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…

Behold the days come, Vers. 8 &c.] The Prophet speaks of the time to come. He reproves the people for their disloyalty, that having received the law, they did not persevere in the ⟨p. 167⟩faith. The law then is this covenant which God complains the people brake. And to remedy this evil, he promiseth a new covenant; not like the first: the fulfilling of which prophecy imports the abolishing of the old Testament. But it seems the Apostle doth misallege this prophecy to make it serve his purpose. Objection. For here the question is about the abrogation of ceremonies; and the Prophet speaks of the whole law. For let it be granted that God doth write the rule of holiness of life in the hearts, which yet is given by the voice of men, and by them put into writing, what is all this to the purpose in regard of ceremonies? I answer, Answer. it is an argument from the whole to a part. For we are not to doubt but the Prophet comprehends the whole ministry of Moses, when he saith, I have made a covenant with you, which covenant you brake. The law indeed was clothed as it were, with ceremonies: but now the body being destroyed and dead, what use is there of the garments? for it is a common prover be well enough known, that the appurtenance or accessory is of the nature of his principal. It is no marvel then, if the ceremonies which are but hangbies (as you would say) of the old testament, with the whole ministry of Moses be abolished. And it is always the usual custom of the Apostles, when they contend about ceremonies, to dispute generally of the whole law. So then, although this prophecy of Jeremiah stretcheth it self further than to the ceremonies, yet notwithstanding because they are included under the name of the old Testament, the Apostle fitly applies this prophecy to his present purpose. Moreover, all do confess, that by the days whereof the Prophet makes mention, is signified the kingdom of Christ. He names the house of Israel, and the house of Judah, because the posterity of Abraham was divided into two kingdoms: therefore it is a promise that the whole body of all the elect shall be gathered again together in one: howsoever in times past they were severed.

Behold the daies come, Vers. 8 &c.] The Prophet speakes of the time to come. He reprooues the people for their disloyalty, that hauing receiued the law, they did not perseuere in the ⟨p. 167⟩