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

3. They compel Simon to carry the hinder end of the cross after him; in which history consider.

1. The place where they do this, Math. 27.32. As they came out: Out of what, or whence? Either out of the Judgement-Hall, where they mocked him, & from whence they led him: Or when they came out of the city to go to Golgotha. It is most probable it was as they came out of the city, because Simon was coming out of the country on his way, Luk. 23.26. And they had made our Lord Jesus to carry his cross until he was out of the city; so long as he was able to do it. His body was macerated by the loss of blood, in his two whippings, and twice crowning with Thorns, with want of rest and sustenance for so long a time. His straining under an heavy burden, would rend and tear his wounded back and head, with great pain and torment, which would disable him from going so fast as they (being in hast) would have him go: It is like also, that they had made his cross longer then others, that they might advance him higher, and more visible to all. Haman ⟨p. 105⟩had a Gibbet very high to hang Mordecai, and these were acted with the like spirit of envy. The length would add weight, and a necessity for somebody to bear the hinder end after him, as Luke speaks. And they were in hast, they may not go so softly for many reasons, 1. It was the Jews Passover night, Joh. 19.14. 2. The morrow was the Sabbath, the day after the Passover, and therefore an high day. Joh. 19.31. 3. Envy is impetuous till revenge be executed.

1. The place where they doe this,