The reason why so many Christians are not as full as they should be of praise is that the Spirit of God has not yet brought their souls entirely out of prison. They try to combine the world and the self with Christ. It is impossible. As well try to sleep sometimes in the old prison, and yet go on a forward pilgrimage, dwelling in tabernacles with Abraham and Isaac and Jesus Christ. Be all for Christ because in Him, and forthwith you will have the liberty with which He makes free.
Two things may be briefly added. 1. That to come out of such prison the Lord must bring us out. There is one truth which every one should take a large hold of, that his religious life may be right, and may prosper from beginning to end. It is that we must let God in Christ do everything for us, in us, and by us. We can attain nothing except in so far as God enables. This is true of our bodily life, when we think of it, as well as of our spiritual life. We must walk out of the prison; so far our part. But God must bring us out-giving us the wish to go, the power to go, and guidance in going.
2. When we have been brought out we are not left in an exposed place alone. Our Deliverer stays with us, if we do not send Him away. His words to the twelve are true to all believers in Him through all time, "Lo, I am with you alway." (Matthew 28:20)
He sets us also in a spiritually fortified place. You remember the text, "Flee to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope." (Zechariah 9:12) We pass out from a prison into a stronghold. The Lord is my fortress and my deliverer, saith my soul. "I will say of The Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: in Him will I trust."(Psalm 91:2) "Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."(Psalm 91:9-10)
The door of outgoing stands open. The Lord Himself has opened it. Will ye come out with Him? The door of entrance into His stronghold is likewise open; who will be so foolish as to stay outside, when within there is security from all ill, and participation in the joy and service and praise of life in Christ? Amen."
