Seven sermons on several select subjects preached

Secondly, Consider Christs Death as it was voluntary: He did part with his Life freely. It is true, Christs death was necessary in regard of Gods decree; but it was voluntary in this respect, that Christ cheerfully yielded to suffering, John 10.18. I lay down my Life; the Jews could not have taken away his Life, if he had not laid it down; nothing could have ⟨p. 179⟩forced Christ to have died for his Sheep, but love: Nothing could have bound him to the Cross, but the golden chain of Love.

Secondly, Consider Christs Death as it was voluntary: He did part with his Life freely. It is true, Christs death was necessary in regard of Gods decree; but it was voluntary in this respect, that Christ chearfully yielded to suffering, Iohn 10.18. I lay down my Life; the Iews could not have taken away his Life, if he had not laid it down; nothing could have ⟨p. 179⟩forced Christ to have died for his Sheep, but love: Nothing could have bound him to the Cross, but the golden chain of Love.

Thirdly, Consider Christs Death as it was Meritorious: It is the inlet to all holy benediction, it procures for us Justification of our Persons, acceptance of our services, access to the Throne of Grace; it procures an entrance into the holy, acceptable place of Heaven, Heb. 3.19. Behold, here is the Love of Christ in laying down his Life for his Sheep: He hath purchased glorious things for us, there was no way for the Sheep to live, but by the Death of the Shepherd; and for Christ Jesus to die as a Malefactor, having the weight of so many sins lying upon him, it was more than if all the Angels had been turned into dust.