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Lactantius
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Introductory Notice To Lactantius.
[833] Omnibus numeris absoluta.
Chap. XXVI.—Of the Cross, and Other Tortures of Jesus, and of the Figure of the Lamb Under the Law.
[834] i.e., was shown by the event to be true, not doubtful or deceptive.
[835] Inania, “empty.”
[836] Figuram.
[837] Hactenus operata est.
[838] In eloquium solvit.
[839] See Matt. ix. 33, “The dumb spake, and the multitudes marvelled;” Mark vii. 37, “They were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: He maketh both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak.”
[840] Inerat huic virtuti.
[841] In usu suo non est.
[842] Elephantiaci, those afflicted with “elephantiasis,” a kind of leprosy, covering the skin with incrustations resembling the hide of an elephant.
[843] Resignasse, “to have unsealed or opened.”
[844] Figuram gerebant.
[845] [It is undoubtedly true that all our Lord’s miracles are also parables. Such also is the entire history of the Hebrews.]
[846] Acerbitates et amaritudines.
[847] The word “corona” denotes a “crown,” and also, as here, a “ring” of persons standing around. The play on the word cannot be kept up in English. [Thus “corona tibi et judices defuerunt.” Cicero, Nat. Deor., ii. 1. So Ignatius, στέφανον του̑ πρεσβυτερίου = corona presbyterii, vol. i. p. 64, this series."]
[848] Præsentibus.
[849] The cross was the usual punishment of slaves.
[850] Integrum.
[851] A weak and senseless reason. The true cause is given by St. John xix. 36: “These things were done that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken.” [The previous question, however, remains: Why was the Paschal lamb to be of unbroken bones, and why the special providence that fulfilled the type? Doubtless He who raised up His body could have restored it, had the bones also been broken; but the preciousness of Christ’s body was thus indicated as in the new tomb, the fine linen and spices, and the ministry of “the rich in his death, because He had done no violence,” etc.—Isa. liii. 9.]
[852] The sign of the cross used in baptism.
[853] The account, Ex. xii., makes no mention of colour. “Without spot” is equivalent to “without blemish.” [But the whiteness implied. “Without spot” excludes “the ring-streaked and speckled,” and a black lamb a fortiori — 1 Pet. i. 19. “Without spot” settles the case. Isa. i. 18 proves that the normal wool is white.]
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