LAST ADDRESS TO THE DISCIPLES.

hence;" but the importance of these last precious moments, and his love to his disciples, constrained him, and he sat down again. He warned them that to adhere to him in faith, and to each other in brotherly love, was the only way in which they could prosper. This he illustrated by the union of a vine and its branches.

He then proceeded to explain that it was not for them to expect prosperity and enjoyment in this life. Far otherwise: he warned them that many trials and persecutions awaited them, arising from the world's hatred of those principles which it would be their privilege and duty to teach. Being thus forewarned, they would know, when these things befel them, that the high purpose of God was not frustrated by the sufferings to which they were exposed, but rather accomplished; and that they did not come to them merely as unforeseen misfortunes and accidents.

The Redeemer had now spoken a long time, and he at length wished for some reply, to the end that he might, as his custom was, add thereupon new instructions. But, perceiving the disciples around him in silence, surrendering themselves up in sorrow at the

Disciples weeping.

idea of that separation which he had brought so distinctly before them, he proceeded to animate and encourage them by bringing before their minds once more the great consequences which would follow his departure, especially as regarded the manifestation of the Comforter, and the high teachings, powers, and succours which he would impart. He added that, although he was himself to be taken from them, it was but to the end that he might soon, in a more perfect and glorious manner, be restored to them. Much of what he said to them on this point, they appear not then to have understood; and perceiving this, Christ admitted that he had often spoken to them in dark sayings, but the time was near at hand in which all things would be made plain to them.

The hour of his passion was drawing on now with rapid pace; and Jesus having clearly before his eyes the influence which it would exercise upon the disciples, proceeded to offer up on their behalf the earnest and beautiful prayer contained in the 17th chapter of St. John's Gospel. Nor was it for them only; for in this most impressive address he contemplated with satisfaction his almost finished work:-"I have glorified thee on earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." He then prayed for the disciples, "those whom he had chosen out of the world;" and for the church to be formed through their teaching, and under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

GETHSEMANE.

CHAPTER XXIX.

GETHSEMANE-THE AGONY OF OUR LORD-JUDAS BETRAYS HIM WITH A KISS-THE DISCIPLES FORSAKE HIM-PETER DENIES HIM-THE HIGH-PRIEST CONDEMNS HIM-SOLDIERS ILL-TREAT HIS SACRED PERSON.

OW our Lord went forth from the house, and proceeded across the valley of the Kidron to a garden near the foot of the Mount of Olives. The garden was called Gethsemane, which name it derived from the oil-presses which were or had been there. Arrived in this place, Jesus desired the apostles to remain, while he himself retired to some distance, attended only by his favoured disciples, Peter, James, and John. Then "he began to be sorrowful and very heavy;" and turning to his disciples, who now witnessed the deep distress of him whom they had seen glorified on the Mount of Transfiguration, he declared to them his anguish, and desired them to tarry there in watchfulness and prayer, while he withdrew to a more retired part of the garden, about a stone's throw distance from them. Here he underwent that terrible and mysterious agony of soul which made him cry, "O, my father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;" but he humbly added, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." He then rose and went over to the three disciples, and found them all asleep. He chid them gently, "What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" but kindly admitted that in them the spirit indeed was willing, though the flesh was weak. He then returned to the place he had

quitted, and again poured out the anguish of his soul before God: -"O, my Father, if this cup may not pass from me without my drinking it, thy will be done." Returning to his disciples, he found them again asleep; and, after rousing them, went back again to the former place. This time his agony became more intense, and his prayer more fervent; so dreadful were his sufferings, that "as he prayed his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground," although he was then in the open air, and in the cool of the night. Then, in that awful moment, there appeared an angel from heaven standing near him

in a visible form, strengthening him by that sensible token of the Father's favour, and suggesting such holy consolations as were suitable to animate his soul in such a struggle.

Rising after this dreadful mental conflict, Jesus repaired once more to his disciples, and found them again "sleeping for sorrow." Knowing that his enemies had already entered the garden, he said, "Sleep on now, and take your rest; behold, the hour is come, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." This

MALCHUS'S EAR HEALED.

roused them effectually: but they had scarcely risen to their feet when a band of armed men appeared with lanterns and torches, sent by the Sanhedrim to apprehend him. They were led on by Judas, who was well acquainted with this favourite resort of his master, and had given them the token that the man whom they should see him kiss was the one they were to apprehend. Accordingly the traitor went up straight to Jesus, saying, "Hail, master!” and kissed him. Jesus said, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss ?" and immediately advancing to the armed men, asked them, "Whom seek ye?" With that misgiving which accompanies an evil conscience, associated in their case with a vague impression of the dignity of the person they came to seize, they answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." He answered, "I AM HE;" on which the divinity flashed through their darkened consciences, which had been already roused, and they fell to the ground. The by-standers, meanwhile, as is customary in such cases, seeing that those to whom the affair was properly entrusted did not immediately press forward, seem themselves to have laid hands upon the Redeemer. Enraged at this, the ever-ardent Peter drew his sword, and the stroke which he gave with it cut off the right ear of one of the most forward of the number, a servant of the highpriest, named Malchus. On this Jesus commanded him to sheathe his sword, saying, "The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" He then put forth his hand and healed the wound of his bitterest assailant, thus affording a splendid example of that return of good for evil which he so constantly enjoined.

When the immediate impression upon the minds of the band by the divinity in Jesus had passed away, and when they had once more succeeded in silencing the voice of conscience, they seized the Saviour, and led him back to the city, to the house of