without doubt exulted, and with greater reason than did afterwards His disciple St. Andrew, who, as St. Bernard writes, addressed his cross to this effect, " Welcome, precious cross, long-wished for, entirely beloved, and now at last prepared to my heart's desire." He then embraced it, and took it on His shoulders. What shouting and laughter arose on that occasion among the people! For His greater ignominy two thieves are led along with Him; but with what difference both of countenance and disposition of mind do they bear their several crosses! Think whom you would wish to imitate in carrying yours.
III. "And bearing His own cross, He went forth" (John xix. 17), between two thieves, and preceded by a public crier announcing the cause of His condemnation. Thus did Isaac formerly carry on his shoulders the wood for the sacrifice, of which his father had destined him to be the victim. See how the tender and feeble members of your Saviour sink under the weight! He falls again and again! O angels of heaven! why do you not ease Him of His burden? Your sins were more burdensome to Him than was even His cross; " for the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Is. liii. 6.)
SATURDAY.
Christ meets His Mother.
I. As soon as Christ was sentenced to death, the news was probably conveyed to His blessed mother by some one of His disciples. Ponder how, on this occasion, the prophecy of Simeon was fully verified; for her soul was truly pierced with the sword of sorrow. She might well have applied the affecting expressions of David, in regard to his son Absalom, to her suffering Son: "My Son Jesus, Jesus, my Son, would to God that I might die
