The Fountain of Life Opened

Thirdly, As it was against their own principles, so it was much against the honour of their Lord and Master. By this their sinful flight they exposed the Lord Jesus to the contempt and scorn of his enemies. This some conceive is imported in that question which the High Priest asked him, Joh. 18.19. The High Priest then asked Jesus of his Disciples, and of his Doctrine. He asked him of his Disciples, how many he had, and what was become of them now? And what was the reason they forsook their Master, and left him to shift for himself when danger appeared? But to those questions Christ made no reply. He would not accuse them to their enemies, though they had deserted him. But doubtless it did not a little reflect upon Christ, that there was not one of all his friends that durst own their relation to him, in a time of danger.

Thirdly, As it was against their own principles, so it was much against the honour of their Lord and Master. By this their sinful flight they exposed the Lord Jesus to the contempt and scorn of his enemies. This some conceive is imported in that question which the High Priest asked him, Ioh. 18.19. The High Priest then asked Iesus of his Disciples, and of his Doctrine. He asked him of his Disciples, how many he had, and what was become of them now? And what was the reason they forsook their Master, and left him to shift for himself when danger appeared? But to those questions Christ made no reply. He would not accuse them to their enemies, though they had deferted him. But doubtless it did not a little reflect upon Christ, that there was not one of all his friends that durst owne their relation to him, in a time of danger.

Fourthly, As it was against Christs honour, so it was against their own solemn promise made to him before his apprehension, to live and die with him. They had past their word, and given their promise that they would not flinch from him, Matth. 26.35. Peter said to him, though I should dye with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the Disciples. This made it a perfidious relapse. Here they brake promise with Christ, who never did so with them. He might have told them when he met them afterwards in Galilee. As the Roman Soldier told his General when he refused his petition after the war was ended, I did not serve you so at the Battle of Acteum.