Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/160

 good, and  healing  all  who  were  oppressed  by  the  devil." (Acts  x.  38.)  He  therefore  not  only  suffered  without deserving  these  sufferings,  but,  on  the  contrary,  He  merited every  kind  of  honor,  respect,  and  veneration.

III. He who  suffered  was  the  great  Lover  of  mankind. He had  made  Himself  our  Redeemer,  Pastor,  Physician, and Brother. If the  son  ought  to  feel  sensibly  the  sufferings of  his  father,  and  the  spouse  to  condole  with  her spouse in  his  afflictions,  how  much  more  reason  have you to  compassionate  Jesus  Christ  in  the  sufferings which He  has  undergone  for  your  sake! There is  no character,  however  affectionate,  and  no  title,  however dear, that  this  man-God  has  not  assumed  in  your  regard. Grieve for  Him,  then;  and  if  you  cannot  carry, with the  Apostle,  the  marks  of  His  sufferings  on  your own body,  bear  them  in  your  heart. Resolve to  suffer something, at  least,  for  His  sake.

I. The  sufferings  of  Christ  were  various  and  numerous. He suffers  in  His  external  goods;  for  He  is  stripped  of everything  that  He  had,  even  of  His  very  clothes,  and He is  suspended  naked  on  the  cross,  in  the  presence  of all  the  Jews. He suffers  in  His  honor;  for  every  species of reproach  is  thrown  upon  Him. His fame  suffers;  for He is  variously  traduced  and  calumniated:  He  is  represented as  a  Samaritan,  a  man  possessed  by  the  devil,  a glutton,  a  lover  of  wine,  a  blasphemer,  and  a  seducer. His knowledge  is  insulted;  for  He  is  considered  as  a man  without  learning,  and  a  madman. His miracles  are