saving that we may add that his holiness of Doctrine and life would be yea was an Eye-sore to the Scribes Pharisees and hipocrites and to such as adhered unto them This low condition is a part of the spotless punishment of the sin of man unto which Iesus Christ doth voluntarily submit himself Quest Wherein or in what respects was Jesus Christ like unto a worm for he describeth himself a worm is 1. Despicable 2. Vseless 3 None feareth it 4 None cares to defend it 5. Every one is bold to tread on it 6. They will be easily induced to destroy it 7. None fears revenge for destroying it 1. Jesus Christ his poverty did so vaile his glory that in all these and such like respects he was like a worm which cloud of obscurity was no small part of his humiliation and suffering for our sin he was despicable Psal 22.5 despised of the people Psal 119.141 I am small and despised Eccles 4.16 the poor mans wisdome is despised Isai 53.3 despised rejected of men but God did dearly accept him Math. 3.17 and 12.18 2. He was rendered hereby in the worlds eye useless they were exceeding populous and where it is so the poor worms are rather a burthen then of any use to their Generation though they be godly and wise Joh. 7.49 the poor people are cursed Act. 4 11. the stone set at nought by the builders but God made him the head of the Corner and desireable to redeem preserve and govern the world and especially the Church 3. None is afraid of a worm it cannot hurt us so none feared Jesus Christ Herod and his men of war set him at nought though there was the greatest cause in the world for Herod and his men of war to have feared the Lion of the Tribe of Judah Rev. 5.5 and to kiss the Son lest he be angry Psal 2.12 and tremble at the wrath of the Lamb Rev. 6 1â— 16 17. and the Kings of the Earth and the great men and the rich men and the chief Captains and the mighty men and the bond man and every free man hid themselves in the Dens and in the Rocks of the mountains and said to the Rocks and mountains fall on us and hide us from the face of him that fitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb for the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand 4. None careth to defend such a poor useless creature as a worm is so no body cared to defend Jesus Christ and his cause Once Nicodemus spake a good word for Jesus Christ which had a present good effect but he was quipped for it Joh. 7 50.51 52 53. Jesus Christ complained Psal 22.11 there is none to help but God taketh care of this poor worm Isai 40.14 fear not thou worm Jacob. 5. Any one is bold to tread upon a worm to hurt and injure it so were the people bold to speak and do against Jesus Christ sometimes to stone him Ioh. 8.59 and 10.31 sometime to cast him down the clist of the Rocks Luk 4.28 29 30. but God preserved him from them 6. Every one is easily induced perswaded to destroy a worm So were thâ— people who a few dayes before had cried Hosanna to the Son of David easily perswaded by the Priests Scribes and Pharises to cry crucifie him and give us Barabbas 7. They fear no body to take vengeance for wrong done to a worm so were the Jews fearless of any vengeance to be inflicted upon them for the wrong and injury done unto Jesus Christ which made them bold to expose themsâ—lves and their posterity unto any such vengeance saying his blood be upon us and upon our Children And never was blood more sharply revenged and a curse more severely executed for they have been under that curse near seventeen hundred years and they are still under it to this day Quest But why did Jesus Christ take upon him such a low condition in this world why came he not a Prince in the external Royalty of his Father David Answ 1. Because this low stripped bereaved condition under the loss of thâ— dominion of man in this world is one part of the punishment due to the sin of man Gen. 3 23 24. and it is such a punishment as may be taken up and born with Innocency without any defilement of sin therefore Jesus Christ did willingly submit to the deepest stroke of that punishment for the satisfaction of Divine justice Isai 63.9 in all our sinless afflictions he was afflicted and Isai 53.4 he hath born our griefs was wounded for our transgressions the chastisement of our peace was upon him And this innocent punishment for our sin he suffered most purely perfectly and meritoriously unto the Infinite satisfaction of the vindictive Justice of God And thereby took out the sting of the curse from the like low condition that we may fall into and he bore it away from us Isai 53.5 6. 2. Jesus Christ came in this low condition to sanctifie a low condition in this world for his Saints the elect of God Seeing it was the purpose of God to carry the Church in this world through such a low condition 1 Cor. 1.26 27 28. Yet take this with these cautious 1. All the Church of Gods Elect are not so all are not in such a low condition though most are for the Text saith not many noble rich mighty but some such there alwayes are for the great support of the Church when Kings are nuâ—sing Fathers and Queens are nursing mothers to the Churches Isai 49.23 2 Again take this caution that this low condition of the Church shall not alwaâ—es be so for in the latter dayes Jesus Christ will more plentifully pour out pâ—â—s â—rity grace which though it hath been more rarely dispenced hitherunto yet it seemeth to me that it shall be otherwise in the glorious times of the Church in this world as may be gathered out of the Prophesies of Isaiah from the sixty Chapter and so forward and from many other Scriptures 3. Jesus Christ came in a low condition in this world and carryeth his Elect many of them through this world in a low condition to exert and exercise Gods Sovereignty in defending his poor worms against the proud great world and sometimes in advancing his worm Jacob and David from the Shephards crook to the Scepter Luk. 1.48 he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaid this Sovereignty of God is highly celebrated 1 Sam. 2.4 ad 11. Job 5.15 16. and abundantly in the books both of the Scriptures and of the providences of God 4. Jesus Christ came in such a low condition to set us a pattern of exercising suffering graces which must be in this militant world or not at all for there will be no occasion in Heaven for the use of suffering grace when all tears shall be wiped away from our eyes 5. Jesus Christ came in such a low condition to
forth her first-born Son and wrapped him in swadling clothes and laid him in a Manger because there was no room for them in the Inn. Jesus Christ emptied himself of glory and came into this world in a very mean condition such was his low condition that it was a great tryal to Faith it was an â—vidence of strong Faith to be able to look through these dark clouds believe To believe him to be the Lord of Glory the Saviour of the world the King of Israel who hath no outward form nor comliness nor beauty that we should dâ—sire him The Church did find this to be a very hard point a great tryal of Faith For this cause it pleased the Lord to illustrate this mean birth of Jesâ—s Christ with famous testimonies both from heaven and earth to strengthen the Faith of the Church The testimony from heaven was given by Angels Luk. 2.8 ad 21. a famous History and a great confirmation of the faith of the Church to the worlds end It was a vision unto Shepards by night wherein a glorious light of the Lord did shine aboâ—t the men which did much affright them but the Angel did comfort them against thâ—ir fears saying Fear not He telleth them he was a Messenger of joyfull tidings unto all people he telleth them what the tidings is viz. Vnto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord the blessedest tidings that eâ—er in a few words was told unto men The Angel sends them to see and giveth them a sign by which they shall know him ver 12. this shall be a sign unto you ye shall find the babe wrapped in swadling clothes lying in a Manger The greatest humility that ever any king did manifest in this world For the further confirmation of their Faith and ours suddenly there appeared a multitude of the heavenly host with the Angel praising God and saying glory to God in the highest in earth peace and good will towards men Here be three points in this heavenly Doxology of high Instruction and Consolation and so they departed away to heaven Then the Shephards agreed to go see this thing that was come to pass The Shepards said one to another let us now goe unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass which the Lord hath made known unto us And they came with haste and found Mary and Ioseph and the babe lying in a Manger and when they had seen they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child the effect whereof upon the hearers was all they that heard it wondered at these things that were told them by the Shephards The Testimony from earth touching this Child was by the wise Men of the east who knew that the Jews waited for and expected a king and Saviour to be born and come into the world and they were divinely instructed and guided to come and see him and worship him and make their offering of homage and honour unto him in which service they were instructed and conducted by an extraordinary Star And seeing they enquired after a king that was born they went to the Kings Court to Herod to enquire after him Math. 2.2 saying where is he that is born King of the Iews for we have seen his Star in the east and are come to worship him Now King Herod is eminently informed that Jesus Christ is born who would as he doubted out him of his Kingdome The effect of this tiding is ver 3. When Herod the King heard these things he was extreamly troubled and all Ierusalem with him especially such as were of his faction and apostacy Herod contrived how he might be sure to find him out and get him into his hands and then resolved what to doe with him For this end First ver 4. He gathered all the chief Priests and Scribes of the people together and demanded of them where Christ should be born They answered v. 5. In Bethlehem of Iudea For thus it is written by the Prophet v. 6. And thou Bethlehem in the Land of Iudah art not the least among the Princes for out of thee shall come a Governour that shall rule my people Israel Then Herod sent them to Bethlehem v. 9. when they had heard the King they departed when they were departed lo the Star which they had seen in the east appeared to them again went before them till it came and stood over where the young child was when they saw the Star they rejoyced with exceeding great joy It seemeth they had no sight of the Star all the time they were at the Court and whether they had sight of it in their journey to Ierusalem it is not said But now that Star that had appeared to them in the east appeared to them again and conducted them to the very place where the child was and when they were come into the house viz. the Stable the poor chamber where Mary Lay in and where our Lord Jesus was born They saw the young child with Mary his Mother and fell down and worshipped him and when they had opened their treasures they presented to him gifts gold frankincense and mirrhe They were men of great Faith that could believe him to be King and Saviour whom they found in so poor a Cottage and in so poor a condition but divine faith built upon Divine Testimony can bear down all Objections of carnal and humane Reason this faith of these strangers was a strengthening pattern to all believers especially to Joseph and Mary who were now in great danger Herod having such assured notice of the birth of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem What ever the danger was they attended upon the Lord to obey all his Laws and Institutions to fulfil them according to the Word Therefore Luk. 21 2. when eight dayes were accomplished for circumcising of the child his Name was called Jesus which was so named of the Angel before he was conceived in the Womb. Whether this service was performed in the stable where he was born nothing is said of it but we may justly cenceive that some of the godly hearing of these eminent and Divine Testimonies touching this child had removed them to some fitter place before the eight dayes were accomplished and it may be out of the City if they were aware of the danger that the child and his parents also were in But where the Scriptuâ—e is silent why should we speak There be yet two Laws more to be performed for Luk. 1.39 they performed all things according to the Law The two Laws remaining were the purification of Mary and the dedication of the child unto God which were te be performed after thirty three dayes more Obedience to both these Laws they diligently performed both for time and place Luk. 2.22 and when the dayes of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished they brought him to Ierusalem and presented him to the Lord
The Harmony of the Gospels IN THE HOLY HISTORY OF THE Humiliation and Sufferings OF Jesus Christ FROM HIS INCARNATION TO HIS DEATH and BURIAL Published by JOHN ELIOT Teacher of the Church in Roxbury Act. 3.18 But these things which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his Prophets that Christ should suffer he hath so fullfilled BOSTON Printed by John Foster in the Year 1678. VVE having perused this Pious Discourse concerning The Suffâ—rings of Christ and observed the Dilligence and Prudence of the gracious and worthy Author in compiling It having in the reading of it both affected and edified us We are perswaded through the Blessing of him that hath put it into the heart of the Reverend Author to lay out himself this way it will serve to promote the Honour of Jesus Christ and the good of Souls and therefore do affix our IMPRIMATVR THOMAS THACHER JAMES ALLEN VRIAN OAKES INCREASE MATHER WHat better and more seasonable Subject canst thou Christian Reader exercise thy soul about in these black and suffering dayes then in the sufferings of our Lords Jesus Christ Behold here thou art presented with the holy Hystory thereof the particular heads whereof see in this Table The Contents Cap. 1. By way of Preface p. 1. Cap. 2. The History of the wonderful Conception of Jesus Christ and the sad afflictions and sufferings that attended the same pag. 5. Cap. 3. The History of the Birth of Jesus Christ and the wonderful things that attended it pag. 10. Cap. 4. The first bloody persecution that befel our Lord Jesus when an Infant by the cruelty of Herod pag. 13. Cap. 5. The return of Jesus out of Egypt to Israel the Church of God pag. 17. Cap. 6. The History of the holy life of Jesus while he was a Child pag. 18. Cap. 7. The History of one famous act of wisdome and grace which Jesus did at twelve years of age pag. 25. Cap. 8. The History of the holy conversation of Jesus Christ all the time of his youth p. 30. Cap. 9. The History of some of the sufferings of Iesus Christ in the whole course of his life pag. 34. Sect. 1. The poverty of Jesus Christ pag. 35. Sect. 2. The low despised condition of Iesus Christ pag. 39. Sect. 3. The sufferings of Jesus Christ in the form of a Servant pag. 43. Sect. 4. The sufferings of Iesus Christ in bodily infirmityes pag. 46. Sect. 5. The sufferings of Iesus Christ under reproaches pag. 53. Sect. 6. The sufferings of Iesus Christ under ungrateful disacceptance p. 56. Sect. 7. The sufferings of Iesus Christ under Temptations pag. 57. â—ap 10. The sufferings of Iesus Christ in the Garden pag. 66. â—ap 11. The sufferings of Iesus Christ before the Council of the Iews pag. 74. Sect. 2. The first act of the Council pag. 76. Sect. 3. The second act of the Council pag. 77. Sect. 4. The third act of the Council pag. 79. Sect. 5. The fourth act of the Council pag. 80. Sect. 6. The fifth act of the Council pag. 81. Sect. 7. The sixth act of the Council pag. 82. The History of Iudas pag. 84. â—â—p 12. The sufferings of Iesus Christ under Pontius Pilate pag. 86. The second act of Pilate pag. 88. The third act of Pilate pag. 90. The fourth act of Pilate pag. 91. The fifth act of Pilate pag. 94. The sixth acâ— of Pilate pag. 96. The seventh act of Pilate his yielding to condemn Iesus Christ pag. 99. Pilates check pag. 100. Cap. 13. The History of their crucifying of Iesus Christ pag. 104. Sect. 2. The gracious deportment of Iesus Christ in going to Golgotha p. 106 Sect. 3. Their arriving at Golgotha and setting up the Cross pag. 107. Sect. 4. Their cruel execution done upon the blessed person of our Lord p. 109 Sect. 5. What our Lord Iesus did while he was hanging upon the Cross p. 111 Sect. 6. The vile behaviour of the Iews pag. 114. Cap. 14. The last part of the suffering of our Lord Iesus upon the Cross 116. where the last words of Iesus Christ upon the Cross are opened 125. Cap. 15. The wonderful works of God at his death and his honourable buryal pag. 125 Sect. 2. Of the Reverent Buryal of our Lord Jesus pag. 128. Sect. 3. The Sufferings of Jesus Christ after he was dead and buryed p. 130. Errata PAg. 31. l. 8. for after r. often pag. 39. l. 16. for pure r. poor pag. 74. l. 31. for successively read successfully pag. 83. l. ult put the Comma at me pag. 87. l. 19. for thereof read therefore pag. 92. l. 40. for instructing read instancing pag. 99. l. 15. for refuse read release pag. 110. l. 8. for fast r. fact The Harmony of the GOSPELS in the holy History of the Humiliation and Sufferings of Jesus Christ From his Incarnation to his Death and Burial Cap. 1. By way of Preface THE Commemoration of the Humiliation Sufferings and Death of Jesus Christ is a principal part of the Food of Faith whereby we live in Christ walk with him and worship him And to the end that we might so live walk and worship he hath instituted the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper in his Church to be an eminent part of his worship and hath said 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. Take eat this doe in remembrance of me take drink this doe in remembrance of me for so oft as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye doe shew the Lords death till he come And his death is inclusive of all his Suâ—ferings This part of instituted worship is of great account in the eye of Christ for which cause he was pleased to institute it himself and hath ordered it to be often celebrated and it is the moâ—t peculiar worship in the Church in the holy communion of Saints on earth next beneath our communion in heaven So heavenly a work it is to commemorate the Suâ—ferings of our Lord Jesus Christ Yet have I observed both by mine own heart and others that we are very incident to be narrow hearted slite and formal in this service Faith feeds but little for want of an inlarged commemoration of the history of the Humiliation and Sufferings of Jesus Christ the commemoration whereof is the proper peculiar and great service that we are commanded to attend in that Ordinance for Christ saith do it in remembrance of me and of my sufferings And though the breaking of the bread and pouring out of the wine do chiefly signifie and represent the death of Jesus Christ as being thâ— consummation of all his sufferings yet they do also comprehend and signify all his sufferings from his Incarnation to the grave the History whereof is dispersed in the Scriptures and for the help of my faith and the faith of the Church whom the Lord hath committed to my charge I have according to my poor measure endeavoured to gather the parts of the History thereof and lay them together and may my poor labour herein
the morning back again they go enquiring of all they meet seeking every where for him but no tydings could they hear of him That night they got back to Jerusalem and still can hear no tydings of him the longer they seek the greater their sorrows and less rest could they take that night a good pattern to all Parents diligently to look after their Children when they are missing and a great blame it is to such Parents as suffer their Children to go and come whether and when they will 6. Here see the time and place of their finding him on the third day of their seeking for him they enquired no doubt of all their friends and acquaintance in the City where they used to resort but could hâ—ar no tydings of him which still augmented their sorrow at last it came into their minds to go to the Temple and seek for him there it is much that they made that the last place of their enquiry for him But God had wise and holy ends in ordering and over-ruling their motions to be as they were when they came to the Temple they soon found him there the Temple was his Fathers house Joh. 2.16 and what place could they seek to find the Son in more likely then in his Fathers house there they find him And what employment did they find him about in his Fathers house They found him in the place of Education and Instruction of youth in the knowledge of the Scriptures and Religion a very meet place employment for a godly religious wise child and an eminent example to all youth to go of his own accord unto the Schools where he might learn Instruction in the knowledge of God and of the Scriptures It is far otherwise with too many of our youth who when they are missing must be sought for in Taverns Ordinaryes or such like places of sin vanity and profaneness 7. Here we see how the School Exercises were managed in training up of â—outh 1. They had Doctors Tutors or Teachers of the Scholars who had seats in the Schools on each side higher than the rest 2. At the bottom or foot of those seats of the Doctors there were loâ—er seats for the Scholars hearers and learners hence it is said A t. 22.3 that Paul was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel where he was taught according to the perfect manner of the Law of the Fathers according to which pattern the meeting places of the Gospel Churches were ordered for Act. 4.37 the place for the Church Treasury to be brought unto was at the Apoâ—tles feet there the Deacons had their place who gathered the Contributions of the Church unto the Lords Treasury in the Church 3. The Doctors taught and examined their Schools by proposing such questions to them as they thought meet for their Inâ—truction and unto these questions of the Doctors the Scholars were to make answer 4. In due time order the Scholars had leave liberty to propound questions to the Doctors unto which they gave answer for the Instruction of their Scholars 8. Here we see how Jesus behaved himself and managed his Fathers business among them in the Schools 1. When it was his turn in order to answer to the question proposed he answered the question with such understanding as made them to admire that word Prov. 24.26 was verified in him every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer and Prov. 20.15 the lips of knowledge are pretious jewels and Prov. 15.23 a man hath joy by the answer of his mouth and a word spoken in due season how good is it 2. When it was his turn to ask and propound questions he did propound such questions as did amaze them How they could or did answer them it is not said all that is said is Luk. 2.49 all that heard him were astonished at his underâ—tanding and answers it is a good point of understanding to ask a wise question In this place and in this employment his Parents found him 9. When the Exercise was ended for they did not they might not be so rude as to interrupt them his parents took him into their Company and when the season was fit they expostulated with him for staâ—ing behind and putting them to so much sorrow pains and trouble To which he humbly with meekness answered that he was about his Fathers business he doth with gentle modesty check their check with an expostulation why did you give your selves so much trouble so sorrowfully to seek me did you not consider if you did not you might have considered that I must do my Fathers business viz. to perform the office and duty of a Mediator and this is one part of the work of the Office of a Prophet to raise up and train up of the Sons of Israel to be Prophets and to be Nazarets his Parents understood not his discourse but his mother did lay up his sayings in her heart and well she might for she knew that Joseph whom he called Father had no business for him to do in the Schools and she perfectly knew that he had no earthly Father God only was his Father and therefore it was Gods business that he wâ—â— about I am loth to pass over this famous History without taking some notice of this great duty of our Generation work in training up of youth in Religion and learning to fit them for the service of God and the publick benefit of mankind both in Families Church and common-wealth all sorts and orders of men are bound to attend unto this great and necessary Generation work And we of New-England aâ—e more obliged to it then any other in some respects especially because it was one of the chief motives and ends of our designe in leaving of our native soile Relations callings friends and hopes for worldly Estates adventuring our all into the hands of Gods providence to pass over the vast Câ—ean into a wilderness a land not sowen to enjoy the liberties of Gods house and Ordinances and instituted worship for our selves and our posterity And to train up our Generarions under these enjoyments and improvements to be holy Churches of Jesus Christ trained up in his School for his service honour and praise which cannot be performed by any ordinary means save by Schools Though we have great cause to praise God for our Schools and the great blessing that all the Land doth enjoy thereby Yea and some returns we have made to our mother England of our Children trained up here in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Yet we have great cause especially of late years to abase our selves before the Lord for our great neglects and remissness in the pâ—rformance of our purposes and vows to God in this particular we doat upon our children and do not indure that due christian severitâ— to be exercised in their Education as the fallen Estate of mankind doth necessarily require and call for Pagan Rome and Greece will in some respects
it speaketh deceipt one speaketh peaceably to his Neighbour with his mouth but in his heart he layeth wait for him Psal 12.2 They speak vanity every one with his Neighbour with flattering lips do they speak An evil tongue stirreth up hatred strife and contention and kindleth hell fire among Neighbours Jam. 3.5 6. the tongue is a little member and boasteth great things behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth and the tongue is a fire a world of iniquity so is the tongue among our members that it defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature and it is set on fire of Hell the tongue is a weapon of revenge and of cruel malice Psal 52.2 3 4. thy tongue deviseth mischief like a sharp Rasor working deceitfully thou lovest evil more then good and lying rather then to speak Righteousness Selah Thou lovest all devouring words O thou deceitful tongue The whole City of Nob was destroyed by Doegs tongue Jer. 18.18 come let us devise devices against Jeremy come let us smite him with the tongue and let us not give heed to any of his words words will leave some stain aliquid herebit Psai 140.3 They have sharpened their tongues like a Serpent Adders poyson is under their lips Selah Math. 11.16 Glutton a wine bibber a friend of Publicans and sinners many such mischiefs do spring from a reproachful tongue which kind of bitter Sufferings our Lord Jesus did undergo Quest Why did Jesus Christ that most innocent Lamb of God undergo this great and bitter affliction of reproaches and cruel mockings 1. Because it is one of the punishments which our sin hath deserved Jesus Christ never deserved to be so spoken of so reproached so mocked all was falsly and unjustly charged upon him without any appearance of cause they laid to his charge things that he knew not but we the people of God have deserved them all some in one respect some in another and therefore Jesus Christ did bear them for us Isai 53 4 5 6. he hath born our griefs and carryed our sorrows he was wounded for our Transgressions he was bruised for our Iniquityes the chasticement of our peace was upon him the Lord hath laid on him the Iniquityes of us all 2. Jesus drank deep of this cup of reproaches because he could do it Innocently without any contamination or participation in sin 2 Cor. â— 21 though he was made sin for us yet he knew no sin 1 Pet. 2.22 23. he did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth when he was reviled he reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not 3. Jesus Christ drank of this cup even to the bottom to the full satisfaction of Divine justice that he might take out the sting of the curse and wrath out of them for the sake of his Elect who are to live in an evil world where they are sure to suffer reproaches and much evil and hard measure by the ill tongues of People 2 Cor. 6.8 by honour and dishonour by evil report and good report as deceivers and yet true 1 Cor 4.12 13. being reviled we bless being persecuted we suffer it being defamed we intreat we are made the filth of the world and are the offscouring of all things unto this day But none of these things can hurt us Jesus Chriâ—t by his Suâ—ferings hath took out the curse of them they have much of mans wrath in thâ—m but all Gods wrath is taken away by Jesus Christ 4. Jesus Christ suffered reproaches and abuses of mens tongues to set us a Copy and pattern of patience that we might learn of him how to carry our selves under such injuries that wâ— might learn of him to behave our selves patientlâ— and meekly as our Lord Jesus did 1 Pet. 2 21. Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his steps Act. 8.32 he was led as a sheep to the slaughter and like a Lamb before his shearers so opened he not his mouth Yea bâ—fore his Butchers he was silent and patient Isai 53.7 he was oâ—pressed he was affli ted yet he opened not his mouth but only to say Father forgive them even when he was brought as a Lamb to the Slaughter 5. Jesus Christ suffered reproaches to sanctifie them that he by his love and wisdome may make them good medicines for his Church his Elect it is a very sharp Physick but Jesus Christ by his experience knoweth how to qualifie and commix them with other Ingredients and make them very wholsome and operative for the good of his Elect it is a powerful Phâ—sick to purge away pride to hide and subduâ— it and to teach humility and meekness which are very nâ—edful leâ—sons for Gods people to learn in this our militant condition Jesus Christ by his Example in hearing reproaches doth set us sundry neâ—dfâ—l lessons to learn 1. We must learn to keep a strict watch oâ—er our whole conâ—ersation that we may give no just matter or occasion We must cut off occasion from them that watch for it if there be a cause for their reproach we loose the glory of our suffering 1 Pet. 2.20 for what glory is it if when you be buffeted for your faults ye take it patiently you do well to take it patiently and you may find inward comfort upon your humiliation and outward pitty but there is no Chri â—ian glory upon such deserved sufferings they may sin in rigour and we may do virtuously in exercising patience but we loose the glory of such Sufferings because they are just 2. This pattern of Christ his patient sâ— fering reproaches doth minister a lesson of comfort to such as suffer unjustly because your Innocent and holy conversation doth confute those false and unjust aspersions so did Christ confute those that reproached him his Innocency so shined that even Pilate himself did acquit Jesus Christ from such aspersions as they cast upon him and he saw plainly that it was his Adversaryes malice and not his desert Math. 27.18 for he knew that it was for envy that they had delivered him no wise man will believe such reproaches as the Innocency of the party doth sufficiently confute without any words of Apology Innocency it self speaks a consolation and maketh the Arrows to fall light on their own pate Daniel is a famous Example of an innocent sufferer Dan. 6.5 Then said these men we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel except we find it against him concerning the Law of his God and he pleaded his innocency before the King ver 22. my God hath sent an Angel and shut the Lyons mouths that they have not hurt me for as much as Innocency is found in me before him and also before thee O King I have done no hurt Such was the pattern of Jesus Christ which he hath left us as it is expressed in the Prophesy of David Psal 35.11 12. false witnesses did rise up they laid to my charge things
as pure as we can and may be capable to doe in this our state militant and to be filled with holy spiritual and heavenly conference after it 4. While Jesus and his Disciples were thus exercised in these holy services conferences and Prayers Iudas was among the chief Priests and Pharisees who by that time of night were at home and soon ready to attend the motion of their traiterous Companion Yet Iudas found difficultyes and delayes in getting all things ready to get a Company of men and Officers their Commission arms clubs staves and other weapons lanthorns torches c. Judas found that he had thrust himself into a troublesome employment And however he intended to have dispatched quickly according to that discovering word which Jesus Christ spake to him at his going out what thou doest doe quickly intimating that it was in the plot and purpose of his heart to surprize him there in the place where they kept the passover But he found so many difficultyes and delayes that it was near about midnight ere he could get all things ready as will appear in the Sequel 5. After this holy communion Conference and prayer Jesus with his Disciples went forth and entered into the suffering garden Ioh. 18.1 When Jesus had spoken these words he went forth with his Disciples over the brook Kedron there was a Garden into which he entered with his Disciples where first he placed his Disciples where they might be within sight and hearing of what should come upon him but out of the way of Judas and his Company for their safety so carefull was our Lord of his poor Lambs when a company of wolves were to come amongst them That which he commanded them was Sit here till I go pray yonder Luk. 22.40 pray that ye enter not into Temptation Then he took Peter James and John and went a little further And now did he enter into his Soul-agony with wonderfull horror and distress even to death 1. His body was not under any immediate suffering as yet only as it did co-suffer and sympathise with his Soul in its terrible Agony so deep and terrible were the horrors of his Soul as that his body was ready to faint away and dye Math. 26. â—7 38. he began to be sorrowful and very heavy then saith he unto them my soul is â—xceeding sorrowful even unto the death tarry here and watch with me Mark 1â— â—3 34. he began to be sore amazed and to be very heavy and saith unto them my Soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death tarry ye here and watch Luk. 22.43 44. there appeared an Angel unto him from Heaven strengthening and being in an Agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground The extremity of his Soul sorrow did wring and torture the whole wheel of nature And that this Agony was firstly upon his Soul is expresly testified by Mathew and Mark such a load of sorrow lay upon his Soul that he could scarce live under it The same is evident in the Prophesy Isai 53.10 Thou shalt make his Soul an offering for sin which Text shews that the cause of this sorrow was the load of our sin which lay upon him being our Surety Luke calleth it an Agony ver 44. 2. This Soul Agony is expressed by Jesus Christ himself who felt it in such significant words as do make it appear to be a very extream torment that he was in Sorrowful or so beset round with sorrows and he was ready to faint and dy away he felt the greatest terror consternation and distress of mind that a mans Soul was capable to be in yea his terror was greater then any one was able to bear except himself who is God-man 3. This distress of Soul was begun five dayes before the Pasover as appeareth Ioh. 12.27 now is my Soul troubled what shall I say Father save me from this hour but for this cause came I unto this hour That this was spoken five dayes before the Passover appears Ioh. 12.1 six days before the Pasover Iesus came to Bethany v. 12. on the next day much people were come to the Feast and then Jesus went up to Jerusalem and then was this word spoken by him so that he had been long in some degrees of this Agony yea long before his Soul was distressed about it Luke 12.50 but I have a Baptisme to be baptized with and how am I streightned pressed pained till it be accomplished so that that Prophesy is herein in part accomplished Isai 53.3 a man of sorrows acquainted with griefs his Soul was in continual sorrow distress 4. This Soul Agony was not inflicted upon him by man nor by Devils no creature was able to put his blessed Soul into such a condition Quest Who was it that put his Soul into this distress I answer it was his Father that gave him this Cup to drink Joh. 18.11 the Cup which my heavenly Father hath given me shall I not drink it Isai 53.6 the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all he suffered the wrath and curse of God the punishment due to the sin of man he is our surety he stood in our stead and divine justice inflicted upon him all the punishment due to our sins And he spared not to lay upon him till he was fully satisfied Rom. 8.32 He spared not his own Son here he drank the first deep draught of the wrath of God due to our sin on the Cross he drank the last draught and then he dyed 5. He turned the Innocent reluctancies of humane nature into prayers unto his Father who laid this load upon him and subdued and suppressed them with humble holy submission to his will and then drank and this he did three times he made three draughts of this bitter cup which he drank in the garden And it pleased the Father to give him interims of some ease so that after his first submission he went unto his Disciples and awaked them poor watch men and then returned to his dreadful work again and submitted the second time and drank then went he again to his Disciples and did the same with a check to Peter by Name and returned again and prayed and submitted and drank the third draught and then he had an interim again And by that time the Traitor Judas and his Companions were come into the Garden 6. In all this bitter conflict he had no humane help for every time he came to his Disciples he found them sleeping he fulfilled that Prophesy Isai 63.3 I have trodden the wine press alone and of the people there was none with me Yet to inform and convince us of the greatness of this work and bitter suffering it pleased God to send an Angel to strengthen him as Luke testifieth Luke 22.43 and there appeared an Angel unto him from Heaven strengthning him The Cup was so bitter that it was as much as life could
and it made them the more violent in aggravaâ—ng his offences which they imputed to him 2. They inflame the matter which they accuse him of by putting a bad construction upon his good actions they say he stirreth up the people by his teaching he shaketh their hearts like as an Earthquake shaketh the Earth so the word signifieth The word of the Gospel doth indeed shake the hearts of men but it is to repentance and to embrace the offer of grace and mercy in Iesus Christ and this is the real and true shaking and heart stirring that the Ministry of Iesus had raised but they put a bad and false construction upon it and say or intimate at least that Iesus and his followers did stir up the people to Sedition c. they pervert the powerful effects of the word that move men to repentance and say it moveth them to Faction and Rebellion 3. They aggravate and urge their accusation from the extent of the effect of his Ministry and preaching saying that it moveth and worketh through all Iury beginning at Galilee unto this place even to Ierusalem that which is a real glory and commendation they turn into an angry and envyous accusation 4. Their instructing in the extent of the effect of his preaching from Galile to Ierusalem gave occasion to Pilate to ask if he were a Galilean And it is like that word of theirs put the notion into Pilates mind that he now acteth When he understood that he was a Galilean he knew that he belonged to Herods Jurisdiction who was Tetrarch of Galile Luk. 3.1 and being willing to shut his hands of such an ill cause wherein he saw no justice but wrath and envy The Roman was noble and just he abhorred injustice and therefore he was glad he had found a way to shift off this loathsome matter from himself knowing that he should gratifie Herod very much who had a long time a desire to see Jesus which it is like that Pilate knew or had some sentiment of it that it would much gratifie Herod The opportunity also was very fit because it so fell out that Herod was at that time in town v. 7. an happy juncture for Pilate to attain his ends therefore Pilate resolved to send the prisoner to Herod This innocent falsly accused Lamb is sent unto Herod Pilates reason for this act may be gathered out of the consequent History First he should gratifie Herod Secondly he hoped to quit his hands of the case Thirdly if not yet he should gain light and aime to himself being a Gentile by seeing what Herod a Jew would doe in this case 5. The Jews passionate aggravation of the extent of the effects of the preaching of Jesus Christ from Galilee even to Jerusalem gave the occasion of this divertion But it was very cross unto them and to their design for they were resolved to put him to death yea and it must be done that very day yea and by the Romane power and after the Romane manner But if Herod should accept to judge him that would quite alter the matter or if he doe not but remit him to Pilate it will occasion much loss of time it was therefore a very vexatious matter to them but thank their own passion that gave Pilate the occasion But being so they must bestir themselves The chief Priests and Elders must goe and appear before Herod to represent the matter as foul as they can 6. When Jesus came before Herod then the History thus proceedeth 1. See Herods carnal joy at his coming and at the sight of him We must consider Herod to be a visible Professor of Religion though a carnall hypocrite Pilate was a Pagan Herod was a Jew therefore he acts the part of one that hath Religion therefore he had exceeding great joy to see Jesus this his joy is amplified by two reason 1. Because he had of a long time a desire to see Jesus having heard such famous things of him 2. Because he hoped he would have been so officious to him being a King as to gratifie him by doing some Miracle before him 2. Herod questioned him in many things though they were not of such weight as to be mentioned by the Holy Ghost not any one of them 3. His questions would be promoted and inlarged by the high Priests and Scribes who prosecuted him before Herod 1. They stood up against him 2. They vehemently accused him and this would occasion Herod to ask him many Questions 4. See the holy wise Lamb-like behaviour of Jesus Christ among these adversaries of whom in the prophesy he complaineth Psal 22.12 13 16. Many Bulls have compassed me strong Bulls of Bashan have beset me round they gaped upon me with their mouthes like a ravening and roaring Lion For dogs have compassed me the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me But in all these doings Jesus held his peace he spake not one word and some Reasons of his silence before Herod may be given 1. There was nothing of moment found against him which needed an answer as Pilate afterwards argueth Luk. 23.15 2. Because Jesus would make it manifest before Herod and that great Audience that he laid down his life willingly 3. He totally vailed his glory Had any part of his glory appeared they would not have condemned him 1. Cor. 2.8 Pilate was very loth to it because of his innocency which he did see had he seen his glory he would not have done it 5. See the unworthy and vile usage they put upon him though they found no cause against him Where see 1. The partyes that abused him Herod and his men of war chief Officers and others that came together unto this spectacle when they hard that Pilate had sent Iesus to Herod 2. The abuses which they did to this innocent Lamb of God Viz. 1 They set him at nought 2. They mocked him 3. They arrayed him in a gorgeous robe to promote their mockeryes 4. They sent him back to Pilate when they had disrobed him 6. See a notable effect of this act of Pilate in gratifying Herod by sending Jesus unto him it removed the enmity that was betwixt them so that they became friends afterwards Luk. 23.12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together for before they were at enmity between themselves The world can agree to persecute Jesus Christ and his Servants And as Pilate gratified Herod so Herod gratified Pilate by setting him a patcern of hardness of heart to abuse Jesus Christ though he were innocent as it will sadly appear in the Sequel Many observations of instruction might be raised but I will pass on and not touch them for brevity sake So much for Pilates 4th Act. his 5th Act followeth Luk. 23.13 14 15 16. And Pilate when he had called together the chief Priests the Rulers and the people said unto them Ye have brought this man unto me as one that perverteth the people and behold I having examined
their father if not by their own virtues also Mar. 15.21 4. Symon doth practice a Gospel rule in this act Gal. 6.2 Bear one anothers burden and so fullfill the law of Christ Heb. 13.13 Let us go forth unto him without the Camp bearing his reproach Sect. 2. SO much for their Rigor now followeth the gracious deportment of Jesus Christ in his going to Golgotha Luk. 23.27 28 29 30 31. And there followed him a great Company of people and of women which also bewailed and lamented him But Jesus turning to them said Ye daughters of Ierusalem weep not for me but weep for your selves and for your children For behold the dayes are coming in which they shall say Blessed are the barren and the womb that never bare and the paps that never gave suck Then shall they begin to say to the mountains fall on us and to the hills cover us for if they doe these things in a green tree what shall be done in a dry So soon as ever he was eased of that cruel and heavy burden of his cross by the assistance of Symon he presâ—ntly falls into holy discourse expressing the tender Compassions of his heart over Ierusalem and the falling dying perishing Church and Church-state of the Jews In which discourse 1. See the occasion of his discourse There were a great multitude following him among them there were mourning women who lamented for him and over him for his death approaching v. 27. As it was the manner of the Jews Ier. 9 17 18 19. Call for mourning women skillfull in mourning that our eyes may run down with tears c. Though Jesus did not call for any mourners to follow him yet there were such as followed him as dangerous as the times were to appâ—ar to be a lover and a believer in him By this mourning of these Jesus took occasion to discourse 2. See the manner of his entrance upon his discourse v. 28. Jesus turned to them and said Daughters of Ierusalem Where we see what a kind look Jesus gave unto these mourners that followed him We see also what an holy compellation he giveth them Ye Daughters of Ierusalem that is ye children of the Church 3. See the matter of his speech unto them and to all the Auditory in four Particulars 1. Weep not for me that is not only for me it is a not comparative viz. not so much or not only for me for I shall tell you of another object of your weeping and lamentation He doth not forbid them weeping for him much less doth he check or blame them for it but he informeth them of another object to weep for besides him You now weep because of my death this day but I tell you of that which shall be the effect and punishment of that which is done this day in putting me to death Jerusalem shall smart for what they doe this day and when that day of vengeance is come there will be other matter of weeping then yet you see 2. Weep for your selves and for your children weep both for the present Generation and for the rising Generations Look not only on present things but consider what your present actions do portend and threaten to bring upon you And did you but consider what punishment Calamityes and miseryes this dayes act will bring upon Ierusalem you would then see that there is great cause to weep for your selves and for your children as well as for me 3. Jesus Christ gives them a Reason why they should weep for themselves and for their Children viz. because of those terrible days that are coming upon them which are described First By that usual note of attention Behold shewing the certainty of such calamityes coming on them and the terribleness thereof in both these respects those dayes will be remarkable Behold 2dly Those dayes are described by the terrible effects thereof which prove them to be a just matter of mourning and weeping for your selves and for your children Those terrible effects of the calamity of those dayes are two v. 29 30. 1. They shall bless the barrâ—n woman womb dry breasts it was a reproach in Israel to be barren Gen. 30.23 Luk. 1.25 but now they shall count them happy that have no children to see and feel these bitter calamityes the words imply that it is a curse and misery to have Children to be sufferers of these calamityes which is an Argument to prove that these calamityes will be great yea exceeding great the consideration whereof doth shew that you have cause to weep for your selves and for your Children as well as for me 2. The second Effect will be that they shall be in such desperation that they shall wish the mountains to fall on them and the hills to cover them which is a Scripture expression of desperation Rev. 6.15 16 17. desperation is one of hell Torments Such terrible dayes are coming on you and your Children which should cause you to weep for your selves and for your Children as well as for me And all this Jesus Christ doth foretel them with an heart more bleeding with compassion over them his dying Church then over his own dying body now bleeding with Furrows on his back and thorny wounds on his head and therefore exhorts them to add this ditty unto their present mournings for him 4. He gives a demonstrative reason that such at least if not far worse calamityes shall surely come upon them viz. because they add unto all their wrath provoking sins this last and greatest in putting to death so unjustly so cruelly the Lord of glory the Son of God mightily proved so to be by many miracles done among them their own King Saviour Messiah Which sins do ripen them for wrath as dry wood is fitted and prepared for the fire This reason is communicated with deep and elegant wisdome so as that the Enemies could not easily interpret it or apply it so as to stop them in their way or hinder them from putting him to death because that was the work which Jesus Christ did willingly expose himself unto being that upon which the salvation of Gods Elect dependeth Thus Jesus Christ expresseth this reasoning if they execute these crueltyes upon me an innocent person as unmeet for such punishments as green wood for the fire Then what shal befal them who are by this sin added to their many other sins fully ripe for wrath as dry wood is fitted for the fire He doth not say how hot the fire shall be but he saith what shall be done to the dry to shew that their misery shall be unexpressible yea unconceivable Sect. 3. Their arriving at Golgotha and setting up the Cross JOh. 19.17 18 19 20 21 22. And he bearing his Cross went forth into a place called the place of a scull which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha Where they crucified him and two other with him on either side one and Jesus in the midst And Pilate wrote a Title and put it