April 4

"And hast redeemed us to God by thy blood." — Revelation 5:9.

THIS is part of the new song celebrated by millions of beatified spirits in glory. Observe

THE REDEMPTION SECURED. This is the glorious result of a gracious cause.

The ransom paid. "Thy blood." "Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin." The divinity of Christ communicated an unknown value to every word of his mouth, every touch of his hand, every tear of his eye, every groan of his heart, and every drop of his blood. Christian, when you contemplate your privileges, think of the blood by which they were procured; and when you rejoice in prospect of the glorious inheritance beyond the skies, remember that it is a purchased possession.

The blessing procured. "Hast redeemed us to God." Redemption includes liberty; — Jesus opens the prison doors to them that are bound, and liberates the captives. It includes holiness. The heart is sanctified, and is a temple of the Holy Ghost. It includes happiness. All that are redeemed to God are made happy; they have the elements of happiness within them: thus they are emancipated from the dominion of sin; — they have a gradual ascendancy over its influence; and ere long they shall be completely delivered from its very existence, and then shall their happiness receive its final consummation. What returns have we made for love so amazing as that manifested by our Saviour? If he laid down his life for us, shall we not consecrate our lives to him? O my soul! retire to the throne of grace, — the cross of Calvary, and beneath its sacred shade present thy sacrifice.