The Brotherhood of Jesus. 13 unto His brethren,-EMMANUEL,—the InNot in angelic form did carnate God! the Saviour live and suffer : He sent no angel to our race, Of higher or of lower place, But wore the robe of human frame Truly as a man came the mighty God to redeem us. To atone for our sins; to teach us also, by His life, He became the man Christ Jesus. He took away the sting of death, by destroying the power of the devil. He glorified our human nature, and raised it into the very presence of God. And to be unto men an all-perfect Saviour,-He is not ashamed to call them brethren. Infinite Love! In humblest reverence let me adore this mystery,-"God with us." How can I think of such love without wondering awe? Oh, my soul, worship with holy joy! adore, and bless Him who so much loveth thee ! Wonderful is His name,-EMMANUEL. Unspeakable the comfort of His brotherhood. Jesus, the Son of God, my Saviour, speaks as my brother! So may I feel His fellow 14 The Brotherhood of Jesus. ship in the grief and pain of human life. He will deliver me from the fear of death. He will show me the beauty and blessedness of patience. All my trials Jesus knows : in them all He sympathizes with me; for whatsoever of sorrow, and woe, and pain can come to the tempted, the smitten of God, and afflicted,—that the Man of Sorrows has felt through every gate of suffering He passed. The path of loneliness He trod; and every weight of trial or temptation He endured. Blessed Lord, help me to realize Thy true brotherhood in the sufferings of my lot; that so in looking unto Thee I may find patience, and comfort, and peace. Thou our throbbing flesh hast worn,- Thou hast bow'd the dying head,- Thou hast filled a mortal bier: JESUS, loving Saviour, hear! Prayer. 15 PRAYER. O LORD Jesus Christ, bless me in this time of trial. Teach me to look to Thee. May the sense of fellowship be precious to my soul. In temptation may In temptation may I look unto Thee. Blessed Saviour, strengthen me. Thou hast experienced woe and agony; and our fainting and wretchedness are known unto Thee. Thou didst choose to be the Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief. Lord, help me to believe in Thy loving sympathy. Oh! make me feel, in these my sufferings, that Thou, the suffering Saviour, feelest with me. This is my prayer, Thou knowest,—to be one of Thy brethren. Merciful Lord, show Thyself to me as my own Saviour. Give me true and hearty faith. Let me know that I am Thine. Bless me with the peace of assurance. Teach me to rejoice in hope. Thou who didst die for me, make me live unto Thee. Lord, speak unto my soul of forgiveness. |