John xviii. 19 — 23. The high-priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort ; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me ? ask them tohich heard me, what I have said unto them : behold, they know tvhat I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers ivhich stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high-priest so ? Jesus answered him, If I have sjwken evil, bear witness of the evil : but if well, why smitest thou me ?
THE Holy Scriptures are generally considered as containing only matter of historic record; whereas in reality, with the difference only of some outward circumstances, they exhibit a faithful picture of all that is passing at this present day, in ourselves, and in the world around us. Religion is the same now as it always was ; and human nature is still the same ; and consequently the operations of religion also are the same, whether in those who hate, or those who embrace, it. In the history before us, we must, doubt- less, primarily regard our blessed Lord as suffering what God in his determinate counsels had ordained him to suffer for the sins of men : but, if we would reap the full benefit from these occurrences, we must view them in their general aspect, as shewing us,
I. How religion is opposed —
Few will admit at all that religion is opposed in the present day : but daily experience proves that it is still, precisely as in former ages, opposed,
1. With inveterate prejudice — [The interrogations put to Jesus by the high-priest had the appearance of candour (for the bitterest enemies of Chris- tianity wish to maintain somewhat of the semblance of justice); but they proceeded from nothing but a desire to elicit some- thing from Jesus which should serve as a ground of accusation against him. This was clearly perceived by our blessed Lord ; arid therefore, instead of suffering himself to be thus ensnared