Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-11-16
1IEAgIIINGS
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~SIJlDIES
Matthew 26: 36-40-November 20

RAD Dce1l llIiSneu HOT uutu Ht "Oulu
appear IN the presence of God for them
to apply his merit imputedly to them,
to permit them to join with him sac
rilicially in the sufferingS of this pres
ent time. that they might share with
him also in the, glories to follow.
St. Peter, referring to the foregoing
experience of our Lord. declares that
be offered up strong crying and tears
unto him that was able to save him
from death and was heard in respect
to that which he feared. Why did he
fear" DO not all humanity face death.
and some of them with great courage
and some with bravado" All, there is
a vast difference between the Master $
standpoint and ours as respects death.
We We're born dying. We never knew
perfect life. We have always known
that there is no escape from death. 1t
was different with him. His expert
ences on the spirit plane before COM
ing into the world We're all in aSsn-
citation with life. perfection Of life.
'm him vas lifr"--uncOntaminate
bccans" lie was holy. harmless, undo
filed and separate from sinners: his
life came not from Adam.
He knew that in his perfection he
had a right to life. if he would live
in perfect accordance with the Divine
requirements. But he knew also tlat
by special Covenant with God. "a
Covenant by sacritice.'' he had agreed
t. the surrender of all his earthly
rights and to allow his life to be taken
from him. The Father had promised
hin, reward Of frlnrI- honor
and immortality through resurrection
from the dead. but this was deDendent
upon his absolute obedience III every
pRarticular--in word, in thought in
deed. The, question was. Had he been
absolutely loyal tn God in every par
ticular? II not death would mean to
him an eternal extinction OF being,
not only the loss of heavenly glory
promised as reward, but the loss of
everything. Can we wonder that lac
did not understand? The hour seemed
so dark. and he said. My soul is cx-
cecding sorrowful" He knew ,iIat
he was to die. He knew tnat death
was necessary. But here. now. loom
ing up before him on the morrow was
a shameful execution as 6lasDhen'r
as q criminal. as a viOlator Of DiVin"
law. Could it be possible that il. am
thing. even slightly. he had taken 1"
himself the honor due to the Father.
Could it be possible that in any de"
gree he had held back. even in his
mind. from full obedience to the Faith
er's will? Did this crucifixion as .
criminal possibly mean the loss Of Di-
vine favor? Was it necc ssarE that he
Of ienominy pass 50 he prayed in
great agony. And although che older
Greek manuscripts do not contain the
statement that he sweat great drops
OF blood medica. science tells rs that
such an experience would not have
been at all Impossible in d nervous.
strained. mental agony. But we note
the beautiful simplicity of the state
ment with which his prayer con-
cluded--" Nevertheless. my Father, not
my will, but thv will. be done
How childlikc and beautiful the
faith and trust. even amidst strenuous
agitation st. Paul says that he was
heard in the thing which he feared.
How? Gods answer came by angelic
hands. An angel appeared and minis
tered to him--minstercd to his neces-
Sity. Are they not all miniStering
spirits. sent forth to minister to those
who shall be heirs of Salvation?" tHe-
brews $40 We are not informed i'll
what words this heavenly ministry was
expressed to the Master in his loWli-
ness and sorrow. but we do know that
it must have been with full aSsur-
ancc Of the Heavenly Fathers favor
and sympathy and love. He was heard
in respect to the things which h"
feared He received the aSSuranv" that
he vas we'll pleasing t. the Fathcl':
that ne had been faithful to his Gov
rnant. and that he would isaFe the
resurrection promised.