Very  spiteful  extremity  is  shewed  unto  our  Saviour,  in
that  he  must  behold  and  see,  how  the  vile  unthrifts  part  his
clothes  amongst  them.  By  this  is  there  set  forth  unto  us  a
doctrine,  how  we  ought  to  behave  ourselves,  if  our  temporal
goods  be  withdrawn  and  taken  from  us.  We  must  be  readier
to  suffer  temporal  harm,  than  to  be  revenged,  or  with  un
quiet  suit  at  the  law  to  require  our  own.  He  that  created
the  whole  world,  hath  not  a  corner  where  to  rest  his  head.
He  that  beautifieth  and  decketh  all  things,  hangeth  bare  and
naked  himself.  Whereby  we  must  learn  to  be  patient,  if
that  which  is  ours  be  taken  from  us :  we  must  learn  to  be
content  with  few  things,  and  to  take  in  good  part  things  of
small  reputation,  and  not  to  grudge,  but  with  quiet  minds  to
be  thankful  unto  God.
0  Lord,  grant  unto  us,  that  we  appear  not  naked  and
bare  before  thee  ;  clothe  us  with  the  wedding-garment  of  faitli
and  love  ;  and  when  we  suffer  wrong,  give  us  grace  to  follow
thine  example  in  patience,  that  no  sorrow  nor  heaviness  for
loss  of  temporal  goods  lead  us  away  from  thee.  Amen.
[Matthew  xxvii.  39—44.     Mark  xv.  29 — 32.     Luke  xxiii.  35 — 43.]

THEY  that  passed  by  reviled  and  blasphemed  him,  wagging
their  heads,  and  saying:  Lo,  thou  that  breakest  down  the
temple,  and  settest  it  up  again  in  three  days,  help  now  thy
self:  if  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  come  down  from  the  cross.
300  FRUITFUL    LESSONS.
CH.
