Seite:Marsh Hallig 1856.djvu/267

267

THE REPENTANCE.

must be able to lay aside our burden, and with a light
heart begin a new life. We must be able to renounce
our sorrowfulness, and look heavenward with joy. But
such ability lies not in our own strength. If we attempt
it of ourselves, bur feeble efforts are soon paralyzed by
the consciousness of unforgiven sin. Neither can we
forgive ourselves for the least impure thought, for we
stand not at our own bar, but are under the law and
judgment of God."
  "I know it, I know it," groaned Godber.
  But the pastor went on in an elevated tone: "We
need the forgiveness of God ; not merely a presumed,
supposed, hoped-for pardon, but a certainty against
which the gates of hell can not prevail. And now,
Godber, the time is fulfilled, the night is passed, and
the day has dawned ! The great mystery of redemption
has been proclaimed upon earth ; God was in Christ,
reconciling the world unto himself. Arise, thou weary,
sinful soul, arise ! For there is joy in heaven over one
sinner that repenteth. These words did not proceed
merely from man's longing desire for consolation ; in
that case they would be unavailing, would have no
power against the eternally renewed assaults of an ac-
cusing conscience. It is the word of him who came
forth from the Father that he might bear witness of
him, and it stands surer than the firmament of heaven.
The Saviour speaks, he whose word is not his own, but
the word of him who sent him. He speaks, and through
him the Judge of quick and dead, 'Be of good cheer,
thy sins be forgiven thee.' So, Godber, open your heart
and receive within the love that is seeking with these
words to enter where judgment against sin has already