Watchman And Observer

For the Watchman and Observer.
The Intercession of Christ.
(CONCLUDED.)

In speaking of that part of the intercessory prayer of Christ for His disciples in which He asks that they may be kept from the evil of the world we have shown, 1. That it was evidence of His love for his disciples. 2. That the disciples of Christ ought not to be too solicitous about their departure out of the world. And 3, that as Christ prayed that they should be kept from the evil," then, in truth, they shall be kept."

Strong is his arm, the bringer of Salvation."
"None shall pluck them out of His hands."
"The wicked one toucheth them not." They are protected against the claims of law, and housed safely from the coming storms of wrath. Not death itself, the last of foes, shall harm them; for they shall say, "O Death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" And after death, they shall "be presented faultless before the presence of the Father's glory, with exceeding joy." We now remark,

4. That if Christ prayed that His disciples should be kept from the evil, and in answer to that prayer, they are kept really, then there will be a correspondence in their lives to the facts in the case. That is to say, taking the word "evil" in the sense of all those corrupt and sinful influences to which they are exposed in this world, they will show in their daily walk and conversation that sin has no dominion over them; that they walk not according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience-but that being changed altogether in their views, feelings, aims, motives, and pursuits, they now have their conversation in heaven, and their fruit unto holiness. And it is only as they may exhibit from day to day these evidences of their interest in the merits and intercession of Christ that they may hope to receive the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls," Ye are not of this world," said Christ to his disciples, "even as I am not of this world." Can that man be interested in the mediation and intercession of the blessed Jesus, who chooses this world as his portion--who is actuated by the spirit of the world-or is drawn away by its allurements and pleasures. The Scriptures speak to us as to the heirs of a better portion than any thing this world can afford us;—"Be ye not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that ye may know what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." We are not kept from the evil to which we are exposed, by miracle; but by the co-operations of our own most earnest desires and efforts. It should be pre-eminently our aim and prayer to be kept from the evil of the world. Our constant and most earnest petition should be "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." The effect of the prayer of Christ on our behalf is to lead us to pray for ourselves. And it is only as we watch and pray, that we shall be kept from the varied forms of temptation that assail us on every hand. The Psalmist prayed, "uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe; and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually." Ah, who is he whose footsteps shall not slide, and who shall not be made ashamed of his hope, who neglects by prayer and supplication, and in the deep earnestness of his anxious and enquiring spirit, to make known his requests unto God?

5. The intercession of Christ ought to be prized by every real believer. The safety and preservation of every child of God, result from the prevalent pleadings of Him who has gone to appear in the presence of God for us. The whole of our salvation, from first to last, comes to us through this source. We have no righteousness of our own; we are encompassed about with infirmities; our best duties are stained with sin; we cannot manage our own case; we cannot come near to God as we are, sinners. We need a Daysman betwixt us, who can lay his hand upon us both. And we have just what we need." If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous." "He answers all the accusations prefered against his people by Satan, by the law, by the world, and by conscience; He refutes every ground of accusation which is false, and pleads forgiveness for everything that is justly preferred against them;-He even presents to God all the worship and service of his people, which is performed in faith, and renders it acceptable through his righteousness.'

Let us, therefore, appreciate the great goodness and mercy of God in providing such a High Priest for us. And let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in every time of need

6. We may learn how dreadful is the case of the sinner, who has no interest in Christ! In the presenting of a sin-offering under the Old Testament. the sprinkling of the blood of the victim slain was accompanied with the burning of the incense. Now, the blood made atonement for the soul, and the incense denoted the intercession of Christ. The atonements and intercession are therefore, intimately and inseparably connected. How, then,can you find safety and peace if you have not fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before you? How can the blessed Jesus plead for you, if you are not one of His? And how can you be kept from the multiplied evils that assail you, unless you seek Him as your wisdom, righteousness, and strength? Then flee to Him this very day. Without a full reliance upon his all-sufficient sacrifice, the door of Heaven is forever closed against you. There is Salvation in none other, other foundation can no man lay. Haste thee, sinner! Mercy calls; death advances apace; the grave and eternity are near; What thou doest. do quickly. This admonition, though often given, and as often slighted, will one day be given for the last time.

Mercy knows th' appointed bound
And turns to vengeance there

J. O. S.