en calf. There is
therefore no doubt respecting the sin which shut that generation out
of Canaan. Nor do we apprehend more occasion for doubt relative to the
prayer of Moses, _to be blotted out of God's book_.

But though the sin of Israel on this occasion was pardoned, and Moses
ordered to lead them to Canaan, some temporal chastisements were
inflicted to teach the evil of sin, and serve as a warning to others
to keep themselves in the fear of God; of which Moses was notified
when ordered to advance with the pardoned tribes? "Nevertheless, in
the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them. And the Lord
plagued the people because they had made the calf which Aaron made."
The manner in which this is mentioned, shows that their sin in that
affair was forgiven, and only some lighter corrections ordered in
consequence of it; which is common after sin is pardoned.

REFLEXIONS.

I. When we consider Moses pouring out his soul before God in behalf
of an offending people, it should excite us, as there may be occasion,
to go and do likewise.

Some pretend that prayer offered up for others, must be unavailing.
God, it is alleged, is immutable, not therefore to be moved to change
his measures by a creature's cries. And prayer for others can have no
tendency, it is said, to operate a change in them, so as to bring them
into the way of mercy, and render them fit objects of it.

We would only observe in reply, that God hath made it our duty to
"pray one for another," * And scripture abounds with records of the
prevalence of such intercessions. We have a striking influence in our
subject--Moses prayed for Israel and was heard--"The Lord hearkened
unto me at that time also." It doth not appear that Israel joined with
Moses in his pleadings at the throne of grace on this occasion. Moses
went up into the mount, leaving Israel on the plain below--"I will go
up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
And Moses returned unto the Lord," and pleaded in their behalf. By his
individual power, he seems to have prevailed. This is only one
instance out of many which might be adduced from the history of the
saints--of this saint in particular. Yea, there seems to have been
such power in the pleadings of this man of God, _while praying for
others_, that when God would enter into judgment with them, Moses must
be prevailed with to hold his peace, and not pray for them! "The Lord
spake unto me saying, I have se