glory that was to accrue to him from this dark and painful dispensation ? No, by no means ; and therefore he not only acquiesces in the appointment, but even prays, that, whatever he himself might endure, God would glorify his own name.]
This subject is capable of most useful improvement —
1. For the awakening of our fears —
[These sorrows were the just reward of our sins: and every one on whom sin shall be found must sustain them. Go then, ye who make a mock at sin, go follow at your ease the imagina- tions of your own hearts. Ye who think it unnecessary to repent of sin, go on in your impenitence ; but consider, and learn, " if these things were done in the green tree, what shall be done in the dryr?" If the curse due to sin so overwhelmed the Lord of glory himself in the space of one hour, what effect shall it produce on you to all eternity ? Then no supplication can remove, nor any submission mitigate, our anguish. This, this alone, is the time for prayer. If then we would escape the wrath of Almighty God, let us flee instantly to this very Saviour, whose blood can cleanse us from the guilt of sin, and whose grace can rescue us from its dominion.]
2. For the encouraging of our hopes —
[What do we owe to the adorable Saviour, for that, in the hour of his extremity, he did not recede ? But he saved not himself, that he might save us : " He gave up his own life, that he might ransom us ;" and drank, even to the dregs, the cup of bitterness, that he might take it out of our hands for evermore. Let all then rest assured, that the debt once discharged by our great Surety, shall never be required at our hands, provided we believe in him.]
3. For the regulating of our conduct —
[There is no sin in praying for the removal of afflictions, provided we be willing, on the whole, that God's will should be done in preference to our own. But, when we see what the Lord's will is, we must say, " The cup which my Father has given me, shall I not drink it?" We must desire above all things the glory of God : and cheerfully acquiesce in any dispensation, provided God may be honoured by it.]
r Luke xxiii. 31.