Purchase of the Potter's Field

    It was predicted by Jeremiah, the prophet, that the price of Jesus should go to the purchase of the Potter's Field, and the prophecy was providentially fulfilled in a very singular manner. Judas was so covetous that, for the reward of thirty pieces of silver, he basely sold his Master. He was so hardened, that when he heard that Master declaring, that one of his disciples should betray him, and even pointing out himself as the traitor, he repented not. Yet when God's word demands its fulfilment, he regrets what he had done, and brought back the money. The chief priests would not take back the money, and he cast it down in the temple. These men who did not scruple to give money for the blood of an innocent man, were so scrupulous in their consciences, that they could not put the price of blood into the treasury. They consulted what should be done with the money, and the result of their free deliberation was, that they bought the Potter's Field for the burying of strangers; and thus was fulfilled the word of God. How many were the chances that this should not be the destination of the price of Christ? Why was it that this particular field was to be sold at this particular time? Do we not here see that the Providence of Jehovah directs all things, even the most minute? The deliberations of the enemies of Jesus, whether statesmen or priests, are always overruled to fulfil the purposes of the Most High. Who can understand, who can explain this mystery? Man acts and resolves with perfect freedom, yet he acts and resolves only in fulfilment of the will of the Ruler of the universe!