The Fountain of Life Opened

In a word, as there was nothing of sin in it, it being a pure, and sinless affection of nature: so there was much good in it, and that both as it was a part of his satisfaction for our sin, to suffer inwardly such fears, tremblings, and consternations: And as it was a clear evidence that he was in all things made like unto his brethren, except sin. And Lastly, as it serves notably to express the grievousness and extremity of the sufferings of Christ, whose very prospect, and appearance at some distance was •o dreadful to him.

¹If the Learned Reader desire to see what is farther said on this point, let him read what the judicious, and learned Parker in his excellent book de descensu hath collected upon that case.

1. 1Parker de desce•si lib. 3. p. 192, &c.

Fourthly, Let us consider the manner how he prayed, and that was, First, Solitarily. He doth not here pray in the audience of his Disciples, as he had done before; but went at a distance from them. He had now private business to transact with God. He left some ⟨p. 287⟩of them,¹ at the entering into the Garden; and for Peter, James and John, that went farther with him than the rest; he bids them remain there, while he went and prayed. He did not desire them to pray with him, or for him; no, he must tread the wine-press alone. Nor will he have them with him, possibly left it should discourage them to see and hear, how he groaned, sweat, trembled, and cried, as one in an agony, to his Father. Reader, there are times, and cases, when a Christian would not be willing the dearest and most intimate friend he hath in the world, should be privy to what passes betwixt him and his God. Secondly, It was an humble prayer, that's evident by the postures into which he cast himself. Sometimes kneeling, and sometimes prostrate upon his face. He creeps in the very dust, lower he cannot fall; and his heart was as low as his body. He is meek and lowly indeed. Thirdly, It was a reiterated prayer, he prays, and then returns to the Disciples, as a man in extremity turns every way for comfort; so Christ prays, Father let the cup pass, but in that the Father hears him not: though as to support, he was heard. Being denied deliverance by his Father, he goes and bemoans himself to his pensive friends; and complains bitterly to them, my soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death. He would ease himself a little by opening his condition to them; but alas, they rather increase, than ease his burden. For he finds them asleep, which occasioned that gentle reprehension from him.