The harmony of the Gospels in the holy history of the humiliation and sufferings…

2. This forced the Jews again, as formerly they had done, to urge their own law, which though it be not a Roman Law, yet by the Authority of that law, he ought to dye. Now whether Pilate asked them what that Law was, or whether they produced it unasked, it is not very material, seeing the Holy Ghost is silent in it, but they produce the effect of the law, ver. 7. we have a law, and by that Law be ought to dye, because he made himself the Son of God. This plea they formerly used, in the second act of Pilate, and now again more fully, and this is evidently at another time attended with other circumstances, This law of blasphemy is the only law that they had to plead against him, for saying he is the Son of God, which is one of the greatest and most glorious Truths in the world. For this, they condemned Jesus in their Council, and this they plead before Pilate, he ought to die for saying he is the Son of God, Jesus Christ was the first Martyr that dyed for this Truth.

2. This forced the Iews again, as formerly they had done, to urge their own law, which though it be not a Romane Law, yet by the Authority of that law, he ought to dye. Now whether Pilate asked them what that Law was, or whether they produced it unasked, it is not very material, seeing the Holy Ghost is silent in it, but they produce the effect of the law, ver. 7. we have a law, and by that Law be ought to dye, because he made himself the Son of God. This plea they formerly used, in the second act of Pilate, and now again more fully, and this is evidently at another time attended with other circumstances, This law of blaspemy is the only law that they had to plead against him, for saying he is the Son of God, which is one of the greatest and most glorious Truths in the world. For this, they condemned Iesus in their Council, and this they plead before Pilate, he ought to dy for saying he is the Son of God, Iesus Christ was the first Martyr that dyed for this Truth.

3. When Pilate heard that word, that he said, I am the Son of God, this word startled the pagans heart, and he was more afraid He clearly saw his innocency, and that they persecuted him out of envy, now if this innocent person should be the Son of God, how should I dare to put him to death? The Jews hearts were hard, their Consciences seared, as hard as Rock stones. But Pilate a pagan was more afraid, he was afraid before, but now more afraid. what was he afraid of before? sure he feared the guilt of innocent blood. To condemn an innocent man to dye is an abomination to God, an horrible sin, and this he was afraid of before; but now he is more afraid, if this innocent person be the Son of God, his very heart twittered and shrunk about it.