Wherefore, since we are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every incumbrance, and the sin which does so easily embarrass us, and let us pursue with constancy the course that is proposed to us:

Now faith is the foundation of our hopes of happiness, and the persuasion we have about things not evident to our senses.

for the word of God is active and efficacious, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even to the division of soul and spirit, to the smallest and most inward parts, distinguishing the thoughts, and intentions of the heart.

now without faith it is impossible to be acceptable to him: for he that presents himself to God, cannot but believe he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who make their addresses to him.

God who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past to the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his SON,

let your morals be free from avarice, being contented with what you have: for he hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

as then it is appointed that men should die but once, after which the judgment ensues;

as some do; but encourage one another: even so much the more, as you see the day approaching.

not an high priest who is incapable of compassionating our miseries; since he was exposed to the same trials as we are, sin only excepted. let

who being the radiation of his glory, and the imprest image of his substance, and governing all things by his powerful command, after having himself made expiation for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the divine majesty in the highest heavens.

Jesus Christ is always the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever. be not then misled by artful, novel doctrines:

and let us animate one another to the mutual returns of love, and kind offices: not abandoning our assemblies,

having Jesus in our view, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God.

who is passed into the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold fast our profession. for we have

seek peace with all men, and sanctity of life, without which no man shall see the Lord:

so that even a single person whose vigour was gone, gave rise to a posterity as numerous as the stars of the sky, or the sands on the sea-shore, which cannot be numbred.

so that he has an uninterrupted power to save those, that come to God by him, because he ever lives to make intercession for them.

Since then the children were made subject to a state of mortality, so he himself likewise was subject to the same condition: that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Marriage is every where honourable, and that state is innocent: but the licentious and adulterers God will punish.

but in this place 'tis said, "they shall not enter into my rest."

Wherefore, my brethren, since by virtue of the blood of Jesus we have the liberty of entring into the holy of holies,

us therefore approach with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain the seasonable assistance of divine mercy and favour.

Confide in your guides, and be respectful: that they who are vigilant, as being accountable for your souls, may discharge themselves with cheerfulness, and not with anxiety, which would be to your prejudice.

and indeed according to the law almost every thing is purified with blood, without the effusion of which, there is no remission of sins.

Let brotherly love still reign.

Therefore omitting for the present the principles of the christian doctrine, we shall proceed to something more sublime, without mentioning those fundamental articles of repentance from destructive vices, and of divine faith:

whom he hath constituted heir of all things, by whom also be made the world.

but Jesus, who was for a while inferior to the angels by his sufferings and death, we see was crown'd with glory and honour; when by the divine goodness, he had pass'd thro' death for every man.

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightned, and have received the heavenly gifts, communicated by the holy spirit,

'Tis by faith we learn that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the visible world was not made out of any thing that did appear.

for if we wilfully apostatize, after having received the knowledge of the truth, it is as a sin for which there is no sacrifice appointed.

how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the holy spirit offered himself a spotless victim to God, purify our souls from deadly sins, to serve the living God?

but to the son he saith, "God is thy throne for ever and ever; the sceptre of thy kingdom is a sceptre of equity.

Therefore we ought to give the greater attention to the things we have heard, for fear we should abandon the gospel.

Let us stedfastly maintain the hope which we have avow'd, since he is faithful that has promised:

they shall perish, but thou shalt remain: and they all shall come to an end like an old garment;

Since there remains then a rest which some are still to enter into, for they to whom the promise was first made, did not enter in, because of their incredulity;

clear the way for your feet, lest that which is lame should be quite out of joint, instead of being redress'd."

as he saith too in another place, "thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

Let our sacrifice then, which we are to offer to God by Jesus Christ, be that of incessant praises, the offering of our lips, which celebrate his name:

For the law being only an allusion to a future dispensation that was more excellent, and not an exact imitation of such a state, cannot by the anniversary sacrifices, which are offered, entirely purify those that present themselves.

for the earth which drinks up the frequent show'rs that fall upon it, and produces plants fit for the use of him that cultivates it, is stiled heavenly land:

have you forgot the exhortation which is address'd to you, as to children? "my son, despise not thou the chastning of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.

but Christ, the high priest of a better dispensation that was to come, having appeared, is enter'd into the holy of holys by a nobler and more perfect tabernacle, not the effect of human art, but of a higher nature;

how shall we escape, if we neglect that salutary doctrine? which was first published by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those that heard him;

These all died in faith, without receiving what was promised, having only a distant view of what they eagerly expected, professing to live as strangers and pilgrims in the land.

Wherefore, christian brethren, you who are called to an heavenly inheritance, consider the apostle and high priest of the faith we profess, even Christ Jesus;

for though by this time you ought to be capable of teaching others, you want to be instructed anew in the first principles of the divine oracles; and are in such a state as to stand in need of milk, rather than of solid nourishment.

be not unmindful of hospitality: for thereby some have unknowingly entertained angels.

'Twas by faith that he who was named Abraham, showed his obedience in travelling to a foreign country, which he was afterwards to inherit; and began his journey without knowing where he was going.

May the God of peace, who has raised from the dead our Lord Jesus (who by the blood of the eternal covenant is become the grand pastor of

but you are come to mount Sion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable congress of angels, to the general assembly,

so Christ being once offered up to take away the sins of many; he shall appear the second time, without making any further expiation to save those who expect him.

You do not approach to any thing corporeal, to scorching fire, to smoak, darkness, and tempest,

besides here they that receive tithes are men who die: but there 'twas he of whom it is testified that he liveth.

Remember those who have the rule over you, who have preach'd to you the word of God: imitate their faith; consider their conduct, and the exit they made.

in consequence of which WILL we are sanctified by the oblation which Jesus Christ has made once for all of his own body.

for they. that make such a declaration, show plainly that they seek some other country.

are not all those spirits dispatch'd as ministers to take care of those who shall belong to the christian church.

for Christ is not entred into a sanctuary made by human art, such as is only representative of the true one, but into heaven itself, to appear from henceforth in the presence of God on our behalf:

For it was agreeable to his wisdom, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to consecrate the author of their salvation by his sufferings.

but exhort one another daily while the day lasts, lest any of you be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin.

and when he re-introduces the first-begotten into the world, he saith, " and let all the angels of God worship him."

this was Jesus, who while he was in a mortal body, having offered up prayers and supplications, with strong cries, and with tears, to him that was able to save him from that death, was heard so as to be delivered from his fear;

but this is the alliance that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

whence it was necessary he should be in all things like his brethren; that he might be a merciful high priest, and faithfully discharge the divine office of expiating the sins of the people.

not according to the alliance that I made with their fathers, when I took them by the hand, to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they have not kept my alliance, wherefore I have rejected them, saith the Lord.

as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall never end."

since then we are entring into a kingdom which cannot be changed, let us maintain the divine favour, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and fear.

for tho' he was the son of God, yet he found by his own sufferings what it was to obey,

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you such incredulity as to make you desert the living God.

and for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that, the transgressions that were unexpiated by the first testament, being expiated by his death, they who are called might receive the eternal inheritance, which was promised.

let us draw near with sincerity, in full assurance of faith, having our consciences purified from guilt, and our bodies washed with pure water.

for whom the Lord loveth, he chastises, and scourgeth every son whom he receives."

might have strong consolation to serve as a sure and stedfast anchor to the soul: till it arrives within the veil,

Our high priest then has obtained a priesthood so much the more excellent, as he is the mediator of a better alliance, established upon better promises.

nor with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood he enter'd once for all into the holy of holys, after having obtained for us an eternal redemption.

Let us therefore fear, lest any of us by rejecting the promise of entring into his rest, should be excluded from it.

Wherefore as the holy spirit saith, "since to-day you hear his voice,

which shows that the people of God have a sabbath still to come.

What we have said amounts to this; we have an high priest, who sits in heaven on the right hand of the throne of the divine majesty.

but that which bears thorns and briars, is look'd upon as lying under a curse; whose end will be to be burnt.

and truly, if that had been in their view, they might have had an opportunity of returning to the place from whence they came.

and indeed we wanted an high priest of such a character, one that is holy, innocent, undefiled, one that is separated from sinful men, and exalted above the heavens; one who was under no necessity,

'Twas by faith that Abraham, when put to the trial, offered up Isaac: HE offered up his darling son, to whose posterity the promises were to be made good:

besides Moses throughout his whole administration acted in quality of a servant, representing to the people what he was order'd to say.

'Twas by faith that Noah being divinely warned of unforeseen events, with a religious concern built an ark to the preservation of his family; whereby the world became inexcusable, and he obtained the reward of that righteousness which is by faith.

the church of the first-born who are enroll'd in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,

For this Melchisedec was both king of Salem, and a priest of the most high God; 'twas he who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him:

such solid nourishment is only fit for such as are arriv'd at their full growth and strength, whose senses have been exercis'd in distinguishing what is good, and what is prejudicial.

don't therefore quit that resolution you have, which will be attended with so great a reward.

wherefore at his appearing in publick, he saith, "sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

he pointed out another time in the words, which were spoken by David, a long time after their going into Canaan, in the passage just now quoted, "today since ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

Christ, after he had offered one sacrifice for sin, sat down on the right hand of God for ever:

so that there is not a creature that is concealed from his view: but all is naked and open to the eyes of him of whom we speak. Having then so great a high priest,

that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to deceive us, we, who have no other refuge to fly to, but to maintain our present hopes,

and by a perfect obedience he procured eternal salvation for all that obey him;

take care not to deprive yourselves of the divine favour: and that no poisonous root spring up, and spread a general infection among you.

'Twas by faith that Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he was declared righteous, God himself having testified that he accepted his offering, and after he died for his faith, he was not silent.

and even Levi who received tithes, pay'd tithes, if I may so say, in the person of Abraham.

remember those that are in chains, as if you were confin'd with them; and those who suffer adversity, as being your selves of the same body.

By faith Enoch was translated that he might avoid dying; and he could not be found, because God had translated him: for 'tis recorded, that before his translation he was approved by God.

for then must he have suffered several times since the beginning of the world, when in the consummation of the ages, he has appeared once for all to expiate sin by offering himself as a sacrifice.

And what shall I say more? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, of Barak, of Samson, of Jephthae, of David, of Samuel, and of the prophets:

'tis true, all correction at first is far from appearing agreeable, yet afterward it produces the agreeable fruits of virtue in those who are exercised thereby.

On this head we have many things to say, not easily to be comprehended, because of your prejudices.

for if Joshuah had given them rest, David would not afterwards have mentioned another day.

the just shall have life by trusting in me, but if he revolt, he will be the object of my displeasure.

for he had in view the city, whose foundations are sure, the architect and founder being God.

But though we speak in this manner, my dear brethren, we expect better things of you, and such as are more suitable to your salvation.

Pray for us, for we trust we have a clear conscience, and desire our virtuous conduct may appear to all the world.

for he was even then in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

expecting the only event still remaining, the entire subjection of his enemies.

God having declared him an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd.

by faith Jacob when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped leaning upon the top of his staff.

of whom it was said, "only the descendants of Isaac shall be counted your posterity:"

the sheep) make you perfect in every virtue, to the accomplishment of his will: effecting that in you by Jesus Christ, which is agreeable to him: to whom be glory thro' all ages.

now the priesthood being changed, the law must necessarily be changed too.

they shall no longer instruct every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

By faith Isaac predicted the future fortunes of Jacob and Esau.

for he who was there mention'd was of another tribe, none of whom ever gave attendance at the altar.

where your fathers provoked me to give proofs of my power forty years, tho' they saw my works.

for you know that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: not being able to make Isaac to retract, though he importun'd him with tears.

thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet." now since he has put all in subjection to him, he left nothing that is not subjected to him. however we do not see as yet that all things are put under him.

then he that enters into divine rest, will indeed rest from his works, as God did from his.

now where they are remitted, there is no need of any further oblation for sin.

he adds, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."

For where a testament is, there the death of the testator is necessarily pre-suppos'd.

and this is what the holy spirit declares, when after having said,

by faith Joseph when he died, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave directions concerning his burial.

but we desire that every one of you may shew the same concern, continuing to discharge the condition upon which your hopes are founded: that ye be not unactive,

let there be no licentious or profane person, such as Esau, "who sold his birth-right, for a single mess."

esteeming the sufferings of Israel greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had an eye to the reward.

by a new and living way which he has first open'd for us, thro' the veil, that is, thro' his flesh;

harden not your hearts, as at Meriba and Massa in the desart:

by faith he left Egypt without being apprehensive of the king's resentment: for he remain'd firm, as if he saw him who is invisible.

thou hast made him for a while lower than the angels; thou hast crown'd him with glory and honour, and hast set him over the works of thy hands:

because a testament has no effect till after the demise: it not being in force while the testator is alive.

through faith he celebrated the passover, and sprinkled blood, that the destroying angel might pass by the first-born.

I conjure you the more earnestly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

wherefore I was displeased with that generation, and said, they do alway err in their hearts; and they have not known my ways.

saying, "this is the blood of the testament which God has made in your behalf."

nor to the sound of trumpets, and the voice which pronounc'd such words, that they who heard, intreated they might hear it no more.

Pray, my brethren, favourably receive this exhortation, which I have writ to you in brief.

since it is evident that our Lord sprang out of the tribe of Juda, to which Moses never ascribed the priesthood.

for when every precept of the law had been represented by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, wool of a scarlet dye, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book of the law and all the people,

chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

so I swear in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest."

for he is not the deliverer of angels; but the deliverer of Abraham's posterity.

whence even the first testament was not established without the effusion of blood.

and after he had patiently waited, he obtained what was promised.

and deliver them who thro' fear of death were all their life-time in a state of slavery.

"surely I will heap blessings upon thee, and will give thee a numerous posterity."

he sprinkled likewise the tabernacle with blood, and all the vessels used in divine service.

by him that said to him, "the Lord has swore, and will not repent, thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

and so terrible was the appearance, that Moses cry'd out, "I tremble with the fright."

for if the law deliver'd by angels was put in execution, and every transgression and disobedience was justly punish'd as it deserv'd;

know, that our brother Timothy is set at liberty. if he comes quickly, I shall make YOU a visit with him.

grace be with you all. AMEN.

and again, "I will put my trust in him." and again, "behold, I, and the children which God hath given me.

by faith they made the tour of Jericho for seven days, in consequence of which the walls fell down.

This appears still more clear from another priest's arising like Melchisedec,

nor to make a frequent offering of himself, as the high priest every year enters into the holy of holies with other blood than his own.

and having an high priest, who is established over the house of God,

wherefore the preceeding law is abolished for its being weak and useless.

their discipline was temporary, and the effect of humour; whereas God chastises us for our advantage, to make us partakers of his holiness.

of which in a certain place relating to the seventh day, 'tis said, "and God did rest the seventh day from all his works."

where Jesus is gone to usher us in, having been made an high priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec.

wherefore God was willing to give the heirs of promise a stronger proof of the immutability of his counsel, by the intervention of an oath:

whose voice then shook the earth: but he has promised to do it now, saying, " yet once more I will shake, not the earth only, but heaven too."

for when men swear by a superior, the ratifying what they say with an oath, puts an end to all further debate.

for some when they had heard his voice, did provoke him: however, not all that were brought out of Egypt by Moses did so.

which is imply'd by, "to-day since ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as at Meriba."

and who were they, who, he sware, should not enter into his rest, but those that did not believe? so we see that they could not enter in,

salute those who conduct you, and all the christians. they of Italy salute you.

for it is said, "thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

nor could they endure that threat, "if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned."

It was therefore necessary that what was only a type of the heavenly sanctuary, should be purified by such sacrifices; but the heavenly sanctuary itself, by a more excellent sacrifice.

and it was for their faith that our fore-fathers acquired so great a reputation.

'twas by faith that he sojourned in a land that was promised, as in a strange country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were equally entitled to the same promise.

for the law made no man perfect, but this was effected by introducing a better hope, which brings us nearer to the divine presence.

who was not establish'd by virtue of a temporary law, but with the power of being a perpetual priest.

but with whom was he displeased forty years? was it not with those that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the desert?

because of their incredulity.

if they shall fall away, to re-instate themselves by repentance: seeing, as far in them lies, they crucify the son of God afresh, and expose him to open shame.

the doctrine of baptisms, and laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment:

so that Jesus was made guarantee of an alliance so much the more excellent, as it was not without the solemnity of an oath.

who was faithful to him that constituted him such, as Moses likewise was faithful in all his administration of God's house.

he might have the greater compassion for those who sin through ignorance or mistake. and for the same reason

to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of the whole booty: first, being by the signification of his name king of justice, and in fact king of Salem, which is, king of peace;

but as the architect is of much greater dignity than the house he has made; so the glory which Christ received was greater than that of Moses.

for the disposition of the tabernacle was such, that in the first part named the sanctuary, were placed the candlestick, the table, and the shew-bread;

to himself the honour of the priesthood: he must be called thereto by God, as Aaron was.

the high priest only enter'd, and that but once every year, when he carried the blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.

This type subsists to the present time, both gifts and sacrifices being still offered, which cannot purify the mind of him that officiates

He that by two or three witnesses was convicted of violating Moses's law, was put to death without mercy.

there was the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant gilded all over with gold, wherein was the golden urn containing the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the alliance.

Besides those priests were establish'd without any oath: but this with an oath,

Now consider the dignity of this person, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

over the ark were the cherubims of glory covering the propitiatory with their wings, of which we cannot now enter into a particular detail.

a priest of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle which the Lord made, and not man.

These things being thus disposed, the priests went at all times into the first part of the tabernacle, to officiate the divine service. but into the other part,

and nothing is to be expected but that dreadful judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour all such adversaries.

and have known by experience the truth of the divine promises, and the miracles of the age that was to come; it is impossible,

and this expression, yet once more" signifies the abolition of those changeable things which were only contriv'd, that what is unalterable might lastingly succeed.

'tis true they of the race of Levi, who assume the office of the priesthood, have a right by law to take tithes of the people, that is, of their brethren, though they all issued from Abraham:

of which we shall treat another time, if God permit.

and beyond the veil, was the second part of the tabernacle which is called the holy of holys;

which office he could not discharge here upon earth, where priests are already establish'd, who offer gifts according to the law:

every high priest being establish'd to offer gifts and sacrifices: it was necessary that he likewise should make a peculiar offering,

now 'tis past dispute, he that is blessed is inferior to him that blesses:

he is obliged to offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for those of the people. besides, no man can assume

for to which of the angels did he ever say, " thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be his father, and he shall be my son?

The first alliance then had rites of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

for by one single oblation he has purified for ever those that are sanctified.

for the law appointed frail mortals to be high priests, but the oracle pronounc'd with an oath, which was since the law, established the son, who is crown'd with immortal perfections.

again, "thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thy hands.

for God is too just to his promise not to regard your piety, and the love which you have shewn to the christian religion by the assistance ye have given to the saints, and still continue to give.

'Tis not therefore to the angels that he has subjected the gospel state of which we are treating.

for Jesus likewise suffered without the gate, to show he was the expiatory victim for the people.

For every high priest is appointed to officiate for men in religious matters, offering gifts and sacrifices for their sins: being chosen from among the people. that as he himself is surrounded with infirmities,

by faith Moses when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

but he who was not of their pedigree, received tithes from Abraham, and blessed him to whom the promises were made.

for it is necessary you should persevere, that after having perform'd what God has commanded, you may receive what he has promised.

for having himself stood the test of sufferings, he is capable of being moved to relieve those who undergo such tryals.

By faith they passed thro' the red sea, as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting to do, were drowned.

now by stiling the second a new alliance, he has antiquated the first. but to be antiquated and obsolete is next to being abolished.

for both he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all deriv'd from one: for which cause he is not asham'd to call them brethren, saying,

For if the blood of goats and of bulls, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkled on the unclean, can cleanse them from external impurities;

for then they would not have been repeated, because they who sacrificed being once purified, would not have been conscious of wanting any further atonement for their sins:

for "our God is a consuming fire."

then said I, lo I come, as in the volume of the book it is written of me, to do thy will, O God."

so that we may boldly say, " the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

Tho' these were all celebrated for their faith, they did not receive the reward that was promised:

nor for that reproach, which was made to our fathers, where 'tis said, "behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new alliance with the house of Israel, and with the house of Juda:

if you are to endure chastisement, God treats you as his children: for where's the son whom his father does not chastise?

for the mind is better improv'd by the gospel-dispensation, than by the distinctions about meats, in which some have been so uselesly vers'd.

he immediately adds, "lo, I come to do thy WILL, O God." he abolishes the first to establish the second:

For when God gave his promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, saying,

don't you think then that he deserves a much greater punishment, who hath despised the son of God, and counted the blood of the covenant wherewith be was sanctified, to have been justly shed, thereby offering an indignity to the spirit of grace?

for you should consider how he endured such opposition from sinners against himself, lest ye be tired out, and quite despond.

We have a victim, whereof they, who still serve at the tabernacle, have no more right to eat,

and this is attested by a certain writer, who says, "what is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man that thou visitest him?

but Christ govern'd his own house in quality of son and heir, and 'tis we that are his house, provided we stedfastly persevere unto the end in the publick profession of that hope, in virtue of which we glory.

He is so much superiour to the angels, as the authority he possesses is more excellent than theirs.

While the high priest in his daily administrations frequently repeated the same sacrifices which could by no means expiate sin;

they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandred about in sheepskins, and goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented:

but don't forget to be beneficent to the community; for such sacrifice is acceptable to God.

without father, without mother, without genealogy; his days have no beginning, and his life no end; but like the son of God, he was a perpetual priest.

And indeed it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats, should take away the guilt of sin.

You have not yet resisted unto death, striving against sin.

let us therefore decamp, and bear the reproach of following his example:

but imitate the example of those who by faith and patience have obtain'd the inheritance that was promis'd to them.

and officiate in the sanctuary, which was a gross representation of that in heaven, agreeable to the order given by God to Moses, when he projected the tabernacle, "be very exact, said he, in following the model which was laid before thee in the mount."

it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

but if you were exempted from that discipline which others are subject to, then are you bastards, and not sons.

"this is the alliance that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their mind will I write them:

'Twas likewise through faith that Sara, though barren, received the power of becoming pregnant, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

after having said, "victims, oblations, holocausts, and sacrifice for sin, thou wouldst not, neither hadst pleasure therein," tho' they are all prescrib'd by the law;

for I will pardon their iniquity, and their sins and their trangressions will I remember no more."

'Twas by faith that the parents of Moses conceal'd him for three months after his birth, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict.

the holy spirit showing thereby, that the way to the holy of holys, was not yet open, while the first tabernacle was standing.

whereas their annual sacrifices were accompanied with an anniversary commemoration of their sins.

when our natural parents corrected us, we gave them reverence: is it not much more reasonable to be in subjection to the father of spirits, in order to have life?

others suffer'd cruel indignities and scourgings, besides chains and imprisonment.

who through faith subdued kingdoms, practis'd justice, obtained what was promised, stopped the mouths of lions,

by faith Rahab having given the spies a safe reception, escap'd being destroyed with unbelievers, tho' she had led a dissolute life.

God also giving an additional testimony both by signs, by prodigies, by divers miracles, and gifts of the holy spirit, which he distributes as he pleases.

Call to remembrance the former times, in which after ye were illuminated, you were forc'd to struggle with sufferings,

and of the angels, he saith, who employs his angels like the winds, and flames of fire as his ministers."

for to us was the good promise made, as well as to them: but the word address'd to them was not effectually receiv'd with faith by those that heard it.

But to which of the angels did he ever say, "sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?"

Wherefore "strengthen your weak hands and your feeble knees.

they desired therefore a better, that is, an heavenly country: so that God is very justly stiled their God: for he had appointed a city for them.

women recovered their children, tho' dead, by their being raised to life again: some expired under torments, refusing to be delivered; that they might obtain a better deliverance at the resurrection.

for we were receiv'd into the communion of Christ, upon condition of inviolably maintaining the hope we had at the beginning even unto the end,

in burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure:

for we know who it is that has said, "vengeance belongeth unto me, I will repay." and again, "the Lord shall revenge his people."

Wherefore Christ himself did not assume the character of an high priest; but it was confirm'd by him that said, "thou art my son, to-day have I begotten thee."

only in matters relating to meats and drinks, and divers baptisms, meer external rites which were to subsist only till the time of reformation.

thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy peers."

for if the first alliance had been without defect, there could have been no occasion for the second.

as those high priests of the law were, to offer up daily sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people: having done this once for all, by offering up himself.

Take care that you be not deaf to him that speaketh: for if they did not escape, who disregarded the oracles pronounc'd on earth, much less shall we escape, if we turn away from him that delivered the oracles from heaven:

only wait but a little while, and he that is to come, will come without delay.

Whereas 'tis we who have believed that shall enter into rest, as he said, "wherefore I have sworn in my wrath, that they shall not enter into my rest." which is different from that rest, at the beginning of the world, when the work of creation was finished.

"I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee."

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any of us by imitating their incredulity, should fall short thereof like them.

If therefore the Levitical priesthood, concerning which the people received a law, could have given perfection, what further need was there that another priest should rise, to be named after the order of Melchisedec, and not after the order of Aaron?

no house is without a builder; now he that built the whole house of Israel is God.

now he that is disciplined like a child, is not prepared for the doctrine of justification:

for you were passionately affected for those who were in bonds, and were pleas'd at the seizing of your goods, knowing that you have what is more excellent and lasting.

but he, by virtue of his immortal state, hath a priesthood that does not pass by succession.

for we have. no settled corporation here, but are in expectation of that which is approaching.

besides, the priesthood then devolv'd to many, death depriving them of a lasting possession.

to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the aspersion of that blood which cries for pardon, and not for vengeance as that of Abel.

as for us, we are not such as desert to their own destruction; but such as persevere in the faith, to the saving of our souls.

than the sacrificers had to eat of the flesh of those beasts, which were burnt without the camp, and whose blood the highpriest carried into the sanctuary.

were proof against the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, show'd their resolution in distress, and their valour in fight, putting to flight the armies of the aliens.

because God out of his distinguishing kindness to us, would not let them arrive before us to the enjoyment of perfect felicity.

(of whom the world was not worthy) they wandred in desarts, and in mountains, having no retreat but the dens and caves of the earth.

some of you being expos'd to publick obloquy and persecution: whilst others had their share of affliction in seeing such treatment.