May 14

Christians, to this same sight you are hastening; for yet a little while, and you will be like him, for you shall see him as he is. But you have no reason to look for such a real and sensible sight of him here. Some indeed seem persuaded that they have actually seen him; but their mistake obviously appears from the manner of the sight. He could render himself corporeally visible; but if he did this, he would give us a true representation of himself. These good people have always seen him upon the cross: but he is now in his glory. If he showed himself at this moment, we should not see his hands and feet bleeding; but his body would be a glorious body, as Saul of Tarsus saw it, and shining above the brightness of the sun. The case seems to be this. These persons, of lively apprehensions and feeling, in the depths of their anguish and terror, obtained relief from a dying Saviour by believing, which is mental sight, and took the impression of faith for a sensible reality.

But there is still a spiritual exhibition of himself, in which he says, "Behold my hands and my feet." They are to be seen, First, in the Scripture of Truth; in its types, prophecies, history, doctrine. Secondly, in the ministry of the Gospel, which is called "the preaching of the cross." Thirdly, in the teachings of the Holy Ghost, who takes of the things of Christ, and shows them to us; so that we see the Son and believe on him. And, Fourthly, in the ordinance of the Lord's supper, where, by emblems and memorials the most simple and significant before our eyes, Jesus Christ is evidently set forth crucified among us.

And what should the sight remind us of? Beholding his hands and his feet, we should think of the evil of sin, that required his suffering and death to put it away—And of the justice of God, that spared not his own Son when he became a surety for us—And the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, in his kindness towards us. We hear of benefactors: but how rarely do they exercise self-denial, or make personal and painful sacrifices! We talk of love; and greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. But while we were enemies, Christ died for us—

MAY 14.—"And the Lord showed me four carpenters."—Zechariah 1:20.

"THE heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men." And it is given them not only to possess and enjoy, but to cultivate. Carelessness, and ignorance, and sloth, stalk over many rude and barren spots, which skill and diligence could render beautiful and productive. It is the same with the Scripture. Many passages as they are now read seem to have no meaning, and yield no information, yet they really contain much of the wisdom that is from above. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness;" but they are addressed to us as rational creatures, and we are commanded to search them. We must therefore not only read them, but remark, and examine, and compare, and apply them. And if we do this with seriousness and prayer, we shall be amply rewarded for our endeavours, and the good ground will yield "some an hundred fold, some sixty, and some thirty."