The sum of sacred divinity briefly & methodically propoundedThe summe of sacred diuinitie briefly & methodically propounded

But most notably doth Paul unto the Romans enlarge this circumstance: ^xFor Christ, when yet we were of no strength, in his time dyed for the ungodly. Verily for a righteous man one would scarce dye: peradventure for a man that hath been beneficial and good unto him, some man would endure to dye. But God commendeth his love to us that when we were yet Sinners, Christ dyed for us: for if being enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more being reconciled, shall we be saved? Wherefore² he thrust not himself into this Office of Mediation, but had the warrant of a lawful calling for it: for ^yhim (as he speaketh of himself) hath God the Father sealed. And the Apostle to the Hebrews, ^zNo man taketh this honour to himself, but he that is called of God, as was ⟨p. 280⟩AARON. So also Christ did not take this Honour to himself, to become a High Priest, but he that spake unto him, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee, gave it him; as also in another place he saith, Thou art a Priest for ever, after the order of MELCHIZEDEK, for this cause he is called an Apostle, Heb. 3. 1. and the Angel of the Covenant, Malach. 3. 1. And Nicodemus, though he knew him not aright, acknowledgeth that he was a Teacher come from God, John 3. for how else might any man presume to set his hand unto so great a work? Therefore the Prophet saith, ^aHis Noble one shall be of him: And I will make him to approach, that he may come near unto me: for who is he that can promise in his heart to draw near unto me, saith JEHOVAH? that is, (as the Apostle speaketh to the Hebrews) ^b