1   God, who at ^note sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,

2   Hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

3    ^noteWho being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself made purification of our sins, sat down

A. D. 64. on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

4   Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

5   For to which of the angels said he at any time, ^note Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, ^note I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

6   And again, when he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world, he saith, ^note And let all the angels of God worship him.

7   And of the angels he saith, ^note Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

8   But to the Son, he saith, ^note Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of ^note righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom.

9   Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

10   And, ^note Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the works of thy hands.

11   They shall perish; but thou remainest: and they all shall become old as doth a garment;

12   And as a vesture wilt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

13   But to which of the angels said he at any time, ^note Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?

14   Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall inherit salvation? CHAP. II. 1 We ought to be obedient to Christ Jesus, 5 and that because he vouchsafed to take our nature upon him, 14 as it was necessary.

1   Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should ^note let them slip.

2   For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;

3   How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him;

4   God also bearing them testimony, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and ^note gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?

5   For to the angels he hath not put in subjection the world to come, concerning which we speak.

6   But one in a certain place testified, saying, ^note What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

7   Thou madest him ^note a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

8    ^noteThou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not made subject to him. But now we see not yet all things subjected to him.

9   But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels ^note for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

10   For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

11   For both he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12   Saying, ^note I will declare thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise to thee.

13   And again, ^note I will put my trust in him. And again, ^note Behold, I, and the children which God hath given me.

14   Since then the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

15   And deliver them, who, through fear of death, were all their life-time subject to bondage.

16   For verily ^note he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17   Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like his brethren; that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18   For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. CHAP. III. 1 Christ is more worthy than Moses; 7 therefore if we believe not in him, we shall be more worthy of punishment than hard-hearted Israel.

1   Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

2   Who was faithful to him that ^note appointed him, as also ^note Moses was faithful in all his house.

3   For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath built the house, hath more honor than the house.

4   For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God.

5   And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterwards to be spoken.

6   But Christ as a son over his own house: whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

A. D. 64.

7   Wherefore (as the Holy Spirit saith, ^note To-day if ye will hear his voice,

8   Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

9   When your fathers ^note tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

10   Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

11   So I swore in my wrath, ^note They shall not enter into my rest.)

12   Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

13   But exhort one another daily, while it is called To-day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

14   For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end;

15   While it is said, To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

16   For some, when they had heard, did provoke: yet, not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.

17   But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, ^note whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?

18   And to whom did he swear that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

19   So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. CHAP. IV. 1 The rest of Christians is obtained by faith. 12 The power of God's word. 14 By our High Priest Jesus the Son of God, subject to infirmities, but not to sin, 16 we must and may go boldly to the throne of grace.

1   Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

2   For to us ^note was the gospel preached, as well as to them: but ^note the word which they heard did not profit them, ^note not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3   For we who have believed do enter into rest, as he said, ^note As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the the foundation of the world.

4   For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, ^note And God rested the seventh day from all his works.

5   And in this place again, if they shall enter into my rest.

6   Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter into it, and they to whom ^note it was first preached entered not because of unbelief:

7   (Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To-day, after so long a time; as it is said, To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8   For if ^note Jesus had given them rest, then he would not afterward have spoken of another day.

9   There remaineth therefore a ^note rest to the people of God.

10   For he that hath entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.)

11   Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of ^note unbelief.

12   For the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13   Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14   Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15   For we have not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but who was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

16   Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. CHAP. V. 1 The authority and honor of our Savior's priesthood. 11 Negligence in the knowledge of it is reproved.

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 ^note can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

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

4    ^noteAnd no man taketh this honor to himself, but he that is called by God, as was Aaron:

5   So also Christ glorified not himself to be made a high priest; but he that said to him, ^note Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee.

6   As he saith also in another place, ^note Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

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

8   Though he was a Son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered;

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

10   Called by God a high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

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 of one to teach

A. D. 64. you again which are the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of ^note milk, and not of strong food.

13   For every one that useth milk, ^note is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

14   But strong food belongeth to them that are ^note of full age, even those who by reason ^note of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. CHAP. VI. 1 He exhorteth, not to fall back from the faith, 11 but to be steadfast, 12 diligent and patient to wait upon God, 13 because God is most sure in his promise.

1   Therefore leaving ^note the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to 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 the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

3   And this will we do, if God permit.

4   For ^note it is impossible for those who have been once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit.

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 to 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 often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs fit for them ^note by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

8   But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh to 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 every one of you to show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end:

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

13   For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, ^note he swore 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 contradiction.

17   Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, ^note 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 vail;

20   Whither the forerunner hath for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedec. CHAP. VII. 1 Christ Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedec, 11 and so far more excellent than the priests of Aaron's order.

1   For this ^note Melchizedec, 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, ^note without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like to the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

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

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

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

7   And without all contradiction the less is blessed by the better.

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

9   And as I may say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

10   For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedec 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 rise after the order of Melchizedec, 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 from Judah; of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.

15   And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchizedec there ariseth another priest,

16   Who is made, not after the law of

A. D. 64. a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

17   For he testifieth, ^note Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedec.

18   For there is verily a disannulling of the preceding commandment on account of its weakness and unprofitableness.

19   For the law made nothing perfect, ^note but the introduction of a better hope did; by which we draw nigh to God.

20   And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:

21   (For those priests were made ^note without an oath; but this with an oath, by him that said to him, ^note The Lord swore, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedec:)

22   By so much was Jesus made a ^note 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 ^note unchangeable priesthood.

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

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

27   Who needeth not daily, as ^note 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.

28   For the law maketh men high priests who have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, maketh the Son, who is ^note consecrated for evermore. CHAP. VIII. 1 By the eternal priesthood of Christ, the Levitical priesthood of Aaron is abolished; 7 and the temporal covenant with the fathers, by the eternal covenant of the gospel.

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

2   A minister ^note 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 should have somewhat also to offer.

4   For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, seeing ^note there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:

5   Who serve to the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished by God when he was about to make the tabernacle: ^note 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 ^note covenant, which was established upon better promises.

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

8   For finding fault with them, he saith, ^note Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with 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 ^note put my laws into their mind, and write them ^note 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 unrighteousness, 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 groweth old is ready to vanish away. CHAP. IX. 1 The description of the rites and bloody sacrifices of the law, 11 far inferior to the dignity and perfection of the blood and sacrifice of Christ.

1   Then verily the first covenant had also ^note ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

2   For there was a tabernacle made; ^note the first, in which was the candlestick, and the table, and the show-bread; which is called ^note the sanctuary.

3   And after the second vail, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

4   Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid around with gold, in which was ^note the golden pot that had manna, and ^note Aaron's rod that budded, and ^note the tables of the covenant;

5   And ^note over it the cherubim 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 ^note once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

8   The Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while 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

A. D. 64. drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ^note ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

11   But Christ being come a high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect 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 eternal redemption for us.

13   For if ^note the blood of bulls and of goats, and ^note the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctify to the purifying of the flesh:

14   How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without ^note spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

15   And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they who are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

16   For where a testament is, there must also of necessity ^note 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 while the testator liveth.

18   Hence even the first testament was not ^note 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 ^note scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book and and all the people,

20   Saying, ^note This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined to you.

21   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 cleansed with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

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

24   For Christ hath not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now ^note to appear in the presence of God for us:

25   Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with 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 to men once to die, but after this the judgment:

28   So ^note Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and to them that look for him he will appear the second time without sin to salvation. CHAP. X. 1 The weakness of the law-sacrifices. 10 The sacrifice of Christ's body once offered, 14 for ever hath taken away sins. 19 An exhortation to hold fast the faith, with patience and thanksgiving.

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 to them perfect.

2   For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshipers once cleansed, would 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, ^note Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, but a body ^note 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 concerning me,) to do thy will, O God.

8   Above, when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt-offerings and offering for sin thou wouldst not, neither hadst pleasure in them; 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 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 often the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

12   But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever sat down on the right hand of God;

13   From henceforth waiting ^note till his enemies are made his footstool.

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

15   Of this the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us: for ^note 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 ^note 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, ^note boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

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

A. D. 64.

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

22   Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts 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 excite to love and to good works:

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

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

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

28    ^noteHe that despised Moses' law, died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29   Of how much more severe punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, by which he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite to the Spirit of grace?

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

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

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

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

34   For ye ^note had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the seizing 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 may receive the promise.

37   For ^note yet a little while, and he that is coming will come, and will not tarry.

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

39   But we are not of them who draw back to perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. CHAP. XI. 1 What faith is. 6 Without faith we cannot please God. 7 The worthy fruits of it in the fathers of old time.

1   Now faith is the ^note substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2   For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3   Through faith we understand that ^note the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which ^note appeared.

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

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

8   By faith ^note Abraham, when he was called to remove into a place which he should afterwards receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out not knowing whither he was going.

9   By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign 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 ^note 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 there sprang even from 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 ^note in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and ^note 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, they might have had opportunity to return.

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

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

18    ^noteOf whom it was said, ^note That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19   Accounting that God was able to

A. D. 64. raise him even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

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

21   By faith Jacob, when he was dying, ^note blessed both the sons of Joseph; and ^note worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

22   By faith ^note Joseph, when he died, ^note made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

23   By faith ^note Moses when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a ^note proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's ^note commandment.

24   By faith ^note Moses, when he had come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

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

26   Esteeming the reproach ^note of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect to 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 ^note he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the first-born should touch them.

29   By faith ^note they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians essaying to do were drowned.

30   By faith ^note the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encompassed seven days.

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

32   And what shall I say more? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Sampson, and of Jephthah, 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, became 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, and, 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 ^note provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. CHAP. XII. 1 An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness. 22 A commendation of the new testament above the old.

1   Wherefore, seeing we also are encompassed 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 to Jesus the ^note 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 to blood, striving against sin.

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

6   For ^note whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

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

8   But if ye are without chastisement, of which 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 to the Father of spirits, and live?

10   For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he 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, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them who are exercised by it.

12   Wherefore ^note lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

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

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

15   Looking diligently, lest any man ^note fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up, trouble you, and by it many be defiled;

16   Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, ^note who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

A. D. 64.

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

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

19   And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard, ^note entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

20   (For they could not endure that which was commanded, ^note 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, I exceedingly fear and tremble:)

22   But ye are come to mount Sion, and to 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, who are ^note 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 ^note covenant, and to ^note 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 spoke 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, ^note 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 ^note 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, ^note let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear.

29   For ^note our God is a consuming fire. CHAP. XIII. 1 Divers admonitions, as to charity, 4 to honest life, 5 to avoid covetousness, 7 to regard God's preachers, 9 to take heed of strange doctrines, 10 to confess Christ, 16 to give alms, 17 to obey governors, 18 to pray for the apostles. 20 The conclusion.

1   Let ^note brotherly love continue.

2    ^noteBe not forgetful to entertain strangers: for by this ^note some have entertained angels unawares.

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

4   Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but lewd persons and adulterers God will judge.

5   Let your manner of life be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, ^note I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

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

7   Remember them who ^note have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their manner of life.

8   Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.

9   Be not carried about with divers and ^note 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 in them.

10   We have an altar, of which they have no right to eat who serve the tabernacle.

11   For ^note the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned 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 to him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

14    ^noteFor here we have 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, ^note the fruit of our lips, ^note giving thanks to his name.

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

17    ^noteObey them that ^note 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 ^note covenant,

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

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