Joy in the Lord opened in a sermon preached at Pauls, May 6

2. Others are offended at his Cross, both Jews and Greeks, 1 Cor. 1. 23. Those pitching in their expectations upon a glorious Prince, who should free them from the Roman yoke, could not endure to be so disappointed, as in the stead thereof to have a crucified man, one in the form of a servant to be their Messiah; and therefore whosoever rule over them, he shall not, Luke 19. 4. These, judging it a foolish thing to expect life from a dead man, glory and blessedness from one who did not keep himself from shame and curse, hearing doctrines wholly dissonant and inconsistent with the principles they had been prepossessed withal, did thereupon refuse to submit to Christ; who notwithstanding, to them which are called, was the power of God, and the wisdom of God; had more power then that which the Jews require, more wisdom then that which the Greeks sought after. The Cross of Christ, likewise ⟨p. 24⟩to be taken up by his Disciples and followers, is matter of offence unto many others, called the offence of the Cross, Gal. 5. 11. When they hear that they must suffer with him, if they will reign with him; that through many tribulations they must enter into the Kingdom of God; that affliction is an appendix to the Gospel, and find the truth of it by experience (persecution arising because of the word) then presently they are offended, Matth. 13. 21.

2. Others are offended at his Cross, both Iews and Greeks, 1 Cor. 1. 23. Those pitching in their expectations upon a glorious Prince, who should free them from the Roman yoke, could not endure to be so disappointed, as in the stead thereof to have a crucified man, one in the form of a servant to be their Messiah; and therefore whosoever rule over them, he shall not, Luke 19. 4. These, judging it a foolish thing to expect life from a dead man, glory and blessedness from one who did not keep himself from shame and curse, hearing doctrines wholly dissonant and inconsistent with the principles they had been prepossessed withal, did thereupon refuse to submit to Christ; who notwithstanding, to them which are called, was the power of God, and the wisdom of God; had more power then that which the Jews require, more wisdom then that which the Greeks sought after. The Cross of Christ, likewise