"Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you." — Heb 9:20

There is a strange power about the very name of

blood, and the sight of it is always affecting. A kind

heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed, and unless

familiarized by use, turns away with horror at the

slaughter of a beast. As to the blood of men, it is a

consecrated thing: it is murder to shed it in wrath, it is

a dreadful crime to squander it in war. Is this

solemnity occasioned by the fact that the blood is the

life, and the pouring of it forth the token of death? We

think so. When we rise to contemplate the blood of the

Son of God, our awe is yet more increased, and we

shudder as we think of the guilt of sin, and the terrible

penalty which the Sin-bearer endured. Blood, always

precious, is priceless when it streams from

Immanuel side. The blood of Jesus seals the

covenant of grace, and makes it forever sure.

Covenants of old were made by sacrifice, and the

everlasting covenant was ratified in the same manner.

Oh, the delight of being saved upon the sure

foundation of divine engagements which cannot be

dishonored! Salvation by the works of the law is a frail

and broken vessel whose shipwreck is sure; but the

covenant vessel fears no storms, for the blood

ensures the whole. The blood of Jesus made His

testament valid. Wills are of no power unless the

testators die. In this light the soldiers spear is a

blessed aid to faith, since it proved our Lord to be

really dead. Doubts upon that matter there can be

none, and we may boldly appropriate the legacies

which He has left for His people. Happy they who see

their title to heavenly blessings assured to them by a

dying Savior. But has this blood no voice to us? Does

it not bid us sanctify ourselves unto Him by whom we

have been redeemed? Does it not call us to newness

of life, and incite us to entire consecration to the

Lord? O that the power of the