XIV. TOO LATE, TOO LATE.

THE elder brother laid a sharp and true charge against his brother prodigal, for his riot and luxury. [Luke xv. 29.] This nothing affected his father; the mirth, meat, music at the feast, was, notwithstanding, no whit abated. Why so? Because the elder brother was the younger in this respect, and came too late. The other had got the speed of him, having first accused himself (nine verses before), and already obtained his pardon.

Satan (to give him his due) is my brother, and my elder by creation. Sure I am, he will be my grievous accuser. I will endeavour to prevent him, first condemning myself to God my father. So shall I have an act of indemnity before he can enter his action against me.