2. But in a way of suitable preparation —
[Repentance and amendment are necessary both to an honourable exercise of mercy on God's part, and to a becoming reception of mercy on our part.
If God were not to require humiliation in us, and a morti- fication of our sins, what evidence would there be that He is holy; and in what light would he appear as the Moral Governor of the Universe? Surely he would be thought indifferent about the honour of his law, and regardless of the moral character of his creatures. But he will not so dishonour his own per- fections : and therefore, even when most anxious to display his mercy, he requires an acknowledgment of sin on our part", and declares, that, if we will not humble ourselves before him, he will proceed against us with deserved rigour0.
But if we could conceive that God should pardon an un- repenting sinner, the sinner himself would not value a pardon so offered : he would rather think it an insult than a favour : for, whilst he is unconscious that he deserves the wrath of God, he would account it an injustice even to be supposed to merit it. Again, suppose the pardon actually conferred, what grati- tude would he feel for the gift bestowed ? or what endeavours would he make to glorify God in future 1 Would he not account sin a light matter ? Would he not readily return to it, even " as a dog to his vomit, or the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire ?" We may ask once more ; supposing him forgiven, how could he join in the songs of the redeemed above ? They are prostrating themselves with profoundest adoration before the throne of God, and singing praises inces- santly " to Him that loved them, and washed them from their sins in his own blood :" but he has no heart for such exercises: instead of magnifying his God and Saviour for the greatness of his mercy towards him, he would be congratulating himself that he had never merited any other portion.
Here then the connexion between these duties and our for- giveness is manifest : it is founded, not in any vain ideas of merit, but in the immutable decrees of God : God cannot dis- honour himself; nor can man be saved in any other way, than by " confessing and forsaking his iniquities'5."]
Address —
1. Those who have never yet been awakened to a sense of their sins —
[Alas ! how many amongst us are yet " uncircumcised in heart and ears ?" How many have never yet wept and mourned in secret for their sins, and never adopted the resolution of the Prodigal, " I will arise and go to my father." But God forbid
" Jer. iii. 12, 13. ° Jer. ii. 35. p Prov. xxviii. 13.