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CHAP. XII. The mysteries of mount Calvary.
§ 1. SUburbs in Cities are like Suckers in trees,* 1.1 which make them bigger, but not better; so that much of the strength of the City leaks out in such Excresences. Ierusalem therefore had no suburbs at all, but many pleasant mountains and gardens about it. We will begin with mount Calvary, and the passage thereunto, commonly called the dolorous way, (though thence came all our comfort) traced with the blessed feet of our Saviour, who suffered without the gate. This we are now to describe, and ô that our patience and practise might goe along with our pen! to observe our Saviours motion, according to the counsell of the Apostle,a 1.2 Let us goe forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
§ 2. This dolorous way began at Gabbatha or the Pavement:* 1.3 wherein we may take notice of a wild piece of justice in Pilate, first scourging, then crucifying Christ. If his offence was but criminall to deserve scourging, why was he crucified? If so capitall as to deserve crucifying, why scourged? Perhaps Pilate hoped by his scourging to satisfie the malice of the Iews, but in vain. For it was not the back-bloud, but the heart-bloud of Christ must satisfie their thirst. So that what might be pity in the intent of Pilate, proved cruelty in the event to Christ; whose bitter cup hereby was twice filled. Thus we commit double-folded, twisted, and complicated sins, which our Saviour expiated with dupli∣cated suffering, first scourged, then crucified.
§ 3. Hence being condemned heb 1.4 bare his own Cross part of the way,* 1.5 towards the place of execution, according to the custome of male∣factours (and we know what Furcifer inports in the naturall significa∣tion thereof) untill, it seems, at last he fainted under the burden thereof; whereof severall reasons are assigned.
- 1 Probably the Iews malice provided him a Cross of extraordina∣ry greatness, proportionable to the reputed offendour Para∣mount.
- 2 He was much debilitated with his long watching and sweating the night before.
- 3 The edges of the Cross grating his late whip-furrowed back, might occasion the new bleeding of his wounds, and his weak∣ning thereby.
- 4 He bare withall the invisible weight of the sins of mankind, and Gods anger for the same.