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.
THURSDAY.
The Prodigal Son.— II.
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
