and misery: but " as soon as he began to confess his sins unto the Lord, the Lord forgave the iniquity of his sin'J."
And need we say what " mercy" God will vouchsafe to penitents in the last day? Surely all the manifestations of his love which he gives to them in this world, are but as a twmkling star compared with that full splendour of the Sun of Righteous- ness, which in that day every contrite soul shall enjoy. The joy of the Father over the returning prodigal, with all the music, and feasting, and dancing, are but faint images of what shall be realized in heaven over every true penitent through all eternity.]
From hence we may learn,
L Whence it is that men know so little of spiritual prosperity —
[Repentance is a work to which we are very averse. If we did but occasionally set apart a day for solemn fasting and prayer, and set ourselves more diligently to the great duty of humiliation before God, we should have more delightful visits from him, and richer communications of his grace to our souls ]
2. How painful will be the self-condemnation of all who perish !
[The promise in our text will then be remembered with unutterable shame and sorrow. What a reflection will it be, " I might have obtained mercy, but would not seek it:" God said to me, " Only acknowledge thine iniquity"^;" but I would not deign to acknowledge it. Verily the easy terms on which salvation might have been obtained, will form the bitterest in- gredient of that bitter cup which the impenitent soul will have to drink to all eternity.]
3. What obligations do we owe to the Lord Jesus Christ !
[It is through him, and through him alone, that repent- ance is of any avail. There is nothing in repentance that can merit forgiveness : all the merit is in Christ Jesus, even in his obedience unto death : it is that which cancels all our guilt ; it is that which purchases our title to the heavenly inheritance. Whilst therefore we confess and forsake our sins, let our eyes be directed to Him as our only hope, even to him, *' in whom all the seed of Israel shall be justified, and in whom they shall glory."]
« Ps. xxxii. 3—5. r Jer. ill. 12, 13.