The SuM'iUgs of Christ. “God is love.” His love manifested toward fallen man, in the gift of his beloved Son, amazed the holy angels. “ God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever be-lieveth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The Son was the brightness of the ♦Father's glory, and the express image of his person. He possessed divine excellence and greatness. He was equal with God. It pleased, the Father that in him all fullness should dwell. He “ thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” Yet he “ made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a pian, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” In order to more fully.realize the value of salvation, it is necessary to understand what it cost. In consequence of limited views of the sufferings of the divine Son of "God, many place a low estimate upon the great work of the atonement. Christ consented to die in man's stead, that he, by a life of obedience, might escape the penalty of the law of God. His death did not slay the law, lessen its holy claims, nor detract from its sacred dignity. The death of Christ proclaimed the justice of his Father's law in punishing the transgressor, in that he consented to suffer the penalty of the law himself, in order to save fallen man from its curse. Tho death of God's beloved Son on the oross shows the immutability of the 2 The Sufferings of Christ. law. Ilis death magnified the law and made it honorable, and gave evidence to man of its changeless character. From his own divine lips is heard, Think not that I am come to destroy the law.” In Christ was united the human and the divine. His mission was to reconcile God to man, and man to God. His work was to unite the finite with the Infinite. This was the only w*ay in which fallen men could be exalted through the merits of the blood of Christ, to be partakers of the divine nature. Taking human nature, fitted Christ to understand the nature of man’s trials, and all the temptations wherewith he is beset. Angels, who were unacquainted. with sin, could not sympathize with man in his peculiar trials. Christ condescended to take man’s nature, that he might know how to succor all who should be tempted. As the human was upon him, he felt his jiced of strength from his Father, lie had select places of prayer. He loved the solitude of the mountain in which to hold communion with lfis Father in Heaven. Ijfthis exercise he wras strengthened for the duties and trials of the day. Our Saviour identifies himself with our needs and weaknesses, in’that lie became a suppliant, a nightly petitioner, seeking from his Father fresh supplies of strength, to come forth invigorated and refreshed, braced for duty and trial, lie is our example in all things, lie is a brother in our infirmities, but not possessing like passions. As the sinless One his naturo recoiled from evil. ' He endured struggles, and torture of soul, in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity, and privilege. He required all the divine support and comfort which his Father was ready to impart to his Son. Christ found comfort and joy in com- The Sufferings of Christ. 3 munion with his Father. Here he could unburden his sorrows that were crushing him. He was a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Through the day he labored earnestly to save men from destruction. He healed the sick, he comforted the mourning, and brought cheerfulness and hope to the despairing. He brought the dead to life. After his work was finished for the day, he went forth, evening after evening, away from the confusion of the city, and his form was bowed in some retired place, in supplication to his Father. At times the bright beams of the moon shone upon his bowed form. And then again the clouds and darkness shut away all light. The dew and frost of night rested upon his head and beard while in the attitude of a suppliant. He frequently continued his petitions through the entire night. If the Saviour of men, with his divine strength, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of prayer,—fervent, constant prayer? As tho Son of God in the garden of Gethsemane bowed in the attitude of prayer, the agony of his spirit forced from his pores sweat like great drops of blood. It was here that the horror of groat darkness surrounded him. Tho sins of the w’orld were upon him. lie was suffering in man’s stead as a transgressor of his Father’s law. Here was the scene of temptation. The divine light, of God was receding from his vision, and he was passing into the hands of tho powers of darkness. In the agony of his soul-anguish, he lay prostrate on the cold earth. He was realizing his Father’s frown. Clu'ist had taken the cup of suffering from tho lips of guilty man, and proposed to drink it himself, and in its place give to man a cup of blessing. The wrath that would have fallen upon man, was 1 THE Sufferings of Christ now falling upon Christ. It- was here that that lin-ivrioiis riiji trembled in his hand. JoMis had often resorted to Gctliscinniic with his disciples for meditation and prayer. They weie all well aequainlcd with this sacred retreat. Kveu Judas knew when*, to lead the murderous throng, that ho might betray Jesus into their hands. Never before had the Saviour visited tho spot with a heart so full of sorrow. It was not bodily sulforing from which the Son of Cod shrank, and which wrung lroin his lips, in tho presence of his disciples these mournful words: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.11 “ Tarry ye here.” said he, “and watch with mo.” lie went a little distance from his disciples, leaving them within hearing, and fell on his faco, and prayed, “ 0 my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” The sins of a lost world were upon him, and overwhelmed him. It was a sense of his Father’s frown, in consequence of sin, which rent the heart of the Son of God with such piercing agony, and forced the great blood-drops from his brow down his pale cheeks. lie ruse from his prostrate position, and came to his disciples, and found them asleep. Ho said unto Peter, “ What! could yo not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that yc enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” At the most important time, the disciples were found sleeping—at the tinio when Jesus had made a special request for them to watch with him. Ho knew that severe conflicts and terrible temptations were before his disciples. lie took them with him, that they might be a strength to him, and that the events they should witness that night, and the lessons of in- Tuk Sufferings >k'Christ. struction they should receive, might bo iwbdibly printed upon tlieir memories. This was nec< ssmy, that their faith might not fail, but bo strengthened for the lost just before them. llut instead of watching with Christ, they wore burdened with sorrow, and fell asleep. Even the ardent Voter was asleep, who, only a few hours before, had declared that ho would suffer, and, if need be, die for his Lord. At the most critical moment, when the Son of God was in need of their sympathy and heartfelt prayers, they were found asleep. They lost much by thus sleeping. Our Saviour designed to fortify them for the severe test of their faith to which they would soon bo subjected. If they had spent the mournful period in watching with the dear Saviour, and in prayer to God, Veter would not have been left to liis own feeble strength to deny his Lord. The Son of God went away the second time, and prayed, saying, “ 0 my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me except I drink it, thy will be done.” And again he came to his disciples, and found them sleeping. Their eyes were heavy. The Saviour turned sadly the second time from his sleeping disciples, and prayed the third time saying the same words. Then he came to them, and said, Sleep on now, and take your rest. Ilchold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.’' I low cruel for the disciples to permit sleep to close their eyes and slumber to chain their senses, while their divine Lord was enduring such inexpressible mental anguish. If they had remained watching, they would not have lost tlieir faith as they beheld the Son of God dying upon the cross. This import? ant night-watch should have been signalized by 6 THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST. noble mental struggles and prayers, which would have brought them strength to witness the un- speakable agony of the Son of God. It would prepared them as they should behold his sufferings upon the. to understand something of the nature of the overpowering anguish which he endured in the garden of Gethsemane. And they would have been better able to recall the words he had spoken to them in reference to his sufferings, death, and resurrection ; and amid the gloom of that terrible, trying hour, some rays of j*0 would have lit. up the darkness. and sus- tained their faith. He had told them before that, these things would take place; but they did not undo . land him. The scene of Christ’s sufferings was to be a fiery ordeal to his disciples. lmnee the noiv-sity of watchfulness and prayer. Their faith in■» d-»d to he sustained by an unseen strength, as Iln\\ demld experience tlm triumph of the powers of d i rkness. We eau have hut /hint conceptions of tho inexpressible anguish of Clod's dear Son in Oiothsom-ano. as ho realized the separation from his Father in ms<-i|uoneo of bearing man’s sin. He became sin dr flu* fallen race.. The sense of tlu* willn-di d of his TatherV love pressed from his an-od soul those words: j\|y soul is exceeding iwl'al. e.ven unto death.” If it he possible, ! ihi cup pass from me." Thou with entire s111>* ;,»n to his Father's will, he adds, “Novor- f i.ol net :*s I will, but as tlmu wilt.’* 'foe divine Son of (led was fainting, .dying. The i'll hi r sent a messenger from his presence to strengthen the divine Futlercr, and brace him to tr; lf,s blood-sUiucd path. * Could mortals view ihe amazement and sorrow of tlio angels as the sufferings of christ 7 his beams of light, love, and glory. from his So they would better understand how often. is sin in his sight. The sword of Justice was now to wake against this dear Son. He was betrayed by a kiss into the hands of his enemies- hurried to the judgment. ball of an earthly nuul. there to be derided, and condemned to death, by sin Cal mortals. There the glorious Cbm of find was f‘ von tided for our transgressions, be was bruised for our ini(|uitics.” He boro insult, mockery, and r;htuneful abuse, until his “ visage was so nmmd more than any man, and his form more than tho sons of limn.” Who ean comprehend the love her • ’;iian w; liav full control of the minds of his ants. In order to do this effectually, he com-mriuv.' \v*th the chief priests and the elders, and imbues fiiem with a religious frenzy. They aro act anted 1 »y tiie amo Satanic spirit which moves the most vile and hardened wretches. There is a corrupt harmony in the feelings of all, from tho hypocritical priests and elders down to the most debused. Christ, the precious Son of God, was led forth, and the cross was laid upon his shoulders. At every stop was left blood which flowed t'r«.m his wounds. Thronged by an immense crowd • >I* hitter semies and unfeeling spectators, lie is led away ihe crucifixion. “ He was oppressed, :unl he wa< afflicted, yet. lie opened not his mouth. He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.” His sorrowing disciples follow him at a distance, behind the murderous throng. lie is nailed to tho cross,-and hangs suspended between the heavens and the earth. Their hearts aro bursting with anguish as their beloved Teacher is suffering ns a criminal. Close to the cross are the blind, bigoted, faithless priests and elders, taunting, mocking, and jeering: “Thou that dcstroyest the tempi*-, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou he the Soil of God, come down from the cross.” ‘‘ Ue saved others, himself ho cannot save. I f he he tho King of Israel, let*him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. lie trusted in God, let him deliver him now, if he will havo him; for ho said, I am the Son of God.” * Not one word did Jesus answer to all this. .Whiln iiw. nailfl^wurfl hflinft Origan tbrniirrh hia The Sufferings of Ciirtst. 0 hands, and the sweat-drops of agony wore forced from his pores, from the pale, quivering lips f the innocent sufferer a prayer of pardoning lo\a was breathed for his murderers: “ Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” All Jfcavcn was gazing with profound interest upon the scene. The glorious Redeemer of a lost world was suffering the penalty of man’s transgressions of the Father’s law. lie was about to ransom his people with his own blood. lie was paying ihe just claims of God’s holy law. This was the means through which an end was to be finally made of sin and Satan, and liis host to be vanquished. Oh! was there ever suffering and sorrow like that endured by the dying Saviour? It was the sense of his Father’s displeasure which, made his cup so bitter. It was not bodily suffering which so quickly ended the life of Christ upon the cross. It was the crushing weight of the sins of the world, and a sense of his Father’s wrath. The Father’s glory and sustaining presence had been withdrawn from him, and despair pressed its crushing weight of darkness upon him, and forced from his pale and quivering lips the anguished cry. “ My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Jesufl united w’ith tho Father in making the world. Amid tho agonizing sufferings of the S\»u of God, blind and deluded men alone remain unfeeling. The chief priests and elders revile God’s dear Son while in his expiring agonies. Vet inanimate naturo groans in sympathy with her bleeding, dying Author. The earth trembles. The sun refuses to behold the scene. The heavens gather blackness. Angels have witnessed tho sufferings of God’s dear Son, until they can look jit-JamMB-imiL-Liiia t1.«ir from thfl horrid THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST 10 sight. Christ is dying! He is in despair. Father*'' approving smile is removed, and angels are not permitted to lighten the gloom of terrible Even doubts assailed the dying Son of God. could not see through the portal of the tomb, the hope did not present to him his coming ih from the. tomb a conqueror, and his Father appearance of his sacrifice. The sin of the world, with all terribleness. was felt to the utmost by the Son of God. The displeasure of the Father for sin and its penalty which was death, were all he could realize through this amazing darkness tempted to fear that sin was so m ive in the sight of his Father, that he could not reconciled to his Son. The. fierce temp;ati mi that his own Father had forever left him. *:'ii'cd that piercing cry from the cross, 11 M y <{od, God, why hast thou forsaken me rhrist felt much as sinners will feel when the vial- of God’s wrath shall be poured out. upon ilm-a. l.laek despair, like tho pall of dentil, will r idi- .it their guilty souls, and then they will (•■■■ili/.•. io the fullest extent, the sinfulness of sin. 1 h.m been purchased for them by the vine, and death of (he Son of God. It might h- iliv'ir'. if they would accept it willingly, • l idiv ; hu( none, arc compelled to yield obedience io (:m law of God. If they nyluso the heavenly bm i»i. if limy choose the pleasures, and deceitful-of hin. tin y can have their choice, and at. the cud revive their wanes, whieh is tho wrath of G"f and eternal death. i aiih and hope tremble in tho expiring agonies of rhrist. because God has removed the assurance he had heretofore given his beloved Son of bis 11 THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST the world now relics upon the evidences which had hitherto strengthened him, THAt his Father accepted his labors, and was pleased with hIS work. )n his dying agony as he yields up his i ■ei.ai-i life, he has by faith alone to trust in Him who ii has ever heen his joy to obey. He is not cheered with clear, bright rays of hope on the right hand nor on the left. All is enshrouded in oppressive gloom. Amid the awful darkness which is felt by sympathizing; nature, the Redeemer drains the. mys-terious cup even to its (Irens. Denied own bright liopeand confidence in the triumph which will be his in the future, he cries with a loud voice, Lord, into thy hand.' I commit my spirit.” He is ac-(Hiainjed with the character of his Father, his justice, his mercy, and yreut- love. In Hihmbsion. ho drops into the hands of his Father. \mill the convulsions of nature are heard by Hie. amazed spectators the dyinu; words of the Man of (-alvary. Nature sympathized with the siiflcrinir of its Author. rJ1he heaving earth, the rent rocks, and the terrific darkness, proclaimed that it w: s the Foil of God that died. There war- mijrhty cartlujuakc. The vaii of the temple rout in t\v:in. Tenor seized tho cxeeutioncis "1 spectator-: they behold the sun vailed in ilarkin-s. and fell the earth shake 'beneath then , and ;nv and hoard the vending of the rocks. The ns chin and jeerini' of the chief priests and elder.-. Were hushed as (1hrist commended his .■spirit into the hands of his Father. The astonished thnmj; beyau to withdraw, and jjrope. their lyj^in the darkness, to the city. They smote ej» (heir breasts as they went, and in terror, rpenkino scarcely above a whisper, said amon" themselves, l’ Tt. is an innocent person that has been murdered. THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST. What it if, indeed, ho is, ns ho asserted, the Son of God Jesus did not yield up his life till ho had accomplish the work which he came to do, and <>Nd to earth to bo made sin for us, that we might be reconciled to God, and elevated to a lifo with him in his mansions in glory. Oh I what is man, that *ueh a price should be paid for bus redemption 1 When men and women can more fully comprehend the magnitude of the great, sacrifice, which w:oi made' by the Majesty of Heaven ill dying ill man’ stead, then will the plan of salvation bo magnified, ami reflections of Calvary will awaken tender, sacred, and lively emotions in the Christian’s heart. Praises to God and the Lamb will be in their hearts, and upon their lips. Pride and -elf-esteem cannot flourish in the heart that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary. This world will appear of hut little value to those who appreciate tho cost of man’s redemption. All tho rirht - of ilie world are not of sufficient value to redeem on perishing soul. Who can measure the love Christ felt for a lost world, as ho hung upon I lie cross, suffering for the sins of guilty men ? This love was immeasurable. It tyas infinite. 11 is love, he has shown, was stronger than THE SUFFERINGS OF Christ. 13 and although ho had the most fearful conflict with the powers of darkness, yet amid it all, his love decreased not, but grew stronger and stronger, ilo endured tho hidings of his Father's eounto nance, until ho was led to exclaim, in the. bitterness of his soul, “ My God, my (lod, wh y hast thou forsaken inn?” JJin arm brought.salvation. Tho price was paid to purchase the redemption of man, when, in tho last. soul-struggle, tho bios: ml wo*ds were uttered, which seemed to resound through creation, u it is finished/1 How many who profess to he Christians, will become excited over some worldly enterprise. Their interest is awakened for new and exciting amusements, while they arc eold-hoartod, and appear as if frozen in the cause of God. Hut here is a theme, poor formalist, which is of sulTiriunt importance to excite you. Eternal iutensts are hero involved. To bo calm and liiiimpassioncd on this theme is even sinful. The scenes ul’< la 1 vary call for the deepest emotions. Upon this mihjcct you will be excusable if you manifest ontlmsiasm. That Christ, so excellent-, so innocent, should suffer such a painful death, bearing the weight of the sins of the world, our most extended thoughts and imaginations can never be able to fully reach, and enable us to comprehend tho length, the breadth, the bight-, tho depth, of such amazing love. Tho contemplation of the matchless depths of a Saviour's love, viowed by faith, tills and absorbs tho mind, touches and melts tho soul, vefmcs and elevates the affections, and completely transforms the whole character. Tho language of tho apostle is, “ I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.” We may look toward Calvary, and also exclaim, The SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST 14 our Lord Jesus Christ. by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world.” Considering at what an immense cost our salva-: been purchased, what will be the fate of these who neglect so great salvation'{ What will be the punishment of those who profess to be followers of Christ. yet tail to how in bumble. obedience to the claims of their Redeemer, and who do not take the cross, as humble disciples of Christ. and follow him from the mangier to Calvary He that gathereth not with me, saith Christ. scattereth abroad. Some have limited views of tho atonement. They tliink that Christ suffered only n small portion of the penalty of the law of Cod, and that while the wrath of (Jod was felt-by his dear Son, they suppose that he had, through all his painful sufferings. an evidence of his Father’s love and acceptance, and that the portals of the tomb bo-l in* him wore illuminated noth bright hope that he had the abiding evidence of bis future glory. Here is a great mistake. Christ’s keenest anguish was a Hon.sc of his Father’s displeasure. Ilia mental agony, because of this, was of such in-t nsit v that man can have but faint conception of it/ The history of the condescension, humiliation ml sacrifice of our divine Lord does not with many st;r the soul, and affect tho life nny move, i! awaken deeper interest, than to vend of the death f tho martyrs of Jesus. Many have suf-f» i ed death by slow tortures. Others have suffered d .du by crucifixion, lu what- does thd death of f ' ! dear »don differ from these? It is true lie d”‘<1 upon tho cross a most- cruel death ; yet others, for liis dear sake, havo suffered equally, a3 far as bodily torture is concerned. Why was tho 15 THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST suffering of Christ more dreadful than that of other persons who have yielded their lives for his sake ? If the sufferings of Christ consisted physical pain alone, then his death was more painful than that of some of the martyrs*. Bodily pain was but an item in the ageny of God dear Son. The sins of the world were upon him also the sense of his Father’s wrath as he suffered the penalty of the law. It was these that crushed his divine soul. It was the hiding of his Father's thee, a sense that his own dear Father had for-saken him, which brought despair. 'The separation that sin makes between God and man was fully realized and keenly felt by the ,wid, suffering Man of Calvary, He was opj d by the powers of darkness, He had not ray of light to brighten the future. And he was strug-j'lin^ with the power of Satan, who was deelavhi:' that Christ was in his hands, that lie was superior iirslrcupth to the Son of God, that God hid disowned his Son, and that he was no longer in tho favor of God nny moro than himself, i f tic was indeed still in favor with God, why need ho die ? God could wive him from death. Christ yielded not in the least decree to the torim-nt: fee, oven in his bitterest anguish. l.'O^rioiis "f evil angels were all about the Sou of God. ye.’, the holy angels were bidden not to break their ranks and oupat'o in conflict with the taunting, reviling foe. Heavenly impels were not pormitud e- minister unto the anguish ?d spirit of the Son of G* d. It Was in this terrible hour of darkness the face of his Fuller hidden, legions of evil anvv.U end.roi/ ini1: him. tho sins oi* the world lijnm him, that tho words were wrenched from his lips, “My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me/’ The death of the martyrs can bear no compar- lb Tin-; Suffer LNfts ok Christ, ison with (lie agony endured by the Son of God. And we should take larger, broader, and deeper views of the life, sufferings, and death, of God'fl dear Son. AVhen the atoning sacrifice shall bo viewed eorreelly, lliesalvat ion of souls will be felt to bo of infinite value, in comparison with the enter-, j»rise of everlasting life, every ether sinks info insignificance, flat how have the counsels of this ' loving Saviour been despised. The heart’s devotion has been to the World, and selfish interests have, closed the door against- the Son of God. llollow hypocrisy and pride, solfishncss and gain, envy, malice and passion, have, so filled the hearts of many that Christ can have no room. Ho was eternally rich, “yet for our Hakes became, poor,.that, wo through bis poverty might, be made rich.” He was clot hed with light and glory, surrounded with hosts of heavenly .angels, waiting to execute his commands. Yet he put; on our nature, and came to sojourn among sinful mortals. Here is love that no language can express. It passes knowledge. Great is the mystery of godliness. Our souls should be enlivened, elevated, enraptured with the theme of the love of the Father and the Son to man. And the followers of Christ should learn here to reflect back in some degree that mysterious love, preparatory to joining all the redeemed in ascribing “ Blessing and honor and glory and’power unto Him that sittoth upon the * throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” ELLEN ft. WHITE. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST rilHLISHING ASSOCIATION. Battle Crook, Mich.