The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…

For the second Point, viz. from whom he suffered: We must know, that if we let pass the higher causes of his Passion, ⟨p. 307⟩and look upon the creatures only, he suffered from all sorts of Enemies. The Devils and the High Priests, the Pharisees and the People, Judas and Pilate, Herod and the Soldiers, Jews and Gentiles, his own Country-men and strangers, all oppose him, and from all he suffered, as the History of the Gospel more at large shows. Which point is worthy our observation for divers uses. First, we may hence take occasion to wonder at Gods skill and wisdom in ordering businesses. What a confused heap is here of vile Instruments, and yet what a glorious work doth God do, without disorder, nothing being done but according to his Determinate Counsel? Act. 2. 23. Secondly, we may see how easily all sorts of men are drawn to practise against holiness and sincere religion: what doctrine was ever more powerful than the doctrine of Christ, and what man ever lived so harmlessly, so profitably? and yet how quickly is all the world raised up against Christ, and true Religion taught and profest by him: What power hath the Devil in the hearts of all sorts of men? Who though he never require any work but what is base and dangerous, yet quickly gets Instruments to effect any thing he requires. Oh how is miserable man sunk deep into rebellion, that since the fall of our first Parents, had rather follow the Serpent, than the Saviour of the world: who would ever care for the opinions or examples of any sort of worldly men? Thirdly, we see here a naughty nature will infect any Calling, the Priesthood will not continue always good, nor Magistracy, nor the retired life of the vulgar: sin infects any calling.

For the second Point, viz. from whom he suffered: We must know, that if we let passe the higher causes of his Passion, ⟨p. 307⟩and looke vpon the creatures only, he suffered from all sorts of Enemies. The Deuils and the High Priests, the Pharisies and the People, Iudas and Pilate, Herod and the Souldiers, Iewes and Gentiles, his owne Countrey-men and strangers, all oppose him, and from all he suffered, as the History of the Gospell more at large shewes. Which point is worthy our obseruation for diuers vses. First, we may hence take occasion to wonder at Gods skill and wisdome in ordering businesses. What a confused heape is here of vile Instruments, and yet what a glorious worke doth God doe, without disorder, nothing being done but according to his Determinate Councell?