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 ...

§. 13. Of the last dayes.

IT was a great benefit that the Fathers received from Gods speaking to them by* 1.1 his Prophets. But behold a greater reserved to their children, even to all sorts* 1.2 of Christians, whether Jews or Gentiles, comprised under this particle Us; for he meaneth all believers of the Christian faith, that have lived, or shall live in these last dayes; that is, from the beginning of Christs executing his Ministeriall function, to the end of the world. These have now continued above 1600 years; and how much longer they may continue, God knoweth.

It hath pleased God that these last dayes should be many, that the world might the longer enjoy the bright light of the Gospel, and that all that are ordained to life might in their due time be called.

Quest. Why are they called the last dayes (as here) the last time (1 Joh. 2. 18.) the ends of the world (1 Cor. 10. 11.) and why in the beginning of this time was the coming of the Lord said to draw nigh (James 5. 8.) and the end of all things to be at hand? 1 Pet. 4. 7.

Answ.

• 1. By the exhibition of Christ the Prophesies and Promises that in former times were made of Christ, were accomplished, therefore as the dayes wherein these Promises and Prophesies were first made known, were counted the first dayes, so these wherein they were accomplished the last.
• 2. The new Covenant of Grace is in these last dayes fully revealed by the Go∣spel: and ratified by the death of Christ; so as no clearer revelation, nor former ratification can be expected: and in this respect also they are fitly stiled the last dayes.
• 3. No alteration of the state and order of Gods Church is to be expected after Christ exhibited; but a finall end of all by Christs second coming unto judgement: therefore these dayes may be accounted the ends of the world, and the end of all things to be at hand.
• 4. As God at first made all things in six dayes, and rested the seaventh; so he* 1.3 continueth to govern the world in six distinct times, which may be accounted as six dayes of the great week of the world: and eternity following an everlasting Sabbath.

• The first of these dayes was from Adam to Noah: In it the Covenant of Grace was first made to man.
• The second was from Noah to Abraham: In it that Covenant was renewed.
• The third was from Abraham to David: In it that Covenant was appropriated to Abraham and his seed.
• The fourth was from David to the captivity of Israel: In it that Covenant was established in a royal line.
• The fift was from their Captivity to Christs coming in the flesh: In it as the brightness of that Covenant was eclipsed by the Captivity; so it was revived by Isra∣els return out of the Captivity, and reedifying the Temple.
• The sixt was and still is, and shall be from Christs first coming in the flesh, to his second coming in glory; even to the end of the world. In it that Covenant most clearly and fully laid open, was most firmly and inviolably ratified. Now when the sixt day which is the last day, is come, then the end of the week may well be said to be at hand: and the coming of the Lord, following thereupon, to draw nigh.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Verse 2.
• * 1.2

  Ex hoc superio∣res existimus, quod nobis Do∣minus sit locu∣tio, illis servi. Chrys. in l•…•… loc. Novissima hora dicitur tempus fidei Gentium. Hier. com. in Mich▪ 4. Why the last dayes many?
• * 1.3

  Sex aetatibus humanum genus hoc seculo per successiones temporum Dei opera insigniant: quarum prima est ab Adam•…•… us{que} ad Noe, &c. Aug. co•…•…t. Faust. Manic. l. 1•…•…. c. 8.