CHAPTER %&I1Ì. 553 *nether, to particularly, as if he designed to preclude the popish error of St. Peter being made prince of the apostles ; John xiii. 34,, 35. Mat. xx. 25. -4. If any house welcomed and received them, they were ordered to pronounce the blessing of peace upon that house ; but when any town refused to receive their message, they were commanded to shake off the dust of their feet as a testimony against them ; Mat. x. 11, 15. Luke ix. 54, 55. -5. lie told them that he was the Messiah, and that he came to give his life a ransom for men, that he should be crucified and put to death at Jerusalem, and that he should rise again the third day ; Mat. xvi. 16-22. and xx. 28. -8. He prayed with them often, and taught them how to pray both in their younger and their more advanced state of knowledge ; Luke xi. 1, 2 -4. John xvi. 23, 21. -7. He gave -them many admirable discourses be- fore his death, he foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, and in- dulged their presence with him in his most excellent prayer to God just before his sufferings. See Mat. xxiv. John xiv. and xv. and xvi. and xvii.-8. He ordered them after his death to tarry at Jerusalem, till they should receive the promised Spirit to fit them for their.further service ; Luke xxiv. 49. 60. Q. Were there any of these apostles that seem to be his favourites ? A. If there were any, they were Peter, James, and John ; for they were admitted to be present in the room, when he raised the ruler's daughter ; and in the holy mount, when he was transfigured ; and in the garden, when he sus- tained his agony : besides That John was called the beloved dis- ciple, and leaned on Jesus's bosom at the holy supper; Mark v. 37, 38. Mat. xvii. 1. and xxvi. 37. John xiii. 33. SECT. VI. His Appointment or Institution of the Two Sacraments. 61. Q. What is the last part of the public ministry of Christ ? A. His appointment of the two sensible ordinances, which are called sacraments, viz. baptism and theLord's-supper. 62. Q. When did heappoint baptism ? A. It is supposed that he confirmed and practised the baptism of John in his life- time, that is, the baptism of repentance for the remissionof sins; but doubtless with this constant requirement, that they should believe on him as a prophet sent from God. See Mat. iii. 11. Acts xix. 4: Mat. iv. 17. John iv. 1. It may justly be doubted whether our Saviour always from the beginning required the be- lief and profession of him to be the Messiah, as a necessary thing in order to become one of his disciples, and to receive his bap- tism in those early days, since he studiously avoided the preach- ing up of his own character as the Messiah; and concealed it from the public notice ; Mat. xyi. 20. But after his resurrection and new instituted form of baptism, none were to be baptized but those who professed Jesus to be the Christ or the Messiah. Vol. r. Na
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=