February 23

PART III.

CHRIST'S FIRST TEXT.

Deliverance to the Captives.—Luke 4:18.

MAN, by reason of transgression, is the slave of Satan. Manacled and bound with his torturing fetters, he leadeth him captive at his will. This state of captivity, is of a deeply degrading character, and productive of the most aggravated misery. To deliver us from this galling yoke, and free us from the power of the devil, was one great end of the manifestation of the Son of God. The captivity from which Jesus frees us, involves both body and mind. It is a captivity, from which no created power can rescue us. Captivity, which will finally consign its unhappy subjects to the blackness of final despair, and the remediless confinement of an eternal world. Jesus is the great Deliverer; he possesses illimitable power; he can bind the spoiler, and rescue from his malignant grasp, the subjects of his oppression. The devils trembled, and confessed Jesus in the days of his flesh; and in spite of all their malignant obstinacy, were compelled to yield up their prey at his demand. It matters not, as to the nature or duration of this captivity; Jesus by his word can make us free. And to secure this deliverance, a believing appeal to Christ is all that is necessary. He waits to be gracious, and if the cry of misery assails his ear, he will prove himself mighty to save. By the energy of his truth, every fetter will be dissolved, and whom the Son makes free, they are free indeed. Being made free from sin, they have their fruit unto holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

"Jesus the sinner's fetter breaks, And bruises Satan's head, Power into strengthless souls he speaks, And life into the dead."