What a sensation of solitariness and abandonment, is that which now occupies the bosom of

the dependent creature! He is alone. Help and hope are far from him. There is not within the compass of language a more emphatic sentence than this" he came to himself." What a host of reflections does it bring to the mind! The past, the present, and even the future-how they unite in carrying their gatherings of sorrow together! And what a flood of light do they pour into the dark chambers of that self to which he

Here is reason, most abundant, for all

that loathing of his condition which ensues in the mind of the sinner, under conviction of sin. And then the sense of shame in remaining from his father's house-his personal ingratitude-his abuse of mercies-his base prostitution of the means of grace-how admirably are all these reflections adapted to sink him in the dust! It is in this state of distress, that he recals to mind the ability of his neglected parent to relieve him; and he sees the fitness of the cheering invitations of the gospel to his own condition. Instead of being exalted by the thought that all may yet be well with him, or elated in dwelling on the tendered kindness of his parent, the very thought of parental favour sinks him lower; the legitimate effect, on a generous mind, of kindness from the injured party. In this humility he would be fed as a

servant; he would take the lowest condition; he aspires to nothing of self-exaltation. An active resolution succeeds these reflections, "I will arise, and go to my father." He does not lie still and bemoan his condition. He does not wait for future facilities. A sense of starvation will not permit the sufferer to speculate on frivolous matters. Nor does he inquire into any of the details which are unessential to his purpose. "He arose." "A great way off" he was seen-met-greetedand embraced. There is something affecting, too, in the simple statement of the interview. To the humble and heartfelt confession of the son, the father gives no other answer than that of an order to clothe the tattered youth with a garment of honour, and to prepare a festival of rejoicing for his famishing child. And then how the feelings of the parties act on each other! The sense of shame and guilt, and the humility of the son, awaken the pity of a compassionate parent: and the tenderness of the father increases the self-condemnation of his offspring. Was ever description more true to nature?

One consideration we should never forget; for a recollection of it will prevent that confusion respecting the use of the promises, which is so very general: I mean that every promise, or invitation, is given through the Saviour; not merely that all salvation is the purchase of his blood, but

that, in the view of the promises themselves, our eye is to be directed to him, and our application to be made personally to himself. His own language is, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."

After all, my dear sir, it is in comparing the words of scripture with our own condition, that we use the proper means of rendering it of avail to ourselves. It is in the unison of the divine language with our own state of mind, that any positive effect is produced upon us. As a general rule, therefore, the proper method of studying the word of God implies a deep self-examination, at the same time: without which, whatever the Holy Spirit is able to effect, independent of direct means, we ought not to look for benefit to ourselves.

And, now, while I commend you to the good word of God, and to a prayerful examination of its suitableness to your own case, may it indeed dwell in you richly in all wisdom! May its hallowed truths be carried home with power to your heart, and bring to light within you the day spring from on high!

Yours very truly,

K

194

LETTER X.

On right desires.-The young man in the gospel.-A com plaint of the inquirer.-One of the marks of right desires. -A misinterpretation of Romans ix. 3.-Right desires not a mere fear of hell.-The breathings of an awakened sinner.Reformation of life connected with sincerity;- and the spirit of forgiveness on our own part.-Right desires not capricious.-Trials from a disposition to dictate to God;-and from wicked thoughts.-A recommendation.

MY DEAR SIR,

The

THERE is no inconsistency in saying that the sinner is directed to come to Christ without delay, and yet that, if his desires be of an unsuitable character, all application will be vain. invitations of the gospel extend to all, whether they are accepted or not: and the command unto all men is, to repent and to close with the terms of salvation. Even he whose care and labour are expended in search of earthly happiness is not excluded from that general invitation. But then the tender of pardon and grace, as its language always clearly implies, requires the relinquishment of one pursuit, and the sincere engagement in another. It declares the inadequacy of worldly

pleasures to the demands of the soul; and proposes a higher source of happiness. Now the only question is, whether the object held out by the gospel does indeed meet the consent and wish of the sinner. If it do so, no impediment, unless it be one of error in views, can remain in the way.

This is the sum of the whole matter before us. It is spiritual life and peace which are offered. If they be acceptable to the sinner, then all is well. But where the taste and affections cling to the world, or where an attempt is made to compromise between God and mammon, the object desired is not the peace of the Redeemer, or the enjoyment of spiritual life, but something of a carnal and selfish nature.

Such was the instance of the young man in the gospel. He had heard of the tender of salvation through Jesus Christ, and he came eagerly to inquire, "What shall I do?" From childhood he had paid deference to the moral law; and the command to an external obedience here seemed no way inconsistent with a spirit of worldliness. But when he ascertained that the means of indulging in such a spirit were to be relinquished on the very entrance into a heavenly life, he sorrowed at the sight of the unwelcome alternative, and went away more hopeless than he came. He certainly desired salvation; but his heart