be clear in this matterf." In them we behold what we consider as eminently characterizing true repentance, namely, an inge- nuous shame on account of their past conduct, a readiness to justify God in any judgments he should inflict on them, a hatred of their sin, and a determination through grace to walk more circumspectly in future : and wherever such an expe- rience is, there is the grace of God in truth g.
It must be abiding. Transient emotions, of whatever kind they be, can never be regarded as constituting true repentance. Pharaoh's confessions11, and Saul's", appeared to indicate a change of heart : but no real change was wrought in them, as is evident from their reverting almost immediately again to their former ways. The generality, if they had attained the humiliation of Ahab, would be ready to account themselves real penitents : but his subsequent conduct shewed the insin- cerity of all his professions'^. Far different from this must our contrition be, if ever we would be accepted of our God : we must retain the impressions which have been made upon us : we must say with Hezekiah, " I will go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul1 :" and, instead of accounting our acceptance with God a reason for putting off this frame of mind, we should regard it rather as a motive to still deeper humiliation. This is the design of God in exercising mercy towards usm; and it is the inseparable effect, where that mercy is received aright".]
2. A turning to God in newness of life —
[This also will be acknowledged as essential to true repentance. But let not this change be mistaken:
It must be cordial; not the service of a slave under the influence of fear and dread, but the result of a conviction that sin is an intolerable bondage, and that the service of God is perfect freedom. Whatever change proceeds not from the heart, is mere hypocrisy0; that which characterizes sound conversion, engages all the faculties of the soulp. Thus it is represented by Solomon in his intercessory prayerq: and agreeable to their representation is the direction given to us by the prophet Joel : " Turn ye even to me with all your heart, with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning1'."
It must be progressive. Conversion is not a work that is accomplished all at once, or ever so perfect in this life, but that
f 2 Cor. vii. 10, 11. e Ezek. xx. 43, 44.
h Exod. ix. 27. and x. 16, 17.
1 1 Sam. xxiv. 16 — 18. and xxvi. 21.
k 1 Kings xxi. 27 — 29. and xxii. 27. 1 Isai. xxxviii. 15.
m Rom. ii. 4. n Ezek. xvi. 63. ° Jer. iii. 10.
p Jer. xxiv. 7. q 2 Chron. vi. 37, 38. r Joel ii. 12.