N00187:242
The harmony of the Gospels, in the holy history of the humiliation and sufferings of Jesus Christ, from his incarnation to his death and burial. / Published by John Eliot, teacher of the church in Roxbury. ; [Two lines from Acts]
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Jesus Christ did voluntarily bear for us the reproaches, cruel mockings, derisions, scoffs, and despisings of the People, David hath abundantly prophesied of Christ in this Book of Psalms, and in particular he hath said much of this kind of his sufferings, for David was a Type of Jesus Christ, and eminently he is so in his sufferings therefore I shall lay together some Texts of Scripture, and especially out of the Book of Psalms, which set forth this point, and I choose to express these sufferings of Christ in the Scripture words, which carry a greater fullness of sense and Spirit then any words that I can speak or write, are capable to do.
JEsus Christ did voluntarily bear for us the reproaches, cruel mockings, deririsions, scoffs, and despisings of the People, David hath abundantly prophesied of Christ in this Book of Psalms, and in particular he hath said much of this kind of his sufferings, for David was a Type of Jesus Christ, and eminently he is so in his sufferings therefore I shall lay together some Texts of Scripture, and especially out of the Book of Psalms, which set forth this point, and I choose to express these sufferings of Christ in the Scripture words, which carry a greater fulness of sense and Spirit then any words that I can speak or write, are capable to do.
Psal. 22. is expressly spoken of Jesus Christ, and ver. 6, 7, 8. I am a worm and […] man, a reproach of men, and despised of the people, all they that see me laugh me to scorn, they shoot out the lip, and shake the head, saying, he trusted in the Lord that he would deliver him, let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him, Psal. 35.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21. false witness did rise up, and laid to my charge things that I knew not, they rewarded […] for good to the spoiling of my Soul, But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my Soul with Fasting, and my prayer returned into mine own bosom I behaved my self as though he had been my friend, or brother: I bowed down heavily as one that mourneth for his mother. But in mine Adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together; yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not, they did tear me, and ceased not. With hypocritical mockers in Feasts; they gnashed upon me with their Teeth. LORD, how long wilt thou look on • rescue my Soul from their destruction, my darling from the Lions. Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our Eyes hath seen it.
Psal. 22. is expresly spoken of Jesus Christ, and ver. 6, 7, 8. I am a worm and 〈…〉 man, a reproach of men, and despised of the people, all they that see me laugh me to scorn, they shoot out the lip, and shake the head, saying, he trusted in the Lord that he would deliver him, let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him, Psal. 35.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21. false witness did rise up, and laid to my charge things that I knew not, they rewarded 〈…〉 for good to the spoyling of my Soul, But as for me, when they were sick, my cloathing was sackcloth: I humbled my Soul with Fasting, and my prayer returned into mine own bosome I behaved my self as though he had been my friend, or brother: I bowed down heavily as one that mourneth for his mother. But in mine Adversity they rejoyced, and gathered themselves together; yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not, they did tear me, and ceased not. With hypocritical mockers in Feasts; they gnashed upon me with their Teeth. LORD, how long wilt thou look on • rescue my Soul from their destruction, my darling from the Lions. Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our Eyes hath seen it.
Object. Why is this reckoned so great a part of his sufferings, they are but words, and is it so great a suffering to suffer the bad and evil words of others? if they touch not our bodies nor goods, is it any great matter what they say?
Object. Why is this reckoned so great a part of his sufferings, they are but words, and is it so great a suffering to suffer the bad and evil words of others? if they touch not our bodyes nor goods, is it any great matter what they say?
Answ. The Scriptures show that there is cruel force in words: words are a weapon that wound the Soul, that is a deeper wound then to wound the body, Psal. 42.10. as with a Sword in my bones mine Enemies reproach me, while they say daily to me, where is thy God? Psal. 57.3, 4. he shall send from heaven & save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up, Selah. My Soul is among Lions, & I lye even among them that are set on fire, even the Sons of men, whose teeth are Spears and Arrows, and their tongue a sharp Sword, Psal. 52.4. thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue, his tongue swallowed up Nob, the City of Priests, Psal. 55.21. the words of his mouth were smoother then butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer then oil: yet were they drawn Swords, Psal. 12.3, 4. The tongue that speaketh proud things, who have said, with our tongues we will prevail, &c. Psal. 64.3, 4. who whet their tongues like a Sword, and bend their bows to shoot their Arrows, even bitter words, that they may shoot in secret at the perfect, suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. Psal. 10.7. His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and fraud, under his tongue is mischief and vanity. Some People have bloody mouths, the words of a Tale-bearer wound deep. All the providential wounds which God inflicted upon Job's estate and body, did not wound him so deep, as the censorious words and unkind speeches of his friends did.
Answ. The Scriptures shew that there is cruel force in words: words are a weapon that wound the Soul, that is a deeper wound then to wound the body, Psal. 42.10. as with a Sword in my bones mine Enemies reproach me, while they say daily to me, where is thy God? Psal. 57.3, 4
The Tongue of man is his glory, if it be a good tongue, it is very excellent, a wholesome ⟨p. 54⟩tongue is a tree of life, knowing how to use knowledge aright, Prov. 15.2.4. the tongue of the just is as choice silver, very desirable and delightful.
The Tongue of man is his glory, if it be a good tongue, it is very excellent, a wholsome ⟨p. 54⟩tongue is a tree of life, knowing how to use knowledge aright, Prov. 15.2.4. the tongue of the just is as choice silver, very desireable and delightful.
But if it be a bad tongue, it is very mischievous and pernicious, it wounds the honour of our Neighbour, and that is a very deep wound, Eccles. 7.1. a good name is better then precious ointment, Prov. 15.31. a good report maketh the bones fat, Prov. 22.1. a good name is rather to be chosen then great riches, and loving favour rather then silver and gold, a reproachful tongue robbeth our Neighbour of this precious Treasury, Reproaches kill love, and that is a bitter and mischievous slaughter, Prov. 16.28. a whisperer separateth chief friends, a reproaching tongue destroys the comfort of humane society, which is a great wound to the heart of man, whom God hath made a sociable creature, Je. 9.3, 5, 8. they bend their tongues like their bow for lies, they will deceive every one their Neighbour, they will not speak the truth, they have taught their tongue to speak lies,; their tongue is an Arrow shot out, it speaketh deceit, one speaketh peaceably to his Neighbour with his mouth, but in his heart he layeth wait for him, Psal, 12.2. They speak vanity every one with his Neighbour, with flattering lips do they speak. An evil tongue stirreth up hatred, strife and contention; and kindleth hell fire among Neighbours, Jam. 3.5, 6. the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things, behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth; and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire of Hell: the tongue is a weapon of revenge, and of cruel malice, Psal. 52.2, 3, 4. thy tongue deviseth mischief like a sharp Razor, working deceitfully, thou lovest evil more then good, and lying rather then to speak Righteousness, Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words O thou deceitful tongue. The whole City of Nob was destroyed by Doegs tongue; Jer. 18.18. come let us devise devices against Jeremiah, come let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words; words will leave some stain, aliquid herebit.
Quest. Why did Jesus Christ that most innocent Lamb of God undergo this great and bitter affliction of reproaches and cruel mockings?
1. Because it is one of the punishments which our sin hath deserved, Jesus Christ never deserved to be so spoken of, so reproached, so mocked, all was falsely and unjustly charged upon him, without any appearance of cause, they laid to his charge things that he knew not, but we the people of God have deserved them all, some in one respect, some in another, and therefore Jesus Christ did bear them for us, Isai. 53, 4, 5, 6. he hath born our griefs, and carried our sorrows, he was wounded for our Transgressions, he was bruised for our Iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, the Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all.
1. Because it is one of the punishments which our sin hath deserved, Jesus Christ never deserved to be so spoken of, so reproached, so mocked, all was falsly and unjustly charged upon him, without any appearance of cause, they laid to his charge things that he knew not, but we the people of God have deserved them all, some in one respect, some in another, and therefore Jesus Christ did bear them for us, Isai. 53, 4, 5, 6. he hath born our griefs, and carryed our sorrows, he was wounded for our Transgressions, he was bruised for our Iniquityes, the chasticement of our peace was upon him, the Lord hath laid on him the Iniquityes of us all.
2. Jesus drank deep of this cup of reproaches, because he could do it Innocently without any contamination, or participation in sin, 2 Cor. 5.21. though he was made sin for us, yet he knew no sin, 1 Pet. 2.22, 23. he did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, when he was reviled, he reviled not again, when he suffered, he threatened not.
2. Jesus drank deep of this cup of reproaches, because he could do it Innocently without any contamination, or participation in sin, 2 Cor. 5.21. though he was made sin for us, yet he knew no sin, 1 Pet. 2.22, 23. he did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, when he was reviled, he reviled not again, when he suffered, he threatned not.
3. Jesus Christ drank of this cup even to the bottom, to the full satisfaction of Divine justice, that he might take out the sting of the curse and wrath out of them, for the sake of his Elect, who are to live in an evil world, where they are sure to suffer reproaches, and much evil and hard measure by the ill tongues of People 2 Cor. 6.8. by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet ⟨p. 55⟩true, 1 Cor, 4.12, 13. being reviled we bless, being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat, we are made the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. But none of these things can hurt us. Jesus Christ by his Sufferings hath took out the curse of them, they have much of mans wrath in them, but all Gods wrath is taken away by Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus Christ drank of this cup even to the bottom, to the full satisfaction of Divine justice, that he might take out the sting of the curse and wrath out of them, for the sake of his Elect, who are to live in an evil world, where they are sure to suffer reproaches, and much evil and hard measure by the ill tongues of People 2 Cor. 6.8. by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet ⟨p. 55⟩true, 1 Cor, 4.12, 13. being reviled we bless, being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we intreat, we are made the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. But none of these things can hurt us. Jesus Christ by his Sufferings hath took out the curse of them, they have much of mans wrath in them, but all Gods wrath is taken away by Jesus Christ.
4. Jesus Christ suffered reproaches and abuses of mens tongues, to set us a Copy and pattern of patience, that we might learn of him how to carry our selves under such injuries, that we might learn of him to behave our selves patiently, and meekly, as our Lord Jesus did, 1 Pet. 2, 21. Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example that ye should follow his steps, Act. 8.32. he was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and like a Lamb before his shearers, so opened he not his mouth. Yea, before his Butchers he was silent and patient, Isai. 53.7. he was oppressed▪ he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, but only to say, Father forgive them, even when he was brought as a Lamb to the Slaughter.
5. Jesus Christ suffered reproaches to sanctify them, that he by his love and wisdom may make them good medicines for his Church, his Elect, it is a •ery sharp Physic, but Jesus Christ by his experience knoweth how to qualify and commix them with other Ingredients, and make them very wholesome and operative for the good of his Elect; it is a powerful Physic to purge away pride, to hide and subdue it, and to teach humility and meekness, which are very needful lessons for Gods people to learn in this our militant condition, Jesus Christ by his Example in bearing reproaches doth set us sundry needful lessons to learn,
5. Jesus Christ suffered reproaches to sanctifie them, that he by his love and wisdome may make them good medicines for his Church, his Elect, it is a •ery sharp Physick, but Jesus Christ by his experience knoweth how to qualifie and commix them with other Ingredients, and make them very wholsome and operative for the good of his Elect; it is a powerful Ph•sick to purge away pride, to hide and subdue it, and to teach humility and meekness, which are very needful lessons for Gods people to learn in this our militant condition, Jesus Christ by his Example in bearing reproaches doth set us sundry needful lessons to learn,
1. We must learn to keep a strict watch o•er our whole conversation, that we may give no just matter or occasion. We must cut off occasion from them that watch for it, if there be a cause for their reproach we loose the glory of our suffering, 1 Pet. 2.20. for what glory is it; if when you be buffeted for your faults, ye take it patiently, you do well to take it patiently, and you may find inward comfort upon your humiliation, and outward pity, but there is no Christian glory upon such deserved sufferings; they may sin in rigour, and we may do virtuously in exercising patience; but we loose the glory of such Sufferings, because they are just.
1. We must learn to keep a strict watch o•er our whole conversation, that we may give no just matter or occasion. We must cut off occasion from them that watch for it, if there be a cause for their reproach we loose the glory of our suffer••g, 1 Pet. 2.20. for what glory is it; if when you be buffeted for your faults, ye take it pa•iently, you do well to take it patiently, and you may find inward comfort upon your humiliation, and outward pitty, but there is no Christian glory upon such deserved sufferings; they may sin in rigour, and we may do virtuously in exercising patience; but we loose the glory of such Sufferings, because they are just.
2. This pattern of Christ his patient suffering reproaches doth minister a lesson of comfort to such as suffer unjustly, because your Innocent and holy conversation doth confute those false and unjust aspersions▪ so did Christ confute those that reproached him, his Innocency so shined, that even Pilate himself did acquit Jesus Christ from such aspersions as they cast upon him, and he saw plainly that it was his Adversaries malice, and not his desert; Math. 27.18. for he knew that it was for envy that they had delivered him; no wise man will believe such reproaches as the Innocency of the party doth sufficiently confute, without any words of Apology, Innocency it self speaks a consolation, and maketh the Arrows to fall & light on their own pate, Daniel is a famous Example of an innocent sufferer, Dan. 6.5 Then said these men we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the Law of his God, and he pleaded his innocency before the King, ver. 22. my God hath sent an Angel, and shut the Lyons mouths, that they have not hurt me, for as much as Innocency is found in me, before him, and also before thee O King I have done no hurt. Such was the pattern of Jesus Christ which he hath left us, as it is expressed in the Prophesy of David, Psal. 35.11, 12. false witnesses did rise up, they laid to my charge things that I knew not, they rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my Soul. Again, it is a matter of great consolation and holy joy, to suffer any thing for the sake of Jesus Christ, Act. 6.41. they departed from the presence ⟨p. 56⟩of the Council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his Name, Luk. 6.22, 23. Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their Company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your Name as evil for the Son of mans sake, rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy, for behold your reward is great in Heaven, blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake, rejoice ye and be exceeding glad, for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you, in this case it is good to say with David if this be to be vile, I will yet be more vile; grace is incensed, stirred up, & increased by such Tribulations and abuses, many graces are exercised and increased by such wrongs, Rom.
But if it be a bad tongue, it is very mischievous and pernicious, it wounds the honour of our Neighbour, and that is a very deep wound, Eccles. 7.1. a good name is better then pretious oyntment, Prov. 15.31. a good report maketh the bones fat, Prov. 22.1. a good name is rather to be chosen then great riches, and loving favour rather then si•ver and gold, a reproachful tongue robbeth our Neighbour of this pretious Treasury, Reproaches kill love, and that is a bitter and mischievous slaughter, Prov. 16.28. a whisperer separateth chief friends, a reproaching tongue destroys the comfort of humane society, which is a great wound to the heart of man, whom God hath made a sociable creature, Je. 9.3, 5, 8. they bend their tongues like their bow for lyes, they will deceive every one their Neighbour, they will not speak the truth, they have taught their tongue to speak lyes,; their tongue is an Arrow shot out, it speaketh deceipt, one speaketh peaceably to his Neighbour with his mouth, but in his heart he layeth wait for him, Psal, 12.2. They speak vanity every one with his Neighbour, with flattering lips do they speak. An evil tongue stirreth up hatred, strife and contention; and kindleth hell fire among Neighbours, Jam. 3.5, 6. the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things, behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth; and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire of Hell: the tongue is a weapon of revenge, and of cruel malice, Psal. 52.2, 3, 4. thy tongue deviseth mischief like a sharp Rasor, working deceitfully, thou lovest evil more then good, and lying rather then to speak Righteousness, Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words O thou deceitful tongue. The whole City of Nob was destroyed by Doegs tongue; Jer. 18.18. come let us devise devices against Jeremy, come let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words; words will leave some stain, aliquid herebit. Psal. 140.3 They have sharpened their tongues like a Serpent, Adders poyson is under their lips, Selah. Math. 11.16. Glutton, a wine bibber, a friend of Publicans and sinners; many such mischiefs do spring from a reproachful tongue, which kind of bitter Sufferings our Lord Jesus did undergo.
2. This pattern of Christ his patient s••fering reproaches doth minister a lesson of comfort to such as suffer unjustly, because your Innocent and holy conversation doth confute those false and unjust aspersions▪ so did Christ confute those that reproached him, his Innocency so shined, that even Pilate himself did acquit Jesus Christ from such aspersions as they cast upon him, and he saw plainly that it was his Adversaryes malice, and not his desert; Math. 27.18. for he knew that it was for envy that they had delivered him; no wise man will believe such reproaches as the Innocency of the party doth sufficiently confute, without any words of Apology, Innocency it self speaks a consolation, and maketh the Arrows to fall & light on their own pate, Daniel is a famous Example of an innocent sufferer, Dan. 6.5 Then said these men we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the Law of his God, and he pleaded his innocency before the King, ver. 22. my God hath sent an Angel, and shut the Lyons mouths, that they have not hurt me, for as much as Innocency is found in me, before him, and also before thee O King I have done no hurt. Such was the pattern of Jesus Christ which he hath left us, as it is expressed in the Prophesy of David, Psal. 35.11, 12. false witnesses did rise up, they laid to my charge things that I knew not, they rewarded me evil for good to the spoyling of my Soul. Again, it is a matter of great consolation and holy joy, to suffer any thing for the sake of Jesus Christ, Act. 6.41. they departed from the presence ⟨p. 56⟩of the Council, rejoycing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his Name, Luk. 6.22, 23. Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their Company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your Name as evil for the Son of mans sake, rejoyce ye in that day, and leap for joy, for behold your reward is great in Heaven, blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake, rejoyce ye and be exceeding glad, for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you, in this case it is good to say with David if this be to be vile, I will yet be more vile; grace is incensed, stirred up, & increased by such Tribulations and abuses, many graces are exercised and increased by such wrongs, Rom.
