LIBRARY (T ho o Uni ic a 1 Seminary, BT 201 7b9 1842 ' Burns, Jabez, 1805-1876. The Christian's daily portion, or golden pot of The John M* Krebs Donation. 1 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2019 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library https://archive.org/details/christiansdailypOOburn the CHRISTIAN’S DAILY PORTION, OR GOLDEN POT OF MANNA: CONTAINING THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE EXERCISES ON THE PERSON, OFFICES, WORKS, AND GLORY OF THE REDEEMER, B Y J. B U R N S , MINISTER OF AS NON CHAPEL, ST. MARYLEBONE, Author of “ Youthful Piety,” 8{c., Sfc. Wherein was the Golden Pot that had Manna. — Ileb. ix. 4. Christ is all and in all. — Col. iii. 11. FOURTH EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. LONDON: J. H. STAR IE, 166, HIGH HOT. BORN. 1843. K, STATUE, PRINTER, 166, HIGH IIOLBORN. ADVERTISEMENT. The title of tnis work sufficiently indicates the use for which it is intended. Often has the writer been greatly refreshed and edified by works of a similar description; and it occurred to him, that a series of short exercises, on the person and work of Christ, would not fail to be acceptable and useful to the humble and devout believer. The author has endeavored to condense his thoughts as mucn as possible, so as to leave room for the reader’s extended reflections. And he thinks it scarcely possible for the mind to dwell on some subject di¬ rectly connected with Christ, every day in the year, without an increase of faith and love being the happy result. If the work should tend in any degree to exalt and magnify the Saviour, and lead his disciples to a more extended knowledge of his unrivalled glories, and to a more experimental acquaintance with his unspeakable benefits, the author will con¬ sider the end contemplated in its publication amply realised. 3, St. John's Hood Grove, June 12 th, 1837. CONTENTS, 11 12 13 14 15 1 6 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 JANUARY Christ the Alpha ...... Godhead of Jesus . Omnipotence of Christ .... Omniscience of Christ .... Omnipresence of Christ .... Eternal Immutability of Christ God’s name in Christ . . . , Christ the Creator of Worlds Christ the Universal Ruler .... Chi'ist’s proper Humanity Sinlessness of Christ . . . : , Prophetic Testimonies concerning Christ Part II. ...... Christ the Woman’s conquering Seed Christ the Shiloh ..... Christ the Gatherer of his People Christ the Second Adam Noah a type of Christ .... Jesus the true Melchisedec .... Resemblance between Isaac and Christ Joseph and Christ compared Christ a Star ... . . Christ like unto Moses .... Part II. ...... Joshua a Type of the Redeemer . David a Type of Christ .... Christ a Redeemer ..... Part II. ..... Christ a Living Redeemer .... Christ standing in the latter day upon the Earth The name Jesus given . FEBRUARY. 1 Part II. ••••„•• 2 Part III ..... 3 The Birth of Jesus ...... 4 Angelic Song at the Birth of Jesus 5 Visit of the Eastern Magii .... 6 Offerings of the Wise Men to Jesus 7 Presentation of Jesus ..... 8 Christ in the Arms of Simeon . 9 Christ among the Doctors .... 10 Part II. ....... 11 Christ about his Father’s business 12 Baptism of Jesus . . 13 Part II. . • • • • * • Page. . 3 5 . 6 8 . 9 11 . 12 14 . 15 17 19 21 . 22 24 . 26 28 . 30 31 . 33 35 . 37 39 . 40 42 . 44 46 . 47 49 . 50 52 . 54 56 58 59 61 63 65 66 68 70 72 74 75 7/ CONTENTS. Feb Page. 14 The Anointing of Jesus .... • . 79 15 Part II. ..... 80 16 The Temptation of Christ .... • . 81 17 Part II. ..... • • 83 18 Part III. ...;.. • . 85 19 Angels ministering to Christ • 87 20 Christ in the Synagogue .... • . 89 21 Christ’s First Text .... • • 90 22 Part II. . • . 92 23 Part III. ...... • • 94 24 Part IV . • 95 25 Christ’s Benevolent Life .... • . 97 26 Christ a Servant ..... 99 27 Christ the Friend of Publicans and Sinners . . 100 28 Christ the Light of the World MARCH. • • 102 1 Christ the Life of Men * • 104 2 The Zeal of Christ ..... 106 3 The Tenderness of Christ .... . 107 4 Christ rejected of Men .... 109 5 The Sufferings of Christ .... . 110 6 Part II. ...... 112 7 The Betrayal of Christ .... The Lord’s Supper ..... . 114 8 116 9 Christ in the Garden . *; , . 118 10 Christ’s Agony . . . ... 120 11 Part II. ..... . 122 12 Part III, ...... 124 13 Christ’s Prayer . . . ' . ‘ . . 126 14 Apprehension of Christ . . . . . 128 15 Christ healing the Ear of Malchus Desertion of Christ .... . 129 16 . 131 17 The Trial of Christ . . . . . 132 18 Indignities offered to Jesus on his Trial . 134 19 Peter’s Denial of Christ . . . . 136 20 Part II. t ...... . 137 21 The Saviour before Pilate . . . . 139 22 The Saviour’s Trial before Pilate . . . 141 23 Christ’s Examination before Pilate . 143 24 Jesus in the Court of Herod . . . 144 25 Barabbas preferred to Christ . . . . 146 26 Pilate’s Attempt to clear himself from Christ’s blood . 148 27 Blood of Jesus Imprecated by the Jews . 150 28 Part II. . 151 29 The Scourging of Jesus .... 152 30 Jesus derided and mocked . 154 31 Part II . 156 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 CONTENTS APRIL. Jesus brought forth „ . . . . . .157 Christ bearing his cross . 159 The Place of Christ’s death . . . . .160 The manner of Christ’s death . . . . 162 Jesus mocked and reviled on the cross . . .163 The Saviour of others not able to save himself . 165 Part II . 166 Christ’s affectionate concern for his Mother . . 168 Christ's Garments divided . . . . .170 Christ’s seamless vesture . . . . . 171 Christ and the penitent malefactor . . . .173 Part II. . . . . . . . . 174 Christ’s reply to the dying Malefactor . . .176 Earthquake at Christ’s death . . . . . 178 Christ’s prayer for his Murderers . . . .179 Christ forsaken of his Father .... 181 Christ’s Thirst . ,182 Christ’s triumphant exclamation .... 184 Part II. " . 186 Jesus commending his Spirit into the hands of his Christ’s pierced side ..... Pait II. . ..... The Rent Veil . Part II. .... Darkness at Christ’s death The Centurion’s testimony .... Part II, ....... Interment of Jesus ..... The Sepulchre secured ..... Earthquake at Christ’s Resurrection . Father 187 189 190 192 193 194 196 197 199 200 202 MAY. Christ’s Resurrection . 203 Part II. ....... • 205 Part III. ....... 206 Part IV . 207 Part V. ....... . 210 Part VI. . . . 212 Christ’s wounded Hands and Side . • . . 213 Part II . 215 Christ’s Question to Peter . 216 Ascension of Christ . . . • • • .218 Part II. . . • .219 Part HI. . • • • • • .221 Part IV . 223 Cbxist our Helper ....... 22 Part II. . ♦ • • 226 CONTENTS. May. Page. 16 Christ a Prophet. • • 228 17 Part II. . . . 229 18 Part III ... • • 234 19 Christ the true Tabernacle 233 20 Part II. ... • • 234 21 Christ the Foundation 236 22 Part 11. • 237 23 Part III. ... 239 24 Kingship of Jesus • • 240 25 Part 11. . . . 242 26 PartHI. .... • • 243 27 Christ typified by Jacob’s Ladder 245 28 Christ at the Marriage of Canaan • • 247 29 Christ’s First Miracle 248 30 Christ’s Relatives • • 250 31 Christ a Surety 254 JUNE. 1 Christ the Angel of the Lord • • 253 2 Christ the Pearl of Great Price • 255 3 Part II. ... • • 257 4 Christ raising the Ruler’s Daughter 258 5 Christ raising the Daughter of Jairus • 260 6 Christ a Lawgiver . • 261 7 Christ a Physician • • 263 8 Part 11. . • 264 9 Part III. • 266 10 Christ a Leader • 268 11 Part II. • • 269 12 Christ the City of Refuge • 271 13 Part 11. • • 272 14 Part 111. . . * # 274 15 Christ Immanuel • • 276 16 Christ the Head of the Church • 277 17 Part 11 . • • 279 18 Christ cleansing the Leper . • 280 19 Part 11. • • 282 20 Christ restoring the Withered Hand 283 21 Christ raising the Widow’s Son • • 285 22 Part 11. . . . • 286 23 The Winds and Waves subject to Christ • 288 24 Part 11 . • 289 25 Christ the Plant of Renown • 291 26 Part II . •- 292 27 Part 111. • • 294 28 Part IV. ... • 295 29 Christ the Desire of all Nations . • • 297 30 Part 11 . • • 298 JULY. JULY 1 2 3 4 5 G 8 9 JO 11 12 13 14 15 1G 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jesus the keeper of Lis people .... Christ our wisdom , » Christ our Righteousness .... Christ our Sanctification . , Christ our Redemption . . . Christ the Refiner . . . „ . Part II . Christ in the house of Simon . Christ restoring the impotent man Christ’s important question Christ feeding the five thousand Part IL ..... Part III. . Christ’s Lesson of frugality Part II . Christ’s Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes applied Christ the Captain of salvation Part II. Christ the Sun of righteousness Part II. ..... Part III. ...... Christ restoring Bartimeus .... Part II. . Part III . The Scape Goat a type of Christ Part II. Christ healing the Blind and Dumb Demoniac Christ blessing little children 1 ai t II. ....... Christ the Door ...... Part II. ...... AUGUST. 1 Part III . 2 Christ curing the man born blind 3 Part II. ..... 4 The confession of the man that was born blind . 5 Suffering for the testimony of Christ G Jesus the good Shepherd . . . . 7 Pa^t II* ... ... 8 Christ fairer than the sons of men 9 Priesthood of Christ . . . . . ' 10 Part II. ....... 1 1 Christ a great High Priest .... 12 Part II. 13 Part III. ...... 14 ' PartIV. . . PA OK . 301 . 302 . 304 . 306 307 . 303 311' . 312 314 . 316 317 . 319 320 . 322 323 • 325 326 • 328 330 • 331 333 • 334 336 • 338 339 • 341 342 • 344 345 • 347 343 • 350 352 • 353 353 • 357 359 • 360 362 • 364 365 0 367 369 • 370 372. CONTENTS. A PO PAG0 15 Christ the smitten rock. . 374 1C Part IF. . 376 17 Partlll. . 377 18 Christ our rock of supplies . . . . . 376 19 Christ our passover . . . . . . .381 20 Part II . 383 21 Part III. . 385 22 Jesus the Highest . . 387 23 Part II . 388 24 Christ' calling Matthew ...... 390 25 Christ’s attachment to the family of Bethany . .391 26 Christ’s bereaved Friends ..... 393 27 Christ weeping at the tomb of Lazarus . . . 395 28 Christ typified by the Brazen Serpent . . . 397 29 Part II . 399 30 Part III. ....... 401 31 Christ at Jacob’s well . 402 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 25* 26 27 28 29 SEPTEMBER. Christ and the woman of Samaria . Christ offering the waters of salvation Part II. Christ the Consolation of Israel .... Part II. ...... Jesus a Vine . . . Jesus the Bishop of souls ..... Part II. ...... Jesus the Lion of the tribe of Judah Transfiguration of Christ .... Part II. ...*.. Part III . Part IV. ....... Part V. ...... Part VI . . Peter’s Transport at Christ’s Transfiguration . Peter’s proposal to build tabernacles for Moses, and Christ . Jesus our hope ....... Christ raising Lazarus ..... The resurrection of Lazarus improved . Christ washing his disciples feet Christ the way ....... Part II. . . . . . *. Christ the Wonderful . Part II. . . « . . . Partlif. ....... Part IV. ...... Christ the Counsellor » . . * . Part II. ..«••* Jesus the Mighty frod . • . # • Elias, 404 406 407 409 410 412 414 415 417 418 420 421 423 425 426 428 430 432 434 435 437 439 440 442 444 415 417 448 450 452 1 o SF. PT 30 Christ the everlasting Father . OCTOBER. Jesus the Prince of Peace . Part II. ... 3 Christ a Testator 4 Part II. . 5 Christ a Friend . . 6 Part II. 7 Christ our Garment . 8 Christ our Forerunner • 9 Christ the end of the law . 10 Christ the object of Faith 11 Part II. 12 Evidences of Faith in Christ . 13 Part II. 14 Solomon a type of Christ 15 Jesus the Truth 16 Part II. ... 17 Christ a Portion 18 Part II. ... 19 Part III. 20 Christ a Fountain . 21 Part II . 22 Part III 23 Christ an Altar 24 Part II. . 25 Christ the Author and Finisher of our Faith 26 Christ an Ensign . 27 Jesus the strength of his people 28 Part II. 29 Christ our song ...... 30 Part II. 31 PartHI. NOVEMBER. PA G E 453 455 457 458 459 461 462 464 465 467 468 469 471 472 474 475 477 478 480 481 483 484 485 487 488 490 491 493 494 496 498 499 1 Jesus our Salvation 2 Jesus our Master 3 Christ typified by the Ark 4 Preciousness of Christ 5 Part II. 6 Part III. 7 Part IV. 8 Part V. . 9 Part VI. 10 Jesus, a Priest upon his Throne 11 Part II. 12 Christ the rose of Sharon 13 Christ the mystery of godliness J4 Part II. . % i 501 * 502 504 * 505 507 * 508 509 * 511 512 * 514 515 * 516 518 51$ CONTENTS K'OV P.A G R 15 Christ justified in the Spirit • • 521 • 16 Jesus seen of Angels • • 523 • 17 Christ preached unto the Gentiles « 524 • 18 Christ believed upon in the world « * 526 19 Christ received into glory • * 528 20 Christ the eternal life • . * 530 21 Part 11. , • • . 531 22 Christ a Divine Teacher • • 533 23 Parti I. • . 534 24 Part III . . 536 25 Part IV. .... • • . 538 26 Part V. 539 27 Part VI. .... • • . 541 28 Christ’s odoriferous name 542 29 Christ’s favored disciple • • > 544 30 Christ the King in his beauty DECEMBER. • • . 546 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 .30 31 Christ our Example ... . . • Part II. Part III. • Part IV. Love to Christ . . . • . Part II. Part 111 . Part IV. Christ the tree of life . . . . Part II. Christ the First Fruits . Part II. Christ typified by the Golden Pot of Manna Part II. Part III. ..... Part IV. Jesus all and in all Part II. Part III. . Part IV. P art V . ..... Part VI. Part VII. . . . . • Part VIII. Christ’s Nativity . Christ’s Work Finished Part 1/ . r 4 j • Christ our Judge . 7 Part II. . . • o « Part 111. . . . . • Christ, the Qmeg i . • • -d • • • • * 547 549 550 552 553 555 556 558 559 561 562 564 565 567 568 570 571 573 574 576 577 579 580 581 583 554 586 587 589 590 59 i THE GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, &c. January 1. CHRIST THE ALPHA. I am Alpha, (i. e. The Beginning.) — Rev. i. 8. How important to have right views of the blessed Redeemer. How desirable to understand his true character, so that our souls may be captivated with his glories, and that all our affections and desires may centre in him. The holy scriptures are ad¬ mirably adapted to effect this. There he is exhi¬ bited in all his dignity, loveliness, and beauty. Of the system of revelation, he is the great centre, the glorious orb of light, and life, and glory. He says, “I am Alpha.’* As that letter is the first of the Greek Alphabet, so he is the first letter in the Al¬ phabet of all true and saving knowledge. Christ is the Alpha of all the Divine Purposes and Coun¬ sels, respecting our world’s salvation. The eternal design or purpose of God, to redeem the world, “was made in Christ.” (Eph. iii. 11. See also Eph. i. 4., 2 Tim. i. 9.) Jesus is the Alpha of all the rich and precious promises. The first announce¬ ment of divine clemency referred to the Messiah, as the woman’s glorious conquering seed. (Gen. iii. 15.) And all succeeding promises were made in E 4 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, and through him. <£A11 the promises of God in him.” (2 Cor. i. 20.) He is the Alpha of all the blessings and privileges of salvation. Before a ray of hope could visit our world, Christ must be pro spectively given by the Father. All mercy rests o* him as its only foundation. He redeemed mar. from going down to the pit. He satisfied all the honourable claims of the divine law. He shed his blood as a true sacrifice for guilt. He overcame all the adversaries of himself and the human family ; conquered death, opened a passage through the tomb, and has exalted human nature, by placing it on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hence we have pardon, gracious acceptance, adoption, peace, entire sanctification, and eternal life in his name. Ought not Christ to be the Preacher’s Alpha ; the first in every sermon, the leading theme in every discourse ? The Worshippers’ Alpha • the first object in praise, meditation, and prayer ? The Christian’s daily Alpha; our first thoughts should ascend to him. He should possess our first affections, and always be to us the chiefest of ten thousand, yea the altogether lovely. Let Christ’s glory always be first sought, and his fa¬ vour be the constant subject of our solicitude and desires. “ I am the first, and I the last. Time centres all in me ; The mighty God, who was and is. And shall for ever be.” 5 ur Christian’s portion. Jan. 2. GODHEAD OF JESUS. Who is over all, God blessed for ever, Amen. --Rom. ix. 5. A more sublime sentence, the Word of God does not contain. And as it is obviously applied to the Redeemer, his supreme Godhead is clearly estab¬ lished. To apply these words to any creature, however glorious and exalted, would be blasphemy itself. It is impossible to account for that darkness which pervades the minds of many on this great momentous subject. What idea of divinity is not here exhibited? “Who is God.” Yea he thought it not robbery to be equal with God. The Father speaking to him, says, “Thy throne O God,” (Heb. i. 8.) “God over all;” not a subordinate Deity, not a mere delegated God, but over all, over all creatures on earth; over all Angels, principalities, and thrones in heaven. Over all, so that there is none over him. He is the “ Most High.” (compare Ps. lxxviii. 17. 1 Cor. x. 9.) He is God over all “ for evermore.” He is the immutable Jehovah, and changes not, from everlasting to everlasting, God. The same yesterday, to day, and for ever. (Heb. xiii. 8.) He is over all, God “blessed” for evermore. He is infinitely happy and blessed in himself. Fountain of his own felicity. He has light and life in himself. And he is the object of everlasting blessedness. All the hosts of heaven bless him ; all the glorified saints bless him. And 0 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, the completed family of heaven, will render to him “ power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing, for ever and ever.” (Rev. v. 13.) How great are the Saviour’s claims. He claims our reverence — our adoration — our trust — our supreme love — our highest praises — our entire selves. How solid is the foundation of the Church. It rests upon the power of the unchanging Rock of Ages. How futile the attacks of foes ; the gates of hell can never prevail against it. How se¬ cure the basis of the believing sinner’s hope. The Lord is our Redeemer; Jehovah of hosts is his name. How fearful an adversary, to the ungodly and impenitent sinner. The greatest horror that will seize the ungodly in the great day, will arise from the display of the wrath of the Lamb. “ Brightness of th’ eternal glory. Image of our God exprest, Jesus, let thy works adore thee, God supreme, for ever blest.” Jan. 3. OMNIPOTENCE OF CHRIST. The Almighty. — Rev. i. 8. It is very manifest from the Divine Word, that Omnipotence, or Almighty power, is attributed to Christ. The Evangelical prophet styles him, the ,, Mighty God.” (Is. ix. 6.) The Apostle states, or Christian’s portion. 7 that he is “able to subdue all things unto himself.” (Phil. iii. 21.) All power is invested in his hands. (Matt, xxviii. 18.) He upholdeth all things, (even) by the word of his power. (Heb. i. 3.) Hence the Apostle, unable to find language adequate to the subject, refers us to “the exceeding greatness of his power.” (Eph. i. 19. Read also Rev. xi. 17. Is. xlix. 26.) Christ’s Almighty power was display¬ ed in Creation, when by his Omnific fiat, he spake the world into being. (Col. i. 16.) It is displayed in the natural preservation and moral government of all things; “for by him all things consist.” (Col. i. 17.) It is displayed in the unrivalled achieve¬ ments of redemption ; for “ It was great to speak a world from nought. But greater to redeem.” It was displayed in the great and sublime miracles he wrought, when by his all powerful command, lepers were healed, demons v7ere expelled, and the dead were raised. It was displayed in his own glo¬ rious resurrection ; whereby he spoiled death, and showred that he had power to lay down his life, and power to take it up again. It will be again dis¬ played with inconceivable magnificence and glory, when he shall raise the sleeping dust of the myriads of mankind, in the resurrection of the last day. What a stronghold is Christ in the day of trouble ! With what confidence may we rest on this founda- 8 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, tion. As the Almighty Saviour, he is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him. Jan. 4. THE OMNISCIENCE OF CHRIST. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom aud know¬ ledge. — Col. iii. 4. Of whom speaks the Apostle ? It will be seen by referring to the preceding verse that he is speaking of Christ. That in Christ, wisdom and knowledge are deposited. More wisdom and know¬ ledge than dwells in the highest angel that worships oefore the throne. Even “all the treasures” of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ. As the waters are in the channels of the mighty deep, and as the sun is the great source of light, so all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ. Whatever knowledge or wisdom angels or men pos¬ sess, it flows from this ocean, it is communicated from this sun. If all wisdom and knowledge are in Christ, it is obvious that there cannot be a ray of light in any creature but what has emanated from him. Hence he said “I am the light of the world.” (John viii. 12.) The apostle says, that he is both the “ power and the wisdom of God.” (Cor. i. 24.) The heavenly host also ascribe “wis¬ dom” unto the Lamb that was slain. (Rev. v. 12.) Peter appealed to him and said “ Lord thou know- est all things” (John xxi. 17.) On several occasions OR CHRISTIAN S PORTION. 9 he detected the hypocrisy of the pharisees, because he knew their thoughts, “for he needed not that any should testify of man, for he knew what was in man.” (John ii. 25.) When he wanted tribute money, he knew what fish would yield it, — when he Wanted to make his entry into Jerusalem, he knew jvhere the colt was to be found, — when he desired 60 eat the passover, he knew what person would grant him his guest chamber, — he knew who would betray him, — he knew how Peter would deny him, and the other disciples forsake him and flee. In short, “ in him were hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Without Omniscience, he could not rule the world, or govern his Church ; without this, he could not judge all hearts at the last day. How consoling to the disciple in temptation, distre ss or when under calumny or reproach, that Christ knoweth how to succour his people, and will vindi¬ cate all his followers at the last day. Jan . 5. OMNIPRESENCE OF CHRIST. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven , even the Son of Man who is in heaven . — John iii. 13. In this striking passage both the immensity and omnipresence of Christ are declared. He af¬ firms that notwithstanding he was known upon the earth, and conversing with one of its inhabi- 10 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, tants, yet he was at the very same instant in heaven. Jesus as the divine Lord, fills heaven and earth with his presence and glory. He is “all and in all.” (Col. iii. 11.) “He filleth all in all.” (Ep. i. 23.) He is “Lord over all.” (Rom. x. 12.) It is said also that he hath ascended, “that he might fill all things .” (Ep. iv. 10.) It is impossible for language to express more fully the immensity and omnipre¬ sence of Christ. When he sent forth his disciples to preach the gospel to every creature, he pledged himself to be “with them ahvays, even unto the end of the world.” (Mat. xxviii. 20.) However opposite their spheres of labours, however separated over the surface of the earth, however distant from each other, Christ engaged to be with each of them and all of them, and always , even unto the end of the world. In reference also to his worshipping people, he has promiseu “wherever two or three are met together in his name, to be in the midst of them.” (Mat. xviii. 20.) What a cheering and blessed doctrine is this, to the friends of Christ ! At home or abroad, by day or night, in health, or sickness, among friends or enemies, living or dying, they have the presence of Christ ! What a powerful stimulus to ministerial courage and hope ! Christ is with them, to qualify, to direct, and to succeed all their labours. Should it not also incite us to cul¬ tivate all the graces of the spirit and always to act and think, and speak, as in Christ’s holy and observ¬ ing presence. ok Christian’s portion. 11 Jan. 6. THE ETERNAL IMMUTABILITY OF CHRIST. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to day, and for ever.—~ Heb. xiii. 8. The terms yesterday, to day, and for ever, ob¬ viously comprehend all duration, past, present, and future. And when it is stated that Christ is the same in reference to these, then his eternal im¬ mutability is clearly established. What created spirit could lay the least possible claim to these words without arrogating, what justly and essen¬ tially belongs to the supreme and blessed God? But Christ himself stated to the Jews “before Abraham was, I am” (John viii. 58.) Here the very terms involving self-existence and unchange¬ ableness are adopted by Christ in reference to him¬ self. Admitting the doctrine of Christ’s deity, we see no difficulty in these passages. But denying that doctrine the subject is involved in complete mystery. We feel persuaded then with Peter, whatever diversity of opinion may exist “that he is the Son of the most high God,” and possesses every attribute and glory of the Father, and as such that “he is the same yesterday,” &c. He is so in the glorious constitution of his person, —in his illustrious attributes and perfections, — in the intensity and affection of his regards, — in the objects of his ap¬ probation and delight. — His mind varies not,— his 12 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, heart undergoes no change, — his plans and designs are never altered or frustrated, — he is ever of one mind, “the same yesterday, to day, and for ever.” As such he is ever ready to hear and bless his people. Ever the same to succour, support, and save. Our interests will never be neglected. Our confidence can never be misplaced. Our hopes can never be cut off. The believing soul can never be lost. “ I know that safe with him remains. Protected by his power. What Pve committed to his trust ; ’Till the decisive hour.” Jan. 7. GOD’S NAME IN CHRIST. For my name is in him. — Exod. xxiii. 21. It is quite clear that the Angel spoken of in this passage was none other than the blessed Son of God. We do not see how the language would at all apply to any inferior intelligence. To Jesus the passage obviously belongs. God’s name in all its glory and divinity, God’s essential name, Jehovah, is repeatedly applied to Christ, (compare Exod. xvii. 7. with 1 Cor. x. 9.) Isaiah beheld “Jehovah of hosts.” (Isa. vi. 5.) which, from John xii. 39, was none other than the Redeemer. So again, he cries out “prepare ye the way of the Lord, make or Christian’s portion. 13 straight in the desert, a highway for our God.” (Is. xl. 3, 9, 10. also Luke iii. 4.) Jeremiah also predicting Messiah’s advent and reign, says “And this is the name whereby he shall be called, the lord our Righteousness.” (Jer. xxiii. 5, 6. see also xxxiii. 15. 16.) The glorious and divine name of God is also in Christ. The Father addressing his Son, says “thy throne O God is for ever and ever !” (Ps. xlv. 6. Heb. i. 8.) So also by the mouth of Isaiah he says “ Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.” (Is. xlv.22.) “ Indeed he is called the living and true God” (1 John v. 20.) “The great and mighty God” (Is. ix. 6. Tit. ii. 13.) “The only wise God” (Jude iv. 25.) “The God of glory.” (Acts vii. 2.) “God over all, blessed for ever.” (Rom. ix. 5.) It is quite clear, that in the holy scriptures the most illustrious names of God are in Christ. And that it is expected we should honour the Son, even as we honour the Father. He is not to have an inferior place in our estimation and confidence, and love ; but we are to esteem, trust, and supremely to love Christ, as our Lord and our God. What glory does his divinity shed around the redeeming plan ! What solid ground of hope, it places before the anxious enquiring sinner, and what motives of joy and triumph does it furnish to all hi? believing people. 14 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, Jan. 8. CHRIST THE CREATOR OF WORLDS. For by Him were all things created. — Col. i. 16. Creation in all the wisdom, power, and goodness involved in it, belongs to Christ. The worlds were made by the Son of God. All things, from the most minute to the most sublime, were made by him, and without him, was not any thing made that was made. Not only did he chase away the chaotic gloom from this our wTorld, and cause light, life, and harmony to be manifest; but the higher worlds, with all their illustrious orders of inhabi¬ tants, “whether they be thrones, or domini 3ns, or principalities, or powers, all things were created by him and for him.” It was Christ’s almighty voice that brought into being the Sun with all the lights of the Solar System. By his voice the channels of the sea were formed, and the waters of the ocean were gathered together His hand stretched out the heavens as a curtain, and his voice gave to uni¬ versal nature, her fixed primary laws. Christ’s creating energy extends to all creatures and all worlds. Wherever there is matter, animate, or in¬ animate, wherever there is mind, distinct from, or united to material form; existence in all its un¬ numbered varied forms, is the production of Christ. “One Almighty energetic Being produced all things, and that Being, was Christ, (Heb. i. 2. or Christian’s portion. 15 Ep. iii. 9. John LI.) How glorious is the Lord Jesus in his works. Infinitely happy in himself, yet moved by his own unbounded goodness, he employed his illustrious perfections in forming crea¬ tures to reflect his image, and to participate of his exhaustless felicity. Hence every creating act made way, for the outgoings of his bounty, and the com¬ munications of his love. * “ The word, the uncreated son. When finite things began to be Existing, God with God alone. Thou wast from all eternity ! There in thy Father’s bosom laid. Ineffably, the joy of him. Thou wast before the worlds were made, God, independent and supreme.” Jan. 9. CHRIST THE UNIVERSAL RULER. Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. — Rev. xvii. 14. As there was one First Great Cause of all things, so there is also one Universal Ruler, who directeth and preserveth all things. This universal dominion belongs to Christ : — he reigns over all ; — he is possessed of boundless authority — not only are all things on earth subject to his controul, but all things in heaven ; — his reign extends over all worlds 16 GOLDEN TOT OF MANNA, — “ He is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings ” — (( By him all things consist” and “ He uphold- eth all things by the Word of his power.” It is evident from these passages that all dominion and authority, and glory are invested in Christ. Here then we perceive, that all his divine perfections wih be in requisition to effect his purposes and to execute his plans. What a word of power is that, on which all things hang! By his woM the whole of the or¬ ders of the heavenly hierarchy are ruled, directed, and preserved. By the same word an infinitude of worlds are rolled onward in the immensity of space, without collision, jarring, or confusion. All the higher order of intelligences, who have their as¬ signed dominions, are subordinate to Christ; his throne is infinitely higher than theirs, and before him cherubim and seraphim prostrate themselves, “ And crown him Lord of all.” All the inhabi¬ tants of the earth are in like manner at his dispo¬ sal. Empires rise or fall at his pleasure. By him kings are deposed, and beggars exalted to sit with the princes of his people. He maketh the wrath of man to praise him, or he restrains it at his pleasure. Hell in all its gloomy extent, and Devils, notwith¬ standing all their power and malignity, tremble be¬ fore him. He limits the sphere of their influence. He stays their hellish fury and violence, and he will finally bind their Prince and consign him through endless ages to that dark abyss originally prepared for thin and his Angels. How desirable to be interee- or Christian’s portion. 17 ted in the favor of this glorious Ruler ! Who would not fear him? Trust in him! Why should his people despond? Why be anxious and fearful about Zion’s ultimate triumph ? Never let it be forgot¬ ten that the Saviour of the world, and the head of the church, has written upon his vesture and upon his thigh, “ King of Kings and Lord of Lords. ” Jan . 10. CHRIST’S PROPER HUMANITY. Made of a Woman. — Gal. iv. 4. In contemplating the Divine perfections attribu¬ ted to Jesus, we feel that we are in the presence of proper and essential Deity, and exclaim, 66 This is the true God and Eternal Life.” But as the Sa¬ viour of the world, we are called likewise to contem¬ plate his inferior nature; for the Godhead no man hath seen or can see. Jesus was seen and heard, so that it is manifest, that the Divinity was enshrin¬ ed in that which men could behold. It has been conjectured by many, that Angels are clad in some refined aerial, material vehicles, that they possess a sort of spiritual body. Be this as it may, we know that the Son of God tabernacled among us, and that tabernacle was formed of human flesh. While he was therefore truly and properly God with God, he was as truly and properly, man witn man. In the language of the Apostle, “ He was made of a 18 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, Woman.” Mary the espoused wife of Joseph, was his mother. She was the highly favoured of the Lord ; the chosen vessel to conceive and bring forth the Saviour of the world. He was really and truly fashioned of her flesh ; he had all the constituent parts of humanity, with all its weaknesses and infir¬ mities, yet without sin. Though made of a woman, yet that woman was a virgin, and the conception was produced by the mysterious overshadowing of the Holy Ghost. (Luke i. 35.) As man, Christ was possessed of a reasonable soul. He possessed all the qualities, mental and moral, which belong to human nature ; so that he was made “ in all things like unto his brethren.” (Heb. ii. 17.) Who can adequately conceive of the condescension of Christ, in thus assuming the nature of man ? Had he veil'd himself in a seraph’s form, it would have been an act of amazing condescension ; but he stooped lower than this, he became the brother of man, man who had lost the divine image, and thrown off his au¬ thority ; yet he assimilated himself to this creature’s likeness, and was found in fashion as a man. An¬ gels have attempted to fathom this profound mys¬ tery, but are not able. How has God exalted our species in this astounding act ! Here we are raised above angels, for Christ took not upon him their na¬ ture, but ours. In this assumption of human nature, Christ became the kinsman of every child of man. Adam’s varied family, in all its lengths and breadths, are united in one brotherhood with the Incarnate or Christian’s portion. 19 Son of God. The subject loudly demands our nighest wonder, love, and praise ; and should induce as to seek after a complete conformity to his likeness, who, though God over all, yet for our wellbeing and salvation,' was “made of a woman.” Jan . 11. SINLESSNESS OF CHRIST. Without Sin. — Heb. iv. 15. As it behoved Christ to assume human nature, and become our kinsman, that he might redeem us. so it was essential that the Mediator between God and man, should be immaculate, “without sin.” By the miraculous conception of Christ, his nature was formed entirely free from every stain that defiles the human family. That nature which was born of the vir¬ gin, is emphatically styled, “ that holy thing.” It was produced by the mysterious power of the Spirit of God, from whom frailty or imperfection could not possibly proceed. Hence while Jesus our blessed Lord assumed human flesh, yet he was holy, harm¬ less, and separate from sinners. Had he been in the least polluted with sin, he could not have stood forth, as the Mediator between God and man. A sacrifice for his own guilt would have been requi¬ site, before he could have had any fellowship with the Father. Besides, the thought cannot be enter- 20 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, tained for a moment, that the Immaculate Deity, would enshrine himself in a tabernacle, defiled by that which he abominably hates. The human na¬ ture of Christ, was free from all taint and imper¬ fection. The Apostle reminds us, that he offered himself without spot to God. (Heb. ix. 14.) And he is also set forth as a Lamb, without blemish, and without spot. (1 Pet. i. 19.) God therefore could behold his son, with perfect approbation and delight. In him he beheld the perfect image of his own holiness, and therefore when he was bapti¬ sed in Jordan, he proclaimed him his beloved Son, in whom he was well pleased. As God’s only be¬ gotten, well-beloved Son, “he was the brightness of the Father’s glory, and express image of his person.” (Heb. i. 3.) In the Redeemer’s human nature, we see man in all his moral lustre and beauty. Ought we not to feel ourselves attracted by it, and should we not aspire after a close assimilation to that likeness. The Apostle informs us, how the transformation is to be effected. “ But we all with open face, beholding as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor. iii. 18.) or Christian’s portion. 21 Jan. 12. PROPHETIC TESTIMONIES CONCERN¬ ING CHRIST. To him gave all the prophets witness. — Acts x. 43. Amidst all the diversified topics of ancient pro¬ phecies, there is one person who has ever a promi¬ nent place; there is one subject interwoven with the whole. That person is Christ Jesus ; that sub¬ ject is the w'ork of human redemption. A general reference to the writings of the prophets, will at once justify Peter’s declaration, that “to him gave all the prophets witness.” In the first books of the Old Testament scriptures, written by Moses, there are several illustrious predictions of Jesus. He is predicted as the woman’s seed. (Gen. iii. 15.) He was to be of the posterity of Abraham and Isaac. Of the tribe of Judah. The Shiloh, unto whom should be the gathering of the people. (Gen. xlix. 10.) Hs is also the subject of one of Balaam’s pro¬ phecies ; as the Star of Jacob, and Sceptre of Is¬ rael. (Numb. xxiv. 17.) Moses refers the Children of Israel to him, as a “Prophet,” like unto him¬ self, raised up from among their brethren, unto whom in all things, they should hearken. (Deut. xviii. 18. Acts iii. 22.) Job expresses his lively confidence in him, as his “ Living Redeemer,” who should stand in the latter days upon the earth. (Job. xix. 26, 27.) The Psalmist in his prophetic songs, cel- 22 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, ebrates him as the “ Governor of all the earth.” (Ps. viii. 1.) As the Royal Bridegroom, (xlv. 1.) As King of Zion. (cx. 1, 2.) As the Mighty One, on whom help is laid, (lxxxix. 19.) As the Priest, after the order of Melchizedeck. (cx. 4.) As the REJECTED OF THE BUILDERS, yet the HEAD stone of the corner, (cxviii. 2*2.) As the AS¬ CENDING MIGHTY CONQUEROR, (lxviii. 17, 19.) As reigning and clothing his enemies with shame, (cxxxii. 18.) Such are some of the beautiful and striking representations of Messiah, as contained in the book of Psalms ; and the sweet singer’s last words referred to him, as “ the God and Rock of Israel.” (2 Sam. xxiii. 3.) And his last prayer was, “that the whole earth might be filled with his glo¬ ry.” (Ps. lxxii. 19.) How rich, how dignified aro these predictions of the blessed Saviour. How di¬ rectly calculated to procure our confidence in him, and our attachment to him. Here is ample range for delightful contemplation, and surely, our med¬ itations of him, will be superlatively sweet. Jan. 13. Part II. PROPHETIC TESTIMONIES CONCERN¬ ING CHRIST. To him gave all the prophets witness. — Acts x. 43. We have already referred to some of the Old Testament predictions of the Saviour. In glancing or Christian’s portion. 23 at the writings of the other prophets, we shall have the list of glorious appellations, extensively enlar¬ ged. Isaiah has been styled, the evangelical pro¬ phet, so rich and numerous are his predictions of Jesus and the gospel dispensation. He speaks of Jesus, as the child born, yet the mighty God, the wonderful counsellor, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, (ix. 6.) He des¬ cribes him, as the rod and stem of Jesse, (xi. 1, 10.) He exhibits him as the strength of the poor and needy ; a refuge from the storm ; a shadow from the heat. (xxv. 4.) A covert from the tempest. He is also exhibited as a King, who shall reign in righteousness, (xxxii. 1.) As the tender and com¬ passionate shepherd of his people, (xl. 11.) He describes him, as God’s elect servant, in whom the Father delighteth. (xlii. 1.) The Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, (xlix. 7.) As the Lamb brought to the slaughter, (liii. 7.) As the anoin¬ ted preacher of good tidings, (lxi. 1.) And as the Bozrah Conqueror, mighty to save, (lxiii. 1.) Jeremiah gave repeated prophetical witness to Christ. He describes him as the righteous branch, the prosperous King, the Lord our righteous¬ ness. (xxiii. 5, 6.) Ezekiel refers to Christ, as the plant of renown, (xxxiv. 29.) As the GLORY of the god of Israel, (xliii. 2.) And as David, the Shepherd of God’s flock, (xxxiv. 24.) Daniel pro- phecied of Christ, as the ancient of days. (vii. 9.) The stone cut out of the mountain, without hands. 24 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, (ii. 4, 5.) And as Messiah, the Prince, (ix. 25.) Hosea refers to him, as David their King. (iii. 5.) As the destruction of the grave, and the Redeem¬ er from death, (xiii. 14.) Joel speaks of him, as the Lord God in the midst of Israel, and dwelling in zion. (ii. 27. iii. 17.) Micah predicted of him, as the ruler in Israel, and as the Shepherd, who should stand and feed in the majesty of the name of the Lord our God. (v. 24.) Haggai, as the desire of all nations, (ii. 7.) Zechariah, as the King of Jerusalem, and as the Fellow and Shep¬ herd of the Lord of Hosts, (xiii. 7.) And Mala- chi, the last of the prophets, described him as “ the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts, and as “the Sun of Righteousness, who should arise with healing in his wings.” (iii. 1 . and iv. 2.) Thus. “ to him gave all the prophets witness.” How truly did Christ say of the Old Testament Scriptures, “they are they which testify of me.” Jan . 14. CHRIST, THE WOMAN’S CONQUERING SEED Shall bruise thy head. — Gen. iii. 15. This passage contains the first intimation of re¬ deeming grace that God ever gave to the world. He was now examining the guilty culprits, and on Christian’s portion. 25 in passing sentence upon them, in the midst of wrath he remembers mercy. In pronouncing sentence upon the serpent, he states that the seed of the woman shall bruise his head. Now we have heard and seen that Christ was mac1 3 of a woman. That he was emphatically her seen and there cannot be the least doubt, that he was the person distinctly alluded to in this promise. Besides, the conqueror was to be the seed of the woman only. And thus it became Christ to be the fruit of a virgin’s womb. Hence by his miracu¬ lous conception, was this striking prediction reali¬ zed. Then he was to be the adversary and oppo¬ nent of that wicked one, that old serpent, the devil. It is admitted that Satan was to bruise his heel, that is, he should carry on an opposition to Messiah and his cause, that he should subject him to some pain, but the part affected was to be “his heel,” not an essential vital part. This Satan did in the sufferings of the Old Testament church, but more literally in his attacks upon the Saviour him¬ self. In the wilderness, in the garden, and on the cross, he bruised Messiah’s heel. But on Christ’s part, “the head,” that is the authority and the power, the very vital part of the serpent, was to be bruised. Christ’s incarnation was for this end, that “he might destroy the works of the Devil.” By the power of his truth, he caused Satan’s king¬ dom to fall as lightning from heaven. By his death on the cross, he spoiled principalities and powers, 26 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, and made a show of them openly. And by his spiritual rule he will effectually undermine the throne and empire of Satan, and will finally bind him down with a great chain and cast him into the bottomless pit. The work is now going on which will effect this glorious consummation. Christ’s triumph is pledged, and is absolutely certain. Let all the friends of Jesus rejoice that their great enemy is doomed to certain overthrow and ruin. And that what has in part been effected, is a sure prelude to the complete realization of this first de¬ lightful promise. Jan . 15. CHRIST THE SHILOH. Until Shiloh come. — Gen. xlix. 10. The term Shiloh according to our best commen¬ tator signifies either “the Sent,” or the “Peace Maker.” In either case it is exceedingly appro¬ priate when applied to Jesus, and there can be no doubt that he is distinctly alluded to in this predic¬ tion. At the very time of Christ’s appearing, Ju¬ dea was subject to the controul of a Roman gover¬ nor, and their political power was so far gone, that they confessed that it was not lawful for them to put any man to death. (John xviii. 31.) Since that period the Jews have lost every vestige of power and authority, and are in a state of degraded vassalage on Christian’s portio 27 almost to every kingdom under heaven. This pro¬ phecy must therefore have been falsified, or the Shiloh must have appeared. It is deserving of especial notice that in the appearing of the blessed Jesus, the whole body of ancient prediction, as to the person, birthplace, miracles, sufferings, king¬ dom, &c. of the predicted Shiloh wTere most mi¬ nutely fulfilled. The life of Jesus was one great mass of evidence that he was the “Shiloh,” the “ Sent of God.” One of the rulers confessed, that no man could have done the wTorks he did, had not God been with him. Christ as the Shiloh was sent by the Father as his chosen elect messenger and servant. He was sent from heaven, the place of his original riches, authority and glory, tie was sent into this, our world of wretchedness, sin, and woe, to be one of its inhabitants, and to mingle with its society. He was sent to illumine it by his doc¬ trines, to redeem it by his death, and to restore its dignity and holiness, by the erection of his spiritual kingdom. He was sent to make it the field of con¬ flict in which he should overcome the powers of darkness, and he was sent to make it the theatre of his wonders, and to unite it by his mediatorial in¬ fluence in one spiritual society to the hierarchy of heaven. What love did the Father evince in send¬ ing his Son ! What grace did the Son display, in freely coming into our world to save sinners ! And under what deep and lasting obligations are its in¬ habitants to hail his appearance with joy, and to 28 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, receive him with the greatest possible gratitude and love. To despise the Shiloh, is to treat the whole Godhead with iniquitous contempt, and to expose our souls to his most severe and aggravated dis¬ pleasure. Jan. 16. CHRIST THE GATHERER OF HIS PEOPLE. TJnto him shall the gather ing of his people be. — Gen. xlix. 10. Christ, as the Shiloh, or “the sent,” has a spe¬ cific work assigned him, in this interesting and an¬ cient prophecy. He is to collect the people to him¬ self. Sin separated man from God, and men from each other. It is the very nature of sin, to divide and scatter. Christ came to redeem men, from all its consequences. Hence his work, includes the gathering of wandering lost souls to God, and their union through himself, as the Mediator, to the Fa¬ ther. Men, like sheep, had left the divine pas¬ tures; Christ came as the good Shepherd, to seek them on the black mountains, and to bring them to the fold of his church. Men had revolted from God, and in rebellious hostility had united with the Prince of darkness. Christ, as the Cap¬ tain of salvation, came to collect them to him- or Christian’s portion. 29 self, that he might conduct them in one spiritual army to eternal glory. Men had lost their way, and were perishing in darkness and unbelief, and were going down to the bottomless pit ; Christ came to shed light around them. He is the “light of the world and he also came to bring them from dark¬ ness to light, and to guide their feet in the way of peace. In this gathering, he first came to his own people, but afterwards, his gospel was sent into all the world. As the Shiloh, souls are gathered to him in the day of conversion. He receives their souls to himself, when they die. And in the day of his millennial glory, he will gather all his ancient people together, with the whole company of his saints, and he will reign gloriously in the midst of them, in Je¬ rusalem. And finally, he will gather all the redeem¬ ed family to himself, in the realms of glory, and wipe away all their tears, and be their God for ever and ever. Reader, ask thyself; has Christ brought thy soul into a state of saving union with him ? if he has, rejoice ; if not, “Fly sinners, fly into those arms. Of everlasting love.” 30 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, %j cin» 17. CHRIST THE SECOND ADAM. Who is the figure of him that was to come. — Horn. v. 14. The first Adam, was a figure or type of Christ, who is the second Adam, the Lord from heaven. The typical features of resemblance, are striking and numerous. The first Adam came direct from the hands of God, and possessed his likeness and image. Jesus was also immediately formed of the Holy Ghost, and was the perfect image of the bles¬ sed God. The first Adam had no human Father, neither had the second. The first Adam was pla¬ ced as the head, and representative of the human family ; the second was given to be head over all things to his church. The first Adam had his wife taken from his side, and thus she was truly a part of his own flesh. Christ took the very nature of the children of men, and by the opening of his side, from whence flowed blood and water, he redeemed the church to himself. The first Adam was made on the sixth day ; the second became incarnate in the sixth age, or dispensation of the world. The first Adam was endowed with amazing wisdom and know¬ ledge ; the second Dossessed all the treasures of both, and was the wisdom and power oi God. The first Adam was heir of the world, and Lord over all the creatures ; the second possesses illimitable rule and authority, who is universal Lord of nature, provi- or Christian’s portion. 81 dence and grace. The first Adam was the source of natural life to mankind ; the second, of spiritual and eternal life, to all who believe. In many res¬ pects, the disparity between the two, is happily great and important. By the one, sin, misery, and death entered our world ; by the other, right¬ eousness, peace, and eternal life. By the one, we became degraded, and subjected to toil; by the oth¬ er we are exalted, and obtain true rest. By the one we lost Eden and its pleasures, and becam e mortal, and exposed to hell. By the other we obtain the heavenly paradise, with its unfading joys, a resur¬ rection from the grave, and endless life. How ne¬ cessary that as we are naturally connected with the first Adam, that we should be incessantly anxious to be graciously united to the second, and thus obtain eternal salvation, by faith in his name. Jan. 18. NOAH A TYPE OF CHRIST. Noah, this same shall comfort us, concerning , our work and toil. — Gen. v. 29. The names of God’s servants were often of di¬ vine origin, and related to the peculiar feature of their minds, or the work to which they were called. Noah was obviously a striking type of the Lord Jesus. His name signifies rest or consolation. Now Christ is the true rest , the spiritual rest, the rest fay 32 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, the soul, as well as the consolation of Israel. Noah was said to be perfect in his generation, and that he walked with God. Christ was absolutely perfect, there was no defilement attached to his nature, nor the least defect in his character. He also was ne¬ ver alone, but held unbroken fellowship with the Father. Noah was a preacher of righteousness and he warned the old world of the judgment which was threatened against them ; Christ also preached repentance to his people, the Jews, and foretold the calamities which were about to befall them. Noah prepared an ark for the saving of himself and his house; Christ purchased and prepared his church for the salvation of all who would believe. In No¬ ah’s ark were creatures of all kinds, clean and un¬ clean, and in Christ’s church are both Jews and Gentiles, persons of every country, people, and tongue. As Noah was within the ark, so Christ is in the midst of his church, to bless and keep unto eternal life. As all those within the ark were pre¬ served in safety and became the inhabitants of the new world, so all who are truly in Christ’s church shall assuredly be delivered from the wrath to come and become abiding residents of the New Jerusa¬ lem. When Noah had left the ark, God gave him the rainbow as a sign of the Covenant between them* Our blessed Redeemer when beheld in a vision by John, from Patmos, was seated on his throne, around which was a rainbow , in colour like unto the emerald. (Rev. iv. 3.) Noah however was only or Christian’s portion. .‘33 perfect in his generation, and after his deliverance was overtaken with temptation. Christ is as a lamb without spot. His nature and person are immacu¬ late. Noah’s ark only saved a few persons, and that only from temporal death, Christ’s ark will save an unnumbered multitude, and that from eternal mi¬ sery. O then how should we be interested in his Gospel ! How we should flee to him for shelter ! How anxious to have a place in his church, and how we should constantly intercede, “ Hide me O my Saviour hide, Till the storms of life are past, Safe unto the haven guide, G receive my soul at last! ” Jan. 19. JESUS THE TRUE MELCHISEDEC. Like unto the Son of God. — Heh. vii. 3. Melciiisedec’s history is briefly presented in a few verses of the fourteenth Chapter of Genesis, where he met Abraham as he was returning from the battle of the Kings, and blessed him as the Priest of the Most High God, and received tithes of all that he had. David when looking to Christ through the medium of prophetic revelation, ex¬ claims, “Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” The Apostle in this epistle still dwells more largely Upon the subject. The typical 84 GOLDEN tot OF MANNA, points of likeness seem to be these, Melchisedec’s descent and decease were not known, so that it is said he was without father or mother, without be¬ ginning of days or end of years. This is really true of the Redeemer, as Divine he had no mother, no beginning of days, and as Human , he had no fa¬ ther, and as Divine and Human , he will have no end of years, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to day, and for ever.” Melchisedec was a priest of the Most High God, and in his sacerdotal office, he had no predecessor or successor. So Christ is the great priest of our profession, and as none preceded him, so he abideth a priest continually. Melchisedec united both the royal and sacred offices in himself; so Christ is Lord, as well as Christ ; he is King of the heavenly Salem, and shall reign for ever and ever. Melchisedec blessed Abraham, and gave him bread and wine ; Jesus also instituted the or¬ dinance, wherein these same elements are employed, as the symbols of his own body and precious blood, which he gave for the life of the world. Abraham in return, gave unto him tithes of all that he had ; Christ in like manner, demands of his people an en¬ tire surrender and consecration of themselves, to his service and glory. How limited the space of Melchisedec’s office ! How extensive that of Christ, the priest of his universal church. How short in duration that of Melchisedec, how abiding that of Christ ! Do I rely on the nature of the sacrifice he has presented? Do I trust to the prevalency of his OR CHRISTIAN S PORTION. 35 ntercession? Have I received from his lips the true blessing my soul requires? Do I live by faith on the Son of God? Jan. 20. RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN ISAAC AND CHRIST. Offered up Isaac . — Heb. xi. 17 Among the persons who typified Christ, Isaac seems to have occupied a prominent place. His conception by Sarah when she was past age, seems to remind us of the mysterious conception of Christ by the virgin. His being the only son of Abraham by Sarah, seems intended to direct our minds to Christ as the only begotten of the Father. The birth of Isaac was long predicted, so the appearance of the Redeemer, to him gave all the prophets witness. But the Scripture which heads these lines refers to one circumstance in the eventful his¬ tory of Isaac. — He was “ offered up .” Where was he offered up? On mount Moriah. And it is probable that Calvary, where Christ actually suf¬ fered, was a prominence of the same mountain. In preparing for the offering, Isaac carried the wood to the spot, and we behold Jesus ascending the steep and rugged Calvary, bearing his own cross. Isaac GOLDEN POT OF MANNA* 36 was to be offered up as a burnt offering, in like manner, Christ was really sacrificed, and as a lamb without spot offered himself through the eter¬ nal spirit to God. Abraham was to be the priest on this occasion, and was commanded to take the knife and slay his son. In reference to Jesus, “it pleased the Father to bruise him, he hath put him to grief, when he made his soul an offering for sin.” (Is. liii. 10.) Hence also that very striking pas¬ sage in the prophecies, by Zechariah, “Awake O sword against my Shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts, smite the Shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered.” (xiii. 7.) The cup which Christ drank wras given to him by his Father. In the readiness of Isaac to suffer, who had now arrived at years of maturity, we see set forth the voluntariness of Jesus, in dying for the sins of a guilty and perishing world. But for Isaac a substitute was found. Fie was only figuratively offered. For Jesus no substitute ex¬ isted, he was really offered, and died the just, for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. It be¬ hoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead. How deeply interested we should feel in remember¬ ing that Christ loved and gave himself for us. Shall we not mourn when we look on him, whom we have pierced with our sins ? “ But drops of grief will ne’er repay. The debt of love we owe. Here Lord we give ourselves away, ’Tis all that we can do.” or Christian’s portion. Jan. 21. 37 JOSEPH AND CHRIST COMPARED. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children. — Gen. xxxvii. 3. This we do not vindicate, and the manifestation of this extreme partiality was fraught with much bit¬ terness. But at present we are to see in what respects Joseph seemed to have prefigured the Re¬ deemer. His name signifies, increase. Of Christ, the prophet says, “of the increase of his govern¬ ment there shall be no end.” (Is. ix. 7.) John the Baptist said “I must decrease, but he must in¬ crease.” (iii. 30.) Joseph was the greatly beloved of his father; in Christ, God’s soul delighted, in him he was ever well pleased. Joseph was imbued with the spirit of wisdom, and hence was called Zaph- neth-paaneah, that is expounder of secrets. In Jesus dwelt all the fulness of wisdom and knowledge. He came and revealed the mystery which had been hid for ages, and published the glorious doctrines of life and immortality. Joseph was distinguished for the integrity of his heart, and the uprightness of his life. Christ was holy, harmless, and undefiled, guile was never found in his mouth. Joseph was sent to seek his brethren, and to promote their welfare. Christ was sent as the brother of man, to promote the eternal well-being of the human family. Joseph was hated of his brethren, and they con- 38 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA. spired to take away his life. Christ came to his own, but his own received him not, but sought to kill him, and long thirsted for his blood. Joseph was sold for twenty pieces of silver, Christ also was cruelly betrayed, and for thirty pieces of silver was delivered into the hands of his enemies. Joseph was falsely accused and cast into prison, Christ also was subjected to a mock trial, falsely con¬ demned, and cast into the prison of the grave. Joseph predicted the restoration of one, and the ex¬ ecution of the other of those who were in prison with him. Christ also on the cross assured one of the ma¬ lefactors that, on that day he should be with him in Paradise, while it is to be feared the other perished in unbelief. Joseph was afterwards exalted to sit on the throne of Pharoah, and to govern the whole land. Jesus also when he had suffered, was exalted to the right hand of the Majesty on High, where he sits as the universal governor, and the especial ruler of his church. Joseph forgave his cruel bre¬ thren and provided for his father's house, in the rich and fruitful land of Goshen. Jesus now waits to shed down the tokens of his grace upon the chil¬ dren of men, and finally to receive all true believers to his kingdom of glory. Am I interested in his gracious regards ? Do I enjoy his heavenly favor? Am I now living to his honor, so that I may antici¬ pate the enjoyment of his presence for ever? As none but Joseph could give corn to the famishing or Christian’s portion. 39 of old, so none but Jesus can give the bread of life to the hungry perishing sinner. Jan. 2*2. CHRIST THE STAR OUT OF JACOB AND THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR. Star out of Jacob. — Numb. xxiv. 17. The Bright and Morning Star. — Rev. xxii. 16. Christ Jesus is evidently set forth in both these passages. Balaam who had attempted to sell him¬ self to curse Israel, and to predict evil upon them, is constrained to admire, to bless, and to predict the appearance of Messiah, who should be their conso¬ lation and glory. He refers especially to the Saviour’s lineage, as coming out of Jacob; of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Then he refers to Christ as a star, and as such he is distinguished for his brilliancy, all the glory of Deity dwells in him and emanates from him. He is distinguished for the pu¬ rity and splendour of his rays. He is the light, both of earth and heaven. He said I am the light of the world. All saving knowledge proceeds from him. The Glory of the Celestial Temple in like manner proceeds from his refulgent rays. As a star, he is fixed, immutable and eternal. He is the Bi'ight Star AO GOLDEN POT OF MANNA. All the luminaries of heaven combined, are but as a taper, contrasted with him. He is the Morning star. He introduced the Morning of hope to our first pa¬ rents1, immediately after the fall. He introduced the Morning of the Gospel , by his blessed and glorious incarnation in the flesh. He introduces the Morn¬ ing of Spiritual day , into the believing heart, <£ Christ in you the hope of glory.” He shall introduce the Morning of Millennial glory , by the brightness of his second appearing. He will also finally arise as the Morning Star, in the day of final judgment; which will be followed by the changeless light of a glorious eternity. What an object for Christian contemplation ; how necessary that its rays should attract us ; howr desirable that we should feel its illuminating influences, and that we should enjoy in our souls the spiritual day of salvation, that we may look with cheering confidence to his glorious appearing the second time, when he will effect the complete redemption of his people. Jan. 23. CHRIST LIKE UNTO MOSES. Like unto thee. — Deut. xviii. 18. This is part of a prediction which Moses deliv¬ ered unto the children of Israel; wherein God had promised to raise them up a prophet, like unto him¬ self, unto whom in all things they should hearken or Christian’s portion. 41 We know that many of the ancient worthies, were eminent types of the Redeemer, and were raised up~ to shadow forth the offices and works of the glori¬ ous Messiah. None did this more fully and signifi¬ cantly than Moses. The points of resemblance, are particularly striking and abundant. His won¬ derful preservation from the cruel edict of Fharoah, reminds us of the deliverance of Jesus from the murderous purpose of Herod. Both were distin¬ guished for eminent wisdom. Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Christ posses¬ sed all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Moses voluntarily assumed poverty and reproach , he forsook the riches and honours of Pharoah’s court. Christ who was infinitely and inexhaustibly rich, yet for our sakes, was so poor, that he had not where to lay his head. Moses was a Prophet , Leader , De¬ liverer, and Intercessor in Israel. Jesus also was the Great Prophet of Israel, the infallible Guide of his flock, the Great Captain of Salvation, and the illus¬ trious High Priest of our profession. Moses wrought many splendid miracles. No man ever did the works which Christ did ; and all his miracles were of a gracious character, and effected by his own power. Both Moses and Jesus fasted forty days and nights in the wilderness. Moses appointed seventy rulers of the people, and twelve men to search the good land — Jesus sent forth seventy disciples and twelve apostles to preach the gospel and establish his kingdom in the world. The law 42 golden pot of manna, came by Moses; and grace and truth by Jesus Christ. Moses revealed the will of God, and wrote the first part of the sacred volume — Jesus made known all the mind of the Father, and brought life and immortality to light by the gospel. Jan. 24. Part II. CHRIST LIKE UNTO MOSES. Like unto thee. — Deut. xviii. 18. We have already traced many points of resem¬ blance between Moses and the Saviour, there are yet other features of likeness which are deserving of our attention. Moses gave the people water from the rock, and obtained for them the manna from heaven. That rock was typical of Christ, and the water, shewed forth the spiritual benefits we derive from him, he is the true bread of life , who came down from heaven. Moses was great¬ ly envied, and suffered much from his country¬ men, Jesus too came to his own, but they received him not, but sought to kill him, and finally effected their cruel and wicked design. Moses was distin¬ guished for astonishing meekness , Jesus was so mild and holy, that he never spake one word amiss. Moses was constant and powerful in praver, Jesus spent whole nights in devotion, and he was oil Christian’s portion. 4P. ever heard of his Father. Moses was noted for his unabating zeal and fidelity . The zeal of the Lord’s house, seemed to consume the soul of Christ, and as a son, he was faithful in all things, and did the whole work given to him of the Father. Moses in¬ stituted the passover , and received from the Lord the entire pattern of the tabernacle and its service ; Jesus instituted breaking of bread, his own sup¬ per, wherein he appears as the “true passover, sa crificed for us.” Moses was called to retire to a neighbouring mountain, and die thej'e , before the people entered into the good land. Jesus also by the appointment of his Father, died on the top of Calvary, that believers might not perish, but have everlasting life. It is impossible to contemplate the characters of the type and antitype, without per¬ ceiving in the latter, “ that a greater than Moses is here.” Moses was a servant and a man ; Christ was a Son, and equal with the Father. Moses had sinful infirmities ; Jesus was immaculate, holiness embodied. Moses possessed largely of the Spirit of prophecy ; but the Holy Ghost descended ivholly upon Christ. Moses introduced an economy ex¬ ceedingly burdensome, and doomed to perish Jesus founded a spiritual dispensation, without any galling yoke, and destined to a glorious consumma¬ tion. We may admire Moses; but we are con¬ strained to love Jesus. We may read Moses; but believe in Jesus. We may honour Moses ; but we 44 fSOLDEN POT OP MANNA, are called to adore and worship Jesus. In all things Christ must have the preeminence. Jan, 25. JOSHUA A TYPE OF THE REDEEMER. For if Jesus had given them rest. — Heh. iv. 8. The passage which heads this exercise refers to Joshua, unto whom the direction and rule of Israel was committed after the death of Moses. In seve¬ ral respects he was eminently typical of the Lord Jesus Christ. His name is precisely the same in Hebrew as Jesus in Greek — signifying saviour He was appointed to be the temporal saviour oi Israel — Christ the spiritual and eternal saviour of his church. Moses preceded Joshua, and prepared the way for his engagements ; so, likewise, the whole economy of Moses was designed to be intro¬ ductory to that of Christ and his gospel. The law Was intended as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. Moses could not give the people rest, or bring them jnto possession of the good land ; this was reserved for Joshua : so neither Moses nor yet the law which came by him, could give true rest to the soul ; his was a yoke of heavv services and ceremonies : but Christ did offer true and saving rest, and a yoke which is easy, and a burden that is truly light. The waters of Jordan were divided by Joshua — on Christian’s portion. ,5 in the same waters Christ was baptized; when the heavens were divided, and God attested of him as his beloved Son, in whom he was well pleased. Joshua overthrew the walls of Jericho by the sound¬ ing of rams’ horns : Christ, in like manner, over¬ threw the powers and kingdom of darkness by the foolishness of preaching ; the instruments being tax-gatherers and fishermen. While Joshua was engagedin combating the enemies of Israel, the sun stood still: while Jesus was spoiling principalities and powers on his cross, there was darkness over all the land. Joshua, as the captain of God’s host, led them into the land of promise : “ so it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of our salvation perfect through suffer¬ ing.” (Heb. ii. 10.) Joshua had to do with the tem¬ poral interests of the united hosts of Israel : but Christ with the immortal interests of the unnum¬ bered members of his church. uoshua gave them a transient rest on earth: Christ gives an abiding rest in heaven. Shall we not be obedient, humble, and believing, lest we fall in the desert, like the thousands of rebellious Israel, and are excluded from God’s prepared and promised rest. 46 GOLDEN TOT OF MANNA, Jan. 26. DAVID A TYPE OF CHRIST. And my servant David, a Prince among them. — Ezek. xxxiv. 24. These words were uttered many years after David had gone the way of all flesh ; and therefore could not possibly refer to him. We shall find no difficulty in discovering the person to whom they were intended to apply. That person was obviously the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom David was a distin¬ guished type. David signifies beloved ; and Christ is beloved in a preeminent degree — beloved of the Father, beloved of angels, and the beloved of his church. David was a shepherd, and manifested the greatest tenderness towards his flock, and mag¬ nanimously rescued them from the lion and the bear. Jesus is the good shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep, that he might deliver them from the power of the devil, and from eternal death. David was an eminent prophet, and delivered many celebrated predictions respecting Christ and his church: Jesus is the great prophet, who made known perfectly the will of God, and who has re¬ vealed all things necessary concerning his church to the end of the world. David was a king, and reigned in Jerusalem : Jesus is king of kings, and reigns gloriously in the midst of his spiritual Zion. Da¬ vid was a successful warrior, and overcame both his secret and public adversaries : Christ is the Bozrah or Christian’s portion. 47 conqueror, travelling in the greatness of his strength, mighty in battle, and who will finally make all his enemies his footstool. David composed most of the songs of Zion, and took a deep concern in the welfare of the Lord’s house : Jesus has provided the sweet odes of gospel melody, for the peace and joy of his people ; and he dwells constantly in the midst of his church. (Rev. i. 12 — 20.) David was distinguished for eminent holiness, and was a man after God’s own heart : Jesus was purity embodied ; he was absolutely immaculate. We are not to for¬ get how deficient in this, as in every other case, is the type to the antitype. David was a man, and as such had many frailties: Christ was the God- man, and was free from the least imperfection. Are we the sheep of the Good Shepherd , the peo¬ ple of this great prophet, the subjects of this glori¬ ous monarch, the soldiers of this triumphant con¬ queror ? Can we say, This beloved is ours, and we are his ? Jan. 27. CHRIST A REDEEMER. I know that my Redeemer liveth. — Job. xix. 25. Such was the confident and happy assurance of the celebrated and pious Job. And such language may be adopted by every believing sinner. Man 43 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, had forfeited his liberty , and had become the slave of Satan. Man had forfeited his inheritance, and had become a wretched perishing outcast. Man had forfeited his life, and had become the victim of mortality. Man had forfeited his soul, and was justly exposed to the indignation and righteous wrath of God. Christ is the sinner’s Redeemer. He alone possesses merit and ability for the work. As the Divine Son of God, he is endowed with all the infinite perfections of the Father. He is both the wisdom and power of God. It behoved him as the Redeemer, to become kindred to those who were to be redeemed. Hence he was made of a woman, made under the law that he might redeem them that were under the law. (Gal. iv. 4.) The re¬ demption he accomplished, was both by price and power. He bought us to God. (2 Pet. ii. I.) The purchase price, was his own blood, — the pre¬ cious blood of Christ! (Rev. v. 9. 1 Pet. i. 19.) By his almighty power, he also overcame our ad¬ versaries, he bruised the head of the old serpent, spoiled principalities and powers, and made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Col. ii. 15.) He also became the spoiler of death, and the plague of the grave, opening a passage through it, by his glorious resurrection from the dead, and as a complete conqueror; he led captivity captive, ascended on high, and received gifts for men. What a glorious and unrivalled Redeemer ! How dignified his character ; how momentous his under- 49 or Christian’s portion. taking : how complete his engagements ! Our Re¬ deemer, is the mighty one of Jacob, the Lord of Hosts is his name. Jan . 28. Part II. CHRIST A REDEEMER. I know that my Redeemer liveth. — Job. xix. 25. Jesus as our Redeemer, has completely changed the condition and prospects of mankind. Through the fall, we were involved in sin, bondage, and mi¬ sery, and exposed to eternal death. Christ has re¬ deemed us from sin, from its enthralling and de¬ grading influence, and from its present and everlasting consequences. Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law, and from the bitterness of eternal death. Jesus has redeemed us into a state of access to God. Now there is a way open, whereby we may come to God, even to his seat; where, under the character of just, as well as mer¬ ciful, he can dispense pardon and life to the believ¬ ing sinner. Christ’s redemption, is a redemption from darkness to light, from sin to holiness, from wretchedness to peace, from hell to hea¬ ven, and from the power of Satan, to the en¬ joyment and image of the blessed God. This redemption was first intimated in the predic*- 50 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, tion immediately after the fall, was often re¬ newed by promise to the patriarchs, was typified by the victims offered on the ancient altars of sacrifice, was the burden of prophecy, and was finished by Christ’s expiring shout upon the cross. Christ alone possessed the power and merit by which it could be effected ; therefore there is not, nor ever was, any other by which we can be saved. The Father appointed and sent him forth to redeem the world. The Spirit descended and wholly rested upon him, that he might effectually accomplish it. And he ardently and zealously came forth, and rested not until he had finished all the work which this mighty undertaking involved. This Redeemer is the joy of heaven, for all the celestial hosts, wor¬ ship and adore him. He is the terror of hell, for at his presence, the devils fear and tremble. lie is the salvation of earth, and it is the happy province of the Christian minister, to call upon the dying sinner, to “ behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.” Jan.29 . CHRIST MY LIVING REDEEMER. I know that rmj Redeemer liveth. — Job. xix. 25. There are three words connected with this pas¬ sage of preeminent importance First, — Christ is a or ciip.istian’s portion. 51 Living Redeemer. Before his incarnation, he lived, and was in the bosom of his Father, his joy and de¬ light. Before the everlasting hills were laid, count¬ less ages before time began to roll, he lived and was Jehovah’s fellow, and was always rejoicing be¬ fore him. (Prov. viii. 23 — 31.) Christ was coex¬ istent with the Father — from everlasting to ever¬ lasting, God, As our Redeemer, he was crucified and put to death ; but he was not holden of death, but by his almighty power he arose ; and though dead, he is now alive again, and liveth for ever¬ more. He is not only a living Redeemer, but the great fountain of life : he has life in himself, and is the life of the world. The first Adam long since died; but the second Adam ever liveth. Patri¬ archs and prophets, priests and apostles, have died , but the Head of the Church — the Great High Priest and Apostle of our profession — ever liveth. Did he not live, he could not save, and impart life to others. II. — Christ is my Redeemer. Job could appropriate Christ to himself ; and less than this cannot give hope and comfort to the soul. My beloved is mine; and I am his. We must feel that he loved us, and gave himself for us. The believing soul says he is mine; for he is the Re¬ deemer of the lost and the perishing, and I am one of the lost and the perishing. He is mine ; for he has enabled me to throw myself at his feet, and look up to his cross. He is mine ; for my hands 52 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, are laid upon his sacred head — my iniquities he has borne away. III. — I know that my Re¬ deemer liveth. I know he is mine. He has saic? eo my soul “ I am thy salvation.” He has spoken peace. He has justified me. He has shed abroad his love within my heart. His Spirit bears witness with my spirit. He dwells within me the hope of glory. I know that he liveth. He lives in my heart, as the resurrection and the life. He lives in the church on earth, as its head, and source of vitality and support. He lives on his mediatorial throne in heaven, and ever maketh intercession for us. How delightful ! — how necessary ! — to feel and know that our Redeemer liveth. What present satisfaction and joy it produces, and what solid comfort and hope as to our future and eternal state ! Jan . 30. CHRIST STANDING IN THE LATTER DAY UPON THE EARTH. And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. Job. xix. 25. This remarkable prediction of the Messiah, evi¬ dently refers to his glorious incarnation. Then did Job feel that his Redeemer was alive : but he also confidently looked onwards to a period, when he should become a visitor of man, and a resident on on Christian’s portion. 53 earth. Then, Job’s Redeemer was highly exalted amid the glory of the celestial temple, receiving the ceaseless worship of seraphim and cherubim ; but he saw a period when he would leave his hea¬ venly habitation, and be found in our world, in fashion as a man. The period referred to, is the latter day. This latter day, is represented as the day of Christ, the day which Abraham saw afar off, and was glad. This day began with Christ’s advent, and will only terminate with his second appearance, when he shall come without a sin offering, to the complete salvation of his people. During this day, Christ did stand upon the earth ; he stood before men, as their Great Prophet, unveiling to them the my' teries of heaven ; he stood as the Great Lawgiver, of his Church, and the example of purity, goodness, and truth ; he stood there as the world’s philanthro¬ pist, and hence his life was exhausted in acts of un¬ rivalled and universal beneficence ; he stood there as our Redeemer, and bore the assault of the powers of hell, and overcame on our behalf all our enemies. He stood and received the cup of incensed wrath, and trod the winepress of the Divine indignation alone; he stood there until he had fulfilled the whole plan of redemption, and had completely extri¬ cated our world from the sentence of eternal death But we have already hinted that there will be another advent, that Christ will come again, and stand a second time on the earth. It seems highly proba¬ ble that this might be the appearing, to which Job 54 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, especially referred, as he connects with it his own resurrection and beatific vision of the blessed God. Yes, Christ will again stand on the earth, and raise to life and immortality, his sleeping saints, and clothe them with all the beauty of unfading youth. Blessed are all they who are looking for him. Even so come Lord Jesus. Come quickly. Amen. Jan . 31. THE NAME JESUS GIVEN. And thou shalt call his name , Jesus. — Matt. i. 21. Joseph, the espoused husband of the virgin, was the person, to whom the name which the Redeemer should bear, was announced. The Messenger wras an angel of the Lord, who was sent to remove all his suspicions and fears, respecting Mary. The name itself was Jesus, which strictly signifies, Jehovah, the Saviour, or Jehovah, Salvation. And it was given to him, because salvation was his work and object; “for he shall save his people from their sins.” The name Jesus, wras the most appro- priate name which Messiah could receive. Consider the predictions which had been delivered by the an¬ cient prophets : they all referred to him as a Saviour. Consider his covenant engagements with the La¬ ther, they were all connected with salvation. He engaged to redeem the world, and to save all who or Christian’s portion. . 55 should believe. Consider the state and condition of the human family ; they did not require legisla¬ tors, or philosophers, or poets, these they had in abundance, but they required a Saviour. Con¬ sider the usurped dominion of Satan, as God of this world; view his empire in its despotism, in the cruelty and misery produced in the souls of men, and ask yourselves, what would be the greatest gift heaven could confer ? and you will readily admit, a Saviour. Consider men, as destined to an end¬ less duration of existence, and by reason of sin, that existence, irreparably one of separation from the holy presence of God, and one of condemnation and wrath with kindred spirits in a world of woe, and then every thing appears trifling and worthless, except a Saviour. Finally, consider men in their extensive powers and amazing faculties, capable of infinite improvement, and of unspeakable felicity ; and remember that only by one means, could this exaltation and felicity be rendered possible, and that by the appearance and work of a Saviour. How precious then is this name; how associated with all that is momentous to our world. “ Jesus, the name to sinners dear, “ The name to sinners given ; “It scatters all their guilty fear, “ It turns their hell to heaven.” m GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, Feb. 1. Part II. THE N4ME JESUS GIVEN. And thou shalt call his name Jesus. — Matt. i. 21. We have already considered the appropriateness of this precious name. Consider now its authority, influence, and power. This name is the authority by which the gospel is preached. Repentance and remission of sins are to be preached only in his name. (Luke xxiv, 47.) The apostle, therefore, as¬ sured the high priest and rulers, that “ there is none othe»r name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts iv. 1*2.) In like manner, also, we find that baptism was to be administered in his name. Hence, when the mul¬ titude under Peter’s sermon cried out “men and brethren, what must we do?” he said, “repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” So also, those who heard Paul preach at Ephesus “were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This name is associated with all the duties of the Christian life and character. We are to meet for public worship in his name. We are to offer up both our praises and supplications in his name. Yea, we are enjoined to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Col. iii. 17.) As this name is authoritative, so is it also amaz¬ ingly powerful and influential. Devils fled before or Christian’s portion. 57 it. At its sound diseases vanished. When uttered aloud, the dead heard it and lived. Wherever it was preached, pagan temples became desolate, pa¬ gan altars were overthrown, and men were turn¬ ed from dumb and senseless idols to the living God. And this name possesses all its original mar¬ vellous virtue and power. By it men are changed from darkness to light. By it we have forgiveness of sin, and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. It is this that gives power to preaching, solidity to ordi¬ nances, and efficacy to prayer. In one word — we have life , in all its comprehensiveness and perpe¬ tuity, in his name. (John xx. 30.) Shall not this name, then, have a preeminence in our affections? Shall it not be the theme of our praises on earth, as it will assuredly be the burden of our songs in heaven. But this name demands our adoration, on account of its dignity and sacredness ; our sub¬ jection, on account of its authority and power — “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” (Phil. ii. 10.) And it also especially demands our faith; for we are healed, accepted, and eternally saved, by faith in his name. “ Jesus ! transporting sound ! The joy of earth and heaven ; No other help is found ; No other name is given By which we can salvation have. But Jesus came the world to save/* 58 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA) Feb. 2. Part III. THE NAME, JESUS. Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. — Matt, i. 21. The name Jesus was given to the Redeemer, oecause he should save his people from their sins. To save, is to rescue, or deliver. Now he came to rescue a perishing world, to deliver a guilty, rebel¬ lious race. He came to deliver, or save “from sin,” because it was sin that had ruined us, and any sal¬ vation short of this, would have been inefficient to men’s happiness and safety. He came to save “his people ,” the Jews, of whom, as concerning the flesh he came, and to whom he first revealed and offered mercy. Or it may mean those who believe upon him, whether Jew or Gentile, as it is only such who become the Sons of God, and truly enjoy the bles¬ sings of Christ’s salvation. (John i. 1*2.) He came to save his people from “their” sins. Sin is a per¬ sonal matter, it is a disease within our own hearts, it is a plague spot, with which every human being is defiled. Salvation must therefore be personal. It must not suffice to say Christ is here, or there, the kingdom of God must be within us. Christ ‘‘came” to save us. Prophets had been sent, and one generation of Priests had succeeded another; but none came to save, but Jesus. None else had or Christian’s portion. 59 vhe qualifications, the merit, the power, necessary Jor t his great work. And Christ does save his peo¬ ple from their sins. He saves from the guilt of sin by his forgiving love and purifying grace; he saves from the pollution of sin, by his cleansing and sanc¬ tifying blood; he saves from the power of sin, by the converting and regenerating influences of his Spirit ; he saves also from the love of sin ; from the vassalage of sin ; and from its dreadful consequences in the world to come. Christ’s salvation is free, full, complete, and everlasting. Dear reader, art thou acquainted with Jesus ; has he said to thy soul, “ I am thy salvation”? How all-important that we feel the sentiment expressed by the Poet; “ Stung by the scorpion sin. My poor expiring soul The balmy sound drinks in, And is at once made whole ; See there my Lord upon the tree ! I hear, I feel, he died for me” Feb . 3. THE BIRTH OF JESUS. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, Christ the Lord . — Luke ii. 17. Four thousand years had rolled round, since God had given the promise of a Saviour to the world. Patriarchs, and prophets, and kings, had been look- 60 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, in g for its fulfilment, and hoping for its realization but had died without the sight. At last however- an angel reveals to Mary, the highly favoured of the Lord, that she was to be mother of the long predicted Messiah. The same event is disclosed to Joseph, and now the actual appearance of Jesus is announced; “this day is born in the city of David, Christ the Lord.” The place of the Redeemer’s birth was Bethlehem, called in the text, “ the city of David,” the birth place of the illustrious psalm¬ ist, which had been referred to, by the prophet Mi- call. v. 2. Matt. ii. 5. Here the Redeemer made his first appearance in our world. “ Unto you is born,” said the celestial Messenger, to the astonished shepherds, “ Christ the Lord.” All that Jesus un- dertook, all that he did, all that he suffered, and all ' that he is now doing, is for us. He was born for our welfare and salvation. Love to us brought him from heaven to earth, from a throne to a manger, and from the glory, homage, and adoration of the holy hosts; to be clothed with human form, an helpless babe in the manger at Bethlehem. How important and illustrious that day ! a day which Abraham had seen afar off, and which even then, had filled him with delight. A day, for which the church had been believing and hoping, and which had been the constant theme of every song, and the burden of every prayer. Now commenced the morning of the gospel era, the latter days, which vere to be crowned with light, and life, and glory. OR CHRISTIAN'S PORTION. 61 Behold the morning star, with its brilliant rays, illu¬ mines the horizon ; and while the shepherds gaze in wonder, the tidings of a Saviour’s birth are re¬ vealed. For unto you is bom this day in the city of David, Christ the Lord. How changed the terms made use of, previously it had been predicted and promised that at some future time, Messiah should appear; but the glorious event is now real¬ ized. Unto you is born ; he now lives, of whom all the prophets spake ; the first event in the history of redemption has taken place. The child is born, the son is given, the mercy promised to the Fathers, hath now appeared; God indeed is dwelling with men upon the earth. For this day is oorn unto you, Christ the Lord. Feb . 4. THE ANGELICK SONG AT THE BIRTH OF JESUS. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, and good will towards men. — Luke ii. 14. The birth of Jesus produced this illustrious song. A song, connected with God and men, and with heaven and earth. A song, which gives the highest glory to Jehovah, and which announces sweetest peace, and good will to men. Sin had eclipsed the Divine glory, violated the Divine command, and 62 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, $'• covered the seat of Divine majesty, with clouds anc darkness. Jesus came expressly to reveal unto us the Father; that he might exhibit to a guilty world, the beauties of his divine perfection, especially the spotlessness of his holiness, and the boundlessness of his mercy and love. The glory of God is seen in every object creation presents to our eyes. The w7orld is full of his glory. But in that redemption of which Christ’s birth was the first grand step, “ The whole Deitv is known ; •» Nor dares the creature guess Which of the glories brightest shone, ^ The justice cr the grace.” Sin had produced anarchy and rebellion in our earth, man was found in arms against God. And the face of God was against the sinner. But now appears the heavenly ambassador, who comes with a message of peace to rebel man, and to introduce the gospel of reconciliation by which heaven and earth should be united in bonds of harmony and love. Not only was Christ's appearance a token of peace, but also of “good will.” God had revealed his mercy by prophets and priests : but now appears the pledge : now appears in an embodied form, the love of God, in that he does not spare his own son, but delivers him up for us all. His good will was so gr&at, so inexpressibly great, that his owrn son is the appointed propitiatory sacrifice ; that he might be the just God, and yet the Saviour. This OR CHRISTIAN’S PORTION. (>;* good will also, includes the favour and fellowship of angels ; they are not indifferent spectators, but are deeply interested in all that relates to the Divine glory, and in all that refers to human felicity. They greatly rejoice on the occasion, and in strains of exultation and joy, sing in delightful concert, “ glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will towards men.” We are now come to an innumerable company of angels. They min¬ ister to the saints on earth, and form one happy and unbroken fellowship with them in heaven. Do I rejoice in the sentiments contained in this celestial song ? Am I concerned for the Divine glory ? Have I peace with God through Christ ; and do I participate in the gracious regards, the good will of God ? The subject of the angels’ song ought not only to be clear to our understanding, but full of glowing comfort and joy to our hearts. Feb. 5. THE VISIT OF THE EASTERN MAGI¬ CIANS TO CHRIST. And when they were come into the house, they saiv the young child, with Mary his mother. — Matt. ii. 11. These celebrated persons whose journey i-s thus recorded, were Persian philosophers, men of supe¬ rior learning, and whose chief study, most probably. 54 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, was that of astronomy. Their attention was ar^s- ted, by the extraordinary appearance of a new star or rather brilliant meteor; and a great expecta¬ tion prevailing at this period, that some eminent person would appear, they directed their steps to Jerusalem, that they might enquire where the long predicted and earnestly expected Messiah should be born. Bethlehem being the place spoken of by the prophet Micah, they proceed on their inte¬ resting journey, until, at last, the meteor became stationary over the place where Jesus was. Then immediately follows the interview : the toil, and ex¬ penses of their journey is rewarded, by beholding the young child with Mary his mother. And what did they feel, when they beheld the little babe, in a place so poor and mean, and under such circum¬ stances of earthly humiliation ? Were they disap¬ pointed ? Did they turn aside in disgust ? Did they regret their extended journey ? No ; confident that the whole was supernatural — that the finger of God was in it — they believe in the infant Prince, and worship at his feet. Several instructive lessons are taught us by the history of these worshippers of Jesus. By nature, we are all far from Christ. To guide us to Jesus, we have the star of the gos¬ pel, as a light shining in a dark place. Following its gracious rays, we shall assuredly be brought to the presence of the Saviour. If we turn aside to human learning or human expedients, as the sages did when they went to Jerusalem, we shall cease to or Christian’s portion. 65 be benefited by the star. When come to Jesus, we shall find no earthly pomp, or worldly splendour, his kingdom is not of this world. But we shall find the child given, the son born, the wonderful coun¬ sellor, the prince of peace. In him we shall obtain righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Feb. 6. THE OFFERINGS OF THE WISE MEN TO JESUS. And fell down and worshipped him ; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts , gold> and frankincense, and myrrh. — Matt. ii. 11. Notwithstanding the very humble situation in which they find the child Jesus, the faith of the wise men embraces him, as the long-expected and new-born king. Hence they fall down, before him, and worship him. Then they opened their trea¬ sures, and presented unto him gifts. I. They give him gold, as a sort of voluntary tribute, as king “ To him shall be given of the gold of Sheba.” II. They give him frankincense, as a divine priest, whose business it was to burn it on the sacred altar. III. They give him myrrh, as a man — as a token of that which should embalm his mortal remains. Or rather, leaving particular interpretation out of the matter, they gave him the most precious things 60 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, their country possessed. Here then we behold the industrious perseverance of these men, their strong and vigorous faith, their profound humility, and, finally, their gratitude and noble generosity. By their gifts the Saviour was provided with the means of being conveyed into Egypt, and of abiding there until the death of the murderous Herod. Behold, then, in the star, an emblem of the glorious gospel. In the wise men, an illustrious example of faith, perseverance, and liberality. And in their presence at the feet of Christ a certain token of that success which shall assuredly crown the efforts of all who seek Jesus in spirit and in truth. And now let us daily present unto Jesus the myrrh of repentance for our sins ; the frankincense of faith in his pre¬ cious merits, as the only sacrifice for guilt ; and the gold of our supreme love, as the beloved of our souls, the joy of our hearts, and our salvation for ever. Feb. 7. THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS. They brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. — Luke ii. 22. It behoved Christ to be subjected to all the ce¬ remonies of the law. Hence, when eight days old, according to the law, he underwent the rite of cir¬ cumcision. In addition to this, there was the ordi- or Christian's portion, 67 nance of presentation, when the mother should ap¬ pear in the temple with her first child, and should <)ffer a sacrifice to the Lord. If the person was rich, the law required a lamb and pigeon ; if poor, a small gift only was required. Such being the case with Mary, she offered “a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.” The act itself was de¬ signed to imply the giving up of the child, as the first fruit, to the Lord. Whatever difference may exist in the church, as to the propriety of infant baptism, there can be none as to the importance of presenting our children by believing prayer to God. Children are the gifts of heaven; and the best way of expressing our gratitude to the giver, and our love to the gifts, is to dedicate them, as far as we can to God and train them up in the way of divine fear and obedience. Never had mother such a child to present, as on this occasion. A child in whom were embodied all the glories of the Godhead. Never was the temple so honoured as now, when the saying of the prophet was literally accomplished — “The glory of the latter house shall be greater than that of the former. And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts.” (Hag. ii. 6. 9.) Never was a child to be dedicated, so connected with the divine glory, and to all that is interwoven with the great and immortal concerns of a dying world, d his offer- G8 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, ing conferred unrivalled dignity on both the temple and the priest. And never did God receive a con¬ secrated child with such complacency and delight. How pleasing it is to contemplate every part and stage of human existence as sanctified by Christ. He has sanctified the helplessness of infancy, by being the infant of days. He who bears up all sys¬ tems and all worlds, was carried and borne up a little child before the Lord. He whom all the celestial hosts delight to worship and honour, was carried to the temple, there to receive the prayer and blessing of him who ministered before the altar. We cannot fail to be reminded, also, of the great pleasure and interest which Jesus afterwards took in little children. How he rebuked the disciples who would have kept them at a distance, and how he took them in his arms, and blessed them, saying “ of such is the kingdom of God.” Feb. 8. CHRIST IN THE ARMS OF SIMEON. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God. Luke ii. 28. Christ’s appearance had been predicted for many hundreds of years, and the pious and believing Jews ever lived anxiously waiting to behold the il¬ lustrious event. Among the most devout and holy of these, was Simeon, whose character and history on Christian’s portion. . 69 are briefly narrated in the verses connected with the text. To Simeon it had been graciously re¬ vealed, that he should not see death, until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. When Christ was presen¬ ted, the Spirit directed Simeon to the temple at the same time. Then was his hope realized, then was the great desire of his heart fulfilled ; now life was no longer necessary, and therefore he took the child Jesus up in his arms, and blessed God, ex¬ claiming, “ Lord now lettest thou tby servant de¬ part in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” From this peculiarly in¬ teresting narrative, we learn, — I. Where Christ is to be found. In his temple. His church is his abiding place ; this he has made his rest for ever. The Spirit and the word, both direct us to the ordi¬ nances of his house. Here if we come in faith, wre shall assuredly meet with the Lord’s Christ. II. The eye of faith, has Christ for its object. Simeon beheld the Redeemer, and was filled with holy joy. And to whom shall the lost and perishing look, but unto Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. To whom shall the sin-stung sinner direct his eyes, but unto him who was expressly lifted up, that we might not perish, but have everlasting life. III. When we see Christ by an eye of faith, then do we behold God’s salvation. Christ is God’s salvation, selected, appointed, and sent forth of the Father. He is the only Mediator between God and us, and there is salvation in none other. IV. Christ must GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, be embraced in the arms of affection and delight. We must have him in close connexion with our souls, lie must dwell in our hearts, and be to us the fair¬ est among ten thousand, yea the altogether lovely. V. Christ received by faith, and love, will excite us to thankfulness, and devoted praise to God. And when he took him up in his arms, he blessed God. And in the possession of this celestial trea¬ sure, the soul will be constrained to exclaim, 66 thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.” We bless God for health, and food, and raiment, and reason. How much more then for the gift of gifts, the fountain of every other mercy, and with¬ out which life itself must terminate in all the agony and despair of the second death. VI. When Christ is possessed, then we are ready either for life or death. If we live, we shall live to him ; and if we die, we shall depart in peace, our eyes having seen God’s salvation. Feb* 9. CHRIST AMONG THE DOCTORS. They found him in the temple , sitting in the midst of the doctors. — Luke ii. 46. Jesus was now twelve years of age; and attended his mother and reputed father to the feast of the passover at Jerusalem. The period of their return having arrived, his parents, on the end of their or Christian's portion. 71 first day’s journey homewards, perceived that he was not in their company ; on which they return to Jerusalem, and on the third day they found him sitting among the doctors, in one of the chambers attached to the temple, both hearing them and ask¬ ing them questions. In this simple and beautiful narration, we are led to contemplate the intellectual greatness of the Redeemer's character. — He had lived with his parents at Nazareth; and he had doubt¬ less received no educational advantages, by which his powers could be improved. But, notwithstand¬ ing this, he possessed all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. — He was quite capable, when only twelve years old, of understanding all the subtle reasonings of the doctors of the law ; and therefore we find him, not as a mere gazing quiet spectator, but as an intelligent observer ; sitting in the midst of them, both hearing them and asking questions. We are also led to consider this occurrence, as real¬ izing the truth of ancient types, and as fulfilling the testimonies of prophecy. Moses was a distinguished type of the Redeemer, for he was learned not only in all the learning of the Egyptians, but in the will and laws of God. Here, then, we view the great and glorious Antitype, when only twelve years of age, in the midst of those very men who made the laws of Moses their daily study, “ hearing them and asking them questions.” David and Solomon also typified the Redeemer. The former could say £t I have more understanding than all my teachers,” 72 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, and Solomon was wise above all men who ever lived. Thus we behold him whom they typically represented, so gifted in his youth as to display his knowledge in the midst of the most learned assem¬ bly that any nation of that age could produce. Feb. 10. Part II. CHRIST AMONG THE DOCTORS. They found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors. — Luke ii. 46, It had been distinctly predicted, 66 that the spirit of the Lord was to rest upon Christ, as the spirit of counsel and of might, of wisdom and of knowledge, to make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord.” (Isaiah xi. 1-3.) Is it possible to con¬ ceive of a more direct or striking fulfilment of this prophecy, than when the lovely youth of Nazareth was found in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions. Have we not also in this event, the Saviour’s sanctification of the use of means. We do not dispute for a single moment, that as he possessed wisdom in a degree never pos¬ sessed by any other, so also that it was communicated in a manner peculiar to himself. Yet here we have one instance of the Saviour making use of the ordi¬ nary means, in the attainment of knowledge. He or Christian’s portion. 73 is found in the place of the learned; he is sitting, which indicates a suitable position of body, and a patient and attentive state of mind ; he listens to the discourses of those around him, and when the mat¬ ter is not plain, or the information not satisfactory, he employs his own powers, and is found asking them questions. Readers, if you are thirsting after knowledge, go and do likewise. Was not this event, finally, a Prelude of one part of that work which he came to execute. The word of God had been greatly corrupted by these Doctors ; false glosses had been given to divine truth ; Jesus came to restore the law to its original purity ; he came that the people might possess the unadulterated truths of the holy scriptures. These doctors were to be his chief op¬ ponents, so that he now seemed to appear as the ominous star of a morning, which was about to dawn, when the clouds of ignorance should be dispelled, and the true light of day should visit a benighted world. What were the immediate subjects to which he listened, or the questions he asked, we are not informed. One thing however is stated, 66 that all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” 74 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, Feb. 11. CHRIST ABOUT HIS FATHER’S BUSINESS. Wist ye net that I must be about my Father s business. Luke ii. Christ came to be a pattern to us in all the re¬ lationships of life, which he filled. Hence it is recorded, when Joseph and Mary found him in the temple, that he went down to Nazareth, and wras subject to them, No doubt his early life, was one spotless copy of affectionate obedience. His reply however to his mother, who asked, “ why hast thou thus dealt with us ? behold thy Father and I have sought thee sorrowing,” is deserving of especial no¬ tice. “ Wist ye not, said he, that I must be about my Father’s business.” He did not reject the authority which they exercised, but he sweetly reminded her, that he had another Father, and thkt his business, was of supreme importance. And how completely did all his life embody the sentiment thus expressed. It was for this he left the high abodes of bliss, and became an inhabitant of our world. For this, that he assumed a servant's form, and took a servant’s place, that he might execute his Father’s business. For what did the Redeemer live ; wherefore was he subjected to toil, and poverty, and suffering, and reproach ? was it not that he might accomplish his Father’s business ? And after he entered upon fes oit Christian’s portion. 75 great official engagements; he never wearied, he never once turned aside from this great work. It was his meat and drink to do his Father’s will; the zeal of his engagements absorbed all his soul, em¬ ployed all his energies, engrossed all his time. By the sea shore, in the desert, on the summit of the mountain, when passing on the common roads of Judea, in the humble village, or in the streets of the city of Jewish solemnities, he was ever about his Father’s business. At last the active depart¬ ment of that work was completed, and he satisfac¬ torily exclaimed, “ I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (John xvii. 3.) And shortly afterwards he ended all he had engaged to bear and to suffer; and closed his work and life together, crying with a loud voice, u It is finished,” and thus yielded up the Ghost. Dear reader, in this, Jesus hath left us an example, that we should follow his steps. Feb. 12. BAPTISM OF JESUS. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan, to be baptized of him. — Matt. iii. 13. The baptism of Jesus, was the first striking event connected with his public life. He was now about thirty years of age, when he appeared as a candidate 76 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, for this interesting rite. Until now he had dwelt at Nazareth, concealed from the rulers and doctors of the church, and unknown to the world in general. From Galilee to where John was baptizing, was about ninety miles : these Jesus cheerfully travelled, that he might pass through the waters of baptism, and be anointed for the great work of his public ministry. We now behold him standing before John, when the eyes of the illustrious harbinger are immediately fastened upon him. In him he perceives the long expected Messiah, the beloved Son of God. He therefore modestly declines to baptize Jesus: assigning as his reason his own need, rather to re¬ ceive that ordinance from the hands of Christ. Je¬ sus in reply, assures the humble John, that though he might be the Messiah, yet even as such, it became him as well as his disciples, to fulfil all righteousness, (v. 15.) Here the Redeemer evi¬ dently recognizes baptism as a part of righteousness, and teaches us clearly that whatever God command- eth, whether it may refer to a moral obligation, or to a ceremonial institution, that it becomes us, as an imperative duty, as an act of subjection, to the great Legislator, at once cheerfully and heartily to fulfil it. Here we have immaculateness baptized; here we have the Lord of all, in the hands of one of his servants, attending to an institution grounded on his own authority. Never was a servant more honoured than John was on this occasion. Never was an or¬ dinance more gloriously recognized and hallowed or Christian's portion. 77 than that of baptism. Here is ample matter, bv which our wonder and admiration may be excited ; and where we are called to behold a striking model of humble and ready obedience. Feb. 13. Part II. BAPTISM OF JESUS. John’s objection to baptize Jesus, being over¬ ruled, we now see them descending into the wraters of Jordan, and there the Redeemer is baptized. Jordan had often been distinguished in old testa¬ ment history, once it had been divided by Joshua that the hosts of Israel might pass through to the land of promise. Now Jesus honours it by being buried beneath its streams, as an emblem of that death which he should suffer, that the believing hosts of the Lord, might have a free and glorious passage to the realms of the celestial Canaan. Af¬ ter he was baptized, he cometh up straightway out of the water, when lo, the most astonishing and wonderful phenomena distinguish the event. I. — The heavens ivere opened. The aerial heavens were divided asunder, and most probably the highest neaven, and the throne of the eternal became visi¬ ble. In this case, the scene would resemble that which the dying Stephen beheld. (Acts vii. 55.) 78 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, And this manifestation of glory, indicated the arrival of that dispensation, which was emphatically designated the kingdom of heaven. II. — A voice was heard from the excellent glory, proclaiming Je¬ sus, the beloved of the Father. Here Christ’s son- ship is attested by the Father. Here the Father’s attachment and delight in Jesus, is proclaimed be¬ fore both worlds. Heaven heard it, and the celes¬ tial hosts paid him the highest homage. Men heard it, and on the belief or rejection of the divine record, rested all their happiness, or all their woe. Doubtless devils heard, and it was portentous of their overthrow and ruin. In Jesus was the Father well pleased. Well pleased in the constitution of his person ; well pleased in the holiness of his nature ; well pleased in the voluntariness of his engagements; and well pleased in his obedience to the ordinance of baptism ; and in the commencement of that glo¬ rious career of activity and benevolence, by which in connexion with his death, the redemption of the world was to be accomplished. And God is well pleased with all who imitate the example and obey the commandments of the Son of God. In this way only, shall heaven be opened to receive us, and in the final day, the approbation of God secured. or Christian’s portion. Feb. 14. THE ANOINTING OF JESUS. The Spirit of God descending like a Dove and lighting upon him . — Matt. iii. 16. Both kings and priests were set apart to their offices, with anointing oil. Jesus had to sustain both offices in himself, like Melchisedec, he was king of Salem and priest of the most high God. The literal anointing with oil, typified the anoint¬ ing of Jesus and his church with the Holy Ghost. Christ’s anointing evidently took place when he was baptized. Then “the Spirit of God descend¬ ing like a Dove lighted upon him.” The descrip¬ tion given of the Spirit’s descent upon Jesus, like a Dove, may refer to those features of meek¬ ness, pity, and love, which are produced by the Spirit, and which so eminently distinguished the Redeemer; or, it may refer to the manner of the Dove in hovering over the place where it designs to fall. The term evidently signifies the same as that which is applied to the Spirit of God in the first creation, “and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” (Gen. i. 2.) Let it however, be observed, that Christ’s anointing was indispensable to the execution of his great under¬ taking. For by this, as the man Christ Jesus, he was to be qualified for his prophetic, priestly, and regal offices, and by this he was to offer himself without spot to God. (Heb. ix. 14.) 30 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, Feb. 15. Part II. THE ANOINTING OF JESUS. The Spirit of God descending like a dove , and lighting upon him. — Matt. iii. 16. Isaiah had delivered two express predictions on the subject of Christ’s anointing, ( xi. 2. — lxi. 1.,) the latter of which Christ applied to himself in his first sermon in the synagogue at Nazareth. (Luke iv. 16, 21.) In the anointing of Jesus the Spirit wholly descended upon him, to others it had been apportioned according to duties, times, and circumstances, but Jesus possessed it in all its plenitude. For God, says John the Baptist, “giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” (John iii. 34.) To Apostles in after times, and to the favoured members of the first churches, the Spirit was imparted in great abundance. To one was given the spirit of healing, to another pro¬ phecy, to another discerning of spirits, &c., but to Christ the whole spirit was given undivided. He possessed it in all its diversity of operation, in all its fulness of power, in all its unspeakable glory. He became the depository of the Spirit, hence he said to his disciples, “ If I go away, I will send the Comforter unto you.” And hence the Spirit is emphatically designated the Spirit of Christ. (Rom. viii. 9.) Have we fellowship with Jesus, in his holy anointing ? Have we received the Spirit into or Christian’s portion. 31 our hearts, by which we have become a “holy nation,” “a peculiar people,” “a royal priest¬ hood.”? Let that passage be carefully read where the Apostle saith, “now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God ; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2 Cor. i. 21.) And ought we not constantly to pray, “ If in my Father’s love, I share a filial part Send down thy Spirit like a Dove, To rest upon my heart.” Feb. 16. THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. Tempted of the Devil. — Matt. iv. 1. Immediately after the glorious events connected with the baptism and anointing of Jesus, his ardu¬ ous work commences, the powers of darkness come forth against him, and in the next sentence to that where we read of the Father’s approving voice, we meet with the passage which heads this exercise, that, “Jesus was led up of the Spirit into the wil¬ derness to be tempted of the Devil.” Several very striking circumstances were connected with this event. I.-— There was the dreariness of the scene . He was tempted in the wilderness, a place which 82 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, afforded an affecting representation of that world which he came to redeem. For by reason of sin, our earth has connected with it all the sterility and dangers of the dreary desert. It was in Eden that man was overcome by the enemy, and by which Paradise became a wilderness. It is in the wilder¬ ness that the Adversary is first met by the con¬ quering seed of the woman, by whose completed conquests the wilderness shall be glad, bud, and blossom as the rose, and again become paradise regained — the paradise of the Lord. We learn from this also, that in the deepest solitude, we are still exposed to the temptations of the Enemy of Souls. Observe, II. — The Time of the temptation. It was immediately after his heavenly recognition and anointing with the Holy Ghost. This should teach us that, after peculiar scenes of joy and elevation, Satan may be expected to use his utmost power to bring us into sin, darkness, and condemnation. The time also of Christ’s temp¬ tation was immediately connected with the holy duties of retirement, meditation, and prayer. Af¬ ter enjoying the closest converse with his hea¬ venly Father, after fasting for forty days and forty nights, Satan commences his terrific and fierce as¬ saults. Need we wonder, then, that in the secluded scenes of domestic life, or in the still more silent retirement of our closets, Satan should direct his fiery darts at the people of God. Wherever we may be, we are exposed to this common foe of God or Christian’s portion. 83 and man. How necessary that we should watch his movements, that we be not ignorant of his de¬ vices. The gospel armour is essential to the Chris¬ tian’s safety. Feb. 17 Part II. THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. Tempted of the Devil. — Matt. iv. 1. Having noticed the place and time of the Sa¬ viour’s temptation, let us observe III. — The character of the tempter. He was tempted of the Devil ; that fallen angel, the leader of those spirits in crime, who kept not their first estate ; the same malignant agent who tempted our first parents, and respecting whom, the promise relating to the woman’s seed, was principally directed. His enmity to the human race was then declared, and every age in our world’s history, has verified the declaration. His assaults had been directed against all grades in society, rich and poor, wise and ignorant, savage and civilized, and in too many instances with success. Ide had raged against the church of God ; he had raised up violent persecutors ; he had tried to rase its founda¬ tions, and now he assails the person of the Son of God. Knowing the dignity and power of Christ, ifc G 84 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, manifested the most tremendous daring and temer¬ ity in the tempter. Then consider IV. — The mode of temptation which he made use of. He tempted him to discontent and dissatisfaction with his Fa¬ ther’s arrangements, and urged him if he were the Son of God, to make stones into bread. He then tempted him to rash and unholy presumption, by requesting him to cast himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, trusting to the direct inter¬ position of angelic preservation ; for said he, 44 he shall give his angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” He then tempted Christ to idolatry, even to worship himself, promising him in reward, what was never his to bestow, viz. 44 the kingdoms of this world and the glory of them.” Observe V. — That Satan’s temptations icere unsuccessful. All his stratagems were frustrated, all his attacks were repelled. And it is deserving of notice, that the word of God as the sword of the Spirit, was the instrument which Christ wielded in obtaining the victory. He inva¬ riably answered the wicked one, 44 It is written ; ” until at last the devil leaveth him, and angels minister unto him. O let us rejoice, that in hu¬ man nature the enemy of souls hath been foiled. The second Adam was more than sufficient for man’s dire and malignant foe. And this conquering Jesus, is the glorious captain of salvation ; under or Christian's portion. 85 whose banner, conquest, glory, and immortality, are absolutely certain. Feb. 18. Part III. THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. Tempted of the Devil. — Matt. iv. 1. Is it not desirable to ascertain the ends answered by the Saviour’s temptation? It is obvious to us first of all, that Satan’s influence is finite and limited. He is crafty, daring, and powerful, but still he is possessed only of finite energy and power. How happy is the reflection, that we have not to grapple with unbounded influence and al¬ mighty power. These qualities, belong only to the great and blessed God. We also learn that Satan can only tempt ; he is not permitted to force or to compel. He may present the enticing snare, but there must be the consent and agreement of our own hearts before he can be successful. We know, too, that temptation is not sin. To this the best are liable ; this the immaculate Jesus endured — and even good men may be subject to violent and monstrous temptations. Under these con¬ siderations, then, how cheering to remember that even the holy Jesus was thus tempted. Tompted to distrust, to presumption, to idolatry ! We are 86 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, also instructed by Christ’s temptation as to the importance of an intimate acquaintance with the Divine and Holy Scriptures. To each of Satan’s suggestions, Christ opposed a passage from the word of God — and how can we imitate the example thus set us, if we are ignorant of that blessed word. And a general knowledge of the Bible is not suffi¬ cient, for it is deserving of especial notice, that Satan made use of quotations from the Scriptures, but, with his usual subtlety? left out an important part of the passage, viz., that this promise of being kept referred to all our ways — all the ways to which God called and duty urged us; not if we wilfully rush out of these ways, and dare presumptuously to throw ourselves upon God’s miraculous interpo¬ sition. And Satan not only mutilated the text, but he also took care not to give the end of the quotation, viz., “ Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder, the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” (Ps. xci. 11) Without a close and particular knowledge of the word of God, Satan’s temptations are imminently perilous to our souls. The shield of faith is faith in the divine promises and statements; and our only defensive weapon is the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Finally, Christ’s temptations and victory ought generally to console us when tempted. When we approach the holy place, we should not forget that our Great High Priest being once tempted, as we now are, knows how to sym- or Christian’s portion. 87 pathise with, and to succour those who are tempted. Our blessed Head has overcome the Wicked One. By a careful imitation of his example, we shall be enabled always to “ triumph in Christ.” Feb. 19 ANGELS MINISTERING TO CHRIST. Angels came and ministered to him. — Matt. iv. 11. There is not a great deal said in scripture con¬ cerning angels. We learn however, that they were created before our world, for when the foundations thereof were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted aloud for joy.” (Job, xxxviii. 7.) We also learn that they are beings possessed of amazing power and knowledge, are astonishingly swift in their movements, are spotless, and holy, and dwell in the glorious palace of God, that they are constantly and perfectly happy. They have often been employed in per¬ forming services for our world, and they are the appointed guardians of the people of God. We frequently find them engaged in matters connected with the Redeemer. They announced his con¬ ception, they proclaimed his birth, and now, after nis severe conflict with the Devil, they “ came and ministered to him.” Doubtless they had watched the whole scene, and how must they have rejoiced 88 orOLDEN FOT OF MANNA, when they beheld the wicked one effectually re¬ pulsed. But it was not until the victory was achieved that they visibly drew near. Christ’s work was to be accomplished by his own arm — his triumphs were to be effected by his own power. It is not said how they ministered to Jesus, i he appearance of these holy sons of light would of itself yield comfort to the Saviour. To find him¬ self surrounded by those celestial beings who took so deep an interest in all that concerned his Father’s glory. Some have supposed that they brought food to Jesus — whether that was the case or not, we cannot tell; but one thing we know, that thev came and ministered unto him. And we are satisfied that they ministered to him under divine direction, that they ministered to him in the most desirable and efficient manner. And is not this passage calculated to impress with the greatest force upon our minds, other passages which relate to the communications subsisting between angels and the church of God. Let the reader carefully peruse the following portions of scripture, and derive from them all that comfort on this sub¬ ject, which they are so eminently calculated to communicate. — Ps. xxxiv. 7., xci. 11, Mat. xviii 10. Heb. i. 14., xiii, *22. or Christian’s portion. 89 Feb. 20. CHRIST IN THE SYNAGOGUE. And he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up, and as his custom was , he went into the synagogue on the sabbath-day . — Luke iv. 16. Every part of Christ’s life is deserving of our particular attention. Every part that is revealed is left for our instruction, direction, and comfort. After his baptism and temptation, he returned into Galilee, in all the power of that Spirit which had wholly rested upon him, and his fame went through all the region round about. Then it is recorded that he came to Nazareth, the residence of his youthful years, where he had been brought up, and where all the people must have been well acquainted with all his history up to this period. During his residence, he had regularly attended the service of the synagogue ; for it is said, “ he went into the synagogue, as his custom was.” It is not deroga- gatory to Christ to suppose that it was by his atten¬ dance here that he obtained so complete a know¬ ledge of the Holy Scriptures, one leading part of the service consisting in the reading of the word of God. And now that he was possessed of the lul- ness of the Spirit, he still honors the place where his Father is worshipped, and the law and the pro¬ phets read; thus establishing his own declaration, that he was not come to destroy the law, or the prophets, but to fulfil them It was the sabbath ■90 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, day when Christ appeared in the synagogue ; thus at once he honoured both the day and the institu¬ tions connected with it. Though after his resur¬ rection his disciples ever met on the first, day of the week, yet up to that period Jesus paid the most marked respect to the seventh day, which had been the hallowed sabbath from the foundation of the world. Should we not learn from Christ’s conduct on this occasion, to prize the sabbath and the insti¬ tutions of the Lord’s house ? There is no plea which can reasonably excuse us from these duties. We cannot be so wise and holy as Jesus was, we have not the same resources which he had; and yet, great and glorious as he was, he went into the synagogue, and mingled with the worshippers on the sabbath day. And the Redeemer’s subsequent history will prove how deeply concerned he was in all that related to the house and worship of God. Whenever we are disposed to be indifferent to di¬ vine worship, let Christ’s holy example stimulate us, so that we may never forsake the house of our God. Feb. 21. CHRIST’S FIRST TEXT. And there was delivered unto him the book of the pro¬ phet Esaias ; and when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, $c. — Luke iv. 17. Isaiah predicted very largely concerning the person, work, and glory of Messiah. And now the or Christian’s portion. 91 Messiah honours Isaiah, by selecting from his roll of prophecy, the subject of the first gospel discourse which he delivered in our world. (See Is. lxi. 1-2.) In doing this, the Redeemer exhibits himself on this occasion, as the end and completion of that predic¬ tion, “for this day” says he, “is this scripture ful¬ filled in your ears.” The subject of his discourse presents before us, I. — His divine qualifications. “ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me ; ” that Spirit by which the holy men of old wrote and spake, the only source- of inspiration, was given to the Re¬ deemer at his baptism, and more wholly rested upon him. By it, his miraculous conception was effected. By it he was anointed to accomplish all the work of human redemption. Hence he taught by the Spirit, and wrought miracles by the Spirit, and offered himself an eternal and acceptable sacrifice through the Spirit. His kingdom was a spiritual kingdom, and the chief blessings which he came to bestow, were spiritual blessings. II. — The subject of his discourse embraced also, the great blessings and glo¬ rious benefits , which he came to bestow. He came to bring the gospel to the poor. The system of salvation is admirably adapted to the poor; they stand greatly in need of it; they can clearly under¬ stand it; though poor, they may obtain it, as it is without money and without price. The poor are chiefly those who believe it ; and all must be pos¬ sessed of spiritual poverty before they can receive it. Yes, the gospel is preached to the poor; and 92 GOLDEN TOT OF MANNA, in that gospel, there is an offer of dignity to them, and they become the exalted sons of God ; there is an offer of costly raiment, even the best robe, the wedding garment, the garments of salvation ; there is an offer of plentiful provision, even the fatted calf, the bread of life, and wine on the lees, well refined. In the gospel, they become heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, and heirs of eternal glory. Is it possible for better news, for more joyous tidings to be preached to the poor? Then let this gospel be attentively heard, and confidently believed, that all its present and future riches may be ours for ever. Feb. 22. Part II. CHRIST’S FIRST TEXT. He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted. — Luke iv. 18. Christ not only came to preach the gospel to the poor, but also to heal the broken hearted. A sight of sin in its extreme evil, is directly calcu¬ lated to produce affliction of conscience, and bro¬ kenness of heart. When David felt his sin, he ex¬ perienced this state of mind, and in hope exclaimed, 44 a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” When the poor woman who was a sinner felt this, her tears were so abundant, that she washed the feet of the Redeemer with them, and or Christian’s portion. 93 wiped them with the hair of her head. When the publican felt this, he exclaimed, 66 God be merci¬ ful to me a sinner.” Now Christ alone can cure the disease of a broken heart. He alone can pour in the healing and restoring oil of his grace. How effectually was the heart of David healed, so that he could exclaim, u as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Ps. ciii. 12.) With what comfort must the woman have been blessed, when Jesus said unto her, “ thy sins are forgiven.” (Luke vii. 18.) And of the poor and trembling publican, it is said, he went down to liis house justified. Now Jesus heals the broken hearted with his precious word, as it is said, C£ he sent his word and healed them.” This word con¬ tains the revelation of the soul’s grand catholicon, Christ’s infinitely efficacious blood, which cleanseth from all sin. And by the divine agency of the blessed Spirit, this word is manifested to the under¬ standing, and this blood is applied to the heart. By Moses and the law, is the knowledge of sin but by Christ and his gospel only, is a remedy for broken heartedness provided. Many have bad, cal¬ lous, and unbelieving hearts, and yet do not feel bit¬ terly conscious of it.. To such, how desirable that the Spirit would convince them of their true state, by revealing in all its odiousness and guilt, the plague of their hearts. To all who are mourning on account of sin, mourning because they have looked on him whom their sins have pierced, we would say, 94 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, that in the blood of Jesus, there is an atonement with free and full forgiveness, even for the sin of shedding it. “ Stung by the scorpion sin. My poor expiring soul. The balmy sound drinks in, And is at once made whole. See there my Lord upon the tree, I hear, I feel, he died for me.” Feb. 23. Part III. ^ CHRIST’S FIRST TEXT. Deliverance to the Captives. — Luke iv. IS. Man, by reason of transgression, is the slave of Satan. Manacled and bound with his torturing fetters, he leadeth him captive at his will. This state of captivity, is of a deeply degrading character, and productive of the most aggravated misery. To deliver us from this galling yoke, and free us from the power of the devil, was one great end of the manifestation of the Son of God. The captivity from which Jesus frees us, involves both body and mind. It is a captivity, from which no created power can rescue us. Captivity, which will finally consign its unhappy subjects to the blackness of final despair, and the remediless confinement of an or Christian’s portion. 95 eternal world. Jesus is the great Deliverer ; he possesses illimitable power; he can bind the spoiler, and rescue from his malignant grasp, the subjects of his oppression. The devils trembled, and con¬ fessed Jesus in the days of his flesh ; and in spite of all their malignant obstinacy, were compelled to yield up their prey at his demand. It matters not, as to the nature or duration of this captivity ; Jesus by his word can make us free. And to secure this deliverance, a believing appeal to Christ is all that is necessary. He waits to be gracious, and if the cry of misery assails his ear, he will prove himself mighty to save. By the energy of his truth, every fetter will be dissolved, and whom the Son makes free, they are free indeed. Being made free from sin, they have their fruit unto holiness, and the end, everlasting life. “ Jesus the sinner’s fetter breaks. And bruises Satan’s head, Power into strengthless souls he speaks. And life into the dead.” Feb. 24. Part IV. CHRIST’S FIRST TEXT. . And recovering of sight to the blind, 8fC. — Luke iv. 18*. Captives were often deprived of their sight, by their cruel oppressors, and sometimes placed in close 96 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, and solitary confinement. This was the case with Zedekiah. (2 Kings xxv. 7.) Now in this the sin¬ ner’s condition is strikingly pourtrayed and exhib¬ ited. The sinner is a captive deprived of sight, the God of this world having blinded his eyes. He is a prisoner, bound with torturing fetters and chains. Jesus not only brings us out of captivity, but he sets the soul at perfect liberty. All the powers of the soul are disenthralled, and they enjoy all the freedom of the sons of God Jesus also con¬ fers what no earthly conqueror could bestow, even eyesight to the blind, *l He saves from dark’ning scales of vice. And clears the inward sight, And on the eyeballs of the blind. He pours celestial light. In addition to all this, Christ introduces the accep¬ table year of the Lord ; that is, the year of spiritual Jubilee. The ancient Jubilee was intended to be a shadowy representation of better things. The entire substance we have in the Gospel. Christ introduced this year. His advent formed the glad morning of that joyous era. Now is proclaimed a universal rest from all the toils and burdensome observances of the Levitical economy. Now is the grand opening of the prison doors to them who are bound. Now the poor are surrounded with an over¬ flowing abundance of good things. Now the joyful sound of gospel trumpets is heard throughout the OR CHRISTIANS PORTION. 97 land; and now a better Eden, and a more glorious paradise is presented, in place of those possessions we had forfeited by transgression. This acceptable year Jesus proclaimed. And by his authority, and in his name it is still preached, and shall be so, un¬ til this gospel has been published to all nations throughout the world, and then shall the end come. What spiritual happiness and joy, this subject should produce in our hearts. Blessed are the people that know the joyful sound. Feb. 25. CHRIST’S BENEVOLENT LIFE. Who went about doing good. — Acts. x. 38. How very applicable is this sentence to the whole of Christ’s active life. Flow diligently, and with what perseverance did he carry on the great work which he came to perform. And that work was one of active goodness, one of entire philanthropy to our miserable race. In Jesus was goodness em¬ bodied; and from him it constantly flowed. It manifested itself in a thousand forms, according to the scenes of misery which were presented before him. Miracles of the most astounding character were wrought, and they were all miracles of good¬ ness and compassion. He gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, feet to the lame, power to the weak, and health to the sick. He fed the hungry, cleansed lepers, cured 98 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, palsies, he banished fevers, expelled devils, allayed storms, and raised the dead. He did not forget in his benevolent career, the maladies of the mind, the misery of the soul. He shed a flood of light on all things connected with the immortal interest of the soul. Spiritual gloom fled before him, as the mists before the rising orb of day. He communi¬ cated comfort to the distressed, he became the friend and companion of the poor, he forgave their sins, and received into his society and confidence, publicans and sinners. He wiped away the tear of misery from the eye, and filled the heart with joy and gladness, and abiding consolation and peace. He opened before the minds of the people a door of hope, in the valley of Achor, a passage to a blessed immortality. In doing good he was no res¬ pecter of persons, or times, or places. His energy never failed, his compassion never subsided. And he “went about” doing good. He sought out the poor, and wretched, and miserable, and went from city to city, and from village to village, scattering on every side, and in every place, the profusions of his compassion and love. At last, after bestowing unnumbered benefits on our world, he gave his own life, and died in the place of the tr ansgressors, that he might thus obtain for us remission of sins, and eternal glory. Let Christ’s life be the subject of our constant meditation, and let it be our daily am¬ bition to imitate the blessed Jesus, “who went about doing good.” on Christian’s portion. 99 Feb. 26. CHRIST A SERVANT. I am among you as he that serveth . — Luke xxii. 27. Christ possessed in himself all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. By him all things consist ; and before his great and lofty throne, all the intelli- gencies of glory, worship and adore. How deeply humiliating then, must that station appear, which the Saviour cheerfully assumed for us men, and for our salvation. He became a man, a poor man, a man despised and rejected; yea, he became the servant of man, was with us, ££ as he that serveth.’ Christ’s whole life, was one prolonged scene of ser¬ vitude. He was emphatically Jehovah’s servant, and to honour and glorify him, was his great delight, his meat and drink. But he was also the servant of man ; and he was found constantly ministering to his necessities. He served man by his daily in¬ structions, communicating the knowledge of life and salvation. In word and doctrine, he laboured with incessant care and toil. Look at the numerous ser¬ mons and parables which he delivered to the people. Then he served amongst us by the exercise of his miraculous powers, constantly going about doing good, healing the sick, restoring the blind, and making the hearts of the wretched and miserable to dance for joy. As a servant he displayed the greatest possible cheerfulness and delight. His il f ioo GOLDEN TOT OF MANNA, whole soul rejoiced in ministering to the children of men. As a servant, he was distinguished for faith¬ fulness and constancy. He never turned aside from his work ; and at all seasons, and in all places, he was amongst us, as one that serveth. Then as a servant he was distinguished for great humility and self-denial. Consider the disparity between him that served, and those to whom he ministered. It was dignity serving the degraded ; Greatness serving the low; the King serving, not only his subjects, but rebels.. It was the God of heaven, serving the creatures of earth. As a servant, he was ever meek and lowly; when reviled and calumniated, he either was silent, or opened his lips to pronounce blessings on his revilers. What a model for Christian imita¬ tion. How un-christ-like to seek great things for ourselves; to seek a preeminence over our brethren. In love, we should serve one another, and bear one another’s burdens ; and thus fulfil not only the law, but also copy the example of Christ. Feb. 27 CHRIST THE FRIEND OF PUBLICANS AND SINNERS. A Friend of Publicans and Sinners. — Matt, xi, 19. This was the charge the Jews brought against Jesus. John, they had despised, because of the aus¬ terity of his manners ; and Jesus, who practised no or ohristian’s portion. 101 such austerities, but freely mingled with the people, is hated and rejected, because he was the friend of publicans and sinners. If they intended the charge to include Christ’s indifference to the conduct of the ungodly and profane, it was utterly false ; it was an impious and wicked libel. Jesus hated sin, he abhorred the very appearance of evil. He never gave countenance to the least impropriety, much less to the glaring transgressions of men. But if they meant he did not sympathise with them in their pha- risaical pride, that he did not despise and hate the sinner ; then they uttered a truth, a truth conferring the greatest lustre on Christ’s character ; and a truth forming a strong basis for the hopes of the unworthy children of men. Jesus was the friend of publicans and sinners. He came from heaven to visit them, to open their eyes, and to exalt them from all the ruinous and debasing influences of sin. The leprosy of iniquity, had spread itself entirely over the whole system ; and as the great physician, he went among his diseased patients, administering unto them the balm of health and life. He was the friend both of their bodies and souls ; he came to heal the one, and to save the other. He was the friend of all the publicans and sinners ; he did not despise the poorest, nor reject the vilest of them, from the fifty, to the five hundred pence debtor ; he freely forgave all who came unto him. His friendship to sinners was of the most expensive character. It cost him all that is included in leav 102 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, mg heaven, and its riches, and its joys, and its glo¬ ries ; and all that is comprehended in becoming a man, an unparalleled sufferer, and an atoning sacrifice. And Jesus is still the friend of publicans and sinners. Amidst all the changes he has expe¬ rienced in leaving the cross for a throne, in leaving Golgotha for Paradise, he is still the compassionate friend of the sinner, and whosoever cometh unto him he will in no wise cast out. j Feb. 28. CHRIST THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. I am the light of the ivorld. — John viii. 12. Light is one of the most beautiful creature.^ which God has created, and one of the most striking im¬ ages of his glorious self. It is a fine emblem of the purity of his character, and of his boundless knowledge. Whatever glories belong to the Father, belong also to the Son. The Apostle says, “ God is light, and in him dwelleth no darkness at all.” (1 John i. 5.) Jesus here claims the same glorious distinction, and says, “ I am the light of the world.” The world was in darkness and ignorance. Igno¬ rance covered the earth, yea gross ignorance the hearts of the people. Chaotic gloom brooded over the minds of all mankind. To dispel this, was one grand design of Messiah’s appearance. Hence he was predicted as the Morning Star, and the Sun of or Christian’s portion. 103 righteousness who should arise upon our world, with healing in his wings. Thus he did appear, and by the glorious doctrines of his gospel, brought life and immortality to light. He made manifest man’s state, and peril, and helplessness, and also revealed the only way, by which he might be deliv¬ ered from perishing, and obtain everlasting life. The world was in the darkness of uncertainty. As men by mere natural wisdom could not find out the true character of God, neither could they obtain any certain ground of hope as to their future destiny. All before them was dark and gloomy, not a ray was thrown across the profound futurity. Christ became the light of hope to the world. He assured men that there was another, and a better world ; and he laid a solid basis for all their hopes to rest upon res¬ pecting it. He positively declared, whosoever re¬ ceived him as the sent of the Father, should have eternal life, that where he was they should be also. As the consequence of ignorance and uncertainty, the world was in the darkness of wretchedness. Men possessed no solid good ; they had nothing to cheer in life, nothing to comfort in affliction, nothing to support in death. Christ became the light oj peace and joy. He came to annihilate the distres¬ sing fears of the heart, and to give peace and joy in the Holy Ghost ; he came to illumine the mind, to sanctify the soul, to console the heart. How glo¬ rious is Christ as the light of the wrorld ; how uni¬ versal his resplendent beams ! What knowledge, 104 GOLOEN POT OF MANNA, and hope, and felicity, arise from his heavenly rays ; how anxious we should be, that we be found, behold¬ ing as in a glass the glory of the Lord, and thus that we be changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. March 1. CHRIST THE LIFE OF MEN. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. — John i. 4. In Jesus, as the divine Son of God, every glory and excellency are combined. He is the fountain of all good, the source of all blessedness. Exis¬ tence itself, without which there can be no con¬ sciousness, dwells essentially in Christ. He is the depository of life — from him and by him all things exist, whether they be things in heaven or things on earth. His existence alone is underived — he had life in himself. In him it was as water in the channels of the sea, or as light in the sun, or as heat in the element of fire. The world, therefore, derived its being from him ; for without him was not anything made that was made. So that what the heathen poet said is onlv true, when applied to Christ. We are his offspring, for “in him we live and move, and have our being.” The preservation of life is derived from him — he upholdeth and directeth all things — he hath the keys of life and of OR Christian's portion. 105 death. But the world was dead — dead in tres¬ passes and sins — dead to God — dead to holiness — dead by law — and exposed to eternal death. Christ came to awaken, to resuscitate it; he came to repeal tire sentence of death, and to give the hope of life He came that, by dying, he might redeem th$ world from death, and that men might have life through his name. He came that he might breathe into these dry bones the breath of life, and that they might become alive to holiness, to God, and to salvation. Thus both natural and spiritual life are in Christ, and can be only derived from him. Also, life everlasting is in Christ. Spiritual life is the germ of eternal life — “He that believeth in Christ hath everlasting life.” — He has it in its beginning and first-fruits here, and he shall have it, in its consummation and unbounded fulness in the world to come. Thus Christ is the life of the world. And there is life in none other. Men have it not in themselves. They have it not in philo¬ sophy, in science, in learning, or in systems of human religion ; neither have they it in the law’ of Moses. But Christ says (and happy is the man who believeth it) “ I am come that ye might, have life, and have it 'more abundantly.” 106 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, March 2. THE ZEAL OF CHRIST. The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. — John ii. 17. Christ had just expelled the buyers and sellers from the temple, by whom that hallowed place had been made a den of thieves. Immediately after this occurrence his disciples remembered that it was written “the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” (Ps. lxix. 9.) Zeal signifies fervour of soul, an ardent and vehement pursuit of any object. Christ ever displayed this spirit. There was never any thing listless, cold or formal about him. His whole soul was absorbed in the work which he came to fulfil. This zeal was in him as a flame continually burning, and it never was extinguished, until as the sacrifice for human guilt, he was consumed by it. At twelve years of age he evidenced it when rea¬ soning with the doctors in the temple. At his bap¬ tism he manifested it when he came three days journey to be baptized of John. Amidst all his labours he displayed it, hence poverty, weariness, and toils never damped his holy ardour. Amidst the most cruel neglect, from those he came to benefit, amidst all the scorn and reproach that was heaped upon him, his zeal still burned with inex¬ tinguishable flame. His zeal regarded the purity of the law, and his holy soul was indignant at the false glosses and corruptions of the scribes and pha- or Christian’s portion. 107 risees. His zeal regarded his Father’s glory, and hence he invariably reproved sin wherever he saw it. And it was thus, that he said to those who were polluting the temple, — : Christ’s agony arose also from the combined an l or Christian’s portion. 125 fearful attacks of the powers of darkness . When Christ overcame the devil, it is said that he de¬ parted for a season. This therefore was emphati¬ cally his hour. Now he directed all his fiery darts at the Son of Cod, and endeavoured, by taking advantage of Christ’s unutterable distress, to over¬ whelm him with horror and despair. Jesus, who was now atoning for sin, had all its hideousness before him, and was feeling all its deadly poison drinking up his spirits, must have felt most keenly the suggestions and daring attacks of that master¬ spirit of wickedness. The agony of Jesus arose also from the hidings of the divine countenance . Sin excluded men from the light of God’s face, and the enjoyment of his favour. The Substitute must therefore endure the same. He beheld in the countenance of his Father the features of stern and inflexible justice, and from his hand he received the bitter, unmingled cup of expiation. He vras now treated as the sinner’s days-man and sub¬ stitute, and it behoved him to endure for a season all his demerit and woe. This is the Mirror in which we may behold the true character of sin — its dreadful and evil nature — its awful effects. Here, too, we learn the greatness of Christ’s love, which caused him in the hour of our peril and in the day of just retribution, to give himself for us, and to die even for the ungodly. 126 GOLDEN POT Or MANNA, March 13. CHRIST’S PRAYER. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly. Luke xxii. 44. Having noticed the causes of Christ’s agony, we now proceed to consider the conduct which he adop¬ ted, the course which he pursued. It is said, that “he prayed,” that he prayed “more earnestly.” The prayer of Christ on this occasion was, that if it were possible, the “cup might pass from him.” As a man, Christ possessed a natural aversion to suffering. He did not solicit the removal of the cup however upon any ground, and without respect to any thing else, but only desired it, if his great undertaking could be effected without it. If not, he was still willing to drink it, even to its dregs. Hence we see his humble deference to the will of his Father, and his implicit and pious resignation, when he said, “ nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Let it be observed, that the prayer was offered with affectionate confidence. He ad¬ dressed God as his Father. He knew that rela¬ tionship was not, could not be dissolved. He knew that he had ever done those things which were ac¬ ceptable in his sight, and that the Father was ever well pleased in him ; and that however his wrath might be kindled against sin, that still his spotless soul, presented to him an object of the highest com¬ placency and delight. On this occasion it is also or Christian’s portion. 127 said, that he kneeled in prayer, until overpowered oy his agony, he lay stretched prostrate on the cold earth, until the spot was crimsoned with his sacred blood. It is also said, that he prayed the “more” earnestly; the greater his distress, the more vehe¬ mently did he appeal to his Father, until his whole soul was as it were pouied out before him. We notice finally, in reference to his prayer, that it was virtually answered. The cup itself was not taken away, but the overwhelming fear and dread were removed. Hence the passage, (Heb. v. 7.) when rightly interpreted, signifies, that “ he was heard and delivered from that fear.” That fear which drunk up his spirits, that distressing amazement was removed, and he was empowered to arise, and to finish his career of suffering ; thus accomplishing the whole work which the Father had given him to do. We learn from this subject, the Christian’s refuge in distress, the only resource in trouble, and that is prayer. Fervent believing prayer, will either remove our sorrows, or bring down into our hearts that gracious assistance, by which we shall be ena¬ bled to glorify God in our afflictions, and thus obtain a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 128 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, March 14. APPREHENSION OF CHRIST. And they that laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders were assem¬ bled. — Matt. xxvi. 57. The agony of Christ was succeeded by his ruffi- an-like apprehension. A band of officers, with swords and staves, were employed on the occasion, as if they had been about to apprehend a company of thieves and robbers. The sounds of noise and violence had never been heard proceeding from Christ’s meek and heavenly lips. His career had been one of unchanging goodness and mercy ; yet do they arrest him as though he had been an enemy both to God and man. It behoved Christ, hpw- ever, to be numbered among the transgressors. The leader of this violent band was Judas, who had covenanted to deliver up his Christ and Master for thirty pieces of silver. He therefore stepped for¬ ward, and with the lips of guile said to Jesus £< hail ! master;” and then, with the symbol of love and friendship, he basely kissed him, and betrayed him into their hands. What a picture of human depra¬ vity ! What a horrid sin is hypocrisy ! What a soul- destroying sin is covetousness ! John also informs us, that Christ addressed those who came to arrest him, asking them whom they sought; and that by the majesty and power of his voice, they were over¬ awed, and fell backwards to the ground ; a striking OR CHRISTIAN S PORTION. 129 proof of his own omnipotence and of their weakness; and also an abiding testimony of his readiness to go to death, no man having power to take away his life from him. Afterwards he allowed them to arrest him, and to bear him away to a human tribunal, although he foreknew the nature of his adversaries, and the mere mock trial the l awaited him. We may learn from this subject, that there is no amount of moral excellency that can always shield us from calumny and reproach. We learn too the spirit which we should display even when we suffer wrong¬ fully, and consider Jesus the high priest of our pro¬ fession, who when he was reviled, reviled not again, and hath left us an example that we should follow his steps. March 15. CHRIST HEALING THE EAR OF MALCHUS. And he touched his ear, and healed him . — Luke xxii. 51. When they came to apprehend Jesus, Peter, with his usual boldness, stepped forward, and, drawing his sword, cut off the ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest. This unadvised and rash act was immediately censured by Christ, and a striking prediction delivered in regard to the Jews t 6i for, all that take the sword, shall perish by the f 130 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, sword.” The Jews were now availing themselves of the Roman power, a power by which they were annihilated as a nation, their temple burnt, and their city afterwards destroyed. Jesus then directed his attention to the sufferer ; and though that sufferer was an enemy, he had compassion on him. He touched the ear with his omnipotent hand, and the wound was immediately healed. Thus, one of the last acts of his life was one of grace and mercy. In the midst of a rude band of soldiery, just after the intense sorrows of the garden, writh death before his eyes, arrested by the sign of misery, he forgot himself for the moment, and healed the sufferer. How characteristic of Christ’s person and work. Love was the leading feeling of his heart, to heal, the great business of his life. He came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. It is obvious from this event, that Christ totally disap¬ proves of the employment of the civil sword in de¬ fence of his religion. Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. The weapons of Christian warfare are not carnal, but spiritual, and sufficiently mighty through God, to the pulling down all the strong¬ holds that are in opposition to it. The word of truth is the only sword Christ will allow his servants to wield. Legislative enactments, magisterial inter¬ ference, or the angry passions of the human heart, most assuredly will injure those who employ them, as well as the church of Christ. Persecution is fire, far too unhallowed to burn on the Christian altar. or Christian’s portion. 131 Christ, by healing the ear cf Malchus, has embo¬ died and placed before us a striking illustration of his own precept, “ 1 say unto you, love your enemies.” March 16. DESERTION OF CHRIST. Then all his disciples forsook him and fed. — Matt. xxvi. 56. If Christ’s meek and holy soul was deeply dis¬ tressed by his rude and violent apprehension, he could not feel less annoyed when he found himself alone, all his disciples having forsaken him and fled. We should not have been astonished at weak¬ ness and defection characterizing some of his dis¬ ciples, but we feel amazed when we read that they all partook of this fear, and cowardice, and guilt, and not one remained to comfort the Redeemer, and to whom he could unbosom his afflicted soui. Peter, after all his daring, followed afar off, until he was left and lost in the distance. John and James, too, who had been so highly favoured, and had, with Peter, seen such bright manifestations of his power and godhead, forsook him and fled. Jesus could truly exclaim, “ I looked for com¬ forters, and there was none.” And what an occa¬ sion of wicked triumph would it give to Christ’s adversaries wfflen they beheld him, in the hour of distress, abandoned by all his disciples and friends. How verified was Christ’s own prediction, “All ye * 132 GOLDEN TOT OF MANNA, shall be offended because of me this night.” The subject, whilst it excites within us holy sympathy towards Jesus, and indignation at his cowardly disciples, should also lead us to a strict personal examination. We imagine we should have done much better, displayed truer heroism, and have gone with Christ to judgment and to death. But have we never shrunk from the cross — have we never concealed our principles when exposed to the contemptuous sneer, or to the sarcastic remark of the enemies of Christ? Have we on all occa¬ sions honoured Jesus by an open avowal of our faith, and by a cheerful sacrifice of every thing inimical to his laws ? Let the subject lead us to seek the constant aid of divine grace, and labour to obtain the mastery over the fear of man, which bringeth a snare. Ardent love and strong faith are the only graces that will bind us indissolubly to Jesus. “ The arms of love and wings of faith Will bear us conquerors through.” March 17. THE TRIAL OF CHRIST. And they led away Jesus to the High Priest, and with him were assembled all the chief priests and elders and the scribes. — Mark xiv. 53. Having witnessed the arrestment of Jesus, it now devolves upon us to notice the object they or Christian’s portion. 133 had in view and the result which followed. Now, let us consider before whom Christ was taken for trial. They were “the high priest, and elders of the scribes,” individuals who were deeply preju¬ diced against Jesus, who hated him and his doc¬ trine with perfect hatred, and who were therefore totally disqualified for judging Christ impartially. Then consider for what Jesus was arrested — with what stood he charged. They wished to prove him a blasphemer against God, and an enemy to the existing civil lav/s. How base, how wicked the accusations ! His holy, reverend deportment, his communion with God, and the most striking attestations of Divine approbation, had ever dis¬ tinguished the career of Jesus. And he had ever inculcated, and exhibited by his own conduct, obedience to the powers that then were. His great maxim was, to “ render unto Ceesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things which are God’s. ” To prove Jesus guilty of either was therefore impossible. They were so wicked as to collect false witnesses to establish Christ’s guilt — but their evidence was so contra¬ dictory that it would not hang together. At last, the High Priest solemnly adjured Christ to answe*' whether he was “the Christ the Son of God,” or not. To this solemn question, Christ declared that he was the Christ, saying, “ I am,” or as St. Luke states it, “ Thou sayest ” • — exactly what I profess to be. This, then, is the point they 134 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, wished to gain. Now they declare him guilty of blasphemy in making himself the Son ot God, and the whole council immediately pronounced him worthy of death. What a scene of human malignity and blindness we behold in this eccle¬ siastical assembly. What an example of suffering goodness in Jesus. What a theme for pious medi¬ tation. Angels desire to look into the subject of Christ’s sufferings, and are not able. March 18. THE INDIGNITIES OFFERED TO JESUS ON HIS TRIAL. Then did they spit on his face, and buffeted him, and others smote him with the palms of their hands. — Matt. xxvi. 67. It is customary, in passing sentence even on the vilest of criminals, to do so with that serious¬ ness and solemnity befiting the occasion. But no sooner was Jesus declared guilty, and condemned to death, than all that was sacred and decent was outraged by those around him. That face, which beamed with all that was heavenly and benign, was grossly spit upon — an indignity of the very vilest description. Thus was fulfilled Ihe predic¬ tion of Esaias, 44 1 hid not my face from spit¬ ting.” 1., 6. Then also they buffeted him, and others smote him with the palms of their hands,. or Christian’s portion. 135 thus showing the exasperated state of their hearts against him. They also blindfolded him and then tauntingly mocked his prophetical office, by asking wrho it was that smote him. Here again we perceive a most striking fulfilment of ancient prophecy, “ He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him ; he is filled with reproach.” — Lam. iii. 30. Micah had also predicted that they should “smite the Judge of Israel with a rod upon his cheek.” — v. 1. How exactly were these Scrip¬ tures fulfilled. How astonishing was the conduct of Jesus under these indignities. He reviled them not. — He displayed no wrath — He could easily have struck the whole with instant blindness or death. — Legions of angels at his word would have rushed to his deliverance, and revenged the insults of their Lord. — But in meekness and patience he possessed his soul, and endured all the reproaches and smitings they thought fit to heap upon him. “He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth ; he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before the shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.” — Isaiah, liii. 7. What an exhibition of insulted innocency- — of suffering goodness — cf inconceiv¬ able compassion, that Jesus should so freely and meekly endure the temptations of Satan, the cup of unmingled wrath, and the violence of wicked men, that his very persecutors might have salva¬ tion and life through his name. 136 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, March 19. PETER’S DENIAL OF CHRIST. Then began he to curse and swear saying, 1 know not the the man. — Matt. xxvi. 74. We have already witnessed the desertion of Je- J sus in the hour of his arrestment, by all his disciples. It appears however, that Peter rather lingered in the distance, followed afar off, and ultimately, went to the hall of the palace of the High Priest, doubt¬ less, to see what would be the conclusion of the matter. Here his appearance attracted attention, and he w*as challenged as being one of Christ’s dis¬ ciples. To this he gave a sort of evasive denial, when shortly afterwards, another maid saw him and said, that he “was surely with Jesus,” to this he gave a direct denial which he confirmed by an oath. A third time being charged by several of those wdio stood by, he manifested the most violent passion, and “began to curse and swear saying, I know not the man.” Here then we perceive the blessed Sa¬ viour disowned with wicked imprecations, by one of the chief and most favoured of his disciples. Peter who had always received an especial degree of at¬ tention from Christ, who had been with him on the Holy Mount of transfiguration, who had witnessed the agony in the garden, who had seen the rude officers fall to the ground by the sound of his voice, now denies having any knowledge at all of him. or Christian’s portion. 137 On a previous occasion he had witnessed a noble confession of Christ, he had declared his readiness to die for him, he had averred, although all men forsook him yet he never would ; in the garden too, he had been precipitately ready to draw his sword, and had actually cut off the ear of Malchus, yet now he is bereft of all his courage, now all his reso¬ lutions are forgotten, and violently with iniquitous curses and oaths, denies having any knowledge of Christ. What an exhibition of human weakness ! How weak and helpless are the best of men when relying on their own strength. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool — we should pray, “Lord hold thou us up, and we shall be safe.” “ Beware of Peter’s word. Nor confidently say, I never will deny thee Lord, But grant I never may.” March 20. Part II. PETER’S DENIAL OF CHRIST. Then began he to curse and swear saying, I know not the man. — Matt. xxvi. 74. Peter’s sin and fall, were doubtless occasioned by the fear of man, which always bringeth a snare , There were however several features in his conduct 138 GOLDEN IOT OF MANNA, of a highly aggravated character. To deny Jesus, was of itself exceedingly sinful. To say that he did not know his blessed friend and master, who had called him from his employment as a fisher¬ man, and who had invested him with one of the highest offices in his kingdom, was wicked and un¬ grateful. Not know Jesus? Why he had been his confidential attendant for years, — he had heard nearly all his discourses, — witnessed all his miracles. His own wife’s mother had been restored from a fever by his healing power. He had once been snatched from a watery sepulchre by Christ’s hand, when he went to meet him on the sea, and fearing, began to sink. Not know Jesus ! Why only a few hours before he had supped with him at the Eucha¬ ristic table. Had received from his hands the so¬ lemn symbols of his body and blood. Yea more, he had been reminded of his fall, forewarned of the very conduct, he was now evincing. Christ had said that all his disciples should be offended that night, and that before the cock crew twice, Peter should deny him thrice. And this was the greatest aggravation of the sin, that, with the affectionate admonition of Christ still as it were sounding in his ears, through unwatchfulness, he should be guilty of it, to the very letter of the warning he had received. How deeply did he fall, when he could call Jehovah to witness to the awful falsehood. What forgetful¬ ness of that pure example which had been so con¬ stantly before his eyes. What ungratefulness to that or Christian’s portion. 139 precious Saviour to whom he was so deeply in¬ debted. And what disloyalty to that royal master, to whom he had pledged himself to go, even unto death. Immediately however the cock crew, and then his criminality was brought to his recollection, at the same time the Lord turned and looked upon Peter, — a look of upbraiding kindness, — a look of pity and compassion for the poor wanderer. “ A look which brake, Unfaithful Peter’s heart.” Immediately he went out and wept bitterly. His sin was sudden, and his repentance was direct. His sin was great, his anguish and repentance were deep and bitter. And afterwards we behold him restored to the favour of his Lord, receiving the apostolic commission from his hands, and finally sealing the profession of the gospel with his blood. “Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.” And let it be ever remembered that a 4< broken and a contrite heart God will not despise.” March 21. THE SAVIOUR BEFORE PILATE. And led him, unto Pilate. — Luke xxiii. 1. In leading Jesus to Pilate, the Jews have left incontrovertible evidence, that now all power had passed from them as a nation, seeing it was not 140 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, dow lawful for them to put any man to death. So that the prediction of Jacob had evidently received its realization, viz., that the sceptre had departed from Judah, and the lawgiver from between his feet ; and therefore, if that was a true prophecy, the Shiloh had now come. In leading Jesus to Pilate, the fact and notoriety of his death, would be more extensively circulated, and more generally known. The tidings of the crucifixion of the far famed claimant of the Jewish Messiahship, would thus be conveyed through the whole length and breadth of the Roman empire. Besides, it was by Jesus dying under a Roman sentence, that he ex¬ pired upon a cross, which was a capital punishment among the Romans only. As one observes, his death would have been expiatory, had he been be¬ headed like John the Baptist, or stoned like Ste¬ phen; but how then could the types have been accomplished, especially that of the brazen serpent ; and how could the predictions of the Psalmist, in the 22nd Psalm, have been so literally and strik¬ ingly accomplished. Thus when they led Jesus to Pilate, they were fulfilling, though unconsciously, what God had foredeterm ined, and what prophets had foretold should come to pass. Besides, as the sequel will demonstrate, by leading Jesus to Pilate, their own wickedness and the innocency of the Sa¬ viour, became more obviously apparent. What must have been the feelings of the generous and lovely Jesus, thus to be exposed to the assembly of or Christian’s portion. 141 tne wicked ; thus to be encompassed by dogs, and to be beset by the bulls of Bashan. (Ps. xxii. 12.) Yet so it was, he was abandoned by his disciples, persecuted to the death by his own nation, and now dragged before a Gentile tribunal, for the sentence to be ratified, and put into execution. How medi¬ tation on this subject, should reconcile us to calumny, to reproach, and to suffering, for his sake who thus allowed unnumbered billows of anguish to pass over him that he might finish the work of redemp¬ tion on behalf of a guilty and dying world. March 22. THE SAVIOUR’S TRIAL BEFORE PILATE. And they began to accuse him, saying, we found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Ccesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. — Luke xxiii. 2. Having brought Jesus before Pilate, thereby to obtain his authority to put him to death, we certainly should expect that the crimes with which he had been charged, and the evidence by which his guilt had been proved, would have been placed before him. But instead of this, their old charge of blasphemy is abandoned. That for which they 142 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, had condemned him, is never once named. They now represent him, as “ perverting the people, and forbidding to give tribute to Ceesar.” Never was a more wicked and false charge brought against any criminal. Why, Jesus had published and ac¬ knowledged the rights of Caesar, when the coin with his superscription, was given into his hands, hnd said, “ Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s.” And so far was he from sowing sedition, and interfering with the authorities which then ex¬ isted, that he ever taught, and was himself the model, of peace and goodwill to men. On one oc¬ casion, the people would fain have laid hold of him, that they might make him their king, but he escaped from them. In fact, this was the great stumblingblock to the Jew, that Christ had not come with earthly power and glory ; and because they saw no proba¬ bility of being delivered by him from the Roman yoke. Christ had never insinuated that he laid claim to any such authority. It was manifest that his kingdom was one within the heart, and that his empire extended only over the world of mind. If he had been an earthly king, if he had designed to usurp temporal power, then would he have raised soldiers ; then he would have taught the science of war; then would he have employed his Almighty power in destroying his adversaries. But his fol¬ lowers were unarmed, plain, and peaceable men. His doctrine was peace, peace always, and peace to all men. His power was employed in blessing OR CHRISTIANAS PORTION. 143 men, by healing their maladies, and forgiving their sins March 23, CHRIST’S EXAMINATION BEFORE PILATE. Then Pilate said unto him , Art thou the King of the Jews. — John xviii. 33. The charge preferred against Jesus was that he perverted the people, wishing to alienate their af¬ fections and obedience from the civil authorities, and to claim the supremacy himself. Pilate there¬ fore asks Jesus, “art thou a King?” Dost thou profess to be the King of the Jews ? To this Jesus replies, “my kingdom is not of this world,” a direct and public denial of the charge which they had brought against him. In this avowal, we are taught the true spirituality of Christ’s church. Kingdoms of this world have certain geographical limits, — Christ’s kingdom is destined for the whole earth. "Jesus shall reign where’er the sun. Does his successive journies run.” Kingdoms of this world have earthly potentates,, Jesus as King was the Lord from heaven, who had never been preceded in his spiritual dominions* and who shall have no successor, for he shall reignt for ever and ever. Kingdoms of this world have 144 GOLDEN POT OP MANNA, earthiy laws, and legislate for temporal purposes, Christ’s laws are spiritual and divine, and are to be found only in the sacred volume of the holy scrip¬ tures. Earthly kingdoms have carnal weapons, and employ the sword for their defence or extension, the truth, the hallowed sword of the divine word is the only weapon Jesus ever employed, or will ever sanction in the defence or extension of his reign. Kingdoms of this world shall all finally perish in the great and general conflagration, Christ’s kingdom shall exist for ever, his reign shall be everlasting, and of his dominion there shall be no end. Jesus therefore while he denied the charge the Jews brought against him, confessed himself a king, but wrhose kingdom was not of this world. Pilate must have perceived at once the falsity of the charge, and therefore he went out to the Jews, and said, “I find no fault in this man.” Here then is high official testimony publicly borne to the innocence of Jesus. March 24. JESUS IN THE COURT OF HEROD. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate . — Lukexx iii. 11. Pilate, discovering that Jesus belonged to the jurisdiction of Herod, sent him unto him, who or Christian’s portion. 145 happened to be at Jerusalem at that time. It seems that Herod had long desired to see the far-famed Jesus, and therefore was exceedingly glad that he was now before him. Herod’s desire was merely owing to curiosity, expecting that Jesus would do some miracle before him. Jesus not gratifying this desire, Herod, instead of righteously judging of the case before him, merely asked him a number of idle questions, to which the blessed Saviour answered nothing. Fearing that Herod might follow Pilate’s example, the chief priests and scribes stood by, and vehemently accused Christ. What a scene of blindness and malignant infatuation ! Herod’s heart quite accorded with the Saviour’s enemies ; therefore, instead of judg¬ ing Christ, it is left on record that “ Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him.” “ They set him at nought,” that is, they made nothing of him — considered him utterly too base and worthless for their consideration. They mocked him — no doubt taunted him with his profession — ridiculed his pretentions — laughed at his claims — dared him to exert his power — treated him as a madman, and as a fool. They also arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, some old tattered robe, which formerly might have decorated royalty, they put upon his person, that he might become the public object of ridicule, contempt, and scorn. Thus it had been predicted how the kings of the earth and the rulers should set themselves against 146 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, the Lord and his anointed. — Ps. ii. 2. Jesus hav¬ ing patiently endured the indignities of Herod, is again dismissed, and sent to Pilate, even Herod, with all his baseness, and hatred, and scorn, find¬ ing nothing in him worthy of death. Mca'ch 25. BARABBAS PREFERRED TO CHRIST. Not this man, hut Barahhas. — John xviii. 38. Christ having been sent back to Pilate, and Herod having found nothing worthy of death in him, Pilate proposes to scourge him, and set him at liberty. This just proposal, was however vio¬ lently rejected by the people, and they loudly clam¬ oured for his death. While Pilate was on the judg¬ ment seat, deciding upon this matter, his wife sent unto him, stating how she had suffered many things in a dream on account of Jesus, and praying him to have nothing to do with that just man. (Matt, xxvii. 19.) As it was customary once a year to release one of the public prisoners, Pilate immedi¬ ately appealed unto them, to give Jesus the benefit of this merciful custom, and proposes that Jesus should be released. Then cried they all again, saying, “ Not this man, but Barabbas.” Now Ba- rabbas was a robber. What an estimate must they have formed of Jesus. A violent, dangerous rob- or Christian’s portion. 14 7 her, an avowed enemy to God and man, is preferre-J before the holy, the heavenly, and the blessed Jesus. A destroyer of human happiness, is preferred to him, who came to bless men with all the blessings of life and immortality. An enemy to society, is preferred to the world’s philanthropist. A Ba- rabbas to Jesus ! Had they only appealed to the safety of society, was it not better for Jesus to be set at large, than one whose hands had been im ¬ brued with the crime of murder : for Barabbas was a murderer, as well as a robber. (Luke xxiii. 19.) How would thousands of diseased and wretched beings, have rejoiced to have been introduced to Jesus, and received a place in his compassions, and have felt the exertions of his power. Rut he who spake as never man spake, who had wrought such mi¬ racles as had never been heard of before ; all of which were miracles of goodness and mercy, is now so despised and rejected, that a robber and a murderer is preferred before him. And they all cried, u not this man, but Barabbas.” Here then we behold guilt triumphing over innocence, iniquity over jus¬ tice, and devils and wicked men, over the immacu¬ late Jesus, the Saviour of the wwld. the only be- gotten Son of God. But while we feel indignant at the wicked preference of the Jews, is there no¬ thing to be found like it in our own history and experience. Our outrageous sins, our destroying lusts, have they not been preferred by us, to the L *48 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, Holy Spirit and laws of Jesus. When he hath sought the throne of our affections, when he has waited at the door of our hearts, have we not often given the preference to our sins, and said, “not this man Jesus, but Barabbas.” What genuine sorrow and deep repentance ought such a remem¬ brance to produce. Let our indignation then, be directed against ourselves, and may the life we henceforth live in the flesh, be a life of faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. March 26. PILATE’S ATTEMPT TO CLEAR HIM¬ SELF FROM CHRIST’S BLOOD. He took water and washed his hands before the multitude , saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just man , see ye to it. — Matt, xxvii. 24. It is obvious that Pilate sincerely desired «*> libe¬ rate Jesus. But alas! so far was he from having moral courage sufficient to induce him to do right at all hazards, and daring all consequences, he at last gives way, and despite of the manifest inno¬ cence of Jesus, his wife’s admonitory dream, and his own public declaration, he delivers him up into the ruthless hands of his malignant murderers. Pilate had truth and righteousness on his side, he had also a military force sufficient to have put down the tumultuous mob, yet he so far forgets or Christian’s portion. 149 his honour, and the claims of justice, that he is borne away with the clamorous demands of the people, and consents to the execution of the inno¬ cent Jesus. It is evident that the conscience of Pilate was the seat of extremely violent conflict and agitation. He saw the path of duty, but he feared to walk in it. At last, he took water and before the multitude, washed his hands, as a final symbolical declaration of Christ’s innocence, and that he had no part or lot in his death. How impor¬ tant that so high and public a testimony was borne to the falsity of the malignant charges brought against him. Happy for all his disciples, that their Lord was thus cleared by the highest human autho¬ rity from the slanderous imputations of the Jews. And happy would it have been for Pilate, if the ap¬ plication of water could have freed him from all blame in this matter. In giving up Jesus, he had violated the most powerful appeals of an aw akened conscience, and therefore though he had washed his hands for ever he could neyer have obliterated a single stain. How truly wretched and pitiable was the condition of Pilate. Happy are all those who under all circumstances have moral courage to maintain a conscience void of offence both toward God and man. 150 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, March 27. THE BLOOD OF JESUS IMPRECATED BY THE JEWS. Then answered the people and said. His blood be on us, and on our children. — Matt, xxvii. 25. Unprincipled as was the conduct of Pilate in condemning an innocent person, yet his conduct was praiseworthy when contrasted with that of the Jews. Pilate is anxious to free himself from the blood of Jesus, the Jews seem determined hastily to fill up the cup of their iniquity, and are quite ready to bear the whole responsibility, and there¬ fore exclaim, “ His blood be upon us and upon our children.” The imprecation was deeply wicked. Who would wish to stand before the spotless throne of God, with his conscience stained with human blood? Who would desire the blood of a wicked man, and that man our direst enemy, to crimson our garments in that day ? But here was a holy per¬ son, a person making claims to the highest dignity, the professed Messiah, whose life had been one scene of piety to God, and benevolence to man whom multitudes would have reason to bless to the end of life, and who had been proclaimed innocent by the judge who had heard the case, and yet they unitedly imprecate the blood of Jesus, to rest upon them and their children. With all their superior privileges, and with all their religious professions, or Christian’s portion. 151 how they surpass in wickedness even the pagan Pilate himself. The imprecation was as unnatural as it was wicked. Why did they include their chil¬ dren? Was it not enough to excite the wrath of heaven against themselves, but must unborn multi¬ tudes be involved in the same crime, and be made partakers of the same curse. March 28. Part II. THE BLOOD OF JESUS IMPRECATED BY THE JEWS. How dreadfully has that imprecation been ful¬ filled, and how solemnly has it been realized. Shortly after this horrid tragedy was performed, slumbering vengeance awoke, and their nation became one scene of calamity, and their whole city, one spectacle of slaughter and blood. They consigned Jesus to the Roman powers, and those very powers took away all their liberties, destroyed their city, burned their temple, and caused Jeru¬ salem’s streets to flow with human blood. They thirsted for Jesu’s blood, and desired that he might die the most shameful and ignominious of all deaths — that of crucifixion ; and afterwards, so many of themselves were crucified, that no more materials for crosses could be obtained. O ves, 152 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, that blood they so imprecated did come upon them, and it came upon their posterity too. For eighteen centuries has it pursued them into every part of the world, and to this day Heaven seems to point them out, as the murderers of the Son of God. And is there no possibility of obliterating these crimson stains. Shall the blood of Jesus be upon them for ever ? There is one grand remedy, and only one. In that very blood there is an atone¬ ment for the sin in shedding it. By a cordial faith in that Jesus whom they rejected and wic¬ kedly slew, they may find redemption, even the forgiveness of sins. May the precious blood of Christ be upon their consciences, and hearts, that thro’ it they may have acceptance, peace, and eter¬ nal glory. “ Most dreadful wish ! Thy murderers dare The blessing to a curse pervert. We turn the curse into a prayer. To cleanse our lives, and purge our heart. In all its hallowing saving powers. Thy blood be, Lord, on us and ours !’* March 29. THE SCOURGING OF JESUS. Then released he Barahbas unto them, and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. — Matt, xxvii. 26. Pilate, having washed his hands to vindicate his innocence from Christ’s blood, and the Jews or Christian’s portion. 153 having freely taken the entire guilt upon them¬ selves and their posterity, then is Barabbas the murderer liberated, and the holy and blessed Jesus delivered unto death. On delivering up Jesus, he was first scourged — a punishment administered with great severity among the Romans. Behold the illustrious Jesus ! Take a retrospect of the sor¬ rows and sufferings of the first night — think of the agonies of Gethsemane — of his rude arrest¬ ment — of his mock trials — of the indignities offered to his sacred person ! And now see him bound to the pillar, while the cruel lash lacerates his back, the blood profusely streaming to the ground. How exactly was the scripture fulfilled, 44 The ploughers ploughed on my back, they made long furrows there.” — Ps. cxxix. 3. 44 1 gave my back to the smiters.” — Isa. 1. 6. And again, 44 The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” — Isa. liii. 5. In the liberation of Barabbas, we have strikingly exhi¬ bited to us the doctrine of substitution, wherein the true criminal, the real malefactor, is set free through the suretyship of the Son of God. Divine Justice cannot relax its demands — cannot yield up any of its claims : sin must be punished either in the actual delinquent or in the person of a sub¬ stitute. Jesus was that blessed substitute. He receives our ignominy and our guilt upon himself — he takes the sinner’s*, standing-place, and suffers, the iust for the unjust, to bring us to God. In 154 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, the mirror of the Saviours sufferings we behold the extreme evil of sin — the unparalleled love of Jesus — and the only way of a sinner’s acceptance with God. Intense sorrow for sin, ardent affection for Christ, and believing confidence in the blood of the atonement, ought to be produced by a right consideration and improvement of this subject. March 30. JESUS DERIDED AND MOCKED. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe . And when the soldiers had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand, and they bowed the knee before him, and, mocked him, saying. Hail, King of the Jews ! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. Matt, xxvii. 28 — 30. In most cases, notorious criminals, after sen¬ tence has been passed upon them, have excited feelings of commiseration in those around them. The officers of justice, however inured to their business of death, generally discharge their dutv with seriousness and propriety. Even the sur¬ rounding rabble mostly witness the extreme sen¬ tence of the law with decency and awe. But no sooner is Jesus given up by Pilate, than every one seems desirous to vie with his fellow who shall treat die precious sufferer with greatest indig- or Christian’s portion. 155 nity, cruelty, and contempt. Decency is totally outraged — humanity seems annihilated — pity seems to have deserted our world — malignant brutality appeared to occupy every breast. Verily, this was in truth the hour of man’s wickedness, and the hour of darkness. Jesus has just been scourged — nature is nearly exhausted. Surely, they now will allow him repose and quietness, until the hour of execution. So far from this, while every wound is bleeding, he is surrounded by the cruel soldiery, who insult, and taunt, and revile, and mock him to the utmost of their power. They throw over him a scarlet robe, to make him, even in the midst of all his sorrows, an object of merriment and contempt. They place upon his heavenly brow a wreath of thorns, forcing it deeply into his temples, until his sacred face was stained with the flowing crimson. A reed is thrust into his hands as a scornful emblem of his sceptre. And then, in horrid mockery, they bend their knees before him, spitting in his face, and striking the crown of thorns deeper into his bleeding temples. Truly, Jesus was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. 156 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, March. 31. Part II. JESUS DERIDED AND MOCKED. Having briefly glanced at the mockery and cruel indignities which Jesus endured, let us now endeavour to derive some useful lessons from it. We cannot fail to remember that it was through sin, that the curse was pronounced, by which the ground was doomed to bring forth “thorns and thistles.” Here then we behold Jesus, who volun¬ tarily became a curse for us, bearing on his head a crown of thorns, that the curse might be removed from us. Man by transgression had become the creature of guilt, and shame, and suffering; he had lost the fair robe of Eden’s innocency, and the joyous delights of Paradise. Jesus now assumes our reproach, is covered with a mock- robe, and suffers through all his sacred person the most intense pain on our behalf. But God, in his great love, had purposed man’s restoration to himself. He destined him to become an heir of heaven — He designed for him a spotless garment and crown of glory. Here then wTe behold the price of our redemption. Our holiness must be obtained through Christ’s obedience and blood — our pardon through his condemnation — our robe through his scarlet apparel — our crown through his wreath of thorns — our glory through his igno¬ miny — our happiness through his woes — and our or Christian's portion. 157 salvation through his cross and death. While we anticipate the possession and enjoyment of the robes and crowns, and pleasuresof heaven, let us not for¬ get the sum they cost — the immense price at which they were procured. Let Christ’s mockery and derision reconcile us to suffering and reproach for his sake. If we are to participate with him in his glory, is it too much to have fellowship with him in his sufferings ? “ If we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified together.” It is requisite, not only that we suffer with him, but that we suffer in the same spirit of meekness and mercy which he dis¬ played. April 1. JESUS BROUGHT FORTH. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man. — John xix. 5. After Jesus had endured the cruel scourging, and still arrayed in the garments of mock royalty, Pilate attests for the last time, that he finds no fault in him, and bringing him forth before the people, exclaims, “ Behold the Man.” How differ¬ ently was Jesus looked upon by the various specta¬ tors at this moment. Pilate beheld him as an in¬ nocent man, but took no interest in him, and al¬ lowed him to be treated as the vilest malefactor. The Jews beheld him with feelings of galling envy and malice, and with direst hate, ardently thirsted 158 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, for his blood. Devils beheld the man, and per¬ haps contemplated in his death, the overthrow of God’s spiritual empire on earth. Angels doubtless, beheld him with wonder and affection, and longed to be the messengers of deliverance, or of comfort, to their suffering Lord. The Father beheld him and saw in the object of human scorn, his own Son, in whom all his glories were reflected, his beloved equal, his eternal delight. In this man we behold united, Divine power and human weakness, ce¬ lestial glory and earthly ignominy. The fountain of happiness to all creatures, and yet the depository of unequalled anguish and suffering. In this man we behold absolute holiness, and yet by imputation, the sins of a world were laid upon him. In this man, and in him only, is to be found the “ glory of Israel,” and “ God’s salvation to the ends of the earth.” In him is the hope of the penitent, the joy of believers, the King of Zion, and the Lord of Angels. O then let us draw near, and behold him with sorrow for our sins. With faith in his savins' merits. With supreme love to his person. And with entire consecratedness of heart to his service. The ungodly will at last behold him, and they who set him at nought, and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. (Rev. i. 7.) or Christian’s portion. 159 April 2. CHRIST BEARING HIS CROSS. And he bearing his cross, went forth. — John xix. 17. We are now called upon to behold Jesus on his way to the place of execution. The instrument on which he was to expire is framed, and he is led forth, bearing on his shoulder, the ponderous weight of his own cross. His sufferings had been however, so aggravated and extended, that nature was unable to the task they now imposed on him, and he sank by the way. They then met one Simon, a Cyrene, and him they compelled to bear the Saviour’s cross. cc Cyrene was on the north part of the coast of Africa : it is likely therefore, that he was a black, who had been converted from idolatry, and had come to worship God at Jerusalem. There is a pleasing tradition concerning Simon, that while carrying Christ’s cross, he was convinced of his Messiahship and Divinity, became a sincere disciple, and that two of his sons became celebrated preachers of the Gospel.” However exhausted the body of Jesus might be, we know that he bore the cross cheerfully, despising the shame, that he might obtain the covenanted reward, and sit down on the right hand of the throne of God. And he who assisted him on his way to Calvary, stands as the type of every genuine disciple and servant of Jesus*. Christ went from shame to dignity, from suffering to joy, from the cross to glory. As his friends, lies 1 GO GOLDEN TOT OF MANNA, calleth upon us to have fellowship with him in his iufferings, and to take up his cross and follow him. f< For if v suffer with him, we shall also reign with him,'* but if we shun the cross, and deny him, he also will deny us. (2 Tim. ii. 1 1 i. 2) April 3. THE PLACE OF CHRIST’S DEATH. Golgotha. — John xix 17. The place of Christ’s death, was the common scene of the execution of malefactors, and hence it was called Golgotha, the place of skulls. Here lay spread abroad, the remains of those who had forfeited their lives, and died bv the hands of the • l executioner. Golgotha strikingly exhibited the true state of that world, which Jesus came to redeem. Our fallen world is one vast Golgotha, one region of death, one extended burying ground. Divine justice had pronounced the sentence of death against all the human family, and with two excep¬ tions, every child of the myriads of Adam’s family, had felt its infliction. To save us from sin and death, was the great object of Christ’s visit to our world ; the grand design of his sufferings and death. No where could we behold a more striking, affect¬ ing view of our world, than in Golgotha. Golgo¬ tha was without the gates of the city, and it was thus designed to shew us, that Jesus as the great or Christian’s portion. 161 sacrifice for sin, was not limited to the Jewish na¬ tion, but that he was an offering for the whole world. Hence all nations may claim the benefit of his death, who was crucified at Golgotha. In this way too, was Christ’s death a public event, an un¬ doubted occurrence ; both enemies and friends could thus with certainty attest its reality. Then by dying here, the types and prophecies of the Scriptures were fulfilled, for it was on one of the eminences of this mountain, that Isaac had been typically slain, nearly two thousand years before. And it had also been expressly predicted by Isaiah, that “ he should make his grave with the wicked, and be numbered with the transgressors.” (liii. 9 — 12.) Behold then, on this summit of infamy and reproach, the prince of life obtaining for us dignity and joy, Behold the place of skulls, where death seemed to sway his sceptre with bold and unlimited authority, becoming the dying place of him, who is the resurrection and the life, and who shall ultimately prove the destruction of death, and the plague of the grave. Let the subject re¬ concile all the friends of Jesus, cheerfully to “go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach/' GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, 162 April 4. \ HE MANNER OF CHRIST’S DEATH. There they crucified him . — Luke xxiii. 33. Crucifixion was a Roman punishment, and was considered as only fit for the vilest of slaves and malefactors. It was therefore deemed by all, one of peculiar ignominy and shame. It was also a death of extreme torture and agony. “ The sufferer was thrown down on his back upon the cross and his limbs were stretched to the utmost before they were fastened to the wood.” Then after racking the limbs, nails, or rather spikes, w’ere driven through the tender and sensitive parts of the hands, and it is highly probable that one large nail was driven through the crossed feet of the sufferer. Then the cross was raised in an upright position, and thrust violently into a hole prepared for the purpose, while the wFole body was left sustained by the nails through the hands and feet. It was thus also that crucifixion was a most sloiv and lingering death. Thus suspended, the sufferer often lived for several hours, and sometimes violence had to be used to accelerate the tedious process. While wre behold Jesus expiring on the cross, we are reminded of the paschal lamb, which when slain, was fixed on an instrument for the process of roasting, much In the shape of a cross, and hence the Apostle’s de¬ claration, “Christ our passover, who is sacrificed or Christian’s portion. 163 for us.” We are reminded also of the brazen serpent, of which Jesus spake, when he said, “even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” Thus too, we feel a particular interest attached to that passage. “Blotting out the hand- writing which was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” (Col. ii. 14.) And finally we see a powerful reason for the Apostle’s exclamation, “ God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” April 5. JESUS MOCKED AND REVILED ON THE CROSS. And they that passed by, reviled him , wagging their heads, and saying, thou that destroy est the Temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and el¬ ders, said, he saved others, himself he cannot save. — Matt, xxvii. 39 — 42. When Jesus was enduring the agonies of cruci¬ fixion, we might have presumed that the most ma¬ lignant of his enemies, would have ceased to taunt and revile him. If any feeling of humanity had remained, the sight of a fellow being in the tortures 164 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, of a cruel death, would have called it forth. But. to the last instant of his life, Jesus was doomed to bear the scorn of man, and his dying moments were embittered by the barbarities of his execu¬ tioners, and the rude and unfeeling revilings of the hardened multitude. They taunt him with his previous pretensions, of being able to destroy and build again the temple in three days. They refer to his claims, as the Son of God, and they appeal to him as such, to come down from the cross. This was not only the cry of the multitude, but also of the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people. How deplorably fallen these Fathers of religion ! How blind and infatuated these guides of the people ! No wonder that both priests and people should fall into the ditch. Had they read the prophets with prayerful attention, and humility of mind. Had they examined Christ’s pretensions to the Messiahship, with candid impartiality, they would have found every sign, which purity of life, which heavenly doctrines, and which the most stu¬ pendous miracles could possibly afford. But they wilfully closed their eyes against all the evidence which heaven and earth had given ; and now whilst the sufferer was suspended on the ignominious tree, they ridicule those claims, and defy him to come down from the cross. How dreadful are the effects of ignorance and unbelief. Let us see to it, that while we condemn the Jews for their hatred to the Son of God, that we prove the genuineness of or Christian’s portion. 165 our faith in him, by cherishing the most ardent af¬ fection to him, and by a life of cheerful and con¬ stant obedience to all his commands. April 6. THE SAVIOUR OF OTHERS NOT ABLE TO SAVE HIMSELF. He saved others, himself he cannot save. — Matt, xxvii. 42. Among the other things with which the chief priests and scribes taunted the Saviour on the cross, we find the sentence which heads this exercise ; — “ He saved others.” This they might intend as the lan¬ guage of irony, meaning that he professed so to do, obviously implying that it was mere pretence, and that he had really never done so, seeing that he did not now save himself. The language of Jewish scorn involved, however, a most notorious truth. “ He saved others,” Yes, thousands could attest this : for his miracles were not done in a corner ; but publicly in the light of day. “ He saved others.” Yes, almost all the villages of Judea had been the scenes of his benevolent and almighty power. Ye sick, did he not speak to you, and ye were instantly made whole ? Ye lepers, did he not command, and ye were cleansed ? Ye dumb, attest how he caused you to speak ? Ye blind, know one thing at least, that Jesus caused your 166 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, sightless eye-balls to behold the light. Ye demo¬ niacs, was it not by the power of Jesus that the spirits were dispossessed, and that ye sat at his feet, clothed and in your right mind ? Where is the wo¬ man who had the bloody issue for so many years ? Where is the nobleman whose daughter was raised from the bed of death ? Where is the widow of Nain, who received back again from the bier her only son ? Ye amiable sisters of Bethany, who led the Saviour to the tomb of your brother, can ye not verify the truth of the assertion, that Jesus saved others ? Are there none of the officers present, who saw the bleeding ear of Malclms, have you forgotten who touched the part, and it was instantaneously healed? Yes, no fact was more public, none could have been more amply proved than this, that Jesus had saved others. April 7. Part II. THE SAVIOUR OF OTHERS NOT ABLE TO SAVE HIMSELF. Matt. 27. xlii. If they meant that he had not physical power to deliver himself from the cross, and from the hands of his enemies, then was this the language of igno¬ rance and unbelief. He, who on one occasion was surrounded by his enemies, when they designed (o. or Christian’s portion. 167 throw him headlong down the brow of a certain hill, and who passed through them unperceived, could have easily eluded their most vigilant search, and escaped out of their hands. He, who in the garden, by a simple interrogation, caused the officers to fall to the ground, by one word, could have overwhelmed all employed in putting him to death, or have de¬ scended from the cross. No man could take his life from him, unless he pleased, for he had power both to lay it down, and to take it up again. He could have called ten legions of angels, who would have avenged his sufferings, and slain all his adver¬ saries. But although Jesus had all power, yet there was a sense, in which it was true, that “ himself he could not save.” The reason was a moral one. He had stipulated to save others through the offering of himself. To save others, consistently with all the illustrious demands of eternal justice, it behoved him to suffer, and also to rise from the dead. The life of the world, rested on his death. Had he saved himself, the world would have been unre¬ deemed, and all the prophecies and promises of the scriptures falsified. His truth rendered it impos¬ sible to save himself. His concern for the glory of his Father : his intense love to a world of sinners; and his determination to destroy the works of the devil, all rendered it true, that himself he could not save. Happy for the Jewish nation, who re¬ jected their Lord, and happy for those in particular who put him to death, that himself he did not save. 168 GOLDEN POT-0F MANNA, Happy for every sinful child of man, for every undying human spirit, that himself he could not save. Shall we not feel deeply interested in those reasons, that rendered it impossible for Christ to save himself. And while Jesus saved others, ought we not to be deeply solicitous, that he should say unto our souls, “I am your salvation.” April 8. CHRIST’S AFFECTIONATE CONCERN FOR HIS MOTHER. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother and his mother s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother , and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his mother , Woman, behold thy son. Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother. — John xix. 25 — 27. It is generally supposed, that Joseph the husband of Mary, had been for some time deceased. And that Mary was mostly to be found in the com- pany of her son, and was entirely dependant upon him. On the present occasion, we find her with other two Marys, and the beloved disciple, standing near the cross of Christ. What distress must have oc¬ cupied every heart, what anguish especially, must have filled the breast of the afflicted mother of Je¬ sus. Although Jesus was now enduring the intense on Christian’s portion. 169 agonies of a lingering dissolution, yet the little group of devoted friends, arrested his attention. His eyes beheld them — his heart felt for them. For his distressed mother he now provided a son, who should be her protector, her comforter, her friend. Hence he said unto her 44 Woman, behold thy son,” let my beloved disciple be thine adopted child, consider him henceforth as thy son. In him thou shalt find a friend worthy of all thy esteem ; his heart shall ever be thy sanctuary in trouble, and on his arm thou shalt lean with safety and delight. Thine own son now dies, but John shall abide to befriend thee, and care for thee, so long as thou shalt live. Then fixing his eyes on the beloved disciple, he said, 44 Behold thy mother.” I commit her in charge to thine affectionate care ; consider her as the honoured handmaid of the Lord ; favored to give birth to the world’s redeemer. Consider how that heart of her’s is now pierced through and through, by the sufferings of thy master, by the agonies I now endure, and in which thy salvation is concerned. I commend her to thy filial attention. Let thine arm befriend her, let thy society cheer her, soothe as far as thou canst, her passage through the valley of tears, till she shall be called to behold her son exalted on the right hand of the majesty on high. You anticipate the result. The charge was accepted ; the beloved disciple received her as his mother, and from that hour he took her to his own home. How is filial piety recommended by 170 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, this astonishing scene. Jesus on whom a world’s guilt was pressing, whose soul was engulphed in the waters of unutterable sorrows, did not forget his dependant mother, but in his dying words pro¬ vides for her an asylum and a friend. April 9. CHRIST’S GARMENTS DIVIDED. Then the soldiers when they had crucified Jesus , took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier apart. John xix. 23. It was an ancient custom, for the garments of executed criminals to be divided among those who were employed on the occasion. It was in this way that the Redeemer was treated. Jesus was stripped of his garments, and they were divided among the soldiers who crucified him. The outer robe of Jesus was divided into four parts, each part of which was given to a distinct soldier. In this apparently unimportant matter, we are reminded however of the grand medium of our redemption, of the great price by which our acceptance with God was obtained. By sin we had become the victims of nakedness and shame. In such circumstances we could not pos¬ sibly stand in the Divine presence, or be accepted of him. But Jesus is stripped of his only robe, and thus through his poverty, humiliation, and death, we obtain better robes than our first parents or Christian’s portion. 171 wore in Eden, even the garments of salvation. And as the garment of Christ was divided into four parts, it seems to intimate, that the four quarters of our globe are equally interested in the gracious provisions of redeeming love. And may we not further also infer, that as each of the soldiers ob¬ tained a part, that each sinful child of man, who humbly and believingly claims the garment of salvation, shall assuredly possess his part. And as the very crucifiers of Jesus, thus possessed his gar¬ ments; are we not further instructed, that the Saviour’s gospel is for the vilest of the vile, even the chief of sinners. While the children of this world are vainly seeking after gaudy finery, after splendid earthly attire, let it be our earnest wish, to be found clothed in the white robe of righteous¬ ness, that we may thus be permitted to mingle with the blood- washed throng, before the throne of God and the Lamb for ever. April 10. CHRIST’S SEAMLESS VESTURE. Let us not rent it , but cast lots for it, whose it shall be . — John xix. 24. How remarkably was every scriptural prediction realized in reference to the Son of God. His. upper garments haa ut-en divided among the sol¬ diers, but his inner coat or vesture, being without seam, they do not tear it, but agree to dispose of it 172 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, by lots, thus, unconsciously fulfilling a prophecy which had been delivered eleven hundred years before. For David had predicted and said, “ They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” (Ps. xxii. 18.) In this interesting event several lessons are communicated. By the seamless vesture of Christ we are reminded of the completeness and perfection of his religion. All preceding dispensations had been imperfect and temporary, Christ came to establish a system which should abolish all these, one in which all truth should be exhibited, and which should abide to the end of the world. By Christ’s seamless vesture, we are also reminded of the unity of his church. All his people are one. For this he especially in¬ terceded in his valedictory prayer, “ That they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they may be all one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John xvii. 21.) How desirable it is that all Christ’s professed friends should say, as the soldiers did of his vesture, “ let us not rent it.” Perfect uniformity is not likely to be effected by any process here, but perfect love and harmony may notwithstanding be cultivated. God is displeased with the jarrings and strifes of his people. By this the Holy Spirit is grieved, and the seamless vesture of Jesus is degraded and torn. Let us not forget that Christ not only came to unite us to God, but also to unite our hearts in the indis¬ soluble bonds of peace and love. By this said the or Christian’s portion. 173 olessed Jesus, shall all men know that ye are my disciples, “if ye love one another.” April 11. CHRIST AND THE PENITENT MALEFACTOR. Verily , I say unto thee, to-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. — Luke xxiii. 43. The occasion of these words we meet with, in the earnest supplication of the poor malefactor who was expiring by the side of Christ. Jesus was crucified between two thieves, and thus he was accounted stricken and smitten of God; and in his death he was numbered with transgressors.. Struck either with the dignity of the sufferer, or the astounding phenomena with which nature was- affected, and doubtless too, touched with the finger of God, one of these exclaimed, “ Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” His sup¬ plication was of a most extraordinary character. It was addressed to a fellow-sufferer — a reputed male¬ factor — the object of human scorn, hatred, and contempt. It wras addressed to him when in the agonies of death. All else were mocking and reviling — the priests and elders were taunting him, saying, “ He saved others ; himself he cannot save” — the multitude were exclaiming, “ If thou 174 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Yet amidst all this derision and contemptuous treat¬ ment of the Saviour, this poor malefactor honoured him, and sought from his dying lips a promise of future felicity. He addresses him in the language of believing worship, — he gives him his own glo¬ rious and rightful title of Lord, — he sees in the sufferer the features of divinity, — he concedes to him all that prophets had written, all that Jesus had claimed, — he recognizes him as the Son of God, — as the possessor of a celestial kingdom, -and entreats when he should ascend to his throne, that he would give him a place in his merciful remem¬ brance. Thus was Christ honoured by the wor¬ ship and address of this poor malefactor. Thus did Christ’s cross, as a powerful magnet draw a dying wretch beneath its saving influence. Thus while the religionists of the day despised and put to death the blessed Jesus, a poor profligate outcast, vested his mortal interests into his hands, and received the promise of eternal glory. April 12 CHRIST AND THE PENITENT MALEFACTOR. Part II. I here are yet several features in the prayer of the dying malefactor which are worthy of our or Christian’s portion. 175 notice. Not only did he honour Jesus, as Lord, and recognised his claims to a kingdom, but he placed his soul’s entire confidence in him. He sought from him, his favourable regards in a future world. He lost sight of his body and the suffer¬ ings of his crucifixion, he withdrew his thoughts from time and death, and looked beyond both, to the safety of his spirit, and his immortal well-being. In doing this he evinced amazing faith in the Re¬ deemer,- he saw him in his humiliation, and beheld him sinking into the arms of death, yet he addressed him as the glorious Lord, and as the fountain of life. He was not favoured with a supernatural sight of the Divine glory as Moses was, — he did not obtain such a full and explicit revelation, as did Abraham, — he did not with Isaiah behold in vision the glory of the Lord of Hosts. We are not certain that he ever saw one of Christ’s miracles, yet despite of all, his faith pierces through all the mystery which surrounded the cross, and he commits his immortal all, into the hands of Jesus, While his prayer was the evidence of strong faith, yet it was characterized by humility. He sought not great things — he de¬ sired only to be remembered — he left all else, to be supplied by the wisdom and goodness of the Saviour. Then we cannot fail to perceive the fer¬ vour, the holy earnestness which his prayer evinced, . Lord remember me, pity a poor dying wretch, let thy compassionate eye be fixed upon me, — let thyr boundless mercy accompany my guilty spirit, — le& 176 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, not my soul go down from thy side to the dreary shades of death. 44 Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Happy the man who has had fellowship of spirit, and kindredness of feeling, with this poor penitent sinner. April 13. CHRIST’S REPLY TO THE DYING MALEFACTOR. Part III. We have already witnessed the peculiar situation of the suppliant, and the nature of the prayer he presented to Jesus. Let us now consider the an¬ swer which he received. I. — The answer was gracious — Christ did not reject his prayer — he did not refuse his petition — he did not upbraid him with his crimes; but, with all the majesty of unbounded compassion, he regarded his suppli¬ cation, and gave him a positive assurance of his gracious regards. II. — The answer was immediate — He did not keep him in anxious suspense, or in a state of distressing doubt. The poor peti¬ tioner was expiring — he was on the margin of the eternal world — a few moments more, and his state would be irrevocably fixed. Jesus therefore promptly regarded his request, and immediately promised him a place in Paradise. III. — The OR CHRISTIAN S PORTION. 177 answer was superabundantly glorious. He merely desired to be remembered — but Christ promises him an abode in Paradise. He engages that he shall accompany himself, and that very day be a participant with him in the joys of eternity. Then, IV. — The answer was exceedingly strong and posi¬ tive. Christ places beneath his feet the immu¬ table rock of his repeated promise, “ Verily, verily, I say unto thee, to-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.” In this interesting case, we see the fulness, the freeness, and the efficacy of divine grace. No humble penitent after this need despair. No case after this can be deemed too desperate. Christ can save the vilest, yea, and to the utter¬ most, and under all circumstances, those who come unto God by him. But to secure this salvation, we must come humbly, and earnestly, and by faith, to the fountain opened for sin and unclcanness. “The dying thief rejoiced to see That Fountain, in his day ; And there may I, as vile as he. Wash all my sins away ! ” 178 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, April 14. THE EARTHQUAKE AT CHRIST’S DEATH. And the Earth did quake , and the rocks rent. Matt, xxvii. 51. How astonishing was the contrast exhibited at Christ’s death between the inanimate and the intelligent creation of God. Men gazed with cruel hardness on the dying Redeemer, and mocked and reviled him in his expiring agonies. The Sun covered himself with sable darkness, and refused to witness the scene of horror and of blood. Men stood unmoved by the groans of the Man of Sorrows. The cold earth and flinty rocks seemed to evince greater sensibility and to reprobate the callousness of the more flinty hearted multitude, for “ the earth did quake and the rocks rent.” Doubtless this phenomena was designed to indicate the mighty revolutions which the death of Christ should effect. The Jewish system was now to be utterly abolished, the temple was now to have inscribed upon its portals Ichabod- — the glory is de¬ parted. All the rights and services of that gorgeous and burdensome economy were to pass into utter oblivion. Now too, the whole world was to become the theatre of divine operations. Paganism, in all its horrid diversities of form and iniquity, was to be .shaken to its centre, and a religion of holiness and 'benevolence was to be diffused throughout the ha- OR CHRISTIAN S PORTION. 179 bitable earth, and which should make the kingdoms of this world, to become the kingdoms of God, and of his Christ for ever. Might not this prodigy at Christ’s death also be intended to denote the effi¬ cacy of the Redeemer’s grace on the hearts of men, by which the most obstinate and callous, should be made sensitive, and gentle, and affectionate, as that of a little child, and thus be made meet for the kingdom of heaven. " Hark! how he groans, while nature shakes. And earth’s strong pillars bend. The Temple’s veil in sunder breaks. And solid marble rends.” April 15. CHRIST’S PRAYER FOR HIS MURDERERS. Father , forgive them, for they know not what they do. — Luke xxiii. 34. The crucifixion of Christ, was the most atrocious crime the Jews ever committed. When we con¬ template the dignity of the illustrious sufferer, and the overwhelming evidence he gave of the divinity of his mission, we must perceive, that to shed his infinitely precious blood, must have been a crime of the deepest dye — a murder of the foulest and most aggravated description. Well might Jesus exclaim, “They know not what they do.” The N 180 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, full amount of guilt they were then committing, will only be fully ascertained in the day of judg¬ ment, and the day of doom. Yet heinous as was the crime, unfathomable as was their guilt, it did not place them beyond the reach of mercy, it did not render their salvation impossible. What a striking scene is exhibited before us ! 1 he powers of earth and hell, are exhausting their malignant cruelty on the Son of God. Men and devils seem to vie with each other, which should have the pre¬ eminence in perpetrating this deed of horror and blood. Christ is enduring the most intense agonies, they could cause him to suffer, yet his heart becomes as it were insensible to his own excruciating suffer¬ ings, and compassion towards his enemies, triumphs over every other feeling. While they blaspheme, he prays, — while they mock and revile him, he in¬ tercedes for their salvation, — while they cover him with wounds, and extract his precious blood, every wound they open and every drop of blood they shed, became vocal on their behalf. Let heaven and earth be astonished, the dying victim exclaims, “ Forgive them Father, O forgive. They know not that by me they live.” % Is it not then the interest of every self-convicted sinner to come to the same Redemer, and to plead, “ Thy precious death and life, — I pray, • Take all, take all my sins away.” OR CHRISTIANAS PORTION. 181 April 16. CHRIST FORSAKEN OF HIS FATHER. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me.— Matt, xxvii. 46. Do not imagine that when Jesus uttered these mysterious words, that the Divinity was separated from his humanity, or that Christ had ceased to be an object of complacency and delight with the Father. We cannot imagine at any period when God took greater interest in his Son, than when he was accomplishing the very act of atonement, by which all his perfections would be rendered eternally illustrious, and the redemption of a guilty world effected. God ever delighted in his Son, and never more so than at this solemn moment. But it behoved Christ to suffer the withdrawment of the joys and consolations of his Father’s countenance. It was now that it pleased the Father to bruise him. He put him to grief. He presented the cup to his lips, and the bitterest portion of that cup he was now drinking when he exclaimed, u My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me.” Now indeed was Divine justice, magnified in exacting the vast atoning sum for human redemption. Now the suf¬ ferer felt the unutterable weight of a world’s guilt pressing upon his agonized soul. Now he was enduring the holy infliction of sins demerit, which required for a season, the hidings of his Father’s face. Yet be it observed, the complaint of Jesus 182 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, did not imply regret that he had undertaken the redemption of the world, — neither did it imply despair as to its glorious consummation. He knew the momentous work was nearly accomplished,— he was certain as to its glorious result, — he did not doubt the Father’s approval, or the bestowment of the joy that had been set before him. But he felt the billows rolling over his afflicted spirit. The tempest of wrath, was now raging with relentless fury. Darkness had not only surrounded the earth, but Christ’s soul was filled with horrific and sable blackness, and in the depths of his agony, he exclaimed, “ My God, my God, why hast thou for¬ saken me.” That partial eclipse of the Father’s countenance obtained for the guilty family of man, the reconciled smiles of the blessed Deity. Now the clouds of indignation against an iniquitous race are removed, and through Jesus, the light of immortal blessedness, beams upon our perishing world. April 17. CHRIST’S THIRST. I thirst. — John, xix 28. Jesus had now been nailed to the cross for several hours, — the moment of his death was at hand. All that had been written of him in the prophets and the psalms had been fulfilled, except or Christian’s portion. 18*3 one passage, and that is now realised, by the intense thirst which he endures. As it had been predicted, “ His strength indeed was dried up like a potsherd, and his tongue cleaved to his jaws, and he was brought unto the dust of death.” (Ps. xxii. 16.) When we contemplate the accumulated sufferings which he had borne during the last twelve hours, we need not wonder that the fluids of his precious body were dried up, and that intolerable thirst necessarily followed. It is also deserving of notice, that thirst is the most distressing sensation of which the body is capable, and is therefore employed to represent the misery of lost souls. Jesus as our substitute, had to endure what was equal to that misery, and never perhaps, was that more fully realised, than when he exclaimed, “ 1 thirst.” Je¬ sus, too had to pass through the dreary shades of dissolution, that he might have fellowship with his believing people. Here then he feels the racking torture of dying thirst, and he knows how to suc¬ cour, how feelingly to sympathise with his people, when they are enduring the agonies of death. Christ’s exclamation of thirst, met with no sym¬ pathy from the rocky hearted multitude. But they gave the illustrious Jesus, “ vinegar mixed with hyssop to drink.” Thus, that passage was literally fulfilled, — “They gave also gall for my meat, and in my thirst, they gave me vinegar to drink” (Ps. lxix. 21.) Let us not however lose sight of the glorious consequences of Christ’s excruciating 184 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, thirst to us. Thus, has he obtained for us the streams of salvation here, and the ceaseless flowing rivers of pleasures at his right hand for evennore. He now invites from his Mediatorial throne, and says whosoever will come, may come, and take of the waters of life freely. April 18. CHRIST’S TRIUMPHANT EXCLAMATION. It is finished ! — John xix. 30. Never was a more important sentence uttered. So important to man — so important to Jehovah — so important to Christ. Man’s immortal interests had been undertaken by Jesus. He had freely come to do the will of God, as it was written in the book — he had engaged to bear the curse which sin had brought upon the human race — he had offered his own breast to receive the sharp and glittering sword which must otherwise have smitten every child of man. When the fulness of time had come, he entered upon the arduous under¬ taking. His engagements were now nearly finished — a solid foundation of happiness was now laid — the uttermost farthing was now paid into the hands of Justice. The bond of suretyship was nowsigned and sealed, and rendered valid and saving to every or Christian's portion. 185 believer to the end of the world. Yes, now it was — when Christ exclaimed “ It is finished ” — that man’s salvation was completed. The expiring cry of the Redeemer was not less important to Jehovah. He had satisfied his infinite justice in punishing sin to the utmost. He had exhibited his utter detestation of moral evil, and hence his holiness was greatly magnified. He had rendered his truth everlastingly glorious, in not conniving at transgression, but fulfilling, to the very letter, the threatening of death, although removed from the criminal to the surety. He had also given the most resplendent revelation of his infinite grace, unbounded mercy, and eternal love. Here was a full manifestation of all his adorable perfections, so that “ the first archangel never saw, so much of God before.” Surely this exclamation could not be less important to Jesus himself — that his arduous undertaking was now completed — that his unparalleled suffering was ended — that his igno¬ miny was now about to be exchanged for dignity — his cross for a throne — his wreath of thorns for a crown of glory — that his groans and anguish were to be eternally forgotten in the rivers of pleasure which were to flow around his mediatorial seat for ever. “ ’ Tis finish’d ! let the joyful sound Be heard through all the nations round : ’ Tis finish’d let the echo fly Through heaven and hell- — through earth and sky ! ** 186 GOLDEN POT OF MaNNA, April 19. CHRIST’S TRIUMPHANT EXCLAMATION. Part II. Now the testimonies of the prophets of which Jesus had been the Alpha and Omega, were all accomplished. It behoved him that every promise should be fulfilled, every prophecy accomplished. In Jesus every promise had now been realized, and every prediction embodied. Now ancient types and shadows were all doomed to pass away, seeing that the truth and the substance had appeared. Now for ever ceased the ceremonies of the law, and another victim should never be offered wrhich should be acceptable to God. Now all preceding dispensations were about to expire, and the last and best that God should ever give to man was being ratified with the blood of the Cross. Now was struck the fatal blow, by which the gates of hell were shaken to their centre, and which should finally issue in the total ruin of Satan’s empire in the world. “ Now was the judgment of this world — now was the Prince of this world cast out.” When Jesus exclaimed, £C It is finished,” a new aera in the history both of heaven and earth com¬ menced. Earth was now to be, in a more uni¬ versal and glorious sense, the theatre of the divine operations. From this instant Christ was to com- OR CHRISTIAN S PORTION. 18V mence his aggressive attacks upon Satan’s usurped dominions, and by which he should ultimately res¬ cue our enslaved world from his tyrannical grasp, and thereby subdue all things unto himself. Now heaven’s portals, which would have been closed against every child of man, were thrown wide open, and the tree of life, in the midst of the Paradise of God, was rendered accessible to the whole human race. O, how glorious, how blessed was Christ’s dying exclamation ! Here is the foundation of my hope. Here is my reply to every accusation from the enemy. Here is the object of my trust and joy. God forbid that I should glory in anything, save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. April 20. JESUS COMMENDING HIS SPIRIT INTO THE HANDS OF HIS FATHER. When Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. — Luke xxiii. 46. It was of the utmost importance that Christ’s death should be voluntary. Had his life been forced from him, then would it not have been an acceptable sacrifice for a guilty world. It behoved him freely to lay down his life, and thus, as our cheerful surety, to free us from the dreadful penalty of our sins. Our text is the grand proof that 188 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, Christ thus freely gave himself. Notwithstanding all the accumulated weight of sorrows he had borne, yet he was not exhausted — he did not gradually become more weak and faint, and then fall gently into the hands of death : he had still full power over his spirit; he could easily have come down from the cross and saved himself — hence, when the moment arrived that Divine Justice demanded his spirit he was ready with the offering; and having cried with a loud voice — a proof of the vigorous energies he still pos¬ sessed — he said, “ Father, into thy hands I com¬ mend my spirit.” But not only do wre see the voluntariness of Christ’s death, but also the piety and the resignation, and the composure with which his life terminated. He knew that his Father would receive the precious deposit — he knew that in dying he was to be the example of his saints — hence he sanctified death with prayer, and by his unshaken confidence, by his calmness, and by his dying composure, he has taught us our only refuge in a dying hour. By faith we are the children of God, and joint heirs with Christ, and therefore when we expire, we may adopt his dying words, relying upon it, that our immortal spirits will be received into his heavenly hands. on Christian’s portion. April 2 1 . CHRIST’S PIERCED SIDE. But one of the soldiers pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. — John xix. 34. How marvellously did Divine Providence secure the literal fulfilling of all that had been written concerning Jesus. It had been predicted, that “ not a bone of him should be broken,” And the paschal Lamb, one of the most striking of all the types of Christ, was to be roasted whole, and not a bone of it was to be broken. Behold then how God preserves the Saviour, and realises the predictions of his word. To facilitate the death of the crimi¬ nals, the executioners broke the legs of both the malefactors, but perceiving that Jesus was already dead, they broke not his legs. But there was ano¬ ther passage which had to be fulfilled. Zechariah had spoken of Jesus, as being pierced; he had referred to a fountain which should be opened for sin and uncleanness. While the soldiers therefore passively fulfil the first scripture, in not breaking a bone of the Saviour, one of them actively fulfils the other, in thrusting the spear into his heart, from which immediately flowed the predicted foun¬ tain of blood and water. Here then we perceive the cruelty and wrath of man fulfilling what God had aforetime determined should be done. Let it be observed however, that Christ had already yielded his Spirit into his Father’s hands, so that 190 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, this did not at all interfere with the freeness and voluntariness of Christ’s death. The wisdom of God secured all the interests involved in this mysterious, and all momentous undertaking. April 22. CHRIST’S PIERCED SIDE. Part II. Let us now contemplate the piercing of Christ’3 side, as it stands connected with the various parties concerned. It was in respect of Christ, a proof of his Messiahship, and of the reality of his death. The passages previously quoted, evidently referred to the Messiah, and their accomplishment at Christ’s death, complete the evidence of his being the pre¬ dicted Saviour, and truly the Son of God. Besides, thus was the reality of his death demonstrated. After the pericardium was pierced, and the fluid of life had flown from the orifice, had not the Sa¬ viour been dead already, humanly speaking, death must have instantly followed. So that the piercing of Christ’s side, greatly establishes the reality of Christ’s death; on the truth of which, the whole structure of redemption rests. On the soldier’s part, it was a mere act of wanton cruelty. He thought of nothing, but gratifying a barbarous passion, of outvieing his fellows in malignant cru- or Christian’s portion. 191 elty, towards the reputed deceiver. But however thoughtlessly he might have committed this outrage on Christ’s sacred person, the matter to us is deeply affecting and instructive. The soldier was the mere instrument of this act. It was our sins that brought Jesus from heaven ; that apprehended, con¬ demned, and put him to death. And it was our sins too, that lifted up the spear, and thrust it in his precious heart. How then does it become us, to look upon him whom we have pierced, and mourn. Genuine repentance flows only from an awakened sense of the extreme evil of sin, and never was that so fully manifested, as in the death of the Son of God. But from this subject, we also derive instruction. We are guilty, and as an atonement for our sins, blood flowed from the Saviour’s side. We have redemption through his blood. We are unholy, and for our sanctification, flowed water from the side of Christ. Thus were exhibited in two significant emblems, the means, both of our pardon, and purification. “ There is a fountain filled with blood. Drawn from Immanuel’s veins. And sinners plung’d beneath that flood. Lose all their guilty stains.” 192 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, April 23. THE RENT VEIL. And behold the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. — Matt, xxvii. 51. Christ’s whole life had been attended by the most astonishing prodigies and miracles. His birth was ushered in by a choir of angels, and a brilliant meteor was suspended over the place where th new born Saviour was to be found. His baptism in like manner, was signally distinguished by a voice from the excellent glory, by the opening heavens, and the miraculous descent of the Holy Ghost. His ministerial career, was one of signs and wonders. Never did any other man do the wrorks which Christ did. His death was accompa¬ nied by events, equally as striking and wonderful. Among these wonderful phenomena, our attention is at present directed to that which occurred in the '■emple. “And behold the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” The veil of the temple was that which separated between the holy, and the most holy place. It was made of embroidered woollen, was more than a foot in thick¬ ness, and was sixty feet in length. The veil was designed to keep strictly private the holiest of holies, and beyond it no foot ever ventured but that of the great High Priest, and he only once a year, when he took with him the blood of annual expiation, and made atonement for the sins of the people. or Christian’s portion. 193 Now at Christ’s death this veil was rent in twain, the whole of it was severed from the top to the bottom. And thus the holiest place was exposed to the gaze of those who were worshipping in the sanctuary. That this was a miraculous occurrence must have been strikingly manifest. No human hand could have effected it. It was obviously the result of Almighty power It was an event fraught with importance, and was designed to attest the divinity of the Son of God. April 24. THE RENT VEIL, Part II. — Matt, xxvii. 51. Having glanced at the event recorded, let us now endeavour to ascertain its spiritual signification and design. Is was doubtless designed to represent the entire abolition of the old dispensation with all its rites and ceremonies. It is highly probable that the veil was rent just as the High Priest was stand¬ ing before the mercy-seat, and was the signal for the termination of the Aaronical Priesthood for ever. Now the sacred place was open to universal gaze, God himself having torn the intervening veil from the top to the bottom While it denoted the extinction of the old economy with its priests and sacrifices it also was obviously designed to honour Jesus in his priestly office, and the sacrifice which 194 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, he was now offering for the redemption of a guilty world. The ancient dispensation was entirely typical, the whole was shadowy of Christ and his kingdom. Jesus the true priest, having therefore appeared, and the sacrifice having been offered which alone possessed saving efficacy, it was proper that the types and shadows should now pass away. Now too was rent another veil, even the body of the Saviour, in which had been concealed all the ful¬ ness of the indwelling Godhead. And now too was Jesus ready as the great Priest of his church, to enter into the holiest place of all, even the heaven of heavens, there to appear in the pre¬ sence of God for us. Finally, the rending of the veil, was doubtless also designed symbolically to express the removal of the wall of partition between the Jewish and the Gentile worlds. Now there is, “ neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncir¬ cumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all and in all.” It is a glorious truth that Christ is not only the Messiah of the Jews, but the Saviour of all men, especially of them who believe. April 25. THE DARKNESS AT CHRIST’S DEATH. Now from the sixth hour, there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. — Matt, xxvii. 45. This is another of those astonishing events which occurred at the Redeemer’s death. There was oil Christian's portion. 195 darkness over all the land, for the space of three hours, from the sixth Hour to the ninth. This darkness was supernatural . It could not arise from natural causes; it being now full moon, when it was impossible that the sun could be eclipsed. It was the attestation of God, to the greatness of the work which Christ was now effecting upon the cross. Never had such a scene been witnessed from the creation of the world. “ The sun beheld it — No, the shocking scene Drove back his chariot ; Midnight veil’d his face : Not such as this ; not such as nature makes ; A midnight, Nature shudder’d to behold , A midnight new ! a dread eclipse, (without Opposing spheres) from her Creator’s crown ! Sun ! didst thou fly thy Maker’s pain ? or start At that enormous load of human guilt, Which bow’d his blessed head ; o’erwhelmed his cross. Made groan the centre ; burst earth’s marble womb With pangs, strange pangs ! deliver’d of her dead ! Hell howl’d ; and Heaven that hour let fall a tear ; Heav’n wept that men might smile l Heaven bled, that Man Might never die l ” This darkness no doubt, was design'd to represent the sable gloom which now overspread the soul of Jesus, and his dreadful conflict with the powers of hell. It also signally exhibited the darkness of un¬ belief, which at this time overspread the Jewish o 196 GOLDEN I'OT OF MANNA, people. Now the dread empire of Satan, was sha¬ ken to its very centre. From this hour, the glorious rays of celestial truth, should be reflected through the medium of Christ’s cross, until the whole earth should be filled with the light of salvation. “Well might the sun in darkness hide, And shut his glories in ; When Christ, the mighty Maker died. An offering for my sin.” April 26. THE CENTURION’S TESTIMONY Truly this man ivas the Son of God. — Mark xv. 39. The person who made this public avowal, was the centurion, the person who had the hundred soldiers under his charge, and to whom the execu¬ tion of Christ was committed. Doubtless he had often assisted on similar occasions, but never had he beheld such a sufferer, never had he witnessed such scenes as attended the death of Christ. He had doubtless watched every motion, and listened to every word, which escaped the Saviour. He had seen his unparalleled insults. He had seen Christ’s affectionate concern for his disconsolate mother. He had heard him promise a place in Paradise to the penitent malefactor. He had doubtless too, been struck with his dying prayer for his murderers, And then, when ordinarily, nature would have been or Christian’s port on. 197 exhausted, he heard Christ’s loud and triumphant exclamation, when he said, “ it is finished,” and when he gave up the Ghost. This conbination of circumstances, produced a powerful conviction of Christ’s innocence and goodness. And he ex¬ claimed, ££ Truly this was the Son of God.” Be¬ sides all this, there were the astounding signs, which had accompanied Messiah’s death. If Christ had been guilty, wherefore did midnight spread her sable curtain over the land at noon day ? Why was the sacred tapestiy of the temple’s veil, torn from the top to the bottom ? What caused the earth to shake and tremble, and the rocks to break asunder ? Why should all nature be affected, and confused at the death of an impostor? The evidence of Christ’s Divinity, was too overwhelming for the centurion’s mind to resist : hence he exclaimed, ££ truly this man was the Son of God.” April 27. THE CENTURION’S TESTIMONY, Part II .-^-Mark xv. 39, How very singularly did God make the wrath of man to praise him, in the events connected with the death of his Son. The Jews wished Pilate to condemn Jesus for sedition and blasphemy. Though Pilate did condemn him, yet he publicly proclaimed 198 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, that he found no fault in him. A centurion with a band of soldiers, carry the sentence into execution, and the captain of them, publicly avows his belief, that the crucified Jesus is truly the Son of God. The centurion’s testimony was the first fruit of Christ’s death. How soon did the cross, with its magnetical influence, draw one poor soul to feel its quickening and saving power. How important too* to the Christian religion, that the superintendant, who officiated at the execution of its founder, should testify at the spot, that the sufferer was truly the Son of God. The testimony of the centurion was one of acknowledged impartiality : the testimony, not of a disciple, or friend, but of the officer, em¬ ployed by the civil authorities, to put Christ to death. The testimony was prompt, and courageous. He did not wait till he could communicate his con¬ victions privately to his friends, but at the very time, and place of Christ’s death, he publicly ex¬ claimed, “truly this man is the Son of God.” The testimony is one in which we are all personally concerned. Ask yourselves if you truly credit Christ’s Divine mission and work. Do you re¬ ceive him, trust in him, love, and obey him as the Son of God ? Have you the internal witness of the Spirit for he that believeth, hath the witness in himself? or Christian’s portion. 199 April 28. INTERMENT OF JESUS. And when Joseph had iahen the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb. Matt, xxvii. 59, 60. Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man, a councillor and member of the Sanhedrim, and a private disciple of the blessed Jesus. No sooner, therefore, is the Saviour dead than he steps forth to obtain possession of his body, that he might protect it from the indignities of the executioners, and place it in his own sepulchre. Pilate, having ascertained that Christ was really dead, readily acceded to his request, and thus, although Christ was numbered among transgressors, yet, according to the Prophet, he was placed with “the rich in his death.” We are now called to see the man¬ gled form of the Saviour hastily taken down from the cross, because the Jewish sabbath was at hand, as touching a dead body would have prevented those thus employed from engaging in the services of the temple. At this time, Nicodemus, another secret disciple, the same who came to Christ by night, brought a hundred wreight of spices to embalm the body of Jesus. In some instances, this rite is one of considerable time and labour : but in this case the body of Christ was simply wrapped in the linen cloth, on which these spices wore spread. The place of Christ’s interment 200 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, was Joseph’s own sepulchre, and it had yet been unoccupied — it was a new tomb, which he had “hewn out in the rock.” Thus Christ, being the only inhabitant of this tomb, his resurrection would be the more obvious and certain. The body of Christ being thus placed in the sepulchre, a large stone is rolled to its mouth, and Christ is left to sanctify and illumine, by his precious remains, the region of the dead. Observe, Christ was so poor that his cradle and his tomb were alike borrowed : even now, it was literally true that “he had no place wherein to lay his head.” A sinless Saviour, however, did not require a grave for himself, so it was meet that he should obtain the temporary loan of it, from those whose final resurrection he came to secure. April 29. THE SEPULCHRE SECURED. So they went and made the Sepulchre secure , sealing the stone, and setting a watch. — Matt, xxvii. 66. The prodigies attending Christ’s death must have produced peculiar sensations in the minds of Christ’s murderers. Happy if, like the Centurion, they had been convinced, and owned Jesus as the Son of God. Instead of this, they blindly per¬ severe in closing their eyes against the light, and madly persist in rejecting the counsel of God or Christian’s portion. 201 against themselves. They now, therefore, apply to Pilate, that he would take care and secure the body of Christ, lest he should be removed by his disciples, and they should say he had risen from the dead. Pilate, doubtless, would treat their fears with contempt ; but, nevertheless, he yielded, and allowed them to go and make the sepulchre secure. We now witness the stone at the mouth of the tomb receiving the impress of the Roman signet, and a guard of soldiers is fixed to watch the sepulchre. How effectually were they thus serving the cause of Christianity ! But for this extreme care, they might indeed have said that Christ had been stolen away. But who should dare to break the seal ? Who would encounter the soldiery, in attempting to steal Christ’s body? Yet how vainly were they opposing the designs of Jehovah. How infatuated were they to take counsel against the Lord, and against his anointed. As well might they have prevented the appearance of the orb of day as the rising of Christ from the dead. <£ He that sitteth in the heavens did laugh ; the Lord held them in derision.” Now human malignity had effected its utmost against the Saviour. His blood is spilt — his death is effected. And now, too, human sagacity has em¬ ployed all its resources, to prevent his friends from deceiving the world by asserting his resur¬ rection. His body they have in their own pos¬ session — the tomb is sealed and watched — the 202 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, Jewish rulers and priests are trying to efface the remembrance of his death, in observing the duties of their high sabbath — time is silently rolling on, we must wait for the first day of the week to confirm the Jews in their sentence against Christ, or to realize his divine mission, by his resurrection from the dead. April 30. THE EARTHQUAKE AT CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. And, behold, there was a great Earthquake ; for the Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. — Matt, xxviii. 2. The morning of the first day of the wTeek had now arrived. The Saviour had now been one en¬ tire day and two nights in the sepulchre — the pre¬ dicted period of the event of his resurrection was come. On that event the whole superstructure of his kingdom was to rest for ever. The seal is still untouched. The Roman guard are pacing the gloomy paths of the silent garden, when, behold ! a rumbling noise is heard, and the ground begins to move beneath their feet. Panic-struck, they fain wrould fly from this scene of consternation, when their attention is arrested by a splendid beauteous form, — the angel of the Lord, who is commissioned or Christian’s portion. 2l>3 from heaven to minister at the resurrection of the Saviour. The stone is at once rolled from the door ; and the celestial messenger makes that his temporary seat, which was intended to prevent the removal of Christ’s body from the tomb. The brightness of the angel was such that his counte¬ nance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. No wonder that the guard were over¬ whelmed. No wonder they fell as dead men to the ground. So soon, however, as they recover, they repair to the chief priests and elders, and re¬ late all the things that were done. How inefficient, however, are all external signs, however marvellous, in producing a right state of heart before God. The priests, as they had bought a Judas to betray Christ, now purchase, with large sums of money, the consciences of the guard; and a covenant of lies is immediately drawn and signed ; and they all agree to tell the world the foolish and stupid story, that while the guard slept, his disciples stole him away. May 1. CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. Why seek ye the living among the dead ; he is not here , but is risen. — Luke xxiv. 5 — 6. « The resurrection of Jesus, doubtless took place at the instant of the earthquake, when the angel 204 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, of the Lord descended and rolled away the stone from the door of the sepulchre. Now had been fulfilled all those predictions respecting his burial, and now, according to his own words, it behoved him to build again the temple of his own body, which the Jews had indeed destroyed. As Jonah too, was three days in the belly of the fish, so that signal type, was now realised in Christ, being a portion of three days in the heart of the earth, the last and most striking sign of his Divinity, with which the world should ever be favored. But the resur¬ rection of Jesus has been disputed. The Jews still scorn the doctrine of Christ’s resurrection : and the sceptical deist treats it, as a mere priestly invention. The Christian values it as the key-stone, bearing the whole edifice of Christianity. Let us briefly examine the evidence which scripture and reason afford on this important subject. It is certain that Christ died. His death is placed beyond all doubt. His body was secured and guarded by the Roman soldiers, and the mouth of the sepulchre was sealed. Who would dare to break it? Who would oppose the guard ? The body was missing — the tomb is empty. What has become of the remains of Christ? If he is not risen, why do not his enemies produce the corpse, and confront his disciples? What account do the guard give of the matter ? They say, that while they slept, his disciples stole him away. How came they to sleep? It was death for a soldier to be found asleep on guard. Strang© on Christian’s portion. 20 5 that they should all sleep, at the same time. Still more so, that when asleep, they should observe Christ’s body removed, and know that it was hr» disciples who were stealing him ? The ridicu¬ lous account furnished by the guard, forms very presumptive evidence in favor of Christ’s resur¬ rection from the dead. May 2. CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. % Part II. — Luke xxiv. 5 — 5 We have noticed the improbable account given by the Roman guard, of the removal of Christ’s body. Let us now consider the evidence given by Christ’s disciples, as to this matter. Who are the witnesses ? They are the friends of Jesus, it must be conceded, but still it is obvious, that their testi¬ mony is worthy of all acceptation. They were plain, honest persons ; they had no influence to em¬ ploy, nor riches to bribe, by which they could expect to succeed in establishing such an imposition as that of Christ’s resurrection. Resides, they were so influenced by fear and despondency, that only a few days ago, when Christ was apprehended, they all forsook him and fled. Consider their statement , it is as to a matter of fact, they affirm that Christ is risen. And they do so, because they have seen 206 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, him, heard his voice, and had a full opportunity of minutely surveying his person. Consider the place, and time of this testimony. They declare these things in Jerusalem, where he had been condemned and put to death. Where all his enemies resided. Where the priests were. Where Pilate was. Where dwelt the soldiers, who had watched his tomb. And these things they declare immediately ; this is only the third day from his death. Calvary is yet crimsoned with his blood. And yet they publicly affirm that he is risen from the dead. And for forty years after this event, the doctrine of Christ’s resurrection is preached in the temple, synagogues, and streets of the city of Jerusalem. Then, what motives could influence these witnesses ? In preaching Christ’s resurrection, they would be branded as fools and madmen. They would be deserted by friends, hated by enemies, and persecuted by all. And in the defence of this doctrine, they freely sacrificed all earthly goods, and most of them, at last, even life itself. Then observe, these ivitnesses were numerous. Several women saw Christ, and conversed with him ; the two disciples going to Emmaus, saw him. He was seen of the eleven, on several occasions ; then of five hundred brethren at once ; and last of all, by Saul, the persecutor of the church, as one born out of due time. Fin all v, consider the effects which the preaching of Christ’s resurrection produced. It was the means of breaking the hearts, and con- or Christian’s portion. 207 verting the souls of three thousand Jerusalem sinners in one day. And in tens of thousands of instances, it has proved the power of God to the salvation of immortal souls. Yes, unnumbered multitudes have felt this doctrine, to be spirit and life to their souls. May 3. CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. Part III. — Luke xxiv. 5 — 6 Having glanced at the evidence of Christ’s resurrection, let this exercise be devoted to consider its character , importance and design . Christ’s resur¬ rection had been both typified and predicted in the writings of the old testament scriptures. The release of Isaac, after being bound as a sacrifice, on the third day after leaving his Father’s house ; at the release and exaltation of Joseph from prison, at the third year of his confinement ; the removal of the gates of Gaza by Sampson, during the darkness of midnight ; and the deliverance of Jonah from the belly of the fish ; all strikingly prefigured the resur¬ rection of Christ from the dead. And both David, Isaiah, and Hosea, had foretold the same event. Christ had also repeatedly spoken of it to his dis¬ ciples. ( see Matt. xx. 17—19.) Christ’s resurrection was effected by his own Divine power. He had power to lay down his life, and he had power to take* 208 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, it up again. He was the power of God, and em¬ phatically the life of the world. His resurrection body, was identically the same that suffered. Hence he was at once recognised by his disciples. Hence too, he exhibited his sacred scars ; his pierced hands and feet. His body however, was distin¬ guished for its peculiar properties and glory. He could render himself visible or invisible. He could present himself in the midst of his disciples, when the doors were all closed. Doubtless it was what the Apostle means, when he speaks of (( a glorious spiritual body.” When Jesus arose, he arose to die no more. Now he exclaims in triumph, “ I am he that liveth, and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore.” The Sun of heaven set in blood on Calvary’s elevated mount, but arose the third day, in celestial splendour, to set no more for ever. Christ arose from the dead with unabated affection for a guilty and perishing world. All the calumnies which his enemies heaped upon him, all the insults he had borne, and all the sufferings he had endured, had not impaired his affection for the souls of men. He died, praying for his ene¬ mies, and arose, that repentance and remission of sins might be preached to all nations, begin¬ ning at Jerusalem. The importance of Christ’s resurrection we must defer to our next exercise. 209 or chistian’s portion. May 4. CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. Part IV. — Luke xxiv. 5 — 6 The resurrection of Jesus is a doctrine of pri¬ mary importance. It behoved Christ to rise from the dead, and if he be not risen, then both preaching and hearing the Gospel are alike in vain. Blessed be God, the evidence of Christ’s resurrection is abundantly satisfactory. Christ is risen indeed. We may therefore contemplate, with delight, the great ends which that resur¬ rection accomplished. By rising from the dead, Jesus has fully proved the divinity of his person and mission. God would never have raised up an impostor from the dead — He never would have set his broad supernatural seal on the pretensions of a deceiver. God has therefore confirmed all the claims of Jesus, as the Messiah and the divine Son of God. By Christ’s resurrection, solid ground of hope is laid for the believing sinner. Jesus, as the surety, engaged to pay all demands against the sinner. Now God releases him from the prison of the tomb, and thus the satisfaction of the work of Christ is attested. Now the sinner has good ground of hope, not only from Christ’s death, but also rom his resurrection from the dead. Besides, a dead Saviour could not possibly quicken and save a dead sinner. It is therefore indispensable that he must 210 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, be raised from the dead, who is to be the resur- recti on and life of others. By Christ’s resurrection our minds are naturally directed to the resurrec¬ tion of all his people. Christ always acted in a public capacity. He was not incarnate for himself but for sinners — he lived and died for sinners. His resurrection was for the benefit of sinners. t But it was also, a sign and pledge of the resurrec¬ tion of all his saints. He is the first-fruits, and afterwards there shall be the ingathering of the mighty harvest at his coming. He was raised as the Head; all the members of his body shall be raised to live with him, that wdiere he is, there they may be also. Yes, Jesus will assuredly raise all who believe in him in the great day. And he will raise them in his own form and likeness, that there may be a glorious conformity, between him^ self and his saints for ever. — Hfl&i ^.s * Ivlay 5. CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. Part Y. — Luke xxiv. 5, 6. The resurrection of Christ was not onlv neces- •i sary, as a proof of his divinity, as a foundation of believing hope, and as a pledge of our resurrection; but also it was necessary on his own account. It was necessarv, 1 st, that he might complete his me* i or Christian’s portion. ‘211 diatorial work. It behoved him to enter into the holiest place of all, that the mercy-seat might be sprinkled with his precious blood; and that thus, as our great High Priest, he might appear in the presence of God for us. This work also, involved his intercessions for his people, at the right hand of the majesty on high, as well also, that he might be the way of access to God, and the channel of all communications from God to us, and especially that he might send down the Holy Spirit. Then as the King of Zion, he had to defend his church, enlarge his kingdom, and extend his reign, until all his enemies should be made his footstool. It was necessary that Jesus should rise from the dead, that he might he rewarded for his toils and sufferings . He endured the cross and despised the shame, for the joy that was set before him. God had covenanted with him, that he should “ see his seed prolong his days, and that the pleasure of the Lord, should prosper in his hand.” In virtue of that covenant, God did raise his son, and exalted him above all principalities and powers, and gave him a name above every name, and said, “rule thou in the midst of thine enemies ; ” “ Thy throne O God, is for ever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness, is the sceptre of thy kingdom ; thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity, therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness, above thy fellows. (Heb. i. 8 — 9.) > p 212 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, May 6. CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. Part VI. — Luke xxiv. 5, 6. How glorious is the contrast, between a suffering and a risen Saviour. The man of sorrows, is now the prince of life, the Lord of glory, and appears on his throne, as heir of all things, and has written on his vesture and on his thigh, Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. We cannot meditate on his resur¬ rection, without deriving the greatest possible con¬ solation. Assured of this, we have an immoveable ground of hope and joy. Assured of this, we can approach God with humble yet unshaken confidence, as well satisfied in the work of his son. Assured of this, we rejoice in the presence of Christ in heaven, who is preparing mansions there, to which he will receive all his people. Assured of this we already overcome the fears of death, and exclaim, “ O death, where is thy sting, O grave, where is thy victory; thanks be to God who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Assured of this, we know that as we now live to him and by him, that we shall finally live with him, and be where he is, to behold his glory, yea to participate with him of that glory, which he had with the Father, before the world was. Yes, in Christ’s resurrection, we triumph over sin, by its justifying power; and or Christian’s portion. 213 over Satan, and over death, by the gracious energy, and almighty influence which it imparts. “ All bail, triumphant Lord, Who sav’st us with thy blood ! Wide be thy name ador’d. Thou rising, reigning God ! With thee we rise. With thee we reign, And empires gain. Beyond the skies.” May 7. CHRIST’S WOUNDED HANDS AND SIDE. Reach hither thy fingers , and behold my hands , and reach hither thy hand , and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing. — John xx. 27. After Christ’s resurrection, he manifested him¬ self to the women and to the disciples on several occasions, Thomas however, had been absent, and he refused to credit the statement of those who had seen the Saviour, and declared, that in no wise would he be convinced, unless he put his finger into the print of the nails, and thrust his hand into his side. After eight days, that is, on the succeeding first day of the week, the disciples were again assembled, and Thomas was among them, when 214 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, Jesus stood in the midst of them, and having said, 66 Peace be unto you,” he turned to Thomas, and said, “ Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing.” In Christ’s wounded hands and side, we are clearly taught the reality and identity of Christ’s resur¬ rection. The Saviour retained the striking marks of ignominy and suffering, which he had received on Calvary. Here were the very prints of the nails still open and unhealed. Here was the pas¬ sage in his side, which had been formed by the soldier’s spear. Hence it is obvious, that it was the identical body, which had expired upon the cross. In Christ’s exhibiting himself to Thomas, we per¬ ceive too, that the Messiah is not ashamed of his wounds. These are indeed, Immanuel’s scars of honor. And the glories obtained by these, shall fill heaven with renown, and eternity with his praise. Myriads of lofty spirits now gaze with ineffable de¬ light upon Messiah’s form, as he appears on the throne, “ As the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” And myriads more shall join in the heavenly song, Unto him who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God, be glory and dominion for ever. OR chistian’s PORTION. 21.J May 8. CHRIST’S WOUNDED HANDS AND SIDE. Part II. — John xx. 27. What love and condescension did Jesus display- in exhibiting his hands and side to Thomas. He might have allowed him to have remained the sub¬ ject of infatuation and unbelief. But he pitied his infirmity, thus shewing the greatness of his love and compassion towards him. While we wonder, on the one hand, at the unbelieving obstinacy of Thomas; and on the other, at the amazing love and condescension of Jesus; we may profitably apply the subject to our own experience and cir¬ cumstances. Have we not displayed equal unbe¬ lief? Christ has been evidently set before us as the crucified Saviour of the world. His love has been published to us in his blessed gospel. We have had the influences of his Holy Spirit, and all the completed evidences of his Messiahship and Godhead : and yet how often have we been faith¬ less and unbelieving; and how unreasonable, how ungrateful, how ruinous is unbelief. It effectually closes the mind against all light, and steels the heart, and renders it incapable of any holy feeling or emotion. We wonder at the condescending love of Jesus to Thomas. — Have we not been equally favoured? We cannot read his word, or hear his ‘216 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, gospel, without beholding his sacred wounds — a suffering Saviour — a Redeemer who has ransomed us by his precious blood — who was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities, by whose stripes we are healed, is the sum and sub¬ stance of the gospel. To reject the gos-pel is to refuse to see Christ’s hands and side ; and there¬ fore involves an amount of unbelief, which Thomas was in no wise guilty of. When he saw, he was convinced. He at once embraced the Saviour, and adored him as his Lord and God. Happy all who in this manner receive the Saviour, and by believing in him have everlasting life. Let the penitent enquirer, when approaching the mercy- seat, be encouraged, by remembering that Christ is before that seat, exhibiting his hands and side, as the ground of the poor trembling sinner’s hope. Let the believer, too, in all his sorrows and suffer¬ ings, never forget how Christ has sanctified the keenest pains of human nature, and that he knows how to succour and support his afflicted people. May 9. CHRIST’S QUESTION TO PETER. Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me ? — John xxi. 17. Peter, it will be remembered, had denied his Saviour; and, although Christ had been seen of or Christian’s portion. 217 him after his resurrection, yet we do not read of any direct and intimate intercourse until Christ proposed to him this striking and affecting ques¬ tion. It is not likely that Peter had forgotteu his own frailty and sin in denying his Lord. He still must have felt how cowardly, how ungrate¬ fully, and how unworthily, he had acted on that occasion — how must he have been affected, then, when this question was proposed ! Would he not conclude that his sincerity was still doubted ? — and how painful to be the object of suspicion, and especially from those we highly esteem and love, and whose confidence we are anxious to secure. But the question 'was designed to give Peter an opportunity of again expressing his attach¬ ment to the Saviour. Before he could consistently go and invite others to love Christ, it must be a matter of absolute certainty that he both loved, and was loved of Jesus. Then the question was calculated to try his humility. Peter had failed through self-confidence — he averred his resolution to follow Christ though all men forsook him. He evidently thought too highly of himself, and being thus lifted up, he fell into the condemnation of the devil. Jesus therefore said unto him, “Lovest thou me more than these?” They had, indeed, all forsaken him, but Peter alone had denied him. The question however elicited a satisfactory reply Peter could appeal to the omniscience of the Redeemer, and say, “ Lord, thou knowest all 218 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, things ; thou knowest that I love thee.” He spake not for others; whatever the rest did, he knew one thing — that his heart’s affections were sincerely fixed on Jesus. Do we thus love Christ ? Does he reign on the throne of our affections? Can we appeal to the Searcher of hearts on this sub ject ? For if any man love not the Lord Jesus, he will be Anathema Maranatha, i. e. accursed when Christ shall come. May 10. ASCENSION OF CHRIST. While they beheld he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. — Acts i. 9. Jesus had now fulfilled all his engagements upon earth — -he had lived and died for the sal¬ vation of the world — he had given demonstrative evidence of his resurrection from the dead — he had taught his disciples fully, and commissioned them to preach his gospel to every creature — he had pledged his presence with each and with all of them, even to the end of the world — and now the period of his return to his kingdom and glory had arrived ; therefore he led his disciples out as far as Bethany, and there, while in the act of blessing them, he was received out of their sight. Let us notice some of the particulars connected with this illus¬ trious event. The time of Christ’s ascension was ok. Christian’s portion. 219 forty days and forty nights after his resurrection-*— thus giving ample space and opportunity for his enemies to disprove the fact of his resurrection. And thus giving to his own disciples abundant means of being thoroughly satisfied themselves in reference to that great truth on which the whole structure of Christianity was to rest. Then notice the precise place of his ascension — the Mount of Olives — a place which he had often consecrated with his devotions — the place where his deep and mysterious sufferings commenced. It is remark¬ able how Jesus made choice of mountains as the scenes of most of the important events of his wonderful life. On one of these he delivered his celebrated sermon, which contains the entire code of the laws of Christianity. Another was the scene of his transfiguration. A third, even the memorable Calvary, was the place of his cruci¬ fixion And now he stood on Olivet’s elevated summit, and from thence ascended into heaven. May 11. CHRIST’S ASCENSION. Part II. — Acts i. 9. Having noticed the time and place of Christ’s ascension, let us now consider the Redeemer’s engagements, at the time of his ascension. He led his disciples out to Bethany, and then ascended 220 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, with them to the Mount of Olives : and having re¬ newed the promise of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, he stretched out his hands and blessed them, and was then received ont of their sight. It was the great object of Christ’s undertaking, to bless the world. His ministry was emphatically a mi¬ nistry of blessing. The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. When he opened his mouth, it was invariably in blessing. And his whole active work and ministry consisted in going from place to place, to diffuse abroad the unsearchable riches of his grace. When he was maligned and reproached, in return, he blessed his enemies. And when fidelity to the souls of the hypocritical scribes and pharisees, compelled him to denounce their doom, and Jerusalem’s ruin, it was with bitterest regret, and with tears that he said, (C O that thou hadst known, in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace ; but now they are hidden from thine eyes.” When he died, he em¬ ployed his dying breath on behalf of his murderers. When he arose, it was with blessings in his heart and mouth towards his disciples. And now his earthly career and work are finished, by Christ spreading abroad his arms of unbounded beneficence and love, and blessing his disciples. No greater proof could be given that his pity and compassion for our race were as deep and extensive as ever. Then notice the manner of his ascension. It was local and visible. The eyes of the disciples were fixed upon or Christian’s portion. 221 him. They beheld him raised up from their midst, until, encircled with the glorious cloud, he passed out of their sight. When God descended on Sinai, a cloud covered the mountain’s top. When he went, as the guard and guide of Israel’s hosts in the desert, a cloud was the symbol of his presence. When he consecrated the temple with his presence, it is said that “a cloud filled the house of the Lord.” When Jesus was transfigured on Tabor, the whole mountain was covered with the cloud of the divine glory. And when the great day of the Lord shall arrive, he shall descend from heaven with clouds. It is indeed true of Jehovah Jesus, that “He rnaketh the clouds his chariot, and walketh on the wings of the wind.” May 12. CHRIST’S ASCENSION. Part III. — Acts i. 9. Doubtless the ascension of Christ was connected with the Ministry of Angels. They had been em¬ ployed to announce his conception, to hail his birth, to console him in the wilderness, and to rejoice and publish his resurrection. It is not possible, then, that they could be unconcerned about his ascension into his glory. The disciples beheld the cloud; but, in connection with that cloud, who can tell 222 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, how many of the celestial hosts were employed to minister to the Lord of life and glory ! The chariots of God are twenty thousands, even thousands of angels : the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. Thou hast ascended on high; thou hast led captivity captive ; thou hast received gifts for men, yea for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.” (Ps. lxviii. 17, 18.) The above splendid quotation was evi¬ dently designed as a prophetical description of the Messiah’s ascension. Hence the poet has beauti¬ fully said — “ Cherubic legions guard him home, And shout him welcome to the skies.” The place to which Christ ascended was the heaven of heavens . The angels who addressed the asto¬ nished disciples, said that he was ascended into heaven. Christ said, “ I ascend to my Father, and to your Father, to my God and to your God.” God’s throne is in the highest heavens, and to that hath the Father exalted him, above all principality and power, even to his own right hand, and hath said, “ Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool.” (Heb. i. 16.) When the mar¬ tyr Stephen was expiring, he said, “ Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing •on the right hand of God.” (Acts viii. 59.) And when John had a vision of the Lamb slain, “ a door was opened in heaven,” and he beheld him seated on or Christian’s portion. 223 a throne, “and there was a rainbow round about him, in sight like unto an emerald.” (Rev. iv. 1 — 4.) May 13. ASCENSION OF CHRIST. Part IV. — Jets i. 9. The ascension of Jesus had been predicted in many of the Psalms of David, and by Daniel, as well also, by the Redeemer himself. Having seen the glorious event realised, let us now consider the great end and design of that ascension. Je¬ sus ascended that he might carry on his mediatorial work in heaven. He had finished all his engage¬ ments on earth, but now he had to appear in the holiest place, and sprinkle the throne of the eternal with his sacrificial blood, that it might be the sin¬ ners true mercy-seat, unto which we might appear with boldness of access, and obtain pardon and acceptance with God. Before that throne too, Jesus ever stands as the intercessor of his church, and the perpetual advocate of his people. Jesus ascended as the Triumphant Conqueror over all his enemies. He had been engaged in severe combat with the combined powers of earth and hell. Earth he had redeemed by his precious blood, and death and hell he had overcome bv his glorious resurrection* w O Now therefore as the Bozrah conqueror, travelling 2*24 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, in the greatness of his strength, and mighty to save, he returns to his native kingdom and glory. He ascended that he might send down the Holy Ghost , and to communicate all the blessings of his grace. Hence his ascension has caused the heavens to drop as with fatness, and earth has received in co¬ pious showers the effusions of his love and grace. Him hath God highly exalted, to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance unto Israel and the remission of sins. He ascended that he might ex¬ ercise his rightful dominion over all worlds. Now he must reign until he hath put all enemies under his feet. As king of Zion, he rules in his church, and will do so until all his foes are confounded, and the earth resound with the music of his name, from the rising to the setting of the sun. Finally, Christ hath ascended, that he might receive the spirits of his peopleunto himself. He gives an abundant admission to his people into heaven, and places upon the heads of his saints, the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Let us never forget the exalted Saviour, — let our affections constantly ascend to him, — let us treadin his footsteps, that we may be sharers of his glory. And when we die, that we may believingly be enabled to commend our souls into his hands - - and say, “ Lord Jesus receive our spirits.” or Christian’s portion. 225 May 14. CHRIST OUR HELPER. The Lord is my Helper. — IT eh . xiii. 6. Under all circumstances man is the creature of weakness and dependence : he is not sufficient for one moment’s existence, much less felicity. Many foolishly, however, lean upon themselves, and are constantly reaping vanity and sorrow. Others lean upon their fellow-men ; they trust in man, whose breath is in his nostrils, and hence they are the constant victims of anguish and dis¬ appointment. The Christian feels and rejoices in the sentiment, “ The Lord is my Helper.” Yes, Jehovah laid the redemption of the world upon him, because he is mighty — the whole structure of the church rests on him as its immove¬ able basis and centre — all the believer’s hopes, and blessings, and joys, are in him. When the cry of the perishing sinner reacheth his ears, his hand is immediately stretched out to help : when starving souls draw near to him, he helpeth them to the stores of his mercy and the abundance of his grace — when enemies assail his heaven-born sons, then they cry, and the Lord becometh their help and their shield. In affliction he helpeth them by his kindly sympathies ; “ He knows what human sorrows mean. For he hath felt the same.” 226 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, He helpeth his people, too, in all the common and ordinary affairs of life. In duties he helpeth them, by imparting strength, and power sniff. - cient for their right discharge. It is to the gra¬ cious help of Jesus that the believer constantly looks, and on which he always depends. How de¬ sirable that we should always feel the appropriate lines of the poet : — “ Other refuge have I none. Hangs my helpless soul on thee. Leave, O leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me : All my trust on thee is stay’d. All my help from thee I bring. Cover my defenceless head With the shadow of thy wing.” May 15, CHRIST OUR HELPER. Part II. — Heb . xiii. 6. Jesus, as the helper of his people, possesses all those qualifications which render his help desirable and important. The help which he affords is always efficient. It never falls below the exigen¬ cies and demands of his people. No case too needy, too intricate, or too apparently hopeless. All means and resources are his. His wisdom can never be baffled. His powerful arm can never be wearied. or Christian’s portion. 227 His abundance can never be exhausted. The help he affords, is always timely and seasonable. He is ever nigh at hand, and never afar off ; so that in all places and circumstances, he is ready to bless and save his people. His omnipresence qualifies him to meet the necessities of all his widely scat¬ tered flock. And he is to each and to all of them, 44 a very present help in trouble.” He said to the apostles who were going into every country beneath heaven, 44 Lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world.” (Matt, xxviii. 20.) Finally we observe, that Jesus is an unchanging and everlasting help. In every age of the world, he has been the unfailing and unchanging help of his people. The prophets and fathers trusted in him, and never were confounded. Thousands now have committed their all into his care, and are persuaded that he will keep that which they have committed to him, till that day. And we may ever rest assured, that though the earth be shaken, and the mountains removed, yet the Lord, the Saviour, will remain the impregnable defence, and helper of his people. Blessed is the man who trusteth in him. Let this help be sought by constant prayer. As our help, may Jesus ever receive our unwavering confidence, our constant hope, and our grateful affection on earth, and be the theme of our song in the court! of the redeemed for ever. Q 22 B GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, May 16. CHRIST A PROPHET. That Prophet . — Acts iii, 21. Peter is now concluding his address to the peo¬ ple, who were collected by the miracle he had wrought upon the lame man. In doing this, he exhibits Jesus unto them, as the person to whom Moses referred, when he said, 66 A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, him shall ye hear in all things, whatsoever he shall say unto you.” As a prophet, Jesus therefore appeared in our world, and as such, he is to be believingly and affectionately regarded by his church and people. As a prophet, Jesus was richly qualified for his office, by the possession of the infinite stores of riches and wisdom. In Jesus all fulness dwelt, so that before his wise and omniscient eyes, all things were lucid and plain. He knew every thing from the beginning, and needed not that any man should teach him. As a prophet, Jesus possessed the entire and unbroken influences of the Holy Ghost. To other prophets, the Spirit was given by measure; to Jesus, the whole was given. The Spirit of God descended as a dove, and lighted upon him, so that he became the consecrated shrine of the Holy Ghost. As a prophet, Jesus ever possessed the Spirit of prophecy. It did not come upon him at specific seasons, or on or Christian’s portion. 229 particular occasions, or for extraordinary purposes, but as the Spirit continually dwelt in him, he was qualified at all times, for the exhibition of his office, and the execution of his duty. As a prophet, Jesus has no successor. God, who in former times had spoken to the world by prophets, has now spoken to us by his son, and this is the last and most lumi¬ nous economy, with which the world shall ever be favored. The canon of scripture is now completed, the revelation of the mind of God, is now perfect, we now enjoy meridian light, noon day splendour, and whosoever will not hearken to Jesus, as the great prophet of God, shall be destroyed with ever¬ lasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. May 17. CHRIST A PROPHET. Part II. — Acts iii. 23. In wha way did Jesus execute the ^prophetical office? I. — He made known the mind of God to the people; he declared the whole will of God to men. Hence he instructed us as to the evil of fin, as to its dreadful effects, and as to man’s total nability to cleanse his own heart, and to save his own soul. He instructed us as to the necessity of repentance, and the importance of regeneration 230 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA. He also shewed us the only way of reconciliation and acceptance with the Father, and gave the most solid assurance that whosoever came to God by him, should in nowise be cast out. He also insisted upon his disciples cultivating holiness of heart and life, and was himself the great model as well as the great teacher of purity and truth. He taught also the doctrine of the soul’s immortality, promised eternal life to his saints, and also made known the blessed certainty of a glorious resurrection. He hath left us a complete system of divinity; a per¬ fect code of laws; and a clear chart of the way to everlasting blessedness. Now all who desire peace and purity on earth, and felicity in the eternal world, are directed by the Father of spirits, and the benign parent of the human race, 44 to hear him.” As a prophet Jesus also 'predicted future events. He revealed several events, which related to himself. He told his disciples how that he should 44 suffer many things of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” (Matt. xvi. 21.) He also predicted how Judas • would betray him, — how Peter would deny him, and how all would forsake him and flee. He foretold with particular precision, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the calamities of those days. He also predicted his own ascension, the outpouring of the Spirit at the day of pentecost, and the great increase in the church which should immediately follow. These predictions were fulfilled to the very or Christian’s portion. 231 letter. Of those predictions which remain to be fulfilled, we may mention his own second advent, the resurrection of the dead, and the judgment of the world at the last day. It is our duty to reve¬ rence, and humbly sit at the feet of Jesus, that we may be instructed in all things which relate to the present and everlasting welfare of our souls. Happy for a guilty world, that his revelations are full of mercy and grace, and therefore that it is our highest interest to hear and to obey him. May 18. CHRIST A PROPHET. Part III. — Acts iii. 23. Jesus, although he is removed from our world, and is exalted far above all principalities and powers, still discharges his prophetical office. Pie ever lives the great and mighty prophet of his church. In effecting his prophetical work, he employs the ministry of his servants, and the influences of his Spirit. By the ambassadors of bis word, the truths of the gospel are conveyed to men, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He, as the head of the church, and King of Zion, appoints and calls those forth, who are to be the preachers of his gospel, and the expounders of his word. For this solemn and highly responsible work, he alcne qualifies them 28*2 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, and sends them into their appointed spheres of labour. He furnishes them with the truths they shall declare, the only doctrines they shall preach. And thus by this divinely appointed instrumentality, does Jesus still abide in the discharge of his pro¬ phetical office. To render this instrumentality effective, he also employs the influences of his Spirit. By this holy agent, the word is made quick and powerful. By this, it becomes a polished two-edged sword. A mighty hammer breaking the rocky heart. A consuming fire, burning up the stubble of sin. While Jesus by his ministers, conveys the letter of the word to the ear, by his Spirit, he con¬ veys the life of the word to the heart : thus making the gospel, “ the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth.” In this way, the heart is disposed, either being gently opened, as was Lydia’s, or suddenly broken, as in the case of the three thousand Jerusalem sinners. By this same holy agency, does he lead his people into all truth, and teach them all things. In this way, does he fill them with all wisdom, and perfect them in all the knowledge of his will. Yes, Jesus still abides the prophet of his church. Let us imitate the happy and deeply interested Mary, who sat at his feet, hearing all his words. Thus shall we possess the one thing needful, the good part that shall never be taken from us. OR CHRISTIANS PORTION. 233 May 19. CHRIST THE TRUE TABERNACLE, The True Tabernacle. — Heb. viii. 2. The ancient tabernacle was appointed by God, and all things connected with it were made accor¬ ding to the pattern God gave unto Moses in the holy mount. It was not only intended as an erec¬ tion for the celebration of worship and sacrifice ; but it was, like every other part of that dispensa¬ tion, typical of the person and work of Christ. The apostle, in his discourse on the ancient institu¬ tions, in this epistle, shews that all those things were shadows of good things to come. As such, Christ is the substance of those observances; and “ the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” The resemblance between the taber¬ nacle and Jesus will be evident, if we consider that the tabernacle was a divine erection. God planned it. It was formed by his express command and authority. Jesus was God’s gift to the world. He sent him forth. He, by the mysterious operations of the Holy Ghost, prepared him a body. And thus he was truly and essentially the Son of God. In his divinity, he was with God coequal; but in his humanity he was subordinate, and was in a tabernacle prepared and created of God. The tabernacle was the residence of deity. There was the cloud of his presence, the symbol of his glory. 234 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, So in Jesus God essentially dwells. In him was all the fulness of the godhead bodily. The eternal Logos was made flesh, and dwelt, literally taber¬ nacled amongst us ; and we beheld his glory, as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John i. 14.) Never did God give so strik¬ ing a manifestation of his power and godhead, as in the person of Christ. Phillip said, “ Shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” Jesus replied, “ He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” The tabernacle was the place of communion be¬ tween God and man. So is Jesus Christ. God has never held communion with sinful man, through any other medium. He speaks to us through his Son. He is reconciled to us through his Son. We are accepted in his Son. And no sinner can come to God, or enjoy God, but through the one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. May 20. . CHRIST THE TRUE TABERNACLE. Part II. — Hcb, viii. 2. We have directed you to three general points of resemblance between the tabernacle and Jesus. But Christ is denominated the true tabernacle. That of old was the mere shadow, or figure, or OR chistian’s portion. 235 type. Christ is substantially what the tabernacle was only symbolically. The ancient tabernacle was only temporary, formed of perishing materials, and is passed away ; Christ, the true tabernacle, is im¬ mortal, unchangeable, and will abide for ever. The glory displayed in the old tabernacle was limited and imperfect. — In Christ, all the glory of God was exhibited ; in him we behold deity full orbed, in all his uncreated and infinite noon -day splendour. The first tabernacle was for one na¬ tion and people. — The second for all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues. “ For this we know and testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” “ And he is the propi¬ tiation not only for our sins, but also for the sins of the whole world.” In the first tabernacle were offered animal sacrifices , and all things were conse¬ crated by their blood. — The second has been sanc¬ tified by the infinitely precious blood of Christ himself, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot. The services of the first tabernacle were ceremonious, expensive, and burdensome. — The services of the second, spiritual, gratuitous, and light. Let us then draw near to the true propitia¬ tory, the real mercy-seat, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in every time of need. In Jesus we have pardon, acceptance, sanctification, communion with the Father, and eternal life. 236 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, May 21. CHRIST THE FOUNDATION. Other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. — 1 Cor. iii. 11. The Apostle speaking of the believer, likens him “to a house, and as an habitation of God through the Spirit.’> He is also likened to a temple, “ know ye not that ye are the temple of God.” Now these metaphorical statements, shew the connection and propriety, of Christ being set forth as a foundation. Let us then first ascertain, of what , Christ is the foundation. Now Christ is the foundation of the sinner’s acceptance with God. God cannot be mer¬ ciful to man, consistently with the demands of his holiness, justice, and truth, except in and through Jesus Christ. Christ’s holiness, obedience, and merits, are the only grounds on which God is pro¬ pitious to the sinner : so that Jesus is the only foun¬ dation of pardoning mercy, and justifying grace. Christ is the foundation of the believer’s peace. Hence he is called, “Our peace.” (Eph. ii. 14.) Jesus came and preached peace. When he arose from the dead, he imparted peace to his disciples. “ And being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” He is the foundation of all sorts of peace. By him, angels are at peace with us. God is at peace with us. And we have peace with conscience, the peace of God or Christian’s portion. 237 within us, which passeth all understanding. Christ is the foundation of hope. We are begotten again to a lively hope, by the resurrection of-Christ from the dead. Christ’s blessed gospel has brought life and immortality to light. Christ’s merits have laid a solid and honorable basis for their bestowment. And his great and precious promises respecting them, give the believer a hope unspeakably bright, and full of glory. Christ is the foundation of eternal life. He died, rose again, and ascended into heaven, that we might obtain eternal life. He gives unto his sheep eternal life. We have eternal life in his name. Tt chistian’s rollTION’. 213 By him Kings reign. By him ail the complex machinery of governments is overruled and direc¬ ted. He is the King of glory. He dwelleth iu glory. His throne is in the highest heaven. Ail the glorious hosts adore before him. All the angels of heaven worship him. For this King we should cultivate feelings of profoundest reverence and ve¬ neration. To him in all things we should be subject. His will is supreme and unchangeably binding in its obligations on all his disciples. The true Christian, loves and fears, and adores Jesus at the King of Zion, and as head over all things to nis Church. Mag 26. CHRIST A KING. Part III. — Acts xvii. 7. The essential attributes of Jesus, such as his al¬ mighty power, unbounded wisdom, and eternal im¬ mutability, present him before us in all his unrivalled dignity and greatness. Let us now notice the mo¬ ral features of his kingly rule and authority. First of all we must consider him as a righteous and equitable king. He is the holy and just one. He reigns not as a usurper, his dominions is not based on iniquity, but in eternal righteousness and truth. His name is the “Lord our righteousness.” “ A R ‘244 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of his king¬ dom.” “ Righteousness is the girdle of his loins.” He is a bountiful and benevolent king. His good¬ ness is associated with all his acts, and all his engagements, — his goodness is over all his works. He reigns to diffuse his goodness, — “ Blessings abound where’er he reigns. The pris’ner leaps to lose his chains. The weary find eternal rest, And all the sons of want are blest.” He is also a gracious and merciful king. Grace is poured into his lips, — he is full of grace and truth, • — the sceptre he sways is a sceptre of mercy, — he delighteth in mercy, — his mercy extends to his greatest enemies. It abounded to Saul of Tarsus as a pattern, or example of what it could effect, and to whom it could extend. Those whom we should have supposed, had totally excluded them¬ selves, from the possibility of his favour, were the first to whom the gospel message of mercy and grace was sent. Remission of sins was to be preached to all nations, but first of all, “ beginning at Jerusalem.” The throne he now occupies is one of grace, to wThich the vilest may have access by re¬ pentance and faith, and obtain mercy and grace to help them in time of need. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their king. Let the sinner be exhorted to “kins the Son lest he be angry, and he perish from the war when his anger is kindled but on Christian’s portion. iM§ a little.” (Ps. ii. 11.) The Lord reigneth let the earth rejoice, and let the inhabitants thereof be glacL May *27. CHRIST TYPIFIED BY JACOB’S LADDER. And behold a ladder set upon the earth , and the top of it reached to heaven. — Gen. xxviii. 12. This was the vision that Jacob had when he was at Bethel. It seems that God intended by it, to exhibit to the Patriarch, the nature of Providence, and the constant intercourse which is kept up be¬ tween heaven and earth, through the ministry of angels. But it appears also to have been intended to typify the Saviour, and to shew the medium which God has appointed, for holding intercourse with our guilty world, and the only way by which sinners can have access to his presence and favour. The ladder was set upon the earth. Jesus in the fulness of the times, came forth to dwell upon the earth. On earth he lived, and taught, and per¬ formed his miracles, and died for sin, and ros« again for our justification. It behoved Christ to become man, and to tabernacle amongst us. Then this ladder reached to heaven. Here the glory and deity of Christ are presented to our view. Whila be was man with man, he was also God with God. 240 GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, While he deigned to dwell on earth, he was still Lord of angels, and the adored of heaven. This is very strikingly set forth by Jesus himself.