establishing their unwritten Traditions and humane Inventions they do derogate from the faithfulness of Christ in his prophetical Office Jesus Christ was not faithful in revealing the will of God necessary to mans salvation if there be need of their unwritten Traditions if Christ was a faithful Prophet then they are unfaithful Impostors to obtrude their unwarrantable Traditions upon men instead of Scripture vid. Rev. 22. 18 19. 2. That opinion of the Enthusiasts who not contented with the written word depend upon immediate Revelations from Heaven above the written word These no lesse then the Papists by their Traditions do enervate and overthrow the fidelity of Christ in his prophetical Office They think the teachings of Christ are not sufficient These are no better then the younger brethren of Papists 3. The Papists in their daily offering up of sacrifice for the quick and the dead they overthrow his faithfulness in his Priestly Office vid. Heb. 10. 14. 4. The Papists by joyning other Mediators with Christ thy overthrow the fidelity and sufficiency of Christ in his Priestly Office of Intercession If Christ was faithful and sufficient we need no other Intercessor 5. They who are of opinion that there is no setled Government in the Church c. They deny the fidelity of Christ in his Kingly Office His work as a King was to appoint Lawes c. He had not been so faithful as Moses was else for Moses gave Lawes for the governing of the Jewish Church According to all that which God shewed Moses in the Mount so did he 2d Use Consolation to the Servants of God and that 1. in general 2. in particular 1 In general it layes down this comfort That all the work of your Salvation and Redemption which Christ undertook is fully and really accomplished Consummatum est Against all despaires doubtings against all their own unfaithfulness distrust You may live upon the joy and comfort of this Truth in all your feares When Conscience accuseth when Satan tempts you to despair you may cling to this Doctrine as a sure refuge And the rather because thy salvation is builded and bottomed upon the fidelity of Christ not upon thy faithfulness but upon Christs Now as God laid help upon one that was mighty to save So he laid help upon one who was faithful in saving Thy Salvation is most certain 2 That God will give thee all thy good which Christ hath purchased See the Covenant Ezech. 36. 25 26 27. 2. Particularly Here ariseth comfort from every Office of Christ to all his members 1. From his Prophetical Office these four comforts 1 That Jesus Christ will open thy heart to understand and believe and apply those truths which are held out in and by the Ministry of the Word Thou hast a blind mind darkness clouds thy understanding c. Thou wantest memory c. well Christ hath undertaken this as thy Prophet to teach thy heart c. to annoint thy eyes He is able to remove all the blindness rudeness intractableness indocibleness of thy soul c. Vid. Esa 54. 13. He can teach irresistibly infallibly 2 That Jesus Christ will teach thee to put a difference between truth and error We live in erroneous times c. many false lights c. are risen up many seducers gone out c. well Christ is a faithful Prophet And by vertue of that Office he hath undertaken to lead his Children into all truth John 16. 13. Ye have an unction c. 1 John 2. 20. Esa 30. 21. To deceive if it were possible the very Elect that is impossible Mark 13. 22. For a time they may go astray but Christ their Prophet will reduce them They went out from us because they were not of us c. 1 John 2. 19. 3 Jesus Christ will at last root out of his Church error Heresies and false Doctrines c. This belongs to his Prophetical Office He hath in all Ages done so He overthrew Arrianisme c. All those old errors which over-spread the face of the Church in the beginning of the Gospel they are all routed and scattered Vid. Rev. 12. 15 16. They are not the Anabaptists in Germany They are not c. We may live in hopes now Toleration is endeavoured 4 That Jesus Christ will endue his Ministers with gifts of teaching governing and that he will preserve continue them in his Church notwithstanding all the malice of men and Devils against them vid. Rev. 2. 1. 2. The Devil hath laboured in all Ages to rout the Ministry Chariots and Horsemen 2 Reg. 13. 14. Antesignani all shoot at the Colours I will smite the Shepheard and the Sheep shall be scattered Antichrist could never yet put out these Lamps Stars vid. Jer. 33. 18 19 20. A Gospel-promise 2. For his Kingly Office comfort ariseth in these five particulars 1 That Jesus Christ will settle the Government of his Church He will not suffer the Lawes he hath made the hedge he hath set up to be alwayes demolished vid. Esa 54. 11 12 13 14. A Gospel-promise He will fit men with gifts and hearts to be Rulers in his Church Though some should fall off after they have put their hands to the Plough Luk. 9. 62. 2 That he will vanquish all the enemies of thy soul Corruptions passions c. These invisible enemies vid. 2. Cor. 10. 4 5. vid. 1 John 3. 8. 3 That He will destroy all the visible enemies of his Church Antichrist c. the last great enemy vid. Psal 2. 9. Psal 110. 5. Rev. 8. init vid. Zech. 1. 19. 21. vid. Mich. 4. per totum especially vers 9. 13. Gospel-promise 4 That He will communicate and convey into thee those gifts graces which are necessary for thee for all thy Relations Of his fulness we have all received Iohn 1. 16. Col. 1. 19. Jesus Christ is a Feoffee or Guardian intrusted with thy Patrimony of grace He hath no need of thy grace he hath enough of his own he will not pocket up any of that which belongs to thee 5 That he will effectually gather all his sheep together vid. John 10. 16. 3 For his Priestly-Office much comfort ariseth 1 In reference to the satisfactory part thy comfort is 1 That Jesus Christ hath left nothing upon the score which God can exact from thee All that thou didst owe to Divine Justice is faithfully discharged The Law Satan Conscience can lay nothing to thy charge vid. Rom. 8. 33 34. Heb. 10. 14. vid. Col. 2. 14. 2 That thy person is accepted through him 2 In reference to the Intercessory part of it thy comfort is 1 That he will faithfully present thy Prayers and procure acceptance with God for them through Rev. 8. 34. the sweetness of his incense though they be rough harsh smoky in themselves 2 That He will appear and suffer no plea to fasten against thee in Heaven Satan is continually preferring Inditements and Accusations against thee He is the accuser of the
It was suitable to his condition he having taken upon him the form of a Servant by taking our Nature upon him Phil. 2. 7. it was meet that he should be humble He came not to be ministred unto but to minister Mat. 20. 28. He was in statu humiliationis as he stood in our stead and it was necessary that his carriage should be suitable to his state 2. He was full of every grace John 1. 14. He was full of the Spirit 3. To teach his Disciples both the twelve 1 Pet. 2. 21. that followed him in the flesh and all others after them how they should carry themselves in the World John 13 14 15 16. Third thing is the Use I will only make one That we would all endeavour to walk as Christ walked in this regard We live in a proud age Christians were never swollen bigger either with corporal or spiritual pride than now they are as though they were not Disciples of Christ but Disciples of Lucifer Hardly is there a foolish garish fashion in the World but it s taken up if not invented by Professors of Religion The Apostle would not have Christians to be conformed unto the World Rom. 12. 2. but most Christians study nothing more than this comformity This flag of pride is not displayed any where larger then in the houses and hearts of those who would be accounted most eminent in Christianity Solomon speaks of such a generation Prov. 30. 13. if ever such a Generation lived upon Earth it lives in the present age The Servants of Christ in former ages walked in another posture they were little in their own eyes See what Abraham saith Lord I am but dust and ashes Gen. 18. 27. God calls him the great man Isa 41. 2. See what Jacob saith Gen. 32. 10. I am lesse c. See what Asaph saith Psal 73. 22. I am even as a Beast before thee Wise Agur what he saith of himself Prov. 30. 10. See what Paul saith I am lesse then the least of all the Apostles I am as one born out of due time 1 Cor. 15. 8 9. And in another place lesse then the least of all Saints Ephes 3. vers 8. In another place The chiefest of sinners 1 Tim. 1. 15. David 2 Sam. 7. 18. The Publican Luk. 18. Lord be merciful to me a sinner But what is the Language of Christians now just like that in Esay 65. 5. Stand by thy self come not near me I am holier then thou We may say as he did when he read the Gospel Aut hoc non est Evangelium aut nos non sumus Evangelici The Apostle foretells of the sins of the last days 2 Tim. 3. Pride and high-mindedness are two of those sins Surely that Prophesie is calculated for the meridian of our time They are the two sins of our age what else meanes the bleating of the sheep c. 1. Why else comes it to passe that there is such distance amongst the people of God why such with-drawings one from another Too much pride and too little love is the cause of Schisme Solomon tells us Only by pride comes contention Prov. 13. 10. If contention be the child of pride surely we are guilty 2. Why are Christians of low parts so much despised Is it not for want of humility vid. Phil. 2 3. 3. Why else do men thrust themselves from their private Callings into the Ministery Is it not because of pride They think too well of themselves certainly vid. Psal 131. 1. 4. Why do men sleight the plain wholsom truths of God 5. Why will not men come under the Government of Christ 'T is for want of lowliness of heart Our Saviour hints it in this Text where he puts lowliness of heart and the taking of his yoak together other things are pretended but pride is at the root Be instructed therefore as the Apostle exhorts Col. 3. 12. to put on humbleness of mind Be ye cloathed with humility 1 Pet. 5. 3. Consider your Master as in other respects so in this Phil. 2. 3 4. If you will not be like Christ in his humility you shall not be like him in his exaltation Having fallen upon this necessary subject I shall 1. Presse you by some Motives to this grace 2. I shall lay down some Directions or helps to attain to it 1. Motive From the mischief and danger of pride of heart The danger of high-mindedness will appear in two things 1. It brings men into many sins 2. It brings them into many punishments There are 11. mishapen births of Pride Pride of heart doth beget many sins viz. 1. It will not patiently suffer the word of rebuke neither private from Christian friends nor open rebuke from the publick Ministry Pride will not bear reproof but will rage at it It s a great mercy to be reproved and rebuked for sin Rebuke an Ordinance of God Lev. 19. 17. Pearles Matth. 7. 6. Prov. 10. 17. Ezech. 3. 26. Cap. 12. 1. Cap. 15. 10. David prayes for it Let the righteous smite me it shall be as precious balm Psal 141. 5. But Pride in the heart will make the spirit fret and rise against home-reproofs and against the reprover also Esa 29. 21. Reproofs are veritates mordaces and a proud heart cannot bear them Proud Ahab cannot bear the reproofs of Micajah 1 King 22. 8. Proud Amaziah storms at the rebukes of Amos the Land is not able to bear his words Amos 7. 10. The proud men were they who raged at the reproof of Jeremiah Cap. 43. 2. A humble heart lies open to rebukes for sin will pray for them and bless God when it comes home to his Conscience c. Prov. 9. 8. 2. Pride of heart it will incline them to envy the graces of God in other men A proud person hates and malignes every one who out-strips and out-shines himself he cannot bear either an equal or superior It s a duty to rejoyce in and to blesse God for the excellent gifts and graces of other men Moses did well Would all the Lords People were Prophets Numb 11. 29. Joshua he is a little troubled at it Moses rejoyceth high-minded men are very apt to sleight and grieve and repine at other mens eminency which is a very great sin A proud man is glad to see others eclipsed that he may shine the clearer Yea it s his ingeny and disposition to be blotting and disparaging others to make himself the more glorious Now what a fearful sin is this to hate and despise men for their goodness 3. It will incline a man to be glad at the sins and slips and miscarriages of others It s a very great sin to rejoyce in iniquity 1 Cor. 13. 6. 'T is a very diabolical thing to be delighted to see others fall into sin or into misery It cannot stand with grace 'T is Satans great work and design Now he that is proud in heart is easily tempted to this sin 4. It inclines a man to
makes a man do any thing bear any thing It makes men fear Gods frowns c. Mich. 6. 8. It will carry a man through scorns 2 Sam. 6. 22. 'T is the totum postulatum of a Christian 2. God hath made many excellent promises to it 1. That he will teach them Psal 25. 9. Humility is one necessary qualification for instruction Proud men scorn to be learners The Philosophers Scholar must be Humilis It s a great happiness when God undertakes to teach a man he hath skill and he hath ability he can give men a heart to learn Vid. Isa 54. 13. The reason why men learn no more by God word by his works is because God doth not teach them and God refuseth to instruct them because they are so proud Men will not instruct proud persons no more will God 2. God hath promised to hear their cryes Psal 9. 12. He forgetteth not the cry of the humble Proud beggars are usually answered with scorn and denyal so are proud Christians Proud person will not receive Commands from God and God will not receive Petitions from them 'T is a certain Rule God will receive prayers from none who will not receive Commands Precepts from him 'T is a singular favour to have our prayers granted and a discouraging thing to have our suits rejected what Complaints the people of God have made when they have been refused vid. Lam. 3. init and many sad complaints in the Psalms to this purpose and much gladness of heart doth the receiving of our Petitions create in our hearts Psal 66. 20. in the saddest troubles Humility prepares Audience Pride puts a barre in the way fasting and prayer are found together fasting notes Humility 3. God hath promised to respect them and to dwell with them Vid. Psal 138. 6. and Isa 66. 2. God despises the proud and looks upon them afar off They look upon all others at a distance and so God looks upon them vid. 1 Sam. 15. 17. Gregory upon those words Magnus mihi fuisti quia despectus tibi at nunc quia magnus tibi es mihi despectus es 'T is a singular happiness to have respect and good looks from God to have communion with him This is our Heaven upon Earth This the Servants of God have beg'd and mourned for the want of it Humility drawes Gods eye 4. God promiseth to fill them Jam. 4. 6. Parisiensis calls Humility Vacuum Spirituale Ayr will descend water ascend to prevent a Vacuum Now Nature admits no Vacuum but fills it presently God will not suffer the humble heart to be unfilled vid. Luk. 1. 52. The rain which falls upon the Mountains falls down into the Vallies Your Vallies and low grounds have the richest crops your humble Christians have fullest souls high Mounts are barren c. 3d. Motive In Nature we see humility your fullest ear hangs lowest and your fruitfullest boughes Slicker eares stand highest c. 2d thing is To lay down some directions or helps to attain to this grace A Medicine of these seven Ingredients 1. Often and serious reflecting upon our mean condition we are but animated earth we have a low Original Houses of Clay whose foundation is in the dust Job 14. 17 18. This weighed Abraham to the ground Gen. 18. 27. If men would look to the hole of the pit c. Isa 51. 1. they would not sore so high A piece of red clay c. Who am I Lord and what is my Fathers house this kept David down 2 Sam. 7. 18. We have black feet The Peacock looks on her feet 2d Meditation of our base condition by sin This hath put us lower then the dust invenom'd poyson'd infected souls full of all Diseases This was that which made Paul humble 1 Tim. 1. 13. I was a persecutor c. A Christian would say I that have so many diseases upon me and should I be proud 3d Meditation upon the condition which death will put us in We must say to corruption thou art my Father Job 17. 13 14. a moath-eaten Garment a rotten thing Job 13. 28. the body must breath out to dust c. Charles the fifth had his Winding-sheet for a Standard to keep him humble If that cry in Isa 40. 6. were more in our eares it would make us stoop 4th The vain frail nature of all outward things Jam. 1. 10 11. That is the receipt which he gives 5th Consideration That all our good is imperfect We want more then we have maxima pars eorum quae scimus est minima pars eorum quae nescimus We have more deformity then beauty c. we have more worst then best more chaffe then wheat 6th Consideration That all the good we have is received 1 Cor. 4. 7. for a man to be proud of a borrowed suit c. is ridiculous Rom. 11. 18. It growes not in our own Garden we cannot say Is not this great Babylon which I have builded God hath found materials and tools to work also Deut. 8. 14. 17 18. 7th Consideration Of the account which must be given for what we have what little improvement hath been made either of riches health strength parts graces c. 8. That others have an equal share of all excellencies and are instruments of Gods honour and the good of men as well as we our selves we are not alone other Stars shine as bright as we do Mary Wolnoth October the 8th 1648. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Matth. 14. 23. He went up into a Mountain apart to pray 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 IN this Chapter we have several things considerable viz. 1. The History or Narrative of John Baptists death by the hand of Herod vers 1. ad 13. wherein we have 1. The occasion of this History vers 1. 2. Herod hearing the report of the mighty acts of Christ his Conscience smites him presently with thoughts that this was certainly John Baptist whom he had lately executed Note Sins formerly committed are oftentimes brought to sad remembrance upon the awaking of conscience Conscience though it be long silent yet will speak at last and recoyl upon men for sins long since committed 2. The History it self largely set down vers 3. ad 13. wherein we have 1. The ground of Herods opposition and persecution vers 4 5. Herein is that of the Prophet fulfilled Isa 29. 21. John Baptist stood between Herod and his lust this makes Herod incensed against him 2. The reason of the former forbearance of his execution vers 5. 3. The proximate occasion of his death vers 6 7 8. 4. The manner of his death vers 10 11. 5. The care of his Disciples for his dead body vers 12. 2. The miraculous feeding of 5000. men besides Women and Children with a small quantity of provision vers 13. ad 22. He had healed their bodies and now he feeds their bodies 3. The great miracle of asswaging the tempestuous Sea which had so much distressed his Disciples
A great miraculous Cure wrought by our Saviour upon two blinde men in the sight of a great multitude which followed him vers 29. ad finem They hearing that Jesus who had done so many miracles passed by send out their cries after him The multitude rebuke them that they should hold their peace grace growes stronger by opposition the more they are rebuked the lowder they cry Their prayers and importunity stop the Lord Jesus in his way he calls them to him reasons with them desires to know why they called him And upon the hearing of their desire grants their request He had compassion on them and touched their eyes c. In that part of the Verse which I have read we have two things 1. An Act done 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that shewes the miracle Christ could heal with a touch of his hemme sometimes Matth. 14. 36. It shewes his condescension that he would touch them mean persons Mat. 8. 3. the Leper Mat. 8. 15. the Fever Mat. 7. 33. deaf and the impediment of speech Luk. 22. 51. Malchus his eare Note The least touch of Christs finger will cure perfectly the greatest disease of soul or of body If Christ do but touch the hand the fever is gone the eyes are opened c. If the woman that had the bloody issue for twelve years do but touch his Garment she findes a present cure Mark 5. 25. c. when the Disciples are overwhelmed with fear at Christs Transfiguration a touch of their Masters hand revives them Matth. 17. 7. When Daniel is in his Agony overwhelmed a very touch of the Son of man strengthneth him Dan. 10. 18 19. The hard heart is broken with a touch of Christs finger the dead heart is quickned if Christ doth but lay his hand upon it the troubled conscience is pacified and quieted if Christ put but his finger in at the hole of the door the deaf ear is unstopped the stammering tongue speaks plainly the frozen heart is thawed c. If Christ do but touch the bier the dead body is raised Luk. 7. 14. Nay Our Saviour cures with lesse then a touch His very word healeth any Disease of soul or body He cast out Devils with his word a Legion out of one man Thou unclean Spirit come out of him Matth. 8. 16. He rebuked the fever with his word Luk. 4. 39. The Noblemans Son who lay at point of death labouring of a Fever was healed with a word speaking at a distance John 4. 50. 52. He hath absolute power over all Diseases of body and all spiritual maladies and when he saith Go they go when he saith Be removed they depart immediately Nay He can cure with the glance of his eye which is lesse then his word When Peter's heart was grown hard with sin first denies and then denies with Oaths and curses that he knew not the man Christ did but cast his very eye upon him and his heart relented presently Luk. 22. 61. As the very look of Christ can make the Earth to tremble and his enemies to languish so the least glance of his eye cures all Diseases As he can kill with his touch so can he cure with his touch All Job's troubles was nothing but a touch of Gods hand Job 19. 21. He did but touch Jacob's thigh and it was out of joynt presently Gen. 32. 25. The touch of his hand sets the Hills a smoaking Psal 104. 32. so his touch revives comforts strengthens He did but put his finger through the hole of the door and the languishing love-sick Church was comforted Cant. 5. 4 5. He did but touch Jeremiahs mouth and he was emboldened against all the contradictions of men Ier. 1. 9. He did but touch the Prophet Esays lips and his iniquity was purged and his guilt removed Isay 6. 7. 1. Use We have here a notable and clear proof of Christs Divinity from this passage He that can open blinde eyes with the touch of his finger is no lesse then God undoubtedly his touch is omnipotent 2d Use It is a ground of exceeding great comfort and joy unto the Servants of Christ who labour under many spiritual Infirmities It s the condition of the Servants of God to be exercised under many foul maladies they have blinde mindes dead hearts cold affections feavorish heats of inordinate and worldly love they use many Medicines and finde not healing Well do not despait do not despond Christ hath a healing hand his very touch can cure you prefectly of all the very tip of his finger the very breath of his mouth the very glance of his eyes can make your flesh whole Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me clean saith the Leper I will saith Christ be thou clean and immediately his Leprosie was cleansed Matth. 8. 3. If he do but touch your eyes they will be opened if he touch your tongue it will be untied if he touch your hearts they will relent what though you have layn very long and in your own thoughts be ever at the point of death yet his touch his word can recover you Jesus Christ never sent any diseased persons away for want of power he never said to any the Disease is too far gone no though they lay gasping for life yet he wrought their recovery Be strengthned therefore and you have the more reason to be so if you consider that he is not only able but willing too for he hath compassion in him toward those who seek to him in their misery which is the second part of the Text. 2. The impulsive cause of this act viz. his own goodness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The word comes from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies the bowels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phil. 2. 1. bowels of mercies hence comes the verbe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to shew compassion Intima miserecordia tangor It answers the Hebrew word rachamim which signifies mercy proceeding from the bowels And indeed that 's true mercy which springs out of this Fountain it must be spun out of the bowels or else it is not true charity There may be hand-charity where there is no heart-charity Therefore ye have the expression of drawing out of the soul to the hungry Isay 58. 10. Though we do satisfie the soul of the afflicted yet if that do not spring from our very soul 't is not mercy but hypocrisie The Apostle speaks of shutting up the bowels from the poor Col. 3. 12. Though the doors be opened to take in the wanderers and the hand and purse opened to relieve the needy and distressed yet unless the bowels also be opened it falls short of true mercy This is enough for the word The Doctrine Doct. is this The Lord Jesus Christ when he was upon the Earth was exceeding compassionate towards those who stood in need of mercy He had bowels of compassion towards those who were in misery He was very pittiful and tender hearted towards the
useful to men This Consideration hath put forward the servants of Christ to use all diligence vid. 2 Pet. 1. 12 13 14. And this also made our Saviour so careful vid. John 13. 1. 3 4. c. in a particular case 5th Resol Our Saviour knew the worth and preciousness of time therefore he would not lose one moment He was acquainted with the rareness of opportunity what a Jewel it is 'T is true he could make opportunity whensoever he pleased He was the Lord of time and opportunity But being man as we are he would teach us how to husband time and how to lay hold upon and improve opportunity when t is offered He hath given men a Command to redeem time Eph. 5. 16. And by his own example he will put us upon the work and shew us the worth of opportunity Use of this Doctrine is two fold Conviction Exhortation 1. Vse Conviction and reproof 1 To those who are not able patiently to bear any such discourse from others Many there are who are in a Prison or little-ease when they are in the company of such as would gladly speak something of God They use all their endeavours to silence such language The discourse of Christ and salvation and grace c. these are as smoak to the eyes and Gravel stones to the Teeth unpleasant bitter undelightful They are soon weary of such conference either that must be laid asleep or else they must be withdrawn Vain and unprofitable discourse merry stories discourse about novelties c. in this they can willingly spend dayes c. but conference about things Heavenly makes them very melancholy and heavy There is nothing which discovers a heart more unlike to Christ then this He was never pleased better nor so well as when he was speaking of Heaven c. and they are never discontented more then when they are hedged in with such Discourse Such as these would have been marvellous unfit to have attended upon Christ when he was on Earth and they are as unfit and more for Heaven There is nothing but the Language of Canaan speaking of God and admiring of him discourse which their souls account very unsavoury 2 Others there are who not only neglect this duty but on the contrary are very destructive and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 corrupt in their private discourse they speak but things as do putrifie the hearts heads and lives of the hearers The Apostle speaks of some words which are not only unprofitable but also do subvert the hearers 2 Tim. 2. 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Apostle speaks 2 Tim. 3. 6. to some who creep privily into houses and by their private conference do 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 instead of edifying them in the faith they lead them headlong to error c. Jesus Christ never came into any house but all the Family were or might have been better for him others their private conference is only to tempt men to sin and profaneness c. to quench their zeal to take them off from godliness These are not the members of Christ they walk not like their Master Christs Discourse was of Heaven and the Scriptures c. their discourse is about sin and wickedness c. what the Apostle saith of some in his time concerning their private actions that they did such things as was even shame to speak of Eph. 5. 12. we have cause enough to say concerning many in our dayes c. every place where they come keeps some infection receives prejudice from them 3 It blames the best of us all for our dissimilitude to Christ in this respect where is the Christian much regards this duty How unprofitably are many houres spent in private Communion even by the Servants of God wherein there is scarce a word spoken for God or which may edifie The Servants of God heretofore were otherwise minded They spake much one to another about the things of God Mal. 3. latter end God was set up in the hearts of Luk. 24. 14 15. one another c. But now even many of Gods own people have as little of God and Religion in their occasional conversings as other men This is one reason why the power of godliness is so much abated c. to what it was in former times What 's the reason of this neglect 1. Pride may be one hindrance some have high parts they will not stoop 2. Want of heavenliness of minde and largeness of affection to spiritual things Christians are grown more worldly then heretofore 3. Want of affection one to another There is not that care in Christians one towards another and one over another which should be Whatever the cause be 't is utterly a fault and that which Satan rejoyceth at 2d Use Exhortation Let every one who abideth in Christ walk in this as Christ walked 1 John 2. 6. Improve your private converse with men for their good Edifie one another Never meet together but let something be said and done that may tend to Gods honour and the good of men Supporting words to the weak reproving sin c. comforting words to the distressed c. set up God where you come c. I would I could say something to perswade you to it Consider two things are much omitted by the godly frequent meetings and improvement of meetings 1 The things of God and salvation are of the greatest worth and moment There is no other thing so absolutely necessary as these things Indeed there is nothing so deserving of your time as the things of God are One houres time is of greater value then the World time is too precious to be consumed with other discourses If the worth of it were known it would be improved A Christians breath is too good to be wasted about other things vid. Luk. 10. 42. Mary gets to Christs feet resolves to have something out of him 2 This is the only way to make society honourable and comfortable This is the chief and principal end of Communion Take away this and there is not much difference between the society of Christians and Beasts They can eat together and drink and they can walk together c. I am sure take away this and there is no advantage more from the society of Christians then of other men This sweetens society 3 God takes notice and especial regard of such discourse vid. Mal. 3. 16. They lived in dayes of trouble and distress when prophaneness was promoted c. and they when they met together used to exhort and comfort one another c. and God hearkens to them and makes them a gracious promise They shall be mine c. and I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him 4 God will call all men to account for the improving of their Communion with others God never casts his people into any Company or society but he either sends them to deliver something from him to others or to receive something
from others for their good 5 Men of all Employments when they do meet together will be discoursing about the things which belong to their own Calling and kind of life Your Lawyers will be putting Cases Physitians about Cures c. Statesmen of Politicks c. Yea even wicked men when they come together will be reasoning consulting their wicked projects c. And should not a Christian be discoursing about his Trade 6 There is sometimes a greater liberty of speaking in private then in publique Christians have greater liberty in private then the Minister in the Pulpit 7 You will exercise your own Talents much by this meanes warm your own hearts There is that scattereth yet increaseth he that watereth shall be watered himself 8 By this meanes you may prevent much sinful speaking Grace and Piety hath a majesty in it even amongst wicked men a few who are godly and religious may by speaking of holiness stop the mouth of prophaneness 9 Consider how much hurt you have done in many Companies heretofore perhaps you have deaded many a heart c. 10 How greatly God hath blessed the endeavours of many of his Servants in matters of this nature Our Saviours Discourse in private was the first conversion of that Samaritan Woman c. John 4. and in this place vers 3 2. he sets his Disciples hearts on fire many have found a Reproof in private carried home by God and an Instruction brought to the heart c. The very presence of some good men hath restrained swearers c. and restrained sin Mark 6. 19 20. 11. All those Motives which moved Jesus Christ may be as goads in our sides Was it his work to convert men so should be ours did this argue grace in Christ that he was full of grace so it will argue thou hast grace this will evidence thy affections to the precious and immortal souls of the Brethren When thou hearest a swearer c. thou mayst die before thou see him again or death may snatch him away c. do all the good whilest you may When others get Play-books Newes-books into their hands or Sr. Philip Sidney c. Do you take Moses the Prophets and the Apostles and read them together c. This would recover the decayed power of godliness bring a new spring after a long winter and be very much to the honour of God and Religion The Trade of godliness would be driven on and prophaneness will wither and go down exceedingly The Trade of error is driven by peoples jangling and disputing this course would drive on the Trade of godlinesse You are to have a care of others as well as your selves Thy Brother is thy charge and thou art his charge c. Heb. 10. 24. Others have a share in your gifts c. A Minister in a private Family may do as much good sometime as in the Church It is a sad thing to consider that many a Christian Minister is very familiar with this or the other great man but the family gets no good by their comming c. Elijah did good in that Family where he lay in his sojourning Objection Let none put off this duty with this excuse I shall be but scorned and slighted and hated for my endeavour c. Sol. 1. He that observes the wind shall not sow Eccles 11. 4 5 6. Success belongs not to thee but to God meddle not you with that Duty is thy work every good work hath its difficulties 2. Whether they will hear or whether they forbear thou hast delivered thy soul and they shall be left without excuse Vid. Ezech. 2. 5. 7. Chap. 3. 11. 3. As our Saviour saith to his Disciples in another Case so say I Thy peace shall return into thine own bosom Matth. 10. 13. Vid. Psal 35. 13. 4. If some one get but benefit by thee if God incline but the heart of the meanest in the Company to hearken c. Thy labour is abundantly recompenced c. 5. Though they regard not for the present yet God may perhaps afterward awaken Conscience to remember and regard what thou hast said Prov. 28. 23. He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall finde more favour then he that flattereth with his lips FINIS Mary Wolnoth December the 10th 1648. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Isa 53. 7. He was oppressed he was afflicted yet he opened not his mouth c. THis Prophet is well stiled by one of the Ancients the fifth Evangelist because there is so much Gospel in his Writings He that doth exactly consider these Sermons shall finde Jesus Christ in his Person Natures Offices Doctrines Sufferings Glory Benefits Effusion of his Spirit c. almost as clearly described as by those who had been Eye-witnesses of them all This Chapter is the Model and Compendium of the whole Gospel Here we have both the Humiliation and the Exaltation of Christ his low debasement and his high advancement The former is from Vers 1. ad 10. The latter is from vers 10. ad finem In the 〈◊〉 we have two things especially 1 A sad complaint of the Worlds rejection of Christ ver 1. Who hath believed c. or to whom the Arm of the Lord revealed i. e. the Gospel in the preaching of it Rom. 1. 16. Few of those who heart the Gospel do truly receive and embrace it The Arm of God is stretched out to many it s revealed effectually to a very few Many are called few are chosen It was so in the Apostles time in Christs time it will be so in our time It may be a support to the Ministry and Ministers when their labours prove succesless if the Ministry of Christ and his Apostles was fruitless to many why should we be dejected 2 The Reason of this Rejection viz. 1. The meanness of his person and Kingdom outwardly in the first Original of it vers 2. He shall grow up c. 2. His sufferings and afflictions vers 3. c. his Kingdom was but mean and his sufferings were great his crosse was a scandal to many The Exaltation vers 10. ad finem hath many things in it Christs exaltation in his seed v. 10 11. His exaltation in his person v. 12. In the Text we have two things 1. A Description of the great sufferings of Christ in these words Oppressed afflicted brought as a Lamb to the slaughter as a Sheep to the Shearer In voce Pecudis forte allusio est ad legales victimas quo sensu alibi vocatur Agnus Dei John 1. 29. 36. Calvin in Locum 2. His carriage under those sufferings He was dumb he opened not his mouth so he opened not his mouth Expressions of his patience and contentment which is amplified by the resemblance of a sheep Here are two Lessons in the words 1. Doct. The Lord Jesus did suffer very much of men while he was in the flesh 2d Doct. Jesus Christ did with great patience and contentedness bear those sufferings which he lay under
1. He gave lawes according to which his people ought to live and demeane themselves both towards God and men He is the Churches Law-giver Esa 33. 22. yea he brings them into obedience to these Lawes by writing them in their hearts Ezech. 36. 27. 2 To gather together his elect which are his subjects out of the world into one body or Church This Christ hath done in part and doth daily by his word and spirit vid. Ioh. 12. 32. Ioh. 11. 52. Math. 28. 19. 3. To subdue and vanquish all the enimies of his Church Thus Christ hath done in his own person Col. 2. 14. Ioh. 12. 31. he hath overcome sin Satan the world and he doth continually repress them by his word and spirit 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. and will perfectly do it at last 1 Cor. 15. 25 26. 4. To communicate and convey unto his subjects all those good things which are necessary for them for this or another life This Christ hath done 5. To appoint and establish Governours and a setled Government in his Church whereby it might be rightly ordered according to his mind This Christ hath done vid. Acts. 1. 3. and Math. 28. 19. 20. vid. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 29. vid. Esa 9. 6. 7. 3. He was faithfull in his Priestly office There were two parts of this office Satisfaction Intercession 1 Satisfaction is that whereby Jesus Christ having taken our nature upon him did in that Nature make full satisfaction to divine justice for the sins of man paid all our debts and so set us free from the curse This was done two wayes By his perfect obedience By his sufferings for our guilt Now Jesus Christ did faithfully do both these 1. He did by his righteousnesse and obedience perfectly fullfill the Law He did fulfill all Righteousnesse Rom. 5. 19. 2. He did faithfully suffer and undergoe all that punishment which was due to our sins The Apostle speaks of both these parts of his satisfaction Phil. 2. 5 6 7 8. and Esa 53. 5 6. 2 Intercession is that part of Christs Priestly office whereby he appeares before the Father desiring that for the perpetuall vertue and merit of his sacrifice all his members may find acceptance with God and may enjoy the benefit of his obedience and sufferings Now this Christ faithfully began on earth Heb. 7. 5. Ioh. 17. per totum And is faithfully continued still in heaven Heb. 7. 25. and Heb. 9. 24. In the opening of this doctrine I shall shew you 1. That Christ was faithfull 2. Why he was so 1 That Christ was faithfull in performing what service was appointed him will appeare 1 By the many publicke Testimonies which God gave to him when he was on earth At his Baptisme at his Transfiguration This is my wellbeloved Son in whom I am well pleased Math. 3. 17. and Math. 17. 5. The Testimony of God is according to truth God would never thus have borne witnesse to Christ if there had been in him the least unfaithfullness He could not have been satisfied and well-pleased with him if there had been the least failure yea before his incarnation God beares him witnesse vid. Esa 42. 1. 2. 3. 4. 2 By the exaltation of Christ to the right hand of God in glory He should never have had either Crowne or Throne from God if he had not faithfully discharged every thing which he undertook for his glorification was upon that condition that he should faithfully discharge every part and parcell of what he undertook vid Esa 53. 12. The Apostle saith he was taken from prison Esa 53. 8. the prison of the grave Jesus Christ could never have risen out of the grave the prison-doores would never have opened the Jaylor Death would never have let his Prisoner out if he had not faithfully performed all The Heavens would never have opened to him or given him any entertainment had he been in the least unfaithfull Therefore our Saviour demands his glory from God upon the faithfull discharge of his duty as that which by compact and covenant was due to him vid Ioh. 17 5. When you read that Scripture 1 Tim. 3. 16. conclude that Paul was faithfull 3 By all those commands which are given by God to all sinners to beleeve in Christ And by all those promises which God himself hath made of acceptance of all those who receive Jesus Christ upon the Termes of the Gospell Many commands are given by God This is my beloved Son heare him This is the will of God that ye should beleeve in him whom he hath sent And for promises of acceptance of us in Christ how doth the Scripture abound vid. Ioh. 3. 16. Yea we know that all the Patriarchs before Christs incarnation they were accepted and saved by vertue of Christs satisfaction to be made God accepted of Christs intention There would have been no such thing as reconciliation between God and man or salvation if Christ had not been faithfull No promises of pardon c. or Adoption c. No giving of the Spirit c. if Christ had been unfaithfull 1. Consider the Father who imposed the trust 2. Why Christ was faithfull Consider 1. The person trusting 2. The trusted 3. The trustee 1 For the honouring of his Father who had intrusted him The work which he had to accomplish was a work which would bring great glory unto God It was a work with which God was marvellously delighted 'T is called the pleasure of the Lord Esa 53. 10. Therefore out of that respect which he had to Gods honour he would be faithful God would have been disappointed of his end if Christ had not been faithful He would promote his Fathers joy This is in the Text 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 For the honouring of himself It s the honour 2. The Trustee of an Embassador to be faithful in the discharging of his trust unfaithfulness is one of the greatest stains and blots which can be fastned upon a person faithfulness is a Crown of glory Prov. 13. 17. The work was his own as well as his Fathers This is in the Text Heb. 3. 6. John 10 12 13 14. 3 From that love he bare to those for whom 3. Those for whom he was trusted he was intrusted and employed The work which was put into the hands of Christ was a work which exceedingly pleased him The saving of souls the reconciling of men to God the Redemp of his Elect from everlasting destruction c. The Scripture speaks very clearly of the affection of Christ to the work he undertook I have a Bapt. to be baptized with and how am I straitned c. Luk. 12. 50. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he was as it were in prison till the work was done he was in pain till he was delivered vid. Esa 53. 11. That travel of his soul pleased him Ergo. 1. Use Confutation and Reproof to all those Doctrine and opinions which deny faithfulness Christ and overthrow it 1 The Papists by
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luke 23. 34. Then said Jesus Father forgive them for they know not what they doe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 IN this Chapter we have the saddest Tragedy that ever was acted upon earth by the Sons of men the cruell and bloody murthering of Jesus Christ by the Jewes his own Countrey-men for whose salvation he came from heaven the best of Kings put to death by his own subjects We may divide this Tragedy into these five acts which are the parts of the Chapter Five Acts of this Tragedy 1. His Betraying Cap. 22. v. v. 3. ad 54. 2 His apprehending and arraignment Cap. 22. 54. Cap. 23. v. 1. ad 23. 1 His Betraying This Act is in the 22. Chapter ver 3. c 2 His arraignment and apprehending ver 1. ad 23. in which there are many things very observable both concerning the Judges Herod and Pilate they post him from one to another Pilate sends him to Herod and Herod when he had made sufficient sport with him remands him to Pilate Neither of them find any fault in him worthy of death and yet neither the one nor the other would deliver him And concerning the prosecutors and witnesses we see their violent fiercenesse and eagernesse after his blood Though they were told once and againe that neither Pilate nor Herod had found any thing done by him worthy of death yet they would not be satisfied but like furious blood-hounds rather then reasonable men they cry out for justice and execution and would not be appeased with any thing lesse then this ver 5. and ver 23. Barabbas is released Christ destroyed 3 His Condemnation or sentence ver 23 24 25. Pilate washeth his hands Math. 27. 24. 3 His Condâ—mnation ver 23 24 25. Knowing that for envy they had delivered him ver 18. pronounceth Christ just and yet to please a giddy headed multitude gives a sentence against him 4 His execution ver 26. ad 50. in which 4. His execution ver 26. ad 50. there are many very remarkable thinâ—s 1 Concerning the action It was done after the most cruell savage reproachfull and deriding manner that was possible to inâ—ent on their parts Two theeves with mocking scorning c. And at a great publique feast Passover publike place Calvary Math. 27. 51 52. c. a place famous for execution 2 Concerning the Concomitants There were a concurrence of many strange and wonderfull miracles on Gods part the Sun darkned vaile rent c. the Earth quaked Rocks rent and which was great One of the malefactors converted c. 3 Concerning Christ his patience his pietie ver 27 28 29 30 31. As he went to the place of sexecution And 2 at the time of his execution ver 33. c. mild candid patient c. 5 His buryall ver 50. ad finem This act 5. His Burial v. 50. ad finem onely hath something of mercy love and piety in it Ioseph of Arimathea who had not consented c. The words of the Text are within the third part The prayer of Christ for his bloody adversaries 3. Parts 1. The person to whom he prayes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though he was now under Torment wrath c. Yet he sees Fatherly love in God However God afflict his people yet he is still their Father 2. The matter of his prayer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. The person for whom he prayes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Iewes the Souldiers Pilate c. all who had a hand in his Death A quibus vulneratur illis medetur vitam procurat illis à quibus occiditur illis compatitur à quibus patitur c. Aust Tract 111. in Ioh. Doct. Iesus Christ did heartily and freely forgive the worst of his adversaries he prayes that God would forgive them who did maliciously embrue their hands in his innocent blood the Souldiers who spit in his face the Jews who unjustly prosecuted him Pilate who condemned him c. he forgives them freely and whilst they are busily employed in the taking away of his life he is petitioning the Father for their pardon and forgivenesse It was prophesied of him long before his incarnation Esa 53. 12. and here it is accomplished by him As he taught this lession of forgiving enemies unto others so he did carefully practise it in himself He doth not break forth into reviling or raging passion he doth not curse and reproach them as they did him but from his heart intreats for mercy and begs remission from God for them In the opening of this Doctrine I shall shew 1. What is meant by forgivenesse 2. Why Christ begs for this mercy for them 3. Whether they were all forgiven 1 The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth properly and strictly signifie à se amovere ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mitto so Math. 4. 20. They presently leaving their nets followed him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is used also for to set a man free Debitorem per acceptilationem libero Budaeus in comment Gr. Ling. fol. 370. it also signifies Manumitto It is especially used for pardoning of Debts and Sins Math. 6. 12. and Math. 9. 2. and Math. 12. 31. when God removes a mans sin from him when God gives the sinner an acquittance and discharge and when he breaks those bonds and fetters in which he is held then is he said to forgive their sins vid. Psal 103. 12. pardon is described by removing sins far from us Job 10. 14. pardon is described by acquitting and discharging so Nah. 1. 3. Rom. 6. 22. pardon of sin is described by making free from sin so that the meaning of our Saviour is Father these sinners have in the taking away of my life brought upon themselves a great sin They have contracted a very great debt to themselves c. but doe not require this debt from them let them have an acquittance from it remove their sin away from them c. I desire no revenge therefore Father please to pardon them 2. Why Christ prayes for forgivenesse of this sin 1 That by this meanes they might be convinced of their own sin and pray for themselves that it might be forgiven them Christ begs of the Father that he would give them an acquittance that so their consciences might be awakened to aske God forgivenesse This reason Austin gives oravit miserecordia ut oraret miseria oravit medicus ut oraret aegrotus oravit Judex parcere desiderans ut reus indulgentiam quaerat Jesus Christ intended to mollify and pierce their hearts by this meanes and to bring them to repentance 2 To testify his great love and kindnesse to the sons of men how unwilling he was that sin should be their ruine he did beare a great good will to the whole Nature which he had assumed it was a trouble to him to see that any misery should befall them Therefore he forgives them and prayes the Father to do so likewise it was an act
We may pray against the Plots of the enemies of God and of our own enemies Sol. 2. We may pray against the persons of invincible enemies of Christ God the Gospel the Church as they are Gods enemies and as they incorrigible and implacable enemies so the Servants of God have done Psal 74. 22 23. vid. Psal 49. 23. Psal 10. 1 2. Psal 58. 6 7 8. 9. and Psal 59. 5. c. Christ did so Psal 109. init per totum Only herein we must take care 1 That we do not particularly conclude of this or that person that he is an incorrigible enemy This is a secret with which we must not meddle the Prophets they had this revealed to them by God we have not And we must be very careful 2 That when we pray against such nothing of personal private revenge lye at the bottom of our prayers nor come into our mindes with liking that we do not pray against their persons as they have or may do us personally hurt but meerly 1. Out of true affection to Gods rule and which we would have preserved by the destruction of its enemies And 2. Out of zeal to Gods glory that it may be manifested by this meanes to the ends of the Earth Psal 59. 13. and Esa 37. 17 18. the reproaching of God was more to him then his own reproaching 2d Use Consolation from hence ariseth to every true member of Christ viz. If Christ as man prayed for the forgiveness and for the good of them who shed his blood c. he will much more now as Mediator make constant and careful intercession for thee who desirest to be his friend and preserve his honour if a man can forgive an enemy he will certainly forgive a Childs miscarriage whom he knowes to love him and not willingly to offend See what is promised to all the godly Mal. 3. 17. as a Son who serveth him Mary Wolnoth April the 29. 1649. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mark 3. 5. Being grieved for the hardness of their hearts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 IN this Chapter we have a great miraculous cure wrought by our Saviour upon a man who had a withered hand We may take notice of four things in this story 1 The place where in the Synagogue 2 The time when on the Sabbath-day 3 The Cure and the manner of it he only spake the word and it was healed 4 What passed between Christ and the Jewes before the Cure 1. On their parts we may observe these two things 1 They question with him about the lawfulness of healing on the Sabbath-day for Math. observes that 12th Matth. vers 10. 2 They did carefully observe what he would do that they might maliciously accuse him so vers 2. 2 On Christs part we may note these two things viz. 1. His expostulation with them to convince them of the lawfulness of this matter vers 4. which is further amplified by a like instance Matth. 12. 11. What man amongst you having one sheep if it fall into the ditch c. 2. His just indignation and anger against them for their malice and blindness vers 5. together with his grief for them In the words I have read we have these two things 1 The sinful malady and distemper of the Jewes hardness of heart 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 The compassionate carriage of Christ towards this their distemper 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I shall not much meddle with their distemper only give you this Note from it and a word of Use Doct. That naturally there is great hardness blindness and benummedness upon the hearts of men Mens hearts by nature are very brawny Chemn harm in locum very hard 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 proprié significat callosam concretionem instar Tophi ut in artieulis podagricorum quae in membro callo obducto non facile admittit tactum sensum sed duritie sua quasi repellit ut non sentiatur This is the natural frame of every mans heart steely flinty benummed and senselesly obdurate the Prophet Zech. calls it an Adamant Cap. 7. 12. which is the hardest of all stones The Prophet Jeremiah sets it out by the hardest of Metals Jer. 6. 28. and so the Prophet Esa Cap. 48. 4. This hard skin is spread over the souls of all men naturally This is an hereditary Disease 1. Use This shewes the reason why the preaching of the Word and all the Dispensations of grace are so ineffectual and do so little good upon the hearts of most men why there are so few converted and brought home to God the heart is hard hard by nature hardened more by Custom in sinning T is not so easie a matter to work in marbles to mollifie steel c. Rocks are not so soon softned rather we may admire that any one heart should be broken and brought in to God when as by nature they are so obdurate that water should come out of the flint 2d Use The Ministers of God should from hence learn to use all their might and skill in dispensing the word of Gods grace to the Sons of men They must cry aloud and lift up their voyce like a Trumpet Esa 58. 1. They must not only smite it softly but use all their strength and all little enough Those who would soften â—â—el have need of the hottest fire and heaviest Hammers and the strongest Arms. Chips will not do it Ministers they work in stones therefore have need to use all their strength The hearts of men are baked and crusted with sin nay they are dead in sin and without very much stirring very little good is like to be done upon such Subjects But I passe this And I shall now only speak to the second Our Saviours affection towards them in this Condition He was grieved 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Condolesceus The preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath in this place as Beza notes peculiarem vim quandam It doth not signifie the same that pati or compati with the Latines as one qui aliorum dolore ad Commiserationem commovetur Nec enim isti obdurati suam vicem dolebant sed adversus Christum frendebant sed hoc verbo significatur Christum fuisse quidem graviter illorum desperata improbitate offensum sed ita ut illorum etiam misereretur He was so angry with them as that he was also grieved for them That Lesson which I would learn from hence is this Doct. That the sinful Distempers and miscar riages of other men was a matter of grief and sorrow to the soul of Jesus Christ They did not only provoke his Spirit to Anger but to grief sorrow also He could not only chide but he could also sigh and weep to behold their desperate wickedness As he was moved oftentimes to sorrow because of the poenal evils of men so was he moved to grief because of their sinful evils He knew no sin in himself he was holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners Heb.