September 10

And was transfigured before them.— Matthew 27:2.

THE transfiguration was one of the most extraordinary events in the life of Jesus. It was a sort of cessation from toil and degradation for a time—a kind of bright and luminous interval in the midst of a life of suffering and woe. All the particulars connected with it are worthy of minute attention, since they furnish so much interesting matter for profitable meditation. Who does not rejoice that the blessed Saviour should enjoy one joyous and illustrious scene, while passing through the sorrows and griefs of his career of bitterness and affliction? Let us then take a contemplative survey of all the circumstances interwoven with this glorious and magnificent event. Consider, first, the witnesses of Christ's transfiguration: these were, "Peter, James, and John," a sufficient number to testify to what was seen and heard, and yet not too many to disturb the hallowed and sacred scene. Peter was one of Christ's most zealous disciples, and had recently made a noble confession of his messiahship and divinity. He was destined to fill a very high and honourable place in Christ's kingdom, and afterwards was the first to introduce the gospel both amongst the Jews and Gentiles. James was the first apostle who was called to seal the gospel with his blood, and to wear the brilliant wreath of martyrdom. John was Christ's beloved disciple, the youngest of all, and the individual who was to be the refuge and the friend of the heart-pierced mother of the crucified Jesus. It is remarkable that these were the favoured three who were the only witnesses when Christ raised the daughter o.

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Jarius, and his only attendants when he endured the agony in the garden of Gethsemane. How well did it tend to qualify Peter for his illustrious mission, James for his martyrdom, and John for being so successful an advocate of Christ's divinity and glory.