A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 29. Of the resolution and observations of Heb. 8. 6, 7.

Vers. 6.

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the Mediator of a better Covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Vers. 7.

For if that first covenant had been faultlesse, then should no place have been sought for the second.

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

THe sum of these two verses, is a further proof of the excellency of Christs Priest∣hood. Hereof are two parts.

• 1. The point proved.
• 2. The argument, whereby it is proved.

Vers. 6. In the former we have.

• 1. The ground of Christs Priest-hood in this word obtained.
• 2. The kind of Christs office. This is set cut two wayes.
  • 1. By the meannesse of it: it was a Ministery.
  • 2. By the excellency of it, set down comparatively, more excellent.

The argument to prove the point, is taken from another office thence arising. A∣bout the point, observe.

• 1. The manner of bringing it in.
• 2. The matter whereof it consisteth.

The manner is implyed two wayes.

• 1. By way of comparison, in this phrase, by how much.
• 2. By a note of addition, also: or and.

The matter declareth the other office: wherein two points are observable.

• 1. The kind of office, Mediator.
• 2. The subject ratified thereby; This is,
  • 1. Expressed in this word Covenant.
  • 2. Illustrated, by this comparison, better.

The Illustration is proved by two arguments.

• One taken from the promises wherein it is established, which are stiled better.
• Vers. 7. The other from the succession of this covenant in the room of the former.

Of this latter proof there are two parts.

• 1. A supposition;
• 2. An Inference.

The supposition concerneth the first covenant, and implyeth an imperfection therein.

The inference expresseth one thing, and intendeth another.

The thing expressed is this: No place should have been sought for the second. The thing intended is, that, place was sought for the se∣cond.

Doctrines.

• Vers. 6. I. Christ had his office conferred on him. This is implyed under this word, obtained. See §. 22.
• II. Christ subjected himself to a Ministery. His Priest-hood is here 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a mini∣stery. See §. 22.
• III. Christs ministery was more excellent then any other. It is stiled more excellent. See §. 22.
• IV. Christs ministery was according to the Law whereabout it was exercised. This phrase, by how much, intendeth as much. See §. 22.
• V. Christ had office upon office. This conjunction of addition, also, implyeth thus much, see §. 22.
• VI. Christ is a Mediator. See §. 23.
• VII. Christ is a Mediator of a covenant, See §. 24.
• VIII. The Covenant whereof Christ is Mediator is the better covenant. See §. 24.
• IX. Gods covenant is firm, it is established. See §. 25.
• X. Gods covenant is established upon promises. See §. 26.
• ...

  XI. The promises whereupon Gods covenant is established are better then former pro∣mises. See §. 25.

  The six last observations are plainly expressed in the Text.

• Vers. 7. XII. The covenant under the Law was not perfect. This supposition, I•…•… that first had been faultlesse, intendeth thus much. See §. 27.
• XIII. Nothing needs be added to that which is perfect. This is implyed under this consequence, Then should no place have been sought, &c. See §. 28: