Repentance

Cry from a contrite heart:-

"Yes , Thou forgivest, but with all forgiving
Canst not renew mine innocence again;
Make Thou, O Christ, a dying of my living,
Purge from the sin, but never from the pain!

"So shall all speech of now and of tomorrow,
All He hath shown me or shall show me yet,
Spring from an infinite and tender sorrow,
Burst from a burning passion of regret."

If there are consequences of sin, therefore, which are calculated to weaken the believer's strength and to mar his comeliness, they are turned in the riches of God's Grace into means of purifying his soul, of deepening his spiritual life, and of strengthening his love to God. And one day even the scars themselves will pass away, and the ransomed soul will shine in the beauties of perfect holiness, "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing."

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