REFLECTIONS
IT is always profitable in our soul exercises, to behold Christ in his sufferings; and when we go up to the mercy-seat, always to have our eye fixed on the great Intercessor. What a relief to the soul, under temptations, trials, difficulties, and the like, to look at him who, when here below, felt the whole force of such things, on purpose that, having suffered being tempted, he might know how to succour them that are tempted. To this effect is the apostle's advice; for consider him who endured such a contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your mind. Hebrews 12:3. And certain it is, that nothing affords equal consolation, under the several sorrows of life, as the conviction that Christ himself, when upon earth, was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Blessed Lord! help me ever to keep thee in remembrance: let me by faith behold thee going before, dignifying the tribulated path by thy bright example! And Oh! for grace to hear in gracious words, as if addressed, not only to thy more immediate disciples, but to all they represented, Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations: and I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me, that ye may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.