reth, and was subject to them. Though, as to his Divine nature, he was the Son of God, yet, as to his human nature, he was "made of a woman, made under the law," which says, "Honour thy father and thy mother:" he therefore came to Nazareth with his parents, and "was subject to them." Though his parents were poor, and of no account in Israel, and though he himself was strong in spirit, and filled with wisdom, yet he honoured his parents and was subject to them. Whether he worked at his father's calling we know not, but it is likely he did: of this, however, we are certain-he observed the orders of his parents, and came and went according to their directions. What a striking example has Jesus set of obedience to parents! Let the youthful reader learn a lesson here, "Honour thy father and thy mother." If you should surpass them in any attainment, yet remember they are your parents still. If you are not indebted, either in whole or in part, to your parents for those attainments, yet you are indebted to God, and God says, " Children, obey your parents in all things."

From the time when Jesus thus returned with his parents to Nazareth and became subject to them, till he entered his thirtieth year, all we read of him is, that "he increased in wisdom

and stature, and in favour with God and man.' When it is said, "he increased in wisdom and stature," this is to be understood of his human nature. In the perfection of his Divine nature there could be no increase. As the Eternal Word he could know no change; but as man he grew both in the stature of his body, and in the endowments of his mind. Who would not love such a child as Jesus? so wise, so meek, so humble, so submissive to his parents, and so devoted to religion? Who would not love such a youth? Hence we are told he grew " in favour with God and man." Youthful reader, be concerned, as you grow in stature and in years, to grow in wisdom and piety; and in proportion as you do this, you will grow in favour with God and all good men.

DISCOURSE VII.

THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS.

THERE is something affecting to my mind in the language of the Evangelist Luke, "And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified him." Of whom does the Evangelist here speak? Does he speak of Barabbas? "Now Barabbas was a robber, who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison." If he had been crucified we could have felt no surprise, for to the punishment of crucifixion he had justly exposed himself by his crimes.

The Evangelist, however, speaks not of Barabbas, but of Jesus of Nazareth. This was the most extraordinary person that ever appeared in our world. His coming had been expected by the Church of God for four thousand years. The Patriarchs had looked forward to his day with

desire and joy. Of him the Prophets sang in rapturous strains. To prepare the way for his approach, Providence had worked for ages. And when he came, "By wonders sacred nature stood controlled." He was born in the stable at Bethlehem. He grew "up as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground." His nature was without a spot, and his life without a flaw. "Never man spake like this man." The works which he did were such as 66 none other man did." Never was there a life so devoted to God and man as his. He was 66 a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of the people Israel." "Yet he was despised and rejected of men." The Jewish rulers conspired against him and caused him to be seized, condemned, and executed. But heaven both vindicated his character and avenged his death. God so overruled events that, before he died, the wretch who betrayed him attested his innocence; the witnesses brought against him agreed not in their testimony; and the judge who condemned him declared, "I find no fault in this man." When he died, portentous signs in the heavens and the earth constrained the pagan centurion to glorify God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man." After his death, vengeance, descending from the skies, rested on the city where he died. The

sword which the Jews had employed to deprive him of life, was sheathed in their own bowels. The Romans, whom they had made the instruments of his destruction, directed by the providence of God, came and took away both their place and nation.” Lord, and just are thy judgments."

66

66

Righteous art thou, O "For they

have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy."

Crucifixion was a painful, shameful, and lingering death. It was the death which slaves and the worst of felons died. The person who was crucified was fastened to the cross with nails driven through the tenderest parts of his hands and feet. Thus he hung exposed to the public gaze, and often to the scoffs of fellow-men. In this condition he hung not only for many hours, but perhaps even for some days. It will thus at once be evident, that crucifixion was, simply considered in itself, a very dreadful death. But dreadful as it was in itself, there were certain circumstances attending it in the case of our Lord, which rendered it more dreadful than it generally was. The Roman "soldiers platted a crown of thorns and put it on his head." The Jews, with their rulers, derided him, saying, "He saved others, let him save himself, if he be the