of God; not only n11ked, stripped of all covering and concealment but also laid prostrate in their exposure before his eye." He transl11tes, "lying open'unto." Ebrard adopts the interpretation, "to bend any one's neck backwards, and thereby to lay bare the throat; hence in general, to lay bare." Others interpret it to lay open as a body, by an anatomist, or as an animal by a sacrificing priest. But whatever ~ay be the exact figure, the meaning conveyed by the figure is quite clear, viz. that God knows a.II things thoroughly (cf. Job :xx.xi. 4; xxxiv. 21; Ps. lvi. 8; cxxxix. 1-5; Prov. v. 21; xv. 11; Jer. xvii. 10). III. THE BPEOIAL SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPORTANCE OF Gon'e KNOWLEDGE TO l!A:S. He is thfl God" with whom we have to do." Not" unto whom we must render our account." The clause expresses a more comprehensive relation than that. It expresses " our whole concern and relation with God." 'l'he Divine omniscience has very important practical bearings upon us. 1. As an effectual rel>uke to the pride which springs from knowledge or from intellectual attainments. Compared with the knowledge of "him with whom we have to do," what does the most intelligent man know? "We are but of yesterday, and know nothing." 2. As a check upon sin, whether in thought and feeling, or in word and action. (See Job x.xxiv. 21, 22; Ps. xc.· 8; Eccles. xii. 14.) 3. As an encouragement to trust in him. (See 2 Chron. xvi. 9 ; Matt. vi. 32 ; x. 29-31.) 4. As a great consolation when misinterpreted or slandered. (See Job xvi. 19; xxiii. 10; Ps. xxxvii. 5, 6.) 5. As a great comfort and support in affliction and trial. (See Ps. lxxviii. 39; ciii.13, 14.) 6. As a guarantee of the triumph of his cause. His plans were formed with a full knowledge of every possible obstacle or opposition ; and they anticipate and provide for the utilization of such opposition for their owu furtherance and realization.-W. J. Ver. 14.-A summons to steadfastness. " Seeing then that we have a great High Priest," etc. I. THE DUTY To WHICH WE ARE BUllMONED. " Let us hold fast our confession," i.e. of the Christian faith. 1. Danger of renouncing this confession is implied. We have already pointed out that these Hebrew Christians were in considerable peril in this respect.1 This danger arises (1) from opposition from without; or (2) from subtle solicitation, which is more to be dreaded than opposition; or (3) from negligence on our part. 2. Effort to retain this confession is enjoined. " Let us hold fast our confession." This includes: (1) Perseverance in the Christian faith ; a resolute cleaving to Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. (2) Perseverance in the Christi11n fellowship; association with Christian people; frequenting Christian assemblies. (3) Perseverance in the Christian practice ; the continued embodiment of Christ's pre- cepts in the life and conduct. This demands effort ; e.g. watching, praying, believing, working. II. THE MOTIVE BY WHICH WE ARE BTBENGTHENED. These Hebrew Christians wero encouraged to hold fast their confession because they had in Jesus Christ a perfect High Priest. The pre-eminence of his priesthood is adduced as a motive to their perseverance, nnd to ours. 1. He is pre-eminent in his office. "A great High Priest.' As Alford expounds, the "one archetypal High Priest-One above all.'' 2. He is pre-eminent in liis access. "Who hath passed through the heavens.'' 'l'he Jewish high priest passed behind the veil into the most holy place; but the great High Priest hns p11ssed through "the planetary heavens, the heavens of the fixed stars and the angels,'' unto the very presence and throne of God. "He is gone,'' says Ebrard, "into the dwelling-place iu space of the absolute, finished, absolutely undisturbed revelation of the Father." And he is there Ill! our Representative, and as our Forerunner. This implies the perfection of his work upon earth (cf. eh. i. 3; ix. 12, 24-26). 3. He is pre-eminent in his Pei·son. "Jesus the Son of God.'' Jesus, the gracious and sympathetic Saviou~ of men. "The Son of God," supreme in dignity, authority, and power. Here, then, 1s a motive to strengthen us to "hold fast our confession." Our great High Priest is perfect ; he knows our difficulties and temptations; he sympathizes with us; he succours us; he is now in the presence of God on our behalf; "he ever liveth to make intercession for us.'' Let his sympathy and help inspire UB to fidelity and pcrseverance.-W. J.
• Seo our homily on eh. iv. 1. 124 THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. [on. IV. 1-16.