that we may be accepted with the publican, and not be re- jected with the Pharisee.
Lastly, let us guard against their self-dependence. They never doubted but that they were able to do all that was com- manded them. They thought it was as easy to perform as to promise. But in a very few days they provoked God to jealousy with their golden calf: so little did they remember the precepts that had been given them, or the vows that were upon them. Let it not be so with us. Let us bear in mind, " we have not of ourselves a sufficiency even to think a good thought;" and that " without Christ we can do nothing." If we embrace the covenant as they embraced it, we shall fail as they failed.]
We cannot better conclude this subject than by addressing you as Moses addressed the Israelites : " Behold the blood of the covenant which the Lord hath made with you/' — or, as St. Paul quotes the words, " the covenant which God hath enjoined unto you ! "
1. Behold the covenant itself —
[It is " ordered in all things and sure:" there is not a want which a human being can feel, for which ample pro- vision is not made in it. And it is free for every creature under heaven. Whatever you may have been in times past, you may at this moment partake of all the blessings of this covenant, if only you be willing to receive them freely, and without re- serve. On the other hand, if you disregard this covenant, and " count the blood of it an unholy thing," "there remains no other sacrifice for sin, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation to consume you." God has shut you up to this, and enjoined it unto you by an irreversible decree. Receive it therefore, and live ; reject it, and perish.]
2. Behold the blood of the covenant —
[What instruction does that blood convey ! Did the Is- raelites see their bleeding sacrifices, and not discern the desert of sin ? How much more then must we discern it in the pre- cious blood of our incarnate God ! And surely we may also see in it the transcendent love of Christ, who submitted to " make his soul an offering for sin," that, the covenant being sealed with Ins blood, we might be partakers of its richest blessings. What comfort too does it convey to the soul ! Look on that blood, thou doubting Christian, and then say whether God will not fulfil all the promises that he has ever made : say whether, in such a mode of ratifying his covenant, he has not
97.1 A SIGHT 0F GOD Is A FEAST TO THE SOUL. 4Go
provided " strong consolation for all who flee to the refuge set before them " in the Gospel.
Finally, What a stimulus does it give to all holy and hea- venly affections ! Shall not that question be continually upon thy mind, "What shall I render unto the Lord?" Look on that blood, and grudge God your services, if ye can. Think much of any duties you can perform, or of any sufferings you can endure for him, if ye can. Only keep your eye fixed upon that blood, and you shall be irresistibly constrained to exult and glory in God, and to consecrate unto him all the faculties and powers of your souls.]