THE WORDS OF JESUS UPON THE CROSS.

8. His mother and the beloved disciple.

Read S. John xix. 25-27.

I. There stood by the cross of Jesus His mother. Ib.

25.

Who can imagine the agony of that hour to the Mother of Christ? Surely this was the sword that should pierce through her soul! Yet she "stood," though a sad, still a firm and willing witness of the will of her God, patiently waiting on Him! Eph. vi. 13.

II. WOMAN, BEHOLD THY SON. Ib. 26.

Much she needed consolation, so Christ afforded it to her. To whom did He commend her? To one who had leaned on His bosom, who now stands by the cross. By such an one Christ, as it were, replaced Himself. In such we may see Him; with such have fellowship. Here is a test for me. S. Luke x. 29, &c.

To one who left his father to follow Christ (S. Mark. i. 19), Christ bequeathed his Mother. If for love of Him we abandon earthly affections and ties, He will give us spiritual ones. We may thus be brethren and children of His saints in Him. S. Mark x. 29.

Text.

Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end. S. John xiii. 1.

THE WORDS OF JESUS UPON THE CROSS,

4. Forsaken of God. 5. Athirst.

Read S. Matt. xxvii. 45-49; S. John xix. 28, 29. 1. MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME? Íb. 46. (Ps. xxii. 1.)

From these awfully mysterious words we learn that Christ was a while deprived even of Divine assistance. What that was to Him we know not. Oh, that we never sought from man what He had not even from God. Jer. xvii. 5.

II. I THIRST. S. John xix. 28.

In all things He would obey the Father's will, the Father's word. So was it written (Ps. lxix. 21), and His desire was to fulfil it all; and this for our sakes; such was His love. Ps. cx. 7.

III. They filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. S. John

xix. 29.

And so may we deal with our blessed Lord when we give Him carnal instead of spiritual affections; the dregs of our days instead of the vigour of life. How deeply drank He the cup of bitterness for me. How have I requited Him? S. Luke xv. 18.

Text.

My soul thirsteth for God.

Ps. xlii. 2.

For thoughts upon the Gospels of this week, see the foregoing pages from Septuagesima. See also p. 414.

THE WORDS OF JESUS UPON THE CROSS.

6. The finished work. 7. The commended spirit. Read S. John xix. 30; S. Luke xxiii. 46.

I. IT IS FINISHED. Ib. 30.

What God had willed, what Jesus had undertaken, all is done-all! For His gloryfor our salvation. Oh, that I could sufficiently praise and love Him. What at my last hour shall I say? Unprofitable, unworthy follower of my Lord. S. Luke xvii. 10; 2 Tim. iv. 7.

II. FATHER, INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT. Ib. 46.

In filial confidence to His Father-into His hands, that only quiet and secure place-not His body, but His spirit. Would I follow His example? Do I love as a son? Is my will resigned to His? Is my body crucified, and my soul set free for Him? 1 S. Pet. iv. 19. III. And He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost. Ib. 30.

Oh, the mystery! The death of God! They only who know the extent of Divine love can compass this. It is for me too! Truly are we bought with a price (1 Cor. vi. 20), a countless price! Incline, oh, incline, my head, my heart, my all, to Thy ways, O Lord. Ps. cxix.

112.

Text.

5My meat is do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work. S. John iv. 34.

THE MIRACULOUS EVENTS AT CHRIST'S DEATH.

Read S. Matt. xxvii. 51-53. (S. Mark, S. Luke.)

I. The veil of the temple was rent in twain. Ib. 51.

The ancient law was abolished; the veil no more drawn over the ordinances of God: this the death of Christ should work in me;" the abolishing the old law of my fleshly members; the freeing of my spiritual sight from all false (Is. lix. 2) cloaks and coverings. 1 Cor. v. 7.

II. The earth did quake and the rocks rent. Ib.

Nature sorrowed for its Lord. Why do not I? I am but earth! Is it that I love the things of the earth more than Jesus? (S. Luke xvi. 13.) Is my heart as a rock that I cannot? Give me, O Lord, a mortified body, a rended heart. Then shall I also mourn.

III. The graves were opened. Ib. 52.

In dying He destroyed death. The saints arose. His death brings life to His people. Has it laid open the recesses of my conscience? Has it exposed (S. Matt. xxiii. 27) all my false ways? Has it set me free to walk in newness of life? Heb. ii. 14.

Text.

A new and living way... through the veil, that is to say, His flesh. Heb. x. 20.

THE EMOTIONS PRODUCED IN SEVERAL PERSONS BY THE DEATH OF CHRIST.

Read 1 Cor. i. 18-31.

I. The centurion. said, Truly this man was the Son of God. S. Mark xv. 39.

From the natural fear of the outward tokens of God's majesty, he passed to the true fear and acknowledgment of God Himself. Others saw and heard, but were not really moved. He was moved, for God touched his heart. In the depths of Christ's humility he confessed his Lord. 1 Cor. i. 18.

II. And all the people that came together. smote their breasts and returned. S. Luke xxiii. 48.

These were better than the Chief Priests and Pharisees, who were not moved at all; yet they made no confession, for they came together for a sight. Do I realise, more than they, Christ dying for me? To go and to return is of little avail; I must abide with Him. S. Luke x. 30-32. III. And all His acquaintance and the women... stood afar off, beholding these things. Ib. 49. Peter stood afar off and denied Christ. It is better to be near Him; yet they stood where they might see Jesus and be seen of Him. God give me grace ever to look upon Him, the crucified, to draw near to Him, and be healed. Is. lvii. 18, 19.

Text.

Now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Eph. ii. 13.