Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /

2. The special cause of this sleep was the extraordinary Apparition, as the Prophets often were in a deep sleep and trance, when ⟨p. 94⟩they saw the like, Dan. 8. 18. As the Angel Gabriel was speaking to me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face towards the ground. Again Dan. 10. 9. When I heard his voice, then was I in a deep sleep. So the Prophet Zechariah in the midst of his Visions, Zech. 4. 1. The Angel of the Lord wakened me as one in a deep sleep, any eminent passion causeth sleep, and they were astonished so with these visions and representations, that nature fainted under them, and they fell into a sleep, so the Apostles seeing Christ in the midst of fervent Prayers Transfigured before them.

Now whether it came from the one cause or from the other, we must conclude this sleep was a weakness on their parts, but directed and overruled by God for just and wise Reasons.

1. It was a weakness and infirmity on their part, for questionless they were to attend with all vigilancy to this manifestation of our Saviours glory, and observe the passages of it, why else did he take them into the Mountain a part, but as Witnesses of it, as they were to watch in his Agonies, so in his Transfiguration it was a fault then, Mat. 26. 40. When he cometh he findeth them asleep. What could you not watch with me one hour. But the best men are clogged with