The Fountain of Life Opened

Thirdly, Let us in the next place consider the Effect and influence §3this desertion had upon the Spirit of Christ.

And though it did not drive him to despair as the Papists falsely charge Mr. Calvin to have affirmed; yet it even amazed him, and almost swallowed up his soul in the deeps of trouble and consternation. This cry is a cry from the deeps; from a soul oppressed even to death. Never was the Lord Jesus so put to it before. It is a most astonishing out-cry.

Let but five particulars be weighed, and you will say never was there any darkness like this. No sorrow like Christs sorrow in his deserted state. For, First, Apprehend, Reader, this was a new thing to Christ, and that which he was never acquainted with before. From all Eternity until now, there had been constant and wonderful out-lets of love, delight, and joy, from the bosom of the Father, into his bosom. He never missed his Father before. Never saw a frown, or a veil upon that blessed face before. This made it an heavy burden indeed, the words are words of wonderment and admiration; my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me! Thou that never •idst so before, hast forsaken me now. Secondly, As it was a new thing to Christ, and therefore the more amazing; so it was a great thing to Christ, so great that he scarce knew how to support it. Had it not been a great trial indeed, so great a spirit as Christs was would never have so drooped under it, and made so sad a complaint of it. It was so sharp, so heavy an affliction to his soul; that it caused him who was meek under all other sufferings as a Lamb,¹