June 21

The Lord is . . . plentious in mercy. — PSALM ciii. 8.

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. — LUKE xv. 20.

A PICTURE of divine pity, forgiveness, and love more affecting than this it would be impossible to find! In this parable we see not only to what degradation sin has brought a human soul, but we see also what divine compassion is felt for it, and what grace and love are lavished upon it. The instant the prodigal turns toward his father, that instant the father runs to meet him. Contrast the slow approach of the son with the eager haste of the father running to meet him, the shame and fear of the one with the love and joy of the other. And though still in rags, his father fell on his neck and kissed him, not only forgiving the wanderer, but restoring to him fully the possession and enjoyment of his forfeited filial rights. Such welcome awaits every returning prodigal. How return? In King's College, Cambridge, was once a young man anxious about his soul. He read and pondered Lev. xvi. 20-22. The gospel interpreted the passage. His heart was touched; he said, "If the Lamb of God has borne and carried away my sins, I will not bear them another hour." This was Charles Simeon. Like him yield to the drawings of the Saviour's love.

George C. Noyes.

Spread for thee the festal board, See, with richest bounty stored; To thy Father's bosom pressed, Thou shalt be a child confessed, Never from his house to roam; Come and welcome, sinner, come!

THOMAS HAWEIS.