A Supplement to Knowledge and Practice, Part 1 · Chapter 3 · Section 4

A Supplement to Knowledge and Practice · Part 1 · Chapter 3 · Section 4

p. 100SECT. IV. Of our Saviours Life.

HAving thus ſpoken of our Saviours Birth, and how he came into the World, it will be requiſite we ſhould now ſpeak of his Life, and how he lived and converſed in this World, which the Ancient Creed mentions nothing of, but paſſes immediately from his being conceived by the Holy Ghoſt, and born of the Virgin Mary to his ſuffering under Pontius Pilat. I have in my Harmony of the Four Evangeliſts fully ſet forth the Hiſtory of the Life of our bleſſed Lord and Saviour. Here I ſhall only give a ſhort Summary of what I have there more largely delivered, to which I refer my Reader.

The Life of our Saviour we have divided into Six Parts, and in each Part have taken notice of the Particulars obſervable.

The Firſt Part of our Saviours life was from his Birth to his Baptiſm containing, the ſpace of about Thirty Years. In which we have theſe particulars.

1 At Eight days old he was Circumciſed, Luke 2.21. Matth. 1.25.

2. Mary the Fortieth day after her delivery goeth up to Jeruſalem to the Temple to be purified, where ſhe and Joſeph preſent the Child Jeſus to the Lord according to the Law, Exod. 13.2, 12, 13. Mary preſents the offering for her Purification, viz. (being a poor Woman) a pair of Turtle Doves, Levit. 12.6, 8. Simeon and Anna here acknowledge him and propheſie of him, Luke 2. from 22. to 41.

3. This done, Joſeph and Mary return with Jeſus to Bethlehem, and there continue for ſome time. For about Two Years after our Saviours Birth, the Magi or Arabian Aſtronomers who had in their own Country, at our Saviours Birth, ſeen a ſtrange Star, or extraordinary brightneſs over Judea, and underſtanding either by ſome Old Propheſie, or New Revelation from God, that it ſignified the Birth of the Meſſias promiſed to the Jews, they being moved by the Spirit, come to Jeruſalem to inquire after the place where this New King ſhould be born. They are told by Herod, p. 101and the Prieſts that the Birth-place of the Meſſias was to be at Bethlehem. Herod bids them go, and inquire for him, and when they had found him, bring him word. They come to Bethlehem, and there finding him do homage to him, and preſent him with gifts. This done, being warned of God not to go back to Herod, they return into their own Countrey another way, Matth. 2. from 1. to 13.

4. After their departure Joſeph is warned by God in a Dream to fly into Egypt, and ſo provide for the life of the Child; which accordingly he did, and there He, Mary and the Child remained till Herod was dead. But in the mean time Herod finding himſelf deceived by the Magi, and thinking that this young Child had been ſtill at Bethlehem or thereabout, that he might be ſure to deſtroy him, he commands all the Male Children from Two years old and under that were in Bethlehem, or the Coaſts thereof to be killed, Mat. 2. from the 13. to the 19.

5. Not long after, Herod dying, Joſeph is warned of God in a Dream to return with the young Child unto the Land of Iſrael, which accordingly he did, and dwelt in the City of Nazareth, Mat. 2 from 19. to the end.

6. Chriſt at Twelve Years old is brought to Jeruſalem at the Paſſover, and there diſputes with the Doctors in the Temple. From hence he went down with his Parents to Nazareth again, and there lived privately till his Baptiſm, Luke 2. from 41. to the end.

.7 John Baptiſt being newly entred into his publick Miniſtry, preaches Repentance and Baptizes. He ſharply reprehends ſome of the Phariſees and Sadduces that came to be Baptized of him. He gives particular anſwers to the queſtions of the People, of the Publicans, and of the Soldiers enquiring what every one of them ought to do. He gives his firſt Teſtimony to Chriſt, preferring him before himſelf, Luke 3. from 1. to the 18. Mat. 3. from 1. to the 13. Mark 1. from 7. to 9.

The Second Part of our Saviours life from his Baptiſm to the Paſſover next enſuing containing the ſpace of half a Year, in which we have theſe particulars.

1. He is Baptiz'd by John in Jordan, and witneſſed from Heaven to be the Eternal Son of God, and a Second Teſtimony by John given of him, Mat. 3. from the 13. to the 18. Mark 1. from 9. to p. 10212. Joh. 1. from 15. to the 19. Luke 3. from 21. to 24.

2. Immediately after his Baptiſm he goes into the Wilderneſs, and is there aſſaulted by Satan with a Threefold Temptation, Mat. 4. from 1. to 12. Mark 1. from 12. to 14. Luke 4. from 1. to 14.

3. John being now Baptizing in Bathabara, ſome of the Phariſees come from the Sanedrim at Jeruſalem to enquire who he was. He tells them he was only the Fore-runner of the Meſſias, Joh. 1. from 19. to 29.

4. Chriſt now comes to John, whom John calls the Lamb of God, and declares that he was made known unto him to be the true Meſſias by the deſcending of the Holy Ghoſt upon him, John 1. from 29. to 35.

5. Upon this Teſtimony Two of John's Diſciples follow Jeſus, viz. Andrew and Peter, Joh. 1. from 35. to 43.

6. Chriſt calleth Philip, and Philip bringeth Nathanael to Chriſt, who acknowledges him to be the Son of God, Joh. 1. from 43. to the end.

7. Chriſt worketh his firſt Miracle at a Wedding in Cana, where he turns Water into Wine, and prepares to go unto the Paſſover now at hand, Joh. 2. from 1. to 13.

The Third Part of our Saviours life from the firſt Paſſover after his Baptiſm to the Second, wherein are comprehended the Acts of the firſt intire Year of his publick Miniſtry.

1. He purges the Temple of Buyers and Sellers, Joh. 2. from 13. to the end.

2. He inſtructs Nicodemus, concerning Regeneration and Faith in himſelf, Joh. 3. from. 1. to 22.

3. He inſtitutes Baptiſm**Baptiſm inſtituted, of which ſee a particular Tract at the end. appointing his Diſciples to Baptize, which they accordingly perform; John in the mean time Baptizeth in Enon, John 4.1, 2.

4. John's Diſciples take it ill that Chriſt was more followed than their Maſter; from whence John takes occaſion to inſtruct them in the difference betwixt himſelf and Chriſt; whoſe high dignity above himſelf he ſets forth and declares; as alſo what they ſhall have from Chriſt who believe in him; and what they are to expect who believe not in him, John 3. from 25. to the end.

5. Herod Antipas now caſts John into Priſon; for reproving his inceſtuous taking of Herodias, Luke 3. from 18. to 21. Mark 6. from 17. to 21. Mat. 14. from 3. to 6.

p. 1036. Chriſt hearing of John's impriſonment, leaves Judea, and reſolves to go into Galilee, Mat. 4.12. John 4. from 1. to 4. Mark 1.14.

7. Going into Galilee through Samaria, he talks with a Woman of Samaria, and revealeth himſelf to her, and inſtructs her concerning the right way of Worſhip; and that he is the Meſſiah: which ſhe relates to the Inhabitants of the City Sychar, many of whom come out to him. He declareth to his Diſciples upon this occaſion what is his principal meat and drink; and that now the time of his Spiritual Harveſt is at hand. Many of the Samaritans believe in him, John 4. from 4. to 43.

8. He goeth from thence into Galilee, and being at Cana, he healeth a Nobleman's Son with a word of his mouth, that lay ſick at Capernaum, John 4. from 43. to 55.

9. He preacheth with great fame in the Synagogues of the Galileans, Luke 4 from 14 to 16. Mark 4. from 14. to 16. Mat. 4.17.

10. He t…acheth in the Synagogue at Nazareth out of Eſai. 61. that he himſelf is the promiſed Meſſiah; and ſheweth by the inſtances of what was wrought by Elias for the Widow of Sarepta; and by Eliſeus for Naaman the Syrian, that Gods favours are free and gratuitous, and therefore he might beſtow them where he pleaſed, giving that for a reaſon why he did no Miracle there. They being angry with him endeavour to caſt him headlong from the brow of a H ll, but he paſſing through the midſt of them, eſcaped their hands, Luke 4. from 16. to 31.

11. He comes now to Capernaum, and teacheth there on the Sabbath day, Mat. 4. from 13. to 17. Luke 4.31.32. Mark 1.21.22.

12. In the Synagoue there he diſpoſſeſſes a man of an unclean Devil, Luke 4. from 33. to 38. Mark 1. from 23.29.

13. He cures Simon's Wife's Mother of a Fever, Luke 4. from 38. to 40. Mark 1. from 29. to 32. Mat. 8. from 14 to 16.

14. Alſo many other ſick and poſſeſſed Perſons, Mat. 8. from 16. to 18. Mark 1. from 32 to 35. Luke 4.40.41.

15. He goes from thence and preaches in many other Cities in Galilee, and caſts out Devils, Mark 1. from 35. to 40. Luke 4. from 42. to 45. Mat. 4. from 23. to 26.

16. He cleanſeth a Leper, ſending him to the Prieſt to offer for his cleanſing, according to the Law of Moſes, Mark 1. from 40. to the end. Luke 5. from 12. to 17. Mat. 8. from 2. to 5.

p. 10417. In the preſence of many of the Scribes and Phariſees, he cureth one ſick of the Palſie, that was let down through the Roof of the Houſe to him; and pronounceth his ſins to be forgiven him, and proves he had Authority ſo to do, Mark 2. from 1. to 13. Luke 5. from. 17. to 27. Mat. 9. from 2. to 9.

18. He teaches the Multitude out of Peter's Ship, and after a miraculous draught of Fiſh, which he had helped them to, he promiſes to make him and Andrew, James and John, Fiſhers of men, Luke 5. from 1. to 12. Mark 1. from 16. to 21. Mat. 4. from 18. to 23.

19. He calleth Matthew the Publican from the receipt of cuſtom to follow him, Mark 2. from 13. to 15. Mat. 9. Verſ. 9. Luke 5.27.28.

20. Matthew invites him, and many other Publicans and ſinners, to a Feaſt; to which he goes, and eats with them and juſtifies it, becauſe he was a Phyſician of Souls. He gives reaſon why his Diſciples faſted not at that time, as the Diſciples of John and the Phariſees did, Mat. 9. from 10. to 18. Mark 2. from 15. to 23. Luke 5. from 29. to the end.

The Fourth Part of our Saviours Life from the Second Paſſover after his Baptiſm to the Third, containing the Acts of the Second Year of his publick Miniſtry. In which we have theſe particulars.

1. Jeſus goeth again to Jeruſalem at the Paſſover, and there healeth on the Sabbath day a man that had had an infirmity Thirty eight Years, lying at the Bath of Betheſda; who at his command carries away his Bed, and being reproved for it by the Jews, he he juſtifies himſelf by the warrant he had from him, ſo to do. The Jews hereupon ſeek to put Jeſus to death, as one that brake the Sabbath, and made himſelf equal with God. Chriſt juſtifies this action, and aſſerts his equality and conjunction with the Father in all his works, ſuch as are raiſing the dead, judging, receiving Divine honour, ſaving ſinners, quickning thoſe that are dead in treſpaſſes and ſins: and farther ſhews by the Teſtimony of his Father, of John, and of his Miracles themſelves, and of the Scriptures, who he was, John 5. from 1. to the end.

2. His Diſciples pluck and eat Ears of Corn on the Sabbath day, and are by him defended for it againſt the Phariſees, by Scripture and reaſon, Luke 6. from 1. to 6. Mat. 12. from 1. to 9. Mark. 2. from 23. to 29.

p. 1053. He heals a man on the Sabbath day that had a withered hand, and proves that the Sabbath was not profaned thereby: Hereupon the Phariſees and Herodians conſult to deſtroy him, Mark 3. from 1. to the 7. Mat. 12. from 9. to 15. Luke 6. from 6. to 12.

4. To avoid this danger, he withdraws himſelf to a private place, but Multitudes flock to him, and he healeth the diſeaſed among them, forbidding them to noiſe it abroad, that the Propheſie of him Recorded, Iſa. 42.1. might be fulfilled, Mark 3. from 7. to 13. Mat. 12. from 15. to 22.

5. He goes up to a Mountain to Pray, and continues all Night in Prayer and then chuſeth out of his Diſciples Twelve Perſons to be his Apoſtles, whoſe Names are there ſet down, and gives a reaſon why he choſe Judas for one of them, Luke 6. from 10. to 17. Mark 3. from 13. to 20.

6. Then he cometh down with them, and healeth divers ſick Perſons, and the multitude ſo tumultuouſly flowed in upon them, that they had not time to eat Bread, and refreſh themſelves, Luke 6. from 17 to 20. Mark 3. from 19. to 22.

7. Seeing ſo great a Multitude there preſent, he went up into the Mountain again, as a place of advantage to ſpeak more audibly to them, and there preached that Divine and excellent Sermon, called the Sermon in the Mount, in which,

1. He propounds the eight Beatitudes.

2. He admoniſhes his Apoſtles of their duty, comparing them unto Salt, Light, and a City ſet on a Hill.

3. He ſhews he does not oppoſe the Law, or the Prophets.

4. He vindicates ſeveral Laws from the corrupt gloſſes of the Phariſees, viz. the Sixth, the Seventh and the Third Commandment, and the Law of Retaliation, and the Law of loving our Neighbours.

5. He inſtructs his Apoſtles concerning giving Alms, concerning Prayer (giving them a breviary or pattern of Prayer) and concerning faſting.

6. He diſſwades them from inordinate carking and caring for the things of this life; and adviſes them in the firſt place to ſeek Gods Kingdom and his Righteouſneſs.

7. He dehorts them from raſh judging, and from giving that which is Holy to Dogs.

8. Exhorts them to fervency in Prayer; to do as they would be done by; to ſtrive to enter in at the ſtrait Gate.

p. 1069. He gives them a Caveat to beware of falſe Prophets, teaching them how to diſcern them.

Laſtly, He ſhews them that it is not enough to profeſs him for their Lord and Maſter in words, except they do his will, and perform his command, Mat. Chap. 5. Chap. 6. Chap. 7. Luke Chap. 6. from 20. to 50.

8. Having ended his Sermon he goes to Capernaum, and there heals the Centurions Servant, by his word only, that lay ſick of the Palſie; and highly commendeth the Centurions faith; and upon this occaſion foretels the Calling, Converſion, and Salvation of the Gentiles. Luke 7. from 1. to 11. Mat. 8. from 15. to 14.

9. He raiſes from the dead a widows ſon at Nain, Luk. 7. fr. 11. to 18.

10. John being ſtill detained in Priſon, and hearing a great fame of Chriſt's Miracles, ſends Two of his Diſciples to him, (not ſo much for his own as their ſatisfaction) to know whether he were the Meſſiah or no. Chriſt proveth by his Doctrine and Works, that he is the Meſſiah: He gives a glorious Teſtimony of the Perſon and Office of John, as the firſt Preacher, that the Spiritual Kingdom of the Meſſiah was begun; into which Multitudes thronged, though the Phariſees rejected the counſel of God towards themſelves. He upbraids the Jews under the Parable of little Children in the Market place (ſometimes piping merrily, ſometimes ſinging mournfully) that they would not be won neither by John's Auſterity, nor his Affability. Particularly threatens the Cities of Corazim, Bethſaida; and Capernaum, with very heavy Judgments: He joyfully acquieſces in the good pleaſure of his Father, in hiding the myſteries of Salvation from the wordly wiſe (who will not ſubmit to the teachings of Chriſt) and revealing them to Babes and Sucklings: He ſhews, the power of revealing the Myſteries of the Kingdom of Heaven is commited to him by his Father; and thereupon invites all weary and heavy laden ſinners to come to him, and to take his Yoke upon them, promiſing them reſt, Luke 7. from 18. to 36. Mat. 11. from 2. to the end.

11. Simon a Phariſee invites him to eat with him, where Mary Magdalen bedeweth his feet with her tears, and wipeth them with her hair; whereat Simon is offended, but Chriſt defends her by the Parable of the debtors; he forgives her ſin and commends her Faith, Luke 7. from 36. to 51.

p. 10712. He goeth up and down with his Diſciples, Preaching the Goſpel, and certain pious women followed him, and miniſtred to him, of their goods; among whom was Mary Magdalen, out of whom ſeven Devils had been caſt, Luke 8. from 1. to 14.

13. He cures one ſo poſſeſſed, that the Devil had taken from him both the uſe of Eyes and Tongue. The Phariſees blaſpheme his Miracles, ſaying he did them by Belzebub, which he confutes ſeveral ways. He ſhews that Blaſphemy againſt the Holy Ghoſt, is never forgiven; that an account muſt be given of every idle word, Mat. 12. from 22. to 38. Mark 3. from 22. to 31.

14. He rebukes the Phariſees for ſeeking a new ſign: He refers them to that of Jonas, which typified his Reſurrection: He oppoſeth againſt their ſtiff-neckedneſs, the example of the Ninevites, and of the Queen of Sheba: by the ſimilitude of an unclean ſpirit, that was caſt out and returned again, he ſhews how it ſhall go with them, Mat. 12. from 38. to 46.

15. He ſhews whom he accounts his Mother and Brethren, Luk. 8 from 19. to 22. Mat. 12. from. to 51.46 Mark 3. from 31. to the end.

16. He teaches the People out of a Ship, preſenting unto them nine Parables. 1. Of the Sower, the Seed, and four ſorts of ground. 2. Of the Tares. 3. Of the Seed growing inſenſibly. 4. Of the grain of Muſtardſeed. 5. Of the Leven. 6. Of Treaſure hid in a field. 7. Of the Merchantman and the Pearl. 8. Of the Net. 9. Of the Candle ſet in a Candleſtick, and not put under a Buſhel. He ſhews the cauſe why he taught in Parables, and expounds them to his Diſciples, Mark 4. from 1. to 35. Mat. 13. from 1. to 53. Luke 8. from 4. to 19. Luke 13. from 18. to 22.

17. He paſſes over the Lake with his Diſciples, ſleeps in the Ship, and a great Tempeſt ariſing, he is awakened by them, he ſtilleth the Tempeſt, Mark 4. from 35. to 42. Mat. 8. from 23. to 28. Luke 8. from 22. to 26.

18. When they came on the other ſide of the Sea to the Countrey of the Gadarens, he there diſpoſſeſſeth a man of a Legion of Devils, and permits them to enter into a Herd of Swine, who thereupon ran headlong into the Sea: The Gaderens offended at this, deſire him to depart their Coaſts, which he doth, and commands him that was cured to abide there, to make known what great things he had done for him, Mat. 8. from 28. to 35. Mark 5. from 1. to 21. Luke 8. from 26. to 40.

p. 10819. He croſſes the Sea again to Capernaum, where he is gladly received, Mark 5.21. …uke 40. Mat. 9.1.

20. He raiſes Jairus's daughter that was dead, Luke 8. from 41. to 57. Mark 5. from 22. to the end, Mat. 9. from 18. to 27.

21. He reſtores two blind men to their ſight, Mat. 9. from 27. to 32.

22. He caſts a Devil out of a man, which made him ſpeechleſs, Mat. 9. from 32. to 35.

23. He teaches now at Nazareth his Countrey, where he is deſpiſed, Mark 6. from 1. to 7. Mat. 13. from 54. to 59.

24. He hath compaſſion on the multitude who were as Sheep without a Shepherd; and exhorts his Diſciples to pray that Labourers may be ſent into the Harveſt, Mat. 9. from 35. to 39.

25 He ſends out his twelve Apoſtles to Preach, and to work Miracles, he giveth them their Charge and Commiſſion, and fortifieth them againſt perſecutions, and promiſes a bleſſing to thoſe that receive them, Mat. 10. from 1. to 43. Mark 6. from 7. to 12. Luke 9. from 1. to 7.

26. The Apoſtles depart and Preach up and down, and caſt out Devils, and anoint ſuch as were ſick with Oyl, and recover them; Mark 6. from 12. to 14. Matth. 11.1.

27. John Baptiſt is now beheaded by Herod, and his body buried by his Diſciples, Mark 6. from 17 to 30. Mat. 14. from 3. to 13.

28. Herod hearing of the fame of Chriſt, thinks him to be John Baptiſt riſen from the Dead; others think him to be Elias or one of the old Prophets, Mat. 14.1, 2. Mark 6. from 14 to 18. Luke 9. from 7. to 10.

29. The Apoſtles having preached up and down, return to their Maſter, and give him an account of their Labours: He takes them with him into a deſert place, whither a great Multitude followed him, of about five thouſand men, whom he feedeth with five loaves and two fiſhes, Mark 6. from 30. to 45. Mat. 14 from 13. to 22. Luke 9. from 10. to 18. John 6. from 1. to 14.

30. The People are ſo affected with this Miracle that they would forthwith have made him King, but he withdraws himſelf to avoid it, and ſends his Diſciples to Sea; in the mean time retires himſelf to the Mountain to pray; then he cometh to his Diſciples (they being in a great Tempeſt) walking on the Sea; Peter deſires leave from him that he may come to him p. 109on the water, which being granted, Peter being afraid beginneth to ſink, but is ſaved by him. He ſtilleth the Tempeſt whereby he is acknowledged to be the Son of God: He comes again into the Land of Genezareth, and heals many ſick perſons, John 6. from 14. to 22. Mark 6. from 45. to 57. Mat. 14. from 22. to 37.

31. The multitude that had been miraculouſly fed by him, follow after him, and find him at Capernaum: He reproves them for following him for loaves, and admoniſhes them to ſeek for incorruptible food, which is to be obtained by Faith in him: He ſhews that Faith in him comes from the Father: He declares himſelf to be the Bread of life to true Believers; that his Fleſh is meat indeed, and his Blood drink indeed, which muſt be eaten and drunken Spiritually to obtain eternal life. At this Doctrine ſeveral of his Diſciples ſtumbled: he inſtructs them concerning the right ſence of his words: Many of his Diſciples forſake him: Peter and the other Apoſtles confeſs that he hath the words of eternal life, and abide with him: He declareth that one of them is a Devil, John 6. from 22. to the end.

The fifth part of our Saviours life, from the third Paſſeover after his Baptiſm, to the fourth, containing the Acts of the third year of his publick Miniſtry. In which we have theſe particulars.

1. Our Saviour now goeth up to the Paſſeover at Jeruſalem, and making there but a ſhort ſtay, returns into Galilee, John 7.1.

2. Certain Scribes and Phariſees come thither to him from Jeruſalem, and quarrel with him becauſe his Diſciples did eat with unwaſhen hands. He reproves their Hypocriſie and Tranſgreſſing of Gods Commandments through their Traditions, inſtancing in the Fifth Commandment. Then he ſheweth what it is that truly defileth a man, viz. that which cometh from within, out of the heart, Mat. 15. from 1. to 21. Mark 7. from 1. to 24.

3. He now retires himſelf into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, where he caſteth out a Devil out of the Daughter of a Canaanitiſh woman, highly commending the ſtrength of her Faith, who would not be diſcouraged though he called her Dog, Mat. 15. from 21. to 29. Mark 7. from 24. to 31.

4. He healeth one deaf and dumb, putting his fingers into his ears, and ſaying, Ephatha, and touching his Tongue, Mark 7. from 31. to 38.

p. 1105. He goeth up into a Mountain, and there he heals all manner of diſeaſed People brought unto him, Mat. 15. from 29. to 32.

6. He feeds four thouſand men with ſeven loaves and a few little Fiſhes, Mat. 15. from 32. to the end, Mark 8. from 1. to the 10.

7. He refuſes to give the Phariſees and Sadduces any new Sign from Heaven, but refers them to what was prefigured by the riſing of Jonah out of the Whales belly, Mark 8. from 10. to 13. Mat. 16. from 1. to 5.

8. He warneth his Diſciples of the leaven and corrupt Doctrine of the Phariſees, Sadducees and Herodians, Mark 8. from 13. to 22. Mat. 16. from 5. to 13.

9. At Bethſaida he reſtores a blind man to his ſight, Mark 8. from 22. to 27.

10. Divers opinions of the people concerning him. Peters confeſſion of him to be the true Meſſiah, whom he commendeth, and promiſeth upon the rock of that truth to build his Church, which he will govern by the Miniſtry of his Apoſtles and his other Servants that ſhall ſucceed them, giving them the Keys of his Kingdom. He foretelleth his Death and Reſurrection, and rejects the evil Counſel of Peter, diſſwading him from dying and ſuffering. He requires of all that would be his Diſciples, to be willing to bear the Croſs, and to be ready to lay down their lives for him. He gives them an intimation that ſome of them there preſent ſhould ſee a Type and reſemblance of his ſecond coming in the deſtruction he ſhould bring upon Jeruſalem, and the Jewiſh Nation by the Romans for their obſtinacy. Mat. 16. from 13. to 29. Mark 8. from 27. to the end. Mark 9.1. Luke 9. from 28. to 28.

11. He taketh Peter, James, and John into an high Mountain, and is transfigured before them; Moſes and Elias appearing to them: from Heaven he is declared to be the Son of God. He teacheth that John is that Elias that was to come, Mat. 17. from 1. to 14. Mark 9. from 2. to 14. Luke 9. from 18. to 37.

12. He caſteth out a Devil that inflicted dumbneſs and deafneſs on a Lunatick, which his Diſciples were not able to do, the cauſe whereof is declared, as alſo the power of Faith quickned by Faſting and Prayer, Mat. 17. from 14. to 22. Mark 9. from 14. to 30. Luke 9. from 37. to 43.

p. 11113. He again foretelleth his Death and Reſurrection, Mark 9. from 30. to 33. Mat. 17. from 22. to 24. Luke 9. from 43 to 46.

14. He pays the half ſhekel for himſelf and Peter, miraculouſly fetching it out of the Fiſhes mouth, Mat. 17. from 24. to 28.

15. He teacheth by the example of a little Child, who is the greateſt in the Kingdom of Heaven, and among his Diſciples. He forbiddeth to hinder ſuch as caſt out Devils in his name. He promiſeth a reward to any that do the leaſt good office to any that are his. He ſheweth what puniſhment they are worthy of, that give offence, and how narrowly men muſt beware they give not ſcandal to little ones, whom the Holy Angels do take care of, and whom he is come to ſave, as he declares by the ſimilitude of a loſt Sheep. He ſhews what miſchiefs are like to come to the World by reaſon of the offences and ſcandals. That we muſt refrain from whatſoever is an occaſſion of ſin, or an hindrance to Salvation, though as dear to us as our right eye, right hand, or foot, rather than go to Hell, where the worm dieth not, and where the fire is not quenched. That the hearts of Chriſtians muſt be ſeaſoned with the Salt of Grace and Holineſs, That they his Apoſtles are the Salt of the Earth, and muſt be of ſavoury Spirits themſelves, and by the Savourineſs of their Doctrine and Converſation, muſt ſeaſon others, and maintain concord and union among themſelves. He gives rules about dealing with a treſpaſſing and offending Brother, and ſhews what the office and power of the Church is in ſuch a caſe, when the firſt and ſecond admonition doth not prevail to reform him. He promiſes his gracious preſence with his Church, be the number great or ſmall, when they joyn together in Prayer or Church-cenſures. He ſhews how we muſt be ready always to forgive, which is declared by the Parable of a King, forgiving one of his ſervants ten thouſand Talents, who would not forgive a fellow ſervant of his one hundred pence, Mark 9. from 33. to the end. Mat. 18. from 1. to the end. Luke 9. from 46. to 51.

16 His Kinſmen now perſwade him to go up with them to Jeruſalem to the Feaſt of Tabernacles, which he refuſeth for the preſent to do, John 7. from 1. to 10.

17. But after ſome days he ſetteth forth privately with his own p. 112Diſciples for Jeruſalem, journeying thitherward through Samaria, the Samaritans refuſe him lodging; James and John deſire they may call for fire from Heaven upon them, but are rebuked by him for it, John 7.10. Luke 9. from 51. to 57.

18. He declares his poverty to a Scribe that had a mind to follow him; he commands another to follow him without delay, and not go home to bury his Father. To another, that would have gone home to take leave of his friends, he declares, that as he that ſtarteth from the Plough is not fit for the Field, no more is he that ſhifteth from his Calling fit for his ſervice, Luke 9. from 57. to the end. Mat. 8. from. 19. to 23.

19. He now ſendeth out his Diciples to preach the Goſpel and work Miracles. He inſtructs them how they ſhould fit themſelves for their journey, and how they ſhould carry themſelves towards their hearers: He threatens Corazin, Bethſaida, and Capernaum for their great impenitency and contempt of the Goſpel, Luke 10. from 1. to 17.

20. Being now come to Jeruſalem at the Feaſt of Tabernacles, he teacheth in the Temple, vindicates his Doctrine, and ſhews them how they may try Doctrines and Teachers: Then he vindicates his practice in healing the impotent man on the Sabbath day; divers opinions of the people concerning him: He proceeds on in teaching, which ſo inraged ſome of the Jews, that they ſought to take him, but for the preſent they could not. The Phariſees and chief Prieſts ſend their officers to apprehend him. He threatens the unbelieving Jews, that hereafter they ſhall ſeek him and ſhall not find him. On the laſt day of the Feaſt he invites unto him all that are ſpiritually athirſt, and promiſeth the Holy Ghoſt to thoſe that believe in him; upon this a diviſion ariſeth among the people: The Officers that were ſent to apprehend him return without bringing him Priſoner, and extol his Doctrine. The Phariſees are enraged at this, and ſpeak reproachfully of him, and of the people who were ſo taken with him, Nicodemus gainſayeth their proceeding, pleading he was not to be condemned before he was heard: Hereupon not agreeing among themſelves, they part and go their ſeveral ways, John 7. from 11. to the end.

21. Early in the morning he teacheth in the Temple, whither they bring to him a woman taken in Adultery, he fruſtrates p. 113their intention againſt him, and diſmiſſes the woman with a ſerious admonition. He teacheth that himſelf is the light of the World: He defends himſelf againſt the Phariſees by his own and his Fathers teſtimony: He tells the Jews they ſhall hereafter ſeek him in vain and ſhall die in their ſins if they believe not in him: He declareth who he is, and by whom he is ſent: He promiſeth thoſe that believe in him knowledge of the truth, and freedom from the Servitude and Slavery of ſin: He proveth that the unbelieving Jews wrongfully boaſted that they were Abraham's and Gods Children, they being Children of the Devil, becauſe they fulfilled his luſts: He reproves their unbelief, for which they ſlander him as a Samaritan, who hath a Devil. This calumny he confuteth, and teſtifieth that Abraham ſaw his day, and that he was before Abraham; at this they would have ſtoned him, but he ſecretly conveyed himſelf from their fury, John. 8. whole Chapter.

22. He anoints the eyes of a man that was born blind with clay, and that on the Sabbath day; and commanding him to waſh in the waters of Siloam, reſtores him to his ſight. The man being brought to the Phariſees relates the ſame. They reproach Chriſt as a breaker of the Sabbath, and ſeem to doubt whether this man had ever been blind. They ſend for his Parents, who refer them to their Son, whom they call and examine again: He anſwereth them, and from this Miracle argueth, that Chriſt is no Sinner, but a perſon extraordinary and ſent from God; for which Teſtimony he is reproachfully caſt out by them and excommunicated: He is further inſtructed by Chriſt, believeth in him, and worſhipeth him. Chriſt telleth the Phariſees that they are Spiritually blind, and therefore they remain in ſin, becauſe they are not ſenſible of their blindneſs, John 9. whole Chapter.

23. Upon this occaſion he propounds the Parable of the Faithful and true Shepherd, and of the falſe and unfaithful, deſcribing them by their contrary marks and properties, and points out himſelf as the true Shepherd of his Sheep, as alſo the true door of the Sheep-fold. That he is no hireling, ſeeing that he willingly lays down his life for his Sheep: His hearers are divided in their opinions concerning him, John 10. from 1. to 22.

24. The Seventy Diſciples return, and joyfully relate what they had performed, whom he teacheth to be humble, and wherein they ought moſt to rejoyce. He giveth thanks to his Father p. 114who hath hid Myſteries of Salvation from the wiſe of the World, and hath revealed them to deſpiſed little ones. He ſheweth from whom ſaving knowledge cometh. He declareth them happy whoſe eyes have ſeen the Meſſiah in the fleſh, whom many Prophets and Kings deſired to ſee, and ſaw not, Luke 10. from 17. to 25.

25. He anſwereth a Doctor of the Law, inquiring what he muſt do to inherit Eternal Life, and ſhews him who is his Neighbour, by a ſimilitude of one fallen among Thieves, and pitied by a Samaritan, Luke 10. from 38. to 43.

26. He is now entertained at Bethany by Martha and Mary, where he commends the Godlineſs of Mary above the Carefulneſs of Martha, Luke 10. from 38. to 43.

27. He now a ſecond time preſcribes unto his Diſciples that f…rm or pattern of Prayer, which he gave them in the Sermon on the Mount. He ſtirs them up to fervency and importunity in Prayer, from the Parable of a Friend coming to his Friend at midnight, and eſpecially to pray for the Holy Spirit, which the Father will not deny to them that ask him, Luke 11. from 1. to 14.

28. He caſteth out a dumb Devil, and confutes the Blaſphemy of thoſe, who ſaid he did it by Belzebub. He ſhews by a Parable the miſerable ſtate of that man into whom the unclean ſpirit returns again after ejectment, Luke 11. from 14. to 27.

29. He ſheweth to a woman, who pronounced the womb bleſſed that bare him, that they are bleſſed that hear the word of God and keep it, Luke 11. from 27. to 29.

30. He teſtifies that no other ſign ſhall be given to thoſe unbelieving Jews, than that ſignified by Jona's riſing out of the Whales belly, that is, the wonder of his Reſurrection. He oppoſeth to their ſtifneckedneſs the example of the Queen of the South, and the men of Nineveh: He teacheth by the ſimilitude of a Candle, that the light of the Goſpel muſt not be hid. He ſhews why that generation continued ſo blind, namely, becauſe the eye of their mind was darkned, Luke 11. from 29. to 37.

31. He is invited to dinner by a Phariſee: He complies not with them in waſhing before dinner. He there reprehends the Phariſees, Scribes, and Lawyers, for their Hypocriſie, Ambition, and Cruelty againſt thoſe ſent to them from God, and threatneth the Judgment of God unto them. They lay new ſnares to catch him, but fail of their expectation, Luke 11. from 37. to the end.

p. 11532. He warneth his Diſciples of the Leaven and corrupt Doctrine of the Phariſees, he exhorts them to do all things uprightly, ſeeing all things ſhall be brought to light, and not to be fearful of men in publiſhing his Doctrine, but to depend on God's care of them, he exhorts them to own and profeſs him before men, and he will own them at the day of Judgment. He ſhews the horrible danger of Blaſphemy againſt the Holy Ghoſt; and exhorts them not to be ſolicitous how to anſwer when they are brought before Councils, ſeeing they ſhall then be inſtructed what to ſay by the Holy Ghoſt, Luke 12. from 1. to 13.

33. He refuſeth to arbitrate a difference about an Inheritance between two Brethren; and upon that occaſion he dehorts them from covetouſneſs by the Parable of a rich man, who would needs build his Barns bigger. He diſſwades them from being over-careful and ſolicitous about earthly things; and by the example of the Ravens and Lillies he ſhews that the care of this life ſhould be committed unto God; and that his Kingdom and the Righteouſneſs thereof ſhould be ſought in the firſt place: He exhorts to give Alms, and ſo to depoſite their riches in Gods hand, and to lay up Treaſure in Heaven: To watch for his coming (the time of which is uncertain, like the coming of a Thief in the Night.) And if they approve themſelves vigilant Servants, they ſhall be rewarded. He ſhews that his Miniſters are diligently to look to their charge, which if they do, they ſhall be highly recompenſed; but if they prove ſlothful, negligent, and tyrannize over their fellow Servants, they ſhall be ſeverely puniſhed. He forewarns them of perſecution and trouble. He ſhews them that he himſelf came to ſuffer, and to bring fire on Earth. He exhorts the People to diſcern, take notice of, and improve the ſeaſon of grace, and merciful viſitation afforded to them; for it is a dreadful thing to die without reconciliation with God, Luke 12. from 13. to the end.

34. From the report of certain Galileans, whoſe blood Pilate mingled with their Sacrifices, and from the example of the eighteen, on whom the Tower in Siloam fell; He takes occaſion to exhort the Multitude to repent, and to that end propounds the Parable of the barren Fig-tree, Luke 13, from 1. to 10.

35. He healeth a Woman on the Sabbath day, that had been bowed together Eighteen Years, and juſtifieth the ſame againſt the Ruler of the Synagogue. He compares his Kingdom to a Grain of Muſtard-ſeed p. 116and Leaven, ſhewing thereby the power of his word, and ſpreading Nature of his Evangelical Doctrine, Luk. 13. frō 10. to 22.

36. He comes to Jeruſalem at the Feaſt of Dedication, and being compaſſed about with the Jews, he is asked by them whether he be the Chriſt? He affirms it, and proveth it by his works. He tells them the reaſon why they believe not in him, namely, becauſe they are not of his Sheep. Thoſe that are his Sheep believe in him, and they are kept by him and his Father to eternal life. Upon this the Jews would have ſtoned him as a Blaſphemer; but he proves by Scripture and by his works, that he did rightly call himſelf the Son of God. They attempt to ſeize on him, but he eſcaped out of their hands, Luke 13. verſ. 22. John 10. from 22. to the end.

37. Being asked whether few ſhould be ſaved, he exhorts them to enter in at the ſtrait Gate, and to take the preſent ſeaſon of grace, from the Parable of a man that had invited gueſts, and admitted thoſe who came in due time; but ſhut out the Loyterers. He ſhews that the Gentiles ſhall receive and imbrace the Goſpel, and ſhall enter into the Kingdom of God, whilſt they for their impenitency ſhall be caſt out, Luke 13. from 23. to 31.

38. He tells the Phariſees, who warned him of the great danger he was in from Herod, that he feared him not; for he knew he muſt die at Jeruſalem; and then he paſſionately complains of the cruelty and ſtifneckedneſs of the People of Jeruſalem, and foretels their ruine, Luke 13. from 31. to 36.

39. He now cures one that had the Dropſie on the Sabbath-day, and juſtifies the ſame. He reproves the ambition of the Phariſees, ſtriving for the upper-moſt Seats at Feaſts, and exhorts them to humility. He exhorts them alſo to feaſt the Poor, who cannot requite them, Luke 14. from 1. to 15.

40. By the Parable of a great Supper, and the excuſes of thoſe that were invited (to ſhift off coming,) he upbraids the Jews with their ingratitude; and foretells their rejection, and the calling of the Gentiles, Luke 14. from 15. to 25.

41. He ſhews that he that will be his Diſciple muſt deny himſelf, and all that is dear to him, and muſt conſider before hand what it may coſt him (as he that intends to build a Tower, or as a King that intends to wage war with another King, muſt do) leſt with ſhame he revolt from him afterwards, and become altogether unprofitable, like Salt that hath loſt its Savour, Luke 14. from 25. to 36.

p. 11742. The Phariſees murmur that he coverſed with ſinners. Hereupon he ſhews Gods tender care of the recovery of loſt ſinners by three eminent Parables; Firſt, Of the loſt Sheep. Secondly, Of the loſt Groat. Thirdly, Of the loſt Son, Luke 15. whole Chapter.

43. By the Parable of the cunning though unjuſt Steward, he teaches them to make friends to themſelves of the unrighteous Mammon, and to be faithful in a right imploying their Temporal Riches. He exhorts them alſo to take heed of ſerving Mammon, or ſetting their hearts on Riches. He reproves the Phariſees for their Pride, Hypocriſie, and affectation of the opinion of men. He ſhews that the Sacrifices preſcribed by the Ceremonial Law Typified and prefigured him, and that the Prophets Propheſied of him until John came, who declared him to be actually come in the fleſh, and began the Evangelical Miniſtry. He declares the permanent Authority of the Moral Law, which was by the Phariſees violated, particularly in the Seventh Commandment. By the Parabolical Hiſtory of Dives and Lazarus, he ſhews the different eſtate of the Godly Poor and the unmerciful Rich in the other World, Luke 16. from 1. to 32.

44. He teaches his Diſciples to take heed of giving occaſion of offence and ſcandal, and to forgive thoſe that treſpaſs againſt them, who are ſorry for their offence how oft ſoever they have offended, Luke 17. from 1. to 5.

45. The Diſciples hereupon pray for the increaſe of their Faith, that they may depend on him for power to perform this, and his other injunctions. Upon this occaſion he deſcribes the power of Faith, and by the Parable of a ſervant coming from the ſervice of the Field, and ſetting himſelf to other ſervices after, he declares that a man doth not merit of God, by doing his duty, Luke 17. from 5. to 11.

46. He healeth ten Lepers whereof but one returns to give him thanks, Luke 17. from 11. to 20.

47. He ſhews that his Kingdom comes not with obſervation or outward pomp. He ſorewarns them of the days of Tribulation, that would come on that Nation after his departure out of this World. He deſcribes this his coming to execute vengeance on thoſe obdurate Jews, viz. That it ſhould be ſuddenly, & would ſurprize them in their deep ſecurity, as it was in the days of Noah, & Lot. That there would be much of God's providence ſeen in reſcuing ſome fr m that calamity, wherein others would fall, Luke 17. from 20. to 38.

p. 11848. He incourages his Diſciples to fervency, importunity, and perſeverance in prayer from the Parable of an importunate Widow prevailing with an unjuſt Judge, Luke 18. from 1. to 9.

49. By a Parable of a Phariſee and a Publican he teaches that God hears and juſtifies the penitent ſinner, and not thoſe which rely on their own righteouſneſs, Luke 18. from 9. to 15.

50. He now croſſes Jordan, and there teaches and heals, Mat. 19.1.2. Mark 10. to 1.

51. He anſwereth the Phariſees queſtion concerning divorce, that the Married may not part but in caſe of Adultery. He ſheweth the gift of continence is not given to all, Mat. 19. from 3. to 13. Mark 10. from 2. to 13.

52. He commands that little Children ſhould be brought unto him, and bleſſeth them, Mat. 19. from 3. to 16. Mark 10. from 13. to 17. Luke 18. from 15. to 18.

53. He anſwers a rich young man, who deſireth to know of him, what he muſt do to inherit Eternal life, and gives him a ſpecial command to go and ſell all and give to the poor, to try him and convince him of his ſecret covetouſneſs, who thereupon departs very ſorrowful. Upon this he teaches how hard it is for a rich covetous man who truſts in his riches, to be ſaved. He promiſes them who leave all for his ſake, both Temporal and Eternal recompences: And to his Apoſtles (who had done this) he promiſes high favours at the day of Judgment, viz. That they ſhall ſit upon Twelve Thrones judging the Twelve Tribes of Iſrael. Yet he cautions them to be humble minded, and to look to it that they perſevere, for many that are laſt ſhall be firſt, and firſt ſhall be laſt, Mat. 19. from 16. to 31. Mark 10. from 17. to 32. Luke 18. from 18. to 31. Luke 22. from 28. to 31.

54. Under the Parable of an Houſholder hiring Labourers at ſeveral hours of the day into his Vineyard, he ſheweth that all ought to be Labourers; that God doth freely both call and reward; that none ought to have any confidence in their own works, but a low eſtimation of themſelves, and of whatever they do or ſuffer for him, Mat. 20. from 1. to 17.

55. Lazarus is now ſick at Bethany, and Jeſus is ſent for to him, but for the preſent goeth not, that he might die, and ſo God might be the more glorified in raiſing him to life again, John 11 from 1. to 7.

p. 11956. He acquaints his Diſciples now a Third time that he ſhould ſuffer death, and riſe again the Third day; they thereupon diſwade him from going into Judea, but he tells them as long as his day laſted, Providence would ſecure him from danger, Mat. 20. from 17. to 20. Mark 10. from 32. to 35. John 11. from 7. to 11. Luke 18. from 31. to 35.

57. He gives anſwer to the requeſt of James and John, Zebedees Children, deſiring that they might ſit one on his right hand, the other on his left in his Kingdom. He exhorts them to prepare for ſufferings and the Croſs, and commands all of them to be humble minded, and not to ſeek after dignity and preheminence one above another, (remembring that their Office was a Miniſtry and ſervice, not a Lordſhip or Dominion) and to imitate his example who came not to be miniſtred unto, but to miniſter, Mat. 20. from 20. to 29. Mark 10. from 35. to 46. Luke 22. from 24. to 28.

58. He now ſets forward towards Bethany for the raiſing of Lazarus who was dead. His way lying through Jerico, when he came nigh the City he cured a blind-man. Zacheus gets up into a Sycamore Tree to ſee him. He invites himſelf to Zacheus's Houſe, who gladly receives him, and teſtifies his repentance by reſtitution, and is comforted by him. By the Parable of a Nobleman going into a far Countrey to receive for himſelf a Kingdom, and to return, and delivering Ten Pounds to his Ten Servants to imploy and improve in his abſence. He ſhews he was not now preſently (as they thought) to enter upon a Temporal Kingdom, but to die and ſuffer, and ſo go to Heaven; and then to return again in an eminent manner. In the mean time they ought to imploy the Talents he had intruſted them with for his ſervice, and he would reward their diligence. He cures Two other blind men, whereof one was Bartimeus, as he goes out of the City, Luke 18. from 35. to the end. Luke 19. from 1. to 28. Mat. 20. from 29. to 35. Mark 10. from 46. to 53.

59. He now approacheth to Bethany, where Martha meets him, with whom he ſpeaketh of the Reſurrection of her Brother and all Believers. Mary comes out to him alſo. He weepeth and goeth to the grave, and finds Lazarus four days buried, he prays to his Father and raiſeth him to life again; whereupon many believe in him, others go and tell it to the Chief Prieſts, John 11. from 11. to 47.

p. 12060. The Chief Prieſts and Phariſees call a Council, and conſult upon the matter. Caiaphas unwittingly propheſies of the fruit of Chriſts death: Here they conclude**This is the Firſt Council at which the Jews determined to put our Saviour to death. he ſhall be put to death, but to avoid their fury for the preſent, he withdrew himſelf privately unto Ephraim, John 11. from 47. to 55.

61. He is inquired for at Jeruſalem by thoſe that came up ſometime before the Feaſt to purifie themſelves, John 11. from 55. to the end.

62. Six days before the Paſſeover he is entertained at a Supper at Bethany by Simon the Leper, where Lazarus fate at Supper with him. Mary pours a box of precious oyntment on his head and feet, wiping them with the hairs of her head. For this ſhe is blamed, and repined at by Judas; but defended by Chriſt. Many Jews reſort thither to ſee Lazarus newly raiſed, wherefore the Chief Prieſts ſeek to put him to death alſo, John 12. from 1. to 12. Mat. 26. from 6. to 14. Mark 14. from 3.The great week. Dominica Palmarum. to 10.

63. On the firſt day of the week now commonly called Palm-Sunday, he ſets out with his Diſciples for Jeruſalem. He ſends two of his Diſciples for an Aſſe, which the owner lets them have, and being ſet thereon, he rides towards the City. The people ſpread their Garments in the way, and cry Hoſanna. When he was come to the deſcent of the Mount of Olives many from the City met him with branches of Palm-tree in their hands. The Phariſees ſpeak to him to ſilence the People, and to forbid them to make ſuch acknowledgments to him. He anſwers that if they ſhould hold their peace, the very ſtones would cry out. Then coming within the view of the City, he burſt out into tears at the conſideration of their obſtinacy, and their ruine that would enſue thereupon. He rides into the City in this triumphant manner. The Phariſees are inraged hereat, Luke 19. from 28. to 45. John 12. from 12. to 20. Mat. 21. from 1.12. Mark 11. from 1. to 11.

64. He goes directly to the Temple. He drives the buyers and ſellersSee §. 1. of the third part of our Saviours life. out of it. He heals the blind and lame that were brought to him. He juſtifies the Children crying Hoſanna, and teaches in the Temple Luke 19. from 45. to 49. Mat. 21. from 12. to 17. Mark 11. from 15. to 20.

65. Certain Religious Greeks deſire to ſee him. They ſpeak to Philip about it. Being brought into his preſence, he ſpeaks p. 121to them of his death, and the fruit of it by the Parable or Similitude of a grain of Wheat, which is not loſt when it is ſown, but ſpringeth up with increaſe. He ſheweth that all that will be his Diſciples muſt follow him in ſuffering, and not think their life to dear to lay down for him. He prayes unto his Father, and is anſwered by Thunder, and with it a voice from Heaven, he tells them that that voice came not for his ſake alone to comfort him, but to teſtifie to them that he was the true Meſſias. He goes on to declare the glorious fruits of his death, as particularly the delivering the World from the uſurping power of Satan, and the drawing all ſorts of perſons to believe on him after he hath been lifted up on the Croſs. He ſhews that his ſuffering death in his ſtate of Humiliation, and yet abiding for ever in his ſtate of Exaltation may well ſtand together. He exhorts them to walk in the light whilſt they have it, teſtifying that he himſelf is the light of the World. The conſequent of this was that though the Jews generally continued blinded and hardned (as was fore-told by Eſaiah) yet ſome of the Rulers believed in him, but durſt not openly confeſs him. In fine, he ſhews the benefits of Faith and miſchiefs of Ʋnbelief, John 12. from 20. to the end.

66. Having thus ſpent the day, at night he goes with his Apoſtles to lodg at Bethany, Mat. 21.17. Mark 11.11.

67. Next morning (viz. Munday Munday.) he ſets forth with them for Jeruſalem again, and curſed the barren Fig-tree by the way, and then goes to the Temple, and teaches there, and at night returns with his company to Bethany again, Mat. 21.18, 19. Mark 11. from 12. to 15. Luke 21.37, 38.

68. Next morning, (viz. Tuſeday Tuesday.) coming again with his Apoſtles to the City, in the way they obſerved that the Fig-tree, (which the day before he had curſed) was now quite withered. Hereupon he diſcourſes of the power of Faith in prayer, and exhorts them to forgive ſuch as have done them any wrong, Mark 11. from 20. to 27. Mat. 21. from 20. to 23.

69. He goes again to the Temple, and teacheth there. The Chief Prieſts and Scribes ask him by what authority he did theſe things. He anſwers them by propounding to them a queſtion concerning the Baptiſm of John. He convinceth them of their diſobedience by the Parable of the two Sons; and ſhews them p. 122that Publicans and Harlots imbrace the Goſpel before them, for all their fair profeſſion. He threatens their ruine by the Parable of a Lord of a Vineyard, whoſe Servants and Son were abuſed, and ſlain by the Husbandmen. By the Parable of the Marriage of the Kings Son, to which the gueſts invited refuſed to come, and therefore others were invited in their ſtead, (among which one appeared without a Wedding Garment, &c.) He declares the rejection of the Jews, the calling of the Gentiles, and ſhews that ſome do joyn themſelves to the Church in Hypocriſie, Mark 11. from 27. to 34. Mat. 21. from 23. to the end. Mark 12. from 1. to 13. Luke. 20. from 1. to 20. Mat. 22. from 1. to 15.

70. He gives an anſwer to the queſtion of the Phariſees and Herodians whether they might pay tribute to Caeſar or no. Then he anſwers the queſtion of the Sadduces concerning a Woman that had ſeven Husbands, and proves to them the Reſurrection of the Dead. He anſwers a Doctor of the Law, demanding of him which is the great Commandment, and tells him he is not far from the Kingdom of God. He then propounds a queſtion to the Phariſees how the Meſſiah could be Davids Son, whom David himſelf calls Lord; but they could not anſwer him, Mat. 22. from 15. to the end. Mark 12. from 13. to 28. Luke 20. from 20. to 45.

71. He now begins a ſevere commination againſt the Scribes and Phariſees, exhorting his hearers to follow what they ſhould rightly teach them out of Moſes and the Prophets; but not their example and works. He deſcribes their Hypocriſie and Ambition in making broad their Phylacteries and fringes of their Garments, in loving ſalutations in publick places, and to be called Rabbi. He admoniſhes his hearers to take heed thereof and to ſtudy Humility. He denounceth eight woes againſt the Scribes and Phariſees, 1. Becauſe they ſhut Heaven againſt men. 2. Devoured Widows houſes. 3. Made bad Proſelytes. 4. Taught perverſely to ſwear by the Temple, Altar and Heaven. 5. Tythed ſmall matters, and neglected the weightier matters of the Law. 6. Made clean the out-ſide, but not the heart. 7. Were like whited Sepulchres. 8. Repaired the Sepulchres of the old Prophets, and ſought to kill the new. Then complaining of the ſtiff-neckedneſs of the City of Jeruſalem. He foretells her deſtruction, Mat. 23. p. 123whole Chapter. Mark 12. from 38. to 41. Luke 20. from 45. to 48.

72. He commendeth the poor Widows gift of two mites, which ſhe caſt into the Treaſury of the Temple, Mark 12. from 41. to the end. Luke 21. from 1. to 5.

73. Going now out of the Temple (into which he never entred again) he foretells the deſtruction thereof; Being come to Mount Olivet, he foretells the grievous calamities that ſhould befall the Jews, before the Temple, and Cities deſtruction; and gives them Signs that ſhould ſometime before precede it, as the ariſing of falſe Chriſts; Wars, and rumors of Wars; Famines, and Peſtilence, and Earthquakes, and fearful ſights and ſigns from Heaven: Great perſecutions againſt thoſe that profeſſed him: The ariſing of many falſe Prophets and Heretical teachers: The ſpreading of the Goſpel among all the chief and principal Nations in thoſe parts of the World: Then he gives them ſigns that ſhould immediately precede it. Namely, the begirting the City by the Roman Army, at which time the Prophecy of Daniel ſhould be fulfilled: The ariſing of falſe Chriſts and falſe Prophets, that ſhould be ſo cunning that they ſhould deceive (if it were poſſible) the very Elect. He now comes to deſcribe the deſtruction it ſelf, which he ſets forth as the deſtruction of the whole World, of which it was to be a Type. For the preciſe time when this deſtruction ſhould be, he tells them they muſt not expect to have it revealed to them, it being hid from men and Angels, yea, and from himſelf alſo as man. Yet two things he acquaints them with. 1. That this Judgment would come ſuddenly, and unexpectedly on the Jews, as deſtruction did on the old World. 2.See §. 47. of this part That the Providence of God would much appear in the reſcuing of ſome out of that calamity, in which others will fall. He exhorts them to watch and pray that they may be accounted worthy to eſcape thoſe calamities, by the Parable of good ſervants, expecting the coming of their Maſter, and becauſe the time of his coming is uncertain, he preſſeth them again to a diligent watchfulneſs by the Parable of an Houſholder, watching againſt the coming of a Thief, Mat. 24. whole Chapter, Mark 13. whole Chapter, Luke 21. from 5. to 37.

74. By the Parable of five wiſe and five fooliſh Virgins, he again exhorts them to watchfulneſs againſt his coming; and p. 124by the Parable of Servants which had each of them received Talents from their Lord to trade withal, he exhorteth to a faithful improvement of the gifts which God had given to every one. Then he comes to deſcribe his laſt coming to Judgment, and how he will diſtinguiſh his …heep from the Goats, and give and execute Sentence upon them both, Mat. 25. whole Chapter.

75. Having thus Preached his Prophetick Sermon on Mount Olivet, he comes to Bethany and ſuppeth there; Riſing from Supper, he girded himſelf and waſhed his Diſciples feet. Peter at firſt refuſed to admit of it, but afterward ſuffered it. He teacheth them hereby his ſpiritual waſhing of them, and exhorts them to imitate this example of his Humility, and to be ſerviceable one to another. He complains of, and detects the Traytor Judas, whom he diſcovereth to John by giving him a ſop: After which the Devil entred into him, and he went forth. Our Saviour comforts himſelf againſt his near approaching death with this conſideration, that God ſhould be glorified thereby. He exhorts his Diſciples to mutual Love. Peter promiſes he will lay down his life for him; but Chriſt telleth him he will deny him thrice, John 13. whole Chapter.

76. Wedneſday. Wedneſday.On this day the Chief Prieſt and Elders met in Caiaphas's Houſe, and hold the ſecond Council how they might take Jeſus and put him to death. Whilſt they were thus conſulting, Judas comes to them, and offers to betray him to them. They bargain with him for thirty pieces of ſilver to do it; which he having accepted, returns to his Maſter at Bethany, Mat. 26. from 1. to 6. and from 14. to 17. Mark 14.1, 2. and 10, 11. Luke 22. from 1. to 7.

77. Thurſday. Thurſday.Our Saviour now ſendeth Peter and John to Jeruſalem to prepare the Paſſeover for him and his Diſciples, and directs them by a ſpecial token to follow a man that would lead them to a great Chamber ready furniſhed; which they accordingly do, and having provided all things for the preſent Supper, return to him again, Matth. 26. from 17. to 20. Mark 14. from 12. to 17. Luke 22. from 7 to 14.

78. Being now ready to go with his Apoſtles to eat the Paſſeover (which he was to eat that night) he comforts them concerning his going away from them to the Father, ſeeing he went to prepare Manſions for them at his Fathers houſe. He declares to p. 125Thomas that he is the way, the truth and the life; and to Philip that he that ſeeth him ſeeth the Father. He promiſeth his Apoſtles that they ſhould do great Miracles, and obtain what they ſhall pray for in his name. That they ſhall receive the Comforter, the H…ly Ghoſt, and not be left Orphans. He exhorts them to love him and keep his Commandments, promiſing his, and his Fathers abode with them, and that the Holy Ghoſt ſhould bring all things neceſſary to their remembrance. He leaveth his peace with them, and declareth that they ought to rejoyce, becauſe he goeth to the Father. He ſheweth his willingneſs to obey his Father, even in ſuffering. Then ariſing he goeth forth with them to Jeruſalem, John 14. whole Chapter.

The ſixth part of our Saviours life comprehends what he did and ſuffered at the fourth Paſſeover after his Baptiſm, at which He our Paſſeover was Sacrificed for us, 1 Cor. 5.7. And here we have theſe obſervables.

1. Thurſday evening he cometh with his Company to the place prepared for him, and there eats the Paſſeover with them. He tells them there was one at the Table with him that would betray him. He inſtitutes the Sacrament of his Supper. Of the Lords Supper ſee a particular tract at the end.They conclude with an Hymn, Luke 22. from 14. to 24. Mat. 26. from 20. to 31. Mark 14. from 17. to 27.

2. He warneth Peter of the approach of his Tryal, and that he ſhould that very night before the Morning-Cock crew, deny him thrice. He acquaints his other Apoſtles with his own and their approaching troubles, Luke 22. from 31. to 39.

3. Before their departure from the place where they had eaten the Paſſeover, he gives them his farewel exhortations, contained in the fifteenth and ſixteenth Chapters of John, where he compares himſelf to a Vine and his Diſciples to branches, which abiding in him will be fruitful. He teſtifieth his ſingular love to them, and exhorts them to keep his Commandments, and to love one another. He ſhews the greatneſs of his love to them, in that he is willing to lay down his life for them, and calleth them his friends and choſen ones. He comforts them againſt the hatred of the world by many arguments. He ſheweth them that all manner of excuſe is taken from the Jews, who have both heard his Doctrine and ſeen his Miracles. He declareth that the Holy Ghoſt ſhall teſtifie of him, and make his Perſon and Doctrine to be acknowledged p. 126in the World; and they themſelves ſhould bear witneſs concerning him. He fortelleth them they ſhall be perſecuted, and muſt expect to meet with Excommunication and Martyrdom. He comforts them with the promiſe of the Holy Ghoſt, who ſhall convince the World of Sin, Righteouſneſs, and Judgment, and ſhall lead them into all truth, and ſhall glorifie him, and ſhall in all things ſo accord with him, that he ſhall evidence he hath his meſſage from him. He declares he ſhall ſhortly be taken from them, but ſhall be ſeen again by them for a little while; ſo that their Sorrows ſhall quickly be turned into joy. He tells that when the Comforter is come they ſhall be more fully illuminated and not puzled with doubts as now they were. He promiſes that their prayers ſhall be heard that are put up in his name, and for their encouragement he aſſures them not only of his own interceſſion, but his Fathers love, he declares plainly to them his leaving the World, and going to his Father. His Diſciples hereupon are confirmed in their belief in him. He forewarns them they ſhould be ſcattered and flye from him; yet his Fathers preſence would be with him. He promiſes them, that truſting in him, they ſhould have peace, and bids them be of good chear: for he had overcome the World for them, John 15. whole Chapter. Joh. 16. whole Chapter.

4. He now pours out a moſt Divine and Heavenly Prayer unto the Father, wherein he prayes. 1. For himſelf, that the Father would now glorifie him, (having thus far finiſhed his work) that he may give eternal life to thoſe that know him and believe on him. 2. For his Apoſtles, that the Father would keep them in unity of love, and would preſerve them from the evil of the world, and Sanctifie and fit them more and more for the great work of Preaching the Goſpel. 3. For all that ſhall believe on him, through their word, that they may be one here, and eternally glorified with him in his Kingdom hereafter, John 17. whole Chapter.

5. Having ended his Prayer, he went with the eleven towards the Garden of Gethſemane, at the foot of Olivet, John 18.1. Luke 22.39.

6. Judas as it ſeems ſlip'd away when they roſe from Supper, and went to his Complices in the City, who were ready to execute their wicked deſign. As our Saviour goes along with his p. 127Diſciples towards the Garden, he tells them they will be offended at his ſufferings that night, and like Sheep will be ſcattered, when they ſhall ſee him the Shepherd ſmitten. Yet notwithſtanding he intended to meet them again in Galilee. He foretels Peter again of his fall that night, which Peter ſeems to abhor, Mat. 26. from 31. to 36. Mark 14. from 27. to 32.

7. Being come to the Garden, he leaves eight of his Diſciples behind, and takes only Peter, James and John with him, and charging them to watch and pray, he falls proſtrate on his face, and prayeth to his Father, that, if he were willing, that Cup might paſs from him. An Angel from Heaven is ſent to ſtrengthen him: He comes to his Diſciples, and finds them ſleeping, and reproves them for it, and exhorts them again to watch and pray. He goes a ſecond time and prayes more earneſtly, being in an Agony, ſo that his ſweat was as it were great drops of blood: Returning to his Diſciples he finds them aſleep again. He went away a third time and prayed to the ſame effect as before, and coming to his Diſciples, found them aſleep again; then he bids them ſleep on; for he that would betray him, was at hand, Mat. 26. from 36. to 47. Mark 14. from 32. to 43. Luke 22. from 39. to 47.

8. Judas immediately comes with a great band to take him, and betrayes him with a kiſs. At Chriſts word they fall back to the Earth. He ſpeaks to them to let his Diſciples go. When they began to lay hands on him, Peter draws his ſword, and laies about him, and ſmote off Malcus'es Ear. Chriſt rebukes him for his raſhneſs, and heals the wound preſently; declaring that he could have more then twelve Legions of Angels for his guard, if he would be forcibly reſcued. His Diſciples now fly and forſake him. He is apprehended. A young man that followed him eſcapes their hands, Mat. 26. from 47. to 57. Mark 14. from 43. to 53. Luke 22. from 47. to 54. John 18. from 2. to 12.

9. He is firſt brought before Annas, John 18. from 12. to 15.

10. Then before Caiaphas and the Sanbedrim. In the night Caiaphas examines him concerning his Doctrine and Diſciples. An Officer of the High Prieſt ſtrikes him with the palm of his hand. They ſeek falſe witneſſes to accuſe him; at laſt two came, who agreed not in their Teſtimony. The High Prieſt adjures him to p. 128declare whether he were the Chriſt; he expreſly ſaith he is, and they ſhall ſee him ſit on the right hand of God, and coming in the Clouds of Heaven. Caiaphas at this rent his Cloaths, and he and the reſt of the Bench pronounced him worthy to die as a Blaſphemer. Then there were vile abuſes put upon him in the High Prieſts houſe by the ſervants and others, by ſpitting upon him, blindfolding of him, ſmiting and mocking him, John 18.15, 16, 19. And from 20. to 24. Mat. 26. from 57. to 69. Mark 14. from 53. to 66. Luke 22. verſe 54.63, 64, 65.

11. Peter having got into the High Prieſts Hall there denies him thrice, but upon Jeſus's looking upon him, he goes out and bewailes it bitterly, Mat. 26. from 69. to the end. Mark 14. from 66. to the end. Luke 22. from 54. to 63. John 18. from 15. to 19. and from 25. to 28.

12. Friday Friday.Morning. The Elders and Chief Prieſts met together in Council again, and have Jeſus brought before them. They ask him again whether he were the Meſſias, and the Son of God; He tells them he was; hereupon they judge him again a Blaſphemer out of his own mouth, and lead him away bound to Pilate, Mat. 27.1, 2. Mark 15.1. Luke 22. from 66. to the end.

13. When they came to Pilates Palace they would not go in, leſt they ſhould be defiled. Pilate coming forth to them, they accuſe Jeſus before him of three things. 1. Of perverting the Nation. 2. Of forbidding to pay Tribute to Caeſar. 3. Of ſaying that himſelf was Chriſt a King. Our Saviour makes no reply to theſe apparently falſe accuſations. Pilate bids them judge him according to their own Law. They reply they had not power to put any man to death. Pilate hereupon examines him himſelf, and asks him whether he were the King of the Jews? Our Saviour anſwers he was a King, but his Kingdom was not of this World: That he came into the World to bear witneſs to the truth. Pilate asks what is Truth? yet would not ſtay for an anſwer, but bringing Jeſus out to the gate where the Jews ſtood, he profeſſeth he found no fault in him. The Jews at this were more inraged, ſaying that he ſtirred up the People through all Jewry, even from Galilee to that place. Pilate hearing that he belonged to Galilee, ſends him to Herod who was then in Jeruſalem. Our Saviour would not work any Miracle before him, nor ſo much as vouchſafe p. 129him a word. Hereupon Herod and his attendants abuſe him, and mock him, and array him in a gorgeous Robe, and ſo ſend him back to Pilate. Upon this occaſion both the Governors were made friends, Mat. 27. from 11. to 15. Luke 23. from 1. to 13. Mark 15. from 2. to 6. John 18. from 28. to 39.

14. Being brought before Pilate again, he calls the Jews, and tells them that neither he nor Herod found any fault in him, he would therefore (to gratifie them) chaſtiſe him and ſo releaſe him. Then it comes into his mind how he might releaſe him without any chaſtiſement at all. He makes therefore a motion to them to have Chriſt given them in honour of their Feaſt, and that they might be the more willing to it, he matched him with Barabbas, but they by the inſtigation of the Prieſts choſe Barabbas, (though preſſed three ſeveral times by Pilate to the contrary) and cry out that Jeſus ſhould be crucified. When Pilate ſaw that all this would not do, he orders Jeſus to be ſoundly ſcourged, ſuppoſing that that leſſer puniſhment would have pacified the rage of the Jews. The Soldiers hereupon ſtrip him, ſcourge him, put a Crown of Thorns upon his Head, ſmite him and mock him. Pilate now ſhews him to the people thus cruelly uſed; they cry out Crucifie him, Crucifie him; for he made himſelf the Son of God. When Pilate heard that, he was more afraid, not knowing how Divine a Perſon Chriſt might be; therefore he examines him again concerning his original and parentage, but our Saviour gave him not a word. Pilate at this is offended, that he would not ſpeak to him, who had ſuch power over him. Chriſt anſwers, he could have no power over him, except it were permitted to him of his Father. This ſo wrought on Pilate that he now ſeeks more earneſtly to releaſe him; but the Jews cried out, if thou letteſt this man go, thou art not Caeſars friend; By that word he is vanquiſhed. He ſits now upon another Tribunal in open view, and has Jeſus brought before him. He ſays to the Jews, behold your King. They ſcornfully reject him, ſaying they had no King but Caeſar. Whilſt he is upon the Bench, his Lady ſends to him to have nothing to do with that juſt man. He calls for water and waſhes his hands before them, and declares he is innocent of the blood of this juſt perſon, and bids them look to it. They cry out, his blood be upon us, and upon our Children. Then he releaſed p. 130Barabbas, and condemned Jeſus to be Crucified. Mat. 27. from 15. to 32. Mark 15. from 6. to 21. Luke 23. from 13. to 26. John 18.39. and 40. John 19. from 1. to 17.

15. Judas repenting, brings back the money and caſts it in the Temple, and ſo goes and hangs himſelf. With the Money a Potters field is bought, as was foretold by the Prophet Zachary, Mat 27. from 3. to 11.

16. They now lead forth our Saviour to Crucifie him; Simon of Cyrene is forced to help him to bear his Croſs. Two Thieves are led forth to be Crucified with him. A great many people follow him, and ſeveral women, lamenting him, to whom he foretells the miſery that ſhould come on them and their Children. When they were come to the place of execution, they gave him a bitter portion of wine mingled with Myrrh, which having taſted, he refuſed to drink. They ſtrip him of his cloaths, and lift him up on the Croſs, placing him between two Malefactors. He prayes, Father forgive them, they know not what they do. Pilate cauſed a ſuperſcription to be written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latine, This is Jeſus of Nazareth King of the Jews. Not long after he was faſtned to the Croſs, a wonderful prodigious darkneſs began, and continued till three in the afternoon. The Souldiers divide his Garments, and caſt lots for his ſeamleſs Coat. They that paſſed by reviled him. The Chief Prieſt and Rulers mocked him, ſaying he ſaved others, himſelf he cannot ſave. The Soldiers alſo did the ſame, off…ring him vinegar. One of the Thieves alſo caſt the ſame in his Teeth, but the other rebukes him for it, and prayes unto Chriſt to remember him when he came into his Kingdom. His Mother ſtanding by the Croſs is commended by him to Jehu's care, about three of the Clock he cries out, Eli, Eli, Lamaſabacthani. The Jews ſcoffingly ſay, he calls for Elias to help him. He then ſaid he thirſted. They that ſtood by gave him vinegar, which having taſted, he ſaid it is finiſhed, then crying with a loud voice, he ſaid Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit, and bowing his head he gave up the Ghoſt. The Centurion ſeeing theſe things glorified God, ſaying, certainly this was a Righteous man, truly this was the Son of God. Immediately upon his death four Prodigious things enſued. 1. The rending of the Veil of the Temple. 2. An Earthquake. 3. The rending of the Rocks. 4. The graves were opened. The Centurion and p. 131people return to the City much affected. Towards the evening the Jews beſought Pilate, that the legs of the Crucified perſons might be broken to haſten their death, that ſo they might be removed, which being granted, the leggs of the two Thieves were broken, but not of Jeſus, being already dead, yet a Soldier with a Spear pierced his ſide, out of which came blood and water, Mat. 27. from 31. to 57. Mark 15. from 20. to 42. Luke 23. from 29. to 50. John 19. from 16. to 38.

17. Joſeph of Arimathea begs his body of Pilate, and he and Nicodemus wrap it in fine linnen, with ſpices, and lay it in Joſephs new Sepulchre, hewn out of a Rock in a Garden. They roll a ſtone to the door of the Sepulchre. Mary Magdalen and other Religious women obſerved where his body was laid, and went, and prepared Spices and Oyntments, purpoſing more exactly to embalm him when the Sabbath was over. The Chief Prieſt deſired Pilate that the Sepulchre may be ſecured. Hereupon a Guard is ſet upon it, and the Stone ſealed with the publick Seal, Mat. 27. from 57. to the end, Mark 15. from 42. to the end. Luke 23. from 50. to the end. John 19. from 38. to the end.