outward action, but make no scruple of injuring them by detraction. Listen to the embittered cry of the Jews: " His blood be upon us and upon our children." Observe how passion drives its votaries headlong to perdition and guard against its effects in yourself.
III. "And Pilate gave sentence that their petition should be granted." (Luke xxiii. 24.) Reflect how unjust this sentence was. The author of life is condemned to death almost in the same breath that He is pronounced innocent and just. How criminal was the action of Pilate when he yielded to the unjust demands of the Jews! For your part, be steady and resolute in defence of justice, although a thousand deaths should threaten you. Imagine with what shouts of joy and applause the people welcomed this sentence, and how the priests and Pharisees triumphed. Ponder the feelings of Christ at the time. He made no complaint nor opposition, but with undaunted courage " delivered Himself to him who judged Him unjustly." (1 Pet. ii. 23.)
FRIDAY.
Christ Carries His Cross.
I. After Christ is condemned to die, He is stripped of the purple robe, and clothed in His own garment again, in order that He may be better known, being in His own attire. He is not relieved, however, of His crown of thorns. In like manner, if you wish to carry the cross after your Saviour, you must cast off the purple robe, that is, every affection to the world, and put on the garment and livery of Christ, viz., mildness and patience, according to the command of the Apostle, " Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom. xiii. 14.)
II. When the cross was brought forth, our Saviour
