Babylonians into captivity ; nor at any subsequent period did they rule over them. But if we understand these words as looking forward to another redemption, then will the}^ be easy; and their accomplishment will be seen, not only in the Church at large, but in every individual member of it. The grace of Christ triumphed over all its opponents in the apostolic age ; and will, in a yet more extensive manner, in the millennial period. The peculiar way in which his grace triumphs, is a subject worthy of our more particular attention : and the words of our text afford us a fit occasion for setting it before you. We shall, I. Trace a work of grace on the souls of men —
Taking such a view of it as is suggested by our text, there are four distinct states in which the Chris- tian will successively be found : — a state,
1. Of captivity — [This is the state of every man, before the grace of God enters into his heart. The Jews in Babylon were not more enslaved than we are by nature. Our principles and actions are altogether in bondage to tlie world. Nothing appears so free as the mind : yet, in our natural state, we are so shackled with prejudice, that we cannot exercise it aright : we cannot apprehend truth, when it is proposed to us : " the things of the Spirit of God appear even foolishness to us ; neither can we receive them," because our faculties are pre-occupied by the current sentiments of the world. Our ways too are under the same constraint. Custom has prescribed the paths in which we shall walk ; and we dare not violate its arbitrary laws. Let us even see the light of a bright example set before us, we feel not ourselves at liberty to follow it. As far as fashion authorizes a holy life, we will go : we may perform a round of religious duties ; but to cultivate real piety is conti'ary to our inclination, and beyond our power.
As the world by its maxims, so si7i by its allurements, fet- ters and controuls us. So interwoven with all our faculties is sin, that we cannot resist its influence. Sooner might an Ethiopian change his complexion, or a leopard his spots, than the natural man break forth from the dominion of sin. Though he do not yield to it in a gross and shameless way, yet his thoughts and desires are altogether vitiated by it ; nor is so much as one inclination or alt'ection free from its malignant taint. A principle of evil resides within him, and dictates every imagination of his heart ".