Hebrews 8:5 Who serve to the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for… 1. The same Lord who enjoins the matter, prescribes the manner. 2. As great respect is manifested to God in the manner of doing what He requires, as in matter. In this was David commended (2 Kings 3:6). This was it that Hezekiah pleaded before God (2 Kings 20:3). 3. Herein lieth a main difference between the upright and the hypocrite, instance the difference between Abel's and Cain's offering (Genesis 4:4, 5). 4. That which is good is altered and perverted by failing in the manner. Good is thereby turned into evil, and duty into sin. 5. Failing in the manner makes God reject that which in the matter He requireth (Isaiah 1:11). 6. God detests things commanded by Himself when they are done in an ill manner (Isaiah 66:3). 7. In this case he that doth the work of the Lord is accursed (Jeremiah 48:10). 1. This giveth just cause of examining ourselves even about the good things that we do. This use is the rather to be observed because every one best knoweth his own failings in the manner of what he doth (1 Corinthians 2:11). 2. Upon due examination we cannot but be deeply humbled ever for our failings in the manner of doing good things. The glory of our reading, hearing, praying, singing, partaking of the sacrament, alms-deeds, and other duties, is hereby taken away, which if profane men knew, they would insult over professors. 3. This giveth just occasion of abnegation, and of renouncing all confidence even in our best works, for we must fail therein (1 Samuel 3:2). Did justiciaries well understand this, it would make them cast down their gay peacock's feathers. They would not be so conceited of themselves, as the proud Pharisee, but rather as the humble publican (Luke 18:11-13). There is nothing of such force to work in us This lesson of denying ourselves as a consideration of the manner of doing the good things we do. This consideration would soon put an end to all conceits of fulfilling the law, of meriting, of doing works of supererogation, and undry other proud apprehensions. 4. Upon the aforesaid ground be exhorted to learn as well as to do, what we enterprise, as what we do. God loves adverbs. We were as go d be ignorant of the duty itself as of the manner of performing it. To know what ought to be done, and not to know how it ought to be done, will be a great aggravation of sin. 6. For well-doing that which, is good observe these few rules; — (1) Exercise thyself in God's Word, diligently read it, hear it, and meditate upon it. This is an excellent help. and the best that I can prescribe. For God's Word doth expressly and distinctly declare both what is to be done and how it is to be done (Psalm 119:105). (2) Think on duty before hand, and endeavour to prepare thyself thereto. Sudden, rash, unprepared enterprising a sacred duty is one occasion of failing in the manner of doing it (Ecclesiastes 5:2). (3) Consider with whom thou hast to do in all things; even with Him who is the searcher of the heart. This will make thee circumspect in every circumstance. Conceits that we have to do with man alone, make us look only to the outward duty (2 Corinthians 2:17). (4) In penitent confessions, acknowledge thy failing in the manner of doing duty. (5) Pray for ability even about the manner of doing duty (2 Corinthians 3:5). The work of the Spirit is herein specially manifested; we know not what we should pray for as we ought. But none can do good in a right manner except the regenerating Spirit be in him and help him. 6. For comfort in this case we must have our eye upon our Surety in whom was no failing at all (Hebrews 6:26). (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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 shewed to thee in the mount. |
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