Who that has ever read the account of our Saviour's trial before Pilate has not been forcibly impressed that the whole process was without precedent or parallel in the annals of the world, and more resembled the examination of a sacrifice that it might be evinced to be without blemish, than the trial of a criminal for condemnation? One who was foremost in apprehending him, came before the council and openly declared, "I have betrayed the innocent blood." Even the judge who condemned him to so dreadful a death, unhesitatingly pronounces him a just person, and three several times asserts that he finds no fault in him, and declares that neither he nor Herod had found in him any cause of death, while the officer who superintended his crucifixion, affirms with a certainty that "this was a righteous man." Even those who so clamorously demanded his death, could allege no reason for their insane conduct, neither were they able to produce one particle of testimony which was deemed valid, even by that corrupt tribunal. Who, besides, was ever thus publicly condemned and executed, and, at the same time pronounced innocent and righteous by the very individuals who conducted the affair? Can we doubt for a moment that God in his providence wisely ordered these circumstances, that all might have the most incontestable evidence that the beloved Jesus thus suffered for no fault of his own, but for the sins of a guilty world, that offending man might through him be reconciled to God?
L. M. GATES.
Trenton, Wis.