Sermons preached

2. The Breach of this Rule is more evil in him which hath experimented the Bitterness of Wrongs or Misery, than in another; because Experience giveth us a truer knowledge of things, than a naked Idea and Conception of them. He that knoweth things by mere Contemplation, doth but know them at a distance, and as it were afar off; but he that knoweth things by Experience, knows them at hand, and feels the smart of them. Therefore Conscience should work more in them by way of Restraint, because they know what it is to be oppressed and disgraced, and remember how grievous it was when they did lie under any Wrong. Look as it is made an Argument of Confidence in Christ's pity, because his Heart was made tender by experience: He was tempted, he was despitefully used, he experimented all our Sorrows; therefore he is able (that is, has a greater fitness) to succour those which are tempted, Heb. 2. 18. And in another place we read, That he learned Obedience by the things which he suffered, Heb. 5. 8. Did Christ learn any thing better, or improve his Knowledge, which had the Spirit without measure? Yes, he might have an experimental Learning and Feeling. Thus when he suffered things so regretful and contrary to that Life he had assumed, he knew what it was to over-rule the ⟨p. 350⟩natural Inclinations of Life, and subordinate them to the Will of God, and learn Obedience by the things which he suffered, and will more compassionate when poor Creatures are put upon Duties against Flesh and Blood. And it is used as an Argument why we should come to the Throne of Grace with boldness, Heb. 4. 15. Because we have not an High-Priest, which cannot be touched with our Infirmities, &c. He hath experimented them in his own Person, he knows these things himself. And so Exod. 22. 21. Thou shalt not vex a Stranger, nor oppress him; for ye were Strangers in the Land of Egypt. The People of Israel knew what it was to be exposed to the Envy of the Natives, where they had few Friends and many Enemies. But especially observe that Levit. 19. 33, 34