April 14

"Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross."—Hebrews 12:2.

JEROME, when he had read the religious life and death of Hilaron, closed the book, and exclaimed, "Hilaron shall be the champion whom I will imitate." When we view the character of the Saviour, as drawn out in the Scriptures, let us say, "Jesus shall be the glorious person whose example we will follow." Let us contemplate him in

HIS ANTICIPATED TRIUMPH. What was the joy set before him, the prospect of which animated him in his sufferings?

The glory of the Divine attributes. This glory appears in the works of God, like so many scattered rays shooting forth in all directions in the universe; but its full splendor and overpowering brightness are condensed and drawn into one focus in the cross, where "mercy and truth meet together, righteousness and peace embrace each other."

The downfall of Satan's empire. He swayed his tyrannical sceptre nearly over the whole world, for with the exception of Judea, the nations were wholly given up to idolatry; but when the Saviour came, he struck a death-blow to his kingdom: this animated him in his suffering course, that the empire of this proud tyrant should be finally overthrown.

The establishment of a glorious kingdom. He knew that "of the increase of his government there should be no end;" he saw, in joyful anticipation, Jews and Gentiles, men of every country and clime, uniting to spread the tidings of his love, and the triumphs of his cross; and this animated his suffering spirit.

His exaltation at his Father's right hand. He knew, though his sufferings were great, his reign should be glorious; though he endured the cross, many crowns should flourish on his brow. The subject presents us with the foundation of our hope, an example for our imitation, and a stimulus to our perseverance. It has been justly remarked, that as, in copying the productions of ancient genius, the admiring artist takes up his station before his model, and, that he may not omit a single line of shade, raises his eye every moment to scan the original; so we are to avail ourselves of the perpetual presence of Jesus, by recurring in thought to his Divine example, preparatory to every step we take.