PuritanSearch

CHAP. V.

1 FOR every high priest taken from among men , is ordained for men in things pertaining to God , that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins .

2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant , and on them that are not out of the way , for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity .

3 And by reason hereof he ought as for the people , so also for himself to offer for sins .

4 And no man taketh this honor unto himself , but he that is called of God, as was Aaron .

5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest : but he that said unto him , Thou art my Son , today have I begotten thee .

6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest forever , after the order of Melchizedek .

7 Who in the days of his flesh , when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying, and tears , unto him that was able to save him from death , and was heard, in that he feared .

8 Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered .

9 And being made perfect , he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him .

10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek .

11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered , seeing ye are dull of hearing .

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers , ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God , and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat .

13 For everyone that useth milk , is unskillful in the word of righteousness : for he is a Babe .

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age , even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil .

CHAP. VI.

1 THerefore leaving the principles of the Doctrine of Christ , let us go on unto perfection , not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works , and of Faith towards God .

2 Of the doctrine of Baptisms , and of laying on of hands , and of resurrection of the dead , and of eternal judgment .

3 And this will we do , if God perm • t .

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened , and have tasted of the heavenly gift , and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost .

5 And have tasted the good word of God , and the powers of the world to come .

6 If they shall fall away , to renew them again unto repentance : seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh , and put him to an open shame .

7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it , and bringeth forth herbs meet for them * by whom it is dressed , receiveth blessing from God .

8 But that which beareth thorns and briars , is rejected , and is nigh unto cursing , whose end is to be burned.

9 But beloved, we are persuaded better things of you , and things that accompany salvation , though we thus speak.

10 For God is not unrighteous , to forget your work , and labor of love, which ye have shown towards his Name, in that ye have ministered to the Saints, and do minister .

11 And we desire that everyone of you do show the same diligence , to the full assurance of hope unto the end ▪

12 That ye be not slothful , but followers of them , who through faith and patience inherit the promises .

13 Forwhen God made promise to Abraham , because he could swear by no greater , he sware by himself .

14 Saying, Surely, blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee .

15 And so after he had patiently endured , he obtained the promise .

16 For men verily swear by the greater , and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife .

17 Wherein God willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel , confirmed it by an oath .

18 That by two immutable things , in which it was impossible for God to lie , we might have a strong consolation , who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us .

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast , and which entereth into that within the veil .

20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered , even Jesus, made an high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek i.

CHAP. VII.

1 FOR this Melchizedek , king of Salem , priest of the most high God , who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings , and blessed him .

2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all : first being by interpretation King of righteousness , and after that also King of Salem, which is King of peace .

3 Without father , without mother , without descent , having neither beginning of days, nor end of life ; but made like unto the Son of God , abideth a priest continually .

4 Now consider how great this man was , unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils .

5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood , have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law , that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham .

6 But he whose descent is not counted from them , received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises .

7 And without all contradiction, the less is blessed of the better .

8 And here men that die , receive tithes: but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth .

9 And as I may so say , Levi also , who received tithes, paid tithes in Abraham .

10 For he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him .

11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law ) what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

12 For the priesthood being changed , there is made of necessity a change also of the law .

13 For he of whom these things are spoken, pertaineth to another tribe , of which no man gave attendance at the altar .

14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah , of which Tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood .

15 And it is yet far more evident , for that p after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest .

16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment , but after the power of an endless life .

17 For he testifieth , Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek .

18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before , for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof .

19 For the law made nothing perfect z, but the bringing in of a better hope did : by the which we draw nigh unto God ▪

20 And in as much as not without an oath he was made priest .

21 (For those Priests were made without an oath : but this with an oath, by him that said unto him, The Lord sware , and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.)

22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament .

23 And they truly were many priests , because they were not suffered to continue, by reason of death .

24 But this man because he continueth ever , hath an unchangeable priesthood .

25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him , seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them .

26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy , harmless , undefiled , separate from sinners , and made higher than the heavens .

27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice , first for his own sins, and then for the people's : For this he did once when he offered up himself x.

28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity , but the word of the oath which was since the law , maketh the Son, † who is consecrated for evermore .

CHAP. VIII.

1 NOW of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum : We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens .

2 A minister of the sanctuary , and of the true tabernacle , which the Lord pitched , and not man .

3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices : wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer .

4 For if he were on earth he should not be a priest , seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law ;

5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things , as Moses was admonished of God , when he was about to make the tabernacle. For see, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shown to thee in the mount.

6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry , by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant , which was established upon better promises .

7 For if that first covenant had been faultless , then should no place have been sought for the second .

8 For finding fault with them , he saith, Behold, the days come , saith the Lord , when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and the house of Judah:

9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers , in the day when I took them by the hand , to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not , saith the Lord .

10 For this is the covenant 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 : and I will be to them a God , and they shall be to me a people ,

11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor , and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: For all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousnesses , and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more .

13 In that he saith, A new Covenant, he hath made the first old ; Now that which decayeth and waxeth old, is ready to vanish away .

CHAP. IX.

1 THen verily the first Covenant had also ordinances of divine service , and a worldly sanctuary.

2 For there was a Tabernacle made, the first , wherein was the candlestick , and the table , and the show-bread , which is called the Sanctuary .

3 And after the second v • il, the Tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all .

4 Which had the golden censer , and the ark of the covenant, overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna , and Aaron's r • d that budded, and the tables of the covenant :

5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy-seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly .

6 Now when these things were thus ordained , the priests went always into the first Tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

7 But into the second went the High Priest alone once every year , not without blood , which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people .

8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing .

9 Which was a Figure for the time then present , in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices , that could not make him that did the service perfect , as pertaining to the conscience,

10 Which stood only in meats and drinks , and divers washing , and carnal ordinances imposed on them l, until the time of reformation .

11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come , by a greater and more perfect q tabernacle, not made with hands , that is to say, not of this building:

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves: but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained u eternal redemption for us.

13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the Flesh:

14 How much more shall the blood of Christ r, who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God , purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God .

15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new testament, t that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal nheritance.

16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator ,

17 For a Testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the Testator liveth.

18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book and all the people.

20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament, which God hath enjoined unto you .

Moreover, he sprinkled likewise with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry .

22 And almost all things are by the Law purged with blood: and without shedding of blood is no remission.

23 It was necessary therefore , that the patterns of the things in the Heaven should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

24 For Christ is not entered into holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for u • .

25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high-priest entereth into the Holy place every year with the blood of others.

26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment .

28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin n unto salvation.

CHAP. X.

1 FOR the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect:

2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered , because that the worshippers once purged , should have had no more conscience of sins:

3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats, should take away sins.

5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

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

7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God.

8 Above when he said, Sacrifice, and offering, and burnt-offerings, and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein, (which are offered by the Law:)

9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 And every priest standeth daily ministering, and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

12 But this man after he had offered one sa • ri •• ce for sins, f forever sat down on the right hand of God .

13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

14 For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.

15 Whereof the holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having therefore, brethren , boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil , that is to say, his flesh;

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith , having our hearts d sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering. For he is faithful that promised:

24 And let us consider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is : But exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.

26 For if we sin willfully s after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses law, died without mercy, under two or three witnesses.

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, , shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified , an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord ; And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 But o call to remembrance the former days, in which after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight o • afflictions .

33 Partly whilst ye were made a gazing-stock, both by reproaches, and afflictions, and partly whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.

36 For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe, to the saving of the soul.

CHAP. XI.

1 NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen, were not made of things which do appear.

4 By faith Abel offered i unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead, yet speaketh.

5 By faith Enoch was translated, that he should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated him: For before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God.

6 But without faith, it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

7 By faith Noah being warned of God of things, not seen as yet, moved with fear prepared an Ark to the saving of his house, by the which he condemned the world, and became • heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

8 By faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an Inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whether he went.

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, a • in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea-shore, innumerable.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For they that say such things, declare plainly that they seek a country.

15 And truly if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned:

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: For he hath prepared for them a city.

17 By faith Abraham when he was tried, offered up Isaac: And he that had received the promises, offered up his only begotten son,

18 Of whom it was said , That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, and even from the dead: From whence also he received him in a figure.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

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

22 By saith Joseph when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel: And gave commandment concerning his bones.

23 By faith Moses when he was born was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child, and they were not afraid of the kings commandment.

24 By faith Moses when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter,

25 Choosing rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season:

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches then the treasures in Egypt: For he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: For he endured as seeing him who is invisible.

28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the first-born, should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the red-sea, as by dry land : which the Egyptians assaying to do, were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephtha, and of David also, and Samuel, and of the Prophets.

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness , obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight , turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.

36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds , and imprisonment.

37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword, they wandered about in sheep-skins, and goat-skins, being destitute , afflicted, tormented:

38 Of whom the world was not worthy they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And these all having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise .

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect g.

CHAP. XII.

1 WHerefore , seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the Sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

2 Looking unto Jesus 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 at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of Sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against Sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation, which speaketh to you as to children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth.

7 I • ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons: for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence, shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he f for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed.

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness , without which no man shall see the Lord:

15 Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled:

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person as Esau , who for one morsel of meat sold his birth-right.

17 For ye know how that afterward when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest;

19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words, • hich voice they that heard , entreated that the word should not be spoken to them anymore:

20 For they could not endure that which was commanded. And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart.

21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, • exceedingly fear and quake.

22 But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the City of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.

23 To the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

24 And to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh: For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

26 Whose voice then shook the earth, but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

27 And this word, Yet once more signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace , whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear.

29 For our God is a consuming fire .

CHAP. XIII.

1 LET brotherly love continue .

2 Be not forgetful to entertain Strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

3 Remember them which are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity , as being yourselves also in the body.

4 Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whore-mongers and adulterers God will judge.

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: For he hath said; I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines: For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace, not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

10 We have an Altar, whereof they have no right to eat, which serve the tabernacle.

11 For the bodies of those Beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burnt without the camp.

12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.

16 But to do good, and to communicate forget not, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account: that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

18 Pray for us: For we trust we have a good Conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

20 Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus , that great shepherd of the sheep , through the blood of the everlasting covenant.

21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation; for I have written a letter to you in few words.

23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly I will see you.

24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

Written to the Hebrews from Italy, by Timothy.

The general EPISTLE OF JAMES.

The ARGUMENT.

THAT the Authority of this Epistle hath been questioned by some anciently, appears plainly by Eusebius and Jerome, who speak suspiciously of it; and that it hath been denied by some more lately, is no less clear (to say nothing of Cajetan and Erasmus ) in Luther, who, (though in his after-writings he was more modest) at first spoke slightly of it; and some of his more early Followers were of his Mind. But as for the Ancients, (admitting the two fore-mentioned Authors, writ their own Sence, and not as some think, and their words cited by Brochmand, and others, may well import, the Opinion of other Men) why should not this Epistle, being unquestionably received by most of the Fathers, and primitive Christians before Eusebius or Jerome were born and many Councils, be more effectual to prove its being Canonical, than the Doubts of a few to persuade us to the contrary? What do we find in it disagreeable to the Doctrine of the Gospel, unbecoming the style of an Apostle, or the Holy Ghosts enditing? Hath it not the same Majesty, Purity, Spirituality, Efficacy and Power on Men's Consciences that other Scriptures have? To Cajetan and Erasmus we oppose the Universality, not only of Protestants, but of Papists themselves; and to Luther all the modern Lutherians, who now generally receive it. That which drew Luther himself to reject it (to speak a little of that as being of weight) was, partly the seeming difference between James and Paul in the Point of Justification, which will be spoken to in the second Chapter; and partly his speaking nothing (though he wrote to Christians) of the Death, or Merits, or Resurrection of Christ, &c. Whereas, indeed, though he is more sparing in handling Evangelical Doctrines, yet several he toucheth upon; what doth he mean but the Gospel of Christ by the engraffed Word, chap. 1.21. and Law of Liberty, v. 25. And who doth he understand by the Judge, chap. 5.9. but Christ; and whose coming doth he speak of, v. 7, but Christ's? And how expressly doth he mention the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, ch. 2.1 ? But the truth is, the Persons for whom this Epistle seems designed, and the Scope of the Writer call for such a way of writing, as here we have. He bends himself mainly against a licentious, sensual sort of Professors, who boasted of the name of Faith, but wanted the Thing, and (being rather Libertines than Saints) blemished the Christian Profession with unsuitable Practice. These he takes upon him to correct, and evinceth their Faith and Religion (being barren of good Works) to be vain. It was not therefore necessary he should so largely insist upon the Doctrine of Faith, when his chief Design was to reform Manners. Paul having many times to do with Men of Pharisaical Spirits, or such as were difficulty weaned from Judaism, and an Opinion of Self-righteousness, makes it his Business to settle the Doctrine of Grace, and Iustificatiou by Faith. And why may not James, having to do with those, who (probably, and as Austin thinks, misunderstanding Paul ) abused the Doctrine of Grace, and turned it into an Occasion of Licentiousness, be allowed to tax that abuse, and insist the more fully on matters of Practice, and press them to live up to their Faith, and bring forth Fruits answerable to that holy Truth they had received? Remedies must be suited to Diseases: There is a little need to urge a Solifidian to rely on Grace of which he already presumes, as to persuade a Pharisee of the necessity of good Works, upon which of himself he lays but to much stress.

But as the Authority of this Epistle hath been questioned formerly, though with little reason, so the Penman of it is still doubted of, perhaps with more: However, this Question is less material, we need not be over-solicitous to know what Amanuensis the Spirit of God made use of in penning it, so long as we find the Impress of God upon it. It is certain, that this James was not the Son of Zebedee, whom Herod had beheaded (if Chronology fail not) before the writing of this Epistle, Acts 12.1. It is not certain, that there were three James 's, two of them Apostles, and the third (called Oblias, and James the Just ) one of the Seventy Disciples; the Scripture mentioning but two, one the Son of Zebedee, the other of Alpheus, called the Brother of the Lord, Gal. 1.19. as being of kin to his Family, and said to be a Pillar, Gal. 2.19. and joined with Peter and John. And though some have thought the James there mentioned, to have been the third James called Obiias, and one of the Seventy; yet it is more probable, that he was indeed no other than the Son of Alpheus, and one of the Twelve: Nor is it likely, that one of the Disciples should be numbered, as one of the three Pillars, and therein preferred above so many Apostles. This James, therefore, upon the whole, I take to be the Penman of this Epistle; and his not calling himself an Apostle, need not be objected against his being so, when he doth no more in omitting it, than Paul doth in four of his Epistles, viz. to the Philippians, both to the Thessalonians, and that to Philemon.

Why this Epistle is called General, is much questioned, and a satisfactory Reason not easily given. Some think, because it is not inscribed to any particular Church, or Person, as Paul's are. But them why are the two latter Epistles of John reckoned among the Catholic, or general ones, though directed to particular Persons, and that to the Hebrews not counted among them, though it have no such particular Inscription? Others think, that this, and the six other were called Catholic, upon their catholic, or general Reception, and Approbation among the Churches, in opposition to the Epistles of Barnabas, Ignatius, Clemens, &c. which never were received as any part of the Canon. These are the best Reasons of this Title I meet with; which is the more probable, let the Reader judge.

The matter of this Epistle is, in a manner, wholly practical, but very various; though chiefly, either corrective of the Vices and Abuses, which had crept into the Conversations of Professors; or Monitory and Hortatory, partly to awaken the drowsy among them out of their Stupidness and Security, and stir them up to the practice of their neglected Duty, (to which he points them particularly, by minding them of approaching Judgment) and partly to persuade sincere and humble Believers to Patience under Tribulations and Oppressions, by propounding unto them suitable Encouragements for their Support and Consolation in such a Condition. Many excellent and useful Truths are promiscuously laid down throughout the whole, which cannot easily be reduced to any certain Method, but will be severally spoken to in the respective places where they occur.

CHAP. 1.

1 JAmes a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ , to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad , greeting .

2 My brethren , count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations .

3 Knowing this , that the trying of your faith worketh patience .

4 But let patience have her perfect work , that ye may be perfect and entire , wanting nothing .

5 If any of you lack wisdom , let him ask of God , that giveth to all men liberally , and upbraideth not , and it shall be given him .

6 But let him ask in faith , nothing wavering : For he that wavereth, is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind, and tossed .

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways .

9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted k.

10 But the rich in that he is made low , because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away .

11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat , but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways .

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation , for when he is tried , he shall receive the crown of life , which the Lord hath promised to them that love him .

13 Let no man say when he is tempted , I am tempted of God : For God cannot be tempted with evil , neither tempteth he any man .

14 But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust ▪ and enticed .

15 Then when lust hath conceived , it bringeth forth sin, and sin when it is finished , bringeth forth death .

16 Do not err my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift, and every perfect gift , is from above , and cometh down from the Father of lights , with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning .

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth , that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures .

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear , slow to speak , slow to wrath .

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God .

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engraffed word which is able to save your souls .

22 But be ye doers of the word , and not hearers only deceiving your own selves .

23 For if any man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass :

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was .

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty , and continueth therein , he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work , this man shall be blessed in his deed .

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue , but deceiveth his own heart , that man's religion is vain .

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction , and to keep himself unspotted of the world .

CHAP. II.

1 MY brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory , with respect of persons .

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel , and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment .

3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say to him, Sit thou here in a good place , and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool .

4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves , and are become judges of evil thoughts ?

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this World p, rich in faith , and heirs of the kingdom † which he hath promised to them that love him ?

6 But ye have despised the poor . Do not rich men oppress you , and draw you before the judgment seat ?

7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by which ye are called ?

8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture , Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well .

9 But if ye have respect to persons , ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law , and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all .

11 For he that said Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill: Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill thou art become a transgressor of the Law .

12 So speak ye, and so do , as they that shall be judged by t • e law of liberty .

13 For he shall have judgment without mercy that hath shown no mercy ; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment .

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man s • y he hath faith , and have not works can faith save him ?

15 If a brother or sister be naked , and destitute of daily food :

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace , be ye warmed , and be ye filled , nothwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body : what doth it profit ?

17 Even so faith , if it hath not works, is dead , being alone .

18 Yea, a man may say , Thou hast faith , and I have works : show me thy faith without thy works , and I will show thee my faith by my works .

19 Thou believest that there is one God , thou dost well : The devils also believe , and tremble .

20 But wilt thou know , O vain man , that faith wwithout works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar ?

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works , and by works was faith made perfect ?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled , which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness ; and he was called the Friend of God .

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified , and not by faith only .

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works , when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

CHAP. III.

1 MY brethren, be not many masters , knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation .

2 For in many things we offend all . If any man offend not in word , the same is a perfect man , and able also to bridle the whole body .

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses mouths that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body .

4 Behold also the ships which, though they be so great, and driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm whithersoever the governor listeth .

5 Even so the tongue is a little member , and boasteth great things . Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth .

6 And the tongue is a fire , a world of iniquity: So is the tongue amongst our members, that it defileth the whole body q, and setteth on fire the course of nature ; and it is set on fire of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts , and of birds , and of serpents , and things in the sea , is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind.

8 But the tongue can no man tame : it is an unruly evil , full of deadly poison .

9 Therewith bless we God even the Father , and therewith curse we men , which are made after the similitude of God .

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing . My brethren, these things ought not so to be .

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

12 Can the fig-tree, my brethren, bear olive berries, either a vine figs ? So can no fountain yield both salt water, and fresh .

13 Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? let him show, out of a good conversation, his works with meekness of wisdom .

14 But if ye have bitter envying , and strife in your hearts , glory not , and lie not against the truth .

15 This wisdom descendeth not from above , but is earthly , sensual , devilish .

16 For where envy and strife is , there is confusion , and every evil work .

17 But the wisdom that is from above , is first pure , then peaceable , gentle , and easy to be entreated , full of mercy , and good fruits , without partiality , and without hypocrisy .

18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace .

CHAP. IV.

1 FRom whence come wars, and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts , that war in your members ?

2 Ye lust and have not , ye kill , and desire to have , and cannot obtain ; ye fight and war , yet ye have not , because ye ask not .

3 Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss , that ye may consume it upon your lusts .

4 Ye adulterers, and adulteresses , know ye nor , that the friendship of the world , is enmity with God ? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God .

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain , the spirit that dwelleth in us, lusteth to envy ?

6 But he giveth more grace : wherefore he saith , God resisteth the proud , but giveth grace to the humble .

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God: Resist the devil , and he will fly from you .

8 Draw nigh to God , and he will draw nigh to you : Cleanse your hands , ye sinners , and purify your hearts ye double-minded .

9 Be afflicted , and mourn , and weep : let your laughter be turned into mourning , and your joy into heaviness .

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord , and he shall lift you up .

11 Speak not evil one of another , brethren: He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law : but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge .

12 There is one law-giver , who is able to save, and to destroy : Who art thou that judgest another ?

13 Go to now, ye that say , To day, or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy, and sell, and get gain .

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow : For what is your life ? it is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

15 For that ye ought to say , If the Lord will , we shall live , and do this, or that.

16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings : All such rejoicing is evil .

17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good , and doth it not, to him it is sin .

CHAP. V.

1 GO to now , ye rich men , weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you .

2 Your riches are corrupted , and your garments are moth-eaten.

3 Your gold and silver is cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness against you , and shall eat your flesh as it were fire : Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days .

4 Behold , the hire of your laborers which have reaped down your fields , which is of you kept back by fraud , crieth , and the cries of them which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbath .

5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth , and been wanton : ye have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter .

6 Ye have condemned, and killed the just , and he doth not resist you .

7 Be ye patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early, and latter rain .

8 Be ye also patient , stablish your hearts , for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh .

9 Grudg not one against another , brethren, lest ye be condemned , behold the judge standeth before the door .

10 Take my brethren the prophets which have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction , and of patience .

11 Behold we count them happy which endure . Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord , that the Lord • s very pitiful , and of tender mercy .

12 But above all things my brethren swear not , neither by heaven, neither by the earth , neither by any other Oath , but let your Yea be Yea, and your Nay, Nay , lest ye fall into condemnation .

13 Is any among you afflicted ? let him pray . Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him , anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord .

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up , and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him .

16 Confess your faults one to another , and pray one for another , that ye may be healed . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much .

17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are , and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain , and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months .

18 And he prayed again , and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit▪

19 Brethren if any of you do err from the truth ; and one convert him .

20 Let him know that he which converts a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death , and shall hide a multitude of sins.