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

For the fourth point, he was crucified with his hands spread abroad: First, that he might draw all men unto him, and unite both Jews and Gentiles among themselves. This day of his crucifying was the day which the Prophet Zechariah spake of, Chap. 3. 9, 10. in which he should remove and take up the sins of the world, and make peace amongst men, so as men should call one another by the preaching of the Gospel into the communion of the Church, which he resembles to a Vine and Fig-tree: see also Joh. 12. 32. Ephes. 2. 16. Secondly, that thereby he might signify his great love to us, ready to embrace us, and take us into his arms, and bestow upon us the benefits of his Passion, and that his torments made him the more to long after us.

For the fourth point, hee was crucified with his hands spread abroad: First, that he might draw all men vnto him, and vnite both Iewes and Gentiles among themselues. This day of his crucifying was the day which the Prophet Zacharie spake of, Chap. 3. 9, 10. in which he should remoue and take vp the sinnes of the world, and make peace amongst men, so as men should call one another by the preaching of the Gospell into the communion of the Church, which hee resembles to a Vine and Fig-tree: see also Ioh. 12. 32. Ephes. 2. 16. Secondly, that thereby he might signifie his great loue to vs, readie to imbrace vs, and take vs into his armes, and bestow vpon vs the benefits of his Passion, and that his torments made him the more to long after vs.

For the fifth point, our Saviour shed his blood on the cross for divers reasons: First, that he might fulfil the figures of the old Law; for the blood of the sacrifices shadowed out the effusion of Christs blood. Secondly, that thereby he might make expiation for our sins, and reconcile us to God, and so make peace between God and us, pacifying his displeasure,