June 28

PART IV.—Ezekiel 34:29.

As Jesus was raised up at his incarnation, baptism, and on the cross, so also he was raised up at his resurrection from the dead. He was raised up on the cross that he might be cut down: Earth and hell combined to destroy this renowned plant. And he was cut down—cut down publicly—cut down amidst the execrations of the maddened, blood-thirsty populace—cut down by the express authority of the blinded Jewish hierarchy—cut down amidst the rejoicings of fallen spirits; for this was emphatically the hour of darkness—cut down amidst the weepings and wailings of his disciples and the daughters of Jerusalem—cut down to the astonishment of the angels of heaven—cut down amidst the darkening of the sun, the rending of the temple's veil, the cleaving asunder of rocks, and the opening of the sepulchres of the dead—cut down a spectacle to devils, and angels, and men. But he was not cut down for ever; for on the third day he was raised from the dead, according to the Scriptures, and thus obtained his resurrection's power and glory. This plant was also raised up at Christ's ascension into heaven: from heaven he came, and when he had finished his work on earth, he resumed his station, and has sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. He is also constantly raised up by the preaching of the Gospel: to preach the Gospel is to exhibit this plant, extol its healing virtues, and persuade men to partake of its saving efficacy—to cry aloud:—

"O that the world would taste and see The riches of his grace:

The arms of love that compass me Would all mankind embrace!"

Finally this plant will be raised up in the praises of the redeemed for ever. His name shall be great through all the ages of eternity, and he shall be blessed for ever and ever. The subject of the eternal contemplations and of the eternal song of the innumerable company of the skies will be the plant of renown.

"The whole celestial glorious throng Before his feet will fall.

And join in one harmonious song, And crown him Lord of all!"