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

We need not precisely to determine this Connection, so as to Exclude either Intention. Yea it may be the Apostle having respect unto the preceding Discourse, and considering thereon both the present condition of the Hebrews, as also the necessity that there was of instructing them in the mystery of the Priesthood of Christ, without the Knowledge whereof they could not be freed from their entanglements unto the Aaronical Priesthood and Ceremonies which were yet in Use and Exercise among them, doth intend in this Inference from thence, both his own Duty and theirs; that he should proceed unto their farther Instruction, and that they should stir up themselves to learn and profit accordingly. This the Duty of his Office and Care of them, and this their Advantage and Edification required. For this alone was the great means and expedient to bring them off in a due manner and upon right grounds, from that compliance with Judaism, which God would now no longer connive at, nor tolerate the practice of, as that which was inconsistent with the Nature and Design of the Gospel. And it is apparent that before the writing of this Epistle, they were not sufficiently convinced that there was an absolute End put unto all Mosaical Institutions. For notwithstanding their Profession of the Gospel, they still thought it their Duty to abide in the Observation of them. But now the Apostle designs their Instruction in that mystery, which particularly evinceth their Inconsistency with Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and Obedience unto him.

We need not precisely to determine this Connexion, so as to Exclude either Intention. Yea it may be the Apostle having respect unto the preceding Discourse, and considering thereon both the present condition of the Hebrews, as also the necessity that there was of instructing them in the mystery of the Priesthood of Christ, without the Knowledge whereof they could not be freed from their entanglements unto the Aaronical Priesthood and Ceremonies which were yet in Use and Exercise among them, doth intend in this Inference from thence, both his own Duty and theirs; that he should proceed unto their farther Instruction, and that they should stir up themselves to learn and profit accordingly. This the Duty of his Office and Care of them, and this their Advantage and Edification required. For this alone was the great means and expedient to bring them off in a due manner and upon right grounds, from that compliance with Judaisme, which God would now no longer connive at, nor tolerate the practice of, as that which was inconsistent with the Nature and Design of the Gospel. And it is apparent that before the writing of this Epistle, they were not sufficiently convinced that there was an absolute End put unto all Mosaical Institutions. For notwithstanding their Profession of the Gospel, they still thought it their Duty to abide in the Observation of them. But now the Apostle designs their Instruction in that mystery, which particularly evinceth their Inconsistency with Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and Obedience unto him.