by thy death both to thee and to thy Father. Can it be thought that any other love is, or has been, or will be like this? Scarcely for a just man will one die;[1] but in dying for our sins thou hast suffered for the unjust. It is thou who earnest to justify sinners freely, to make slaves thy brethren, captives thy co-heirs, exiles kings. Is there, O Jesus, one that is not heated by thy love, which gives heat and light to all things? For its going out is from the end of heaven, and there is no one that can hide himself from its heat. The very publicans too and sinners thou rejectest not, but receivest them, and eatest with them. And to thy very enemies, who seek to inflict upon thee injuries, insults, and death itself, thou strivest to do good.
Oh, strange are the wonders which thou hast done upon earth!
§11. In the Cross of Christ is the sum of all virtue.
Christ. But thou wouldst wish, perhaps, to have all this comprised in a single lesson. Behold, Mount Calvary is the school of all virtue and perfection, but the chair of the teacher is the Cross itself. This have I ascended, and, as it were, with outstretched arms have invited all men to me, saying, “ Come to me all you that labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you: ” when lifted up from the earth, I drew all things to myself[2] by the irresistible power of my doctrine, that is, by my example and by my love.
See the greatness of my Apostle’s proficiency in this school, who professed that he knew nothing but Jesus, and him crucified. This too is the reason why he bore my marks in his body, and confidently exhorted others: Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ. Therefore, go thou up also to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense. But alas! how few care to ascend thither with me! I find more to share my Table than my Cross. Oh, how many thousands had I once satisfied with bread! how many sick had I healed! how many blind and lame had I cured! but where were they when I went to the mountain carrying my Cross? Who was there then that would plead my cause? True it is that I have trodden the wine-press alone, and of the Gentiles there was not a man with me.[3] Alone I bore your infirmities, all my acquaintance fled from me,[4] I was for-
