§. 52. Of joyning exhortations with doctrines.
Having therefore, Brethren, boldnesse to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Iesus.
HItherto hath been handled the Doctrinall part of this Epistle.
The practicall part thereof now followeth.
The Apostle passeth from one to the other by a pertinent transition, v. 19, 20, 21. As this illative particle * 1.1 therefore sheweth.
In that transition he layeth down the ground of that which he mainely intendeth, namely, That these Hebrews should remaine constant in their holy profession of Christ.
The first ground is in this verse, which is, boldnesse to enter into the most holy place. Or free liberty to enter thereinto.
He beginneth this practicall part with a very milde insinuation, in this word a 1.2 * 1.3 brethren, which may have reference to the same stock, whereof he and they were, for he also was an Hebrew, Phil. 3. 5. In this respect he stileth them, Brethren, Act. 13. 26. Rom. 9. 3. Yet questionlesse he useth this title here in a more excellent and transcendent relation: even in regard of that spirituall kindred, of all the members of Christ. Thus he ordinarily applyeth this title even to the Gentiles in the Epistles which he wrote to them. In this sense it implyeth both a mutuall communion, and also a mutuall affection. Hereof see more Chap. 3. v. 1. §. 3.
The using of this title in the beginning of his exhortation manifesteth the A∣postles desire to insinuate himselfe even into their Souls, that his exhortations might be the better regarded. Hereof see Chap. 6. v. 9. §. 54.
This phrase b 1.4 having boldnesse, is a further branch of insinuation; It is as if he had said, this which is here declared, is to move you to make the right use thereof: so as practise is the end of knowledge. Christ oft joyneth them together; as where he saith, Whosoever heareth those sayings of mine and doth them, &c. Matth. 7. 24. And againe, If you know these things, happy are ye if ye doe them, John 13. 17. The former without the latter is not onely in vaine, (Iam. 1. 23.) but also damageable. Hereof see more in the Saints Sacrifice on Psal. 116. v. 9. §. 59.
This affordeth a good direction both to Minister and People.
- 1. It teacheth Ministers how to handle the word, even so as the whole man may* 1.5 be edified: the Understanding being enlightened, the Will encouraged, the Heart inflamed, the Conscience comforted, the Affections well ordered. They who are wholly in doctrine, may lift men on high, and shew the Kingdome of God, and the glory thereof, as the Devil did the Kingdomes of the World to Christ, Matth. 4. 8. Or rather, as Moses in Mount Nebo saw all the land of Canaan, (Deut. 3•…•…. 1.) but entered not thereinto: So many men by doctrines see much of heaven, but partake of no part thereof. Againe, they who are onely in perswasions, may bring people to follow them, but as Elisha brought the Syrians into the Citie of their enemie, 2 King. 6. 19. Or as they who going without the Ark were destroy∣ed by their enemies, Numb. 14. 44, 45.