The Liberal Preacher (Volume 3-4) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1833. Excerpt: ... Should I speak of the good influences of this spirit, I might show its happy effects upon individuals and communities. It is of itself an unfailing spring of pleasure. It is the very temper, in which, as has been said by another, 'we relish and enjoy our own being;' and our souls are made meet for an habitation of God, who is love; and whoso dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God and God in him.. It is obvious from what has been urged of the obligation of forgiveness, that it involves a corresponding duty in him who is forgiven. All social obligations are by their nature reciprocal. And if the injured is commanded to forgive, the offender is first required to repent, that he may be forgiven. This is the only, but it is at the same time, the indispensable condition of all forgiveness both with God and with men. 'The Lord your God is gracious, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye turn unto him.' Nothing, however, can be clearer than the terms, 'Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him turn unto the Lord who will have mercy, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.' The fulness of the promise is certainly not more remarkable than the distinctness of the condition. And on the same grounds that we hope for the compassion of our heavenly Father, may we look for the forgiveness of our fellow-men. To this purpose our Lord commands, 'If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.' It is his to acknowledge his fault, to seek reconciliation, and to prove the genuineness of his repentance by repairing, as far as possible, the injury. It is then yours to forgive him; 'nay, ' adds the Teacher, 'should he trespass against (hee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to