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

Before I come to show the differential particulars, let me add, That in some particulars the poor weak Christian hath more love and affection from Christ then a strong one; So that the weaker they are, the more they conclude of more grace and power to be showed to them.

Before I come to shew the differentiall particulars, let me adde, That in some particulars the poor weak Christian hath more love and affection from Christ then a strong one; So that the weaker they are, the more they conclude of more grace and power to be shewed to them.

1. Christ commonly showeth more pity and compassion to such as are objects of greater want and indigency; Therefore you heard, the smoking flax he would not quench; As the Shepherd doth gently lead those Cattle that are great with young, and as Aristotle observeth, that in nature Parents are still carried with their greatest affection to the child that is youngest, because that is most exposed to want; Thus also doth Christ respect those that are the meanest, the lowest, that have least of comfort and least of grace; Alas such are the greatest objects of pity; Do not therefore think that thy infirmities make God angry with thee if humbled for them, no, they provoke pity and compassion; As the Psalmist speaks, Psa. 103. concerning Gods afflictions, that he remembers what man is, he doth not deal with him as if he were brass and iron, but as dust and grass, So doth Christ, he knoweth thy weaknesses, thy temptations, and therefore he will mercifully consider of thee; The Apostle giveth this reason, 1 Pet. 2.7. why the husband should give honour to his wife, because she is the weaker vessel, and certainly Christ takes this way with every Soul married to him, the weaker it is the more compassionate is his condescension to it.

1. Christ commonly sheweth more pity and compassion to such as are objects of greater want and indigency; Therefore you heard, the smoaking flax he would not quench; As the Shepherd doth gently leade those Cattel that are great with young, and as Aristotle observeth, that in nature Parents are still carried with their greatest affection to the childe that is youngest, because that is most exposed to want; Thus also doth Christ respect those that are the meanest, the lowest, that have least of comfort and least of grace; Alas such are the greatest objects of pity; Do not therefore think that thy infirmities make God angry with thee if humbled for them, no, they provoke pity and compassion; As the Psalmist speaks,