November 16

Is also the succourer. The one is the consequence of the other. "For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." This ability therefore is relative and acquired. He was made perfect through suffering; and in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted, by way of atonement, by way of example, by way of sympathy, by way of efficiency. Able

By way of atonement. And is it a light thing to know, in our deepest sufferings, that we are enduring nothing that is penal? That Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, having been made a curse for us? That every affliction is only the stroke of a fatherly rod, chastising us for our profit? That we are accepted in the beloved? That we can never come into condemnation? Able

By way of example. We are naturally like bullocks, unaccustomed to the yoke; and even after some degrees of religious experience, we know little of the holy art of "suffering affliction, and of patience." But Jesus "suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps. When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously." And as in him we see what disposition we should exercise towards men, who are the instruments of our distress, so we learn also how we are to submit to God, who is the author of it: "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me—nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done." One thing is of great importance here. In his conduct we see that we are never to go aside either to meet or—to miss our cross; but when we find it in our way, to take it up, and follow him. Able

By way of sympathy. We may compassionate a sufferer, but we cannot properly sympathise with him, unless we have been through the same. Now he was in all things made like unto his brethren; and he remembers how he felt, and what he desired and and required when in our condition. He knows the poverty of his people much better than by report: he was poor. He knows the effect of slander: "reproach," says he, "hath broken my heart."

"He knows what sore temptations mean, For he has felt the same."

He knows what it is to die, and to enter the darkness of the grave. Able

By way of efficiency. Pity is not power. Many can sympathise with their connexions who have not the means of relief and redress. The ear is not heavy that it cannot hear; yet the hand is shortened that it cannot save. But he is mighty to save. He is able to save unto the uttermost. He can always support, deliver, sanctify. He can turn the shadow of death into the morning. He can turn the curse into a blessing. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. But this efficiency is the consequence of his suffering—"for the suffering of death—he is crowned with glory and honour"—all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Well may he be called "the consolation of Israel!" Let us say of him as Lamech did of Noah, "This same shall comfort us."