INTERCESSION.
He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.—Isaiah, liii. 12.
It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.—Romans, viii. 34.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.—Hebrews, vii. 25.
Why gaze the clustered stars on Hermon’s height?
Immensity around—why gaze they there?
On its high top, as farthest up from earth,
Enshrined in darkness and alone, there kneels
The world’s great Intercessor. Evening came,
And found Him kneeling there: the rising morn
Lingered awhile upon His upturned brow;
And night passed over Him, and still he kneels;
Till all the air is incense and a prayer,
As He would save the world by prayer alone,
Close clasping the eternal throne,—His voice,
Unheard below, was heard in heaven intent.
Anon.
With blood—but not his own—the Jew drew near
The mercy-seat, and heaven received his prayer.
Yet still his hope was dimmed by doubt and fear:
“If Thou should’st mark transgression, who might dare
To stand before Thee?” Mercy loves to spare
And pardon, but stern Justice has a voice,
And cries—Our God is holy, nor can bear
Uncleanness in the people of His choice.
But now One Offering, ne’er to be renewed,
Hath made our peace for ever. This now gives
Free access to the Throne of Heavenly Grace,
No more base fear and dark disquietude,
He who was slain—the Accepted Victim!—lives,
And intercedes before the Father’s face.
Conder.
Lord! there is a throne of grace;
There we now would seek Thy face;
Thou wilt bear the humblest prayer
Of the soul that seeks Thee there.
Saviour, for us intercede,
While the promises we plead!
Cobbin.