been so extremely severe that Jesus could not survive it without a miracle. If such had been the case, Pilate would not have testified so much surprise when it was reported to him, three hours after the Saviour had been crucified, that he had already breathed his last. This torment was immediately followed by another, either suggested by the hatred of the Jews, or invented by the brutality of the soldiers. The latter, (a) “taking Jesus into the court of the palace, gathered together unto him the whole band, and stripping him, they put a scarlet cloak about him. And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. Then they came to him, and bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying: Hail, king of the Jews; and spitting upon him, they took the reed and struck his head, and they gave him blows." CHAPTER LXVII. ECCE HOMO. PILATE'S SECOND INTERROGATION.-JESUS IS CONDEMNED.—HE CARRIES HIS CROSS.-SIMON THE CYRENEAN.-DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM.-JESUS CRUCIFIED BETWEEN TWO THIEVES.-TITLE OF THE CROSS.-LOTS CAST FOR THE GARMENT. AFTER so many torments and so much contumely, the Jews should at last have been content. (b)" Pilate, therefore, went forth again, and saith to them: Behold, I bring him forth unto you, that you may know that I find no cause in him. Jesus, therefore, came forth, bearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment, and Pilate saith to them: Behold the man!" The people became silent, and perhaps compassion began to work upon them; but "when the chief priests and the servants had seen him, they cried out: Crucify him! crucify him! Pilate," feeling himself once more mistaken, and piqued at this discomfiture, "saith to them," in a sharp tone: "Take him (a) St. Matthew, xxvii. 27–30; St. Mark, xv. 16–19; St. John, xix. 3. |