ore, reconciling the world to himself. All the light of consolation
and salvation that is from God, is all embodied in this Sun of
righteousness. All the streams of grace and mercy run in the channel of
his well beloved Son. It follows then, that God is not to be found out of
Jesus Christ, and whosoever is without Christ, is without God in the
world. "God was in Christ reconciling the world," and "there is therefore
no condemnation to them that are in Christ," but God out of Christ is
condemning the world, and therefore condemnation is to all that are not in
Christ. When all the sons of Adam were declared rebels, because of his and
their own rebellion, the Lord hath appointed a city of refuge, that
whosoever is pursued by the avenger of blood, may enter into it, and get
protection and safety. Without is nothing but the sword of the avenger,
justice reigning in all the world beside, within this city, justice may
not enter to take out any into condemnation. And therefore those souls
that flee for refuge, to lay hold upon the hope set before them in Jesus
Christ, justice may pursue them to the ports of this city, condemnation
may follow them hard, till they enter in, but these may not enter into the
ports of the city. What a miserable estate then are these souls in, that
be in their own natures in the open fields without this city! How many
foolish men apprehend no danger, but sport about the ports of the city of
refuge, and will not enter in! O the avenger of blood shall be upon thee
ere thou know, and if it find thee out of the city, woe unto thee! All thy
prayers and entreaties will not prevail. Justice is blind and deaf,--cannot
deal partially, or respect persons, cannot hear thy supplications. It is
strange, that men are taken up with other petty inconsiderable things, and
yet neglect to know what this is, to be in Jesus Christ, upon which their
salvation depends.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the soul's flight into the city of refuge. Now
none flieth but when they apprehend danger, or are pursued. This danger
that a soul apprehends, is perishing and condemnation for ever. The
pursuer is the law of God, and his justice, these have a sword in their
hand, the curse of God, and the sentence of condemnation. God erects a
tribunal in his word, wherein he judgeth men. Whosoever he hath a purpose
of good-will unto, he makes the law to enter into their consciences, that
the offence might abound. He sends out some messenger of affli