§. 18. Of Christs enduring the Crosse.
OF the aforesaid Crosse, collectively comprehending all Christs sufferings, it is said that Christ a 1.1 endured it. Of this verb, See Chap. 10. v. 32. §. 121. The word is sometimes used to set out a couragious standing against an hostile power. Here it implyeth a so bearing the Crosse, as not to be discouraged or hindred thereby in his course.
Among other vertues, it intendeth two especially, namely Patience, and Con∣stancy. The verb is translated to take patiently, 1 Pet. 2. 20. and the noun, Pati∣ence, Luk. 21. 19.
It is also put for perseverance, Matth. 10. 22. Act. 17. 14. Rom. 2. 7.
Thus Christ most patiently endured 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Crosse: and constantly abode under it.
Christs Patience had respect to God, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and his enemies the instruments of* 1.2 his troubles.
- 1. In relation to God, Christ did,
- 1. Obediently submit himself to Gods will. This was the ground of all, Phil. 2. 8. In nothing did he thwart the same: nor failed in fulfilling any part thereof, Heb. 5. 8.
- 2. Contentedly he endured what was the good pleasure of his Father to lay upon him: though otherwise, through the great extremity of agony, he could have wished that it might have passed over, Matth. 26. 39.
- 3. He willingly endured all.
- 4. With much humility he submitted himself. He humbled himself, Phil 2. 8.
- 5. Confidently he depended on God in his greatest extremitie. This title My Father; and the ingemination of this phrase, My God, My God, shew as much, Matth. 26. 39. and 27. 46. He neither doubted of his Fathers favour, nor despaired of his succour.
- 2. In relation to himself, Christ most meekly and mildly endured the Crosse, without any inward fretting and vexing his Spirit. Indeed his Soul was troubled and very heavy: but that was by some unexpressible burthen that pressed upon his Soul: not by perplexing his Soul through outward afflicti∣ons. They who deny that he suffered in Soul, and apply all his inward Agonies to externall causes, come too neer an undue charging of Christ with over∣much discontent. His not opening of his mouth, and the resemblance of him to a sheep, (Isa. 53. 7.) give evidence of his meek and quiet Spirit.
- 3. In relation to his enemies, Christs patience was manifested.
1. By his continuing to do all the good he could to them, notwithstanding their continuall seeking to do all the evill they could to him. For
- 1. He continued to instruct them.
- 2. He miraculously helped them according to their needs.
- 3. He forbad his Disciples to strike them.
- 4. He healed the wound, that was rashly made by one of his Disciples, Luk. 22. 49, 51.
- 5. He prayed for them.
- 6. He excused them by their ignorance, Luk. 23. 3•…•….