The Fountain of Life Opened

Secondly, When Christ bewails the Fathers forsaking him, he doth not mean that he pulled away the prop of divine support from him, by which he had till then endured the tortures and sufferings that oppressed him. No, though the Father deserted, yet he still supported him. And so much is intimated in these words of Christ Eli, Eli, which signifies my strong one, my strong one. God was with him by way of support, when withdrawn as to manifestations of love and favour. In respect of Gods supporting presence which was with Christ at this time; it's said, Isai. 42.1. Behold my Servant whom I uphold, and Joh. 16.32. I am not alone, but the Father is with me. So that this cannot be the meaning of it.

Thirdly, Much less is it his meaning that God had left him, as to inherent grace and sanctification. Recalling that spirit of holiness which had anointed him above his fellows. No, no: when he was forsaken he remained as holy as ever. He had indeed less comfort, but not less holiness than before. Such a desertion had irritated and made void the very end of his death. And his sacrifice could never have yielded such a fragrant odour to God as it did, Eph. 5.2.

Thirdly, Much less is it his meaning that God had left him, as to inherent grace and sanctification. Recalling that spirit of holiness which had anointed him above his fellows. No, no: when he was forsaken he remained as holy as ever. He had indeed less comfort, but not less holiness than before. Such a desertion had irritated and made void the very end of his death. And his sacrifice could never have yielded such a fragrant odor to God as it did, Eph. 5.2.