sinners into it ; and that on that very account it could not be a meet habitation for the Deity, if it were not purified by the atoning- blood of Christ1.]
A just view of these things will discover to us the connexion between the atonement itself, and, II. The duty especially enjoined at the time of that atonement —
To afflict the soul is our duty at all times — [As for the penances which men have contrived for the afflicting of the body, they are neither acceptable to God, nor beneficial to man : they tend to keep men from true repentance, rather than to lead them to it. Doubtless such a measure of fasting and bodily self-denial as shall aid the soul in its opera- tions, is good : but still it is the soul chiefly that must be afflicted. That is the principal seat of sin, and therefore should be the principal seat of our sorrows. Indeed, it is the soul alone which possesses a capacity for real and rational humiliation.
Now as there is " no man who does not in many things, yea, in every thing (to a certain degree) offend," there is no man who does not need to afflict his soul, and to humble himself before God on account of his defects.
But it may be asked, How is this to be done ? How can we reach our soul, so as to afflict it? I answer, By meditating deeply on our sins. We should call to mind all the transactions of our former lives, and compare them with the holy commands of God. We should, as far as possible, make all our sins pass in review before us: we should consider their number and variety, their constancy and continuance, their magnitude and enormity : we should search out all the aggravating circum- stances with which they have been committed, as being done against light and knowledge, against mercies and judgments, against vows and resolutions, and, above all, against redeeming love. We should contemplate our desert and danger on account of them, and our utter loathsomeness in the sight of God. This is the way to bring the soul to " a broken and contrite " state : and this is the duty of every living man.]
But it was peculiarly proper on the great day of atonement —
[The exercise of godly sorrow would further in a variety of views a just improvement of all the solemnities of that day.
It would dispose the person to justify God in requiring such services. Those who felt no sense of sin would be ready to complain of the ordinances as burthensome and expensive : but those who were truly contrite, would be thankful, that God had appointed any means of obtaining reconciliation with him
1 Heb. ix. 23.