May 13

from faith in the testimony of the word, which every where assures us that we are without strength in ourselves, but from experience also. He sees how little he can depend upon his persuasions however clear, and his resolutions however firm—How often have they given way, and filled him not only with grief but astonishment. Year after year has told him that he who trusts in his own heart is a fool; and that he is not wise who trusts in his own grace—It is not thy grace, says the Saviour, but my grace that is sufficient for thee. It is the language of confidence. He hopes in God while he renounces all self-dependence. The one is as necessary as the other. And it is as well founded. O that we could keep them equally balanced in the mind—That while we avoid presumption, we may also avoid despondency—That while we are humble we may also be cheerful—That while we are cautious we may also be courageous; knowing that while we cannot stand of ourselves, he is able to keep us from falling, and has said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee; so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my keeper, I will not fear—Hold THOU me up, and I SHALL BE SAFE.

MAY 13.—“Behold my hands and my feet.”—Luke 24:39.

His sufferings and death were not only wonderful, but all-important: and “he showed them his hands and his feet;” because these contained the effects and proofs of them. The wounds were indeed now closed, and this was as miraculous as his resurrection itself; for the parts had been so lacerated and torn by the large nails that fastened him to the cross, and sustained the whole weight of his body, that many weeks would have been required to heal them naturally. But the marks remained, and fully ascertained him to be the sufferer who died on the cross. All the disciples now present saw them; and Thomas who was absent saw them a few days after, and was no longer faithless, but believing. And these signs of his passion our Lord retained, not only after his resurrection, but also after his ascension. John, in his visions, saw an image of him, “as a lamb that had been slain;” that is, the lamb appeared with the wool gored and the neck gashed. He ever liveth to make intercession for us, and is our advocate with the Father, by presenting his humanity, and pleading the sacrifice he offered on earth: for he entered into the holy place, there to appear in the presence of God for us, not with the blood of bulls and of goats, but with his own blood, the blood of sprinkling, which speaketh better things than that of Abel. The Father beholds his hands and his feet, and is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake, and says, “Ask of me now, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” The angels behold them, and though he has not saved them, they know that he has saved us, and their benevolence leads them to exclaim, with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” The saints behold them, and sing “a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”

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