EDITOR'S PREFACE. WHEN I visited Monte Cassino in the spring of last year, the abbot, Don Carlo M. de Vera D'Aragona, a singularly interesting and graceful personage, put into my hands the original of the little treatise which, in an English dress, is now presented to the public. I saw at once that it was likely to supply a want in our devotions during the Holy Week, as it contained short and affective observations on every verse of the Passion-Gospels. Those who are accustomed to attend Church regularly during the Holy Week, in which the Gospel each recurring day brings the stupendous history of the suffering of the GOD-Man before us in a way almost stunning in its tremendous repetition, will find much help from the observations, which the Author in his beautiful preface tells us "are drawn, for the most part, from the holy Fathers, who are to us the interpreters of Scripture and expounders of the Church's meaning." And they who have not the privilege of constant services, will find very excellent heads of spiritual reflection in the short remarks of our Author. To the young, for whom the work was originally intended, it will prove an exceeding boon. Of course human thought fails to enter into the depths of the unsearchable ways of the mystery of the Passion, as human love fathoms not the abyss of tenderness in the Heart of GOD. Still there is much here that is edifying and satisfying. I beg to record the expression of my thanks to my two translators, who have given with accuracy and spirit the sense of the original. A. P. F. Lent, 1866. AUTHOR'S PREFACE. TO THE YOUNG STUDENTS OF THE ABBEY OF MONTE CASSINO. As the salvation of languishing humanity was effected upon earth through the Passion of CHRIST, So there is no sweeter or more substantial comfort for afflicted souls than the memory of those ineffable sorrows. And who has not been afflicted in his turn in this valley of tears? Be our efforts what they may to wear a smile, we shall nevertheless frequently surprise a tear upon the cheek. Let us adorn ourselves with roses, the heart will bleed more copiously pierced with their thorns. What age, what condition of life but has its own peculiar sorrows? Ye then, young men, in the spring time of your life, support its passing storms, for even the calm of your souls is at times ruffled by disgusts and disappointments. The natural impatience of your years often revolts under the yoke of |