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

Lastly, Here is the Example and Pattern, Even as the Father sent me into the world. Not that there is the same likeness in every particular, but in the general, they both agree in this, that they have a Call from God.

Lastly, Here is the Example and Patern, Even as the Father sent me into the world. Not that there is the same likenesse in every particular, but in the generall, they both agree in this, that they have a Call from God.

I shall treat in order, and first begin with Christs mission, which is made the Pattern of the Apostles, and do observe,

I shall treat in order, and first begin with Christs mission, which is made the Patern of the Apostles, and do observe,

That Christ was sent of the Father, and did not of himself undertake that Office, ¹he was employed in, while on earth. Christ himself would not be the Prophet, Priest or King of his Church without a Call, or Commission from the Father thereunto. Hence in John's Gospel, he doth so exceeding often mention this, That his Father sent him, still resolving his Doctrine, his Authority, his Will and Works into him that sent him. Therefore not only the twelve Apostles are called so, but Christ himself is called an Apostle, Heb. 3.1 Consider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. An Apostle is as much as one that is sent; and thus Christ is there called an Apostle; and therefore some make a mystery in that John 9.7. when Christ cured the blind man, he bids him, Go and wash in the pool of Siloam, which is by interpretation sent, saith the Evangelist, as if hereby our Saviour would teach, that he was the Messiah, that was to be sent into the world. That our Saviour did expect a sending, or a Call, appeareth notably