（5）
FOREWORD
FEWBOOKSATTAINADISTRIBUTIONRECKONEDINMILLIONSOREXERTSOGREATAN
INFLUENCEINTHEUPLIFTINGOFHUMANITYASHASSTEPSTOCHRIST。INCOUNTLESS
EDITIONS，THISLITTLEVOLUMEHASBEENPRINTEDINMORETHANSEVENTY
LANGUAGES，BRINGINGINSPIRATIONTOHUNDREDSOFTHOUSANDSOFMENANDWOMEN
THROUGHOUTTHEWORLD，EVENTHOSEWHODWELLINTHEREMOTECORNERSOFTHE
EARTH。FROMTHEAPPEARANCEOFTHEFIRSTEDITIONIN1892，THEPUBLISHERSHAVE
BEENCALLEDUPONTOADDPRINTINGTOPRINTINGTOMEETTHEIMMEDIATEAND
SUSTAINEDDEMANDFROMTHEREADINGPUBLIC。
THEAUTHOROFTHISWORK，ELLENG。WHITE（1827—1915），WASARELIGIOUSSPEAKER
ANDWRITER，WELLKNOWNONTHREECONTINENTS。BORNNEARPORTLAND，MAINE，SHE
SPENTHEREARLYLIFEINTHENEWENGLANDSTATES，ANDTHENHERTRAVELSAND
LABORSLEDHERTOTHERAPIDLYEXPANDINGCENTRALANDWESTERNAREASOFTHE
UNITEDSTATES。THEYEARS1885TO1887SHEDEVOTEDTOWORKINTHELEADING
COUNTRIESOFEUROPE，WHERESHEOFTENADDRESSEDLARGEAUDIENCES，AND
CONTINUEDHERWRITING。SUBSEQUENTLYSHESPENTNINEACTIVEYEARSINAUSTRALIA
ANDNEWZEALAND。FROMHERPENHAVECOMEFORTY—FIVEVOLUMES，LARGEANDSMALL，INTHEFIELDSOFTHEOLOGY，EDUCATION，HEALTH，ANDTHEHOME，ANDPRACTICAL
CHRISTIANITY，SEVERALWITHADISTRIBUTIONEXCEEDINGTHEMILLION—COPYMARK。
OFTHESE，STEPSTOCHRISTISTHEMOSTPOPULARANDWIDELYREAD。
THETITLEOFTHEBOOKTELLSITSMISSION。ITPOINTSTHE
6
READERTOJESUSCHRISTASTHEONLYONEWHOISABLETOMEETTHENEEDSOFTHE
SOUL。ITDIRECTSTHEFEETOFTHEDOUBTINGANDHALTINGTOTHEPATHWAYOF
PEACE。ITLEADSTHESEEKERAFTERRIGHTEOUSNESSANDWHOLENESSOFCHARACTER，STEPBYSTEP，ALONGTHEWAYOFCHRISTIANLIVING，TOTHATEXPERIENCEWHEREHE
CANKNOWTHEFULLNESSOFBLESSINGWHICHISFOUNDINTHECOMPLETESURRENDER
OFSELF。ITREVEALSTOHIMTHESECRETOFVICTORYASITUNFOLDSINSIMPLICITY
THESAVINGGRACEANDTHEKEEPINGPOWEROFTHEGREATFRIENDOFALLMANKIND。
THISEDITIONMARKSAFORWARDSTEPINSTANDARDIZINGTHEPAGINGOFTHEBOOKIN
FORTHCOMINGENGLISH—LANGUAGEPRINTINGS。WITHNOCHANGEINTHETEXT，BUTWITH
AFORMAT，SPELLING，ANDCAPITALIZATIONINKEEPINGWITHTHETIMES，THIS
LITTLECOMPENDIUMOFDEVOTIONWILLCONTINUEONITSMISSION，BUTNOWINSUCH
FORM，REGARDLESSOFTHESIZEOFTHETYPEORPAGE，ASTOCONFORMTOTHENEW
INDEXTOTHEWRITINGSOFELLENG。WHITE。
JACOBOFOLD，WHENOPPRESSEDWITHTHEFEARTHATHISSINHADCUTHIMOFFFROM
GOD，LAYDOWNTOREST，AND\"HEDREAMED，ANDBEHOLDALADDERSETUPONTHE
EARTH，ANDTHETOPOFITREACHEDTOHEAVEN。\"THECONNECTIONBETWEENEARTH
ANDHEAVENWASTHUSREVEALEDTOHIM，ANDWORDSOFCOMFORTANDHOPEWERE
SPOKENTOTHEWANDERERBYHIMWHOSTOODATTHETOPOFTHESHADOWYSTAIRS。
THATTHEHEAVENLYVISIONMAYBEREPEATEDTOMANYASTHEYREADTHISSTORYOF
THEWAYOFLIFE，ISTHESINCEREWISHOFTHEPUBLISHERS，AND——
THETRUSTEESOFTHE
ELLENG。WHITEPUBLICATIONS
ContentsGod’sLoveforMan……9
TheSinner’sNeedofChrist……17
Repentance……23
Confession……37
Consecration……43
FaithandAcceptance……49
TheTestofDiscipleship……57
GrowingupIntoChrist……67
TheWorkandtheLife……77
AKnowledgeofGod……85
ThePrivilegeofPrayer……93
WhattoDoWithDoubt……105
RejoicingintheLord……115
（9）
God’sLoveforManNatureandrevelationaliketestifyofGod’slove。OurFatherinheavenisthesourceoflife，ofwisdom，andofjoy。Lookatthewonderfulandbeautifulthingsofnature。Thinkoftheirmarvelousadaptationtotheneedsandhappiness，notonlyofman，butofalllivingcreatures。Thesunshineandtherain，thatgladdenandrefreshtheearth，thehillsandseasandplains，allspeaktousoftheCreator’slove。ItisGodwhosuppliesthedailyneedsofallHiscreatures。Inthebeautifulwordsofthepsalmist——
\"TheeyesofallwaituponThee；
AndThougivestthemtheirmeatindueseason。
ThouopenestThinehand，Andsatisfiestthedesireofeverylivingthing。\"
Psalm145：15，16。
Godmademanperfectlyholyandhappy；andthefairearth，asitcamefromtheCreator’shand，borenoblightofdecayorshadowofthecurse。ItistransgressionofGod’slaw——thelawoflove——thathasbroughtwoeanddeath。
Yetevenamidthesufferingthatresultsfromsin，God’sloveisrevealed。
ItiswrittenthatGodcursedthegroundforman’ssake。Genesis3：17。Thethornandthethistle——thedifficultiesandtrialsthatmakehislifeoneoftoilandcare——wereappointedforhisgoodasapartofthetrainingneedfulinGod’splanforhisupliftingfromtheruinanddegradationthatsinhaswrought。The10
world，thoughfallen，isnotallsorrowandmisery。Innatureitselfaremessagesofhopeandcomfort。Thereareflowersuponthethistles，andthethornsarecoveredwithroses。
\"Godislove\"iswrittenuponeveryopeningbud，uponeveryspireofspringinggrass。Thelovelybirdsmakingtheairvocalwiththeirhappysongs，thedelicatelytintedflowersintheirperfectionperfumingtheair，theloftytreesoftheforestwiththeirrichfoliageoflivinggreen——alltestifytothetender，fatherlycareofourGodandtoHisdesiretomakeHischildrenhappy。
ThewordofGodrevealsHischaracter。HeHimselfhasdeclaredHisinfiniteloveandpity。WhenMosesprayed，\"ShowmeThyglory，\"theLordanswered，\"I
willmakeallMygoodnesspassbeforethee。\"Exodus33：18，19。ThisisHisglory。TheLordpassedbeforeMoses，andproclaimed，\"TheLord，TheLordGod，mercifulandgracious，long—suffering，andabundantingoodnessandtruth，keepingmercyforthousands，forgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin。\"Exodus34：6，7。Heis\"slowtoanger，andofgreatkindness，\"\"becauseHedelightethinmercy。\"Jonah4：2；Micah7：18。
GodhasboundourheartstoHimbyunnumberedtokensinheavenandinearth。
Throughthethingsofnature，andthedeepestandtenderestearthlytiesthathumanheartscanknow，HehassoughttorevealHimselftous。YetthesebutimperfectlyrepresentHislove。Thoughalltheseevidenceshavebeengiven，theenemyofgoodblindedthemindsofmen，sothattheylookeduponGodwithfear；theythoughtof11
Himassevereandunforgiving。SatanledmentoconceiveofGodasabeingwhosechiefattributeissternjustice，——onewhoisaseverejudge，aharsh，exactingcreditor。HepicturedtheCreatorasabeingwhoiswatchingwithjealouseyetodiscerntheerrorsandmistakesofmen，thatHemayvisitjudgmentsuponthem。Itwastoremovethisdarkshadow，byrevealingtotheworldtheinfiniteloveofGod，thatJesuscametoliveamongmen。
TheSonofGodcamefromheaventomakemanifesttheFather。\"NomanhathseenGodatanytime；theonlybegottenSon，whichisinthebosomoftheFather，HehathdeclaredHim。\"John1：18。\"NeitherknowethanymantheFather，savetheSon，andhetowhomsoevertheSonwillrevealHim。\"Matthew11：27。Whenoneofthedisciplesmadetherequest，\"ShowustheFather，\"
Jesusanswered，\"HaveIbeensolongtimewithyou，andyethastthounotknownMe，Philip？HethathathseenMehathseentheFather；andhowsayestthouthen，ShowustheFather？\"John14：8，9。
IndescribingHisearthlymission，Jesussaid，TheLord\"hathanointedMetopreachthegospeltothepoor；HehathsentMetohealthebrokenhearted，topreachdeliverancetothecaptives，andrecoveringofsighttotheblind，tosetatlibertythemthatarebruised。\"Luke4：18。ThiswasHiswork。HewentaboutdoinggoodandhealingallthatwereoppressedbySatan。Therewerewholevillageswheretherewasnotamoanofsicknessinanyhouse，forHehadpassedthroughthemandhealedalltheirsick。HisworkgaveevidenceofHisdivineanointing。Love，mercy，andcompassionwererevealedineveryactof12
Hislife；Hisheartwentoutintendersympathytothechildrenofmen。Hetookman’snature，thatHemightreachman’swants。ThepoorestandhumblestwerenotafraidtoapproachHim。EvenlittlechildrenwereattractedtoHim。
TheylovedtoclimbuponHiskneesandgazeintothepensiveface，benignantwithlove。
Jesusdidnotsuppressonewordoftruth，butHeuttereditalwaysinlove。
Heexercisedthegreatesttactandthoughtful，kindattentioninHisintercoursewiththepeople。Hewasneverrude，neverneedlesslyspokeasevereword，nevergaveneedlesspaintoasensitivesoul。Hedidnotcensurehumanweakness。Hespokethetruth，butalwaysinlove。Hedenouncedhypocrisy，unbelief，andiniquity；buttearswereinHisvoiceasHeutteredHisscathingrebukes。HeweptoverJerusalem，thecityHeloved，whichrefusedtoreceiveHim，theway，thetruth，andthelife。TheyhadrejectedHim，theSaviour，butHeregardedthemwithpityingtenderness。Hislifewasoneofself—denialandthoughtfulcareforothers。EverysoulwaspreciousinHiseyes。WhileHeeverboreHimselfwithdivinedignity，HebowedwiththetenderestregardtoeverymemberofthefamilyofGod。InallmenHesawfallensoulswhomitwasHismissiontosave。
SuchisthecharacterofChristasrevealedinHislife。ThisisthecharacterofGod。ItisfromtheFather’sheartthatthestreamsofdivinecompassion，manifestinChrist，flowouttothechildrenofmen。Jesus，thetender，pityingSaviour，wasGod\"manifestintheflesh。\"1Timothy3：16。
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ItwastoredeemusthatJesuslivedandsufferedanddied。Hebecame\"aManofSorrows，\"thatwemightbemadepartakersofeverlastingjoy。GodpermittedHisbelovedSon，fullofgraceandtruth，tocomefromaworldofindescribableglory，toaworldmarredandblightedwithsin，darkenedwiththeshadowofdeathandthecurse。HepermittedHimtoleavethebosomofHislove，theadorationoftheangels，tosuffershame，insult，humiliation，hatred，anddeath。\"ThechastisementofourpeacewasuponHim；andwithHisstripeswearehealed。\"Isaiah53：5。BeholdHiminthewilderness，inGethsemane，uponthecross!ThespotlessSonofGodtookuponHimselftheburdenofsin。HewhohadbeenonewithGod，feltinHissoultheawfulseparationthatsinmakesbetweenGodandman。ThiswrungfromHislipstheanguishedcry，\"MyGod，MyGod，whyhastThouforsakenMe？\"Matthew27：46。
Itwastheburdenofsin，thesenseofitsterribleenormity，ofitsseparationofthesoulfromGod——itwasthisthatbroketheheartoftheSonofGod。
ButthisgreatsacrificewasnotmadeinordertocreateintheFather’sheartaloveforman，nottomakeHimwillingtosave。No，no!\"Godsolovedtheworld，thatHegaveHisonly—begottenSon。\"John3：16。TheFatherlovesus，notbecauseofthegreatpropitiation，butHeprovidedthepropitiationbecauseHelovesus。ChristwasthemediumthroughwhichHecouldpouroutHisinfiniteloveuponafallenworld。\"GodwasinChrist，reconcilingtheworlduntoHimself。\"2Corinthians5：19。GodsufferedwithHisSon。IntheagonyofGethsemane，thedeathof14
Calvary，theheartofInfiniteLovepaidthepriceofourredemption。
Jesussaid，\"ThereforedothMyFatherloveMe，becauseIlaydownMylife，thatImighttakeitagain。\"John10：17。Thatis，\"MyFatherhassolovedyouthatHeevenlovesMemoreforgivingMylifetoredeemyou。InbecomingyourSubstituteandSurety，bysurrenderingMylife，bytakingyourliabilities，yourtransgressions，IamendearedtoMyFather；forbyMysacrifice，Godcanbejust，andyettheJustifierofhimwhobelievethinJesus。\"
NonebuttheSonofGodcouldaccomplishourredemption；foronlyHewhowasinthebosomoftheFathercoulddeclareHim。OnlyHewhoknewtheheightanddepthoftheloveofGodcouldmakeitmanifest。NothinglessthantheinfinitesacrificemadebyChristinbehalfoffallenmancouldexpresstheFather’slovetolosthumanity。
\"Godsolovedtheworld，thatHegaveHisonly—begottenSon。\"HegaveHimnotonlytoliveamongmen，tobeartheirsins，anddietheirsacrifice。HegaveHimtothefallenrace。ChristwastoidentifyHimselfwiththeinterestsandneedsofhumanity。HewhowasonewithGodhaslinkedHimselfwiththechildrenofmenbytiesthatarenevertobebroken。Jesusis\"notashamedtocallthembrethren\"（Hebrews2：11）；HeisourSacrifice，ourAdvocate，ourBrother，bearingourhumanformbeforetheFather’sthrone，andthrougheternalagesonewiththeraceHehasredeemed——theSonofman。
AndallthisthatmanmightbeupliftedfromtheruinanddegradationofsinthathemightreflecttheloveofGodandsharethejoyofholiness。
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Thepricepaidforourredemption，theinfinitesacrificeofourheavenlyFatheringivingHisSontodieforus，shouldgiveusexaltedconceptionsofwhatwemaybecomethroughChrist。AstheinspiredapostleJohnbeheldtheheight，thedepth，thebreadthoftheFather’slovetowardtheperishingrace，hewasfilledwithadorationandreverence；and，failingtofindsuitablelanguageinwhichtoexpressthegreatnessandtendernessofthislove，hecalledupontheworldtobeholdit。\"Behold，whatmanneroflovetheFatherhathbestoweduponus，thatweshouldbecalledthesonsofGod。\"
1John3：1。Whatavaluethisplacesuponman!ThroughtransgressionthesonsofmanbecomesubjectsofSatan。ThroughfaithintheatoningsacrificeofChristthesonsofAdammaybecomethesonsofGod。Byassuminghumannature，Christelevateshumanity。Fallenmenareplacedwhere，throughconnectionwithChrist，theymayindeedbecomeworthyofthename\"sonsofGod。\"
Suchloveiswithoutaparallel。ChildrenoftheheavenlyKing!Preciouspromise!Themeforthemostprofoundmeditation!ThematchlessloveofGodforaworldthatdidnotloveHim!ThethoughthasasubduingpoweruponthesoulandbringsthemindintocaptivitytothewillofGod。Themorewestudythedivinecharacterinthelightofthecross，themoreweseemercy，tenderness，andforgivenessblendedwithequityandjustice，andthemoreclearlywediscerninnumerableevidencesofalovethatisinfiniteandatenderpitysurpassingamother’syearningsympathyforherwaywardchild。
（17）
TheSinner’sNeedofChristManwasoriginallyendowedwithnoblepowersandawell—balancedmind。Hewasperfectinhisbeing，andinharmonywithGod。Histhoughtswerepure，hisaimsholy。Butthroughdisobedience，hispowerswereperverted，andselfishnesstooktheplaceoflove。Hisnaturebecamesoweakenedthroughtransgressionthatitwasimpossibleforhim，inhisownstrength，toresistthepowerofevil。HewasmadecaptivebySatan，andwouldhaveremainedsoforeverhadnotGodspeciallyinterposed。Itwasthetempter’spurposetothwartthedivineplaninman’screation，andfilltheearthwithwoeanddesolation。AndhewouldpointtoallthisevilastheresultofGod’sworkincreatingman。
Inhissinlessstate，manheldjoyfulcommunionwithHim\"inwhomarehidallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge。\"Colossians2：3。Butafterhissin，hecouldnolongerfindjoyinholiness，andhesoughttohidefromthepresenceofGod。Suchisstilltheconditionoftheunrenewedheart。ItisnotinharmonywithGod，andfindsnojoyincommunionwithHim。ThesinnercouldnotbehappyinGod’spresence；hewouldshrinkfromthecompanionshipofholybeings。Couldhebepermittedtoenterheaven，itwouldhavenojoyforhim。Thespiritofunselfishlovethatreignsthere——everyheartrespondingtotheheartofInfiniteLove——wouldtouchnoansweringchordinhissoul。Histhoughts，hisinterests，hismotives，wouldbealiento18
thosethatactuatethesinlessdwellersthere。Hewouldbeadiscordantnoteinthemelodyofheaven。Heavenwouldbetohimaplaceoftorture；hewouldlongtobehiddenfromHimwhoisitslight，andthecenterofitsjoy。ItisnoarbitrarydecreeonthepartofGodthatexcludesthewickedfromheaven；theyareshutoutbytheirownunfitnessforitscompanionship。ThegloryofGodwouldbetothemaconsumingfire。Theywouldwelcomedestruction，thattheymightbehiddenfromthefaceofHimwhodiedtoredeemthem。
Itisimpossibleforus，ofourselves，toescapefromthepitofsininwhichwearesunken。Ourheartsareevil，andwecannotchangethem。\"Whocanbringacleanthingoutofanunclean？notone。\"\"ThecarnalmindisenmityagainstGod：foritisnotsubjecttothelawofGod，neitherindeedcanbe。\"Job14：4；Romans8：7。Education，culture，theexerciseofthewill，humaneffort，allhavetheirpropersphere，butheretheyarepowerless。
Theymayproduceanoutwardcorrectnessofbehavior，buttheycannotchangetheheart；theycannotpurifythespringsoflife。Theremustbeapowerworkingfromwithin，anewlifefromabove，beforemencanbechangedfromsintoholiness。ThatpowerisChrist。Hisgracealonecanquickenthelifelessfacultiesofthesoul，andattractittoGod，toholiness。
TheSavioursaid，\"Exceptamanbebornfromabove，\"unlessheshallreceiveanewheart，newdesires，purposes，andmotives，leadingtoanewlife，\"hecannotseethekingdomofGod。\"John3：3，margin。Theideathatitisnecessaryonlytodevelopthegoodthat19
existsinmanbynature，isafataldeception。\"ThenaturalmanreceivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod：fortheyarefoolishnessuntohim：
neithercanheknowthem，becausetheyarespirituallydiscerned。\"\"MarvelnotthatIsaiduntothee，Yemustbebornagain。\"1Corinthians2：14；John3：7。OfChristitiswritten，\"InHimwaslife；andthelifewasthelightofmen\"——theonly\"nameunderheavengivenamongmen，wherebywemustbesaved。\"John1：4；Acts4：12。
Itisnotenoughtoperceivetheloving—kindnessofGod，toseethebenevolence，thefatherlytenderness，ofHischaracter。ItisnotenoughtodiscernthewisdomandjusticeofHislaw，toseethatitisfoundedupontheeternalprincipleoflove。Paultheapostlesawallthiswhenheexclaimed，\"Iconsentuntothelawthatitisgood。\"\"Thelawisholy，andthecommandmentholy，andjust，andgood。\"Butheadded，inthebitternessofhissoul—anguishanddespair，\"Iamcarnal，soldundersin。\"Romans7：16，12，14。Helongedforthepurity，therighteousness，towhichinhimselfhewaspowerlesstoattain，andcriedout，\"OwretchedmanthatIam!whoshalldelivermefromthisbodyofdeath？\"Romans7：24，margin。Suchisthecrythathasgoneupfromburdenedheartsinalllandsandinallages。Toall，thereisbutoneanswer，\"BeholdtheLambofGod，whichtakethawaythesinoftheworld。\"John1：29。
ManyarethefiguresbywhichtheSpiritofGodhassoughttoillustratethistruth，andmakeitplaintosoulsthatlongtobefreedfromtheburdenofguilt。When，afterhissinindeceivingEsau，Jacobfledfromhisfather’shome，hewasweigheddownwithasense20
ofguilt。Lonelyandoutcastashewas，separatedfromallthathadmadelifedear，theonethoughtthataboveallotherspresseduponhissoul，wasthefearthathissinhadcuthimofffromGod，thathewasforsakenofHeaven。Insadnesshelaydowntorestonthebareearth，aroundhimonlythelonelyhills，andabove，theheavensbrightwithstars。Asheslept，astrangelightbrokeuponhisvision；andlo，fromtheplainonwhichhelay，vastshadowystairsseemedtoleadupwardtotheverygatesofheaven，anduponthemangelsofGodwerepassingupanddown；whilefromthegloryabove，thedivinevoicewasheardinamessageofcomfortandhope。ThuswasmadeknowntoJacobthatwhichmettheneedandlongingofhissoul——aSaviour。Withjoyandgratitudehesawrevealedawaybywhichhe，asinner，couldberestoredtocommunionwithGod。ThemysticladderofhisdreamrepresentedJesus，theonlymediumofcommunicationbetweenGodandman。
ThisisthesamefiguretowhichChristreferredinHisconversationwithNathanael，whenHesaid，\"Yeshallseeheavenopen，andtheangelsofGodascendinganddescendingupontheSonofman。\"John1：51。Intheapostasy，manalienatedhimselffromGod；earthwascutofffromheaven。Acrossthegulfthatlaybetween，therecouldbenocommunion。ButthroughChrist，earthisagainlinkedwithheaven。WithHisownmerits，Christhasbridgedthegulfwhichsinhadmade，sothattheministeringangelscanholdcommunionwithman。ChristconnectsfallenmaninhisweaknessandhelplessnesswiththeSourceofinfinitepower。
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Butinvainaremen’sdreamsofprogress，invainalleffortsfortheupliftingofhumanity，iftheyneglecttheoneSourceofhopeandhelpforthefallenrace。\"Everygoodgiftandeveryperfectgift\"（James1：17）isfromGod。ThereisnotrueexcellenceofcharacterapartfromHim。AndtheonlywaytoGodisChrist。Hesays，\"Iamtheway，thetruth，andthelife：
nomancomethuntotheFather，butbyMe。\"John14：6。
TheheartofGodyearnsoverHisearthlychildrenwithalovestrongerthandeath。IngivingupHisSon，Hehaspouredouttousallheaveninonegift。
TheSaviour’slifeanddeathandintercession，theministryofangels，thepleadingoftheSpirit，theFatherworkingaboveandthroughall，theunceasinginterestofheavenlybeings，——allareenlistedinbehalfofman’sredemption。
Oh，letuscontemplatetheamazingsacrificethathasbeenmadeforus!LetustrytoappreciatethelaborandenergythatHeavenisexpendingtoreclaimthelost，andbringthembacktotheFather’shouse。Motivesstronger，andagenciesmorepowerful，couldneverbebroughtintooperation；
theexceedingrewardsforright—doing，theenjoymentofheaven，thesocietyoftheangels，thecommunionandloveofGodandHisSon，theelevationandextensionofallourpowersthroughouteternalages——arethesenotmightyincentivesandencouragementstourgeustogivetheheart’slovingservicetoourCreatorandRedeemer？
And，ontheotherhand，thejudgmentsofGodpronouncedagainstsin，theinevitableretribution，the22
degradationofourcharacter，andthefinaldestruction，arepresentedinGod’swordtowarnusagainsttheserviceofSatan。
ShallwenotregardthemercyofGod？WhatmorecouldHedo？LetusplaceourselvesinrightrelationtoHimwhohasloveduswithamazinglove。LetusavailourselvesofthemeansprovidedforusthatwemaybetransformedintoHislikeness，andberestoredtofellowshipwiththeministeringangels，toharmonyandcommunionwiththeFatherandtheSon。
（23）
RepentanceHowshallamanbejustwithGod？Howshallthesinnerbemaderighteous？ItisonlythroughChristthatwecanbebroughtintoharmonywithGod，withholiness；buthowarewetocometoChrist？ManyareaskingthesamequestionasdidthemultitudeontheDayofPentecost，when，convictedofsin，theycriedout，\"Whatshallwedo？\"ThefirstwordofPeter’sanswerwas，\"Repent。\"Acts2：37，38。Atanothertime，shortlyafter，hesaid，\"Repent，……andbeconverted，thatyoursinsmaybeblottedout。\"Acts3：19。
Repentanceincludessorrowforsinandaturningawayfromit。Weshallnotrenouncesinunlessweseeitssinfulness；untilweturnawayfromitinheart，therewillbenorealchangeinthelife。
Therearemanywhofailtounderstandthetruenatureofrepentance。
Multitudessorrowthattheyhavesinnedandevenmakeanoutwardreformationbecausetheyfearthattheirwrongdoingwillbringsufferinguponthemselves。ButthisisnotrepentanceintheBiblesense。Theylamentthesufferingratherthanthesin。SuchwasthegriefofEsauwhenhesawthatthebirthrightwaslosttohimforever。Balaam，terrifiedbytheangelstandinginhispathwaywithdrawnsword，acknowledgedhisguiltlestheshouldlosehislife；buttherewasnogenuinerepentanceforsin，noconversionofpurpose，noabhorrenceofevil。JudasIscariot，afterbetrayinghis24
Lord，exclaimed，\"IhavesinnedinthatIhavebetrayedtheinnocentblood。\"
Matthew27：4。
Theconfessionwasforcedfromhisguiltysoulbyanawfulsenseofcondemnationandafearfullookingforofjudgment。Theconsequencesthatweretoresulttohimfilledhimwithterror，buttherewasnodeep，heartbreakinggriefinhissoul，thathehadbetrayedthespotlessSonofGodanddeniedtheHolyOneofIsrael。Pharaoh，whensufferingunderthejudgmentsofGod，acknowledgedhissininordertoescapefurtherpunishment，butreturnedtohisdefianceofHeavenassoonastheplagueswerestayed。Thesealllamentedtheresultsofsin，butdidnotsorrowforthesinitself。
ButwhentheheartyieldstotheinfluenceoftheSpiritofGod，theconsciencewillbequickened，andthesinnerwilldiscernsomethingofthedepthandsacrednessofGod’sholylaw，thefoundationofHisgovernmentinheavenandonearth。The\"Light，whichlightetheverymanthatcomethintotheworld，\"illuminesthesecretchambersofthesoul，andthehiddenthingsofdarknessaremademanifest。John1：9。Convictiontakesholduponthemindandheart。ThesinnerhasasenseoftherighteousnessofJehovahandfeelstheterrorofappearing，inhisownguiltanduncleanness，beforetheSearcherofhearts。HeseestheloveofGod，thebeautyofholiness，thejoyofpurity；helongstobecleansedandtoberestoredtocommunionwithHeaven。
TheprayerofDavidafterhisfall，illustratesthenatureoftruesorrowforsin。Hisrepentancewassincereanddeep。Therewasnoefforttopalliate25
hisguilt；nodesiretoescapethejudgmentthreatened，inspiredhisprayer。
Davidsawtheenormityofhistransgression；hesawthedefilementofhissoul；heloathedhissin。Itwasnotforpardononlythatheprayed，butforpurityofheart。Helongedforthejoyofholiness——toberestoredtoharmonyandcommunionwithGod。Thiswasthelanguageofhissoul：
\"Blessedishewhosetransgressionisforgiven，whosesiniscovered。
BlessedisthemanuntowhomtheLordimputethnotiniquity，Andinwhosespiritthereisnoguile。\"
Psalm32：1，2。
\"Havemercyuponme，OGod，accordingtoThyloving—kindness：
AccordinguntothemultitudeofThytendermerciesblotoutmytransgressions……
ForIacknowledgemytransgressions：andmysiniseverbeforeme……
Purgemewithhyssop，andIshallbeclean：
washme，andIshallbewhiterthansnow……
Createinmeacleanheart，OGod；
Andrenewarightspiritwithinme。
CastmenotawayfromThypresence；
AndtakenotThyHolySpiritfromme。
RestoreuntomethejoyofThysalvation；
AndupholdmewithThyfreespirit……
Delivermefrombloodguiltiness，OGod，ThouGodofmysalvation：
AndmytongueshallsingaloudofThyrighteousness。\"Psalm51：1—14。
Arepentancesuchasthis，isbeyondthereachofourownpowertoaccomplish；itisobtainedonlyfromChrist，whoascendeduponhighandhasgivengiftsuntomen。
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Justhereisapointonwhichmanymayerr，andhencetheyfailofreceivingthehelpthatChristdesirestogivethem。TheythinkthattheycannotcometoChristunlesstheyfirstrepent，andthatrepentancepreparesfortheforgivenessoftheirsins。Itistruethatrepentancedoesprecedetheforgivenessofsins；foritisonlythebrokenandcontriteheartthatwillfeeltheneedofaSaviour。ButmustthesinnerwaittillhehasrepentedbeforehecancometoJesus？IsrepentancetobemadeanobstaclebetweenthesinnerandtheSaviour？
TheBibledoesnotteachthatthesinnermustrepentbeforehecanheedtheinvitationofChrist，\"ComeuntoMe，allyethatlaborandareheavy—laden，andIwillgiveyourest。\"Matthew11：28。ItisthevirtuethatgoesforthfromChrist，thatleadstogenuinerepentance。PetermadethematterclearinhisstatementtotheIsraeliteswhenhesaid，\"HimhathGodexaltedwithHisrighthandtobeaPrinceandaSaviour，fortogiverepentancetoIsrael，andforgivenessofsins。\"Acts5：31。WecannomorerepentwithouttheSpiritofChristtoawakentheconsciencethanwecanbepardonedwithoutChrist。
Christisthesourceofeveryrightimpulse。Heistheonlyonethatcanimplantintheheartenmityagainstsin。Everydesirefortruthandpurity，everyconvictionofourownsinfulness，isanevidencethatHisSpiritismovinguponourhearts。
Jesushassaid，\"I，ifIbeliftedupfromtheearth，willdrawallmenuntoMe。\"John12：32。ChristmustberevealedtothesinnerastheSaviourdyingforthesinsoftheworld；andaswebeholdtheLambof27
GoduponthecrossofCalvary，themysteryofredemptionbeginstounfoldtoourmindsandthegoodnessofGodleadsustorepentance。Indyingforsinners，Christmanifestedalovethatisincomprehensible；andasthesinnerbeholdsthislove，itsoftenstheheart，impressesthemind，andinspirescontritioninthesoul。
Itistruethatmensometimesbecomeashamedoftheirsinfulways，andgiveupsomeoftheirevilhabits，beforetheyareconsciousthattheyarebeingdrawntoChrist。Butwhenevertheymakeanefforttoreform，fromasinceredesiretodoright，itisthepowerofChristthatisdrawingthem。Aninfluenceofwhichtheyareunconsciousworksuponthesoul，andtheconscienceisquickened，andtheoutwardlifeisamended。AndasChristdrawsthemtolookuponHiscross，tobeholdHimwhomtheirsinshavepierced，thecommandmentcomeshometotheconscience。Thewickednessoftheirlife，thedeep—seatedsinofthesoul，isrevealedtothem。TheybegintocomprehendsomethingoftherighteousnessofChrist，andexclaim，\"Whatissin，thatitshouldrequiresuchasacrificefortheredemptionofitsvictim？Wasallthislove，allthissuffering，allthishumiliation，demanded，thatwemightnotperish，buthaveeverlastinglife？\"
Thesinnermayresistthislove，mayrefusetobedrawntoChrist；butifhedoesnotresisthewillbedrawntoJesus；aknowledgeoftheplanofsalvationwillleadhimtothefootofthecrossinrepentanceforhissins，whichhavecausedthesufferingsofGod’sdearSon。
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Thesamedivinemindthatisworkinguponthethingsofnatureisspeakingtotheheartsofmenandcreatinganinexpressiblecravingforsomethingtheyhavenot。Thethingsoftheworldcannotsatisfytheirlonging。TheSpiritofGodispleadingwiththemtoseekforthosethingsthatalonecangivepeaceandrest——thegraceofChrist，thejoyofholiness。Throughinfluencesseenandunseen，ourSaviourisconstantlyatworktoattractthemindsofmenfromtheunsatisfyingpleasuresofsintotheinfiniteblessingsthatmaybetheirsinHim。Toallthesesouls，whoarevainlyseekingtodrinkfromthebrokencisternsofthisworld，thedivinemessageisaddressed，\"Lethimthatisathirstcome。Andwhosoeverwill，lethimtakethewateroflifefreely。\"Revelation22：17。
Youwhoinheartlongforsomethingbetterthanthisworldcangive，recognizethislongingasthevoiceofGodtoyoursoul。AskHimtogiveyourepentance，torevealChristtoyouinHisinfinitelove，inHisperfectpurity。IntheSaviour’slifetheprinciplesofGod’slaw——lovetoGodandman——wereperfectlyexemplified。Benevolence，unselfishlove，wasthelifeofHissoul。ItisaswebeholdHim，asthelightfromourSaviourfallsuponus，thatweseethesinfulnessofourownhearts。
Wemayhaveflatteredourselves，asdidNicodemus，thatourlifehasbeenupright，thatourmoralcharacteriscorrect，andthinkthatweneednothumbletheheartbeforeGod，likethecommonsinner：butwhenthelightfromChristshinesintooursouls，weshallseehowimpureweare；weshalldiscerntheselfishnessofmotive，theenmityagainstGod，that29
hasdefiledeveryactoflife。Thenweshallknowthatourownrighteousnessisindeedasfilthyrags，andthatthebloodofChristalonecancleanseusfromthedefilementofsin，andrenewourheartsinHisownlikeness。
OnerayofthegloryofGod，onegleamofthepurityofChrist，penetratingthesoul，makeseveryspotofdefilementpainfullydistinct，andlaysbarethedeformityanddefectsofthehumancharacter。Itmakesapparenttheunhalloweddesires，theinfidelityoftheheart，theimpurityofthelips。
Thesinner’sactsofdisloyaltyinmakingvoidthelawofGod，areexposedtohissight，andhisspiritisstrickenandafflictedunderthesearchinginfluenceoftheSpiritofGod。Heloatheshimselfasheviewsthepure，spotlesscharacterofChrist。
WhentheprophetDanielbeheldtheglorysurroundingtheheavenlymessengerthatwassentuntohim，hewasoverwhelmedwithasenseofhisownweaknessandimperfection。Describingtheeffectofthewonderfulscene，hesays，\"Thereremainednostrengthinme：formycomelinesswasturnedinmeintocorruption，andIretainednostrength。\"Daniel10：8。Thesoulthustouchedwillhateitsselfishness，abhoritsself—love，andwillseek，throughChrist’srighteousness，forthepurityofheartthatisinharmonywiththelawofGodandthecharacterofChrist。
Paulsaysthatas\"touchingtherighteousnesswhichisinthelaw\"——asfarasoutwardactswereconcerned——hewas\"blameless\"（Philippians3：6）；butwhenthespiritualcharacterofthelawwasdiscerned，hesawhimselfasinner。Judgedbytheletterofthelawas30
menapplyittotheoutwardlife，hehadabstainedfromsin；butwhenhelookedintothedepthsofitsholyprecepts，andsawhimselfasGodsawhim，hebowedinhumiliationandconfessedhisguilt。Hesays，\"Iwasalivewithoutthelawonce：butwhenthecommandmentcame，sinrevived，andI
died。\"Romans7：9。Whenhesawthespiritualnatureofthelaw，sinappearedinitstruehideousness，andhisself—esteemwasgone。
Goddoesnotregardallsinsasofequalmagnitude；therearedegreesofguiltinHisestimation，aswellasinthatofman；buthowevertriflingthisorthatwrongactmayseemintheeyesofmen，nosinissmallinthesightofGod。Man’sjudgmentispartial，imperfect；butGodestimatesallthingsastheyreallyare。Thedrunkardisdespisedandistoldthathissinwillexcludehimfromheaven；whilepride，selfishness，andcovetousnesstoooftengounrebuked。ButthesearesinsthatareespeciallyoffensivetoGod；
fortheyarecontrarytothebenevolenceofHischaracter，tothatunselfishlovewhichistheveryatmosphereoftheunfallenuniverse。HewhofallsintosomeofthegrossersinsmayfeelasenseofhisshameandpovertyandhisneedofthegraceofChrist；butpridefeelsnoneed，andsoitclosestheheartagainstChristandtheinfiniteblessingsHecametogive。
Thepoorpublicanwhoprayed，\"Godbemercifultomeasinner\"（Luke18：13），regardedhimselfasaverywickedman，andotherslookeduponhiminthesamelight；buthefelthisneed，andwithhisburdenof31
guiltandshamehecamebeforeGod，askingforHismercy。HisheartwasopenfortheSpiritofGodtodoitsgraciousworkandsethimfreefromthepowerofsin。ThePharisee’sboastful，self—righteousprayershowedthathisheartwasclosedagainsttheinfluenceoftheHolySpirit。BecauseofhisdistancefromGod，hehadnosenseofhisowndefilement，incontrastwiththeperfectionofthedivineholiness。Hefeltnoneed，andhereceivednothing。
Ifyouseeyoursinfulness，donotwaittomakeyourselfbetter。HowmanytherearewhothinktheyarenotgoodenoughtocometoChrist。Doyouexpecttobecomebetterthroughyourownefforts？\"CantheEthiopianchangehisskin，ortheleopardhisspots？thenmayyealsodogood，thatareaccustomedtodoevil。\"Jeremiah13：23。ThereishelpforusonlyinGod。Wemustnotwaitforstrongerpersuasions，forbetteropportunities，orforholiertempers。Wecandonothingofourselves。WemustcometoChristjustasweare。
ButletnonedeceivethemselveswiththethoughtthatGod，inHisgreatloveandmercy，willyetsaveeventherejectersofHisgrace。Theexceedingsinfulnessofsincanbeestimatedonlyinthelightofthecross。WhenmenurgethatGodistoogoodtocastoffthesinner，letthemlooktoCalvary。
Itwasbecausetherewasnootherwayinwhichmancouldbesaved，becausewithoutthissacrificeitwasimpossibleforthehumanracetoescapefromthedefilingpowerofsin，andberestoredtocommunionwithholybeings，——impossibleforthemagaintobecomepartakers32
ofspirituallife，——itwasbecauseofthisthatChristtookuponHimselftheguiltofthedisobedientandsufferedinthesinner’sstead。TheloveandsufferinganddeathoftheSonofGodalltestifytotheterribleenormityofsinanddeclarethatthereisnoescapefromitspower，nohopeofthehigherlife，butthroughthesubmissionofthesoultoChrist。
TheimpenitentsometimesexcusethemselvesbysayingofprofessedChristians，\"Iamasgoodastheyare。Theyarenomoreself—denying，sober，orcircumspectintheirconductthanIam。Theylovepleasureandself—indulgenceaswellasIdo。\"Thustheymakethefaultsofothersanexcusefortheirownneglectofduty。Butthesinsanddefectsofothersdonotexcuseanyone，fortheLordhasnotgivenusanerringhumanpattern。
ThespotlessSonofGodhasbeengivenasourexample，andthosewhocomplainofthewrongcourseofprofessedChristiansaretheoneswhoshouldshowbetterlivesandnoblerexamples。IftheyhavesohighaconceptionofwhataChristianshouldbe，isnottheirownsinsomuchthegreater？Theyknowwhatisright，andyetrefusetodoit。
Bewareofprocrastination。DonotputofftheworkofforsakingyoursinsandseekingpurityofheartthroughJesus。Hereiswherethousandsuponthousandshaveerredtotheireternalloss。Iwillnotheredwellupontheshortnessanduncertaintyoflife；butthereisaterribledanger——adangernotsufficientlyunderstood——indelayingtoyieldtothepleadingvoiceofGod’sHolySpirit，inchoosingtoliveinsin；forsuchthisdelayreallyis。Sin，however33
smallitmaybeesteemed，canbeindulgedinonlyattheperilofinfiniteloss。Whatwedonotovercome，willovercomeusandworkoutourdestruction。
AdamandEvepersuadedthemselvesthatinsosmallamatteraseatingoftheforbiddenfruittherecouldnotresultsuchterribleconsequencesasGodhaddeclared。ButthissmallmatterwasthetransgressionofGod’simmutableandholylaw，anditseparatedmanfromGodandopenedthefloodgatesofdeathanduntoldwoeuponourworld。Ageafteragetherehasgoneupfromourearthacontinualcryofmourning，andthewholecreationgroanethandtravailethtogetherinpainasaconsequenceofman’sdisobedience。HeavenitselfhasfelttheeffectsofhisrebellionagainstGod。Calvarystandsasamemorialoftheamazingsacrificerequiredtoatoneforthetransgressionofthedivinelaw。Letusnotregardsinasatrivialthing。
Everyactoftransgression，everyneglectorrejectionofthegraceofChrist，isreactinguponyourself；itishardeningtheheart，depravingthewill，benumbingtheunderstanding，andnotonlymakingyoulessinclinedtoyield，butlesscapableofyielding，tothetenderpleadingofGod’sHolySpirit。
Manyarequietingatroubledconsciencewiththethoughtthattheycanchangeacourseofevilwhentheychoose；thattheycantriflewiththeinvitationsofmercy，andyetbeagainandagainimpressed。TheythinkthatafterdoingdespitetotheSpiritofgrace，aftercastingtheirinfluenceonthesideofSatan，inamomentofterribleextremitytheycanchangetheircourse。Butthisisnotsoeasilydone。Theexperience，34
theeducation，ofalifetime，hassothoroughlymoldedthecharacterthatfewthendesiretoreceivetheimageofJesus。
Evenonewrongtraitofcharacter，onesinfuldesire，persistentlycherished，willeventuallyneutralizeallthepowerofthegospel。Everysinfulindulgencestrengthensthesoul’saversiontoGod。Themanwhomanifestsaninfidelhardihood，orastolidindifferencetodivinetruth，isbutreapingtheharvestofthatwhichhehashimselfsown。InalltheBiblethereisnotamorefearfulwarningagainsttriflingwithevilthanthewordsofthewisemanthatthesinner\"shallbeholdenwiththecordsofhissins。\"Proverbs5：22。
Christisreadytosetusfreefromsin，butHedoesnotforcethewill；andifbypersistenttransgressionthewillitselfiswhollybentonevil，andwedonotdesiretobesetfree，ifwewillnotacceptHisgrace，whatmorecanHedo？WehavedestroyedourselvesbyourdeterminedrejectionofHislove。\"Behold，nowistheacceptedtime；behold，nowisthedayofsalvation。\"\"TodayifyewillhearHisvoice，hardennotyourhearts。\"2
Corinthians6：2；Hebrews3：7，8。
\"Manlookethontheoutwardappearance，buttheLordlookethontheheart\"——thehumanheart，withitsconflictingemotionsofjoyandsorrow；
thewandering，waywardheart，whichistheabodeofsomuchimpurityanddeceit。1Samuel16：7。Heknowsitsmotives，itsveryintentsandpurposes。
GotoHimwithyoursoulallstainedasitis。Likethepsalmist，throwitschambersopentotheall—seeingeye，exclaiming，\"Searchme，OGod，andknowmyheart：tryme，andknow35
mythoughts：andseeiftherebeanywickedwayinme，andleadmeinthewayeverlasting。\"Psalm139：
23，24。
Manyacceptanintellectualreligion，aformofgodliness，whentheheartisnotcleansed。Letitbeyourprayer，\"Createinmeacleanheart，OGod；andrenewarightspiritwithinme。\"Psalm51：10。Dealtrulywithyourownsoul。
Beasearnest，aspersistent，asyouwouldbeifyourmortallifewereatstake。ThisisamattertobesettledbetweenGodandyourownsoul，settledforeternity。Asupposedhope，andnothingmore，willproveyourruin。
StudyGod’swordprayerfully。Thatwordpresentsbeforeyou，inthelawofGodandthelifeofChrist，thegreatprinciplesofholiness，withoutwhich\"nomanshallseetheLord。\"Hebrews12：14。Itconvincesofsin；itplainlyrevealsthewayofsalvation。GiveheedtoitasthevoiceofGodspeakingtoyoursoul。
Asyouseetheenormityofsin，asyouseeyourselfasyoureallyare，donotgiveuptodespair。ItwassinnersthatChristcametosave。WehavenottoreconcileGodtous，but——Owondrouslove!——GodinChristis\"reconcilingtheworlduntoHimself。\"2Corinthians5：19。HeiswooingbyHistenderlovetheheartsofHiserringchildren。Noearthlyparentcouldbeaspatientwiththefaultsandmistakesofhischildren，asisGodwiththoseHeseekstosave。Noonecouldpleadmoretenderlywiththetransgressor。NohumanlipseverpouredoutmoretenderentreatiestothewandererthandoesHe。
AllHispromises，Hiswarnings，arebutthebreathingofunutterablelove。
WhenSatancomestotellyouthatyouarea36
greatsinner，lookuptoyourRedeemerandtalkofHismerits。ThatwhichwillhelpyouistolooktoHislight。Acknowledgeyoursin，buttelltheenemythat\"ChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners\"andthatyoumaybesavedbyHismatchlesslove。1Timothy1：15。JesusaskedSimonaquestioninregardtotwodebtors。Oneowedhislordasmallsum，andtheotherowedhimaverylargesum；butheforgavethemboth，andChristaskedSimonwhichdebtorwouldlovehislordmost。Simonanswered，\"Hetowhomheforgavemost。\"Luke7：43。Wehavebeengreatsinners，butChristdiedthatwemightbeforgiven。ThemeritsofHissacrificearesufficienttopresenttotheFatherinourbehalf。ThosetowhomHehasforgivenmostwillloveHimmost，andwillstandnearesttoHisthronetopraiseHimforHisgreatloveandinfinitesacrifice。ItiswhenwemostfullycomprehendtheloveofGodthatwebestrealizethesinfulnessofsin。Whenweseethelengthofthechainthatwasletdownforus，whenweunderstandsomethingoftheinfinitesacrificethatChristhasmadeinourbehalf，theheartismeltedwithtendernessandcontrition。
（37）
Confession\"Hethatcoverethhissinsshallnotprosper：butwhosoconfessethandforsakeththemshallhavemercy。\"Proverbs28：13。
TheconditionsofobtainingmercyofGodaresimpleandjustandreasonable。
TheLorddoesnotrequireustodosomegrievousthinginorderthatwemayhavetheforgivenessofsin。Weneednotmakelongandwearisomepilgrimages，orperformpainfulpenances，tocommendoursoulstotheGodofheavenortoexpiateourtransgression；buthethatconfessethandforsakethhissinshallhavemercy。
Theapostlesays，\"Confessyourfaultsonetoanother，andprayoneforanother，thatyemaybehealed。\"James5：16。ConfessyoursinstoGod，whoonlycanforgivethem，andyourfaultstooneanother。Ifyouhavegivenoffensetoyourfriendorneighbor，youaretoacknowledgeyourwrong，anditishisdutyfreelytoforgiveyou。ThenyouaretoseektheforgivenessofGod，becausethebrotheryouhavewoundedisthepropertyofGod，andininjuringhimyousinnedagainsthisCreatorandRedeemer。ThecaseisbroughtbeforetheonlytrueMediator，ourgreatHighPriest，who\"wasinallpointstemptedlikeasweare，yetwithoutsin，\"andwhois\"touchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities，\"andisabletocleansefromeverystainofiniquity。Hebrews4：15。
ThosewhohavenothumbledtheirsoulsbeforeGodinacknowledgingtheirguilt，havenotyet38
fulfilledthefirstconditionofacceptance。Ifwehavenotexperiencedthatrepentancewhichisnottoberepentedof，andhavenotwithtruehumiliationofsoulandbrokennessofspiritconfessedoursins，abhorringouriniquity，wehavenevertrulysoughtfortheforgivenessofsin；andifwehaveneversought，wehaveneverfoundthepeaceofGod。Theonlyreasonwhywedonothaveremissionofsinsthatarepastisthatwearenotwillingtohumbleourheartsandcomplywiththeconditionsofthewordoftruth。Explicitinstructionisgivenconcerningthismatter。Confessionofsin，whetherpublicorprivate，shouldbeheartfeltandfreelyexpressed。Itisnottobeurgedfromthesinner。Itisnottobemadeinaflippantandcarelessway，orforcedfromthosewhohavenorealizingsenseoftheabhorrentcharacterofsin。TheconfessionthatistheoutpouringoftheinmostsoulfindsitswaytotheGodofinfinitepity。Thepsalmistsays，\"TheLordisnighuntothemthatareofabrokenheart；andsavethsuchasbeofacontritespirit。\"Psalm34：18。
Trueconfessionisalwaysofaspecificcharacter，andacknowledgesparticularsins。TheymaybeofsuchanatureastobebroughtbeforeGodonly；theymaybewrongsthatshouldbeconfessedtoindividualswhohavesufferedinjurythroughthem；ortheymaybeofapubliccharacter，andshouldthenbeaspubliclyconfessed。Butallconfessionshouldbedefiniteandtothepoint，acknowledgingtheverysinsofwhichyouareguilty。
InthedaysofSamueltheIsraeliteswanderedfromGod。Theyweresufferingtheconsequencesof39
sin；fortheyhadlosttheirfaithinGod，losttheirdiscernmentofHispowerandwisdomtorulethenation，losttheirconfidenceinHisabilitytodefendandvindicateHiscause。TheyturnedfromthegreatRuleroftheuniverseanddesiredtobegovernedaswerethenationsaroundthem。Beforetheyfoundpeacetheymadethisdefiniteconfession：\"Wehaveaddeduntoalloursinsthisevil，toaskusaking。\"
1Samuel12：19。Theverysinofwhichtheywereconvictedhadtobeconfessed。TheiringratitudeoppressedtheirsoulsandseveredthemfromGod。