A discourse concerning meekness and quietness of spirit to which is added, A sermon…

(1.) In his bearing with their Weaknesses and Infirmities. After they had been long under the Inspection and Influence of such a Teacher, and had all the Advantages that Men could have for getting acquaintance with the things of God, yet how weak and defective were they in Knowledge, and Gifts, and Graces? How ignorant and forgetful were they? How slow of Heart to understand and believe? And what Blunders did they make? Dull Scholars it should seem they were, and very bad Proficients. But their Hearts being upright with him, he did not cast them off, nor turn them out of his School, but made the best of them, rectified their Mistakes, instructed them in their Duty, and the Doctrine they were to preach, by Precept upon Precept, and Line upon Line, and taught them as they were able to bear it, as one that considered their Frame, and could have Compassion on the Ignorant, and on them that are out of the way, Heb. 5. 2. As long as he was with them, so long he suffered them, Mark 9. 19. This, as it is a great Encouragement to Christian Learners, so it is a great Example to Christian Teachers.

(2.) In his forgiving and passing by their Unkindnesses and Disrespects to himself. He was not extreme to mark, no not what they did amiss of this kind. When they murmured at the cost ⟨p. 110⟩that was bestowed upon him, and called it wast, and had indignation at it, he did not resent it as he might have done, nor seem to observe how much what they said, reflected upon him, nor did he condemn them any other way, than by commending the Woman, Mat. 26. 8, 11. When Peter, and James, and John, the first three of his Disciples, were with him in the Garden, and very unseasonably slept, while he was in his Agony praying, so little concerned did they seem to be for him, and such a grievous slight did they put upon him; yet observe how meekly he spoke to them, did not give them any hard Language, but, Could ye not watch with me one hour? And when they had not a word to say for themselves, so inexcusable was their fault, he had something to say for them, and instead of accusing them, he Apologizeth for them, The Spirit indeed is willing, but the Flesh is weak,