June 13

PART II.—Hebrews 6:18.

HAVING seen how appropriately these cities were designated, let us now consider their de sign. They were provided for the security and shelter of the man-slayer, for his protection from the avenger of blood. Having got within the gates, his life was effectually delivered. Jesus is our Refuge from the curse of the law and from eternal death. Out of him we are liable to be overtaken and surprised by divine wrath, which abideth on every unbeliever. In Jesus the soul is freed from condemnation, and none can harm it, or separate it from his love. The situation of these cities also demand attention—they were built on high eminences, so that they were visible afar off. Jesus, our divine Refuge, in like manner, is lifted up on the pole of the gospel, his name and virtues being proclaimed by his appointed heralds, that all mankind may know the joyful sound. The roads to these cities were open, and kept in good repair; they were not less than fifty-six feet wide; and bridges were thrown across intervening rivulets and brooks. The way of salvation is spiritually narrow, and its entrance is represented as a “strait gate:” but, while it is so as to character, yet as to accessibility it is wide enough for the world. The way into Christ is so narrow as to exclude all pharisees, formalists, and impenitent sinners; but it is wide enough for the vilest who sincerely, by repentance, flee to Christ for salvation. The cities were so placed that some of them might be reached in a few hours—In like manner, Christ is a refuge near at hand, and not afar off: he is near to all them who call upon him in sincerity and in truth. The seeking sinner need not inquire who shall ascend to bring Christ down, or who shall descend to fetch Christ up?—"The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thine heart, that is, the word of faith which we preach, that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved!" (Romans 10:8, 9.)