June 14

PART III.—Hebrews 6:18.

THE roads to the cities of refuge, were not only wide, and kept in good repair, but also at every turning and cross road, there was a post erected, pointing the right way to the refuge. Now all the precepts and counsels of the holy word, are so many way posts to direct us to Christ. All the exhortations and invitations of the gospel, together with all its institutions and ordinances, are appointed expressly to direct us to Christ. And so full and ample are these directions, that a wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein. The gates of the cities of refuge stood open night and day And

Christ is ever accessible to the repenting sinner. He ever waits to be gracious; his ear is never closed against the cry of misery; his heart is ever open, and though myriads have found it to overflow with compassion and mercy, it is still as widely expanded as ever, and whoever comes unto him, he will in no wise cast out. The manslayer was to abide in the city, until the death of the high priest. The believer in like manner, must abide in Christ, or he cannot be saved. There is however this difference, of old, the manslayer remained till the death of the high priest, but believers must remain faithful until their own death; our High priest never dieth, but ever liveth to make intercession for us. Hence also it was, if the manslayer were found without the precincts of the city, he might legally be cut off; so if any man draw back from Christ, God will have no pleasure in him. He only that abideth to the end shall be saved. Let the christian rejoice in the security he possesses in and through Christ. What a source of grateful joy, does the retrospect yield, and what felicitous hope does the prospect afford. Let the sinner flee to Christ. Flee earnestly, seeing all is at stake. Let him flee immediately, seeing that the Avenger is at his heels, and the Judge is at the door. And let him flee to none but Jesus, seeing he is the only refuge from sin here, and the wrath which is to come.

T