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

As to the sense of the first, it is plain that the Apostle in the foregoing Verses had proposed ¹or mentioned two things of very divers natures. The first hereof is, going on to perfection, ver. 1. and the other, the laying again of the foundation, ver. 2. Hence it is doubted and enquired, whether of these it be that the Apostle hath respect unto in these words, And this we will do.

1. 1[Greek or Hebrew]〈non-Latin alphabet〉

This we will do, that is, either we will go on to perfection, which was exhorted unto ver. 1. and so is the more remote antecedent; or this will we do, laying again the foundation, which is the next antecedent, whereunto [Greek or Hebrew] seems to relate. And this sundry Expositors adhere unto. But there are some things which make it evident, that respect is had herein to the former and more remote antecedent, namely, going on to perfection. And they are, first what the Apostle saith, and then what he doth. In what he saith, his manner of expressing these things is considerable; for as to the latter he twice intimates his intention to omit their farther handling. Therefore leaving, or at present omitting the principles of the Doctrine of Christ, and, not laying again the foundation, ver. 1. Hereunto if we refer these words, And this will we do if God permit, they rather signify the present leaving of them, than their farther handling. And he not only declares his resolution to omit them, but also gives a sufficient reason why he would do so. And this is expressed in the last Verses of the Chapter foregoing. They had already had both time and means sufficient for their instruction in these principles so that to inculcate them on those by whom they were learned and received was needless; and for those, who had either not received them, or rejected them, it was to no purpose farther to treat with them about these things, which he confirms with a severe reason and dreadful consideration, ver. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. But things are otherwise expressed concerning the other antecedent. He speaks of it positively as that which was in his purpose and design, Let us, saith he, go on to perfection, I in teaching, ye in learning, and this will we do if God permit. (2) His intention is no less evident from what he doth in this Epistle; There is indeed in this Chapter, and the last Chapter of it, mention made about Repentance, Faith, Patience, Obedience, the Worship of God, and the like; but not as principles of Doctrine, to be laid as foundation, but as Graces to be practised in the course of their Edification.