Tetrach of Galile in such perilous cace wherein Pilate coulde not absolve the innocent and haue the favour of the Iewes vnlesse hee hadde perverted Iustice but casteth this fire in Herod his enemies skirt for that he was of his jurisdictioÌ„ and that hee had punisht Iudas and Theudas Galileans for insurrection before But most of all would God draw out of Herod a testimonie of Christ Iesus innocencie Such subtersuges evasions did Pilat brotch because they were at fead hee presented him and gifted the Person of Iesus Christ the best gift that ever was giuen if he had rightlie vnderstood for by this meanes Luc. 23.12 Herod and Pilat were reconcealed the same day But the providence of God doeth shine most heere For as Christ came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance Mat. 9.13 but sinners to repentance so to diverse sortes degrees of people doth hee offer himselfe to Herod his Courteours which will not admit his Grace but despise the day of their peace Hee looketh for some miracle of his curiosity to be don by Christ as a Iugler so doeth the children of this world hunt after their pleasure in the Gospel which when it will not afscord they loath the same Herod therefore did aske Christ of many things as fooles which doe not knowe what they would haue His mind was not to be instructed but to haue occasion of calumny Hâ—e that will bee informed of Christe muste as a Disciple come with humilitie and earnest desire to learne but the Iewes inquired a signe 1. Cor. 1. 22 23. as the Grecians sought after wisedom But Christ crucified vnto the Iewes is a stumbling block vnto the Grecians foolishnesse This Herod was Archilans brother Mat. 2. the sonne of that Herod who killed the Infantes Luc. 9. and beheaded Iohn In great policie therefore demanded he questions of Christ to catch occasion against our Saviour For after his Fathers example hee would haue the whole seed of David rooted out that hee might reign alone But Christ will not cast pearles before Swine neither giue that that is holie vnto Dogs Mat. 7.6 And therefore he is mocked of the Courteours for as the Iudge of the people is himselfe so are his Officers and what manner of man the Ruler of the Citie is Eccl. 10. â— such are they that dwell therein Thus was he in whom the God-head dwelleth bodilie and in whom are all the treasures of wisedome Col. 2. knowledge and vnderstanding disdainfullie intertained of these Courteours and vsually it is so that in highest places where wealth and pleasure abounds small regarde is had of Christ and his word The servants of Saul would not kill Abimelech at his command 1. Sam. 22.17 1. King 18 3. Abdiab hid an hundâ—eth Prophets whom King Achab bad appointed to death These doe accompt Christ a foole in cloathing him in white rayment For so doth the world esteeme the preaching of the Gospel 1. Cor. 1.23 to bee foolishnesse But Herod ignorantlie by this Badge declared the innocencie of Christe and that shortlie Christe should enter into his Kingdome yea they honour him while as they contemne him in cloathing him with this Vesture as an Ephod he being both Priest and Lambe the sacrifice and sacrificer Herod therfore and Pilat who were before divided entered in friendship and conspired against Christ to take him out of the Land of the liuing but all in vaine Psal 2.1 The Kings of the Earth people may rage against God and his Anoynted but the Lord shall haue them in derision If Infidels could so shortlie be reconcealed laying apart all dissention Eph. 4.32 should wee not bee courteous one to another and tender hearted forgiving one another euen as God for Christes sake forgaue vs. And so much the more Eph. 2. 14. because Christ is our Peace-maker and our peace also who hath broken downe the partition wall and made of both Iewe and Gentile one Christ must be then broght home againe to Pilat who sought by all meanes to put Christe to libertie in commending of his innocency in making choyce of him with Barabbas in gratifying the Iewes by scourging of him exponing of him to the cruelty of Souldiers far against al Iustice seeing there was nothing to lay to his charge For such a Saviour it behoueth vs to haue Hâ—b 7.26 who should be free from all sinnes 1. Pet. 2.22 and that his verie enemies should beare record of his integritie for Herod was well acquainted with the Iewish religioÌ„ as Pilat was with the affaires of the Romanes but neither the one nor the other could impute anie thing to that Innocent who satisfied for vs that were guiltie And therefore Pilat bethought himself that the Iewes should not bee so starke mad and obstinate as to preferre a seditious murtherer to Christ giueth them option which of them to choose Iohn 5.25 but the blinded Iewe would kill him that quickned the dead Lev. 24.21 and deliver him that killed the liuing And this was a custome brought in besides the word of God Deut. 19.11.12 at the solemne day of the Passeouer Exod. 12.3 who were not contented of the Pascall Lambe onelie to signifie the deliverance from Egypt but would adde this ceremonie against reason and Iustice For Magistrates are the Ministers of God Rom. 136. to take vengeance on them that doe evill Gen. 9.6 and a blood-shedder should bee punished by the Law but we should not follow customes but Gods truth not suffer an evill vse to become a law Pilate knew that they had delivered Christ vnto him for envie Mat. 27.18 for Iesus did taxe their corrupt doctrine 1. Tim. 3.6 vitious maners This Envy is the daughter of Pride Gen. 4.5 for the proud must bee invyous This did cast downe the Devill Adam and Eue this made Cain kill his brother And what evill hath it not done Wisâ— 2.24 For by the envie of the Devill Death came into the world Iohn 6.15 Verie vnconstant is the voyce of the common multitude A little while before they would haue given him Princely honours but now they desire him to be crucified and that at the instigation of the Elders Ier. 23.1.2.3 Evill Magistrates either in Church or Common-wealth are noysome Pestilences The people did in great pompe Mar. 1.33 and frequent solemnitie oft-times resort to Iesus but now they turne to bee his adversaries and they that should haue carried the keyes of the Kingdom Mat. 23.13 they will not enter nor suffer others to enter but bloweth the bellowes of malice against Christ not in heart onelie Esay 48.4 by cogitation or privie grudge as the Iewes did before against Christ but by outward exclamation not one of the multitude but all Esay 1.6 impietie had so crept in as a canker and fire to consume the communalitie
the ends of the earth for his possession Psal 1.8.9 whom hee shall crush with a Scepter of yron and breake them in pieces like a Poters vessel In all these things Christ is innocent and so declared foure times by Pilate otherwayes hee could neuer haue justified vs nor yet could our Faith rest in him But it is wonderfull that the Lord wrought so with this reprobate Pilate before he put the decrâ—e of reprobation in execution inviting him to Repentance and suffering with long suffering the Vessel of wrath prepared to destruction but he according to his heart Rom. 2.4 that could not repent heapes vp vengeance against the day of the revelation of the just wrath of God And that nothing should be left of vnspeakeable disdaine and rigorous dealing with Christ they spitted in his Face on which the verie Angels delited to behold according to the prophesie which went before of him Esay 5.6 I hid not my face from shame and spitting and making a knee they saluted him as King they said truelie but it was not an earthlie but an heavenlie Kingdome Now deare Soule consider the estate of Christes Kingdome in this world It is not accompanied with Pleasures or Power or Strengtâ— of man but replenished with Thornes labours and dangers For whosoeuer will follow mee let him forsake himselfe Mat. 16.24 take vp his crosse and follow me Confirme therefore thine heart that thou mayest continue in thy faith for thou must goe throgh many afflictions ere thou enter into the Kingdome of God Act. 14.22 Wherefore these illusions and mockings of Christ doe strengthen vs against the wounds of Conscience all the bitter sorrowes of this life for his stripes are the plasters Esay 53.5 whereby our soules are cured and healed Adam fell from his innocencie for which Christe was â—â—ladde with Purple and was crowned with Thornes that hee might plat on the heads of the faithfull an eternall Crowne of Glorie Thus apparelled as a most miserable spectacle is hee brought foorth to the Iewes if possible hee might moue them to commiseration saying Behold the man Would euer such a despised creature vsurpe a Kingdome What thinke yee of him now so miserablie casten downe as yee see Hee is a man like vnto your selfe and not a beast He is your flesh your Brother Iohn 1.11 why are yee so cruellie bent against him Can not your hearts be inclined to pittie Vnto verie brutish creatures one would show more rueth and none would doe so muche outrage For a good man will haue pittie on his owne beast but the mercies of the wicked are cruell Well did the Prophet foresee this Who is this that commeth from Edom with red garmentes from Bozrah hee is glorious in his apparell and walketh in his great strength I speak in righteousnes and mightie to saue Wherefore is thine apparell red and thy garments like him that treadeth the wine-presse I haue troden the wine-presse alone and of all the people Esay 63.1.2.3 there was none with mee my blood is sprinkled vpon my garmentes and hath stained all my rayment Let vs therefore bee ashamed of sin wheÌ„ we looke vpon this face of Christ but especiallie detest Pride since the Sonne of God did so humble himselfe beneath all men Phil. 2.5.6.7.8 that hee might mount vs into the heauens But such is that more than barbarous crueltie of the Iewes yet not onlie are they not touched with any sense of mercie but becomme to bee more fierce raging against Christ and therfore put they in a new false delation That bee made himselfe the Sonne of God hee professed indeede Mat. 3.17 and that truelie that he was the Son of God for the voyce from heauen did testifie it but Veritie beside such stiffenecked people had no place therefore condemned him to die But O Iew if it bee the law against blasphemies that thou accusest the Saviour of the world of Deut. 13.13.14 why should hee not bee rather stoned to death why doest thou make the Law of God a courting to thy knauerie should it be thy pleasure and not Gods will to be obeyed Wherfore Pilat hearing this recent accusation against the Son of God asketh him not of his Country for he knew him to bee a Galilean but of his pedegrie parentage and descent fearing he had takeÌ„ his beginning from some of the gods of the Gentiles as Saturn Iupiter or Mars therefore should haue incurred their wrath and hatred be cause he had made Christ to be whipped For such were the fabulous foolish ignorances of the GeÌ„tiles that they made vnto themselues demi-gods or semi-goddes or children of the goddes as Bacchus to come from Iupiter Herculas to haue hadde his beginning from them This was it that made them of Listra Act. 14.11.12 wheÌ„ Paul Barnabas curing an impotent in his feete which was a creple from his mothers wombe to say Gods are come downe in the likenesse of men and they called Barnabas Iupiter and Paul Act. 14.12 Mercurius And therefore hee imagined gods to be avengers of these who disdained their progenie as Pentheus was â—eÌ„t because he despised Bacchus And now my Soule consider of these Iewes How doe yee say wee are wise Ier. 8.8 and the Lawe of the Lord is with vs should ye not haue searched Luc. 24.43 who and from whom Christ was when he called himselfe the Son of God Tit. 1.2 if bee had lyed which he could not why doe yee not punish him and if he spake the trueth why doe yee not worship him why doe ye not search your Scriptures Tit. 1.2 which testifie of him why doe yee not produce his workes to Pilate that it may appeare if hee bee the Sonne of God Why speakee ye not of him Iohn 11. 12. that was foure dayes dead and restored to life where is that widowes onely son the Prince of the Synagogues daughter Mat. 9.25 why doe yee not declare the way and meanes these miracles were perfected If thou beleeuâ—st not him beleeue his workes that hee doeth Iohn 1.14 told not hee that the word should bee made flesh was it not forespoken Behold a Virgine shall conceiue and beare a Sonne and they shall cal his Name Immanuel Esay 7.14 Can this Name agree to any but to him that is both God and Man And yet forsooth came shouting to an Heathen man Act. 14.16 that knew no Scripture and saw Iesus onely a man said they who hath made himselfe the Son of God Indeed he respected his false gods more thaÌ„ the true and onelie God 1. Cor. 8.6 he was more affrayed of his acounts in the administration of the Common-weale and Presidencie of Iudea to bee rendered to the Romane Emperour than of that great charge shall bee preciselie exacted of him in that day Esay 2.19 26.11 wheÌ„ we shall all bee presented before the
By the Passion of Iesus Christ And first wherein the holie and saving meditation thereof consisteth secondly which bee the principall parts of the Historie whereof some not all are handled THat worthely thou mayest vnder-stand these two thinges are necessarie First the knowledge of the History which is common to the Elect and the Reprobat Secondlie the spirituall notice and application thereof to thy selfe The first is necessarie for all that purpose to be saved but it is not enough and sufficient For how canst thou apply the passion of the Lord Iesus to thy selfe vnlesse thou be instructed therein Rom. 10.14 For how can they call vpon him in whom they haue not beleeued And how can they beleeue in him of whom they haue not heard And how shall they heare without a Preacher Iohn 8.56 Abraham had long agoe cognition heereof as Christ witnesseth Your father Abraham rejoyced to see my day and hee saw it and was glad So David in his 7.2 Psal and manie moe as if he had bene staÌ„ding by that wooden crosse and heard these words of Christs own mouth And Esay in his 53. hath clearlie the historie of the Passion as if he had beene at Golgotha in proper person yet this historicall knowledge doth shoot short For the Devils beleeue Iam. 1. and they tremble that is haue a simple naked knowledge Our looking vp to Heaven doth not transport vs thither So that bare knowledge doeth not joyne thee with GOD vnlesse there be added a spirituall mediâ—ation and speciall application of his death to thy selfe such as was in Abraham David and Esaias The Priestes and Elders the Pharisees Scribes and their servantes Pilate Herod and Iudas and innumerable moe knew this Historie whereof they were presidents and actours but never one of them voide of fault shall bee saved Heb. 11.6 yea it hade beene more tolerable to them never to haue seene nor heard of Christ Iohn 8 24. which maketh them the more inexcuseable For if hee bad not come and declared his Fathers will Mat. 11.21 they would haue had some clocke to pretend but now they haue none Remember all thy life-time is short Iam. 4.14 and insufficient for the true knowledge of this so high a mysterie of salvation which cannot be accordingly â—o the worth thereof expressed by any mortall and neither canst thou be fully ravished in admiration heereof It is not the saving vse of this Tragicall historie often to speake of it or with teares and lamentations Iohn 14. Luc. 23. or such humane feeling and sense to bewaile that the most righteous Sonne of God should haue vndergone such cruell and vndeserved punishmentes a most shamefull death it selfe much lesse to fall out in bitter imprecations and spitefull cursings against Pilate or Iudas remnant which contriued this innocent Lambes death but it should pearse deeper in thine heart and soule that his grace assisting draw and moue thee to earnest repentance 2. Cor. 10. not to be repented of patience in affliction thankfulnesse and brotherlie loue to abhorre and detest sinne for which our Saviour was so tormented never to dispare since for thy sake hee hath given him out of the deepe and gulfe of his love who was his enemie but seeing whilst thou was a sinner Rom. 5.8 Christ died for thee much more beeing now justified by his Blood shall thou bee saved from wrath through him For thou mayest bee perswaded that if when thou was a foe was reconcealed to God by the death of his Son Rom. 8.32 much more beeing reconcealed shalt thou bee saued by his Life for bee that gaue thee his Sonne will not hee giue thee all things also Especiallie during the time of thy life carie a thankfull heart to thy Redeemer that for maintainance and defence of his glorie Act. 21. â— thou would suffer all calamitie and miserie whatsoeuer yea death it selfe thus if it were possible to make a requitall to him But alwayes which is most acceptable in his sight by true faith establish thy confidence that after all the distresses of this wretched world are finished thy Redeemer shall stand the last on the earth Iob. 1 25.26 and though after thy skinne wormes destroy thy bodie yet shalt thou see GOD in thy flesh whom thou thy selfe shall see and thy eyes shall behold and none other for thee and so enjoye eternall felicitie with thy Christ in the Heavens who shall bee All in All. THE FIRST STEPPE in this Ladder to ascend are of thinges which went before his Crosse HERE consider my Soule how hee was betrayed by Iudas with a kisse Mat. 26.48 Whose delight was to be with the children of men Pro. 8.31 Accused of the Iewes who is the Iudge of the World Condemned vnder Pilate who would all to be saued 1. Tim. 2.4 and come to the knowledge of Trueth Crucified between two malefactors who is among the middest and in the middest of two or three gathered in his Name his Soule sore troubled Luc. 2.25 who is the consolation of his owne secrete ones his heart grieved who is the joye and mirth of his Elect Psal 66.1 his Bodie tormented with the nailing of his blessed Hands and Feete who created the Heavens and the Earth Deut. 32 18. Psal 110 1. and these bee the workes of his hands whose enemies shall bee made his foote-stoole With the pearcing of his gracious side which yeelded streames of Iordan-like blood Mat. 26.28 and water to cleanse our leprosie whereof one drop was sufficient satisfaction for infinite worlds be reason of the personall vnion of the Deitie therewith 1. Pet. 1.12 The bespitting and beating of that Face on which the Angels of the Heaven take pleasure to behold So the Son of God the Lord of glorie the Prince of peace was hainouslie ignominiouslie and cruellie entreated of miserable miscreants so hee which knew no sinne was made a sacrifice for sinne 2. Cor. 5.21 that wee might bee made the righteousnesse of God through him The Devill the prince of this world albeit a Lyar Iohn 8.44 a man-slayer from the beginning came and found in him nothing Iohn 8.46 yea who could rebuke him of sinne Now if the vaile of the Temple of senslesse stones was rent if the Earth did tremble which of it selfe was so firmelie sounded Psal 104.4 that it could not bee moued to condole the manifestatioun of that strange passion and hard Rockes raue asunder which thunder-boltes and Earthquakes could not divide If these creatures I say voyde of reason and sense expressed their sorrow reverence and obedience thus to their Creator Phil. 2.8 who had emptied and abased himselfe so to bee handled by the children of darknesse how can it be but thou my Soule who did the same and for whome it was done should bee much affected and feelinglie take to heart these vndeserved favours purchased for thee thy Bowells
filled full with reproaches and hath giuen his backe vnto the smitters and his cheeke to the nippers Esay 50.7 neither hid be his face from shame and spitting that thou mayst bee admonished of the greatnesse of thy sin and weight of Gods anger thou didst merite for thy sinnes in everlasting punishments in Hell So didst thou not O Lambe of God resist euill Mat. 3.39 but whosoeuer did smite thee on thy right cheek didst turne to him the other also euer beaten while life did laste thee By thy shame bloody blew-face bewtifull doe wee appeare who were deformed in sin Nowe it restes His examination and processe thereof to bee discussed Woe is mee poor Soule that not onely false recordes witnesses for wicked endes but that the Princes Elders should haue admitted suborned coÌ„stituted them without respect to the law of God Act. 6. 11. So Steven had proofe thereof God will never suffer his followers in this Ier. 7.4.5.6.7 to be destitute of comfort Mat. 7.21 For wee should not haue Christ in our mouth but doe the will of him that sent him else all boasting of the Temple of God is to no effect for what hath the wicked adoe to declare his ordinances Psal 50.16 17. or take his Covenant in their mouth seeing they hate to bee reformed and doe cast his words behind them But what did these false witnesses they could doe no other than to mixe Trueth with Falset or interprete against the minde of the speaker right done or thinges spoken falslie Our Saviour had said Destroy this Temple Iohn 2.19 and in three dayes I will raise it vp againe But they said I can destroy this Temple he meaning of his bodie they of the materiall temple Christ said I will raise it vp againe they said hee would build it Great are the offences deare Soule which false witnesses commit against God Exod. 20. whose commandement they wilfully break against the Son who is Trueth it selfe against the holy Ghost whose habitation they defile with lies For the mouth that lieth killeth the Soule yea and offendeth against the Iudge who beleeueth them and against their neighbour who falleth in the hazard of his life and goods as of Naboth 1. King 21.9 And therefore Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord but they that deale truely are his delight Pro. 12.22 and reason for false witnesses shall not bee vâ—punished Pro. 19.9 and bee that speaketh lies shall perish And therefore deare Soule come never in custome hereof for both spirituall corporall punishments abideth them For he that slandereth not with his tongue nor doeth evill to his neighbour nor receiueth a false report against his neighbour Psal 15.2.3 shal rest in the Lords Mountaine And therefore speake trueth in the heart for when inquisition shall bee made and thy witnesse bee found false Deut. 19.19 shall bee done vnto thee as thou thoughtest to doe vnto thy brother Therefore my Soule eschew the thing that is euill and bee not ashamed to say the truth for thy life Accept no person against thine own conscience that thou bee not confounded to thy owne decay Eccl. 4.33 Heere then hee admits al while the witnesse proue nothing but appointeth as Darius did in favours of his Nobles Dan. 6.16 our Daniel to be casten in the Den of Lyons Now what is Christ thy Saviours part in all this businesse he holds his peace First to accomplish the prophesie Esay 53.7 next a graue example of patience If the Iudge doe thee wronge thou art no better than Christ was commit thy cause vnto God Psal 146.7 which executeth justice for the oppressed looseth the prisoners Trueth may bee hid but not overcome iniquitie may floorish for a time but can not bee permanent His innocencie also heere appeares which behoued to be that we might be made the righteousnes of God by him 2. Cor. 5.21 And these things he suffered the night-tyde that the licentious in a soft bed wheÌ„ his head Prince and King did suffer these thinges by night should earnestlie regard them I see Annas doth not loose our Saviour which of compassion did loose the Daughter of Abraham whom SathaÌ„ bound many yeeres Sampson by vertue of the haire of his heade could burst the bonds of strange womeÌ„ but Christ after so many miracles wonders and powers done by him willinglie gaue himself bound to releiue our bondes Our Saviour being asked if hee was Messias not onelie confessed but told he should come in judgement in visible forme at which the high Priest rent his rayment and accused the most Innocent of blasphemie I pray thee why doest thou adjure the Sonne of GOD it was not to find out trueth but occasion of death if any could bee such as was in Achab who ajured Micha the sonne of Iemlie whom he presentlie committed to fetters The sleeping of the Conscience is common both to the wicked and to the godlie and it should bee diligentlie attended vnto that it may be tymouslie wakened for the longer the Conscience lyeth in sinne the bitterer and harder the wakening will bee David did lye a yeare in this stuÌ„ber and after adulterie 2. Sam. 11 4. committed murther yet the Lord in mercie wakened him Ready is it to bee lulled asleepe and of all judgements a sleeping conscience is the greatest happie is hee that finds him reconceiled to his God a wakening conscience will tell thee when thou hast done euill that thou mayst haue displeasure repent wheÌ„ thou hast don well thou mayst haue joy through Iesus Christ Rom. 2.19 of whom wee haue our sufficiencie and without whom wee cannot thinke a good thought What is it then that he asketh of Christe is it concerning his Doctrine and his Disciples he did not point out any particular because hee had many to laye to his charge his dittay should haue beene made before hee was taken How should the high Priest bene ignorant that Christ was both Messias and the Son of God for hee saw his marveilous workes which testified of him he saw the Prophesies onelie fulfilled in his person Yet our Saviour did with his mouth confesse freely that he was the Sonne of the liuing God Heb. 4.15 which is the greatest coÌ„fort that euer can befal any soule that he hath the Sonne of the liuing God his Mediatour Priest and King and companion in all his calamities And shall not such a mightie King revenge the injuries done to his members Truely he will not onely take the defence of theÌ„ in this world but draw them as his own flesh bones to himselfe for hee is gone to prepare a place for them Iohn 14.3 and will come againe and receiue them to himselfe that where hee is they may bee also For what can bee more comfortable my Soule thaÌ„ to remember wee haue such an omnipotent and everlasting King not onely night day to
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
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