1 John v. 6. This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
THERE are in the Scriptures, and especially in the history of our blessed Lord, many circumstances recorded, which appear to have been accidental and of no moment, whilst they were in reality ordained of God, and of the utmost importance for the ad- vancement of his glory. For instance, the soldiers
526 l JOHN, V. & [2464.
offering him vinegar upon the cross, and dividing- some of our Lord's clothing, and casting lots for the remainder ; what trifles do these circumstances ap- pear, when compared with all the other events of that day ! Yet by means of them were the most improbable prophecies fulfilled, and the strongest possible testimony given to the Messiahship of Jesus. Another circumstance I will mention as deserving of particular notice, namely, that of the soldier, without any order from his superiors, piercing our Lord with his spear after he was dead. This, as far as respected the soldier, was a mere wanton act either of cruelty or contempt ; of cruelty, if he doubted whether he was not yet alive ; and of contempt, if he believed him to be really dead. But that act of his, whilst it fulfilled a very remarkable prophecy, was productive of consequences which are replete with instruction to the whole world. On his inflicting the wound, there came forth from our Saviour's side both water and blood, not blended together, but in streams visibly distinct from each other. St. John, who was the only Disciple present, took particular notice of this. He saw it with his own eyes : and, in his Gospel, he records it as a most remarkable event, to which he could bear the most assured testimony, and of which he was extremely anxious that every one should be informed : " One of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side : and forthwith came thereout blood and water. And he that saw it bare record ; and his record is true : and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe*." It is to this that the Apostle alludes in the words of our text ; " This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ ; not by water only, but by water and blood :" and the same anxiety does he manifest to impress it deeply on our minds, when he adds, " The Spirit beareth witness to it ; and the Spirit is truth." Let me then, in conformity with his example, call your attention to,
a John xix. 34, 35.