658 A SHORT VIEW OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY. under this agony or sharp conflict, his sweat was like great drops of blood falling down to the ground ; Mark xiv. 33, 34. Luke xxii. 44. 3. Q. What was the cause of these sorrows and agonies ? A. They could not arise merely from the fears of death, or be- ing nailed to a cross; for then he would nett have been a fit example of courage and patience to his disciples and followers, some of whom have suffered the 'same death of the cross, with- out such overwhelming terrors and fears as Christ discovered : It has been generally supposed therefore, and with very good reason, that these agonies of his soul arose from a sense of the anger of God for the sins of men, some way manifested tohim ; perhaps also increased by the temptations of evil angels, for " it pleased God to bruise him, and make his soul an offering for sin ;" Luke xxii. 53. Is. 'hi. 6, 10. and it is evident the powers of darkness were let loose upon him ; Luke xxii. 53. John xiv. 30. 4. Q. What did Jesus do in these agonies ? A. He'prayed three times earnestly that, if possible, this hour might pass from him; his innocent human nature being afraid of such sharp and smarting sorrows ; yet he submitted himself to the wisdom and will of his Father; Mark xiv.-35, 36. 5. Q. What assistance had lie to support him under this agony ? A. There appeared an angel from heaven, encouraging and strengthening him ; Verse43. 0. Q. Where were his disciples at this time ? A. He liait withdrawn to a little distance from the rest of his disciples ; but Peter, James, and John, were nearest to him; Mark xiv.-32, 33. yet they could not help him ; and indeed they fell asleep: part of the time ; . Verse 37. 7. Q. Was Judas the traitor with the rest of the disciples in the garden ? A. Judas had privately departed from them just after the passoVer, and having agreed with the chief priests and elders, for thirty pieces of silver, to betray him into the hands of theirofficers, he wasnow at hand with a band of men, withweapoùs and torches to accomplish his design and betray his Master ; Mark xiv. 43. Mat. xxvi. 14-10. S. Q. How came the rulers of the Jews to be so much offended with Christ, as to seek to destroy him ? A. For several reasons, viz. 1. Because he, being a poor man in Israel, and the sup- posed son of a carpenter, owned himself to be the Messiah .whom they expected to be an earthly king, and to deliver them from subjection to the Romans.-2: Because in his sermons, and in his whole conduct, he endeavoured to reform these corrup- tions, which the priests and teachers, and rulers of the Jews, had brought into their religion. -3. Hehad foretold the anger of God against thew mad their nation, in some of his parables
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