The Fountain of Life Opened

For the explication of this, I shall open the following particulars. First, Who gave the Sentence. Secondly, Upon whom he gave it. Thirdly, What Sentence was it that was given. Fourthly, In what manner Christ received it.

First, Who and what was he that durst attempt such a thing as this? Why, this was Pilate who succeeded Valerius Gratus in the Presidentship of Judea, ¹(as Josephus tells us,) in which trust he continued about ten years. This cruel cursed act of his against Christ, was in the eighth year of his government. Two years after he was removed from his place and Office, by Vitelius President of Syria, for his inhumane murdering of the innocent Samaritans. This necessitated him to go to Rome, to clear himself before Caesar. But before he came to Rome, Tiberius was dead, and Cajus in his room.² Under him, saith Eusebius, Pilate killed himself. He was a man not very friendly or benevolent to the Jewish nation, but still suspicious of their rebellions and insurrections, this jealous humour, the Priests and Scribes observed, and wrought upon it, to compass their design against Christ. Therefore they tell him so often, of Christs sedition, and stirring up the people; and that if he let him go, he is none of Caesars friend; which were the very considerations that prevailed with him to do what he did. But how durst he attempt such a wickedness as this, however he had stood in the opinion of Caesar? What I give Judgement against the Son of God; for 'tis evident by many circumstances in this trial that he had many inward fears, and convictions upon him, ⟨p. 319⟩that he was the Son of God. By these he was scared and sought to release him, Joh. 19.8, 12. the fear of a Deity fell upon him; his mind was greatly perplexed, and dubious about this prisoner, whether he was a God or a man. And yet the fear of Caesar prevailed more than the fear of a Deity, he proceeds to give sentence.