The .iiij. Chapter.
Let us fear therefore lest any of us forsaking the promise of entering into his rest, should seem to come behind. For unto us was it declared, as well as unto them. But it profited not them that they heard the word, because they which heard it coupled it not with faith. We which have believed, do enter into his rest, as contrary wise he said to the other: as I have sworn in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest. And that spake he verily long after that the works were made, from the foundation of the world laid. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day, on this wise: And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again: They shall not come into my rest.
Seeing therefore it followeth that some must enter thereinto, and they to whom it was first preached, entered not therein for unbelief's sake. Again he appointeth in David a certain present day after so long a time, saying as it is rehearsed: this day if ye hear his voice, be not hard hearted. For if Iosue had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore yet a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest doth cease from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us study therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall into such an ensample of unbelief: for the word of God is quick, and mighty in operation, and sharper than any two edged sword: and entereth through, even unto the dividing a sunder of the soul and the spirit and of the joints, and the mary: and judgeth the thoughts and the intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature invisible in the sight of it: but all things are naked and bare unto the eyes of him, of whom we speak.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest which is entered into heaven (I mean Iesus the son of God) let us keep our profession. For we have not an high priest, which cannot have compassion on our infirmities: but was in all points tempted, in like manner: but yet without sin. Let us therefore go boldly unto the seat of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
The .v. Chapter.
For every high priest that is taken from among men, is ordained for men, in things pertaining to God: to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins: which can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the high way, because that he himself also is compassed with infirmity: For the which infirmity's sake, he is bound to offer for sins, as well for his own part, as for the peoples. No man taketh honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Even so likewise Christ honored not himself, that he might be the high priest: but he glorified him that said unto him: thou art my son, this day begat I thee. As he also in another place speaketh: Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech. Which in the days of his flesh, did offer up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death: and was also heard, because he had God in reverence. And though he were God's son, yet learned he obedience, by those things which he suffered, and was made perfect, and the cause of eternal health unto all them that obey him: and is called of God the high priest, after the order of Melchisedech.
Whereof we have many things to say which are hard to be uttered: because ye are dull of hearing. For when as concerning the time, ye ought to be teachers, yet have ye need again that we teach you the first principles of the word of God: and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat: For every man that is fed with milk is inexpert in the word of righteousness: For he is but a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are perfect, which thorow custom have their wits exercised, to judge both good and evil also.
The .vj. Chapter.