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

But the Lord Christ by the one Offering of himself wrought this effect really, perfectly, and absolutely by its own value and Efficacy according unto the Constitution of God. But this is not the Perfection here intended by the Apostle.

Secondly, This [Greek or Hebrew] respects the Church, which is the Subject of all the Benefits of the Priesthood, and it is that perfect state of the Church in this World, which God from the beginning designed unto it. He entered upon its Erection in the first Promise, with respect unto his Worship, and the blessed Condition of the Church it self. Hereon, and with respect hereunto, is the Church-state of the Old Testament said to be weak and imperfect like that of a Child under Governors and Tutors. Hence also it had a Yoke imposed on it, causing fear and bondage; God having Ordained better things for us, or the Church under the New Testament, [Greek or Hebrew], Heb. 11. 40, That they without us should not be consummate, or made perfect in their Church-state. And this state of the Church is expressed by this word in other places, as we shall see. The Foundation of it was laid in that word of our Saviour wherewith he gave up the Ghost, [Greek or Hebrew], John 19. 30. It is finished or completed; that is, all things belonging unto that great Sacrifice whereby the Church was to be perfected, were accomplished. For he had respect unto all that the Prophets had fore-told; all that he was to do in this World, and the consummation of the Church was to ensue thereon, when by one Offering he for ever perfected them that are Sanctified. And those who were throughly instructed in the Privileges of this Church-state, and had a sense of the Benefits thereof, are called [Greek or Hebrew], perfect, 1 Cor. 2. 6. We speak Wisdom [Greek or Hebrew], the Mysteries of the Gospel wherein such Persons discerned the Wisdom of God. And so are they called,