in all the world’s annals there is nothing which approaches, in the sublimity of its courage, that last conversation between our saviour and the roman procurator, before pilate led him forth for the last time and pleaded scornfully with his nation for the life of their king. there must be no flaw or spot on christ’s courage, any more than on his wisdom and tenderness and sympathy. and the more unflinchingly we apply the test the more clear and sure will the response come back to us.