Simon, say no more within thyself, that if this man were a prophet, he would have known Mary to have been a sinner. How strangely art thou mistaken. He knew her well, and all her many sins. Her soul was given to him. Her name written in his book, and her sins laid by imputation upon him. She was his own, he loved her in her sins, and therefore came down to save her. He was about to die for her, being yet ungodly. His divine power had made her willing—his special grace caused her to mourn—his tender mercy bound up her broken heart—and his soul-reviving words were, "Thy sins are forgiven."

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