I. Whether it be a natural nobleness, or an acquired refinement, the one, the direct gift of God; the other, an indirect creation of the Gospel it is seldom forfeited all at once. Step by step the downward path is trodden, till at last the prodigal's snatching tit-bits from the swine-trough shows how thorough is the transformation since he fell from his old estate.
II. If self-seeking can never be successful if separation from God is the death of the soul if carelessness about other's welfare, not to say misanthropy is misery, there can be little difficulty in deciding what is life and joy and peace. Love to Christ, harmony with God these are happiness.
J. Hamilton, Works,vol. ii., p. 325.
Reference: Luke 15:15; Luke 15:16. Preacher's Monthly,vol. i., p. 373.