plain the assertion, with
some, as meaning, upon their behalf? Rather let us say that the
publicity, the exhibition upon their doorposts of the sacrifice offered
within, was not to inform and guide the angel, but to edify the people.
They should perform an open act of faith. Their houses should be visibly
set apart. "With the mouth confession" (of faith) "is made unto
salvation," unto that deliverance from a hundred evasions and
equivocations, and as many inward doubts and hesitations, which comes
when any decisive act is done, when the die is cast and the Rubicon
crossed. A similar effect upon the mind, calming and steadying it, was
produced when the Israelite carried out the blood of the lamb, and by
sprinkling it upon the doorpost formally claimed his exemption, and
returned with the consciousness that between him and the imminent death
a visible barrier interposed itself.

Will any one deny that a similar help is offered to us of the later
Church in our many opportunities of avowing a fixed and personal belief?
Whoever refuses to comply with an unholy custom because he belongs to
Christ, whoever joins heartily in worship at the cost of making himself
remarkable, whoever nerves himself to kneel at the Holy Table although
he feels himself unworthy, that man has broken through many snares; he
has gained assurance that his choice of God is a reality: he has shown
his flag; and this public avowal is not only a sign to others, but also
a token to himself.

But this is only half the doctrine of this action. What he should thus
openly avow was his trust (as we have shown) in atoning blood.

And in the day of our peril what shall be our reliance? That our doors
are trodden by orthodox visitants only? that the lintels are clean, and
the inhabitants temperate and pure? or that the Blood of Christ has
cleansed our conscience?

Therefore (ver. 22) the blood was sprinkled with hyssop, of which the
light and elastic sprays were admirably suited for such use, but which
was reserved in the Law for those sacrifices which expiated sin (Lev.
xiv. 49; Num. xix. 18, 19). And therefore also none should go forth out
of his house until the morning, for we are not to content ourselves with
having once invoked the shelter of God: we are to abide under its
protection while danger lasts.

And (ver. 23) upon the condition of this marking of their doorposts the
Lord should _pass over_ their houses. The phrase is noteworthy, because
it recur