The more vile Christ made Himself for us

(Thomas Brooks, "Apples of Gold" 1660)

Let the thoughts of a crucified Christ be never out of your mind, let them be food and drink unto you, let them be . . .
  your sweetness and consolation,
  your honey and your desire,
  your reading and your meditation.

Ah! remember this:
  His wounds were deep,
  His burden weighty,
  His cup bitter,
  His suffering painful,
  His agony and torment above conception, beyond expression.

That blessed head of His—was crowned with thorns.

Those eyes of His, which were purer than the sun—were put out by the darkness of death.

Those ears of His which now hear nothing but hallelujahs—were filled with the blasphemies of the multitude.

That blessed beautiful face of His, which was fairer than the sons of men—was spit on by beastly filthy wretches.

That gracious mouth and tongue, which spoke as never any man spoke—was slandered and accused of blasphemy.

Those hands of His, which healed the sick, which gave out pardons, which swayed a scepter in Heaven—were nailed to the cross.

Those feet, which brought the glad tidings of peace and salvation into the world—were also nailed to the cross.

All these great and sad things, did Jesus Christ suffer for His people! Oh! The more vile Christ made Himself for us—the more dear He ought to be unto us.