A Golden Chain

Thus much of Christs sacrifice: now follows his triumph upon the cross. That Christ did triumph when he was upon the cross, it is plainly set down by the Apostle Paul, where he sayeth,¹ that putting out the hand writing of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, he even took it out of the way, and fastened it upon the cross, and hath spoiled the principalities and powers, and hath made show of them openly, and hath triumphed over •hem in the same cross. This triumph is set forth by signs and testimonies of two sorts. I. By signs of his glory and majesty. II. By signs of his victory on the cross. The signs of his glory and majesty are principally seven. The first is the title set over his head upon the cross, Jesus of Nazareth king of the Jews. The end why titles were set over the heads of malefactors was, that the beholders might know the cause of the punishment, and be admonished to take heed of like offences, and be stirred up to a dislike of the parties executed for their offences. And therefore no doubt, Pilate wrote the title of Christ for the aggravating of his cause, and that with his own hand. Yet mark the strange event that followed: for when Pilate was about to write the superscription, God did so govern and over-rule both his heart and hand, that in stead of noting some crime, he sets down a most glorious and worthy title, calling him, Jesus of Nazareth king of the Jews: which words contain the very sum and pith of the whole gospel of Christ, delivered by the Patriarchs and prophets from age to age. We must not think that Pilate did this of any good mind; or upon any love or favour that he bare to Christ: but only as he was guided and overruled by the power of God for the advancement of the honour and glory of Christ. The like did Caiaphas, who though a sworn enemy to Christ, yet he uttered a prophecy of him, saying, that it was necessary that one should die for the people: not that he had any intent to prophecy: but because the Lord used him as an instrument to publish his trueth. And when Balaam for the wages of unrighteousness would have cursed the Lords people, for his life he could not; nay all his cursings were turned into blessings. By this then it appears, that it is not possible for any man, do what he can, to stop the course of the gospel of Christ: nay:

Thus much of Christs sacrifice: now followes his triumph vpon the crosse. That Christ did triumph when he was vpon the crosse, it is plainly set downe by the Apostle Paul, where he saieth,