a complacency which he does not and cannot feel for others, and that he pleads for them with special ear nestness. What, then, are the reasons why the scripture directs attention almost exclusively to that part of the Saviour's intercession which relates to those who have already, through faith, received him? The most probable explanation I can give is this, that, in virtue of their reception of him, they come to be connected with him by a most intimate and affectionate relation,-a relation which, in the nature of things, could not subsist before, and which cannot subsist between him and others; that the feelings which he cherishes, and the operations which he is carrying on for them, are of a kind so very peculiar and so exceedingly important, as to deserve distinct and special consideration; and that it is the intention of scripture to summon a special attention to these feelings and operations-to insulate them, if we may so express it, and leave his sentiments and conduct towards the rest of mankind to be collected from its other statements and doctrines. To this, it may be added that the term intercede is exactly descriptive of his feelings and conduct toward his saints; for, though it may be applied to prayer for an enemy, and though it is occasionally used in an unfavourable sense, as when it is said of Elias, that "he maketh intercession to God against Israel," yet in its most proper and by far its most frequent acceptation, it denotes intercession made for friends, for those who are regarded with complacency and love. The preceding illustrations suggest one practical remark of immense importance.-Would those of you who have hitherto neglected religion wish to be interested in the intercession of the Son of God? Would you be spoken for unto the King of heaven? Be assured, my friends, that there is no insuperable impediment, nay, if you have the wish, there is no impediment whatever in the way of your obtaining that high honour, that inestimable privilege. One thing is imperatively demanded-but that most reasonable and equitable.. If you would have him for your patron, you must consent to be his clients; if you would have him for your friend, you must cease to be his foes; you must abandon the territory of estrangement and rebellion, and pass into the region of submission and reconciliation; you must come to the Redeemer, and throw yourselves on his mercy. Do this, and you have all the security that his declaration and promise can give you, that you shall receive a cordial welcome; and that thenceforward you shall share in all those affectionate regards which he cherishes, and in all those invaluable offices which he performs, for his friends and disciples. Had the time permitted, it might have been useful to consider the various forms that the intercession of the Redeemer has assumed, suited to the three states in which he has successively existed; and farther, to show that his intercession, if not founded like his sacrifice on a moral necessity, is founded in considerations of strong expediency and propriety. As, however, the discourse has already exceeded the ordinary limits, I shall conclude with a few remarks, illustrative chiefly of the encouragement and consolation furnished by this subject, 1. First, then, we are naturally led to observe, how interesting and amiable is the light in which this subject exhibits the character of the Lord Jesus Christ. Such is the infirmity of human nature, that when men are removed to a distance from their former associates, and precluded from sensible intercourse with them, they forget those whom once they loved, or professed to love; and hence it has become a saying almost proverbial, "out of sight out of mind." It has frequently happened, too, that prosperity has exerted a most deleterious influence on the human character; that a great or sudden elevation has intoxicated men, and disposed them to look down with contempt on former friends and acquaintances. "Think on me," said Joseph to the chief butler, "Think on me, when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me; and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews; and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon." How touching is this appeal; but how unkind and how ungrateful was the conduct of the man to whom it was addressed. "Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him." How cheering, brethren, to be assured, that the change which has taken place in the condition of Jesus Christ, has produced no change on his character. From a state of unparalleled abasement, he has been raised to a state of unrivalled dignity, dominion, and felicity. From the cross he has ascended to the right hand of the majesty in the heavens. But the objects which occupied him on earth, continue still to occupy him; and our best interests lie as near his affections as ever. The names of all the spiritual Israel are engraven on a tablet more durable than the breastplate of Aaron, even the imperishable tablet of the heart of Jesus Christ. "He was delivered for our offences, and raised for our justification," and " he ever liveth to make intercession for us:" and the recollection of what he suffered imparts impetus and energy to his advocacy. "He still remembers in the skies, His tears, his agonies, and cries." "He knows the heart of a stranger, for himself was a stranger in the land of Egypt." What ardent gratitude, then, should we cherish for that generous benefactor and faithful friend. With what unsuspecting confidence may we devolve on him our immortal interests. With what assurance may we calculate on his sympathy and succour, under all our infirmities, and difficulties, and afflictions. What a strong and lively hope may we cherish that he will render us at last more than conquerors, and exalt us to sit with him on his throne on high. "We have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." "If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son : much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." 2. Let us endeavour to have a proper conviction of the efficacy and importance of the Saviour's intercession, and to make the right practical improvement of it. You have all heard of the astonishing feats achieved by human eloquence-how it has triumphed over prejudice and opposition-how it has alternately melted the heart into grief or pity, and inflamed it with rage or hatred -how it has rendered "the churl bountiful, and the vile person liberal"-how it has infused hope into the desponding, and courage into the cowarduniting and moving at pleasure the minds of vast and discordant multitudes, like the heart of one man. You have heard the fame of the ancient orators of Athens, "Whose resistless eloquence, Wielded at will the fierce democracy, Shook the arsenal, and fulmined over Greece, But, brethren, how impotent is the eloquence of the most accomplished of human orators, compared with that of him who appears as our advocate with the Father. If his advocacy does not change the character of the immutable Ruler of the Universe, a result most undesirable, it regulates the course of his procedureaverting from those on whose behalf it is exerted, calamities more tremendous than any temporal evils, and procuring for them blessings "more excellent and glorious than mountains of prey." In virtue of his pleading, the sceptre of the universe has been put into his own hands. Those who were guilty and vile have been elevated to be kings and priests to God, even his Father. Nay more, such is the efficacy of his intercession, that it infuses even into the imperfect supplications of his people a sort of miraculous and irresistible virtue, causing them to have power with God and to prevail. What an argument, my friends, in reliance on the intercession of the "one Mediator," to present your prayers in his name, and to be instant and persevering in prayer. Be assured that in the exercise of such prayer, "you shall be strong and do exploits." In the exercise of such prayer, you shall" tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Such prayers will link divine almightiness to human impotence, and to such prayers "all things will be possible "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." "Ask, then, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full." "Pray always, with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints, and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel." Amen. |