A Brighter Day Begins with His Word.

Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 • SECTION 261

^301.] Christ Above The Levitical Priests. 291

← Horae Homileticae — Volume 19 of 21

Well then may he be called " an High-priest of good things ;" foi* there is nothing good in time or eternity, which he does not procure for those who seek an interest in his mediation.]

This subject may serve to shew us,

1. What use to make of the Levitical law —

[If we read it merely as a system of rites and ceremonies, without considering the end of its institution, it will appear absurd, and utterly unworthy of its Divine Author: but, if we view it in its relation to Christ, it will appear beautiful and very instructive. There is no longer a veil over it with respect to us° ; let us look at it therefore as at a mirror that reflects his glory ; and we shall have no cause to regret the time and labour that we employ in exploring its mysterious contents.]

2. How to appreciate the blessings of redemption — [We may form some judgment of them by meditating on

the terrors of hell, and the glories of heaven : but there is nothing that can so fully discover their value, as a considera- tion of the price paid for them. Who can reflect on " the precious blood of Christ by which we are redeemed," and en- tertain low thoughts of the blessings purchased by it ? Would men be so indifferent about salvation, if they thus considered how great it was? Surely, it would be impossible : callous as the human heart is, it would melt into contrition at the sight of an expiring God?. Let us but habituate ourselves to such views as these, and neither earth nor hell shall ever hold vis in the bonds of sin. With such a sight of the prize, we shall never cease to run till we have obtained it.]

3. What grounds of hope there are for the very chief of sinners —

[Had any other price been paid for our redemption, many might have doubted whether it were sufficient for them: but who can doubt, when he knows, that he has been bought with the blood of Christ ? This will expiate the foulest guilt : the difference, that exists between one sinner and another, is lost, when we apply to Christ's infinitely meritorious atonement : its efficacy is the same, whatever degrees of guilt we may have contracted : it will avail for one as well as for another ; nor is there any " sin of such a scarlet or crimson die, but it shall be made white as snow," the very instant it is washed in this fountain: " the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin." Let none then despair : let us rather consider what "an High- priest we have over the house of God ;" and " come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help us in the time of need i."]

o 2 Cor. iii. 14. p Zech. xii. 10. i Heb. iv. 14, 16. and x. 19— 22.

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Public domain historical edition (1833); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.

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