his first words, an intercession to his Father on their behalf.

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Once more, thirdly; look to the generous plea which he brought forward; " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Never was ignorance more powerfully pleaded! A valuable writer, of the last century, very justly remarked, speaking of this transaction, "Doubtless there was a vail upon the Saviour's glory, and there was a vail upon their own hearts." "They know not what they do;" 'had they known me, or my words,—had they admitted my authority, or felt my power, they would never have drawn down upon themselves that dreadful imprecation, "his blood be on us and on our children." "They know not what they do.'" This expression has a very strong meaning. It is intended to convey an idea of the blindness in which they were kept by their superiors, as well as the hardness of their own hearts. Their priests held the keys of knowledge, and would neither unlock the gates for themselves, nor suffer those to go in who were willing to enter. They know not what they do." Heavenly Father, pity their weakness, and pardon their guilt!'

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II. Let us consider what is the improve

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ment we are to derive from this affecting narrative.

1. We should endeavour to copy the example of our Divine Master. Let us contrast the mild forbearance of Christianity, with the vindictive spirit which actuated the Heathen world. Cicero was, I believe, the only orator who publicly pleaded in the Roman Senate for revenge; but the feeling itself was commonly countenanced. When tempted to exercise resentment, let us carry our thoughts back to the scene we have been contemplating, take our station at the foot of the cross, and there behold our Divine Master, pouring forth a tender supplication for his murderers ! There are many passages in Scripture, tending to promote a mild and forgiving temper. It is said, Proverbs xix. 11. "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression." In another place, Anger resteth in a fool's breast;" and when we turn to the New Testament, we are struck with an expression in that short, but comprehensive prayer, taught by our Lord to his disciples, which is precisely to the point, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us;" and it is worthy of notice, that our Lord has singled out this very petition

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as the subject of a remark; and it is the only one on which he condescends to be a commentator. This circumstance stamps it with importance. And do we want examples to support the precept? Look at Stephen, the first martyr in the christian cause; he drank deeply of his Master's spirit; "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge," was the petition he uttered with his dying breath.

There are some duties, which though highly necessary to be learnt and inculcated, are, perhaps, very rarely called into exercise. We know that it is our duty to suffer any trial, rather than violate the dictates of conscience. We know that we must be ready to sacrifice even life itself, if called upon, in the cause of truth; and Oxford, and Smithfield, equally with Jerusalem, have produced glorious instances of firmness and constancy; our own minds should be impressed with the thought, and we should fix the impression deeply in the hearts of our children; but in these times of toleration, through the good Providence of God, there might be ten lives in succession, and no such sacrifice be called for; but, the duty we are now enforcing, by the example of our Saviour, is of another class, it is called into daily, into hourly exercise. No man goes through life without enemies; the shafts of calumny fly thick around, and

the most virtuous rarely escape their attacks, either open or concealed.

There are but two situations which may be said to be secure from their assaults, and neither of these may ever be ours; either extreme old age, or total debility of power. See the poor paralytic tottering on the brink of the grave, without friends, without support, without comfort, and the most inveterate enemy must make a stand; his quiver may be full, but even calumny itself has not malice enough to draw another arrow.

To conclude, let us treasure up in our memories, and in our hearts, all the precepts of our Lord, and let his dying admonitions especially have peculiar weight! Let us remember, how great were the reproaches and the sufferings he endured, when compared with the worst persecutions we can suffer; and, above all, let us endeavour, as far as human infirmity will permit, to keep a conscience void of offence; this will be the best, the surest rebuke to our enemies, while we look forward to that blessed state, where all hearts will be open, all desires known, and where none will have power to injure or distress us. It was said by one of the Heathen writers, "Let us take those instances by which we have been over-praised, and balance against those in

which we have been over-censured, and we shall, perhaps, find we have no great reason for complaint in the account."

Let us, more closely, study the character and conduct of our Divine Master, with a view to our practical benefit! Let it appear to the world, that we have sat at his feet, and imbibed his spirit; and when tempted on any occasion to exhibit marks of an unforgiving temper, may this pathetic expostulation and intercession rise to our remembrance, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Amen.