[2.] His mercifulness, as the high priest of his church. This he had
522 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [cHaP. IIL
asserted, chap. it. 17, and that upon a full and evident previous de- monstration. Consider him that isso, and as heisso. This, because of its importance, he often presseth, chap. iv. 14-16, vii. 25-28, ix. 11-14, x. 21, 22. And this is of singular use to preserve believers from decays and fainting in the profession of the truth; for from his mercifulness, unspeakable encouragement, strength, and conso- lation, in obedience and profession of the gospel, may be educed, as in our progress, God assisting, we shall manifest. Want of a due improvement of this encouragement, and the assistance that may be obtained thereby, is the occasion of all the decays and backslidings that are found among professors. What can thrive in the soul, if the love, care, kindness, and ability to save, that are in Christ,—all which are included in this mercifulness,—are neglected?
[3.] His facthfulness. This relates unto his office prophetical, which is by the apostle ascribed unto him, and confirmed to be in him in these verses. Yea, this is that which he would have them immediately and in the first place to consider, and which being once fixed on their minds, those other things must needs have the more effectual influence upon them. Jor if he be absolutely faithful in his work, his authority and mercy ought surely diligently to be heeded. To this end the apostle compares him in particular with Moses in these verses, and in the next exalts him above him. And no better medium could be used to satisfy the Hebrews, who were sufficiently persuaded of the faithfulness of Moses. He being, then, ultimately to reveal the will of God, and being absolutely faithful in his so doing, is to be attended unto. Men may thence learn what they have to do in the church and worship of God,—even to observe and to do whatever he hath commanded, and nothing else, Matt. xxvii, 20; Rev. i. 5, iii, 14,
(3.) As his person and offices, so his work also is proposed unto our consideration, for the ends mentioned. This the apostle fully discourseth, chap. ii. 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, 18. The specialties of this work are too many to be here so much as recounted. In gene- ral, the love and grace that were in it, the greatness of it, the benefit we receive by it, the glory of the wisdom, goodness, grace, holiness, and righteousness that shines forth in it, are the principal immediate objects of our faith and consideration.
These things we have instanced in particular, as those which, being of great importance in themselves, we are likewise directed unto by the series of the apostle’s discourse; but we mention them not exclusively unto other concernments of the Lord Christ. Whole Christ, and all of him, is by us diligently to be considered, that we may attain, and we shall attain, the ends laid down in the precedent observation: for,—
1. Our faith and our obedience are our walking with God, Gen.
a es
ae a
VER, 1, 2.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 528
xvii. 1, or our walking in the truth, 2 John 4; 3 John 4: and that which is principally incumbent on them that would walk aright, is to have a due regard unto their way. This way is Christ, John xiv. 6. “JI am the way,” saith he; “no man cometh unto the Father but by me;” such a way as wayfaring men shall not err in, Isa, xxxv. 8; such a “living way” asisalso a guide. In attendance, therefore, unto him, we shall neither err nor miscarry. And as all mistakes in faith arise from a want of a due respect unto him as the real way of going unto God, so all aberrations in doctrine or worship spring out of a neglect of a due consideration of his person and offices, wherein all truths do centre, and whereby they are made effectual and powerful.
2. They that consider him in the way and manner explicated, cannot but take him for their only guide in the things of God. See John i, 14, with chap. vi. 68, 69. To whom else should they go or betake themselves? This is foretold concerning him, Isa, xlii. 4, And for this duty we have the command of God, Matt. xvii. 5, “ HEAR HIM.” This they will do who consider him. And to them who do go, he is given to be a guide and a leader, Isa. lv. 4; and a light, chap. li. 4; and a shepherd, to direct them in the fresh pas- tures of the gospel with care and tenderness, chap. xl, 11. And no soul shall miscarry under his conduct, or wander into danger under his care. But here lies the root of men’s failings in this matter, —they seek for truth of themselves and of other men, but not of Christ. What they can find out by their own endeavours, what other men instruct them in or impose upon them, that they receive. Few have that faith, love, and humility, and are given up unto that diligent contemplation of the Lord Christeand his excellencies, which are required in those who really wait for his law so as to learn the truth from him,