Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers

Now farther to engage thee to this Expectation.

1. Consider his mercifulness, tenderness, and kindness, as he is our great high Priest, at the right hand of God. Assuredly he pities ⟨p. 169⟩thee in thy distress; saith He, as one Whom his Mother comforteth so will I comfort you, Isaiah 66.15. He hath the tenderness of a Mother to a sucking Child, Heb. 2.17, 18. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the People, for in that himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted: How is the ability of Christ upon the account of his suffering proposed to us? in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able. Did the sufferings and Temptations of Christ add to his ability and power? not doubtless considered absolutely and in its self: But the Ability here mentioned, is such as hath readiness, proneness, willingness, to put its self forth accompanying of it; it is an Ability of will against all dissuasions; He is able having suffered and being tempted, to break through all dissuasions to the contrary, to relieve poor tempted souls: [Greek or Hebrew], He is able to help. It is a metonymy of the Effect. For he can now be moved to help having been so tempted. So c. 4.15, 16. For we have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore ⟨p. 170⟩come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain Mercy, and find Grace to help in time of need. The Exhortation of vers. 16. is the same that I am upon, namely, that we would entertain Expectations of Relief from Christ, which the Apostle there calls [Greek or Hebrew], Grace for seasonable help; if ever (says the Soul) help were seasonable, it would be so to me in my present Condition. This is that which I long for, Grace for seasonable help. I am ready to dye, to perish, to be lost for ever; Iniquity will prevail against me, if help come not in; says the Apostle, Expect this Help, this Relief, this Grace from Christ; yea, but on what account? that he lays down v. 15. and we may observe, that the word v. 16. which we have translated to obtain, is, [Greek or Hebrew], that we may receive it, suitable and seasonable help will come in.