The Scriptures illustrate sin by " a dog returning to his own vomit," " and a sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire d." It must be confessed that the former of these metaphors is most disgusting: but the more disgusting it is, the more suited is it to the occasion; since the conduct of the sinner, like that of the dog, argues an unspeakably filthy and depraved appetite. Let us apply this metaphor, not to gross sins only, but to sin in general ; and then consider, that sin has been, not merely a morsel swallowed under some violent temptation, but our daily food, yea, the only thing towards which he had any real appe- tite : and what filthy creatures shall we then appear ! What disgusting objects must we be in the sight of God ; and how ought we to lothe and abhor ourselves ! The latter metaphor also is a just representation of our conduct; and shews, that no terms are too degrading, no images too disgusting, to re- present the filthiness of our habits, and the depravity of our hearts.
Nor let it be thought that this representation is too strong ; for it accords, not only with the text, which is frequently re- peated6, but with the confessions of the most eminent saints f, and justifies fully that declaration of Job, " Behold, I am vile ! I repent, therefore, and abhor myself in dust and ashes g."]
That this is the duty of all, without exception, will appear by considering,
II. When it is to be performed —
We must not limit this repentance to the time of conversion merely ; we must, as the context shews ush, continue it after our conversion : indeed the period subsequent to our conversion is that wherein this duty is more particularly required. For,
1. Conversion qualifies us for it —
[Till we are converted, we see but very few of our sins ; because we have very defective views of the law of God. Being ignorant of the demands of the law, we must of necessity be ignorant of the multitude of our transgressions against it. Moreover we see but little of the malignity of sin ; because we are unacquainted with the immense obligations which we owe to God, against whom our sins are committed. An act of un- kindness in a fellow-creature, though trifling in itself, may be an exceedingly heinous offence, if done in return for many and great favours. What then must sin be, when committed against
d 2 Pet. ii. 22. e Ezek. vi. 9. and xx. 43.
f Gen. xviii. 27. Isai. vi. 5. s Job xl. 4. and xlii. 6. '> " Then:' See ver. 25—27.