was always accessible and compassionate: and in this, as in all other respects, he "hath left us an "example that we should follow his steps."

Simon, the Pharisee, disdained "the woman "that was a sinner," when, as a weeping penitent, she washed our Lord's " feet with tears, and wiped "them with the hairs of her head." But he But he graciously noticed the evidences of her faith and love: he declared that "her sins, though many, were "forgiven:" he said to her, "thy faith hath saved "thee, go in peace."

In like manner, when censured for becoming the guest of Zaccheus the publican; having heard his profession of penitent faith, he declared for his encouragement, "This day is salvation come to "this house; for as much as he also is a son of "Abraham: for the Son of man is come to seek "and to save that which was lost."

And even to

the thief upon the cross, who confessed his guilt, and said, "Lord, remember me when thou comest " in thy kingdom;" amidst his own agonizing tortures he replied, "Verily, I say unto thee, this day "shalt thou be with me in paradise."

This uniform conduct of our blessed Saviour, towards those who were humbly sensible of their guilt and danger, appears still more remarkable and instructive, if contrasted with his addresses to the self-sufficient Scribes and Pharisees; in which he uses the strongest language of just severity and authoritative rebuke: "Verily, I say unto you, "that the publicans and harlots shall enter into the "kingdom of heaven before you." "Ye serpents,

ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the "damnation of hell?" There is in some men a

sort of indolent easiness of temper, which induces an indiscriminate kindness to persons of all characters, at least as far as words can go: but the marked difference of address, which our Lord made use of, in speaking to the self-righteous and to the humble penitent, forms such a contrast, that we are sure there must be, in his judgment, something essentially different in the state of their hearts, which according to the plan of the gospel requires this marked discrimination.

When Saul of Tarsus, being met with in the way to Damascus, became a humble suppliant, the compassionate Saviour whom he had persecuted takes notice of it to Ananias," Behold he prayeth." And Ananias, sent expressly to assure him of pardon and peace, and to restore his sight as a pledge of further mercies, accosts this wolf, which had so cruelly destroyed the sheep of Christ, with the cordial address," Brother, Saul, the Lord, even Jesus "whom thou sawest in the way, hath sent me unto "thee." It is probable that Saul, during his three days' weeping and fasting, in darkness and distress, had feared lest he had sinned beyond the reach of mercy: but no objections were made against him on account of his past most atrocious crimes; and, as soon as he began to repent, and was willing to be saved in the way of the gospel, he was heartily welcomed, both by the Lord and by his ministers.

The Old Testament affords an instance no less extraordinary. Manasseh had filled Jerusalem with abominable idolatries, and with innocent blood; he had persisted and increased in wickedness beyond example, in defiance of warnings sent

from God by his prophets; he had used his authority to induce his people to comply with his abominations; and, yet, when " in affliction he besought "the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly "before the God of his fathers; he was intreated "of him, and heard his supplication."

But the parable, in this chapter, of the prodigal son, which has been repeatedly alluded to, is perhaps the most decisive on the subject that can be conceived. It was spoken on purpose to encourage the penitent, and to reprove those who disdained them. No sooner is the prodigal, whose conduct had been most base, brought to himself, and induced to return home, than the father sees him afar off, runs to meet him, prevents his confessions and intreaties, hastens to speak peace and comfort to his dejected heart, and welcomes him with every token of affection and joy.

The Lord indeed often leaves the awakened sinner for a time" to sow in tears," and "tremble "at his word;" in order "to humble and prove "him, and to do him good at the latter end:" but if truly penitent, if " he goeth forth and weepeth, "bearing precious seed, he shall doubtless come "again rejoicing, and bring his sheaves with him." He may for a season mourn in darkness, and fear lest his case be hopeless; but ere long he shall "O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast is turned away, and angry "thou comfortest me. Behold God is become my

say,

with me, thine

anger

"salvation: I will trust and not be afraid; for the

"Lord Jehovah is my strength

"also is become my salvation.

and my song, he

Therefore with

"joy shall ye draw waters out of the wells of sal"vation."

Whatever then is needful of instruction, pardon, sanctification, strength, liberty, or comfort, shall in due time be vouchsafed; and the Lord himself will rejoice over the poor penitent to do him good, "to the praise of the glory of his grace." For, "where sin has abounded, grace much more " abounds."-I proceed then,

III. To consider what we may learn from the call given us to rejoice with the good Shepherd, when he has found his sheep that was lost.

I apprehend that this call was not merely intended as an additional encouragement to the poor trembling and mourning penitent, though it is exceedingly suited to answer this end; but also to teach us some important parts of our duty, which we are too apt to overlook.-If indeed we "have "fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before "us" in the gospel; if we have found "peace and "joy in believing," and "have tasted that the Lord "is gracious;" it should be one grand aim and design of our future lives, by all proper means to induce others to seek a share in the same inestimable blessings. This is by no means exclusively the work of ministers: it is the duty of all Christians, in their families and neighbourhood; among their relatives and connexions; in their sphere of action, whether contracted or more extended; and according to the talents committed to their stewardship.

"Let this mind be in you which was also in

1 Isai. xii. 3.

"Christ Jesus." Did he stoop so low, so deny himself, and suffer such unknown agonies, from love, not to the holy or to his friends, but to lost sinners, rebels and enemies; to us when viewed in these characters? Let us imbibe his spirit, let us not be indifferent to the eternal interests of those around us, however vile or injurious. Let us despair of no man, harbour prejudices against none, nor indulge resentment on account of any provocations, however many and great. While our foes, perhaps, may even thirst for our blood, let us desire and seek their salvation. What language does the apostle use on this subject! "God is my record, how greatly I long after you in the "bowels of Jesus Christ." 66 My little children, "of whom I travail in birth again till Christ be "formed in you." This was indeed the mind "which was in Christ Jesus," and which should be in us all.

There is a way of speaking, concerning the ignorant or immoral, too common even among such as profess to believe the gospel, which seems to imply that they are hopeless characters, and that no good can be done to them: and, when this idea prevails, it is not likely any proper means of doing them good should be attempted with earnestness and perseverance. But whoever duly remembers all the particulars of his own case, and all the patience and mercy which the Lord has shewn to him, will not readily conceive of more difficulties or greater unworthiness in another, than have been overcome and pardoned, in bringing him into the liberty and comfort of the gospel.

While therefore, in our several places, we use all