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the personal act of our most glorious Christ, in his entrance once into the holy place, "having obtained eternal redemption by his own blood."

That this was a personal act of Christ is evident from his very character of Mediator: for the offering of what he had received from another, whether given to him, or borrowed, would have put quite another face on the transaction. Hence in allusion to the high priest under the law, it is said of him," that every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices; wherefore (speaking of our most glorious Christ, it is added) it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer." (Heb. viii. 3.) Hence we read, that forasmuch as the children were partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil; and deliver them, who through fear of death, were all their life time subject to bondage. (Heb. ii. 14.) So that as it was his person which, in the compound of God and man in one, became our Mediator, so was it "his own blood" and not another's, by which he entered in once into the holy place, "having obtained eternal redemption for us." And hence those numerous Scriptures which identify his person, and identify his work. He gave himself for us, saith Paul, (Eph. v.. 2.) when he had by himself purged our sins," he sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high." (Heb. i. 3.) And the tenor of the covenant is expressed in these words, "As for thee, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit, wherein is no water." (Zech ix. 11.):

And it is both beautiful and blessed to observe, in every part of the great Redeemer's character, this same identity of person in all the acts he wrought, uniformly carried on. In his death, he is said to have made himself an offering for sin. "Therefore (said

he) doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself; I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John x. 17.) And as in his death so in his resurrection it was all personal, and it was all of himself; for he was declared (that is, he was proved) to be the Son of God thereby with power, according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead." (Romans i. 4.) A most beautiful illustration we have of this, in the discourse of Christ to the Jews in the temple; pointing to himself he said, "destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews who thought our Lord referred to the temple of stone in which they then stood, expressed their astonishment at the declaration; but "Jesus spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.” (John ii. 19—22.)

I know not whether I have been happy enough to follow up the very interesting doctrine contained in this Scripture, of Jesus offering up and entering in, once by his own blood for the eternal redemption of his people; but if I have, I pray God to give all his redeemed and regenerated family that are here a true scriptural and spiritual apprehension of it in their minds and consciences. It is by realizing these sublime truths under the unction of the Holy Ghost, we make the doctrine practical and experimental, so as to live upon it. And in realizing this gracious act of our most glorious Christ, we no less do the same with all the like gracious acts of all the Holy Three in the GODHEAD. While I behold with an eye of faith, Jesus entering in within the vail with his own blood; I behold no less the sovereign act of the

Father avenging, as our Lord saith, his own elect. (Luke xviii. 7.) And with this also the divine. and Almighty act of God the Holy Ghost himself indwelling in his people, as his own temple. (2 Cor. vi. 16.) And under the united testimony of all to behold Jehovah in his oneness of essence, and trinity of persons, blessing the church as his own, and our souls exulting by crying out with the church; "This God is our God for ever and ever. God, even our own God, shall bless us." (Psalms xlviii. and lxvii.).

And now, what is the sum and substance of the whole, in relation to our glorious Lord; and in reference to his church and people. If, as I hope it hath been very fully laid open before you, Jesus by his own blood hath entered in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us, then must it undeniably follow, that as the prophet ages ago stated it, he hath "finished the transgression, made an end of sins, made reconciliation for iniquity, and brought in an everlasting righteousness." (Dan. ix. 24.) And hence," when the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, there shall be none, and the sins of Judah shall not be found;" for the Lord hath said, "I will pardon them whom I reserve." (Jer. 1. 20.) And in relation to Christ's church and people, nothing can be wanting, to complete their triumphs over sin, death, hell, and the grave, but through grace to believe, that in all the victories of Christ we are interested. "This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." Oh! the unspeakable felicity, in the realizing these divine truths in the soul and living upon them. When we were dead in sins, God quickened us together with Christ! so that I see myself" saved by grace," raised up together with Christ, and now, even now" sitting together in heavenly places in Christ." And ere long shall find myself with Christ for ever. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."

THE

LORD CASTING UP

THE

WAY OF HIS PEOPLE.

A SERMON PREACHED ON THE LORD'S DAY MORNING, AUGUST 27, 1826,

IN THE PARISH CHURCH OF CHARLES, PLYMOUTH, AFTER

A RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS.

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of
the Lord."-ISAIAH xl. 3.

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