A Golden Chain

The authors of Christs burial were Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night.¹ Now concerning them and this their fact, there are many things worthy to be considered in this place. First of all they were disciples of Christ, and the difference between them and the rest is to be considered. The other disciples though in number they were but few, yet in the feast before his passion they openly followed him: but when Christ was to be arraigned, and the persecution of the Church of the new testament began in him, then Judas betrayed him, Peter denied him, and the rest fled away: yet even at the same instant these two secret disciples of our Saviour Christ, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus take courage to themselves, and in time of danger openly profess themselves to be Christs disciples by an honourable and solemn burial; God no doubt opening their hearts and enabling them to do so. The like is to be seen in all ages since the passion of Christ in the Church of God, in which men zealous for the Gospel in peace have been timorous in persecution, whereas weak ones have stood out against their enemies even unto death it self. The reason is, because God will humble those his servants which are oftentimes endued with great measure of graces, and contrariwise exalt and strengthen the weak and feeble: and the same no doubt will be found true among us, if it should please God to send any new trial into the Church of England. This serves to teach us to think charitably of those which are as yet but weak among us: and withal in our profession to carry a low sail and to think basely of our selves, and in the whole course of our lives creep allow by the ground, running on in fear and trembling, because the Lord oftentimes humbles those that be strong, and give courage and strength to weak ones boldly to confess his name. Secondly, whereas these two disciples have such care of the burial of Christ, we learn that it is our duty to be careful also for the honest and solemn burial of our brethren. The Lord himself hath commanded it,² Thou art dust and to dust thou shalt return. Also the bodies of men are the good creatures of God, yea the bodies of Gods children are the temples of the holy Ghost, & therefore there is good cause why they should be honestly laid in the earth.

The authours of Christs buriall were Ioseph of Arimathea, and Nichodemus, who came to Iesus by night.