April 12

PART II.

THERE are yet several features in the prayer of the dying malefactor which are worthy of our notice. Not only did he honour Jesus, as Lord, and recognised his claims to a kingdom, but he placed his soul's entire confidence in him. He sought from him, his favourable regards in a future world. He lost sight of his body and the sufferings of his crucifixion, he withdrew his thoughts from time and death, and looked beyond both, to the safety of his spirit, and his immortal well-being. In doing this he evinced amazing faith in the Redeemer,— he saw him in his humiliation, and beheld him sinking into the arms of death, yet he addressed him as the glorious Lord, and as the fountain of life. He was not favoured with a supernatural sight of the Divine glory as Moses was,—he did not obtain such a full and explicit revelation, as did Abraham, —he did not with Isaiah behold in vision the glory of the Lord of Hosts. We are not certain that he ever saw one of Christ's miracles, yet despite of all, his faith pierces through all the mystery which surrounded the cross, and he commits his immortal all, into the hands of Jesus. While his prayer was the evidence of strong faith, yet it was characterized by humility. He sought not great things—he desired only to be remembered—he left all else, to be supplied by the wisdom and goodness of the Saviour. Then we cannot fail to perceive the fervour, the holy earnestness which his prayer evinced. Lord remember me, pity a poor dying wretch, let thy compassionate eye be fixed upon me, — let thy boundless mercy accompany my guilty spirit, — let not my soul go down from thy side to the dreary shades of death. "Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." Happy the man who has had fellowship of spirit, and kindredness of feeling, with this poor penitent sinner.