Methinks prisoners in general would need no entreaty to leave their dungeons ; if their prison doors were open, and their chains were beaten off, they would be glad enough to effect their escape, though at the risk of a severer punishment. Nor would a manslayer need much importunity to enter into the city of refuge, if an armed avenger were closely pursuing him. Yet we slight the invitations of our God, and the secu- rity he has provided for us. Well then might he leave us to perish ! But behold, he enforces his invitations with the most gracious promises: he engages Jto exceed our utmost wishes or conceptions. And shall 'we riot admire such transcendent grace ? Shall we not adore him for such marvellous loving- kindness ? O let every heart glow with love to him, and every tongue declare Iris praise !]
2. How reasonable is zeal in the concerns of reli- gion !
Zeal is approved in every thing, but in that which most of all deserves it. But would any one ask a defeated army, why they fled with haste to an impregnable fortress ? Surely, it is no less absurd to condemn the prisoners of hope for any earnestness they may manifest in turning to their strong hold. Coldness in such circumstances is the most deplorable infa- tuation. Let all then exert themselves to the utmost of their power. Let them never regard the scoffs of those who are in love with their chains, and regardless of the salvation offered them. But let them strive, as men wrestling for the mastery, and run as those that are determined to win the prize.]
3. How great is the danger of delay !
[Now we are prisoners of hope ! but soon we may be in that prison from whence there is no escape, and into which not one ray of hope can ever enter. Shall we not then turn, while the strong hold is open to us ? Shall we stay till the gate is shut ; and thus, instead of obtaining double mercies, procure to ourselves an aggravated condemnation ? To-day God invites and promises ; to-morrow may terminate our day of grace. Let us then no longer delay ; but " to-day, while it is called to-day, let us hear his voice," and " flee for refuge to the hope set before us."]