This page needs to be proofread.

A MEDITATION FOR THURSDAY.

This day thou shalt meditate how Christ was crowned with thorns; his presentation before all the people; his condemnation; his bringing out to the place of execution; and, last of all, his carrying of his cross.

The spouse in the Canticles invited us to the consideration of these torments, when she said, [1]"Egredimini et videte Jilise Sion Regent Salomonem in diademate, quo coronavit ilium mater sua in die desponsationis illiusy et in die laelitix cordis ejus"

" Go forth ye daughters of Sion, and see King Solomon in the diadem wherewith his mother hath crowned him, in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the joy of his heart."

What dost thou do? what dost thou think, my soul? my tongue, why art thou silent? O sweet Saviour, when I open mine eyes and behold this sorrowful spectacle, my heart is rent with grief. What, Lord, were not thy former torments, imminent death, and abundance of thy blood already shed, sufficient for the redemption of mankind? but thou must yet be crowned with sharp thorns?

My soul, that thou mayest the better understand this sad spectacle, set before thine eyes,

  1. Canticles iii 11