Vasanos alåethinåe, the true touchstone which shews both grace and nature, or, A discourse concerning self examination, by which both saints and sinners may come to know themselves whereunto are added sundry meditations relating to the Lords Supper / by Nathanael Vincent ...

MEDITATION. XXI.

History tells us of Codrus the last Atheni∣an King, who was a great Lover of his People, as appears by the manner of his Dying. When the Grecians of Doris sought Counsel from the Oracle, concerning the success of their Wars which they waged with the Athenians: It was answered, that undoubtedly they should prevail and be∣come Lords of that State, when they could obtain any victory against the Nation, and yet preserve the Athenian King himself alive.

Codrus the King by some intelligence being informed of this answer withdrew himself from his own Forces, and putting on the habit of a common Souldier, he entred alone, the Camp of the Dorians his Ene∣mies; and killing the first he met with, was

himself forthwith cut in pieces. Thus he was willing to lose his own life rather then his Country should be ruined. The Lord Je∣sus the Prince of Life and Glory did vail his Majesty, appeared in the form of a Servant, was contented to be counted a deceiver, and to be numbred among Transgressours, that his Life might be taken away and here∣by Eternal Redemption be procured.

Codrus was deservedly honoured among the Athenians; and certainly the Lord Je∣sus should be the higher in our esteem and love, the lower he humbled and abased himself for our sakes: The offence of the Crosse should cease, since his Crucifixion was so necessary to our Eternal Salva∣tion.