A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

This foundation being laid, you see the consent and agreement between the law and the gospel established: because God, who is always like unto himself, and his word, which is the sure and unchangeable truth, did speak both to them, and to us. But it shall not be amiss to note the difference between the fathers and us: for in old time God framed his speech and style unto them in another manner, and order, than he doth now unto us.

This foundation beeing laid, you see the consent and agreement betweene the law and the gospel established: because God, who is alwaies like vnto himselfe, and his word, which is the sure and vnchangeable truth, did speake both to them, and to vs. But it shall not be amisse to note the difference betweene the fathers and vs: for in olde time God framed his speech and style vnto them in another manner, and order, than he doth now vnto vs.

For first of all, §1they had the ministry of the Prophets: but to us, he hath ordained his own Son, for an Ambassador. So then in this regard, our estate is better than theirs was. Secondly, §2Moses is reckoned among those Prophets; but, as in the number of them, which are far inferior to the Sonne. §3Lastly, as concerning the manner of revelation of the truth; we are also therein far before them. For the diversity of visions, and all the rest of that government which was under the old Testament, was a sign unto them, that their government was not yet settled and established for ever, as it should be afterward, when things were to be reformed and settled wholly and perfectly. Hereunto appertains that which follows: At sundry times and in divers manners God spake, &c. for God would always have held and continued one manner of proceeding unto the end, if so be the same had been full, and perfect in all points. It follows by consequence therefore, that these diversities were signs of imperfection. Moreover I take these words, At sundry times, and in divers manners, so, as the first is to be referred to the divers succession of times; for the Greek word, to translate it word for word, signifieth in many pieces: as it falleth out when they determine to speak more fully of a matter