life 2 Cor. â—… 1. and to grow up into full holinesse that we may be fitted to enter into this holy place for there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that deâ—…leth Rev. 21. 27. When those Angels that at first were made holy became unholy this holy place could hold them no longer 2 Pet. 2. 4. It is most meet that we be fitted for the place of our everlasting aboad Two graces are in special requisite hereunto 1. Faith whereby we apply to our selves the blood of Christ that cleanseth 〈◊〉 from all sin 1 Iohn 1. 7. 2. Repentance whereby sin is mortified in us Luke 13. 3 5. Act. 2. 38. §. 60. Of Christs entering once into Heaven THe time of Christs entering into heaven is limited by this particle 〈◊〉 This is not here taken as it was v. 7. for once a year but exclusively once for ever Thus it is taken chap. 6. v. 4. and Iude v. 3. In this exclusive respect men are said once to die v. 27. And it is said of Christ that he died for sin once Rom. 6. 10. That Christ entered but once into heaven is evident by this phrase whom the Heaven must receive until the time of restitution of all things Act. 3. 21. Christ in the dayes of his flesh did and endured whatsoever was requifite for mans eternal redemption v. 26. see more hereof chap. 7. v. 27. § 115. Among other Arguments this may be pressed against the conceit of Christs personal reigning on earth for a thousand years after which they say he is to enter into heaven again But hereof we may have a more fit occasion to speak upon the last verse of this Chapter § 143. §. 61. Of Christs perfecting mans redemption before he entered into Heaven ONe special ground of Christs entering into Heaven is thus expressed â—…ving obtaâ—…ned eternal Redemption Th word translated obtained properly signifieth sound Mat. 2. 8 11. For he that find s a thing obtains it VVhere the Angel saith to the Virgin Mary Thou 〈◊〉 sound favor with God Luke 2. 30. He meaneth thou hast obtained favour So this phrase finde grace Heb. 4. 16. is all one as obtain grace The word here used is a participle of the first Aorist and implieth the time past or a thing done and effected Thus it intendeth that Christ had done and endured whatsoever was requisite for mans redemption whilst he was on earth and after that went into heaven A like tense is used to set forth the like thing Eph. 5. 26. which word for word is thus to be
translated that he might sanctifie having cleansed it This is farther evident by these words it is finished John 19. 30. which Christ uttered immediately before his death 1. Heaven is no place of suffering it was therefore requisite that all suffering should be finished before Christ came thither 2. Heaven was the place where possession was to be taken of that which Christ by his blood had purchased the price therefore of the purchase must needs be paid before he could take possession Quest. Why then doth Christ in Heaven make intercession Answ. Christ his intercession is no addition of new merit but an application of what he did and endured on earth See chap. 7. v. 25. § 106. This is a strong motive to trust wholly and only on that which Christ hath done for our redemption §. 62. Of mans Redemption by Christ. THe great benefit which Christ obtained for man is expressed under this word Redemption The Greek Verb from whence this noun is derived among other things signifieth to pay a debt and this noun signifieth such a Redemption as is accomplished by discharge of a debt To this purpose another like noun is used which signifieth the price of redemption Mat. 20. 28. Redemption is in general a freeing one out of thraldom Exod. 6. 6. This is done three wayes 1. By interceding and pacifying wrath Thus the Prophet Oded procured redemption for the Captives of Judah by his intercession 2 Chron. 28. 9. c. 2. By force and might Thus Abraham redeemed his brother Lot and the people that were captives with him by overcoming their enemies Gen. 14. 16. 3. By ransom or paying a price Thus an Hebrew that was sold a slave to a stranger might be redeemed by one of his Brethren Lev. 25. 48 49. The last of these is most agreeable to the notation of the several words which in the three learned Languages do signifie to redeem Though the last be especially intended in that mention is here made of a price namely Christs blood yet the other two are not altogether exempted For Christ hath every way redeemed man This will more clearly appear if we duly weigh the distinct kinds of bondage in which mâ—…n were by reason of sin 1. They were debtors to divine justice in which respect Christ teacheth us thus to pray forgive us our debts Mat. 6. 12. 2. They are Children of wrath Eph. 2. 3. 3. They are slaves to Satan Heb. 12. 14 15. 1. As debtors Christ paid a ransom for them 1 Tim. 2. 6. 2. As Children of wrath Christ makes intercession for them Rom. 8. 34. 3. But though justice be satisfied and wrath pacified the Devil will not let his captives go Therefore Christ by a strong hand wrested them out of Satans power and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil c. Heb 2. 14 15. And he spoiled principalities and powers c. Col. 2. 15. The ransom which Christ paid was the ground of mans full redemption For by satisfaction of justice way was made to pacifie wrath both which being accomplished the Devil lost his right and power over such as he held in bondage This redemption is a full freedom from all that misery and compriseth under it reconciliation justification sanctification salvation Thus true redemption was wrought for man by Christ. I say true in opposition to the types and shadows of redemption under the Law Here the truth and substance of them is intended even redemption from all iniquity Tit. 2. 14. and from the curse of the Law Gal. 3. 13. The consequences and effects following hereupon do prove as much for by this redemption divine justice is satisfied wrath pacified grace procured and all spiritual enemies vanquished and we that are redeemed are also justified sanctified and saved That which effecteth all these must needs be true The ground hereof iâ—… 1. The dignity of his person who undertook the work Christ God-man Thâ—… was he worthy to stand before God to satisfie his justice and procure his favour Thus also was he able to vanquish all that stand against him 2. The value and worth of the ransom and price that he paid which was hiâ—… own blood as was shewed § 57. See more hereof chap 2. v. 15. § 152. §. 63. Of the difference betwixt the work of Creation and Redemption MUch matter of admiration doth this work of Redemption afford unto us The work of Creation is many wayes very admirable yet not to be compared to the work of Redemption wherein the power wisdom justice mercy and other divine attributes of God do much more brightly shine forth and wherein the redeemed reap much more good then Adam by his Creation Particular differences are these and such like 1. In the Creation God brought something out of nothing but in Redemption out of one contrary he brought another out of death he brought life this was a work of far greater power wisdom and mercy Death must first be destroyed and then life brought forth 2. In Creation there was but a word and thereupon the work followed In Redemption there was doing and dying And this for Redemption could be done by none but God God must come from Heaven God must be made man God must be made sin God must be made a curse 2 Cor. 5. 21. Gal. 3. 13. 3. In the Creation God arrayed himself with majesty power and other like properties fit for a great work in the work of Redemption he put on weaknesse he assumed a nature subject to infirmities and the infirmities of that nature he did as David did when he fought against Goliah he put off all Armour and took his staffe in his hand and drew near to the Philistine 1 Sam. 17. 39 40. 4. In the work of Creation there was nothing to withstand In the work of Redemption there was justice against mercy wrath against pitty death and he that had the power of death was to be vanquished 5. By Creation man was made after Gods Image like to him By Redemption man was made a member of the same mystical body whereof the Son of God is the head 6. By Creation man received a natural being By Redemption a spiritual 7. By Creation man received a possibility to stand By Redemption a certainty of standing and impossibility of falling 8. By Creation man was placed in an earthly Paradise By Redemption he is advanced to an heavenly Paradise §. 64. Of that humiliation gratulation and subjection which the Doctrine of Redemption teacheth THough the work of Redemption be glorious in the kinde thereof yet it puts us in mind of such an estate and condition as ministreth much matter of humiliation The need that man had of Redemption sheweth that he was a slave and a captive This bondage was the most woful estate that a Creature could fall into Slaves are not their own but they are altogether theirs who hold them in slavery Now according
1. By the subject purged your conscience 2. By the object purged away dead works 3. By the end This is set out 1. By a duty on our part to serve 2. By the object of that duty which is God Amplified by his property living §. 87. Of observations raised out of Hebrews 9. 13 14. Vers. 13. I. TRuths may be confirmed It is a cleer case that Christ by his own blood obtained eternal redemption yet the Apostle here proves it as iâ—… evident by this causal particle FOR. See § 68. II. Proofes are to be taken from things known These Hebrews well knew the use and end of the rites of the law therefore the Apostle draws his argument from them See § 68. III. Things taken for granted may be conditionally propounded This particle IF is conditional yet thereby a granted truth is set out See § 68. IV. Blood is a means of expiation To this end mention is here made of blood See § 69. V. Bruit beasts were types under the law Such were buls and goats See § 63. VI. There were types of sanctification as well as justification The ashes here mentioned being mingled with water did typify means of sanctification See § 70. VII Sanctification floweth from Christ. The heifer out of whose ashes the sanctifying water was made prefigured Christ. See § 82. VIII The benefit of Christs death is made ours by application of the same The riâ—…e of sprinkling did typifie as much See § 72. IX The unclean may be cleansed It is here expresly said that by the rites of the law the unclean were sanctified See § 74. X. Legall purgations were onely externally They were only a purifying of the 〈◊〉 See § 75. Vers. 14. XI There is no comparison betwixt the type and truth This phrase 〈◊〉 much more intends as much See § 76. XII Christs blood was typified by the blood of beasts So much is here demonstrated by the mention of Christs blood See § 76. XIII Christ in his divine nature was a Spirit See § 77. XIV That Spirit was eternall These two last points are plainly expressed and shew that Christ is God eternal See § 77. XV. Christs deity made his sacrifice so effectuall as it was For this end the Apostle here saith through the eternal Spirit he offered See § 77. XVI The sacrifice which Christ offered was himself This is plainly expressed See § 78. XVII Christ was a Priest in both natures His divine nature is set out by this phrase Eternal Spirit His humane is comprized under this word himself The word offered notes his Priestly function See § 78. XVIII Christ voluntarily died XIX Christs death was a ransome These two doctrines arise out of this phrase offered himself See § 79. XX. Christ was perfectly pure He was without spot See § 80. XXI Christ was offered up to God So much is expresly set down § 81. XXII Christs blood hath a purging virtue It is here said thereof that it 〈◊〉 See § 82. XXIII The purging virtue of Christs blood extendâ—…th it self to the soul of man So much is â—…ntended in this word conscience See § 83. XXIV Conscience is most affected with sin This is the reason why conscience is here put for the whole man For guilt of sin most affrighteth the conscience and pardon of sin most quieteth it See § 83. XXV Sins are dead works So they are here expresly called See § 84. XXVI They are sins from which Christs blood doth cleanse This follows from that which is intended under dead works See § 84 XXVII God is a living God So he is here stiled See § 85. XXVIII God is to be served This by just consequence is here implyed § 85. XXIX The end of freeing from dead works is to serve the God of life This is here directly 〈◊〉 down See § 85. §. 88. Of the inserence of v. 15. upon that which went before Heb. 9. 15. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance THe Apostle having demonstrated Christs blood to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 redemption here proceedeth further to prove the point His main argument is taken from the end of Christs Priest-hood which was to confirm the ćovenant that his Father had made with with children of men which could not be done but by blood This point is handled 1. Simply v. 15 16 17. 2. Comparatively in reference to the types under the law from v. 17. to v. 24. The argument in the simple consideration thereof is taken from a speciall function that Christ undertook to make good his Fathers engagement to the sons of men and that was to be a mediator betwixt them The argument may be thus framed A mediator to ratifie a Testament must do it by blood But Christ was a mediatour to ratifie his Fathers Testament Therefore he must do it by blood The proposition is propounded and proved v. 16 17. The assumption is laid down v. 15. The manner of introducing this argument doth clearly demonstrate that it tends to the foresaid purpose which is thus And for this cause as if he had said Christ having undertaken to be the mediatour of the new Testament thereby undertook to do what might be requisite for the ratification thereof The Greek phrase here properly translated for this cause is in other places translated therefore which word intends as much as this phrase Hereof see Chap. 1. v. 9. § 117. The copulative particle And prefixed before this phrase wants not emphaâ—… It implyeth that Christ undertaketh office upon office for mans greater good He was a Priest to purchase mans redemption and withall he is a mediatour to assure man of the benefit thereof Many other functions are noted in Scripture to be undertaken by Christ. By this means may we have a more distinct and full knowledge of the many benefits we receive from Christ. As one type could not set out all that Christ did and endured for man and thereupon there were very many types See v. 2. 5. 6. So there is no one office that can set out all the benefits of Christ. What may be done by a Priest what by a mediatour what by a king what by a surety what by a redeemer what by an advocate what by an head what by an husband what by a Father and so what by other like relations may be expected from Christ. If therefore we duly observe the many undertakings of Christ in Scripture for sont of men manifested by sundry relations and withall observe the distinct ends and uses of them They will be of singular use to strengthen our faith in obtaining all things that may bring us to full happiness Of this great office of Christ mediatour and of appropriating it to a covenant or Testament see Chap. 1. v. 6. § 23 24. Of a covenant
bullocks and goats are comprised under the male and female calves and kids under sheep rams and lambs under doves turtles and pigeons There is mention also made of little birds Lev. 14. 4. All these prefigured Christ the only true sacrifice They were all under the law accounted cleâ—… Of such only were sacrifices to be made Gen. 8. 20. They were types of Christs inâ—…grity By an equity they shewed that we must offer nothing unto God but that which he accounteth clean Rom. 12. 1 2. 1. In particular such beasts as were of the herd namely bullocks are counted strong to labour Psal. 144. 14. In this respect they might set out Christs strength and ability in the work whereunto he was set apart 2. The goat is a creature of courage Prov. 30. 31. The Grecian monarch is in this respect resembled to a goat Dan. 8. 5. Hereby the courage of Christ in going thorough with that which he undertook is typified 3. Sheep and lambs are of all creatures the meekest and humblest These fitly typified the innocency and integrity of Christ. In reference to this sacrifice Christ is said to be brought as a lamb to the slaughter and to be as a sheep before â—…er shearers c. Isa 53. 7. 4. Doves are counted innocent or harmless Matth. 10. 16. Thus these also typiâ—…ed the innocency of Christ 5. Little birds may also be reckoned in the number of harmless creatures and so typifie the same thing as the former did All the foresaid creatures were doth clean and also useful and profitable Theiâ—… flesh good and wholesome meat the skins of the beasts good for clothing The wool bird and feathers of them usefull and in these and other like respects fit types of Christ. Hereby is confirmed that which was before shewed of legal rites typifying like truth § 98. §. 103. Of blood and water sprinkled with scarlet wool and hysop WAter also as well as blood was sprinkled under the law to cleanse such as were unclean for it is here said that Moses took the blood with water The water here intended is that which is comprised under aâ—…hes v. 13. § 70. For the ashes of an Heyfer was mixed with running water and thereby a purifying water made Besides we read of a little bird that was to be killed over running water wherby the blood and water came to be mixed Lev. 14. 5. This mixture of blood and water was requisite to keep the blood from clodding and also to make it go the further The blood typified the price of our redemption The water the vertue that issueth from Christs blood to cleanse away the filth of sin remaining upon us for water is used to make clean that which is fowle Isai. â—… 16. The mixture of blood and water typified a cleansing vertue accompanying the merit of Christs sacrifice hereof see more v. 13. § 73. For the better using of the foresaid blood and water the law appointed scarlâ—… wooll and hysop Lev. 14. 6. Numb 19. 6. The word translated c scarlet is sometimes put for purple Both of them are precious colours with which the garments of Princes other great persons use to be dyed It is also sometimes translated crimson Ier. 4. 30. Though we put a difference betwixt scarlet crimson one being of a sadder and deeper dye then the other yâ—… they are ofâ—… put for one the same colour I conceive that scarlet is the more proper to the point in hand For it is the most like blood and the most precious and the most pure least capable of stains The Hebrew word is derived from a root that signifieth to iterate or do a thing again and again 1 King 18. 34. Thence a noun which signifieth the second Gen. 1. 8. whence the word translated scarlet because it is twice or oftner dyed it is a deep die Isa. 1. 18. Thus this colour did typifie the preciousness and pureness of Christs blood Some apply this to faith as a means whereby Christs blood is applyed to us and thereupon take occasion 1. To commend the gift of faith as a most precious gift 1 Pet. 1. 7. 2. To stir up men to aray themselves with faith as with a most honourable garment Above all get faith Eph. 6. 16. 3. Highly to esteem of them who are rich in faith Iam. 2. 5. Others apply it to the Spirit which is the means on Gods part to apply Christ unto us It cannot be denyed but that the Spirit being the Spirit of God is most precious â—…nd pure He is stiled the Holy Ghost Neither can it be denyed butthat he is the most principal means of applying Christ unto us These may be fitresemblances Yet I suppose that all circumstances duly considered this scarlet as other types may point at Christ and at his death There are many differing types that had reference to Christ by reason of his many different offices works properties and benefits that we receive from him That which was dyed with the colour here intended is said to be wool Wool soaks up that which is liquid and holds it so as that which it soaketh up may be tâ—…e better sprinkled out of it Wooll before it be dyed is white Isai. 1. 18. it is also soft This might further typifie the purity and mildnesse of Christ. Besides aâ—… white and soft wool might be dyed into scarlet so Christ by death was made bloody as scarlet I say bloody for the redemption of believers With this scarlet wool hysop was joyned Hysop is a little herb with many branches and in that respect fit to sprinkle It was counted one of the lowest plants bâ—…ing set in opposition to the tallest of plants which is the Cedar tree 1 Kings 4. 33. It hath a sweet favour and a purging vertue They who apply the scarlet wool to faith and to the Spirit do also thereunto apply thâ—… hysop For the Spirit by faith makes men lovely humble deniers of themselves For self boasting is excluded by the law of faith Rom. 3. 27. Thereby also the Spirit purgeth us Act. 15. 9. But Christ may most especially be counted the truth intended under this type He indeed was lowly Matth. 11. 29. His blood hath the purging vertue 1 Ioh. 1. 7. He is of a sweet favour Eph. 5. 2. Mat. 3. 17. Thus we see how all these rites are fit for that whereunto they were ordained fit in their use fit in their signification See v. 18. § 98. Their use was to sprinkle blood and water Of blood and water mixed and the signification of them see v. 13. § 71. Of the mystery of sprinkling see v. 13. § 72. §. 104. Of sprinkling the book of the Covenant THe first thing that is here said to be dedicated with blood and water is the book The book here intended was the book of the Covenant containing in it all the lawes of God Exod. 24 7.
which is proper to a covenant but the Apostle changeth it into this authoritative word enjoyned to shew the ground of what was required Gods charge and withall to declare that it was no arbitrary matter for them to do or to leave undone but a matter of necessity the Lord enjoyned it The Apostles were not translators but expositors of Texts of Scripture and thereupon had liberty to alter words for clearing of the sense See Chap. 1. v. 6. § 72. The word which we translate enjoyned is a compound The simple verb is out of use but there are two nounes that are such compounds as this verb both which do signifie a commandment Matth. 15. 3 9. The word then implyeth a bounden duty so as it was not a matter arbitrary or doubtfull but that which in obedience to the supreme Soveraign was to be observed This word is used Chap. 11. v. 22. § 122. §. 107. Of this phrase This is the blood of the Testament THat the people might the better understand what he intendeth Moses directs them to that very act which he then did by this phrase this is the blood c. For the note of reference this implyeth that which he was then in doing It is somewhat answerable to a like phrase of our Lord Christ who having taken bread and broken it said this is my body Matth. 26. 26. From hence we may infer that a Sacramental denomination of a thing signified by the sign doth not argue a transubstantiation of the sign into the thing signified or a consubstantiation of the sign and thing signified The tree that is called the â—…ree of life was not life it self Gen. 2. 19. Circumcision which is called the Covenant Gen. 17. 9. was not the Covenant it self Nor was the lamb the passeover yet so called Exod. 12. 21. Nor the rock Christ himself yet so called 1 Cor. 10. 4. The end of a Sacramental phrase is to shew outwardly what is inwardly intended and to raise the mind from the outward sign to the inward thing signified and to assure us of the presence of grace and of the thing signified not carnally but spiritually This spiritual presence is as true and real as a carnal presence can be and much more effectual and comfortable for by the spiritual presence of Christ the true believer partaketh of the merit and virtue of Christs passion and of the benefits that flow from thence The Rhemists do hence infer that the chalice of the Altar hath the very sacrificall blood in it that was shed upon the Crosse. Others do hence frame this argument As there was the true blood of the type in the typical and legal Sacrament so there must be the true blood of the truth in the true and Evangelical Sacrament Answ. 1. All that may be granted and yet their transubstantiation not concluded thereupon Thus the resemblance will hold As under the law there was shed the very blood of beasts for those legal cleansings so under the Gospel is shed the very blood of Christ for a spiritual cleansing of the soul. This none deny But will it hereupon follow that that blood is shed in the Sacrament 2. The resemblance betwixt legal and Evangelical Sacraments must be in the signes of each Thus it will follow that as there was true blood in theirs so there is true wine in ours which analogie is taken away by transubstantiation 3. The blood which Moses sprinkled was no more the proper blood of the Covenant then the wine For that blood could not take away sins Heb. 10. 4. 4. The words of Moses are not proper but figurative 5. Their resemblance doth not hold for Moses and the Apostle refer the relative this to blood but the Evangelist referreth it to the Cup in which the wine was thus This Cup is the new Testament in my blood Luk. 22. 20. By this mention of blood added to the Testament is shewed the end of sprinkling blood under the law which was to declare that blood was the means of Gods entring into Covenant with man As hath been shewed v. 18. § 99. The joyning of blood with a Testament and stiling it the blood of the Testament sheweth that by Christs blood the Covenant was turned into a Testament and made inviolable as hath been demonstrated v. 15. § 88. and v. 16. § 93 94. §. 108. Of divine institution the ground of a Sacrament THe ground of the foresaid Sacramental sign and action which was sprinkling blood as a ratification of the Covenant is thus expressed which God hath enjoyned unto you Hence we may observe that a divine institution is requisite for the constitution of a Sacrament This was the ground of all true Sacraments that ever the Church had as may be proved by a particular induction of several Sacraments 1. There were two Sacraments in mans entire estate The Tree of Life and the Tree of knowledge of Good Evil both which God appointed to be Sacrament Gen. 2. 9. 2. The general Sacrament for the whole world namely the Ark 1 Pet. 3. 21. was also by God enjoyned 3. Circumcision which was the ordinary Sacrament of regeneration to the Jews was instituted of God Gen. 17. 10. 4. The other ordinary Sacrament of the Jewes to seal up their spirituall nourishment namely the passeover was ordained of God Exod. 12. 3 c. 5. The Jewes extraordinary Sacraments were also of God These were four 1. Israels passing through the red Sea Exod. 14. 16. c. 2. The Cloud under which they were Exod. 13. 21 22. These two were to them as Baptisme 1 Cor. 10. 1 2. 3. Manna that fell from heaven Exod. 16. 4. 4. The water that came out of the rock Exod. 17. 5 6. c. These two were to them as the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 10. 3 4. 6. The Lords Supper was instituted by Christ Matth. 26. 26. 7. Baptisme was also instituted by Christ Matth. 28. 19. 1. Sacraments are part of Gods worship and in that respect must have Gods warrant In vain they worship God who worship him by mens inventions Matth. 15. 9. 2. Sacraments are seales of Gods Covenant Now the seal must be his whose the Covenant is ones seal binds not another much lesse can mans seal ratifie Gods Covenant 3. All the efficacy that is in a Sacrament ariseth from divine institution How could the cutting off the foreskin of a man be a seal of the righteousness of faith Rom. 4. 11. and assure him of the remission of sins if God had not ordained it to 〈◊〉 end The like may be said of Baptisme and so of other Sacraments Herein lyeth the difference betwixt Sacramental bread and wine and the bread and wine that we eat at our own tables By divine institution the former proves spiritual nourishment the latter is onely corporal 1. By this touchstone these five Popish Sacraments Pennance Confirmation Ordination Matrimony and extream Unction will be found to be forged It cannot be
5. 7. The remission that the Apostle here speaketh of is the remission of sins The word translated remission hath for the most part this noun sins added to it as Matth. 26. 28. Mark 1. 4. But sometimes it is set alone and the word sins understood as Mark 3. 29. Luke 4. 18. and here The manner of setting down this point with a double negative thus without No carrieth Emphasis It implyeth that there is no other way for obtaining remission of sins 1. This reason taketh it for granted that sin is remissible It may be pardoned Hereof see the Treat of the Sin against the Holy Ghost Part. 1. § 5 at the end of Domest Dâ—… 2. It is also taken for granted that blood is the means of purging away sin Of these two points see v. 7. § 43. and v. 18. § 99. 3. The main point here intended is that there is no other way to expiate sin but by blood This is to be taken of the procuring cause of remission of sins for there are many means as courses to be taken by us whereby we may gaine assurance that sins are pardoned But if you read the Scripture thorowout you shall finde no other purchase of sin then blood The truth that was tipyfied by the blood under the Law namely the blood sacrifice or death of Christ is the only price that can make satisfaction for sin Sin is that barr which keepeth the flood-gates fast shut against the current of mercy Satisfaction of Justice pulleth out the barr and then mercy flows in apace This is sufficient to disprove the many foolish inventions of Papists wherby they doe egregiously delude their people in seeking pardon of sin In particular this discovereth the vanity of the Popish distinction of a bloody and unbloody sacrifice They say that their Masse is an unbloody sacrifice and yet they affirme that it is a propitiatory sacrifice for remission of sins They thinke to salve up all by a concepit of a concomitancy of blood with flesh But even that conceipt is here refuted by the word which the Apostle here useth shedding of blood without shedding of blood is no remission It is not sufficient that blood be with flesh but blood must be shed and powred out as the notation of the word implyeth Thus much doth Christ expresse in the institution This is my blood which is shed Math. 26. 28. Of the distinction betwixt a bloody and unbloody sacrifice see Chap. 7. v. 27. § 115. For our parts let us learne to trust and that wholy and only to this means of remission the blood of Jesus Christ shed for our sins §. 112. Of the resolution of Heb. 9. 18 19 20 21 22. Vers. 18. Whereupon neither the first Testament was dedicated without blood Vers. 19. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the Law he tooke the blood of Calves and of Goats with Water and Scarlet Wooll and Hysop and sprinkled both the book and all the people Vers. 20. Saying This is the blood of the Testament which God enjoyned unto you Vers. 21. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the Tabernacle and all the vessels of the Ministry Vers. 22. And almost all things are by the Law purged with blood and without shedding of blood is no remission Vers. 18. IN these five verses is set downe a legall dedication In it we may observe 1. The inference of it upon that which went before in these words whereupon neither 2. The substance of the dedication This is 1. Generally propounded 2. Particularly exemplified In the generall two things are declared 1. The thing dedicated the first Testament 2. The means of dedicating it blood Vers. 19. In the particular exemplification are considerable 1. The Time when the dedication was performed and that was when the meaning thereof was declared In describing this circumstance are noted 1. The person that declared the meaning Moses had spoken 2. The matter that was spoken precept Amplified by the generality every precept 3. By the persons to whom it was spoken to all the people 4. The manner of ordering what he did deliver according unto the 〈◊〉 2. The means of dedicating this is described in four particulars 1. The blood of calves and goats 2. Water 3. Scarlet-wool 4. Hysop 3. The manner of using the blood in this word sprinkled 4. The things dedicated which were either such as were then present or afterwards dedicated v. 21 22 The things then present were of two sorts 1. The book 2. All the people Vers. 20. In the 20. v. is particularly set down the words whereby Moses explained the meaning of what he did This is 1. Generally hinted in this word saying 2. Distinctly expressed where is shewed 1. The matter intended this is the blood of the Testament 2. The warrant he had for what was done which God hath enjoyned you Vers. 21. The things afterwards dedicated are set down v. 21 22. Therein is 1. A repetition of the means of dedicating he sprinkled with blood 2. An expression of the things dedicated and that 1. In two particular kinds 1. The holy place the Tabernacle 2. The holy things all the vessels of the Ministery Vers. 22. 2. In a generall comprehension thus almost all things This generall is amplified 1. By a repetition of the means blood 2. By the effect thereof purged 3. By the ground of all the law 4. By the reason of using that rite Here we may observe 1. The benefit attained thereby remission 2. The manner of using the blood shedding 3. The necessity thereof without such shedding no remission §. 113. Of observations gathered out of Heb. 9. 18 19 20 21 22. Vers. 18. I. LEgall rites were grounded on equity This word of inference â—…upon intendeth as much Because Testaments were usually ratified with the death of the Testator thereupon Gods Testament was ratified with blood See § 97. II. Gods covenant made with the Iewes was the first Testament So it is here â—…alled See § 98. III. God would have sacred things dedicated Thus much is expressed See § 98. IV. Blood is the meanes of attonement between God and man The mention of blood in this place intendeth thus much See § 99. Vers. 19. V. The Covenant must be explained before the seal be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 did not use the seal of sprinkling blood before he had spoken and declared what 〈◊〉 intended See § 100. VI. Ministers must teach what God commands This is implyed under this word 〈◊〉 See § 101. VII The whole counsel of God must be made known Moses spake every precept See § 101. VIII Gods word is to be delivered to all of all sorts Moses spake to all the people See § 101. IX What Ministers doe they must do according to Gods word Moses did what he did according to the Law which was Gods word See § 101. X. Vnder the law the blood of beasts was used Such were Calves and Goats See § 102. XI
of Of these see Chap. 7. v. 16. § 82. The excellency of the foresaid types is manifested in this that they were patterns of things in the heavens that is of heavenly things See more hereof Chap. 8. v. 5. § 13. §. 116. Of legal types cleansed with answerable meanes AS the legal types themselves were mean in their kind being of earthy things so the means of purifying them were answerable They were purified with these namely with those external and earthy things which are mentioned v. 19 § 102 103. All things are cleansed with means according to their kind Our faces our hands our feet our whole body our linnen the vessels that we use and other like things are washed and made clean with water and other like external and earthy things We may from hence infer that the faithfull under the law rested not in those external rites for the purifying of their souls It is not possible that the blood of buls and of goats should take away sin The Gospel was preached unto Abraham Gal. 3. 8. and therein he believed The like may be said of all the faithfull that dyed under the law This is the reason of the Apostles setting forth the faith of so many worthies as he hath produced Chap. 11. §. 117. Of Heavenly things the substance of the Types BY way of opposition the Apostle sheweth how the truths of the forenamed types were after another manner purified Those truths he thus expresseth the heavenly things themselves The relative themselves is set in the first place as if we should thus translate it themselves being heavenly things By themselves he meaneth the truths of types so as the very substance of legall shaddows is exhibited under the Gospel In this respect a true Tabernacle is mentioned Chap. 8. v. 2. § 6. And glad things v. 11. § 53. God at length exhibited the things themselves which were good and true to shew what he mainly aymed at and that the shadows and types were only for awhile in regard of Mans need Great is their folly who enjoying the things themselves hunt after shaddows as Jews Turks Papists all idolatrous and superstitious persons do herein they shew themselves like the dog that having got meat in his mouth snapt at the shaddow of it in the water and so lost his meat The Lord make us wise in seeking after those solid truths which by his Gospel are revealed To stir us up the more here unto let the quality of them be considered They are heavenly things The word translated heavenly is a compound which we may translate upper heavenly Of this compound word See Chap. 1. v. 1. § 25. Of the things meant thereby See Chap. 8. v. 5. § 13. This epithite heavenly is here given to those truths which were typified by the Law 1. In opposition to the rites of the Law which were earthy This is implyed under this conjunction of opposition But 2. To shew the excellency perfection and perpetuity of them 1. Heavenly things are so much more excellent then earthly as Heaven is higher then the earth 2. Those heavenly things doe perfectly effect that for which they are ordained 3. Heavenly things are perpetuall they continue for ever This should stir us up to enquire after these heavenly things and upon knowledge of them highly to prize them to rest satisfied in them and to walk worthy of them §. 118 Of purifying heavenly things THe aforesaid heavenly things are said to be purified though this act of purifying be not expressed in this latter clause yet it is necessarily understood and must be repeated out of the former part of the verse otherwise this latter part would want a verb to make up the sense Heavenly truths are purified as well as earthy types This may seeme strange if we duely weigh what those truths were namely Christ himself His body was the truth of the Tabernacle His deity of the Altar His humane nature of the sacrifice His Person of the Priest His graces were the truth of the Priests robes His mediation the truth of the incense He is the true mercy-seat He the Ark He the Manna He the water that flowed out of the rock He the truth of most types Heaven was the truth of the most holy place Quest. What need those things to be purified Answ. 1. To be purified sometimes signifieth to be set apart and consecrated for our use and benefit Thus Christ is said to be made persect Chap. 2. 10. And to be sanctified John 10. 36. and 17. 19. Thus Christ being consecrated for the Church his Nature his Person his Deeds his Doctrine Obedience Sufferings Offices Victories Resurrection Ascension and are made usefull and beneficiall to us Though in themselves they be most pure and perfect yet would they not have been effectuall to us without this heavenly consecration Heaven itself is thus purified for Christ with his own blood entered into that holy place 2. There are some things in the number of heavenly things which by nature are impure as the Elect people of God of whom the Jews were a Type Now Christ gave himself for the Church that he might sanctifie it and cleanse Eph. 5. 25 26 27 1. Pet. 1. 2. 3. Sundry holy things by mans abuse of them prove to man impure as the holy ordinances of God In this respect they need to be purified See more hereof v. 19 § 104. §. 119. Of Sacrifices which purge Heavenly things being better then Legall THe means whereby the aforesaid Heavenly things are purified are said to be sacrifices A Sacrifice according to the notation of the Greek word signifieth a thing shine and offered to God A bloody sacrifice is therefore here meant which is the sacrifice of Christ himself In this respect Christ is said by his own blood to enter into the â—…ly place v. 12. Though that were but one Sacrifice and but once offered up yet the plurall number Sacrifices 1. For excellency sake it was instead of many sacrifices 2. In reference to the many Sacrifices under the Law This one was the truth of them all and instead of all A Sacrifice was the means of purifying Heavenly things because thereby satisfaction was made to divine Justice and divine Wrath was pacified and thereby way made to mercy yea thereby Christ merited that all things needefull for us should be effectuall unto us By this we may be informed of the need use and benefit of Christs offering himself up a Sacrifice without it we had remained enemies against God and God against us We unfit and unworthy to appeare before him All things unfit unusefull ineffectuall to us Christ himself his incarnation his purity ineffectuall to us Heaven had been as Paradise kept by Cherubines against us If it were needefull that man should not remaine under the power of the devill nor liable to damnation then this sacrifice was needfull As there was great need so there is great use and benefit thereof
for thereby we are purified Christ himself is sanctified to us all that Christ did and endured is made effectuall for our good Well might this sacrifice be here stiled better This is a note of comparison and it hath reference to the sacrifices under the Law which were sacrifices of beasts this of Christ. Therefore well may it be said to be better There is no one thing which may be said to be better then others then this better then the Legall Sacrifices as much more excellent as God-man is then bruit beasts so much better 〈◊〉 the sacrifice whereby heavenly truths are purified by legall sacrifices On this ground it is said of Christ that not by the blood of Goats and Calves but by his own blood be entered into the holy place v. 12. In this respect Christ is said to be the mediator of a better Covenant Heb. 8. 6. and the bringing in of a better hope Heb. 7. 19. The truth was indeed actually to performe what the types only shewed was needfull to be performed but would not performe How should this move us to have this Sacrifice in high account in far higher account then the Jews had theirs The pious and upright Jews did most highly esteeme their Sacrifices they dayly offered them morning and evening when by any occasion they were uncleane they offered up their sacrifice for cleansing and received satisfaction and peace in their conscience from thence It was the advice that David gave to Saul in case of offence against God Let him accept an offering 1 Sam. 26. 19. When they received speciall blessings from God they offered sacrifices in way of thanksgiving and did exceedingly multiply the same as is shewed Should not we much more have recourse to this Sacrifice of Christs in all our uncleannesses and seek to have our souls sprinkled therewith yea and confidently rest thereupon yea should not we on all occasions of Thanksgiving offer up our praises in and through that Sacrifice §. 120. Of the resolution of and observations from Heb. 9. 23. It was therefore Necessary that the patternes of things in the Heavens should be purified with these but the Heavenly things themselves with better things then thâ—…se IN this verse is declared a difference betwixt legal types and their truth Hereof are two parts The former concerns legal types The latter their truth In the former observe 1. The inference of it upon that which went before in this conjunction Therefore 2. The main point intended Hereabout is set down 1. The nature of types They are patterns 2. The object of them Things in the heavens 3. Their need of purifying Should be purified amplified by the necessity thereof 4. The means of purifying them With these namely blood of beasts and other external things Doctrines I. The means without which a needfull thing cannot be effected must be used The Apostle had before shewed that without blood there was nothing acceptable to God thereupon he here concludeth that both types and truths must be purified by blood See § 114. II. There is a necessity of observing what God enjoynes The word necessary as here used imports as much See § 114. III. Types were but shadowes of truths The word pattern intends as much See § 115. IV. The truths typified by legall types were heavenly things In this sense they are here stiled things in the heavens See § 115. V. There was a means of purifying under the Law This is here intended under this word purified See § 114. VI. Things under the law were purified with external things Such things are comprised under this relative with these See § 116. VII There is a great difference betwixt types and truths This particle of opposition BUT importeth as much See § 117. VIII There were substances of the legall shadowes This word themselves intends as much See § 117. IX Those substances were heavenly things So they are here stiled See § 117. X. Heavenly things were purified The verb purified here understood hath reference to such things See § 118. XI Christs Sacrifice is the means of purifying the heavenly things It is Christs Sacrifice that is here intended See § 119. XII Christs Sacrifice is instead of all other Sacrifice The plurall number Sacrifices spoken thereof implies as much See § 119. XIII Christs Sacrifice is better then all former Sacrifices It is here expresly said to be better then them §. 121. Of the difference betwixt things made with hands and without hands Heb. 9. 24. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us THis verse is inferred upon the former as a reason to prove that Christs Sacrifice was better then the Sacrifice under the law The causal conjunction a For implies as much The proof is taken from the place whither Christ carried his blood after he had offered up himself a Sacrifice namely heaven This proof the Apostle before noted in this phrase by his own blood he entred into the holy place v. 12. In this proof is laid down a second difference betwixt Christ and other Priests The first was in the different means of cleansing v. 23. This second is in the different places wherein the one and the other executed their function For a more clear illustration of the point the Apostle sets it down negatively and affirmatively Negatively thus Christ is not entred c. Of the meaning of this title Christ see Chap. 3. v. 6. § 54. He is here expresly named to shew who was the Priest and what the Sacrifice whereby that which could not be effected under the law was perfected This phrase of entring into the holy places hath reference to the Priests entring into the Tabernacle They entred into the holy places made with hands Of this title holy places See v. 1. § 4. and Chap. 8. v. 2. § 4. There were two places called holy One wherein all sorts of Priests did their holy services called the first Tabernacle v 2. The other whereinto the high Priest went once a year v. 7. In reference hereunto the plurall number places is used and they are called holy because they were set apart to holy services These are said to be made with hands because they were made by men who had hands Thus is this word us d v. 11. § 55. Thus circumcision in the flesh is said to be made by hands Eph. 2. 11. because it is the work of men and Temples of stone and timber are so stiled Act. 7. 48. and 17. 24. In all these places things made without hands are opposed to such as are immediatly made by God and thereupon they are negatively used for the most part These two words made with hands and made without hands are directly opposed Mark 14. 58. So circumcision in the flesh is said to be made with hands Eph. 2. 11. and circumcision in the Spirit
he undertook did and indured for mans full Redemption and eternal salvation are comprized under this phrase good things to come Christ therefore must of necessity do and indure what he did for the Law shewed that such things must be done but it self could not do them That the Law could not do these things is evident by this negative phrase not the very Image of the things The principal verb having is here understood thus and not having the very Image c. The word translated Image is derived from a verb that signifieth to be like and this word is put for a likenesse or resemblance It is sometimes indefinitely taken as where Christ saith whose is this Image Mat. 22. 20. And sometimes restrictively and that in two eminent respects 1. As it is opposed to the first draught of a thing which useth to be but dark obscure and impolished Thus Image setteth out a full lively and perfect representation of a thing as when a Limner draweth a mans Picture first he draweth it out with a coal or black lead This is the shadow of it Then he setteth it out in all the proper Colours so lively as any may know whose Picture it is thus it is used in this phrase An Image made like to corruptible man Rom. 1. 23. 2. As it is put for the pattern whereto other things are resembled Thus a living man is said to be the Image of those Pictures which are made to set him out And a Father having many Children like him is said to be the Image of them all Thus God hath made those whom he hath chosen to be conformed to the Image of his Son Rom. 8. 29. In these latter restrictive senses Image is here used And that in reference to the truth and substance which was prefigured under the Law and is revealed in and by the Gospel In the Law it was as it were with a black coal shadowed In the Gospel it is fully lively conspicuously revealed Under the Gospel therefore we have not the shaddow but the Image a most clear Revelation of Christ. The word shaddow whereunto Image is here opposed sheweth that the first restrictive sense is here meant and the relative particle together with the article thus translated the very shew that the latter is meant The word things added unto image hath reference to good things before mentioned and intendeth the same Thus it doth in generall and negatively set out the same thing that that particular and affirmative clause did a shaddow of good things to come and both phrases demonstrate that legal types did prefigure such necessary good things to come as they did not contain in themselves Herein is manifested a main difference betwixt the Law and the Gospel even as great a difference as betwixt shadowe and substances herein is confirmed that which is noted concerning the better things under the Gospel Chap. 2. v. 3. § 21. §. 3. Of the insufficiency of legal sacrifices to make perfect FRom the foresaid nature of the Law set down affirmatively under the metaphor of a shadow and negatively not the very image and from the use of the Law which was to foreshew good things to come the Apostle inferreth the main conclusion about the impotency of the Law that it can never make perfect No not those who came to it and observed the rites thereof The principall whereof were sacrifices and those offered up and that year by year continually To make perfect is to work such grace in one as may bring him to glory this the Law could not do see Chap. 7. v. 19. § 86. Among manifold rites of the Law the Apostle mentioneth sacrifices which would have done the deed if any other rite could have done it for sacrifices were of Creatures that were slain and that for sin Of sacrifices and of the difference between them and guifts see Chap. 5. v. 1. § 7. Of those sacrifices it is said that they were offered namely to God Hereof see Chap. 5. v. 1. § 6. Though they were so offered and that by Gods appointment yet they could not make perfect 〈◊〉 is added that they were offered year by year of this phrase see chap. 9. v. 7. 〈◊〉 The Greek word translated hath its notation from ending in it self like a 〈◊〉 which ends where it begins This circumstance of time is here set down to 〈◊〉 proof of the insufficiency of the legal sacrifices which were oft offered up So 〈◊〉 is intended under the adverb continually added hereunto Of the Greek phrase â—…ted continually see chap. 7. v. 3. § 26. The former expression of the time hath reference to that solemn day wherein the 〈◊〉 Priest once a year entred into the most holy place Levit. 16. 2. as was shewed 〈◊〉 9. v. 7. Sect. 41. And to manifest that that custom continued not only while 〈◊〉 Israelites were in the wildernesse or till the Temple was built but so long as the 〈◊〉 of the Jews remained even till Christ himself were actually offered the other â—…d continually is added The sacrifices offered up on that yearly day are here synecdochically put for all the legal sacrifices but special relation is had to the sacrifices offered on that day 〈◊〉 they were the most solemn sacrifices and if any could have done the deed 〈◊〉 they especially 〈◊〉 these circumstances of time have reference to the insufficiency of legal saâ—… Hereof see chap. 7. v. 27. § 112. The Apostle himself sheweth that the reâ—… of those sacrifices implyed imperfection in that he saith they would have â—…ed to be offered if once offering had made perfect see v. 2. § 4. That sufficiency is further manifested by the persons whom those sacrifices especially concerned thus expressed The commers thereunto hereby are meant such 〈◊〉 observed the Ordinance of God and thereupon came to the Altar where the saâ—…es were offered up to partake of all the benefits that Gods people might be 〈◊〉 partakers of In this respect they are said to come unto God Chap. 7. v. 25. § 104. If any might have been made perfect surely these These are said to do the servicâ—… So as the fault was not in the persons failing to do his duty but in the thing 〈◊〉 The Ordinance it self that was observed could not do the deed therefore there is an emphatical negative added which we translate never and a verb of power translated Can from which all power is taken by the negative never 〈◊〉 thereunto The sum of all is that the best means under the Law were not sufficient to make perfect those that were most strict in the observing of them All and every the forementioned points have been before handled in this Epistle 〈◊〉 is evident by the several references before mentioned but the Apostle thought that he could not strike too much upon this string for questionlesse these Hebrews though they professed the Christian faith stood too
runner of Christ and plainly to declare him saying Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world John 1. 29. there rose not a greater then he before his time Mat. 11. 11. And in some circumstances it may be granted that the Sacraments of the new Testament have an excellency above all the rites of the old Testament for they are not so many in number so cumbersom so burthensom so painful so grosse so dark but fewer in number more easie in performance more perâ—…uous and clear for understanding they are memorials for things past not types of things to come Yet in the main substance their Ministers and their Sacraments were as ours Unto them was the Gospel preached Heb. 4. 2. They did eat the same spâ—…itual meat and drink the same spiritual drink namely that we Christians do 〈◊〉 they drank of that spiritual Rock which was Christ. 1 Cor. 10. 3 4. There is no more â—…matural vertue in our sacramental Elements then was in theirs It is as impossible for water to cleanse the soul as for the blood of Beasts to take away sins If this be true of Ordinances instituted by Christ how much more impossible is it that humane inventions should purge the soul or take away sin 〈◊〉 we hereby in the use of all external Ordinances to raise up the eyes of our soul above the external visible thing even unto Christ himself and to the things which he hath done and endured for the saving of our souls §. 10. Of the resolution of Heb. Chap. 10. V. 1 2 3 4. Vers. 1. For the Law having a shadow of good things to come and not the very Image of the things can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect V. 2. For then would they not have ceased to be offered because that the Worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sin V. 3. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year V. 4. For it is not possible that the blood of Bulls and Goats should take away 〈◊〉 Verse 1. THe sum of these four verses is A Declaration of the impotency of the Law This is set out four wayes 1. By the end or use of the Law v. 1. Here-about are set down 1. The use it self 2. A consequence following thereupon The use is propounded two wayes 1. Affirmatively 2. Negatively The affirmative manifesteth 1. The meannesse of the use in this word shadow 2. An excellency in that meannesse in this phrase of good things to come The negative removeth from the law a speciall excellency in this phrase Not the very Image of the things The consequence is that it could not make perfect This is amplified 1. By the meanes which could not do it The sacrifices These are described 1. By the Act done offered 2. By the time when This in two branches 1. Year by year 2. Continually 2. By the persons whom they could not make perfect the commers thereunto Vers. 2. 2. The impotency of the law is set forth by the frequent use of the same things This is 1. Propounded 2. Confirmed In the proposition we may observe 1. The manner of setting it down by way of interrogation would they not 2. The matter have ceased to be offered The confirmation is taken from sin remaining in the conscience Here about two things are noted 1. A description of the persons and that by their disposition worshippers and by a supposition once purged 2. A declaration of the sin remaining they should have had no more conscience of sin Vers. 3. 3. The impotency of the law is manifested by a remembrance again of sins This is amplified two wayes 1. By the same kind of sacrifices in those sacrifices 2. By the time Every year Vers. 4. 4. The impotency of the law is confirmed by the kind of sacrifices Here about four particulars are observable 1. The intimation of the sacrifice blood 2. The kind of beasts that were sacrificed Bulls and goats 3. The effect denyed take away sins 4. The manner of expressing it it is not possible §. 11. Os observations raised out of Heb. 10. v. 1 2 3 4. Vers. 1. I. DAngerous errours are to be rooted out of mens minds This ariseth from the Apostles much inculcating the laws impotency See § 3. II. Legall types were but shadowes In this respect the law is said to have a shadow See § 2. III. The shadowes of the law were of substantiall truths These are here stiled good things See § 2. IV. The good things shadowed by the law were not then actually exhibited They are hâ—…e said to be good things to come See § 2. V. The law had not the truths themselvesâ—… Thus much is meant under this phrase not the very Image of the things See § 2. VI. Legall â—…tes could not make perfect This is plainly expressed See § 3. VII The best of the legall rites failed in that which they prefigured These were Sacrifices which prefigured reconciliation but could not reconcile God to man See § 3. VIII Legall Sacrifices were yearly offered up This phrase year by year intendeth as much See § 3. IX Legall râ—…tes continued till the truth was exhibited This is the intendment of the adverb continually See § 3. X. Dâ—…gent observers of legal rites were not perfected by them Those were such as are here stiled Commers there unto See § 3. Vers. â—… XI God permits not holy ordinances to be continued in vain Had there not 〈◊〉 use of Sacrifices they would have ceased to be offered See § 4. XII In and by Sacred ordinances God is worshipped In this respect observers of divine ordinances are here stiled worshippers See § 5. XIII Legall Sacrifices did not purge the offerers from sin This is intended under this phrase once purged as here it is used See § 5. XIV Guilâ—… of sin once taken away doth not trouble the conscience This is intended under this phrase should have had no more conscience of sin See § 5. Vers. 3. XV. Remembrance of sin implyeth a remainder of sin The Apostle proves that sin remained notwithstanding those Sacrifices because in them there was a remembrance again of sin See § 6. XVI Sins remaining must be remembred again This was the reason why Sacrifices were ost offered up See § 6. XVII The Iewes had a set time for solemne consession of sâ—…n This is implyed under this phrase every year See § 8. Vers. 4. XVIII Blood of bruit beasts was offered under the law Such were buls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 See § 9. XIX Sacrifices of bruit beasts could not take away sin This is plainly expressed 〈◊〉 â—… 9. XX. It is not possible for a thing to work above the nature thereof Blood of buls and 〈◊〉 were external earthly and carnal things but to take away sin was an interâ—… divine and spiritual matter thereupon the Apostle puts an impossibility upon 〈◊〉 See § 9. §. 12.
but will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our 〈◊〉 mouth c. Jer. 44. 16 17. By this it appears that wilfullnesse in sin is a great aggravation thereof Numb 15. 30 c. Deut. 1. 43. Matth. 23. 37. Iohn 9 41. Acts 7. 51. It sheweth that the mind is set on sin yea set against God and against his holy will It is some extenuation of sin that men are deceived thereby and that â—…en therein do what they would not Rom. 7. 11 15 16. If falling through ignorance weaknesse temptation compulsion be extenuations then the foresaid wilfulness must needs be an aggravation This teacheth us to hold in the reines of all manner of evill lusts and to do what we can to keepe them down Be far from spurring them forth We do too oft and too much grieve the Spirit of God in our greatest watchfulnesse and that by reason of our spirituall weaknesse pronenesse to sin and temptations whereunto we are subject Let us not adde drunkennesse to thirst Deut. 29. 19. nor draw 〈◊〉 sin with cart-ropes Isa. 5. 18. Let us not turne weaknesse into wilfulnesse nor infirmity into obstinacy We pray that God would not leade us into temptation shall we cast our selves thereinto §. 89. Of the danger of trading in sin AS the Greek word translated Sin doth here intimate a continuing a living a trading in sin as was shewed § 87. and in that respect is brought in as a cause of the severe judgment here denounced it giveth proofe that to give ones self over to sin is to give himself over to judgment Witnesse Ahab who â—…old himself to worke wickednesse 1 King 21. 20 21. So Ahaz 2 Chron. 28. 2 c And Manasseh 2 Chron. 33. 2 c. With this doth the Apostle upbraid obstinate and impenitent sinners Rom. 2. 5. 1. Judgment is the wages of sin The more worke the greater wages Rom. 6. 16 23. 2. Trading in sin would impeach Gods holy jealousie if judgment were not executed thereupon 1. By this we have a demonstration of the woefull condition of these times wherein there is such trading in sin Do not most persons continue to live and die in their sins who almost is reclaimed notwithstanding the plenty of powerfull preaching among us Men hate to be reformed Psal. 50. 17. What then can be expected but severe vengeance 2. Learne hereby to prevent the extremity of judgment persist not in sin but turn from it Ezek. 33. 11. 3. Give your selves to righteousnesse trade therein Rom. 6. 19. This is a thriving trade Diligence herein will keepe thee from trading in sin for the flesh and the spirit are contrary Gal. 5. 17. And we cannot serve two masters Matth 6. 24. §. 90. Of the Gospel as the word of truth AN other aggravation of the sin is about the time when it is committed which is thus expressed after that we had received the Knowledge of the truth This is that illumination which is mentioned Chap. 6. v. 4. § 32. Here we are to consider 1. What kinde of truth is here meant 2 What knowledge 3. How received 1. As the whole word is called truth John 17. 17. So in speciall manner the Gospel James 1. 18. Eph. 1. 13. Col. 1. 5. It is truth apparantly above Poets who are full of fictions 2. Above humane writings which are uncertaine 3. Above the Law in the severall kinds thereof as 1. Above the judiciall Law which was to continue but a time 2. Above the Ceremoniall Law which was but a shadow of a substance 3. Above the Morall Law which hath lost its power of justifying man and also of condemning him that believeth in Christ Rom. 8. 1 3. The Gospel may in speciall manner be stiled the truth in regard of 1. The Author of it who is the Lord God of truth 2. The generall matter which is truth only no falshood no error therein In these two respects the whole word of God is truth 3. The excellency of it for it is a truth that bringeth salvation Eph. 1. 13. Thus it is the truth of truths 4. The speciall matter thereof which is Christ Jesus The way the truth and the life John 14. 6. 5. The accomplishment of the types prophesies and promises made under the Law 6. The effect and worke of it it worketh faith in such as heare it Eph. 1. 13. Therefore it is styled the word of faith Rom. 10. 8. 7. It is the meanes of conveying the Holy Ghost into us and filling us with the giftâ—… thereof Gal. 3. 2. Acts 10 44. In sundry of these and other like respects this truth is called the good word of God whereof see Chap. 6. v. 5. § 35. This epithite truth setting forth the word namely truth sheweth an especial use thereof which is to be as a touch-stone to trye all our doubts thereby that so we may hold fast what is found thereby to be sound and reject whatsoever it discovereth to be unsound 1 Thes. 5. 21. 1 Iohn 4. 1. Heb. 13. 9. 2. This should move us to have the Gospel in high account Such a truth is revealed thereby as can be found no where else yet is absolutely necessary to be known Account of it as David did of that word of God which he then had Psal. 19. 7 c. and 119. testifie as much after such a manner as he did meditate on it day and night make it thine Instructer thy Counsellor thy Guide thy Light let it be more sweet to thee then honey or the honey-combe and more precious then the finest gold Finally pray for the spirit of truth This is promised Iohn 16. 13. Thus shalt thou partake of the benefit of this truth §. 91. Of receiving the Truth THe Knowledge that is here meant is Knowledge of the Gospel and this wrought in them by a supernaturall work of Gods Spirit Hereof see more Chap. 6. v. 4. § 32. See also the Treatise of the sin against the Holy Ghost Part 2. § 17. The word translated Knowledge is a compound The simple noune signifieth Knowledge Luke 1. 77. The word in my text is compounded with a preposition that signifieth to and signifieth acknowledging and so it is translated Tit. 1. 1. Phil. v. 6. So as it compriseth under it an act of the mind in conceiving the truth an act of the will in consenting and an act of the heart in assenting to it and affecting it In these respects they are said to receive the Knowledge of the truth So as the Gospel hath a power to enlighten mens minds and also to cause them to receive what they do conceive On this ground it is called the word of faith Rom. 10. 8. We have an instance hereof in that violence which was offered to the Kingdome of Heaven when Iohn began to preach the Gospel Matth. 11. 12. And in the Samaritans accepting of Christ when he himself preached the Gospel amongst them Iohn 4.
offered up for different sins whereof read Lev. 5. 6. and 6. 6. and 4. 3. and Numb 15. 31. and 1 Sam. 3. 14. So also do the divers punishments inflicted upon different sinners Luke 12. 47 48. Maâ—… 11. 22. And finally expresse testimonies as Gen. 15. 18. Ezek. 16. 13 51 52. Ioh. 9. 41. and 19. 11. §. 103. Of putting despisers of Gods Law to death THe punishment here mentioned of despisers of the law is in generall set down under this phrase died Of the derivation of the Greek word See Chap. 7. v. 8. § 51. It is here spoken of a violent death inflicted by a magistrate who stood in Gods room and bare his image and it sheweth that even in case of religion for despising the divine law the despiser might be put to death A capitall punishment might be inflicted on such an one This was not only permitted but also enjoyned Lev. 20. 1 c. Deut. 13. 5. Answerably hath that course been practised Numb 15. 36. Lev. 24. 23. This was thus enjoyned by God and practised by his people 1. To prevent further mischief for if such should live longer they might be brought to do more hurt 2. To keepe others from being infected a limb that begins to be gangrene useth to be cut off to prevent the infecting of other parts 3. To be a terror to others Deut. 13. 11. 4. To be a means of salvation to the parties themselves 1 Cor. 5. 5. Iosh. 7. 17. This justifieth the practise of Magistrates in like cases Only let them take care that that which is lawfull in it self be done in a right and due manner for it is a matter of great consequence to take away the life of a man Therefore 1. The cause must be just 2. It must be weighty 3. It must appear to be so Here the crime is set down to be despising of Gods law and to this have the proofs before alleged speciall reference 1. God is the highest Soveraign over all he is King of Kings 1 Tim. 6. 15. So as despising his law is the highest treason that can be 2. Gods lawes are the rule of righteousnesse from them all lawes take their equities 3. If despisers of Gods law should be sufferred to live God would be provoked to take the sword into his own hand and Gods stroak would reach far and cut deepe In this particular we may see how little respect States and Governours have to God and to his law Many that are very severe against dispising humane lawes suffer Hereticks Idolaters Blasphemers Apostates and sundry other like to them to walk up and down unpunished How can such expect divine protection How can they not but expect divine Vengeance As publick Magistrates So Masters Parents Tutors School-Masters and others in authority shew themselves in this case much blame-worthy in that they can suffer such as are under them to despise Gods Lawes unpunished and yet be severe enough in other cases §. 104. Of Cases wherein Iustice is to be executed without pitty BEcause the taking away of a mans life doth ordinarily work compassion in men the law in the case of despising his Law would have no pitty or compassion to be shewen The Greek word here translated Mercy commeth from a root that signifieth pitty or compassion The word of my text is five times used in the New Testament It is twice attributed to God Once as he is the subject thereof and stiled Mercies of God Rom. 12. 1. An other time as he is the Father and fountain of mercies 2 Cor. 1. 3. Twice the word that signifieth bowels is joyned with it as Bowels and mercies Phil. 2. 1. And bowels of mercies Col. 3. 12. The fist place is my Text. A negative being added to this word as here it is without mercies sheweth that there may be cases wherein no pitty is to be manifested This is exemplified in Gods peoples dealing with the Canaanites Deut. 7. 2. and with Idolaters Deut. 13. 7 c. and with wilfull murtherers Deut. 19. 13. Though God himself be infinite in mercy yet there are cases wherein the Lord will have no mercy Isa. 9. 17. Ier. 13. 14. Hos. 1. 6. This may be by reason 1. Of the hainousnsse of the sin 2. Of the obstinacy of the sinner 3. Of the contagion whereby others may be infected This may be a good admonition to such as are in place of authority to consider the kinds of offences the disposition of persons offending and the danger that may follow upon undue pitty In these and such like cases they that stand in Gods room and bear his Image must set God before their eyes continually and labour to have their hearts possessed with such a zeal of Gods glory as their ears may be stopped against the cries of such malefactors and their eyes closed against their teares or other signes of anguish §. 105. Of punishing malefactors on good ground BEcause severity may not be shewed rashly but upon very good ground he addeth in the close this limitation Under two or three witnesses Though one man may be so malicious as to accuse another unjustly and Swear falsly against him yet it is not probable that two or three will agree together therein They will fear lest they should betray one another It is said of the witnesses that came against Christ that there witness agreed not together Marke 14. 56. Had there been but one witnesse he might have agreed with himselfe though not with the truth The Law therefore doth much insist upon this and tha both affirmatively and negatively Deut. 17. 6. and 19. 15. Hereunto alludeth Christ under the Gospel Matth. 18. 16. 1. All punishments are grevious if therefore they be unjustly inflicted they do exceedingly exasperate 2. Capitall punishments if they be wrongfully inflicted are irreparable who can restore life when once it is taken away As therefore in all cases we are to proceed on good grounds so especially in cases of severity Thus shall we justifie our selves before God and man Thus shall we have the more peace in our own consciences Thus shall we have a good warrant against â—…urers and gaine-sayers By this kinde of proof undue prejudice rash suspition and false calumniation will be prevented Where there are two or three witnesses by diligent sifting and examination if the matter be doubtfull the truth may the better be found out §. 106. Of the meaning of these words Of how much sorer punishment Heb 10. 29. Of how much sorer punishment suppose yee shall he be thought worthy who hath trâ—…dden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing and hath done despight unto the Spirit of Grace THe reddition or application of the former argument is here set down The former part sheweth the great and just vengeance that despisers of the law brought upon themselves This application thereof sheweth that far greater
it is 3. That which is intended by the Apostle followeth that which is noted by Moses as a necessary consequence For if God undertake to protect his people he must needs execute vengeance on those that forsake the assembling together and do Gods people all the mischief they can As this word judge is put for taking revenge and applyed to God see v. 30. § 112. Of Gods undertaking to take revenge and not failing to do what he undertakes implyed under this phrase God shall judge see v. 30. § 113. In that this divine act of judging or taking revenge is referred to Gods people as the object thereof it sheweth that outward profession exempteth not from divine vengeance Of the notation of the word translated people see Chap. 4. v. 9. § 57. As it hath reference to God and as men are Gods people it containeth many singular priviledges which are set down Chap. 4. v. 9. § 57. and Chap. 8. v. 10. § 68 69. But some priviledges are oft attributed to men for their former profession-sake in that they professe themselves to be the people of God and assembled together Gods people How far these may fall hath been shewed Chap. 3. v. 12. § 13 1 136 137. And Chap. 6. v. 6. § 37. This that is here spoken of Gods judging his people is meant of such a kind of people as were hypocrites and clean fell away Of such a people hath the Apostle spoken before If they who have professed themselves to be Gods people renounce their profession God will assuredly judge them as it is here said in the third person God shall judge his people So Moses speaking to the people themselves saith The Lord thy God is a consuming fire even a jealous God Deut. 4. 24. Yea this Apostle useth that phrase in the first person thus Our God is a consuming fire Heb. 1â—… 29. We have sundry examples hereof as The Israelites in the wildernesse 1 Cor. 10. 5 c. And in the time of the Judges and in the ten Tribes that revolted from the house of David and in sundry Churches planted by the Apostles and in sundry others â—…ince their dayes 1. Gods judgements on his people are more remarkable they make a deeper impression 2. God is more dishonoured thereby This was it that aggravated Iudas his 〈◊〉 Psal. 41. 9. 3. Many are made to stumble 2 Pet. 2. 2. 4. Enemies take occasion to blaspheme the holy profession Rom. 2. 24. This discovereth their folly who forsaking their holy profession do notwithstanding plead the Temple of the Lord the Temple of the Lord Jer. 7. 4. A bare proâ—…ession is like to a reed whereupon if a man lean it will break and peâ—…rce into his 〈◊〉 2 King 18. 21. Or like weeds in the bottome of a river whereon if a man take hold they will drown him Professors therefore ought to be very watchfull over themselves and others that they hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering v. 23. §. 115. Of the extremity of Gods revenge Heb. 10. 31. It is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living God THe Apostle having long insisted upon Gods just severity in judging apostates he concludes that point with a rhetorical figure that doth much aggravate all that he had before delivered thereabouts Every word herein carrieth an especiall 〈◊〉 1. This word fearfull is enough to cast an apostate into such a trembling pasâ—…ion as Belshazzar was cast into when he saw the hand-writing upon the wall Of the derivation of the Greek word see v. 27. § 96. 2. This phrase to fall into the hands being applyed to God is metaphoricall for to speak properly God hath no hands nor other members It is applyed to God after the manner of man The metaphor is taken from an enemy which seeketh after one of whom he intendeth to take revenge If he catch him and lay hold on him he is sure to pay for it 3. It is God himself that layeth hold on this man how then can he think to escape 4. This God is the living God which implyeth an everlastingnesse so as there is no end of Gods vengeance Of this title living God see more Chap. 3. v. 12. § 138. 139. How fearfull a thing it is to fall into Gods hands is evident by Belshazzars passion Dan. 5. 6. By a Prophets exclamation Nah. 1. 6. By the imprecations of such as are in Gods â—…ands Rev. 6. 16. By the effects following thereupon Matth. 8. 12. And sundry other wayes Two particulars are here in speciall noted which much aggravate this terror One is the infâ—…nitnesse of God himself The other is his everlasting continuance As God himself is so is his wrath a great wrath So is his hand a strong hand â—… 〈◊〉 hand an heavy hand He ever liveth even from everlasting to everlasting he is God Psal. 90. 2. Some comfort it is that though we fall into the hands of men yet they shall not alwayes live This doth much aggravate the terror of apostates judgement 1. There is no escaping of Gods hand Psal. 139. 7 c. Eliah escaped the vengeance of Iezabel 1 King 19. 2 3 c. 2. None can by force rescue out of Gods hand as David rescued the sheep which he kept from a Lion and a Bear 1 Sam. 17. 35. Or as Abishai rescued David from Ishbi-Benob 2 Sam. 21. 16 17. 3. God regards not mens face or any thing else in man he is no accepter of persons as David too too partially respected the beauty and comlinesse of Absalom his Son 1 Sam. 16. 7. 4. God will not be moved with any gifts as Faelix would have been moved Act. 24. 27. 5. God cannot be deceived with any fair pretences or false suggestions as Pâ—…tiphar was Gen. 39. 17. 6. No supplications of such sinners shall prevaile with him in the day of his wrath Prov. 1. 28. as the King of Siria prevailed with Ahab 1 King 20. 32. 7. No intercession of others shall prevaile with God for such as Ioabs intercession prevailed with David for Absalom 2 Sam. 14. 31. 8. There shall be no mixture of comfort in Gods wrath on such But in all that man can do there may be much comfort 9. No man can endure Gods stroaks as Martyrs have endured the utmost that men can do 10. No time can put an end to Gods revenge To mans it may §. 116. Of the Resolution of Heb. 10. v. 26 27 28 29 30 31. Vers. 26. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin Vers. 27. But a certain fearfull looking for of judgement and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries Vers. 28. He that despised Moses law died without mercy under two or three witnesses Vers. 29. Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shal he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of
of the benefit of his Passion and Intercession typified by the Jewish Altars This Metaphor to eat hath reference both to the Legal Rites and also to the Evangelical truth Under the Law the Priests did eat of the Sacrifices offered upon the Altar Deut. 18. 1. Under the Gospel all that are spiritual Priests eat of Christ the true Sacrifice Ioh. 6. 53 54. The eating here meant intendeth a participation of Christ. It is a Metaphor taken from our usual nourishment of our bodies By eating meat we partake of the benefit thereof our life is preserved thereby Thus by eating Christ we live a spiritual life here and are preserved to eternal life hereafter Now we eat Christ by faith Christ dwelleth in our hearts by faith Eph. 3. 17. Where Christ saith He that believeth on me hath everlasting life he addeth by way of illustration Who so â—…ateth my flesh and drinketh my bloud hath eternal life Joh. 6. 47 54. This is the benefit of eating of the fore-said Altar eternal life Thus to have no right to eat of the Altar here mentioned is an exceeding great damage they lose Christ they lose eternal life The Noun translated right is derived from a Verb Impersonal that signifieth It is lawfull This Noun is variously used For it signifieth 1. Authority to command Mar. 1. 27. 2. Authority that carries grace and majesty with it Mat. 7. 28 29. 3. Authority that compriseth government under it Mat. 8. 9. Rom. 13. 1. 4. Power or ability to do what one undertakes Ioh. 17. 2. 5. Power or liberty to do as one will Rom. 9. 21. 6. Power as it intendeth a priviledge or prerogative Ioh. 1. 12. 7. Jurisdiction Luk. 23. 7. 8. A right or property to a thing Thus it is here fitly translated The negative no right implieth that though they profosse themselves to be Christians and in their own conceit may lay claim to Christ yet in truth they have no right at all to him nor to the things which he had done and endured for mans Redemption and Salvation This phrase They have no right to eat giveth proof that men may deprive themselves of Christ and all his benefits For they that eat not of him reap no benefit by him and they that have no right to eat of him shall not partake of him Such were they of whom the Apostle saith They deny the Lord that bought them 2 Pet. 2. 1. And they to whom it is said Christ shall profit you nothing Gal. 5. 2. It is in this respect an especial point of wisdom to enquire and learn who in particular they be that have no right to eat of this Altar For our Direction herein the Apostle giveth his instance They which serve the Tabernacle §. 124. Of serving the Tabernacle THe Tabernacle here meant is that which was made by Moses Direction Exo. 36. 8 c. It was the place where all publick divine services were performed under the Law from Moses his time till Solomon had built a Temple See more hereof Chap. 8. v. 2. § 5. The Greek word translated serve is the same that is used Chap. 8. vers 5. § 12. To serve the Tabernacle or in the Tabernacle for this word is of the Dative case is to addict ones self to all the legal Rites which were used in the Tabernacle and belonged to the ceremonial Law The Apostle here speaks of such as lived after Christ was exhibited on earth and taken into heaven and had accomplished the substance and truth of all the legal shadows and types They by addicting themselves to the service of the Tabernacle did that which presupposed that Christ was not come For the shadow and substance the type and truth could not stand together or if they granted that he was come they presupposed that Christ and what he had done and endured was not sufficient for mans salvation but that it was necessary to adde an observation of the legal Rites thereunto For many taught this Doctrine Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses ye cannot be saved Act. 15. 1. Under Circumcision they comprized other legal Rites In these two respects That they made void the exhibition of Christ or impeached the sufficiency of his merit they deprived themselves of all right to him On these grounds saith the Apostle If ye be circumcised Christ shall profit you nothing Christ is become of no effect unto you The Apostles reason is this He is a debtor to do the whole Law Galat. 5. 2 3 4. As he that offendeth in one point is guilty of the whole Law James 2. 10. so he that addicteth himself to one Rite of the Law to be justified thereby bindeth himself to the whole Law and thereupon maketh Christ uselesse and fruitlesse unto him §. 125. Of the Popish Masse-Altar IF the Jews who in the Apostles time served the Tabernacle and waited on the Altar therein had no right to Christ what right may they be imagined to have to him who addict themselves to Ordinances of meer humane Invention placing Gods Worship therein and expecting Salvation thereby Among millions of other Inventions that make Christ to be fruitlesse to the observers of them Popish Masse-Altars may be reckoned Papists have in all their Churches Chappels and other places of devotion material Altars of stone to offer thereon the very body of Christ as they pretend So blinde or impudent they are as they stick not to produce this Text for a warrant of their Masse-Altars which thus they expresse We have a very Altar in the proper sense to sacrifice Christs body upon This they speak of the Altar of the Mass which can no way be intended in this place For 1. Their Altars of the Masse are many this is but one 2. Their Altars are visible material of stone This Altar is a mystical spiritual heavenly Altar 3. Their Altars in the outward matter of them are like the Altar under the Law but this Altar is directly opposed thereunto 4. This Altar is styled a golden Altar before the Throne Rev. 8. 3. Their Altars cannot be imagined to be such 5. They themselves do grant that Christ is the Altar under which the souls of Martyrs lay Rev. 6. 9. But this is that Altar 6. Masse-Altars were not in the Apostles dayes this was 7. Their Altars make this Altar to be of no use or at least insufficient For to use our Apostles Argument If the Altar here meant be sufficient what further need is there of other Altars Ch. 7. 11. 8. 7. On these grounds we may well conclude that they have no right to eat of this Altar who sacrifice upon Mass-Altars Of Papists carnall Service in other Points of Religion See Chap. 7. vers 16. § 82. §. 126. Of the meaning of Heb. 13. 11. Verse 11. For the bodies of those beasts whose bloud is brought into the Sanctuary by the High-priest for sin are burnt without the Camp THe causal Conjunction
styled burnt-offerings Levit. 1. 3. c. were burnt to typifie the tormenting death of Christ For what is more tormenting then burning The Paschal Lamb was rosted to typifie as much Exod. 12. 9. Of the outward and inward torments which Christ endured at his death See Ch. 2. v. 9. § 76. By this instance we may observe that not only the Sacrifices themselves but also the manner of offering them up the places where they were offered and burnt and other like circumstances were typical So in other types both the substance and circumstances prefigured their truths The Paschal Lamb typified Christs Sacrifice 1 Cor. 5. 7. and the prohibition of breaking a bone Exod. 12. 46. foreshewed that not a bone of Christ should be broken Iob. 19. 36. Of Rules to finde out the truth of types See Ch. 4. v. 8. § 50. §. 128. Of Christs fulfilling Types Verse 12. Wherefore Iesus also that he might sanctifie the people with his own bloud suffered without the Gate FRom the former legal Rite of burning the beasts bodies without the Camp the Apostle maketh this inference Wherefore Iesus also c. This particle of inference Wherefore implieth a reason why Christ suffered as he did namely because so much was under the Law prefigured concerning him So as Christ purposely did and endured what was before signified of him and that by types promises prophecies or any other way Hereupon it is that the Evangelists do oft use this phrase That it might be fulfilled of the things which were done by and about Christ. Israels coming out of Egypt was a type that Christ should come out from thence and the Nazarens were types of Christ. Therefore Christ was brought out of Egypt and dwelt in Nazareth that those types might be fulfilled Mat. 2. 15 23. Christ was born of a Virgin that the promise thereof might be fulfilled Mat. 1. 22. Christ commanded them whom he cured that they should not make him known that a Prophecy tending to that purpose might be fulfilled Mat. 12. 16 17. This was to shew that 1. Christ was the truth and substance of types promises and prophecies 2. Christ was of old prefigured to the Jews though obscurely 3. Jesus in whom we believe is the true Messiah whom the ancient Jews expected 4. God is true and faithfull in the accomplishment of what he makes known before-hand This gives good ground of searching into the legal types to finde out the truth comprized under them Hereof see Ch. 8. v. 5. § 13. The like may be applied to promises and prophecies of Christ. This 〈◊〉 plain clear accomplishment of the types promises and prophecies under the Law concerning the Messiah in Iesus doth much aggravate the blindnesse of minde and hardnesse of heart that hath possessed the Jews that have lived since these accomplishments §. 129. Of the meaning of Heb. 13. 12. THe truth of the legal types is here styled Iesus for all of them did in something or other prefigure Christ. So many were the Offices which Christ undertook so many were the things that he did so many were his sufferings in soul and body so many are the benefits that we reap by Christ as it is not possible for one type to set them all out Therefore there were very many some to set forth one thing others to set forth other things See Ch. 7. v. 3. § 22. Of this title Iesus See Ch. 2 v 9. § 73. Ch. 3. v. 1. § 29. The particle translated Also is the ordinary copulative Conjunction AND. In this place it carrieth emphasis and implieth that not only the type but the truth also was carried without even Jesus himself Though he were Iesus the Saviour of man yet was he so basely dealt withall as to be carried out of the City The end of Christs suffering and that according to the Type is thus expressed That he might sanctifie the people with his own bloud Of this word Sanctifie See Ch. 2. v. 11. § 101. Christ is said to sanctifie both by purging them from their sins Ch. 1. v. 3. § 27. and also by conferring grace upon them Iohn 1. 16. Both these joyned together under this phrase Purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God Chap. 9. v. 14. For there is a merit and a vertue that issueth from the death of Christ. By the merit sins are purged by the vertue grace is conferred So as both Justification and Sanctification are here comprized under this word sanctifie They who partake of this benefit are styled The people Of the notation of the Greek word See Chap. 4. v. 9. § 57. Of the reasons of using this title See Ch. 2. v. 17. § 181. The means whereby the foresaid blessing was obtained is said to be bloud namely bloud shed which implieth death for life is in the bloud Gen. 6. 9. So as Christ died to sanctifie us See Ch. 9. v. 12. The bloud wherewith he sanctified us is said to be his own even that which came out of his own body This is here expresly set down to put a difference between the type and the truth and that in two respects 1. In that the Priests used other bloud then their own 2. In that that other bloud was the bloud of beasts But Christs bloud was his own and that was the bloud of God Act. 20. 28. Of this difference See Ch. 9. v. 12 13 14. Thus is this phrase his own bloud answerable to this himself whereof see Ch. 1. v. 3. § 20. This word suffered being spoken of Christs death sheweth that it was a suffering death See Ch. 2. v. 9. § 76. The place where Christ suffered is said to be without the gate A Gate is taken for that which affords a passage for ingress into and egress out of a place which is compassed about with wals or other fences It is taken 1. Properly for a material Gate Luke 7. 12. 2. Metaphorically Thus a Gate is applied to Heaven and hell Matthew 7. 13 14. 3. Metonymically for such as passe thorow a Gate Mat. 16. 18. 4. Synecdochically For that whole place whereof it is a Gate So here for the City Ierusalem For Christ suffered without that City The visible occasion of Christs suffering without the City was the Jews malice against him who accused him of high-Treason against Caesar and would give Pilat the Judge no rest till he had adjudged him to be crucified By this means it was that Christ suffered without the Gate For all notorious malefactors as they judged Christ to be were put to death without the City instance the two thieves that were crucified with Christ Mat. 27. 38. The Jews themselves did use to put to death notorious malefactors without their Tents before they dwelt in walled Cities and without their Cities when they dwelt in them God himself commanded that a blasphemer should be stoned without the Camp Levit. 24. 14. Acâ—…an was put
to death in the valley of Achor which was without the Camp Iosh. 7. 24. So Naboth 1 King 21. 13. So Stephan Acts 7. 58. As for Christ the Evangelist expresly notes that they brought him unto a place called Golgotha which is being interpreted the place of a skull Matth. 27. 53. Mark 15. 22. But though those malicious Jews did what they did in spite yet God so over-ruled their practices as he thereby brought his own Councel to passe as it is said of the Jews crucifying Him being delivered by the determinate Councel and fore-knowledge of God ye have taken anâ—… by wicked hands have crucified and slain Acts 2. 23. And as here in this Text is implied an especial type concerning him was fulfilled Thus we see how God can turn the malicious and mischievous plots and practices of Satan and his Instruments to the accomplishment of his own blessed will This gives us good ground to support our spirits against secret plots and open practices of the enemies of God and his Church and to rest upon the Divine Providence and believe that God hath a work to be effected even by them for his own glory and Churches good This suffering of Christ without the Gate was in the worlds eye a matter of ignominy and reproach which is evident by the Apostles explication thereof in this phrase Bearing his reproach ver 13. Hereby is verified that which the Apostle hath affirmed concerning Christ That he éndured the Crosse despising the shame Chap. 12. 2. Of the shame whereunto Christ was put See Ch. 6. v. 6. § 42. §. 130. Of the Resolution of Heb. 13. 10 11 12. 10. We have an Altar whereof they have no right to eat which serve the Tabernacle 11. For the bodies of those beasts whose bloud is brought into the Sanctuary by the High-priest for sin are burnt without the Camp 12. Wherefore Iesus also that he might sanctifie the people with his own bloâ—…d suffered without the gate THe Summe of these verses is A Declaration of the Damage which ariseth from addicting ones self to legal Rites The Damage is a depriving himself of that benefit which comes from Christ. This is 1. Propounded vers 10. 2. Illustrated vers 11 12. Of the Proposition there are two parts 1. A Declaration of the Point 2. A Description of the Persons here concerned The Point holds two things 1. The kinde of benefit in this Metaphor Altar 2. The means of partaking thereof in this other Metaphor eat The Persons are of two sorts 1. Such as partake of the benefit in this phrase We have 2. Such as misse of it In setting down the latter is noted 1. The cause of their missing of the benefit They serve the Tabernacle 2. A consequence thence arising They have no right The Illustration is by applying the truth to a type Hereof are two parts 1. The Type v. 11. 2. The Truth v. 12. The Type was the manner of burning certain Sacrifices Hereof are two parts 1. A Description of those Sacrifices 2. The place where they were burnt They are described 1. By the kinde Bodies of Beasts 2. By the use of them Hereabout are expressed 1. That part of them that was brought Bloud 2. The person by whom it was brought The Highpriest 3. The place into which it was brought The Sanctuary 4. The end why for sin The second part of the Illustration is the truth of the fore-said Type Whereof observe 1. The Inference in this word Wherefore 2. The Substance Of it there are two parts 1. The Person Iesus 2. His Suffering This is set out 1. By the place where he suffered without the Gate 2. By the end why he suffered That he might sanctifie This is set out 1. By the Subject whom he sanctified The people 2. By the means wherewith he sanctified bloud This is amplified by the kinde of bloud his own §. 131. Of the Observations raised out of Heb. 13. 10 11 12. I. CHrist is an Altar He is here set down under that Metaphor See § 122. II. Christ properly belongs to Christians They are they of whom the Apostle thus saith We have See § 122. III. Partakers of Christ believe on him This is to eat of the Altar here meant See § 123. IV. Men may deprive themselves of all right to Christ. This negative clause Have no right to eat intends as much See § 123. V. Maintainers of legal Rites have no right to Christ. Under this phrase Which serve the Tabernacle maintainers of legal Rites are meant See § 123. VI. Types are proofs of truth This causal particle FOR gives proof hereof See § 124. VII Bruit beasts were sanctified under the Law The bodies of the beasts here mentioned were sanctified VIII Bloud was a means of expiation Therefore was bloud carried into the Sanctuary on the day of expiation IX The means of expiation was presented in the place of Gods presence This was the Sanctuary X. The Highpriest was the Minister of expiation He carried in the bloud XI Expiation was made to take away sin This phrase for sin implieth thus much XII Sacrifices for expiation were burnt without the place of mens habitation This is without the Camp These six last Observations are couched under the legal Rites set down v. 11. XIII Christ purposely did and endured all to fulfill what was prefigured Thus much is intended under this particle of inference Wherefore See § 128. XIV Iesus was the substance of the legal shadows An expresse instance is here given thereof See § 129. XV. Iesus is he that sanctifieth This work is here attributed to him See § 129. XVI They are a peculiar people whom Christ doth sanctifie This word people sets out such See § 129. XVII Mens sanctification was an end of Christs suffering For so it is said He suffered that he might sanctifie See § 129. XVIII Bloud is the means of sanctifying See § 129. XIX Christ offered his own bloud These two last Doctrins are comprized under this phrase His own bloud See § 129. XX. Christs was a suffering death This word suffered intends as much See § 129. XXI Christs was a reproachfull death It was without the City where malefactors were put to death See § 129. XXII God turned mens mischievous plots to the fulfilling of what he had prefigured Christ was by the malice of his adversaries put to death without the City but thereby the type of burning the beast without the Camp was fulfilled See § 129. §. 132. Of imitating Christ. Verse 13. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp bearing his reproach FRom Christs accomplishing the forementioned type by suffering without the gate the Apostle raiseth a tropologicall use concerning Christians imitating Christ therein This is manifested two waies 1. By this illative Conjunction therefore Because Christ did so Christians must do the like 2. By following that metaphor of going out of the camp This particular giveth instance that
6. 131 God makes matters most cleer to man 6. 132 God the most high 7. 6 God to be spoken of with reverence 7. 6 God a peculiar God 8. 67. and 11. 78 God of peace 13. 163 God is the living God 3. 138. and 3. 85 God desires that which he delights in 10. 17 God to be believed that he is 11. 22 God the rewarder 11. 23 God resembled to Abraham in offering his Son 11. 94 God returns what he receives 11. 100 God seen by believers 11. 150. 12. 77 78 God invisible 11. 151 God carrieth through danger 11. 168 God can make things that stand in his way to yeeld of themselves 11. 176 God makes men differ 11. 277 God how seen 12. 77 78 Gods wrath terrible 12. 137 Good variously taken 13. 116 Good report See Report Good works to be done See works 13. 172 Good works 10. 77 Goods spoiled a persecution 10. 129 Good things to come 9. 53 Gospel to be heeded 2. 5 6 Gospel of Salvation 2. 20 Gospel Preached before Christ 2. 20 Gospel reveales the better things 2. 21 Gospel sins the greater 2. 21. and punishments 10. 107 Gospel first published by Christ 2. 24 Gospel confirmed 2. 25 Gospel-benefits 4. 16 17 Gospel a good word 6. 35 Gospel times blessed times 10. 83. 12. 115 Gospel the truth 10. 90 Gospel more excellent then the Law 12. 115 Gospel came from heaven 12. 126 Gospel-despisers surely and soarly punished 12. 127 Gospel came in with power 12. 130 Gospel unchangeable 12. 132 Governors are servants 3. 51 52 Grace of God cause of Christs death 2. 78 Grace stands with Christs merit 2. 78 Grace to be accepted in the season 3. 76 Grace ground of all good 4 97. 13. 196 Grace put for the Gospel 13. 117 Grace rejected dangerous 10. 92 Grace a cause of preferment 11. 11 192 Grace decayed may be recovered 11. 202 Grand-fathers respect to childrens children 11. 111 Growth in grace 6. 4 5. and 10. 135 Grieved how God is 3. 103 167 168 H. HAbit what it is How gotten 5. 75 Hand attributed to God 2. 33 132 133 Hands of men make external things 9. 121 Things made without hands better then things made with hands 9. 121 Harden See Heart Harlots believed 11. 183 Hatred of iniquity 1. 116 Hear Christ 3. 25 78 Hear aright 3. 77 Hear Christs prayer God did 5. 43 Hearers capacity to be observed 5. 62 74 Hearing how iâ—… profits not 4. 18 19 Heresies against Christs humane nature 2. 140 Heart What it is 3. 79 Heart to whom attributed 3. 79 Heart how hardned 3. 80 81 Causes thereof 3 84 Heart how hardned by God Satan other men 3 82 83 Heart hardned by ones self 3. 85 Heart hardned by degrees 3. 85 Heart hardned a wofull plight 3. 86 Heart hardned how discerned 3. 87 How redressed 3. 88 Heart above all to be kept 3. 126 Heart evill 3 127 Hearts sincerity 3. 70 126 Heart-searcher God is 4. 74 76 77 Heart leads to God 10. 63 Heart how pure 10. 64 Heaven Christ exalted unto 1. 35 Heavens and earths extent 1. 130 Heaven the work of Gods hands 1. 132 and 11. 49 Heavens glory 2. 93 Heaven the hope of believers 11. 76 Heaven opened 4. 84 85. and 10. 53 Heaven an holy place 9. 59. and 10. 53 Heaven the place where Christ continueth his Priesthood 9. 123 124 Heavens way 10. 54 Heaven the place of reward 10. 131 Heaven a City 11. 47 Heaven a Country 11. 72 Heavenly calling and gifts 3. 15. and 6. 33 Heavenly things purified 9. 118 Heavenly things the substances of types 9. 117 Hebrews what they were 1. 5 Hebrews much affected by the Apostle ibid. Heed See Circumspection Heed to be especially given to a speciall charge 8. 15 Heir Christ 1. 17 Heires of Salvation 1. 160 161 162 Heires of promise 6. 133 Heires none but believers 6. 134 Hell-fire how materiall how not 10. 98 Hereticks 11. 270 Hezekiahs sicknesse and recovery 11. 133 Hide such as in danger 11. 125 High-Priest Christ is See Priest 2. 173. and 5. 27 High-Priests infirmities 5. 12 High-Priests function honourable 5. 18 High-Priest and Christ resembled 8. 4 High-Priest alone entered into the most holy place 9. 40 High-Priest went once a year into the most holy place 9. 41 High-Priest entered with blood into the most holy-place 9. 42 Himself Christ offered 1. 29 Highest God is 7. 6 Hold fast 10. 132 Holy-Ghost 2. 35 Holy-Ghost true God and a distinct Person 3. 76 Holy-Ghost put for his gifts 6 34 Holy-Ghost how communicated to hypocrits 6. 34 Holy-Ghost testifieth things written before 9. 46 Holy See Saints Holy who and what so called 3. 5 Holy how men come to be 3. 6 Holy who may be accounted ibid. Holy how things are 9. 14 Holy place 9. 14 Holy of Holies 9. 15 Holy ones draw neer to God 10. 69 Holinesse excellency utility necessity 3. 7 Holinesse an evidence of Gods good respect to man 3. 8 Holinesse vilified by many 3. 9 10 Holinesse to be pursued 3. 11 Holinesse how attained 3. 12 Holinesse makes perfect 10. 27 Holinesse of God conferred on Saints 12. 56 Honour distinguished from glory 2. 66 Honour refused 11. 136 Honour may be sought 11. 136 Honour to grace 11. 11 192 Hope of Saints heaven 6. 148 157 Hope is an evidence that we are Christs 3. 62 Hope causeth rejoycing 3. 63 Hope of believers not uncertain 3. 66 and 6. 80 154 Hope of things not seen 6. 156 Hope better 7. 87 Hope a needfull grace 10. 71 Hope to be professed 10. 72 House of God Saints are 3. 37 58 House variously taken 3. 47. and 8. â—…6 House of Christ excellent and large 3. 59 House of Christ we are 3. 58 House of Christ compriseth all believers before and since Christ exhibited 3. 59 Humane Authors how usefull 11. 244 Humiliation the way to exaltation 2. 63 Husbands faith usefull to wives 11. 58 Hyperbolees how to be used 11. 60 Hypostaticall union of Christ 1. 15 Hypocrites how partakers of Holy Ghost 6. 34 Hypocrites taste of Gods good word 6. 35 Hypocrites how far they may ascend and fall 6. 36 37 Hysop what it typified 9. 103 I. IAcob his name 11. 106 Jacobs prerogatives 11 09 Iacobs trials 11. 110 Iacob worshipped on his staffe 11. 113 Idolatry hatefull 11. 38 Iealousy good over others 4. 2 Iehovah Christ 1. 28 Iephthahs Name Birth Infirmities and Excellencies 11. 207 208 209 Iephthahs rash vow 208 Iericho described How destroyed 11. 174 Iesus 2. 73 Iesus Christ joyned 3. 29 Iewes who so called 8 36 Iewes may be Christians 3. 28 Iewish Christians 7. 61 Iewes liturgy belongs not to Christians 7. 73 Iewes calling to be prayed for 8 37 Iewes priviledges belong to Christians 8. 38 Iewes perfected with Christians 11. 279 If is not alwayes conditional 2. 8 3. 60 Ignorance how it extenuates or aggravates sin 3. 111 Ignorances damages 3. 112 Ignorance a sin
have 3. 48 Ministers of God men are 3. 164. 7. 51 Ministers coworkers with God 4 48 Ministers function honourable 5 19 Ministers able to preach deep mysteries 5. 73 Ministers a means to help on to perfection 6 5. 26 Ministers mildnesse earnestnesse and impartiality 6. 6 77. 78 Ministers maintenance 7 18 Ministers Prerogative notwithstanding their meanesse 7. 52 Ministers necessary and profitable 13. 149 Ministers must watch 13. 1â—…9 Ministers must give an account 13. 151 Ministers joy and grief about people 13. 152 Ministers conscionable to be prayed for 13. 153 Ministers restrained and restored 13. 159 186 Ministers pray for people 13. 162 And people for Ministers 13. 153 Ministers desire to be with their people 13. 187 Ministers associating themselves together 13. 188 Ministers impartiality 9. 101 Monisters must have their warrant 9. 101 Ministery effectual by Gods blessing 6. 28 Miracle what it is 2. 28 33 34 Miracles wrought by God alone 2. 28 Miracles bear witnesse to divine truth 2. 30 Miracles now not needfull ibid. Miracles signes wonders distinguished 2. 31 32 Mock See Reproach Monarchy See King Morall Law perpetual 7. 70 Morall Law how mollified 7. 70 Mortal are all of all sorts 7. 97 and 9. 133. Mortality exempts not from services 7. 97 Mortality how it instructs men 9. 139 Moses and Christ compared 3. 36. and 11. 135 Moses faithfulnesse 3. 39 Moses prerogatives how excelled by Christ 3. 45 Moses had all from Christ 3. 48 Mose how said to bring Israel out of Aegypt 3. 164 Moses instructed in Gods mind 8. 14 Moses why taken to the top of the mount 8. 19 Moses Law 10. 101 Moses trials gifts and priviledges 11. 133 134 135 Moses refused honour pleasures and riches 11. 136 139 Mother a joynt parent 11. 124 Multitude See many Multitude of believers 11. 192 Multiplication of seed a blessing 6. 105 Murther of ones self damnable 11. 204 205 Must a necessity and a duty 11. 22 Mysteries many and great in Christs Priest-hood 5. 57. 7. 24 Mysteries couched under histories 7. 23 24 N. NAme of God 2. 112. and 6. 69 Name of Gods Son 1. 42 Nature of man prone to sin 3. 122 Naturall mans power and will in what 4. 63 Necessary what is 8. 9 Necessity twofold 2. 3 Necessity of duty ibid. Necessity of Christs undertaking 2. 166 Necessity of observing things enjoyned 9. 114 Necessity of Christs suffering but once 9. 128 Negative argument how it holds 1. 46 Negatives doubled emphaticall 4. 76 Neglect of Salvation 2. 19 Neglect no means of others good 3. 147 Nescience wherein blamelesse 3. 111 Nestorius his heresie 2. 77 New way 10. 56 News to be made known 13. 184 New Covenant 8. 35 New Covenant and old 8. 49 New Testament ratified by Christs death 9. 95 New Testament inviolable 9. 95 New Testament violated by Papists 9. 95 Nigh to God we draw by Christ 7. 88 Noahs Fame and faith 11. 26 Novatus error 6. 37 Now 2. 68 Now is Christ in heaven for vs 9. 124 O. OBjections usefull 2. 68 Obedience simple and absolute to God 11. 37 41 88 Obedience in suffering 5. 48. and 11. 95 Obedience a sign of salvation 5. 52 53 Obedience universal 8. 16 Obedience to Ministers 13. 148 Obedience to civill and Spiritual Rulers differenced 13. 148 Obedience answerable to the charge 11. 41 Obedience to be continued 11. 42 Obseure points to be explained 10. 58 Offer to God Christ did 9 â—…1 Offered himself Christ did 1 Offer himself to Marryâ—…dome bow any may 11. 246 Oile for annointing 1. 1â—…0 Oile and the spirit compared together ibid. Oile of gladnesse 1. 121 Old how things wax 1. 139 Old babe a disgrace 5 71 Old and new Covenant 8. 49 Old covenant abrogated 8. 80 Once Christ offered 9. 128 Once Christ entered into heaven 9. 60 Once only men die 9. 134 One Sacrifice once offered by Christ 7. 115 Opportunity to be taken 3. 76. 146 Opportunities limited by God 4. 43 Opportunity while it lasteth good may be expected 4. 45 Opportunity God helps 4. 99 Opportunities of returning to their Country Patriarchs omitted 11. 74 Oracles of God 5. 63 65 Ordinances of God effectual 9. 69 Ordination of Ministers 3. 35. and 6. 17 Original sin 12. 6 7 Original sin to be suppressed 12. 7 Oath See swear Others to be brought to God 2. 126 Others to be looked unto 3. 124 144 4. 3 Others blood offered by Priests 9. 127 Others to be instructed in what we believe 11. 120 Others receive good by the faith of some 11. 184 Our own spiritual good to be cared for 6. 79 Our own works 4. 58 Our selves must first be cleansed 7. 113 Our own faith justifieth 10. 147 Our selves to be incited with others 2. 4 and 4. 3 Our selves to be looked unto 3. 124 Outward blessing no evidence of Gods favour 3. 98 P. PArables usefull 6. 45 Papists See Popish Papists religion carnal 7. 82 Papists violate Christs last will 9. 95 Papists wrong people in keeping the word from them 10. 91 Parents carefull of their children 11. 124 Parents honoured by worthy children 11. 124 Parents observe Gods stamp on a child 11. 128 Pardon of sin the ground of other priviledges of the new covenant 8. 74 Pardon fully extended to all sins 8. 76 Pardon of sin is to remember it no more 10. 48 Pardon procured by sacrifice 10. 49 Partakers of the heavenly calling who are 3. 17 Partakers of Christ who are 3. 151 Passover described 11. 154 Patience of God 3. 101 Patience of God turned to wrath 3. 113 Patience to be added to faith 6. 86 Patience a support in suffering 10. 122 Patience an help to perseverance 10. 135 Patience of Christ under the Crosse 12 18 Patriarch 7. 32 Pattern See Example Peace of Christ 7. 21 Peace and righteousnesse 7. 22 Peace attributed to God 13. 163 Peace the divers kinds of it 12. 71 72 Peace to be followed 12. 72 Peace its excellency necessity and utility 12. § 72 Peace with all men 12. 73 Peace-breakers who they are 12. 74 Peace the meanes of procuring and preserving 12. 75 Peace and holiness to be joyned together 12. 76 Peculiar people 11. 80 Penitents highly esteemed by God 11. See Repent 183. People of God who are To them rest belongs 4. 57 People peculiar to God 8. 68 69 People pray for Ministers 13. 153 People of God liable to divine revenge 10 114 People of God to be associated with 11. 138 Perfected how Christ is 2. 97. and 5. 49 Perfect two wayes 5. 72 Perfection to be aimed at 6. 5 Perfection needs no addition 7. 65 Perfection prayed for 13. 172 Perfection consisteth in holinesse 10. 27 Perfected by Christ who are 10. 40 Perjury 6. 187 Perishing of creatures 1. 137 139 Perplexities Saints subject unto 11. 263 Persecution Professors may flie from 11. 259 Persecution causeth perplexity 11. 263 Persecutors offer freedome to such as yeeld 11. 247 Persecutors
God An evil fear of God b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Promises of Rest. Typicall Rests True Rest. Why promises of things to come a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vas 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 desum a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What this Rest is Rest not to be left From what Saints shal rest a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Unbelievers fail of the prize Rules to runne well Motives to run well * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What preaching the Gospel imports ◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Of the bâ—…er things which Christians enjoy See my 〈◊〉 on Ezâ—…k 〈◊〉 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Progress of Gods Providâ—…nce ◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Why a Word oâ—… hearing â—…o 〈◊〉 The Word heard may be without profit c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Chrysost. Theophylact Occum altique in loc Complut Non profâ—…it sermo auditus illis non coâ—…raperatus fidei corum qui obedierunt Aug. Error in Psal. 77. b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 infundo d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Word fruitless to unbâ—…levers See §. 40. Faith receivetâ—… what the Word 〈◊〉 A relation betwixt the Word and Faith a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Contrariorum contraria sunâ—… consequentia Unbelievers excluded from believers priviledges a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Believers may know they believe Judge others as thy self a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Future things promised as sure as present See Chap. 8. v. 8. §. 33. The beginning of heavenly rest here enjoyed Unbelievers enter not into Gods rest God spake by Prophets Gods oath an infallible argument See Chap. 6. v. 18. §. 140. See Chap. 1. v. 5. §. 46. Proper causes may fail God determines what lie swears Provoke not God to swear The Sabbath and Canaan were Rests Of the Hebrew words whereby these two Rests are set down See §. 31. a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 See Chap. 1. v. 10. §. 132 134 How God is said to work d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sum Fâ—…o f f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God finished the full number of creatures Against Transubstantiation God perfected every creature * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d Iactum fundamentum e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arist. de Mund. cap. 2. h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Things of different times are not the same a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Seven a number of perfection 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quievit d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quies f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cessaviâ—… g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sabbathum The Sabbathâ—… rest How God still Works What works to be forborn on the Sabbath What our rest in heaven shall be i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Why God spent six daies in creating Nor great nor mean servile works to be done on the Sabbath Vers. 4. a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 So much only quoted as makes to the point in hand Privatio unius est inductio alterius a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gods promise shall be accomplished a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Linquere Gods promise cannot be utterly void a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is a favour to have a good thing before others How priviledges come to be slighted England the first Kingdom that cast out Popery a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 limes d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 definire f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Times not known by man a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 efficientis c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 David the Author of the whole book of Psalms Psalms without title * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Liber Psalmorum Psalms for Solomon b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psalmus Davidâ—… Levites put tunes to Psalms Moses prayer Psalms by prophetical spirit David speaks of a Rest four hundred and fifty years after Canaan was entred into a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 There is hope while the season lasteth Verse 8. The dependance a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Of Ioshua See The Churches Conquest on Exod. 17. 9. §. 9 Who Ioshua was Ioshuaâ—… â—… 〈◊〉 of Christ. a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sunt 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…ctio significatiâ—… In what respects Ioshua gave Israel rest Gods work â—…tributed 〈◊〉 David spake of the rest to come Types were not the truth Why types instituted Mistake not happinesse Of Jewish Christians See Ch. 7. v. 11. §. 6â—… Blessings here enjoyed not to be rested in The day of 〈◊〉 into rest 〈◊〉 in and beâ—… Ioshua's time When day of seeking rest â—…egan Truths under types Why truths under types See Ch. 8 v. 5. §. 13. In three cases God detested legall 〈◊〉 See Ch. 7. v 16. §. 8â—… The ground
of faith in types Believers under the Law rested not in externals Rules for finding out truths of types Vers. 8. Vers. 8. Circumstances in Scripture to be observed a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What rest enjoyed in heaven a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This world ful of vexations Sinne causeth trouble How evil of God Here we must labour suster In troubles think on rest to come a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Why rest to come a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Who are Gods people See Ch 2 v 17. §. 180 in the end Ch. 8. v. 〈◊〉 § 68 69. Rest proper to Saints Hos. 1. 9. a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Improper applications of Rest. a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Works in mans innocent estate Why works stiled our own In heaven a ceasing from all our own works b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Saints rest like Gods Some works to be done in heaven Dayes of this life working dayes a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 We must endeavour after that which is set before us Gods practice mans patern Saints must be like God Wherein we must imitate Gâ—…d Wherein God unimitable A rule for imitating God Gods respect to man in making himself a patern a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Festino c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mans endeavour after rest requisite See Ch. 11. v. 6. §. 24. â—…h 13. v. 18. §. 156 180. Wherein natural mens power consisteth Destruction of ones self Care must be had of soul as well as of body c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Motives to diligence 1. The excellency of the prize See §. 65. 2. The necessity of rest 3. The difficulty of the task a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The more excellent the prize the greater must our endeavour be after it Circumspection needfull a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 over others c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Caâ—… Professors may fall away d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ostendo f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sub * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ill examples to be taken heed of i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Unbelief keeps from rest a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Ambros. de Fide l. 4. c. 3. Theophyl in loc Lyran. Cajet Iun. Hcius a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In what respectâ—… the word is Gods God gives that life which is in the word * Nihil 〈◊〉 quod non 〈◊〉 Gods Word is the powerfull Word a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vivificarâ—… â—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Why the Word styled quick d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 contracte 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 How the Word is quick How the Word is powerfull notwithstanding mens obstinacy Uses of the power of the Word 1. Ministers preach it 2. People hear it 3. Bring others to the Word 4. Hear aright 5. Be thankfull for the Word Of what a sword is a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 glaâ—…ius b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A sword for 〈◊〉 and dâ—…fence A Magistrates 〈◊〉 Sword a mortall weapon c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 glaâ—…ius desolatio The Word destroyeth all sinnes d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luk. 21. 24 f Os gladij g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gladius edit seu devorat h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seco The Word sharper then any sword l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In what respects the word is a sword 1. This resemblance illustrates the Word 2. The Word hath two edges 3 The Word works every way 4. The Word for defence and oâ—…ence Dirâ—…ctions fâ—…oÌ„ the Metaphor of a sword 1. Oppose not the Word 2 Slight not the Word 3. Apply the Word to sin 4. Fear the Word 5. Make use of Law Gospel 6. Be expert in the Word 7. Advance the Word The Word a spiritual sword Why a spirituall sword nâ—…full Gods providence is our spiritual sword The spirituall sword to be used a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 venio c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per. d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pertingo What soul and spirit set out Flesh and spirit not here meant What meant by joynts e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 apto Inde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What meant by marrow A metaphor from Anatomists a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What a discerner the word is * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Aristarchus Aristophanes d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What thoughts are e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ira. Eph. â—… 31. g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Animo concipio i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What intents are l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mens m 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mente concipio n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God a searcher of the heart The piercing power of the Word The Coherence Exposition of the words a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Various acceptions of the word creature a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Apparco Lucco c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Obscâ—…ro 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Two Negatives adde emphasie See v. 15. §. 88 Cha. 6. v. 10. §. 60. â—…ha 9. v. 7. §. 42. g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 coraâ—…s h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God fuâ—…ly knows all Gods sight of 〈◊〉 â—…n encouragement to godly Terror to wicked a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God seeth all within c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉