17. The number seven is passed away, the octave is arrived. Yesterday is gone, to-day is come, that promised day wherein we are admonished to hear and follow the word of God. That day of the Old Testament is passed away, that new day is come, wherein the New Testament is perfected, whereof it is said, _Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt_. He adds too the reason why the Testament was changed, _Because they continued not in My covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord_. Sidenote: Heb. iv. 14. Sidenote: Ib. vii. 16. Sidenote: Ib. 17. Ps. cx. 4. 18. The priests of the Law, the tribunals of the Law have passed away; let us draw nigh to _our new High Priest, to the throne of grace_, to the guest of our souls, to the Priest, _Who is not made after the law of the carnal commandment, but_ elected _after the power of an endless life_[223]. For _He took not this honour to himself_, but was chosen by the Father, as the Father Himself saith, _Thou art a Priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedech_. Other priests offered for themselves and for their people; this Man, not having sin, that He should offer for Himself, offered Himself for the whole world, and by His own blood entered into the Sanctuary. Sidenote: Heb. x. 7. 19. He then is the new Priest and the new Victim, not of the law but above the law, the universal Mediator, the Light of the world, Who said, _Lo I come_, and came. To Him then let us draw near in the fulness of faith, adoring and beseeching and hoping in Him, Whom with our eyes we see not, but Whom we embrace with our hearts, to Whom be glory and honour for ever. Farewell, my son; love me, for I love you. LETTER XLV. A.D. 385. S. AMBROSE replies to the inquiry of Sabinus whether he had written concerning Paradise, and what was his opinion concerning it. Having first touched on the historical description of the place, he proceeds to the mystical explanation of it. And having shewn that Paradise is situate in the principal region of the soul, he teaches what is signified by the several parts thereof, and what men should imitate in the serpent. Lastly, having declared the greatness of human weakness and what great love God has shewn us from the beginning, he exhorts men to fly the pleasures of the senses. AMBROSE TO SABINUS. 1. HAVING read my work on the six days of creation, you have thought good to enquire whether I have added ought concerning Paradise, and to express your strong desire to know what opinion I hold concerning it. I have, in truth, written on this subject, though not yet a veteran priest.