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

[Greek or Hebrew]; For; Expositors agree that this causal Connection doth not infer a reason or enforcement of the preceding Exhortation unto Faith and directly: But it gives an ¹account wherefore he proposed unto them the Examples of their Fore-fathers, as those who through Faith and Patience inherited the Promises. For that they did so really and truly he proves by an Instance above all exception, producing the Example of one which he knew would be most forcible and prevalent with them. It is evident that they by Faith and Patience obtained the Promise, for so did Abraham, the grounds whereof he particularly declares.

〈non-Latin alphabet〉; For; Expositors agree that this causal Connexion doth not infer a reason or enforcement of the preceding Exhortation unto Faith and directly: But it gives an ¹account wherefore he proposed unto them the Examples of their Fore-fathers, as those who through Faith and Patience inherited the Promises. For that they did so really and truly he proves by an Instance above all exception, producing the Example of one which he knew would be most forcible and prevalent with them. It is evident that they by Faith and Patience obtained the Promise, for so did Abraham, the grounds whereof he particularly declares.

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

But this in my Judgement compriseth not the whole scope and design of the Apostle in the Introduction of this Example. He hath yet a farther aim in it which we must enquire into. Wherefore (1) having carried on his paraenetical discourse concerning fruitfulness in Profession, with constancy in Faith and Patience, unto a Declaration of the end of all Graces and Duties, which is the enjoyment of the Promise, he takes occasion thence to declare unto them the nature of the Gospel, and the Mediation of Christ therein proposed unto them, unto constancy in the Faith and Profession whereof he had so exhorted them. To this end he lets them know that they were nothing but the Accomplishment of the great Promise made unto Abraham, which as themselves acknowledged to be the Foundation of all their hopes and expectations, so also that it had not been before perfectly fulfilled. In that Promise both the great blessing of Christ himself, and the whole work of his Mediation were included. Wherefore on this account doth he insist so largely on this Promise and the confirmation of it, and issueth his discourse in the Introduction of Christ according unto it. (2) He further designs to manifest that the Promise as to the substance of it belongs no less unto all Believers than it did to Abraham, and that all the benefits contained therein are by the Oath of God secured unto them all.