man's true nature: thereby endeavouring to abolish God's mercy towards us, and utterly destroy our faith.

Others have imagined that he brought a body with him from heaven; as though he partook not of our nature. This was declared by that detestable heretick, (who was here put to death,) that Jesus Christ had a body from everlasting; composed of four elements that the Godhead was at that time in a visible shape, and that whenever the angels appeared, it was his body. What madness it is to make such an alchymy, to frame a body for the Son of God! What shall we do with that passage which saith, Heb. ii. 16, 17. "He took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."

It is said, he took upon him our flesh, and became our brother. Yea, and that he was made like unto us, that he might have pity upon us, and help our infirmities. He was made the seed of David, that he might be known as the redeemer that was promised? whom the fathers looked for from all ages. Let us remember that it is written, the Son of God appeared in the flesh; that is, he became very man, and made us one with himself; so that we may now call God our father. And why so? because we are of the body of his only son. But how are we of his body? because he was pleased to join himself to us, that we might be partakers of his substance.

Hereby we see that it is not a vain speculation, when men tell us that Jesus Christ put on our flesh: for hither we must come, if we will have a true knowledge of faith. It is impossible for us to trust in him aright, unless we understand his manhood: we must also know his majesty, before we can trust

in him for salvation. We must know moreover that Jesus Christ is God and man, and likewise that he is

but one person.

Here again the devil tries to stir up the coals of strife, by perverting or disguising the doctrine which St. Paul teacheth us. For there have been hereticks, who have endeavoured to maintain that the majesty and Godhead of Jesus Christ, his heavenly essence, was forthwith changed into flesh and manhood. Thus did some say, with many other cursed blasphemies, that Jesus Christ was made man. What will follow hereupon? God must forego his nature, and his spiritual essence must be turned into flesh. They go on further, and say, Jesus Christ is no more man, but his flesh has become God.

These are marvellous alchymists, to make so many new natures of Jesus Christ. Thus, the devil raised up such dreamers, in old times, to trouble the faith of the church; who are now renewed in our time. Therefore, let us mark well what St. Paul teaches us in this place; for he giveth us good armour, that we may defend ourselves against such errours. If we would behold Jesus Christ in his true character, let us view in him this heavenly glory, which he had from everlasting: and then let us come to his manhood, which has been described heretofore; that we may distinguish his two natures. This is necessary, to nourish our faith

If we seek life in Jesus Christ, we must understand that he hath the whole Godhead in him; for it is written, Psalm xxxvi. 9. "For with thee is the fountain of life in thy light shall we see light." If we would be maintained against the devil, and withstand the temptations of our enemies, we must know that Jesus Christ is God. To be short, if we would put our whole trust and confidence in him, we must know that he possesses all power; which he could not have, unless he were God. Who is he that hath all

power? It is he that became feeble and weak; the son of the virgin Mary; he that was subject to death; he that bore our sins: he it is, that is the well-spring of life.

We have two eyes in our head, each performing its office but when we look steadfastly upon a thing, our sight, which is separate of itself, is joined together, and becometh one; and is wholly occupied in beholding that which is set before us: even so are there two diverse natures in Jesus Christ. Is there any thing in the world more different than the body and soul of man? His soul is an invisible spirit that cannot be seen or touched; which hath none of these fleshly passions. The body is a corruptible lump, subject to rottenness; a visible thing which can be touched the body has its properties, which are entirely different from that of the soul. And thus we ask, what is man? A creature, formed of body and soul.

If God used such a workmanship in us, when he made us of two diverse natures, why should we think it strange, that he used a far greater miracle in Jesus Christ? St. Paul uses these words, was manifest, that we may distinguish his Godhead from his manhood; that we may receive him, as God manifest in the flesh; that is to say, him, who is truly God, and yet hath made himself one with us: therefore we are the children of God; he being our justification, we are delivered from the burden of our sins. Seeing he hath cleansed us from all our misery, we have perfect riches in him; in short, seeing he submitted himself to death, we are now sure of life.

St. Paul addeth, "He was justified in the spirit." The word justified, is oftentimes used in scripture, for approved. When it is said, he was justified, it is not that he became just, it is not that he was acquitted by men, as though they were his judges, and he bound to give them an account: no, no; there is no

such thing; but it is when the glory is given him which he deserveth, and we confess him to be what indeed he really is. It is said, the gospel is justified when men receive it obediently, and through faith submit themselves to the doctrine that God teacheth: so in this place, it is said, Jesus Christ was justified in spirit.

We must not content ourselves by looking at the bodily presence of Jesus Christ, which was visible, but we must look higher. St. John says, chap. i. God was made flesh; or the word of God, which is the same. The word of God, which was God before the creation of the world, was made flesh; that is, was united to our nature: so that the son of the virgin Mary, is God; yea, the everlasting God! His infinite power was there manifested; which is a sure witness that he is the true God! St. Paul saith, Romans i. Jesus Christ our Lord was made of the seed of David; he likewise adds, he was declared to be the Son of God.

It is not enough for us to behold him with our natural eyes; for in this case, we should rise no higher than man: but when we see, that by miracles and mighty works, he showeth himself to be the Son of God, it is a seal and proof, that in abasing himself, he did not leave off his heavenly majesty! Therefore, we may come to him as our brother: and at the same time worship him as the everlasting God; by whom we were made, and by whom we are preserved.

Were it not for this, we could have no church; were it not for this, we could have no religion; were it not for this, we could have no salvation. It would be better for us to be brute beasts, without reason and understanding, than to be destitute of this knowledge to wit, that Jesus came and joined his Godhead with our nature; which was so wretched and miserable. St. Paul declares this to be a mystery ;

that we may not come to it proudly and arrogantly, as many do who wish to be thought wise; this has caused many heresies to spring up. And indeed, pride hath always been the mother of heresies.

When we hear this word, mystery, let us remember two things; first, that we learn to keep under our senses, and flatter not ourselves that we have sufficient knowledge and ability to comprehend so vast a matter. In the second place, let us learn to climb up beyond ourselves, and reverence that majesty which passeth our understanding. We must not be sluggish nor drowsy; but think upon this doctrine, and endeavour to become instructed therein. When we have acquired some little knowledge thereof, we should strive to profit thereby, all the days of our life.

When we become possessed of this knowledge, that the Son of God is joined to us, we should cast our eyes upon that which is so highly set forth in him; that is, the virtue and power of the Holy Ghost. So then, Jesus Christ did not only appear as man, but showed indeed that he was Almighty God! as all the fulness of the Godhead dwelt in him. If we once know this, we may well perceive, that it is not without cause that St. Paul saith, all the treasures of wisdom are hidden in our Lord Jesus Christ.

When we have once laid hold on the promises of this mediator, we shall know the height and depth, the length and breadth, yea, and whatsoever is necessary for our salvation: so that we may stay our faith upon him, as upon the only true God; and likewise behold him as our brother; who hath not only come near to us, but hath united and joined himself to us in such a manner, that he hath become the same substance. If we have come to this, let us know that we have arrived to the perfection of wisdom, which is spoken of by St. Paul in another place;