rather take occasion, from what we have seen in him, to humble ourselves before God ; and, from the mercies vouchsafed to him, to adore our God for the mercies vouchsafed unto ourselves.]
2. What encouragement we have to return unto our God —
[If there were a mere peradventure only that we might obtain mercy from God, that alone were a sufficient encou- ragement to humble ourselves before God. So the Prophet Joel, using the very words of my text, informs us0. Are there, then, amongst us those who are altogether ignorant of God, like the devoted Ninevites ? I say, Humble yourselves before God, and you shall find mercy at his hands, especially if you
seek it in the name of his only dear Son Jesus Christ
Or is there any professor of godliness, who, like the Prophet Jonah, has given way to sin, and grievously dishonoured his holy profession ? To such an one would I say, Abase yourself before God in dust and ashes. We are not, indeed, told that Jonah repented, and was forgiven ; but we have reason to hope that this was the case, from his being called " the servant of God p :" and if he was forgiven, who has any reason to despair ? Me- thinks I see one even in as vile a spirit as he ; and yet I hear God addressing him in these tender terms : " How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee up, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah ? how shall I set thee as Zeboim ? Mine heart is turned within me : my repentings are kindled together : I will not execute upon thee the fierceness of mine anger q." Indeed, indeed, Brethren, it will be your own fault, if any of you perish. " God willeth not the death of any sin- ner ; but that he turn from his wickedness and live." I beseech you all, therefore, whatever guilt you may have contracted, never to flee from God in despondency, but to go to him, in an assured hope that he is still as gracious as ever ; and that, how abundant soever have been his mercies in the days of old, they shall be renewed to you the very instant that you cry to him in the name of Jesus, who " was delivered unto death for your offences, and rose again for your justification."]
0 Joel ii. 12 — 14. Cite the words. p 2 Kings xiv. 25.
i Hos. xi. 8, 9.