To E. M., 1854.

“But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself!” Hebrews 9:26

Dearly-beloved friend,

These rich words still follow me. That word “sin” feels weighty to a sensible sinner. But oh! that word “Himself!” seems a million times more weighty! “Himself!” the mighty God, the precious Man Christ Jesus! “Himself!” by whom all things were created, and for whom they exist! “Himself!” whose smile is heaven, whose frown is hell; whom all angels worship, and all devils obey! “Himself!” the sacrifice! Such another could not be found! Sins deep as hell and high as heaven cannot overmatch it, for it is infinite! Sins of scarlet and crimson dye cannot resist its power, for it makes them whiter than snow. See as as much as you can of the vileness of self, and the demerit of sin–yet “Himself,” a bleeding sacrifice, exceeds it all! Here is the sweet-smelling savor, or savor of rest, both to the Lawgiver and the lawbreaker. The Lawgiver is honored, the lawbreaker is saved!

See how He stands most lovingly, as with open arms, saying to every laboring, weary, heavy-laden sinner, “Come!” “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.” “I still receive sinners, to the uttermost I save them, and never am weary of healing their backslidings, forgiving all their iniquities, and multiplying pardons as they multiply transgressions against Me. I blot all out with My blood, and love them freely and forever.” Sinner, will not this suffice? It will if the Spirit applies it–and opens in a little measure Himself and His sacrifice in contrast to yourself and your sins. It will take eternity to know it fully; but that your heart may find rest and refreshing in it now, is the affectionate prayer of

His gleaner,
Ruth