Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 1.pdf/217

 swine for a hard master in a strange land. Now we can never emerge from this state of mental degradation until, like the prodigal, we each begin to think, to look into his heart, from whence are the issues of life: then we may be brought to see our folly and wickedness, and to an earnest repentance. It is then that a man comes to himself, and says, "I will arise and go to my father!" I will lay open my heart to him, and trust to his Divine goodness. O happy change! for when the soul arises out of the state of sin and death, then the heaven within that was once lost is found, and the death by sin is exchanged for the life of righteousness. Our Divine Father's joy is full when a prodigal returns, because he that was dead is alive again, he that was lost is found.

AVING already contemplated the conduct of the prodigal or younger son, we shall now turn our thoughts to that of the elder son, in the hope of learning from both what we ought to do to be saved. The elder son did not rejoice at the return of his repenting brother, but was angry, and would not go into the house. This displayed a sullen and envious spirit that is always ruffled at beholding another's good. The father's love is finely described by his going out and entreating his elder son to come in and join in the thanksgiving. But no; he prided himself in his own obedience, and said to his father, "Lo,