a medium of discord; so Christ is medium conjungens, a medium of Concord and Peace. And he is such a middler, both in respect of his person, and office, in respect of his person, he is a middler, that is one that hath the same nature both with God, and us, true God, and true man, and in respect of his office or work, which is to interpose or transact the business of reconcilia∣tion between us and God. The former some call his substantial, the latter his evergitical or operative meditation, though I rather conceive that which is call'd his substantial mediation, is but the aptitude of his person to execute the mediatorial function. And that it doth not constitute two kinds of mediation, his being a middle Person, fits and capacitates him to stand in the midst, betwixt God, and us. This I say is the proper sence of the word. Though 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Mediator be rendred variously. Sometimes an Umpire, or Arbitrator. Sometimes a Messenger, that goes betwixt two Persons. Sometimes an Interpreter, im∣parting the mind of one, to another. Sometimes a Reconciler, or Peace-maker. And in all these sences Christ is the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the middle Person, in his mediation of reconciliation, o•• intercession, that is, either in his mediating by suffering, to make peace, as he did on Earth; or to continue, and maintain peace: as he doth in Heaven, by meritorious intercession. Both these ways he is the only Mediator, and he manageth this his media∣tion.
First, As an Vmpire or Arbitrator. One that layeth his hands upon both Parties, as Iob speaks Iob. 9.33. so doth Christ, he layeth his hands (speaking after the manner of men,) upon God, and saith, Father, wilt thou be at peace with them and readmit them into thy favour? If thou wilt, thou shalt be fully satisfi∣ed for all that they have done against thee. And then he layeth his hand upon man, and saith, poor sinner, be not discouraged; thou shalt be justified, and saved.
Secondly, As a Messenger, or Ambassadour, so he came to impart the mind of God to us, and so he presents our desires to God. And in this sence only Socinus would allow Christ to be Mediator. But therein he endeavours to undermine the Foun∣dation, and to exclude him from being a Mediator by surety∣ship. Which is the
Third way of this mediation. So the Apostles speaks Heb. 7.