In this portion of this great prayer I discern the unalterable mode in
which nations and individuals recover their moral health and strength.
How do they lose it? Two words tell the story. They "_sin_" and are
"_smitten_." It is an inevitable sequence. Every sin is the minister of
disease. Sometimes we can see it, when the disease flaunts its flags in
the flesh; lust and drunkenness have glaring placards, and we know what is
going on within. But even when sin makes no visible mark the wasting
process is at work. It is as true of falsehood as of drunkenness, of
treachery as of lust. "Evil shall slay the wicked."
And how do we recover our lost estate? There are three words which tell
the story. "_Turn!_" "_Confess!_" "_Make supplication!_" The words need no
exposition. I must turn my face to my despised and neglected Lord; I must
tell them all about my miserable revolt, and I must humbly crave for His
restoring grace.
And the answer is sure. Such humble exercise sets the joy-bells ringing,
and the rich forgiveness of the Lord fills the soul with peace. "O taste
and see how gracious the Lord is."