will they submit to the painful necessity of making " Christ their all." But more notorious sinners are more easily con- vinced of sin ; they see at once that they can have no righte- ousness of their own ; and, when humbled for their iniquities, gladly embrace the Gospel salvation. Thus it was with the different hearers of John the Baptist*^ ; and thus it was in the apostolic, and all succeeding ages*^. Let us then endeavour to bear in mind that caution of Solomon^ — and thankfully accept mercy on the terms offered to us in the Gospel — .]
2. The characters of men will not be determined by their words, but by their actions —
[In some sense indeed, it is true, that " by our words we shall be condemned or justified *^:" but God will not be de- ceived by any fair promises or transient intentions. We may say, ' I go. Sir ;' but he will inquire, whether we really go ; nor will he regard our professions of love and service, if in works we deny him. It is the penitent and obedient, not the hypocritical and deceitful, son, that he will accept. Let none then rest in confessions of faith or promises of obedience. Let every one inquire, 'Am I now working for God in his appointed way?' Let us not ask, * Am I doing as much as others?' but ' What do I more than others ? Am I more humble, more meek, more dead to the world, more exercised in spiritual things, &c. ?' This is the test by which God will judge us in the last day. Let us then try ourselves by this rule, that we may know our true character ; nor let us think ourselves right because we once appeared earnest in doing the Lord's will. Let us remember the plain declarations of God concerning us*''; and let us expect reward or punishment according to the verdict of his word and of our own conscience '^.J
3. The most daring rebel, if he truly repent, shall be accepted of God —
[This is a most delightful and encouraging truth to a sin- cere penitent. It is ascertained beyond a doubt from the parable before us : it has been exemplified in numberless, and authentic, instances* : and it shall be realized at this hour to those who truly desire it. However open, heinous, or delibe- rate our offences have been, they shall be forgiven'*^. The vineyard is yet open, and the command of God is, Go work in it. Let publicans and harlots hear the voice of our common Father : let them be assured, that their past iniquities shall be
•^ Luke vii. 29, 30. and Matt. xxi. 32. i Rom. ix. 30—32. e Prov. XXX. 12. ' ^ Matt. xii. 37.
s Matt. vii. 21. Ezek. xviii. 21, 22, 24. ^ 1 John iii. 20, 21. i Manasseh, 2 Chron. xxxiii. 12, 13. Luke vii, 47. '^ Isai. i. 18.