you would have peace, you would have knowledge -without Him, who is the source and dispenser of them all. Creatures of God, you can no more do this, than the branch can receive the sap which vivifies it, elsewhere than from the root. Turn, then, from the perishing things of earth to the imperishable riches of the Gospel. There you may search for ever, and still there shall be more : knowledge rich and inexhaustible! peace which passeth all understanding! joy that endureth for ever!

Do you say, brethren, that these are mere words? mere sentimental effusions, having no reference to practical performance? If any of you think so, be assured that it is not the subject that is in fault, but your own slight acquaintance with its depth and power. What would you think of the man, who, in quest of mineral wealth, should walk over the surface of the ground which was reported to contain it, vainly imagining that the earth would heave spontaneously, and discharge its valued products at his feet? And when his expectation was baffled— when no such metal appeared, would he be wise to turn away in disappointment, and to raise the

smile of contempt, as the industrious miner, who had been labouring diligently in its recesses, came forth, telling of his acquisitions, and inviting others to the search?

Oh, be persuaded to begin in earnest, as though you had some great work in hand. The spirit of prayer will bring down the Spirit of your God. This is the mining tool which you must employ. Each day its powerful edge will be sharpened anew, as each day the voice is lifted up to heaven afresh for spiritual understanding. The hidden treasure of God's revealed truth can only thus be entered and rifled. Thus "shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God," whilst on earth; holding it fast as the precious earnest of that knowledge which shall be revealed hereafter, when we who now see as through a glass darkly, shall behold face to face, and know even as we ourselves are known.

272

SERMON XVI.

JOY IN HEAVEN OVER THE REPENTANT

SINNER.

LUKE XV. 7.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

THESE words were uttered in the midst of a group of hearers, widely differing in character and disposition-publicans and sinners on the one hand, scribes and pharisees on the other. "This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them," was the unfeeling taunt pronounced by these proud sectaries against the gracious Lord of life. In remonstrating with them, he makes use of two familiar images-the lost sheep, and

the piece of silver. And so emphatic is he on the important truth contained in the text, that he reiterates the assertion in nearly the same words, a few verses after-"Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

In considering these words, it is necessary for us to establish the true meaning of repentance, and to inquire who are those "just persons that need no repentance?"

Translation from one language to another often conveys very inadequate ideas of the force of the original. The Greek verb which is here rendered repenteth, denotes, more literally, to change one's mind. There shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that changes his mind, and breaks forth from the captivity of sin into the freedom of righteousness.

But how comes it that this sensation is said to exceed the favourable emotions with which the just are contemplated by the spirits of heaven? Are we to infer that the new penitent occupies a higher place in the regard of the Almighty than the long-tried and practised Christian? If so, we might profitably take up

T

the apostle's words, and reply affirmatively to his inquiry, "Shall we sin, that grace may abound?" A course of profligacy might thus become a gainful speculation, and the lustre and value of the crown of life be found apportioned to the depth and malignity of our transgressions. But as this cannot be, how shall we explain our Lord's assertion? The very parables which he employs on this occasion, illustrate what he means. The finder of the lost sheep, and the discoverer of the piece of silver which was missing, affixed not a permanently higher value to what they had succeeded in recovering, nor felt any permanent delight in contemplating these above the other objects of their anxiety. Their joy was temporary; their neighbours' congratulation soon ceased; and in a little time after the restoration of what had been lost, the entire property was looked upon with feelings of equal estimation. So that the whole passage implies no more than that the recent return of every sinner to the fold of Christ, from which we have all strayed, occasions a sudden thrill of unusual gladness through the myriads of angels, who throng the spacious firmament; while they con