THE FAMILY ALTAR 

August 28.

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the

truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:8-9.

This message from John's first epistle humbles every one of

us; for it makes every one of us a guilty sinner in the sight of

the holy God. Woe to us if we think and say that we have no sin

just because we have never been guilty of any gross or vile trans-

gression, like thieves and adulterers and murderers. We would

deceive ourselves as — sad to say — so many people do, and the

truth would not be in us. Even if we, by the restraining grace

of God, have been kept from gross sin and vice and hitherto have

led a blameless, virtuous life, we must all confess that all our

righteousnesses are as filthy rags in the sight of the holy God

who looks upon the heart and sees all its evil thoughts and unholy

passions. We all have reason, therefore, to smite upon our breast

with the penitent publican, and to say: "God, be merciful to me,

a sinner!" Happy and blessed are we if we do so. For our text

assures us, in the second place, that God will graciously hear our

plea, forgive us, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He is

faithful and will keep His divine promise to show mercy to them

that contritely confess their sins. He is just. He has already

punished all our sins in our dear Savior, who paid for all our debts

in full with His holy, atoning blood. The just God cannot and

will not demand from us a second payment for our sins. Whoever

now makes Jesus' blood and merit his own by faith has the for-

giveness which Jesus won for him, too, even of the many sins of

his evil, corrupt heart, and God accounts him righteous and holy

for Jesus' sake. May God's Holy Spirit keep us in this humble,

contrite faith to-day and to the end of our lives!

Approach, my soul, the mercy-seat,

Where Jesus answers prayer;

There humbly fall before His feet,

For none can perish there.

Thy promise is my only plea,

With this I venture nigh;

Thou callest burdened souls to Thee, —

And such, O Lord, am I.

O wondrous Love, to bleed and die,

To bear the cross and shame,

That guilty sinners such as I

Might plead Thy gracious name!