NOT AS I WILL, BUT AS THOU WILT.

 
Not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Matthew 26:39
 
SO said Jesus, when in his agony in the garden.
 
His sufferings were tremendous,
  he appears to have apprehended immediate death,
  he was overwhelmed, he cried,
   “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me:”
  but his resignation,
  his unqualified acquiescence in his Father's will,
  immediately appears, for he adds
   “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
 
O for such meekness!
O for such entire resignation to God's will!
 
No one ever suffered like Jesus.
He suffered immediately from the hand of God,
  the stroke bruised and the mingled him,
  yet he kisses the hands that strikes.
 
He feels himself sinking in deep waters,
  pressed down by the wrath of God,
  yet he acquiesces.
 
His pains were agonizing,
  yet he was willing to endure them for us.
 
Blessed Redeemer, what love was thine!
 
What infinite, unparalleled mercy!
 
Beloved, if troubles burden to us,
  if sorrow presses us,
  if pain tortures us,
  if friends forsake us,
  if our hearts feel ready to fail us,
  let us repair to Gethsemane,
  let us take a place by the side of
    the suffering Son of God,
  let us compare our sorrows with his, and
  let us endeavour to say, “Not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
 

Come, ye saints, behold and wonder;

Come, behold what love could do;

Gaze upon the victim yonder;

Jesus suffered thus for you.

 
James Smith 1849