[The sight of his returning child caused the father's bowels to yearn over him ; nor would he suffer an upbraiding word to escape his lips. When the Prodigal began his confession, the father interrupted him with kisses ; and not only would not hear the whole of his confession, but would not even hurt his feelings by saying that he forgave him. He ordered the best robe, with shoes and a ring, to be instantly put upon him, and killed the fatted calf in order to celebrate the joyful occasion.]
What a delightful representation does this give us
of the reception which penitents find with God!
[God longs for their salvation even while they are at a distance from him. He notices with joy the first approaches of their souls towards him. Instead of frowning on the pro- digal, he receives him with joy. Instead of upbraiding him with his folly, he seals upon his soul a sense of pardon. He arrays him in robes of righteousness and garments of salvation. He adorns him in a manner suited to the relation into which he is brought. He provides for his future comfortable and upright conversation. He rejoices over him as recovered from the dead, and makes it an occasion of festivity to all the angels in heaven. Thus do even the vilest sinners find their hopes, not only realized, but far exceeded. They come for pardon, and obtain joy ; for deliverance from hell, and get a title to heaven. Their utmost ambition is to be regarded as the meanest of God's servants ; and they are exalted to all the honours and happiness of his beloved children.]
Application —
[Who would not wish to resemble this Prodigal in his reception with his father? But, in order to it, we must re- semble him in his penitence and contrition. Let none think that, because they have been more moral than the Prodigal, they do not need to repent like him. All of us without ex- ception have walked after the imagination of our own hearts, without any love to God's presence, or regard for his authority. Let all of us then cry for mercy, as miserable sinners. The more vile we are in our own eyes, the more acceptable shall we be to God. Some perhaps may fear to return, because they have been so exceeding vile : but let none imagine that they have gone beyond the reach of mercy : the promise of acceptance extends to all without exception a. " There is bread enough and to spare" for all that will go to God. Let all then accept the Saviour's invitation15. Let us this day afford an occasion of joy to all the hosts of heaven; then shall we ourselves be soon made partakers of their joy, and dwell, as dear children, in our Father's house for ever and ever.]
a John vii. 37. b Matt. xi. 28,
1546.] TIIE prodigal's elder brother. 549