THE TRUE PENITENT. 501 thine enemies on the cross. I have led captivity cap- tive, and received gifts for men, even the promise of the Father, that the Lord God the Spirit may dwell in them. At my command, the great, the evangelical trumpet, is blown, and they that are ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, do come, and are welcome to Mount Sion. Hasten with them, thou captive exile, hasten to me, that thou mayest be loosed, and that thou shouldst not die in the horrible pit of thy na- tural state. " Thy helplessness is no hinderance to my loving - kindness : I break not the bruised reed, I quench not the smoking flax : I uphold all that fall, I raise up all those that are bowed down : I say to the pri- soners, Go forth ; and to them that are in darkness, , Show yourselves : I strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees : I say to them, that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not ; behold, I will come with vengeance and a recompence, I will come and save you. "My tender mercies are over all my works. When thee poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue, faileth for thirst ; I the Lord will hear them ; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places. I will make the wil- derness a pool, and the dry lands springs of water. " It is true, thou hast sinned with a high hand, both against thy light, and against my love; but how shall I give thee up, Ephraim ? how shall I deliver thee, sinner ? How shall I make thee as Admah, and set thee as Zeboim, those rebellious cities on which I poured my flaming vengeance? My heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. I will not destroy thee; for I am God; and not man. I have seen thy ways, and will heal and lead thee; and restore comfort to thee; for I create the fruit of the lips. Peace! peace to him that is afar off, and to him that is near, I will heal him. "Thou hast not chosen me, but I have chosen thee ; , thou art my servant ; fear not, for I am with
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