A25466:1065
Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /
Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume / by several ministers in and about London, preached in October, 1689.
London: printed by James Astwood for John Dunton, 1690
Sermon 13: Quest. How Christ is to be followed as our Example? SERMON XIII.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. Here is a special intimation, (as appears by the context) of a Christian's Duty patiently to bear injuries, and to take up the cross. Though the Gospel be the gladdest tidings, yet Suffering is a word that sounds very harsh to flesh and blood. But the Apostle bids us behold Christ in his Sufferings, and not think m•ch of our afflictions, which ⟨p. 315⟩were but a drop, compared with His, which were a vast Ocean. The Sufferings of Christ the Head, were unconceivably greater, than those which any of his Members at any time are called to undergo. And indeed when he drank the Cup his Father gave him: he drank out the Curse and bitterness of it; so that it is both blessed and sweetened to the Lambs followers who are to drink after him.
4. Here is a special intimation, (as appears by the context) of a Christian's Duty patiently to bear injuries, and to take up the cross. Though the Gospel be the gladdest tidings, yet Suffering is a word that sounds very harsh to flesh and blood. But the Apostle bids us behold Christ in his Sufferings, and not think m•ch of our afflictions, which ⟨p. 315⟩were but a drop, compared with His, which were a vast Ocean. The Sufferings of Christ the Head, were unconceivably greater, than those which any of his Members at any time are called to undergo. And indeed when he drank the Cup his Father gave him: he drank out the Curse and bitterness of it; so that it is both bless't and sweetned to the Lambs followers who are to drink after him.
5. The Sufferings of Christ and his Example, being joined together in the Text: here is a signification, that by his Death he has purchased Grace to assist and enable us to follow his example. Our Lord knows our natural impotency; nay, averseness to follow him, or so much as to look to him. His death is effectual therefore to kill our Sin; and to heal our depraved Nature: his power rests upon us that we may tread the Path in which he is gone before us. I am able to do all things, says the Apostle, through Christ strengthening me.