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 ...

§. 49. Of the agreement betwixt the covenant of grace, as it is stiled old and new.

THe covenant of grace hath continued from Adams fall: and shall continue to* 1.1 the end of the world. In this respect it is stiled an everlasting covenant.

But it hath been variously dispensed in the severall ages of the world.

The greatest difference in the dispensation thereof hath been manifested in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that passed before and since Christ was exhibited.

This difference is so great, as the covenant of grace, though alwayes one and the* 1.2 same in substance, hath been distinguished into an old and new covenant, Heb. 8. 13. In what respect it is called new, hath been shewed §. 35. The old covenant is so cal∣led, in respects contrary thereunto.

The latitude of the covenant of grace will more clearly be discerned, if we duly consider the agreement and difference, as it is called old and new.

The agreement is manifested,

• 1. In their author: and that considered in the same respect: Namely as he is our* 1.3 Creator and Lord, and as he is our Redeemer and Father: for so was God of old called and acknowledged, Deut. 32. 6.
• 2. In the procuring cause: which was the feee grace and rich mercy of God, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. 54, 55, 72, 78.
• 3. In the same ground and meritorious cause of both: which is Jesus Christ, Heb. 13. 8. Rev. 13. 8.
• 4. In the same promises: which are remission of sins, reconciliation with God and everlasting happinesse, Exod. 34. 7. Lev. 8. 15. Psal. 91. 16.
• 5. In the same duties required: which are faith, (Gen. 15. 6.) and repentance, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 33. 11.
• 6. In the same ground of stability: which is the continuall abode and operation of the Spirit in Gods confederates, Psal. 51. 11, 12.
• 7. In the same generall end: which is the praise of the free grace of God, Exod. 33. 18, 19. and 34. 6.
• 8. In the same persons with whom the covenants are made: which are sinners by nature, but elect of God, Psal. 33. 12. and 89. 3.
• 9. In the same word of faith, whereby the one and other covenant is revealed, Galat. 3. 8. Heb. 4. 2.
• 10. In the same substance of Sacraments and the same spirituall food, 1 Cor. 10. 3, 4.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The covenant of grace ever since Adams fall.
• * 1.2

  New and old covenant.
• * 1.3

  1. Wherein the new and old covenant agree.