[Tf men could be saved in their sins, why was this foun- tain opened ? Would God have given up his Son to death without necessity ? or shall they who neglect the fountain be cleansed like those who wash in it ? Let none deceive their own souls : to wash in this fountain is the one thing need- ful. They who cry with the leper, shall receive the same answer" — .]
2. To those who hope to cleanse themselves in some other way —
[Many hope to wash away their guilt by tears of repent- ance. But would God have opened this fountain, if any other would have sufficed ? How lamentable that there should still be such cause for those expostulations x — ! Let those who say like Peter, remember the answer given himy — .]
3. To those who doubt whether they may come to this fountain —
[Many imagine that the greatness of their guilt is a bar to their acceptance ; but the fountain was opened for sin and for uncleanness. What would have been the effect of such hesitation at the pool of Bethesda2? Be it remembered that all, who have a need, have a right to wash : let every one then press forward, lest he lose the blessing.]
4. To those who have experienced its cleansing efficacy —
[It is in you that the efficacy of this fountain must be seen. Let it appear that it has cleansed you from earthly and sensual desires. But still you have need to wash in it daily a. This do, and you shall soon join in that triumphant songb — ]
u Matt. viii. 2, 3. x 2 Kings v. 13. y John xiii. 8.
z John v. 4, 7.
a We contract defilement every step we take. Bishop Beveridge justly observes, " Our very tears need to be washed, and our repent- ances to be repented of."
b Rev. i. 5, 6.