"REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD AND FAITH TOWARD OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST" is the essence of the gospel. Repentance implies serious thought, pondering over the conduct and state of the heart; it proceeds from deep and solemn conviction of our sin and sinfulness in the sight of God; it proves a concern to escape danger, obtain pardon, and enjoy peace; it includes sorrow and remorse - enlightened and heartfelt - that we have grieved the Lord, dishonoured His cause, and slighted His mercy; it always leads to reformation. There may be some degree of reformation without repentance, but there can be no real repentance without reformation. Let us examine our ways, reflect on the dishonour we have done the Saviour, seek anew the tokens of His forgiving love, mourn over our follies and faults, and begin again to do our first works. Look to Jesus, wait upon God, search His holy word, diligently attend His ordinances, speak of Jesus and for Jesus, and abstain from all appearance of evil, as we did at first. What love, what zeal, what carefulness, what consecration to God, we manifested then! Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us repent and do our first works.

For Meditation:
Recall to mind the happy days,
When thou wast filled with joy and praise;
Repent, thy former works renew,
Then He'll restore thy comforts too.