A Golden Chain

And thus much of the end and intent of their counsel. The proceeding in judgement stands in these points. I. they examine Christ. II. they bring witnesses against him. III. they adjure him to tell them who he is: of these in order. First, they examine our Saviour Christ of his doctrine suspecting him to be a false prophet: secondly, of his disciples, as suspecting him seditiously to raise up a new sect unto himself, to make a faction amongst the Jews. Now to this examination let us mark Christs answer, in which he saith nothing at all concerning his disciples:¹ whereas notwithstanding he might have said, that one of them betrayed him, another denied him, and the rest fled away: whereby we note, that it is not our duty at all times, and in all places, to speak of the faults and wants that we know by others. Secondly, the answer which he makes is only concerning his doctrine: whereby the ministers of God and all men else are taught,² that being called before their enemies, to give reason of their doctrine: they are (as Saint Peter saith) to be always ready to give an account of the hope that is in them. And further we are to consider the wisdom that Christ useth in answering; for he saith nothing of his doctrine in particular, but said,³ I speak openly to the world, I ever taught in the Synagogue, and in the temple whither the Jews resorted: in secret have I taught nothing: ask them therefore what I said which heard me: Behold they can tell you what I said. Now the reason why he answered thus sparingly in general terms is; because their examination served only to entangle him: and out of his words to gather matter of accusation. After whose example we may learn, that being called to make answer of our faith and doctrine before our enemies, we are to do it so, as thereby we do not entangle our selves; nor give any advantage unto our enemies: and hereof we have a notable example in the Apostle Paul, Act. 23. 6. Again in the words of Christs answer we must observe two things. First, that the place where Christ taught was public. Now hence it may be demanded, whether ministers may handle the word of God privately or no? Ans. The state of Gods Church is two-fold: peaceable or troublesome. In the time of peace ministers must preach the word publicly: