Vol. 2

240 ST. MARK.Our sins shut the mouth of Christ.He answerednothing, because he was to answer for us, who hadnothing to answer for ourselves. The silence of theperson accused confounds both the malice of the accusers,and the cowardice of the prevaricating judge,when this silence is supported by innocence." 5. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so thatPilate marvelled."The silence of Jesus proceeds from his owning allour crimes before his Father, his only lawful judge.Concern, passion, fear of death,love of reputation,and desire to be justified, make an accused personspeak who has nothing at liberty but his tongue :buteven the tongue itself of Christ is not at liberty, beingunder a kind of confinement from his meekness,his patience, his wisdom, his humility, his obedience,and his quality of victim, which make hira even inlove with shame and with the cross." 6. f Now at that feast he released unto themone prisoner, whomsoever they desired."This custom is a type of the deliverance of allmankind atthe feast of the immolation of Christ thetrue paschal victim. It is a new benefit, that hewould not be released at the feast of the passover;as it was one before, that he was willing to be redeemedat his presentation in the temple. Therecould have been no salvation for us, if the Saviourhimself had not vouchsafed to be the sacrifice for it." 7. And there was one named Barabbas, whichlay bound with them that had made insurrection withhim, who had committed murder in the insurrection.8. And the multitude, crying aloud, began to desirehim to do as he had ever done unto them."