30. Concerning the robbers who were
crucified with Him, it is written, And He was numbered with the
transgressors Isa. liii. 12.. Both of them
were before this transgressors, but one was so no longer. For the
one was a transgressor to the end, stubborn against salvation; who,
though his hands were fastened, smote with blasphemy by his
tongue. When the Jews passing by wagged their heads, mocking the
Crucified, and fulfilling what was written, When they looked on Me,
they shaked their heads Ps. cix. 25., he also reviled
with them. But the other rebused the reviler; and it was to him
the end of life and the beginning of restoration; the surrender of his
soul a first share in salvation. And after rebuking the other, he
says, Lord, remember me Luke xxiii. 40. ff.; for with Thee is
my account. Heed not this man, for the eyes of his understanding
are blinded; but remember me. I say not, remember my works, for
of these I am afraid. Every man has a feeling for his
fellow-traveller; I am travelling with Thee towards death; remember me,
Thy fellow-wayfarer. I say not, Remember me now, but, when
Thou comest in Thy kingdom.