A deep sense and clear sight of sin—its heinousness, and the punishment it deserves—should make us lie low before the throne. We have sinned as Christians. Alas! that it should be so. Favored as we have been, we have yet been ungrateful. Privileged beyond most, we have not brought forth fruit in proportion. Who is there, though they may have long been engaged in the Christian warfare, who will not blush when looking back upon the past?

As for our days before we were regenerated, may they be forgiven and forgotten. But since then? Though we have not sinned as before, yet we have sinned against light and against love—light that has truly penetrated our minds, and love in which we have rejoiced. Oh, the atrocity of the sin of a pardoned soul! An unpardoned sinner sins cheaply compared with the sin of one of God's own elect ones, who has had communion with Christ and leaned his head upon Jesus' bosom.

Look at David! Many will talk of his sin, but I pray you—look at his repentance! Hear his broken bones, as each one moans out its dolorous confession! Mark his tears as they fall upon the ground, and the deep sighs that accompany the softened music of his harp!

We have erred. Let us, therefore, seek the spirit of penitence.

Look, again, at Peter! We speak much of Peter denying his Master. Remember, it is written: "He wept bitterly." Have we no denials of our Lord to be lamented with tears? Alas! These sins of ours, before and after conversion, would consign us to the place of inextinguishable fire if it were not for the sovereign mercy which has made us to differ, snatching us like brands from the burning.

My soul, bow down under a sense of your natural sinfulness, and worship your God. Admire the grace which saves you—the mercy which spares you—the love which pardons you!