The paterne of wholsome words. Or a collection of such truths as are of necessity to be belieued vnto saluation separated out of the body of all theologie made euident by infallible plaine proofes of Scripture. And withall, the seuerall vses such principles should be put to, are abundantly shevved. A proiect much desired, and of singular vse for all sorts of Christians. By N. Bifeild [sic], preacher of Gods word at Isleworth in Middlesex.

CHAP. XVII. Of Christ as Mediator. (Book 17)

HItherto of the princi∣ples concerning the person of Christ: his office followes.

The principles cō∣cerning his office, consider it ei∣ther in the whole, or in the parts of it.

The whole office of Christ is to be a mediator, and so the prin∣ciples that concerne the mediator∣ship are fiue:

First, that there is but one [ 1] mediatour betweene God and man, euen Iesus Christ, 1. Tim. 2.5. For there is one God, and one medi∣ator betweene God and man, which is the man Christ Iesus.

Act. 4.12. Neither is there sal∣uation

in any other: for amongst men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must bee saued.

Luk. 2.11. That is, that vnto you is borne this day in the City of Dauid a Sauiour, which is Christ the Lord. Because there is none more mercifull, Heb. 2.17. Nor more able, Heb. 7.25.

[ 2] That the cause of our saluati∣on in his mediation is not merit in man, but grace in God and Christ, 2. Tim. 1.9. Who hath sa∣ued vs, and called vs with an holy calling, not according to our workes, but according to his owne purpose and grace, which was giuen to vs through Christ Iesus before the world was.

Tit. 3.4.5. But when the boun∣tifulnesse and loue of God our Sa∣uiour toward man appeared.

Not by the workes of righteous∣nesse,

which we had done, but accor∣ding to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth, and the renewing of the holy Ghost.

Ephes. 2.8. For by grace are ye saued through faith, and that not of your selues; it is the gift of God.

That this mediation was from [ 3] the beginning of the world, and shall be to the end, Hebr. 13.8. Iesus Christ yesterday, and to day, the same also is for euer.

1. Pet. 1.20. Which was ordai∣ned before the foundation of the world, but was declared in the last times for your sakes.

Reuel. 13.8. Therefore all that dwell vpon the earth, shall worship him, whose names are not written in the booke of life of the Lambe, which was slaine from the beginning of the world.

For in the knowledge, destina∣tion, and acceptation of God,

the two natures were accounted as vnited, and with him the things done and to be done, pre∣sent and to come, are all one.

For explication of this prin∣ciple, if we aske when the media∣tor was giuen, it must be answe∣red three waies:

• 1. If we respect Gods decree, he was giuen before all eternity, Ephes. 1.4. As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world.
• 2. If wee respect the vertue and efficacie of his mediation, he was giuen when need was from the beginning of the world, Re∣uel. 13.8. Which was slaine from the beginning of the world.
• 3. If we respect his manifesta∣tion in the flesh, he was giuen in the fulnesse of time: 1600. yeeres agoe, Galath. 4.4. But when the fulnesse of time was come, God sent

• ... forth his Sonne made of a woman, and made vnder the law.

1. Tim. 2.6. Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men, to be a testimo∣ny in due time.

4. That without the media∣tion of Christ no flesh can bee sa∣ued, Act. 4.12. Neither is there saluation in any other: for among men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen, whereby we must bee saued.

Psalm. 143.2. And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant, for in thy sight shall none that liueth be iustified.

Iam. 3.2. For in many things we sinne all.

5. That by the mediator a new agreement or contract was made with God, Ierem. 31.33. But this shall be the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel: after those dayes saith the Lord, I

will put my law in the inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they shall bee my people.

Heb. 8.13. In that he saith a new Testament, he hath abrogated the old; now that which is disanulled, and waxed old, is ready to vanish a∣way.

Rom. 3.23.24. For there is no difference, for all haue sinned, and are depriued of the glory of God, and are iustified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Iesus.

Galath. 3.21.22. Is the Law then against the promise of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law giuen, which could haue giuen life, surely righteousnes should haue been by the law.

But the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne, that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christ should be gi∣uen

to them that beleeue.

For the explication of this principle we must vnderstand:

1. First, that the Scriptures make mention of three coue∣nants, that God hath made.

The one generall, and terrene with all creatures about their preseruation from the vniuersall deluge: of this, Genes. 9. &c. but of this couenant wee haue no∣thing to doe here.

The second was the coue∣nant, called the couenant of workes, this was made with all mankinde in Paradise, and stands still in force, since the fall, as men are in the estate of nature, the condition whereof on mans part is in the morall law.

The third was the agreement made with man by meanes of the mediator, this was called from

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the fall to the dayes of Abraham, the promise, as being contriued in those words of promise, Gen. 3.15. I will also put enmity betweene thee and the woman, and betweene thy seed and her seed: He shall break thine head, and thou shalt bruise his heele, &c.

From Abraham to Moses, it was called the couenant, Genes. 17. &c. From Moses to Christ, and so still the Testament; and as it stands in difference from the couenant of workes, it may bee called for all this time, the coue∣nant of grace.

[ 2] Secondly, that in this agree∣ment with God by the mediator, the mediator did vndertake for two things:

1. To pay all our debts, and satisfie Gods Iustice, by a price of infinite value, Esa. 53.5.6. But hee was wounded for our transgressions,

he was broken for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was vpon him, and with his stripes we are hea∣led.

All we like sheep haue gone astray, we haue turned euery one to his owne way, and the Lord hath laid vpon him the iniquity of vs all.

Iob 33.24. Then will he haue mercy vpon him, and will say deli∣uer him, that he goe not downe into the pit: For I haue receiued a re∣conciliation.

1. Tim. 2.6. Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to be a testi∣mony in due time.

2. To purchase and merit for vs Gods fauour and kingdome by a most absolute and perfect obedience, Eph. 1.6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherewith he hath made vs accepted in his be∣loued.

Thirdly wee must vnderstand

wherein these new couenants a∣gree, and wherein they disagree.

These couenants agree in these two things: First, that they both were tendered to vs by God. Se∣condly, that they both require a full and perfect righteousnesse, as the condition of eternall life.

They differ:

1. In the manner of knowing of them. For the law or couenant of works is knowne in some mea∣sure by nature, Rom. 2.15. Which shew the effect of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witnesse, and their thoughts accusing one another, or excusing: But the Gospell or couenant of grace is not knowne at all by nature: It is a mystery, Colos. 1. 26. Which is the mystery hid, since the world began, and from all ages, but now is made manifest to his Saints.

1. Cor. 2.7. But wee speake the wisdome of God in a mystery, euen the hid wisedome which God had determined before the world, vnto our glory.

2. Tim. 1.10. But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sa∣uiour Iesus Christ.

2. In the ministers of both: Moses was the minister of the law, but Christ of the Gospell, Ioh. 1. 17. For the law was giuen by Mo∣ses, but grace and truth came by Ie∣sus Christ.

3. In the means of attaining to the end common to both: the law is a law of workes, and re∣quires doing, or else will not giue wages: but the Gospell is a law of faith, requiring beleeuing in him, that iustifieth the wic∣ked, Rom. 3.21. But now is the righteousnesse of God made manifest without the law, hauing witnesse of

the Law, and of the Prophets.

Rom. 4.5. But to him that wor∣keth not, but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly, his faith is counted for righteousnesse.

Rom. 10.5. For Moses thus describeth the righteousnesse which is of the law: that the man which doth these things shall liue thereby, &c.

Againe, the law requires per∣fect righteousnesse in our owne persons, but the Gospell offers the righteousnesse of another to be receiued by faith, Rom. 8.3.4. For that that was impossible to the law, in as much as it was weake, be∣cause of the flesh, God sending his owne Sonne in the similitude of sin∣full flesh, and for sinne condemned sinne in the flesh; that the righteous∣nesse of the law might be fulfilled in vs, &c.

Rom. 5.19. For as by one mans

disobedience many were made sin∣ners; so by the obedience of one shall many also be made righteous: Rom. 10.4. For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousnesse, vnto euery one that beleeueth.

The Law requires our debts euery farthing, the Gospell pub∣lisheth the acquittance of the principall, by reason of the satis∣faction of the suretie. The Law giues heauen, as wages for work done; the Gospell giues heauen gratis.

4. In effects or efficacy; the Law requiers good workes, but giues no power to do them, Deu∣ter. 29.4. Yet the Lord hath not gi∣uen you an heart to perceiue, and eies to see, and eares to heare vnto this day: but the Gospell giues the Spirit of God, which worketh what he requireth, Ier. 31.33. But this shall be the couenant that I will

make with the house of Israel: After those daies, saith the Lord, I will put my Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will bee their God, and they shall be my peo∣ple.

Ezech. 36.27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walke in my statutes, and yee shall keepe my iudgements, and do them.

2. Cor. 3.9. For if the ministrie of condemnation was glorious, much more doth the ministration of righ∣teousnesse exceeds in glory.

The Law shewes the disease, and the Gospell cures it, Rom. 7. 6. But now we are deliuered from the Law being dead vnto it, wherein we were holden, that we should serue in newnesse of spirit, and not in the oldnesse of the letter.

24. O wretched man that I am, who shall deliuer me from the body of this death? &c.

The knowledge of sinne is by the Law, but that which heales vs, is the tidings of remission in Iesus Christ.

5. In the persons, to whom they belong: the Law is for the vnrighteous, 1. Tim. 1.9. Know∣ing this, that the Law is not giuen vnto a righteous man, but vnto the lawlesse and disobedient, to the vn∣godly, and to the sinners, to the vn∣holy, and to the prophane, &c.

But the Gospell belongs to the poore and penitent, Luke 4. 18. The Spirit of the Lord is vpon mee, because hee hath anointed mee, that I should preach the Gospell to the poore; he hath sent me, that I should heale the broken heart, that I should preach deliuerance to the captiues, and recouering of sight to the blind, that I should set at liberty them, that are bruised, &c.

The vses may be.

[ 1] First, for consolation vnto all the godly, and this comfort in their Mediatour, and the new co∣uenant in him may be the more distinctly formed in vs, if we con∣sider:

• 1. The priuiledges and bene∣fits wee reape by this new coue∣nant.
• 2. The properties of the co∣uenant.
• 3. The persons, to whom it may belong.

[ 1] For the first, by meanes of the Mediatour in this new couenant, we receiue many admirable pre∣rogatiues and blessings, as

1. The abrogation of the old couenant, Heb. 8.13. In that hee saith a new Testament, he hath ab∣rogated the old: now that which is disanulled, and waxed old, is ready to vanish away. So as now we are not vnder the Law, but vnder

Grace, Rom. 6.14. For sinne shall not haue dominion ouer you: for ye are not vnder the Law, but vnder grace, &c.

2. Communion of Saints from all parts of the world: men of all Nations comming in vp∣on this new agreement, Isaiah 49.6.11. And he said, it is a small thing, that thou shouldest be my ser∣uant, to raise vp the Tribes of Iacob, and to restore the desolations of Is∣rael: I will also giue thee for a light of the Gentiles, that thou maist bee my saluation vnto the ends of the world.

Matth. 8.11. But I say vnto you, that many shall come from the East and West, and shall sit downe with Abraham, Isaack and Iacob in the Kingdome of heauen, &c.

3. Reconciliation with God, and the pardon of all sins, 2. Cor. 5.19. For God was in Christ, and

reconciled the world to himselfe, not imputing their sinnes vnto them.

Ier. 31.33.34. But this shall bee the couenant, that I will make with the house of Israel, after those daies, saith the Lord, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And I will forgiue their iniquitie, and will remember their sins no more. Heb. 9.15. And for this cause is he the Mediator of the new Testament, that through death, which was for the re∣demption of the transgressions, that were in the former Testament, &c.

The mediatour paying all our debts.

4. A righteousnesse answera∣ble to that of the Law wrought for vs, and imputed to vs, Rom. 8.4. That the righteousnesse of the Law might be fulfilled in vs, which walke not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5. The inhabitation of the

Spirit of God taking possession of vs vnto Gods vse for euer, Isai. 59.21. And I will make this my co∣uenant with them, saith the Lord; my Spirit that is vpon thee, and my words which I haue put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seede, saith the Lord, euen from henceforth for euer.

6. The Law of God put into our hearts from the least to the greatest, Ier. 31.33. But this shall be the couenant that I wil make with the house of Israel: After those daies, saith the Lord, I will put my Law in their inward parts, & write it in their hearts, &c.

7. A couenant with all crea∣tures, who must be at peace with vs, and seruiceable to vs, Hosea 2.18.21.22. And in that day will I make a couenant for them with the wilde beasts, and with the foules of

the heauen, and with that, that cree∣peth vpon the earth: and I will breake the bow, and the sword, and the battell out of the earth, and I will make them to sleepe safely. And in that day I will heare, saith the Lord, I will euen heare the heauens, and they shall heare the earth.

And the earth shall heare the corne, and the wine, and the oile, and they shall heare Israel.

8. Gods sanctuary in the midst of vs, and his presence with vs for euer, Ezech. 37.26.27.28. Moreo∣uer, I will make a couenant with them of peace: it shall be an euerla∣sting couenant with them, and will set my sanctuarie amongst them for euermore.

My tabernacle also shall bee with them, yea I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

9. The promise of an eternall inheritance, Heb. 9.15. And for

this cause is he the Mediatour of the new Testament, that through death, which was for the redemption of the transgressions that were in the for∣mer Testament, they which were called, might receiue the promise of eternall inheritance, &c.

The second part of the consola∣tion [ 2] may be raised from the consi∣deration of the properties of the couenant, which are

That it is free, and God [ 1] stands not vpon desert in vs, Isai. 55.1.2.4. He, euery one that thir∣steth, come yee to the waters; and yee that haue no siluer, come buy, and eate: come, I say, buy wine, and milk without siluer, and without mony.

Wherefore doe you lay out siluer, and not for bread? and your labour without being satisfied? hearken di∣ligently vnto me, and eate that which is good, and let your soule de∣light in fatnesse.

Behold, I gaue him for a witnesse to the people, for a Prince and a Ma∣ster vnto the people, &c.

[ 2] That it is vnchangeable and eternall, Isaiah 54.10. For the mountaines shall remoue, and the hilles shall fall downe; but my mercy shall not depart from thee, neither shall the couenant of my peace fall a∣way, saith the Lord, that hath com∣passion on thee.

And we may the rather be as∣sured of this, if we consider:

• 1. The nature of God: Mer∣cy pleaseth him, and he is so desi∣rous of reconciliation, that hee beseecheth men to be reconci∣led, 2. Cor. 5.19.20. Hosea 2.19.
• 2. The propitiation in Christ God hath proclaimed it from heauen, that in him hee is well pleased, and fully pacified, Mat. 3.17. &c. And Christ is giuen for a couenant of the people, Isai. 49.8.
• ...

• 3. That there is an act for it in the counsell of God from euer∣lasting, 1. Cor. 2.7.
• 4. That God hath sworne to keepe this couenant, Heb. 6.18. and 7.19.20.21.22. Isai. 42.6.7.
• 5. That it is confirmed by the death of the restator, Heb. 9.16. Matth. 26.27.
• 6. Because he euer liueth to make request for vs at the right hand of God, and is able perfect∣ly to saue those that come vnto him, Heb. 7.25. & 13.8.
• 7. Because the Law cannot disanull it, Gal. 3.17.
• 8. That we haue sacraments to confirme it, and seale to it: and if wee can bee perswaded, that the Flood shall come no more, when we see the Rainbow; how much more should the glorious sacra∣ments of the new Couenant, set∣tle vs in the assurance of the vn∣changeablenesse

• of Gods good will towards vs?
• 9. That the couenant is kept, not only in the word, which can∣not be blotted, but also wee haue the keeping of it in our owne hearts, Rom. 10.4.5.
• 10. That God is now long since knowne to the Church by the name of Iehouah, which notes both his constancy and al suffici∣encie, Exod. 6.3.

[ 3] This is comfortable if we con∣sider the persons, that may be ca∣pable of the priuiledges of this new Couenant. God stands not vpon desert, Esay 55.1. the stran∣ger and the Eunuches may be as well accepted here, as the sonnes and daughters, if their hearts bee sincere with God, Esay 56.4.6. the abiect Gentiles are not exclu∣ded, Esay 49.7.

What should I say, the whole

world is inuited, and worlds of people may bee reconciled to God, 2. Cor. 5.19.

And as this is comfortable at all times, so there is comfort to be gathered out of it in speciall distresses, as

• 1. In the case of sinne.
• 2. In the case of affliction.
• 3. In the case of death.

For the first, in the case of sin after calling, it is a memorable place, 1. Iohn 2.1. My babes these things write I vnto you, that ye sinne not: and if any man sinne, we haue an aduocate with the Father, Iesus Christ the righteous.

For the second: in the case of affliction, there are many Scrip∣tures that haue recourse to this doctrine for cōfort. If the godly bee grieued and oppressed, and come vnto God, and humble thēselues, the Lord wil remember

this couenant, and heare them: as Exod. 2.2.4.5. and Exod. 6. 4.5.6. Leuit. 26.41.42. &c.

The godly know in all afflicti∣ons, whom they haue trusted, and ought to beleeue, that hee will keepe y^t, which by couenant is committed to him, 2. Tim. 1. 12. Christ hath commission from God by vertue of this couenant to say to the prisoners, go forth, and to them that are in darknes, shew your selues, Esa. 49.9.10. For a small moment God may forsake, but with great mercy will hee gather vs: In a little wrath he may hide his face, but in euerlasting kindnesse will hee haue mercy on vs: For this is as the waters of Noah, &c. The mountaines may depart; but his kindnesse, and the couenant of his peace shall not depart, nor be remoued, saith the Lord, that

hath mercy on vs, Esa. 54. from the 7. to 11.

For the third, in the case of [ 3] death, it is a knowne instance of Iob, how he comforted himselfe in his Redeemer, in the middest of all his wonderfull distresses, that seemed to threaten his death (as it were) euery moment, Iob 19.25. For I know that my re∣deemer liueth, and he shall stand the last on the earth.

Thus of the vses for consola∣tion: The instructions follow, and may be cast into two sorts.

For this doctrine of the new couenant in the mediator may teach vs; 1. both what to auoid; 2. and what to doe.

The consideration of these principles should teach vs to shun two things:

1. The conceit of merit of our owne workes, and all boasting

of any worthinesse in our selues. For this were to make the pro∣mise of none effect, and the grace of this new couenant void: it were to stand to the old coue∣nant, Rom. 4.14. For if they which are of the law be heires, faith is made void, and the promise is made of none effect.

Rom. 3.27. Where is then thy reioycing? it is excluded: by what law? of workes: nay, but by the law of faith.

Rom. 10.4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousnesse vnto e∣uery one that beleeueth, &c.

2. The forgetfulnesse of God; whatsoeuer befall vs, we should not forget God, nor deale wic∣kedly in his couenant, Psal. 44.17. All this is come vpon vs, yet doe we not forget thee, neither deale wee falsly concerning thy couenant.

The duties we should do, may

be referred to two sorts: for ei∣ther, 1. they are such as fit vs for this new couenant; 2. or such as we should doe to walke worthy of it.

If we would haue any com∣fort by the mediator, and this new agreement with God.

1. We must turne from our [ 1] transgressions, else wee haue no redeemer, Esa. 59.20. And the Re∣deemer shall come vnto Sion, and vnto them that turne from iniqui∣ties in Iacob, saith the Lord.

We must bee new creatures, al things in vs must now be new, our old things must bee passed, and giuen ouer, 2. Cor. 5.17.18.19. &c.

Going and weeping we should goe, and aske for the way, Ierem. 50.4.

Secondly, wee must come to [ 2] Christ being wearie, and laden,

and receiue him, and lay hold vpon him by faith. This new agreement is chiefly published for the obedience of faith, Rom. 16.26. Rom. 3.25.

That wee may walke worthy of this couenant, we must looke to diuers things.

[ 1] First, we should inflame our hearts to the loue of the Lord Ie∣sus, & be ready to acknowledge his wonderfull loue to vs, that dedicated this Testament with his blood, Heb. 9.16. Esa. 59.16. &c.

[ 2] God should bee our portion for euer, Psalm. 73.26. My flesh faileth, and my heart also: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for euer. What now should bee our hope? our hope should euen be in God, Psal. 39.7. And now Lord what waite I for, my hope is euen in thee?

We should for all other things of this life confesse our selues to bee strangers, and pilgrims, and imbrace onely these new pro∣mises of a better happinesse, Heb. 11.13.

We should neuer be ashamed [ 3] of the testimony of the Lord, nor of this doctrine of the mediator, for all the Papists in the world; but partake willingly of all the afflictions may befall vs for this glad tidings in the Gospell, 2. Tim. 1.8. to the 13. But ra∣ther glory in our singular riches, which is Christ in vs, Colos. 1.27.

We should striue to liue like [ 4] such as are now againe confede∣rates of God, and as may be∣come the singular prerogatiues of our new estate. This is briefly comprehended in those few words, Walke before God and be vpright, Genes. 17.1. Esa. 59.

17.18.19.

[ 5] Wee should bee in a speciall manner carefull, that the salt of the couenant of God bee not lacking, Leuit. 2.13. This is the salt of discretion, and of mortifi∣cation▪ Gods confederats should bee a wise and humble people, Mark. 9.50.

[ 6] If euer wee fall into distresse, we must runne to God, and vrge him with his couenant, and de∣precate his displeasure, Ier. 14. 21. Doe not abhorre vs for thy names sake, cast not downe the throne of thy glory. Remember and breake not thy couenant with vs.

[ 7] Wee should for euer cleaue vnto God with full purpose of heart in a perpetuall couenant neuer to be forgotten, Ier. 50.5.

[ 8] We should learne of God how to carry our selues in all agree∣ments and couenants with men.

We should be easie to be recon∣ciled, and keepe our promises, though made with disaduan∣tage. Ministers also may learne from these principles, how to di∣uide the word. The Law is to be preached to the vnrighteous, and this new couenant of pro∣mise in Christ to the penitent and humbled soule, 1. Tim. 1.9. Luk. 4.18.

The last vse may be for terrour vnto all wicked men that liue in the Church, and securely sinne on without regard of reconci∣liation, or seeking the benefits of this new couenant. Who can expresse their misery, which re∣ceiues aggrauation from their neglect of this grace offered. these are children of the bond∣woman, Galath. 4.24. Vpon these God will fearfully auenge the quarrell of his couenant, Leuit.

26.25. Esa. 24.5. Ier. 34.18. E∣zech. 20.36.37. Though they cry vnto God, he will not know them, Hos. 8.1.2.3. Their coue∣nant with death and hell shall be dissolued, Esa. 28.15.18. For they are all vnder the curse, Galath. 3.10. Yea if the Lord proceed to take his staffe, euen beauty, & cut it asunder, and dissolue euen his publike couenant he hath made with the nations; oh how then beyond all hope of cure would bee their miserable condition! or if he doe not doe that, yet if he remoue their candlesticke, by taking the meanes from them, how will these people (whole congregations, that forget God) be turned into hell, and all the multitudes of them!