deserving imitation ? Instead therefore of saying, Who are these ? we must rather say, " Where are there any, who ily as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?" If some there be; still, in comparison of the bulk of nominal Christians, they are but as " the gleanings of the olive, two or three upon the topmost bough."]
Yet we may also in some degree notice it with joy —
[I bless God, there are some, and some also in this place, who do seek their rest in Christ, and do fly towards it with unabated ardour. Yes, and with surprise also, as well as joy, may I ask, " Who are these?" They were once as far oil* from God as the dromedaries of Midian and Kphah, and as unlikely to devote themselves to God as the flocks of Kedar, or the rams of Nebaioth. Their education, their age, their associates, their habits, all rendered such a change highly improbable; and give us a decisive evidence, that He who has wrought so effectually in them, can accomplish the same blessed change over the face of the whole earth. We therefore do rejoice, both for the individuals whose zeal is so kindled, and for those who are provoked to emulation by the example that is set before them. And we pray God that their numbers may be increased a thousand-fold ; and that in this place, as well as in the world at large, " a little one may become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. May the Lord hasten it in his timep!"]
Application —
1. To those who have begun their flight —
[Let me say, Suffer nothing to retard you, nothing to divert you from your purpose. If, instead of having a cloud, or a flock, to accompany you, you are but a solitary individual, let not that discourage you. Your object is not less praise- worthy on that account. Lot was not the less right in maintain- ing his love for piety, because all around him were confederate in evil courses ; nor was Noah the less approved of God, because the whole world agreed in loading him with derision. If many will join you, be thankful for it: but, if there be not another in all the cities of the world that will flee with you to the mountain, go out of Sodom, and stop not in all the plain. The judgments which are coming on every unbelieving soul, will amply vindicate your honour, whilst your personal safety will abundantly repay your toil.
Yet go not alone, if you can by any means induce others to accompany you in your heavenly flight. Yea, be zealous and active in hastening forward the day that is spoken of in our
p ver. 22.