MEDITATION. XVIII.

Christ as he was God could not die, but he took mans nature upon him, that he might be in a capacity to dye for sinful and lost Man. He suffered in the same Nature that had sinned, that he might make Atone∣ment.

Sacrifices and Burnt-offerings could ne∣ver take away the guilt of sin, nor quiet the Conscience of the sinner, nor cleanse and sanctifie a defiled soul, therefore Christ had a Body prepared for him, that by one Offering he might perfect his Church for ever.

Wonderful mystery of Godliness! That God should be manifested in the Flesh, and suffer upon the Cross to make peace! Here is a wonderful contrivance, Christ is the Page  292 Sacrifice, Christ is the Altar, and Christ is the Priest. Through the Eternal Spirit he offered up himself without spot to God, to purge our Consciences from dead works that we might serve the Living God.