May 27

Hebrews ix. — 15. And for this cause he [Christ] is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

16. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

17. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

18. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

19. For, when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book and all the people.

20. Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

21. Moreover, he sprinkled likewise with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry.

22. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

23. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

24. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

25. Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

26. For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

There is but one atonement, but one probation, but one Saviour, but one judgment; and our personal relations to the redemption and salvation wrought by Christ must be decided by our action in this present life. The sin-offerings under the old covenant were symbols and prophecies of the atonement of Christ, which was more emphatically persecuted by the high priest, when once a year, with great solemnity, he entered into the holy place. That first covenant was ratified with blood; and, since the grace promised was to be the inheritance of believers, the covenant is likened to a testament which is made availing by the death of the testator. When our Lord was about to offer himself for our redemption, he

took the cup as a symbol of his blood, and said, "This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." His death gave force to that new covenant: that death avails for the salvation of every sinner who will believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. But, in the nature of things, there can be no other atonement; and, if men reject this, they must remain in condemnation: then shall death come as the beginning of penalty; after death, the judgment. In vain shall they who reject Christ here look for another probation hereafter; for, when Christ shall appear the second time, this will not be to bear sin, but to save all who have believed, and to usher in the judgment.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 4, 20, 125.

O God, who hast redeemed us by the precious blood of thy Son! help us, we beseech thee, to live only and in every thing unto Him that loved us and died for us. We confess and renounce all our sins. Oh, may we hate that which crucified the Son of God! and, keeping ever in view the day of his appearing, may we live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present evil world! We bless thee for the glory which is promised to his saints at that appearing. Oh, may we then be found in him!

O God, who hast prepared for those who love thee such good things as pass man's understanding! pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire, through Jesus Christ our Lord. May we believe all that thou hast spoken, and set our affections upon things above!

We thank thee, O Lord! for the precious comfort that remains to us concerning dear friends who have departed in the faith; that to them

heaven is even now a reality; that they have no more want, nor sorrow, nor care, nor sin. Oh, may heaven be a reality to our faith! and may the hope of it, yea, the assurance of it, as our home, lift us above all the temptations and trials of this present world! Give to us strength for labors, courage for conflicts, patience under afflictions, fidelity to duty, and faith that shall endure to the end, and shall make us more than conquerors over death.

We praise thee, O Lord! for the blessings of the present time; for another night of rest; for another morning of mercy and hope. Oh, may we this day love thee more, know thee more, serve thee better, than ever before! In all that is given us to do, may we glorify thy name! in all that we are called to bear, may we accept thy holy will! So may we daily live to thee; and, when the things of earth shall pass away, make us to be numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.