WHEN the Son of God looked down from heaven and beheld the misery of our fallen race, the choice was before him, either to remain in his glory, leaving the world to its fate, or take part with us, and bear our sins in his own body. Then for the glory of the Father and our recovery, he humbled himself and entered into fellowship with our condition. He endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy that was set before him. He knew what infinite good would result to the universe from his humiliation, and with an inward peace, beyond all understanding, he prosecuted the work of self-sacrifice and suffering. The grief with which he was acquainted, was not a dull, sullen, despairing pain; for it was mingled with respect unto the recompense of the reward. Now how should the members be but as their head? They must enter into fellowship alike of his sufferings and of his peace. Everything of joy in this sinful world is born of sorrow. The Christian must endure labour and self-denial, if he would follow his Master and come again with joy after his weeping, bringing his sheaves with him. To bear burdens for Christ's sake is appointed to him, and God has connected with it the truest enjoyment of life.—Sel.