A53678:620
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
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.
2. He gives a new direction and encouragement unto them for the performance of the Duty exhorted unto, which also guides them in the manner of its performance. And herein he coucheth an Introduction to a discourse of another nature which immediately ensues, as was observed. But be ye followers.
3. This direction and encouragement consists in the proposal of an Example of others unto them, who performed the Duty which he exhorts them unto. And as for their direction he declares unto them how they did it, even by Faith and Patience; so for their Encouragement he minds them of what they obtained thereby, or do so, they inherited the Promises of God.
1. The Apostle cautions the Hebrews against that which would, if admitted, frustrate his Exhortation and effectually keep them off from the Duty exhorted unto. 1[Greek or Hebrew], that you be not segnes, molls, ignavi, heavy and slothful. He had before charged them that they were [Greek or Hebrew], chap. 5. 11. dull or slothful in hearing, not absolutely but comparatively, they were not so diligent or industrious therein as they ought to have been; or the Reproof concerned some of them only. Here he warns them not to be [Greek or Hebrew], slothful in works or working in practical Duties. We are slothful in hearing when we do not learn the Truths of the Gospel with diligence and industry, when we do not take them into our minds and understandings by the diligent use of the means appointed unto that end. And we are slothful in practice when we do not stir up our selves unto the due exercise of those Graces, and discharge of those Duties, which the Truth wherein we are instructed directs unto, and requires of us. And this sloth is opposed [Greek or Hebrew], ver. 11. a diligent and sedulous endeavour in the performance of our Duty. Show diligence, and be not slothful. And this Vice our Holy Apostle according to his great wisdom and care frequently warns the Hebrews against in this Epistle. For he knew that the utmost intension of our spirits, the utmost diligence of our minds and endeavours of our whole Souls are required unto an useful continuance in our Profession and Obedience. This God requireth of us, this the nature of the things themselves about which we are conversant deserveth, and necessary it is unto the end which we aim at. If we faint or grow negligent in our Duty, if careless or slothful, we shall never hold out unto the end; or if we do continue in such a formal course as will consist with this sloth, we shall never come to the blessed end which we expect or look for. The Oppositions and Difficulties which we shall assuredly meet withal from within and without, will not give way unto faint and languid endeavours. Nor will the holy God prostitute Eternal Rewards unto those who have no more regard unto them, but to give up themselves unto sloth in their pursuit. Our course of Obedience is called running in a Race, and fighting as in a Battle, and those who are [Greek or Hebrew] on such occasions, will never be crowned with Victory.