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§. 132. Of imitating Christ.
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his re∣proach.
FRom Christs accomplishing the forementioned type by suffering without the gate, the Apostle raiseth a tropologicall use concerning Christians imitating Christ therein. This is manifested two waies.
- 1. By this illative Conjunction, a 1.1 therefore: Because Christ did so, Christians must do the like.
- 2. By following that metaphor of going out of the camp.
This particular giveth instance that Christ is a pattern to Christians. I have given you an example, faith Christ, Iohn 13. 15. and again, Learn of me, Matth. 11.* 1.2 29. We must learn both by the word of his mouth, and also by the course of his life. This later is especially intended. So much also is intended under this phrase, Lest thou learn his waies, Prov. 22. 25. And under this, Learn not the way of the heathen, (Jer. 10. 2.) walk not in their way, be not like them.
Concerning the point it self the Church undertaketh for her self and those that belong to her to follow Christ, Cant. 1. 3. So did Paul, and therein makes himself a pattern to other, saying, Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ, 1 Cor. 11. 1. Oft doth he exhort Christians hereunto, as Eph. 5. 2. Phil. 2. 5. Col. 3. 13. In this respect is Christ styled a Way; yea, the Way, the Truth and the Life, (Joh. 14. 6.) the only true Way that leadeth unto life.
- 1. This is one principall end of registring those things which Christ did and en∣dured* 1.3 in the daies of his flesh. As they were written that we might beleeve, (Joh. 20. 31.) so also that we might walk in the right way to life. In this respect he is sty∣led, The Captain of our salvation. See Chap. 2. v. 10. §. 95.
- 2. Christ is the best and most perfect pattern that we can have, and that in three respects: as he is
- 1. Man.
- 2. God.
- 3. God-man.
- 1. As man he is a visible pattern and may be seen, and what he did and endured was seen. Thus he might be the better followed.
- 2. As God he was a perfect pattern; he could not erre. Thus we shall not be deceived in following him.
- 3. As God-man he communicateth his Spirit to us, and inableth us to fol∣low him.
- 1. This gives us information of the benefit of Christs incarnation: Thereby he* 1.4 came to be God-man in one person. By this means as he is a perfect pattern, so we may make the better use of him, in that we may cast our eye upon him, and see him going before us, and also be quickened and put on by his Spirit to follow him unto life.
- 2. This gives a demonstration of Christs great care of his Church. He thought* 1.5 it not enough to declare the way to life, and shew how we may walk therein: but also puts himself into that way, and goes before us therein. Thus is he a true Captain and guide unto us. Thus he sheweth that he requireth no more of us then he hath done and endured himself, Iohn 17. 13, 14, 15. Philip. 2. 6, 7.
- 3. This directs us how to keep steddy in the Christian race, so as we turn neither* 1.6 to the right hand nor to the left: Look unto Iesus, Heb. 12. 2. Say to him as Ruth did to her mother in Law, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee, Ruth 1. 16. And in this case say with such a resolution as Elisha did, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee, 2 King. 2. 2. Yea if Christ should say to us as he did to the twelve, Will ye also go away? Answer as Peter did, Lord to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternall life, Joh. 6. 67, 68. Therefore let our eye be upon him, as the eyes of Marriners are on the light of the Admirals ship. Lose not the sight of him, hold as close and near to him as you can▪ so you shall be sure not to wander in by-paths, but to walk in that way which will* 1.7 bring you to life.
That we mistake not our mark herein, it will be meet to consider wherein we