Page 23
Object. BƲt the New Testament differeth from the Old in sub∣stance and matter, because they have divers and con∣trary effects; neither is there the same substance of their Sacra∣ments, and ours.
Ans. The divers and sundry effects, as because the Law work∣eth* 1.1 terrour, and the Gospel comfort, proveth not a diversity of substance; the Sun worketh contrary effects, it hardneth the clay, and mollifieth the wax, yet the substance is the same, the diffe∣rence of the worke is in the divers natures of the things. So the Law worketh terrour in respect of the infirmity and weaknesse of our flesh, and the Gospel bringeth comfort, our hearts being mol∣lified by the Spirit. 2. Christ is the end of the Law, and the Law is a School-master to bring us unto Christ, therefore the matter and substance is the same, but the manner, condition, and quali∣ties are divers. 3. The Apostle sheweth that Christ was the sub∣stance of their Sacraments, as he is of ours; for, they did all eate the same spirituall meat with us, 1 Cor. 10. 3. yet our Sacraments doe after a more lively manner exhibit Christ, then he was repre∣sented in the legall Sacraments; and truly if we did rightly con∣sider the happinesse we injoy by the revelation of the Gospel, to∣wards those which in them dark dayes had only the Law read unto them, we may think our selves in a happy condition: for the Law of it selfe discomforts, and takes advantage through the breach of it; for the Letter killeth, and can no way admit release by pardon, for by Law we dye.