To be near unto God - pagina 273

There are two ways that here present themOne man minimizes ihis sin. He ia offended when he is told of his guilt. He will not hear it said that he is guilty in all sorts of ways. He holds himself erect, and deems himself a saint. This is the way to cover up one's sin, and not to thirst after reconciliation not to return thanks for reconciliation and love; and consequently to remain far removed from the knowledge of God. But there is also another way. In this way the It is that of humbling oneself. selves.

;

child of God distrusts himself. He is grateful He investifor having sin pointed out. to him. gates ever more closely his heart, his past, and And so there the present state of his soul. is everytime new need of reconciliation, new joy in forgiveness received, more love for the Merciful One, and an ever deeper entering into the knowledge of God his Savior. Moreover he who as a Christian man imitates Simon the Pharisee, and esteems himself to be just, can not bear that one who is a ^'Sinner" is

addressed by Jesus.

of one's

own

There is the exalted sense which has no place for

saintliness,

the compassion shown the prodigal who returns. But when by a deeper knowledge of our own sin we feel that we ourselves are small, and we refresh ourselves each day with a new draught from the cup of reconciliation, there will awaken in our hearts something of the joy of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth, which is greater than the joy over the ninety and nine who have no need of repentance. For this is the Gospel of Christ. 269

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