〈◊〉〈◊〉 is added, that they were offered year by year, of this phrase, see chap. 9. v. 7. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
The Greek word translated hath its notation from ending in it self, like a 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ which ends where it begins. This circumstance of time is here set down, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 proof of the insufficiency of the legal sacrifices which were oft offered up. So 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is intended under the adverb, continually, added hereunto. Of the Greek phrase •…•…ted continually, see chap. 7. v. 3. §. 26.
The former expression of the time hath reference to that solemn day, wherein the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Priest once a year entred into the most holy place. Levit. 16. 2. as was shewed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 9. v. 7. Sect. 41. And to manifest, that that custom continued not only while 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Israelites were in the wildernesse, or till the Temple was built, but so long as the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Jews remained, even till Christ himself were actually offered, the other •…•…d continually is added.
The sacrifices offered up on that yearly day, are here synecdochically put for all the legal sacrifices; but special relation is had to the sacrifices offered on that day, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they were the most solemn sacrifices: and if any could have done the deed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they especially.
〈◊〉〈◊〉 these circumstances of time, have reference to the insufficiency of legal sa∣•…•…. Hereof see chap. 7. v. 27. §. 112. The Apostle himself sheweth, that the re∣•…•… of those sacrifices implyed imperfection, in that he saith, they would have •…•…ed to be offered, if once offering had made perfect, see v. 2. §. 4.
That sufficiency is further manifested by the persons whom those sacrifices espe∣cially concerned, thus expressed, The commers thereunto, hereby are meant such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 observed the Ordinance of God, and thereupon came to the Altar, where the sa∣•…•…es were offered up, to partake of all the benefits that Gods people might be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 partakers of. In this respect they are said to come unto God. Chap. 7. v. 25. §. 104.
If any might have been made perfect, surely these. These are said to do the servi∣c•…•…. So as the fault was not in the persons failing to do his duty, but in the thing 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Ordinance it self that was observed, could not do the deed: therefore there is an emphatical negative added, which we translate. never, and a verb of power, translated Can, from which all power is taken by the negative, never, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereunto.
The sum of all is, that the best means under the Law, were not sufficient to make perfect those that were most strict in the observing of them.
All and every the forementioned points, have been before handled in this Epistle: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is evident by the several references before mentioned; but the Apostle thought that he could not strike too much upon this string; for questionlesse these Hebrews, though they professed the Christian faith, stood too much upon the necessity of le∣gall rites. The like earnestnesse against them is manifested in the Epistle to the Ro∣•…•…. Chap. 3. & 4. and to the Galathians throughout the whole Epistle: the like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth the Prophet Ieremy manifest against the superstition of the Jews in his time. Ier. 7. 4. &c. And another Prophet against their Idolatry. Isa. 40 18. &c. So other Prophets; and Christ himself against sundry superstitions of the Pharisees. Mat. •…•…3. 13. &c.
By such holy zeal and earnestnesse, a secret terrour may be wrought in mens souls, whereby they will be moved to renounce their Idolatry, superstition, impiety, and iniquity: or else made the more inexcusable.
But on the contrary, if such errours or corruptions be winked at, or slightly re∣proved, maintainers of them, will be the more imboldened.
What cause have we in our dayes, to be instant and earnest against the Masse of Popish Heresies and superstitions? and so against the revived errours, of Pelagians and semi-Pelagians, about Election upon foreseen grace, universal Redemption, univer∣sal graces, free will, total and final apostacy of Saints, and other like erroneous and p•…•…ious Doctrines? The Lord give wisdom, courage, and zeal to his Ministers in these and other like cases: And understanding, patience, and obedience, in people to his truth.
Of repeating and inculcating the same things, see chap. 3. v. 15. §. 158. and chap. •…•…. v. 28. §. 138.