TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST.
Christ a Patient Creditor.
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matt. 6. 12.)
I. Imagine yourself to be that servant, who in this day's gospel is said to have owed his master " ten thousand talents." (Matt, xviii. 24.) The debt, which a sinner owes to God for one mortal sin, is in a certain manner infinite. He is unable to pay this debt, and to make satisfaction for his sins, although he, and every thing which belongs to him, were sold, and himself reduced to perpetual slavery. What then would become of you, were your Lord to call you to an account this very day? You are charged with a great debt, and are, unable to to pay it.
II. God's goodness prompts Him to be willing to forgive even more than man can owe. He is " rich in mercy" (Ephes. ii. 4), " patient, and plenteous in mercy." (Ps. cxliv. 8.) "Come and accuse Me, saith the Lord; if your sins be as scarlet, they shall be made as white as snow." (Joel, ii. 13, and Is. i. 18.) He will visit you today in the Eucharist, which He wishes to make a sanctuary or place of refuge for all His debtors, who cannot pay their debts. Hence David says, " The Lord is become a refuge for the poor." (Ps. ix. 10.) O how ought you to wish for the coming of your great and good creditor!
III. From this parable we learn what preparations are necessary for His coming — " I forgave thee all the debt, because thou besoughtest Me." Therefore, He is to be
