"As they drew near the shore, their emotions increased, and they cried aloud, 'How can we appear in the presence of our justly offended sovereign? Our iniquity seems too great for him to forgive. O, why did we never, till now, view ourselves as vile and guilty before him! Surely our sins have rendered us blind to our own unworthiness, as well as wanting in obedience toward him.'
"'Comfort yourselves, my dear friends,' exclaimed the prince; 'my father has accepted my sufferings and labors as a sacrifice for your guilt, and your pardon is free and entire. Forget, then, the things that are past, and endeavor, by your zeal in his service, to show your gratitude for the favors you have received.'
"When the life-boat, with its precious freight of souls, drew toward the land, many stood back with fear, as they recognized the outlaws; but this emotion was instantly changed to joy, as the prince accompanied them to his father, and presented them as the reward of his toil. 'Here am I, sire, and the people who have been redeemed from death by my agonizing exertions. In your name I have promised that the sentence pronounced against them should be reversed, and that, accepting me as their ransom, they should be admitted to all the privileges of children of a merciful sovereign.'
"Here the pardoned rebels cast themselves down at the feet of the king, confessing their hatred of themselves and the life they had pursued since they departed from his requirements, resolutely declaring their determination henceforth to live lives of obedience and integrity, that they might in some humble degree express their gratitude and love toward him who had been willing to give his life a ransom for theirs.
"When the multitude, who had been crowding near, heard these words, there arose one long-continued shout of rejoicing, in which might be heard these words: 'Our glorious Prince! May he reign over us forever and ever! For his sake we joyfully, exultingly, welcome home those whom he has so loved, and who will help to swell the song of praise to his name forever and ever.'"
While Mr. Dermott had been speaking, Walter's tears silently trickled down his cheeks. He evidently was applying the parable to his own case.
After a moment's pause, the gentleman continued: "We are the rebels against God, the king. Jesus Christ is our prince, who has offered his life a sacrifice for our sins, that we may obtain pardon and peace. Those of us who receive him as our Saviour are his elect, whom he carries in the life-boat of salvation to the kingdom of his Father in heaven."
Dear children, who have all of you violated God's holy law, and are living afar off, having incurred his displeasure, will you not confess and forsake your sins, joyfully embracing his Son as your Prince, your Saviour, and Redeemer?