xxii. 65.) On this occasion they repeated their former slanders against Him, calling Him a glutton, a lover of wine, a seducer of the people from their allegiance, and a blasphemer possessed by the devil. What holy Job said of himself was then truly verified in the person of the Son of God: "They have opened their mouths upon Me, and reproaching Me, they have struck Me on the •cheek; they are filled with My pains. (Job xvi. 11.) Observe how patiently Christ suffers this severe treatment, and be confounded at your own impatience, when you are unable to bear a slight word of reproach or blame from others.
III. This indignant treatment continued during the whole night. Those who formed the council retired home, to enjoy repose, and the comforts of domestic life but Christ was delivered up to the guards, to be strictly watched, and to be treated at their pleasure or mercy. Meditate deeply on the forlorn situation of your suffering Jesus during that long, and tedious, and painful night. Be ashamed at your want of courage, in mortifying yourself so little for His sake, who has endured so much for you, from every description of people, — from the priesthood as well as from the laity.
THURSDAY.
St. Peter's Denying Christ.— I.
I. " But Peter sat without in the palace, and there came to Him a servant maid, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilean. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest." (Matt. xxvi. 69.) A few hours before Peter had said, " Though I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee;" but now, alas! at the first
