The Harmony of the Gospels, Chapter 9

The Harmony of the Gospels · Chapter 9

p. 34CAP. IX.

The Hiſtory of ſome of the Sufferings of Jeſus Chriſt which he lay under and indured through all the courſe of his Humane life in this world, many of them in this moſt quiet time of his life before he entered upon his publick Miniſtry

MY ſcope being to explain and ſet forth the ſufferings of Jeſus Chriſt, I ſhall endeavour according to my poor ability, to ſhew what ſufferings Jeſus Chriſt underwent in all this courſe of his pilgrimage. Jeſus Chriſt having undertaken to be our Advocate with the Father, and to procure our peace with God; as it was incumbent on him to purchaſe for us the Inheritance promiſed in the Covenant of works, by fulfilling the Law by his pure, perfect, and meritorious, active obedience unto the Law of God, which Adam left unperformed. So it was incumbent upon our Lord Jeſus to ſuffer the puniſhment due unto us, for our tranſgreſſion of the Law. The Captain of our Salvation muſt be made perfect by ſuffering. Hence when in his Infancy he fled for his life, from Herods Jurisdiction into Egypt, this ſuffering of Chriſt was a part of the puniſhment due unto the ſin of man, he having taken upon him the imputation of the guilt of the ſin of man. The curſe and puniſhment due to ſin did juſtly fall upon him, and under that conſideration were all the ſufferings of Jeſus Chriſt, he did not ſuffer affliction as a means of mortification of ſin, as we do, for he had no ſin to mortifie, but all that he ſuffered was by virtue of his office of a Mediator, and he ſuffered in all things the puniſhment due to ſin, his ſufferings were all of them a branch of the curſe, an effect of the guilt of ſin, he ſuffered in all things as a publick perſon, as a Mediator, and therefore in every thing that he ſuffered he underwent the wrath of God, the curſe and puniſhment of the Law, which was due to ſin, never did a man ſuffer ſuch ſufferings, and ſo, as Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered. When he returned from Egypt, and his Parents by prudent fear were conſtrained to withdraw into an obſcure corner of the Country, there to hide, and bring up the child, Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered this as an effect of the guilt of the ſin of man, as a branch of the curſe and wrathful puniſhment of the ſin of man; and this obſcurity did run through his whole life. More particularly, I ſhall inſtance ſome of the ſufferings of Jeſus Chriſt which he ſuffered all his life long, even in this moſt quiet time of his life, when his active obedience did chiefly ſhine, and this I do to ſhew the complication of his active obedience and paſſive obedience together in his quieteſt and beſt times, wherein he did moſt illuſtriouſly perform his active obedience, he was under clouds of ſuffering in them all. And firſt I ſhall lay ſundry of them together, and then open them diſtinctly.

1. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered for us the affliction of poverty as it is a fruit of the curſe, the ſting of the guilt of ſin, wrath and puniſhment of ſin were in it.

2. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered for us the affliction of a low obſcure condition in this world, as a fruit of the curſe, the ſting of the guilt of ſin, and wrathful puniſhment for ſin was in it.

3. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered for us the affliction of a ſervant-like condition in this world, as a fruit of the curſe, having the ſting of the guilt of ſin, and wrathful puniſhment of ſin in it.

Theſe three firſt kinds of ſufferings he underwent all his life through: the reſt that follow, he did chi…fly undergoe after he entered upon his publick Miniſtry.

p. 354. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered for us the affliction of grief, infirmities, bodily pains, as the fruit of the curſe, having the ſting of guilt, and wrathful puniſhment of ſin in them.

5. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered for us reproaches, ſlanders, cruel mockings as a fruit of the curſe, having the ſting of the guilt and wrathful puniſhment of ſin in them.

6. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered for us Temptations many and great, as a fruit of the curſe, having wrathful puniſhment of ſin in them.

The ſting of all theſe ſu…ferings of Ieſus Chriſt (and ſuch like; for he ſuffered all the ſinleſs puniſhments of ſin) was the imputation of the guilt of our ſin, and the real curſe and wrath of God due to our ſin, but the evil of ſin he touched not. The moſt of theſe ſu…erings did fall upon him through the whole courſe of his life, before he was perſecuted for his faithful Miniſtry and Doctrine. But reproaches and cruel mockings are moſt particularly mentioned in his laſt ſufferings, where we ſhall have occaſion to make particular mention of them, all theſe kinds of ſufferings, when they befall us are calls to repentance, helps and means of mortification; Jeſus Chriſt hath taken out the ſting, and turned them into wholſome medicines.

But they fell upon Jeſus Chriſt as puniſhments of ſin, fruits of the curſe, executed upon our Surety to the uttermoſt of the merit and deſert of ſin, until vindictive juſtice was ſatisfied, and ſaid, I am well pleaſed, it is enough. Though in the time of Jeſus Chriſt his private life, many people favoured him, and it is like none but the vileſt mocked and deſpiſed him, yet when he publickly preached and reproved their ſins, and fell under the hatred and perſecution of the chief Prieſts, Scribes and Phariſees, then the generality of the people raged againſt him, and few did adhere to him, and very few believed in him; and all this he ſuffered as the puniſhment and deſert of our ſin.

I ſhall more particularly open theſe ſeveral ſorts of puniſhments of ſins which our Lord Jeſus ſuffered for us, to ſatisfie Divine juſtice, and to take away the ſting and curſe of them from us, and to ſanctifie them to be wholſome medicines in his hand to do us good by them.

Sect. 1.

Of the Poverty of Ieſus Chriſt

MAth. 8.20. the Foxes have holes, and the Fowls of the Air have neſts, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head, Luk. 2.7. ſhe brought forth her firſt born Son, and wrapped him in ſwadling Clouts, and laid him in a manger, becauſe there was no room for them in the Inn; in ſo poor a condition he was born, and it appeareth that he had not advanced or increaſed his eſtate all the time of his life, for now he was in his publick Miniſtry, and yet he had no place of his own where to lay his head, and take a nights reſt, nor any houſe to entertain his followers and auditors, but often went out unto Mountains and wilderneſſes to preach unto them, or upon the Sea ſhore. He was the Son of a Carpenter. Mat. 13.55. and wrought with his Father for his living, Mark. 6.3. yet had not the means or opportunity to raiſe any worldly eſtate, nor to build for himſelf an houſe, nor any ſhelter where to lay his head, Iſai. 33.2. he grew as a Root out of a dry ground, and men know that ſuch Roots grow but poorly, Pſal. 40.17. but I am poor and needy, and this is manifeſtly ſpoken of Chriſt, as appeareth, ver, 6, 7, 8, &c. the ſame is ſaid, Pſal. 70.5. Pſal. 69.29. I am poor and ſorrowful, and this Pſalm ſpeaketh p. 36abundantly of the ſufferings of Jeſus Chriſt, and this of poverty is one of his ſufferings, Pſal. 109.22. I am poor and needy, and this Pſalm is a Propheſy of Jeſus Chriſt, his Parents were poor which appeareth by their lodging in a Stable, and at his mothers purification, they offered the poor womans offering, Luk. 2.2…. This part of the ſufferings of Chriſt is abundantly declared both in the Propheſy and alſo in the Hiſtory. Poverty is not a ſin, but an affliction a puniſhment of ſin, ſin hath brought poverty upon man, as the deſert of our ſin, man was a rich Lord, but ſin hath made him a poor beggar. The reaſon why poverty is a puniſhment, is, becauſe it cutteth us off, and depriveth us, and taketh away much of our dominion over the Creatures of God. Adam was made Lord over Gods Creatures, in this low world he had dominion over them, but ſin hath ſtripped us in a great meaſure of our dominion. God will permit us to have a little, a few of his creatures to rule over and employ. Though ſome dominion over, and uſe of the creatures God doth allow to every one, even to the pooreſt Lazarus, viz. the Earth to tred and ly upon, the Air to breath in, and ſome food to live upon, though this is a grant of free mercy, for ſin hath deſerved that we ſhould be ſtripped of all good.

Poverty is a very dark cloud drawn over ſinful man, which vaileth all his glory and humane excellency. And it was a dark cloud over Jeſus Chriſt, when he was here on Earth amongſt us. There be many vices that attend Poverty, Prov. 30.4. but Jeſus Chriſt touched none of them, he ſuffered ſinleſs poverty, but not the ſins of poverty which it tempteth and expoſeth men unto; there be alſo many virtues that attend and ſhine in poverty, theſe virtues did Jeſus Chriſt ſhine in, there is ſanctified poverty and that Chriſt ſuffered, there is alſo unſanctified poverty, and that Jeſus Chriſt touched not; he ſuffered the curſe of poverty, that he might take the curſe out of it; this he ſuffered, to turn the quality, the effect and the operation of it to be only medicinal, and not deſtructive unto us. Conſider what be the afflictions of poverty which Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered, and then ſee how Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered them all, yea, more then I can utter.

1. Poverty cutteth off, depriveth, bereaveth us of thoſe creatures of God over which we are to have dominion in this low world, for our comfort and uſe. God made man Lord over the works of his hand, gave him wiſdome to uſe and improve them to the glory and ſervice of God, and for his own honour and comfort. but ſin hath ſtripped us of this our dominion; we have forfeited and loſt all, ſee a bereaved condition deſcribed, Pſal. 89.38, to 46. thou haſt caſt off and abhorred, thou haſt been wroth with thy anointed, thou haſt prophaned his crown, by caſting it to the ground thou haſt broken down all his hedges, thou haſt made his glory to ceaſe, and caſt his throne to the ground. alas, how poor hath ſin left man! Adam ſuffered the greateſt loſs & downfall that ever man ſuffered! poor Adam! he loſt the Lordſhip of the whole world, both from his own poſſeſſion, and his Childrens after him. Only God did of his meer bounty and goodneſs reſtore unto him a little under the government of Chriſt, ſo much as might ſerve his turn in a poor manner, to paſs through the pilgrimage of man in this world. By this fall of Adam, and loſs of his dominion, the Devil hath got it in a great meaſure by the permiſſion of our Lord, into his hand, and all his ſtudy▪ and care, is to bring all dominion, riches, and worldly honour into the hands of the wicked and ungodly world; who will be real and vigorous promoters of his affairs and Kingdome.

2. The ſecond affliction of poverty is; he hath but little, and that but mean food, little and poor raiment, little, or no houſe, ſhelter or harbour of his own, no beaſt to ride on, to eaſe him in his travails, or to bear burthens for him. So it was with Jeſus Chriſt, poor food, which appeareth by this, that his miraculous feeding the p. 37people with that food which was provided for themſelves, and that was barly bread and fiſh, Joh. 6.6.13. there is a lad here that hath five barly loaves, and two ſmall fiſhes, ve. 13. they gathered and filled twelve baskets full with the fragments of the five barley loaves, for garments we read little, but he exhorted his Diſciples to have but one Coat, and it is moſt probable that he had no more himſelf. For houſe and harbour, the Text ſaith, he had none of his own, though he had built for others. For beaſts, he had not ſo much as a poor Aſs to ride on, and when he came triumphant into the City, he borrowad an Aſs to ride on, Math. 21.2, 3. alas poor Kiing! how would his unbelieving adverſaries deride him! none of the Kings and great ones regarded him, nor yet the people, only believers had faith to behold him that was behind this Curtain of poverty.

3. The third affliction of poverty, the poor are neglected, diſregarded, yea, though they be wiſe; benificent, and do eminent good works, poverty ſo darkens them, that they are forgotten and not regarded, Eccl. 9.14, 15, 16. thare was a little City, and few men within it, and there came a great King againſt it, and beſieged it, and built great bulwarks againſt it, now there was found in it a poor wiſe man, and he by his wiſdome delivered the City, yet no man remembred that poor man, then I ſaid, wiſdome is better then ſtrength, nevertheleſs, the poor mans wiſdome is deſpiſed, and his words are not heard, So it was with Jeſus, he was very wiſe, full of wiſdome from a child, Luk, 2.40. and in his courſe of life, no doubt did give much good counſel unto many, and did many notable and eminent good works, but by reaſon of his poverty none regarded him. And that may be one Reaſon why ſo little is recorded of him in the time of his private life. Yea, he hath not only delivered a City, but a world, not from an earthly King, but from the vindictive juſtice of God, and not only their bodies, but their Souls alſo, and yet who was more neglected then Jeſus Chriſt, Iſai. 53.3. he is deſpiſed and rejected of men, though he was employed in the great work of our Salvation, 1 Sam. 18.23. I am poor and lightly eſteemed.

4. The fourth affliction of poverty; if the poor do never ſo little anger, vex, or ſtand in the light of the proud, carnal world, they will deſpiſe and curſe them, Joh. 7.48, 49. have any of the Rulers and Phariſees believed in him? but the people who know not the Law are curſed, Ioh. 9.28.34. they reviled him, they ſaid, thou wert altogether born in ſin, and doſt thou teach us! and they caſt him out, Prov. 14.20. the poor is hated even of his own neighbour, but the rich hath many friends, Prov. 19.4. wealth maketh many friends, but the poor is ſeparated from his Neighbour, Prov. 19.7. all the brethren of the poor do hate him, how much more do his friends go far from him, he purſueth them with words, yet they are wan…ing to him. Thus it was with Ieſus Chriſt, Joh. 7.5. for neither did his brethren believe in him.

5. The fifth affliction of poverty is, when a man is poor, men think that God deſpiſeth them, as they themſelves do. Thus they dealt by Ieſus Chriſt, Iſai. 53.4. we did eſteem him ſtricken, ſmitten of God and afflicted, Ier. 5.4. poor and fooliſh, poverty renders a man deſtitute, forlorn & deſpicable, poverty layeth a man by like a broken potſheard good for nothing, Prov. 10.15. the deſtruction of the poor is his poverty.

6. The ſixth affliction of poverty is, every one will be bold to afflict, wrong, tread upon the poor man, Pſal. 10.2, 8, 6, 14. the wicked in his pride doth perſecute the poor. his eyes are fiercely ſet againſt the poor, he catcheth the poor when he draweth him into his net, men are bold to injure the poor, becauſe they know they are not able to revenge themſelves, and they think no body elſe will, they think not of God that he hath taken the protection of the poor, and that he will behold their miſchief, and p. 38ſpight, Pſal. 10.14. thou haſt ſeen it, for thou beholdeſt miſchief and ſpight to require it, with thy hand, the poor committeth himſelf to thee, thou art the helper of the Fatherleſs, Am. 2 6. Thus ſaith the Lord for three Tranſgreſſions of Iſrael and for four I will not turn away the puniſhment thereof, becauſe they ſold the righteous for ſi…ver, and the poor for a pair of ſ oes, t…us they dealt with Jeſus Chriſt, and moſt ſever…ly hath the Lord vi…ited the Iews for ſuch in…uries done unto our Lord Ieſus.

7. The ſe…enth affliction of poverty is, that it draws a vail or Curtain over all humane excellencies. it taketh away the matter and means whereby he may excell in the world among men, he cannot do any great and honourabl… works in his Generation, he hath not wherewith to do them, as rich men have, Iſai 3.6, 7. wh…n a man ſhall take hold of his brother, of the houſe of his Father, ſaying, thou haſt cloathing, be thou our Ruler, and let this ruine be under thine hand, in that day ſhall he ſwear ſaying, I will not be an healer, for in my houſe is neither bread nor cloathing, make me not a Ruler of the people; What ever other virtues or wiſdome he hath, if h… want wealth, he is diſabled, darkened, and laid aſide from a capacity of doing any great ſervice among his people. Thus it was with Ieſus Chriſt, his poverty did diſable him from carrying any breadth among men. Yet Jeſus Chriſt by his divine power did many wonderful and miraculous good works, in healing all manner of diſeaſes, in feeding the hungry in a time of need, he entertained and fed many thouſands at one time, and that in a wilderneſs, he filled all their bellies, and no doubt all their pockets, bags, or baskets, and when all had taken what they would, they ſtill left many baskets full. No Prince on Earth did, or could make ſuch a bountiful Feaſt, his poverty is no hindrance to his divine power from doing ſuch acts of noble liberality; and ſo it was with the Apoſtles afterward, though they were poor, yet that hindred not them from doing great acts of beneficence to men, Act. 3.6. ſilver and gold have I none, but ſuch as I have give I thee, in the Name of Jeſus Chriſt of Nazaret, riſe up and walk. 2 Cor. 6.10. as poor, yet making many rich, and that with the beſt, and moſt true riches in the world. rich in Faith, though poor in this world, Iam. 2.5.

Queſt. Why did Ieſus Chriſt undergo poverty, ſuch deep poverty?

Anſw. 1. For the ſatisfaction of the vindictive juſtice of God for the ſin of man, all ſinleſs puniſhment which ſin had deſerved, and juſtly brought upon man, this Ieſus Chriſt ſuffered, of which puniſhment poverty is a chief part. Adam was a rich Lord over the world, he had a great dominion, but upon his fall he was thruſt out of Paradice, ſtripped of all his dominion, dignity, and glory, he was Lord of the world, but now an outcaſt, a poor beggar, he has nothing but what Gods mercy will beſtow on him, he hangs upon every creature for relief, wool, hair, hides, fleſh, and many other things he is neceſſitated to get from the creatures of God, for his relief, which are drops and branches of his loſt dominion, and notwithſtanding this beggarly condition of man, ſo fooliſh many are, to bedeck themſ…lves in pride with theſe things which ſhould be for their humbling. This ſecond ſtate of Adam, this poor puniſhed condition did Ieſus Chriſt take upon him, Phil, 2.7, 8. though equal with God, yet he became a ſtripped, bereaved, naked man, and of the pooreſt ſort among them. This was a chief part of the ſufferings of Ieſus Chriſt for the ſin of man, he bore this effect of Gods wrath upon fallen man, to bear it off and away from us.

2. Ieſus Chriſt bore this part of the puniſhment of ſin, for the ſake of Gods elect, to ſanctifie this ſtate of poverty for them, to take out the ſting of it, and to remove the curſe from it that it might become a bleſſing to them; for it is Gods deſigne and purpoſe, that the ſtate of his Church and Saints in this world ſhould be p. 39poor, the moſt part of them, and therefore he hath prepared poverty for them by taking the curſe out of it, 1 Cor. 1.26, 27, 28; 29. ye ſee your calling Brethren, how that not m…ny wiſe after the fleſh, not many mighty, not many noble are called, but God hath ch… ſ…n the fooliſh things of the world to confound the wiſe, and God hath choſen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty, and baſe things of the world, and things that are deſpiſed hath God choſen, yea, and things that are not, to bring to nought the things that are, that no fleſh ſhould glory in his preſence,

3. Jeſus Chriſt came into the world in this poor condition, to leave an advantage to Satan to tempt and prevail with the wicked Jews and Romans, to put him to death, for none of them feared to abuſe ſuch a poor man, Herod and his men of War deſpiſed him, the Emperour and other Rulers under him feared him not but eaſily condeſcended and conſpired to put him to cruel ſufferings and death; he was ſo darkened by the cloud of poverty, that he had no thoughts that he was th… Lord of glory, 1 Cor. 2.8. which none of the Princes of this world knew, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory, The Sacrament of the Lords Supper may ſeem to be a pure Inſtitution, yet it is an effectual memorial of all the ſufferings of Jeſus Chriſt, from his poor cradle to his bitter Croſs and dark grave. Moreover it is neceſſary to conſider that the poverty of Jeſus was a thouſand times, yea, above all compariſon, more bitter then our poverty is, for his poverty had the ſting of the curſe in it, it was an effect of the wrath of God. And by his ſuffering thereof, unto the full ſatisfaction of divine juſtice: he took the ſting of the curſe out of our ſufferings, and out of our poverty, and made them to be only medicinal to us. Our poverty and all our ſufferings are upon many accounts ſweet and eaſy, yea Jeſus Commands us to rejoyce, and be exceeding glad under them. The believing Jews took joyfully the ſpoyling of their goods, Heb. 10.34. But Jeſus Chriſt his ſufferings were all bitter, as reſpecting his humane nature, as being our Mediator and Surety

He had joy in reſpect of the Father whoſe will he obeyed and fulfilled, but the deſert and puniſhment of their ſin lay with its full weight upon him, ſo that we ſee, that the poverty of Jeſus Chriſt was an heavy part of his ſufferings, a part of his paſſive obedicnce, which did run through the whole courſe of his life, from his birrh to his death.

Sect. 2.

Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered the puniſhment of a low, obſcure, diſpiſed condition in this World.

PSalm. 22.6. I am a worm and no man, deſpiſed of the people, a no body, a nothing, a poor deſpicable thing, this is an effect of his poverty, and therefore in the opening of it, ſundry things will be coincident, and ſome, the ſame that were expreſſed in his ſufferings of poverty, but it ſhould not be accounted a needleſs Tautologie, ſeeing the Scripture is ſo plentiful in this point, both in the Propheſy and in the Hiſtory, to expreſs, amplifie, and dilate upon the point of the ſufferings of our Lord Jeſus, as being a point very remarkeable, and much to be inſiſted upon, and often inculcated.

Wealth is an exerciſe of the dominion of man, therefore it exalts a man in the World. poverty ſtrippeth man of his dominion, therefore it layes him low in the World. And in that condition it pleaſed Jeſus Chriſt to lay himſelf. He who is God humbled himſelf by his Incarnation, lower then Angels, though he had been born the greateſt of men on Earth, yet he humbled himſelf to become a man, Phil. 2 6, 7. he emptied himſelf to become a man, and laid himſelf among the lowermoſt p. 40rank and ſort of m…n, which is Rhetorically expreſſed by a worm, what is lower then a worm among living creatures, ſuch was Jeſus Chriſt in the fleſh, a no body among men, the loweſt of no body, therefore the Text ſaith a worm & no man, one of no account. But conſider that this Text ſheweth of what eſteem and account Jeſus Chriſt was in the worlds eye only, he was not ſo accounted in Gods eye, nor in the Churches Eye, for ſee of what account Jeſus Chriſt was in Gods Eye, Mat. 3.17. this is my well beloved Son, in whom I am well pleaſed. See alſo Math. 12 18. behold my ſervant whom I have choſen, my beloved in whom my Soul is well pleaſed, I will put my Spirit upon him, and he ſhall ſhew judgement unto the Gentiles. See what account he was of in the Angels eye, Luk. 2.10, 11. I bring you good tidings of great joy, which ſhall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Chriſt the Lord. See what account he is of in the eſtimation of the Scriptures, Iſai. 9.6, 7. unto as a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government ſhall be upon his ſhoulder, and his Name ſhall be called wonderful, Counſellour, the mighty God, Everlaſting Father, Prince of Peace, of the increaſe of his government and peace there ſhall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon his Kingdom, to order it, and to eſtabliſh it with judgement and with juſtice, from henceforth even for ever; the Zeal of the Lord of Hoſts will perform this. Amen. This glorious perſon is the low worm we are ſpeaking of, ſee alſo what account he is in the Eye of the Church, Joh. 1.14. we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father. And this is the perſon that in the worlds Eve is a worm, and a no body, and deſpiſed of men.

Queſt, What renders a man to be a no body, a nothing, a worm?

Anſw. Many things, which are in no wiſe appertaining to Jeſus Chriſt, as for inſtance 1. When a man is of low parts and gifts, a ſimple, ſorry, fooliſh, creature, but Jeſus Chriſt was not ſuch an one, Luk. 2.40. when he was a child he was full of wiſdome, and 52. as he grew up he increaſed in wiſdome.

2. When a man is unfit for any action or ſervice in his generation, like an Image finely carved, but good for nothing, as Iſai. 44.10. But Jeſus Chriſt was not ſuch an one, he did the greateſt good to man thar ever was done, never man did the like, Pſal. 89.6. who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord, who among the Sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord.

3. When men are deboſhed and defiled with groſs ſins, this doth debaſe them, and make them no bodies, Prov. 14.34. But Jeſus Chriſt was far from any ſuch ſtain or ſpot, he is a Lamb without ſpot or blemiſh, 1 Pet. 1.19. he knew no ſin, though he was made ſin for us, by the imputation of our ſin, and 1 Pet. 2.32, 23, 24. who did no ſin, neither was guile found in his mouth, who when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he ſuffered, he threatned not, but committed himſelf to him that judgeth righteouſly; who his own ſelf bare our ſins in his own body on the Tree.

4. Men are rendred of no eſteem, when they are of an ill diſpoſition, proud, covetous, ſelfiſh, paſſionate, cenſorious, contentious, and ſuch like. But no ſuch thing was ever found in Jeſus Chriſt, he was meek, lowly, lovely Math. 11.29. learn of me for I am meek and lowly, Math 12.17, 18, 20. he ſhall not ſtrive nor cry, &c.

5. Laſtly, When men are poor in the world, this makes them low and deſpicable in the worlds Eye. And this only was the caſe of Ieſus Chriſt, ſaving that we may add, that his holineſs of Doctrine and life would be, yea, was an Eye-ſore to the Scribes, Phariſees, and hipocrites, and to ſuch as adhered unto them. This low condition is a part of the ſpotleſs puniſhment of the ſin of man, unto which Ieſus Chriſt doth voluntarily ſubmit himſelf.

p. 41Queſt. Wherein, or in what reſpects was Jeſus Chriſt like unto a worm, for he deſcribeth himſelf?

a worm is

1. Deſpicable.

2. Vſeleſs.

3, None feareth it.

4, None cares to defend it.

5. Every one is bold to tread on it.

6. They will be eaſily induced to deſtroy it.

7. None fears revenge for deſtroying it.

1. Jeſus Chriſt his poverty did ſo vaile his glory, that in all theſe and ſuch like reſpects he was like a worm, which cloud of obſcurity was no ſmall part of his humiliation, and ſuffering for our ſin, he was deſpicable, Pſal. 22.5. deſpiſed of the people, Pſal. 119.141. I am ſmall and deſpiſed, Eccleſ. 4.16. the poor mans wiſdome is deſpiſed, Iſai, 53.3, deſpiſed, rejected of men, but God did dearly accept him, Math. 3.17. and 12.18.

2. He was rendered hereby in the worlds eye uſeleſs, they were exceeding populous, and where it is ſo, the poor worms are rather a burthen then of any uſe to their Generation, though they be godly and wiſe, Joh. 7.49. the poor people are curſed, Act. 4, 11. the ſtone ſet at nought, by the builders. but God made him the head of the Corner, and deſireable to redeem, preſerve and govern the world, and eſpecially the Church,

3. None is afraid of a worm, it cannot hurt us, ſo none feared Jeſus Chriſt, Herod and his men of war ſet him at nought; though there was the greateſt cauſe in the world for Herod and his men of war to have feared the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Rev. 5.5. and to kiſs the Son, leſt he be angry, Pſal 2.12. and tremble at the wrath of the Lamb, Rev. 6.1…, 16, 17. and the Kings of the Earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief Captains, and the mighty men, and the bond man, and every free man hid themſelves in the Dens and in the Rocks of the mountains, and ſaid to the Rocks and mountains fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that fitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath is come, and who ſhall be able to ſtand.

4. None careth to defend ſuch a poor uſeleſs creature as a worm is, ſo no body cared to defend Jeſus Chriſt, and his cauſe. Once Nicodemus ſpake a good word for Jeſus Chriſt, which had a preſent good effect, but he was quipped for it, Joh. 7, 50.51, 52, 53. Jeſus Chriſt complained, Pſal. 22.11. there is none to help, but God taketh care of this poor worm, Iſai. 40.14. fear not thou worm Jacob.

5. Any one is bold to tread upon a worm to hurt and injure it, ſo were the people bold to ſpeak and do againſt Jeſus Chriſt, ſometimes to ſtone him, Ioh. 8.59. and 10.31. ſometime to caſt him down the cliſt of the Rocks, Luk 4.28, 29, 30. but God preſerved him from them.

6. Every one is eaſily induced & perſwaded to deſtroy a worm. So were th… people, who a few dayes before had cried Hoſanna to the Son of David, eaſily perſwaded by the Prieſts, Scribes and Phariſes to cry, crucifie him, and give us Barabbas.

7. They fear no body to take vengeance for wrong done to a worm, ſo were the Jews fearleſs of any vengeance to be inflicted upon them for the wrong and injury done unto Jeſus Chriſt, which made them bold to expoſe themſ…lves and their poſterity unto any ſuch vengeance, ſaying, his blood be upon us, and upon our Children. And never was blood more ſharply revenged, and a curſe more ſeverely executed, for they have been under that curſe near ſeventeen hundred years, and they are ſtill under it to this day.

p. 42Queſt. But why did Jeſus Chriſt take upon him ſuch a low condition in this world? why came he not a Prince in the external Royalty of his Father David?

Anſw. 1. Becauſe this low, ſtripped, bereaved condition, under the loſs of th… dominion of man in this world is one part of the puniſhment due to the ſin of man, Gen. 3, 23, 24. and it is ſuch a puniſhment as may be taken up and born with Innocency, without any defilement of ſin, therefore Jeſus Chriſt did willingly ſubmit to the deepeſt ſtroke of that puniſhment, for the ſatisfaction of Divine juſtice, Iſai. 63.9. in all our ſinleſs afflictions he was afflicted, and Iſai. 53.4. he hath born our griefs, was wounded for our tranſgreſſions, the chaſtiſement of our peace was upon him. And this innocent puniſhment for our ſin he ſuffered moſt purely, perfectly, and meritoriouſly, unto the Infinite ſatisfaction of the vindictive Juſtice of God. And thereby took out the ſting of the curſe from the like low condition, that we may fall into, and he bore it away from us, Iſai. 53.5, 6.

2. Jeſus Chriſt came in this low condition to ſanctifie a low condition in this world, for his Saints, the elect of God. Seeing it was the purpoſe of God to carry the Church in this world through ſuch a low condition, 1 Cor. 1.26, 27, 28.

Yet take this with theſe cautious, 1. All the Church of Gods Elect are not ſo, all are not in ſuch a low condition, though moſt are, for the Text ſaith, not many noble, rich, mighty, but ſome ſuch there alwayes are, for the great ſupport of the Church, when Kings are nu…ſing Fathers, and Queens are nurſing mothers to the Churches, Iſai. 49.23.

2, Again, take this caution, that this low condition of the Church ſhall not alwa…es be ſo, for in the latter dayes Jeſus Chriſt will more plentifully pour out p…ſ …rity, grace, which though it hath been more rarely diſpenced hitherunto, yet it ſeemeth to me, that it ſhall be otherwiſe in the glorious times of the Church in this world as may be gathered out of the Propheſies of Iſaiah from the ſixty Chapter and ſo forward: and from many other Scriptures.

3. Jeſus Chriſt came in a low condition in this world, and carryeth his Elect (many of them) through this world in a low condition, to exert and exerciſe Gods Sovereignty, in defending his poor worms againſt the proud great world, and ſometimes in advancing his worm, Jacob and David from the Shephards crook to the Scepter, Luk. 1.48. he hath regarded the low eſtate of his handmaid, this Sovereignty of God is highly celebrated, 1 Sam. 2.4. ad 11. Job. 5.15, 16. and abundantly in the books both of the Scriptures and of the providences of God.

4. Jeſus Chriſt came in ſuch a low condition, to ſet us a pattern of exerciſing ſuffering graces, which muſt be in this militant world or not at all, for there will be no occaſion in Heaven for the uſe of ſuffering grace, when all tears ſhall be wiped away from our eyes.

5. Jeſus Chriſt came in ſuch a low condition, to leave an occaſion (not a cauſe) in the hand of Satan, eaſily to prevail with the wicked Jews, and Pagan Romans, to be ſo bold as to put to death that innocent perſon Ieſus Chriſt; for the accompliſhing of Gods Counſel, Act. 2.23. for the ſalvation of man, his low condition obſcured his glory, whom if they had known, they would not have put to death the Lord of glory, 1 Cor. 2.8.

From all this we may ſee and learn that a poor low condition in this world is a ſinleſs affliction, which Ieſus Chriſt hath ſanctified to be wholſome and good for his Church in this life, and giveth us opportunity of exerting and acting many graces of the Spirit, and Ieſus Chriſt hath a moſt tender care over all his poor worms.

p. 43Sect. 3.

The Sufferings of Ieſus Chriſt in the form of a Servant. Phil. 2.7. and took upon Him the form of a Servant.

THis is an eminent part or branch of the Humiliation and ſufferings of Ieſus Chriſt, a ſervant is the loweſt order of mankind, a ſervant is beneath a Son, Luk 15.14. I am not worthy to be called thy Son, make me as one of thy hired Servants, it was a word of humiliation in the penitent prodigal, but an unexpreſſible act of humiliation in Ieſus Chriſt, he came to be a Servant to his Father & that …e might have been, if he had been an Earthly King. King David counts it his honour to be a Servant of God, Pſal. 116.16. O Lord truly I am thy Servant, I am thy Servant. But Ieſus Chriſt took the form of a Servant among men. There be degrees of a Servant beneath that condition which Ieſus Chriſt condeſcended unto, which he could not ſubmit unto; but as low as it was poſſible, he condeſcended, and that was, to take the form of a Servant. Sin hath ſtripped Adam of his dominion, and brought him into bondage, Ieſus Chriſt condeſcended as low as it was poſſible without ſin, to bear as much of the puniſhment of ſin, as he could with Innocency, and therefore took upon himſelf the form of a Servant, to redeem man from his ſervitude; and to bring us into the adoption of Sons, a freedome of the Goſpel, Math. 20.28. the Son of came not to be miniſtred unto, but to miniſter, Gal. … 4, 5. God ſent forth his Son made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law, that they might receive the Adoption of Sons.

To open this point, we muſt conſider there be ſundry kinds or degrees of Servants, or Service.

1. There is the ingenious Servant, who in love and beneficence doth voluntarily make himſelf a ſervant to others, that he might do them good. The beneficent man is willing to be ſerviceable, 1 Cor. 9.19. though I be free from all men yet have I made my ſelf a Servant unto all, that I might gain the more, not the more mony, but the more men, the more Souls, for he fi…hed for Souls. Paul laboured to win and gain Souls, in which Service he is an under-worker to Ieſus Chriſt, for all the doings and Sufferings of Ieſus Chri t were to gain and ſave Souls. Such a Servant Ieſus Chriſt made himſelf, Luk. 22.27. I am among you as one that ſerveth, I take no ſtate upon my ſelf, I only endeavour to do good. This is a commanded Goſpel duty, Gal. 5.13. in love to ſerve each other, though we are called to Liberty. Thus walked the famous Theſſalonians, 1 Theſ. 1.3. your labour of love. So did Jeſus Chriſt, yea, he purpoſely did an act of Service, Ioh. 13.4. the Service of a waiter at the Table, and here behold Jeſus Chriſt in the form of a Servant, it was a point of civil entertainment in thoſe dayes to waſh their feet, Luk. 7.38, the penitent woman waſhed the feet of Jeſus Chriſt with her tears of repentance, and ver. 44. &c, ſee Jeſus Chriſt his diſcourſe upon it, and Joh. 13.13, 14, 15, 16. Chriſt …is explication of that example of his doth teach, that they that will be the Diſciples of Jeſus Chriſt muſt be willing Servants of each other, in love, yea, we muſt be ready to do good to al, eſpecially to the houſhold of Faith: This is an honourable noble & generous kind of Service. and in this kind of Service the more ſerviceable any be, the more honourable they be, Math. 23.11, 12, He that humbleth himſelf to be ſerviceable ſhall …e moſt honourable. Such a Servant Jeſus Chriſt is, and that in the moſt eminent way in the world; for he dyed for his Enemies to do them good.

2. There is the hired Servant, when a Freeman is hired to do work for another, p. 44and receiveth wages for his work, of ſuch Servants we read, Math, 20.1, &c. they were hired for a day, and at night the maſter paid them their wages, Sometimes ſuch Freemen are hired by the great, and ſerve long in their work; as Jacob did with Laban, Gen. 29. and 30. and 31.7. Laban changed his wages ten times, many kinds of Artificers ar… ſuch ſervants, to work for others and receive wages. The Carpenters Trade is eminently ſo, they build houſes for others to dwell in, and have their wages to live on. Joſeph the reputed Father of Jeſus was a Carpenter, and therefore wrought for his living with other men, and lived on his wages, Luk. 2.51. Jeſus was ſubject to his Parents, therefore he wrought with his Father at his Trade, for ſo it is expreſſed, Math. 13.55. and Mark. 6.3. Jeſus wrought with his Father, if his Father took a bargain by the great, Jeſus would help him, if his Father were hired by the day, Jeſus would help him. And this is evidently the form of a Servant, though he was free. Thus he would do, unleſs Synagogue worſhip, or Temple worſhip called him away: in that caſe, both Father and Son would make uſe of their freedome, and alſo to wait on the Lord in Family worſhip.

3. There is a ſ rvice that a Nation may be obliged in by Conqueſt, ſo all the Jews were Servants to the Romans. And in that caſe, though the children be free, yet Jeſus Chriſt did …oluntaril… ſubmit to pay the Tribute which they demand d Math. 17.26, 27. and in this reſpect alſo Jeſus Chri… took the form of a Servant.

4. T…r… is a form of a Servant that children are under in their non-Age and yo… … are under Tutors and Governours, Gal. ….1. the h…ir ſo long as he … …reth nothing from a Servant, though he be Lo…d of all. Apprentices are ſuch Servants, who are bound to their Maſters to ſerve them for a ſet time to learn a Trade, Prov. 22.6. Train up a Child in the way he ſhould goe, &c. ſuch a form of a Servant Jeſus took not, only he was ſubject to his Parents. Who was able or fit to teach Jeſus any thing? he was able to teach the Doctors when he was a child. Jeſus Chriſt was a Tutor, a Maſter to teach and train up his Diſciples, Joh. 13.13. Ye call me Maſter and Lord, ye ſay well, for ſo I am.

5. There is a bond Servant who is bound for all his life, as captives and Moors are. To this kind of ſervice Jeſus ſubmitted not; unto the three firſt forms of a Servant Jeſus did ſubmit himſelf, viz. 1. To be an ingenious Servant, in love to do good to all, and eſpecially to the Saints. 2. To be a free Servant to work with other men, and receive wages with his Father. 3. To ſerve the conquerour, by paying ſuch Tribute as they demand.

But unto the two laſt he ſubmitted not, viz. to be bound to ſerve a man for a time, and much leſs to be bound to ſerve a man for his life. Neither of theſe two forms of a Servant did Jeſus take up. And I may offer theſe Reaſons for it.

1. To be bound to ſerve a man would have hindered him from attending unto his heavenly Fathers buſineſs, which he came into the world to do, Joh. 6.38. I came down from Heaven to do the will of him that ſent me, not my own will, and much leſs mans will to which a bond Servant is bound, Joh. 5.30. I came to do the will of the Father that ſent me, Ioh. 4.34. my meat is to do the will of him that ſent me. Therefore he might not be ſuch a Servant, as by the Law is tyed to do the will of his Maſter VnderUnder his go…ly parents he had liberty to do his heavenly Fathers will, and it is a branch of the Fathers will, that he ſhould be ſubject to his Parents, whoſe duty it was to further him in the Service of his heavenly Father. Once at twelve years old he did that, which by accident did not a little trouble his Parents for the preſent, but Mary ſo laid up the words of his Apology, as that they did never p. 45hinder him from doing his heavenly Fathers buſineſs, but further him therein if they could.

2. He had no need to be a Servant under tuition, to teach him humility and ſubjection, he needed not to be taught by any humane yoke. We need it, Lam. 3.27 It is good for us to bear the Yoke of Tuition in our Youth. but it was not ſo with Ieſus Chriſt his heavenly Fathers will and command were enough for him, who had the perfect Image of God, and without the leaſt ſtain of original ſin.

3. Becauſe theſe three kinds of Service that he did undergo, were enough to ſanctifie all kinds and degrees of ſervice, for us who need the tuition of ſuch a yoke, becauſe our nature is ſtained with original ſin, and needeth to be ſubdued and tamed, and thereby be made capable of Inſtruction.

4. Becauſe it was too far beneath the dignity of his bleſſed perſon, to be at the will and command of a frail man, which his godly Parents were conſiderate of, knowing his Divine Offſpring he was ſubject to them by his own voluntary obedience to the fifth command of God, but never needed to put forth any parental power of command over him.

5. It was Infinite humility in him to condeſcend to the loweſt order of men, in taking the form of a Servant, though he did not ſtoop down to the loweſt degree of that order, eſpecially conſidering that it would have hindred him from doing the will of the Father that ſent him.

Queſt. But why did I…ſus Chriſt ſtoop ſo low as to take the form of a Servant.

Anſw. 1. Ieſus Chriſt took the form of a Servant to ſatisfie Divine juſtice in ſubmitting himſelf to bear the puniſhment due to the ſin of man. Sin ſtripped man of his dignity, dominion, Lordſhip and Rule, and caſt him into a ſtate of ſervitude, the ſting & curſe of this puniſhment Chriſt ſuffered purely perfectly, and meritoriouſly, to the full ſatisfaction of divine juſtice, & thereby hath took out the ſting & curſe of ſervitude, he bore that in his own perſon, to bear it off, and heave it away from us. This is one part of his paſſive obedience to bear the puniſhment of ſervitude, this is one part of his paſſive obedience which did run through the whole courſe of his life, and eſpecially in the whole courſe of his private life, for it was otherwiſe in ſome reſpects in the time of his publick Miniſtry.

2. Becauſe hereby he ſanctified the ſtate of Service for us, that it might be medicinal and wholſome for us, to humble us, ſanctifie us and do us good. The curſe being removed, it is become a Goſpel rod, and a yoke which we have need of, eſpecially in our youth, and Ieſus Chriſt hath fitted it to do us good.

3. Ieſus Chriſt took the form of a ſervant, that he might perform that active obedience to the Law of God, which that order doth owe unto the Law, and thereby merit that reward, that part of the Inheritance which was by the covenant of works, due unto the perfect obſervation of thoſe Laws. And this merit of Ieſus Chriſt is imputed to us that believe, by the covenant of grace. So that by taking the form of a ſervant Ieſus Chriſt performed both active & paſſive obedience to God, the fruit whereof is made ours by the Goſpel. Jeſus Chriſt did fulfil all righteouſneſs. Mat. 3.15. wherof this is no ſmall part, in his obedience to the fifth commandment.

4. Ieſus Chriſt took the form of a Servant▪ and did both ſuffer and do all the duty that belonged thereunto, to purchaſe Goſpel freedome for us, that through faith in Ieſus Chriſt we may be freed from the evil of ſervitude, and be made free Servants of God through Ieſus Chriſt. But we muſt remember that Ieſus Chri… freeth us from the evil of ſervitude, not from the ſtate of ſervitude, 1 Cor. 7.21, 22, 23. art thou called, converted, being a Servant, a bond Servant for life, care not about p. 46that, do the duty of thy place, it ſhall be but as medicine to thy Soul, and though thou be a Servant to men, yet thou art a Freeman of Jeſus Chriſt, and if Chriſt make you free, you are free indeed in a ſupereminent free eſtate, Oneſimus was Philemons Servant, but he was being converted, a Freeman of Chriſt. ver. 16.

O what a comfort is this to poor ſlaves and Servants that believe in Jeſus Chriſt! that Jeſus Chriſt himſelf the Lord of glory, took the form of a Servant for their ſakes. Jeſus Chriſt hath ſet Heaven gates open for poor bond ſlaves, and Servants to enter in by believing. And at the great day we ſhall ſee many bond ſlaves, Servants, and underlings; men and women, ſit down with Abraham, Iſaac, and Jacob in the heavenly Kingdome, but their Maſters, Rulers, and ſuch as made them ſlaves, caſt out into outer darkneſs.

Sect. 4.

The Sufferings of Jeſus Chriſt in bodily infirmityes, Math. 8.17. himſelf took our infirmityes, and bore our ſickneſſes.

THe forenamed Inſtances of the Sufferings of Jeſus Chriſt did manifeſtly run through the whole courſe of his life, all the time of his youth, which were ſo farr as we know, his moſt ſerene dayes that he lived in this world, & wherein he attended to his active obedience to the Law of God, yet he was alwayes in a dark, obſcure, low, ſuffering condition.

The Inſtances of his ſufferings which follow, are more conſpicuous in the courſe of his publick Miniſtry, ſuch was this point, in this Section touched on, viz. his bodily Infirmityes, mentioned by Mathew, which words are recited out of Iſai. 53.4. ſurely he hath born our griefs, and carried our ſorrows, and this Text he bringeth to prove that Jeſus Chriſt did heal all manner of diſeaſes, and ſickneſſes, not as a Phyſitian, but as a Mediator, by divine power and Authority, as God and man. He did bear all the ſinleſs puniſhment of our ſins in his body, 1 Pet. 2.21. himſelf bare our ſins in his own body, that is the puniſhment of our ſins, viz. ſinleſs puniſhment, whereof our bodily infirmityes, weakneſſes, pains and ſickneſſes are a great and eminent part. And by this part of his ſufferings he (ſo far) ſatisfied divine Juſtice, and thereby hath taken out the ſting and curſe out of our bodily infirmityes, and hath rendred them only medicinal to our Souls, and hereby he hath obtained power over all diſeaſes, to ſend them, and to recall them as he pleaſeth; and to improve them as he will, for the good of his Church, and believing Servants, he hath ſuch abſolute power over all our ſickneſſes, that he ſaith to one goe and it goeth, and to another come, and it cometh, &c.

This Text in Math. doth hold forth that part of the Humiliation of Jeſus Chriſt in ſubmitting himſelf to bodily infirmityes and diſeaſes, which he took, and bare, he took our griefs and pains for our ſakes, and bare them in our ſtead. It is an eminent part of his ſufferings clearly held forth in the Propheſies; and teſtified in the Goſpel Hiſtory of him. it is a point of great uſe and comfort to the Church, that this ſharp Rod is managed in the hand of a merciful, tender hearted, yea, and experienced Mediator. Jeſus Chriſt his body was mortal, which is evident by this, that he dyed, yea, he came into the world to dye, and therefore took a mortal body, capable to perform that great ſervice, which he came to do. The body of Adam in Innocency was capable of Immortality, but by ſin he became mortal, Rom. 5.12. as by one man ſin entered into the world, and death by ſin, ſo death paſſed upon all men, for that all have ſinned. Though the perſon of Jeſus Chriſt was without ſin, yet he took a mortal body, that it might be a fit ſacrifice for our ſin, which was laid upon him by imputation, being our Mediator, his body was made as Adams p. 47body was, out of preexiſting matter, and was therefore mortal. After his Reſurrection, his body is Immortal. His mortal hath put on Immortality, his glorious immortal body is ſet down at the right hand of God. And he will change our vile bodyes after the Reſurrection, and make them like to his glorious body, Phil. 3.21. After the Reſurrection the bodyes of all mankind ſhall be Immortal both good & bad. The power of mercy will preſerve the bodies of the Elect, to be eternal monuments & objects of mercy, and Subjects wherein mercy ſhall ſhine forth unto all Eternity. The bodyes of the wicked ſhall be preſerved in Immortality, to be Veſſels of wrath, in which the juſtice of God will ſhine forth to all Eternity. Thus all humane bodyes are capable of Immortality, and ſhall be made ſo to be by the power of mercy and juſtice, which Attributes of God are to be glorified in mankind for ever. This Immortality of the body of Jeſus Chriſt, was a great and fundamental infirmity of his humane nature, and a fruit of our ſin imputed to him as our Mediator, and this made him capable of ſuch other infirmityes as might accompliſh his death; So that it was through the infirmity of a mortal body that he dyed, 2 Cor. 13.4. for though he was crucified through weakneſs, yet he liveth in the power of God; his humane nature ſubject to our infirmityes, made him mortal, Divine power maketh him Immortal. Though Jeſus Chriſt took many infirmityes, ſickneſſes, weakneſſes incident to a mortal body, yet he dyed not by any ſickneſs, he dyed a violent death, being in his full ſtrength. Their cruelty and harſh uſage of his mortal body forced (with his voluntary conſent, Joh. 10.18.) a ſeparation of his Soul from his body, by much and cruel whippings, they made deep and long Furrows in his back, by piercing his head with Crowns of thorns, knocked on with a ſtaff, by abuſing him all night, they gave him no reſt. The Rulers had him to do till after Cocks crowing, then they went to their reſt, if their malitious minds would ſuffer them to ſleep; but they committed our bleſſed Lord Jeſus to Souldiers and the rude Rabble, who abuſed him all the night, in the morning they committed him to Pilate, who finally condemned him, and delivered him to be crucified. They oppreſſed his ſpent mortal body by bearing his croſs, they nailed his hands, & ſtretched his body, till all his joints were looſed. At that ſtretch they nailed his feet, they pierced his ſide with a Spear, and let out his life blood All theſe and ſundry more of the laſt ſufferings of our Lord, ſhall hereafter (the Lord aſſiſting) in their place and order be opened; this may ſuffice at preſent to ſhew, that the body of Jeſus Chriſt had the infirmity of mortality, and dyed with grief and pain, a violent death, he dyed not of any ſickneſs. Furthermore in this ſtate of his mortal body when he was in the fleſh, he took many other infirmityes of a mortal body, which are ſinleſs puniſhments of the ſin of man, which may be gathered from Gen. 3.17, 18, 19. where the commination, and infliction of them is expreſſed as the product of our ſin. To eat in ſorrow to labour with diſappointment, and to labour with ſweat, until theſe painful labours, ſorrows, ſweatings and diſappointments have brought us to the duſt, out of which we were made.

Theſe infirmityes of humane nature may comprehend all thoſe infirmityes uſually inſtanced in by Divines, as hunger, thirſt, wearineſs, ſleepyneſs, &c. The mortal body of Jeſus Chriſt was ſuſteined (as our bodyes be) by eating, drinking, motion, labour and reſt, in all which reſpects our fallen eſtate feeleth much puniſhment, and the matter of ſickneſſes is uſually contracted, by eating and drink…, by heats and colds. As theſe natural paſſions and infirmityes have in them a … leſs puniſhment of ſin, which Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered; So why may not we ſay, at the animal paſſions and infirmityes have in them a ſinleſs puniſhment of ſin? p. 48as anger, grief, love, Mark 3.5. he looked on them with anger, but without the leaſt touch of ſin, and was grieved, Joh. 12.36. Jeſus did hide himſelf from them, Math. 14.13. when Jeſus heard that Iohn was beheaded he departed thence into a deſert place, Ioh. 20.2. the Diſciple whom Ieſus loved, Joh. 11, 35.36. Ieſus wept, then they ſaid behold how he loved him, Joh. 11.11. our friend Lazarus ſleepeth, Ioh, 11.3.5. he whom thou loveſt is ſick, now Ieſus loved Martha and her ſiſter, and Lazarus. Whether Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered any ſinleſs puniſhment in theſe animal paſſions, I dare not be bold ro affirm. But that Chriſt hath ſanctified them by his experience for us, that I may boldly affirm. There be infirmityes of mans mortal body inſtanced in the Goſpel, and expreſſed by the ſame word, of which ſort Chriſt took not, as Luk. 13.11, 12, 13. a woman bowed with a Spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and Ioh. 5.5. a man lying with an infirmity thirty eight years, but Jeſus Chriſt took no ſuch infirmity as corrupted his humane body, or diſabled him from his work and ſervice, from doing the will of the Father. But ſuch infirmity as made him preach, pray, tra…ail with much pain, grief and infirmity, in doing and fulfilling his Fathers work and will, that we have ground to believe; and it is a great comfort unto ſ…ch ſer…ants of God as do work with much pain, that labour in the ſervice of God with an aking head, pained limbs, feeble ſpirits, crazy bodyes and lungs, unto ſuch it is an unſpeakable comfort, that Chriſt did fulfil his Fathers will, and obey his commands under much infirmity, and by experience knoweth how to pit ſuch as do ſo ſ rve the Lord. Which is the caſe of moſt of Gods dear Children, at ſometimes or other, and ſome conſtantly. It is an antient queſtion among Di…ines whether Ieſus Chriſt did ſubmit himſelf to bodily ſickneſs? ſome are of apprehenſion h… did not, and ſome are of apprehenſion he did, among whom I am; and with ſubmi…ion I ſhall be bold to offer my grounds for it.

1. It is expreſly affirmed in the Propheſy, Pſal. 41.8, 9. an evil diſ…aſe (a thing of Belial) cleaveth faſt unto him (as the Viper did to the hand of Paul, Act. …8 3, 4, 5, 6.) and now that he lyeth, he ſhall riſe up no mor…, ſome ſuch ſharp diſtemp…r fell upon him as forced him to lye down, and his Enemies hoped that he ſhould dy of it, but they were miſtaken; as the Barbarians were about Paul, when the Viper faſtened on his hand, but an evil diſeaſe did befall him, it is not ſaid what it was, but it was dangerous, ſharp and threatning. When he had been hot and ſpent all day with preaching and travail, and then be all night on a mountain at prayer, what aguiſh or feaveriſh fits it might expoſe his mortal body unto, or what aches and pains in his limbs, head, jaws, ſinews, or the like diſcompoſure of his health it might bring, we do experience in our mortal bodyes often, and ſo might he, yea he did expoſe his body to more labour and hardſhip both by night and by day, then we do. That this Propheſy of the Pſalmiſt is ſpoken of Chriſt is moſt evident; becauſe the ninth verſe which is part of the ſentence addeth another aggravation unto the affliction. Yea, mine own familiar friend in whom I truſted (viz. with the bag) who eat of my bread, hath lift up his heel againſt me, this part of the ſentence Chriſt himſelf doth apply to himſelf and Iudas, Ioh. 13.18. he that eateth bread with me hath lift up his heel againſt me. So that we cannot doubt that the ninth verſe belongeth to Ieſus Chriſt, then why not the eight verſe? if the latter part of the ſentence be ſpoken of Chriſt, why not the former part? Ieſus Chriſt doth moſt perfectly know the meaning of the Scriptures, therefore by the ſure Teſtimony of Chriſt, that Propheſy in the Pſalms belongeth unto him, ſo that ſome ill diſeaſe befel him, ſo as that for the preſent he kept his bed upon it.

2. As it is expreſly affirmed in the Propheſy, ſo it is expreſly affirmed by Mathew, Chap. 8.17. himſelf took our infirmityes and bare our ſickneſſes.

p. 493. Becauſe ſickneſſes are a great part of the ſinleſs puniſhment that is inflicted on man for ſin, it is not a ſin to be ſick, but it is a puniſhment of ſin, and Chri…t hath borne all the ſinleſs puniſhments of ſin, Iſai. 53.3. a man of ſorrows, acquainted with griefs, here be two ſignificant words, that ſhew that it was the general and ordinary frame of his mortal body. the words doe ſignifie ſuch ſorrows, and griefs as ariſe and ſpring from ſickneſs, and from a crazy ſtate of body; which notwithſtanding he did not abate any labour, travail, work, or hardſhip, that lay before him, and that he had a calling to attend, whereby he might do good to others in Soul or body, Act. 10.38. he went about doing good, and healing others, yet this he did in much pain, grief, and infirmity, he was accuſtomed ſo to do.

4. It is of great comfort and encouragement to the dear Servants of God, who are forced ſo to do, unleſs they ſhould leave the work and Service of the Lord undone; they cannot forbear and withdraw themſelves from the work, and yet muſt perform it with difficulty through pains, aches, wearineſs hardſhip, and ſometimes dangerous adventures, in which caſes the Servants of God have this eminent encouragement, that Jeſus Chriſt experienced the ſame, and he is a merciful high Prieſt and Mediator, to pitty, help, relieve and comfort ſuch of his Servants as are faithful to do his Service, though it be upon ſuch hard Terms.

Such as think Jeſus Chriſt did not ſubmit himſelf to bodily ſickneſs, do render this Reaſon, becauſ… he healed all manner of diſeaſes in others, and if he had been ſick himſelf, they would have ſaid unto him, Phyſitian h…al thy ſelf, or would have ſaid, it is a ſign that he is an Impoſtor, a deceiver, becauſe he healeth others, but cannot heal himſelf, therefore his holy wiſdome would not expoſe himſelf to ſuch a check, and evil conſtruction of his miraculous healing of others. But under ſavour I ſee not force in this Reaſon, becauſe though he was ſick, and ſometimes ſo ſick as that he was conſtrained to ly by it, and ſo that his Adverſaries knew that he was ſick, yet it is moſt certain that he did heal himſelf and riſe again, which is evident by this that he dyed not of any ſickneſs or diſeaſe, he dyed a violent death, by the cruelty of his Enemies. Though ſometimes they underſtood that he was ſick, yet they quickly ſaw him up again, and about his heavenly Fathers buſineſs, he did not tell them of all the pains and aches that he went about withal, it was enough to him that his Father ſaw them all, and divine juſtice ſaw how holily, patiently, conſtantly he ſuffered thoſe ſinleſs puniſhments of ſin, and was fully ſatisfied in his right, pure, perfect, and meritorious ſu…ferings therein; yea, it is like that Chriſt did not tell his deareſt friends of what pains he laboured under every day, and that may be one Reaſon why ſo little is written about this part of the ſu…ferings of Jeſus Chriſt, he gave no ſuch way to theſe infirmityes as to take him off from his work, he did his Fathers work though he laboured with great pains and much ſenſe of his infirmityes. Yea, it is a proof of his infinite goodneſs, that though he was a man of ſorrows and acquainted with griefs, yet ceaſed not, he failed not to follow God fully, and to attend, to perform the work of his Father which he ſent him to do, though he often laboured with an aking head, pained limbs, and a crazy, wearied, ſpent body, hereby ſetting before us an admirable Example of patience, diligence, faithfulneſs, and ſelf denyal, that ſpared not his own body, though full of infirmityes to do good to others, and to do and ſuffer what God called him to do and ſuffer, with what difficulty and p…in ſo ever he performed the ſame. And it is an heavenly encouragement to all his Servants ſo to do, when we are called to any good Service, do it, though we ſuffer much pain and grief in doing of it. This part of the ſufferings of Chriſt may be further illuſtrated by three Propoſitions,

p. 501. Propoſition, all bodily diſeaſes, infirmityes, ſickneſſes, griefs, aches, and indiſpoſitions, are puniſhments of the ſin of Adam, and effects of Gods wrath and curſe inflict…d on man, Gen. 2.17. in dying thou ſhalt dy, thou ſhalt dye by degrees, in this word are all diſeaſes and infirmityes comprehended, and are threatned, yea, and inflicted, executed, every diſeaſe, ache, or pain, is a drop of the curſe inflicted by virtue of this word And this puniſhment (as well as many others) is ſuch as may be ſuffered without ſin, by our Lord Jeſus, who is like unto us in ſuch infirmityes yet without ſin, Heb. ….15, what ever Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered, he ſinned not, 1 Pet. 2.22. he did no ſin, neither was guile found in his mouth, not one word of impatience or any other evil, what ever he ſuffered, either juſtly as from the hand of God, or unjuſtly from the hand of man.

2. Propoſition, Jeſus Chriſt drank deep of this cup of ſorrows, griefs, infirmityes, deeper then any man in the world ever did, or can do, becauſe he is our Mediator, which no other man or creature is able or capable to be; he is Mediator betwixt God and man, he ſuffered all that was due to man, fufficiently, virtually, though effectually he ſu…ered all that was due to all the Elect. The Lord did ſuffer Divine juſtice to inflict all that was due, and he did ſo, till he was fully ſatisfied, Math. 3.17. I am well pleaſed, no man ſave Chriſt ever ſu…ered ſo much, or ever ſhall, and therefore he drank deep of this cup of ſorrows, to the very bottom, Iſai. 53, 3, 4, 5, 6. his deep drinking of this cup is eminently expreſſed by two multiplying words.

1. He is called a man of ſorrows, as if he were made up of ſorrows, as it may be ſaid of Paul, from that Text, 2 Cor. 11.22, to the end of the Chapter, he was a man of labours and ſorrows. So, and infinitely more may it be ſaid of Jeſus Chriſt, he is a man of labours and ſorrows.

2. A ſecond multiplying word is, [acquainted with griefs] he was habituate to them, they were his dayly familiar acquaintance. See David deſcribing a familiar acquaintance, Pſal. 55.13, 14. they eat and drank together, they went to Gods houſe together; ſo was ſorrow and grief the dayly companions of our Lord Jeſus, in all that he did. And how could it be otherwiſe, when he ſtood in the room of all Gods Elect?

3. Propoſition, Jeſus Chriſt did voluntarily take up all this burthen of griefs and ſorrows, there be two words in that Text, Math. 8.17. that prove the voluntary ſubmiſſion of Jeſus Chriſt, he took, he bare, as a Porter taketh up, and beareth his burthen, ſo Phil. 2.7, 8. he emptied himſelf of glory, and took the form of a Servant, Joh. 10.15, 17, 18. I lay down my life for my ſheep, I lay it down of my ſelf.

Queſt. Why did Jeſus drink ſo deep of this Cup of ſorrows, griefs, & infirmityes?

Anſw. 1. Becauſe Jeſus Chriſt doth undertake and undergo that great Office of a Mediator betwixt God and man, to reconcile them and make peace, and that he might pacifie God towards man, he muſt pay all the debt that man oweth to God, he muſt ſatisfie and pacifie Divine juſtice, by ſuffering the penaltyes of the broken Law; he muſt undergo all the puniſhment which man is moſt juſtly obliged to ſuffer, man himſelf is never able to do this, Jeſus Chriſt, God and man he only is able, and is willing to do it, and therefore he willingly drinketh that Cup of Sufferings to the very bottom, Joh. 18.11. the Cup which my heavenly Father hath given me to drink, ſhall I not drink it? this reaſon is general to all the ſufferings of Chriſt, and therefore a good reaſon of this part of his ſufferings.

2. Jeſus Chriſt drank deep of this Cup of ſorrows and infirmityes, that he might in his own perſon experience the difficultyes of a ſickly, crazy, infirm body, that he p. 51might be experimentally moved to pitty, ſuccour, bear with, and relieve ſuch as labour under ſuch a ſtate and condition. And he is the rather careful in t…is matter, becauſe it is the g…neral and common Rod wherewith he doth chaſtize all his people, at one time or other; ſickneſſes are common to all, and in all Ages, now t…is is a great comfort, that the heart of Chriſt is tenderly compaſſionate over all that are in ſuch a condition, out of his own experience.

3. Jeſus Chriſt hath drank deep of this Cup of crazyn…ſs, ſorrows and infirmityes, to take the ſting and curſe out of them, and to make a Rod and a medicine of them, which he manag…th with his own hand for the good of his Children, by this means he hath alwayes a Rod ready for a Child that needs it, & is a purge ready for every ſick Child, all ſickne…ſes and infirmityes are at his command, he ſaith to this, go and touch that Child, and to another he ſaith it is enough for this time, let that c ild alone; it was the Centurion that ſo deſcribeth the power of Chriſt over ſickneſs, and C…ri…t greatly commends his Faith for ſo ſpeaking, Math. 8.9, 13. Jeſus Chri…t hath great power over the life of man by his management of this Rod of ſickneſs, a fit of ſickneſs is often improved to be a means of Converſion, the Souls of Gods Children are often great gainers b… this medicine, before I was afflicted I went aſtray, but now I have learned to keep thy Commandments. Pſal. 119.67.

Heb. 12-5-13. is a famous Text to expreſs the government of Chriſt over his C…ildren, by the Rod of correction, and the mo…t frequent Rod of corr ction is ſickneſs, pains, hurts, griefs inflicted upon our bod…es, we ha…e famous Examples in Scripture how God hath managed his Children by the Rod of ſickneſs, David. Pſal. 6. and 38. Hezekiah, Iſai. 38. ſo Heman, Aſaph, and many more. This great Example of Jeſus Chriſt is of great inſtruction to ſuch as ha…e crazy, ſickly, weak bodyes; take heed how we abate any ſervice unto the Lord, eſp…cially, we Miniſters muſt be careful in this point, becauſe the pattern of Chriſt fir…tly reſpecteth us. Paul did eminently imitate Jeſus Chriſt in this point, Gal. 4.13, 14. you know how through infirmity of the fleſh I preached the Goſpel to you at the firſt; and my Temptation which was in my fleſh ye deſpiſed not, nor rejected, but received me as an Angel of God, even as Chriſt Jeſus. And we ſee that Paul was under ſome ſickly, craz… infirmity, when he firſt preached at Galatia, and yet he favoured not his fleſh, he ſpared not his crazy body, his love and zeal carried him out to preach the Goſpel effectually to them notwithſtanding his great bodily weakneſs that was at that time upon him, now this humility, love, and ſelf denyal in Paul, was ſo acceptable and powerful with them, and ſo prevailed upon their hearts, that they looked at him as if an Angel had preached to them, yea, as if Chriſt himſelf had come unto them to do them good, and they were ſo far from deſpiſing or rejecting him, as a poor, crazy, ſickly man, as that they would (if poſſible) have plucked out their eyes to have done him good, it is honourable and acceptable ſervice to do good to others, with ſelf denyal, hardſhip and difficulty, to go about in wearineſs, weakneſs, pains, and infirmityes, to do good, ſuch a pattern Jeſus Chriſt hath ſet us, though he was a man of ſorrows, and acquainted with griefs, aches and infirmityes, yet he alwayes went about doing good, Act. 10.38. by this Rod of ſickneſs Jeſus Chriſt doth not only exerciſe power over the lives of his Children, but alſo over the lives of his Enemies. Herod muſt dye, that Jeſus might return out of Egypt unto Iſrael, the World is full of Examples how the Church and Saints have been delivered from perſecution, by the death of a perſecutor.

p. 53Sect. 5.

The Sufferings of Jeſus Chriſt under Reproaches Pſal. 22.6. a reproach of men, and deſpiſed of the People.

JEſus Chriſt did voluntarily bear for us the reproaches, cruel mockings, deririſions, ſcoffs, and d…ſpiſings of the People, David hath abundantly propheſied of Chriſt in this Book of Pſalms, and in particular he hath ſaid much of this kind of his ſufferings, for David was a Type of Jeſus Chriſt, and eminently he is ſo in his ſufferings therefore I ſhall lay together ſome Texts of Scripture, and eſpecially out of the Book of Pſalms, which ſet forth this point, and I chooſe to expreſs theſe ſufferings of Chriſt in the Scripture words, which carry a greater fulneſs of ſenſe and Spirit then any words that I can ſpeak or write, are capable to do.

Pſal. 22. is expreſly ſpoken of Jeſus Chriſt, and ver. 6, 7, 8. I am a worm and no man, a reproach of men, and deſpiſed of the people, all they that ſee me la…gh me to ſcorn, they ſhoot out the lip, and ſhake the head, ſaying, he truſted in the Lord that he would deliver him, let him deliver him, ſeeing he delighted in him, Pſal. 35.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21. falſe witneſs did riſe up, and laid to my charge things that I knew not, they rewarded me evil for good to the ſpoyling of my Soul, But as ſo me, when they were ſick, my cloathing was ſackcloth: I humbled my Soul with Faſting, and my prayer returned into mine own boſome I behaved my ſelf as though he had been my fri…nd, or brother: I bowed down heavily as one that mourneth for his mother. But in mine Adverſity they rejoyced, and gathered themſelves together; yea, the abjects gathered themſelves together againſt me, and I knew it not, they did tear me, and ceaſ…d not. With hypocritical mockers in Feaſts; they gnaſhed upon me with their Teeth. LORD, how long wilt thou look on? reſcue my Soul from their deſtruction, my darling from the Lions. Yea, they opened their mouth wide againſt me, and ſaid, Aba, aba, our Eyes hath ſeen it.

Object. Why is this reckoned ſo great a part of his ſufferings, they are but words, and is it ſo great a ſuffering to ſuffer the bad and evil words of others? if they touch not our body…s nor goods, is it any great matter what they ſay?

Anſw. The Scriptures ſhew that there is cruel force in words: words are a weapon that wound the Soul, that is a deeper wound then to wound the body, Pſal. 42.10. as with a Sword in my bones mine Enemies reproach me, while they ſay daily to me, where is thy God? Pſal. 57.3, 4. he ſhall ſend from heaven & ſave me from the reproach of him that would ſwallow me up, Selah. My Soul is among Lions, & I lye even among them that are ſet on fire, even the Sons of men, whoſe teeth are Spears and Arrows, and their tongue a ſharp Sword, Pſal. 52.…. thou loveſt all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue, his tongue ſwallow…d up Nob, the City of Prieſts, Pſal. 55.21. the words of his mouth were ſmoother then butter, but war was in his heart: his words were ſofter then oyle: yet were they drawn Swords, Pſal. 12.3, 4. The tongue that ſpeaketh proud things, who have ſaid, with our tongues we will prevail, &c. Pſal. 64.3, 4. who whet their tongues like a Sword, and bend their bows to ſhoot their Arrows, even bitter words, that they may ſhoot in ſecret at the perfect, ſuddenly do they ſhoot at him, and fear not. Pſal. 10.7. His mouth is full of curſing, deceipt, and fraud, under his tongue is miſchief and vanity. Some People have bloody mout…s, …he words of a Tale-bearer wound deep. All the providential wounds which God inflicted upon Job's eſtate and body, did not wound him ſo deep, as the cenſorious words and unkind ſpeeches of his friends did.

The Tongue of man is his glory, if it be a good tongue, it is very excellent, a wholſome p. 54tongue is a tree of life, knowing how to uſe knowledge aright, Prov. 15.2.4 the tongue of the juſt is as choice ſilver, very deſireable and delightful.

But if it be a bad tongue, it is very miſchievous and pernicious, it wounds the honour of our Neighbour, and that is a very deep wound, Eccleſ. 7.1. a good name is better then pretious oyntment, Prov. 15.31. a good report maketh the bones fat, Prov. 22.1. a good name is rather to be choſen then great riches, and loving ſavour rather then ſi…ver and gold, a reproachful tongue robbeth our Neighbour of this pretious Treaſury, Reproaches kill love, and that is a bitter and miſchievous ſlaughter, Prov. 16.28. a whiſperer ſeparateth chief friends, a reproaching tongue deſtroys the comfort of humane ſociety, which is a great wound to the heart of man, whom God hath made a ſociable creature, Je. 9.3, 5, 8. they bend their tongues like their bow for lyes, they will deceive every one their Neighbour, they will not ſpeak the truth, they have taught their tongue to ſpeak lyes,; their tongue is an Arrow ſhot out, it ſpeaketh deceipt, one ſpeaketh peaceably to his Neighbour with his mouth, but in his heart he layeth wait for him, Pſal, 12.2. They ſpeak vanity every one with his Neighbour, with flattering lips do they ſpeak. An evil tongue ſtirreth up hatred, ſtrife and contention; and kindleth hell fire among Neighbours, Jam. 3.5, 6. the tongue is a little member, and boaſteth great things, behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth; and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, ſo is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and ſetteth on fire the courſe of nature, and it is ſet on fire of Hell: the tongue is a weapon of revenge, and of cruel malice, Pſal. 52.2, 3, 4. thy tongue deviſeth miſchief like a ſharp Raſor, working deceitfully, thou loveſt evil more then good, and lying rather then to ſpeak Righteouſneſs, Selah. Thou loveſt all devouring words O thou deceitful tongue. The whole City of Nob was deſtroyed by Doegs tongue; Jer. 18.18. come let us deviſe devices againſt Jeremy, come let us ſmite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words; words will leave ſome ſtain, aliquid herebit. Pſai. 140.3 They have ſharpened their tongues like a Serpent, Adders poyſon is under their lips, Selah. Math. 11.16 Glutton, a wine bibber, a friend of Publicans and ſinners; many ſuch miſchiefs do ſpring from a reproachful tongue, which kind of bitter Sufferings our Lord Jeſus did undergo.

Queſt. Why did Jeſus Chriſt that moſt innocent Lamb of God undergo this great and bitter affliction of reproaches and cruel mockings?

1. Becauſe it is one of the puniſhments which our ſin hath deſerved, Jeſus Chriſt never deſerved to be ſo ſpoken of, ſo reproached, ſo mocked, all was falſly and unjuſtly charged upon him, without any appearance of cauſe, they laid to his charge things that he knew not, but we the people of God have deſerved them all, ſome in one reſpect, ſome in another, and therefore Jeſus Chriſt did bear them for us, Iſai. 53, 4, 5, 6. he hath born our griefs, and carryed our ſorrows, he was wounded for our Tranſgreſſions, he was bruiſed for our Iniquityes, the chaſticement of our peace was upon him, the Lord hath laid on him the Iniquityes of us all.

2. Jeſus drank deep of this cup of reproaches, becauſe he could do it Innocently without any contamination, or participation in ſin, 2 Cor. ….21. though he was made ſin for us, yet he knew no ſin, 1 Pet. 2.22, 23. he did no ſin, neither was guile found in his mouth, when he was reviled, he reviled not again, when he ſuffered, he threatned not.

3. Jeſus Chriſt drank of this cup even to the bottom, to the full ſatisfaction of Divine juſtice, that he might take out the ſting of the curſe and wrath out of them, for the ſake of his Elect, who are to live in an evil world, where they are ſure to ſuffer reproaches, and much evil and hard meaſure by the ill tongues of People 2 Cor. 6.8. by honour and diſhonour, by evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet p. 55true, 1 Cor, 4.12, 13. being reviled we bleſs, being perſecuted, we ſuffer it; being defamed, we intreat, we are made the filth of the world, and are the offſcouring of all things unto this day. But none of theſe things can hurt us. Jeſus Chri…t by his Su…ferings hath took out the curſe of them, they have much of mans wrath in th…m, but all Gods wrath is taken away by Jeſus Chriſt.

4. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered reproaches and abuſes of mens tongues, to ſet us a Copy and pattern of patience, that we might learn of him how to carry our ſelves under ſuch injuries, that w… might learn of him to behave our ſelves patientl…, and meekly, as our Lord Jeſus did, 1 Pet. 2, 21. Chriſt alſo ſuffered for us, leaving us an Example that ye ſhould follow his ſteps, Act. 8.32. he was led as a ſheep to the ſlaughter, and like a Lamb before his ſhearers, ſo opened he not his mouth. Yea, b…fore his Butchers he was ſilent and patient, Iſai. 53.7. he was o…preſſed he was affli ted, yet he opened not his mouth, but only to ſay, Father forgive them, even when he was brought as a Lamb to the Slaughter.

5. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered reproaches to ſanctifie them, that he by his love and wiſdome may make them good medicines for his Church, his Elect, it is a very ſharp Phyſick, but Jeſus Chriſt by his experience knoweth how to qualifie and commix them with other Ingredients, and make them very wholſome and operative for the good of his Elect; it is a powerful Ph…ſick to purge away pride, to hide and ſubdu… it, and to teach humility and meekneſs, which are very n…edful le…ſons for Gods people to learn in this our militant condition, Jeſus Chriſt by his Example in hearing reproaches doth ſet us ſundry ne…df…l leſſons to learn,

1. We muſt learn to keep a ſtrict watch o…er our whole con…erſation, that we may give no juſt matter or occaſion. We muſt cut off occaſion from them that watch for it, if there be a cauſe for their reproach we looſe the glory of our ſuffering, 1 Pet. 2.20. for what glory is it; if when you be buffeted for your faults, ye take it patiently, you do well to take it patiently, and you may find inward comfort upon your humiliation, and outward pitty, but there is no Chri …ian glory upon ſuch deſerved ſufferings; they may ſin in rigour, and we may do virtuouſly in exerciſing patience; but we looſe the glory of ſuch Sufferings, becauſe they are juſt.

2. This pattern of Chriſt his patient ſ… fering reproaches doth miniſter a leſſon of comfort to ſuch as ſuffer unjuſtly, becauſe your Innocent and holy converſation doth confute thoſe falſe and unjuſt aſperſions, ſo did Chriſt confute thoſe that reproached him, his Innocency ſo ſhined, that even Pilate himſelf did acquit Jeſus Chriſt from ſuch aſperſions as they caſt upon him, and he ſaw plainly that it was his Adverſaryes malice, and not his deſert, Math. 27.18. for he knew that it was for envy that they had delivered him; no wiſe man will believe ſuch reproaches as the Innocency of the party doth ſufficiently confute, without any words of Apology, Innocency it ſelf ſpeaks a conſolation, and maketh the Arrows to fall & light on their own pate, Daniel is a famous Example of an innocent ſufferer, Dan. 6.5 Then ſaid theſe men we ſhall not find any occaſion againſt this Daniel, except we find it againſt him concerning the Law of his God, and he pleaded his innocency before the King, ver. 22. my God hath ſent an Angel, and ſhut the Lyons mouths, that they have not hurt me, for as much as Innocency is found in me, before him, and alſo before thee O King I have done no hurt. Such was the pattern of Jeſus Chriſt which he hath left us, as it is expreſſed in the Propheſy of David, Pſal. 35.11, 12. falſe witneſſes did riſe up, they laid to my charge things that I knew not, they rewarded me evil for good to the ſpoyling of my Soul. Again, it is a matter of great conſolation and holy joy, to ſuffer any thing for the ſake of Jeſus Chriſt, Act. 6.41. they departed from the preſence p. 56of the Council, rejoycing that they were counted worthy to ſuffer flame for his Name, Luk. 6.22, 23. Bleſſed are ye when men ſhall hate you, and when they ſhall ſeparate you from their Company, and ſhall reproach you, and caſt out your Name as evil for the Son of mans ſake, rejoyce ye in that day, and leap for joy, for behold your reward is great in Heaven, bleſſed are ye when men ſhall revile you and perſecute you, and ſay all manner of evil againſt you falſly for my ſake, rejoyce ye and be exceeding glad, for ſo perſecuted they the Prophets which were before you, in this caſe it is good to ſay with David if this be to be vile, I will yet be more vile; grace is incenſed, ſtirred up, & increaſed by ſuch Tribulations and abuſes, many graces are exerciſed and increaſed by ſuch wrongs, Rom. 5.3, 4, 5. we glory in Tribulations, knowing that Tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not aſhamed, becauſe the love of God is ſhed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghoſt which is given to us. The tryal of our Faith is more pretious then gold, and when a believer is reproached, Faith will make him waſh his hands in Innocency; when men fly upon us in their wrath, Faith will fly to Chriſt who hath taken away the ſting of them, and will turn them to prayers; and God will make them wholſome Phyſick for us. Yea, Faith will make us to imitate our Lord Jeſus, who forgave his Perſecutors and prayed for them. And among many benefits that believers gain by ſuffering the wounds of evil tongues, this is a chief one, that he will learn to watch and govern his own tongue, finding by experience the miſchief of evil tongues, he will beware of doing the like to others▪ he will teach his tongue to bleſs when they curſe, he will beware of ſlaining his Religion, by an unbridled tongue, Jam. 1.26. If any man ſeemeth to be Religious and bridleth not his tongue, that mans Religion is vain.

Sect. 6.

The Sufferings of Jeſus Chriſt under the ungrateful diſacceptance of the good works which he did for them and among them.

NEver did any perform ſuch; and ſo many good Works for a people, as Jeſus Chriſt did for the Jews: and yet never was any man ſo ungratefully diſaccepted, rejected and abuſed, Act. 10.38. God anointed Jeſus of Nazaret with the Holy Ghoſt and with power, who went about doing good and healing all that were oppreſſed with the Devil, for God was with him. It is unutterable how many good works Jeſus Chriſt did among them, even viſible and bodily good which all men ſaw, a child might run and read them: beſides theſe inviſible, ſpiritual and heavenly works of Redemption and Salvation which he did for them, But what acceptance did he find among them? ſee Luk. 4.28, 29. All they in the Synagogue that heard theſe things, were filled with wrath, and roſe up, and thruſt him out of the city, and led him to the brow of a hill, whereon the city was built, that they might caſt him down headlong. Though he taught them the heavenly Doctrine of the Goſpel, and confirm…d his Doctrine with many Miracles, yet they believed not. Joh. 12.37. Though he had done ſo many Miracles before them, yet they believed not on him, yea they went about to ſtone him. Joh. 8, 59. Then took they up ſtones to caſt at him: but Ieſus hid himſelf, and went out of the temple, going through the midſt of them, and ſo paſſed by. Ioh. 10.…1. They took up ſtones again to ſtone him. At another time he ſaw meet to hide himſelf from them. Ioh. 12.36. Ieſus departed and did hide himſelf from them. At another time he was fain to doe the ſame, page missing p. 50duplicate page p. 51duplicate page p. 58him, and the product was, the Inſtitution of a Goſpel Church, a ſtone hewed by the Axe and Hammer of Temptations, is fit to be built into a Goſpel Church, and to injoy full Communion at the Lords Table, and voting in the Church, and one fitted and humbled by Temptations, is fit to undertake the Goſpel Miniſtry in a Goſpel Church.

Ieſus Chriſt ſuffered himſelf to be tempted both by men and Devils, among men he ſuffered himſelf to be tempted both by bad & good men, conſider ſome Inſtances of his being tempted by bad men, Math, 22.15, 16, 17, 18. Then went the Phariſees & took counſel how they might intangle him in his talk, & they ſent out their Diſciples with the Herodians ſaying, Maſter, we know that thou art true, and teacheſt the way of God in Truth, neither careſt thou for any man, for thou regardeſt not the perſons of men, tell us therefore what thinkeſt thou, is it lawful to give Tribute to Ceſar or no? but Jeſus perceived their wickedneſs, and ſaid, why tempt ye me hypocrites. Luke expreſſeth this, or the like Temptation more fully, Luk. 20.20. and they watched him, and ſent forth ſpyes, which ſhould feign themſelves juſt men, that they might take hold of his words, and ſo they might deliver him unto the power and Authority of the Governour. See another Inſtance, Math. 22.35, 36. then one of them which was a Lawyer asked him a queſtion, tempting him, ſaying, Maſter, which is the great Commandment in the Law? ſee another Inſtance, Luk. 10.25. and behold a certain Lawyer ſtood up and tempted him ſaying, Maſter, what ſhall I do to inherit eternal life? ſee another Inſtance, Math. 16.1. the Phariſees alſo with the Sadduces came, and tempting, deſired him that he would ſhew them a ſign from Heaven, unto theſe he maketh a ſad Anſwer, Mark. 8.12. and he ſighed deeply in his Spirit and ſaith, why doth this Generation ſeek after a ſign, verily, I ſay unto you, there ſhall be no ſign given to this Generation. See another Inſtance, Math. 19.3. the Phariſees alſo came unto him tempting him, is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cauſe, See one Inſtance more, Luk. 11.53, 54. and as he ſaid theſe things unto them, the Scribes and Phariſees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to ſpeak of many things, laying wait for him and ſeeking to catch ſomething out of his mouth, that they might accuſe him, It was an hour of great Temptation that Jeſus Chriſt was in! He alſo ſuffered himſelf to be tempted by good men, as it appeared in that famous Inſtance of Peter. Math. 16, 22, 23. Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, ſaying, be it far from thee Lord, that ſhall not be unto thee, but he turned, and ſaid unto Peter, get thee behind me Satan, thou art an offence unto me, for thou ſavoureſt not the things that be of God, but thoſe that be of men.

Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered himſelf to be tempted of the Devil, he gave Satan leave to do his worſt againſt him. The time when he entred upon this horrible conflict was, ſo ſoon as he was baptized by John, and had the Spirit deſcending upon him like a Dove, and had that Divine Teſtimony from Heaven. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleaſed. Theſe things might have terrified and diſanimated Satan from attempting him with his carnal & worldly Temptations, but his envy & hatred againſt Chriſt did rather incenſe provoke, and embolden him to aſſault him, having leave given him to do his worſt againſt him. Jeſus Chriſt was carried by the Spirit into the Wilderneſs to be tempted, he was not carryed by a tranſporting act of the Spirit, but by a ſpiritual Rule and power extraordinary, he was now entering upon the great work of his publick Miniſtry, he ſaw meet to begin that extraordinary work with an extraordinary Fa…t; to ſpend forty dayes (as Moſes did in the Mount w…th God) with God in prayer. Now being in the wilderneſs the Devil had him alone, ſeparated from all humane communion, or aſſiſtance, o… p. 59diverſion, he was where no living Creature was, ſave Beaſts of the wilderneſs, Mark. 1.13. he was with the wild Beaſts, but the Angels miniſtred unto him, and how far they were a bridle to Satan, in aſſaulting him, it is not ſaid, he began his Miniſtry with faſting and prayer, and with ſuffering Temptation, for this was the ſeaſon that Satan had his Commiſſion to tempt him. He was tempted all theſe forty dayes and forty nights, while he was in faſting and prayer, for Mark. 1.13. he was there in the wilderneſs forty dayes tempted of Satan, and Luk. 4.2. being forty dayes tempted of the Devil. What conflicts and Temptations he underwent all that time, is not expreſſed, and therefore not neceſſary for us to know, nor fit to enquire, where God is ſilent; it becometh us to lay our hand upon our mouth, ſecret things belong unto the Lord, revealed things belong unto us, and to our Children, Deut. 29.29. So much of this part of the ſufferings of Chriſt as is neceſſary for us to know is revealed in the Harmony of thoſe three Evangeliſts before recited, of which I ſhall now ſay but little. Here be three, yea, four Temptations recorded as an Epitome of all ſorts of Temptations, wherewith Satan doth uſually aſſault the Church of Chriſt Jeſus. Theſe are all fleſhly and worldly Temptations, as for Temptations of envy, malice, revenge, and ſuch like, they are the frequent Temptations of hypocrites, but not ſo frequently can Satan faſten them upon ſound believers, in whom there is a living principle of love. Theſe Temptations I ſhall touch, as they are recorded by Mathew.

1. The firſt Temptation is to ſenſual pleaſure, to ſatisfie the natural appetites of the Fleſh, all of them being comprehended under that one, of eating, which is the ſtrongeſt and moſt vehement Appetite in the whole wheel of nature, and moſt difficult to govern: govern that, and ye govern all, Theſe Appetites of the fleſh are the dangerous Temptations of this laſt and beſt Age of the Church in this militant world, Luk. 21.34. take heed to your ſelves leaſt at any time your hearts be overcharged with ſurfeiting & drunkenneſs, & cares of this world, & ſo that they doe come upon you unawares. The ſatisfying of theſe Appetites were the ruine of the old world Math. 24.37, 38, 39. But as the dayes of Noah were, ſo ſhall alſo the coming of the Son of men be, for as in the dayes that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the Ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away, ſo ſhall alſo the coming of the Son of man be. Ieſus Chriſt hath fought this field for us, and conquered Satan in all theſe kinds of Temptations, all Temptations unto any kind of Senſuality are conquered by Ieſus Chriſt, who hath both conquered them in his combate, and ſet us an holy and powerful pattern, how we ſhould do the ſame.

2. The ſecond ſort of Temptations which Ieſus Chriſt did conflict with, & conquer is fear, which layeth Faith proſtrate, and raiſeth unbelief to uſe carnal wiſdom and ſhifts to help our ſelves, and ſtirreth up carnal confidence and preſumption in a miſapplyed promiſe, which is a very dangerous Temptation to a believer. This Temptation of fear gave a great foil to the Faith of Abraham, both in Egypt and in Gerar, in ſaying his wife was his ſiſter out of fear, and in like manner was the Faith of Iſaac foyled. But David was a gallant conquerour in this point, that would not touch Saul, when the Providence of God delivered him, or expoſed him into his hand, no not to gain a Kingdome by an indirect means: againſt this Temptation of fear, Ieſus Chriſt hath diligently charged and fenced the Church, Math. 10.26, 28, 31, 33. Luk. 12.32. and in many other places, and by his Conflict with this ſort of Temptations he hath both conquered Satan for us, and hath ſet us an heavenly pattern how we ſhould conquer them alſo,

p. 60A third and fourth ſort of Temptations. This Temptation is double, the bait is Worldly riches and glory, to ſatiſfye thoſe ſpiritual ſins of Covetouſneſs, Ambition and Pride, which are the filth and off-ſpring of mans loſt Dominion. Satan preſented a ſenſe-raviſhing, though but an imaginary glimpſe of all the worlds glory. Luk. 4.5. it was done in a moment of time: but he endeavoured to ſet on as raviſhing an impreſſion upon his Phancy as he could, to raiſe in him a Luſt and longing after ſuch another ſight, and eſpecially to enjoy that gallant thing which he had ſeen. We are apt to be taken and raviſhed with ſuch glimpſes, that we are ready to run the greateſt hazzards in the world to enjoy that object. Men are ſometimes ſo taken and raviſhed with a glimpſe of an object of Luſt, as David was: but more frequently and violently with objects (eſpecially if attainable) of Riches, Gain, Profit, Honour, to ſatiſfie Covetouſneſs Ambition, Pride, Worldly greatneſs: and upon this account, will be hired and allured from the Worſhip and Service of God, and Communion of Gods people therein: as Lot was, who being raviſhed with the riches and fertility of the Plains of Sodom, was content, yea choſe to part with Abrahams Family, and communion in the worſhip and ſervice of God there exerciſed, and to goe unto Sodom and to live among them. How often have we ſeen men enamoured with a good Farm (as they eſteemed and fancied it) for the enjoyment of which, they have left the Neighbourhood, and communion of Saints, and of the Church, and gone to live alone in a wilderneſs, where they are compaſſed about with their own land and Beaſts. Yea ſuch is the power of this Bait, that the hook within will catch and engage them, not only to part from the true worſhip of God, but to give themſelves up to Devil-worſhip. As Demas forſook Paul and the Goſpel, and imbraced the preſent world, to obtain a great Living, to be a Prieſt in an idol Temple, as Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory informeth us.

And how many in our dayes, are hired againſt their light, from the Truth, and Proteſtant Religion, unto Popery by a fat Biſhoprick, a Cardinals cap, a tripple crown? And thus the Devil thought to hire Jeſus Chriſt to Devil-worſhip, by a falſe pretence, that he had power to make him poſſeſſor of all that glory, wherof he had given him ſuch a raviſhing glimpſe. But Jeſus Chriſt hath fought this great Battel, and conquered the Devil, and all theſe kinds of Temptations for us, and come off Conquerour, and ſet us a pattern how we may doe ſo alſo.

From this admirable Hiſtory of Jeſus Chriſt his ſuffering himſelf to be tempted by the Devill, even to the uttermoſt of his power and skill, we may gather up ſome General Conſiderations.

Firſt. See the marvellous power of fictitious Imaginations, and figments of the mind. What ſtrong conceptions and mental productions of Sin they fill the Souls of men withall. They prevailed not ſo far with Jeſus Chriſt as to pollute him, but to tempt him to the uttermoſt. Mad men doe many times ſpeak out their mental fictions and conceptions: but ſober men have more command over themſelves, than to vent and ſpeak out what is boyling in their hearts. But the thoughts and figments of the mind are ſeldome quiet, unleſs they be overpowered by a ſoul-ruling imployment and Spirit. The preſence and Worſhip of God ſhould over-bear them, and often doth: Yet vanity of mind, running after theſe mental figments, is a mournfull complaint of Gods Children, as being a troubleſome vexatious ſore, and bitter interruption, even in our beſt Services: and well if this be bitter! they doe the leſs hurt, they are moſt pernicious when they are ſweet, pleaſant, delightfull. Theſe kind of Temptations hath Jeſus Chriſt experienced p. 61and conquered, he was now exerciſed in an extraordinary duty of faſting and prayer, at his making entrance upon his publick Miniſ…ry, and lo, what interruption he met with by theſe fictitious imaginations and figments which Satan aſſaulted him withal. But praiſed be his grace, he hath conquered them for our great encouragement and advantage.

2. We ſee the great power Satan hath over the minds and phanſies of men, by theſe fictitious imaginations, and fgments, he can tranſport us up and down in the world, as he liſteth, to ſuit and to promote his Temptations. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered himſelf, at this time of his Temptation, to be tranſported by Satan. One while he was tranſported on to the top of one of the Pinnacles of the Temple, and there was affected and terrified with fear. This was a mental figment, which Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered Satan to inject into his holy mind, that he might experience ſuch Temptations, and conquer them for us. So likewiſe when he tranſported him into an exceeding high mountain, and there ſhewed him all the Kingdomes of the World, and the glory thereof; this was but a fiction, a figment and imagination, which Satan (having permiſſion) injected into his holy mind, for it is moſt certain, that there is no ſuch mountain in the world, where ſuch an object is to be ſeen, much leſs in a moment of time to be performed, as Luke ſaith it was, Luk. 4.5. therefore theſe Temptations of mental figments, and vanity of mind, which were (doubtleſs) no ſmall interruption to his holy heart, in that holy ſervice and worſhip he was about. But bleſſed be his Name, as he hath experienced our Temptations, which are ſuch a ſad and doleful annoyance to us, ſo he hath conquered them for us, and ſet us a pattern how we ſhould do ſo alſo.

3 We ſee the great ſubtlety and policy of Satan, to watch for, catch, and lay hold on, and improve the opportunity, when his Temptation may be moſt advantaged, to take place and prevail.

1. He had waited forty dayes, viz. till Jeſus was an hungry, before he aſſaulted him with that Temptation, to ſatisfie his Appetite, though by unlawful means, or not by the ordinary means.

The order of the time of theſe Temptations, is not ſtrictly to be inſiſted upon, as appeareth by Luke, who placeth that Temptation ſecond, which Mathew placeth third. And beſides, this Temptation which they all place firſt, was not acted till the end of the forty dayes faſting: becauſe the Text ſaith, that he was an hungry, which gave Satan his opportunity, and it may very well be, that the other Temptations which are recorded, were acted, before this at the end of the forty dayes, for the Text ſaith, that he was tempted forty dayes. Satan plyed him every day, having liberty ſo to do, he would not ſtay till the forty dayes of his liberty were ended, before he began his Temptations.

2. When he had brought his Phanſy into an apprehenſion of danger then he ſtirs up fear, and this urges to approve (in Phanſy) ſome unlawful ſhift to avoid the danger, as he dealt with Abraham, to deviſe a way of eſcape on, or upon an imagination that ſuch a danger might befall him. And Satan doth ſedulouſly labour to put us upon falſe confidence in a miſapplyed or miſinterpreted promiſe, as it was Joſiahs caſe, 2 Chron. 34.28. he had this promiſe, I will gather thee to thy Fathers, and thou ſhalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, a miſinterpretation of this promiſe, made Joſiah over bold to fight againſt Pharaoh Netho, 2 Chron. 35.20, ad 25. where he was ſlain.

3. When he had tempted him with the moſt raviſhing ſight of the worlds glory, then he tempts him to get it upon any Terms, even to take it at the uſurping p. 62hand and gift of the Devil, and to do homage to the Devil for his preferment, as if he ſhould ſay, do but thank me, and acknowledge me ſo far, and I will give thee it all. Men will do any thing for a Kingdome, or a Popedome, &c. but Jeſus Chriſt deſpiſed them all, and hath conquered this tickling Temptation.

4. The fourth general conſideration, ſee the conſtant way by which the Lord Jeſus doth anſwer, expel, and conquer every kind of Temptation, viz. by reſiſting it by the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. The Scripture is a weapon mighty through God, and if we be diligent it is alwayes ready at hand, for our uſe and defence, when all our actions and conflicts are regulated by a command, the promiſe will ever be ready to aſſiſt, and protect us.

5. See the powerful Effect of a pertinent application of a Scripture in our management of the ſpiritual War, in repelling and reſiſting of Temptations, Jam. 4.7. reſiſt the Devil, and he will fly from you, The Sword of the Spirit is an holy weapon, that he dares not conflict with, if Satan aſſault thee, and find thee well armed and furniſhed with the Scripture, he will ſoon depart, and let his Temptation fall, or ly by at preſent, watching for a fitter ſeaſon, for that or any other Temptation whereby he may do thee a miſchief.

Queſt. Why did Jeſus Chriſt ſuffer his holy, pure, humane nature to be ſo far under the power of Satan, as to be tranſported in ſuch an hideous manner, from the wilderneſs to the City, to the Temple, to the top of a Pinacle, to the top of an high mountain, and there to be deluded with a vain ſight? Satan hath a great power over the Phantaſies of men, and he can (when leave is given unto him) tranſport their Phantaſies and imaginations unto ſuch ſtrange notions and Temptations, and therefore ſtill the queſtion remaineth, why did our Lord Jeſus ſuffer his pure mind to be afflicted with ſuch tranſporting Temptations?

Anſw. 1. Becauſe this is a great part of the puniſhment due unto the ſin of man, to be given up unto, and under the power of Satan, unto his ſeductions and Temptations, Eph. 2.2. in times paſt ye walked according to the courſe of this world, according to the Prince of the power of the Air, the Spirit that now worketh in the Children of diſobedience, &c, Act. 26.18. from the power of Satan. Mankind are lawful Captives to juſtice, and we are delivered up unto Satan to be our jaylor, and one part of the power which the Goaler hath over us, is this, to work in our hearts, minds, Phantaſies and affections, this is a deep and dreadful part of the puniſhment of ſin, our mental bondage is a ſore bondage; there is abundantly more ſin committed in the minds, thoughts, and imagination, then in outward actions, There be frequent Murthers, Adulteries, Fornications, Thefts, Blaſphemies, and what not. There be many abominations within, that dare not look out, Prov. 6.16, 18. there be ſeven abominations, whereof one is; an heart that deviſeth wicked imaginations, at the day of Judgement, when the ſecrets of all hearts ſhall be opened and judged, there will be abundance more work in judging the inward ſins of the mind and heart, then of the outward ſins of words and deeds, it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth doth ſpeak, our ſlavedome to Satan is principally in our minds hearts, and imaginations.

Therefore Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered this puniſhment to the full, ſo far as it could be ſuffered with Innocency, he ſuffered till Juſtice was ſatisfied, he gave Satan leave to do his worſt againſt him in theſe Temptations, as he did at his laſt ſufferings, which are called your hour and power of darkneſs, at this time of Temptation Satan did ſaucily domineer over our dear Lord, abuſing his Phantaſie and Imagination to the uttermoſt of his skill, and all this Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered in our ſtead.

p. 632. By his ſuffering of Temptations Ieſus Chriſt hath taken away the ſting and curſe, and condemning power out of all our Temptations, ſo that they cannot mortally hurt us; becauſe the Law is ſatisfied by the ſufferings of Jeſus Chriſt, it is the Law that gives ſtrength to ſin, to procure puniſhment, 1 Cor. 15.56. ſeeing then that the offence of the Law is removed by the ſufferings of Jeſus Chriſt, the mortal power of Temptations is taken away, Temptations they may ſorely afflict, but they cannot kill and damn a Child of God.

3. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered himſelf to be horribly tempted, that he might be an experienced, able, Faithfull and compaſſionate high Prieſt, to relieve us in our Temptations, and to bear with us in our violent and ſtrange extravagancies, in our vain figments and imaginations. Hebr. 2.17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his Brethren that he might be a mercifull & faithfull high-Prieſt in things pertaining to God, to make Reconciliation for the ſins of the People.

4. Our Lord Jeſus gave Satan leave thus to aſſault him, in this part of his inviſible Kingdome, where his power is greateſt, that he might procure for us an abſolute and compleat Victory over Satan, and all his powers and policyes, that no force ſhould be left in his hand againſt Believers in Chriſt. He hath conquered his inner Kingdome, the power that he hath over mens minds and imaginations. Hereby he hath Satan in ſo ſtreight a chain, that all his Temptations are at the diſpoſe and ordering of Jeſus Chriſt. Col. 2.15. Having ſpoiled Principalityes and powers, he made a ſhew of them openly, triumphing over them in it viz. in his croſs and Sufferings. And this is a chief part of this conqueſt, to conquer Satans inner Kingdome, in the minds and imaginations of men.

5. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered himſelf to be tempted, and in that caſe to conquer him, that when Satan aſſaults Believers in their thoughts, minds and imaginations theſe may find Satan a conquered and a chained enemy, and that by a man, our Captain, who is God-man: all which he hath done to encourage us to reſiſt & fight and triumph in Jeſus Chriſt.

6. Jeſus Chriſt ſuffered himſelf to be tempted to ſet us a pattern of the way of conquering Temptation. Example and experience doe effectually teach: therefore when at any time we are aſſaulted with Temptations, turn our minds to the pattern of Chriſt, Mat. 4. and ſee what he did, and doe we the ſame.

7. Jeſus Chriſt hath undergone this field of Temptations, to let us ſee by experience the power of the word over Satan and all his Temptations. The Spiritual War is a principal part of our Religion; and we ſee that the Word of God is a principal weapon in the management of this War. Pſal. 17.4, By the words of thy lips, I have kept me from the paths of the deſtroyer.

8. All this Jeſus Chriſt hath done, to teach us how neceſſary it is, that the word of God ſhould dwell richly in us, Col. 3, 16. It is a great Duty, and a precious mercy to be ready in the Scriptures, like a ready Scribe, that can draw out of his Quiver a fitting arrow for every caſe. Every Scribe which is inſtructed to the Kingdome of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an houſholder, who bringeth forth out of his Treaſury things new and old.

By this high and glorious example of Jeſus Chriſt his ſuffering of Temptations the Saints of God ſhould learn much and moſt uſefull inſtruction, touching which I ſhall give ſome ſhort hints.

A right walking with God in Temptations, is an eminent practical point of Religion: it renders a man to be a true follower of Jeſus Chriſt, and very acceptable unto him. His Diſciples who continued with him in his Temptations, he p. 64rewards them with a Kingdome; a Kingdome of Grace in this Life, and a Kingdome of Glory in the life to come. 2 Cor. 4.17.18. Our light and ſhort afflictions, tryals, temptations, doe work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. It is unworthy a Believer, a Diſciple of Jeſus Chriſt, to ſhrink from, or ſink under Temptations. It is the wiſdome of a Chriſtian to arm and prepare for Tribulations in this world, becauſe the appointed way to heaven is through many tribulations, Act. 14.23. in this point we muſt be followers of Chriſt as dear chi…dren. Jeſus Chriſt hath provided for his Saints compleat Arms, even the whole Armour of God, and weapons of war that are mighty through God, none of our En…mies are able to ſtand before them, the Devil himſelf will fly from that Chriſtian that is expert to uſe and improve the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. T mptation is Gods School wherein he doth train up his Children to prepare and ſit them for Service on Earth, and for glory in heaven. when Jeſus Chriſt himſelf was entering upon his publick Miniſtry, he began in the School of Temptations, he began alſo with faſting and prayer, he exerciſed theſe preparatories together, and come forth of the School eminently filled with the Spirit, yea, he was fill…d with the Spirit when he entered into this School, Luk. 4.1. and Jeſus being full of the Holy Ghoſt, returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wildern ſs. The Spirit of God doth attend and aſſiſt ſuch as are in Temptations, and doth furniſh them unto ſuch Services and ſufferings as the Lord ſhall pleaſe to call them unto. Temptations are Gods uſual preparatories of his Children for great ſervices, when God was about to call up Abraham to be a Father of the faithful, a Corner ſtone, (in ſubordination to Ieſus Chriſt) of that Church in which Ieſus Chriſt came into the world, and to be a Father in the holy line of the promiſed Seed, we may ſee that God prepared him for theſe great ſervices, by great Temptations and tryals. When God was about to call up Moſes to deliver Iſrael out of Egypt, to change the Church polity, to be Gods Inſtrument to create new heavens, and a new Earth, to erect the Church and common wealth of Iſrael, glorious ſervices, we ſee that God prepared him for all this by great Temptations and Tryals. When God was about to call up David to make great Reformation in the Church of Iſrael to gather up and ſettle all the ſcattered parts of Gods inſtituted worſhip, and fix it in a Temple, and to erect a typical Kingdome of Ieſus Chriſt, and to fix the line of the Incarnation of the promiſed ſeed, all of them very great and eminent ſervices, with ſundry more that I name not, only include them in theſe generals, I ſay when God was about to call up David to theſe great ſervices, O what a ſtorm of Temptations did he ariſe through!

When Solomon was called to finiſh what his Father David had begun in building the Temple and ſetting in order the fixed national worſhip of God; We read little of his paſſing through Temptatious to humble and prepare him: But we read much of his ſenſuality, whereby he ſo ſtained the glory of his high ſervices, that it ſhould raiſe thankfulneſs to God that pleaſeth to call us up to ſervices of renown, through a field of very great Temptations.

We ſee in our preſent ſubject touching the ſufferings of Chriſt, that when the Lord was calling him up to that greateſt and moſt honourable of ſervices, that ever was performed unto the Lord in this world, viz, the Redemption of man, and the ſalvation of ſouls. Ieſus Chriſt entered upon the ſervice through many tribulations and temptations, it is an experimental ſaying of holy men, that prayer, meditation and Temptation make a good Chriſtian, a good Miniſter, a good Magiſtrate, it fitteth a ſoul for any ſervice that the Lord ſhall call him unto.

p. 65Temptations are humbling providences, they are rods of correction and Inſtruction, that wean us from all kind of ſelf confidence, or ſelf ſeeking; they rectifie and purge us in our grounds and ends, in all our motions: and when a Chriſtian is duly ſanctified in his grounds and ends, he is a fitted inſtrument to glorify God in any ſervice whatſoever. The leſs of man, the more of God.

Furthermore, we ſee that when Chriſt was about to enter into this difficult field of Temptation, he firſt received the Sacrament of Baptiſm, to fulfill all righteouſneſs, no other Goſpel Sacrament being yet inſtituted. Federal Sacram…ntal Communion with God, doth greatly ſtrengthen Faith. We ſee alſo that when Jeſus Chriſt was entering into the field of Death, he firſt exerciſed ſacramental Communion with God, yea double ſacramental communion with God: He firſt eat the Paſſover, and then inſtituted and celebrated the Lords Supper, & then entred upon his garden conflict and Agony, & all the ſuffering that followed even to his Death. By theſe Examples of Jeſus Chriſt, when Gods people are to enter upon any great deſign, eſpecially when they goe upon hazzard of their life, they will, if they can orderly and regularly receive the Sacrament before they enter upon their deſign. Get as near to God as you can. True it is that many doe this ſuperſtitiouſly, & regard not the regular receiving the Sacrament in the Communion of the Church, but miniſter it in private, or in a ſick mans chamber; but conſider, that theſe errors and abuſes cannot fruſtrate the effect of Gods inſtitution regularly attended unto: Mans lye doth not make Gods Truth of none effect. Rom. 3.3, 4. Jeſus Chriſt his thus arming and fitting himſelf, when he was entering upon his greateſt Temptation, and upon his laſt conflict with Death it ſelf, is ground ſufficient for our regular attending upon the Lord in our great concernments in like manner as he did. Our co…enant communion with God, ſealed with a divine inſtituted Seal, regularly admini…tred, is to be numbred among the greateſt external means of Grace, for the confirmation of our Faith. The evidences of our Faith have the broad Seal of h…aven affixed to them: And that is alſo ſet on by the efficacy of the Spirit, who ſitteth in his Sealing-Office, in the adminiſtration of the Sacrament, and ratifieth the application of the publick Inſtituted Seal, unto the Soul in particular; unto which act of the Spirit in the adminiſtration of the Sacraments, when a poor doubting trembling Soul doth reverently attend, he ſhall find ſuch an efficacy of the ſealing Spirit in his Soul, as ſhall inable him to go away as Hannah did, when ſhe received Ely his bleſſing, 1 Sam. 1.18. ſo the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more ſad. when we celebrate the death and ſufferings of Jeſus Chriſt in our Sacramental Communion with God, it doth revive our damped and diſcouraged Faith, it ſeals our inſeperable union to Jeſus Chriſt, inabling us to ſay what ſhall ſeperate me? it doth alſo quicken, animate and encourage Faith to venture upon the greateſt, moſt difficult and dangerous enterprize, when called thereunto; it enables the Soul to ſay, my life is not dear to me, ſo I may but finiſh the Lords work, unto which he hath called me, whatever Sufferings, ſorrows, Tryals, Temptations I am thereby expoſed unto. When Faith is ſtrengthned, all grace is on the thriving hand, becauſe it is the work of Faith to goe forth to Jeſus Chriſt, and fetch out of his fulneſs whatever Grace we want; and to fetch ſupply to enable us unto any Service in doing or ſuffering the good pleaſure of the Lord, whatever it be. Jeſus Chriſt hath ſuffered Temptations deeper then any ever did, and therefore experimentally knoweth how to relieve us.