Iosephus tells us of certain Pillars on which was Engraven in Let∣ters of Greek and Latine. It is a wickedness for strangers to enter into the holy place. So the Souldiers of Gordian the third Emperour, when he was slain upon the borders of Persia, they raised a Monument for him, and engraved his memorial upon it, in Greek, Latine, Persick, Iudaick, and Egyptick Letters; that all people might read the same. And as it was written in three Learned Languages, so it was exposed to view in a publick place; and at that time, when multitudes of strangers, as well as Iews were at Ierusalem: it was at the time of the Passover. So that all things concurred to spread and divulge the innocency of Christ, vindicated in this Title.
Thirdly, As it was a publick, so it was an honourable Title. Such was the nature of it, saith Bucer; that in the midst of death Christ began to Triumph by it. And by reason thereof the Cross began to change its own nature, and instead of a rack, or Engine of torture, it became a Throne of Majesty. Yea, it might be called now, as the Church it self is, the Pillar and ground of Truth; for it held out much of the Gospel, much of the glory of Christ; as that Pillar doth, to which a Royal Proclamation is affixed.
Fourthly, It was a vindicating Title. It clear'd up the honour, dignity, and innocency of Christ, against all the false imputations, calumnies, and blasphemies, which were cast upon him before, by the wicked tongues, both of Iews and Gentiles.
They had called him a deceiver, a usurper, a blasphemer, they rent their cloaths in token of their detestation of his blasphemy; because he made himself the Son of God, and King of Israel. But now in this they acknowledged him to be, both Lord and Sa∣viour. Not a mock King, as they had made him before. So that herein the honour of Christ was fully vindicated.
Fifthly, Moreover, it was a predicting, and presaging Title. Evidently foreshewing, the propagation of Christs Kingdom; and the spreading of his name and glory, among all kindreds, Nations, Tongues, and Languages. As Christ hath a right to enter into all the Kingdoms of the earth by his Gospel, and set up his Throne in every Nation: so it was presaged by this Title, that he should do so. And that both Hebrews, Greeks, and Latines, should be called to the knowledge of him. Nor is it a wonder that this should be predicted by wicked Pilate, when Caiaphas himself, a