4. We never can be truly penitent for sin, if we are not desirous also to repair it to the utmost of our power —
[Certain it is that no reparation for sin can ever be made to God. It is the precious blood of Christ, and that only, that can ever satisfy the offended Majesty of heaven. But injuries done to our fellow-creatures, may, and must, be requited. If we have defrauded any, whether individuals or the public, it is our bounden duty to make restitution to the full amount : and, if we cannot find the individuals injured, we should make it to God, in the persons of the poor. To pretend to repent of any sin, and yet hold fast the wages of our iniquity, is a solemn mockery: for the retaining of a thing which we have unjustly acquired, is, in fact, a continuation of the offence. Let us make the case our own, and ask, Whether, if a man had de- frauded us, we should give him credit for real penitence, whilst he withheld from us what he had fraudulently obtained ? We certainly should say, that his professions of repentance were mere hypocrisy : and therefore the same judgment we must pass on ourselves, if we do not to the utmost of our power repair every injury we have ever done. Look at Zaccheus, and see what were the fruits of penitence in him : " Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor ; and if I have wronged any man, I restore him four-fold r." See also the effect of godly sorrow in the Corinthian Church ; " What indignation against themselves, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge, yea, what a determination to clear themselves " of the evil in every pos- sible way s ! Look to it, beloved, that the same proofs of sin- cerity be found in you. Yet do not presently conclude that all is right, because you have made restitution unto man : (this is a mistake by no means uncommon :) the guilt of your sin still remains upon your conscience, and must be washed away by the atoning blood of Christ : that is the only " foun- tain opened for sin and uncleanness," nor, till you are washed in that, can you ever behold the face of God in peace.]
r Luke xix. 8. s 2 Cor. vii. 11.