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ciple, is the main scope of this Epistle, so far as it is doctrinal; and the consideration of it will occur unto us in so many instances, as that we shall not need here to insist on the general assertion.

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VII. It is an eminent privilege to be the house of Christ, or a part of that house." Whose house are we. Of this the apostle reminds the Hebrews, that a sense of their privilege therein, and advantage thereby, might prevail with them unto the duties which he presseth them unto. And it is thus an advantage:

First, Because this house is God's building, 1 Cor. iii. 9. "Ye are God's building;" a house that he built, and that in an admirable manner. The tabernacle of old was thus far of God's building, that it was built by his appointment, and that according to the pattern that he gave of it unto Moses. But this building is far more glorious, Heb. ix. 11. " a great and perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building."

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Again, It is so of God's building, that none is employed in a way of authority for the carrying of it on, but the Lord Christ alone; the Son and Lord over his own house. And he takes it upon himself, Matt. xvi. 18. "I will build my church." But it may be objected, that it is thus also with the whole world. It is the building of God, and was built by the Son, the eternal Word, by whom all things were made, and without whom nothing is made that was made, John i. 2, 3.; yea, it was built to be Otov oixnτnger, an habitation for the divine glory,' in the providential manifestations of it. I answer, All this is true: It is so, and is therefore excellent, and wonderfully sets out the glory of God, as hath been declared on the foregoing chapter. But yet this house whereof we speak, on many accounts excelleth the whole fabric of heaven and earth. For, first, it is not barely a house, but it is a sacred house, a temple; not an ordinary, but a holy, a dedicated dwelling-place. "Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth into an holy temple in the Lord, Eph. ii. 20, 21. This is God's mansion, when all other things of the world are let out to farm unto the sons of men. They are cottages for flesh and blood to dwell in; this is God's place of constant and special residence.

Secondly, It is a special kind of temple, not like that built of old by Solomon, of stones, cedar wood, silver and gold, but it is a spiritual house, 1 Pet. ii. 5. made up of living stones in a strange and wonderful manner. A temple not subject to decay, but such as grows continually in every stone that is laid in it, and in the daily new addition of living stones unto it. And

although these stones are continually removed, some from the lower rooms in this house in grace, to the higher stories in glory, yet not one stone of it is, or shall be, lost for ever.

Thirdly, The manner of God's habitation in this house is peculiar also. He dwelt indeed in the tabernacle and temple of old; but how? By sacrifices, carnal ordinances, and some outward appearances of glory. In this house he dwells by his Spirit: "Ye are builded together an habitation of God through the Spirit," Eph. ii. 22. And "know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you," 1 Cor. iii. 16. Unspeakable therefore is this privilege, and so are the advantages which depend thereon.

VIII. The greatness of this privilege requires an answerableness of duty. Because we are this house of God, it becometh us to hold fast our confidence unto the end. This is particularly expressed; but the reason is the same unto many other duties, which on the account of our being the house of God, are incumbent on us. As, 1. Universal holiness, Psal. xciii. 5. 2. Especial purity of soul and body, becoming an habitation of the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor. iii. 16, 17. ch. vi. 19, 20. 3. Endeavours to fill up the place, state, condition and relation, that we hold unto the house for the good of the whole, Col. ii. 19. Eph. ii. 15, 16. For besides the general interest which all believers have in this house, which is equal in and unto them all, every one hath his especial place and order in this building. 1. In the peculiar season, age, or generation, wherein our service in this house is expected. And these require several duties suited unto the light, enjoyments and trials of the whole in them. 2. In the especial places or offices that any hold in this house. 3. In the respect that is to be had unto the particular or especial assemblies of this house, whereunto any living stone doth belong. 4. With respect unto advantages that any are entrusted withal, for the increase or edification of the house in faith and love; all which call for the discharge of many especial duties.

IX. In times of trial and persecution, freedom, boldness, and constancy in profession, are a good evidence unto ourselves, that we are living stones in the house of God, and duties acceptable unto him.-Hold fast, saith the apostle, your rapinosav, your free, bold profession of the gospel, and your exultation in the hope of the great promises, which are given unto you in it. This duty God hath set a singular remark upon, as that which he indispensably requireth, and that whereby he is peculiarly glorified. A blessed instance we have hereof in the three companions of Daniel. They beheld on the one side, vultum instantis tyranni,' the form of whose visage was changed with fury,' furiis accensus, et ira terribilis; on the other, a flaming consuming furnace of fire that they were instantly to be cast into, if they VOL. III.

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let not go their profession. But behold their , their boldness and confidence in their profession, Dan. iii. 16—18. "They answered and said unto the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter if it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." They do not ask a moment's space to deliberate in this matter, and a blessed end they had of their confidence. So Basil answered Julian, when he would have given him space to consult: Do,' said he, what you intend; for I will be the same to-morrow that I am this day. This is readiness and alacrity to witness a good confession with boldness. So it is observed of Peter and John, Acts iv. 13. The Jews were astonished, observing their inay, (the word in the text, which we there translate boldness), that is their readiness and promptitude of mind and speech, in their confession of the name of Christ, when they were in prison, and under the power of their adversaries. Hence also they that fail in this duty are termed duo, fearful ones,' and are in the first rank of them who are excluded out of the New Jerusalem, Rev. xxi. S. Peter indeed instructs us to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us, μera poor, 'with fear,' 1 Pet. iii. 15. that is, of reverence unto God, and the sacredness of those things wherein his name is concerned. But we must not do it, pera duxas, with a pusillanimous fear,' a fear of men, or respect unto what from them may befal us for our profession. These duo, fearful ones,' are those meticulosi which shake and tremble at the report of danger; so that when persecution ariseth, straightway they are offended, and give over their profession.

And in our discharge of this duty, is the glory of God greatly concerned. The revenue of glory which God hath from any in this world, ariseth principally, if not solely, from that profession which they make of the gospel, and of their faith in the promises thereof. Hereby do they testify unto his authority, goodness, wisdom, grace and faithfulness. Other way of giving glory unto God we have not, but by bearing witness unto his excellencies; that is, glorifying him as God. Now, when persecution and trouble arise about these things, a trial is made whether we indeed believe and put our trust in what we profess of God; and whether we value his promises above all present things whatever. And hereby is our heavenly Father glorified. This therefore is a singular privilege, when it is given to believers, Phil. i. 29.

Again, By this means, the souls of the saints have a trial

and experiment of their own grace, of what sort it is; as Abraham had of his own faith and obedience, in the great experiment which God gave him of it by his command for the sacrificing of Isaac. Tried graces are exceeding precious, 1 Pet. i. 6, 7. and evidences that those in whom they are, do belong to the house of God.

There are other observations, which the words tender unto us, that shall only be named.

X. Interest in the gospel gives sufficient cause of confidence and rejoicing in every condition.-"Hold fast the rejoicing of your hope." The riches of it are invaluable, eternal, peculiar, such as out-balance all earthly things, satisfactory to the soul, ending in endless glory; and he that is duly interested in them, cannot but have abundant cause of joy unspeakable at all times.

XI. So many and great are the interveniences and temptations that lie in the way of profession, so great is the number of them that decay in it, or apostatize from it, that as unto the glory of God, and the principal discovery of its truth and sincerity, it is to be taken from its permanency unto the end.Whose house are we, if we hold fast our confidence, and profession, and rejoicing of hope, firm unto the end.'

PRINTED BY J. RITCHIE,
DINEUROK.

END OF VOLUME III.

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