John 19

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIX.—What struggles are there in the breasts of carnal men between the convictions of their conscience and their care of their secular interests;—between the terrors of God and the fears of men! But indulged lusts dreadfully bear down all religion, truth, and equity. How shocking is it to behold the men of Israel persecute their divine King with outrage, indignity, and barbarity! Yet more amazing to behold the God of heaven giving up his only begotten Son into the hands of such vile and savage miscreants! But, lo, even the marks of disgrace proclaim his character, and spread his renown! Astonishing is his meekness, patience, and holy fortitude, under all his sufferings. Remarkable his filial regard to his mother, and his dying trust in his heavenly Father. And, while his hypocritical persecutors pretend ceremonious scruples of conscience amidst their obstinate violation of important precepts, the blood and water streaming from his heart verify the scripture, mark him really dead, and figure out our justification by his blood and sanctification by his Spirit. And, to magnify the grace of God, fulfil the predictions of the prophets, and honour the crucified Redeemer, disciples, who had long been timorous and afraid to own him, are emboldened at such an important crisis to give him an honourable interment.—Now, my soul, behold the God-man, who was falsely accused that I might be honourably acquitted;—was wounded and scourged, that by his stripes I might be healed;—was clothed with a robe of derision, that I might be clothed with robes of righteousness and garments of salvation;—was crowned with thorns, that I might wear a diadem of glory,—had his royalty insulted, that I might be made a King unto God;—was condemned, that I might be justified;—bore his own cross, and was crucified on it, that he might bear my sins and carry my sorrows;—was numbered with transgressors, that I might have a cup of salvation, joy, and praise;—and finished transgression and suffering, that I might be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation!