the shadow for the substance. Others think of nothing more than a slight reformation. If the wound be skinned over, they conclude it is healed. If the wild beast be chained, they are not concerned that it should be tamed. What numbers are there, who vainly imagine they have a power to produce the change required by themselves! Strangers to the corruption of the heart, and the strength of evil habits, they suppose they can forsake vice and become virtuous when they please, and leap out of Delilah's lap into Abraham's bosom. Sin first deceives, next stupifies, and at last destroys. While men entertaui such loose, erroneous notions, trusting to their own power, and despising or neglecting the grace of God, it may be truly said, they put their repentance in the place of Christ. It is necessary therefore that we should carefully guard against every thing which leads to such delusions.

1. I shall endeavour to shew the nature of true repentance.

That repentance which issues in life eternal, is a change of mind, contrition of heart, and deep self-abhorrence.

1. A change of mind.

While a sinner is in a carnal state, his views and sentiments, his hopes and fears, his aims and motives, are directly contrary to what they ought

to be. He scorns substantial blessings, and catches at shadows. He refuses the heavenly manna, and according to the language of the prophet, feeds upon ashes. He rejects the pearl of great price, and rakes up despicable rubbish. The things of the spirit of God, in which alone there is true wisdom, appear foolishness to him. As his imagination gilds every thing with false colours, he is pleased where he should be disgusted, and disgusted where he ought to be pleased. He is like a hungry man that dreameth, and behold he eateth, but he awaketh and his soul is empty; or a thirsty man that dreameth, and behold he drinketh, but he awaketh and he is faint. Isa. xxix. 8.

But in repentance, a happy change takes place. He who is brought under the saving influence of divine grace, is renewed in the spirit of his mind. The eyes of his understanding are enlightened, to see the vanity of the world, the evil of sin, and the value of eternal possessions. Whatever relates to God, to Christ, and to the immortal soul, now appears in a new light.

1. The sincere penitent has right views of God. Once he did not like to retain God in his knowledge. He had a revolting and a rebellious heart. The law of God, requiring perfect obedience, was thought too strict. The justice of God,

preparing a cup of indignation for the wicked, was thought too severe. The worship of God was felt to be a weariness and an intolerable burden.

While such was the frame of the sinner's mind, no wonder he should turn away from religion with hatred and scorn. Job describes the wicked in prosperity, in the following remarkable language; Therefore they say unto God, depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have if we pray unto him? Job xxi. 14. 15. One of this character hates the light, because his deeds are evil. But he who has undergone a thorough change, has new thoughts of God. He sees that he is supremely great, and infinitely gracious, worthy of the highest love and reverence, from every creature in earth and heaven. He is convinced, that the law is holy, just, and good, and even when it condemns himself, goes not a jot too far. He is ready to own, that if he had been compelled to drink the cup of wrath, and wring out its bitterest dregs, he should not have had a drop more than he deserved. In short, he perceives that God is a rock, his work is perfect, his word is pure, and all his ways are wonderful, and · past finding out. And is it not evident, that the

more the holiness and goodness of the Lord are seen, the blacker and viler sin will appear ? "The carnal man," as a good writer observes, " is apt to think God ought to repent of making such hard laws, rather than that he himself should repent of breaking them." Instead of changing his course, and turning out of the broad into the narrow way, he acts as if God would change his councils, and give blessings where he has threatened curses. has quite different views. He honours God, and abases himself in the dust. Far from fretting and murmuring against the Lord, he stands amazed at his long suffering.

Now every true penitent

2. A sincere penitent has right views, and new thoughts of Christ.

Once Jesus appeared to him as a root out of dry ground, having no form or comeliness, to make him desired. But now his divine excel. lency and glory are discerned and acknowledged, He bows himself at the feet of Jesus, and looks to him as the great Shepherd, Surety, Saviour, and Redeemer of his people. He beholds the brightness of the Father's glory, the express image of his person, and the fulness of the Godhead in Christ. He sees all the promises and provisions of the gospel, as well as the keys of death and of hell in the mighty and faithful hands

of Christ. What words can truly set forth the astonishing condescension and kindness of the Saviour? If, said Austin, "the whole sea were ink, and every blade of grass a pen, we could not fully describe the love of Christ." It is impossible to have clear views, or spiritual discoveries of the adorable Redeemer, and not be in a considerable degree affected by them. Mr. Flavel calls repentance the tear that drops from the eye of faith, while looking to Jesus. Who can behold the Son of God coming in the flesh, laying down his life as a sacrifice, and conquering death and the powers of darkness for us, without feeling a glow of love to him? To them that believe, he is precious.

S. The sincere penitent has new thoughts of his own soul.

Once the body engaged all his care. That it might be adorned and admired, pleased and pampered, he spared no pains or costs. What shall I eat, what shall I drink, and wherewith shall I be clothed, if not the cry of his lips, was the language of his heart. But now being enlightened from above, he beholds the unspeakable worth of the immortal soul, and his chief concern is its salvation. O, says he, I have played the fool, and erred exceedingly in providing for the flesh, and neglecting the better part-the never