injunction of St. Peter, " and be always ready to give a reason of the hope that is in us with meekness and with fear." (1 Peter iii. 15.) We ought to shrink from no inquiry into the j^rinciples of our holy religion, and to be ready at any time to defend and explain our practice. But for all this, we must never forget that "wisdom is profitable to direct," and that we should strive to speak wisely in defence of a good cause. The words of Solomon deserve consideration : " Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou be like unto him." (Prov. xxvi. 4.)
In the last place, let us observe in these verses, what immense encouragement our Lord holds out to those toho repent. We see this strikingly brought out in the para- ble of the two sons. Both were told to go and work in their father's vineyard. One son, like the profligate j)ublicans, for some time flatly refused obedience, but afterwards repented and went. The other, like the formal Phari- sees, pretended willingness to go, but in reality went not. " Whether of them twain," says our Lord, " did the will of his father .^" Even his enemies were obliged to reply, " the first."
Let it be a settled principle in our Christianity, that the Grod and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is infinitely willing to receive penitent sinners. — It matters nothing what a man has been in time past. Does he repent, and come to Christ ? Then old things are passed away, and all things are become new. — It matters nothing how high and self-confident a man's profession of religion may be. Docs he really give up his sins ? If not, his profession is abominable in God's sight, and he himself is still under the curse. Let us take courage ourselves, if we have