8.5t OUR UNWILLINGNESS claim on the goodness he had so noto- riously offended, yet he felt that the endearing name of Father had an elo- quence that might plead forgiveness of his offence, though he feared not for a restoration to affection and favour. But while he only meekly aspii7ed to a place among the servants, while he only humbly pleaded for a little of their redundant bread, he was received as a pardoned, reconciled, beloved child. Yet the human heart is not easily warmed into gratitude, nor softened into love, nor allured to imitation, because- it takes only slight and transient views of the divine benignity. What God has done for us, and what we have really done against, ourselves, will, in the great day of decision, crown Him with glory, and ourselves with shame. What we think we do for our own benefit in tem- poral concerns is so animated, so earnest, so unremitted - what we are called to do for God - which ultimately, indeed, would be done for ourselves - is so little,
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