The harmony of the Gospels in the holy history of the humiliation and sufferings…

3. Because sicknesses are a great part of the sinless punishment that is inflicted on man for sin, it is not a sin to be sick, but it is a punishment of sin, and Christ hath borne all the sinless punishments of sin, Isai. 53.3. a man of sorrows, acquainted with griefs, here be two significant words, that show that it was the general and ordinary frame of his mortal body. the words do signify such sorrows, and griefs as arise and spring from sickness, and from a crazy state of body; which notwithstanding he did not abate any labour, travail, work, or hardship, that lay before him, and that he had a calling to attend, whereby he might do good to others in Soul or body, Act. 10.38. he went about doing good, and healing others, yet this he did in much pain, grief, and infirmity, he was accustomed so to do.

3. Because sicknesses are a great part of the sinless punishment that is inflicted on man for sin, it is not a sin to be sick, but it is a punishment of sin, and Chri•t hath borne all the sinless punishments of sin, Isai. 53.3. a man of sorrows, acquainted with griefs, here be two significant words, that shew that it was the general and ordinary frame of his mortal body. the words doe signifie such sorrows, and griefs as arise and spring from sickness, and from a crazy state of body; which notwithstanding he did not abate any labour, travail, work, or hardship, that lay before him, and that he had a calling to attend, whereby he might do good to others in Soul or body, Act. 10.38. he went about doing good, and healing others, yet this he did in much pain, grief, and infirmity, he was accustomed so to do.

4. It is of great comfort and encouragement to the dear Servants of God, who are forced so to do, unless they should leave the work and Service of the Lord undone; they cannot forbear and withdraw themselves from the work, and yet must perform it with difficulty through pains, aches, weariness hardship, and sometimes dangerous adventures, in which cases the Servants of God have this eminent encouragement, that Jesus Christ experienced the same, and he is a merciful high Priest and Mediator, to pity, help, relieve and comfort such of his Servants as are faithful to do his Service, though it be upon such hard Terms.