Exodus 5

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. V.—Let me here remark, that however poor and despicable the people of God may be on earth, he will acknowledge them, and in his own time plead their cause. The most presumptuous rebellion against God’s will is founded in ignorance of him: and, while persecutors obstinately cleave to their wickedness, God’s people ought to be peculiarly careful of offending him. It is no new thing for carnal men to look on religious worship as useless or hurtful, and to improve God’s demands upon his people as a spur to their own cruelty: and cruel princes never want cruel agents to promote their barbarous purposes. In evil times God’s ministers may expect a double share of abuse at all hands, and be blamed as the causes of distress, when they are but the innocent, the dutiful, occasions of it. But what a mercy is it that they have a God to go to with their complaints! Surely there is need to believe in hope against hope, since the heaviest trials may happen when we expect, and are even at the day-break of, remarkable deliverances! Meanwhile, let me think of the bondage of heathenish and anti-christian superstition, idolatry, oppression, and persecution, from which God hath delivered, and will deliver, his gospel-church. But how much more oppressive is the bondage of our natural and unregenerate state!—the bondage to a broken law, which demands the perfect performance of every duty, and yet denies all strength for that effect!—the bondage to divers lusts, which lade men with guilt, drown them in perdition, and pierce them through with many sorrows!—the bondage to this world, in minding nothing but carnal things!—the bondage of the fears of death and hell, which often render life a burden!—and the bondage to Satan, who goeth about seeking whom he may devour! Blessed for ever be the Lord, who hath sent a Saviour and a great one to deliver us! Dare not, my soul, to murmur against him, though fires should go before him, and it should be very tempestuous round about him. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning