THE TRUE PENITENT. 513 whithersoever he goeth take no denial through the vail, that is to say, his flesh, torn from the crown of his head to the sole of his feet- through this mysteri- ous vail, rent from the top to the bottom, rush into the blood- besprinkled sanctuary embrace the horns Of the golden altar lay all thy guilt on the head of the sin-atoning victim read thy name on the breast of thy merciful High- priest claim the safety, demand the blessings, receive the consolations bestowed on all that fly to him for refuge -and begin a new de- lightfül life, under the healing and peaceful shadow of his wings. But perhaps thou art now devoid of active power, and broken in spirit. The hurry of thy self - righteous nature subsides. Wounded and half dead, thou liest in the way of misery, waiting for the passing by of thy deliverer. Thou hadst set thy heart upon being blessed in one particular manner, and God in his wisdom thinks it best to bless thee in another. Thou wouldst scale the new Jerusalem, and storm heaven ;.. but he chuses it should come down into thy. soul, as a fruitful shower descends into a fleece' of wool. Be still then, and know that he is God. Let him break thy self -will, which hides itself under godly appearances; and let him practically teach thee, that salvation is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God who showeth mercy. Meekly dive into the amazing depth of these words, "In quietness and rest shall be your strength. Stand still, and see the salvation of God." The fire, the earthquake, and the rending of the rocks, are over; silence takes place; the still small voice will soon follow. Thou art fora time taken from the foaming billows of self - agitation, and laid by the still waters a calm succeeds the impetuous storm, and a passive waiting thy restless, fruitless endeavours. Thou art in the case of one fallen into the sea, who having strug- gled long and hard to escape drowning, is obliged to yield at last. Yield, then, weary sinner, yield to thy happy fate. Fully surrender to the God of thy life. 17 3T
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