Have mercy upon me, God, according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquities and cleanse me from my sins; for my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight; that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest and clear when thou judgest.'
"When I came to the words, Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, I was struck dumb. I could not say any more at that time. I fell upon my knees, and prayed to God to have mercy on me for Christ's sake. But I only grew more and more miserable. The load of my sins was heavier and heavier. All that I had ever done came plain and open in my sight, and I was led to see that I must perish. There was no help for me. All my sins was upon my own head."
Jacob was fully sensible of the ignorance in which he had grown up, and the manner in which he had been led astray and tempted to the commission of sin, yet
