A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

Object. But did not Christ pray that the Cup might pass from him? And did not he fear, and his Humane Nature stagger and recoil at the Greatness of his Sufferings? We read of Prayers, Tears, and strong Cries, Heb. 5.7. and therefore how was Christ so willing?

Answ. Christ's Prayers were rather for our Example and Comfort, than to decline the Suffering. Heb. 4.15. He was in all Points tempted like as we are, yet without Sin. He was to show himself true Man, and therefore was to have humane Love, humane Abhorrencies, and humane Aversations. He was to put on all the innocent Passions of our Nature; it was not convenient Christ should suffer as a Stock, and dead lump of Flesh. In short; in his Sufferings, Christ was to discover a double Relation; he was to act the part of a private Person, and of a public Person: Of a private Person, to show the Verity of his humane Nature; and of a public Person, to discover his Willingness to die for the Elect. Now he doth both these. It is the Nature of Man to shun that which is grievous and painful to him; he was to look upon his Sufferings as contrary to the Perfection and Liberty of his humane Nature, and so he was to pray, Father, if it be possible, let this Cup pass from me. But now, as a public Person, and as Mediator, so he was extremely willing to do this Office of Love for us. The innocent Passions of ⟨p. 159⟩his humane Nature, discover the Greatness of his Sufferings, they made his Manhood recoil and stagger, as being amazed at the dreadfulness of that he was to suffer. And though his private humane Nature be allowed to speak, Father, let this Cup pass; yet his public Relation hath a casting Voice, and his submission as a public Person, showeth his willingness to endure these Sufferings; therefore, he saith, Not my Will, but thine be done, and freely yields up himself. These Fears of Christ, certainly were no shrinking from the Work, but only a natural Consternation and Retirement from what is dreadful. Christ's Fears were a part of that Fire wherein our Sin-offering was to be burnt and roasted; and therein he showed his willingness, that he freely gave up himself to be scorched with those dreadful Apprehensions of God's Wrath. For it is very notable, his Agonies came not upon him before he pleased, for it is said,