August 25

For the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Isaiah liii. 8.

Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. — LUKE xxiii. 46.

THIS last cry of our Lord on the cross betokens perfect poise of spirit, perfect trust in his Father, and perfect confidence in the all-sufficiency of his atoning sacrifice. It is true that he had suffered extreme anguish of soul on ac- count of the hiding of his Father's face. For on the cross he "bare our sins in his own body." There it "pleased the Lord to bruise him." "For he was wounded for our trans- gressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, and the chastise- ment of our peace was laid on him." It was then that the Father hid his face from the "Son of his love." It was then that Jesus cried out: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" It was then that the sun grew black and the rocks rent, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. But now all is calm in the heart of our adorable Redeemer, and he says, "Father, into thy hands I commend [commit] my spirit." The great atoning work was accom- plished, so far as it could be on the earth. It is true that as our great High-Priest Christ must appear in the presence of the Father for us, when risen from the dead. But on the cross Jesus cried, "It is finished." Redemption is wrought, and every one that believes may be saved. O blessed and glorious fact! Who can sufficiently adore its divine author?

S. C. Hughes.

A holy quiet reigns around, — A calm which life nor death destroys; And nought disturbs that peace profound Which his unfettered soul enjoys.

BARBAULD.