A backslider, if there is a spark of life left in him, will groan after restoration. The same exercise of grace is required in this renewal as at our conversion. We needed repentance then, and we certainly need it now. At first, we needed faith to come to Christ. Now, only the same grace can bring us to Jesus. We wanted a word from the Most High to end our fears then, and we will soon discover, when under a sense of present sin, that we need it now. No man can be renewed without as real and true a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power as he felt at first, because the work is as great. Let your personal weakness, Christian, be an argument to make you pray earnestly to your God for help. Remember, David, when he felt himself to be powerless, hastened to the mercy-seat with, "Renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51: 10). Let this scripture be a goad in your side to drive you with an awful earnestness to Israel's strong Helper. Plead with God as though you pleaded for your very life--"Lord, renew a right spirit within me." He who sincerely prays to God to do this will prove his honesty by using the means through which God works. Be much in prayer. Live on the Word of God. Kill the lusts which have driven your Lord from you. Be careful to watch over the future uprisings of sin. Sit by the wayside and be ready when He passes by. Continue in all those blessed ordinances which will foster and nourish your dying graces. Know that all power must proceed from Him, cease not to cry, "Renew a right spirit within me."