Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/190

 in annoying  and  insulting  the  captive. How different was His  entrance  into  Jerusalem  some  days  before,  when the people  exclaimed,  "  Blessed  is  He  who  cometh  in  the name  of  the  Lord;  hosanna  in  the  highest." (Matt. xxi. 9.)  Learn  from  this  example  to  contemn  the  inconstancy of worldly  favor.

II. Christ is  brought  as  a  criminal  before  the  tribunal of this  judge. The Creator  stands  accused  before  His creature; the  eternal  Wisdom  of  God  is  brought  to  the bar, to  give  an  account  of  His  doctrine  before  an  arrogant lawyer. Behold these  insolent  Doctors  surrounding Him,  all  filled  with  the  idea  of  their  learning,  and rejoicing, "as  conquerors  rejoice  after  taking  a  prey, v/hen  they  divide  the  spoils"! (Is. ix.  3.)  Hear  how they question  Him  regarding  His  doctrine  and  His  disciples. Beseech your  Lord  to  instruct  you  in  those things which  belong  to  your  salvation,  and  never  suffer you to  pursue  vain  learning,  which  fills  the  soul  with pride and  desire  of  ostentation.

III. Christ bears  their  reproaches  in  silence;  but  resolutely answers,  when  questioned  concerning  His  doctrine, because on  this  depended  the  salvation  of  many. " I have  spoken  openly  to  the  world,  I  have  always  taught in  the  synagogue.  Why  askest  thou  me?  ask  those who  have  heard  what  I  have  spoken  to  them." (John xviii. 20.)  Learn  hence  to  stand  resolute  in  defence  of your  faith  and  of  truth,  and  to  be  silent  in  your  own  private injuries. Observe that  He  says  nothing  of  His  disciples, because  He  could  not  commend  them;  for  they were wavering  in  their  faith,  and  He  would  not  say  anything  to  their  discredit. Act in  the  same  manner. Throw a veil  over  the  faults  of  your  neighbors,  and  hide  them; never speak  of  them,  except  when  some  good  end  is  to be  obtained.