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====MEDITATION LIV.====

'''PRISONERS.'''

St. Helens, July 29, 1758.

This is a common affliction in war—that whoever conquers at last, in the mean time many on both sides lose their life, or suffer by imprisonment, as these poor men, who carry the effects of their long confinement, and scanty allowance, in their countenance. Their meager looks tell they have not been nourished by the bounty of their own sovereign, under whose flag they fought.

But now, when escaped from their cells, they betake not themselves to a slothful, indolent, and easy life—but, with redoubled ardor, fly again to the warfare, eager to be revenged on their enemies, and take those as prisoners—whose prisoners they once were. 

Even so the soldier, that in the Christian warfare (and all his life is one continued war) is taken captive by Satan, is cast down by some temptation, and overcome by some lust; who is imprisoned in carnality, whose iron gate is despair, and the chains and fetters which bind the prisoners are insensibility, and impenitence of heart; while Satan, to keep all secure, stands sentry himself. 

In like manner, when such a one is recovered from his captivity, is restored to liberty, by him who takes the prey from the terrible, and delivers the captive—how does his holy indignation rise against sin, and especially that sin especially which had overcome him!

As he had formerly gone backward, now he runs in the way of righteousness, and studies that his path may be like the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day. None has—a greater hatred of sin than he—a greater zeal for the glory of God—a greater jealousy over himself—and a greater compassion for those who groan under the assaults of Satan, and swellings of sin. His soul disease is removed, and being fed and feasted with the bread of life—he grows strong as Samson for the war. 

Every wound which he received when taken captive—is healed by the balm of Gilead which is poured in by the Physician of souls. And he is filled with joy by the sweet assurance, that none of all the children of God shall die in prison, but with full triumph, and loud Hosanna, shall at last enter the realms of everlasting day!


[[MEDITATION LV,]]


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