Brethren, if I should compare the natural state of man, I would picture an immense graveyard filled with yawning graves and dying men. All around are lofty walls and massive iron gates. At the gate stands MERCY. An angel attracted by the awful sight exclaims, 'Mercy, why do you not enter that awful place and apply to these pitiful creatures your restoring balm?' Mercy replies, 'I dare not enter, for Justice bars the way.' By the side of Mercy stands the Son of God, who cries, 'Justice, what are your demands?' Justice replies, 'I demand a full obedience for their holiness, degredation for their exaltation, shame for their honor, and suffering and death for their lives.' The Son of God, as the Surety for sinners, accepted the terms; and at Calvary the heavenly host of redeemed souls cried, 'Worthy is the Lamb, for Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation'.