Inference 1.
That it is a dangerous thing to reject Iesus Christ,* 1.1 the only Me∣diator betwixt God and Men. Alas there is no other interpose, and skreen thee from the devouring Fire; the everlasting burn∣ings. Oh! it's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the liv∣ing God. And into his hands you must needs fall, without an interest in the only Mediator. Which of us can dwell with devouring Fire, who can endure the everlasting burnings? Esa. 33.14. you know how they singed and scorched the green Tree, but what would they do to the dry Tree? Luke 23.31. indeed, if there were another plank to save, after the Shipwrack, any other way to be reconciled to God, beside Jesus the Mediator: somewhat might be said to excuse this folly; but you are shut up to the Faith of Christ, as to your last remedy, Gal. 3.23. You are like starving Beggars that are come at the last door. O take heed of despising or neglecting Christ; if so, there's none to in∣terceed with God for you; the breach betwixt him and you can never be composed. I remember here the words of Eli, to his prophane Sons; who caused men to abhor the offerings of the Lord, 1 Sam. 2.25. If one man sin against another, the Iudge shall Iudge him; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall in∣treat for him? the meaning is, in common trespasses betwixt men, the civil Magistrate takes cognisance of it, and decides the controversie,* 1.2 by his authority: so that there is an end of that strife, but if man sin against the Lord, who shal intreat or arbitrate in that case? Elies Sons had despised the Lords Sacrifices, which were the sacred Types of Christ, and the stated way that Men their had to act Faith on the Mediator in. Now (saith he) if a man thus sin against the Lord, by de∣spising Christ, shadowed out in that way; who shall intreat for him? what hope, what remedy remains?
I remember it was the saying of Luther and he spake it with deep resentment, nolo deum absolutum. I will have nothing to do with an absolute God, (i. e.) with God without a Mediator.