AN EXTRACT
“And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release Him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Cesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha."—John 19:12, 1312And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. 13When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. (John 19:12‑13).
CÆSARS friends, or friends of Jesus?
Solemn question for to-day:
Friends of Cesar! friends of Jesus!
Take your sides without delay.
If you pause for man's forbidding,
Cæsar's friendship ye secure;
If you do the Father's bidding,
Scorn, reproach ye shall endure.
Friends of Cæsar! friends of Jesus!
Stand revealed—your choice declare!
Who in truth two masters pleases?
Who may rival banners bear?
Jesus' friends account Him precious;
Lose for Him all other gain;
Dearer far the smile of Jesus
Than the praise of sinful men.
Caesar's friends! ye foes of Jesus!
Mingling in a motley throng—
Shall your sheepskin garb deceive us?
Wolves to Christ's fair flock belong?
Mighty is Jehovah's Fellow,
Though on earth in weakness seen;
Righteous is our Royal Shepherd;
He will sweep you from the scene!
Free from Cæsar, friends of Jesus!
Stand in phalanx-never fear!
Love, severely tried, increases;
Courage yet—the Lord is near!
Onward still, His name confessing,
Weaving crowns to grace His brow;
Lo! His hands are full of blessing,
Lifted for your succour now.
Cæsar's friends were we, but Jesus
Owns us for His friends to-day!
What! shall rival friendship please us
While the Bridegroom is away!
No! through grace would we surrender
Cæsar's things to Caesar's care;
Whilst to God, our God, we render
Filial homage, praise, and prayer.