" a better resurrection" to life eternal. And what a testimony has he given in the record which is contained in this chapter ; a record which will transmit their names with honour to the end of time !]
But, that we may form a just estimate of our bless- ings, I will proceed to shew,
II. What " better thing he has provided for us " under the Christian dispensation —
Certainly our privileges are far superior to theirs ; for,
1. We have in possession that Saviour whom they only looked forward to in the promise —
[The first advent of Christ was held forth to them as an object of faith and hope, just as his second advent is to us. But the promise relating to that is now fulfilled. We have seen him accomplishing every prophecy, and performing in himself all that was shadowed forth in the infinitely diversified types of the ceremonial law : and we have, in this very cir- cumstance, such a proof of his Messiahship, as no considerate and candid person can withstand. We have heard all his gra- cious instructions relative to the way of life ; and have already seen his kingdom established in the world. We have seen " the stone that was cut out without hands, becoming a moun- tain, and filling the whole earth."
What an unspeakable advantage is this ! If Abraham re- joiced when he saw only by faith, and very indistinctly, the days of the Son of man, what reason have we to rejoice in having this adorable Saviour fully revealed in all his beauty, and excellency, and glory ! Well does our Lord himself con- gratulate his believing people, saying, " Blessed are your eyes which see the things which ye see, and hear the things which ye hear*^."]
2. We have in perfection those blessings which they enjoyed only in their commencement —
[They knew not what solid peace was : their sacrifices, however rich and abundant, could not impart this blessing: they were rather " remembrances of sin," than real expiations; and " could make no man perfect as pertaining to the con- science." "The law made nothing perfect ; but the bringing in of a better hope did'^." Their access to God was that of a servant, who keeps at a distance ; ours is that rather of a child, who comes to the very bosom of his father^. Their communications from him were as darkness, in comparison of
c Luke xiv. 23, 24. d Heb. vii. 19. ^ Eph. iii. 12.