SERMON I.

GOD GLORIFIED IN THE SUFFERINGS OF

CHRIST.

JOHN, CHAP. XII. VERSE 28.

Father, glorify thy Name.

IN order justly to appreciate the character of an individual, attention must be paid to the peculiar circumstances in which he is placed. Excellences or defects in his conduct will be more or less conspicuous, in proportion as the advantages which he enjoys, or the difficulties with which he contends, are more clearly ascertained. Many minute particulars, which at first sight escape observation, may have, when discovered, a considerable share in determining the real merit of his pretensions; may diminish his imaginary lustre, or diffuse around him a brighter radiance.

In contemplating the character of our Blessed Saviour, as delineated in the Gospel,

B

we cannot but be struck with admiration at the unshaken fortitude which he uniformly displayed. But there was one circumstance, peculiar to himself, which, when duly noticed, places his fortitude in a far more elevated and interesting point of view. He was from the beginning exactly acquainted with every particular, which would occur in his eventful life. Even at his first entrance on his ministry, he distinctly saw the miserable close, in which it would terminate: and, during the whole continuance of his laborious and unwearied exertions, he had constantly before his eyes the ignominy and sufferings which awaited him, the stripes and buffetings, the crown of thorns, the agony and bloody sweat, the cross and passion. When, therefore, with such objects present before him, we see him stedfastly setting his face to go up to Jerusalem; when with such a baptism to be baptised with, we hear him complaining of being straitened till it be accomplished; how greatly is our admiration of his fortitude increased! Viewed under these circumstances, how transcendently glorious does his character appear! At what an infinite distance does it remove all the celebrated examples of magnanimity, which history, sacred or profane, has proposed to the wonder and the imitation of mankind.

Nor was the fortitude which Jesus displayed, the result of insensibility; of a mind destitute of the tender feelings of humanity. No. He partook of all the passive infirmities of our nature: so far as was consistent with the most spotless purity, he was in all points tempted like as we are: while he wept for others, he felt for himself; and there were seasons, in which the apprehension of his sufferings, though it could not overwhelm his soul, weighed it down with the heaviest

sorrow.

Such seasons, however, were transient, and served only to augment the glory of his character. An instance occurs in the passage connected with the text. Jesus, having spoken of his death, exclaims, Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour! This was the prayer, which infirmity suggested. Human nature shrunk at the prospect of misery; it would gladly have declined the bitter draught prepared for it.—But the influence of such feelings was momentary; he dismisses the suggestion with abhorrence. But for this cause came I unto this hour. And then, with collected firmness and holy resignation, he consecrates himself to God, Father, glorify thy Name.

This noble triumph of principle over feeling, of a sense of duty over the infirmity of

nature, suggests many interesting and instructive reflections. But the point which I purpose to select for consideration, is the view which Jesus here gives of his death, as connected with the glory of God. He represents the divine glory as about to derive additional lustre from his sufferings. Father, glorify thy Name. As if he had said, "Fa

66

"ther, to glorify thy Name is the work which "I have freely undertaken; the object which "I have stedfastly kept in view. For this "cause came I unto this hour. Shall I now "recede from my purpose? Far be such a thought! Since the attainment of this "glorious object can be accomplished only by 66 my obedience unto death, I devote myself "to this service. If this cup cannot pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." In discoursing on this important subject, I shall proceed to shew,

66

I. What is meant by God's Name being glorified.

II. How God's Name is glorified by the sufferings and death of Christ.

I. The Name of God includes all which at present we know of God. He is a Spirit. No man hath seen him at any time. His Name comprehends those infinite perfections, by which he has revealed himself to us in his works and in his word. In the manifestation

of these perfections consists his glory. When Moses besought the Lord, saying, Shew me thy glory, he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before thee*. And what was the Name proclaimed, but a declaration of his essential perfections, and glorious attributes ? The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth; keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty†. To glorify, then, the Name of God, is to manifest his infinite perfections. Whatever tends more illustriously to display these infinite perfections, exalts his character, and augments the glory of his Name,

Thus the works of creation and of providence conspire to increase the divine glory, by shewing forth the infinite wisdom, power, and goodness of him who made, contrived, and upholds them. His eternal power and godhead are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. The heavens declare the glory of God. All thy works praise thee, O Lord. The terrible judgements likewise which God executes on the wicked, are so many accessions to his glory, by displaying, in a signal manner,

* Exodus, xxxiii. 19.

+ Exodus, xxxiv. 6, 7.