such reports grew, the less were they regarded, not only on account of their suspicious evidence, though that was enough to discredit them, but chiefly for want of a connection with some regular course of instruction, and a set of doctrines worthy of such a divine interposition; and of their being expressly produced as vouchers for these doctrines, and applied accordingly to confirm that interposition.

This did Christ frequently perform in the most public manner, and by this did his institution outshine every part of heathenism, as well in point of evidence afforded to it, as of instruction conveyed by it. From whence might be drawn another proof, both of the usefulness of such a plan, and of the great necessity that there was for it.

But I proceed to some remarkable circumstances in our Saviour's life and manner of teaching.

As to the former, we cannot but observe a surprising mixture of humility and greatness, dignity and self-degradation, in his general demeanor, both which were equally instructive in their turns. Sometimes we find him solemnly asserting the dignity of his commission, at other times the meekest and the lowest of the sons of men; sometimes informing his followers that he could command legions of angels were it necessary; at others, apprising them that he should be more destitute of common conveniences than even the beasts of the field, or birds of the air; now telling them that a greater than Solomon was amongst them; now washing his disciples' fect.

Conscious of his own power and just prerogative, yet all submission to the powers in being, complying with their laws and institutions, however hazardous or inconvenient to him, and paying their de mands to the uttermost, though at the expense of a miracle. On some occasions publishing the character and office which he bore; on others, carefully concealing them in order to prevent the hasty misconstruction of his friends; to guard against the inveterate malice of his foes, and gain sufficient time to fix a good foundation for the faith of all.

None more industrious and zealous in the cause of God; none more indifferent and resigned in his own. He patiently endures all kinds of affronts and outrages offered to his person, as well as the frequent insults on his reputation, and intercedes for the forgiveness of his murderers; yet when his father's honour is concerned, he vindicates it with uncommon warmth; he publicly chastises the profaners of his temple, and threatens the severest punishment to such as continued to blaspheme the power and spirit by which he was acting. He is ready to receive publicans and harlots, disdains not to converse with characters of all descriptions, persons most odious and of worst repute, but whom he sees to be truly penitent, and equally desirous of instruction: while he rejects the formal, sanctimonious hypocrite; and reprimands the self-sufficient Pharisee.

He detects, and with authority rebukes, the flattery of the proud, perverse querist; but satisfies each

scruple and resolves every doubt of the sincere and humble searcher after truth, even before they are so much as intimated to him. He cherishes the brokenhearted, comforts the desponding, strengthens and supports the weak and wavering, condescends to the infirmities of the meanest, that has the least spark of goodness in him; but never gratifies the vanity or gives way to the petulancy of the greatest.

Nor did this mixture of so various, and seemingly opposite qualities, which constituted the foregoing contrast, proceed from any variation in his own temper, but wholly in that of those among whom he conversed. He steadily adheres to the same principle, and constantly pursues one plain and uniform design, of doing all the service possible, on all occasions, to all sorts of people; doing it in the most agreeable manner too, whenever that becomes consistent with their real interest; sympathising with men in their several states and dispositions; suiting himself to every one's circumstances and capacity; applying to each part of the human constitution for access; and watching every motion of the heart to gain admittance: being himself ever affable and easy of access to all that seriously applied to him; accepting any invitation, and admitting every instance of respect; nay, making a voluntary tender of his conpany whenever he knew it would be seasonable and acceptable; indulging the most secret wish of such as would receive an obligation from him, and enhancing that by his engaging readiness to confer it.

He submitted to the lowest offices for the sake of others, and was at every body's service that desired his assistance. He condescended to the meanest company, when he had a prospect of doing any good for them; and was content to lose the reputation of being a good man, that he might the more effectually serve the ends of piety and goodness.

His conversation was free and familiar, open and undisguised, sober and rational: his carriage clear from all affected singularity, all rigid and unnatural severity, and any of those austere forbidding airs, which are used to be put on by some others, and were apt to procure them so much awe upon the like occasion. His very miraculous works were no less evident signs of mercy, goodness, generosity, than of power; and equally adapted to convince the understandings and engage the affections of those who beheld them, as to remove their maladies, or to relieve their wants; his first public miracle being no more than a proper act of kindness or humanity, in preventing the confusion of a poor relation, by a very seasonable supply of what was wanting in his entertainment, which want perhaps could not have otherwise been supplied, and was most probably occasioned by the extraordinary concourse he himself drew thither.* His last miracle was an instance of the highest and most undeserved compassion, in calmly healing the wound of one of

* John ii, 1, 2.

those who came with eagerness to take away his life; and at the same time showing that with the same ease he could have delivered himself or destroyed his enemies.

The like might be observed in almost every other case, where he exerted an extraordinary power, which he did in a manner that more peculiarly suited his own character.

But what we are now considering in the life of Christ, is its more ordinary course and common tenor, which we find chiefly conversant in social duties, as these come into use most frequently, and are of the greatest benefit to mankind; and setting us a pattern of performing these, which was the most inviting to us, the most imitable by us, and the least capable of ever being mistaken or perverted: a pattern not only of perfect innocence, but likewise usefulness in every circumstance and situation; of joining sometimes in such relaxations both of mind and body, as would tend to the comfort and support of each; such prudent, moderate enjoyment of the good things of this world, as might convert them both to the present and future benefit of all those who par

† Malchus had come out with violence to apprehend him, and had perhaps treated him with some peculiar insolence so as to provoke Peter to cut off his ear. He is supposed to be one of those servants who smote Christ upon the face, Mark xv. 65. even after a miraculous power had been exerted in his favour.