A53696:994
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.
Are they such slaves in their affections unto earthly perishing things, that living in the enjoyment of all that is needful to procure them the love and favour of God, with the eternal enjoyment of him, they can have no rest or quiet, because they enjoy not the good things of this life? Doubtless this great expectation, had a greater rise and cause, then now they will own. I know men are apt to complain under, and to desire relief from outward trouble; but to place the main of their Religion herein, when they have Grace, the pardon of sin and Heaven on other accounts, this is only done by the Jews. But the truth is, although they continue in their desires of the coming of the Messiah; yet they have lost the reason why they do so; only this they find, that their fore-fathers from the days of Abraham placed all their happiness in his coming; and therefore they think that they also ought to do so, though why they cannot tell, or will not understand. But this is that which we have proved to ⟨p. 245⟩be the object of their faith and expectation of old, namely, that the Messiah was promised to be a Spiritual Redeemer, to save them from Sin, Satan, Death and Hell, to procure for them the favour of God, and to bring them to an enjoyment of him. Set this aside, and what have we to do, to contend with the Jews about one that shall come and make War for them, conquer their enemies, and make them rich. Much good may it do them with such an one, when he comes. They say indeed, that having the affluence of all things under him, they shall be the better enabled to keep the Law of Moses, and so the way to Heaven will be easier for them. But I fear that which they manifest their hearts to be set upon as their chiefest end, and aim, will scarcely much farther them unto any other end whatever: the last end will not be made the means to another. Nor was it otherwise with their fore-fathers; Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked. According to their pasture, they were filled, and forgot the Lord: Prosperity ruined them; nor did they ever reform, but under sore afflictions. The Messiah then that we contend with them about, is a Spiritual Redeemer; such an one he was promised to be, as we have abundantly proved. And all Promises of that nature are perfectly accomplished. He is come, and hath saved his people from their sins.
Are they such slaves in their affections unto earthly perishing things, that living in the enjoyment of all that is needful to procure them the love and favour of God, with the eternal enjoyment of him, they can have no rest or quiet, because they enjoy not the good things of this life? Doubtless this great expectation, had a greater rise and cause, then now they will own. I know men are apt to complain under, and to desire relief from outward trouble; but to place the main of their Religion herein, when they have Grace, the pardon of sin and Heaven on other accounts, this is only done by the Jews. But the truth is, although they continue in their desires of the coming of the Messiah; yet they have lost the reason why they do so; only this they find, that their fore-fathers from the dayes of Abraham placed all their happiness in his coming; and therefore they think that they also ought to do so, though why they cannot tell, or will not understand. But this is that which we have proved to