yet liad not courage to confess Him before His crucifixion. We are distinctly told in John xii. 42, that " many of the chief rulers believed, but did not confess Christ, because of the Phar- isees." But the character given of them, that " they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God," is so condemnatory, that we may well doubt whether Joseph was one of these. Want of physical or moral courage was probably the flaw in his character. It is only fair to remember that, as " a rich man and a counsellor," he had far more to sacrifice, and far more opposition to encounter, than poor fishermen or publicans would have. His backwardness to confess Christ cannot of course be defended. But his case teaches us that there is sometimes more spiritual work going on in men's minds than appears. We must not set down every one as utterly graceless and godless, who is not bold and outspoken at present. We must charitably hope that there are some secret disciples, who at present hold their tongues and say nothing, and yet, like Joseph, will one day come forward, and be courageous wit- nesses for Christ. All is not gold that glitters, and all is not dross that now looks dirty and makes no show. We must be charitable and hope on. — His case should also teach us the great power of that mischievous principle, the fear of man. Open sin kills its thousands, but the fear of man its tens of thousands. Let us watch and pray against it. Faith is the grand secret of victory over it. Like Moses, we must ever live as those who " see Him that is invisible." (Heb. xi. 27.) And to faith must be added the expulsive power of a new principle, — the fear of God. " I fear God," said holy Col. Gardiner, " and there is none else that I need fear."
[Besought Pilate.. .take.. .body. ..Jesus.] The conduct of Joseph deserves our praise and admiration, and his name will be held in honor by the Church of Christ, in consequence of it, as long as the world stands. Whatever Joseph was at first, he shone brightly at last. " The last are first " sometimes. Let us see what he did.
(a) Joseph honored Christ, when our Lord's own apostles had forsaken Him. He showed more faith and courage than His nearest and dearest friends.
{b) Joseph honored Christ, when it was a dangerous thing to do Him honor. To come forward and avow respect for one condemned as a malefactor, for one cast out by the High Priests and leaders of the Jews, — to say practically, " I am Christ's friend," was bold indeed. St. Mark particularly says, " He went in boldly unto Pilate " (Mark xv. 43), showing plain- ly that it was an act of uncommon courage.
(c) Joseph honored Christ, when He was a lifeless corpse, and to all appearance could do nothing for Him^ It was not when Jesus was doing miracles and preaching wonderful ser- mons, but when there remained nothing of Him but a dead body, that he came forward and asked leave to bury Him.