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, 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; in meekness instructing "those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will "give them repentance to the acknowledging 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,” (2 Tim. ii. 24-26.) ESSAY VIII. On the Nature and Design of the Mediatorial Office, sustained by the Lord Jesus Christ. THE HE Meditation 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 use great diligence in seeking an accurate and edequate 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 meditation 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 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 party 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 induc ing them to act according to the dictates of their understanding and conscience. But sometimes, (especially when one party is much inferior to the other, and hath been highly criminal or injurious,) the office of a Mediator chiefly consists, in prevailing with the offended superior to accept of such concessions and satisfaction, as the other can make; and not to proceed against him with rigour, though he deserve it: and if this can be effected, it only remains for him to prevail with the inferior, or criminal party, to make the required concessions. A Mediator, however, on some occasions, out of great love and pity to the offender, may offer to make compensation at his own expense for the injuries done; in order that the other party may, without loss or dishonour, lay aside his purposes of inflicting deserved punishment. Various qualifications are requisite for persons who sustain the office of a Mediator between two parties at variance, in any of the cases which have been stated: but our attention must principally be fixed upon the last; as it doubtless most accords to the interesting subject, which it is intended to illustrate. Should any one interpose between a sovereign prince and his rebellious subjects, in order to prevail with him to show them mercy; it is obvious, that he should himself be free from all suspicion of in the least favouring their rebellion; otherwise his interposition would render him the more suspected. He ought likewise to be a person of that rank and character, or to have done those important services, which entitle him to the confidence of his sovereign, and tend to render it honourable for him, at his instance, to pardon those that deserve punishment. Every one must perceive the absurdity of a criminal undertaking to mediate in behalf of his as sociates in guilt: nor could an obscure person, of indifferent character, and in no respect intitled to, or possessed of the affection or confidence of the prince, attempt such an interposition without manifest impropriety. If a company of men, in such circumstances, were desirous of thus conciliating the favour of their offended lord; they would naturally turn their thoughts to one of his chief nobles, to some person that had performed signal services with great renown, or to his principal favourite, (Acts xii. 20.) or even to his beloved Son, if they had any prospect or hope of obtaining his good offices.-And if such a mediator could be engaged in their behalf, with so firm and cordial an attachment to their cause, as to say with Paul, when he mediat ed with Philemon for Onesimus, "if they have wronged thee, or owe thee aught, put that on mine account-I "will repay it," (Philemon xix. 20.) and if he really were competent to make good such an engagement; his interposition would have its utmost advantage for success. But no mediator can be fully authorized for his office, unless, by one means or other, both parties allow of his interference: at least his mediation cannot have its due effect, till they both accede to his terms, or plan of accommodating their differences. For if one party authorize him to propose certain terms to the other, as the utmost that he will yield; the whole must yet be frustrated and the dissention perpetuated, if these terms be pertinaciously rejected: except when the mediator acts also as an umpire, and compels the parties to accept of his prescribed conditions.-There is also an evident propriety in a mediator's standing in such a relation to each of the parties, as to lay a foundation for his being considered as an equal friend to both of them, in all respects, in which their rank, or the justice of the cause will admit of it: so that there can be no reason to suspect, that a person thus situated, will sacrifice the interests or rights of one party, from a partial regard to the other. These observations concerning the office of a Mediator, as well known among men, may enable us to understand more clearly the doctrine of Scripture respecting the mediatorial office of Emmanuel: and we may very properly argue from them, in something of the same manner that Paul did from the office of High-Priest among the Jews, when he wrote to them concerning the High-Priesthood of Christ. This indeed was a divinely appointed type and shadow of the subject, that the Apostle illustrated and confirmed by it: whereas, our arguments, from the office of a Mediator among men, derive their force from analogy, or the particulars in which the cases coincide. Yet as. the Lord himself has represented the office of Christ under the idea of a Mediator; it is manifest that he intended to assist, and not to mislead or confuse our apprehen sions by the allusion; and this allows us to make what use we can, with caution and sobriety, of the case alluded to, in order to explain more clearly the subject which it illustrates. : We must, therefore, in the next place, reflect on the need there was for "a Mediator between God and man." Had the human species never forfeited the favour, or incurred the displeasure of their bountiful Creator, a Mediator could never have been wanted; for he was of himself sufficiently disposed to favour and bless the work of his own hands. Had not man been brought into a state of alienation from God, and exposed to his just indignation; no reconciliation, and consequently no peace-maker, could have been required. The Angels in heaven approach their God and Father, without the intervention of a Mediator: and so doubtless did man, before sin had made a breach between God and him.-When the first Adam had broken the commandment, and forfeited the covenant of his Creator; and so sin and death had entered into the world, to pass upon the whole race that was about to descend from him then was "the second Adam, the Lord from hea ven," promised, to be the Mediator of a new covenant; under the title of "the Seed of the woman," who "should bruise the Serpent's head." Thus the entrance of sin gave rise to the whole plan of a Mediator: and the malignity or desert of sin alone required such an exalted Mediator, and such a meritorious mediation, as the Scripture reveals and proposes to us. For if a righteous and holy God had not viewed sin, as so evil in its nature and effects, that it would be utterly inconsistent with his glory to show mercy to transgressors, unless some constitution of this kind were previously formed; that love, which provided the Mediator, would have sufficed, (so to speak,) to induce bim to pardon them without one. We must not, therefore, imagine that the mediation of Christ is needful, in order to prevail with God to pity, love, and save sinners: on the contrary, we should consider it as the grand effect of his compassion and good will; and as intended to render |
