Of Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

But this is a shaking trial, might they reply: is our condition §. 3 such, that men in killing us, will think to approve their Consciences to God? Yea they will saith our Saviour; but yet that you be not mistaken, nor trouble your consciences about their confidences, know that their blind and desperate ignorance is the cause of their fury and persuasion, v. 3. These things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father nor me.

But this is a shaking triall, might they reply: is our condition §. 3 such, that men in killing us, will think to approve their Consciences to God? Yea they will saith our Saviour; but yet that you be not mistaken, nor trouble your consciences about their confidences, know that their blind and desperate ignorance is the cause of their fury and perswasion, v. 3. These things will they doe unto you, because they have not known the Father nor me.

This then was to be the state with the Disciples; but why did §. 4 our Saviour tell it them at this season, to add fear and perplexities to their grief and sorrow? what advantage should they obtain thereby? saith their blessed Master, v. 4. there are weighty reasons why I should tell you these things; chiefly, that as you may be provided for them, so when they do befall you, you may be supported with the consideration of my Deity and Omniscience, who told you all these things before they came to pass, v. 4. but these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, you may remember I told you of them. But if they be so necessary, whence is it, that thou hast not acquainted us with it, all this while? why not in the beginning, at our first calling? Even, saith our Saviour, because there was no need of any such thing; for, whilst I was with you, you had protection and direction at hand. And these things I said not at the beginning, because I was present ⟨p. 259⟩with you: but now the state of things is altered; I must leave you, v. 5. And for your parts, so are you astonished with sorrow, that you do not ask me whether I go, the consideration whereof would certainly relieve you, seeing I go to take possession of my glory, and to carry on the work of your salvation: but your hearts are filled with sorrow and fear, and you do not so much as enquire after relief v. 5. 6. whereupon he adjoins that wonderful assertion, v. 7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you, that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send him unto you.