My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore, and my
kinsmen stand afar off.--Psalm xxxviii. 11.
How forcible and just the remark of the wisest of men, "that every
man is a friend to him that giveth gifts." But, in the day of
adversity, how few are treated with kindness and attention by their
former acquaintance and professed friends. At one time we see five
thousand, and at another four thousand persons, partaking of the
bounty of Jesus. Afterwards we behold a multitude following him;
but, he who knew their motives declared it was "for the sake of the
loaves and fishes." When he was so actively engaged in healing the
sick and diseased, from all parts they crowd around, and call him
Lord and Master; but, no sooner does the black cloud of adversity
lower over the head of this Benefactor of our race, than the
cringing throng depart; even his immediate disciples, who had shared
his friendship, forsook him, and fled at the very first appearance
of danger. So precipitate were they that they stayed not to inquire
or consider if mischief was likely to befal them, by their adherence
to their Master. Only anxious for their own safety, they leave him
alone and unprotected, to struggle with dangers and difficulties.
But one disciple is found in the hall of Judgment, and even he, with
oaths and curses, denies any knowledge of the despised Nazarene.
But, were none found to espouse his cause? Did not the recipients
of his bounty appear for his rescue? Were not those tongues whose
powers of articulation Jesus had restored, heard to plead for mercy?
Did not those eyes he had blessed with vision, with tears supplicate
compassion for their benefactor? Were not those withered arms he had
healed, upraised to shield from insult the giver of their strength?
Did not those he had delivered from the power of the grave, boldly
shed their hearts' blood to rescue, from the arm of cruelty and
oppression, the restorer of their life? No! Silent as the grave was
every tongue in his defence; no advocate was heard to plead his
cause; no friendly arm was outstretched to succour or support the
oppressed Saviour; "Lover and friends stood aloof from his sore, and
his kinsmen stood afar off."