April 27

PART II.—Mark 15:39.

How very singularly did God make the wrath of man to praise him, in the events connected with the death of his Son. The Jews wished Pilate to condemn Jesus for sedition and blasphemy. Though Pilate did condemn him, yet he publicly proclaimed that he found no fault in him. A centurion with a band of soldiers, carry the sentence into execution, and the captain of them, publicly avows his belief, that the crucified Jesus is truly the Son of God. The centurion's testimony was the first fruit of Christ's death. How soon did the cross, with its magnetical influence, draw one poor soul to feel its quickening and saving power. How important too, to the Christian religion, that the superintendant, who officiated at the execution of its founder, should testify at the spot, that the sufferer was truly the Son of God. The testimony of the centurion was one of acknowledged impartiality: the testimony, not of a disciple, or friend, but of the officer, employed by the civil authorities, to put Christ to death. The testimony was prompt, and courageous. He did not wait till he could communicate his convictions privately to his friends, but at the very time, and place of Christ's death, he publicly exclaimed, "truly this man is the Son of God." The testimony is one in which we are all personally concerned. Ask yourselves if you truly credit Christ's Divine mission and work. Do you receive him, trust in him, love, and obey him as the Son of God? Have you the internal witness of the Spirit for he that believeth, hath the witness in himself?