A little cabinet richly stored with all sorts of heavenly varieties, and soul-reviving influences.: Wherein there is a remedy for every malady, viz. milk for babes, and meat for strong men, and the ready way for both to obtain and retain assurance of salvation: being an abridgement of the sum and substance of the true Christian religion; wherein the cause of our salvation, the way, the guide, the rule, the evidence, the seals, &c. and the connection of these points together, and dependancy of them one upon another: this I have endeavoured to do orderly, exactly, methodically, with much plainness and clearness. / By Robert Purnell.

The fifth thing to be enquired into is, whether it be one and the same Covenant of grace that was in force before the Law, and under the Law, and under the Gospel.

THere is but one Covenant of grace, and a three∣fold administration of that Covenant; the one before the Law, the other under the Law, the third under the Gospel.

1. Before the Law the promise of grace was, that notwithstanding man had thus rebelled against God, yet the seed of the woman, which was the Lord Je∣sus Christ, should bruise the head of the Serpent, Gen. 3. 15.

2. This Covenant was given or published by Mo∣ses, and made with the Jews, till Christs resurrecti∣on, being placed in ceremonies, types, figures and shadows, all pointing at the substance that was for to come, all the Laws and Ordinances re∣maining in full force and vertue; for he that did but neglect circumcision, was to be cut off from the Is∣real of God, Gen. 17. 14.

3. This same Covenant in the dayes of Christ and his Apostles is renewed, and the substance of the Covenant more fully opened and cleared, where∣by more persons are renewed, and more graces be∣stowed, being alwaies to endure one and the same; hence it is called a new Covenant, Heb. 9. 13. Jer. 31. 31.

Now it is the same Covenant of grace both in the old and new testaments, only the difference stands thus.

1. It is larger in the New Testament, even ex∣tending to the Gentiles, and not confined to the Jews as then it was, 1 Thessal. 4. 5. Ephes. 2. 11. & 2. 12.

2. It is plainer now, then it was in types and sha∣dows, blood of beasts, incense, washing with wa∣ter and other rudiments; so that now things are seen more plainly in their substance, then in paint∣ing or prospective glasses.

3. It is stronger, this makes perfect, the other could not, being weak and unprofitable, and there∣fore in that administration it is now disanulled, Heb. 8. 7, 13.

4. It is more firm, being confirmed with an oath, and by the death of Christ.

5. It gives more knowledge, that in comparison of the Law, they shall not need to teach one another, Heb. 8. 10.

6. It hath a better Mediator, even Christ, who by his intercession reconciled the disagreeing par∣ties, and undertaken for both sides; on Gods part, that these and these things shall be done, which he hath promised; on our part, to give satisfaction by his own death, and make us obedient to his Father. Oh that God should ever enter into Covenant with us, so sinfull, vile and miserable! Covenants make unequall persons equall, as Jonathan and Da∣vid; the Lord abaseth himself, when he looks thus upon things below, as in Psal. 113. 6.

Although the Covenant of grace be the same then and now, yet there is a difference in regard of the manner of dispensation and revealing it: being se∣verall waies propounded, according to the severall

times, ages, states and conditions of the Church: delivered one way, before the coming of Christ, and another way afterward. And therefore in regard of the old way and manner of administring of it, it is called the old Covenant; and in regard of the new manner of dispensing it, its called the new Covenant; the same Covenant is therefore called both new and old, Heb. 8. 8, 13.

Quest. Wherein stands the difference between the old and new administration of this Covenant of grace?

Answer 1. One more burthensome, another more easie.

2. In regard of the extent of the dispensation; the one to the Jews only, the other to all Nations.

1. The Covenant in the former dispensation was more burthensome, as will appear by these things.

1. The burthen of their costly sacrifices, sutable to the quality of the person, and nature of the sin.

2. They had long and tedious journeys to Jeru∣salem, thrice a year, Deut. 16. 16.

3. They were restrained from many liberties which we now enjoy; we are allowed many crea∣tures for meat, which they might not eat, as the Hare, Swine, &c. Differences of meats is now taken away.

4. They were tyed to the observation of many daies, new moons, and ceremonies, which we are freed from.

2. The second difference is in regard of the ex∣tent of it in the old dispensation, the Covenant of grace pertained to the Jews only, Rom. 9. 4.

Rom. 3. 2, &c. but now under the Gospel-dispen∣sation this Covenant extends to all Nations, or at least some of all Nations; whosoever will, saith the Scripture, let him come and take of the water of life freely, Rev. 22. 17. Isa. 55. 1, 2.