The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Answ. 1. I Answer, More generally. All our Saviours actions are for our instruction, but all are not for our imitation. Christ indeed hath left us an example, that we should follow his steps, ¹but not in all the prints of his feet. Christ did nothing amiss, but he that shall undertake to do in all things as he did, will follow him too close, and do many things amiss. It may be commendable to imitate my Sovereign, but it is possible enough to do it so far as to be guilty of treason by it. Some of Christs actions were done by him as man, others were done by him as Mediator, or God-man; In many of these latter we cannot imitate him, in others we may not. Who can work Miracles, forgive Sins, &c. as Christ did? Who may appoint Apostles, constitute Laws for the Church, &c. as Christ did?

Answ. 1. I Answer, More generally. All our Saviours actions are for our instruction, but all are not for our imitation. Christ indeed hath left us an example, that we should follow his steps, ¹but not in all the prints of his feet. Christ did nothing amiss, but he that shall undertake to do in all things as he did, will follow him too close, and do many things amiss. It may be commendable to imitate my Soveraign, but it is possible enough to do it so far as to be guilty of treason by it. Some of Christs actions were done by him as man, others were done by him as Mediatour, or God-man; In many of these latter we cannot imitate him, in others we may not. Who can work Miracles, forgive Sins, &c. as Christ did? Who may appoint Apostles, constitute Laws for the Church, &c. as Christ did?

1. 11 Pet. 2. 2•.

Answ. 2. More particularly, Christ had a Call, which all others have not, to go amongst wicked men. Where should a Physician be, but amongst his Patients? to deal with such is his calling. Christ came to call sinners to repentance, to heal their vitiated natures, and therefore it was necessary he should associate with them. He went amongst them, not as a friend to their sins, but as a Physician to their souls; How should he otherwise have cast out Devils, cured their sicknesses, and proved his Deity to their faces? An Ambassador being commissionated by his Prince, may do that, which if an ordinary Subject should do, may cost him his life. Abraham might (having liberty from God) stand still and behold Sodom flaming, when Lot might not so much as cast an eye, or have a glance towards it. Christ was sent to the lost sheep of the