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

Quest. Why did they apprehend such a man, and compel him to this work? Were there not enough among their Crew that were ready enough to have done it? whose envy would prompt them to say and do, if need were. according to our proverb If they want a Hang-man, I'll be the man rather then the work should not be done. Doubtless there were many in the Crew, so ill-minded against Jesus Christ. But it is most probable they took this man, to add affliction to Jesus Christ: he was a godly man, one of Jesus Christ his followers, a man of note, him they force to join with them in this wicked execution.

Quest. Why did they apprehend such a man, and compel him to this work? Were there not enough among their Crew that were ready enough to have done it? whose envy would prompt them to say and doe, if need were. according to our proverb If they want a Hang-man, I'le be the man rather then the work should not be done. Doubtless there were many in the Crew, so ill-minded against Jesus Christ. But it is most probable they took this man, to adde affliction to Jesus Christ: he was a godly man, one of Jesus Christ his followers, a man of note, him they force to joyne with them in this wicked execution.

But here we may consider three things, which I propose under submission to better judgments.

1. Simon did valiantly refuse, and oppose to join with them, he would have no hand in so cruel and unjust a murder, and so far refused as to give sufficient evidence, that he did disclaim and condemn their fact which they were about to execute.

1. Simon did valiantly refuse, and oppose to joyn with them, he would have no hand in so cruel and unjust a murther, and so far refused as to give sufficient evidence, that he did disclaim and condemn their fact which they were about to execute.