Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1871-07-19
The Footsteps of Jesus.

One land Is forever memorable above
every other-the land where Jesus lived
and died. To this land above all others
his loving and reverent disciples would
make their pilgrimage. How many such
pilgrims has it already received How
many more are still to follow?
1t is an easy matter to enter into the
feelings which impel the Christian thither.
One thrills even at the very thought of
treading the ground which Jesus trod now
eighteen hundred years ago. To look up
on the places that once knew him, but
know him no more-Bethlehem, Nazareth,
Jerusalem TO cross the valley of the
Kidron, and climb the Mount of Olives !;
to wander along the banks of the Jordan
and on the shores of the Galilean Lake !;
to stand in the vicinage of Gethsemane
and Calvary; and to know that, notwith
standing all the obliterating changes of the
centuries, these are the scenes which Jesus
once trequented to do this may well be a
cherished hope; fond memory with all
who have accomplished it. These being
the paths which once he walked in. these
the heights up which he toiled, these the
waters over which he sailed, to 90 over the
]
his person and life greater realities than
ever
Let it not be forgotten however, that a
/ holIer land than Palestine is the abode of
US all, and that the footsteps of Jesus are
here also for US all to follow. 1t is human
| life which Jesus most truly sanctifed it
| Is human experience through which he
most truly led the way. That far country
which bathes its western shore in the Med
iterranean, we are told, Is a representative
1 land. In its climate, its physical features
and its productions, variety prevails The
same Is true of him who found there his
birthplace and his tomb. Made in all
points like a we are, was the Son of Man
No one Of Us treads a path where our
Master has not gone before AL around
us are the opportunities, the responsible
ties, the duties, the trials, the dangers. the
/ sorrows, which it was his to know. and the
way he led through them all Is the way for
us to follow.
Would we walk in the footsteps of Je-
sus then ? We may DO it without leaving
country or even home We may do it by
simply going through life as he. BY
copying his example DO we, in the highest
sense, follow his steps, who did no sin,
neither was guile found in his mouth who
when he was reviled, reviled not again !;
when he suffered he threatened not but
committed himself to him who iudgeth
righteousIy; who his own self bare our
sius in his own body on the tree Self
-ss.rifia,- ...-sl. tI.os.~ ,,vtS tiIu
great traits Of the Great Example these
mark the way in which we are to 20 Not
Ito Palestine, therefore, let US HE, but let
each of u find holy land in our lot in
that common life which Jesus sanctifed
by sharing. lie goeth before Us here.
hay our eyes be opened to see him. and
seeing him, to follow Then shall we see
in every day of our small beginnings, a
Bethlehem; in every patient continuance
IN well doing unknown of men, a Naza-
reth in every instant effort in the Mas
ter's service, a well OF Sychar; IN every
= still hour a Mount of Olives in the
drinking of every bitter cup which the
Father gives Us. a Gethsemane and in
every Offering dp of self for others, Cal
vary. Here are the footsteps of Jesus.
Who Will walk in them CONGREGATIONAL
Isl.