The first thing that calls for our attention is the denci'iption which he gives of all true Christians —
[Wishing to persuade, he strove by tenderness to conci- liate their esteem: he calls them brethren; which they are, both by relation^ and affection^. They are "holy;" set apart for the service and enjoyment of God — washed in the fountain of Christ's blood, and renewed after the Divine image : they are "partakers of an heavenly calling;" called to heavenly exercises and enjoyments — obedient to that call — and suitably influenced by it in their hearts and lives. How amiable is such a character ! " brethren ! " " holy ! " " called ! " &c. Who would not wish to be found of their number ?]
The next thing which demands our notice is the object he sets before them —
[When he speaks of Christ in common, he places the name " Jesus" first ; but when with more than ordinary so- lemnity, the name "Christ" is first. He here describes the Saviour both by his names and offices. His names " Christ^, Jesus "," are peculiarly significant in this connexion : his offices are such as Moses and Aaron sustained under the law. Christ is " the Apostle of our profession," as being sent, like Moses, to publish that religion which we profess : he is also " the High-priest of it," because, like Aai'on, he performs all that is necessary for our reconciliation with God^\]
The last thing to explain is the duty which he presses upon them —
The word which we translate " consider," implies an at- tentive regard*. It might easily be shewn how important this duty is ; but our observations on this subject will occur more properly in another place.]
d Matt, xxiii. 9. ^ 1 John iii. 14.
f It is of the same import as Messias, John i. 44. and means Anointed.
g Jesus is the same with Joshua, Heb. iv. 8. ; and Joshua is a contraction for Jah Oseah, tlie former of which signifies God, and the latter Saviour. This name was given by God to Hoseah the son of Nun, who, as a type of Christ, led the Israelites into the land of Ca- naan : and the giving of this name to the Virgin's Son may be justly considered as an accomplishment of that prophecy which said he should be called Emmanuel, God with us. Its import therefore is. Divine Saviour. See Matt. i. 21 —23. and Bp. Pearson, p. C9, 70.
•' Jesus, as our High-priest, offered himself a sacrifice for us — is gone into the holy of holies to present his blood before the mercy- seat — liveth to make intercession for us — presents our offerings unto the Father — bears us on his breast-plate — and makes known to us the will of God. ' K«roro//(Tore.