from the covenant entered into with their fathers. He there- fore could not want either inclination or power to deliver them. Yea, He could not but deliver them for his own great name's sake. He could not be I AM, if his promised interposition should be either withheld or defeated. Thus the declaration of his name must inspire them with confidence, and induce them willingly to put themselves under the direction of Moses.]
Infer,
1. What a solemn attention does the Gospel de- mand!
[The Gospel is a message of mercy to those who are in bondage to sin. And they who preach it are ambassadors from the great I AM. Jesus, who sends them forth, assumes to himself this very title f. To the same effect also his character is drawn in the Epistle to the Hebrews g. He has commis- sioned his servants to go forth into all the world11; and pro- mised (as God did to Moses) to be always with them '. Shall we then make light of the mercy which He offers to us ; or doubt his power and willingness to fulfil his promises? Shall we thrust away his servants, saying, Why dost thou interfere with usk? Let us remember who it is that speaks to us in the Gospel1. Every faithful Minister may say, I AM hath sent me unto you. Nor, though miracles have ceased, shall signs be wanting to confirm the word : the deaf shall hear, the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers be cleansed. And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended at the Redeemer's voice m.]
2. What encouragement is here afforded to those who are groaning under spiritual bondage !
[God brought out his people safely, notwithstanding all their difficulties; and in due time put them into possession of the promised land. Shall the spiritual redemption offered by him be less effectual ? Are not his power and faithfulness the same as in former ages"? Will he not remove our ob- stacles, supply our wants, and destroy our enemies ? Surely there are none so weak but they shall be made to triumph0. Nor shall the Prince of Darkness oppose with more success than Pharaoh p. Behold, then, I AM hath sent me to proclaim these glad tidings. Let all arise, and cast off their yoke, and burst their bands asunder. Let not unbelief represent the obstacles as insurmountable; nor fear induce you to comply
f John viii. 58. e Heb. xiii. 8. h Mark xvi. 15.
1 Matt, xxviii. 20. k Acts vii. 27. J Luke x. 16.
■» Matt. xi. 5, 6. » Isai. lix. 1. ° Isai. xlix. 24, 25. p Rom. xvi. 20.