He, therefore, ordered his servants to furnish in an instant, the means of comfort, which he felt to be so affectingly demanded: and these were such, as to place his father's willingness to receive him beyond the doubts even of scepticism itself.

All these, it is to be remembered, are the language of Christ himself; who certainly knew the real disposition of GoD towards returning sinners and surely he, who laid down his life, that sinners might return, cannot be supposed to have deceived them of design. God is, therefore, just as kindly disposed, as in this parable he is represented to be. The calls, invitations, and promises, which he has given us in the Gospel, mean the utmost of what they express; and GOD is as earnestly desirous, that sinners should return to him, and as much pleased when they actually return, as the strongest language of the Gospel declares. He is long suffering to us-ward; not willing, that any should perish, but that they should come to repentance. "Have I any pleasure at all, that the wicked should die," saith the Lord God, “and not that he should return from his ways, and live? Therefore, O Son of man, speak unto the house of Israel," Thus ye speak, "If our transgressions, and our sins, be upon us, and we pine away in them; how shall we then live?" Say unto them, "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, and live. Turn ye, turn ye, from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"

But the proof, which is better fitted to affect the mind, than any other, with strong conviction of this great truth, is found in the wonderful things, which have been done for the salvation of sinners. If GOD was reluctant to save sinners; if he was indifferent concerning their salvation; if he was not earnestly desirous, that they should be saved: why did he send his Son to die for them, and his spirit to sanctify them? Why did Christ live a life of poverty, persecution, and sorrow? Why did he agonize in the garden; ascend the cross; and go down into the grave? Why was the Word of God published to mankind? Why was the Sabbath sequestered; but that mankind might enjoy a peaceul, happy, heavenly season for the attainment of endless life?

Why were the doors of the Sanctuary opened; but that we might enter in, and be saved. Why were these solemn ordinances established; and ministers commissioned to teach all nations the Gospel of grace, and to baptize them into the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost? Why are you, week by week, summoned on this solemn day, and in this holy place, to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus. Certainly, if GOD had been pleased that sinners should perish, they might have perished without these wonderful efforts for their salvation. Nay they would have perished of course and you would have perished among them. Not an effort would you have made for your salvation; not a hope would you have entertained; but for this compassionate interference of your Maker.

The very threatenings of the Gospel are a proof of his earnest desire, that you should obtain eternal life. They compel, as the promises allure, you to the divine attainment; and, laying hold on the strongest principles of action, rouse your fears, where your attachments and your hopes would have slept over the burnings of devouring fire. Remember that all the evils, which these threatenings denounce, might with perfect ease have been executed to the full; without a single warning given to you, that you were even in danger. Why, then, were you warned to flee from the wrath to come, but that you might lay hold on eternal life?

These tidings are the best which were ever published in this melancholy world. They have astonished heaven; and ought to awaken an universal transport upon earth. They are tidings cordially announced. The good, which they convey, is real, and may be yours. Renounce your unbelief. It is your ruin. Remember, and believe while you remember, that, at the first indication of your willingness to return, GoD is ready to meet you, while a great way off; and will freely pardon, justify, and accept you, will receive you to himself, and give you the blessings of a glorious immortality.

9thly. The richest provision is made for the enjoyment of the sincere penitent.

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"But the Father said to the servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it.'”

All these are the entertainment of him, whose utmost hope was to have been made as one of his father's hired servants, and who doubted whether even this boon might be granted. What a contrast is here presented to the rags, hunger, and shame, of the miserable beggar upon whom they were bestowed?

All these are the strongest proofs of kindness in earthly parents; and are of course the most proper symbols of the kindness with which our Father who is in Heaven, receives his penitent children. At the same time, they are forcible proofs that they are in want of all necessary good. The robe, the ring, the shoes, and the fatted calf, are gifts to him who has neither ornaments, nor necessaries; who is hungry, naked, and in want of all things.

The very best gifts in the divine kingdom will be bestowed on the returning sinner; the forgiveness of his sins; the justification, and adoption, of his person, the sanctification of his soul; direction, support, and comfort in his way to endless life; admission into heaven, the sight of GOD; the supreme love of his character; the knowledge of his dispensations; the enjoyment of his favour; and the friendship of his glorious family. These are blessings, for which the Universe would be a cheap price; and which all its inhabitants would be unable to purchase.

10thly. There is peculiar joy in Heaven over the repentance of returning sinners.

"Let us eat, and be merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found."

"There is joy in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance." Feasting, music, and dancing, the highest testimonies of earthly pleasure, welcomed the prodigal to his Father's house; and were chosen by our Saviour, to exhibit the feelings excited in the Heavenly world by the return of the spiritual prodigal. This truth, may indeed, be considered as the burden or moral of the whole parable; as it is expressly, of the two, which immediately

precede it. The work of redemption is exhibited in the Scriptures as the greatest and most signal work of GOD; as the prime object of his creation, and providence; and as the chief means of manifesting his wisdom to principalities and powers in heavenly places. That these illustrious beings should rejoice with peculiar joy in a work, which sustains all these characters, is to be believed of course.

At the same time, the nature of the case itself furnishes the most solid foundation for intense and peculiar joy. The soul is of infinite value. In this case, it has been lost to the Universe. Now it is found again. It has been dead in trespasses and sin. Now it is quickened with the principles of immortal life. Another trophy is added to the victories of Christ; another gem, to his crown of glory. A deathless mind has secured a title to the never ending happiness of heaven. A new and eternal inhabitant is introduced into that happy world. The glory of JEHOVAH is seen, and will forever be seen, with new splendour; and a new theme of transport is added to the everlasting song "Unto Him, that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings, and priests, unto God, even his father; to Him be glory, and dominion, forever and ever.— Amen."

REMARK.

What inducements are here presented to sinners, to return to God?

The Scriptures invite, entreat and command you to forsake your sins and become reconciled to your Maker. How affecting is the manner in which all this is done! Do you need conviction of your necessities, your guilt, and the wretchedness of your present condition? How strongly have they painted it to your eyes? How truly? With what irresistible proof! How plainly is the story of the prodigal your own story! Like him you have been furnished by your Heavenly Father with many, and those the most valuable, powers, enjoyments and blessings, in themselves; and when used aright, the effectual means of glorious

and immortal good. But your privileges you have prostituted; your blessings you have wasted on objects which were of no solid or enduring value.

Your situation is that of the prodigal. In a far country, removed from God, his house, and his family, you are voluntary exiles from your friends, and your home; are alone; friendless; in want; and in rags; and are enlisted in the service of Satan, of sin, and of evil men; not one of whom has any real good to give, or, if he had, would give it to you. All are in the same desolate and barren region; are themselves perishing with famine; and are destitute of friendship to you, and to each other.

In this forlorn situation, if ever you open your eyes, and look around; you will see neither comfort, nor hope, to vary the eternal prospect of want, shame, and woe.

Is it not then infinitely desirable to know, that you have a home to which you may go; plenty to which you may betake yourselves; friends from whom you may derive kindness and consolation; and a father yet remaining, who, though so long forsaken, is still willing to acknowledge this relation to you? In his tenderness you may find an asylum; to his arms you may be welcomed; in his house you may find an everlasting residence. There all good things abound, are treasured up, and bestowed with unwearied, as well as unlimited, bounty.

Behold that father advancing to meet you on your way! Hear him calling to you with infinite compassion, Ho! thou starving, perishing prodigal. Return to me, and to mine. Art thou hungry? I will feed thee with living bread. Art thou thirsty? I will lead thee to fountains of living waters. Art thou naked? I will clothe thee with the robe of righteousness. Art thou weary? I will guide thee to eternal rest. Art thou friendless? I will be to thee a Father, and an everlasting friend. Dead, thou shalt live again. Lost, I will restore thee to a Universe of joy. Come; all things are ready. See, heaven is opened. Behold angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect, waiting for thy arrival! See the golden sceptre of forgiveness extended before thee! Approach, and touch, and live forever.