John 9:17

The second particular in their proceedings, is, their re-examination of the man concerning his thoughts of Christ. Seeing they could not agree among themselves, they (whether the one or other party, or all of them, is not much matter) call the man again, to know what his thoughts of Christ were, who had done this for him: And he, according to the weak measure of light received, freely declares him to be a Prophet. Whence learn, 1. No rubs, or stops and disappointments, will break the malice of persecutors, but they will still to it again; for, when their former examination had not produced unanimity among themselves, they try the man again, to see if they can draw any thing out of him, to carry their point. And it may be conceived, that they would gladly have had somewhat out of the man, whereupon they might condemne Christ; for however persecutors have so much malice as to oppose Christ, yet they have so much terrour, as to wish others might have a prime hand in it. 2. Christs friends must not expect to have done with their trials at one essay, but that enemies, by multiplyed assaults, and many sifting questions will labour to dash and confound them; for, so do they with this man; after the former examination, they put him again to it with a new question, They say unto the blinde man (who had been blinde) again, what sayest thou of him? &c. 3. When Christ hath done a good turne to any, it concerns them to consider, what they think of him who hath done so for them; for, this their question is in it selfe seasonable, whatever was their aime in it, what sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? 4. When God draws forth weak professours to trial, he can bear them up, though their knowledge be but little, and can make them endure many, as well as one assault; for, he is as bold in this as in the former examination. 5. There may be, and is, more true knowledge of Christ in a poore man that hath tasted of his favour, then in a whole conclave of persecuting doctours; for, he saith more to his commendation, and more expressely, then even they who pleaded for him in the council. 6. When weak professours have said much of Christ, and more then persecutors can endure; Yet they come far short in setting out his true worth; for, he saith only he is a Prophet, which though it was much, considering his small acquaintance with Christ; yet it is far short of what Christ is. For he doth not so much as acknowledge him to be that great Prophet, Deut. 18.18. far lesse doth he see him to be the Sonne of God, till afterward it be revealed to him, ver. 35, 36, 37.