sentiment. For, so entirely are the duties of this season neglected, that it will appear to many strange that we take such a subject as that before us, unless indeed on that day with which the season commences, and which is still observed amongst us as a public fast. But, in reality, the exhortation before us is suited to all seasons : and therefore, without apology, I will call your attention to it, and set before you,
I. Our duty —
All acknowledge, in general terms, the duty of re- pentance : and here we are led to contemplate it,
1. In its outward expressions —
[" Fasting, and weeping, and mourning," are the proper expressions of penitence in the soul. But "fasting" is griev- ously neglected amongst us; and all are ready to excuse themselves from it, as unprofitable to their souls. But why should it not be as profitable to us as it was to the saints of old? Or why should our blessed Lord have given us direc- tions for the performance of this duty, if it were a matter of indifference whether we performed it or not ? The truth is, that we are as far from observing those other duties, of " weep- ing and mourning," as we are that of "fasting:" and hence it is that "fasting" is so little in request amongst us. Do but call to mind your state before God, my Brethren ; and see how rarely, if ever, you have wept on account of your sins ; and how rarely, if ever, you have so " looked on Him whom you have pierced by your sins, as to mourn and be in bitterness, as one
that is in bitterness for his first-born a ? " Yet these, so
to speak, are only the outward expressions of repentance. Let me call your attention to it,]
2. In the inward experience of the soul —
[" To rend the garments," however passionately it were done, would be a small matter, if we did not at the same time " rend the heart." But O ! what an idea does this convey ! We can easily conceive, and see as it were before our eyes, a garment rent : but who can conceive of a heart torn, and rent as it were to pieces, by distress on account of sin ? Yet this is the experience of one who is truly penitent and contrite : this is what God requires of us ; and any thing short of this he will utterly despise b.
Further than this, God says to us in my text, " Turn ye unto me with all your heart, even turn unto the Lord your
a Zech. xii. 10. » Ps. li. 17.