February 2

“Without shedding of blood is no remission.” — Heb. ix. 22.

IIIS is the voice o ’ unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies were sins, even tj’pically, removed without blood-shedding. In no case, by no means can sin be pardoned without atonement. It is clear, then, that fcliere is no hope for me out of Christ; for there is uo other blood-shedding which is worth a thought aa an atonement for Bin. Am I, then, believing in Ilim? Is the blood of His atonement truly applied to my soul? All men are on a level as to their need of Ilim. If we be never so moral, generous, amiable, or patriotic, the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing less potent than the blood of Ilim whom Gud hath set forth as a propitiation. What a blessing that there is the one way of pardon! Why should we seek another? Persons of merely formal religion cannot understand how we can rejoice that all our sins are forgiven us for Christ’s sake. Their works, and prayers, and ceremonies, give them very poor comfort; and well may they be uneasy, for they are neglecting the one great salvation, and endeavoring to get remission without blood. My soul, sit down, and behold the justice of God as bound to punish Bin; see that punishment all executed upon thy Lord Jesus, and fall down in humble joy, and kiss the dear feet of Ilim whose blood has made atonement for thee. It is in vain when conscience is aroused, to fly to feelings and evidences for comfort; this is a habit which we learned in the Egypt of our legal bondage. The only restorative for a guilty conscience is a sight of Jesus suffering on the cross. “The blood is the life thereof,” says the Levitical law, and let us rest assured that it is the life of faith and joy and evo»’/ other holy grace.

“Oh! how sweet to view the flowing
Of my Saviour’s precious blood,
With divine assurance knowing
He has made my peace with OodI”