（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。
　　13
　　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。
　　15
　　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。
　　21
　　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。