[A]lthough the whole matter delivered thus by this Evangelist be so admirable and excellent, yet this seventeenth chapter, wherein is related the prayer of Christ for believers, not long before his Death (and mentioned only by him) hath some appropriated reasons for a more peculiar attention and affection towards it. Hence it hath always had a peculiar presidency in the hearts of believers, so that the opening of this precious box of ointment must needs send forth a refreshing fragrant smell to those that are spiritual. For it is truly said by Melancthon concerning this prayer, “Nec digniorem, necsanctiorem, nec fructuosiorem, nec magis patheticam vocem in Coelo ac Terra unquam fuisse auditam, quam hanc ipsius Filii precationem.” There was never a more excellent, more holy, more fruitful, and more affectionate voice ever heard in Heaven or Earth, then this Prayer; so that we may call this chapter, as some of the Psalms are, A Chapter of Degrees. If this reason may be admitted of that inscription, because they did surpass other Psalms in Excellency as also thereby the soul was like Elijah carried up in a fiery Chariot to Heaven, at the end of every verse we may write Selah. There was a very superstitious custom among Christians in Chrysostome’s time, which he doth severely inveigh against, that they would hang this Gospel of John, or part of it about their necks, as an amulet, or a spell against malignant things. But certainly, a gracious heart, preserving this prayer of Christ, and making a wise and skillful improvement thereof, will find it wonderfully advantagious, both for the increase of godliness and comfort. Here will be both bread to nourish, and wine to refresh and comfort. Although, therefore, multitude of Books be complained of as glutting the world, so that we may justly think there are more books then readers, yet the excellency, perpetual usefulness, and ravishing consolations of the matter delivered by our Savior in this Valedictory Prayer, have prevailed with me to publish these expository sermons to the world, and the rather, not knowing of any English writer, who hath purposely made it his business to explicate and practically improve this Chapter, whereas some other parts of Scripture have been diligently discussed.
[T]his prayer of Christ may be compared to a land flowing with milk and honey, in respect of that treasure of consolation which is contained therein. For as Chrysostom (Praefat. Ad Johan.) says, “Though he be the son of thunder, yet his voice is sweeter than any melody.” Therefore at the 13th verse he relates that our Savior said, “These things have I spoken in the world that my joy might be fulfilled in them.” It is observed that when Christ did in a more extraordinary and ardent manner pray to God, He went into some secret place and was alone. And Casaubon lets it be considered by the learned (Exerc. 16. Chap. 62.) whether our Lord did not also pray this prayer privately. But this expression [I speak these things in the world] plainly demonstrates that it was at least spoken in the presence of the disciples, and that it was for their edification and consolation. Seeing therefore this is such a fountain for healing and refreshing, come with a spiritual thirst to be replenished thereby. Seeing here is the honey and the honeycomb, do not with Jonathan taste a little only, but eat freely and abundantly thereof. [Then] you will by a serious and constant meditation find [that] this heavenly matter in Christ’s prayer makes you heavenly also, and assimilates you into His own likeness. How vain and empty will all the glory of the world appear to you, when you will be lifted up upon this Mount of Transfiguration! They that live under the torrid zone never feel any cold, and you who will find this prayer of Christ active and vigorous in your chest, will never have cause to complain of that dullness, formality, and coldness which many others groan under. The Lord grant that you may find this [to have] savory power and experimental efficacy upon your heart in the reading thereof.
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My purpose is–God assisting–to go through this chapter, being the prayer of Christ immediately before his Passion. If the words of a dying man are much to be regarded, how much more of a dying Christ? And words put up in a prayer way, which came from the most serious and heavenly affection within. Christ’s love was sincere and natural. Now, as in natural motions, the nearer the body comes to the center, the swifter the motion is; thus, Christ’s love though great always, yet the expressions of it were overflowing most at last. His best wine was at last. And certainly if it be lawful to prefer scripture before scripture, we may say, “Though all be gold, yet this is a pearl in the gold. Though all be like the Heavens, yet this is like the sun and stars. Oh! that both my heart and your hearts were purified with a coal of fire from the altar for this subject. Not only parts but great grace is required both to preach and hear this subject. But let us enter into this Land of Canaan.
Your Soul’s well-wisher,
Anthony Burgess
Sutton, Coldfield
June 12th, 1656
– Anthony Burgess, Expository Sermons Upon the Whole 17th Chapter of the Gospel According to John, or, Christ’s Prayer Before his Passion Explicated, and Both Practically and Polemically Improved
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