THE SUFFERINGS OF JESUS.
By N. W. Vincent
Dear brother or sister in tribulation, are you weary from exhaustive toil, heavy through manifold temptations, suffering bodily pain or mental anguish? Think of the weariness of Jesus as he went about doing good. Think how he was tempted in all points like as we are, “yet without sin.” Recall his anguish in Gethsemane, his agony on the cross. Truly, he can sympathize with you in your pain and grief. Be faithful, endure to the end, and you shall receive the crown of life, the crown of righteousness and glory. Returning wanderer, do you doubt your Father’s tender love, your blessed Saviour’s heart-yearning for your victory over sin, your triumph in glory? Repair to the cross. Think what love and pity were Christ’s, as he volunteered to forego the blest enjoyments of Heaven, to be without place to lay his head, to be called Beelzebub, to weep with “strong crying and tears,” to hunger and thirst, to sweat great drops of blood, to be crowned with thorns, spit upon, smitten, buffeted, scourged, to die—and all for you. If you would not crucify him afresh, do not longer doubt his love. With sweet, confiding faith rely on his promises. “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” Return to your first love. Walk henceforth in Christ’s footsteps, with unwavering faith. Endure, as seeing him that is invisible. Dear fellow-wanderers, let us grieve God’s Holy Spirit and his faithful servants no longer, but become co-workers with Christ. How slight the comforts and the sinful pleasures of which we are to deny ourselves for him, compared with what he gave up for us! How light our load of grief and agony compared with his! Oh! let us prove our heirship by sharing henceforth meekly, patiently, yes, joyfully, his sufferings; and at his blessed appearing we shall share his joy and glory, the delightful company and sweet fellowship of each other, of all the redeemed saints and holy angels, forever.