March 16

Then all his disciples forsook him and fled.— Matthew 26:56.

IF Christ's meek and holy soul was deeply distressed by his rude and violent apprehension, he could not feel less annoyed when he found himself alone, all his disciples having forsaken him and fled. We should not have been astonished at weakness and defection characterizing some of his disciples, but we feel amazed when we read that they all partook of this fear, and cowardice, and guilt, and not one remained to comfort the Redeemer, and to whom he could unbosom his afflicted soul. Peter, after all his daring, followed afar off, until he was left and lost in the distance. John and James, too, who had been so highly favoured, and had, with Peter, seen such bright manifestations of his power and godhead, forsook him and fled. Jesus could truly exclaim, "I looked for comforters, and there was none." And what an occasion of wicked triumph would it give to Christ's adversaries when they beheld him, in the hour of distress, abandoned by all his disciples and friends. How verified was Christ's own prediction, "All ye

A shall be offended because of me this night." The subject, whilst it excites within us holy sympathy towards Jesus, and indignation at his cowardly disciples, should also lead us to a strict personal examination. We imagine we should have done much better, displayed truer heroism, and have gone with Christ to judgment and to death. But have we never shrunk from the cross — have we never concealed our principles when exposed to the contemptuous sneer, or to the sarcastic remark of the enemies of Christ? Have we on all occasions honoured Jesus by an open avowal of our faith, and by a cheerful sacrifice of every thing inimical to his laws? Let the subject lead us to seek the constant aid of divine grace, and labour to obtain the mastery over the fear of man, which bringeth a snare. Ardent love and strong faith are the only graces that will bind us indissolubly to Jesus.

"The arms of love and wings of faith Will bear us conquerors through."