Of the Picture of _Abraham_ sacrificing _Isaac_.
In the Picture of the Immolation of _Isaac_, or _Abraham_ sacrificing
his son, _Isaac_ is described as a little boy; which notwithstanding is
not consentaneous unto the authority of Expositors, or the circumstance
of the Text. For therein it is delivered that _Isaac_ carried on his
back the wood for the sacrifice; which being an holocaust or burnt
offering to be consumed unto ashes, we cannot well conceive a burthen
for a boy; but such a one unto _Isaac_, as that which it typified was
unto Christ, that is, the wood or cross whereon he suffered; which was
too heavy a load for his shoulders, and was fain to be relieved therein
by _Simon_ of _Cyrene_.
Again, He was so far from a boy, that he was a man grown, and at his
full stature, if we believe _Josephus_, who placeth him in the last of
_Adolescency_, and makes him twenty five years old. And whereas in the
Vulgar Translation he is termed _puer_, it must not be strictly
apprehended (for that age properly endeth in puberty, and extendeth but
unto fourteen) but respectively unto _Abraham_, who was at that time
above sixscore. And therefore also herein he was not unlike unto him,
who was after led dumb unto the slaughter, and commanded by others, who
had legions at command; that is, in meekness and humble submission. For
had he resisted, it had not been in the power of his aged parent to have
enforced; and many at his years have performed such acts, as few besides
at any. [SN: _Men of eminent fame and prowess at 25._] _David_ was too
strong for a Lion and a Bear; _Pompey_ had deserved the name of Great;
_Alexander_ of the same cognomination was _Generalissimo_ of _Greece_;
and _Anibal_ but one year after, succeeded _Asdruball_ in that memorable
war against the _Romans_.