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26. And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon a Cyrenian, coming out of the Coun∣try, and on him they laid the Cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
HAppy Man! that was counted worthy to bear the Cross with the Lord Jesus! How light did the burthen seem to him•• when Jesus was at one end of it! So thy Holy Apostles, my dearest Lord, thought them∣selves bless'd, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for thy Name. How contented should I be un∣der any affliction, did I believe, that thou art with me, and helpest to bear my load! Surely, thou art not far off, when the Cross is laid upon my Shoulder. In all my afflictions, thou art afflicted, O let me think of it and be chearful under it! I know thou layest it on me for my good, and art touch'd with the feeling of my infirmities! Let me have no hard thought of any trou∣ble, for I suffer in thy Company! Shall I think much of the burthen, when thou enduredst far greater for my sake? In all my distresses be thou with me, and con∣vince me, that thou art so; that I may never repine, never murmur, never fret, but may bear thy yoak with a willing Mind, being confident I shall not be a loser by it; but when I am tryed, receive the Crown of Righteousness, which thou hast promis'd to all that love thy Name!