Matthew 7:7

We know of a place in England, still existing, where a dole of bread is served to every passerby who chooses to ask for it. Whoever the traveler may be, he has only to knock at the door of St. Cross Hospital, and the dole of bread is there for him.

Jesus Christ so loves sinners that He has built a St. Cross Hospital, so that whenever a sinner is hungry, he has only to knock and have his needs supplied. Indeed, He has done better; He has attached a bath to this Hospital of the Cross, and whenever a soul is black and filthy, it has only to go there and be washed.

The fountain is always full, always efficacious. No sinner ever went into it and found that it could not wash away his stains. Sins which were scarlet and crimson have all disappeared, and the sinner has become whiter than snow.

As if this were not enough, a wardrobe is attached to this Hospital of the Cross. A sinner, applying simply as a sinner, may be clothed from head to foot. If he wishes to be a soldier, he may not merely have a garment for ordinary wear, but armor that will cover him from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

If he asks for a sword, it shall be given to him, and a shield too. Nothing good for him shall be denied him. He shall have spending-money as long as he lives, and he shall have an eternal heritage of glorious treasure when he enters into the joy of his Lord.

If all these things are to be had by merely knocking at mercy’s door, O my soul, knock hard this morning, and ask great things of your generous Lord. Do not leave the throne of grace until all your needs have been laid before the Lord, and until by faith you have a comforting assurance that they shall all be supplied. Bashfulness need not hold you back when Jesus invites. Unbelief should not hinder you when Jesus promises. Cold-heartedness should not restrain you when such blessings are to be obtained.