combined breaks in upon them in the mildest manner; and every step is an advancement in satisfaction.

It would be endless to proceed in this manner. The more general case of repentance may perhaps be thus described-a divine power leads the soul to serious thought and right feeling respecting its state. It is convinced of sin, and urged to inquire, What shall I do to be saved? Here it experiences more or less of darkness and distress for a longer or a shorter season: but the joyful sound of the gospel is heard the glad tidings of pardon and salvation through Christ are received. A new course of life is the result-a life of holiness and obedience b.

As to the sorrow and tears belonging to repent

b"Progressive conversions seem to be most agreeable to the analogy of nature; and though we by no means question the reality of instantaneous conversions, or consider that the grace of God is limited either to time, manner, or degree; yet we have generally observed that they partake too much of a spirit of excitement to form a sure and safe test. The excitement of the senses is a dangerous ingredient in holy things, because they are equally susceptible of opposite impressions. Those conversions ultimately prove most solid and abiding, where the understanding is enlightened, the conscience roused, and the will subdued by the simultaneous energy and power that moves and purifies the feelings and affections of the heart.”

Grimshawe's Cowper, vol. viii. 54.

ance, I would only say, that the true Christians who have gone far in religion without tears are probably few. I cannot say that tears are essential to repentance: but I may perhaps say that they are commonly more or less one of its concomitants. As to this point very much depends, among other things, on the constitution of the individual, and on his former course of life. Certainly there may be tears about our spiritual concerns, where there is no true repentance: perhaps there may be true repentance without tears.

But

I cannot enlarge on this subject: I would only suggest, that the broken spirit and the contrite heart may be expected to produce tears. I freely confess, I am no friend to a dry-eyed religion. But this matter belongs to the closet, and lies between the penitent and his Heavenly Father.

What, then, my young readers, do I say to you? Seek true repentance towards God; a right frame of mind; "godly sorrow that worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of." Seek a right view of your hearts and former lives, and a right feeling respecting them. Study the law of God, both as to its principle, spirituality, and rules. See what sinful creatures you are. Humble yourselves before the just and holy, the good and gracious God, whose law you have broken, and whose love, mercy, and goodness you have hitherto slighted. Pray for a broken spirit, a contrite heart, a heart of flesh; and let the petition of

each of your souls be, "God be merciful to me a sinner."

Piety without repentance, and repentance with out some knowledge and feeling of sin, without some shame and humiliation of soul, are nonentities. Repentance, whatever be its peculiar character in different individuals, is the only entrance on a truly religious life. These elements of character, a knowledge of sin, and an alienation of heart from it as that evil which is directly opposed to the nature and will of God, will be found in those who have felt the least of that affliction of soul which is commonly felt by penitents. I do not see how it is possible for any one to be a true penitent, who has not such a sight and sense of his heart and life, as leads him to humble himself before God as a sinful creature.

THE COLLECT.

"Almighty and everlasting God, who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve; Pour down upon us Thy mercy; forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord." Amen.

THE PRAYER.

O Thou Holy and Gracious God, I acknowledge myself to be a sinful creature. If I flatter myself, on account of any virtues and qualities which may be admired in the world, that I am not a depraved and unholy being in Thy sight, I am a miserable self-deceiver. Sin has corrupted all my faculties: in numberless instances I have transgressed Thy holy commandments; and in numberless instances I have failed in the discharge of my duties. Thus, O Lord, I am a sinful creature before Thee. I must therefore become a true penitent; having a right state of mind and heart; obtaining a just view and feeling of my corruption and transgressions, of my sinful heart and sinful life. But Thou only, O Lord, must give me a broken spirit and a contrite heart: Thou only canst take away the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh Thou only canst produce in my soul a just apprehension of sin-of its evil, deformity, and demerits: Thou only canst make me humble and self-renouncing in Thy sight. To Thee I offer my petitions, blessing Thee for leading me thus to the consideration of this subject, and praying that by Thy truth and grace I may obtain such right views and feelings respecting sin, that I may be grieved on account of it, and turn from it, and may seek pardon and renovation, so that I may live no longer in thoughtlessness, self-admiration,

and security, but demean myself in all respects as a true penitent. I am sinful, and have sinned: grant that I may rightly feel these declarations : and let my earnest inquiry be, What shall I do, so that I may be truly Thine, and enjoy thy favour? Thou only canst wound and heal: Thou only canst give me right convictions, and bring them to a happy issue. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, and work in my soul the good work of religion. O grant that I may now enter on the path of righteousness by the strait gate of a true repentance of a true conversion. Grant this, I beseech Thee, O merciful Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ our only Saviour. Amen.

--