SECT. XII. Of the Intercession of Saints.
Quest. WE being miserable sinners, how can we draw near to the Divine Ma∣jesty, if we do not imploy some of Gods friends for Mediators, as when we will speak to the King, we adress our selves to some of his Favorites?
A I grant we dare not approach to God but by a Mediator, but we need not for that end employ Saints; for if we have sinned we have an Advocate with the Father, even Je∣sus Christ the Righteous, 1 John 2.1. And Jesus Christ says, John 14.6. I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh to the Father but by me.
Q. But may not Saints and Angels be also Medi∣ators?
A. No, For St. Paul says, 1 Tim. 2.5. There is one God, and one Mediator between God, and men, the man Jesus Christ.
Page 43Q. This passage seems to be altered, for in the Greek it is, There is one Mediator, and not one only Mediator.
A. The Greek word as in this Context signifies one only, as also Ephesians, 4.4, 5, 6. And they of the Roman Church in the Louvain Version have turned it so, in the next Chapter Verse 2. That a Bishop must be the Husband of one Wife, they have it of one only, and it is clear that in that place it should be taken so, for the Apostle would have us to understand that there is one Mediator as there is one God: now there is but one only God, there is therefore also but one only Mediator.
Q. It is true there is but one Mediator for re∣demption, but there may be more for Intercession.
A. Not as Intercessor is to be understood in this question, for one who can procure us the favour of God by his own Merit and In∣tercession, and so those of the Roman Church understand the word, when they pray God in the Mass to hear them for the Merits of the Saints, whose Relicks are under the Altar: Now there can be no such Intercessor but Je∣sus Christ only, who alone hath reconciled us to God by his blood, and is the only Ad∣vocate and Propitiation for our sins, 1 John 2.2. And it is in this beloved that God accepteth us, Eph. 1.6.
Page 44Q. Why may not glorified Saints Pray to God in Heaven for us, as well as Believers Pray for one another on the Earth; have they less Knowledge and Charity in Heaven, then they had on Earth?
A. Glorified Saints may pray for the Church in general, but not for particular Believers, not for want of Charity, but for want of knowledge of the persons and their neces∣sities; for though their knowledge be much more perfect because of their seeing God, yet have they no more communication with Believers here on Earth, as it hath been said before, that they have no more portion for ever in any thing that is done under the Sun.
Q. But is it not expedient at least to make use of the Intercession of Saints to go to Jesus Christ for us?
A. No, For he commands us to come to himself, Matth. 11.28. Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden.
