instruction. It contains a very remarkable prediction of the repentance and conversion of the Jewish nation. This was in part fulfilled when the Spirit of grace was poured out on the Christian church at the day of Pentecost, and many of those who had crucified the Son of God, looked to Him whom they had pierced: but it will be accomplished in its fullest sense, when the vail shall be taken from the heart of that interesting but obdurate people, and all Israel shall be saved. It cannot, however, be reasonably doubted that the promise contained in it, like many others expressed in similar terms, respects the whole church of Christ, and is continually fulfilled in the case of every particular revival of religion, and of every individual conversion to God. It is in this point of view that I intend to consider it; and it will be my object to illustrate from it three particulars connected with true repentance.

I. The source from which it flows;

II. The means by which it is produced ; III. The effects of it in the life and character of the penitent.

I am to consider, then,

I. THE SOURCE FROM WHICH TRUE REPENT

ANCE FLOWS.

If true repentance imply, as it evidently does in Scripture, an entire change of heart,

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comprehending a genuine sorrow for sin as committed against God, a hearty forsaking of it, and an acceptance of God's mercy as revealed in Jesus Christ, then it is obvious that it must spring from the influences of divine grace. Accordingly, in the prediction of the repentance of the Jewish nation before us, the source of it is first spoken of-I will pour upon the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications. The allusion is to the pouring out of water, which is an usual emblem for the bestowing of the influences of the Holy Ghost. The image is most natural and just; for, refreshing as water to the thirsty, is the grace of the Holy Spirit to the church of God. Such language is common in the Prophets. One example may suffice: I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. Isa. xliv. 3. The plentiful measure also of the grace bestowed is implied in this striking image. The POURING out the Spirit conveys the idea, not of a small and inconsiderable blessing, as of a few drops only; but of showers of blessings, as the Prophet Ezekiel expresses it, when the influences of the Spirit shall be granted in rich and copious abundance.

The peculiar effect of the Spirit of God in his operations on the heart, is described in the

titles here given to the Holy Ghost-the Spirit of grace and supplications; that is, the Spirit by whose influence grace is implanted in the mind, and supplications are addressed to the throne of mercy. It is usual in the Sacred Scriptures to describe the different effects and fruits of the Divine Spirit in this brief but pregnant language. Thus we read of the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord, the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of holiness, the Spirit of adoption, and the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ.

In the words which we are now considering, the Holy Ghost is promised as the Spirit of grace, because all grace and holiness proceed from him. There is no grace in the heart of a fallen sinner till he bestows it. We are by nature dead in trespasses and sins. It is the power of the Spirit of God which opens the eyes, changes the heart, and turns us truly to God, Then we begin to see our state and danger, and to know our remedy and duty. We are saved by the sanctification of the Spirit, we are born of the Spirit, we are led by the Spirit, we are convinced of our sins by the Spirit; and thus true repentance begins, and is carried on in our souls.

But my text speaks of the Spirit of suppli

cations, as well as the Spirit of grace, because one of the earliest effects of divine influences is

prayer. Wherever the Holy Ghost is poured out, this effect appears. Without prayer we cannot live unto God. Amongst the first lessons which we learn in religion is the duty, and honour, and privilege of prayer; and it is only by the secret aid of the Spirit of Christ that we can perform it aright. We may indeed use the language of prayer, we may be present where prayers are offered, we may bow ourselves in the posture of prayer; but genuine and fervent supplication to God is the fruit of divine influence. We pray in the Holy Ghost. We pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. It is the Spirit who helpeth our infirmities, for we know not what to pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

It is by his sacred instruction that we discover our ignorance, poverty, defilement, misery, and danger. It is by the Holy Spirit we are enabled to understand the nature of that repentance which God requires of us, and to seek for it. It is by his teaching we receive with faith the truths and promises of the Gospel. It is he who excites in us spiritual desires after the blessings thus discovered in the Holy Scriptures. It is he who glorifies Christ, by taking of the things which are his, and showing them to us. It

is the blessed Spirit who assists us in every thing connected with prayer. We thus earnestly seek for repentance and every spiritual blessing, and pant after them with intense longings of heart; and "desire," observes an old divine, "is the proximate cause of prayer." Thus the sinner, formerly obdurate and thoughtless, is softened and humbled. He now begins to supplicate God; he lifts up his soul, and cries mightily unto Him; he pours out his wants before him, he shows him of his trouble; he acknowledges his sins, confesses his guilt, implores the gift of true repentance, forsakes every evil way, and waits humbly upon God.

Thus we see the source of real repentance. The Holy Ghost as a Spirit of grace and of supplications produces a return to God and a thorough conversion of heart and life. By the Spirit of grace God prevents the sinner: by the Spirit of supplications he disposes him to pray for salvation. By the Spirit of grace he enables him to know his danger; by the Spirit of supplication he teaches him to implore deliverance from it. By the Spirit of grace he discovers to him the remedy; by the Spirit of supplication he enables him to cry fervently for it. By the first he brings him to feel his wants, and by the second to spread them before God. By the Spirit of grace he opens his eyes to see spiritual blessings; by the Spirit of supplications he in