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 ...

§. 40. Of the high Priests entring alone into the most holy place.

Heb. 9. 7.

But into the second went the high Priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errours of the people.

ANother head of divine services is set down in this verse, wherein the Apostle first notes the distinct place wherein they were performed.

The place is implyed under this numeral adjective, the second: which h•…•…h refe∣rence* 1.1 to the Tabernacle mentioned in the former verse: and to the innermost part thereof, called the Holiest of all, whereof, see §. 14.

The person that went into this place is stiled, the high Priest. Of an high Priest,* 1.2 See Chap. 2. v. 17. §. 173. Of this high Priest it is said, that he went into the fore∣said place, alone. In the history the charge of going into the holy place, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the high Priest alone: and withall it is said, that there shall he no man in the Taberna∣cle of the congregation when he goeth in, Lev. 16. 2, 17.

This was a type of Christ alone appearing before God for us. To this purpose saith Christ himself, No man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man, which is in heaven, Joh. 3. 13.

1. Sach is the surpassing excellency of the divine Majesty, as none but Christ can 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before it. The most glorious Angels are set forth with wings to cover 〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉, when they appear before this Majesty, Isa. 6. 2.

Great is the folly of those that make Angels and glorified Saints to appear as me∣•…•… before the throne of grace for them. Herein they dishonour Christ in giving 〈◊〉〈◊〉 due to others. They disgrace Angels and Saints in imposing upon them that •…•…ich becomes them not. They disparage themselves by depriving themselves of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 benefit of Christs intercession. To use any other high-Priest in that which be∣•…•…geth to him alone, is to refuse Christ: he will not give his glory to another.

Let us therefore use him alone, and rest only upon him, for that which he alone 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to do for us.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The second Tabernacle.
• * 1.2

  The high Priest alone appears before the Mercy∣seat.