15
by weight and measure, and not by tale.---This was the pompous edict of Cyrus to gain followers for the prosecuting his designs.
Q. Was Christ's proposal after this manner of Cyrus, to such as would serve under his banner?
A. No, but contrariwise, his sermons were, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. In this world you shall have trouble, you shall be as sheep among wolves, they shall deliver you up to the councils, and scourge you in the synagogues, ye shall be brought before governors and kings, and shall be hated of all men for my name's sake; and if any man be my disciple, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Whosoever shall save his life for my sake, shall lose it," and finally, he says. "If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother, wife, and children, his brethren and sisters; yea, his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Q. His encouragements being so contrary to the natural affections of men, did he get many followers?
A. Though Christ's discouraging doctrines were so contrary to man's natural and sensual appetite, yet he gained more hearts in forty years, than ever any monarch in the world by proposing the greatest profits and advantage to their subjects.
8. Did Christ leave any writings to his followers, as other lawgivers did?
A. Our Saviour left nothing written by himself, but passed out of this world in innocency and silence, without any ostentations of his own actions, that the prophecy of Ezekiel might be fulfilled. That there should be four undeceivable witnesses, which day and night should, without ceasing, preach, extol, and magnify their Lord and Master."
