The crucifying of the world

1. It is the end of Christ, and his Cross and Doctrine, to recover Gods Interest in the souls of men: But it is by mortification, as a part of true sanctification, that Gods Interest in mens souls is recovered. Therefore, &c. As God could have no lower ultimate end then himself in our Creation, so neither in our Redemption. Christ himself as Mediator, is but a Means to God who is our End; he is the way to the Father, and no man cometh to the Father but by him, Joh. 14. 6. He is the Truth that revealeth the Father, and the Sun of the world which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world, Joh 1. 9. revealing to us both the End and Means; That as there is no light in the earth, but what is communicated by the Sun, which enlighteneth some by the Moon at midnight, and some by its direct approaching light, at the break of day, before they see the Sun it self, and others by its glorious rays when it is risen, and visible to them, and hath also in it self an objective sufficiency to enlighten those that shut their eyes, or want eye-sight by which they should receive it: Even so is Christ the Sun of the Redeemed World, which actually affordeth all that Light to all which they do possess; even some (to all that have the use of Reason) which hath a tendency to recovery; and he hath an Objective sufficiency to the saving illumination of those that through their own fault are never so illuminated. The pure Godhead is the Beatifical Light to be enjoyed for felicity. The Mediator is the Mediate Light, to show u• the way to God. And in these two consisteth Life Eternal; to Know God the Beginning and End, who himself hath no Beginning or End; and to know Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, to • call us to himself, Joh. 17. 3. Whether he that is now to us Mediator acquisitionis, will also hereafter be Mediator fruitio•is, and whether the glorified do only see the Godhead in the glass of the glorified body of Christ, and of the most glorious effects which then they shall partake of, or also shall immediately beheld it in it self, and see Gods essence, face to face, I shall not ⟨p. 71⟩presume to determine, while Scrip•••• ▪ seems so silent, and learned conjectures are so much at odds. But as he is the Redeeming, restoring Mediator, it is that we speak all this while of Christ: And o his Office is to recover Gods Interest in the souls of men.