Some other particulars worthy of observation will occur, while we consider, II. The manner of its celebration —
In this also was the ordinance both commemorative and typical. The bitter herbs and unleavened bread were intended to keep up a remembrance of the bitter sorrows which they endured, and the bread of affliction which they ate, in Egypt1; and their standing, with their loins girt) and shoes on their feet, and staves in their hands, denoted the haste with which they were driven out of the land, as it were, by the Egyptians themselves. As types, these things declared in what manner we should feed upon the Lord Jesus Christ. We know tliat it is possible enough to strain types and metaphors too far : but in interpreting the import of the paschal sacrifice, though in some smaller matters we may not be able to speak with certainty, the great outlines are drawn by an inspired Apostle; who says, "Christ our passover is sacrificed for usk." Taking him then for our guide, we say that we may learn even from the manner in which the passover was celebrated, how we are to feast upon the Lamb of God that has been slain for us. We are to do it,
1. With humble penitence —
[The bitter herbs reminded the Israelites of the misery they had endured : but ice must further reflect upon the guilt
s Heb. x. 29. h John xix. 30. » Deut. xvi. 4. k 1 Cor. v. 7, 8.
we have contracted. Their bondage was the effect of force and constraint ; ours has been altogether voluntary ; and therefore
has involved us in the deepest guilt When we eat of
Christ's flesh, we must recollect that his sufferings were the punishment of our iniquities ; and we must " look on him whom we have pierced, and mourn ; yea, we must mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son1." And the more assured we are of our deliverance from wrath through him, the more must we abhor ourselves for all our iniquities, and for all our abominations111 ]
2. With unfeigned sincerity —
[This is expressly declared by the Apostle to have been intended by the unleavened bread". Sin is a leaven, the smallest portion of which will leaven and defile our whole souls. It must therefore be purged out with all possible care and diligence. If we retain knowingly and wilfully the smallest measure of it, we have nothing to expect but an everlasting
separation from God and his people Let us then search
and try our own hearts ; and beg of God also to " search and try us, to see if there be any wicked way in us, and to lead us in
the way everlasting" We must be "Israelites indeed
and without guile," if we would enjoy the full benefits of the body and blood of Christ.]
3. With active zeal —
[We are in a strange land, wherein "we have no con- tinuing city ; but we seek one to come, even a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." We are not to take up our rest in this world, but, as pilgrims, with our loins girt, our shoes on our feet, and our staff in our hand, to be always ready to proceed on our journey to the heavenly Canaan. In this state and habit of mind we should feed upon Christ from day to day ; commemorating the redemption he has wrought out for us, and receiving from him renewed strength
for our journey This weanedness from every thing in
this world, and readiness to depart out of it at any moment that our Lord shall call us, constitutes the perfection of a Christian's character, and the summit of his felicity ]
Application —
[Whether we be Israelites feeding on the Paschal Lamb, or Egyptians lying on our beds in thoughtless security, let us remember, that the hour is fast approaching, when God will put a difference between the Israelites and the Egyptians. Let the one rejoice in the safety which they enjoy under the blood sprinkled on their hearts ; and let the other tremble at