Quest. How Christ is to be followed as our Example? SERMON…: Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume / by Samuel Annesley | AskReformation

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1. Of one end of Christ in Suffering; and that is, that he might leave us an example. To say that this was the principal end of his passion; to deny his satisfaction, as if it were impossible or needless; is heretical in a very high degree; to deny the Blood of Christ to be the price of our redemption, is to deny the Lord that bought us: And truly the only propitiatory Sacrifice for Sin being rejected; there is no other remaining; but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and of fiery indignation which shall devour the Adversaries. And yet though Christ bare our sins in his own body on the tree; He is not only our Redeemer, but our Example. He hath bequeathed Blessings never enough to be valued, in his Testament: he has also left us an incomparable Example. The Greek word [Greek or Hebrew], which signifies Example, is either taken from excellent Writing-Masters, who set a fair Copy for their Scholars to write after; or 'tis taken from Painters, who draw a curious Masterpiece, for inferior Artists their Admiration and Imitation.

1. Of one end of Christ in Suffering; and that is, that he might leave us an example. To say that this was the principal end of his passion; to deny his satisfaction, as if it were impossible or needless; is heretical in a very high degree; to deny the Blood of Christ to be the price of our redemption, is to deny the Lord that bought us: And truly the only propitiatory Sacrifice for Sin being rejected; there is no other remaining; but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and of fiery indignation which shall devour the Adversaries. And yet though Christ bare our sins in his own body on the tree; He is not only our Redeemer, but our Example. He hath bequeathed Blessings never enough to be valued, in his Testament: he has also left us an incomparable Example. The Greek word 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, which signifies Example, is either taken from excellent Writing-Masters, who set a fair Copy for their Scholars to write after; or 'tis taken from Painters, who draw a curious Masterpiece, for inferiour Artists their Admiration and Imitation.

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1. Think not as long as you remain in this world, to be altogether free from Sin as Christ was. He indeed was from his Conception in the Womb, to his Ascension far above all visible Heavens, altogether immaculate and without blemish. Some have fancied spots in the Sun; but sure I am, in the Sun of righteousness there is none. The Sins of all that are saved were laid upon him: but no Sin was ever found in him, or done by him. The Apostle tells us, that he was holy, harmless and undefiled, Heb. 7.26. You are indeed to imitate Christ in Purity; but perfect Holiness you cannot attain to; while you carry such a body of Death about you, and are in such a world as this. It may comfort you, to consider; after the fall of the first Adam, and the sad consequences of it; how the second Adam stood and conquered, and kept himself unspotted from the world, all the while he conversed in it; But as long as you remain on Earth, some defilement will cleave to you; ⟨image 139⟩to admonish you where you are; and to make you long for the heavenly Jerusalem. More and more holy you may; and ought to be; but to be completely holy; is the happiness not of Earth, but Heaven.

1. Think not as long as you remain in this world, to be altogether free from Sin as Christ was. He indeed was from his Conception in the Womb, to his Ascension far above all visible Heavens, altogether immaculate and without blemish. Some have fancied spots in the Sun; but sure I am, in the Sun of righteousness there is none. The Sins of all that are saved were laid upon him: but no Sin was ever found in him, or done by him. The Apostle tells us, that he was holy, harmless and undefiled, Heb. 7.26. You are indeed to imitate Christ in Purity; but perfect Holiness you cannot attain to; while you carry such a body of Death about you, and are in such a world as this. It may comfort you, to consider; after the fall of the first Adam, and the sad consequences of it; how the second Adam stood and conquer'd, and kept himself unspotted from the world, all the while he conversed in it; But as long as you remain on Earth, some defilement will cleave to you; ⟨image 139⟩to admonish you where you are; and to make you long for the heavenly Jerusalem. More and more holy you may; and ought to be; but to be compleatly holy; is the happiness not of Earth, but Heaven.

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4. You must not imagine that your greatest sufferings for the sake of righteousness; are in the least expiatory of sin; as Christ's Sufferings were. Christ was delivered for our offences, and by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified, Heb. 10.14. the offering was but one; the Sacrifice of himself: and it was offered but once: other Sacrifices are unnecessary; 'tis unnecessary that this should be again offered. Our Lord upon the Cross with his last breath, cried out, [Greek or Hebrew], It is finished, Joh. 19.30. q. d. All is done, all is undergone that was needful for my Churches acceptation with God; and the full remission of all their Trespasses. Understand; that no Sufferings, that you can undergo for Christ's sake, are satisfactory for your iniquities: do not by such a thought offer to derogate from Christ's ⟨p. 316⟩complete satisfaction. We read of some that came out of great tribulation; but did the blood of these Martyrs justify them? no such matter; they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Rev. 7.14.

4. You must not imagine that your greatest sufferings for the sake of righteousness; are in the least expiatory of sin; as Christ's Sufferings were. Christ was deliver'd for our offences, and by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified, Heb. 10.14. the offering was but one; the Sacrifice of himself: and it was offer'd but once: other Sacrifices are unnecessary; 'tis unnecessary that this should be again offer'd. Our Lord upon the Cross with his last breath, cryed out, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, It is finished, Joh. 19.30. q. d. All is done, all is undergone that was needful for my Churches acceptation with God; and the full remission of all their Trespasses. Understand; that no Sufferings, that you can undergo for Christ's sake, are satisfactory for your iniquities: do not by such a thought offer to derogate from Christ's ⟨p. 316⟩compleat satisfaction. We read of some that came out of great tribulation; but did the blood of these Martyrs justifie them? no such matter; they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Rev. 7.14.

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You that are Christians, be very active in the best sense; the true Members of Christ have the Spirit of the Head in them, whose fruit is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth, Eph. 5.9. What have you Faith for, but that it may work by Love? Why are you created in Christ Jesus, but that you may be employed in good works, which God hath before ordained, that you should walk in them? Eph. 2.10. Be sure to do justly; be injurious to none; render unto all their dues: and do not only consult the dues of others; but their needs also; and love to be merciful; and let the perishing Souls, as well as the distressed Bodies of others; have a great share in your Compassions. As you have opportunity do good unto all men; and good of as many sorts, as may be; especially to the household of faith, Gal. 6.10. The Apostle speaks with great authority and asseveration, when he presses Christian practice. This is a faithful saying; and these things I will that thou affirm constantly; that they who have believed in God, might be careful to maintain good works; these things are good and profitable unto men, Tit. 3.8. A Christian by Profession, who lives wickedly, is not a true Member; but a Monster in the Church; and will not be endured long, but is near to be cut off and destroyed. It's a true Saying, [Greek or Hebrew]. Death does not destroy the Soul; but 'tis an ill Life that ruins it.

You that are Christians, be very active in the best sence; the true Members of Christ have the Spirit of the Head in them, whose fruit is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth, Eph. 5.9. What have you Faith for, but that it may work by Love? Why are you created in Christ Jesus, but that you may be employed in good works, which God hath before ordained, that you should walk in them? Eph. 2.10. Be sure to do justly; be injurious to none; render unto all their dues: and do not only consult the dues of others; but their needs also; and love to be merciful; and let the perishing Souls, as well as the distressed Bodies of others; have a great share in your Compassions. As you have opportunity do good unto all men; and good of as many sorts, as may be; especially to the houshold of faith, Gal. 6.10. The Apostle speaks with great authority and asseveration, when he presses Christian practice. This is a faithful saying; and these things I will that thou affirm constantly; that they who have believed in God, might be careful to maintain good works; these things are good and profitable unto men, Tit. 3.8. A Christian by Profession, who lives wickedly, is not a true Member; but a Monster in the Church; and will not be endured long, but is near to be cut off and destroy'd. It's a true Saying, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Death does not destroy the Soul; but 'tis an ill Life that ruins it.

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Humility is one most remarkable feature in the image of Christ; therefore resemble him in being humble. Be not proud of Habit, Hair, and Ornaments, 1 Pet. 5.5. [Greek or Hebrew]. Etymologists derive the word from [Greek or Hebrew], which signifies nodus, a knot. Be clothed, or be knotted with Humility: I wish that other knots were less, and this which is incomparably most becoming; were more in fashion. Let not your Estates puff you up. Riches are not always to men of understanding; and there may be a great deal of Gold in the Purse, where there is no true Wisdom in the Head, no Grace at all in the Heart: Let not your natural parts; your acquired endowments; your spiritual Gifts, though never so excellent; make you to look upon others with contempt; upon your selves with admiration: you owe all Glory to that God from whom you have received all. Let Humility look out at your Eyes; a proud look is one of the seven things which the Lord hates, Prov. 6.16, 17. Let Humility express it self at your Lips; let it attend you in all your addresses to God, and beautify your whole behaviour, and converses with Men. The more humble you are, the more of every other Grace will be imparted to you; the more Rest and Peace you will have within your selves; and since you will be ready to give him all the Praise; the Lord is ready to put the more honour upon you in making you useful unto others.

Humility is one most remarkable feature in the image of Christ; therefore resemble him in being humble. Be not proud of Habit, Hair, and Ornaments, 1 Pet. 5.5. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Etymologists derive the word from 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, which signifies nodus, a knot. Be cloathed, or be knotted with Humility: I wish that other knots were less, and this which is incomparably most becoming; were more in fashion. Let not your Estates puff you up. Riches are not always to men of understanding; and there may be a great deal of Gold in the Purse, where there is no true Wisdom in the Head, no Grace at all in the Heart: Let not your natural parts; your acquired endowments; your spiritual Gifts, though never so excellent; make you to look upon others with contempt; upon your selves with admiration: you owe all Glory to that God from whom you have received all. Let Humility look out at your Eyes; a proud look is one of the seven things which the Lord hates, Prov. 6.16, 17. Let Humility express it self at your Lips; let it attend you in all your addresses to God, and beautifie your whole behaviour, and converses with Men. The more humble you are, the more of every other Grace will be imparted to you; the more Rest and Peace you will have within your selves; and since you will be ready to give him all the Praise; the Lord is ready to put the more honour upon you in making you useful unto others.