Sidor som bilder
PDF
ePub

that day was the preparation, and the Sabbath drew

on.

REFLECTIONS.

It has been well remarked, that one instance of forgiveness at the hour of death is recorded, that we should not despair; but only one, that we should not presume. We can however hardly suppose the man who now spoke, to have been long versed in crime. His faith in his Saviour, at a moment when our Lord's disciples had deserted him, and the victory of his enemies seemed complete, is an evidence almost conclusive to the contrary. Jesus, ever full of compassion, could, even at that awful moment, feel for his fellow-sufferer, though a robber. Though extended on the cross, in the deepest agony, he had not lost either the power or the will to bless. He could still give a word of kindness and hope, a gracious promise to the humble petitioner.

But the struggle soon closed, and the Saviour of the world sunk in death, murdered by those whom he came to bless. Follower of Jesus, he died that you might live. Thoughtless neglecter of his religion, he died for you; and how will you free yourself from the reproach of ingratitude? If we had stood near his cross, and witnessed the final scene, could we ever obliterate the impression? Could we forbear to love and obey him? And now, though intervening centuries have weakened in some res

pects, the impression of his death, they have developed more fully its influence on the world. To the dying love of Jesus we owe the blessings of education, refinement, morals, religion. Are we, then, uninterested in the great event? Oh let us give our hearts to him who gave his life for us.

HYMN.

In the Saviour's hour of death,
Bound upon the cross of fear,
While his quick and struggling breath
Spoke the fatal moment near;
Then his glance a felon turn'd,
Suffering at the sufferer's side,
And the grace which others spurn'd
Sought in prayer, and found, and died.
Sighs of parting anguish came

From the Saviour's labouring breast;
But though torture thrill'd his frame,
He could yield the afflicted rest;
And a transient, heavenly smile
Beam'd upon his pallid face,
As his anguish, for a while,
Gave to love and pity place.

Matchless love, supreme in death!
Pity, in affliction shown!

Be their praise o'er earth beneath,
And through heavenly regions known;

Men their grateful songs shall swell, For their Saviour's love divine;

In our hearts his spirit dwell,

In our lives his influence shine.

PART VIII.

TO THE ASCENSION OF JESUS.

SECTION XLVII.

THE RESURRECTION.

JOHN XX.

THE first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre ; and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together; and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he, stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped up together in a place by itself. Then went in

also that other disciple which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping. And as she wept, she stooped down and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing; and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell we where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to my God and your God. Mary Magdalene came, and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

« FöregåendeFortsätt »