THE TWO COURSES.

BY REV. T., H. STOCKTON, D. d.,

(Methodist Protestant)

CHAPLAIN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

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.—I John, i, 8, 9.

Surely this auditory is not merely metropolitan. Rather, to a great extent, it must be cosmopolitan. Allow me, therefore, to inquire-Where are you from? When are you going home? And what would you like to take with you? I have something to commend to you. Hear me patiently! And God grant, for Christ's sake, by the Holy Spirit, that good may be done here this morning, which shall extend into all the earth, be multiplied through many generations, and endure even unto eternity. Amen, and let all the people say, Amen!

The text introduces an infinitely important personal subject. It is the language of St. John, in the 8th and 9th verses of the first chapter of his first epistle: "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."

Here, you perceive, are two courses. Which shall we take? Shall we deny, or confess? deny our sins, or confess our sins? deny our sins and deceive ourselves, or confess our sins and secure forgiveness? deny our sins, and deceive ourselves, and have no truth in us; or confess our sins, and secure forgiveness, and be cleansed from all unrighteousness? We may take either course; but, if we choose the former, we shall be left to ourselves, and will soon ruin ourselves; while, if we choose the latter, as certainly we ought to do, God pledges His faithfulness and justice for our full salvation. The