118 FORGIVENESS OF SIN. he is lost and undone. This makes him hearken after tidings that they are safe though on a foreign shore; and as Solomon says, " good news," in this case, " from a far country, is as cold water to a thirsty soul," (Prov. 25 : 25,) full of refreshment. Though he cannot yet look upon them as his own absolutely, because he has them not in possession, he is glad they are safe. So it is with the soul; those riches which it so values, are, as to its apprehensions, in a far country. He is glad to hear news that they are safe ; to hear forgiveness preached, and the promises insisted on, though he can- not as yet look upon them as his own. The merchant rests not here, but he hearkens with much solicitude after the things that should bring home his riches, especially if they have in them his. " all." He considers the wind and weather, all the occasions, and inconveniences, and danger of the way ; and blame him not, his "all" is at stake. The soul in like manner hearkens after all the means whereby this forgiveness may be brought home to it; is afraid of sin and of temptation, glad to find a fresh gale of the Spirit of grace, hoping that it may bring in his return from the land of promise. This prepares the heart for a spiritual sense of it, when it is revealed. It also prepares the soul, by bringing it to a due esti- mate of the grace and mercy desired. The merchant- man in the Gospel was not prepared to enjoy the pearl himself, until it was discovered to him to be of great price ; then he knew how to purchase it, procure it, and keep it. The soul having, by this acting of faith upon the discovery of forgiveness, come to find that the pearl hid in the field is indeed precious, is both stirred up to seek after possession of it, and to give it its due. Such a soul saith, " How excellent, how pre -- cious, is this forgiveness withGod! Blessed,- yea, ever blessed are they who are made partakers of it! What
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