May 18

Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again.

ACTS xvii. 3.

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory! — LUKE xxiv. 26.

HE certainly did, and therefore certainly he ought, for he made no mistakes. Not that our Saviour deserved any punishment, nor that he was under any obligation to become our sacrifice and substitute. But when he took on himself the office of our Redeemer it became necessary and indispensable that he must suffer and bear the penalty of our sins. The disciples were astounded at his arrest, condemnation, and death, and all their hopes in him as the promised Deliverer seemed taken away. But ought not these things to have happened? Should not these very sufferings have strengthened their faith and convinced them he was the Messiah? Had he not repeatedly foretold these things, and had not all their prophets testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow? It is in this sense he uses the word "ought." The very thing at which they stumbled was the most convincing proof and demonstration of what they hoped.

Yes; he ought and he did. He drew not back, but paid the dreadful penalty of our transgressions. What he undertook he accomplished, and having borne the cross now wears the crown.

Jacob Fry.

There was no other good enough

To pay the price of sin;

He only could unlock the gate

Of heaven, and let us in.

MRS. C. F. ALEXANDER