3. Let us, whatever talents we possess, improve them for the Lord —
[Doubtless Joseph and Nicodemus felt, that on this occasion they could exert an influence which others did not possess : and they did well, in improving it for the Lord. Now, all of us, in our respective situations, have influence of some kind : and, whatever it be, let us use it diligently, for the honour of our God. There are times and seasons which we should seize ; lest, by delay, they pass away, and our opportunity for serving God be lost for ever. Had Esther not promptly followed the advice of Mordecai, in going, at the peril of her life, to Ahasuerus, the whole nation of the Jews had perished. She was the only person that, humanly speaking, could interpose with effect: and God signally blessed her pious exertions. Let us, also, watch the calls of Providence, and every one of us, according to our ability, discharge the duties that lie before us. And, if a momentary fear arise in our hearts, let us, with Moses, " esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypty;" and, with the Apostle Paul, account martyrdom itself a ground of self-congratulation and of holy joy z.]
v Heb. xi. 26. z Phil. ii. 17.
John xx. 8, 9. Then went in also that other disciple, ivhich came first to the sepulchre, and he saiv, and believed. For as yet they knew not the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
ON this day was fulfilled that prophecy, which is so often quoted in the New Testament, " The stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner." Yes, " this is the day which the Lord has made ; we will rejoice and be glad in ita." It is true, the arrival of it in the first instance afforded no satisfaction either to the friends or ene- mies of our Lord. The earthquake that attended his resurrection filled the soldiers with consternation and dismay ; insomuch that, when they saw " the angel who rolled away the stone from his sepulchre, they
* Ps. cxviii. 22—24.