then, to listen with attention to whatever lessons He may deign to give us. Be attentive then to seven important lessons which He gives to mankind from His cross; be a diligent disciple in His school, in order that you may be able to say with the Apostle, "I judged not myself to know anything among you, but Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (1 Cor. ii. 2.)
II. The first lesson which Christ gives is the love of our enemies. " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." He does not call down fire from heaven against His persecutors, as did Elias, nor did He curse them as did Eliseus, but with unparalleled charity prays for their pardon. Hence His prophet Isaias says, " He hath borne the sins of many, and hath prayed for the transgressors." (Is. liii. 12.) On this occasion He practised the lesson which He taught when He said, " Pray for those that persecute and calumniate you." (Matt. v. 44.) Examine whether you practise this lesson, not only in regard to your real enemies, but also in regard to your companions and friends when they may chance to offend you.
III. Consider the circumstances attending this prayer of our suffering Saviour. Who addresses the prayer? One about to die a painful and undeserved death. To. whom does He address it? To one who is most able to avenge Him. When? When He is exhausted with long sufferings, and ready to expire. In what place? Nailed to a cross, and in utmost pain. In what terms does He pray? In few words, but they were full of affection, and mingled with sighs, tears, and blood. For whom does He pray? For sinners; for those very men who had placed Him in this cruel situation. What is the object of His prayer? Mercy. He addresses His petition ta His Father for all, even His persecutors, in order that
