342 



THE OLIVE LEAF, CHAP. xix. 



same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, never grows old 

 or stale or dry ; it never loses its virtue. And shel- 

 tered under that wonderful sign of grace there is now 

 no condemnation unto us. There shall no evil befall 

 us, neither shall any plague come nigh our dwelling. 



It may be further remarked, in conclusion, that natural 

 blood has not only a prophylactic power, but also acts 

 as a passive agent in bringing about organization. 

 When applied in an effused and coagulated form on 

 a wounded surface, it will stimulate the vessels of the 

 underlying parts to expand and to penetrate the sub- 

 stance of the clot, until, finally, it becomes trans- 

 formed into vascular tissue. And as the clot of blood 

 on the wound thus becomes organized, it acquires a 

 defensive property against the septic elements that 

 would produce putrefaction and disease. So in like 

 manner the blood of Jesus Christ not only protects, 

 but heals ; not only justifies, but sanctifies. The soul 

 to which it is applied is not only saved from the pestil- 

 ence, but is made spiritually vital, every whit whole, 

 safe and sound ; so that it is able more and more to 

 resist the devitalizing influences of a world full of the 

 germs of spiritual disease. 



