free, and general. " In all our doings," says the 17th Article, " that will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared to us in the word of God." God's sovereignty was never meant to destroy man's responsi- bility. One thief was saved that no sinner might despair, but only one, that no sinner might presume."
We see, secondly, in this history, the unvarying character of repentance unto salvation. This is a point in the penitent thief's story which is fearfully overlooked. Thousands look at the broad fact that he was saved in the hour of death, and look no further. They do not look at the distinct and well-defined evidences of re- pentance which fell from his lips before he died. Those evidences deserve our closest attention.
The first notable step in the thief's repentance was his concern about his companion's wickedness in reviling Christ. "Dost thou not fear God," he said, "seeing thou art in the same condemnation." — The second step was a full acknowledgment of his own sin. " "We indeed are justly in condemnation. We receive the due reward of our deeds." — ^The third step was an open confession of Christ's innocence. "This man hath done nothing amiss." — ^The fourth step was faith in Jesus Christ's power and will to save him. He turned to a crucified sufferer, and called Him " Lord," and declared his belief that He had a kingdom. — ^The fifth step was prayer. He cried to Jesus when he was hanging on the cross, and asked Him even then to think upon his soul. — ^The sixth and last step was humility. He begged to be " re- membered " by our Lord. He mentions no great thing. Enough for him if he is remembered by Christ. These