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for he had in view the city, whose foundations are sure, the architect and founder being God.

for they. that make such a declaration, show plainly that they seek some other country.

they desired therefore a better, that is, an heavenly country: so that God is very justly stiled their God: for he had appointed a city for them.

'Twas by faith that the parents of Moses conceal'd him for three months after his birth, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict.

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

esteeming the sufferings of Israel greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had an eye to the reward.

by faith he left Egypt without being apprehensive of the king's resentment: for he remain'd firm, as if he saw him who is invisible.

by faith they made the tour of Jericho for seven days, in consequence of which the walls fell down.

And what shall I say more? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, of Barak, of Samson, of Jephthae, of David, of Samuel, and of the prophets:

Tho' these were all celebrated for their faith, they did not receive the reward that was promised:

having Jesus in our view, 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 on the right hand of the throne of God.

for you should consider how he endured such opposition from sinners against himself, lest ye be tired out, and quite despond.

for whom the Lord loveth, he chastises, and scourgeth every son whom he receives."

if you are to endure chastisement, God treats you as his children: for where's the son whom his father does not chastise?

their discipline was temporary, and the effect of humour; whereas God chastises us for our advantage, to make us partakers of his holiness.

clear the way for your feet, lest that which is lame should be quite out of joint, instead of being redress'd."

let there be no licentious or profane person, such as Esau, "who sold his birth-right, for a single mess."

for you know that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: not being able to make Isaac to retract, though he importun'd him with tears.

to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the aspersion of that blood which cries for pardon, and not for vengeance as that of Abel.

Take care that you be not deaf to him that speaketh: for if they did not escape, who disregarded the oracles pronounc'd on earth, much less shall we escape, if we turn away from him that delivered the oracles from heaven: