A Golden Chain

And here we must observe, that the example of Christ hath something more in it then any other example hath or can have: for it doth not only show us what we ought to do (as the examples of other men do) but it is a remedy against many vices, and a motive to many good duties. First of all the serious consideration of this, that the very son of God himself suffered all the pains and torments of hell on the cross for our sins, is the proper & most effectual means to stir up our hearts to a godly sorrow for them. And that this thing may come to pass, every man must be settled without doubt, that he was the man that crucified Christ; that he is to be blamed as well as Judas, Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the Jews: and that his sins should be the nails, the spears, and the thorns that pierced him. When this meditation begins to take place, bitterness of spirit with wailing and mourning takes place in like manner. Zach. 12. 10. And they shall look upon him whom they have pierced, and they shall lamem for him as one lamenteth for his only son. Peter in his first sermon struck the Jews as with a thunder clap from heaven, when he said unto them, Ye have crucified the Lord of glory, so as the same time three thousand men were pricked in their hearts, and said, Men and brethren, what shall we do to be saved. Again, if Christ for our sins shed his heart blood: and if our sins mad• him sweat water and blood, oh then why should not ⟨p. 824⟩we our selves shed bitter tears, & why would not our hearts bleed for them. He that finds himself so dull and hardened that the passion of Christ doeth not humble him, is in a lamentable case, for there is no faith in the death of Christ, effectual in him as yet.

And here we must obserue, that the example of Christ hath something more in it then any other example hath or can haue: for it doth not onely shew vs what we ought to doe (as the examples of other men doe) but it is a remedie against many vices, and a motiue to many good duties. First of all the serious consideration of this, that the very sonne of God himselfe suffered all the paines and torments of hell on the crosse for our sinnes, is the proper & most effectuall meanes to stirre vp our hearts to a godly sorrow for them. And that this thing may come to passe, euery man must be setled without doubt, that he was the man that crucified Christ; that he is to be blamed as well as Iudas, Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the Iewes: and that his sinnes should be the nailes, the speares, and the thornes that pearced him. When this meditation beginnes to take place, bitternesse of spirit with wayling and mourning takes place in like manner.