514 Exodus, Xxxiii. 5,6. [108.

to ourselves the benevolent exercise of Moses, whilst the thoughtless Israelites were revelling in security. In that then let us view what has been taking place in heaven on our behalf. We have been sinning against God, a stiff-necked and rebellious generation : and many times has the decree gone forth, " Cut them down; why cumber they the ground ?" But the Lord Jesus, presenting that most efficacious of all pleas, his own atoning blood, has said, " Spare them, O my Father ! spare them yet another year." Yes ; had it not been for his intercession, we should not have been now in this place, but hi that place of tor- ment from whence there is no return. O that we might learn to estimate our obligations to him ! O that we might go to him our- selves, and entreat him to obtain for us converting grace, and everlasting glory ! Were but our eyes duly turned to him, our expectations could not be too large, or our confidence too strong. But we must remember that nothing can supersede our own repentance : not even the blood and intercession of Christ will avail for those who die impenitent. The declaration of God shall never be reversed, " Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I (if he die impenitent) blot out of my book." There are two fatal errors which pervade the great mass of nominal Christians : the one is, that they shall be saved by their re- pentance, though they trust not in Christ ; and the other is, that they shall be saved by Christ, though they do not per- sonally repent. But neither of these things can ever take place. The impenitent may be spared for a time; but they shall perish for ever : but the penitent, who believe in Christ, " shall never come into condemnation, but shall have everlasting life."]