Rom. 12 13. Mat. 11 25. Luc. 10.21 Iohn 7.4.46.49 1. Cor. 13.2 The Lord did bide those thinges from the wise and learned and reveiled them to Babes They were blind leaders of the blind learning profiteth not vnlesse it bee accompanied with Humilitie and Love Thus seeing they see not and groping they finde nothing Act. 17.17 The Athenian Philosophers Epicures and stoicks Act. 2.13 most of al withstood Paul The religious of everie Nation vnder heauen mocked Peter The Syrenians Act. 6.12 they of AlexaÌ„dria desputed with Steven and falslie accused him And finally the whole Iewish nation at Ierusalem 〈◊〉 little handful only excepted which did not dreame of 〈◊〉 spirituall Kingdome combined to conclude his death as was fore-spoken The people raged Psal 2. 1. the kinges of thâ— earth band themselues and the Princes are assembled togetheâ— against the Lord and againsâ— his Christ Destitute of aâ— Consolation Col. 1.16 in so much a the Creator of the Armeis oâ— Angels had neede of one oâ— them Heb. 2.7 Luc. 22.43 Luc. 16.22 O! but One frâ—â— Heaven to comfort him so greatlie was hee forsaken of hiâ— Father for our sinnes Neither yet shall the Angels leave thee in the like houre of death and necessitie of helpe if thou trust in him which alwayes beholde the face of his Father in Heaven Mat 18.10 By which Christ evidentlie declared it was no jest nor collusion betwixt his Father him but that in deed in truth he was terriblie astonished and agast Mat. 26.37 while his Bloode did so copiouslie runne from him but his Father was highlie offended Psal 6. 1. and greatly inraged at our sinnes for hee is a GOD Psal 11.5 that loveth righteousnesse but the wicked and him that loueth iniquitie doth his Soule hate Wherefore Christ was wounded for our transgressions Esay 53.7 hee was broken for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him though hee had done no wickednesse neither was there fraude in his mouth Despise not thou deare Soule those who at the feare of Death are most dejected humbled and stupefied neither yet judge those to haue the better cause who yeelde themselves foolishlie and too boldlie to Death But bee thou taught to bee god-lie afrayed of the separation of the Soule Luc. 12.40 from the Body and ever as Death were instant to foresee the same and learne to die which followeth thee at the heeles as the shaddow doeth the Body LORD Psal 90.12 teach vs to number our dayes and apply our hearts to wisedome For the meditation of Death is greatest Philosophie Remember my Soule thine ende and thou wilt not sinne for euer and the more the outwarde man decay be thou renewed strengthened in the inner-man And heere the first and second Adam doe meete for the first in the Garden made a beginning of our miserie Gen. 3.2 and the second builded the ground of his Passion for our Redemption in the Garden 2. Cor. 5.18 That is I say that amongst greatest pleasures meditate of thy mortalitie There Christ was taken and bound Iohn 18.2 the place was knowne to Iudas because Christe would not shunne the occasion of our deliverance but hee would not haue him to know the person with whom hee was to eate the Passover by name least he should had sought meanes to prevent the same which hee could not because his houre was not come The second Step to ascend by SEcoundlie thou mayest conceive poore Soule that thy Spouse suffering was exceeding great when beeing sorrowfull and grieuouslie troubled hee said Mar. 14.34 My Soule is heavie even vnto death Hee that said vnto his servant in the Prison Act. 23.11 Bee of good courage now is afrayed of his imminent passion beeing like to vs in soule and bodie and infirmities Heb. 4.15 and all thinges Sinne excepted As God hath said I am the Life and restoreth the dead to life exhorting his Disciples Iohn 5.25 not to feare them that can kill the bodie but not harme the soule as God I say howe can hee bee afrayed to whome the Sainctes doe sing The Lord is with mee Psal 117.6 therefore I will not feare what man can doe vnto mee The humane nature was borne to suffer and to bee partaker of all our afflictions that hee might communicate solide constancie of his power to vs for vnto the world hee came as a rich Marchant traffecting with vs that of his fulnesse wee might all receiue Iohn 1.16 taking ours by a marveilous translation Col. 1.13 and exchange Iam. 1.5 Mat. 26.53 and giving his most liberallie and reproached no man giuing I say for shame Honour Salvation for Dolour for Death Life and though hee might command moe than twelue Legions of Angels to aide him hee had rather receiue our feare than exercise his owne power yea it aggreged his griefe Mat. 26.24.31 Iohn 13.1 Iudas treason the scandall of the Apostles whom hee loved to the end rejection of the Iewes Esay 48.4 for whome hee had done so much And the fearfull destruction of Ierusalem on which there was not to bee left a stone vpon a stone Mat. 23.38 So that hee had forewarned the mourners thereof Luc. 23.28 weepe not for mee but weepe for your sevels sayeth hee and your children When thy Loue beloved Soule was transfigured on mount Tabor Mat. 17.2 his face shined as the Sunne but now he is despised and esteemed nothing both pale and wan for there was no bewtie in him now who before was fairer Esay 53.2.3 than the Chrildren of men but now despised Psal 45.2 and rejected of men A man full of sorrowes and bad experience of infirmities that by sufferinges hee might learne obedience And he who taught his Disciples to pray for vs and for himselfe Iohn 16.26 Heb. 7.25 9.24 practised the same lesson by blessing prayer by his owne mouth not once in that short moment of time but thrice according to the weight of that imminent necessitie O Father Mat. 26.39 if it bee possible let this Cuppe passe from mee meaning his bitter passion and the dregges of the vialles of Gods wrath not that hee was vnwilling to drinke therof for hee went alwayes about his Fathers bussinesse Mat. 3.15 and it was meate for him to doe his Fathers will submitting himselfe that hee might fulfill all righteousnes But these earnest speeches declared the heavie burthen of sinne which lay on him the painful griefe which hee endured the greatest tormentes and terrors which hee sustained for thee vnthankefull Soule and his Elect. The Soule of thy Bride-groome was from Heaven Mat. 1.20 heavenlie never bespotted and defyled with any vncleannesse 1. Pet. 1.19 Act. 2.27 but pure without corruption Notwithstanding that it was sadde and touched with the feare of Death for thee which hath deserved the same 1. Pet.
and knocketh if thou will heare his voyce and open the doore hee will come in vnto thee and supp with thee Esay 60.19.20 and thou with him where there shall bee no more Sunne to shine by day neither the brightnesse of the Moone Iohn 14.23 to shine to thee for the Lord shall bee thine euerlasting light and thy God thy glorie and the dayes of thy sorrow shall bee ended Loue him therfore freelie beloued Soule and keepe his word 2. Iohn 3.24 and his Father will loue thee hee will come vnto thee dwell with thee for hee that keepeth his commandements dwelleth in him and Christ in him and heereby shalt thou know that hee abideth in thee even by the Spirit which hee hath given thee I will intreate thee of all favour poore Soule to meditate thy omission of good thinges commission of evill and losse of wholesome time occasion which three are past by and these three present the shortnes of this life the difficultie to bee saved 1 Pet. 4.17 18. and the fewnes of them that do enter in that strait way For if judgement beginne first at the house of God what shall be the end of them which obey not the Gospel of God and if the righteous scarcelie hee saued where shall the vngodlie and sinners appeare Doe not forget these three things to come Death than the which nothing is more terrible the last Iudgment than the which nothing is more horrible eternall Punishment than the which nothing is more vntolerable O that thou were wise then wouldst thou vnderstand this Deut. 32.29 thou wouldst consider thy letter end But I poore Soule doe not know what to doe â— Chro. 20.12 but mine eyes are towards thee O Lord for trulie great travel doe sinners take to perfect their iniquities they imagine nothing impossible so they may aquire their designes The way of sinners is made plaine with stones so smooth thinke they iâ— Wisd 5.7 but the end thereof is hell darknesse and paine Flee from sinne as from a Serpent the teeth thereof are the teeth of a Lyon Eccl. 21.10 to slay the soules of men All iniquitie is as a two edged sword the wounds thereof can not bee healed And if thou hast sinned doe so no more but pray for thy fore-sinnes that they may bee forgiuen thee Eccl. 5.5.6.7 And because thy sinne is forgiuen bee not without feare to heape sinne vpon sinne And say not The mercie of God is great hee will forgiue my manifold sinnes for mercie and wrath come from him his indignation commeth downe vpon sinners Make no tarying to turne vnto Lord and put not off from day to day for suddenlie shall the wrath of the wrath of the Lord breake foorth and in thy securitie thou shalt bee destroyed But blessed is that people whose God is the Lord for peace shall bee vpon them â—â—l 6.16 and mercie and vpon the Israel of God Vnto him therefore â—h 3 20. that is able to doe exceeding aboundantlie aboue all that wee aske or thinke according to the power that worketh in vs be praise in the Church by Christ Iesus thorowout all generations for euer Amen THE AGREEMENT OF DIFFERENCES IN THE INCARNATION PASSION AND Ascension of our Saviour THE MYSTERIE OF the Incarnation A Mother and a Virgine beares a Sonne The Creature her Creator on her knee FroÌ„ all beginning yet but now begun Servant to Time Lord of Eternitie Earths Weaknes HeaveÌ„s Power in him doth dwell That is both God and Man Emanuel Meekenesse is heere combin'd with Maiestie The Lyon with the Lambe keepes peacefull place Obedience findes a Seat in Emperie This Earthly substaÌ„ce breeds a heaveÌ„ly grace To Poverty rich Gifts are broght by Kings Terrestriall figures of Coelestiall thinges Who sits in HeaveÌ„ vpon the Throne of State Suckes here on Earth the milke of Infancie Who rules the Stars guids the sterne of Fate Sustaines the yoke of humane Miserie Eats drinks wakes sleepes weepes a mortall man In whom Immortall happines began THE MYSTERIE OF the Passion THe Iudge of MaÌ„ by MaÌ„ is iudg'd to die He that coÌ„mands the law the law obeys Submission hath a Seat in Soveraingn'ty This stormie Night begets our Halâ—yon days The best of Hope springs froÌ„ the worst of Fears And giues vs cause of Ioy from cause of Tears The Lord of Life is subiect vnto Death The Masters power the Minister obeyes At once inspyring expiring breath Submittes to Kinges yet Kings kingdomes swayes Sin vpon Vertue hath imposde a Blame Honour by Basenesse is exposde to Shame Thus from the Crosse our Blessednes is bred His suffering made it a triumphant Signe Our looks are raisde while he bowes down the Head He tasteth Vinegar to giue vs Wine Saues all by loosing all to Tyrannie Helpes all yet cryes Lamasabachtani THE MYSTERIE OF THE Resurrection and Ascension DEath froÌ„ the Graue Life to the Graue is broght Flesh without Sin sees no coruptioÌ„ By yeelding was this noble Conquest wroght O're Sin the World Death Hel al Pollution Extensiue Weaknes with intensiue Power His Hurts haue healed these wouÌ„ded states of our ASCENSION He that the Earth hath for his Footestoole laid Makes his Ascens vp to his Heavenlie Seat There dwels his Power which his Mercy made And here his Mercy which his Power makes great All glorious in his Seaâ— he sits vpon All gratious in the Place he treades vpon Hee which is taken vp is left behind Vnbounded Power doth circumscribe al things He that hath fram'd the heart ruls the mind Doth giue Himselfe to Beggars as to Kings Mercie remaines whilst Maiestie doth tower And Grace descends with his ascending Power Succumbat ratio fidei captiva quescat A SHORT CONFESsion of our Sinnes MY life O LORD is a perpetuall rebellion against thee for who can make cleane that which is conceiued in the filth of sin My time was a Sea and flood of sorrow secluded froÌ„ all goodnes vntil thou didst put forth thy hand and pull mee into thine Arke and had I not bene made cleane in some measure by the red Sea of the Blood of thy Son in Baptisme I should haue lyen in the filthie puddle of my vyle corruption Neither hath Sathan ceased to bereaue mee of the loue whereby thou first didst loue mee Hee did not show me deceiuing Serpent the wages of Sinne but â—â—eeting and turning did hyde thy wrath from mee Amitie with him is enimitie with my God His loue is hatred because the Image of my Saviour is in mee hee pursueth at my heales but if thou bee with mee who shall bee against mee I can not thinke a good thought of my selfe but shall doe all thinges through thee O Christ who strengthenst mee who is my life resurrection the hope of the afflicted my light in darknesse the wholesome dew of my drye and withered Soule my strength in weaknesse the Physitian of my
minde most evidently to vs it belongeth to the Iustice GOD by the same reasonable creature Gen. 3.15 the Devill should bee overcome which hee had gloried to bee subdued by him as God therefore hee triumphed over Death The offering of Isaac is a shadow of this dispensation done for vs Gen. 22.8 Isaac being a type of the divinitie and the Rain of the humanitie In the purification of the Leper also for whom was taken two Sparrowes aliue and cleane whereof the one was killed Lev. 14.4 and the other dipped in the blood of the slaine then let gâ—e the live Sparrow into the broad fielde And so of the two Goates offered for the sinnes of the people whereof the one was sacrificed and the other did escape 2. What did hee suffer in Soule and Body man hath sinned so did hee suffer in both not in his Passion onely but all the time of his life hee was in the flesh As his povertie flight to Egypt and all other his persecutions contained in the historie of his Gospell declare Esay 53.4 3. Why sâ—ffered hee surelie hee hath borne our iniquities and caried our sorrowes 1. Pet. 2.24 hee his own selfe bare â—ur sinnes in his body on the tree that wee beeing delivered from sinne should live in righteousnesse by whose stripes wee are healed Thy trespasses brought shame and ignominie on thy Saviâ—ur and nailed him to the Crosse and drived him to the lowest part of the earth Hence doeth shine God his Iustice and Mercie to vs wâ—rd aâ—d espâ—â—ially Iesus Christ his lâ—ve to vs all Of his Iustice punishing sin The Angells which kept not their first estate deludge of Noah Iud. 6.7 the subversion of Sodom Gen. 19.24 and Gomorrha are examples which suffer the vengeance of eternall fire Chorah Numb 16.32 Mat. 23.37.38 â—sal 76.2 Dathan and Abiram their destruction and the miserable desolation of Ierusalem the bewtie of the earth and the chosen habitation of GODS worship can beare record Bâ—t none of them all can bee compared with this that God would not but by the death of his onely begotten Sonne be pacised for our sinnes Cease therefore to provocke so iust a GOD by thy wickednesse Psal 95 7.8 since thou receiuest a kingdome that can not bee shaken craue grace Heb. 12 2â— that thou may so serue GOD that thou mayest please him with reverence and feare for even thy GOD is a consuming fire Rom. 1.15 whose wrath is revealed froÌ„ Heaven against all vngodlinesse and vnrighteousnesse of men The fierce Lyon is tamed and dauntoned when the Whelp is beaten with roddes in his sight Psal 147.19.20 cast thou off superfluitie of maliciousnes for whilst thou seest not onelie the people dearest to GOD of any Esay 2.6 for hee hath not so done to everie nation so dangerouslie forsaken because they did not repent nor acknowledge the day of their visitation but his well-beloved Sonne also in whom hee is well pleased mayest thou behold to die 1. Iohn 3.5 that execrable death because he appeared that hee might take away our sinnes and in him is no sinne Despise not therefore the riches of his bountifulnesse Rom. 2.4 and patience and long suffering not knowing that the bountifulnesse of GOD leadeth thee to repentance It behoued our woundes to bee verie deepe and corrupt which could not bee healed Esay 1.6 but by the woundes of the Sonne of God hee hath redeemed vs not to sinne but from sinne not with corruptible thinges as Siluer or Gold 1. Pet. 1.17.18 Heb. 10.29 but wiâ—h the precious bloode of Christ as of a Lambe vndefyled and without spotte How sore punishment shall hee bee thought worthie which treadeth vnder foote the Sonne of GOD and compteth the blood of the Testament as a vnworthy thing wherewith hee was sanctifyed and despiteth the the Spirit of Grace Againe nothing more could declare GODS mercie Rom. 5.8 than the death of his owne Sonne what is dearer to man Ioh. 3.16 than his owne children Iacob deploreth his sonne Ioseph David yeelded a bitter and heavie sorrow for Absâ—lon yea Gen. 37.34.35 2. Sam. 18.23 Ier. 31.15 in Rama was a voyce heard murning and weeping and great lamentation Rachel weeping for her children and would not bee comforted for such cace hath procured in many astonishment rather than teares seeing therefore that GOD hath delivered his Sonne begotten from all eternitie Phil. 2.6 equall with himselfe coessentiall and consubstantiall to a shamefull death for thee despare not with that damned Crue Cain Saul and Iudas But rouse vp thy selfe in the consâ—ience of GOD'S mercie saying with David The Lord is full of compassion and mercy slow to anger and of great kindnesse hee will not alwayes chyde nor keepe his anger for euer Psal 103.8.9.10.11.12 he hath not delt with vs after our sinnes nor rewarded vs after our iniquities for as high as the Heauen is aboue the Earth so great is his mercies towardes them that feare him So farre as the East is from the West so farre hath hee remoued our sinnes from vs. As a father hath compassion on his children so hath the LORD compassion on them that feare him For as by one mans dissobedience Rom. 5.20.21 many were made sinners So by the obedience of one many shall also be made righteous For where sinne aboundeth there grace aboundeth more that as sinne hath reigned vnto death so might grace also reigne by righteousnes vnto eternall Life by Iesus Christ our Lord who was made a curse for vs Gal. 4.4 5. that the blessing of Abraham might come on thee through Christ Iesus Thus is hee made vnto vs of GOD 1. Cor. 1. 30. Wisedome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption Seeing therefore that wee haue Christ the pledge of GODS favour and lâ—ue who hath payed more than wee were indebted and hee restored that which hee tooke not Psal 69.4 and hath merited more for vs than the Ocean Sea is bigger thaÌ„ the smallest droppe of water The righteous GOD of his Iustice being once satisfied can not sue double pay in punishing those that belieue in Iesus Christ And what can bee said of Iesus Christ his most burning Loue to mankind never Bridegrome loved his Bride so intirelie and ardently never man matched so vnworthily and with greater disparagment in marriage as Christ and his Church If thou see any cast his affection vpon a Wenâ—h deformed maimed yea a sâ—old and durty thou wilt say Such a one is benummed yea bewitched But God when we were dead in sin and trespasses Eph. 2.2 yea which is worse walked after the course of the Devill his enemie 1. Iohn 1.8 emptie and voide of all goodnesse fraughted and defyled of all vice of meere vnlookt-for love not onlie had hee given his onelie begotten Sonne to deliver vs from the bondage and staverie of Satan but hath adopted vs to be anexed heires
haue casten them to the lowest hell for hee is the Lord that searcheth the hearte and reines Thus they bound him they play thy part sinfull Soule as Dalilia in behalfe Iudg. 16.5 of the Philistims bound Sampson and thus did David confesse in our name Behold Lord Psal 116.16 for I am thy servant I am thy servant and the sonne of thine hand-maide thou hast broken my bones Wee should not raile on the Iewes but detaste our sinnes which bounde our Sauiour Wee were allas bound by the setters of sin and death to loose our bonds and bring vs out of captivitie Was hee thus intreated his captivitie was our libertie his ignâ—minie is our glorie his voluntarie infirmitie is Gods power to our salvation Thus we are saued through the Blood of the Covenant â—ach 9.11 Hee hath loosed the Prisoners out of the Pit wherein there was no water Psal 124.7 our soule hath escaped euen as a bird out of the snare of the Fowler the snare is broken and wee are delivered our helpe is in the Name of the Lord that made heaven and earth who delivered vs I say from the power of darknesse Col. 1.13 and translated vs in the Kingdome of his Sonne and glorious libertie of his adopted inheritance When thou poore Soule feeles thy selfe fast tyed with the snares of thy sins haste thee to Christ who biddeth all come that are wearie and laden Mat. 11.28 that hee may râ—lieue them And this deliverance from sinne Sathan hath hee sealed vp vnto vs by his holy Sacraments as vndoubted pledge earnest thereof Hee that shall beleeue and be baptized Mar. 16.16 shall be saved As the other This is the Blood of the New-Testament that is shed for many Mat. 26.28 for the remission of Sinnes And therefore carefullie shouldst thou beware of Sinne that beeing made free from it Rom. 6.18 thou be the servant of Righteousnesse for as Sampson often bound Iudg. 16.22 at last was made a mocke to the of Philistims so beeing loosed from the cordes and grinnes of sinne must not serue our own concupiscence but liue the life of God least wee bee bound hand and foote Mat. 22.13 and cast out into vtter darknesse But heere deare Soule meditate to learne Patience whereof thou hast much need Heb. 10.36 that after thou hast done the will of God thou mayst receiue the promise for if wrongouslie thou bee committed or bound or if the Lord to daunt and chastise thy corrupt nature suffer the bonds of sicknesse povertie or other whatsoever adversitie to bee laid on thee Christe knoweth and hath felt the same himself and hath learned to remember them that are in bonds Heb. 13. â— as though he were bound with them and them that are in affliction as if bee were afflicted in the bodie And if it come to passe as alas thou often dost cast fetters of sinne of thine owne accord vpon thy selfe giue not over nor despare but then most of all direct the eye of Faith to beholde Christ that was bound Zach. 12. who doeth sanctifie thy captivie and satisfieth for all thy sinnes by his captivitie Indeed the binding of him made all his Disciples to flie oblivious of the oath that they made at the entrie to the Garden for besides that Christ had truelie foretold them they would all leaue him so was it not in mans power to presever in goodnesse wee are so weake to resist and easie to fall The faithfull must goe out of themselves and judge themselves as â—roken vessels for as the sting of the smallest pinne doth make the wind in a blowne bladder to burst out so the least temptation will overthrow the strongest Champion if wee bee not guarded with mercy and vpholden by the Lord. Deseâ—tion is dangerous thinke modestlie therefore of thy selfe yea bee that thinkes he standeth 1. Cor. 10.12 beware least bee fall The Disciples did flee I say Christ had no helper nor support in this businesse that all the glorie praise thereof might be his Esay 6.33 who did tread the winepresse alone neither is there salvation in any other Act. 4.12 neither is there any name given vnder Heaven amongst men by which we must bee saved And as the first Adam merited by his rebellion that all the creatures should fall from his obedience yea and to make insurrection against him so it behoued our Suretie and Cautioner to bee left of all that by his obedience all our debt being payed we might bee receiued in favour and with all the Sainctes to be made free Denisanes and Citizens in Heaven He then that loosed Lazarus foure dayes dead from the bonds of death Iohn 11.39 and Peter froÌ„ the yron bondes in prison and them that dwell in darkenesse and in the shadow of death being bound in miserie and yrons so that bee broke the gates of Brasse Psal 107.10.13 burst the bars of yron asunder could he not loose himself for the loue hee caried to thee hee would not for he knew that God would raise him vp Act. 1.24 and loose the sorrowes of death because it was impossible that bee shoulde bee holden of it Act. 8.28 for they did nothing but whatsoever thine holie hand O Lord and thy counsell had determined before to be done But thou O God verilie hydest thy selfe Esay 45.15 O Saviour of Israel Say thou therefore my Soule I greatlie rejoyce in the Lord and my soule shall bee joyfull in my God Esay 61.10 for bee hath cloathed mee with the garments of saluation and covered me with the robe of righteousnesse hee hath decked me like a Bride-groome and as a Bride tyeth her selfe with her Iewels For thy Christ is to preach good tydings vnto thee Esay 61.4 to bind vp the broken hearted to preach libertie to the captiues and to them that are bound the opening of the prison But before thou passe the Garden and his bondes meditate the resemblance of the first and second Adam the first was accompanied with Eua Gen. 3.22 the second alone left of all his owne for Adam did not alone sin but Christ alone payed the price of our redemption The first Adam beeing thrust out that hee should not haue regresse a firie sword was appointed to stay him from entrie but our second Adam was smitten yet Paradice opened To what purpose should the Garden bee keeped when the Tree of Life which is Iesus Christ that giueth immortalie is caried from the Garden Now is there no more the wrath of God but Reconciliation no Vengeance but Mercie no Hatred but Loue with this Tree of Life which is made a Sacrifice for vs purchased to vs all THE THIRD STEP of the ascension of the Soule by meditation of those things which were done in the house of Annas Father in Law to Caiaphas Mat. 26. ANd now here sicke Soule consider wel Christs presentatioÌ„ Iohn
sinning whose breath is in their nose-thirles and whose helpe is vaine They would not acknowledg that it beloÌ„ged to them surelie both they and their posterity feele the smarte of that Innocent Blood Which men though they know the Law of God how that they which committe such things are worthie of death yet not onelie doe they sinne Rom. 1.32 but also favour them that doe them For to sin by himselfe or by another is all one and he that consenteth is accessâ—â—ie to the fact But heere is their great blindnesse that they did not revoke and retreat their sentence hearing his innocencie justie by the traitor confessed In no ways speake thou against the word of Trueth my Soule but bee ashamed of the lyes of thine ignorance striue for the Trueth vnto death Eccl. 4.25.28 and defend Iustice for thy life and the Lord God shall sight for thee against thine enimies But hardest of all is that rough answere that Iudas receiued they ministred no comfort vnto him but increased the flamme of despare that was kindled in the heart of him The weak haue ye not strengthned EZek. 34.4 as he complaineth justly of them the sicke ye haue not healed neither haue ye bund vp the broken nor broght againe that which was dryven away neither haue yee sought that which was lost but with cruelty rigor haue ye ruled them But the good Sbepherd never resteth but goeth after that which was lost while he find it Luc. 15.4.6 and maketh his rejoycing the compensation of his trauell He did cast the money in the Temple from him which was so deere vnto him that for it hee post-poned the life of his Master Now he became so execrable that he gained nothing of it but a conscience burnt with an hote yron evill acquired goods shall neuer benefite the possessor nor the posteritie 1. King 21.16 Achab beleeued all was well when by violence and fraud hee had obtained Naboths Vine-yard which hee lost with his life and the favour of God most of all For what availeth it to gaine the whole world Mat. 16.26 and losse his soule And what fruit haue they then in those thinges Rom. 6. 21. whereof they are now ashamed for the end of these thinges are death But terrible was his execution for when hee had throwen downe himselfe head-longs hee burst asunder in the middes Act. 1.18 and all his bowels gushed out how great destruction doth abide them that serve the vncleane spirit this was not an evasion by death from Gods judgement but a more short compendious way therto Let not Sathan by his deceit allure thee neither for feare of Ignominie as hee did Saul or with loathsomnesse of thy life to such abominable practises But alace many now adayes doe harden their hearts at wholesome exhortation whereby they make the Lord to cut the threed of this life adjudge them vnto eternall death besids that many by drinking and gluttonie doeth shorten their dayes And doth not whoredome vitious venery procure sudden death What can bee said of Avarice and Covetousnesse which whiles it thirsts for the blood of others they are pearsed by that vnrighteâ—us MaÌ„mon whereby they are â—beacked and killed And what shal be thought of those who provoke the single combat thinketh it a great indignitie vnlesse they kill not themselves or their neighbour Lord grant everie moment while wee enjoye this life wee may consecraâ—e it to the glorie of the Giuer that wee may bee readie at all occasions to giue an account of our times speÌ„t here that we may say with Simeon Now let thy servant depart in peace Luâ— 2.29 according to thy word for my eyes haue seene my salvation Then learne heere my Soule by this his desperation the nature of sinne for before it bee perfected it maketh men drunke but being put in executioÌ„ the pleasure is extinguished the conscience remaineth heavier than Leed which vnlesse the Lord prevent maye dryue thee to despaire For the deceitfulnesse of sinne and delite thereof for a season maketh men so brutish that they can not decerne betwixt good and evill yea causeth them beleuee they are most blessed in greatest sinnes And therfore my Soule resist the Devill and hee will flee from thee whilst thou dost not resist the custome of sinning it brings necessitie vpon thee for it hardneth the senses that they caÌ„not clearlie see it blindeth the vnderstanding lest punishment should terrifie it fettereth the heart to make filthie thinges pleasant it weakeneth the strength that beeing overcome they succumbe The sicknes of their Soule is much more sensible than the diseases of the bodie There is no greater dolour than the wound of the conscience for sin nor any greater burden than the heavie weight of our vile transgressions Heere Sathan is a great politician for he changeth himselfe into an Angel of light while hee lessens our sins extenuateth theÌ„ intysing meÌ„ to fall But when the deede is done like lightening hee shineth in meÌ„ casting his sins suddenlie before him at the which thunderbolt he is benummed stupified feeling the bitter pangues of an euill conscience and doth so cast him downe with this great stroke that hee who before gloried in sinne now thinks himselfe secluded from mercie and salvation Lord hide thy face from my sinnes Psal 51.9 10.11 and put away all mine iniquities creat in mee â— cleane heart O God and renew a right spirit within mee Cast mee not away from thy presence and take not thy holy Spirite from mee But diligentlie perpend Peters and Iudas repentance by comparing them together that thou mayst vnderstand deare Soule in what state their iniquity was coÌ„mitted Their falls heavily wounded their coÌ„sciences doubtlesse for Peter not onelie denyed Christ but bound himselfe to cursings if hee had known him which was a sin almost to death And the other Iudas did commit an haynous trespasse worthy of everlasting condemnation but Peters was of frailtie of the flesh and feare of death But Iudas was of set purpose and of destinate malice did atempt that detestable fact And Peters againe not in a cause of it selfe so much blameable but of immoderate timeritie conjoyned therewith And to Iudas desperat malice was an insatiable greedinesse annexed but the forgetfulnesse of the word of God was the fountaine of both their falls It concerneth vs euer to pray the liuing God to giue vs ears to hear to lay vp in our hearts his promises threatnings to strengtheÌ„ vs or beat down our pride to say Esay 50.5 The Lord hath opened my eare I was not rebellious neither turned I back But as their fall was so was not their repentance both were Apostles both had woundes of conscience and frighted with the sting therof but Iudas gaue such place to the overburdeÌ„ing streÌ„gth thereof that hee despared of Gods mercie But Peter belieued that Christ is the reconciliation of our sins 1.
Gal. 3.22 that the promise of faith by Iesus Christ should bee giuen to them that beleeue Wherefore my Soule be not affrayed by him thou hast accesse to the Throne of Grace neither sicknesse nor calamitie shall bereaue vs of comfort Hee was preseÌ„ted to the Barre of Gods Iustice that wee should remember our Absolution from it therefore boldlie mayst thou say Psal 42.11 Why art thou cast down my soule and why art thou this disquieted within me waite on God for I will yet giue him thankes be is my present hope my God The superstition hypocrisie of the Iewes is verie clear they would not enter into Pilates house least they should bee debarred from eating of the Passeouer Numb 9.10 according to the Law giuen against the vncleane they indeede were affraid to bee polluted in this strangers Iudge his consistoriall place yet were not ashamed to shed the blood of their innocent countrie-man they will not be defyled with the dwelling place of Pilat but never examine the pollution of their own sins in their heart They left the weightier matters of the Law Mat. 23.23 as Iudgement mercie and fidelitie which are rare in such false seditious people for they could pretend no excuse wherfore the Lord did reject and forsake them seeing of their owne mouth that they did coÌ„fesse they had no power of death and life but their authoritie was devolved in the Romanes hands For the Scepter shall not depart from Iuda nor a Law-giuer from betweene his feete Gen. 49.10 vntill Shiloh come and the people shall bee gathered together vnto him but God in his righteous judgement hath given theÌ„ the spirit of slumbering eyes that they should not see Rom. 11.8 eares that they should not heare to this day But was it not lawfull to kill a man for blasphemie Lev. 24. Lev. 20. Numb 25. Lev. 26. for adulterie for profanation of the Sabboth day for murther for Idolatrie Deut. 21. and for wilfull disobedience to Parents yea Deut. 17. and for neglect not due reverence to the high Priest yea Iohn 18.31 and did they not stone Steven to death But this was that the word of Iesus should bee fulfilled signifying by what death bee should die Besides this they accused Christ of sedition vproare they might stone burne kill strangle but to crucifie they had no power for the very Nations did worship idolatrouslie stones and timber but Christs forwarning culd not be but accoÌ„plished Mat. 20.19 they shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucifie him Thus Christs enemies are meanes and instruments to manifest Gods Trueth and to perfect mans Salvation The covetousnes of Iudas procured remission to all beleeuers so the rage of the Pharisees and deceit of Sathan did serue to the glorie of God For all things worke for the best Rom. 8.27 to them that feare him Now Pilat inquireth what they had to object against him they attribute so much to their justice and authoritie that there needed no more inquisition but to rest on their Conscience yet by reason of his place hee would haue a Processe which is that Christ subverted the people denyed tribute to be giuen to Caesar and to make himselfe a King which Pilat in their minde could not abide O! but what sinne is it my Soule to make Pilat the communalitie gâ—iltie of Christs death a lesse sinne it had beene if they had killed him privatelie but to cause a Iudge against conscience by the testomonie of false witnes to decree or intise ignorant men by bud and promises to offend is the greater sin For Christ never meaned of an earthlie dignitie heere For when Iesus perceiued that they would come and make him a King hee departed againe vnto a mountaine Iohn 6.15 himselfe alone Neither did he euer denye tribute to be giueÌ„ to Caesar but directed to giue to Caesar Mat. 22.21 thinges which are Casars and giue vnto God these things which are Gods Remember heere poore Soule that all these more than false calumnies were spewed out against him that not onelie hee might satisfie the Iustice of God but also signifie that his Churche should euer bee exposed to hatred and envye Achab called Elias 1. King 18.17 the troubler of Israel If they were of the world the world would loue them Iohn 8. and yet they are in the world wherefore hee prayeth to his Father not to take them out of the worlâ— but to keepe them from euill Iohn 17. for he hath made vs vnto his Father Kings and Priestes whom bee hath gathered out of everie Tongue Tribe and Nation Rev. 5.10 Heere therefore poore Soule great is thy comfort not onelie against false accusations of the wicked but also against Sathans impudent reproaches whereby he ceaseth not night and day to accuse the Saiâ—ctes before their God whom they doe ouercome by the blood of the Lambe Rev. 12.10.11 and by the word of their testimonie and they loued not their liues vnto the death So by his bondes wee are delivered from the bondage of sin death and hell by his mockings wee are made honourable in the sight of God and by his accusation wee are fred from all guiltinesse Thus hee hath made our sins to be his that hee might make his righteousnesse ours An euill turne can not be done but by euill meanes The Iewes haue heere their parte and so hadde Herod but the sinne of Pilat is laide vpon the Iewes and hee may forethinke that euer hee was Governour of Iudea In conscience he was perswaded of Christs innocencie and their calumnie but hee was intangled in his Iudgement so deepe that he could not free himselfe Such a thing is it to satisfie the appetit of wicked men In Pilats deeds words many excelleÌ„t vertues which are rare to be fouÌ„d in Iudges doe appeare as the great moderation of his minde being supreame Magistrate to whom belonged honour The Iewes woulde not superstitiouslie come in to him hee maketh the trauell and went out to them A Magistrate should be such a one to others Pro. 19 1â— as he would wish others to bee to him if hee were a private man The Kinges wrath is like the roaring of a Lyon but his favour is like the dew vpon the grasse To this his civile Iustice in searching the trueth is eminent rash judgements are dangerous and therefore wil not coÌ„demne Christ vntill he heare him Gen. 39.16.20 Pothiphar did otherwise to Ioseph And therfore now he entred vnto Christ with whom softlie moderatelie and friendlie he reasons not with disdainfull speechs as did the Iewes for it was not grieuous vnto him to bow downe his eare vnto the poore Eccl. 4.8 Being therfore demanded if he was a King our Saviour denyes not but a spirituall King It was not nowe time to teach and play the Doctor to Pilat for that part was ended
Now hee must play the Priest and suffer patientlie his death which hee would not stay Thou should vse poore Soule the opportunitie of the worde verie earnestlie while the raine thereof from Heaven doeth water the dry and thirstie soules of men and whilst it is called to day let vs not barden our hearts The Lord therefore will knowe the inventer of this accusation and in all the History wil haue every mans part knowne in this action I am no Iew said hee cleansing himselfe Thine owne Nation doeth accuse thee I count not for the Messias religion troubles me not so much The Cleargie and Church-men must take heed thereto A liuelie image of wordlings who in the matters of the earth are more thaÌ„ curious But spiritual things are spirituallie decerned For he inquireth not what a King hee was where his Kingdome was that he might haue a part and shâ—re thereof but breakes off in an accusation of Iesus if he was a King The naturall man knoweth not the thinges of the spâ—rit of God 1. Cor. 1.14 for they are fâ—clishnâ—sse to him And therefore Christ taketh the mouth of Pilat to bee witnes that hee was a King Who albeit hee was equall with the Father Phil. 2.6 and thought it no robberie made himselfe of no reputation by taking on him the forme of a servant to his Father to be witnes to the Truth He wold haue hereby wonne Pilat if it had been possible but he was interrupted for the word is euer a sweet odour to God 2. Cor. 2.15 either to salvation or damnation in mercie or Iustice. With great constancie and grauitie without respect of persons doeth Christ answere so should his servants defend Gods honour and not to turne their faile to everie Winde and therefore hee did avouch his Kingdome as anonynted of the Father Psal 2.6 and sat vpon Mâ—unt Syon his holie Mountaine Zac. 9.9 who is just and saued himselfe and his people from their sinnes Mat. 2.21 Blessed is hee that commeth in the Name of the Lord Hosanna Mat. 21.9 thou which art in the highest heavens who hath giuen vs to inherite the Kingdome prepared for vs Mat. 25.34 from the fâ—undation of the world And therefore weak Soule Why art thou affâ—aied Is it of the Devill hee can not hurt one haire of tâ—iâ—e head Mat. 8.31.32 without thy Kings will Art thou troubled with sickenesses At his command they depart Mar. 1.31 Are enemies risen against thee Hee can crushe with a Scepter of Iron Psal 2.9 and breake them in pieces like a Potters vessell Art thou astonished at Death 1. Cor. 15.55 Death is swallowed vp in victorie feare not therefore feeble Soule For it pleaseth the Father to giue thee his Kingdome Luc. 12.32 who can therfore separate thee from the loue of Christ bee perswaded that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor thinges present nor thinges to come nor hight nor deepe nor any other creature shal bee able to separate thee from the loue of God Rom. 8.35 38.39 which is in Christ Iesus our Lord for he hath al power in heaven Mat. 11. â—7 and in earth His Kingdome is not subject to change and vanitie but eternall Iohn 3.35 and reacheth aboue the heavens and the earth and the depths therof Ier. 6.7 Therefore poore Soule place thy treasâ—â—e in heaven but alace as the Fountaine casteth out her waters so doe wee cast out our malice Let the world bee crucified to vs and vs to the world Gal. 6.14 For if wee bee dead with him wee shall also liue with him 2. Tim. 2.11.22 if wee suffer with him wee shall reigne with him if wee be therefore troubled with the Children of this vvorld remember my Soule his Kingdome is not of this world Iohn 16.33 in the world thou shall suffer affliction but be of good comfort bee hath overcome the world This his Kingdome is from Sea to Sea Psal 72.8 and to the last parts of the earth and it is governed by the preaching of the Gospel Heb. 2.8 who in place of taking tribute from his subjects Luc. 24.47 hath caried vpon him our sorrowes plagued of God Esay 53.4 and smitten of God and humbled who hath giuen vs eternall goods as Righteousnesse Rom. 14.17 Peace and joye in the holie Ghost And therefore my Soule bee wise serue the Lord in feare and rejoyce in trembling Psal 2.10.11.12 kisse the Sonne least hee bee angrie and thou perish in the way when his wrath shall suddenlie burne blessed are all they that trust in him I came in the world to witnes the Trueth Iohn 14.6 who am the Way Veritie and Life to giue knowledg of salvation vnto my people by remission of their sins Luc. 1.77 that all that beleeue in mee â—ohn 3.15 should not perish but haue everlasting life Hee is therefore not onlie the Teacher of that heavenly wisedome Iohn 3.32 but is also made our wisdome from God 1. Cor. 1. 30 Receiue therefore comfortles Soule receiue his testimonie Hee that receiueth his testimony Iohn 3.33 hath sealed that God is true for hee whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giueth him not the spirit by measure Iohn 8.47 he that is of the Trueth doeth heare his voice be that is not of God Iohn 10.27 heares not Gods word Iohn 12 48. for the word that hee hath spoken shall judge him in the last day Verily he that heareth his word Iohn 5.24 and beleeueth in him that sent him hath everlasting life and shall not come vnto conâ—emnation but hath passed from death vnto Life So Pilat comming from the Common-Hall testified Christs innocencie but herein hee offended that hee did not deliver him who suffred wrong from the band of the oppressor Eccl. 4.9 but was faint hearted when he judged Iam. 1.26 All this while in silence and patience our Saviour possessed his soule vseing great moderation in speeches 1. Pet. 3.10 If thou lay thy injurie poore Soule at Christs feete hee will avenge it if thy wrong hee will repare it 1. Cor. 6.7 if thy sorrow he will care it And therefore learne to suffer wrong and sustaine harme Thy Christ sad Soule is thy patron and Advocate in the presence of God who by his silence hath opened thy mouth giueÌ„ thee libertie to speak for because thou art his son hath sent forth the Spirit of his Sonne into thy heart Gal. 4.9 which cryeth Abba Father Let not therefore thy vnworthinesse dash thee so that thou should bee frighted Therefore come boldlie vnto the Throne of grace Heb. 4.16 that thou mayest receiue mercie and grace in the time of need The third Step of the third degree of the ascension of the Soule to Heaven c. NOw must Christ pas to Herod
Beleeuest thou that wheÌ„ the Sonne of man shall come that bee shall find faith and trueth in the earth They therefore desire this bloodie Fellow to bee put to liberty Deut. 11.12.13 that against the Law and the Innocent to be condemned Whosoeuer in place of Iustice doth not stay sin when hee may by his over-sight giueth waye to it Punish thou them therefore that thou bee not punisht for them How odious is this comparison Mat. 12.2 Christ the Author and Prince of Peace and Salvation Barabbas a mutinous bloodie Rogue Christ the Physician of al our sores the restorer of the dead vnto life Barabbas a inflicter of wouÌ„ds and man slayer Christ a most perfite and absolute Patron 1. Pet. 2.21 and example of all vertue Barabbas filthily defiled within with our with all kind of vices Infinite is the difference betwixt them and yet Barabas by vote and voyce of the people is delivered The punishment of One Rom. 5. 15. doth satisfie for the wickednesse of many So the libertie to sin breedes occasion to verie many to doe the like better burne and cut one member rather than the whole bodie perish Thus is the prophesie fulfilled Esay 53.12 Hee hath poured out his Soule vnto death hee was counted with the transgâ—essors and bee bare the sinnes of many and prayed for the trespassers Consider heere my Soule howe vile and filthie a thing Sinne is which did dryue Christ to such deepe ignominy that hee is judged more contemptiblie than a common Briggand and Villane But this is thy sure coÌ„fort against the wrath of God that heereby hee hath delivered thee from euerlasting shame and giuen thee a beautifull and happie Inheritance in the heavens For it doeth not appeare now what wee are but when this corruption shall put on incorruption 1. Cor. 15.53 and bee translated in the glorious libertie of the Sonnes of God Rom. 8. 21. then shall wee bee like vnto him gathered from the shame of eternall death to the Citie of the liuing God the celestiall Ierusalem into the companie of innumerable Angels and to God the Iudge of all and to the spirites of just and perfect men Heb. 12.22.23 and to Iesus the Mediator of the New-Testament to the Blood of sprinkling And not onelie Herods resembling the Iew and Pilate representing the Gentile two supreame Magistrates but al so Pilates vvife hauing her dreame gouerned by Gods providence giueth testimonie of Christs innocencie to make both Iudge Iewes the more inexcuseable A Woman truelie for modestie to bee commended that did not take vpon her Esay 45.24 any civile government but made intimation by message to her husband not to medle with Iesus Christ And for Counsell admirable farre contrarie to Iezabel 1. King â—1 7.8 who gaue advyse to idolatrous Achab how to possesse himselfe in Naboths Vine-yard for the which impietie shee was justlie punished and not shee onlie but the whole house and posteritie of Achab destroyed Let women here learne what it is to giue their husbandes bad and sinistrous informations lest the iniquitie redownd to both their posterities Indeede womens counsell is not to bee rejected but wiselie to bee ballanced Such was Abigall her counsell to Dauid 1. Sam. 25.23.24 which broght great loue before God and credite before men Men should not always ly vnder the directioÌ„ of their wiues but they shuld bee a sounding bell in their eares not to sin against Chrâ—st his members Pilat should haue pittied Christ if hee had loved his wife who had suffred much for him Now it is to be fulfilled which was prophesied He looked for judgment but behold oppression Esay 5.7 for righteousnesse behold a crying And againe I haue forsaken my house I haue left mine heritage I haue giuen the dearlie beloued of my Soule vnto the hands of enemies mine heritage is vnto mee as a Lyon in the Forrest it cryeth out against mee therefore haue I bated it But beholde Pilate heere greatly contraveened the law of Iustice hee knew of malicious envie Christ to bee accused yet to mitigate the Iewes mind so highlie incensed against our Saviour and to free him from the punishmeÌ„t of death commanded him to be whipped If they had known the God of Glorie 1. Cor. 2.8 they had not delt so contumeliouslie with him Great things such as are heavenlie and spirituall are contemned by the worlde But vanitie and such as are foolish deceitfulnesse and pleasures heere belowe are in great admiration but far other ways was Moses choice wheÌ„ he came to age refused to be called the sonne of Pharaohs daughter and choose rather to suffer adversitie with the people of God Heb. 11.24 25.26 than to enjoye the pleasures of sinne for a season esteeming the rebuke of Christ great riches more than the treasures of Egypt for hee had respect vnto the recompense of the reward And heere consider my Soule that Christ was scourged not of one but of many this shame would thy Cautioner vnder-goe Mat. 5 1â— not onelie to leaue thee heere an exsample of his patience Act. 5.41 11 1â— 11.15 but also to sanctifie the diseases sicknesses which hee vseth as scourges to daunt and chastise thy wantonesse Now a crowne of Thornes is platted on his head for the Lord vseth their hands Psal 1. 16. for his Coronation Heere meditate my Soule the reparation of Adams curse Gen. 3. 18. to whom thornes and briers for his rebellion was a punishment 1. Cor. 1â— 56.57 and the point and sharpnesse of our sinnes are blunted by his satisfaction for them which are briers to pierce vs through Come forth yee Daughters of Syon and behold thy King Salomon a type of Christ with the crown wherwith his mother the Iewish Church crowned him in the day of his marriage Cant. 3. 11. and in the day of the gladnesse of his heart for earnestlie desired be to eate that Pascall Lambe with them his greatest triumph is in his sufferings Hee is cloathed with a Purple garment the signe of Labour wrestling and victorie for hee was all imbrodered with his own blood This combat with Death he tooke in hand for vs for it was we that clad him there with all And all our life here is nothing else but a continuall war-fare but in the end we shall be more than Conquerours by him who loueth vs Rom. 8 3â— and washed vs in that Lambes blood He is buffetted that we should not bee plagued euerlastingly with Sathan There is a Râ—ed put in his right haÌ„d in place of a kinglie Scepter wherby they wold insinuate that his Kingdome was waste and voyde and brittle subject to euery winde and blast of stormie tempest as the Râ—ede is And that his Kingdome was not guarded with anie humane helpe far are they deceiued His Kingdome is an euerlasting Kingdome for hee hath receiued the Heathen for his Inheritance
as by a courtaine from â—he sight of the people and Priests But at Christs suffering these shadows were taken away no more vse of that Vaile Whereby the holie Ghoste signifieeth this that the way into the boliest of all was not yet opened whilest as yet the first Tabernacle was standing this earthlie vaile rave asunder at the voyce of the Lord. But the Iewes mindes are hardened for vntill this day remaineth the covering vntaken away 2. Cor. 3. 15 for the Vaile is laid over their hearts but when their heartes shall bee turned to the Lord the Vaile shall bee taken away So hard and evill it is to doe against the knowledge and conscience wherof coÌ„meth a reprobate sense which is past all-feeling that sooner a stone shall heare thaÌ„ they will obey They were admonished of the subversioÌ„ of the Temple and of their Citie and that there was no difference now betwixt Iew nor Gentile Gal. 3.28 but the partition wall beeing demolished they had â—like communion by faith in Iesus Christ Act. 10.34 The Earth also did tremble whilst the Soule of the Lord separated from his Bodie threatening to swallow them vp Num. 16.32 as it had done to other rebellious obstinate before which were not worthie that the earth shouldst beare but either to receiue them in her mouth to consume them or else to spew them out according to the Lordes commination in his Law Lev. 20.22 Thus the Earth did preach groane Rom. 8.22 and travell in pain but they hardened their neckes and would no returne to bee healed It quaked the foundations of the Mountaines moued shooke Psal 18.7 because bee was angrie at their obduration And should not the Land tremble for this and euerie one mourne that dwelleth therein Amos. 8.8 The Mountaines also did cleaue to fall on them which would not suffer the dishonour of their Maker but they were nothing moued with it so much were they voyde of light in their soule A mighty strong wind rent the Mountains and broke the Rockes before the Lord but this people 1. King 9. 11. neither by the word of God by natural sense or creatures voyd of reason will be taught no even then vvhen the Dead did rise for the Graues did ly open from three a clocke afternoone about which time the Lord gaue vp the ghost all that day all that night the nixt day the nixt night till that day in the morning that the Lord did rise by vertue of whose resurectioÌ„ Hos 13.14 the Saints arose and went into the Citie lowsing the bandes of the Graue 1. Co. 15.54.55 by his death but their hearts could not be opened But it behoueth vs all to compeare before his Tribunall Seate to receiue what we haue done in the bodie 2. Cor. 5.10 Rom. 14.10 good or evill The Saintes I say arose for his glorious resurrection belonged onelie to them vvhich beeing sanctified in Christ did die in the Lord and they all shall goe into that holy Citie Dan. 12.25 even that Ierusalem Gal. 4.26 the Mother of vs all which is aboue to abide with Christ for euer 1. Thess 4.6 The senselesse creatures the Saintes departed the Gentiles Centurion and Officers did all testifie of Christ everie one in their owne degre but the Pharises Scribes and Elders vvere no whit moued For this Centurion confessed of a suretie that this man was just And such as before lacked the feare of God feared greatlie saying Truelie this man is the Sonne of God the poore multitud which cried Crucifie him went smiting their breasts but the Priests wer not touched neither by worde nor vvorke they had judgment and vnderstanding had read the Prophetes yet repined against the holâ—e Ghost Act. 7.51 and against their conscience opponing themselves to the knowne trueth The Centurion was rather prickt in his soule as the Iewes were at Peters Sermon and Christ is glorified of him Act. 2.37 when hee appeared to be quite forgotten and gotte moe friendes in his death than in his life for this precious Sacrifice hanging on the Crosse did cast such a sweete smell on the earth that they wâ—o vvere his enemies went away mourning beating their breastes Luc. 18.13 testifying their dolour resolving that if God wold deale with them in his judgement Psal 143.2 they were worthy of eternal damnation Neither were women ashamed to beare record of the Loue and Faith they had to the Lord Iesus for some stood so neare that hee did speak to them froÌ„ the crosse and they heard him and wheÌ„ he was dead Luc. 23.59 they would not depart froÌ„ him their hearts were so linked with him he who is a sweete perfume incense in the nose thirles of the Father is a fragrant odour and smell vnto them For moe of them followed Christ to the Crosse than men which were favourers of him did minister to him on their own charges Christs innocencie made them not to shrink but constantly to fight vnto the end against al temptations 2. Tim. 4.7.8 that they may receiue the Crowne They vvere fed vvith that Bread of Life that came out of his mouth 1. Tim. 5.17.18 and they communicated vnto him freely liberallie that which they had Christ was poore 2. Cor. 8.9 to mak vs rich Iohn and Peter had not a farthing to giue the Creple Act. 3.6 and Paul wrought vvith his hands for his bread Act. 18.3 That that thou can not doe to Christ in his owne person 1. Cor. 4.10 11. doe to his members But this is remarkable that these vvomen haue the honour to be ey witnesses of the death and resurrection of Iesus Christe Deu. 15. 11 and themselves to bee preachers of it to the Apostles Esay 51.7 and to haue the names of some of them to bee registrated perpetuallie to their everlasting praise yea and to bee written in heaven eternallie for so it falls out often that the weaker and simpler the sex bee the more spiritually it is disposed and affectionated to heavenlie thinges for if any man seeme to bee wise in this world 1. Cor. 3.18 let him bee a foole that hee may bee wise Novv the taking down of his Bodie from the Crosse commeth by a request made by his enemies to Pilate Deut. 21.23 That there shuld not be a breach of the Law for these that were hanged They straine a gnat Mat. 23.23 and swallow a camel they were spoilde of all power they can neither put on nor tak off the crosse slaues were they which wold not acknowledge the true King of Glorie vvho would haue made theÌ„ free And this petition they sought not for any pittie they had on him but the Lord so appointed it Exod. 12.46 that hee should not lacke even the support of his foes yet it lay not in their hands
to breake one bone of him 1. Cor. 5.7 for he is our Passeover who sacrificed for vs died was peirced with a lance yet his Legges was not broken His members may be tossed with many calamities but shall not bee utterlie forsaken for many bee the troubles of the righteous but the Lord shall deliver him out of them all Psal 34.19.20 The Lord would haue manie witnesses of his death the executioners the Souldier with his speare and the testimonye that the creatures gaue For without shedding of blood and death there had beene no remission of sins for vs They vvere enemies to the Crosse of Iesus Christ yet did they record the truth for our well Neither did this Souldier alone but mâ—nie moe now doe pierce his side Rom. 6.9 whilest he sitteth at the right haÌ„d of the Fâ—ther by mocking and contemning him in his word Mal. 3.8 Zach. 2.8 defrauding him of the meanes of his glorie Act. 9.4 for hee that toucheth his Saintes toucheth the apple of his eye as it was spoken of Paul persecuting him And this was done to confirme Gods power Zach. 12.10 and providence forespoken by the Prophet vvhich vvhich they did accomplish of meere ignorance Therefore out of his heart came Blood and Water Blood for the finest cleanest is about the heart and Water by the which liquor the heate of the heart is cooled and refreshed for as yet the Body was warme No man can liue when his heart blood is shed which is the seat of Life This signifieth a power flowing from his death to the remission of sinnes 1. Iohn 6.6 washing of our foule nature which tvvo great blessinges are represented vnto vs in two Sacraments of Baptisme the Lordes Supper Num. 20. 11. for as Moses while hee smote the Rocke water did come foorth to refresh the people So Blood and Water did gush out at Christs side for the benefite of the vvhole vvorld which is that Laver 1. Cor. 10.4 wherein our soules are purged from their inward spottes 1. Iohn 1.7 For as in Egypt when the first begotten was killed so many as had the posts of their doores marked with the blood were free so by this Lambes Blood that bringeth salvation to the world Heb. 9.13 are wee delivered by Faith from destruction that wee may serue him in righteousnes and holines And not presume to be so bold Tit. 2. 11 as by our profane life to tread his Blood vnder foote Nowe heere is a place for thee at his verie heart deare Soule where thou mayst creepe in and rest thee for as out of the side Eue was taken while Adam did sleepe so now is hee cleanseing and purifying his Church by redemption regeneration in this time of his death The fift Degree and first Steppe of the ascension of the Soule vnto Heaven by meditation of the buriall of our Lord Iesus Christ NOwe hath his verie enemies procured at Pilate that hee should bee taken from the Crosse Iohn 19.31 That blessed Corps beeing layde on the ground Ioseph a rich just godlie Disciple of Christ boldlie begged the dead Corps at the hands of Pilat that as his death was notable so should his buriall be also his glorious resurrection bee made famous Hee was not taken from the Crosse without leaue of the Magistrate nor buryed with out the same as he vvas not condemned but by the Magistrate that thou mighâ—st be fullie fred from all points of the Iustice of Gods wrath for sinne For if this power had beene in the Iewes hands they wold haue opponed themselves to heape more shame and ignominy vpon him but the Lord will haue a noble man and a notable faire place appointed to this worke that the honour of the Son and his glorie should beginne at the buriall which was shamefull in it selfe and that hee should bee instrument 1 Pet. 3.7 who shuld be hiere with him of that Kingdome of glorie and of that life All the glorie of this world pertaineth to the faithfull howsoeuer they apeare to haue least part thereof Ioseph is called to this great honour 1. Cor. 1.26 which is rare to be seene in men of like conditioÌ„ for the Lord in his death was more mightie theÌ„ in his life For when the corne of wheat lyeth in the ground and dieth as Christ foretold of the power of his death it fructifieth Iohn 12.24 and bringeth foorth much fruite for where euer the dead Carcase is thither doe the Eagles resort Of the which number this Counsellour was who looked for the Kingdome of God and there is no mention of such another great man but Nicodemus Iohn 7.50 who opponed himself to the death of Christ in the counsel for God hath his own in everie part 2. King 19 10. Rom. 11.4 of whom hee vvill bee served albeit he durst not for feare of the Iewes openlie professe â—say 42.3 yet the Lord will not breake the bruised reede nor quensh the smoaking flaxe To the supplication of Ioseph Pilat yeelded but wondred that Christ was so seene dead whose miracles was so many the shortnesse of his life vpon the Crosse floorishing time of his age which was thirtie three yeares and some od months which imported that the death of Iesus was extraordinarie Iohn 10.17 who onelie had power to lay it downe Ioseph therefore bought a fine linnen cloath to wrappe the Bodie of Iesus in and Nicodemus an hundreth pound weight of a mixture of Myrrhe Aloes The wisedome the learning and the riches of these men were cast at Christs feete vvhereof they counâ—ed much of before they had a sight of Iesus nowe they counted all but dongue Phil. 1. They felt a sweet savour and odour comming to them froÌ„ his death therfore would they meete it with a sweet savour But there needed no odours to preserue it beeing filled with the presence of God Wherefore with one concord coÌ„stantlie they accomplished his buriall after the custome of the Iewes that is honourablie Act. 9.37 for never was a more honourable Man than Christ and all these vvere ceremonies the rest of their washings were figurs of him to come vvho is the earnest of our resurrection For he shall raise all these which doe sleepe in monuments In a newe graue therefore hewen out of a stone by Ioseph to his owne vse was hee laide in a Garden neare by Ierusalem that Christs buriall might be the more honourable in how much as he was aboue all the kinges of the world separated from sinners and made higher than the heavens The Father had his loving care of him albeit he appeared to haue forsaken him on the Crosse Hee is buried in another mans Sepulchre for hee died for the sins and salvation of others that hee might sanctifie our burials by comming vnto them and from them to ascend to the heavens But remember poore Soule it