A Golden Chain

Again, whereas Christ complains that he thirsteth; it was not for his own sake; but for our offences: and therefore answerably we must thirst after Christ and his benefits, as the dry & thirsty land where no water is, doth after rain: and as the hart brayeth after the rivers of water, so must we say with David,¹ My soul panteth after thee, O Lord, and the benefits of thy death.

Againe, whereas Christ complaines that he thirsteth; it was not for his own sake; but for our offences: and therefore answerably we must thirst after Christ and his benefits, as the drie & thirstie land where no water is, doth after raine: and as the hart brayeth after the riuers of water, so must we say with Dauid,¹ My soule panteth after thee, O Lord, and the benefits of thy death.

1. 1Psal. 143.6. & 9•.1.

The second that a sponge full of vinegar tied upon an hyssop stalk, was reached to Christ upon the cross. Now it may be demanded, how this could be, considering the stalk of the hyssop is not past a foot long. Ans. As the tree of mustard seed with the Jews is far greater and taller then with us, in so much that the birds of lieaven build their nests in it: so it may be that hyssop groweth much longer in those countries then with us. Or, as I take it rather, the hyssop stalk was put upon a reed, and by that means the sponge was put up to the mouth of Christ.¹

The second that a sponge full of vineger tied vpon an hyssop stalke, was reached to Christ vpon the crosse. Now it may be demanded, how this could bee, considering the stalke of the hyssop is not past a foote long. Ans. As the tree of mustard seed with the Iewes is farre greater and taller then with vs, in so much that the birdes of lieauen build their neasts in it: so it may bee that hyssop groweth much longer in those countries then with vs. Or, as I take it rather, the hyssop stalke was put vpon a reede, and by that meanes the sponge was put vp to the mouth of Christ.