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 seen this people, and behold it is a stiff necked people. _Let me alone_ that I may destroy them--_and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they_." Let me alone! As though God could not destroy them without Moses' consent!-- And I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they! As though Moses must be bribed to silence, ere judgment could proceed against them! * James v. 16. This representation is not to be received without restriction; but we may safely infer that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much"--that it often draws down blessings from above on those who deserve no good.