Page:True religion a source of happiness.pdf/15

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business of repentance is not the native fruit duty and obedience, but of sin—nor is (illegible text) peculiar to Wisdom's, ways; for natural (illegible text)en have often deep remorse— The pleasure of true repentance far surpasseth its (illegible text)in; for true repentance is the exercise of (illegible text)ve to God and hatred of sin; and is alyways attended with, hope in his mercy,and more or less of a sense of perdon. It is our (illegible text)storation to a state of happiness, from which impenitence necessarily excludes us (illegible text)e the parable of the Prodigal Sons Luke xv.

5. But "the fact seems to contradict all this. many who seem very religious do not appear very happy." Answer, All who appear religious are not really so; for many (illegible text)e very serious, who have never yet known (illegible text)e truth that makes free; and so they are (illegible text)bouring to establish their own righteousness, and are neither delivered from the guilt of sin in their consciences; nor from the dominion of sin in their hearts; consequently cannot have this peace and happiness, for they are not in Wisdom's ways (illegible text)gain, there are many who take up a profession of religion, while it never had the chief place in their hearts. Such cannot have peace and happiness in it. Conscience may prompt them to comply with