I. _In its source._ The grace of Christ in forgiving sins. Grace! How great! since it forgives all equally; the debtor who owes five hundred pence as well and as completely as the one who owes fifty--greater sinners and lesser sinners alike! For sinners of every grade there is but one relief, and that is Divine mercy--needed by those who have sinned least as well as by those who have sinned most, and equally sufficing for both. Grace! How free! since it forgives where no satisfaction can be made. "Nothing to pay;" such is the condition of every sinner before God. "Without money and without price;" such is God's gracious invitation. II. _In its law._ It is in the nature of things that love should beget love, and that the love thus originated should be measured by the extent of the favour which has been shown. "We love Him, because He first loved us." Hence, love does not precede pardon, but is the fruit of it, and is proportioned to the sense of obligation. This doctrine, clear as it is, is not apprehended by all, and is even contradicted by some. The inveterate spirit of self-righteousness has made men say: "See this woman. By loving much she obtains the forgiveness of many sins." This is palpably the reverse of _Christ's_ teaching in this case. Love to God can never be the growth of unrenewed and unforgiven hearts. "To whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." This shows the true order: forgiveness and then love. So that love is no plea for pardon; Christ does not say, "Thy love hath saved thee," but "thy faith." I love the Lord. He lent an ear When I for help implored; He rescued me from all my fear; Therefore I love the Lord. III. _In its character._ It is an all-absorbing feeling, which prompts the offering of the best gifts to the Saviour, and which fills such offerings with the spirit of devoutness, humility, and self-denial. Two closing thoughts.