mistaking the nature of true repentance. Perhaps conscience has condemned you, and you have felt ashamed and con- founded on account of your great iniquities. But if you have gone no further, you are no true penitent. The Scribes and Pharisees advanced thus far ; but they sought not mercy at the Saviour's hands : they went from him, fearing more the decrease of their reputation, than the loss of their souls. Had they been truly penitent, they would have blessed him who had thus flashed conviction on their minds, and have implored his more effectual power to change and renew their souls. Be not contented then to resemble them ; but seek to know all the hidden abominations of your hearts, and to have them washed away in the Redeemer's blood. Be assured that true repentance will lead you to Christ : and, if you do not find this effect from your convictions, you may know infallibly that your sorrow is not of " a godly sort," and that your very repentance needs yet to be repented of.
It is of great importance for you to make these distinctions ; because many continue all their days guilty, but not humbled ; condemned, but not forgiven.]
3. The Christian who professes to have obtained
mercy of the Lord —
[The admonition given to the woman is equally addressed to every true believer. And here must I suggest a caution against a common, but fatal error. If persons abstain from some particular sins which they have before committed, they are ready to think that they have done all that is required of them. But to turn from gross iniquities is a small matter ; and to perform some particular duties is a small matter. Pride and self-complacency may carry us thus far : but the grace of God must carry us much farther. We must lay the axe to the root: we must put away " our besetting sin:" and must become "new creatures," and " be renewed in the spirit of our minds." Mark this expression : it conveys a more complete idea of sound conversion than almost any other expression in the whole sacred volume : contemplate it : enter into it : beg of God to reveal to you its true import. The bent of your minds was earthly : a directly opposite bent must now be given it ; just as a river which recently flowed with rapidity towards the ocean, now flows with equal rapidity towards the fountain-head : the tide has turned, and completely changed its course. Thus must it be with you : heavenly things must now have the place in your affections that earthly things once held ; and the delight of your soul must be in them, as that of a licentious man is in his pleasures, or an avaricious man in his wealth. To sur- render up all your faculties and powers as a living sacrifice to God, is the proper fruit of his mercies, and the proper evidence