and provide a perfect remedy; and view it here:-Christ bowed his head to death for all, and would that all might profit! But not so; they might do, if they would. No insurmountable obstacle forbids, and yet they do not. It is unbelief prevents them. They falsely call themselves believers, when they are not, to any sanctifying purpose. They love their idols,-vanity and worldly lusts. Pleasure, ambition, covetousness, if not grosser sins, absorb their thoughtless hearts: they follow them, and thus reject their Saviour. Who, then, will profit? Art thou one that wilt? If the converting grace of God the Holy Ghost, bequeathed you by your Lord, hath made a deep impression on your soul, quelled your rebellious spirit, turned your oncestubborn heart to Christ, and made you His in love and faith unfeigned—a fruitful faith, displayed and evidenced in precious works of love and holiness, performed not in your own insignificant strength, but through the sanctification which the Holy Spirit has wrought within you,— if you rest on Christ, and look to Him alone for all required for your salvation,-if Christ hath made you free, then are you free indeed-freed from this condemnation. His blood has washed away your sins, and you are saved in Him-preserved by grace, and therefore you will at least look on Him with love and deep compassion. Would that all would look at Him with contrite hearts, and turn to Him, and pray to Him, and truly serve Him, and seek to do His will, and to promote His glory. O may such be ever our aim and our heart's desire! Look at this bruised reed, and in far other sense than Pilate's, say, "Behold the Man!"-the great God-man, who died as man, who lives and reigns as God: whose love for you a perishing sinner, even whilst tied and bound with the chain of your sins, called forth this act of suffering humiliation "He was wounded for your transgressions." Think what the Lord himself hath done for your unworthy soul, and let His love inspire a return of love," let the love of Christ constrain you." And should you also suffer-for how few glide unsuffering down the stream of time !-look at Him, and let the remembrance of His tortured frame, His grief so far beyond your own, repress your grief, and kindle thankfulness. But stop not here; look to the blessed end of every woe which can assail Christ's child, and dry your tears. He suffered agony that you might love Him, turn to Him, repent your sins, and, by His Holy Spirit abiding in you, walk in His ways, keep His commandments, grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Him your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and at length, kept by His grace and mercy secure amidst the storms and temptations of life, and those still more fearful dangers, the assaults of man's relentless and untiring foe, arrive at that much-longed-for haven of rest, bliss, and glory, which he hath prepared for all them that love Him, and look for His appearing, and His glorious kingdom, where He will reign triumphant throughout a blessed eternity, "King of kings, and Lord of lords." But whilst we gaze, let not our truant heart dwell on the painted form, or make an idol of man's work; but let the softened spirit soar aloft to the Eternal Three, the glorious Trinity in Unity, where at the right hand of the Father stands the Son, to mediate for man, a great High Priest, and One accepted; through whom alone the incense of our prayers can reach the footstool of the Eternal Father: there, in the garment of the flesh, He pleads as man for man; and in His glorious Godhead competent, a well-beloved Son, he must and does prevail, and answer faithful humble prayer, whether addressed direct to Him, or through Him to the Father. He sends the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, to cheer and guide, and sanctify His flock,-the souls that cry aloud to Him, and rest on Him for succour, grace, and salvation. Thus does each Person of the Triune God, bear their part in man's Salvation. He who once wept tears of blood for rebel man, shall, in the blessed consummation, wipe away all tears from eyes upturned to Him, and give His children, whom He counts whilst here as part of His own body, rest, and peace, and joy, in His bright and blessed kingdom,-where no sun, or moon, or stars are needed; for there this bleeding Lamb shall be their light,—the Triune God their glory. R. M. THE DYING SAINT. BY THE REV. CHARLES B. TAYLER. REST from my weary way, Rest from this house of clay, Rest, peaceful rest, in the deep silent grave : Rest is my ceaseless prayer, The boon and blessing which my Saviour gave. Fear not-my fears are past. Though life is fleeting fast, The dreaded hour is dreaded now no more : Through God's anointed Son The victory is won, My long and weary pilgrimage is o'er. |