December 27

PART II.—John 17:4.

THREE things deserve our attention and imitation in reference to the work of Christ. He entered upon it cheerfully, his holy ardent soul longed to commence that blessed work on which his heart had been set from eternal ages, so that he went ninety miles that he might be baptized, and anointed for his great undertaking. Then he was also faithful in doing all the work assigned him. He did not neglect his father's command in a single instance: he was a faithful high priest, over all things in the house of God, he ever did the things pleasing before him, and was his constant joy and delight, in whom he was ever well pleased. Then he was constant even unto death: he never wearied, all the contempt and sufferings he endured, never damped his ardour, nor quenched his zeal. He scarcely regarded the demands of nature,

"Cold mountains and the midnight air, Witness'd the fervour of his prayer!

Hence in watching, and prayer, and teaching, and healing, and blessing men, he was always engaged, and when objects of misery did not come to him, "he went about doing good." Thus he blessed men, and glorified his Father, until the solemn hour arrived, when he should lay down his life for the salvation of the world. Have we imitated Jesus in cheerfully, faithfully, and constantly doing our master's blessed will. Have we so laboured, that we shall be fully ready, whatever hour the Son of Man cometh.

" O, that each in that day,

Of his coming may say,

' I have fought my way through ;

I have finished the work, thou did'st give me to do'."