Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

In the second place, I am to show you in what respects Christ is an Example to be followed.

In the second place, I am to shew you in what respects Christ is an Example to be followed.

1. Christ is to be followed in his great Self-denial. It had been a great Stoop in the Son of God; if his Deity had been veiled with the Nature of Angels: a greater Stoop, it would have been to be made Flesh; though he had been born of an Empress; and had been as glorious a Temporal Monarch, as the Jews fancied he would be. But this is exceedingly amazing to behold Him, that thought it no robbery to be equal with God, making himself of no reputation, and taking upon him the form of a Servant, Phil. 2.7. He did not abhor a poor Virgins Womb; nor afterwards to be laid in a Manger. And though he was Lord of all, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich; 2 Cor. 8.9. thus he pleased not himself. Rom. 15.3. neither did he seek himself and his own honour, but the honour and glory of him that sent him. Joh. 7.18.

How can he be a follower of Christ who is so utterly unlike him in being selfish? Our Lord knew the prevalency of self-love; and how opposite 'tis to the love of God, and care of the Soul: therefore he strictly requires Self-denial. Luk. 9.23