if they were present; comp. ch. xii. 1. This is an excellent summary of the Old Testament, in which the apostle, by a re markable gradation, comprehends the pursuits of those men of former times — their labours, journey ings, expectations, tempta tions, martyrdoms ; and shows how we ought to seek, in all its fulness, under the veil of history, the substance of doctrine sometimes briefly indicated. Those of them who were earlier, had the exercise of their patience most chiefly during a long period of life ; those who were later, in the midst of sharper afflictions.
3. n/tfrg/, by faith) To a certain extent also without faith, Rom. i. 20 ; but much more by faith, which, for example, is put (has scope for exercise), in ch. i. of Genesis. — i/ooy^sv, ice under stand) The Elders, of whom mention is on that account pre viously made in the second verse, also understood it. Adam also, who was created after all the rest, understood what he did not see done, but believed to have been done ; but concern ing his faith, Moses maintains a very mysterious silence ; and the apostle follows Moses, except that, in mentioning these things before the sacrifice of Abel, he virtually recognises the faith of those who were first created. Adam is only brought into view as the root of our misery ; keeping out of view the other things which might have been said of him. — xarqprfodai, were framed) -/.arapnff^og, the framing (the putting together), con solidation of the whole world, includes the creation of single parts, and a continual providence throughout all ages, in wonderful harmony. — roi>s alums) the worlds ^ the ages. A grand plural, in which is intimated the cotirse onward to the goal of the heaven and the earth, and all things which are in them, visible and invisible, and, subsequently, their everlasting condition when their course is terminated ; and whatever change may at length take place, accompanying the termination. And as cre ation is the foundation and exhibition (a specimen) of the whole Divine economy, so faith in creation is the foundation and exhi bition (a specimen) of all faith. — pfi^an, by the word) by the command, by the power, without matter or instrument. This accords with what immediately follows. — g/c TO) so that. Comp. e!s rby 2 Cor. vii. 3. o/ aluves, the ages, embrace many things which are not seen ; and we may be less disposed to wonder at