CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

But 2. This historical bare acknowledgement is not enough unless there be a fiducial application of him, ¹and an holy confident relying on him as the Mediator between God and man; To say as Thomas did, My God, My Lord, Joh. 20.28. and Paul Gal 2. who loved me and gave himself for me; This is that believing on him (a phrase peculiar to the Scripture) that brings Salvation; It's one thing believe that there is a Christ who is a Mediator, and another in him as that person by whom we expect to have Salvation; Austin formerly made a distinction between Credere Deo, Deum, and in Deum, but the Learned Critics observe that the Scripture makes no such difference in the phrase, only we may for distinction sake use those expressions for those spoken of Joh. 2. to whom yet Christ would not communicate himself are said, [Greek or Hebrew],, Well, though the words and phrases may be promiscuous, yet the matter extremely differs, for many do speculatively believe that Christ is the Mediator, who yet practically do not out of the sense and burden of sin lay hold on Christ; Whereas this is indeed to glorify Christ, when we renounce all our own righteousness, when we feel our sins a greater weight then ever we can bear, when we cry out as they did in the Ship, Master, we perish; The immediate danger they were in, made them cry out three times, [Greek or Hebrew] we perish, we perish; we perish; Thus that soul doth unfeignedly glorify Christ that crieth out from the overwhelming nature of sin, I am damning, I am damning; This is to glorify Christ when we see neither the Righteousness of the Law, or of Men, or Angels, can interpose between God and us, but Christs Righteousness only; Therefore in Popery grace is obscured, the Righteousness of Saints, and the merits of their own works eclipse Christ; Hence they are like the Moon which though it receiveth all light from the Sun, yet is the ⟨p. 268⟩only thing that obscures and eclipseth it by its Interposition.

But 2. This historical bare acknowledgement is not enough unlesse there be a fiducial application of him, ¹