water but there stands one amongst you whom ye know not he it is who cometh after and is preferred before me whose shooe latchet I am not worthy to unloose John 1. 19 28. with Chap. 5. 33. The next day John seeing Jesus coming to him saith Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world This is he of whom I spake there comes one after me that is preferred before me for he was before me c. and I saw him and testifie that this is the Son of God John 1. 29. 34. The day after John stood and two of his Disciples with him and seeing Jesus walking said Behold the Lamb of God which when the two Disciples heard they followed Jesus and tarried with him that day for it was about the tenth hour One of these was Andrew who brought his Brother Simon to Jesus and then Jesus saw him he said Thou art Simon son of Jonah thou shalt be called Cephas John 1. 35 42 The next day Jesus going into Galilee commanded Philip which was of Bethsaida the City of Andrew and Simon Peter to follow him Philip finding Nathaneel under a Fig-tree brought him to Jesus who declared him truly to be an Israelite in whom their was no guile John 1. 43 c. withal hinting that himself was that Ladder of Heaven foreshewen to Jacob in his dream Gen. 28. 12. upon which the Angels of God were seen ascending and descending John 1. 51. On the third day their was a mariage in Cana of Galilee to which Jesus was invited together with his Mother and his Disciples where he turned water into wine the beginning of his miracles and his Glory being hereby made manifest his Disciples believed in him John 2. 1 11. After this he went down to Capernaum He his Mother and Brethren or Kinsmen and his Disciples and tarried there not many Days John 2. 12. And thus we are come to Christs entring upon his publick Ministery whose Acts shall be set forth according to four distinct Passovers out of the Harmony of the four Gospels contrived by Doctor Richardson Bishop of Ardah in Ireland and recorded by the Primate Doctor Usher In which this is singular that Saint Matthew onely is found not to observe the order of time which is constantly observed by the other three Evangelists excepting onely the Parenthesis of Johns being cast into prison by Herod Luke 3. 19 20. The first Passover of the Ministry of Christ. John 2. 13. from which the first year of the seventieth and last Week of Daniel began in which the Covenant is confirmed with many Dan. 9. 37. with Matth. 26. 28. Jesus went to Jerusalem to the Passover and going to the Temple he scourged out them that bought and sold there and for a sign of his Authority he declared unto them that the Temple of his Body should be dissolved by the Jews and be raised again by himself John 2. 13 14 19. He wrought Miracles and many believed on him but he did not commit himself to them because he knew what was in man John 2. 23 24 25. He instructed Nicodemus the Disciple that came to him by night in the mystery of Regeneration and about Faith in his Death and the condemnation of unbelievers John 3. 1 21. Then leaving Jerusalem he went into the land of Judea with his Disciples vers 22. There he tarried and Baptized viz. by the hands of his Disciples who had been before Baptized either by himself or by John At this time John Baptized in Aenon for he was not yet cast into prison John 3. 23 24. There arose a question between some of Johns Disciples and the Jews about purifying vers 25. Then did John instruct his Disciples who told him of Jesus in a way of emulation concerning himself and his Office and of the Excellency of Jesus Christ the Son of God giving this notable and last Testimony of him before his Imprisonment vers 26 c. For presently after Herod the Tetrarch cast John into Prison for reprehending his Incest with his brother Philips wife and other evils done by him Mark 6. 17 20. Matth. 14. 3 4 5. Jesus hearing that John was cast into Prison and that the Pharisees had heard that there were many made Disciples by him and Baptized viz. by the hand of his Disciples he left Judea having staid there about eight moneths and went into Galilee John 4 1 2 3. Matth. 4. 12. But in his way he must needs go through Samaria where he brought the Samaritan woman neer the City Sychar and the Citizens thereof to the knowledge and acknowledgement of him four moneths before the harvest or the Passover about the middle of the ninth moneth called Ab. John 4 4 5 c. Jesus having staid two days in Sychar he went onward in his journey into Galilee John 4. 43. This was his second return from Judea into Galilee after his Baptism and being received of the Galileans who had seen what things he had done at Jerusalem he preached with great fame in their Synagogues John 4 45. Luke 4. 14 15. Mark 1 14 15. In Cana of Galilee he healed the son of a Nobleman that lay sick John 4. 46 54. he wrought miracles also in Capernaum and afterwards came unto Nazareth where he had been brought up and entring into the Synagogue as his custome was he expounded to them the prophesie of Isaiah concerning himself the Citizens at first wondering but afterwards being filled with wrath they thrust him out of the City and endeavoured to have cast him down headlong from a Hill but he passing through the midst of them went his way Luke 4. 16 30. Jesus then leaving Nazareth dwelt at Capernaum and their so taught them on the Sabbath days that they were astonished at his Doctrine Luke 4. 31 32. Mark 1. 21 22. Also at the Synagogue in Capernaum he cast out an unclean spirit commanding him that he should not tell who he was Luke 4. 33 37. Mark 1. 23 28. After which he arose and went out of the Synagogue into the house of Simon and Andrew where he healed Simons wives mother that lay sick of a Feavour Luke 4. 38 39. Mark 1. 29 30 31. Matth. 8. 14 15. About Sun-set Jesus healed all the sick folk which were brought to him and cast out Devils commanding them to hold their peace Luke 4. 40 41. Mark 1. 32 33 34. Matth. 8. 16 17. In the morning he went into a Desert place to Pray and when Simon and others sought and would have staid him he answered that he must Preach to other Cities also Luke 4. 42 43 44. Mark 1. 35 39. Then Jesus went through all Galilee and taught in their Synagogues and cast out Devils Luke 4. 44. Mark 1. 39 and as he stood by the Lake of Genazereth a great multitude pressed upon him He entred therefore into Simons ship and taught the multitude
rest sent forth some of his Souldiers who killed all the children which were in Bethlehem and in all the coast thereof from two years old and under according to the time of the Star first seen in the East concerning which he had enquired of the wise men Matth. 2. 16. After the death of Herod who had sought the life of the young Child Jesus the Angel of the Lord appeared again to Joseph in a dream whilst he was in Egypt commanding him that he should return with the young Child and his Mother into the Land of Israel for that he that sought his life was dead and accordingly when Joseph awaked he performed what was by the Angel enjoyned him Matth. 2. 19 20 21 But when he was come back into the Land of Israel he heard that Archilaus raigned in Judea in the room of his Father Herod he therefore feared to go thither and being warned of God in a dream he departed into the parts of Galilee which Tetrarchy Herod had given by Will to Antipas and there dwelt in the City of Nazareth from whence Jesus took the name of Nazarene Matth. 2. 22 23. and the Primitive Christians of Nazarenes Act. 24. 5. When Jesus was twelve years old at the Feast of the Passover he was brought to Jerusalem by his Parents Joseph and Mary and when the seven days of unleavened bread were ended his Parents returning home Jesus staid behind them But so soon as they missed him they sought him three days and at last found him in the Temple sitting in the midst of the Doctors hearing them and asking them questions so that all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers Luk. 2. 41 47. Then went Jesus down with his Parents to Nazareth and was obedient to them Luk. 2. 51. and during his minority followed his Fathers trade of a Carpenter eating his bread in the sweat of his brows as appears by the speeches of his fellow-Citizens Is not this the Carpenter the Son of Mary Mar. 6. 3. The thirtieth and the last Jubilee falling in the thirtieth year of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the beginning of his Gospel John his forerunner proclaimed in the wilderness Prepare ye the way of Lord and make his paths strait Mark 1. 12. and opening the acceptable year of the Lord or the time of his Divine pleasure in which our good God vouchsafed to manifest that Great One to the world Isa. 61. 2. Luke 4. 19. For in the 13th year of the raign of Tiberius Caesar Pontius Pilate being Governour of Judea Herod Antipas Tetrarch of Galilee his brother Philip Tetrarch of Ituraea and the region of Trachonitis and Lysanias Tetrarch of Abilene under the Priesthoods of Annas and Caiphas came the word of the Lord unto John the son of Zacharias in the Desert Luke 3. 12. according unto whose command this Nazarite both Priest and Prophet of the Lord did Baptize in the Desert of Judea in which there were many Cities which are mentioned Josh. 15. 16. preaching the Baptism of Repentance for the remssion of sins Matth. 3. 1. Mar. 1. 4. Luk. 3. 3. endeavouring that Christ that came after him might be made known to Israel John 1. 7 8 13. which that he might more certainly know this sign was given him of God that upon whom he should see the holy Ghost descending and remaining he should thereby know that it was he that should Baptize others with the holy Ghost John 1. 33. It s most probable saith the learned Doctor Usher that this his ministery began on that most convenient day the tenth of the seventh moneth about the nineteenth day of our October which was both penitential being joyned with a solemn Fast in which whosoever did not afflict his soul should be cut off from his people and also Expiatory in which the high Priest went into the Holy of Holies to expiate the sins of the People with blood that was offered and that same day in which by the sound of Trumpet the Jubilee was commanded to be proclaimed over all the Land Levit. 25. 9. So John Baptist the Preacher of repentance and remission of sins to be attained by the blood of Christ that was to come passing through every Region round about Jordan lifted up his voice like a Trumpet saying Repent ye for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand whereupon there went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region round about Jordan especially that huge multitude which returnned from Jerusalem the Feast of Tabernacles being ended about the beginning of our November and were Baptized of him in Jordan confessing their sins Matth. 3. 2 3 5 6. Mark 1. 5. And when all the People were Baptized Jesus came also from Nazareth of Galilee to Jordan to be Baptized of John Luke 3. 21. Matth. 3. 13. Mark 1. 9. which office John denied at first to perform as standing in need himself to be Baptized of Christ but the Lord urging that thus it behoved that all righteousness should be fulfilled he Baptized him Matth. 3. 14 15. Jesus then beginning to be about thirty years old Luke 3. 23. At this time there was made a most illustrious manifestation of the blessed Trinity For the Son of God in the humane nature that he assumed ascending out of the water and praying the Heavens were opened and the holy Ghost was seen in a bodily shape like a Dove descending upon him and the voice of the Father was heard from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Matth. 3. 16 17. Mark 1. 10 11. Luke 3. 21 22. Jesus being now full of the holy Ghost returned from Jordan and was driven by the Spirit into the Desert where for forty days and nights being tempted by the Divel he remained amongst wild Beasts not eating any thing and when the days were ended he was an hungry Luke 4. 1 2. Matth. 4. 1 2. Mark 1 12 13. Satan taking this opportunity set upon him with a threefold Temptation all which being ended he departed from him for a season Matth. 4. 3 11. Luke 4. 3 13. and the Angels came and ministred unto him Matth. 4. 11. Mark 1. 13. After which Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee Luke 4. 14. John the Baptist the next day after Christs coming to him when the Jews from Jerusalem sent some Priests and Levites of the Sect of the Pharisees to him as he was Baptizing at Bethabara by Jordan to ask him who he was he professed clearly that he was not the Christ He denied also that he was Elias or that Prophet foretold by Moses Deut. 18. 15. the same indeed with Christ. Act. 3 22 7. 37. but by the Jews thought to be another He told them also that he was The voice of one crying in the wilderness make strait the way of the Lord and then added that testimony of Christ I Baptize with
multitude they took him even as he was in the ship and by the way there arose a great tempest but he rebuked the wind and calmed the Sea and saved his Disciples Luke 8. 22 25. Mark 4. 35 41. Matth. 8. 18 27. When they came to the other side into the Country of the Gadarens or Gergasens which was on the opposite shore to Galilee and when he was gone on Land there met him two possessed with Devils very fierce Mark and Luke mention but one out of whom Jesus cast the Devils and suffered them to go into the heard of Swine whereupon the Gadarens desired him to leave their Coasts Then did the possessed persons importune him that they might abide with them but he denied their request and sent them back to publish about Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for them After which he passed over again by Ship to the other side and from thence went unto his own City Capernaum Luke 8. 26 36. Mark 5. 1 16 17 20. Matth. 8. 28 33 34. And it came to pass that when Jesus was returned the people received him gladly for they waited for him and he was by the Sea-side Luke 8. 40. Mark 5. 21. and there came to him the Disciples of John saying Why do we and the Pharisees Fast oft but thy Disciples Fast not to whom he gave answer Matth. 9. 14 17. Whilst Jesus yet spake behold there came Jairus one of the Rulers of the Synagogue and besought him greatly for his only Daughter being about twelve years old who lay at the point of Death and as he was going even at Jairus door a woman that had an issue of blood twelve years was suddenly healed by touching the hem of Jesus Garment and the Daughter of Jairus being now already dead was restored to life by his Word onely and he straitly charged them that no man should know it Luke 8. 41 56. Mark 5. 22 43. Matth. 9. 18 26. When Jesus was departed thence two blind men followed him whose eyes he opened straightly charging them but to no purpose that no man should know it Matth. 9. 27 31. As they went out behold they brought unto him a dumb man possessed with a Devil and when the Divel was cast out the dumb spake and the multitude marvelled but the Pharisees blasphemed Matth. 9. 32 33 34 35. Then went Jesus round about all their Cities and villages teaching and healing their diseases Then went he into his own Country and his Disciples followed him and he taught in their Synagogues on the Sabbath days and was again contemned of them and called the Carpenter yet were they astonished at his Doctrine Mark 6. 1 6. Matth. 12. 54 58. and he went round about their villages teaching Mark 6. 6. Jesus was moved with compassion towards the multitude when he saw the great harvest and the few laborers and thereupon commanded his Disciples that they should pray the Lord that he would send forth Laborers Matth. 9. 35 38. Then sent Jesus the twelve Apostles by two and two having sufficiently instructed them with commands and power to preach and to heal Diseases Luke 9. 1 5. Mark 6. 7 11. Matth. 10. 1 42. And it came to pass when Jesus had made an end of commanding his Disciples that he departed thence to teach and to preach in their Cities and the twelve departed and went through the Towns preaching the Gospel and healing every where Luke 9. 6. Matth. 11. 1 12. 16. About this time November 17th Sejanus was killed after whose death Tiberius Caesar soon knew that all the crimes which he had charged upon the Jews were feigned by himself Wherefore he commanded the Governours of all the Provinces that in every Town they should spare that Nation except very few that were guilty persons but that they should alter non of their customs and should make much account of them as lovers of peace and their customs as conducing to publick tranquility About this time also was John Baptist beheaded Mark 6. 17 28. Matth. 16. 6 11 12. and when his Disciples heard of it they came and took up the body and buried it and went and told Jesus Mark 6 29. The Fame of Jesus being spread abroad Herod the Tetarch and others hearing it declared their opinions about him and Herod desired much to see him Luke 9. 7 8 9. Mark 6. 14. The Apostles returning told Jesus what things they had done Luke 9. 10. Mark 6. 30 When Jesus had heard of the death of John and of the deeds of the Apostles he said unto them Come ye your selves apart into a Desert-place and rest a while For by reason of the multitude they had not leasure to eat He therefore taking the twelve with him went by ship privately into a Desert place of the City called Bethesda But when the multitude heard it they followed him on foot out of all Cities and out went him and he taught and healed them Luke 9. 10 11. Mark 6. 31 32. Matth. 16. 13 14. Then Jesus went up into a Mountain and there sate with his Disciples and the Passover was nigh And when it was evening he sed above five thousand men besides women and children with five Barley loaves and two little Fishes and there remained twelve Baskets full of fragments And when the Jews seeing his Miracles would have made him a King Jesus constrained his Disciples to go before him unto the other side opposite to Bethesda towards Capernaum and he himself went apart into a Mountain to pray and when they had gone about five and twenty or thirty furlongs in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them walking upon the Sea and would have passed by them but they being affrighted he told them who he was rebuked Peter and saved him from sinking so that they were amazed and they drew to shore and came to the land of Genazaret and when he came out of the ship as soon as it was know they brought their sick that they might touch the hem of his Garment and they were presently made whole John 6. 1 21. Luke 9. 12 17. Mark 6. 35 56. Matth. 16. 15 36. The next day after that Jesus was passed over the People which stood on this side the Sea took Shiping and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus to whom he preached in the Synagogue of Capernaum about the Bread of Life and affirmed to the Jews that murmured that he was that Bread of Life From that time many of his Disciples went back but the Apostles would not go away notwithstanding he called one of them a Devil John 6. 22 27. The third Passover of the Ministery of Christ. John 6. 4. From which the third year of the seventieth week of Daniel began THe Scribes and Pharisees which came from Jerusalem came to Jesus and when they saw some of his Disciples to eat with defiled that is unwashen hands they found fault
him but some went to the Pharisees and told them what things Jesus had done John 1â— 17 54. Hereupon the Pharisees called a Councel where Caiphas prophecied concerning Jesus and from that day they consulted together that they might put him to death commanding that if any one knew where he was they should give them notice that they might take him Jesus therefore walked no more openly amongst the Jews but went unto a City called Ephraim and there continued with his Disciples John 11. 54. After this they went up to Jerusalem and as they were in the way Jesus went before them and they were afraid and he again took the twelve and began to tell them what things should happen unto him but they understood none of those things Luke 18. 31 34. Mark 10. 32 33 34. Matth. 19. 17 18 19. Then came to him James and John the sons of Zebedee and their mother desiring that they might sit the one on his right hand and the other on his left but he repelled them with his answer and when the rest were displeased with their request he admonished them all that he that would be great and first amongst them must be the Minister and Servant of all Mark 10. 35 45. Matth. 19. 20 28. And it came to pass when Jesus came nigh to Jericho a certain blind man sate begging by the way side and asking who it was that passed by and hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth he though he was rebuked earnestly implored his mercy and being called by Jesus he received his sight and followed him Glorifying God Luke 18. 35 43. Then Jesus entred and passed through Jericho and espying Zacheus in a Sycamore tree he said unto him I must abide at thy house to day Luke 19. 1 10. And as Jesus went out of Jericho a great multitude followed him and he restored sight to two blind men whereof Bartimeus was one and they followed him Mark 10. 46 52. Matth. 19. 29 34. Being come nigh to Jerusalem because they thought that the Kingdom of God should immediately appear as he went forwards he told the Parable of the Noble man that went into a far Countrey who gave to his ten servants ten pounds to occupy therewith till he returned and when he came back knowing which had gained most by trading he rewarded each of them according to the proportion of their gain Luke 19. 11 27. Now the Passover was at hand and many went out of the Countrey up to Jerusalem before the Passover that they might purifie themselves John 11. 55 56 57. And Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany and they made him a Supper and Lazarus sate with him and Mary anointed his feet wiped them with the hairs of her Head whom Jesus defended against Judas and much people came thither not onely for Jesus sake but that they might see Lazarus But the chief Priests consulted how they might put Lazarus to death because many of the Jews believed by reason of him John 12. 1 11. Mark 11. 1 7. Matth. 21. 1 7. Luke 19. 28 35. After this Jesus went before ascending up to Jerusalem and it came to pass that when he was nigh to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives the 29th day of our March he sent two of his Disciples for an Ass-colt that was tyed Mattkew mentions the Dam also and they brought the Colt unto Jesus and cast their Garments on the Colt and set him thereon and much people that came to the Feast met him many casting their Garments in the way and others cut down branches of the Trees and strewed them in the way and when he was come unto the descent of the Mount of Olives the company that went before and that followed cried Hosanna to the Son of David then said some of the Pharisees to him Master rebuke thy Disciples Jesus answered them and the Pharisees thereupon said amongst themselves Perceive ye not that we prevail nothing Belhold the world is gon after him John 12. 12 18. Luke 19. 36 40. Mark 11. 8 9 10. Matth. 19. 8 9. When Jesus was come nigh seeing the City he wept over it foretelling the utter destruction thereof John 12. 19. Luke 19 41 42. Mark 11. 10 11. And when he was entred into Jerusalem all the City was moved saying who is this And Jesus entred into the Temple of God and cast out those that bought and sold in it and healed both blind and lame in it and justified the children who cryed Hosanna in the Temple against the Priests and Scribes that were displeased at it He also taught daily in the Temple those that heard him being very attentive But the chief Priests and Elders of the People sought to destroy him Luke 19. 45 46. Mark 11. 11. Matth. 21. 12 13 14 15 16. Some Greeks of those that came to worship at the Feast desired to see Jesus and he answered them that told him also by preaching of his Passion and calling upon his Father he received an answer from Heaven which some thought to be Thunder others an Angel and speaking again of the lifting up of the Son of man from the earth he answered them that asked him who this Son of man was Then going from thence he hid himself from them and when it was evening he went with his Disciples unto Bethany and though he had done so many miracles amongst them yet did they not believe that the word of Isaias might be fulfilled Yet nevertheless many of the Rulers believed on him but did not confess him for fear of the Pharisees Jesus crying out therefore preached concerning Faith in him John 12. 20 50. Mark 11. 17. On the morrow when he came from Bethany he was an hungry and seeing a Fig-tree that had onely leaves on it he cursed it and it straitway withered Then they came to Jerusalem and entring into the Temple he again cast out those that sold and bought there and would not that any should carry a vessel through the Temple and crying out he taught concerning Faith in himself But the chief Priests sought how they might destroy him for they feared him because all the people were astonished at his Doctrine and when evening was come Jesus went out of the City Mark 11. 12 19. Matth. 21. 18 19. And when they returned in the morning as they passed by the Fig-tree they saw that it was dried up by the roots which Peter shewing to Jesus he preached unto them of the power and virtue of Faith but especial in Prayers And they came again into Jerusalem and as he was walking in the Temple and teaching the chief Priests Elders and Scribes came unto him saying By what authority doest thou these things Jesus answered by asking them concerning Johns Baptism He also spake unto them the Parable of the two Sons asking them which of the two did the will of his Father and applied it unto
it was shewed that of the Tribe of Judah should Shiloh come but whether Male or Female nothing certain David was assured that a Son of his should sit upon his Throne for ever But till Isaias it was not known that he should be born of a pure Virgin that a woman should compass a man Isa. 7. 14. Behold a Virgin that famous Virgin the Originall sets it forth with an Accent spoken of Gen. 3. 15. shall conceive and bear a Son The very place of his Birth was not set forth till Micha did it Mich. 5. 2. Not the just time till Daniel foretold it Dan. 9. 24. Thus by degrees and piece-meal as it were God spake of old to the Fathers by his servants the Prophets Heb. 1. 1. Every age almost brought sorth some new thing touching the Babe of Bethlehem lapt up in the swathbands of the Holy Scriptures either in express and evident terms and testimonies or else in mirrors and miracles Lastly John Baptist Fibula Legis Gratiae as one calls him the Buckler of the Law and Gospel pointed him out with his finger Behold the Lamb of God c. Now this Jesus Christ is the most excellent Person in the world the fairest amongst men worth ten thousand of us as the People said of David 2 Sam. 18. 3. Look upon him as he is described Heb. 1. 1 2 3. For his Nobility He is Gods own Son For his Riches He is heir of all things For his Wisdom He made the Worlds For his Eminency He is the brightness of his Fathers Glory and the express Image of his Person For his might He upholdeth all things by the Word of his Power For his Merits He hath by himself purged our sins For his Preferment He sate down at the right hand of the Majesty on High Traps Treas The quallity and kind of Christs Death is remarkeable for three Characters which were engraven on the Death of the Cross which he died 1. For the painfulness of it The nature of that Death was painfull For Death it self is painfull no man payes that debt with ease When Asa dies he cryes Ah my feet When David dyes he complains O my cold Body When the Shunamites Child dyes he cryes Ah my pained head When â—zzah dyes he cryes Oh my Leprous skin Life is a precious Pearl But there are three things besides which made Christs Death painfull 1. Violence It 's painfull to die of any violent disease but when five deaths do all concur and strive which of them shall dispatch the poor man soonest this must needs be more painfull Such was Christs Death which made him complain Psal. 22. 16. They pierced my hands and my feet and Joh. 19. 34. One of the Souldiers with a Spear pierced his side and forthwith there came out blood and water Here are five Deaths that invaded a living man Death on each hand and on each legg and death on his side though this last came a little too late Now a violent Death it must needs be when strong and great nails did pierce the most nervous parts of his Body his hands and his feet 2. Slowness Four leasurely violent Deaths seized on him Blood is the life of the living Creature then look how long his blood was coming out his Life was dropping out as long It 's a great aggravation for a man to be long a dying and yet cannot die To have his torment quick and yet his Death slow is an Image of Hell where men seek Death and yet cannot finde it Christs slow Death was divided into four quarters Death at each hand and at each foot made his pain the greater The weight of his Body did hang upon those four tormenting nails his pierced Hands and Feet as if Death had delighted to hold Christ long at sea and to deny him it's last sad service Christ had been before dying a terrible Death in the Garden when he was boiled as it were in a bloody sweat and two circumstances shew that the two Thieves Death was nothing in slowness of torment comparable to Christs death 1. The sad and direful preparatories to Christs Death as he was the night before in a Soul-death when those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as it were Drops or great hail stones of blood frozen or hardened together as Stephanus thinks through extream terrour when he was scourged and Crowned with Thorns 2. He was so weakned in Body thereby that he was not able to bear his own Cross which made him complain Psal. 22. 17. I may tell all my Bones My strength is dried up like a Potsheard So that Christ began to die the night before and continued dying twenty four hours the Lords anger and curse being on him and then bodily pain with the curse of the Law all this time wrought upon him And Christ in bearing the pains of the second Death did suffer that which all the Elect should have sustained in their Souls for ever Isa. 53. 6. The Lord laid upon him the iniquity of us all and though Christ died but one Death for all the Elect yet in the extremity of the pain it was many Deaths to him 3. Many degrees of Life were taken from him Consider how much of Life Christ had and the removing of it by violence must be so much the more painfull Now life natural had in Christ a sweet and a peaceable dwelling the possession of life was with excellent delights It was planted besides the Glorious God-head personally and so had sweet company and that made it pleasant It had not been so much to take away the Life of a common man whose life is not priviledged with Grace and the Grace of a Personal union with God The second Character that was engraven on Christs Death was that it was shameful and reproachful Now Shame is first Fundamentally in the cause Sin and Sin acted by men against that Law of God is the onely foundation of Shame Exod. 32. 25. Aaron made the People naked to their Shame So 2 Sam. 13. 13. Shame and sin are neer a kin And thus Christ was no more capable of Shame than he was of sin He came out of the Womb clothed with the white Robe of Innocency and he never contracted one black spot on that fair Robe of the highest Image of God from the womb to the Grave and therefore there was no shame fundamentally in Christ. 2. There is Shame formally in sin and that first In being ashamed Actively Secondly In bearing of Shame Passively In the former consideration because sin is a shameful thing in itself Jer. 11. 13. There is an Internal blushing and Shame rising from sin the Conscience of the sinner if it be not cauterized thinking ill of sin and esteeming it self base in doing it Rom. 6. 21. What fruit had you in those things whereof you are now ashamed So Christ thought ill of sin and esteemed the Creature base in sinning 2. Christ our Lord
13. 22. As he went one said to him Are there few that shall be saved To whom he answered commanding to strive to enter in at the straight Gate Luke 13. 23 30. On the same day some of the Pharisees came to him saying Get thee out and depart hence for Herod will kill thee to whom he gave a resolute answer Luke 13. 31 35. And it came to pass as he went into the House of one of the chief Pharisees to eat Bread there was one present that had a Dropsie whom he healed and defended the deed though it was done on the Sabbath day He also spake a Parable to them that were bidden and instructed him that had invited him Luke 14. 1 14. And when one of them that sate at meat with him heard these things he said unto him Blessed is he that shall eat Bread in the Kingdom of God To whom Jesus answered and propounded to them the Parable of the great Supper and of the several excuses that those that were invited made Luke 14. 15 24. And there was a great multitude that went with him and he turned and preached unto them that life it self is to be laid down for Christ. He also propounded to them the Parables of the man that was about to build a Tower and of the Kings going to War Luke 14. 25 35. And there came to him all the Publicans and sinners for to hear him and the Scribes and Pharisees murmured whereupon he spake unto them the Parables of the lost Sheep of the Groat and of the Prodigal Son Luke 15. 1 32. He also told to his Disciples the Parable of the unjust Steward accused to his Lord together with the application of the same and the Pharisees that were covetous when they heard these things derided him Then preached he against them and taught many other things and declared the Parable of the Rich man fareing deliciously and of Lazarus the beggar Luke 16. 1 31. Moreover he said to his Disciples Wo to them by whom offences come and taught that a brother sinning against a man is to be forgiven Luke 17. 1 14. Hereupon his Disciples said to him Lord encrease our Faith to whom he answered concerning the power of Faith and by the Parable of the servant coming from plough and straightway ministring he shewed that they are unprofitable servants when they have done all having done no more than what was their duty Luke 17. 5 10. And it came to pass as he went to Jerusalem that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee and as he entred into a certain village there met him ten Lepers who as they were going according to his command to the Priests they were cleansed of whom one of them came back to Jesus to give him thanks and he was a Samaritane Luke 17. 11 19. The Pharisees asking Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come He answered That the Kingdom of God would not come with observation but that it is within and further said to his Disciples that according to the days of Noe and Lot so shall be the day in which the Son of man shall be revealed but that he was first to suffer many things Luke 17. 20 37. Then spake he to them a Parable that they should always pray by the example of the widow interceeding to the unjust Judge whereas God is a Righteous revenger Luke 18. 1 8. He spake also to some that perswaded themselves that they were just and despised others the Parable of the Phariseeâ— and Publicane praying in the Temple Luke 18. 9 14. And it was at Jerusalem the Feast of the Dedication and it was winter and Jesus walked in the Temple in Solomons Porch Then came the Jews round about him and said unto him How long doest thou make us to doubt If thou beest the Christ tell us plainly which he avouched by his works saying I and the Father are one whereupon they again took up stones to stone him And he defending himself to be God by the Scriptures and his works they sought again to take him but he escaped out of their hands John 10. 22 39. Then he went again beyond Jordan where John at first did Baptise and there he abode and many resorted to him and as he was wont he taught them and healed them and many believed on him there Luke 18. 40 41 42. Mark 10. 1. Matth. 19. 1 2. Then came to him the Pharisees tempting him saying Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause Jesus denied it and gave an answer to the Pharisees objecting the Bill of Divorce which Moses commanded He answered his Disciples also who said that then it s better for a man not to marry Mark 10. 2 12. Matth. 19. 3 12. At this time they brought unto him little children that he should lay his hands upon them and pray and his Disciples forbad them for which being rebuked by Jesus he laid his hands upon them and blessed them and then departed from thence Luke 18. 15 16 17. Mark 10. 13 16. Matth. 19. 13 14 15. Jesus going from thence as he was in the way there met him a young man one of the Rulers very rich saying unto him Good Master what must I do to inherit eternal life And Jesus having spoken concerning the title that he gave him sent him to the Commandments and he replying that he had observed them Jesus loved him but bidding him to sell all that he had and give it to the poor he went away sorrowful Luk 18. 18 30. Mark 10. 17 31. Matth. 19. 16 30. Then Jesus inveighed bitterly against covetous rich men and when Peter said Behold we have left all to follow thee he made notable promises to all such whereof some were peculiar to the Apostles Adding withal that many which were last should be first and the first should be last which he declared by a Parable of labourers in a Vineyard For many were called but few chosen Luke 18. 28. 29. 3. Matth. 19. 27 c. Mark 10. 23 c. Lazarus of Bethany being sick his Sisters sent to tell Jesus thereof who as soon as he heard it tarried two days in the place where he was but afterwards he said to his Disciples Let us go again into Judea they said to him the Jews of late sought to stone thee and goest thou thither again Jesus answering said unto them Lazarus sleepeth meaning that he was dead Let us go to him said Thomas that we may die with him John 11. 1 6. Jesus came nigh to Bethany and found that Lazarus had been buried four days and Mary hearing of it came quickly to him out of the Town where Martha also met him and Jesus seeing her weep he wept also and coming to the grave he bad them remove the stone and giving thanks to his Father called Lazarus out of the grave whereupon many believed on