May 15

"Ye have sold yourselves for nought, and ye shall be redeemed without money." Isaiah 52:3.

THE chapter out of which these words are selected has a primary reference to the return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity; but may be viewed in connection with the methods of grace under the constitution of the Gospel. Note

THE DEGRADING BONDAGE EFFECTED. Man is here represented as a willing slave; and several things tend to show the aggravated nature of his crime.

The article. "Yourselves;" that is, the whole man, both body and soul; the immortal as well as the perishable part of your nature. But are you at your own disposal? Has not he who made, sustains, feeds, and clothes you, the greatest claim on you?

The act. "Ye have sold yourselves." Imagine the barbarous conduct of Nero, who persecuted the Christians at Rome, demolished their temples, plundered their property, burnt many of them, and sold others as slaves to their enemies; and all to feed his avarice, and gratify his sinful passions. Do you not deprecate the infamous deeds of such a tyrant? Ah! you have acted over the scene with regard to yourselves; you have done it willingly, and from choice.

The unprofitableness. "For nought." If an individual sold a large estate for a mere trifle, his foolish act would be highly censured: this but faintly sets forth the folly of sinners in becoming the willing captives of their enemies. Sin is unprofitable, whatever view you take of it.

THE GLORIOUS REDEMPTION PROMISED. Every thing respecting it is worthy our attention.

Its fulness. The remedy is commensurate with the disease. The sinner is not only pardoned, but released; his fetters are broken, his bonds loosed, and he is led out of prison. He is not simply delivered from wrath, but restored to the Divine favor, enriched as well as liberated.

Its fitness. The salvation of Christ is admirably adapted to the state of man as a sinful, fallen creature, because it imparts that which alone can improve his condition, raise him from his degradation, sanctify his heart, and save his soul.

Its freeness. "Without money." Redemption is a free and unmerited act. An opulent man would not be imprisoned for debt: if the captive could purchase his freedom, he would no longer remain in the dungeon. Our state is one of helplessness, we have nothing to pay; but Jesus says, "I have found a ransom."

Its perpetuity. While in its contrivance it issues from eternity past, in its duration it extends to eternity to come. It ransoms from everlasting death, and brings to everlasting life.