1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,



Ver. 1. Let us go on unto perfection] Gr. öåïùìåèá , let us be carried on, as with a force, Act_2:2, breaking through all impediments, aiming at the highest pitch, and eyeing the best patterns. It is a low and unworthy strain in some to labour after no more grace than will keep life and soul together, that is, hell and soul asunder.



Repentance firm dead works] These are the six principles of Christian religion, that must be laid as a foundation. Certa semper sunt in paucis, saith Tertullian. Fundamentals are but few; few they are in number, but many in virtue; in sight small, but great in weight; like gold, which being solid is contracted into a narrow room, but may be drawn into so large an extent, that one angel may cover an acre of ground, as the naturalists have observed. The Apostles’ Creed (anciently called Symbolum, a sign or badge to distinguish Christians from infidels and wicked people) was heretofore briefer than now. The mention of the Father’s being maker of heaven and earth, the Son’s burial and descending into hell, and the communion of saints, being wholly omitted, haply are not necessary for all men to know, as Suarez saith, or sufficiently implied in other articles, or known by the light of reason; and so not making difference between Christians and heathens. (Dr Ussier.) The Papists have lately coined twelve new articles by the authority of Pope Plus IV, A. D. 1564, raised out of the Council of Trent, and added to the Nicene Creed, to be received with oath, as the true catholic faith, to be believed by as many as shall be saved. Those that list to see them, may read the epistle before Bishop Jewel’s works, and Sir Humphrey Land’s Via tuta. Whereunto if they will add the Jesuit’s new ten commandments, let them read the Spanish Pilgrim.