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 ...

§. 155. Of a Sacramental Union.

THis word Passeover, being here put for the Sacramental rites thereabout used, giveth instance, that in Sacraments the sign and thing signified are mutually put one for another.

• 1. Here the thing signified is put for the sign. In this sence Gods Covenant is said to be in the flesh of them that were Circumcised. Gen. 17. 13.
• 2. The sign is put for the thing signified, as the Rock for Christ, 1 Cor. 10. 4.
• 3. The property of the thing, for the property of the sign; as, Baptism is said to save us, 1 Pet. 3. 21.
• 4. The property of the sign, for the property of the thing: as washing, which is the property of outward Baptism, applyed to that which taketh away sin, Acts 22. 16.

The reason hereof is a Sacramental Union, betwixt the sign and thing signified. As an hypostatical union of the two Natures of Christ, gave occasion to attribute the properties of the one nature to the other, so doth a Sacramental union. By vertue of the hypostatical union, the Son of Man, even when he was on earth, was sa•…•…d to be in Heaven. John 3. 13. and on the other side, the Blood where∣with we were redeemed, is said to be the Blood of God. Acts 20, 28.

Hereby it appeareth, that the inference which Papists and Ubiquitaries make of Transubstantiation and Consubstantiation from this phrase, This is my Body, is unsound. See Chap. 9. v. 20. §. 107.

The Passeover being a like figure to the Lords Supper (which succeeded the Passeover, Matth. 26. 26.) I hold it meet distinctly to set down,

• 1. The agreement betwixt these two Sacraments.
• 2. The difference betwixt them.

They agree in these particulars following.

• 1. In the same Author; they are both of divine institution, Exod. 12. 1. 1 Cor. 11. 23.
• 2. In the general properties of a Sacrament. Both had their signs and things signified. Both had their Sacramental Rites. Both were annexed to a Co∣venant and to Promises, as Seals.
• 3. The particular thing signified of both, was Christ. 1 Cor. 5. 7. and 10. 16.
• 4. There was the same benefit of both; which was deliverance from death, and reconciliation with God.
• 5. Both had the same means of application, and participation of the benefit of them; which was Faith.
• 6. Both had the same ends: which were,
  • 1. To seal Gods promises.
  • 2. To testify our faith and obedience.
  • 3. To be a badge of our profession.
  • 4. To distinguish from such as were not Gods people.
  • 5. To maintain love.

The differences betwixt the Passeover, the Lords Supper and are these.

• 1. The outward Element in that, was a Lamb. In this Bread and Win•…•…, which are more common, usual, and sooner prepared.
• 2. Particular rites that had many, and those difficult ones whereof before.

• This, fewer and more easily performed.
• 3. The manner of setting forth Christ. That, set him forth to come. This, past.
• 4. The perspicuity and cleerness. As a declaration of a thing is more per∣spicuous than a prediction of it: and an accomplishment of a thing more evident than a Prophecy of it; so is our Sacrament more perspicuous and cleer than the Jews.

Obj. Killing of a Lamb, and shedding blood, do more plainly and lively set forth a Sacrifice, than breaking Bread, and powring out wine.

Ans.

• 1. That may be granted in regard of the outward manner; and it was needfull it should be so, because they were Children in comparison of us: and the thing signified, not then accomplished: so as it could not be so easily conceived and discerned. But perspicuity of a Sacrament is not so much in the outward Element, or Rites, as in the word annexed there∣to; whereby the meaning of what is done is distinctly declared.
• 2. The Elements and Rites of the Lords Supper, are more significant than the element and rites of the Passeover: and they do more lively set forth the whole benefit that we receive by Christ, which is not only to have sin removed, but to be nourished and refreshed by him. Bread, better compriseth all manner of food under it then flesh: bread is the strength and stay of a mans life. Wine may be drunk▪ but blood cannot. Wine cheereth the heart of man. A participation of Christ is more lively set forth in the rites of the Lords Supper than of the Passeover.

• 5. The efficacy. As the Lords Supper doth more lively set forth our partici∣pation of Christ, so the efficacy thereof must needs be the greater, accor∣ding to mans apprehension in Christ, and is more or less affected.
• 6. The amplitude. The Passeover was only for the Jews. Exod. 12. 43. The Lords Supper is for all Nations.
• 7. The continuance. The Passeover had a date. This, is to continue till the Lords coming. 1 Cor. 11. 26.