Particular mention is made in Scripture of the avenger of blood, (Deuteronomy 19:6) and cities of refuge were appointed for the manslayer. (Numbers 35:12; Joshua 20:5) There is much of Christ as a refuge, represented under this appointment, and we shall do well at any time when reading those Scriptures, to be on the look out for discoveries of the Lord Jesus in the several features of the history. Every man, by sin, is a murderer, yea; a soul murderer, and that of himself. And the avenger, both in the law of God and the justice of God, is always, it may be said, in pursuit of the sinner, until he hath taken shelter in Christ. Jesus is the city of refuge. And Jesus is near to flee unto. (Hebrews 6:18) It was not the stronghold of those places which secured the manslayer, but because it was the provision of divine mercy. "Salvation the Lord appointed for walls and bulwarks." (Isaiah 26:1) And what endeared the city of refuge to the manslayer was, that it was wholly of God's own appointing. And the general and extensive nature of its security was, that poor stranger, as well as the Israelite, found a sanctuary. (Numbers 35:15) Such is the Lord in the greatness and extensiveness of his salvation. "For (saith the apostle) there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, male nor female, for they are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28) Sweet type of Jesus, the city of refuge.

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