words. Thousands have reasoned in this way, and are saying such things to themselves every day. And we must be thankful when we see such thoughts arise. Thinking is not change of heart, but it may be the be- g^inning of it. Conviction is not conversion, but it is one step, at any rate, in a right direction. The ruin of many people's souls is simply this, that they never think at all.
One caution, however, must always be given. Men must beware that they do not stop short in " thinking." Ghx)d thoughts are all very well, but they are not saving Christianity. If the younger son had never got beyond thinking, he might have kept from home to the day of his death.
We see, fourthly, in this parable, man turning to God toith true repentance and faith. Our Lord shows us the younger son quitting the far country where he was, and going back to his father's house, carrying into practice the good intentions he had formed, and unreservedly con- fessing his sin. "He arose and went."
These words are a Hfe-like outline of true repentance and conversion. The man in whose heart a true work of the Holy Ghost has begun, will never be content with thinking and resolving. He wiU break off from sin. He will come out .from its fellowship. He will cease to do eviL He will learn to do well. He will turn to God in humble prayer. He will confess his iniquities. He will not attempt to excuse his sins. He will say with David, ** I acknowledge my transgression." He will say with the publican, "God be merciful to me a sinner." (Psalm' li. 3. Luke xviii. 13.)
Let, us beware of any repentance, falsely so called.