concerning that must needs, even in time, go before this: for this succeeded that, to accomplish what that could not.
Weaknesse and unprofitablenesse imply two reasons of disanulling the foresaid Com∣mandement.
Of the derivation of the Greek word translated weaknesse, see Chap. 4. v. 15. §. 89. The word there used is a substantive, and this an adjective: but both from the same root: and this adjective, being of the neuter gender, is as a substantive.
The weaknesse here spoken of, consisted in this, that that Law was utterly unable by it self, and by strict observance of the rites thereof, to do that which was need∣full to be done: namely, to make the observers perfect.
This word is translated, impotent, and applied to him that was born a cripple, Acts 4. 9. It is also translated, according to the composition of it, without 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and applyed to a natural mans condition, Rom. 5. 6. In this respect the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this Law are called, weak elements, Gal. 4. 9.
The other word translated, unprofitable, is also a compound: and an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 used as a substance.
The simple verb fignifieth, to profit, Rom. 2. 25. From thence an adje∣ctive, signifying, profitable, 1 Tim. 4. 8.
This compound with a privative preposition hath the force of a negative. So it is used, Titus 3. 9. It implyeth, that though a man be zealous of the Law•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 take much paines, and be at great costs thereabouts, yet he shall get nothing 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but lose all his paines and costs: All will be in vain. Therefore these two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are joyned together, unprofitable and vain. Titus 3. 9. The Apostle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this true by experience. For after he had set forth his zeal about the Law, and de∣clared how blamelesse he was, touching the righteousnesse which is in the Law, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 addeth, what things were gain to me, those I counted losse and dung, Phil. 3. 6, 7, 8.
The negative is frequently used of such things as are here called unprofitable: thus, meats which have not profited them which have been occupied therein, Heb. 13. 9: Bodily exercise, (that is external performances of duties of piety) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 1 Tim. 4. 8. The flesh profiteth nothing (John 6. 63.) that is, an external apprehensi∣on and observation of things spiritually meant.
These two Epithites, weaknesse, and unprofitablenesse, do much aggravate the folly of those who dote on carnal ordinances, which cannot be but weak and unprofita∣ble: and when men have spent themselves thereupon, if they look on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that they have laboured to do, they will behold all to be vanity and vexation of spirit: as the wise man complaineth of the works that he had wrought, Eccles. 2. 11.
These fools are set down in their rankes, §. 82.