The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1903-04-10
SOLEMN THOUGHTS.


SOLEMN THOUGHTS.
Today is Good Friday, and is cele-
brated by many of the churches as
the anniversary of the crucihxion Of
our Saviour. During the past forty
days, the religiously inclined have
kept close step with the leading
events which marked the last few
DAYS of His life. The triumphful
entry into Jerusalem was httingly
observed as Palm Sunday and the
bloody tragedy of Mount Calvary
was the closing event so far as His
earthly body was concerned. 1thad
been so willed that His death should
come to pass in the manner that it
did and was 4 necessary sacrifice
that the whole world mi ght be saved.
Religion, without Christ would
indeed be an empty mockery for no
Biblical character could possibly
have left the lasting lesson for the
good of mankind such as our Saviour
did by precept and example. BY Him
we learn forgiveness, doing good to
one another, loving our enemies and
prosecutors; and His life was, in a
measure, dramatically opposite from
the teachings of the old Mosaic law
which required an eye for an eye and
a tooth for a tooth. His death,
while not yet in the prime Of man
hood, was viewed as an overpower-
ing calamity by those who had
learned to love and follow His foot
steps. To their visions it seemed an
ending of a career so noble and SO
good and calculated to bring about
a complete revolution among all
nations of the earth. Their earthly
vision showed them that in the
tomb the influence of our Saviour
would be ended but one of the most
striking lessons it taught is the
frailty of human wisdom. Without
the crucifxion, the mission which
brought our Saviour to the world
and compelled him to put on an
earthly form would not have been
fulfilled. 1t was willing, voluntary
sacrifice on His part which when
once begun needs be carried to the
scpulchre. Let us all take heed when
ere through life we are overcome
with trials and affections which, to
our narrow minds, seem unnecessary
and unjust, in fact almost too cruel.
As Christ S ignominious death seemed
entirely uncalled for; so many times
we feel that we are compelled to bear
sufferings that will accomplish no
good. This is a striking illustration
ola contracted vision. 1t only goes
to show that God, in his infinite
wisdom, allows many things to be
done in order to carry out his own
desi gn. In the end we will be enabled
to see that everything happens for
the best, and no matter if the cup
put to our lips be very bitter we
should without hesitation quaff the
draught in sublime faith of His
wisdom. We should not endeavour
to set up our will against His be-
cause by past experience we have
learned that He doeth all things well.
Dark Calvary and bright Resurec-
ton morn are fitting contrasts. In
one is the emptiness of lost hope,
thwarted ambition and the ig-
nominy Of death. In the other is
the realization of new life, brighter
hopes and a blissful Immortality.
As the darkest hour is just before
dawn, so bloody Calvary is fol-
lowed by the realization of eternal
glory In our various pathways
through life, let us always bear this
lesson in mind Do our full and plain
duty as it seems set out for us to do.
Leave the rest to God, and though
the way be dark and lonely and at
times it seems that we are overcome
with burdens which are too heavy
for US to bear, we can rest assured
that Higher hand isguiding US and
that the glorious resurrection of our
fondest hopes will be reached if we
only have faith in our Leader.