destroy it, that the very worship of God should be set aside for want of an offering to present to him. At this day, also, he often visits sin with temporal calamities, till he has reduced us to the greatest imaginable distress. And, in reference to these visita- tions, it is uncertain whether God will remove them from us on our repentance, or not. David, though pardoned as to his soul, was visited with severe trials in 'his family. And so may we be visited: nor can we be certain, that, " though God forgive us our sins," he will not "take vengeance of our inventions6." Yet may we hope for the removal even of these judgments: and "who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a bless- ing behind him," even such a blessing as shall bring you into a state of sweet communion with your God ?
But if the question be put in reference to the remission of sins, and the ultimate enjoyment of heaven, I will undertake, with reverence and humility, to say, "I know." Yes, the whole word of God declares that he will return in mercy to the con- trite soul ; and " blot out our iniquities as a morning cloud," and "remember them against us no more for ever." Even though he had given the command for our destruction, yet would he revoke it, even as he did in reference to Nineveh, if he saw us, in penitence and faith, returning to him : and though we had not an hour to live, he would hear our prayer, and take us, like the dying thief, to be with him in Paradise. This hope is founded on his perfections, as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, and on the word of promise which he has given to returning penitents. And therefore I cannot but urge and encourage every one of you to humble yourselves before him, and to " seek at his hands the blessings which he is so ready to bestow."]
And now let me ask,
1. Is not this repentance necessary ?
[Yes, for every one amongst you. I readily grant, that many of you are free from any thing that comes under the character of gross sin : but who amongst you has not grievously departed from God ? Who has not shamefully slighted our blessed Saviour? Who has not resisted the motions of the Holy Spirit ? Who has not lived for time, rather than for eternity; and to himself, rather than unto his God? Here, then, is reason enough for every one of you to weep and mourn, and to rend your very souls to pieces before God. I entreat, therefore, you who are young, and you also who are moral, to reflect on these things, and to turn to God without delay ; yea, to turn unto him with your whole hearts.]
e Ps. xcix. 8.