the bravest are averse to meditate on death and judgment. This is declared to be a state of wretched bondage"1.]
Surely the Egyptian or Chaldean yoke was light in comparison of this ; yet all may obtain a release from this yoke.
II. How we may be delivered from it —
Vain are all attempts to liberate ourselves by our
own strength —
[We cannot make satisfaction for one single breach of the law. To do this were beyond the power of the highest arch- angel. Nothing but the blood of Christ can ever atone for sin11. We cannot by any means renew and sanctify our own hearts. There is not in us a sufficiency even to think a good thought0. Our inclination and ability to do good can come from God alone p. It is not in the poioer of fallen man to resist the assaults of Satan. There is provided for us armour of a heavenly temper, and in that alone can any man hope to obtain the victory*1. We are no less unable of ourselves to disarm death of its sting. In spite of all our efforts its terrors will appal the stoutest heart.]
But " the Son" of God is able and willing to de- liver us —
[Christ, as " the Son," is heir and Lord of all things r. The very intent for which he came into the world was to give us liberty s. He has paid down his own life as the price of our redemption*, and therefore may claim us as " his purchased possession." He is also commissioned to liberate us by his poweru. All fulness resides in him for this very purposex; nor will he withhold this blessing from any believing souly.]
Unspeakably blessed are they to whom this bless- ing is vouchsafed —
III. What glorious liberty we may obtain —
The liberty which sinners enjoy is merely ideal ; but that which Christ will give, is real and sub- stantial2.
1. He will free us from all our bondage —
[ The laiv shall never be suffered to execute its curse upon
m Heb. ii. 15. «» Heb. x. 4, 11, 12, 14.
0 2 Cor. iii. 5. p Phil. ii. 13. * Eph. vi. 11, 13.
r Heb. i. 2. * Isai. Ixi. 1. '1 Pet. i. 18, 19.
» Lukexi. 20 — 22. x Ps. lxviii. 18. y John i. 12. z "OvTwg.