A53678:337
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 7, 8: VERSE 7, 8.
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.
(3) The Earth by and of it self, in the state wherein it is, brings forth nothing that is good or useful. Upon its first Creation it was inlaid and impregnated by the Blessing of God with all Seeds of useful Herbs and Fruits. But after the entrance of Sin, its Womb was cursed with Barrenness as unto its first usefulness, and brings forth nothing of it self but Thorns, Briars, and noxious Weeds, at least those in such abundance as to choke and corrupt all the Remainders of useful Seeds and Plants in it. It is like the Field of the slothful grown over with Thorns, and Nettles cover the face thereof. Especially it is condemned to utter Barrenness, if the Rain fall not on it; whereof afterwards. And such are the Hearts and Minds of men by nature. They are dark, barren, unprofitable, and which without Divine Culture will bring forth no Fruits of Righteousness that are acceptable unto God. All that of themselves they can bring forth are noxious Weeds. Among the Weeds of unmanured Earth some are painted with alluring Colours, but they are but Weeds still; and among the Fruits of unsanctified Minds some may carry a more specious appearance than others; but they are all, spiritually considered, Sins and Vices still. So then the common subject of the similitude is plain and instructive. And we may in our passage observe that,
The Minds of all men by Nature are universally and equally barren with respect unto Fruits of Righteousness and Holiness, meet for and acceptable unto God. They are all 1as the Earth under the Curse. There is a natural Difference among men as unto their Intellectual Abilities. Some are of a far more piercing and sagacious Understanding, and of a sounder judgement than others. Some have a natural temper and inclination disposing them unto Gentleness, Sobriety and Modesty; when others from their constitution are Morose, Passionate and Perverse.
- 1Obser.