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

(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, Mat. 26. 40, 41. When Peter had denied him, and had cursed and sworn he did not know him, than which (besides the falsehood and perfidiousness of it) nothing could be more unkind, with what Meekness did he bear it? It is not said, the Lord turned and frowned upon Peter, tho' he deserved to be frowned into Hell, but the Lord turned and looked upon Peter, Luke 22. 61. and that Look recovered him into the way to Heaven; it was a kind Look, and not an angry one. Some days after when Christ and Peter met in Galilee, and had Dined together in token of Reconciliation, and some Discourse past between them, not a word was said of this matter; Christ did not upbraid him with his fault, nor chide him for it, nor did there appear any other Fruit of the falling out of these Lovers, but only the renewing of their Love with greater ⟨p. 111⟩Endearments, John 21. 15, 16, 17. which teacheth us to forgive and forget the Unkindnesses of those that (we are satisfied) are for the main our true Friends, and if any occasion of Difference happen, to turn it into an occasion of confirming our love to them, as the Apostle expresseth it,