June 12

Who have fled for refuge.—Hebrews 6:18.

THE cities of refuge under the ancient economy very strikingly typified the person and work of Christ. What they were to the man-slayer, Jesus is pre-eminently to the sinner. All the circumstances of these cities seem adapted to lead the mind to some blessed peculiarity connected with Christ, and the gospel way of salvation. The names of these cities first demand our consideration, one of these was called KEDESII, which signifies "holy." Now Jesus is truly the holy one of Israel—the immaculate Son of God. And his work and designs are inseparably connected with the interests of holiness. Another was called SHECHEN, which signifies "shoulder." Now Christ is the appointed bearer of the sinners burden; he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows." He hath the key of David involving universal government upon his shoulder. Another of the cities was called He-

BRON, signifying "fellowship." And Christ is the only medium of the sinner's access to God and fellowship with him. In any other way, or by any other medium, we should assuredly be rejected. God is well pleased with us only through his Son, who hath magnified the law and made it honorable. Another city was termed BEZER, which signifies a "strong hold." Now Christ is often thus represented; he is the strong hold, provided for the prisoners of hope—he is our strong hold in the day of trouble—he is a strong hold to all them that trust in him. Another city was styled RAMOTH, which signifies "Exaltation." Now Jesus was the exalted Son of God, and the exalted Prince of Israel. Besides, Christ's work designed the exaltation of man to holiness and eternal glory. The sixth and last was named GOLAN, which signifies "Exultation and Joy," Jesus is the joy of believers on earth, and the joy of celestial spirits in the heavenly world. How applicable were all these appellations to the person and work of Christ.