This is to be done "without wavering;" that is, the profession must be immoveable and constant. The frame of mind which this is opposed to, is expressed James i, 6, (Sianpivoμevos) one that is always disputing; and tossed up and down with various thoughts in his mind, not coming to a fixed determination: he is like a wave of the sea, which one while subsides and is quiet; and another while is tossed this way or that, as it receives impressions from the wind. As men's minds waver in these things, so their profession wavers, which the apostle here opposeth to that full assurance of faith required in us. (Axλ) without wavering; the word denotes, not to be bent one way or other; firm, fixed, stable, in opposition to them; wherefore, it includes-positively, a firm persuasion of mind as to the truth of the faith professed;-a constant resolution to abide therein, and adhere to it against all opposition, and constancy and diligence in the performance of all the duties which are required to the continuation of this profession.

§12. "For he is faithful that hath promised." In opening these words, let us attend to the nature of the encouragement given us in them.

1. It is God alone who promiseth. He alone is the author of all gospel promises; and by him are they given to us, 2 Pet. i, 4; Tit. i, 1. Hence, evangelically, that is a just periphrasis of God, "he who hath prom ised."

2. The promises of God are of that nature in themselves, as are suited to the encouragement of all bes lievers to constancy, and final perseverance, in the profession of their faith; whether we respect them, as they contain and exhibit present grace, mercy, and consolation, or as they propose to us eternal things in the future glorious reward.

VOL. IV.

8

The efficacy of the promises to this end depends upon the faithfulness of God who gives them; with him is neither variableness nor shadow of turning. The strength of Israel will not lie, nor repent. God's faithfulness is the unchangeableness of his purpose, and the counsels of his will, proceeding from the immutability of his nature, accompanied with almighty power for their accomplishment, as declared in the word; see chap. vi, 18. Consider, saith he, the promises of the gospel, their incomparable greatness and glory; in their enjoyment consists our eternal blessedness, and they will all be accomplished towards those who hold fast their profession, seeing he who hath promised them is absolutely faithful and unchangeable.

§13. (IV.) From the whole observe,

1. It is not every mistake, every error though it be in things of great importance, while it overthrows not the foundation, that can divest men of a fraternal interest with others in the heavenly calling.

2. This is the great fundamental principle of the gospel, that believers, in all their holy worship, have liberty, boldness, and confidence, to enter into this gracious presence of God; they are not hindered by any prohibition. There is no such order now, that he who draws nigh shall be cut off; but, on the contrary, that he who doth not shall be destroyed.

3. Hence there is no room for terror in their consciences, when they make those approaches to God. They have not received the spirit of bondage, but the Spirit of the Son, whereby with holy boldness they cry, “Abba, Father," for "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

4. The nature of gospel worship consists in an entrance with reverential boldness into the presence of God.

5. Our approach to God in gospel worship is to him as evidencing himself in a way of grace and mercy. Hence it is said to be an entrance into the holiest, for in the holy place were all the pledges and tokens of God's favor.

6. Nothing but the blood of Jesus could have given this boldness, nothing that stood in its way could otherwise have been removed, nothing else could have set our souls at liberty from that bondage, which was come upon them by sin. What shall we render to him! How unspeakable are our obligations! How should we abound in faith and love!

7. Confidence in access to God not built on, not resolved into the blood of Christ, is but a daring presumption which God abhors.

§14. 1. The way of our entrance into the holiest is solemnly dedicated and consecrated for us, so that we may make use of it with becoming boldness.

2. All the privileges we have by Christ are great, glorious, and efficacious, all tending and leading unto life.

3. The Lord Christ peculiarly presides over all the persons, duties, and worship of believers in the church of God. See Exposition, chap. iv, 14-16.

4. The heart is that which God principally respects in our access to him; and universal internal sincerity of heart is required of all those, who draw nigh to him in his holy worship.

5. The actual exercise of faith is required in all our approaches to God, in every particular duty of his worship.

6. And it is faith in Christ alone that gives this boldness of access; and the person and office of Christ are to be rested in with full assurance in all our accesses to the throne of grace.

§15. 1. Although the worship whereby we draw nigh to God be performed with respect to institution and rule, yet without internal sanctification of heart we are not accepted in it.

2. Due preparations, by a fresh application of our souls to the efficacy of the blood of Christ, for the purification of our hearts, that we may be meet to draw nigh to God, is at once our incumbent duty and high privilege.

3. In all wherein we have to do with God, we are principally to regard those internal sins we are conscious of to ourselves, but are hidden from all others.

4. Yet the universal sanctification of our whole persons and especially the mortification of outward sins, are also required in our drawing nigh to God. These, and not the gaiety of outward apparel, are the best preparatory ornaments for our religious worship.

5. It is a great mark to draw nigh to God, so as to worship him in spirit and in truth.

§16. 1. There is an internal principle of saving faith required to our profitable profession of the gospel doctrine, without which it will not avail.

2. All that believe ought solemnly to give themselves up to Christ and his rule, in an express profession of their faith.

3. Great difficulties will sometimes arise in opposition to a sincere profession of the faith.

4. Firmness and constancy of mind, with our utmost diligent endeavors, are required to an acceptable continuance in our profession.

5. Uncertainty and wavering of mind, as to the truth we profess, or a neglect of the duties wherein it consists, or compliance with errors for fear of persecutions and sufferings, overthrow our profession, and render it useless.

6. As we ought not on any account to decline our profession, so to abate of the degrees of fervency of spirit therein, is dangerous to our souls.

7. The faithfulness of God in his promises is our great encouragement and support against all opposi

tions.

VERSE 24.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love, and to

good works.

§1. Love and good works the evidences of faith.

$2. What implied in provok

ing one another to love and good works. §3, Observations.

§1. Love and good works are the fruits and evidences of the sincere profession of saving faith; wherefore, a diligent attendance to them is an effectual means of constancy in our profession.

(Kalavowpɛv aλλŋλ85) “Let us consider one another." The word hath been opened on chap. iii, 1; and denotes in brief, an heedful consideration of mind, a mind intent upon a thing in opposition to common, careless, transient thoughts about it. The object here is "one another;" and herein the apostle supposeth that those to whom he wrote had a deep concernment in one another, their present and future state, without which, the mere consideration of one another would only be a fruitless effect of curiosity; that they had also communion together about those things, without which this duty could not be rightly discharged;-and, finally, that they judged themselves obliged to watch over one another as to steadfastness in profession, and fruitfulness of love and good works.

On these suppositions, this consideration” respects the gifts, the graces, the temptations, the dangers, the seasons and opportunities for duty, the manner of