GOD'S WAYS NOT OUR WAYS.
By L. A. S.
AMONG the inspired petitions left on record for our instruction and hope, we find these words of the psalmist: “For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.” Ps. 25:11. Who ever heard of man asking pardon of his earthly superior for his transgression because it was great? If his offense is but slight, the transgressor dares to hope for pardon, and in his petition aims to make transgression appear as light as possible. The hope of pardon is lessened in proportion to the gravity of his crime. But God’s ways are not our ways; and well is it for us that they are not. God delights to pardon transgression, and the fact that our sins are as scarlet, does not one whit lessen His desire to make them white as snow. The greater our sinfulness, the greater our need of divine pity and help from the throne of all power; and it is our misfortune and our need that appeal to the heart of our Creator. And therefore He has placed in our mouths the wonderful petition, “For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.” L. A. S.