The bondage of Egypt, under Pharaoh's tyranny and taskmasters, was nothing to the bondage of corruption in which sinners are naturally held, and the power of darkness, from which we are translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son. And the freedom the Jews obtained when they were delivered by a strong hand and a stretched-out arm, was not to be compared with the glorious liberty of the sons of God. If the Son makes us free, we are free indeed.
And this redemption is what we are called to remember. The admonition may seem needless. For can such a deliverance be ever forgotten? We should once have deemed it impossible, but we are prone to forget his works, and the wonders which he has shown us. The event indeed can never be forgotten completely. but we need to have our minds stirred up by way of remembrance. And for four purposes. We should remember that we were bondmen in the land of Egypt, but the Lord our God redeemed us thence:
First, for the purpose of humility. We are prone to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think, but with the lowly is wisdom. "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." And surely we have enough to hide pride from us, if we reflect properly. If we are now wise, we were once foolish; if we are now justified, we were once condemned; if we are now the sons of God, we were once the servants of sin. "Let us look to the rock whence we were hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence we were digged."
Secondly, we should remember it for the purpose of gratitude. We are affected with the kindnesses shown us by our fellow-creatures, yet they are under obligation to relieve us. We had not forfeited our lives to them. They did not deliver us from the lowest hell. They did not become poor to enrich us, and die that we may live. And shall we overlook our infinite Benefactor? We have no claims upon Him, for the least of all his mercies, and therefore should be thankful for all his benefits. But herein is love. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people.
Thirdly, we should remember it for the purpose of confidence. David argued from the past to the future, and said, "Because thou hast been my help, therefore under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice." But here we have a peculiar reason for encouragement. For what were we when he first took knowledge of us? Was he not found of them that sought him not? The want of worthiness was not a bar to his goodness then; and will it be so now? Is there with him any variableness or shadow of turning? Is there not the same power in his arm, and the same love in his heart? Did he pardon me when a rebel, and will he cast me off now he has made me a friend? "If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
Fourthly, we should remember it for the purpose of pity and zeal. How many are there all around you, in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity, ready to perish! You know the state they are in, and you know the blessedness of a deliverance from it. You are witnesses for God, and can tell of what he is able and willing to do. You can speak from experience. Invite, therefore, the prisoners of hope to turn to him. Say to the destitute, That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us. "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."
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TO REV. WILLIAM JAY'S HOMEPAGE
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