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

1. The Design of the Apostle as we observed before, was not to prove the Reality of his Priesthood, that he was truly a Priest; nor yet absolutely the Qualifications of his Person, but his Dignity and Excellency. For our Lord Jesus Christ when he was on the earth, and whilst he offered up to God his great propitiatory Sacrifice, was as unto his outward state and condition inferior unto the Levitical High Priests, who were in great honour and veneration among the People. But the state and condition of any in the bearing and discharge of an Office, is not to be esteemed and reckoned from what he condescends unto with respect unto any action or duty belonging unto that Office. For a King may condescend unto very mean Services, when the condition of his Subjects and good of the Kingdom require it of him. But it is to be reckoned from his durable estate, and perpetual abode therein. Now although our Lord Christ was for a season in a condition of deep humiliation, taking on him the form of a servant, and being esteemed even as a worm and no man, which was necessary unto the Sacrifice he had to offer; yet as unto his durable state wherein he continues in the discharge of his Office, he is incomparably exalted above all the High Priests under the Law. And this is that which the Apostle designs here to declare. For what did the High Priest do, after he had offered the Anniversary Sacrifice of Expiation unto God? He entered indeed into the Holy Place, with the blood of the Sacrifice, presenting it there before the august Pledges of the presence of God. But all the while he was there, he stood before the Typical Throne or Ark and Mercy-seat, with Holy Awe and Reverence. And immediately on the discharge of his present Duty, he was to withdraw and go out of the Holy Place. A great Privilege this was, and a great Honour was herein put on the High Priest. For all others, both Priests and People, were everlastingly excluded out of that Sanctuary. But what is this unto the Glory of our High Priest? For after he had offered his great Sacrifice unto God, he entered not into the Holy Place made with hands, but into Heaven it self. And he entered not to stand with humble Reverence before the Throne, but to sit on the Throne of God at his right hand. Nor did he do so to abide there for a season, but for evermore.

1. The Design of the Apostle as we observed before, was not to prove the Reality of his Priesthood, that he was truly a Priest; nor yet absolutely the Qualifications of his Person, but his Dignity and Excellency. For our Lord Jesus Christ when he was on the earth, and whil'st he offer'd up to God his great propitiatory Sacrifice, was as unto his outward state and condition inferior unto the Levitical High Priests, who were in great honour and veneration among the People. But the state and condition of any in the bearing and discharge of an Office, is not to be esteemed and reckoned from what he condescends unto with respect unto any action or duty belonging unto that Office. For a King may condescend unto very mean Services, when the condition of his Subjects and good of the Kingdom require it of him. But it is to be reckoned from his durable estate, and perpetual abode therein. Now although our Lord Christ was for a season in a condition of deep humiliation, taking on him the form of a servant, and being esteemed even as a worm and no man, which was necessary unto the Sacrifice he had to offer; yet as unto his durable state wherein he continues in the discharge of his Office, he is incomparably exalted above all the High Priests under the Law. And this is that which the Apostle designs here to declare. For what did the High Priest do, after he had offered the Anniversary Sacrifice of Expiation unto God? He entred indeed into the Holy Place, with the blood of the Sacrifice, presenting it there before the august Pledges of the presence of God. But all the while he was there, he stood before the Typical Throne or Ark and Mercy-seat, with Holy Awe and Reverence. And immediately on the discharge of his present Duty, he was to withdraw and go out of the Holy Place. A great Priviledge this was, and a great Honor was herein put on the High Priest. For all others, both Priests and People, were everlastingly excluded out of that Sanctuary. But what is this unto the Glory of our High Priest? For after he had offered his great Sacrifice unto God, he entred not into the Holy Place made with hands, but into Heaven it self. And he entred not to stand with humble Reverence before the Throne, but to sit on the Throne of God at his right hand. Nor did he do so to abide there for a season, but for evermore.