 | Songs of salvation |  |
When the wandering son had consumed his father's substance, he returned home to sorrowfully announce himself: the father saith not, “Whence comest thou?” or “Where is now all thy patrimony?” but “Bring hither the new garment; kill the fatted calf; let us now rejoice; my son was dead and is alive.” Here was a welcome home that might amaze him.
Though we sometimes lose the nature of children, yet God doth never lose the name, nay, the nature of a father—a name of privilege to His children. He is not only a father, but our father, and that which is more, a father in heaven, that howsoever we are disturbed in earth, the comfort is we have a father in heaven.
God is not such a one as Adam took Him to be, from whom when he had sinned he should fly and hide himself for fear; but God is such a one to whom Adam and all that have sinned may have access with hope and love.
“Mine iniquity is greater than can be forgiven.” No, Cain, thou errest; God's mercy is far greater, couldst thou ask mercy. Men cannot be more sinful than God is merciful, if with penitent hearts they will call upon Him. —From an Old Writer.
| Songs of salvation | |