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One would scarcely have expected, that this doctrine should have been objected to because it is mysterious; when the apostle expressly calls it the GREAT MYSTERY OF GODLINESS! But indeed, till we can comprehend ourselves, it is absurd to object to mysteries in those things which relate to the infinite God. The power of mind over matter is mysterious in the highest degree; yet we must deny our own existence, as well as that of God, if we do not admit it; for our will moves our tongues and limbs continually, yet we know not how. Mysteries, which philosophy can never explain, are found in the production of every plant and animal. The style of God in all his works is mystery; and shall we suppose that his own nature is not above all mysterious? Experiment is indeed the proper standard of our discoveries of the powers of nature: but in our enquiries concerning the Creator and his incompre-hensible essence, we must be satisfied with his testimony. Beyond this we cannot go here we can make no experiment: nay, the subject baffles all our investigation. For "can we by searching "find out God? can we find out the Almighty "to perfection?"-If men object the inferiority of Christ to the Father, as Man and Mediator; or his " growth in wisdom and stature;" we answer that those passages, which ascribe omniscience and other divine perfections to him, demonstrate that he had another nature, in union

with that true humanity of which such things are spoken. And "his delivering up the kingdom "to God, even the Father,' " which has sometimes been objected to the doctrine of his Deity, only establishes the distinction between the absolute and everlasting kingdom of God, as Creator; and the mediatorial kingdom of Christ, as the Divine Saviour of sinners. The absolute kingdom existed before sin entered, and will exist for ever, after the mediatorial kingdom shall have answered its grand design, and shall have come to an end: but the Son will be one with the Father to eternity, as he was in the beginning, before time was, or creation had taken place.

If any person should be convinced, by these plain arguments, of the truth and importance of this doctrine, I would conclude with warning him not to rest in the notion of it: but to apply it practically, by relying on Emmanuel for all things belonging to salvation, and by rendering him that love, and honour, and worship, and obedience, which are due to his Name. The truth held in unrighteousness can only increase a man's condemnation; but they who deem it the life of their souls should endeavour to adorn it, and promote the knowledge of it by all suitable means; remembering that "the servant of the Lord "must not strive, but be gentle to all men, apt

1 Cor. xv. 24-28.

"to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those "that oppose themselves; if God peradven"ture will give them repentance to the ac

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'knowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the

Devil, who are taken captive by him at his " will."

32 Tim. ii. 24-26.

ESSAY VIII.

On the nature and design of the Mediatorial Office, sustained by the Lord Jesus Christ.

THE mediation of Christ, between a holy God

and sinful men, has an immediate connexion with every part of that religion which bears his name: and all, who call themselves Christians, should, with the greatest care and diligence, seek an accurate and adequate knowledge of this interesting subject, as far as they can deduce it from the sacred Scriptures. It is therefore intended in this Essay to make some observations on mediation in general;-to explain the nature and ends of our Lord's mediation in particular;-to show in what respects he, and none else, was qualified to sustain such an office;-and to prove from Scripture, that he is a Mediator, according to the import of that term as here explained.

The interposition of a mediator in the affairs of men implies, that some difference, or ground of difference, subsists between the two parties: it supposes, that, at least, one of them has cause of complaint or resentment against the other; and

that consequences, injurious to one or both of them, or to those connected with them, may be apprehended, if the controversy be not amicably terminated. To prevent these effects, some person, either of his own accord, or at the request, and by the appointment, of one or both of the contending parties, interposes; and endeavours, by his authority, influence, or good offices, to effect a pacification, on such terms as are supposed to be equitable, or at least not materially injurious to either side: for if a mediator should take great care of the rights and interests of one party, and evidently neglect those of the other; he would be justly condemned, as acting inconsistently with the design and nature of his office. He should, therefore, behave as the friend of both parties; accommodating the differences according to the justice of their claims, and in a manner as satisfactory to each of them as can consist with equity and impartiality.

In some cases a superior in station or power may assume the office of mediator, and by authority induce the contending parties to accept of the terms proposed to each of them. In others, the end may be accomplished by argument, remonstrance, or persuasion: and this is nothing more than convincing both parties, that they ought to make, or accept of, such concessions, for the sake. of peace and their mutual good, as are equitable and reasonable; and then inducing them to act

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