To complete our profession, yea, to constitute our émoAoy/a, there is required that we make a solemn declaration of our subjection unto the gospel in these things. And this is made two ways. (1.) By works. (2.) By words.
(1.) Our profession by works, is our constant and solemn observa- tion of all Christ’s commands in and concerning gospel-worship, Matt. xxviii, 20; John xiv. 15, xv. 14 And the discharge of our duty herein is to be attended, [1.] With prudence; and that, 1st. Not to provoke the world causelessly, by any irregularities of miseuided zeal, or other disorders, Matt. x. 16, 1 Cor. x. 32, 2 Cor. vi. 3; 2dly. Not to cast ourselves into dangers or troubles without just cause, call, or warrant, Matt. x. 23. [2.] With constancy and confidence; so as, 1sé. Not to be terrified with any persecutions or troubles which may befall us on the account of the gospel, 1 Pet. iii. 14, Phil. i, 28; 2dly. Not on any account to decline the constant observance of the duties of worship required of us, Heb. x. 25.
(2.) By words; for “ with the mouth confession is made unto sal- vation,” Rom. x. 10. And this also is twofold:—[1.] With respect unto all times in general, 1 Pet. iii, 15. We are on all occasions to declare whose servants we are, and whom we own as our Lord and Master. [2.] Unto especial seasons, 1st. Of temptation. Such arise from company, which may be so circumstanced as to awe us or corrupt us, that we shall not own the gospel as we ought. So
VER. 14.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 399
it befell Peter in the highest instance, Matt. xxvi. 70. And so are others in lesser degrees foiled every day. 2dly. Of persecution. Then is our profession to be turned into confession, or we lose it. The oral, open avowing of the Lord Christ, his ways and worship, in and under persecution, is the touchstone of all profession, Matt. x. 82, 33; 1 Cor. iii. 13. This is the profession we are to hold fast.
2. Kpardmev, “let us hold it fast.” So have we rendered xardoyw- wey, Chap. ii. 6. But this word is more emphatical than that, and intimates another frame of mind, and a more severe endeavour: xpare7 is to hold a thing “strongly,” “firmly,” “totis viribus,” “with all our strength,” by all lawful means, with re- solution and intension of mind. For the word is from xpdéros,—that is, “power,” “strength,” “efficacy;’ which are to be exercised in the holding fast intended: Rev. ii. 25, “That which ye have xpa- rhoure dxpis ob ay HEw,” “hold fast,” ‘ with all care, against all oppo- sition, “till I come.” So chap. iii, 11, Kpdres 8 eyers, Wa wndelo AGED roy orégavov cov: “ Hold fast,’—that is, with all thy might, with all diligence and intension of mind, “ what thou hast,’ as a man would hold fast his crown, if any should attempt to take it from him or deprive him of it. And this word is used concerning the Pharisees, with respect unto their traditions; which they adhered so firmly and resolutely unto, that nothing could move them or pre- vail with them to the contrary, Mark vil. 3, Kparotvres riv wapa- doow raw mpecturépav,— Holding fast” (or “tenaciously”) “ the tradi- tion of the elders.” So also of them who, having entertained false and noxious opinions, are obstinate in their adherence to them: Rev. i. 15, Odrws eyes nal od xparotvrag viv didayhy rav NixoAas- rév,—* So hast thou them who,” against light and persuasions, “retain the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes.” Wherefore the sense of the command here given is, that we should with our utmost ability and diligence hold fast against all oppositions, and take care that we lose not our profession after we are once engaged in it.
So, then, this verse containeth the prescription of a duty, with a motive and encouragement unto the due performance of it. The duty is expressed in these last words, “Let us hold fast our profes- sion.” And the reason for it, with an encouragement unto it, in those which go before, “Seeing then we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.” And this is further amplified by the declaration of his qualifications, verse 15, and an exhortation to make use of and improve his assistance in this matter, verse 16, as we shall see afterwards. At present we may take some observations from this verse, according to the expo- sition of the words already given, which will further direct us to answer in our practice the mind of the Holy Ghost in this matter, Now, there is included in the words,—
Kparapey.
400 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IV.
Obs. I. First, that great opposition is, and always will be, made unto the permanency of believers in their profession.
This the word of exhortation unto it plainly intimates, It is “injecté. manu fortiter retinere,’—to “lay hold of a thing, and to retain it with all our might,” as if it were ready every moment to be taken from us with a violent and strong hand; it is to keep a thing as a man keeps his treasure when it is ready to be seized on by thieves and robbers. This argues great opposition, and no small hazard thereon ensuing. So our blessed Saviour informs us, Matt. vii. 25. When men hear the word, they build a house by profes-