The Lord of Glory: Meditations on the person, the work and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ

In Short

This book is a collection of devotional meditations intended to center the believer’s attention on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Originally written as a series of monthly reflections, it moves through the biblical accounts of Christ’s humiliation, resurrection, and future glory. The writing has endured because it avoids complex theological speculation, focusing instead on a simple, prayerful study of the scriptures. It offers comfort to those who feel weary, presenting Christ as a steady, eternal anchor in an age defined by change and doubt.

The Story

The narrative arc of these meditations begins with the eternal, pre-existent glory of Christ as the great "I AM." The author establishes that the Lord is not merely a historical figure, but the self-existing Jehovah of the Old Testament who chose to humble Himself. This opening section emphasizes the wonder of the incarnation: the Creator of the universe choosing the form of a servant and laying aside His majesty to take on human nature. It is an argument for the absolute pre-eminence of Christ, suggesting that spiritual growth is only possible when the reader makes Him the singular, absorbing object of their affection.

From this foundation of divine identity, the focus shifts to the earthly life and ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The author traces the path of the Lord’s suffering, specifically using the Psalms to illustrate the prophetic foresight of His rejection and death. The narrative does not linger in the shadow of the cross, however, but moves quickly to the resurrection as the definitive answer to the Lord’s suffering. The argument here is that the resurrection serves as the "resurrection song," confirming Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the grave. It establishes a new, intimate relationship between the risen Lord and His followers, whom He now calls "brethren."

The story then transitions into the present work of Christ in heaven. The author depicts Him as a living, active intercessor who, though physically absent, is profoundly involved in the lives of His people. He is described as a "waiting Christ," seated at the right hand of God, expecting the eventual moment when all things will be brought into subjection under His feet. This section serves to ground the reader’s daily life in the reality of an unseen but active Savior, emphasizing that His grace is an inexhaustible, ever-flowing stream that supports the believer in times of trial.

Finally, the arc reaches its conclusion in the expectation of Christ’s return. The author envisions a future where the current suffering of the world and the struggles of the church are resolved by the King’s manifestation. The book ends not with an end to the story, but with a call to anticipation. It frames the "blessed hope" of Christ’s coming as the final remedy for global darkness. By looking forward to the moment when the church is gathered and the King reigns, the author leaves the reader with a sense of urgency, urging them to live in current holiness while waiting for the ultimate joy of meeting the Lord face to face.

How It Unfolds

The eternal identity The book opens by anchoring the reader in the names and titles of Christ, identifying Him as the self-existing "I AM." By contrasting His divine titles with His human descent, the author establishes the baseline for all subsequent worship and study.

The walk of humiliation The middle chapters examine the sacrificial path Christ walked on earth. This section emphasizes that His suffering was a voluntary, loving choice, intended to bridge the gap between human failure and divine holiness.

The triumph of resurrection The focus shifts to the empty tomb and the subsequent validation of Christ’s claims. Here, the author presents the resurrection as a definitive victory that changes the status of the believer from a servant to a sibling.

The current intercession The author describes the present status of Christ as a priest in heaven. By highlighting His ongoing role as an advocate, the book provides a sense of security for the reader facing daily life.

The final manifestation The concluding meditations look toward the future return of the King. The narrative arc finishes by aligning the reader’s personal desires with the global expectation of Christ’s eventual rule over all nations.

The People

The central figure is, of course, Jesus Christ, who is presented in multiple roles: as the Suffering Servant, the Risen Victor, the Interceding High Priest, and the Coming King. He is the constant focus, and the author wants the reader to see Him not as a remote deity but as a sympathetic, personal guide.

The reader is the secondary figure, invited to become a "brother" or "sister" through faith. The author addresses this reader directly, encouraging them to move past "intellectual" belief into a more intimate, heart-felt fellowship. The "believer" is often portrayed as someone facing a world of "higher criticism" and "apostasy," but who finds their footing by shifting their focus from these external threats to the person of Christ.

Finally, there are the "disciples" mentioned in the gospel accounts—specifically Peter—who serve as mirrors for the reader. Through Peter, the author shows how the Lord’s love functions in the face of failure. These figures do not end the book as they began; they are meant to be restored, comforted, and ultimately transformed by their growing, daily acquaintance with the Lord.

In Its Own Voice

The author highlights the necessity of focusing on the person of Christ rather than abstract intellectual debate.

"Long and learned discussions on the Person of the Lord have been written in the past, but are not much read in these days."

The author emphasizes that Christ’s own love is the only source of enduring peace for the struggling believer.

"Our sins, our weaknesses, our infirmities and failures can never affect or diminish His love."

The author concludes with the central hope that drives the entire devotional life of the reader.

"The desire and prayer will arise many times each day from such a heart, 'Make Haste my Beloved'—'Even so, come Lord Jesus.'"

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is about the necessity of keeping one's spiritual focus narrow. The author argues that the primary threat to the believer is not necessarily external opposition, but the loss of a personal, daily vision of Christ. The underlying question is: how can an individual maintain a vibrant, joyful life in an age that seems to be drifting toward religious indifference? The book’s answer is a rigorous, devotional return to the scriptures. It posits that Christ is the only source of true stability, and that the only appropriate response to modern skepticism is an increase in individual devotion, prayer, and expectation of His return.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate classic, earnest devotionals will find a steady companion here. There is a quiet, rhythmic quality to the prose that rewards slow reading; it is designed to be consumed in small, meditative segments rather than in a single sitting. The author writes with a deep, unaffected sincerity that is characteristic of early 20th-century evangelical literature, and those who share his theological outlook will likely find his tone both comforting and challenging.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the book's period-specific urgency. The author writes in 1910, reflecting the anxieties of his own time, particularly regarding "higher criticism" and the decline of traditional faith. At times, this manifests as a stern, polemical tone directed at those who doubt or reinterpret scripture. The prose, while clear, carries the weight of a specific, conservative theological vocabulary that may feel dense or dated to those outside this tradition. Ultimately, if you are looking for a book that prioritizes emotional and spiritual stability over complex critical analysis, this work offers a clear, unwavering perspective that remains essentially unchanged from the day it was written.