A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 121. Of the difference betwixt things made with hands, and without hands.

Heb. 9. 24.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into heaven it self, now to appear in the presence of God for us.

THis verse is inferred upon the former, as a reason to prove that Christs Sacri∣fice was better then the Sacrifice under the law. The causal conjunction, (a) For, implies as much.

The proof is taken from the place, whither Christ carried his blood after he had offered up himself a Sacrifice; namely, heaven.

This proof the Apostle before noted in this phrase, by his own blood he entred into the holy place, v. 12. In this proof is laid down a second difference betwixt Christ and other Priests. The first was in the different means of cleansing, v. 23.

This second is in the different places, wherein the one and the other executed their function.

For a more clear illustration of the point, the Apostle sets it down negatively and affirmatively.

Negatively thus, Christ is not entred, &c.

Of the meaning of this title Christ, see Chap. 3. v. 6. §. 54. He is here expresly na∣med, to shew who was the Priest, and what the Sacrifice, whereby that which could not be effected under the law was perfected.

This phrase of entring into the holy places, hath reference to the Priests entring into

the Tabernacle. They entred into the holy places made with hands.

Of this title, b 1.1 holy places, See v. 1. §. 4. and Chap. 8. v. 2. §. 4. There were two places called holy. One wherein all sorts of Priests did their holy services, called the first Tabernacle, v▪ 2. The other whereinto the high Priest went once a year, v. 7. In reference hereunto the plurall number, places, is used, and they are called holy, be∣cause they were set apart to holy services.

These are said to be c 1.2 made with hands, because they were made by men who had hands. Thus is this word us. d, v. 11. §. 55. Thus circumcision in the flesh, is said to be made by hands, (Eph. 2. 11.) because it is the work of men: and Temples of stone, and timber are so stiled, Act. 7. 48. and 17. 24. In all these places things made without hands are opposed to such as are immediatly made by God: and thereup∣on they are negatively used for the most part. These two words, d 1.3 made with hands, and e 1.4 made without hands, are directly opposed▪ Mark 14. 58. So circum∣cision in the flesh, is said to be made with hands. Eph. 2. 11. and circumcision in the Spirit, to be made without hands, Col. 2. 11.

By setting down this point negatively thus, Christ is not entred, &c. It appears that things made by man, are not comparable to the things made by God. In which respect they are set in opposition one to the other, thus, which the Lord pitched and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man, Chap. 8. v. 2. §. 6. The other oppositions about this phrase do prove as much.

As the workmen are, so are their works: but man is not comparable to God, nor his works.

This discovers the folly of many, who though they have reasonable and under∣standing souls, whereby they may know the difference betwixt things made with hands and without hands; yet preferr the former before the latter: and that both in matters of Religion and in other things also.▪ How superstitiously did the Jews do•…•…e upon the outward Temple, (Ier. 7. 4.) and on the Ark, 1 Sam. 4. 3. and yet re∣garded not true piety and purity of heart•…•…: No nor their own souls which were the Temples of the Holy Ghost.

Thus many, that carry the names of Christians, are more addicted to goe and visit the ruines of that Temple at Ierusalem which was made with hands, then to associate themselves with the true Church of God, or to fit themselves for the hea∣venly place, made without hands. How are most men even in Gods Worship more taken with externall matters, which are inventions of men and things made by men, then with Spirit and truth: notwithstanding the Father seeketh such to worship him, Iohn 4. •…•…3.

This also may not unfitly be applyed to other things: for what care doe Men and Women take to adorne their bodies, their houses and other things, and in the mean while neglect their souls.

O pray that you may approve things that are excellent, (Phil. 1. 10.) duely di∣stinguishing the things that differ: and chuse that good part which shall not be taken away, Luke 10 42.

Notes

• b 1.1

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• c 1.2

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• d 1.3

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• e 1.4

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