Verse 17. And he bearing his cross. The cross, though not so large as is generally represented, must have been a crushing burden, especially to one whose strength was reduced by want of sleep, by mental agony, and by physical suffering and loss of blood. When Jesus sank under its weight the soldiers seized upon a man from Africa, Simon the Cyrenian, and Went forth. From the compelled him to carry it. castle of Pilate to an open place outside of the wall of the city. The place of a skull. Probably from its shape, for the Jewish law would not allow skulls to be left unburied. The traditional location is now covered by the Church of the Holy Sepulcher; but some of the recent authorities prefer the spot north of the city now known as Jeremiah's Grotto, near the Damascus Gate. Golgotha. A Hebrew word meaning "skul," Calvary in English. Calvaria is its Latin equivalent.

18. They crucified him. It was the hour of the morning sacrifice, nine o'clock, when the lamb was laid on the altar in the temple, and the Lamb of God was fixed upon the cross. Just before he was fastened upon it he was offered a stupefying potion of "wine mixed with myrrh," but he refused it, wishing to retain his consciousness, even to the uttermost of suffering. At this time he spoke his first word from the cross, a prayer for the soldiers who were crucifying him. "Father, forgive them; they know not what they do!" Two others with him. On one side was the impenitent thief who uttered curses upon Jesus; on the other was the penitent, who was forgiven and accepted in the dying hour. Thus the two great classes of humanity, the saved and the unsaved, were represented beside the cross of Christ. (1) To which class do you belong? Jesus in the midst. As if to show him the greatest criminal of the three. (2) Even now the cross of Christ is the most prominent object in the world's history.

19. Pilate wrote a title. This was generally carried by the condemned person, hung upon his breast, and afterward fastened to the cross above his head. Pilate made the title an expression of contempt for the Jews more than for Jesus. The writing was. Each of the gospels gives the same title, but in different words, showing that they did not aim for verbal accuracy. The king of the Jews. Thus his cross declared his glory as a king, and Pilate wrote more truthfully than he knew.

20. Read many of the Jews. We learn from the other gospels that the rulers, priests, and scribes gathered around to gloat over the sufferings of Christ. Nigh to the city. It may have been but a few rods or even yards without the gate. Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. These were the three chief languages of the world; the first representing religion, the second culture, the third power; and all unite unconsciously

the Christ.

from the lips of the dying One at intervals during that
day of agony: but they are not cries of sorrow or of
suffering, nor yet prayers to heaven for vengeance:
they are words of love for others, and words of com-
At noon a darkness gathers
munion with the Father.
over the scene, as if the sun would not look upon such
a deed of iniquity. At three o'clock, just when the
afternoon worship is beginning in the temple, and the
priest lays the offering upon the altar, a last cry rings
forth from Calvary, and spirit and body part at the
cross. At the same moment an earthquake shock rends
the earth, and exposes to sight the dead in their
graves; and on the temple-mount the great veil be-
fore the holiest is torn asunder by unseen hands.
Just before sunset, the dead form is gently taken
down from the cross, and laid by loving hands in
Joseph's tomb.

21, 22. The chief priests of the Jews. The is suggestive. The priests of clause" of the Jews the Jews objected to Jesus being called "the King of the Jews." That he said. They were willing to have it understood that he was crucified because he falsely claimed to be the king of the Jews, but not that he was their king. What I have written. He refused to make the change, showing at last some Roman firm. ness in his character, and determined to let the Jews feel his authority.

23. Then the soldiers. These were Romans, ignorant of the truth, and not responsible for their act in crucifying Jesus. Took his garments. His sandals, outer robe, under-tunic, and girdle. These were hy custom the perquisites of the executioners. His coat. This was the under vest, or tunic, reaching from the neck to the feet; in form a sleeveless shirt, fitting closely to the body. Woven from the top. Perhaps the gift of one of the women who ministered to Jesus.

24. Cast lots for it. Under the very shadow of the cross, these men sit down to gamble for the garment of the sufferer. (3) Even now gamblers will ply their evil trade in the very presence of death. That the Scripture might be fulfilled. The beloved disciple, who witnessed the scene, remembered that this was a fulfillment of Psa. 22. 18, which has ever been regarded as a Messianic psalm. These things therefore. Because they were predicted in the Scriptures concerning Christ. The soldiers did. Men who knew nothing of the prophecies, yet unconsciously fulfilled them to the letter. (4) Thus even now men who know not God are proving the truth of his word, for example, irreligious scientists, and discoverers in Oriental lands.

25. Now. Just at this point should be inserted the prayer of the penitent thief (Luke 23. 39-43), and the second word from the cross. "To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise." This was a little before noon. His mother, and his mother's sister, etc. It is uncertain whether three or four women are referred to in this statement. As it is not likely that two sisters would both be named Mary, we think that four are meant. His mother's sister. This probably refers to John's mother, Salome, the wife of Zebedee. If this be correct John was first cousin to Jesus. Mary the wife of Cleophas. Not the same Cleopas as that named in Luke 24. 18; but almost certainly the man called Alpheus in Matt. 10. 3. This Mary was the mother of the apostle James the Less. Mark 15. 40. Mary Mag dalene. Not "the woman who was a sinner," who anointed the feet of Jesus (Luke 7. 37), nor Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus, but a woman from Magdala on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, out of whom Jesus had cast seven demons. Luke 8. 2. She was the first one to see Jesus after his resurrection.

26. Jesus... saw his mother. The cross was not high, as represented in pictures, but elevated only a

the Lord Jesus, and make an end of his work, so far as they understood it. In the passage for today we see this wicked task brought to its completion. The blameless One, who "went about doing good," is led out of the city to suffer the painful and shameful death of crucifixion. "He, bearing his cross, went forth." What an hour of triumph for his bitter enemies! The terrible nailing is accomplished and the crosses are raised, the holy One in the middle, two thieves on either side, and the soldiers apply themselves to the division of the victim's clothes. Here is the day which the chief priests and Pharisees had so desired to see. Yet there is one thing to mar their feeling of triumph. The writing over the cross reflects upon their own honor and the honor of their nation, and Pilate refuses to alter it. Meanwhile some of the friends of Jesus who had been watching afar off (Luke 23. 40)| drew near-" his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene," and with them John, the beloved disciple. This is the last farewell, as they deem it, and the mother of Jesus is given over into the charge of John. The mockers who are looking on behold all this; they hear the last expression of bodily need, "I thirst," and see the vinegar given and received. And then, in another moment, he has breathed his last. Their task is done, Jesus is dead.

Did the accomplishment give them satisfaction? Were they sure they had been successful? The behavior of the crowd as they turned away from the sad sight (Luke 23. 40) showed that they had not succeeded in inspiring the people with their own feelings of hatred. We learn from Matt. 27. 62-66, that they were not easy in their minds even after their victim was laid in the grave. And quickly enough they learned that their own work had really failed. Matt. 28. 11, etc. The task was accomplished, but there was a fatal flaw in it. Now we turn to something very different. 2. A work undertaken by the Son of God. Of this we have frequent mention in John's gospel. It is comprehensively defined in chap. 3. 17. "God sent His son "-the Lord Jesus held the commission from his Father-"that the world through him might be saved." In this work he delighted (chap. 4. 34); and this work he was diligent to fulfill. Chap. 9. 4. To the accomplishment of this he looked steadily forward. Chap. 5. 36. For this work, as we learned in the last lesson, was incomplete without death. If the "Lamb of God" were to take away the sin of the world, he must be slain. If the Living Water were to be given to thirsty souls, the Rock must be smitten. Exod. 17. 6. If the Bread of Life were to be given to starving souls, it must be broken. Luke 22. 19. If the "Good Shepherd" were to save his sheep, he must lay down his life for them. Chap. 10. 15. If his people were to have in him the "resurrection and the life," he, the Living One, must be able to say, "I was dead, and, behold, I am alive again for evermore." Rev. 1. 18. And as Christ, all the Old Testament Scriptures bare witness of him that he

should suffer, and suffer unto death. Acts 3. 18. Thirty-three years had passed, and as the completion of his task drew near he looked eagerly on to it: "I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!" Luke 12. 50. And when the dread hour came he was ready: "Jesus, therefore knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth." Chap. 18. 4. The bitter cross was not to him the triumph of his enemies, but the completion of the work he had undertaken. And after passing through the awful soul-suffering revealed by his exclamation, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me" (as recorded by Matthew and Mark), he knew that "all things were now accomplished" (ver. 28), and that only one more Scripture had to be fulfilled before he should yield up his soul to his Father. Calmly, therefore, he said, "I thirst," and received the vinegar. And then at length came forth the cry, not of the sufferer, but of the victor: "It is finished!" The work was done, the character of God vindicated, the glory of God secured, and full provision made for the salvation of sinners.

There was no fear that this work might not prove successful. The Son of God could estimate his own work, and he knew that there was not a flaw in it. There was nothing to be altered, nothing to be added, nothing to be done over again.

We admire a grand work-say some splendid building, on which the architect has been long and patiently employed, or a picture which has cost the artist years of toil. We can gaze and admire. But of the work of the Son of God we can say: did it for me-he loved me and gave himself for me!"

Berean Methods.

"He

Hints for the Teachers' Meeting and the Class. It might be well to compare the four accounts of the death of Christ, and fix the events in order, as follows: 1. The crucifixion. 2. " Father, forgive them." 3. The title. 4. The division of the garments. 5. The mocking of the people. 6. The penitent thief. 7. The mother and the beloved disciple. 8. The darkness. 8. "Eloi, Eloi." 10. "I thirst." 11. "It is finished." 12. "Father, into thy hands," etc. 13. The death.... Notice the seven utterances of Christ on the cross, and show their meaning, but do not permit discussion....Observe seven prophecies fulfilled on the cross: 1. Isa. 53. 12. 2. Psa. 22. 18. 3. Psa. 22. 7. 4. Psa. 22. 8. Psa. 34. 20. 7. Zech. 12. 10. ..Find five wonders which 5. Psa. 69. 21. 6. took place at Christ's crucifixion....The Analytical and Biblical Outline presents three aspects of Jesus on the gives six lessons from the cross; enforce them....In cross; note them.... The Thoughts for Young People teaching this lesson keep the spiritual and practical in constant view, and avoid matters which minister only to controversy.

References. FREEMAN. Ver. 17: Bearing the cross, 820; Place of capital punishment, 728. Ver. 18: Crucifixion, 730. Ver. 19: The tablet on the cross, 732. Ver. 23: The guard, 731; The tunic, 821.

Songs from the Epworth Hymnal

4. Praise the Rock of our salvation.

84. There is no name so sweet on earth.

Ask some child if the sun shines for him alone, and bring oat the thought that it shines for all. A lamp, a candle, this little match, can only shine for a few, but the sun lights and warms every one in the world. It is so with God's love. Your love, my love, can only reach a few, but God's love reaches every body. Now sing, "Jesus loves me," and at the end of the first verse pause to talk about the Bible which tells us so, holding it reverently as you talk and leading the children to some idea of the value of the book by telling some story about heathen children who do not know this precious truth. This is a good place to turn the lesson for a moment into a missionary channel.

Talk a little about Jesus's life on earth, letting chilAren toll facts about it, and by a few carefully chosen

crucifixion. Now sing, "Jesus loves me, he who died," and after this verse tell the story, tenderly, lovingly, of the crucifixion of the dear Saviour, avoiding all harrow ing details, and seeking to leave upon the minds of the children rather an impression of the great love than of the great suffering of our Lord. Dear teacher, it is no small thing to teach this lesson! Only a heart filled with love for God and for little children can present i rightly.

Make a wide open gate on the board, write above it "Heaven," make paths from various directions lead ing to it, and teach that only those can enter this open gate which Jesus died to open save those who have had their sins washed away by believing in Jesus. Teach that our hearts are sick with sin, and that only Jesus can cure them. Use symbol, and show that Jesus's part is all done, and our part is just to believe in him and obey him.

Close by singing last verse, and teaching that after Jesus went away he sent his Spirit to stay with us always, and lead us in the path to heaven.

It is such a sad procession that goes through the streets! There are Roman soldiers sternly tramping along. There is a man thorn-crowned, who weary and faint tries to bear a heavy cross upon his bruised and bleeding back. And O! the noisy, curious, cruel crowd that rushes after to see the great prophet die! I think I see somewhere a few disciples, mostly women, who, loving yesterday, are still devoted to-day. The procession has reached that dreary place, Golgotha, and I turn shuddering away while I hear the hard, heartless sound of the driving of nails. They lift the cross, the only throne Israel raises for its Messiah, and two writhing thieves are his companions. "Look at "That does not read right!" the title," says some one. They read the inscription on the little white tablet, giving the accusation against the condemned. "Let us tell Pilate to alter it!" cries an angry priest. Away they hurry to the Roman ruler. They make their request. Does he scowl? How much trouble those notional Jews make him! "What I have written, I have written," he replies, and says it in such a way that there is no asking a second time. Around that awful spectacle of the sufferings of the cross, still linger Roman soldiers and Jewish spectators. Here is a group of soldiers gathered around a heap of clothes on the ground. How roughly they toss and divide these garments of a king. For that "coat without " they carelessly "cast lots," as if children determining the ownership of a bauble. And over there is a group of disciples. I see the loving, tearful face of Mary, the mother of Jesus. There are other clinging women, and John, too, the true, brave disciple, all watching, waiting in tears. Hark! that sufferer on the cross is speaking. He turns aside from his agonies to commend his mother to one who will be a son, and the disciple to one who will be a mother. Still wears on that hard, sorrowful day. There are gloomy shadows in the air. People come to look at the sufferer and then turn away. Some sneer and others shudder. Roman soldiers wait listlessly for the end. Disciples watch in sympathy, and you hear their moans. Still thicken the shadows about the cross. A cry pierces the air, a cry out of the torment of the crucifixion fever, "I thirst." They are running now to "a vessel full of vinegar." They dip a sponge into it. They lift the sponge on a hyssop reed. They press it to the lips hot, dry, parched. One other cry, "It is finished!" and the head drops in the helplessness of death.