EPC Australia

In a thousand things God entirely eludes our research. In every thing he surpasses our comprehension. But we know that he is merciful; we are sure that he is rich in mercy. And we cannot be too thankful, that the eminence of an attribute, so essential to our happiness and hope, is not obscurely revealed, but so plainly and fully made known, in the works of his hands, the dispensations of his providence, the promises of his word, the provisions of his house, and the Son of his love. For who does not need this assurance? The self-righteous Pharisee, who thanks God that he is not as other men are, he does not require it. And the proud pretender, who is free from all sin, he does not require it: he formerly required it, but he has now attained, he is now already perfect. But there are four classes of characters to whom it must be like life from the dead.

First, the victims of affliction. These are not rarely to be met with in this vale of tears. To such we would say, We ask you not what your distresses are, but if oppressed, pray, "Lord, undertake for me." "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." Repair not, under the pressure of woe, to the rope, or the bowl of intoxication, or the dissipations of the world — this is like Saul's going to the witch of Endor — but go to the throne of the heavenly grace, imploring the pity of the God of all comfort. He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. It is your welfare that has called forth this seeming severity. He knows your frame. He remembereth that you are dust. He lays upon you no more than he will enable you to bear. He will not always chide, neither will he keep his anger for ever. When the benevolent end of the dispensation is answered, he will readily lay aside the rod, and say, "Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? For since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. Set thee up waymarks, make the high heaps; set thy heart towards the highway, even the way which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities."

Secondly, convinced penitents. They were formerly always extenuating their guilt; now they are dwelling only upon the aggravations of it. Lately they seemed unsusceptible of alarm; now they refuse to be comforted. Such is their unworthiness, the number and greatness of their sins, they are cast out of his sight, and there is only, for them, a certain fearful looking-for of judgment and fiery indignation. But, awakened sinner, remember there is hope in Israel concerning this thing. There is everlasting consolation, and good hope, through grace. With the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. Judge not of his goodness by a human standard. Who is a God like unto him? View him not through the medium of your own feelings. Believe his own word, wherein he assures you, that he is ready to forgive, that he will abundantly pardon. Believe his oath, wherein he swears by himself, "As I live, saith the Lord, I desire not the death of him that dieth; wherefore turn, and live ye."

Thirdly, desponding backsliders. These, after walking in the way everlasting, have fallen by their iniquity, and perhaps feel more anguish of mind, than when they were first led to repentance. They say, and they say justly, "No one has sinned with such enhancement as I have done. I have sinned in the dearest relations, and under the highest obligations, and against the greatest advantages. I have sinned after being made to know what an evil and bitter thing it is, and also after tasting that the Lord is gracious. My sin has been more injurious in its effects than that of others; it has more dishonoured religion, and grieved the holy Spirit of God." All this they ought to feel. Yet must not they forget, that he is rich in mercy. It is this belief that will break the heart most, and make it sorrow after a godly sort. It is this alone that will lead them forward, with weeping and supplication, saying, Lord, take away all iniquity; create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. And He, will He refuse to reply, "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely for mine anger is turned away from him?"

"Return, ye wandering souls, return,
And seek his tender breast;
Call back the memory of those days
When there you found your rest.

Behold, great God, we come to Thee,
Though blushes veil our face;
Constrain'd our last retreat to seek
In thy much-injured grace."

Fourthly, persevering believers. These have holden on their way, and, having obtained help of God, continue to this day. They ought therefore, to feel thankful. Yet it becomes them, also, to be humble. Indeed, the more they advance in the divine life, the more will they be dissatisfied with themselves. They will be deeply affected with a sense of their unprofitableness, and numberless infirmities. If their outward conduct has been fair to men, they know how little their heart has been right with God. They know, the sins of their holy things would be enough to condemn them, if God should bring them into judgment with him. Their language, therefore still is, God be merciful to me, a sinner. This is their only relief: He is rich in mercy. And living and dying, they "look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay