being condemned in his own conscience, he could not but feel exceedingly displeased with them. The alteration which they proposed in the inscription was very trifling : it might have been made without in the least derogating from his authority : and, no doubt, if he had not been offended with them, he would have readily complied. But to a person irritated, no conces- sion appears trifling. He felt himself injured by them: and therefore would not give way, even for a moment. His pride was hurt: and he determined that he would make them sen- sible of his displeasure. Hence he not only refused their peti- tion, but expressed his refusal in terms most authoritative, most contemptuous, and most repulsive.]
2. As over-ruled by God — [Though perfectly free to follow the dictates of his own mind, he was undoubtedly under the influence of God ; just as Balaam was, who though of himself disposed to curse Israel, was invariably constrained to bless themf. The truth exhi- bited in that inscription was itself unalterable, and was to be proclaimed to every people of every language- under heaven. It was the corner-stone on which all mankind were to build their hopes : and therefore God, who had left Pilate to his natural timidity for the crucifying of his Son, now emboldened him to withstand their renewed solicitations, though in a matter of comparatively no importances
Thus it was on that occasion, and thus it ever shall be ; " the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand, and he will do all his will." As far as " the wrath of man will praise him," he will suffer it to act ; but the remainder of it he will restrain.]
We may notice from hence,
1 . What care God will take of his people — [He permitted his Son to be put to death, because that was necessary for the accomplishment of the Divine purposes in the work of redemption. But he took care that all his enemies should attest his innocence : and where so small a concession as that before us might have counteracted their testimony, he makes a poor shaking reed as firm and immove- able as a rock. Who then will be afraid to trust him ? Who will not cheerfully commit his reputation, his interest, yea his very life, into the hands of such an almighty Friend ? Know, beloved, that he is to his people both a sun and a shield ; and that whilst he directs and invigorates them by his beams, he
will protect and uphold them by his power " The Lord
reigneth, let the earth rejoice, and the multitude of the isles be glad thereof."]
f Numb. xxii. 18, 38. and xxiii. 8, 11, 12, 26. and xxiv. 10, 13. B Acts iv. 27, 28.