1 . The grand constituents of repentance —
[Many may be sorry that they have subjected themselves to punishment, just as a criminal may that he has forfeited his life to the laws of his country: but no man can truly re- pent, till he sees, that his whole life has been one continued state of rebellion against God ; and that " everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord" is his just desert. Till a man has that view of himself, he will never be thoroughly broken and contrite ; he will never lothe and abhor himself for his iniquities ; he will never have that " repentance which is unto life, that repentance which is not to be repented of." We in- treat you all then to judge of your repentance by these marks. Do not be satisfied with being humbled on account of sin ; but inquire particularly, whether you are more humbled from a view of it as against man, or a view of it as against God. These ought to bear no proportion in your estimate of your own character. Your own nothingness and vileness can only be estimated aright, when viewed in contrast with the majesty you have offended, and the mercy you have despised : and till you see that ever- lasting
*^ It is worthy of observation, that God's goodness to David is men- tioned as the greatest aggravation of his offence. 2 Sam. xii. 7 — 9. *• Lev. X. 3. ' I Sam. iii. 18. ^ Isai. xxxix. 8.
' Ps. xxxix. 9. '" Rev. xv. 3. & xix. 1, 2. " Matt. xxii. 12. " Rom. iii. 19.