forgiveness for his executioners.

In that dreadful hour he seemed to think less of his own sufferings than of the unhappiness of others; and when he saw the tears of sympathy fall from woman's eyes, he exclaimed, Daughters of Jerusalem! weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and your children!"

This was characteristic of the son of God. Except in the garden of Gethsemane, and at the last hour of expiring nature, was he never known to suffer considerations of self to absorb solicitude, or create agitation. And then it soon gave way to the higher regard cherished for the welfare of humanity. He bowed his head submissively to the will of God, and paid the sacrifice essential to human happi

ness.

The felicity of others was ever the engrossing subject of interest with the Saviour of the world. When entering the city of Jerusalem amidst the shouts and Hosannas of the multitude, who presented him with the salutations, the respect, and the honors of royalty; instead of being elated by the exciting scene witnessed, or pleased and flattered with the attentions bestowed, thought rested upon the fortune of that ill-fated people, and the tears of sadness flowed freely down his cheeks as

he contemplated the doom of that devoted city. So, when at the grave of Lazarus, the Saviour wept, not because of his own bereavement and personal sorrow, nor because he had not means to turn mourning into joy, and could not relieve the anguish of wounded hearts, whose condition he deplored, for he knew that by his magic power the sleeper would come forth from the chambers of death, to bless again sisters and friends with his presence and his smiles. But when he perceived the existing agony of soul experienced, though aware of the inexpressible happiness that would succeed, his truly sensitive feelings, touched with emotions of sympathy, became excited in behalf of the sufferers, and he could not restrain himself from tears. "Jesus wept!" How lovely and interesting he appears in such manifestations of sadness! There, is seen an expression af the goodness of his nature, the interest, the solicitude felt for the well being of others-there, is developed that sympathising humanity which prompted him to devote his life to the ministrations of kindness and mercy, and sacrifice personal interests on the altar of philanthrophy; there, is manifest that divine sentiment which rendered him the friend of the friendless, the comforter of the afflicted, the companion of

the sorrowful, the minister of favor to the needy and distressed-there, is beheld that spirit of love, that forgave wrongs and injuries, and sought the amelioration of society, and the salvation of the world. The benev

olence and compassion of the Son of God were universal. "He was the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of his person," and like him he shew no respect to persons. The whole race shared an interest in his affections. His regards extended to every son and daughter of humanity. In the sacrifice of his life, he tasted death for every man, and afterward took his place at the right hand of God, to make intercession. for all. All mourners may rest assured that the same sympathy which caused a Saviour's tears to flow at the grave of Lazarus, is exercised in their behalf, and he who ministered consolation to the surviving sisters, though absent in the flesh, is ever present in the spirit of a Comforter-in the accents of his religion, to soothe and bless. Though he comes not to the heart stricken subject of bereavment now, to wipe away the tear of sorrow, by raising the dead to life again, and restoring the loved and lost to the arms of devoted affection, yet he comes in the voice of gospel grace, whispering words of peace;

assuring weeping friends, that every event of Providence is moulded in wisdom, and executed in love; that present afflictions are designed for future good; that to die is to go home; that the parting is not eternal; that he is the resurrection and the life; that the dead shall be made equal to the angels of God in heaven; that they shall be united with the departed in realms of immortal joy.

It will be thus seen, that it is no evidence

of weakness, to drop the tear of commisseration at the afflictions and woes of others, but a token of a sensitive, sympathetic heart, that feels a lively solicitude for the welfare of kindred humanity. It is an indication of inward sentiments that develope themselves in the more amiable and generous virtues― an expression of qualities of soul that speak the divinity of man.

The more this spirit of sympathy and kindness is cultivated, the more pure and divine will aspiratlon be, and the more perfect motive and character. As the Savior, the exemplar of heavenly excellence let fall the tear of commisseration when witnessing the woes of others, may it ever be ours, to be so much like him, as to weep with those. that weep.

PRAYER.

O THOU, who art the Author of all being and bliss! we have reason to be devoutly thankful for the high and gifted faculties with which we are endowed for the sympathy and moral sense possessed-for that divine likeness in which we have been created, and in consequence of which, we are recognised. as thine offspring. We have reason to be grateful to Thee, for that divine care and mindfulness, which guards our welfare, and makes provision for satisfying our returning wants. We have reason for rendering Thee thanksgiving and praise, for the favors and benefactions we are daily receiving from Thy munificent hand. But more especially have we reason for expressing to Thee the sincere gratitude of our hearts, for that grace which has secured life and immortal blessedness to a world of sinners.

Thou hast shown Thy regard for humanity in the arrangements of Providence in the varied means adopted for improving our race and in the early revelations made of Thy purposes and will-of man's duties and