But there are some who mourn like the saints of okl". They desire nothing so much as to be delivered from their corrup- tions For these Jesus came down from heaven, and died
upon the cross Nor, though they be lawful captives,
will he leave them in the hand of their enemies p.]
They at the same time " cry earnestly to the Lord" for deliverance —
[There are some, it must be confessed, who are uneasy in their sins, yet do not with fervour and constancy implore his mercy*! Such therefore, notwithstanding their uneasi- ness, obtain no help from him. His mercy is promised to those alone who seek it with importunity''. But humble and
believing suppliants shall never be rejected by him
They shall find him a great, compassionate, and all-sufficient Saviour ]
Application —
[Are any among you unconcerned about their sins ? O ! reflect on your state. Would God have sent you such a Saviour, if your condition had not required it ? Or, will you take occasion from this stupendous grace, to live more securely in your sins ? O ! consider that your cries, however available now, will soon, if delayed, become of no effect^.
Are others of you conflicting loith sin and Satan ? Lift up your heads with joy. However desperate your state may seem, your redemption draweth nigh, nor shall all the powers of darkness rescue you from your Redeemer's hands*.
Are there here any who have experienced deliverance ? Adore your Lord, and go on, "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Only commit yourselves entirely to him, and you shall join in eternal Hallelujahs to God and to the Lamb.]
0 Isai. vi. 5. Rom. vii. 24. p Isai. xlix. 24, 25.
1 Ps. xxxii. 3, 4. Hos. vii. 14. r Matt. vii. 7. Ezek. xxxvi. 37. s Luke xvi. 24, 25. t John x. 28.