17. And he bearing his cross—(See on Lu 23:26).

      went forth—Compare Heb 13:11-13, "without the camp"; "without the gate." On arriving at the place, "they gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall [wine mingled with myrrh, Mr 15:23], and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink" (Mt 27:34). This potion was stupefying, and given to criminals just before execution, to deaden the sense of pain.

Fill high the bowl, and spice it well, and pour The dews oblivious: for the Cross is sharp, The Cross is sharp, and He Is tenderer than a lamb.                                                       KEBLE.

   

But our Lord would die with every faculty clear, and in full sensibility to all His sufferings.

Thou wilt feel all, that Thou may'st pity all; And rather would'st Thou wrestle with strong pain         Than overcloud Thy soul,         So clear in agony, Or lose one glimpse of Heaven before the time, O most entire and perfect Sacrifice,     Renewed in every pulse.                                                       KEBLE.