[It is not every nominal Christian, that has approached God in this way : " all are not Israel who are of Israel." The outward form indeed which was observed by Moses is not re- quired under the Christian dispensation ; nor need we feel his terror, in order to obtain his comforts : but we must seriously draw nigh to God, sprinkling ourselves, as it were, with the blood of Christ, and professing our entire reliance upon that for our acceptance with him. Yea, we must go to God in the very spirit and temper in which Abel offered his sacrifice ; not merely thanking him with pharisaic pride, as Cain may be supposed to have done ; but smiting on our breasts like the Publican, and imploring mercy for Christ's sake. Have we done this? Or rather, are we doing it yet daily? On this depends our happiness, both in this world and in the world to come. If God at this moment gives us the witness of his Spirit in our consciences that this is indeed our experience, let us rejoice in such a testimony, and be thankful for it. But if our consciences condemn us, O ! let us delay no longer, but in- stantly sprinkle ourselves with that precious blood, on account of which he will speak peace unto our souls.]
2. Let us endeavour to fulfil the obligations which this blood entails upon us —
[When Moses sprinkled the Jews, and read to them the book of the covenant, they said, " All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient:" O that there may be in us also such a heart, — such a heart, I mean, not merely to promise, but to perform our promises ! Certainly this is the end for which Christ shed his blood ; he died, not merely to bring us to the enjoyment of privileges, but to lead us to the performance of our duties ; " he gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works." Let us then strive to walk worthy of our high calling ; and let " the love of Christ constrain us to live unto him, who died for us and rose again."]
P Heb. ix. 14. l Heb. ix. 12, 15.
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