SUPPORT FROM FORGIVENESS. 121 gled soul out of its depths; and this discovery of for- giveness must give him his first relief. Commonly, when souls are in distress, what they look after is consolation, What is it then which they intend thereby i that they may have assurance that their sins are forgiven, and so be freed from their present perplexities. What is the issue l Some of them continue complaining all their days, and never come to rest or peace ; so far do they fall short of consolation and joy. And some are utterly discouraged from attempting any progress in the ways of God. What is the reason l Is it not that they would fain be finishing their building, when they have not laid the foundation l They have not yet made thorough work in believing forgiveness with God, and they would im- mediately have assurance in themselves. Now, God de- lights not in such a frame of spirit. For, This haste for assurance is selfish. The great design of faith is to " give glory to God." Rom. 4 : 20. The end of God's forgiveness is the praise of his " glorious grace." Eph. 1 : 6. But let a soul in this frame have peace in itself, it is very little solicitous about giving glory to God. He cries, like Rachel, " Give me chil- dren, or I die ;" give me peace, or I perish. That God may be honored, and the forgiveness he seeks be ren- dered glorious, is cared for but in the second place, if at all. This selfish earnestness, at once to be thrusting our hand in the side of Christ, is what he will pardon in many, but accepts in none. It is impatient. Men act thus, because they do not like standing afar off, for any season, with the publican. They love not to submit their souls to lie at the foot of God, to give him the glory of his goodness, mercy, wis- dom, and love, in the disposal of them and their con- cerns. This waiting comprises the universal subjection of the soul to God, with a resolved judgment, that it is meet and right that ive, and all we desire and aim at, Forgiveness. 6 M
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