Their arrogance is likewise to be repressed and to be humbled by the authority of the laws who have introduced certain works of Supererogation, by which they think not only to satisfy, by accumulation and perfect fulfilment, the laws of God, but in which they imagine that somewhat remains to them over and above what the laws of God re quire, from which they themselves may possess merit and apply their merit to others. CHAPTER X. Of Repentance. SECTION I. The term Repentance comprehends generally the ideas of Penitence, or sorrow for sin; of Conversion, or turning to God; and of Resipiscence, or restoration to a sound mind. Sanctification and good works, that is, the spring and operation of holiness, must necessarily be imperfect so long as man is subject to the infirmities of a corrupted nature. The Grace which is conferred in Regeneration, Justification, and Adoption, is not irresistible; and the flesh constantly lusteth against the spirit: hence, those who neglect and lose the benefit of their vocation through wicked works, as well as those who are most desirous of profiting by divine aid, have many grievous sins, or at least many failings to deplore; and are guilty of many omissions and transgressions of their duty which would totally alienate from them the love of God, were they not rendered capable of regaining his favour when it has once been forfeited. This restoration to a state of grace and salvation, is effected under the Gospel dis § 2. Repentance, more particularly, consists in Contrition, or heartfelt remorse, and abhorrence of past sins,-in a sincere desire, and lively hope, to be delivered from their power and condemnation,-and in an earnest determination, by God's grace, to amend and lead a new life in future. It implies Faith as its source,-confession and prayer as its genuine expression, renunciation of evil, a new obedience, and endeavour to repair, as far as the case admits, the injuries done by past transgressions, as the proofs of its sincerity. § 3. Contrition is the sorrow and pain of a wounded conscience, which is excited by the conviction that the wrath of God is revealed against all iniquity; that this anger is justly incurred by ourselves; and that unless it be averted, eternal punishment will be inflicted on us;-by the recollection of that state of spiritual happiness to which we were admitted at our Baptism, and of the inheritance, as sons of God, which we have forfeited;-and lastly by the acute sense of our folly and ingratitude in having offended God, and despised the riches of his grace. 4. There is, however, a spurious description of sorrow for sin. That grief which disturbs the mind on account of earthly objects, or through apprehension of impending punishment; which is unaccompanied by real hatred of sin, and faith in the power and will of God to pardon it; which leads not to amendment, but to desperation,-which worketh death: this is a worldly sorrow, and repentance that needs to be repented of; and may exist in the most abandoned sinner. The second ingredient in true Repentance is, therefore, a hearty desire to be released from the bondage of sin, resting in confidence on God's mercy through Christ. Godly sorrow," that which is accompanied by this desire and hope of freedom from the bonds of sin, "worketh repentance to salvation;" it proceeds from a very different source from worldly sorrow, namely, from the love of God and holiness, and from a stedfast faith in the promises of the Gospel. In order that Repentance may be sanctified to any salutary end, and be acceptable in the sight of God, it must be founded on faith, which is the basis of all evangelical virtues. It is faith which distinguishes a filial fear of God,-including the hatred of sin and wish to be liberated from it, because it is displeasing to our heavenly Father,-from a servile fear which dreads his holiness and righteous judgments. If the desire to be cleansed from guilt arise from the proper principle, it will be certainly accompanied by a firm hope in the mercy of God, as declared in his promises of remission of sins to those who truly repent. 5. The natural expression of sincere sorrow for sin is in humble confession to Almighty God, and acknowledgement of the various transgressions by which we have offended against his Divine Majesty in thought, word, and deed. The outward signs of sorrow for either flagrant or secret sins, are humiliation and fasting; together with public or private confession to God, or, if needful for the instruction and consolation of a broken spirit, to the minis ters of his word, whose office it is to declare the terms of absolution, and solemnly to pronounce, in the name of their Divine Master, pardon on the peni. tent, and condemnation on the impenitent. But these external acts and professions of repentance are no otherwise pleasing to God than as they are true indications of inward conversion, as they tend to subdue the propensities of the flesh, and encourage habits of humility and devotion. One demonstration is, however, unequivocal. The sincere desire to escape from the dominion and guilt of sin, as well as from its condemnation, will manifest itself in fervent prayer for forgiveness, and for the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, addressed to Him who alone has the power to forgive sin, and who has engaged to listen to the supplications of the contrite; to restore the penitent to his favour and protection; and to pardon the transgressions which we have committed against him,—even as we forgive our brethren that trespass against ourselves. § 6. The last, and not least essential part of Repentance is a stedfast purpose of amendment, and determination to lead a new life: for he who beseeches heaven for the pardon of his past sins, in order only that he may avoid the punishment which he knows to be their due, and does not at the same time resolve to shun them for the future, and to avail himself of the grace of God, is a hypocrite who but increases his condemnation by mocking the Searcher of hearts with a feigned and unworthy service. |