A53696:889
Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews
Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews also concerning the Messiah wherein the promises concerning him to be a spiritual redeemer of mankind are explained and vindicated, his coming and accomplishment of his work according to the promises is proved and confirmed, the person, or who he is, is declared, the whole economy of the mosaical law, rites, worship, and sacrifice is explained : and in all the doctrine of the person, office, and work of the Messiah is opened, the nature and demerit of the first sin is unfolded, the opinions and traditions of the ancient and modern Jews are examined, their objections against the Lord Christ and the Gospel are answered, the time of the coming of the Messiah is stated, and the great fundamental truths of the Gospel vindicated : with an exposition and discourses on the two first chapters of the said epistle to the Hebrews / by J. Owen ...Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews also concerning the Messiah wherein the promises concerning him to be a spiritual redeemer of mankind are explained and vindicated, his coming and accomplishment of his work according to the promises is proved and confirmed, the person, or who he is, is declared, the whole oeconomy of the mosaical law, rites, worship, and sacrifice is explained : and in all the doctrine of the person, office, and work of the Messiah is opened, the nature and demerit of the first sin is unfolded, the opinions and traditions of the antient and modern Jews are examined, their objections against the Lord Christ and the Gospel are answered, the time of the coming of the Messiah is stated, and the great fundamental truths of the Gospel vindicated : with an exposition and discourses on the two first chapters of the said epistle to the Hebrews / by J. Owen ...
London: printed by Robert White for Nathaniel Ponder, 1668
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.
First, Whereas the Parents of Jesus were outwardly of a mean condition, and living § 18 in Galilee, it may be supposed that they were very little known, or taken notice of, to be of the lineage and off-spring of David; nor it may be in their low estate did they much desire to declare that, which would be of no advantage, and perhaps of some hazard unto them: But now their coming unto Bethlehem, and that whether they would or no, upon the command of public Authority, made their house and kindred known unto all the Jews, especially those of the Family of David, who were then all of them gathered together in that place. Secondly, There is no just nor appearing reason to be given that should move the Roman Emperor to decree that description and enrolment of persons which brought them unto Bethlehem: A matter it was of great charge and trouble to the whole Empire, which at that time enjoyed the greatest peace and tranquility. The Temple of Janus was then shut, and all things in quietness in all parts of the world. Neither was there afterwards any public use made of that enrolment; nor is it certain that it was accomplished in many other Nations. But the infinite, holy, wise Governor of all the world, puts this into his mind, and incites him on this work, to set mankind into a motion that two persons of low condition might be brought out of Galilee into Bethlehem, that Jesus might according unto this Prophecy be born there. Thirdly, It is not likely that Joseph and Mary had any thoughts at that time about the place where the Messiah should be born, and so probably had not the least design of removing their habitation unto Bethlehem; or if they had so, yet their doing of it on their own accord, might have given advantage unto the Jews, to say that the Mother of Jesus did not indeed any way belong unto Bethlehem, but only went thither to be delivered, that she might report her Son the better to be the Messiah.
First, Whereas the Parents of Jesus were outwardly of a mean condition, and living § 18 in Galilee, it may be supposed that they were very little known, or taken notice of, to be of the lineage and off-spring of David; nor it may be in their low estate did they much desire to declare that, which would be of no advantage, and perhaps of some hazard unto them: But now their coming unto Bethlehem, and that whether they would or no, upon the command of publick Authority, made their house and kindred known unto all the Jews, especially those of the Family of David, who were then all of them gathered together in that place. Secondly, There is no just nor appearing reason to be given that should move the Roman Emperour to decree that description and enrolment of persons which brought them unto Bethlehem: A matter it was of great charge and trouble to the whole Empire, which at that time enjoyed the greatest peace and tranquility. The Temple of Janus was then shut, and all things in quietness in all parts of the world. Neither was there afterwards any publick use made of that enrollment; nor is it certain that it was accomplished in many other Nations. But the infinite, holy, wise Governour of all the world, puts this into his mind, and incites him on this work, to set mankind into a motion that two persons of low condition might be brought out of Galilee into Bethlehem, that Jesus might according unto this Prophecy be born there. Thirdly, It is not likely that Joseph and Mary had any thoughts at that time about the place where the Messiah should be born, and so probably had not the least design of removing their habitation unto Bethlehem; or if they had so, yet their doing of it on their own accord, might have given advantage unto the Jews, to say that the Mother of Jesus did not indeed any way belong unto Bethlehem, but only went thither to be delivered, that she might report her Son the better to be the Messiah.