OF THE MARKS WHICH REMAINED IN OUR LORD'S RISEN BODY.

Read Rev. v.

1. What are these wounds in Thine hands? Zech. xiii. 6.

They are the eternal proof of His suffering to all beings-the way which He has led to glory-for thus it was "needs be." How dare I then shrink from suffering? May I make another path to glory? S. Luke xxiv. 46.

II. I have graven thee upon the palms of Mine hands I will not forget thee. Is. xlix. 15, 16.

For the sake of His faithful followers, they are a memorial to Himself, for whom, for what He had suffered. He ever bears us in mind. Make me to remember Thee and forget the creature, O my Lord, otherwise shall forget Thee. 1 Tim. ii. 4-8.

III. Every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him. Rev. i. 7.

To the impenitent they are condemnation,— to those who crucified Him then, to those who crucify Him now with sin,-yet a blessed sight to the redeemed. How shall I then look on Him? 1 John ii. 28.

! We must through

the kingdom of God.

Text.

much tribulation enter into Acts xiv. 22.

For thoughts on the Gospel of the day, see p. 172, &c.

THE MOTHER OF JESUS AFTER THE RESURRECTION.

Read S. John xiv. 18-24.

I. Blessed are all they that wait for Him. Is. xxx. 18.

It is nowhere recorded in Scripture that she went to seek the Lord. "Blessed is she that believed." Her spirit is known by her own words: "Be it unto me according as Thou wilt." She believed; she waited His time. Let us learn from this. S. Luke xxi. 19.

II. He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him. S. John xiv. 21.

It is not said that He manifested Himself to her, as to others. But she knew this blessed promise. She waited to have it accomplished to her as seemed. Him best. If I so loved Him, I too might be sure of His blessed presence. Ib. 23.

III. In the multitude of the sorrows that I had in my heart Thy comforts refreshed my soul. Ps. xciv.

19.

In proportion to the trials she suffered, such, according to God's promises, was her consolation. Such too are the consolations of all His people. In my trials do I seek solace from earth or refreshment from His presence? 2 Cor. i. 7.

Text.

I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. S. John xiv. 18.

THE HOLY WOMEN GO TO THE SEPULCHRE. ⠀'!'

Read S. Luke xxiv. 1.

I. Very early in the morning they came unto the sepulchre, bringing spices. Ib. 1.

Love carried them forward. Follow them in spirit. They expended their substance, devoted their time, rose very early, went fearless of the guards, for love of their Lord. Dost thou love Him? go and do likewise. 1 John iv. 18.

II. Who shall roll us away the stone? S. Mark xvi. 8.

They thought there would be a difficulty, where there proved to be none. Still, as they thought of it, they remembered their own weakness. Do I bear in mind my own insufficiency, and yet in faith go forward. Luke ix. 62; xviii. 1, &c.

S.

III. They saw that the stone was rolled away. Ib. 4.

It was rolled away (S. Matt.) with noise and an earthquake,-so the Divine Providence had prepared the way. He is ever present to those who seek Him, smoothing all difficulties, removing all obstacles. Has He not done so for me? Then let me trust Him. Ps. ix. 10; xli. 1.

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We shall reap if we faint not. Gal. vi. 9.

THE ANGEL INFORMS THEM OF THE RESURRECTION

OF CHRIST.

Read S. Matt. xxviii. 2-6.

I. Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified, Ib. 5.

This was the reason why they need not fear. God sends consolation according to their need to those who seek Him. If I would have His comforts, I must abandon the love of myself, and of all but Jesus. Ps. lxix. 32.

II. He is not here; He is risen, as He said. Ib. 6.

They sought Him in the tomb, among the dead. Where do I seek Him? In earthly comforts? In sensual pleasures? In worldly vanities? Does not conscience and the voice of the Spirit say, "He is not here." 1 Kings

xix. 9.

III. Come, see the place, &c. (Ib. 6.) And they found not the body of the Lord Jesus. S. Luke xxiv, 3. They loved Him; but it was the body they wished to tend; so they found Him not. He must be sought with a pure love. Our desires and intentions must not be mingled with self and earthliness. Are mine? Prov. i. 28, &c.

Text.

Why seek ye the living among the dead. S.

Luke xxiv. 5.

THE WOMEN REPROVED, AND SENT TO TELL THE

DISCIPLES.

Read S. Mark xvi. 5-8.

I. Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth. Ib. 6.

They ought to have received the words of the angel with thankfulness and faith. They were seeking Jesus, but not in the right place nor in the right way. The God of the living will not be found in the tomb.

II. He is risen; He is not here. Ib.

Col. iii. 1.

Here was the proof of His resurrection. Here I may find the test of spiritual life. Am I where I was, in the grave of corruption and sin, in languor, in lifelessness? Or have I passed away from these and risen? S. Matt. viii. 21, 22; Is. xxxviii. 19.

III. Go.. tell His disciples that He is risen from S. Matt. xxviii. 7.

the dead.

What! These who forsook Him and fled. God deals to us the measure of His love, not of our deserts. (Ps. xxv. 7.) Deal so with me, O Lord. Why, then, these fears! (Mark xvi. 8.) Where is faith, hope, love?

18.

Text.

Perfect love casteth out fear. 1 S. John iv.