n, it is torn and
stained, and although the sins may be forgiven, and the stains washed,
and the rents healed, yet to the end of life the marks remain of where
they have been, the effects are uneffaced.

III. Now what are some of these effects? In the first place, every
sin weakens the soul. It takes from it not only its innocence, but its
power of resistance. Just as a wound weakens you by the loss of blood,
so a sin weakens you by loss of resisting power. You are not so strong
to fight against evil after sinning as you were before.

In the second place, you have become more careless and even hardened
about sin than you were before. When you have a new coat or gown, you
are very careful of it that it be not spotted and torn, but once it
loses its first newness, you are not so particular, and the more
spotted and torn it becomes, the less you care for the injuries done
it, you say, "It is an old dress and very much used, another stain or
patch does not matter." So with the soul, when you have become
accustomed to sinning, you no longer dread sin.

CONCLUSION.--And now remember, in this thy day, the things that belong
to thy peace, and dread sin for its consequences, lest by over much
confidence you may exceed your measure, and then the chance of recovery
will be gone from you for ever.

XLVIII.

_SELF-INSPECTION._

11th Sunday after Trinity.

S. Luke xviii., 13.

"The Publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes
unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me
a sinner."

INTRODUCTION.--I have spoken to you on former occasions pretty strongly
upon the evil of backbiting, slandering, and casting of blame without
sufficient cause. I am not going to address this day those who speak
evil, but those of whom evil is spoken.

The Publican in the Parable stood far from the Pharisee, who had no
good word for him, even in his prayer, and he took a great deal of
blame to heart, and prayed to God for mercy on him for his
shortcomings. No doubt the Publican was well aware in what estimation
he was held by the people, and how utterly he was despised by the
Pharisee. The Publican was the tax-gatherer, and as the tax-gatherers
in those days were often hard men, and exacted more than was due to the
State, that they might pocket the difference, the general opinion was
that they were all of them dishonest men, and men without hearts. This
was not true, we know, o