If our trust in the mercy of God through Christ were but free and unreserved, the tide of his blessings would flow down upon us, carrying all before it, and peace of mind would be to us as a mighty river, and as a sea of glory.

But let us consider the wonderful words of our

Saviour under another aspect. "Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise." When Jesus is at the lowest depth of his humiliation, when all around are taunting him with his weakness and helplessness, it is at such a moment that he not only forgives sins, which none but God can do, but promises everlasting happiness, and opens heaven, to whomsoever he pleases, giving admission to him who by his sins appeared shut out for ever; thus proving himself to be Master and Lord of all things. It is most remarkable, also, that every feature of grandeur and majesty which stands out from the midst of his deep abasement, was revealed for our advantage; they are helps to our faith, and yet serve in no degree to diminish his opprobrium, or his sufferings. Their end seems to have been to make us understand something of the dignity of Him who humbled himself to

such a depth for our sakes, and that through faith we might look upon his cross rather as a throne, than as the place whereon he suffered; since while he yet hung there, like a sovereign he dispensed his favours, and exalted whomsoever he pleased to the ineffable joys of his kingdom.

XXVIII.

THE DARKNESS WHICH ACCOMPANIES THE DEATH OF CHRIST.

THIS miracle was the public declaration of God's anger against those who dared to shed the blood of his Son. Even the sun hid itself with horror, if we may so speak, and refused to give its light to so dreadful a deed. The darkness which covered the earth, was a type of the thick darkness which hid the Sun of righteousness under the veil of ignominy, and the appearance of sinful flesh. It may also teach us, that human wisdom could not receive the mystery of the death of Jesus Christ, and that on this point it was in utter darkness.

Is it not wonderful, that so awful a prodigy, and one so extraordinary in the circumstances

attending it, so calculated to strike terror on the mind, and one so visibly connected with the crime the Jews were committing that of crucifying the Messiah, so long promised to their fathers; is it not wonderful, that it should not have awakened this wretched people to a sense of their blindness and infatuation? The darkness which reigned within their hearts, was still more incredible and appalling than that which covered the face of nature.

XXIX.

"I THIRST."

THE mind of Jesus Christ, in the midst of sufferings, which one would have thought were enough to overwhelm it, was fixed upon other subjects. All ages were present before him, and he desired that all things which were written of him in Scripture should have their accomplishment. Not one must be omitted-not one jot nor one tittle of the law must fail. Jesus, therefore, "that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst," John xix. 28. He had used nearly the same language to the woman of Samaria, when he asked drink of her. But though he was then weary with his journey, during the heat of the day, and was suffering