Did Jesus Redeem Mankind? — Page 113
113. This quotation shows that the Messiah (peace be on him) did not offer atonement of his own free will which, in fact, was all for the cup to pass from him and had voted against crucifixion. Whatever, therefore, took place was through coercion. . In this respect the second testimony is offered by St. Luke. . It is said: "And he came out, and went, as was his wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. . And when he was at the place he said unto them, pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed. Saying,. Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done. (In other words, the New Testament agrees that the. Messiah said that it was not his wish but that if the Lord had willed it so, he was agreeable to be hanged; so to speak, he said he was not willing to pay up the debt of others but if God had so willed, he could very well have His way). "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him" (i. e. , an angel strengthened and heartened. God. It is like a rat or something meaner still heartening an horse. ) "And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly. " (In other words, even the ministration of the angel failed and the Messiah devoted himself to prayer so that death on the. Cross be averted from him). "And his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. " Though it was severe cold at the time, it being the month of December, the Messiah lived in the northern part and was at a mountain at the time. His agony was so great that while praying in such severely cold season,