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

2. In this time of his profession and communion with Christ, he liveth in a secret sin, though the Apostles knew it not, yet his own conscience could not but condemn him. He was a thief, saith the text. Christ had many contributors to his sustenance, and that was put in a common bag for the maintenance of himself and his Apostles. Now Judas he carried the bag, how this came about it's disputed, Whether he desired it or no? or, Whether it was put upon him as judged a fit and faithful man, the Scripture tells not? Howsoever we see by this, as is to be showed, That it's a terrible thing to be in such a condition of life, as is suitable to draw out the sins we are given unto, but of that afterward. Judas having this great opportunity, he stealeth part of the treasury, and keepeth part of it for himself; What made him to do this? whether because he was married and had a charge of children, as some conjecture; or, whether because he had a covetous worldly heart, as the Scripture seemeth to incline, is controverted. So that now Judas becomes a gross hypocrite, for the very light of nature taught him not to impropriate that which was common to others; he knew it was Christs goods, not his own; yea many learned Authors say, This was not simple theft, but sacrilege, for what was given to Christ and his Ministry, was to an holy use, and therefore Judas was guilty of both; and the grossness of his hypocrisy is the more aggravated, if he did believe Christ was God as well as man; How could he come into Christs presence, and not think Christ knoweth my falsehood, my theft, and all my secret wickedness.

2. In this time of his profession and communion with Christ, he liveth in a secret sinne, though the Apostles knew it not, yet his own consceence could not but condemn him. He was a thief, saith the text. Christ had many contributers to his sustenance, and that was put in a common bag for the maintenance of himself and his Apostles. Now Judas he carried the bag, how this came about it's disputed, Whether he desired it or no? or, Whether it was put upon him as judged a fit and faithfull man, the Scripture tels not? Howsoever we see by this, as is to be shewed, That it's a terrible thing to be in such a condition of life, as is sutable to draw out the sinnes we are given unto, but of that afterward. Judas having this great opportunity, he stealeth part of the treasury, and keepeth part of it for himself; What made him to do this? whether because he was married and had a charge of children, as some conjecture; or, whether because he had a covetous worldly heart, as the Scripture seemeth to encline, is controverted. So that now Judas becomes a gross hypocrite, for the very light of nature taught him not to impropriate that which was common to others; he knew it was Christs goods, not his own; yea many learned Authors say, This was not simple theft, but sacriledge, for what was given to Christ and his Ministry, was to an holy use, and therefore Judas was guilty of both; and the grosseness of his hypocrisie is the more aggravated, if he did believe Christ was God as well as man; How could he come into Christs presence, and not think Christ knoweth my falshood, my theft, and all my secret wickednesse.