September 27

We shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy. — JAMES ii. 13.

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. — MATT. xviii. 34, 35.

THE merciful man shows mercy, not in the hope of receiving mercy, but because mercy is an element inwrought into the fibres of his moral being. The gospel regards the acts of the life as evidential of the state of the heart. The unmerciful servant was “delivered to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due,” not simply on account of a single heartless act, but because that act was the evidence of his possession of an unmerciful disposition. With the infallible Judge it is the state of the heart which secures acquittal or condemnation. Disciples of Christ therefore need to examine their hearts to know of what spirit they are. Further, their lives should clearly show that they have practically learned the lessons taught them in the application of this parable. These are, — that the mercy sinners receive from God should evidence itself in acts of mercy toward their fellow-creatures; that a life lacking in mercy is proof of the falsity of a profession of religion; that they who seek forgiveness from God must be willing to forgive men; and that the prayer of the unmerciful is vanity and their condemnation a certainty. The gospel requires not only that men “do justly,” but also that they “love mercy.”

Oh, give us hearts to love like thee! Like thee, O Lord, to grieve Far more for others’ sins, than all The wrongs that we receive.

SIR E. DESSY.