A53678:304
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 6 › Exegesis of verses 4, 5, 6: Verse 4, 5, 6.
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.
Thirdly, Things are possible or impossible with respect unto the Rule and Order of all things that God hath appointed. When in things of Duty God hath neither expressly commanded them, nor appointed means for the Performance of them, then are we to look upon them as impossible, and then with respect unto us they are so absolutely, and so to be esteemed. And this is the Impossibility here principally intended. It is a thing that God hath neither commanded us to endeavour, nor appointed means to attain it, nor promised to assist us in it. It is therefore that which we have no reason to look after, attempt or expect, as being not possible by any Law, Rule, or Constitution of God.
Thirdly, Things are possible or impossible with respect unto the Rule and Order of all things that God hath appointed. When in things of Duty God hath neither expresly commanded them, nor appointed means for the Performance of them, then are we to look upon them as impossible, and then with respect unto us they are so absolutely, and so to be esteemed. And this is the Impossibility here principally intended. It is a thing that God hath neither commanded us to endeavour, nor appointed means to attain it, nor promised to assist us in it. It is therefore that which we have no reason to look after, attempt or expect, as being not possible by any Law, Rule, or Constitution of God.
The Apostle instructs us no farther in the nature of future events, but as our own Duty is concerned in them. It is not for us either to look or hope, or pray for, or endeavour the Renewal of such Persons unto Repentance. God gives Law unto us in these things, not unto himself. It may be possible with God for ought we know, if there be not a contradiction in it unto any of the Holy Properties of his Nature; only he will not have us to expect any such things from him, nor hath he appointed any means for us to endeavour it. What he shall do, we ought thankfully to accept; but our own Duty towards such persons is absolutely at an end. And indeed they put themselves wholly out of our reach.