March 28

PART II.

THE BLOOD OF JESUS IMPRECATED BY THE JEWS.

How dreadfully has that imprecation been fulfilled, and how solemnly has it been realized. Shortly after this horrid tragedy was performed, slumbering vengeance awoke, and their nation became one scene of calamity, and their whole city, one spectacle of slaughter and blood. They consigned Jesus to the Roman powers, and those very powers took away all their liberties, destroyed their city, burned their temple, and caused Jerusalem's streets to flow with human blood. They thirsted for Jesu's blood, and desired that he might die the most shameful and ignominious of all deaths—that of crucifixion; and afterwards, so many of themselves were crucified, that no more materials for crosses could be obtained. O yes, that blood they so imprecated did come upon them, and it came upon their posterity too. For eighteen centuries has it pursued them into every part of the world, and to this day Heaven seems to point them out, as the murderers of the Son of God. And is there no possibility of obliterating these crimson stains. Shall the blood of Jesus be upon them for ever? There is one grand remedy, and only one. In that very blood there is an atonement for the sin in shedding it. By a cordial faith in that Jesus whom they rejected and wickedly slew, they may find redemption, even the forgiveness of sins. May the precious blood of Christ be upon their consciences, and hearts, that thro' it they may have acceptance, peace, and eternal glory.

"Most dreadful wish! Thy murderers dare

The blessing to a curse pervert,

We turn the curse into a prayer,

To cleanse our lives, and purge our heart,

In all its hallowing saving powers,

Thy blood be, Lord, on us and ours!"