hrist's life as
actual occurrences, and to distinguish between what is fanciful and what
is real. So much has been said and written regarding His work, it has
been the subject of so much sentiment, the basis of so many conflicting
theories, the text of so much loose and allegorising interpretation,
that the original plain and substantial fact is apt to be overlaid and
lost sight of. And yet it is that plain and substantial reality which
has virtue for us, while all else is delusive, howsoever finely
sentimental, howsoever rich in coincidences with Old Testament sayings
or in suggestions of ingenious doctrine. The subject of substitution is
obscure. Inquiry into the Atonement is like the search for the North
Pole: approach it from what quarter we may, there are unmistakable
indications that a finality exists in that direction; but to make our
way to it and take a survey all round it at once is still beyond us. We
must be content if we can correct certain variations of the compass and
find so much as one open waterway through which our own little vessel
can be steered.

Looking, then, at this surrender of Christ in the light of John's
comment, we see clearly enough that Christ sought to shelter His
disciples at His own expense, and that this must have been the habit of
His life. He sought no companion in misfortune. His desire was to save
others from suffering. This willingness to be the responsible party was
the habit of His life. It is impossible to think of Christ as in any
matter sheltering Himself behind any man or taking a second place. He is
always ready to bear the burden and the brunt. We recognise in this
action of Christ that we have to do with One who shirks nothing, fears
nothing, grudges nothing; who will substitute Himself for others
wherever possible, if danger is abroad. So far as the character and
habit of Christ go, there is unquestionably here manifest a good
foundation for His substitution in our stead wheresoever such
substitution is possible.

It is also in this scene, probably more than in any other, that we see
that the work Christ had come to do was one which He must do entirely by
Himself. It is scarcely exaggeration to say He could employ no assistant
even in its minor details. He did indeed send forth men to proclaim His
kingdom, but it was to proclaim what He _alone did_. In His miracles He
did not use His disciples as a surgeon uses His assistants. Here in the
garden He explicitly puts the