A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

First, That it is the Effect or End, or Necessary consequent of a Priesthood. This Supposition is the Foundation of the whole Argument of the Apostle. Now the Office and Work may be considered two ways. (1.) With respect unto God, who is the first immediate Object of all the proper Acts of that Office. (2.) With respect unto the Church, which is the Subject of all the Fruits and Benefits of its Administration.

If we take it in the first way, then the Expiation of Sin is intended in this word. For this was the great Act and Duty of the Priesthood towards God, namely, to make Expiation of Sin, or Atonement for it by Sacrifice. And if we take the word in this sense, the Apostle's Assertion is most true. For this Perfection was never attainable by the Levitical Priesthood. It could Expiate sin, and make Atonement only Typically, and by way of Representation, really and effectually as to all the Ends of Spiritual Reconciliation unto God, and the Pardon of sin they could not do it. For it was not possible, as our Apostle observes, that the Blood of Bulls and Goats should take away sins, Chap. 10. 4. which he also proves in his ensuing Discourse at large. But I do not know that this word is any where used in this sense, nor doth it include any such signification. And whereas God is the immediate Object of that Sacerdotal Energy whereby sin is Expiated, it is the Church that is here said to be Perfected; so that Expiation of sin cannot be intended thereby, though it be supposed therein. Besides the Apostle doth not here understand Sacrifices only, by which alone atonement was made, but all other Administrations of the Levitical Priesthood whatever.

If we take it in the first way, then the Expiation of Sin is intended in this word. For this was the great Act and Duty of the Priesthood towards God, namely, to make Expiation of Sin, or Attonement for it by Sacrifice. And if we take the word in this sence, the Apostle's Assertion is most true. For this Perfection was never attainable by the Levitical Priesthood. It could Expiate sin, and make Attonement only Typically, and by way of Representation, really and effectually as to all the Ends of Spiritual Reconciliation unto God, and the Pardon of sin they could not do it. For it was not possible, as our Apostle observes, that the Blood of Bulls and Goats should take away sins, Chap. 10. 4. which he also proves in his ensuing Discourse at large. But I do not know that this word is any where used in this sence, nor doth it include any such signification. And whereas God is the immediate Object of that Sacerdotal Energy whereby sin is Expiated, it is the Church that is here said to be Perfected; so that Expiation of sin cannot be intended thereby, though it be supposed therein. Besides the Apostle doth not here understand Sacrifices onely, by which alone attonement was made, but all other Administrations of the Levitical Priesthood whatever.