The Ark of the Covenant Opened, Chapter 15

The Ark of the Covenant Opened · Chapter 15

p. 229CHAP. XV. Of the Requiſites in a Mediator, which are eminently to be found in Chriſt the Mediator of the New Covenant.

IN the next place, I come to ſpeak more particularly of this part of Chriſts Unction, or his Furniture for the work of Mediatorſhip, by laying open the Requiſites in a Mediator, which are all eminently to be found in Chriſt, and may be reckoned as ſo many properties or qualifications in the Mediator of the New Covenant.

The Requiſites in a Mediator or Reconciler, that dealeth betwixt two parties, are of two ſorts: 1. Some Requiſites which more directly relate to the qualifying a perſon for ſuch an Employment. 2. There be other Requiſites which look more directly to the managing of that truſt: both the p. 230one and the other are eminently to be found in Chriſt.

And 1. Of the Requiſites fitting a Perſon for this truſt: 1. A Mediator muſt be ſuch a Perſon that hath Intereſt in both the parties, elſe he ſhould be ſuſpected either by one party or other: yea, his interpoſing ſhould not be admitted of by the parties, without this Requiſite: Chriſt hath this Requiſite moſt eminently; he is ſuch a Perſon who is not only of Kindred to both parties, but by that rare conjunction of the two Natures in his Perſon, who is God man, he is equally diſtant from, and drawing near to both parties (whereof I ſpoke before when I treated of the Union of the two Natures: and therefore will not inſiſt here).

2. A Mediator muſt be a Perſon truſted by both parties: one to whom they can confidently intruſt their Intereſts: ſuch a perſon is Chriſt, to whom God hath entruſted and committed whatſoever relateth to his Honour and Intereſt: John 5.22, 27, For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son—And hath given him authority to execute judgment alſo, becauſe he is the Son of man. He is a Perſon, a Truſtee, to whom we may commit all our Intereſts: yea, Believers have done ſo, and will do ſo, 1 Pet. 4.19, Commit the keeping of your ſouls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator, 2 Tim. 1.12, And I am perſwaded, that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, againſt that day: Yea, he is the perſon to whom our Intereſts were committed by God before we were born, and before we were capable to diſpoſe of our own intereſts. When we were Minors, yea before we were, John 17.6, Thine they were, and thou gaveſt them me, and they have kept thy word.

3. A Mediator muſt be a Perſon which is well-affected to, and which ſeeketh the welfare of both parties: one who deſires their union and agreement, elſe he were not fit to deal betwixt them: ſuch a perſon is Jeſus the Mediator of the New Covenant; one who deſireth and endeavoureth Gods honour and our happineſs; one who carrieth on his Fathers Honour in the promoting of our happineſs; and one who carrieth on our happineſs in ſuch way as may moſt highly advance his Fathers Honour: one who is marvellouſly affected to the union of the diſagreeing parties: p. 231John 8.49, But I honour my father, and ye do diſhonour me: with Tit. 2.14, Who gave himſelf for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purifie unto himſelf a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 2 Cor. 5.19, God was in Chriſt reconciling the world unto himſelf.

4. A Mediator muſt be a Perſon which hath power over both the parties: one that may determine the difference, and engage the parties to ſtand to the deciſion: one that can lay his hands on both, Job 9.33. Such a perſon is Chriſt, who hath power with God, being his only Natural Son, Matth. 3.17, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleaſed. John 11.41, 42, Father, I thank thee that thou haſt heard me; and I know that thou heareſt me always. And a perſon who hath power with us, can draw us after him, and make us do what he will. John 12.32, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. Pſal. 119.35, Make me to go in the path of thy Commandments. Ezek. 36.27, And I will put my ſpirit within you, and cauſe you to walk in my ſtatutes: and ye ſhall keep my judgments, and do them.

2. There are other Requiſites, which relate more directly to the managing ſuch a work. And 1. A Mediator muſt be a condeſcending Perſon, which can humble himſelf, and bow, for the compaſſing an union betwixt the parties: Chriſt is ſuch a Perſon. Zech. 9.9, Behold, thy king cometh—he is lowly. A condeſcending Mediator, whoſe condeſcenſions were eminent. 1. He ſhewed himſelf very condeſcending in taking on the Office of a Mediator. In this he bowed himſelf, and ſtooped very low: he came off the Throne, and left it, to take on a ſervice, Phil. 2.6, 7, 8, Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himſelf of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a ſervant, and was made in the likeneſs of men: And b… ing found in faſhon as a man, he humbled himſelf, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the croſs. 2. Condeſcending to take on the duties of that Office: he became a ſervant to both parties, that he might make peace betwixt them. Iſa. 42.1, Behold my ſervant whom I uphold, mine elect in whom my ſoul delighteth. Ver. 53.11, By his knowledg ſhall my righteous ſervant juſtifie many, for he ſhall bear p. 232their iniquity. Matt. 20.28, Even as the Son of man came not to be miniſtred unto, but to miniſter, and to give his life a ranſom for many. 3. Condeſcending in his way of going about that Office, and the things pertaining to it: condeſcending to the weakeſt and loweſt condition of his people, and ſhewing his dealings accordingly. Iſa. 42.2, 3, He ſhall not cry, nor lift, nor cauſe his voice to be heard in the ſtreet; a bruiſed reed ſhall be not break. And 40.11, He ſhall feed his flock like a ſhepherd, he ſhall gather the lambs with his arms, and ſhall gather them in his boſom, and ſhall gently lead thoſe that are with young. Ezek. 34.16, I will ſeek that which was loſt, and bring again that which was driven away: and I will bind up that which was broken, and will ſtrengthen that which was ſick, 4. Condeſcending in all his carriage: not ſeeking his own honour, nor affecting popularity, but doing his greateſt works with little noiſe, and bidding tell no man of them. John 6.15, When Jeſus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himſelf alone. Mat. 12.18, 19, Behold my ſervant whom I have choſen, mine elect in whom my ſoul is well-pleaſed; I will put my ſpirit upon him, and he ſhall ſhew judgment to the Gentiles: he ſhall not ſtrive nor cry, neither ſhall any man hear his voice in the ſtreets. And 8.4, And Jeſus ſaith unto him, See thou tell no man.

2. A Mediator in carrying his buſineſs, muſt be mollifying, to bring the parties from rigour and high courſes and conditions, to abate for peace and union-ſake. This did eminently ſhine forth in Chriſt; he was a mollifying Mediator; for 1. He brought God down, and took him off high demands of Law: 1. Inſtead of perſonal ſatisfaction from Sinners, to accept of ſatisfaction in the perſon of another, to wit, Chriſt our Surety, who was made a curſe for us, Gal. 3.13. Iſa 53.8, For the tranſgreſſions of mp people was he ſtricken. 2. In place of an inherent righteouſneſs, to accept an imputed Righteouſneſs, 1 Cor. 1.30, But of him are ye in Chriſt Jeſus, who of God is made unto us wiſdom, and righteouſneſs, and ſanctification, and redemption. 3. Inſtead of a perfect obedience from man, to accept his poor endeavours after perfection, and to pardon ſhort-comings p. 233in duty; to accept a perfection of ſincerity, where he requires the rigour of perfection, 2 Cor. 8.12, For if there be firſt a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 2 Chron. 30.18, 19, The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to ſeek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleanſed according to the purification of the Sanctuary.

2. He hath brought up man in his own body, to come nearer to God, and to leave the terms whereupon he ſtood at odds with God before: 1. By quitting his own righteouſneſs, and his ſeeking to eſtabliſh it, Rom. 10.3: to ſubmit to the righteouſneſs of God, and to the way of Juſtification by a free-gifted righteouſneſs, Rom. 3.24, Being juſtified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jeſus Chriſt, &c. 2 Cor. 9.13, Whiles by the experiment of this miniſtration they glorifie God for your profeſſed ſubjection unto the Goſpel of Chriſt. 2. Inſtead of perſonal ſatisfaction, to offer to God ſatisfaction in the perſon of another, to preſent Chriſt to God, 2 Cor. 5. laſt, For he hath made him to be ſin for us who knew no ſin, that we might be made the righteouſneſs of God in him. 1 Tim. 2.6, Who gave himſelf a ranſom for all, to be teſtified in due time. 3. Inſtead of that extream undutifulneſs and averſneſs to yield any obedience to God, to offer to God his utmoſt endeavours of obedience and ſervice, and not to think God his debtor when he hath ſo done. 2 Cor. 5.15, And that he died for all, that they which live, ſhould not henceforth live to themſelves, but to him which died for them, and roſe again.

3. A Mediator muſt be affable, one to whom both parties may freely tell their mind, and have acceſs to do ſo. Chriſt is an affable Mediator, a Perſon who courteouſly and kindly entertaineth both the parties in whatſoever they will employ him; and this for the unions-ſake, that he may make them one. 1. He is affable to both parties, for he hath Gods heart, and a mans heart.

1. Chriſt is an affable Mediator, in reſpect of his Father, the offended party: and no wonder, for he dwelleth in his boſom, Joh. 1.18. He doth kindly entertain and receive his propoſitions, John 6.38, 39, For I came down from heaven, not to p. 234do mine own will, but the will of him that ſent me: And this is the fathers will that hath ſent me, &c. 2. He is an affable Mediator in reſpect of the offending-party: one who kindly and courteouſly receiveth and etertaineth the worſt of ſinners that ever employed him: His carriage while he was here on earth, did throughly bear witneſs of this before his death, and after his reſurrection; whereby he gave a proof how he would carry to us when he ſhould be in glory, being then in the way and firſt ſtep to it. O, how affable was he then! Luke 24. John 20, and 21 Chapters. And how affable is he ſtill now, when he is ſet down on the right hand of Majeſty! Joh. 16.25, 26, 27, The time cometh when I ſhall no more ſpeak unto you in Proverbs, but I ſhall ſhew you plainly of the Father.— At that day ye ſhall ask in my name: and I ſay not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you, for the Father himſelf loveth you. Heb. 2.17, That he might be a merciful High-prieſt in things pertaining to God. And 5.2, Who can have compaſſion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way, for that he himſelf alſo is compaſſed with infirmities.

2. He is affable to Juſtice and Mercy both, theſe two Attributes in God which were to be eminently glorified in our Salvation: 1. He is affable to Juſtice, ready always to ſpeak with Juſtice, and to ſatisfie it with a Ranſom and Price, Heb. 12.24, And to Jeſus the Mediator of the new Covenant, and to the blood of ſprinkling, that ſpeaketh better things than that of Abel. 2. He is affable to Mercy and Grace, and ready always to ſatisfie Mercy by entreaties, even for the thing which he hath bought, Heb. 7.25, Seeing he ever liveth to make interceſſion for them: Yea, he pleads in our name with both theſe Attributes in God, by virtue of his ſatisfaction and interceſſion, Heb. 9.24, For Chriſt is not entred into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true: but into heaven it ſelf, now to appear in the preſence of God for us.

4. A Mediator muſt be meek and long-ſuffering for the Unions-ſake, to bear with both the parties, although they ſhould ſmite him, and be angry with him: Chriſt is ſuch a Mediator, Matth. 21.5, Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, thy king cometh unto thee, meek, and ſitting upon an aſs, and p. 235a colt, the foal of an aſs. And 11.29, I am meek and lowly in heart. Moſes in his Mediation was a type of him, Numb. 12.3, Now the man Moſes was very meek above all the men that were upon the face of the earth. O ſo meek a Mediator as Chriſt is! 1. He endured his Fathers anger and wrath for our ſake, and was ſmitten by him, Iſa. 53.10, Yet it pleaſed the Lord to bruiſe him, he hath put him to grief: Rom. 8.32, He that ſpared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all. 2. He endured our anger alſo; he was ſmitten by the other party, by his own, for whoſe ſake he was content to be ſmitten of his Father, Mat. 21.38, But when the husbandmen ſaw the Son, they ſaid among themſelves, This is the heir, let us kill him, and let us ſeize on his Inheritance. Iſa. 53.3, He is deſpiſed and rejected of men: a man of ſorrows and acquainted with grief, and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was deſpiſed, and we eſteemed him not: And when he was ſmitten by both parties at once, and endured the wrath and diſpleaſure of both at the ſame time, yet he carried as a meek Mediator, who did bear all for the Unions-ſake, that he might make peace, Iſa. 53.7, He was oppreſſed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the ſlaughter, and as a ſheep before her ſhearers is dumb, ſo he opened not his mouth: with 1 Pet 2.23, Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he ſuffered, he threatned not, but committed himſelf to him that judgeth righteouſly. He went through all the buſineſs with little clamour, noiſe or complaint, Matth. 12.17, 18, 19.

5. A Mediator muſt be merciful and tender-hearted, one that hath bowels to pity the unreconciled ſtate of the offender: Chriſt is eminently ſuch a Perſon. 1. One who hath conjoyned in his perſon the heart of God, and the heart of a man: the infinite mercy of God, and the kindly compaſſion of an experienced man; who in his Humane nature hath felt our afflictions and temptations, Heb. 2.17, 18, Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High-Prieſt in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the ſins of the people: For in that he himſelf hath ſuffered, being tempted, he is able to ſuccour them that are tempted. And p. 2365.2, Who can have compaſſion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way: for that he himſelf alſo is compaſſed with infirmity. 2. A Perſon, who in all his dealings hath ſhewed himſelf merciful, and hath evidenced his compaſſionate diſpoſition: one that hath ſhewed mercy to all that ever came to God through him, and upon all occaſions that ever were given him, to ſhew himſelf ſuch. John 6.37, All that the Father giveth me ſhall come to me: and him that cometh to me, I will in no wiſe caſt out. Matth. 15.22, And behold a woman of Canaan came out of the ſame coaſts, and cryed unto him, ſaying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David: my daughter is grievouſly vexed with a Devil. And 9.27, And when Jeſus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying and ſaying, Thou Son of David have mercy on us. One who ſhewed mercy, not only upon the matter, but even in the way and manner of his dealings with his people: Matth. 12.20, A bruiſed reed ſhall he not break, and ſmoaking flax ſhall he not quench, till he ſend forth judgment into victory. And 9.17, Neither do men put new wine into old bottles, elſe the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles periſh; but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preſerved. One who carryeth compaſſionately unto, and is pitiful even of the wilful refuſers of his mercy, Luke 19.41, And when he was come near, he beheld the City, and wept over it, &c. One who was not only pitiful in the days of his fleſh, but hath carryed alſo the ſame heart and bowels of a merciful and compaſſionate Mediator unto heaven with him, Heb. 2.18, For in that he himſelf hath ſuffered being tempted, he is able to ſuccour them that are tempted. And 4.15, For we have not an High-prieſt which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities: but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without ſin. 1 John 2.1, And if any man ſin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jeſus Chriſt the righteous.

6. A Mediator muſt be Potent, and able to compaſs his undertaking: Chriſt is ſuch a Mediator, Pſal. 89.19, I have laid help upon one that is mighty. Iſa. 9.6, His name ſhall be called—the mighty God. He is a potent Mediator, 1. In reſpect of the power that is in his hands: Conſider his ability p. 237to compaſs the work committed unto him, in reſpect of his eſſential power and kingdom, and in reſpect of his diſpenſatory power and kingdom, Iſa. 9.6, 7, He is able to ſave to the utmoſt, perfectly. Heb. 7.25, He is mighty to ſave, Iſa. 63.1. He is able to ſave from ſin, and all that is in it, whether guilt, power, or defilement: and from wrath, and all that may follow upon it: he is able to ſupply all our wants, and to do for us exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think, Phil. 4.19. Eph. 3.20. And conſider his ability to perform whatſoever he hath undertaken, and that as well for God to man, as for man to God. He is able to do what ever he hath engaged to us on Gods behalf; to finiſh the work that he gave him to do, John 17.4, &c. and for this cauſe he is a King by Covenant, and hath all power in heaven and earth given to him, Mat. 28.18. Heb. 10.12, But this man after he had offered one ſacrifice for ſins, for ever ſate down on the right hand of God. Chap. 8. v. 1, Now of the things which we have ſpoken, this is the ſum, We have ſuch an High-prieſt who is ſet on the right hand of the throne of the Majeſty in the heaven. Eph. 1.20.21, 22, And ſet him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but alſo in that which is to come. And hath put all things under his feet, and given him to be head over all things to the Church. 2. He is a potent Mediator in reſpect of the truſt and delegation of power given to him, for ſetling and removing the difference betwixt the parties: the arbitration being rendred up to him to determine and lay his hands on both, Joh. 5.22, For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son. This is a great power that is put in Chriſts hands, that he ſhall order the ſatisfaction that ſhall be given, ſo as to bring about the giving of it upon the one part, and the acceptation of it upon the other part, Joh. 10.17, 18, Therefore doth my Father love me, becauſe I lay down my life, that I might take it again.—I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. Chap. 17. v. 2, As thou haſt given him power over all fleſh, that he ſhould give eternal life to as many as thou haſt given him. 3. In reſpect of the powerful intereſt he hath with both the parties, 1. With God his Father p. 238with whom he is very gracious, and hath power with him to procure his acceptance of ſuch ſatisfaction as he offereth, Mat. 3.17, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleaſed. And to obtain from him whatſoever he deſireth for the believer of the other party, Joh. 11.42, And I knew that thou heareſt me always. Chap. 17. v. 24. Father, I will that they alſo whom thou haſt given me, be with me where I am. 2. He hath a powerful intereſt with man, to make him offer the ſatisfaction which his Father is content to accept. To make him ſubject his conſent to the Goſpel, 2 Cor. 9.13. Joh. 12.32, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. And to make him walk in that way which may pleaſe his Father, Ezek. 36.27, I will put my ſpirit in you, and cauſe you to walk in my ſtatutes. A potent Mediator, that hath a great ſtroak of power with both the parties, to reconcile God to man, by his accepting the ſacrifice of Chriſts death; and to reconcile man to God, by his humbling himſelf to offer ſatisfaction to God in Chriſt.

7. A Mediator muſt be faithful and true to the intereſt of both parties in his Mediation, ſeeking and ſtudying their good: Chriſt is eminently ſuch, Heb. 2.17. Rev. 1.4. and 3.14. and 19.11.

Conſider how he is faithful to both the parties, and how he is faithful to the buſineſs of reconciliation, which is the end of a Mediator.

1. He is faithful to the parties. And, 1. To God, he is faithful to him that appointed him, Heb. 3.2. True to his fathers intereſt, in ſeeking his honour, executing his will, ſatisfying his juſtice, Joh. 6.38, For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that ſent me. Chap. 8. v. 49, I honour my Father, and ye diſhonour me.

2. He is faithful to man, and true to his intereſt in dealing effectually with his Father on our behalf, in all things wherein we have dealing with God, Heb. 2.17, That he might be a merciful and faithful High-prieſt in things pertaining unto God, to make reconciliation for the ſins of the people. 1 John 2.1, We have an advocate with the Father Jeſus Chriſt the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our ſins.

p. 2392. He is faithful to the buſineſs, which is the end of his Office; to wit, reconciliation, and making friendſhip betwixt the parties: this being entruſted to him, he makes it his work, and minds it exceedingly, Luk. 2.49, Wiſt ye not that I muſt be about my Fathers buſineſs? Joh. 4.34, My meat is to do the will of him that ſent me, and to finiſh his work. And this appeareth, 1. In his faithful agenting the buſineſs of our peace in Heaven, whither he is gone for the making and maintaining peace between God and his people, there to appear in the preſence of God for us, Heb. 9.24. Joh. 17. throughout. Rev. 8.3, And another angel came and ſtood at the altar, having a golden cenſor, and there was given to him much incenſe, that he ſhould offer it with the prayers of all ſaints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 2. In his faithful reporting back again to his people what may be expected by them at his Fathers hands: he is the meſſenger of the Covenant, and the true and faithful witneſs, Mal. 3.1. Rev. 1.5. Joh. 14.2, In my Fathers houſe are many manſions, if it were not ſo I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Eph. 2.17, And came and preached peace to them which were afar off, and to them that were night. Joh. 1.18, No man hath ſeen God at any time: the only begotten Son which is in the boſome of the Father, he hath declared him. 3. In his effectual procuring his peoples peace with his Father: he never giveth over dealing in the buſineſs, until it be done and ended, and the treaty be cloſed and ſigned; until he have finiſhed the work. Joh. 17.4, 24. and have ſaid unto his people, Peace I give unto you, Joh. 14.27. Eph. 2.14, 15, 16, For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us: Having aboliſhed in his fleſh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, for to make in himſelf, of twain, one new man, ſo making peace. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the croſs, having ſlain the enmity thereby.

8. A Mediator muſt be a Wooer of both the parties, to bring them in friendſhip together: The Mediator of the new Covenant did this eminently, he wooed God for us, and wooed us for God, which none of the parties had acceſs to do immediately, without his interpoſing betwixt them; p. 240and this he doth ſeveral ways: 1. By praiſing and commending both the parties, and ſpeaking good of each of them to the other, as it were behind their backs: he commendeth God to us, Joh. 6.39, And this is the Fathers will which hath ſent me, that of all which he hath given me I ſhould loſe nothing, but ſhould raiſe it up at the laſt day. Chap. 14. v. 2, In my Fathers houſe are many manſions, if it were not ſo I would have told it you: I go to prepare a place for you. Chap. 16. v. 17, For the Father himſelf loveth you. And he commendeth us to God, Joh. 17.8, 25, For I have given unto them the words which thou gaveſt me, and they have received them, and have known ſurely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didſt ſend me.—O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and theſe have known that thou haſt ſent me. 2. By praying and requeſting both the parties to be at peace: he entreateth his Father to be at peace with us, Joh. 17.9, I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them that thou haſt given me, for they are thine. And he entreats and requeſts us to be reconciled with his Father, 2 Cor. 5.20, Now then we are ambaſſadors for Chriſt, as though God did beſeech you by us, we pray you in Chriſts ſtead be ye reconciled to God. 3. By engaging and becoming Surety to both parties, for all that he ſpeaketh in the name of any of the parties unto the other, Heb. 7.22, By ſo much was Jeſus made ſurety of a better Teſtament. He maketh ſaith, and undertaketh that we ſhall find God as good as the commendation which he puts upon him; and he maketh faith to Godward, that he ſhall make us anſwer his promiſes in our name; and what we do not he ſhall do for us.

9. A Mediator muſt be of a Couragious and unſubdued ſpirit, to go through difficulties, diſcouragement, and oppoſition, without being layed by in his work: elſe in dealing for reconciliation betwixt parties that are at a great diſtance, he ſhould be ſoon diſcouraged: Chriſt is eminently ſuch a perſon; he goeth on in the work of redemption and reconciliation, ſaving his people, and ſubduing his enemies; and though there be many enemies to this peace, and many diſcouragements be caſt in his way from ſome of the parties themſelves; yet doth he go on in his work with a heroick p. 241and undaunted ſpirit, he can neither be bowed, nor broken, nor laid by. Pſal. 42.4, He ſhall not fail, nor be diſcouraged, till he have ſet judgment in the earth: and the Iſles ſhall wait for his law.

1. He was not broken nor diſcouraged by the weight of the work which he had undertaken, his duty broke him not, but he went on in it till he had ended his work. Joh. 17.4, I have finiſhed the work which thou gaveſt me to do. We read indeed that he wept ſometimes, Luke 19.41. Heb. 5.7. but he was not diſcouraged then, but went on to do his work; the courage of faith of his victory was not ſhaken nor cruſhed. 2. His enemies, and all the oppoſition they could make to him, did not break him, nor lay him by, he would go up to Jeruſalem, where they ſought to kill him, Luke 9.51, And it came to paſs, when the time was come that he ſhould be received up, he ſtedfaſtly ſet his face to go to Jeruſalem. And 13.32, And he ſaid unto them, Go ye, and tell that Fox, Behold I caſt out Devils, and I do cures to day, and to morrow, and the third day I ſhall be perfected. He would walk on his twelve hours, he knew not what unbelieving fear was. 3. His ſufferings did not break him, nor lay him by from his work; when he ſweat blood, and when he ſuffered on the Croſs, even then he ſet about his duty, and intermitted it not, but minded ſinners more than himſelf; often in prayer, caring for his Mother, preaching to the thief, &c. Mat. 26. Mark 14. Luke 22 chapters. 4. His cold and bad entertainment which he got from his people when he was about his work, did not break him, nor lay him by, John 1.10, 11, He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. And the many ſcoffs, and the ſlighting carriage of his people, and the grieving his ſpirit, and breaking his heart every day yet, doth not diſcourage him, nor lay him by from his work, and from endeavours for their reconciliation with God, Rom. 10. laſt, But unto Iſrael he ſaith, All day long I have ſtretched forth my hands unto a diſobedient and gainſaying people. Luke 19.41, 42, And when he was come near, he beheld the City, and wept over it, ſaying, If thou haſt known, even thou, at leaſt in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace, but now they are bid p. 242from thine eyes. 5. The diſpleaſure and wrath of both the parties, which he knew he behoved to go through, brake him not, laid him not by, but he ventured to take on the diſpleaſure of both, that he might agree them, and take away the difference, Zech. 13.7, Awake, O ſword, againſt my ſhepherd, and againſt the man that is my fellow, ſaith the Lord of Hoſts. Smite the ſhepherd, and the ſheep ſhall be ſcattered; and I will turn my hand upon the little ones. Luke 19.14, But his Citizens hated him. Mat. 21.38, This is the heir, come let us kill him, and let us ſeize on his inheritance. 6. The fair offers of the world, and ſmiles of temptation from it, laid him not by, nor took him off the work which he came to do, Joh. 6.15, When Jeſus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, and make him a King, he departed again into a mountain himſelf alone. Mat. 4.8, 9, Again the Devil taketh him up unto an exceeding high Mountain, and ſheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, and ſaith unto him, All theſe things will I give thee if thou will fall down and worſhip me.

Beſides all theſe Requiſites in a Mediator which ſhine forth ſo eminently in Jeſus the Mediator of the New Covenant, there are alſo ſome other Properties in our Mediator, qualifying him for that Office, which are peculiar to his Mediation, and are not to be found in any other Mediator among men; namely, 1. His Oneneſs and Sameneſs with both the parties betwixt whom he mediates. There have been mediators among men who have had ſome intereſts and relations to both parties, but never any like to this one and only Mediator of the New Covenant, who is perfectly one with both the parties which ſtand at ſo great diſtance, Phil. 2.6, Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Heb. 2.17, Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren. And therefore he is ſo much engaged to make them one in him; he is nearly concerned in the union of theſe two parties: 1. In point of Intereſt, he gaineth by it, his Fathers honour is gain to him, and ſo is our happineſs alſo, John 16.14, 15, He ſhall glorifie me, for he ſhall receive of mine, and ſhall ſhew it unto you. All things that the Father hath, are mine, therefore ſaid I, that he ſhall take of mine, and ſhall p. 243ſhew it unto you. Iſa. 59.16, Therefore his arm brought ſalvation unto him. 2. In point of Faithfulneſs, he hath undertaken it, and will do it, for he is faithful and true, Rev. 1.5. and 3.14. and 19.11. 3. In point of Honour; 'tis a Crown to him to make the agreement betwixt God and man, Joh. 17.4, 5, I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finiſhed the work which thou gaveſt me to do: And now, O Father, glorifie thou me with thine own ſelf, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. Iſa. 53.12, Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he ſhall divide the ſpoil with the ſtrong; becauſe he hath poured out his ſoul unto death, and he was numbred with the tranſgreſſors, and he bare the ſin of many, and made interceſſion for the tranſgreſſors. Pſal. 110. laſt, He ſhall drink of the brook in the way, therefore ſhall he lift up the head. 4. In point of Satisfaction; it's comfort to him to ſee this union, Iſa. 53.11, He ſhall ſee of the travel of his ſoul, and ſhall be ſatisfied.

2. Chriſt is a Mediator, who never declined to mediate in the buſineſs of all thoſe who have any dealing with the King and Court where he lies, being a potent, acceſſible Mediator to all who will employ him, Heb. 7.25, Wherefore he is able alſo to ſave them to the uttermoſt that come unto God by him, ſeeing he ever liveth to make interceſsion for them. Joh. 6.37, All that the Father giveth me, ſhall come unto me: and him that cometh unto me, I will in no wiſe caſt out.

3. A Mediator who is always at hand, never abſent from the Court, never miſſing when ſinners have any buſineſs with God. He is a conſtant Agent, who lieth always in heaven to make the Addreſs of his people to his Father, Rev. 8.3, And another angel came and ſtood at the altar, having a golden cenſor, and there was given unto him much incenſe, that he ſhould offer it with the prayers of all ſaints, upon the golden altar which was before the throne. Heb. 9.24, For Chriſt is not entred into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven it ſelf, now to appear in the preſence of God for us. But Mediators among men are oft-times far to ſeek, and ill to find, 2 Sam. 14.29, as Joab was when Ahſolom would have ſent him to the King; who when he was ſent for the firſt and ſecond time, would not come to him.

p. 2444. A perpetual Mediator, who neither dieth, nor layeth down his Office. Moſes, who was a typical mediator, and Joſeph who dealt with Pharoah for Iſrael, died, and then it went hard with Iſrael: But Jeſus the Mediator of the New Covenant, continueth for ever, Heb. 7.23, 24, And they truly were many prieſts, becauſe they were not ſuffered to continue by reaſon of death. But this man, becauſe he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable Prieſthood.

Let us ſhortly hint ſome Uſes of theſe things: And 1. of the Qualifications fitting Chriſt for this Employment.

Ʋſe 1. If Jeſus the Mediator of the New Covenant, be a perſon intereſted in both parties, Then there can be no ground to ſuſpect him of partiality, but to look upon all that he propoundeth in the Goſpel in order to the reconciliation of God with ſinners, as coming from one who is nearly intereſted, and well affected to both parties: it is our ſin that we look upon Chriſt, and the things propounded by him in the Goſpel, as if he were for God only, and not for us alſo, Joh. 17.19, And for their ſakes I ſanctifie my ſelf, that they alſo might be ſanctified through the truth.

Ʋſe 2. If the Mediator be ſo truſty a Perſon, Then let us entruſt to him the managing of our everlaſting intereſts: know him to be ſuch, that you may without fear and jealouſie confidently commit to him what ever you have to do with God, 2 Tim. 1.12, For I know whom I have believed, and I am perſwaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, againſt that day.

Ʋſe 3. If the Mediator be marvellouſly affected towards the union of God and ſinners, for the good of both parties: Then bear with his way of promoting your happineſs, ſo as he may honour his Father: for he muſt have both in his eye, and therefore will make your peace, and will make you happy, by humbling you, and making you ſeek his peace, and by making you holy, &c. Eph. 1.4, 5, 6, According as he hath choſen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we ſhould be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predeſtinated us unto the adoption of children by Jeſus Chriſt, to himſelf, according to the good pleaſure of his will, to the praiſe of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. And 2.10, For we are his workmanſhip, p. 245created in Chriſt Jeſus unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that we ſhould walk in them. And think not that any way that Jeſus Chriſt will have his Father honoured in you, is contrary to your happineſs.

Ʋſe 4. If Chriſt have power with both the parties betwixt whom he is a Mediator, then you muſt needs let him diſpoſe of you, and command you wherein he will, for making your peace with his Father; and whatever power you yeild to him, over you, with your own conſent, believe it, he will improve it for your advantage; and he hath credit with his Father to effectuate the buſineſs for his part alſo, Joh. 11.42, And I know that thou heareſt me always.

2. From the ſpecial requiſites and graces which ſhine forth eminently in Chriſts managing the work of Mediation.

Ʋſe 1. If Chriſt be a condeſcending Mediator, who hath ſtooped low to compaſs an union betwixt you and God: Then it is your duty to ſtretch and raiſe your ſelf to meet him: Come and meet him: Will you let all the condeſcendance be on his ſide, and will you not yeild and bow to him in any thing? Nay, be it far from you. 2 Chron. 30.8, Now be ye not ſtiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yeild your ſelves unto the Lord.

Ʋſe 2. If he be a mollifying Mediator, who hath brought down God from high demands of Law: Then 1. Conſider with what eaſe your conditions with God is now granted: Conſider the terms upon which Chriſt hath brought you an offer of God. 2. Be you brought off the terms of diſtance whereupon you ſtand proudly with him. And 3. If Chriſt have broken you off from your proud terms wherein you ſtood with God, then you may judg thereby and conclude, that he hath mollified himſelf alſo.

Ʋſe 3. If Chriſt be ſo affable, Then put away your prejudices at him, and your miſhapen thoughts of him, as if he were auſtere to his people; and be encouraged to come to him with every thing relating to your peace with God; you ſhall find courteous and kind entertainment, and ſhall experience that the Mediator is good to ſpeak to.

Ʋſe. 4. If the Mediator be ſo meek and gentle, Then believers may expect that he will bear with their infirmities, wherein they do not allow themſelves, yea, cannot bear with p. 246themſelves, Pſal. 103.9, 13, 14, He will not always chide, neither will he keep his angar for ever. Like as a father pitieth his children, ſo the Lord pitieth them that fear him: for he knoweth our frame, he remembreth that we are duſt: yet ſo, as you would not tempt Chriſt, 1 Cor. 10.9, nor abuſe his meekneſs and gentleneſs: for there is ſuch a thing in Chriſt as Goſpel-ſeverity: the Lamb of God is a Lion when he is ſtirred up to he angry, Heb. 2.2, 3, For if the word ſpoken by angels was ſteadfaſt, and every tranſgreſſion and diſobedience received a juſt recompence of reward: How ſhall we eſcape if we neglect ſo great ſalvation, which at the firſt began to be ſpoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. And 10.26, For if we ſin wilfully after that we have received the knowledg of the truth, there remaineth no more ſacrifice for ſins.

Ʋſe 5. If the Mediator be ſo eminently merciful, Then, 1. if your condition be ſo miſerable, and the evils of your eſtate ſuch that can plead pity, put no doubt but they ſhall find pity with him, even when you can ſcarce ſpeak for pity to them, but only lay them before him, ſet them in his eye, Luke 19.4, And he ran before, and climbed up into a ſycamore-tree to ſee him, for he was to paſs that way. 2 Fear not to meet with rough dealing, repulſes, untenderneſs, harſh anſwers, Iſa. 40.11, He ſhall feed his flock like a ſhepherd, he ſhall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his boſome, and ſhall gently lead them that are with young. Believers, beware that ye do not upon the matter, deny your Mediators merciful diſpoſition; ſay not by your carriage, that he is a hard man, Mal. 25.24.

Ʋſe 6. Is he a Potent Mediator, Then, 1. let ſinners only deal to get Chriſt engaged for their peace, and the buſineſs is done, he ſhall bring it about, Iſa. 38.14, O Lord, I am oppreſſed, undertake for me. And 53.10, And the pleaſure of the Lord ſhall proſper in his hand. 2. Believers, know whom you have believed, how potent he is to do what is entruſted to him, Pſal. 89.19, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; that you may be comforted, and your faith ſtrengthened. Rom. 4.20, 21, He ſtaggered not at the promiſe of God through unbelief, but was ſtrang in faith, giving glory to God. And being fully perſwaded that what he had promiſed he was able alſo to perform.

p. 247Ʋſe 7. If he be a faithful Mediators, Then 1. be perſwaded to give him more truſt in the employment you put upon him: in all your buſineſs leave your care upon this truſty perſon: 1 Theſ. 5.24, Faithful is he that calleth you, who alſo will do it. Pſal. 37.5, Commit thy way unto the Lord: truſt alſo in him, and he ſhall bring it to paſs. 2. Then it muſt be a great ſin and provocation in any who have employed Chriſt, to be jealous of him, and to diſtruſt his undertakings; ſure ſuch do not know him well whom they have believed, 2 Tim. 1.12. 3. Believers who have fled to him for refuge, and rolled over your temporal and everlaſting intereſts upon him, you may quiet your minds, and lye down ſecurely without fear of the miſcarrying of any thing that is good for you, Phil. 4.6, 7, Be careful for nothing, but in every thing with prayer and ſupplication, with thanksgiving, let your requeſts be made known to God. And the peace of God which paſſeth all underſtanding, ſhall keep your hearts and minds through Chriſt Jeſus. Pſal. 3.5, 6, I laid me down and ſlept, I awaked, for the Lord ſuſtained me. I will not be afraid of ten thouſands of people that have ſet themſelves againſt me round about.

Ʋſe 8. If our Mediator be the Wooer and Sutor of both the parties unto the peace: Then, to be you willingly wooed by him: be not nice and wild when he is courting your hearts to wed with him, and to make peace with God, 2 Chron. 30.8, Now be not yet ſtiff-necked as your fathers were, but yeild your ſelves unto the Lord, and enter into his ſanctuary. When he prays you, and beſeeches you to be reconciled to God, be not hard to be entreated, 2 Cor. 5.19, 20. 2. Fear not, if your hearts have become toward to his Propoſitions, if you be content to be wooed by him, doubt not but he will get his Father's conſent to whatſoever he propounds to you; yea, he had his mind and good-will to whatſoever he propoundeth to you, before he ſpoke with you, Joh. 6.37, 38, All that the Father giveth me, ſhall come to me: and him that cometh to me, I will in no wiſe cast out—And this is the Fathers will which hath ſent me, that of all which he hath given me I ſhould loſe nothing, but ſhould raiſe it up at the laſt day. And 17.16, I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy word. p. 2483. No thanks to us that ever God and we were in good terms; but all thanks to the Mediator, the Wooer of both parties, the Peace-maker, who came and preached peace, and made peace, 2 Cor. 5.20. Eph. 2.14, 15, 17.

Ʋſe 9. If our Mediator be of ſo heroick and ſo unſubdued a ſpirit: Then, 1. Let all his enemies be afraid, and pack them out of his way, and ſtand not in the way to hinder the work which he hath undertaken for his people: he is of an unſubdued ſpirit, and cannot be laid by; pack you, or he will ride over you, Pſal. 110.1, 5, The Lord ſaid unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy foot-ſtool. The Lord at thy right hand ſhall ſtrike through Kings in the day of his wrath. Rev. 6.2, And I ſaw and beheld a white horſe, and he that ſate on him had a bow: and a crown was given unto him, and be went forth conquering and to conquer. Pſal. 45.3, 4, 5. Gird thy ſword upon thy thigh, O moſt Mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty; and in thy majesty ride proſperouſly, becauſe of truth, and meekneſs, and righteouſneſs: and thy right hand ſhall teach thee terrible things. Thine arrows are ſharp in the heart of the Kings enemies, whereby the people fall under thee. 2. Believers, comfort your ſelves in Chriſts Heroick ſpirit; he cannot be laid by, nor turned from his purpoſe, neither by the oppoſition made by the enemies of your happineſs, nor by the diſcouragements received from your ſelves, 1 Joh. 4.4, &c. Iſa. 42.4, He ſhall not fail nor be diſcouraged. See an eminent example of this in his dealing with the woman of Samaria, Joh. 4.10, &c.

3. Let us make ſome uſe of the whole Properties and Qualifications of our Mediator, taking in alſo thoſe which are peculiar to him: Hence a threefold Exhortation.

Firſt, Be exhorted to know what a Mediator Chriſt is: A Mediator, and ſuch a Mediator, the Apoſtle Paul hath many hints in his Epiſtle to the Hebrews (which is written to ſet forth Chriſt in his Offices) whereby he layeth a deal of weight upon the qualities of our Mediator, being ſuch a perſon, ſuch a High-priest, &c. as the like was never heard of, ch. 1.4. and 3.1. and 4.14, 15. and 5.11. and 7.16, 24, 26. and 8.1, 2. and 9.11, 24. The ignorance of this, or not conſidering theſe things, is the cauſe why Chriſts Mediatorſhip p. 249is ſo little comfortable to Believers: ſtudy to know this better, that you may be comforted by it, that you have ſuch a Mediator, one whoſe office, intereſts, relations, engagements to you, and qualities before enumerated, may aſſure you that you have a Friend in Heaven, one to whom you may come for pity and help in all your miſeries and diſtreſſes.

2. Be exhorted to more boldneſs; in coming to the Throne of Grace; Believers, you diſhonour your Mediator, who having ſo great a Favourite at the Court of Heaven, ſhould not with greater confidence come to God; yet this boldneſs ought to be humble and awful, keeping in ſight your own unworthineſs, and the awe of Gods Majeſty; but be confident of the prevalency of Chriſts Mediation, Heb. 4.14, 15, 16, Seeing then that we have a great High-Prieſt that is paſſed into the Heavens, Jeſus the Son of God, let us hold faſt our profeſſion, for we have not an High-Prieſt which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without Sin: let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain Mercy, and find Grace to help in time of need. And, 10.19, 20, Having therefore, Brethren, boldneſs to enter into the Holieſt by the Blood of Jeſus, by a new and living way which he hath conſecrated through the vale, that is to ſay, his fleſh, Gr. foreign with open mouth. Lay not weight upon your liberty, but let the confidence you have in your Mediator, give you boldneſs, which would beget and draw forth liberty in Prayer for your ſelves and for others, 1 Tim. 2.1, 5, I exhort therefore, that firſt of all ſupplications, prayers, interceſſions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men—for there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Chriſt Jeſus.

3. Be exhorted, you who have the offer of ſo great ſalvation, and of Chriſt Mediator to be a friend to you in Heaven, to take heed that you ſlight it not, Heb. 2.1, 3, Therefore we ought to give the more earneſt heed to the things that we have heard, leſt at any time we ſhould let them ſlip.—How ſhall we eſcape if we neglect ſo great ſalvation, which at the firſt began to be ſpoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him? And 12.25, 29, See that ye refuſe p. 250not him that ſpeaketh: for if they eſcaped not who refuſed him that ſpake on earth, much more ſhall not we eſcape if we turn away from him that ſpeaketh from Heaven: For our God is a conſuming fire. And, 10.26, 29, 39, For if we ſin wilfully after we have received the knowledg of the truth, there remaineth no more ſacrifice for ſins.—Of how much ſorer puniſhment ſuppoſe ye ſhall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the Covenant, wherewith he was ſanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done deſpight unto the Spirit of Grace?—But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe, to the ſaving of the Soul. There is no ſin nor judgment comparable to ſins againſt the Mediator, and judgment that follow theſe ſins, Joh. 15.22, If I had not come and ſpoken to them, they had not had ſin: but now they have no cloak for their ſin. Matth. 11.21. Wo unto thee Corazin, wo unto thee Bethſaida: for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in ſackcloath and aſhes.