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 ...

§. 82. Of the resolution and observations of Heb. 8. 13.

Heb. 8. 13.

Vers. 13.

In that he saith, A new Covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old, is ready to vanish away.

IN this verse the abrogation of the old covenant is concluded. Hereabouts are two points.

• 1. The inference of the conclusion upon the premises, in these words, In that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith a new.
• 2. The substance thereof: wherein observe two points.
  • 1. The condition of the covenant.
  • 2. The abrogation thereof.

The condition is set out in this phrase, He hath made the first old, and further am∣plified two wayes.

• 1. By an intimation of the author. He hath made. That is God.
• 2. By a distinction of the covenant: in this word, first.

The abrogation of the covenant is

• 1. Expressed in this phrase, Vanish away.
• 2. Illustrated two wayes.
  • 1. By the reasons thereof, which are two
    • The one on Gods part, He hath made old.
    • The other on the nature of the covenant it self, It waxeth old.
  • 2. By the limitation of the time, In this word, Is ready, or nigh.

Doctrines.

• I. There was a covenant before the new one. This is implyed under this numerall par∣ticle, first
• II. The first covenant was a•…•… old covenant. It is here so called.
• III. It was God that made the first covenant old. So it is here said. He made.
• IV. The first covenant was made void by introducing a new one. This is evidenced by this phrase, In that he saith a new.
• V. That which God appointed to be disanulled cannot stand. This is gathered out of the first reason for abr•…•…gating the old covenant, implyed in the meaning of the Greek word translated decayeth.
• VI. That which is in it sel•…•… feeble will faile. This is gathered out of the other rea∣son, implyed under this word, waxeth old.
• VII. The old covenant is abrogated. This word vanisheth away, giveth proof hereunto.
• VIII. There was a time for the utter abolishing of the old covenant. This word, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ready, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, is nigh, intend•…•…th as much.