The Third of September.
TO SEEK AND TO SAVE --- Luke 19:10.
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." --- Luke 19:10.
Whoever seriously seeks to be saved both from the power and punishment of sin, and seeks deliverance only through Christ, should not give way to heaviness of heart; for consider, Art thou a lost sinner? Art thou seeking his salvation? This is a good token that Christ has sought thee, else thou wouldst not seek after him.
Whom Christ seeks he saves. Now therefore call upon him diligently to set up his kingdom in thy bosom, and say to thyself. O my soul, it was the very purpose of Christ's coming into the world to save sinners circumstanced just as thou art: yea, though thy sins be as scarlet, yea, though they be red as crimson, be not thou cast down, O my soul, and be not disquieted within thee: but encourage a cheerful hope in thy covenant God, and instead of poring only thy sins, consider the exceeding love of Christ in dying for them; and, by a sense of that love, do thy diligence to live unto him; and for this he will enable thee by his Holy Spirit.
The Lord of life and glory stands;
"An ample pardon here I give,
I purge from sin's detested stain,
O Jesus, let me doubt no more, Devotion for September 3
Aloud he cries and spreads his hands;
He calls ten thousand sinners round,
And sends a voice from every wound.
And bid the sentenced rebel live;
Show him my Father's smiling face,
And lodge him in his dear embrace.
And make the crimson white again;
Lead to celestial joys refined,
And lasting as the deathless mind".
But hear, and wonder, and adore
Till death shall make my last remove,
To dwell for ever in thy love.