clusions which their own judgment enables them to draw.

My design being to act in conformity with that of our Church, who uses all the means she can to retain the decent and pious custom of observing devoutly this Holy Week, and has for that purpose made sufficient provision for the exercise of the devotion of her members in publick*, I cannot better effect it than by discoursing, in as plain a manner as possible, so that I may be thoroughly understood by the ignorant, without occasioning weariness to the better informed, on some of the various occurrences by which the present week has been distinguished from all others.

In pursuance of my design, and to render it as beneficial to you as I could, I meant in this discourse, as briefly as the subject would admit, to lay before you the outlines of what passed in the course of the week in which our Saviour suffered the ignominious death upon the cross for our sakes; and then to select from the whole some of the most remarkable occurrences, to be subjects of the discourses which, by God's blessing, I should deliver from this place on this and the following

* Wheatley on the Book of Common Prayer

21

evenings of this Great and Holy Week. But when I began to examine what those outlines were, I instantly perceived, that they would take up much more time than is usually occupied at these meetings; and therefore determined to confine my plan, as nearly as I could, to the occurrences of each particular day, beginning with this day, which is generally known by the name of Palm-Sunday: the reason of which, it is to be wished, should be familiar to the mind of the most igno

rant.

On this day then did our blessed Saviour make his public entry into Jerusalem. But how did he enter it? Not in a splendid chariot, drawn by stately horses richly caparisoned-not attended, as was the manner of victorious kings and emperors, with long trains of conquered and mournful captives; but according to the prediction of the Prophet Zechariah, in the spirit of meekness and humility, riding on a Colt the Fole of an Ass* which, by his exact knowledge of every minute particular, he had directed his disciples, where to find; and which they accordingly had brought away, having satisfied the owners thereof by answering

* Zcc. ix. 9.

;

the question, What do ye, loosing the Coit? as their Master had directed them, The LORD hath need of him. And many, even a very great multitude, as he sat on the young ass, and went on, spread their garments in the way, and others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. Much people also, that were come to the feast, when they heard that JESUS was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm-trees, which were commonly carried before those who rode in public triumph, and went forth to meet him, and cried Hosanna, blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the LORD. And the whole multitude of the disciples that went before, and that followed, began to rejoice, and to praise GOD with a loud voice, for all the mighty works that they had seen and cried, saying Hosanna! May GOD save and prosper him*! Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he, even the King that cometh in the name of the LORD: Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. Blessed is the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the LORD: Hosanna in the highest.

* Doddridge's Family Expositor.

An appearance so uncommon could not but cause great commotion through the city the citizens either did not, or would not, know him; and struck with wonder at the simplicity of his entry, and the congratulations with which it was attended, cried out, Who is this? answer was immediately returned by the multitude that came with him, This is JESUS the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

An

In commemoration of this event the Christian Church has distinguished this sunday by the name of Palm-Sunday. But, my Brethren, let us not distinguish it in name only: let us distinguish it by our praises also; and let those praises proceed from hearts, so deeply affected by a view of this triumphal entry of CHRIST, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, into Jerusalem, as to own him to be the Messiah, not only by our voices, but also by steadfastly believing in him, and by holiness of life imitating the example of humility which he has set us: and let us not be like this wavering multitude, who with well-timed Hosannas proclaimed the majesty of their Saviour; but alas! with the same voice, before the end of the week, joined in the unhallow

ed cry of his malicious persecutors, Crucify him, crucify him*.

But mark now, I pray you, the difference between the behaviour of the transported multitude, and that of some of the proud and envious pharisees: while the former are expressing their joy by their loud and repeated Hosannas, the latter with malignant intent to embarrass and expose him, scornfully said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples for these dangerous acclamations. Mark too the conduct and answer of CHRIST to these intolerant cavillers. Despising the contemptuous behaviour of these haughty pharisees; but accepting the, then perhaps sincere, praises of the humble multitude, he answered and said unto them, I tell you, that if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. This is a strong proverbial expression, signifying that if these followers of CHRIST should hold their peace, some more unlikely way should be found out for the proclaiming of the Messiah, even by those who are reckoned the most stupid and insensate people, as the Gentiles are by yout.

Here too we must not suffer to pass

* Knowles. + Whitby in loc.