Hebrews

1. His person: his person is amiable, he is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, all made up of love and beauty. He is the image of his Father (Hebrews 1:3). The express image of his person.

When he was on earth he lay in the manger, now he sits in the throne; then he was hated and scorned of men, now he is adored of angels; then his name was reproached, now God has given him a name above every name (Philippians 2:9). Then he came in the form of a servant, and as a…

2. He has his Insignia Regalia, his ensigns of royalty, Corona est insigne Regiae potestatis; His crown (Revelation 6:2), his sword (Psalm 45:3), Gird your sword upon your thigh. His scepter (Hebrews 1:8), A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. 3. His escutch…

3. The angels are confined spirits, they cannot be in duobus locis simul, they are confined to a place: but God is an immense Spirit, and cannot be confined, being in all places at once. 4. The angels, though they are spirits, yet they are but ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14).…

The beasts of the field shall honor me. 2. Creatures above us glorify God: the angels are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14). They are still waiting on God's throne, and bring some revenues of glory into the exchequer of heaven: then surely man should be much more studious of Go…

The adopted are God's treasure (Exodus 19:5), his jewels (Malachi 3:17), his firstborn (Hebrews 12:23). They have angels for their life-guard (Hebrews 1:14). They are of the blood-royal of heaven (1 John 3:9).

Men may act unjustly, because they are bribed or forced: God will not be bribed, because of his justice, he cannot be forced because of his power. He does justice out of love to justice, (Hebrews 1:8) You love righteousness. 4. Justice is the perfection of the divine nature.

Which is to come — His kingdom has no end. His crown has no successors (Hebrews 1:8): Your Throne, O God, is forever and ever. The doubling of the word ratifies the certainty of it, as the doubling of Pharaoh's dreams did.

Others may have more of the venison, but God's children have more of the blessing: Thus they are heirs to the things of this life. 2. They are heirs to the other world: heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14), [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). They go…

2. He is coeternal with God the Father (Proverbs 8:23). I was from the beginning; for else there was a time when God was without a Son, and so he should be no Father: in fact, else there was a time when God was without his glory, for Christ is the brightness of his Father's glor…

You, his angels that do his commandments. If God send an angel to the Virgin Mary, he goes on God's errand; if he gives his angels a charge to minister for the saints they obey (Hebrews 1:14). It cannot stand with angelical obedience to leave the least iota of God's will unfulfi…

The text answers; The worlds. The word signifies, in the original, ages: and so it is also taken, Hebrews 1:2. God made the worlds or ages by Christ.

Indeed all true believers before Christ were justified, and sanctified, and in soul received to glory before us; yet, perfected in soul and body both, they must not be before us: but we must all be perfected together. Now, his will herein he brings thus to pass; All must be perf…

And first that the father is Creator, it was never doubted: as for the second person the Son, that he is Creator, it is evident: All things are made by it, that is, by the Son, who is the substantial word of the father, and without it was made nothing that was made (John 1:3). A…

Jesus Christ is a rich heir (John 16:15). He is Lord of all (Galatians 4:1; Hebrews 1:2), and the saints are co-heirs, they go sharers with Christ. 9. God calls them the luminaries of the world: they give light by their precepts and example (Philippians 2:15).

Indeed they say that our sufferings in themselves considered do not purge and satisfy, but as they are made meritorious by the sufferings of Christ. But to this I oppose one text of Scripture: Hebrews 1:3, where it is said that Christ has purged our sins by himself — where the l…

And he says further that he counted all things — even after his conversion — loss to him that he might be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness which is of the law (Philippians 3:8). Again, Hebrews 1:3: Christ washed away our sins by himself — which last words exclud…

As namely that of (Isaiah 9:6): To us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, of whose Kingdom and Government there shall be…

A second place is that of (Philippians 2:6), Who being in the form of God, thought it no robbery (he did God no wrong) to be equal with God, he made himself of no reputation; and took on him the form of a servant, etc. Therefore God also has highly exalted him and given him a na…

4. They are called His seed, in respect of the portion which they get from Him; the Apostle says, that parents provide for their children; it is indeed eminently so here, believers come under His care, oversight, and tutelage; and as a man provides for his household, his childre…

For he had that prayer (John 17:20, 24), and he continues to have that same sympathy; His way on earth was always sinless, but now is glorious and majestic, suited to his glorified state; He continues to intercede according as he intended; and his actual willingness is a main pa…

4. But as every fullness is not all fullness, so every fullness is not the fullness of the Godhead; therefore, to me it's as much as the elect are drawn to Christ as the choicest, the rarest among all. 2. So among all choice things and all relations, he is the first and most emi…

And yet how greatly humbled? even to the death, his offices of king, priest, and prophet being debased with him. How great a name had he? as Hebrews 1:4. Which notwithstanding was dishonored more than ever any man's.

So kings whom they were most pleased with they did set at their right hands, as Solomon did his mother (1 Kings 2:19) and so Christ the church his queen (Psalm 45:9), and it was a favor which God never afterward vouchsafed to any. Hebrews 1: 'To which of all the angels did he sa…

So (John 5:23): that they might honor the Son, as they honor the Father, therefore all judgment is committed to him. Now then, if he who has so much power, will join the force of entreaty with a Father that so loves him; if he who is the Word of his Father, that commands, create…

And these establish Christ's Throne: So it followes, verse 6. Your Throne, O God, is for ever and ever: And you know who applies this to Christ, Hebrews 1:8 Feare not then, when as meekness supports his majesty, and grace his throne; and when as he holds his place by showing the…

There are two kinds of Persons that are given to Christ, and appointed and devoted of God to be his Servants, to be employed with Christ, and under him, in his great Work of the Salvation of the Souls of Men; and they are Angels and Ministers. The Angels are all of them, even th…

God's people in a time of want can make a feast to themselves out of the promises, and when seemingly starved in the creature, fetch not only peace and grace and righteousness, but food and clothing out of the covenant. 3. Rather I think it is taken for his providential word, or…

2. Why it is so. First, That it is so, is evident by the Scripture, which everywhere shows us, that Angels are the first instruments of his providence, which he makes use of in guarding his faithful servants (Hebrews 1:14). The Apostle says, Are they not all [illegible], ministe…

Therefore this power of disposing kingdoms belongs to God. 2. That the Son of God is the right heir of the world, (Hebrews 1:2) Whom he has appointed heir of all things. To whom the nations are given, (Psalm 2:8) Ask of me, and I will give you the heathen for your inheritance, a…

Though God has many sons by creation and adoption, yet Christ is his Son in a peculiar and proper way; by eternal generation, and communication of the same essence, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that Son, that beloved Son, so a Son as none else is the Son of God, properly so called.…

These offices are often alluded to in Scripture (Revelation 1:5). The faithful witness, the first begotten from the dead, the prince of the kings of the earth. So (Hebrews 1:2-3). God has spoken to us by his Son, he having by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand o…

So 1 Peter 3:22: "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God, angels and authorities, and powers being made subject to him." Christ not only as God, but as Mediator has all of them subject to him (Hebrews 1:6): "and to the son he says, Let all the angels of God wor…

2. Other addresses will not become faith and love. 1. Faith, for whoever comes to God must fix this principle in his mind, that God is, (Hebrews 1:6). We do not worship God aright if we do not worship him as believers, and if we worship him as believers, we will worship him with…

He fell into this difference between the law and the Gospel: namely, that the law added to the promises, did differ from the Gospel, not only in respect of time, but also of the author and the principal cause thereof. For the law was delivered by the Angels (Hebrews 1): but the…

Here then our merits, and satisfactions, and all inward justice, is excluded from the justification of a sinner. To this end Paul says, that we are justified freely by the redemption that is in Christ (Romans 3:24); that we are made the justice of God in him (and not in us) (2 C…

Againe, he that is Gods child has the angels of God to tend on him, and to minister to him for his good and salvation. Heb 1:14. The first argument whereby the adoption of God's children is set forth, is concerning the persons to whom it belongs, in these words, All you are the…

The foundation of this knowledge is, that God is to be known in Christ, for in him God has manifested his infinite wisdom, justice, mercy. Therefore is he called the [reconstructed: engraven] image of the person of the Father (Hebrews 1:2), and Paul says that we have the knowled…

For whatever they do, shall prosper (Psalm 1:3). And peace with the creatures; as first with the good Angels (Colossians 1:20), who are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister, for their sakes that shall be heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14), pitching their tents about them (…

The Prophet therefore now extols and sets forth that assured confidence which the only Son of God revealing his Father, has brought to us at his coming. Besides, as in this behalf we have a much greater prerogative than the ancient people had, in regard that the reconciliation m…

For having showed that men's consciences always waver, till the Lord have secured them; it teaches us to hold this principle, that it is God, who speaks by his Prophets: for otherwise our consciences would remain in doubtings and perplexities still. There is also great weight in…

The Angels also may be put in the number of these watchmen, for we know that is their office (Psalm 91:11). But in regard they watch willingly and cheerfully for the salvation of the Church (Hebrews 1:14), and have no need of being quickened up by exhortations, the Prophet direc…

For the Lord uses their services; and manifests his presence to us by their means. The Angels can do nothing of themselves, neither do they yield us any succor further forth than as the Lord sends them to be the ministers of our salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Let us not stay our thou…

For had it not been a thing commonly known, that the Messiah should be the son of God, the Prophet had inaptly and to little or no purpose mentioned the name of Son barely and simply. This title therefore depends upon the prophecy before going: from where the Apostle concludes,…

Of similar import is the declaration of Christ, “he that despises you despises me; and he that despises me despises him that sent me,” (Luke 10:16.) Although the preaching of the gospel is not brought to us from heaven by angels, yet, since God attested by so many miracles that…

So the apostle argues. Unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? (Hebrews 1:5.) Angels and kings, I admit, are sometimes dignified with this title in Scripture; but they are denominated in common the sons of God, on account of…

Having created men, he does not cease to care for them: but, as "he breathed into their nostrils the breath of life," (Genesis 2:7), so he constantly preserves the life which he has bestowed. In like manner, the Apostle says, that he "upholds all things by his powerful word," (H…

When he says that Lazarus was carried, it is a figure of speech by which a part is taken for the whole; for the soul being the nobler part of man, properly takes the name of the whole man. “A bon droict on dit simplement, L’homme, encore que cela ne convient qu’a l’ame;” — “we p…

He is the Sun of righteousness, whose arrival brought the full light of day. And this is the reason why the Apostle says (Hebrews 1:1) that God, who at sundry times and in various ways spoke formerly by the Prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by his beloved Son.

Are we threatened with danger? Because no remedy can be discovered according to the flesh, we make this or the other contrivance, as if there were no angels in heaven, who — Scripture frequently tells us — are placed as guardians for our salvation, (Hebrews 1:14.) In this way we…

We must enter into glory as Christ did; first he suffered shame and death, and now is exalted to sit at God's right hand. 2. Use of Comfort: Branch 1. Christ being so highly exalted, has ennobled our nature, he has crowned it with glory, and lifted it up above angels and archang…

If he would come to any, why not to the angels that fell? (Hebrews 2:16) He in no wise took upon him the nature of angels. The angels are of a more noble lineage, more intelligible creatures, more able for service; but behold the love of Christ, he came not to the fallen angels,…

Holiness is one of the precious stones which shines on the breastplate of our High Priest. 2. He is faithful (Hebrews 2:17). It behooved him to be like to his brothers, that he might be a faithful High Priest.

2. Creatures above us glorify God: the angels are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14). They are still waiting on God's throne, and bring some revenues of glory into the exchequer of heaven: then surely man should be much more studious of God's glory than the angels, for God has h…

5. That God should take great numbers out of the Devil's family and adopt them into the family of Heaven. Christ is said to bring many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10). Men adopt usually but one heir, but God is resolved to increase his family, he brings many sons to glory.

As a nobleman is distinguished from another by his silver star; as a virtuous woman is distinguished from a harlot by her chastity; so holiness distinguishes between the two seeds. All that are of God, as they have Christ for their captain (Hebrews 2:10), so holiness is the whit…

Quest. 4. How does Faith make God to be our Father? Resp. As Faith is a uniting grace; by Faith we have coalition and union with Christ, and so the kindred comes in; being united to Christ the natural Son, we become adopted sons: God is the Father of Christ; Faith makes us Chris…

6. Be not only attentive in hearing, but retentive after hearing. Hebrews 2:1. We ought to give the more diligent heed to the things we have heard, lest at any time we let them slip. [illegible], lest we let them run out as water out of a sieve.

Christ is the wonder of beauty (Psalm 45:2): Fairer than the children of men; is there anything in beauty to offend? Christ is a mirror of mercy (Hebrews 2:17); why should mercy offend any? Christ is a Redeemer; why should a captive slave be offended at him who comes with a sum…

2. Christ's succor in temptation; as the good Samaritan first had compassion on the wounded man, there was sympathy, then he poured in wine and oil, there was succor (Luke 10:34). So when we are wounded by the Red Dragon, Christ is first touched with compassion, and then he pour…

And as a son of consolation and child of light is enabled to comfort others the more by the comfort with which he himself has been comforted of God, so this Prince of Darkness is the more powerful to terrify weak consciences that are ensnared with the cords of their own sins, by…

We are a middle sort of creatures between them and beasts — beasts being merely corporeal, they merely spiritual, man between both. He made us 'a little inferior to the angels' (Hebrews 2), though but a little, yet inferior; and in respect of that inferiority we are exposed to t…

And further whereas Christ beside our nature took our infirmities also, it is a wonderful comfort to God's church: for it shows, that he is not only a Savior, but also a very compassionate and pitiful Savior. As the Holy Ghost says, in all things it became Christ to be like to h…

What there is said of salvation in the whole, is here of that particular salvation of a separate soul. You have the like emphasis put (Hebrews 2:10) of bringing many sons to glory [it became him] says the text. Now put all together, and the result is:

For instance; in giving an account, why God in bringing many sons to glory, did choose to effect it by Christ's death, rather than any other way. It became him (says he) (Hebrews 2:10). For whom are all things, and by whom are all things, etc. And so in the point of the resurrec…

Second, the curse must be borne by man; the nature that sinned must die; the party offending must satisfy in his own person, or in a guarantor. And third, by our Lord's becoming man: first, he came to have a right, as being near of kin to sinners, to redeem them; and second, by…

If this were seriously considered and laid to heart, O but folk would be humble, nothing would affect the soul more, and sting to the very heart, than to think that Christ suffered for me, through grace an elect and a believer, and that yet notwithstanding I should have so despi…

There is the way held out for obtaining pardon of sin, and peace, the Lord has made the offer, and laid a fair bridge over the gulf of distance between God and sinners, though you should never get good of it, and though you should never set a foot on the bridge; none needs to fe…

When the poor sinner says, I have nothing to pay, but there is a price in Christ's satisfaction offered in the Gospel, and the Judge says, admits it for the sinner that lays claim to it, as if the sinner had never sinned, or had actually paid the price himself. But 4. Look a lit…

Indeed, he stands there himself, to keep the memory of his blood fresh; and by each appearance of him there, who is never out of the sight of the Majesty of God, there is still a representation of the worth and efficacy of his sacrifice, and for whom, and for what it was offered…

And therefore, although I cannot win out of the grips of this temptation, yet he can rebuke it, and break the force of it. And hence is that comfortable word (Hebrews 2, last verse): "For that he himself suffered, and was tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." Som…

Sorrow and sadness found a kindly lodging in him. 2. He had a clay tent of flesh and blood, as the children have, that (Hebrews 2:15) he might deliver them, who through the fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage. He must in our nature put on actual fear to del…

So by John Baptist's ministry, all and every one of his hearers must be converted, why? As Arminians expound many that Christ died for (Matthew 20:28) to be all and every man without exception (1 Timothy 2:6, Hebrews 2:9, 1 John 2:1) so they are debtors to us for the same libert…

He speaks it of the devils our enemies and accusers — they had all God's threatenings in his law and the ceremonial law (the bond for our debt to the moral law) to show for it; in these lay the power of the devil over us, that he could boldly come to God and accuse us and sue ou…

When he was to assume an humane nature, he is brought in, saying, (Hebrews 10.) A body hast you fitted me: That is, an humane nature, fitted as in other things, so in the temper of it, for the God-head to work and show his perfections in best. And as he tooke an humane nature on…

And Secondly, That those kind of expressions which were used of God before the Assumption of our nature, only in a way of metaphor and similitude (after the manner of men) should in no further, or more real and proper sense be spoken of Christ and his humane nature now assumed,…

We have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father. We look at God as a Father, and we walk before him not in fear, but in liberty; and therefore we are free from the fear of death, to which, some are all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15). Now…

Adam lost the day before he had any offspring, so Christ wins it in his own person before he does solemnly begin to preach the Gospel, and call disciples: and therefore here was the great overthrow of the adversary. 2. In regard of Satan who by his conquest got a twofold power o…

Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? Christ came and died to free us from them, that we might serve God cheerfully (Hebrews 2:14-15): Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself took pa…

So in the Christian church, when the Gospel was first set on foot, it was then confirmed with signs and wonders, but now they are unnecessary. See the law and Gospel compared (Hebrews 2:2-4). For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedienc…

The Revelation is settled, and not delivered by parcels, as it was to the ordinary prophets. Now we hear Christ in the Scriptures (Hebrews 2:3-4): "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Which was first spoken by the Lord and afterwards confirmed to us by them tha…

The teacher then properly in the ministry of the New Testament to the very end of the world, is Christ himself. This must teach us reverence in hearing God's word, and care with diligence in keeping of it (Hebrews 2:1-3 etc.). Secondly this teaches us, that they which embrace no…

The curse without us, is threefold. The first is, a spiritual bondage under the power of the devil: who by reason of sin, works in the hearts of unbelievers (Ephesians 2:2), and has the power of death (Hebrews 2:14). The second, is an enmity of all the creatures with man, since…

And it has three parts. The first is, bondage under Satan, who keeps unrepentant sinners in his snare according to his own will (2 Timothy 2:26), he rules in their hearts like a God (2 Corinthians 4:4), and has power to blind them, and to harden their hearts, till he have brough…

And never so much as lightly considered his own sins, which Paul here would have us to consider, and therefore he is reproved. Paul would have us consider ourselves, because the serious consideration of our own weakness, will move us to practice this duty of meekness: for as we…

If we then consider well of this work of our deliverance as we ought, we shall have exceeding abundant matter given us to praise God. When he says in the last member, that this is known in all the world; he therein touches the calling of the Gentiles, and confirms that which has…

Neither does the Prophet mean this alone of Christ's first coming, but of the whole course of his kingdom, until his last appearing: as we have often said in other places. The world therefore you see, is created anew (as you would say) by Christ: for which cause also the Apostle…

Nay, the apostle, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, not satisfied with elevating the word of the gospel, which speaks by the mouth of men, to an equality with the law brought by angels, draws an argument from the less to the greater. “If the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and…

If it takes nothing from his glory, that he was altogether, “emptied,” (ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσε, Philippians 2:6,) neither does it degrade him, that he chose not only to grow in body, but to make progress in mind. And certainly when the Apostle declares, that, “in all things he was made…

25. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub This is equivalent to calling himself Lord of the Church, as the apostle, when comparing him to Moses and the prophets, (Hebrews 3:1) says, that they were servants, but that he is the Son and heir. Though he bestows on th…

whenever it was necessary that the human nature should act separately, according to what was peculiar to itself, in discharging the office of Mediator. There would be no impropriety, therefore in saying that Christ, who knew all things, (John 21:17) was ignorant of something in…

The heinousness of this sin of rejecting a Savior especially appears in two things: First, the greatness of the benefits offered; which appears in the greatness of the deliverance, which is from inexpressible degrees of corruption and wickedness of heart and life, and from miser…

How much more may we say? when we consider your Son, that lay in your bosome, his infinite excellency, and unspeakable dearness to you; Lord, what is man, that such a Christ should be delivered to death for him! for him, and not for fallen Angels! Hebrews 2:16 for him when in a…

Hence he is said to have washed us in his blood, Revelation 1:5. In himself, to have purged our sins, Hebrews 1:3. by one offering to have taken away sin, and for ever to have perfected them that are sanctified, Hebrews 10. to be the ransome and propitiation of our sins, 1 Johnn…

Orherwhile it is given to the particular persons in Trinitie; as first and principally to the first person, who is commonly called the Father. And the second person in Trinitie is sometime called Father, as Isa. 9. 6. the father of Eternitie: because he is the ground of our adop…

2. The commendation is explained, or illustrated by a similitude: the thing she explains, and which she understood by ointments, is his Name; the similitude whereby it is illustrated is ointment poured forth. Christ's Name is himself, or the knowledge of himself, or every thing…

The titles are two; one of them, namely that she is his Spouse, has been spoken of; but his repeating of it, shows a kind of glorying in it, as being very much delighted therewith. The other title, my sister, is added, and it does import these five things, 1. A condescending upo…

And thus it is used in innumerable places. Secondly, sometimes the name of God is taken for the whole system of divine and heavenly doctrine revealed to us in the Scriptures: Thus the Psalmist, I will declare your name to my brethren: Which the Apostle cites as spoken in the per…

In the last days of God's extraordinary speaking, he spoke by the most extraordinary person, namely, by his own most dearly beloved and only begotten Son (Hebrews 1:1-2), whom he sent out of his bosom to declare himself (John 1:18), and reveal what he had heard of the Father (Jo…

In the Hebrew it is, as you may see in the margin, "that altar he began to build unto the Lord." Hebrews 2:3, "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, which first began to be spoken by the Lord?" It may here be observed, that from the fall of man to this day wherei…

It behooved him to be like to his brothers, that he might be a faithful High Priest. Moses was faithful as a servant, Christ as a Son (Hebrews 3:5); he does not forget any cause he has to plead, nor does he use any deceit in pleading. An ordinary attorney may either leave out so…

The venom of hypocrisy is in danger of breaking forth into the plague-sore of scandal. Thirdly, Beware of a vile heart of unbelief (Hebrews 3:12). Take heed lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, departing from the living God.

2. To worship God by an image, is both absurd and unlawful. 1. It is absurd and irrational; for first, the workman is better than the work (Hebrews 3:3). He who builds the house, has more honor than the house; if the workman be better than the work, and none bows to the workman,…

So prayer cannot see God's face, unless it bring its brother faith with it. What is said of Israel, They could not enter in because of unbelief (Hebrews 3:19), is as true of prayer, it cannot enter into Heaven because of unbelief. This makes prayer often suffer shipwreck, becaus…

Faith in itself considered, is but manus mendica, the beggar's hand: but as this hand receives the rich alms of Christ's merits, so it is precious, and does challenge a superiority over the rest of the graces. Use 1. First Branch. Of all sins beware of the rock of unbelief (Hebr…

Response 1. For want of a supernatural principle of grace: That branch must needs die which has no root to grow upon: That which moves from a principle of life lasts; as the beating of the pulse; but that which moves only from an artificial spring; when the spring is down the mo…

2. Take heed of unbelief. Unbelief kept Israel out of Canaan; (Hebrews 3:19) So we see they could not enter in because of unbelief; and it keeps many out of heaven. Unbelief is an enemy to salvation, it is a damning sin, it whispers thus, to what purpose is all this pains for th…

2. More particularly, we pray to be delivered, First, from the evil of our own heart; it is called an evil heart (Hebrews 3:12). Secondly, from the evil of Satan; he is called, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], the Evil One (Matthew 13:19).

Fifthly, if faith be a substance of things hoped for, much more is it a substance to the believer: if it give those things a being which are out of him, much more does it give a permanent being unto the believer himself, strengthening him to stand and continue in all assaults. S…

1. There is consanguinity; he is brother to Christ (Hebrews 3:11). Christ partakes of his flesh, and he partakes of Christ's Spirit.

It were good to fear while you have the Word, lest you miss the fruit of it. Compare to this purpose Hebrews 3, at the close, with Hebrews 4:1, and we will find this commended to us, So we see, says the Apostle, that they could not enter in because of unbelief, let us therefore…

As is implied in the word (Hebrews 4:1), where the Apostle, having spoken of many of the Israelites and their unbelief in the former chapter, says in the beginning of this: Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of us should seem to co…

This is a plain, and yet a most useful truth: For use of it. Behold here, and wonder at the way of grace, that not only gives a Mediator, but such a Mediator, who (as it is Hebrews 3) is faithful over the house of God: This is the very life of our consolation, that we have an ab…

The great ground that makes God expostulate with the hearers of the Gospel, and that makes them come under the complaint, (John 5:40) "You will not come to me that you may have life," and (Matthew 23:37) "How often would I have gathered you, and you would not;" and for substance…

2 The Scripture holds forth to our faith the power of God to graft in the Jews again in Christ (Romans 11:23), to make a weak believer stand (Romans 14:4), to keep the saints from falling, and to present them faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (Jude 1:…

Indeed, to do these, brings in to himself more comfort and glory, than it procures to them. And therefore the Apostle in the beginning of the following chapter, (namely, Hebrews 3) says, that Christ is engaged to faithfulness in the execution of his office, not as a mere servant…

If any man see his brother sin a sin, he must observe him, else he cannot see him (Galatians 2:14). When I saw that they walked not uprightly, according to the truth of the Gospel, etc. he observed them and discerned their course, he turned not his eyes from beholding it, but he…

Though God has many sons by creation and adoption, yet Christ is his Son in a peculiar and proper way; by eternal generation, and communication of the same essence, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that Son, that beloved Son, so a Son as none else is the Son of God, properly so called.…

They that love God and delight in him, cannot be long out of his company, they will seek all occasions to meet with God; as Jonathan and David, whose souls were knit to each other. So for dependance and trust, it keeps up service, for they that will not trust God, cannot be long…

2. The matter of the words show his fitness for this office, for here you have. 1. His dignity; not a servant, but a Son (Hebrews 3:5-6). Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant, but Christ as a son over his own house. Now the old prophecies foretold the union of…

That we may constantly persevere in the profession of the true faith, both in life and death, first we must receive the Gospel simply for itself, because it is the Gospel of Christ, and not for any other byrespect. Secondly, we must be mortified, and renewed in the spirit of our…

And mark how preaching, and baptizing are joined together: and things which God has joined, no man may separate. Again, he that must perform any part of the public ministry, must have a calling (Romans 10:14; Hebrews 3:5), but mere private persons have no calling to this busines…

For this is the time which God has appointed for these duties: this is the day of grace, and therefore the onely fit time. Heb 3:7. Psal 32:6.

We are therefore to be circumspect and careful, lest we be supplanted. The Apostle admonishes us to take heed lest we be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13), and, that we walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (Ephesians 5:15), that we walk with a rig…

Now, as Christ is speaking, not about perfection, but about resemblance, and must therefore mean, that nothing is more suitable for a disciple than to be formed after the example of his master, the latter meaning appeared to me to be more appropriate. 25. If they have called the…

On the whole, it appears that the perseverance of faith is necessary, even to the congruity of justification, and that not the less, because a sinner is justified, and perseverance promised on the first act of faith, but God in that justification has respect not only to the past…

It was called the provocation, when the people of Israel made such distrusting complaints (Psalm 95:8), Harden not your hearts as in the provocation in the day of temptation in the wilderness. And that the provocation lay in their unbelief, the Apostle is express, Hebrews 3, whe…

Wherefore, that either You may obtain Advantage by it, or that the way of the Lord may be prepared for the Glorifying of himself upon you, I shall leave this word before all them that hear, or read it, as the testimony which God requires to be given unto his grace. There are ter…

Thirdly, if the light of nature may bee turned into darkenesse, then may the illumination of the Gospel be put out & turned into darkenes; for the knowledge of the Gospel is not naturall, and therefore not so deeply imprinted in the understanding, upon the bare knowledge of it.…

And therefore (Galatians 3:19), it is said that the law was given by the hand of a mediator. And Moses is commended for being faithful in all God's house, as a servant (Hebrews 3:5), as one who received commands from the great Lord and Master of it, and delivered them to his fel…

Ah Christian, I appeal to your own experience, how many a woeful instance have you had of the heart's deceitfulness? It is apt to deceive, and as easy to be deceived, and self-deceit is the most dangerous: the heart, since the fall, is naturally of a various, subtle, and fickle…

Is that a sect which instead of preferring a man to honor, or raising him an estate, lays him open to disgrace and poverty, renders him obnoxious to fines and forfeitures, banishments and imprisonments, racks and tortures, flames and gibbets, which were the common lot of the pri…

For many weighty reasons this work can bear no delays. First, the offers of Grace are made to the present time, Hebrews 3:15. Wbile it's said today, harden not your heart. There may be a few more days of God's patience, but that is unknown to you.

They, and they only, have right and title to gospel administrations and the privileges of the family of God as held out in his church according to his mind. The church is the house of God, 1 Timothy 3:15, Hebrews 3:6. Herein he keeps and maintains his whole family, ordering them…

1. Confidence in Christ. Christ being our head, so mighty, so wise, so tender, every way so sufficient a head as he is, we should highly dishonor him, if we should not wholly and only repose ourselves upon him for every good thing, and against every evil (Hebrews 3:6). 2. Subjec…

(2.) Consider the danger of it, which is manifold: 1. Of being hardened by its deceitfulness: this the Apostle solemnly charges on the Hebrews (Hebrews 3:12-13): Take heed brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God: but exho…

The Spirit and new nature given to contend against indwelling sin (Galatians 5:17; 2 Peter 1:4, 5; Romans 7:23). The fearful issue of the neglect of mortification (Revelation 3:2; Hebrews 3:13). The first general principle of the whole discourse hence confirmed.

Is not this to cut, and square God's thoughts to ours, and examine his sovereign purposes, by the low principles of human wisdom, how much more learned, than all such knowledge; is the Apostle's ignorance, when he cries out, O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and know…

Thirdly, we had need to pray earnestly, Lord keep us from evil, because we are in danger of that other enemy, the flesh. There is not only an evil without us, as the Devil, and the world, but an evil within us: an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God (Hebrews…

It is not the duty only of ministers, but also of private Christians, keeping within the bounds of their station, and the measures of their knowledge, to teach and to instruct one another. The Scriptures are full for this (Colossians 3:6; Colossians 1:5, 11; Hebrews 3:13; Jude 1…

So men are [reconstructed: debasing] by degrees, and fall off from God, and their savor of the ways of God. Fourthly, Often review your first grounds, and compare them with your after-experiences, and what fresh tastes you had then of the love of God to your souls (Hebrews 3:14)…

And (Luke 12:20) when the rich man said to his soul, Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years, take your ease, eat, drink and be merry: God said to him, You fool, this night shall your soul be required of you, then whose shall those things be which you have provided? (He…

The Devil contradicted that which God delivered with his own mouth; his no prevails above God's yes, ("You shall not surely die") that was what let in the first sin. And ever since it is very natural to us (Hebrews 3:12), ("Take heed lest there be an evil heart of unbelief in yo…

Man fell from God by distrust, by having a jealousy of him, and still the evil heart of unbelief does lead us off from God. Hebrews 3:12: Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. But the more we believe him, the…

He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; and he that believes not shall be damned. Where not only belief is required, but open profession, for that end serves baptism; which is a badge and bond, a badge to distinguish the worshipers of Christ from others, and a bond to b…

A man that is climbing up a tree, or ascending a ladder, if after he has gotten up many steps, he let go his hold, and falls down, he does not only lose the benefit of his former pains, but gets a bruised body, and broken bones, and is less able to climb up than he was before. 4…

Verse 33: So likewise, whoever he be of you that forsakes not all he has, he cannot be my disciple. Therefore this should not be retracted, but verified in our whole course; for that shows this dedication was sound, (Hebrews 3:6) Whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidenc…

The more a man delights in God, and in the ways of God, the more he cleaves to him, and resolves to go on in this course, and temptations to sensual delights do less prevail: for the joy of the Lord is our strength. The safety of the spiritual life lies in the keeping up our joy…

To check this conceit, God deters men from greater sins, as more difficult to be pardoned than less; they shall not have so quick and easy a pardon of them, as of others: nay, he deters men from going on far in sin, either as to the intensive increase, or the continuance in time…

2. Adherence to God: this follows necessarily from the former, for dependence begets observance. Till a man trusts God, he can never be true to him: for the evil heart of unbelief will draw us from the living God (Hebrews 3:12), but if we can depend upon him, temptations have lo…

Then shall they join together in consort, then shall the loud anthems of praise be sung in the heavenly choir. 6. The sixth thing in Glory is a blessed rest (Hebrews 4:9). There remains a rest, Foelix transitus a labore ad requiem, here we can have no rest, tossed and turned as…

Our High Priest has all the names and wants of his people written upon his breastplate: are you tempted? Though Christ be in glory he knows how to pity and help you (Hebrews 4:15): We have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmity. Do you mourn f…

As Christ laid down his life freely (John 10:15, 18), so he intercedes freely. 2. Feelingly; He is sensible of our condition as his own (Hebrews 4:15): We have not a High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmity. As a tender-hearted mother would plead wit…

I come next to answer some objections of the Arminians. 1. The first objection of the Arminians is, if a believer shall persevere in grace, then to what purpose are all those admonitions in Scripture, Let him take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12), and (Hebrews 4:1): Let u…

God spoke all these words. Unbelief enervates the virtue of God's word, and makes it prove abortive (Hebrews 4:2). The word did not profit, not being mixed with faith.

When Adam had lost his holiness, he lost his confidence; he hid himself. But the holy person goes to God as a child to his father, his conscience does not upbraid him with allowing any sin, therefore he can go boldly to the throne of grace, and have mercy to help in time of need…

3. We learn God's glory and majesty: He is in Heaven, therefore he is covered with light, (Psalm 104:2) clothed with honor, (Psalm 104:1) and is as far above all worldly princes as Heaven is above Earth. 4. We learn from God's being in Heaven, his Omniscience: All things are nak…

5. Mingle the word preached with faith. Hebrews 4:2. The word preached profited not, not being mixed with faith. If you leave out the chief ingredient in a medicine, it hinders the operation: do not leave out this ingredient of faith.

Nobis compatitur Christus. (Hebrews 4:15) We have not a High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Jesus Christ does [illegible], sympathize with us, he is so sensible of our temptations, as if he himself lay under them, and did feel them in his own s…

And such impressions of immediate wrath, as expressions and effects of God's anger, the Holy Ghost may make upon the spirit of his child: for it is a truth that God is angry and wroth with them when they sin, which anger he may make known not only by dumb signs in outward crosse…

As in like manner, that he can only by his wrath immediately make those deep and killing wounds and gashes with which men's souls are often here and hereafter eternally wounded (of which by way of caution also in the next chapter). Which two glorious and incommunicable attribute…

Here I must bring in the same caution I used in the former chapter — namely, that he works not these terrors by immediate impressions upon the conscience, which in that respect is subject to God's stroke alone, as to his knowledge alone. This, as I intimated, I take to be that o…

He will not overdrive them, for God has given him charge that he should lose none of them. Second, if his office did not move him to it, his love would, for he is a merciful and compassionate high priest (Hebrews 4:15). He was in all points tempted as we are — and especially in…

We may likewise observe how he did place this temptation in the forefront of those three assaults which he made upon Christ, who as in his obedience so in his temptations is made a complete example to us. For he was tempted in all things — that is, with all sorts of temptations…

The sixth effect of their faith, is in these words: Escaped the edge of the sword. The words in the original, are thus: Escaped the mouth of the sword: which is the Hebrew phrase in the old Testament, and here followed by the Penman of this Epistle; and before, where he calleth…

And when Saul was going to persecute them in Damascus and elsewhere that called on the name of Christ, he cried from heaven, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me (Acts 9:4)? And this is a notable comfort to God's church and people, that they have a [reconstructed: high priest] wh…

Season 5. The fifth season to exert this diligence in keeping the heart is the time of straits and pressing outward wants. Although at such times we should complain to God, and not of God (the throne of grace being erected for a time of need — Hebrews 4:16), yet when the waters…

She neither expected, nor desired it from him; but so full of tender pity was the Lord towards her, that he prevents her with unexpected consolation: her heart was nothing so full of compassion for her Son, as Christ was for her. He bore our infirmities, even natural as well as…

It were good to fear while you have the Word, lest you miss the fruit of it. Compare to this purpose Hebrews 3, at the close, with Hebrews 4:1, and we will find this commended to us, So we see, says the Apostle, that they could not enter in because of unbelief, let us therefore…

I promised to name a few Scriptures that speak out some more condescending characters of faith. And first, I would think it a good token of faith, to have people feared for missing and falling short of the promises, which may be gathered from Hebrews 4:1. That stout confidence t…

But he was free of the other that implies corruption in the nature. He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin says the Apostle (Hebrews 4:15). 3. They distinguish infirmities, in these that are called natural and common to all men, as men, and these that are p…

The 4th use of it is, to commend the practice of this to the believer that has indeed fled to Jesus Christ; and to show the great privilege that they have who are such. The practice of it is, that believers should seek to be established and confirmed in the particular applicatio…

The 1st argument is drawn from this same assertion of the prophet, thus: if Christ's death be only a satisfaction for the sins of God's people, then it is not a satisfaction for the sins of all, but it's a satisfaction only for the sins of God's people, therefore not for all, fo…

There will not be only a fear lest he sin and come short in the suitable performance of such a duty, and lest he fall under wrath, but also fear and jealousy lest in his unbelief and selfishness he go wrong in the use making of Christ and of His sacrifice. As is implied in the w…

When the poor sinner says, I have nothing to pay, but there is a price in Christ's satisfaction offered in the Gospel, and the Judge says, admits it for the sinner that lays claim to it, as if the sinner had never sinned, or had actually paid the price himself. But 4. Look a lit…

2. Look to the performance of any duty, or mortification of any lust or idol, and faith is necessary to that (1 John 5:5); it is by faith we obtain victory over the world; it was by faith (Hebrews 11) that all the worthies spoken of there, wrought righteousness, etc. 3. When any…

Second, consider that grace's enlarging of this benefit, to take in many, will be your greatest challenge and aggravation that shall miss, and come short of it. Therefore, let us (as it is, [reconstructed: Hebrews 4:1]) fear, lest having a promise left to us of entering into his…

3. It was meet, in respect of the consolation, that believers in him have from this his intercession; there had been a defect in the consolation of believers, if he had not been intercessor; but seeing, as it is (Hebrews 10:19), we have such a high priest over the house of God,…

And this keeps always the weight, and honor of our obtaining anything we seek, as a prerogative to Christ, and stops the person's own mouth, from looking to anything in itself to boast of; even as the Rebel has no cause to boast of his getting a hearing from the Prince, but give…

The great ground that makes God expostulate with the hearers of the Gospel, and that makes them come under the complaint, (John 5:40) "You will not come to me that you may have life," and (Matthew 23:37) "How often would I have gathered you, and you would not;" and for substance…

Our Savior has appointed the post-way in that prayer, Our Father who are in heaven. We have a friend there who receives the packet; a high priest set at the right hand of the throne of majesty (Hebrews 8:1), who has passed into the heavens (Hebrews 4:14), and is made higher than…

2 The Scripture holds forth to our faith the power of God to graft in the Jews again in Christ (Romans 11:23), to make a weak believer stand (Romans 14:4), to keep the saints from falling, and to present them faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (Jude 1:…

And correspondingly the height of our high priest's office (although he alone also could offer a satisfactory sacrifice as the Apostle shows in Hebrews 9 and 10) comparatively lay in this: that he entered into the heavens by his blood and is set down on the Majesty on high, and…

Hebrews 4:15. For we have not a High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities: but was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin. The only use I shall make of these words is, to be a foundation to that second part of that head or point of doct…

HEB. 4:15For we have not an High-Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all things tempted like as we are, yet without sin. §.

Christ being tossed in the tempest of temptations, knows what belongs to the trouble thereof. The other place is (Hebrews 4:15): We have not a high priest, who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. C…

This weapon Christ used all along with success, and therefore it is well called the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). It is a sword and so a weapon both offensive and defensive (Hebrews 4:12): The word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing…

Most men live like strangers to the word of God, little conversant in it, as if there were no great hazard in breaking it. 3. Do you mingle it with faith in the hearing, that it may profit you (Hebrews 4:2) and feel the power of it for your good, but rather you shun it, run from…

Your Father which sees in secret. The darkest night, or most secret closet, or most hidden thought of a reserved heart, can neither hide, or be hid from God's all-seeing eye (Hebrews 4:13). God beholds all things in Heaven and on Earth with one simple single act of his understan…

Or shall we think to go our own errand? Lord, forgive this gross ingratitude: Oh Christians, whatever your constraint or enlargements be, make use of him, who is at God's right hand, lay your sacrifices on this golden altar; lay the whole stress of your acceptance upon Christ's…

I know Abraham, says God, he and I are well acquainted, he is my friend, he visits me often, and shall I hide any thing from Abraham? I'll take him to a side, and tell him my whole heart; so will God to you, he will communicate much to you, and you may say any thing to him, you…

The second property of the Ministry of the word, is, that it must be powerful and lively in operation, and as it were crucifying Christ within us, and causing us to feel the virtue of his passion. The word preached must pierce into the heart, like a two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12…

And never so much as lightly considered his own sins, which Paul here would have us to consider, and therefore he is reproved. Paul would have us consider ourselves, because the serious consideration of our own weakness, will move us to practice this duty of meekness: for as we…

The verb to swear is put for service, reverence, or subjection, by the figure called Synecdoche, when a part is taken for the whole. An oath also is part of the honor which is due to God, for by it we confess and acknowledge that he is the author, father, and lawful protector of…

Now he shows what the force of his mouth is; that is to say, of the doctrine which proceeds out of his mouth, when he compares it to a sharp sword. For the word of God is lively in operation, and more piercing than all two edged swords: for it divides between the soul and the sp…

Nothing now hinders us from entering into the Sanctuary, because the veil of the temple is rent in two. By Christ then we have entrance into heaven, and may boldly and with assurance draw near to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). But so…

I do acknowledge that, if the words only are considered, either all were equally to blame, or Zacharias did nothing wrong. But as the actions and words of men must be judged from the state of the heart, we ought rather to abide by the judgment of God, to whom the hidden secrets…

If it takes nothing from his glory, that he was altogether, “emptied,” (ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσε, Philippians 2:6,) neither does it degrade him, that he chose not only to grow in body, but to make progress in mind. And certainly when the Apostle declares, that, “in all things he was made…

But, at first sight, it appears strange, that Christ was liable to the temptations of the devil: for, when temptation falls on men, it must always be owing to sin and weakness. I reply: First, Christ took upon him our infirmity, but without sin, (Hebrews 4:15.) Secondly, it detr…

Secondly, our Lord intended to draw a distinction between the political kingdoms of this world and the government of his Church; for he had been appointed by the Father to be a Teacher, who should divide asunder, by the sword of the word, the thoughts and feelings, and penetrate…

Here let me speak to two things: 1. That we should be grounded in the knowledge of fundamentals. 2. That this grounding is the best way to settling. 1. That we should be grounded in the knowledge of fundamentals: the Apostle speaks of the first principles of the oracles of God (…

It was a sorrow guided with reason, not disturbed with passion. 4. Fear (Hebrews 5:7). He was heard in that he feared.

But Christ only can intercede for us Ex Officio. God has consecrated him a high priest (Hebrews 5:6). You are a priest forever.

Obey and I will be your God. My Spirit shall be your guide, sanctifier and comforter (Hebrews 5:9). Christ became the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him.

Question: When are we fitted for deliverance? Answer: When we are by our afflictions conformed to Christ: namely, when we have learned obedience (Hebrews 5:8): He learned obedience by the things which he suffered: that is, he learned sweet submission to his Father's will (Luke 2…

Those who exercise in the ministerial function must have a lawful call. Hebrews 5:4: No man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called of God. Christ gave not only the Apostles and Prophets a call to their office (who were extraordinary ministers), but even pastors and te…

These feed themselves, and starve the flock: either through non-residing they do not preach, or through insufficiency they cannot. There are many in the ministry (a shame to speak it) so ignorant, that they had need to be taught the first principles of the Oracles of God (Hebrew…

Hot coals were to be put to the incense to make it odoriferous and fragrant; fervency of affection is like coals put to the incense, it makes prayer ascend as a sweet perfume. Christ prayed with strong cries (Hebrews 5:7). Clamor iste penetrat nubes. Luther.

So the apostle's buffetings (2 Corinthians 12) made him pray three times — that is, often. So Christ in Luke 22:44, being in agony, 'prayed more earnestly'; and being in fears he offered up 'strong cries' (Hebrews 5:7). So Heman by reason of his terrors was a man much in prayer:…

Oh let us therefore learn to abase ourselves, and to carry about us contrite and bleeding hearts, and be confounded in ourselves for our sins past. The last point is the event of the prayer, which is to be heard, as the author of Hebrews says, Christ Jesus in the days of the fle…

Objection 5. Hebrews 5:12: God's word is of two sorts — milk and strong meat. By milk we must understand the word of God written, wherein God speaks plainly to the capacity of the rudest; but strong meat is unwritten traditions, a doctrine not to be delivered to all but to those…

When the hour of his danger and death drew near, he went into the garden, separated from the disciples, and there wrestled mightily with God in prayer, even to an agony. In reference to which the apostle says (Hebrews 5:7): 'Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up p…

(though he was God as well as man) how will this be gotten borne? This looks as if death would get the victory; thus it's said Hebrews 5:7, In the days of his flesh he offered up strong cries and supplications with tears, and was heard in that which he feared, he put up strong c…

1. It did consist (as we hinted before) in the Godhead's suspending its comfortable influence for a time from the human nature; Though our Lord had no culpable anxiety, yet He had a sinless fear, considering Him as man; and that the infinite God was angry, and executing angrily…

Even such a High Priest as sinners had need of: there has been much spoken of one part of his priesthood, to wit, his sacrifice, and offering up of himself, in the former verses of this chapter; now before the Prophet closes, he gives a hint of the other part of his priestly off…

Nor is it true, that Gospel-grace and liberty entitles the saints now to such wantonness of peace, as that persons fully assured of deliverance from the curse of the law, are never to be troubled for sins committed in the state of free justification; nor are they any more to mou…

Answer: All these prove this place will prove only, we are to pray for magistrates under whom we have peace, and the Gospel, not for believers, and so not for all Adam's sons; as the next words, page 59, prove. Object 13. Here is a ground to preach the Gospel to all men, to ever…

As (you know) when a general comes home there is usually great observing how the king takes his service as performed according to commission. Christ as a surety undertook for sinners fully to conquer all our enemies, and God bade him look that he did it perfectly or never see hi…

Not but that his death was a perfect oblation — it was perfect for an oblation, to which as such nothing can be added. There needed no more, nor any other price to be paid for us; by that one offering he perfects us forever (Hebrews 10:14) and became himself perfect thereby (Heb…

And therefore the Apostle (in the text) when he speaks of this our High-Priest's being entered into heaven, he makes mention of a throne of grace, and this in answer to that in the type both of the High-Priest of old, and of the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. And further to c…

1. Negatively: It is certain that this affection of sympathy or fellow-feeling in Christ is not in all things such a kind of affection as was in him in the days of his flesh. Which is clear, by what the Apostle speaks of him and of his affections then (Hebrews 5:7), Who in the d…

Believe that you shall receive, and you shall receive it; meaning, so far as you have commended your petitions to God, in the name of Christ, with subjection to the will of your heavenly Father; believe it, that God has respect to your poor estate, and he will do for you what yo…

Christ is so a Prophet, that he is also a sovereign; and does not only give us counsel and direction, but a law, which we are to observe under the highest penalties. If the Gospel were an arbitrary direction, which we might observe or not observe, without any great danger to our…

We meet with him in this solitary duty sometimes in the day, sometimes in the night, sometimes all night; in a garden, in a mountain, he took all opportunities to go to his Father. All the days of his flesh he offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears (He…

Again, I answer, that an error in action, presupposes an error in mind, or at the least, some ignorance: because the mind is the beginning of the thing done. Thus all sinners, are called ignorant persons (Hebrews 5:2). And it seems that the error of Peter was, that of two evils,…

If we compare person and person: but it is otherwise, if we compare bodie with bodie, and compare the Christian church, with the Church of the Iewes before Christ: then we exceede them and they are but children to vs. This must teach vs all, to be carefull to increase in knowled…

Secondly, those that have received a greater portion of the Spirit, and a greater measure of spiritual graces, of whom Paul speaks (1 Corinthians 14:37): If any man think himself to be a prophet or spiritual — Of the latter, the words are to be understood: and by them he meant t…

But the answer to this is easy, for the question is not here touching God's eternal election, whereby we are adopted for his children, but only of the establishing and consecration of Christ ordained to this office, that we should not think he intruded himself into it at random.…

Because the purgation wherewith we are cleansed, that is, the death of Christ, was ratified and approved in regard of his intercession towards the Father, it was necessary this should be added. For as in the Old Testament, the high priest, who never entered without blood, made p…

Our Prophet has conjoined these two manners of teaching together, namely, both the inward, and the outward. For he calls those the children of the Church, who are taught of the Lord: if they be children, then have they been conceived in her womb, and nursed up in her lap, first…

The next ought to follow, that, having experienced God to be a kind Father, they may "offer to him thanksgiving," (Psalm 50:14.) The Greek word σωτὴρ, Savior, has a more extensive signification than the Latin word Servator; for it means not only that he once delivers, but that h…

It was by a wonderful purpose of God, that Luke exhibited Christ to us as the son of Adam, while Matthew confined him within the single family of Abraham. For it would be of no advantage to us, that Christ was given by the Father as "the author of eternal salvations" (Hebrews 5:…

Let the reader always consider the purpose for which passages of Scripture are brought forward by the Evangelists, so as not to stick too closely to the particular words, but to be satisfied with this, that the Evangelists never torture Scripture into a different meaning, but ap…

As: no man taketh this honor to himself, but he who is called of God (Hebrews 5:6) is justly entitled to this rank, God declares that he who comes forward in this character was elected by his decree.

It comes now to be inquired, what advantage did Christ gain by praying? The apostle, in writing to the Hebrews, says that he was heard (ἀπὸ τῆς εὐλαβείας) on account of his fear: for so ought that passage to be explained, and not, as it is usually explained, on account of his re…

He had formerly, indeed, been sufficiently voluntary as to dying; but, when he came to the point, he had a hard struggle with the weakness of the flesh, so that he would willingly have withdrawn from dying, provided that he had been permitted to do so with the good-will of his F…

It was doubtless Christ's main act of obedience, because it was obedience to a command that was attended with immensely the greatest difficulty, and so to a command that was the greatest trial of his obedience; his respect shown to God in it, and his honor to God's authority, wa…

This commandment I received of my Father. And Christ was thoroughly obedient to this command of God (Hebrews 5:8; Philippians 2:8). Never was there such an instance of obedience in man nor angel, as this; though he that obeyed was at the same time, supreme Lord of both angels an…

Crying unto God is an expression that does not only denote prayer, but intense and fervent prayer. To cry is to pray in a holy passion; and such are usually effective prayers (Psalm 18:6 and Hebrews 5:7). The encouragements to this resolution are twofold.

Secondly, We see the application it self consists in, and is made by the prayer of faith; or crying unto God; now this is done with intenseness of mind; which has a twofold fruit or property; (1.) Importunity; and (2.) Constancy. It is said of our blessed savior, that when he wa…

And this wisdom []ef[]ll[] not at all to the deuill and his angels, though they know much, nor to all that are Christians in name; but onely to the members of his mysticall bodie by faith. This heauenly wisdom has two actions: First, to discerne []right of things that differ, an…

He teaches and preaches in the name of God by virtue of calling from God, and otherwise dares not presume to teach: Rom. 10. 14. How shall he teach unless he be sent: and the author to the Hebrewes saith, Christ tooke not the honour of beeing the high Priest and Prophet of the C…

2. Young men, who are strong, well-advanced Believers, such were the Virgins and upright here made mention of. A third sort are styled little children, that is, some who (as it were) are yet on the breasts, and that in knowledge, practice, or experience, had not come to a consis…

Where there is no amendment of life, there can be no forgiveness of sins, nor true hopes of salvation: for Christ is given us, not to save us in our sins, but from them. He is the author of eternal salvation to all those that obey him (Hebrews 5:9). And thus you see of what abso…

The great duty that respects their call is to look to it that they be rightly called, that they do not temerariously thrust themselves into so sacred a function, unless they be duly set apart for it. For as the priests under the law were taken from among men, and ordained for me…

Another design is the salvation of the elect. Now when his sufferings are finished, and his humiliation is perfected, the time is come for that also: Hebrews 5:8, 9. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered: and being made perfect, he becam…

Some think it was for the quieting and composing of his spirit (which seems to have been a little ruffled) that Elisha called for the minstrel (2 Kings 3:15), and then the hand of the Lord came upon him. Never was God more intimate with any mere man, than he was with Moses, the…

Dull scholars it should seem they were, and very bad proficients. But their hearts being upright with him, he did not cast them off, nor turn them out of his school, but made the best of them, rectified their mistakes, instructed them in their duty, and the doctrine they were to…

All which may be referred to these three heads: first, fulfilling all righteousness; second, enduring all manner of persecutions and hardships; third, doing all manner of good to men. He took on him for their sakes a life, and course pointed to (Hebrews 5:7-8). A life of prayers…

That obedience is properly ascribed unto Jesus Christ, as mediator, the Scripture is witness, both as to name and thing. Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience, and so on (Hebrews 5:8). Yes, he was obedient in his sufferings, and it was that which gave life to his death:…

3. Such as are not settled in the faith, can never suffer for it: skeptics in religion will hardly ever prove martyrs; they that are not settled do hang in aequilibrio, in suspense; when they think of the joys of heaven, then they will espouse the Gospel; but when they think of…

Second Benefit: If we are adopted, then we have an interest in all the promises: the promises are children's bread. Believers are heirs of the promise (Hebrews 6:17). The promises are sure; God's truth which is the brightest pearl in his crown is laid to pawn in a promise.

Faith sets love to work (Galatians 5:6): faith which works by love; believing the mercy and merit of Christ causes a flame of love to ascend. Faith sets patience to work (Hebrews 6:12): be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Faith believes the…

1. In rewarding the virtuous; (Psalm 58:11) Doubtless there is a reward for the righteous. The Saints shall not serve him for nothing, he will reward praeces & lachrymas, [illegible], though they may be losers for him, they shall not be losers by him, (Hebrews 6:10) God is not u…

There is as much difference between spiritual joys and earthly, as between a banquet that is eaten, and one that is painted on the wall. 6. These are stronger joys than worldly (Hebrews 6:18). Strong consolation.

His exhorting them was not in the least to question their abiding in him, but to awaken their diligence, and make them pray the harder that they might abide in him. 2. The second objection is (Hebrews 6:4): it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of…

Abel by faith offered up [illegible], a better sacrifice than Cain (Hebrews 11:4). Faith is a vital principle, without it all our services are Opera Mortua, dead works (Hebrews 6:1). Faith does meliorate and sweeten our obedience, and make it come off with a better relish.

Swear not at all; that is, rashly and sinfully, so as to take God's name in vain; not but that in some cases it is lawful to take an oath before a magistrate (Deuteronomy 6:13). You shall fear the Lord your God, and serve him, and swear by his name (Hebrews 6:16). An oath for co…

11. The evil tongue is the swearing tongue (Matthew 5:34). Swear not at all. The Scripture allows an oath for the ending of a controversy, and to clear the truth (Hebrews 6:16). But in ordinary discourse to use an oath, and so to take God's name in vain, is sinful. Swearing may…

1. The bodies of believers shall be raised up to glory. The doctrine of the resurrection is a fundamental article of our faith; the Apostle puts it among the principles of the doctrine of Christ (Hebrews 6:2). The body shall rise again; we are not so sure to rise out of our beds…

God's truth is one of the richest jewels of his crown, and he has pawned this jewel in a promise; (2 Samuel 23:5) Although my house be not so with God, yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure. Although my house be not so] That is, though…

If God sees it is good for them to have more of the world they shall have it; God will not let them want any good thing. 13. If God be our Father all the promises of the Bible belong to us: God's children are called heirs of the promise; (Hebrews 6:17). A wicked man can lay clai…

And that which may increase our lamentation is, that not only man's blood is shed among us, but Christ's blood. Such as are profane flagitious sinners are said to crucify the Son of God afresh (Hebrews 6:6). (1.) They swear by his blood, and so do as it were make his wounds blee…

Fourthly, in this we resemble God, to be doing good to others. 'Tis our excellence to be like God. Godliness is God-likeness. And in what are we more like him than in acts of bounty and munificence? Psalm 119:68. You are good, and do good. You are good, there is God's essential…

The apostate (says Tertullian) seems to put God and Satan in the balance, and having weighed both their services, prefers the devil's services, and proclaims him to be the best master. In which respect the apostate is said to put Christ to open shame (Hebrews 6:6). This dyes a s…

16. If you would not fall short of the Kingdom of Heaven, take heed of falling off; beware of apostasy; he misses of the prize who does not hold out in the race; he who makes shipwreck of the faith cannot come to the haven of glory. We live in the fall of the leaf; men fall from…

7th Counterfeit. A man may have the Spirit, yet not be a New Creature. The apostle supposes a case, that one might be made partaker of the Holy Ghost, yet fall away (Hebrews 6:4). A man may have some slight transient work of the Spirit, but it does not go to the root; he may hav…

Thus he worked upon the stony ground, and in the Jews by John's ministry (John 5:35), which light and taste and revelation of this conditional offer, tending in a way to salvation by alluring their hearts to seek it, they often, through Satan's abuse of this good work and the se…

And Satan deceives with both: as the one sort of profane men to flatter themselves to be in a good condition when they are not, so the other of weak and tender consciences that they are not in a good estate when they are. And in like manner, places of Scripture misunderstood do…

Sometimes from a passage of Scripture misunderstood and misapplied: some who are annoyed with blasphemous thoughts against God and Christ and his Spirit — thoughts which are their greatest affliction — have thought they have sinned against the Holy Spirit, misapplying Matthew 12…

God remembers them to have mercy on you; why should you not remember them to comfort you? Therefore in Hebrews 6:9-10: 'We hope better things of you, for God is not unrighteous to forget your labor of love, to reward you.' And therefore he calls upon them likewise in Hebrews 10:…

Now what is the purpose and use of a tower in a city but that when all outworks are taken, the walls scaled, all fortifications forsaken and houses left, then a tower holds out last and is a refuge to flee to? So also when the devil and God's wrath beleaguer you on all sides and…

A gracious soul has sweet intercourse with heaven; he goes to God by prayer, and God comes to him by his Spirit; How happy is that person who has the angels to guard him, and God to keep him company! 3. A righteous man has more excellent promises belong to him; what a sinner has…

1. You would not take up our meaning in it so, as if we made every common work that lively means may have on the hearers of the Gospel, to be conversion; the preaching of the Word will sometimes make folks tremble, as we see in Felix, and will waken convictions and terrors in th…

But that he might come under the curse, in the several degrees of it, for the satisfying of justice for our sins; and see in every piece of Christ's suffering a reality of the grace and love of God; a reality in the covenant and bargain of redemption; a reality in Christ's satis…

The 4th use of it is, to commend the practice of this to the believer that has indeed fled to Jesus Christ; and to show the great privilege that they have who are such. The practice of it is, that believers should seek to be established and confirmed in the particular applicatio…

If this were seriously considered and laid to heart, O but folk would be humble, nothing would affect the soul more, and sting to the very heart, than to think that Christ suffered for me, through grace an elect and a believer, and that yet notwithstanding I should have so despi…

And suppose one should say, I cannot believe, it is as if such a man should say, I cannot, I dare not run to the City; or rather, though he had been feeble, yet he would have creeped, [reconstructed: crawled and limped] to it as he might: Even so here, in a word, a man should no…

1. From the nature of the Gospel, it's the Word of God, as really inviting to do that which it calls for, as if God were speaking from Heaven; it's the Word of God, and not the word of man, and has as real authority to call for obedience, as if God spoke it immediately from Heav…

Come and receive a Savior; and the act of faith is a gripping to that offer, a receiving and embracing of it, a being well content to take a free discharge through His blood. A third expression is, Philippians 3:12, where faith is set out as an apprehending of Christ, and Hebrew…

Does not this say, that there is need, that we should look well what fruit there is of His sufferings, that there may be more then if He had not suffered at all. 9. Consider the great weight that will be laid on this sin, of refusing to believe, and to satisfy Him in this, to wi…

If Jehovah performs the promises made to the Mediator, and if the Mediator performs His engagement to Jehovah, and raises up believers at the last day, then it must follow, that their salvation is sure. This is the main ground on which believers' peace is founded; and here we ma…

Thirdly, look further, to the greatness of this sin, in the strange names that the Lord puts upon it (1 John 5:11), "He that believes not, has made God a liar;" and is there any sin that has a grosser name or effect than this? For it receives not the report which He has given of…

Sometimes He complains, as (John 5:40), "You will not come to me that you might have life," and sometimes weeps and mourns because sinners will not be gathered, as (Luke 19:41-42) and (Matthew 23:37) — can there be any greater evidences of reality in any offer? A third warrant i…

Indeed, the law was a severer teacher to awe the saints, in regard of the outward dispensation of ceremonies and legal strictness, keeping men as criminals in close prison until Christ should come. But imputation of Christ's righteousness, and blessedness in the pardon of sin, a…

So (Genesis 12:3) In you shall all the families of the earth be blessed. (Genesis 22:18) If the meaning be that, without any figure or exception, all and every family be blessed in Christ, then shall I infer that, all the families of the earth, without exception, are justified b…

2. He entered into heaven in our very names and so is to be considered in that act as a common person (as well as in his death and resurrection) representing us and also taking possession in our right, and we in him, as a guardian takes possession for heirs under age. Hebrews 6:…

3. That our joy and contentment is so infinitely above our sorrow, and trouble (2 Corinthians 4:7), so that in all the troubles and sorrows of this life, we may look beyond them and through them, to the joy and comfort of the life to come. This joy is set before us in the promis…

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. It is such an evidence of the worth and reality of the unseen glory, as draws off the heart from things seen, which are so pleasing to the flesh; faith sets it before the eye of the soul in the prom…

Being born again not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which lives and abides forever. A comforting power, giving the heirs of promise strong consolation (Hebrews 6:18). Do you find anything of this in your hearts, is it ingrafted in your souls (James…

There is a sin to death, for which I say you should not pray (1 John 5). And again: It is impossible that they which were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power…

By oath. Heb 6:17. Againe, it may be demanded, to whome it was confirmed?

The sinne against the holy Ghost, is indeede a voluntarie sinne: but that is by reason of the obstinacie and malice of the will: and this offence in the Galatians was voluntate onely by infirmitie. Againe, the sinne against the holy Ghost is an universall Apostasie, in respect o…

It may be saide, that it is impossible, that they which once have been inlightned, and tasted of the heauenly gift, &c. if they fall away, should be renued againe by repentance. Heb 6:4, 5, 6. Ans.

Now God swears by himself, because there is none more sufficient to be a witness of his truth: for he is the truth itself. Men swear by greater than themselves, as the Apostle says (Hebrews 6:16), but God having no superior, swears here by himself. We must note the cause of this…

But in regard our perversity is such, that we cannot believe in God, though he makes us never so large and liberal promises; therefore Isaiah brings in the Lord binding himself with an oath: for the Lord stoops so low to us, as to swear, the more to reprove our distrust and obst…

This honor cannot be transferred to another, without committing an outrage on the divine majesty. For the same reason the Apostle says, that we do not swear in a right manner, unless we swear by the greater, and that it belongs to God alone to swear by himself, (Hebrews 6:13.) T…

But believers, as soon as they believe, are admitted to partake with Christ in this his justification: hence we are told that he was raised again for our justification (Romans 4:25), which is true, not only of that part of his justification that consists in his acquittance; but…

How dark will your circumstances appear, if you shall also stand it out through this opportunity, and still be left behind! Take heed that you are not one of those spoken of in Hebrews 6:7-8 — that are like the earth that has rain coming upon it, and only bears briars and thorns…

Yes, he was not only harmless, and undeserving of suffering, but he was infinitely worthy — worthy of the infinite love of the Father, worthy of infinite and eternal happiness, and infinitely worthy of all possible esteem, love, and service from all men. And yet he was perfectly…

Question: What are the qualifications of our Intercessor? Answer 1. He is holy (Hebrews 7:26). For such a High Priest became us, who is holy, undefiled, separate from sinners.

Resp. Christ may be considered, 1. As the Son of God, and so he was not made a curse. 2. As our pledge and surety (Hebrews 7:22), and so he was made a curse for us: this curse was not upon his Godhead, but upon his manhood. This curse was the wrath of God lying upon him.

The law would not favor us so far, but now God does so indulge us, that what we cannot do of ourselves, we may do by proxy. Jesus Christ is a surety of a better testament (Hebrews 7:22). We fall short in everything, but God looks upon us in our surety, and Christ having fulfille…

Spiritus est Vicarius Christi; The Spirit is Christ's vicar on earth, his proxy, his executor to see that all that Christ has purchased for the saints be made good: Christ has obtained an inheritance incorruptible for them, (1 Peter 1:4) and the Spirit of Christ is his executor…

The Spirit does carve and polish the vessels of mercy, and make them fit for glory. 2. Christ causes perseverance and carries on a saint till he comes to the heavenly Kingdom, vi orationis, by his intercession: Christ is an advocate as well as a surety; he prays that the saints…

Secondly, there is a public kind of blessing, which is done by the minister of God, in the name of God. And after this sort, Melchizedek blessed Abraham, as he returned from the slaughter of the Kings, Hebrews 7:1: and without all contradiction, (says the Author of this Epistle)…

The papists avouch Christ to be a priest of this order in a new respect, in that as Melchisedeck offered bread and wine, when Abraham came from the slaughter of the kings: so (say they) Christ in his last supper did offer his own body and blood under the forms of bread and wine.…

Reason 4. Hebrews 7:24-25: The Holy Spirit makes a difference between Christ the high priest of the New Testament and all Levitical priests in this: that they were many, one succeeding another, but he is only one, having an eternal priesthood which cannot pass from him to any ot…

Therefore to the effecting of the said work there is required an infinite power, which far exceeds the strength of any created nature. Again, Hebrews 7:24 says Christ has a priesthood which cannot pass from his person to any other. Whence it follows that neither his kingly nor h…

1. In Christ's satisfaction for us there is an actual undertaking; he becomes guarantor and enters himself in our room; when all other things are cast aside — angels, men with their sacrifices, thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oil, and the fruit of the body — then our L…

So, having shown how it comes to pass that Christ suffered and suffered so much, and was brought so low under suffering; and having told that he was engaged to pay the Elect's debt, and that the Father had laid their iniquities on him; lest any might think that the Father would…

1. The person that suffered — he was not an ordinary, or rather not a mere man, but God-man; as is clear (Acts 2:27), cited out of (Psalm 16), where it is said, You will not leave my soul in hell, neither will you suffer your Holy One to see corruption. 2. The end of Christ's su…

It is implied here, that for this end, to wit, that the elect might be saved from sin, and that God's decree of election might stand sure, Christ Jesus became surety, and did undertake to satisfy for their sins; otherwise he could not have been liable to be stricken for them, if…

He has that testimony from the Prophet here, that he did no violence, neither was there any deceit in his mouth. He has this testimony from the Apostles — from Peter (1 Peter 2:22): he did no sin, neither was any guile found in his mouth; from John (1 John 3:5): he was manifeste…

Now we may see all these in Christ's sacrifice. For 1. He himself is the sacrifice (Hebrews 7:26; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:10), and frequently elsewhere in that epistle, and (1 Peter 2:24): Who his own self bore our sins, in his own body on the tree; and when he had offered up h…

The first is the excellency of His offering. He offered himself, as it is (Hebrews 7:27) and (Hebrews 10:10, 12, 14). The offering up of Himself, and of His blessed body on the tree, was another sort of sacrifice than all these bulls, rams, and goats, offered under the law, that…

2. It implies not only the crediting Him with the application of life, but that we commit ourselves to be alone in His debt and common for it, which is implied in that word (John 5): "You will not come to me, that you might have life." The use making of Christ for the attaining…

There is much of the dignity of Christ's office, and of the comfort of believers here: that Jesus Christ is not only the procurer of our life, but the overseer of it. From this comes that conclusion of the Apostle (Hebrews 7:25): Therefore he is able to save them to the uttermos…

He is so dexterous and powerful, that the devil shall gain no ground of Him, but He shall gain ground of him, and defeat him; so that we come after only to gather the spoil. He is able to save to the uttermost, (as it is, Hebrews 7:26.) all that come to God through him. And near…

2. There is need to take in this, held forth in God's promise in the Gospel; because, though Christ be the object of justifying faith, and His Righteousness be the ground of the soul's defense before God; yet God's promise must be looked on by faith, for the use making of Christ…

He is a priest after Melchizedek's order, and not after the order of Aaron, and (Romans 8:34) He is said to be at the right hand of God, making intercession for us. It is said likewise (Hebrews 7:25), that He is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him, seeing h…

But the mean and low thoughts we have of him, and the poor consolation we feed on, do evidence much ignorance of him, and much unbelief of the solid worth and fullness that is in him, and in his priestly office in particular; and yet, O! how full of consolation is it? Such a hig…

This was typified in the people's giving the sacrifices to the priest to be offered, and though it were but two turtle doves, or two young pigeons, they were brought to the priest, as well as other sacrifices. But such as consider not the enmity and sinfulness that is in themsel…

Though Jonah be in the belly of the Whale, and the weeds wrapped about his head, yet will he look towards his holy Temple. So though a Soul have no life, nor sense, no inward [reconstructed: subsisting], nor arguments in the mouth, yet acting on Christ's Intercession by Faith, i…

3. If there be an ill and very necessitous case; or if there be challenges, and some commotion, discomposure and disquiet be in the spirit, there is readily little respect had to Christ; if quietness, and calmness be, there is also hazard of sitting down on that, and we readily…

To which we say, Assertion 1. Jesus Christ that holy thing (Luke 1:35), was a fit high Priest, holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners (Hebrews 7:26). Which of you (says Christ to the Jews) convinces me of sin (John 8:46).

(1 John 2:1-2) compared with (1 John 1:6-10) and (Hebrews 9): He appears for us, verse 24, for those that are sprinkled, verses 13-17, and look for him the second time, verse 28. He makes intercession for them that come to God through him (Hebrews 7:25). Who have a High Priest o…

For the first, Christ was appointed by God (and himself also undertook) to be our surety. This you have, Hebrews 7:22: he was made surety of a better testament or covenant, namely of the new. The Hebrew word for covenant the Septuagint still translated as 'testament,' the word i…

Therefore, as you have heard, there was an all-sufficiency in his death ('Who shall condemn? it is Christ that died'), a 'rather' in his resurrection ('yes rather, is risen again'), and a 'much rather' that he lives and is at God's right hand (Romans 5:10). The Apostle rises yet…

And the proper duty of his place being to show mercy, he does it with cheerfulnesse, (as the Apostle speaks:) For Mercy makes one do what they do, with cheerfulnesse. And Christ, as he is the Bishop, so the [illegible], the Deacon also, (for he beares all offices to his Church)…

I shall endeavour to give some satisfaction and reliefe in this, by these following considerations. First, The Apostle puts in indeede, that he was tempted [yet without sin,] and it was well for us that he was thus without sin, for he had not been a fit Priest to have saved us e…

Objection: But you say, who is there that so looks to himself, his wife, and children, and servants, so to his own heart and others, as that they are so wholly conformable to God's will in all that he counsels and commands, and who so expects such blessings, but that they take f…

This teaches us. 1. That Christ alone grappled with Satan, having no fellow worker with him, that we may know the strength of our Redeemer, who is able himself to overcome the tempter without any assistance, and to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him (Hebrews 7:25)…

One, that the difference lay in earthly things: which is not true. For the law was given to the Israelites: and it was a schoolmaster to Christ (Galatians 3), and, an introduction to a better hope (Hebrews 7:19). The second error is, that they differed only in this, that Christ…

It may be objected, that he is the Son of God: and therefore no curse. Answer: Christ must be considered as the Son of God, and again as our pledge and surety (Hebrews 7:22). In the first respect he was not accursed, but in the second.

I answer, the sonne of God. And this may not seeme strange, that he which is Lord of the law, should be subiect to the law: for he must be considered, as he is our pledge and suretie, Heb 7:22. and as one that standes in our place, roome, and stead; and before God represents the…

The word in the original translated large, is strangely wrested by sundry interpreters, without cause: Hilary referring it to the loftiness of sentences: Hyperius to the profundity and depth of matter: Jerome to the greatness of the character: Chrysostom and Theophylact, to the…

Though Christ was formed of the seed of Abraham, yet he contracted no defilement from a sinful nature; for the Spirit of God kept him pure from the very commencement: and this was done not merely that he might abound in personal holiness, but chiefly that he might sanctify his o…

But, as Luke appears to include Christ at the same time, it might be asked, What right had Simeon to take upon him the office of blessing Christ? “Without all contradiction,” says Paul, “the less is blessed of the greater,” (Hebrews 7:7). Besides, it has the appearance of absurd…

The laying on of hands (as we have said on a former occasion) was an ancient and well known sign of blessing; and so there is no reason to wonder, if they desire that Christ, while employing that solemn ceremony, should pray for the children. At the same time, as the inferior ar…

To this purport also is what we read in Psalm 118:26, We bless you out of the house of the Lord. In short, the apostle has told us that to bless others is a mark of superiority; for the less, he says, is blessed by the greater, (Hebrews 7:7.) Now when Christ, the true Melchizede…

They do not debate with him as to the doctrine itself, whether it was true or not—for already had they often enough attacked him in vain on that question—but they raise a dispute as to his calling and commission. And, indeed, there were plausible grounds; for since a man ought n…

This stops all pleas, and procures new pardons for new sins. Hence it is he saves to the uttermost, to the last compleating act, Hebrews 7:25 New sins do not irritate our former pardons, nor cut off our priviledges setled upon us in Christ. The returns and answers of all your pr…

By this Oath he promised him unto Abraham, and David of old, which proved the foundation of the churches stability in all generations; and also of their Security and assurance of Acceptance with him; see Luke 1:73, 74, 75. And in his taking upon him that Office whereby in an esp…

He, as Mediator, is furnished with sovereignty and eminent graces for the good of the body; and these, as they are for their nature most solid and excellent, so as to their virtue they are most efficacious and quickening. 2. If we take it in general, Observation: That the excell…

3. It shows his affection that he so names her now, wishing her a part of his own peace, and entitling her to it. Or, 2. this word may be derived from Salem, which properly taken, is Jerusalem (Psalm 76:1) and (Hebrews 7:1) Melchisedec was king of Salem, which signifies peace, a…

He purchased eternal life by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 7:27. He offered up himself. And 9:26. He has appeared to take away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

God is praised twenty five times for his mercies, but the conclusion of all is, Praise the God of Heaven, for his mercies endure for ever; his mercies, as he is the God of heaven, they are the glorious mercies indeed. When the Scripture would set forth the excellency of a thing,…

The male of the flock to be offered unto God, the curse falling on all other oblations, and them that offer them (Malachi 1:14). The purity of the snow is not to be compared with the whiteness of this lily, of this Rose of Sharon, even from the womb: For such a high priest becam…

In him only is God an all-sufficient God to any, and an exceeding great reward. Hence Christ himself is said to save to the utmost those who come to God by him, Hebrews 7:25. These three things are required to be known that we may have a saving acquaintance with any of the prope…

Well may it be called Foedus Gratiae, a covenant of grace; it is bespangled with promises, as the heaven with stars. When the angels, those glorious spirits fell, God did not enter into a new covenant with them to be their God, but let those golden vessels lie broken; but has en…

When God pardons a soul, he will not reckon with him in a purely vindictive way, he stops the execution of justice. Aphorism 6. By virtue of this pardon, God will no more call sin into remembrance (Hebrews 8:12). Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

So that phrase (Ephesians 6:12) 'we wrestle with spiritual wickednesses in heavenly things' is rather to be understood of 'heavenly things' than of 'heavenly places' — the word signifying rather supracelestial, in the highest heavens, where (if rendered of places) the devils nev…

His exaltation is such as has a dominion and supremacy with it over every name; he having as it is (Colossians 1:18) in all things the preeminence. The third place is (Hebrews 8:1), of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum, we have such a high priest who is set on the…

2. It is Antinomian doctrine to make opposition between the Gospel promise, and the debt of the promise: the debt of works (Romans 4 and Romans 11) is law-debt due to the worker, as a hireling is worthy of his wages, because he has done the work perfectly, according to a covenan…

Remission of sins in his blood (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14); blotting out of transgressions ([reconstructed: Isaiah 43:25]) as a thick cloud (Isaiah 44:23); a not remembering of sins (Isaiah 43:25; [reconstructed: Jeremiah 31:34]). Such a taking away of sins as is promised i…

You must know that Christ has not entered into heaven simply as a forerunner (which has been explained) to take up places for you, but as a priest also — made a priest after the order of Melchizedek, which is more than simply a forerunner. Indeed his sitting at God's right hand…

The Work of Ministers is in many Respects like the Work that Christ himself was appointed to, as the Savior of Men; and especially the same with the Work which Christ does in his Prophetical Office; only with this Difference, that Ministers are to speak and act wholly under Chri…

Fifthly, the law was in nature by creation: the Gospel is above nature, and was revealed after the fall. Sixthly, the law has Moses for the mediator (Deuteronomy 5:27), but Christ is the mediator of the new testament (Hebrews 8:6). Lastly, the law was dedicated by the blood of b…

Her estate then shall be perpetual, after God shall have once again restored her: for which cause, he mentions two excellent benefits; to wit, restoration, and eternity. When he speaks of the new heavens, and new earth, he has respect to Christ's kingdom, by whom all things are…

For however obscurely and at a distance Moses may exhibit Christ in shadows, rather than in a full portrait, (Hebrews 10:1,) this, at least, is beyond dispute, that unless there be in the family of Abraham one exalted Head, under whom the people may be united in one body, the co…

All the promises of God, are in him Yea, and in him Amen; that is, faithfully, and irrevocably, and immutably established. And therefore the apostle having told us, that this is the covenant of God, that he would be merciful to our sins and iniquities, Hebrews 8:12. He informs u…

Yet if you cannot always say, that grace is yours, Christ is yours, and Heaven is yours, yet be much in the thoughts of free grace; pore not upon your vileness and unworthiness, but ponder upon that which can answer all in one word, I will have mercy, because I will have mercy,…

Yes certainly, these do not decay through age. It was the matters belonging to the old covenant, or Legal-dispensation that decayed and grew old, and so by degrees did vanish away (Hebrews 8:13). New-covenant mercies, are the sure mercies of David (Isaiah 55:3), and they are alw…

The law itself is now such that it cannot give life, Galatians 3:21. God himself found fault with this way of attaining righteousness, Hebrews 8:7-8. Now there are two considerations that discover to men the vanity and hopelessness of seeking righteousness in this path.

Those that are to be wrought in us, are sometimes set forth in Scripture, as Duties to be performed by us, to stir us up in a rational way to seek them; and those that are only to be bestowed upon us, are set forth as Blessings to be conferred in consequence upon such Duties per…

Secondly, let us look upon God with respect to a Mediator; for so I think we are chiefly bound to consider our Father in Heaven, because of Christ, who sits there at his right hand. (Hebrews 8:1) It is said there, He sat down on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the…

He is a King, not only to require, but to give repentance, (Acts 5:31); not only to make a law, but to write and work a sense of this new covenant-gift upon the heart. (Hebrews 8:10) He does not only set up his ordinances, laws, and constitutions; but there is power that goes al…

If the Law might be disannulled as to new creatures, then why does the Spirit of God write it with such legible characters in their hearts? This is promised as the great blessing of the covenant of grace (Hebrews 8:10). Now that which the Spirit engraves upon the heart, would Ch…

They that neglect to search and hide the Word in their hearts, they have not such seasonable refreshment; for God works more strongly with the strongest graces; there where there is the greater receptivity, there's the greater influence; those that are ignorant cannot expect suc…

Others have but a hearsay knowledge gathered out of books, and sermons, and the common report which is made of Christ; but he that is divinely enlightened, drinks of the fountain, and so his draught is more fresh and sweet; they do not talk of things by rote after others, but it…

In the heart two things are considerable, the understanding and the affections. God undertakes in the Covenant for both (Hebrews 8:10). I will put my law in their mind, and write it in their hearts.

1. The benefit asked, Grant me your law. David had the book of the law already, every king was to have a copy of it written before him; but he understands it not of the law written in a book, but of the law written upon his heart; which is a privilege of the covenant of grace (H…

When the heart is fitted and suited by principles of grace, the work is not tedious, but delightful. Things are easy and difficult, according to the poise and inclination of the soul; so (Hebrews 8:10): I will write my laws upon their hearts, and put them into their minds. The l…

These laws were written upon man's heart at his first creation, and though somewhat blurred, we know the better how to read a defaced writing when we get another copy or transcript to compare with it — especially when the heart is renewed, when the Spirit has wrought a suitablen…

1. Sometimes it is described by its radication, and so it is called the ingrafted word that is able to save our souls (James 1:21). The root of the matter is within; it is not tied on, but ingrafted: so in that promise of God (Hebrews 8:10), I will put my law into their minds, a…

The preciousness of this mercy, namely forgiveness of sins, appears in this: That 'tis (1) new covenant-mercy; the new covenant is called a better covenant, and its promises, better promises (Hebrews 8:6); the old covenant, that of works, vouchsafed no pardon; but this is the me…

Men entail their land upon those they adopt; God does more — he not only entails his land upon his children but entails himself upon them. Hebrews 8:10: I will be their God. Not only heaven is their portion, but God is their portion.

Repent and believe: for they are neuer disjoyned. If you find the worke of repentāce be not wrought throughly & soundly in you, if you finde your heart not purified, if you be not sanctified, if there be not a sanctified disposition in you, be sure it is a delusion, it is not f…

The Reasons which are given for this Interpretation are weighty. First, the word elsewhere indefinitely set down, is taken for things, not places, Hebrews 8:5. nay, one observes this word to be used almost twenty times in the New Testament, and never for any aërial place, but al…

It's true that the first covenant had Moses for its mediator, but as he was a type of Christ, so Christ yesterday and that day was the real mediator, but veiled. The New Covenant has better promises (Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 7:22); it's a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22), has a better…

Answ. It cannot be denied, except the threats of the Sword, Famine, Pestilence on Jerusalem, and the desolation upon the Jews (Matthew 23; Matthew 24) but in place of all the diseases of Egypt (Leviticus 26) and the long roll of dreadful judgments and curses temporal (Deuteronom…

Which is prophesied of the Gentiles under the New Testament in Ezekiel 11:17-20, Ezekiel 34:23-25, Jeremiah 31:31-36, Jeremiah 32:36-40, Zechariah 13:9, Hosea 1:10-11, 1 Peter 2:9-10. And it is made to the Gentiles with an addition of a new heart and a larger extent of the Coven…

It should not move us, that infants understand neither command nor seal, nor Covenant, for the argument is against the Holy Ghost, and they are obliged to answer it; for infants are as ignorant of the promises and the special mysteries of the Gospel, as of precepts of the Gospel…

6. (Jeremiah 31:[reconstructed: 38]) Behold the days will come, says the Lord, that the City shall be built to the Lord, etc. There is a promise of spiritual right in Christ made to the blessings of this life, to these that are personal Covenanters; as (Jeremiah 32:41; Ezekiel 1…

Question 2. What is the first principal and only proper subject of the promises of special note, in the mediator, of the promise of a new heart, of the styles, properties and privileges of special note; that is, to be called the body of Christ, the anointed ones, and such as sha…

Second, the second and principal property of the Covenant is the graciousness and freedom thereof; therefore it is made with sinners, without hire or price, and every article and link of it is Grace. First, the whole Gospel is the word of Grace (Acts 20:32; Colossians 1:6), the…

2. These influences were free gifts, but not promised. 3. They seem to be ordinis naturalis, natural, though they did bow and previously incline the will, but not so in the New Testament, for the whole Covenant is called by the promise of the giving of a new heart (Hebrews 8:10)…

Such are expectants of grace and glory; to such the marriage table is covered — eat if they will. But the parties contractors of the covenant in the latter respect are, as in (Jeremiah 31; Hebrews 8), only the house of Judah, the taught of God, the people in whose heart the law…

As Isaiah 49:6 says, "I have given you for a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth" — that is, as Acts 13:46-47, I have you, O Christ, to be the preached light and guide of the Gentiles, and the preached Savior, declared and proclaimed by th…

Then if both agreed to dispense with that law-way to save man; here is covenant-condescension between Jehovah and the Son, of quieting law, and pitching on a mild Gospel-way. 7. Argument, from the promises made to Christ: He to whom the promises are made, as to the seed, so as i…

2. It is necessary that the promises that are our writs and charters of heaven be in a surer hand than in our own, to wit, in the keeping of Christ: for this is an absolute promise made to us (Ezekiel 36:26), "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within…

For justification is certainly not without faith. Second, the word 'all' is sometimes used for some of all sorts (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:11; John 12:32; 1 Timothy 2:1-3), which is made apparent by the mention of kings as one sort of people there intended. And I make no doubt…

2 Corinthians 1:20: all the promises of God are in him, yes, and in him Amen — confirmed, ratified, unchangeably established, and irrevocably made over to us, confirmed by the death of him the testator (Hebrews 9:16), who was the surety of this better testament (Hebrews 7:22). T…

The promise is the declaration of the purpose of God before declared, or the free Determination and counsel of his will, as to his dealing with sinners on the supposition of the Fall, and their forfeiture of their first covenant state. Hereof the grace and will of God was the on…

To make this more plain, these being the three main things that you aim at, I shall lay before you three promises suited to these several things, which or the like you are to view in all your actings, all staggering at them being from unbelief. 1. The first thing you are to beli…

But I prove both the one and the other. And first, that Christ committed and did no act, nor deed against Law, for which he should be intrinsically and inherently the sinner, is clear — because that holy thing Jesus, being God-man, could not sin, nor did he ever any violence or…

Objection 2. (I will put my Law in your inward parts) is no condition to be performed by us, but by God only, and so all the tie lies upon God, if God does not this as he promises (Jeremiah 31), must not the fault or failing be his who is tied in a covenant to perform his part,…

God and we were at variance by sin, now Christ does mediate and umpire between us; he reconciles us to God through his blood, therefore is called the Mediator of the new covenant. There is no way of communion and intercourse between God and man, but in and through a Mediator: Ch…

The creation was but the work of God's fingers (Psalm 8:3). Redemption the work of his arm (Hebrews 9:12): Having obtained eternal redemption for us. Christ's purchasing redemption for us, implies that our sins did mortgage and sell us: had there not been some kind of mortgaging…

He was numbered among transgressors. He who was numbered among the persons of the Trinity, he is said to bear the sins of many (Hebrews 9:28). Now, this was the lowest degree of Christ's humiliation: for Christ to be reputed as a sinner, never such a pattern of humility.

If a man had a suit depending in the court of Chancery, and had a skillful lawyer to plead, this would much encourage him. Christ is now at the court appearing for us (Hebrews 9:24), and he has great potency in heaven; this should much encourage us to look up to him, and hope fo…

Resp. In his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to GOD, and in making continual intercession for us. (Hebrews 9:26) Now once in the end of the world has he appeared to put away sin; by the sacrifice of himself. Quest. What are the…

All the princes on earth, or angels in heaven, could not satisfy for sin, only Christ. Nay, Christ's active obedience was not enough to make atonement for sin, but he must suffer upon the cross; for without blood is no remission (Hebrews 9:22). O what an accursed thing is sin, t…

Response 1: To worship him without ceremonies. The ceremonies of the law which God himself ordained are now abrogated and out of date; Christ the substance being come, the shadows fly away; and therefore the Apostle calls the legal ceremonies carnal rites (Hebrews 9:10), and if…

A man will not lay down his money for a purchase which may be lost, and the fee-simple alienated. Christ died that he might purchase us as a people to himself forever (Hebrews 9:12): Having obtained eternal redemption for us. Would Christ (think we) have shed his blood, that we…

Unbelief makes the Word preached of no effect. (Hebrews 9:2): The Word preached did not profit, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. The Word to an unbeliever is like Dioscordium put into a dead man's mouth, which loses all its virtue.

This is my blood of the New Testament shed for many for the remission of sins. Consecration, or making us holy, is the fruit of Christ's death (Hebrews 9:14). How much more shall the blood of Christ purge your conscience!

11. If you would keep from the evil of sin, meditate frequently of death. First, the unavoidableness of it (Hebrews 9:27): Statutum est, it is appointed for all once to die. We are not so sure to lie down this night in our bed, as we are to lie down in our grave.

Now, such men are deceivers of their own souls; for after this sprinkling follows sanctification, and rising from dead works to newness of life: so that they that live in sin, and yet say they have faith, deceive themselves. For, if a man's heart be sprinkled with the blood of C…

Secondly, the death of Christ has quite taken away the second death from those that are in Christ: as Paul says, There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, which walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit (Romans 3:1). Thirdly, the death of Christ is a means…

Reason 1. Hebrews 9:15, 26 and 10:10: The Holy Spirit says Christ offered himself but once. Therefore not often — and thus there can be no real or bodily offering of his body and blood in the sacrament of his Supper.

1 John 1:7: Christ's blood purges us from all our sins. Hebrews 9:14: It purges our consciences from dead works. And Christ baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire, because our inward washing is by the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit is as fire to consume and abolish the…

All men are under the same condition, to whose share it falls to be born, to him it remains to die. We are indeed distinguished by intervals, but equalized in the issue, it is appointed to all men once to die (Hebrews 9:27). There is a statute law of heaven in the case.

So, having shown how it comes to pass that Christ suffered and suffered so much, and was brought so low under suffering; and having told that he was engaged to pay the Elect's debt, and that the Father had laid their iniquities on him; lest any might think that the Father would…

The Apostle says (Hebrews 10) that it was impossible that the blood of bullocks, and of goats could take away sin; they were not properly sin-offerings, but as they were types of that offering which was to come; and so when Christ is called an offering, He is differenced from al…

3. That there be a killing, or destroying, of the thing that is offered in a sacrifice; which especially in the sin-offering was necessary; to wit, that it should be killed, or destroyed; as we see in (Exodus 29) and Leviticus frequently. This had a signification, and the Lord w…

The apostle takes this for granted (Romans 14:10): We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. And (Hebrews 9:29): It is appointed for all men once to die, and after that comes the judgment. There is a solemn decree passed, that, as all men shall die, so every man sha…

Behold the lamb of God that takes away, or bears, and by bearing, takes away the sins of the world. (1 Peter 2:24) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so the just suffered for the unjust; (Hebrews 9, last verse) He was once offered to bear the sins of many. Whether…

And that which gives us this boldness, is that (as it is Hebrews 4:15-16), we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are: then follows, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, tha…

But, secondly, and more particularly, if it be asked wherein this addition to the consolation of God's people, by his intercession, after his ascension manifests itself — we may take it up in these six steps, which will also serve to illustrate the manner of his interceding. 1.…

[illegible] My God I delight to do your will, every servant cannot say this to his Master, your Law is in the midst of my heart. 2. His willingness to die was a part of his testament and last will, he died with good will, and left in legacy his death, and the fruits of it, his b…

Moor says, a whole world to whom the Lord imputes no sin, may be under the curse of the second death. 2. To put reconciling of the world to God, as Paul does in (2 Corinthians 5), for the reconciling of Christ in his own body with God, as Mr. Moor does, is strange divinity; for…

For faith in that act looks at what in Christ does justify a sinner, and therefore Christ considered as dying, rising, etc. does in this respect become the most pleasing and grateful object to a soul that is humbled, for this makes Christ suitable to him as he is a sinner, under…

But yet our hearts would still be inquisitive (for all that) to hear whether indeed he has perfectly satisfied God or no, and would be extremely solicitous to know whether he has satisfactorily performed what he undertook, and how he got clear of that engagement and of being mad…

Now to what end has God committed this power to him, but that himself may be his own executor, and administrator, and perform all the legacies which he made to those whom he died for? As the expression is (Hebrews 9:15-17), that none of his heirs might be wronged. Fairer dealing…

Now then in answer to this type, there are two distinct parts of Christ's priesthood: First, the offering of himself a sacrifice to death, as Hebrews 9:26 — which answers to the killing of the sacrifice outside the holy of holies, for correspondingly he was crucified outside the…

It is with the sons of men in this kind (that I may so speak) as it was with the soldiers (2 Kings 19:35), they were all dead corpses: truly, that is the case of us all by nature; every soul of us, as long as we live in the world without Christ, so many men, so many dead corpses…

4. This was prefigured in the rites of the law, foretold in the writings of the prophets. In the figures of the law it was represented (Hebrews 9:22): and almost all things are by the law purged with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission, especially the…

And though the grant be passed in heaven, yet we have not the sense of it in our own hearts, for it is the blood of Christ can only do it. Hebrews 9:14: How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscien…

But now he has shed it plentifully and has satisfied abundantly. By his own blood has he entered into the holy place once for all, and obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9). Also (Romans 3): And we are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Chri…

And this he did in his death upon the crosse. For by the death of the Mediatour, we receive the promise of euerlasting inheritance, Heb 9:15. and with one oblation upon the crosse he perfected them that are sanctified, Heb 10:14. and they cannot be perfected, without the perfect…

It is also a Will, or Testament in two respects. First, because the promise is confirmed by the death of the mediatour, Heb 9:15. Secondly, the things promised, as remission of sinnes, and life euerlasting, are given after the manner of legacies, that is, freely, without our des…

Sixthly, the law has Moses for the mediator (Deuteronomy 5:27), but Christ is the mediator of the new testament (Hebrews 8:6). Lastly, the law was dedicated by the blood of beasts (Exodus 24:5), and the new Testament, by the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:12). Here then falls to the…

Hence we see how childishly the Papists trifle in abusing this place to prove their priesthood: for the Pope and his chaplains ordain Priests to sacrifice to Jesus Christ; and not to teach his people (both which Moses joins together in Deuteronomy 33:10). But Christ offered up h…

Life is promised, but it must be sought only in the death and resurrection of Christ. This too is the reason why God commanded of old, that the book of the law should be sprinkled with the blood of the sacrifice, (Exodus 24:8; Hebrews 9:19, 20.) It is also worthy of notice, that…

“Un jeu d’enfans;” — “a game for children.” This very argument is copiously illustrated by the apostle, (Hebrews 9:1;) for, assuming this principle, that the visible ceremonies of the law are shadows of spiritual things, he shows that in the whole of the legal priesthood, in the…

Meanwhile, the Jews were informed that the period of abolishing outward sacrifices had arrived, and that the ancient priesthood would be of no farther use; that though the building of the temple was left standing, it would not be necessary to worship God there after the ancient…

The continuation of all your mercies and comforts, outward as well as inward, is the fruit of his Intercession in Heaven for you. For look, as the offering up of the Lamb of God a Sacrifice for sin, opened the door of mercy at first; so his appearing before God as a Lamb that ha…

The Holy Ghost is said not to be given at that time, because he had not been so plentifully given. And the Apostle to the Hebrews speaks, as if the way into Heaven had been but then opened, because it was then more clearly opened (Hebrews 9:8). So we are said to receive the adop…

Therein he finished the transgression, made an end of sin, and made reconciliation for iniquity; Daniel 9:24. Even all the Sacrifices, and so consequently the whole worship of the Old testament, evinced this relation between forgiveness and bloodshedding; whence the apostle conc…

6. It has a bottom and that of gold: a bottom is to show its stability and firmness, to sustain and keep up these who ride in it, and gold shows its solidity and preciousness, it's a rich bottom, therefore the new Jerusalem is said to have her streets of pure gold (Revelation 21…

In this verse 3, we have the fourth and fifth particulars that are commended in the bride. The fourth thing commended is her lips: The commendation given them is, that they are like a thread of scarlet, that is neat and lovely, and of an excellent colour, as scarlet, which (bein…

It is the same precious blood that satisfied God's justice for the adultery and murder of David, the incest of Lot, the perjury of Peter, that must satisfy it likewise for your vain and foolish thoughts, and rash and idle words, if ever you are saved. For without blood [reconstr…

It cost more to redeem us than make us. In the one, there was only the speaking a word (Psalm 148:5); in the other the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). The creation was the work of God's fingers (Psalm 8:3); the redemption, the work of his arm (Luke 1:5).

"Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they were written from our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." And the Apostle, Hebrews 9:26, in this expression of the end of the world, means the whole of the gospel day, from the birth of Christ to…

The success of Christ's purchase does summarily consist in the salvation of the elect. But this bestowment of glory is eminently called their salvation: Hebrews 9:28. "To them that look for him, shall he appear the second time, without sin unto salvation".

The learned Pharisees were but painted sepulchers; gifts are but as a fair glove drawn over a foul hand. But now grace is incompatible with sin in dominion, it purifies the heart (Acts 15:9), cleanses the conscience (Hebrews 9:14), crucifies the affections and lusts of the flesh…

In a clock the wheels move cross one to another, but all make the clock strike: so Christ being at his Father's right hand, he will make the most cross providences tend to the salvation of his church. Branch 3. Christ being at God's right hand, we may be assured he has now finis…

For Christ to be made flesh, was more humility, than for the angels to be made worms. Christ's flesh is called a veil (Hebrews 10:20). Through the veil that is his flesh.

The balm-tree weeps out its precious balm to heal those that cut and mangle it; Christ shed his blood to heal those that crucified him. And that he should die freely; it is called the offering of the body of Jesus (Hebrews 10:10). And though his sufferings were so great that the…

It is as if the drop should go to limit the ocean, or the star to set the Sun its bounds. Use 1. It condemns the Papists who would make more things infinite than the Godhead, they hold that Christ's body is in many places at once, that it is in heaven and in the bread and wine i…

The promises are as a fountain sealed. While we are in the state of nature, we see nothing but the flaming sword; and as the Apostle says (Hebrews 10:27), there remains nothing but [illegible], a fearful looking for of fiery indignation. Second, while children of wrath, we are h…

Thus assurance gives sweet contentment in every condition. Effect 6. Assurance would bear up the heart in sufferings, it would make a Christian endure troubles with patience and cheerfulness (with patience) (Hebrews 10:36). You have need of patience.

God will be Almighty to damn the sinner. Now in what a condition is every unbeliever; God's power is engaged against him, and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31). Use 3. It reproves such as do not believe this power of God.

And it brings swift damnation. It is a drawing back [illegible] to perdition (Hebrews 10:38). God will make his sword drunk with the blood of apostates.

Aristotle, though a heathen, did not only acknowledge God, when he cried out, You Being of Beings, have mercy on me; But he thought he that did not confess a deity, was not worthy to live. They who will not believe a God, shall feel him (Hebrews 10:31): It is a fearful thing to…

We have covenanted in baptism to take the Lord for our God, renouncing all others; and renewed this covenant in the Lord's Supper, and shall we not keep our solemn vow and covenant? We cannot go away from God without the highest perjury (Hebrews 10:38): [illegible]. If any man d…

If God lay a man in prison, where shall he get bail or mainprise? God will take his full blow at the sinner in hell (Hebrews 10:31). It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

There is the value of Christ's blood, and the virtue: Christ's blood has value enough to redeem the whole world, but the virtue of it is applied only to such as believe; Christ's blood is meritorious for all, not efficacious. All are not saved, because some put away salvation fr…

1. They dishonor God by their idolatry in making graven images, and giving the same honor to them as is due to God, [illegible]: Images are teachers of lies (Habakkuk 2:18), they represent God in a bodily shape. 2. By their idolatry in the Mass; worshipping the Host, and offerin…

[illegible], How am I straitened till it be accomplished. Therefore to show Christ's willingness to die, his sufferings is called an offering (Hebrews 10:10). By the offering of the body of Jesus: his death was a free-will offering.

The Apostle puts these two together, belief and salvation. (Hebrews 10:39): We are of them that believe to the saving of the soul. 6. If you would hear the Word aright, hear it with meek spirits.

Aquinas and others of the schoolmen place the sin against the Holy Spirit in malice. The sinner does all he can to vex God, and despite the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29). Thus Julian, who threw up his dagger in the air, as if he would have been revenged upon God.

What Solomon says of the sluggard, is as true of the coward, he says, there is a lion in the way (Proverbs 22:13): he sees dangers before him, he would go on in the way to the kingdom of heaven, but there is a lion in the way. This is dismal (Hebrews 10:38): If any man draw back…

We live in the fall of the leaf; men fall from that goodness they seemed to have; some are turned to error, others to vice; some to drinking and dicing, others to whoring; the very mantle of their profession is fallen off: it is dreadful for men to fall off from hopeful beginnin…

In heaven there will be all joy, and what need of patience then? It requires no patience to wear a crown of gold, but while we live here in a valley of tears, there needs patient submission to God's will (Hebrews 10:36): You have need of patience. 1. The Lord sometimes lays heav…

It would be infinite to reckon up all the false reasonings that souls in distress have. Sometimes from a passage of Scripture misunderstood and misapplied: some who are annoyed with blasphemous thoughts against God and Christ and his Spirit — thoughts which are their greatest af…

Therefore in Hebrews 6:9-10: 'We hope better things of you, for God is not unrighteous to forget your labor of love, to reward you.' And therefore he calls upon them likewise in Hebrews 10:31 to call to remembrance the former days to comfort them — how they held out when their h…

Now, without faith we shall never be able to glorify God under the cross. The just must live by faith in this estate, Hebrews 10:38; as, here they endure racking, burning, hewing asunder, etcetera and all by faith. Secondly, out of all these sufferings here endured by faith, not…

Where we see, what it is that will bring a man to esteem affliction, with the fear of God, better than the treasures and pleasures of an earthly kingdom: namely, as we set the bodily eye to behold the affliction; so we must lift up the eye of the mind of faith, to behold the rec…

Answer: Once only and no more. This must be held as a principle of divinity: With once offering has he consecrated forever, them that are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14); and again, Christ was once offered to take away the sins of many (Hebrews 9:28). And it serves to overthrow the a…

2. A righteous man lives more spiritually as he lives a life above others; whereas they live no higher than reason. The just lives by faith (Hebrews 10:38). A righteous man moves in a higher sphere, he penetrates the clouds, Moses saw him who is invisible (Hebrews 11:27).

The first is the imputation of Christ's perfect obedience, which is the ground and fountain of all our perfection whatsoever. Hebrews 10:14: By one offering — that is, by his obedience in his death and passion — has he consecrated, or made perfect, forever them that believe. The…

The end of a thing signifies the immediate event, issue, period thereof. As of wicked men it is said, whose end is destruction (Philippians 3; Hebrews 10, last verse). Apostasy and unbelief are said to be a drawing back to perdition.

Therefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him, in well-doing, as to a faithful Creator. He speaks this specially to such as were continually exposed to persecution to death for Christ in those primitive times; which therefo…

1. Then in general, you would consider that place, (Philippians 2:12-13): Work out the work of your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure; where it is clear, that the exhortation given to them to work o…

Trod not the Son of God under foot, neither account the blood of the covenant an unholy thing. Do not despise the Spirit of Grace, as it is (Hebrews 10:29). He has suffered enough already, let him not be a sufferer again.

If this were seriously considered and laid to heart, O but folk would be humble, nothing would affect the soul more, and sting to the very heart, than to think that Christ suffered for me, through grace an elect and a believer, and that yet notwithstanding I should have so despi…

The first is comprehended in these words, "Sacrifice and offering you didst not desire" (Psalm 40), insinuating that God did desire something. The second in these words, "Mine ears you hast opened, then said I, Lo I come in the volume of your book, it's written of me, I delight…

Hence (John 17), he says, Your they were, and you gave them me, that is, yours they were by election, and you gave them me to be redeemed by me. And (Hebrews 10:10), it is said, that it is by this will that we are sanctified, that is, by the will of the Father, that the Son shou…

When the fire of the vengeance of God shall kindle that lake that burns with fire and brimstone, and when sinners shall be cast into it as so many pieces of wood, or as so many pieces of dry sticks, what will be their condition? It were good in time to fear falling into the hand…

They shall lay their hands on the sin, or sin-offering; because the sacrificed beast was typically to have the people's sins imputed to it, though properly, no man's sin is imputed to any, but to Christ. This is also clear, if we compare (Psalm 40:6) with (Hebrews 10:5-6). That…

If we would enumerate all things imaginable, and invent ways and means without number to remove sin, or to make a sinner's peace with God; there is no other means but this, that will do it. As we have it in Hebrews 10, Christ Jesus by his once offering up of himself, perfects fo…

We show that Jesus Christ is the only sin-offering, by which sin is taken away; and that it is implied here; so that it is denied to all other things, or means to have any efficacy, virtue, or merit in them, as to the removing of sin, and the curse brought on by it; this is, I s…

But we have this advantage by the Gospel; That in it, the Lord has showed to us, what it is that satisfies justice, and takes away sin, and the curse; and that it is even this in the text: You shall make his soul an offering for sin: There is no other thing that a sinner can bri…

Third, we would note that there is a great difference between faith and the effects of it, as peace, joy, assurance of God's love, and these other spiritual privileges that follow believing: it is one thing actually to believe, another thing to have the peace and joy that follow…

1. From the words complexly considered, observe, that Christ's having and obtaining of a Seed; His getting of souls to believe in Him; is a thing most welcome, and acceptable, both to Jehovah, that makes the Promise, and to the Mediator, to whom it is Promised; there is nothing…

It cannot surely be but a fully satisfying price, that such a person should suffer, and suffer so much; even to be put to soul-travail; for which there could be no reason, neither could it have any other end, but the satisfying of divine justice, for the sins of the elect; and c…

1. The sufferings that Christ has endured, and the satisfaction that He has made, in the room of sinners, as the next words hold out, "For he shall bear their iniquities" (Isaiah 53); and the final verse, "He bore the sin of many"; indeed, this is the great scope of the chapter;…

2. It's suitable and meet for the glory of the Mediator, and of his priesthood, that he should not be a priest for a time only, but forever; therefore, when he is brought in as a priest (Psalm 110, compared with Hebrews 7), He is preferred to the order of Aaron, and said to be a…

And this cannot but be a weighty part of his intercession, and very comforting to his people; his longing to have such and such a person converted, such and such a person more mortified, and more perfected, and made more conformed to him. There is a word (Hebrews 10:13) that giv…

4. Disposition for duty, and help in the performance of duty flows from his intercession. It is this that makes us pray, and that gives us boldness in prayer, and in other duties, that there is such a high Priest over the house of God, as it is (Hebrews 10:19-21). It is this tha…

And this keeps always the weight, and honor of our obtaining anything we seek, as a prerogative to Christ, and stops the person's own mouth, from looking to anything in itself to boast of; even as the Rebel has no cause to boast of his getting a hearing from the Prince, but give…

Thirdly, look further, to the greatness of this sin, in the strange names that the Lord puts upon it (1 John 5:11), "He that believes not, has made God a liar;" and is there any sin that has a grosser name or effect than this? For it receives not the report which He has given of…

3. You must die for sinners. This was the third demand; and Christ answers it (Psalm 40; Hebrews 10): You have given me a body, here am I to do your will. To all these three Christ answered with silence: and though in regard of his patience to men, it be said (Isaiah 53:7): He w…

He makes intercession for them that come to God through him (Hebrews 7:25). Who have a High Priest over the house of God (Hebrews 10:20-22). All these and many other places show the contrary.

God was in Christ (not imputing our sins to us, but) making him sin (2 Corinthians 5:20). Which covenant Christ came (at his time) into the world to fulfill: 'Sacrifice and burnt offering you would not have' (Hebrews 10:5) — 'Behold, I come to do your will,' and that will was to…

Be sure to please God, whoever else you displease. This was Enoch's wisdom (Hebrews 11:5). he had this testimony before he died, that he pleased God. Quest. What does this pleasing God imply?

Christ gives the soul a sight of glory, a prospect of eternity (2 Corinthians 4:18): We look not at things which are seen, but [illegible], things which are not seen. Moses saw him who is invisible (Hebrews 11:27). And the patriarchs saw a better country, namely an heavenly (Heb…

The ceremonies of the law which God himself ordained are now abrogated and out of date; Christ the substance being come, the shadows fly away; and therefore the Apostle calls the legal ceremonies carnal rites (Hebrews 9:10), and if not use those Jewish ceremonies which God did o…

In heaven the saints rest with him, on earth they walk with him. To walk with God is to walk by faith; we are said to draw near to God (Hebrews 10:22), and to see him (Hebrews 11:27), as seeing him who is invisible, and to have fellowship with him (Hosea 1:3). Or [⟨ in non-Latin…

The unregenerate man leaves out the chief spice in his duties, and that is faith. And (Hebrews 11:6): without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith lays hold on Christ, and so is accepted.

A moral person may give God outward obedience, and to the eyes of others it seems glorious, but his obedience is sour because it comes not from that sweet and pleasant root of faith. A child of God gives him the obedience of faith, and that meliorates and sweetens his services,…

Do we count all earthly enjoyments but as ([〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]) dung in comparison of Christ? (Philippians 3:8). do we prefer the worst things of Christ, before the best things of the world; the reproaches of Christ, before the world's embraces, (Hebrews 11:26). Quer. 2.…

It is not knowledge though angelic, not repentance though we could shed rivers of tears could justify us, only faith whereby we look on Christ. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), and if we do not please him by believing, he will not please us in saving…

This God is our God, Gnolam Vagned, forever and ever. Whatever worldly comforts we have, are but [in non-Latin alphabet], for a season (Hebrews 11:25). We must part with all, as Paul's friends did accompany him to the ship and there left him (Acts 20:28).

True love is not mercenary; a soul that is deeply in love with God, needs not be hired with rewards; he cannot but love God for the beauty of his holiness; not but that it is lawful to look at God's benefits. Moses had an eye to the recompense of reward (Hebrews 11:26). But we m…

Our obedience to God's commands must Profluere à Fide, spring from faith, therefore it is called the obedience of faith (Romans 16:26). Abel by faith offered up [illegible], a better sacrifice than Cain (Hebrews 11:4). Faith is a vital principle, without it all our services are…

Among the Romans the names of their senators were written down in a book, Patres conscripti; God enrolls the names of his children, and will not blot their names out of the register: (Revelation 3:5) I will not blot his name out of the book of life. God will not be ashamed of hi…

If God commands duty, (though cross to flesh and blood) faith obeys. Hebrews 11:8. By faith [reconstructed: Abraham] obeyed. Faith does not only believe the promise, but obey the command.

1. Implied, that there is a God: the question, What is God? takes it for granted that there is a God. The belief of God's essence is the foundation of all religious worship (Hebrews 11:6). He that comes to God must believe that he is [illegible: Greek text]; there must be a firs…

It bottles their tears (Psalm 56:8). It strengthens the saints in their weaknesses (Hebrews 11:34). It supplies all their wants out of its alms-basket (Psalm 23:5).

They choose Christ with his cross, but this cross leads to a crown. Moses chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God (Hebrews 11:25). It was a wise rational choice, he knew if he suffered he should reign.

The world is the place of a saint's abode, not of his delight; is it thus with us? Do we like the patriarchs of old desire a better country (Hebrews 11:16)? This is the temper of a true saint, his affections are set on the kingdom of God; his anchor is cast in Heaven, and he is…

Let us not hesitate through unbelief; doubting of principles is the next way to denying them: unbelief, as Samson, would pull down the pillars of religion; be confirmed in this, there is a kingdom of glory to come; whoever denies this cuts asunder the main article of the Creed,…

It has been ever the lot of the saints to encounter with sore trials; both of the prophets (James 5:10): Take my brethren the prophets for an example of suffering affliction: And of the apostles, Peter was crucified with his head downward, James beheaded by Herod, John banished…

Could we look through the perspective glass of faith, and take a view of heaven's glory, how small and minute would all other things appear. Moses slighted the honors of Pharaoh's Court, having an eye to the recompense of reward (Hebrews 11:26). Saint Paul who had a vision of gl…

While we live in this world, men who know no afflictions beyond what they see with their eyes and feel in the outward man — nothing beyond loss of friends and credit — often fear God less, and when they come to part with any of these for God are less willing. But when they shall…

HEBREWS 11:7. By Faith, Noah being warned of God of the things which were as yet not seen, moved with reverence, prepared the Ark to the saving of his household: through the which Ark he condemned the world, and was made heir of the righteousness, which is by faith.

Because here he is but a pilgrim, and lives in a cottage of clay, and in a tent wherein he must abide but a while, as a pilgrim does, oftentimes carrying his house about with him; and we shall in better sort accept the afflictions which God sends us in this life; if we remember…

2. He is of a noble spirit; he has the spirit of an heir, he scorns anything that is disingenuous and sordid; he can deny himself, but not disparage himself; he can be humble, but not base; he knows not how to palliate the sins of any, which were to wash the Devil's face: He can…

And in the same passage, verse 51, the ruler with his family is said to believe, who did no more than generally acknowledge that Christ was the Messiah and yielded himself to believe and obey his holy doctrine, being moved thereto by a miracle wrought upon his young son. And Rah…

(Romans 4:20-22) Paul says of Abraham, that he did not doubt of the promise of God through unbelief: but was strengthened in faith, and gave glory to God, being fully assured, that he who had promised was able to do it: where I observe first, that doubting is made a fruit of unb…

For then the second table gives place to the duties of the first (Mark 10:29). Second, for the time of persecution, men may withdraw themselves (just occasion offered) and go apart to wildernesses or like places (Hebrews 11:37). Yet for the time of peace I see no cause of solita…

When sufferings for religion grow hot, then blessed is he that is not offended in Christ. Troubles are then at a height: first, when a man's nearest friends and relations forsake and leave him — Micah 7:5-6; 2 Timothy 4:16; second, when it comes to resisting unto blood — Hebrews…

And it is ordinary among men, when you would commend the known worth of the artist, to say, He that wrought this, is such a man, so to commend the workmanship. And thus both when the holy Ghost speaks of this glory itself, (which is the end for which here) his style is, Whose Ma…

Death is a failing ('tis your city phrase also when a man proves bankrupt) — a statute of bankrupt comes forth then upon your old house (Statutum est omnibus semel mori) and upon all you have; and then it is that there is a receiving or entertaining that otherwise-desolate soul…

To give light to this, Paul had represented the story and case of Abraham, and the rest of the Patriarchs, in the verses before, to have been this; that God had indeed promised the Land of Canaan to him and them (verse 8-9), upon which, verse 13, it is said, that these all died…

If you improve well your hearing, you will get yet more, but so long as you take no heed how you hear, you cannot profit. A second ground or cause is this, that the most part of hearers never come to look on this word as the Word of God, they come never almost to have a historic…

2. We call for and commend this to you, that you would study to be thorough and clear as to the usefulness and excellency of Jesus Christ, as to the efficacy of His death, as to the terms of the covenant of grace, whereby a sinner comes to obtain right to Him; to be sensible of…

Before a soul can make use of His offering, it must know, its due was utter consumption. 2. We presuppose, that the soul is desirous to be at God, and to have peace with Him, to which end Christ is the [reconstructed: Means]; and there will be no respect had to the [reconstructe…

1. Look to all the promises, whether of pardon of sin, or of peace with God, of joy in the Holy Ghost, of holiness and conformity to God; there is no access to these, or to any of them but by faith; this is the very proper condition of the Covenant of Grace, and the door whereby…

2. There is need to take in this, held forth in God's promise in the Gospel; because, though Christ be the object of justifying faith, and His Righteousness be the ground of the soul's defense before God; yet God's promise must be looked on by faith, for the use making of Christ…

3. Consider that as sometimes knowledge is put for faith, so this assent may be put for faith, where yet more is implied in it, especially considering that, (Romans 10), faith is called, faith of the heart, with the heart man believes; now believing with the heart being an act o…

The first is, that so few of you tremble at the word of God; the historical faith that the devils have makes them tremble, but you have not that much; this is given as a property of a suitable hearer of the gospel, to whom the Lord will look (Isaiah 66:1-2), that he is one who t…

As to the second, to wit, the characters, or evidences of a person's making use of Christ's intercession, the first may be this: a constant use-making of Christ's satisfaction; when the soul is never quiet, but when it has a respect to that, and this use-making of Christ's satis…

When people believe not, it is as if they had never heard. 2. When you have attained to the knowledge of the common truths of the Gospel, as of your sin and misery, the nature of the covenant, the Mediator and his fullness, etc. labor to fix well the historical faith of them, we…

Tenthly, If it be considered, that it now neither grieves nor troubles any of all the glorified, triumphing, and palm-bearing company before the throne of God and of the Lamb, that they were exercised with so many, and so great trials and tribulations while they were here below;…

Third, in urging this doctrine more hardly upon the people, to cause them not to rest on the letter of the law, but seek to the promised Messiah, in whom only was their righteousness — as young heirs and minors are kept under tutors while their minority expires. But, first, who…

5. All within the visible Church, have means sufficient in their kind, in genere mediorum externorum, to save them. 6. As none can be saved by the light of nature, nor ever any used, or could use it so far forth, as to improve it for their sufficient preparation, to receive the…

The blood of sprinkling (says he) [speaks] better things than the blood of Abel. He makes Christ's very blood an Advocate to speak for us, though Christ himself were silent; as he says in another case, Abel, though dead, yet speaks, Hebrews 11:4 Many other things are said to cry…

For further opening this worship of Christ in our minds, because it is of singular importance, and may help and stay a poor Christian, when his heart may be most dead, and all other things fail him, yet this high esteem of Christ in his mind is never wanting to an honest hearted…

The obedience is little worth, which is carried on in an even tenor, when we have no temptation to the contrary, but is cast off as soon as we are tempted to disobey (James 1:12): Blessed is the man that endures temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of lif…

(1.) We get a sight of God, for in it (if it be seriously performed) we turn our back upon all other things, that we may look to God as sitting upon the throne, governing all things by his power for his glory. By faith we see the invisible one (Hebrews 11:27). Surely if we do no…

What was their tempting of Christ in the wilderness? If he be considered as God, he had a subsistence before he was incarnate of the Virgin; and in this sense, as they tempted God, so they may be said also to tempt Christ; for all the affliction, shame and disgrace, done to that…

That we may begin with God (Luke 14:26): If any man come to me and hate not father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters, indeed, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And also that we may be true to him, and go on with him and be fortified against…

Things unseen must be every day greatened in our eyes, that all our pursuit after things seen may be subordinated to our desires of, and labor after things unseen. There we must see the greatest reality, or else we have not the true Christian faith (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is the s…

If the Angels rejoiced so at the conversion of the Elect, first, how will they rejoice at their coronation! Secondly, there is the company of the Saints (Hebrews 12:23). The Spirits of just men made perfect.

So death makes all the chains of sin fall off (Acts 12:7). Believers at death are made perfect in holiness (Hebrews 12:23). The spirits of just men made perfect.

Ministers are earthen vessels, but these pitchers have lamps within them to light souls to Heaven. Christ is said to speak to us from Heaven now (Hebrews 12:25), namely by his ministers, as the king speaks by his ambassador. Such as wean themselves from the breast of ordinances,…

Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 12:24), etc. Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of saints.

So perhaps you think it is only the minister who speaks to you in the Word, but it is God himself who speaks. Therefore Christ is said (now) to speak to us from Heaven (Hebrews 12:25). How does he speak but by his ministers? as a king speaks by his ambassadors.

Though they are spirits, yet they are servants. God is [in non-Latin alphabet], a super-excellent Spirit, the Father of Spirits (Hebrews 12:9). 2. The soul is a spirit (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

Some pray that they may grow rich; but a fruitful heart is better than a full purse. Pray that God will make you grow in grace, though it be by affliction (Hebrews 12:10). The vine grows by pruning.

2. God adopts us to a state of dignity: God makes us heirs of promise; God installs us into honor (Isaiah 43:4): Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honorable. The adopted are God's treasure (Exodus 19:5), his jewels (Malachi 3:17), his firstborn (Hebrews 12:23).…

Is it any injustice in God to put his gold into the furnace to purify it? Is it any injustice in God by afflicting his people, to make them partakers of his holiness (Hebrews 12:10)? What does more proclaim God's faithfulness, than to take such a course with them as may make the…

If conscience be troubled, they strive to quiet it with their duties; this is not the right way to peace: duties must not be neglected, nor yet idolized. Look up to the blood of sprinkling (Hebrews 12:24). That blood of Christ which pacified God, must pacify conscience; Christ's…

These were stars in their orb, pillars in the temple of God. Let us look on their zeal and courage, and be animated (Hebrews 12:1). Seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Quest. How are they happy? Resp. 1. Because they are more holy (Hebrews 12:10). 2. Because they are more in God's favor (Proverbs 3:12).

Before they were proud and impatient, like stubborn children, that would struggle with their parents, but when their obstinate hearts are tamed, and they say as (Micah 7:9): I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him; and as Eli, It is the Lord, l…

God is angry in love; he smites that he may save. God's rod is not a rod of iron to break us, but a fatherly rod to humble us (Hebrews 12:10): He for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. Either God will mortify some corruption, or exercise some grace.

It would be sad, if as often as we break covenant with God, he should break covenant with us; but God will not take advantage of every failing, but in anger remember mercy. 2. The first covenant being broken, allowed the sinner no remedy, all doors of hope were shut: but the new…

What is the sending of the Spirit into the world for, but to anoint us with the holy unction (1 John 2:20)? What are all afflictions for, but to make us partakers of God's holiness (Hebrews 12:10)? What are mercies for, but lodestones to draw us to holiness?

David tasted the Word sweeter than the honey and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10). There is that in Scripture that may breed delight: it shows us the way to riches (Deuteronomy 28:5; Proverbs 3:16), to long life (Psalm 34:12), to a kingdom (Hebrews 12:28). Well then may we count thos…

The inward man is renewed. When God shakes the tree of the body, he is now gathering the fruits of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11). Sickness is God's lance to let out the imposthume of sin (Isaiah 27:9).

The good that I would I do not. Sin is compared to a weight (Hebrews 12:1). A man that has weights tied to his legs cannot run so fast: it is like that fish Pliny speaks of, a sea-lamprey, that cleaves to the keel of the ship, and hinders its progress when it is under sail.

It appears they have no love to God, who have no love to his children; they care not for their company; they have a secret disgust and antipathy against them. Hypocrites pretend great reverence to the saints departed, they canonize dead saints, but persecute living: I may say of…

If a man make a will, and settles his estate upon such persons as he names in the will, none else but they can lay claim to the will; so God makes a will and testament, but it is restrained and limited to such as are sanctified, and it is high presumption for any else to lay cla…

1. It is God that speaks to us in his Word; therefore the preaching of the Word is called the breath of his lips (Isaiah 11:4). And Christ is said now to speak to us from Heaven (Hebrews 12:25), as a King speaks in his ambassador. Ministers are but as the pipes and organs; it is…

Fifthly, The Natural Father. The father of the flesh (Hebrews 12:9). Honor your natural father.

We carry Christ's picture in our conversations (1 John 2:6). O let us labor for this soul-purity, without it there is no seeing of God (Hebrews 12:14). What communion has light with darkness?

[illegible], Chrysost. This is a kingdom which cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). A kingdom where there is unparalleled beauty, unstained honor, unmixed joy; a kingdom where there shall be nothing present, which we could wish were removed, nor nothing absent, which we could wish…

Answ. 1. There is kindness in affliction, in that there is love in it; [illegible], Chrysostom. God's rod and God's love may stand together (Hebrews 12:6). Whom the Lord loves he chastens, whom he pampers above the rest, so Mercer: as Abraham when he lifted up his hand to sacrif…

And such impressions of immediate wrath, as expressions and effects of God's anger, the Holy Ghost may make upon the spirit of his child: for it is a truth that God is angry and wroth with them when they sin, which anger he may make known not only by dumb signs in outward crosse…

Now therefore when the soul is most possessed with displeasure for sin and apprehensions of wrath, then it fears most, and fear works accordingly against that which may displease. Hence the apostle: 'Since our God is a consuming fire' (Hebrews 12:29), 'let us serve God acceptabl…

Second, when this fuel is taken away the fire goes out, and so do people's hearts die when outward things are taken from them. When Nabal thought David might still come and take his goods, his heart died within him. For people live in the creatures, and when those are gone they…

If God uses his children thus, 'Curse God and die,' says Job's wife, as the foolish men and women of the world do. Fourth, pass your sojourning here in fear and serve him with fear (1 Peter 1:17), for 'even our God is a consuming fire' (Hebrews 12). Keep your heart in awe with t…

You may be a child under wrath without being a child of wrath. God as he may afflict you in your estate and body, so he may afflict your spirit — as a Father, for in Hebrews 12:9 he is called 'the Father of spirits.' Ten directions for those who are more deeply troubled and the…

Secondly, this may teach Citizens, in the great, populous and pompous cities of this world, to labor also to be Citizens in heaven; for that is a city also, and the best on earth are but shadows of it. And it may shame them that are drowned in the pleasures and delicacies of ear…

For, as we may read in the History, after he had indeed blessed Jacob, supposing it had been Esau, when Esau came for his blessing with his venison, the Text says, Genesis 27:33, That Isaac was stricken with a marvelous great fear, and said, I have blessed him, and therefore he…

And the reason is rendered, They knew in themselves how that they had in heaven a better and more enduring substance. And our Savior Christ endured the Cross, and despised the shame, for the joy that was set before him, Hebrews 12:1; that is, in consideration of that joy in glor…

This Saint Paul showeth, when he saith, 2 Timothy 3.6, that certain simple women are laden with sin. Behold, sin is that that ladeth us: and the Author to the Hebrews, calleth sin the thing that hangeth on so fast, and presseth us down: (Hebrews 12.1). Therefore if we will be go…

God is termed a Father in respect both of nature and grace. He is a Father in regard of nature (Hebrews 12:9) because he created and governs all things. In this regard he is called the Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9), and Adam is called the Son of God (Luke 3:38).

He has God's free spirit (Psalm 51:12), which makes him free and cheerful in his obedience; the will is not compelled but changed; a regenerate person is drawn indeed by the Spirit, but sweetly, as one is drawn into a garden of spices by the fragrancy of their smell; he is drawn…

In the first estate, all afflictions are curses or legal punishments, be they little or great: but to them that are in the second estate and believe in Christ, though the same afflictions remain, yet do they change their condition, and are the actions of a Father serving to be t…

By this counsel of God they are ordained as means of much spiritual good to saints (Isaiah 27:9): 'By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged.' Hebrews 12:10: 'But he for our profit.' Romans 8:28: 'All things work together for good.'

1. This soul was by its first creation a spirit, and that in the substance or native kind thereof; and in that respect (considered apart from its union with the body) is in a more special manner allied to God, than all other creatures (but angels) are. You have the pedigree of m…

We also ought to be sensible of the stroke God puts upon our dear relations: but yet still we must weep, as if we wept not; that is, we must keep due bounds and moderation in our sorrows, and not be too deeply concerned for these dying short-lived things. To this purpose the Apo…

If you would take this way, even to eye and look to Christ as the author, and finisher of faith, and be in His common for it, through His grace it should go better with you. This is it which the Apostle has, Hebrews 12, where he calls to lay aside every weight, and the sin that…

And therefore remember 1. That although we tell you that works are not properly the condition of the covenant of grace, yet we say that faith and works are never separate in a justified person; sound faith cannot but work, and put on to the study of holiness. 2. We say, although…

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices; for Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true, but into heaven itsel…

Or what just reason can there be to be dissatisfied with, or to complain of God's giving to, and ordering that for us, whereof we stand in need, and which we cannot want without being considerably prejudiced and worsted by the want? Sixthly, if it be considered, that in all your…

The Lord suffered, and died; the ship was broken and did sink, the soul and body separated, and yet the Godhead remained in a personal union, one with the Manhood, as our soul and body remain together, while we live and subsist as entire persons. Use 1. Christ has suffered much…

That seeing of the salvation of God, is neither conversion, nor preparation of a people for Christ. 2. The phrase of seeing God, and the salvation of God, being set down as a powerful fruit of the Gospel, has never in Scripture so low a meaning as is not wanting to natural men,…

A forerunner is a forerunner of followers and of such as stay not long behind, and usually goes before as a harbinger to provide and take up lodgings for them that are to come, and writes the names of those who are to come over the doors of such and such rooms that they may not…

Second, for the same reason also, it became him that the whole work of our salvation first and last — every part and every step and degree of its accomplishment — should be so ordered that he should continue still to have as great and continual a hand in every part, even to the…

We may warrantably say Christ shall be more gladde then, (and is now) as his children are growne up from under their infirmities, and as they do become more obedient and comfortable in their spirits, so John 15:10, 11. I shall adde some illustration to this by this similitude (w…

Use 1. See here the excellency of the divine nature in its immutability: this is the glory of the Godhead. Mutableness denotes weakness; it is not so in God, he is the same yesterday and today, and for ever (Hebrews 13:8). Men are fickle and mutable, like Reuben, unstable as wat…

From where is it that so much fraudulency in dealing, so much falseness in friendship, such crosses in relations; from where is it children prove undutiful, they that should be as the staff of the parents' age, are a sword to pierce their hearts: from where is it servants are un…

(Psalm 119:30) I have chosen the way of truth, I have stuck to your testimonies. Secondly, Get a real work of grace in your heart (Hebrews 13:9). It is a good thing that the heart [reconstructed: be] established with grace.

God has threatened to wound the hairy scalp of every one that goes on still in his trespasses (Psalm 68:21). He has threatened to judge adulterers (Hebrews 13:3), to be avenged upon the malicious (Psalm 10:14). You behold mischief and spite, to requite it with your own hand: to…

They who have God to be their Father, follow peace as well as holiness. God the Father is called the God of Peace (Hebrews 13:20). God the Son, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

(1 Corinthians 7:2) Let every man have his own wife, and every woman have her own husband. Marriage is honorable, and the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). God did institute marriage in Paradise; he brought the woman to the man (Genesis 2:22).

(2.) The house-thief, who purloins and filches out of his master's cash, or steals his wares and drugs. The Apostle says, Some have entertained angels into their houses unawares (Hebrews 13:2). But many masters have entertained thieves into their houses unawares.

3. Take heed of the sin of uncleanness. (Hebrews 13:4). Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Such as burn in uncleanness, are in great danger to burn one day in hell.

Covetous persons forget this prayer, Give us daily bread — that which may satisfy nature — but they are insatiable in their desire. O let us take heed of this dry dropsy (Hebrews 13:5): Be content with such things as you have. Natura parvo dimittitur (Seneca).

And thus they did, because (as the Apostle says) they had here no enduring city, but they sought for one to come. Hebrews 13:14. And they thought, they ever heard that voice sounding in their ears, (Micah 2:10) Arise and depart, for this is not your rest.

Luke 6. 36. Be you merciful, [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], as your Father also is merciful. Argument 3. 3. Argument. Alms are a sacrifice, Hebrews 13. 16. To do good, and to communicate, forget not, for with such sacrifices God is wellpleased.[⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩] When you…

They are the beams of the Sun of Righteousness, the pleasant streams that run in the paradise of Scripture: Behold a blessed promise (Romans 8:28). All things shall work for good; but to whom? to them that love God: All mercies shall work for their good; they shall be footstools…

The Supper of the Lord is a sacrifice and may truly be so called as it has been in former ages, and that in three respects. First, because it is a memorial of the real sacrifice of Christ upon the cross, and contains withal a thanksgiving to God for the same — which thanksgiving…

1 Timothy 4:1: It is a doctrine of devils to forbid to marry. Hebrews 13:4: Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled. Again, this vow is not in the power of him that vows, for continency is the gift of God, who gives it not to all but to whom he will and when he wi…

But will God do so? No, no: 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5). Indeed, if adversity and poverty could bar you from access to God, it were a sad condition; but you may go to God as freely as ever.

1. Sometimes they are taken improperly for duties; as alms, prayers, praises, etc. (Psalm 51). The sacrifice of a broken heart you will not despise. So also (Hebrews 13:15-16). 2. They are taken more properly for such sacrifices as were offered under the law; as of bullocks, lam…

And we may add, that he so makes use of Christ; as that he dare not go to God without Him; as the word is (Hebrews 7:25): "those that come to God by Him"; he comes to God by Christ, in prayer, in praises, and in every other duty of worship. The Apostle, to this purpose, says (He…

1. An humiliation, and inferiority, in respect of God, as it is said (Philippians 2), he humbled himself, and became of no reputation; in which respect, he himself says, that the Father is greater than he; and that he is sent, that he came not to do his own will, but the will of…

Therefore, (1 John 2:2) it's said, If any man sin: O, strange word, We have an advocate, what, an advocate for any man? Indeed, for any man that will make use of him: for as we showed before, though it's true that his intercession is bounded to his elect, yet it's as true, that…

Second, if our condition be, or seem to be more comforting, and cheerful, there would be an improving of Christ's intercession, lest our cheerfulness grow carnal, which it cannot otherwise be; but when he is acknowledged to be the author of our comfort, and cheerfulness; when he…

3. The respect that a faithful minister has to the duty in his hand, has influence on this; for such a one loves to perform his duty neatly, and to go neatly and lively about it, and the unbelief and unfruitfulness of the people clogs him in his duty, and makes him drive heavily…

Fifth, indeed, the law was no less a letter of condemnation to them than to us (Romans 8:3; Romans 10:3; Deuteronomy 27:26; Galatians 3:10, 13; 2 Corinthians 3:7-8, 13-15). Sixth, they drank of the same spiritual rock with us, and the rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-4; Hebre…

Now was Christ by the blood of the eternal covenant, brought back from the death, and made a Shepherd of souls, to the end he might have power to destroy all the flock? Ezekiel says, to feed them; the Apostle, to make the saints perfect in every good work, working in them (actua…

Then second, when he had killed it, he was to enter with the blood of it into the holy of holies and sprinkle the mercy seat with it (verse 14, 17) and to go in with incense and cause a cloud to arise over the mercy seat. This you have also in Hebrews 13:11, where it is said tha…

But these relations of Christ to us, were made in order to the world to come (as the Epistle to the Hebrews calls it:) and therefore are in their full vigor and strength, and receive their complement therein. Therefore it is, that Christ is said to be the same today, yesterday,…

[Remember me when you come into your Kingdom] said the good thief to Christ; And (Revelation 1) I am he (says Christ) that was dead, and am alive: He remembers his death still, and the sufferings of it; and as he remembers it, to put his Father in mind thereof, so he remembers i…

Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. And by his faithful promise (Hebrews 13:5): He has said I will never leave you, nor forsake you. And he will give us every good thing while we fear him (Psalm 34:9-10).

The way of the wicked is an increasing darkness, ignorance, sin, outer darkness. 2. Be contented to be like Christ in reproaches, disgraces, and neglect in the world, that you may be like him in glory, bear the reproach of Christ (Hebrews 13:13). Let us go forth therefore to him…

"Seek you first the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof, and all these things shall be added to you." It may be you have less than those that indulge themselves in all manner of shifts and wiles, but you shall have enough, not to be left wholly destitute (Hebrews 13:5)…

Evidences of this are his resurrection from the dead (Acts 5:30-31): The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you slew and hanged on a tree; him has God exalted with his right hand, to be a prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. Hebrews 13:…

And next verse, Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands as to the Lord." So alms are a sacrifice, (Hebrews 13:16) "But to do good, and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." 3. Worship and serve God so, as it may look like worship and serv…

Hear him, and (Matthew 23:8): One is your Doctor, namely Christ. And he is called the great shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20). His office is in three things.

And it is not sufficient now and then to make a discourse upon a text. Thirdly, ministers of the word must be watchmen (Ezekiel 3:14), and (Hebrews 13:17): their office is not only to gain and call men to God, but also to preserve and keep them in Christ, which are already calle…

Answer. Conscience here is not in respect of the laws of the magistrate, but in respect of the law of God, that binds us in conscience to obey the law of the magistrate. Objection 2. Hebrews 13:17. Obey them that have the oversight of you, and be subject. Answer. We must be subj…

First, by suffering bodily affliction, we are made conformable to Christ, and fulfill the rest of the afflictions of Christ in our flesh (Colossians 1:24). Secondly, they teach us to have a sympathy and fellow feeling of the miseries of our brethren, to remember those that are i…

Another sentence also must be kept in mind, which testifies that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Let us also note that the Prophet affirms, that whatever is given to the poor, is consecrated to God: which the Holy Spirit also in another place teaches; With such s…

In the mean while let us not be overly hasty to think God has forgotten to be just, for he concluded that which he meant to do, and that long before we had ability to think of it: neither can we possibly be so swift in wishing the speedy cutting off of the wicked, but the Lord h…

If I distribute all my goods to the poor, says Saint Paul, and have not love; I am nothing: (1 Corinthians 13:3). Thus then to pour out the soul, signifies nothing else but to pity our brethren's miseries, and to be as much affected with their wants, as if we ourselves were affl…

I speak of the ministers whom Christ has appointed to feed his flock, not of those whom the Pope commissions, as executioners rather than priests, to murder Christ. Let us therefore rest in the decision of the Spirit, which pronounces that “marriage is honorable in all,” (Hebrew…

For it would be of no advantage to us, that Christ was given by the Father as "the author of eternal salvations" (Hebrews 5:9,) unless he had been given indiscriminately to all. Besides, that saying of the Apostle would not be true, that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and…

God does not extort a tax, to be paid "grudgingly or of necessity" by those who, but for that necessity, would have chosen not to pay it: "for the Lord loves a" willing and "cheerful giver," (2 Corinthians 9:7.) I make this observation, because it is of great consequence for men…

The only cure for covetousness is to embrace the promises of God, by which he assures us that he will take care of us. In the same manner, the Apostle, wishing to withdraw believers from covetousness, confirms that doctrine: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake y…

Who sees not the faithfulness of God in the Promises, that has but an heart to trust God in them! The Word of Promise assures us, that whatever wants or straits the saints all into, their God will never leave them, nor forsake them, Hebrews 13:5 that he will be with them in trou…

Though the wisdom of Providence has ordered you a lower, and poorer condition than others, yet (1.) Consider how many there be that are lower than you in the world: you have but little of the world; yet others have less. Read the description of those persons, Job 30. 4, &c. (2.)…

After which, if Paul took him along with him to Jerusalem, this is no derogation to his Episcopacy. And if Timothy were yet, after this, prisoner with St. Paul at Rome (as you argue from Hebrews 13:23), this is no derogation from his Episcopacy at Ephesus. But to cut the sinews…

The third part of our office consists in ruling; which though our Bishops (you say) assumed to themselves, you will discover to have been committed to, and exercised by Presbyterial hands. For evidence whereof you cite (Hebrews 13:17): Obey them that have the rule over you, for…

And Beza upon the place: it appears from here that the Church was governed by pastors in common, and that the degree of a Bishop was not thought of, and therefore ([in non-Latin alphabet]) to rule, is the same with ([in non-Latin alphabet]) to lead, because the shepherds are acc…

It is the comfort of the people of God, that they know how to be alone, and yet can never be alone: though they be left of all visible friends, yet they have an invisible friend who will visit them, stay with them by day, and watch with them by night, for he has said, I will nev…

For in this testament of God and Abraham's bosom did they all remain by steadfast faith, and therefore are saved: saving that they believed in the seed that was promised and for to come, but we believe in the seed that has appeared and is given. Nevertheless the truth of the pro…

Why then it is evident that the continual sacrifice of the Mass is necessary in the church, and that without it there is no true worship of God; and so they are quickly come home to their advantage and profit; the Mass being that inexhaustible Spring of Revenue which feeds their…