Did Jesus Redeem Mankind? — Page 155
? cup to pass 148 did not offer atonement of his own free will which, in fact, was all for the 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 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed.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).