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that this expression of the evangelist was an idiom usual among the Hebrews to denote by the word, until only what is done without any regard to the future; thus it is said Gen. 8: 6, 7; Isaiah 46: 4. Who dare then to infer that God should then cease to be. God said to his divine son, sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. Shall he sit no longer after his enemies are subdued? Yea, and for all eternity. Jerome also proves by scripture example, that an only begotten son was also, called just born or just begotten, because, according to the law, the first born males were to be consecrated to God. Sanctify unto me, saith the Lord, every first born that openeth the womb among the children of Israel. Exo. 13: 2. which words, according to the use of the scriptures and the holy fathers, do not only signify repentance and amendment of life, but also punishing past sins, by fasting and such like penetential exercises.
After our blessed Master had arrived to the age of twelve years, that he went about the important duty which devolved upon him, and was determined to fulfill, although he being mixed with a multitude of wicked men, Pharisees and Sadducees. There were two sects among the Jews of which the former was for the most part notorious hypocrites, the latter a kind of free-thinkers in matters of religion, for I think now we have a great any free-thinkers, as they say, expecting to get to hear their external performances. If men measure the by themselves, they are not wise, for our Lord said "I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Math. 5: 20. Now you see that there was a righteousness among them which they say was lawful, but when they come to be measured by rule, their measure will condemn them, and I have no right to justify them. Now he that lives in that state in those days according to scripture, if he be on the pinnicle top, or in the middle chamber he must be justified by the measurer or condemned. Judge for yourselves, I speak as unto wise men, for heaven and hell will divide the bulk of mankind according to scripture truths. Math. 25: 46. "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment;" and that I believe is hell, "but the righteous
