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68. But the true Mediator, whom in Thy secret mercy Thou hast
pointed out to the humble, and didst send, that by His exampl. also
they might learn the same humility that "Mediator between God and
men, the man Christ Jesus," appeared between mortal sinners and the
immortal Just One mortal with men, just with God; that because
the reward of righteousness is life and peace, He might, by
righteousness conjoined with God, cancel the death of justified
sinners, which He willed to have in common with them? Hence He was
pointed out to holy men of.old; to the intent that they, through
faith in His Passion to come,' even as we through faith in that
which is past, might be saved. For as man He was Mediator; but as
the Word He was not between. because equal to God, and God with
God, and together with the Holy Spirit. one God.
69. How hast Thou loved us, good Father, who sparedst not Thine
only Son, but deliveredst Him up for us wicked ones! How hast Thou
loved us, for whom He, who thought it no robbery to be equal with
Thee, "became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross; He
alone "free among the dead, that had power to lay down His life, and
power to take it again; for us was He unto Thee both Victor and
Victim, and the Victor as being the Victim; for us was He unto
Thee both Priest and Sacrifice, and Priest as being the
Sacrifice; of slaves making.us Thy sons, by being born of Thee,
and serving us. Rightly, then, is my hope strongly fixed on Him,
that Thou wilt heal all my diseases by Him who sitteth at Thy right
hand and maketh intercession for us; else should I utterly despair?
For numerous and great are my infirmities, yea, numerous and great
are they; but Thy medicine is greater. We might think that Thy
Word was removed from union with man, and despair of ourselves had He
not been "made flesh and dwelt among us."
70. Terrified by my sins and the load of my misery, I had resolved
in my heart, and meditated flight into the wilderness; but Thou didst
forbid me, and didst strengthen me, saying, therefore, Christ
"died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto
themselves, but unto Him which died for them." IT Behold, O
Lord, I cast my care upon Thee, that I may live, and "behold
wondrous things out of Thy law." Thou knowest my unskilfulness and
my infirmities; teach me, and heal me. Thine only Son He "in
whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" hath
redeemed me with His blood. Let not the proud speak evil of me,
because I consider my ransom, and eat and drink, and distribute;
arid poor, desire to be satisfied from Him, together with those who
eat and are satisfied, and they praise the Lord that seek him.
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