April 11

"Come, and see the place where the Lord lay." — Matthew 28:6.

THERE are five spots of interest to the Christian, which he should often visit in his solemn contemplations; the manger of Bethlehem, the garden of Gethsemane, the cross of Calvary, the tomb of Joseph, and the Mount of Olives. It is natural for us to visit the grave of some valued friend or dear connection, and drop the silent tear, while memory brings fresh to our recollection past scenes of pleasure and of joy: let us come and see the place, not where the Lord lies, but where he lay, for he is risen.

COME AND MOURN OVER YOUR SINS THAT LAID HIM THERE. Never did sin appear so exceedingly sinful, as in the sufferings and death of Christ. Shall the veil of the temple be rent in twain, and your hearts remain unmoved? Shall the sun hide his glories, and the land be covered with darkness, and you not be filled with shame for your sins? Shall the earth quake, and the rocks rend asunder, while you feel no pangs of grief, no contrition of spirit? Come, and then shall angels carry the tidings to the celestial mansions: "He goeth to the grave to weep there."

COME AND WONDER AT HIS LOVE. Do you speak of philanthropy or disinterestedness? The world never can produce a nobler instance than that which he furnished in making himself of no reputation, that we might be raised to honor.

COME AND SEEK AN INTEREST IN HIS ATONEMENT. Nothing else can disperse the gathering tempest of Divine wrath, and brighten our firmament. This alone can meet the accusations of Satan, quiet the ragings of conscience, honor the demands of the law, and satisfy the requirements of justice.

COME AND REJOICE IN HIS GLORIOUS TRIUMPHS. How futile were all the efforts made by his enemies to keep him in the grave! Nothing could retain him there; he came forth on the morning of the third day, as the sinner's friend, sin's foe, death's conqueror, and the invader of the territories of the grave.

COME AND REMEMBER THAT HE IS RISEN AS THE PLEDGE OF OUR RESURRECTION. We fall to rise, we die to live again. Christ has risen as the first-fruits of those that slept: what a glorious harvest shall there be, when all the saints shall rise to honor, glory, and immortality!

COME AND WAIT FOR HIS SECOND ADVENT. He shall come; for reason confirms it, he himself has declared it, the Scriptures testify it, and angels revealed it. Wait with patience, earnest desire, confident hope, and continual preparation; then shall angels convey you at death to your Father's house, and exclaim, Come, see the throne where the Lord reigns.