Few had fellowship with the sorrows of Gethsemane. Most of the disciples were not sufficiently advanced in grace to witness the mysteries of "the agony." Occupied with their Passover feasts at home, they represent the many who live on the letter of Scripture but are mere babes when it comes to the spirit of the gospel. Only twelve—nay, eleven—were privileged to enter Gethsemane and see "this great sight."

Of those eleven, eight were left at a distance. They had fellowship, yes, but not of that intimate sort to which the greatly beloved are admitted. Only three highly favored ones could approach the veil of our Lord's mysterious sorrow—yet even they must not intrude within that veil! A stone's throw must be kept between. He must tread the winepress alone, and of the people there must be none with him.

Peter and the two sons of Zebedee represent the few eminent, experienced saints who may be written down as "Fathers." These, having done business on great waters, can in some degree measure the huge Atlantic waves of their Redeemer's passion. To some selected spirits it is given—for the good of others and to strengthen them for future, special, and tremendous conflict—to enter the inner circle and hear the pleadings of the suffering High Priest. They have fellowship with him in his sufferings and are made conformable unto his death.

Yet even these cannot penetrate the secret places of the Savior's woe. "Thine unknown sufferings" is the remarkable expression of the Greek liturgy: there was an inner chamber in our Master's grief, shut out from human knowledge and fellowship. There Jesus is "left alone." There Jesus was more than ever an "Unspeakable gift!" Is not Watts right when he sings—"And all the unknown joys he gives, Were bought with agonies unknown"?