TAHE TRUE PENITENT. 509 agonizing soul: and at last, while earthquakes rock- ed me into the sleep of death, I gave up the ghost, with cries that astonished my bitterest enemies, and made them smite their breasts in ,pangs of involun- tary sympathy: Thus, to make thee partaker of my saving health, I took the shameful and painful conse- quences of thy mortal distemper,upon me. And now, Sinner, despise no more such amazing love, requite it with a believing look. Consider my wounds, till thy conscience feels their wonderful effect. Behold my atoning blood, till thou canst witness it heals thy in- firmities. " Knowing the terrors of the Lord, I persuade men. Come, thou poor prisoner of hope, turn by faith to the strong hold of my protection:Up! for God will destroy this Sodom, the wicked world where thou lin- gerest. --:Üp ! for the great and terrible day of the Lord approaches. As I live, there is but one step between thee aud death, and another between death and hell. "Let my love even constrain thee to arise, and to follow me; that,I may receive thee unto myself, and complain no longer, that, with respect to thee, i have laboured in vain, and spent my strength for nought. Surely, Sinner, I deserve thy grateful love, for I have fought thy fiercest enemies. Dreadful was the battle! my flesh was torn, my blood spilt, my life lost, in the obstinate combat : but I have slain the lion and the bear, I have vanquished death and the grave, and rescued thy poor helpless soul : and now let thy good Shepherd rejoice over his lost sheep : let gratitude compel thee to come into the fold of my church, and join the little flock of my faithful followers. And if thou canst not come, do but look wishfully at me, and I will lay thee on my shoulders rejoicing, and carry thee in triumph into the,richest pastures of my grace. "Once more I turn supplicant: once more I stand at the door and knock. = Saud ! Saul ! it is hard for thee to kick against the sharp goads of my love.--Martha! Martha! one thing is needful; chuse the good part,
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