CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

It is true, some of the Ancients have much excused Judas as if he intended only to cheat the High-Priests of their money, because he thought that Christ could escape out of their hands as soon as he was apprehended, for Judas had observed before that when the people took him and intended to throw him down the Hill, that he did in a strange miraculous manner convey himself from them, but this cannot be, for our Saviour had informed them that he must die, though as yet his hour was not come, that one of them should betray him, and that Judas was earnest and real in this Treachery appeareth by this expression, Whom I shall kiss that is he, take him and lead him away diligently, as fearing Christ might have escaped them, or as it is translated, Mat. 26.46. Hold him fast: Thus in his most devilish actions he hath fair pretences, and under this Visor perpetrates his abominations; in like manner Absalom when he was upon that Treacherous design of unnatural rebellion against his Father, he pretends a Vow and Piety to perform it; Thus that cruel, bloody and deceitful Doeg, on whom David acted by Gods Spirit doth pronounce so solemn Curses, yet it is said of him, 1 Sam. 29.7. He was detained before the Lord; Though he was upon some special Vow, or otherwise serving of God, yet he could even then take occasion to inform Saul against David, and be the cause of the death of many innocent Priests of the Lord, and the Pharisees were so hypocritically Religious that they would not enter into Pilates house lest they should defile themselves when yet they could crucify Christ; Thus when men can harden themselves as they think to cozen God and men, no wonder if they fall into perdition.

It is true, some of the Ancients have much excused Iudas as if he intended only to cheat the High-Priests of their money, because he thought that Christ could escape out of their hands as soon as he was apprehended, for Iudas had observed before that when the people took him and intended to throw him down the Hill, that he did in a strange miraculous manner convey himself from them, but this cannot be, for our Saviour had informed them that he must die, though as yet his hour was not come, that one of them should betray him, and that Iudas was earnest and reall in this Treachery appeareth by this expression, Whom I shall kisse that is he, take him and leade him away diligently, as fearing Christ might have escaped them, or as it is translated,