Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/477

 derstand." (Is.  xxviii.  19.)  Misfortune  and  distress make  sinners  feel  how  foolishly  they  have  acted  in  leaving eternal  things  for  such  as  quickly  pass  away.  "  How many hired  servants  in  my  father's  house  have  plenty  of bread,  and  I  here  perish  with  hunger!"  Hence,  he  is moved  to  repentance;  "  I  will  arise,"  he  says,  "  and  will go to  my  father."  How  often  have  you  followed  this young  prodigal  in  wandering  from  God!  Follow  his example  in  returning  to  your  father.

I. "  And  when  he  was  yet  a  great  way  off,  his  father saw  him,  and  was  moved  with  compassion." (Luke xv. 20.)  Thus  Almighty  God  looks  on  sinners  with  eyes  of mercy,  whilst  they  are  yet  at  a  great  distance  from  Him. He invites  them  by  His  exciting  grace:  "  Return,"  he says,  "  O  ye  revolted  children, — and  I  will  bring  you  into Sion." (Jer. iii.  14.)  This  good  father  meets  his  revolted son  on  his  return,  and  falling  on  his  neck  embraces him. " He  put  a  ring  on  his  hand  and  shoes  on his  feet." Thus God  acts  with  returning  sinners. "He enables their  hands  to  do  good  works,  and  prevents their  feet  from  being  defiled  by  the  ways  of  the  world." O God,  how  is  it  possible  that  you  should  love  man, who is  formed  of  clay,  in  such  a  manner! He has  a thousand  times  preferred  the  torments  of  hell  to  your service.

II. The elder  brother,  hearing  of  his  father's  joy  and festivity, murmured  through  a  spirit  of  envy. Ponder how easy  it  is,  even  among  virtuous  persons,  to  be