e98 AN EXAMPLE OF softened it; stubborn, and he made it yield; at peace, and he troubled it ; whole, and he broke it ; and broken, till he healed it again ? Hast thou forgotten the times when he found thee in tears ; when he heard thy secret sighs and groans, and left all to come and comfort thee? when he took thee, as it were, in his arms, and asked thee, Poor soul, what ails thee? Dost thou weep, when I have wept so much ? Be of good cheer ; thy wounds are saving, and not deadly ; for I have made them, who mean thee no hurt : though I let out thy blood, I will not let out thy Life. I remember his voice. How gently did he take me up ! How carefully did he dress my wounds ! Methinks I here him still saying to me, Poor sinner, though thou hast dealt unkindly with me, and cast me off; yet I will not do so by thee. Though thou hast set light by me and all my mercies; yet they and myself are all thine. What wouldst thou have, that I can give thee? And what dost thou want, that I cannot give thee? If any thing I have will give thee pleasure, thou shalt have it. Wouldst thou have par- don ? I freely forgive thee all the debt. Wouldst thou have grace and peace? Thou shalt have them both. Wouldst thou have myself? Behold I am thine, thy Friend, thy Lord; thy Brother, Husband, and Head. Wouldst thou have the Father? I will bring thee to him, and thou shalt have him, in and by me. These were My Lord's reviving words. After all, when I was doubtful of his love, methinks I yet remember his over- coming arguments. Have I done so much sinner, to testify my love, and yet dost thou doubt ? Have I offered thee myself and love so long, and yet dost thou question my willingness to be thine? At what dearer rate should I tell thee that I love thee? Wilt thou not believe my bitter passion proceeded from love ? Have I made myself in the gospel a lion to thine enemies, and a lamb to thee; and dost thou overlook my lamb - like nature? Had- I been willing to let thee perish, what need I have done and suffered so much ? What need I follow thee with such patience and opportunity ? Why dost thou tell me of thy wants ? have I not enough
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