more moral and decent way, we are all alike in this, that we have lived to ourselves rather than unto God. This we all have acknowledged in the general Con- fession1' and therefore we may all, without
exception, consider the invitation as addressed to our- selves : " Return unto me ; "
1. In penitence —
[As sinners, we are all called upon to repent : nor can we ever be accepted of God, whilst we continue impenitent. The
Prodigal Son, in his return, is a pattern to us allc
The Publican, and not the self-applauding Pharisee, was jus- tified before Godd. It is not the more notorious sinner only that is to " sow in tears, in order to reap in joy:" for " he that covereth his sins, whoever he may be, shall not prosper : it is he only who confesseth and forsaketh them, that shall find mercy e." Hence the Saviour would have the very best of men approach him with that penitential acknowledgment, " Behold, I am vile: I repent and abhor myself in dust and ashes f."]
2. In faith —
[We are not to come to the Lord doubting either his power or his willingness to save usg, but fully confiding in him as able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by himh: " If I may but touch the hem of his garment, T shall be whole1." Our Saviour would not have any doubts entertained in our mind. He reproved Martha for questioning the fullest possible accomplishment of his word: " Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God k ? " In our return to him he will make our faith the measure of the benefits he will confer upon us : " He says, according to your faith it shall be unto you1."]
3. In love —
[He must have willing servants, or none. We must account "none of his commandments grievous m," but regard " his yoke easy and his burthen light"." In returning to him, the language of our hearts must be that which he himself used, when first he undertook our cause : " Lo, I come ; I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart0." In fact, our readiness and determination of heart to obey his will is the only true test of our repentance, our faith, or our
b Cite it. « Luke xv. 18, 19. d Lukexviii. 14.
e Prov. xxviii. 13. f Job xlii. 6.
e Mark ix. 22, 23. Matt. viii. 2. i» Heb. vii. 25.
* Matt. ix. 21. k John xi. 40. > Matt. ix. 29.
™ 1 John v. 3. n Matt. xi. 30. ° Ps. xl. 7, 8.