(24) CHRIST, The Tree of Life, bearing fruit for the healing of the nations (Rev. xxii. 2). We planting only weeds in our garden (Prov. xxiv. 30, &c.). He giving us Himself, the true vine, making us branches in Him (S. John xv. 5). I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste. Cant. ii. 3. (25) CHRIST, The Lord of Hosts, alone able to overcome the strong man (S. Luke xi. 22). We, His professed soldiers, yet halting (1 Kings xviii. 21), and fighting uncertainly (1 Cor. ix. 26, 27). He coming, not to send peace (S. Matt. x. 34), but to train us for His service (2 Tim. ii. 3). The Lord of Hosts is with us. Ps. xlvi. 7. (26) CHRIST, The Fountain of Life, open for sinners (Zech. xiii. 1). We, foolish ones, leaving the true fountain for broken cisterns (Jer. ii. 13). He still offering us living waters (John iv. 13; Rev. xxii. 17) to moisten our dry and barren souls (Is. xliv. 3). My soul is athirst for God. Ps. xlii. 2. (27) CHRIST, The Hunter for Souls, Himself wounded for us (Lam. iii. 12, 13). We like wild asses, far away from Him (Hos. viii. 9). He seeking us, yea, and wounding us, that He may train us for Himself (Jer. xxx. 14, 17, &c.; Phil. iii. 12). Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Prov. xxvii. 6. (28) CHRIST, Our Redeemer, who has purchased us with His blood (1 Pet. i. 18, 19). We in captivity and banishment, longing to be free (Ps. cxxxvii. 1). He coming to be our ransom (1 Tim. ii. 8-6), and to redeem us from all evil (Tit. ii. 14). Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood. Rev..v. 9. (29) CHRIST, All that is Good, offered freely to all (Exod. xxxiii. 19; Is. lv. 1). We surrounded with all evil, calling evil good, &c. (Ps. xl. 12; Is. v. 20.) He teaching us to know what is really good, and giving us of His fulness (S. John i. 16; Š. James i. 17). How great is His goodness, and how great is His beauty! Zech. ix. 17. (30) CHRIST, The Watchful Pastor (Ps. xxiii. ; 1 Pet. ii. 25), giving His life for the sheep (S. John x. 14, 15). We His foolish, wandering flock (Is. liii. 6), exposed to thieves (S. John x. 12). He finding and carrying us home (S. Luke xv. 5, 6), and feeding us with Himself (Is. xl. 11). I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; oh, seek Thy servant. Ps. cxix. 176. (31) CHRIST, Our Example, pattern of all holiness (Exod. xxv. 40; 1 Pet. ii. 21). We, once His image, now obscured by sin (Gen. i. 27; Lam. iv. 1). He giving us Himself anew, that, by seeing Him, we may be transformed to His likeness (2 Cor. iii. 18), and conformed to the Divine will (Acts xiii. 22). Shew me Thy ways, O Lord. Teach me Thy paths. Ps. xxv. 3. TABLES. On this and the three following pages reference is given to some of the Daily Thoughts which may be found useful on special occasions.* Before the Holy Communion. The Institution of the Eucharist After Communion. Christ known in breaking of bread The effect of receiving the holy Eucha rist rightly Christ the True Vine 171 219, 220 352 In addition to these, one or more of the Characters and Titles of Christ being specially intended to refer to His gifts to us in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, may be used. (See pp. 405-412.) * The general privileges and responsibilities of BAPTIZED PERSONS are referred to in the Thoughts on the Commission to the Apostles (pp. 186, 187); and again in Whitsun Week (pp. 202, 205, 207). The Daily Thoughts referred to on this page relate to the several events which took place on each of the days During Holy Week. PALM SUNDAY. Our Lord's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem Monday. 96-99 The Buyers and Sellers in the Temple Tuesday. . . 238, 392 Several Parables of our Lord 393-6, 402-4 Wednesday. The Promise of Betrayal by Judas . . 100 Maunday Thursday. The Last Supper-The Mount of Olives -Gethsemane Peter, Pilate, &c. GOOD FRIDAY. -The Betrayal-S. The Judgment Hall-The Scourging— The Cross-The Words of our Lord on the Cross Christ crucified . 127-151 Easter Eve. The Taking Down and the Sepulchre . 152 This series, beginning with the promise of betrayal by Judas, would furnish one additional subject for every Friday throughout the year. The pages referred to in this table contain thoughts on some portion of the Gospel for the following The Holy Innocents The Conversion of S. Paul The PRESENTATION of CHRIST in the Tem ple, PURIFICATION of the Blessed Vir gin Mary. Saint Matthias (and see 199) The ANNUNCIATION 247 177-9 99 184 76 380 58-69 17-19 . 352 349 24, 5 323 385 . 106 257 Thoughts appropriate to Vigils (i. e., evens, or days of fasting immediately preceding certain fasts), will be found at pages 68, 112, 113, 114, 141, 266, 325, 401. 353, 4 107 267-271 |