A53678:1717
A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…
A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews viz, on the sixth, seventh, eight, ninth, and tenth chapters : wherein together with the explication of the text and context, the priesthood of Christ ... are declared, explained and confirmed : as also, the pleas of the Jews for the continuance and perpetuity of their legal worship, with the doctrine of the principal writers of the Socinians about these things, are examined and disproved / by J. Owen ...
London: printed for Nathaniel Ponder, 1680
Exegesis of chapter 7 › Exegesis of verses 23, 24, 25: VER. 23, 24, 25.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
By Succession these High Priests were many. For from Aaron the first of them unto Phinehas, who was destroyed with the Temple, there were inclusively four-score and three High Priests. Of these, thirteen lived under the Tabernacle, before the building of the Temple by Solomon; Eighteen under the first Temple unto its Destruction by the Babylonians; and all the rest lived under the second Temple, which yet stood no longer than the first. And the Multiplication of High Priests under the second Temple, the Jews look upon as a Punishment and token of Gods displeasure: for because of the sins of a Nation, their Rulers are many, and frequently changed.
By Succession these High Priests were many. For from Aaron the first of them unto Phineas, who was destroyed with the Temple, there were inclusively four-score and three High Priests. Of these, thirteen lived under the Tabernacle, before the building of the Temple by Solomon; Eighteen under the first Temple unto its Destruction by the Babylonians; and all the rest lived under the second Temple, which yet stood no longer than the first. And the Multiplication of High Priests under the second Temple, the Jews look upon as a Punishment and token of Gods displeasure: for because of the sins of a Nation, their Rulers are many, and frequently changed.
Whatever Advantages there may be in an orderly Succession, yet is it absolutely an Evidence of Imperfection. And by the Appointment of this Order God signified an Imperfection and Mutability in that Church state. Succession indeed was a Relief against death; but it was but a Relief, and so supposed a want and weakness. ⟨p. 230⟩Under the Gospel it is not so, as we shall see afterwards. Observe, that
God will not fail to provide Instruments for his work that he hath to accomplish. If many Priests be needful, many the Church shall have.