IN this great worke of preparation for Christ , Observe two things . First , the dispensation of the worke of Grace on Gods part , he pulls a sinner from sinne to himselfe ; & Secondly , the frame and temper of spirit that God workes in the hearts of those , that he doth draw : and that makes its selfe knowne in two particulars ; partly in Contrition , partly in humiliation ; For our better proceeding in the prosecution of these two maine points , I shall handle them severally , and at large . And first we will sift out what this Contrition and humiliation is , that we may not deceive our selves , and thinke we have them , when it is nothing so .

What contrition is . This Contrition ( as I conceive ) is nothing else , but namely when a sinner by the sight of sinne , and vilenesse of it , and the punishment due to the same , is made sensible of sinne , and is made to hate it , and hath his heart separated from the same ; and the sight of sin makes it selfe knowne in three particulars : First , when the soule is sensible of sinne ; Secondly , when it hath a hearty and sound sorrow for the same , and an earnest detestation of it . Thirdly , when he hath his heart separated from his corruptions . All these are not wrought , so much by any power that is in us , as by the Almighty power of God working in us ; for the sinner would not see his sin , but the Lord forceth him , as the holy Prophet saith : Psal. 74.4 . Thou holdest my eyes waking , I am so troubled that I cannot speake , the Lord holds sinne to a carnall sinfull wretch , so that his sinne walkes , and sleepeth , and goeth with him ; nay the soule of a poore sinner would beat backe the blow , and would not have the word to touch him , he labours to shift off the arrowes of the Almighty , which the Lord shooteth into the soule ; but the Lord will not suffer him so to doe ; Thy arrowes sticke fast in me ▪ and thy hand presseth me sore . Psal. 38.2 . Psalm . 38.2 . As if the Prophet had said , I would faine have beate backe thine arrowes , but they sticke fast in me ; and I would have shaken off the burden , that lay upon me , but thine hand presseth me sore , so then at last , when the sinner sees , hee cannot shake off the arrowes , then he is content to bee separate from his corruptions .

This is in generall in the text , wherin you shall plainly see these three particulars fully expressed .

First , the sight of sinne by the hearing of Peters words , and it was not by the bare hearing of his words onely , but when Peter came somewhat roundly home to them , and said ; This is Christ Iesus whom ye have crucified , then followes the former worke , namely , the acknowledgement of their sinnes , and the first cause that made them see their sinne , was a particular application of their sinnes , hee came punctually and particularly to them , and said , you are they that have crucified the Lord Christ , this touched them and made them see their sinnes .

Secondly , the daily and serious meditation and apprehension of their sinnes , and of those truths , which were delivered in the word : hearing , that is , daily pondering and considering of the evills , that were committed by them and shewed to them .

Thirdly , they were pricked , they did not pricke themselves , but the Lord followed that truth that was delivered , and by his Almighty hand did make that word prosperous to their soules ; and though they would not pierce themselves , yet the Lord pierced them .

The second part of it is in these words , They were pricked in their hearts , not in their hands or eyes , but in their hearts .

The third part is the separation from sin in these words , Men and brethren , what shall we doe ? Whatsoever you would have us to doe , we will doe it , and whatsoever sinne is forbidden , wee are content to be rid of it ; nay , nothing was too hard , or too much for them .

Give mee leave to take a doctrine by the way from the words ; they when they heard this , who were these ( they ? ) see this in the 36. verse , them that had crucified the Lord of life .

What will some say , is it possible that ever they should be so pierced from their sinnes ? it was said of Iudas that betrayed Christ , it had been good for that man that he had not beene borne , What shall we thinke of those that murther Christ . If Iudas was damned for betraying of Christ ? then much more they for killing of him . Is it possible the Lord should doe good unto them , yes , even they came to be pricked in their hearts .

Doctrine From these words this doctrine ariseth ; It is possible for the most stubborne sinners upon earth to get a broken heart . They that stoned the Prophets and killed them that were sent unto them , and sleighted all the meanes of grace , they that refused Christ , and would not heare him ; they are now brought upon their knees , and are resolved now , if any course might bee taken to get Christ and mercy . Titus . 12.13 . one of their owne Prophets said , the Cretians are alwayes lyers , evill beasts , and slow bellies : a man would thinke it a vaine thing to medle with them , they are such desperate wretches , but the text saith , Reprove them sharply , that they may be sound in the faith , so that a Cretian which is a filthy beast , by a sound reproose , may come to bee a glorious Saint : and whereas the Jewes had loaden the Lord with their sinnes ; therefore it was just with God to ease himselfe of his burden , and so send them and their sinnes downe to hell together . Thus a man would think ; but the Lord did not so , as we may see in Esay , I am he , Esay 45 . 23.2● . that blotteth out all thy transgressions , for my owne name sake , I will remember your sinnes no more , and as the Apostle saith , Rom. 29.30 . the Gentiles were full of all unrighteousnesse , worse then they almost could be for all kind of degrees of sinne , and yet many of them became full of all holinesse ; Such were some of you ( saith the Apostle ) and in another place we may see that a Scarlet sinner may become a Saint in nature ; Esay 7. 18. we know this scarlet is such a deepe die , that all the art under heaven cannot alter it : Yet the Lord can make of a Scarlet sinner , a milke white Saint . I doe not say it will ever be , and it doth alwaies come to passe , but it is possible .

The reason is taken from the Lords Almighty goodnesse and power , Reason , the Lord is able to supply all wants , and amend that which is amisse , nay , he is able to do more then that thou standest in need of . When the Lord made heaven & earth he did not spend all his strength , that he was able ●o help no more . No , no ; he is All-sufficient still , he is not onely able to continue that good , which the creature hath , but to make a glorious supply of whatsoever is wanting , Psalm . 103.3 . as David saith , He pardoneth all thy iniquities , and forgiveth all thy sinnes : not some , but all , otherwise he were not All-sufficient , unlesse he had a salve for every sore , and a medicine for every malady ; if our sinnes were more then God could pardon , or if our weakenesses were more able to ouerthrow us , then his strength to uphold us , he were not All-sufficient : Indeed there are some things which the scripture saith , God cannot doe , but it is not because of the want of power in God , but because there is a weakenesse in the creature ; As God cannot deny himselfe , but the more and greater our sinnes and wickednesse are , the more will the strength and glory of his power appeare in pardoning of them , and where sinne abounds , there grace abounds much more in the pardoning of the same : Christ is All-sufficient in power to procure mercy for all thy sinnes , and the Spirit is all-sufficiently able to apply the satisfaction of Christ to thy soule , and therefore be thy condition never so fearefull , ( the sinne against the holy Ghost onely excepted ) there is power and mercy in the Lord to pardon thee , and it is possible for thee to finde mercy .

Vse . The first use is for reproofe , and it checks the desperate discouragement that harbours in the hearts of many poore sinners , that if they finde no power in themselves , no succour in the meanes ; they doe question in this case , and presently conclude an impossibilitie to receive mercy , and they thinke there is no hope , of pardon , as heretofore they have had no care in sinning ; because they cannot see how it may be , they suppose it cannot be : This bringeth a great indignity to the Lord Jesus Christ , and a great discouragement to themselves : why ? the Lord hath hardnesse , and difficulties at command . 2 King● 2● When the seige about Jerusalem was marvellous sore , and every man did despaire of any comfort or succour , the Prophet said , before to morrow this time shall a measure of fine flower be sould for a shekle , and then a Lord on whose hand the King leaned , said , If the Lord should make windowes in heaven , how can this thing be ? and the Prophet said unto him , thou shalt see it , but not eat of it , so it is with many that begge often , and the Lord answereth not , so that the soule is marvellously starved , and the flood of iniquitie comes in amaine upon the soule , and all his sinnes come to his view , and the heart beginnes to reason in this manner ; If the depths of Gods mercies should be opened , can all these sins be pardoned ? and can this damned soule of mine be saved ? Surely this cannot be . It is just with God wee should seeke mercy , given to others as bad as wee , and yet wee not taste of it , because wee distrust the Lord . Cains sin was so much the greater , because hee said it could not be forgiven : so it is a horrible sinne to say , the Lord is not so mercifull , as the Devill is malitious , and that the world , and a sinfull heart , 〈…〉 able to damne me then God is to save me ; if 〈…〉 so , God were no God , and Christ no 〈…〉 , and the Spirit no comforter , this is a 〈…〉 sin , our selves , and the devill above God & the Lord Jesus Christ . Oh therefore check all those discouragements of soule which too much prevaile with us .

Vse 2. Secondly , it is a ground of great incouragement to provoke the hearts of all wicked men under heaven , to looke out of that condition wherin they are , for some mercy ; because the most wicked of the world may be wrought upon , and the most prophane heart may be pierced ; Who therefore would not have his heart quickned up , to seeke out for recovery from that estate wherein he is . All you poore creatures , if there be any here present , as I doubt not but there are ; Oh you poore and ungodly sinfull creatures , my soule pitties you , you that have had your hands imbrewed in the blood of Christ , and whose sinnes are written with a pen of Iron , and are seene in every corner of the street , you that are thus in the gall of bitternesse , and yet in the kingdome of darkenesse , though your case for the present be very desperate , yet here is a little twigge in the middest of the maine sea , whereupon you may lay hold . And this may make you looke up , the Lord may shew mercy unto you , as proud , as stubborne , and rebellious as you , have had mercy ; If you have the hearts of men looke for mercy ; though your estate be fearefull for the present , yet it may be good : God hath not set the scale of condemnation upon your sinnes , he hath not yet sent you to hell . Consider this whatsoever thou art , thou yet livest upon the earth , and enjoyest the meanes , and it is possible yet to have all thy sinnes pardoned ; oh lay about thee , goe home , & say , Good Lord , were they pierced in their hearts that pierced the Lord Iesus ; and were their soules wounded ? In conclusion then , why may not my prophane sinfull heart be humbled and pierced ? It may be so , if the Lord say , Amen ; it will be thus , that disease is not past remedy that hath beene cured in others , therefore let this stay thy heart , as bad as thou have been humbled , and brought home , and therefore why not thou ?

But the soule will say , Can all these abominations be removed ? and is it possible all these rebellions of my heart should be pardoned , and all this loosenes and security should be cast behind the backe of the Lord ? I say it cannot be .

It is possible : onely labour thou that it may be , and that thou maiest not be puffed up with presumption , consider these three Cautions in thy seeking .

The first caution is : 3 Cautions . First , consider in thy seeking , a little mercy will not serve the turne ; thou that hast been an old weather-beaten sinner , and hast wallowed in thy filthinesse , when thou goest to God for grace , consider it is not a little grace , or a small worke , that will doe the deed : it is not a few spoonfulls or buckets-full , that will cleanse a fouleskinne ; so if thou hast had a filthy , prophan heart which hath been a through-fare to all wickednesse , and thou hast thus given thy selfe liberty thereunto , and hast continued therein ; there must be a well of mercy to purge such a miserable wretch as thou art .

Psal. 51. When David had committed those two sins of adultery & murther , & had continued in them long , he was forced to beg for much mercy , and to say , purge me , wash me , cleanse me . O Lord these staines are marvelous deepe , therefore purge me with hisope ; nay he had never done with it , because his sinnes were more then ordinary ; So , it will cost a great deale of worke before a loose prophane drunkard can be made cleane .

Secondly , thou must expect it with much difficulty and hardnesse in thy selfe , thou that hast beene rivetted in thy base lu●ts and corruptions , the Lord will make all cracke before thou shalt finde mercy ; thou that hast out-braved heaven with thy prophanesse , the Lord will make thee a mirrour of humiliation , as heretofore thou hast beene a spectacle of filthinesse . A man that hath had a bone long out of joynt , & it is now festred , it will make him cry many an oh , before it be brought into his right place againe ; So it is with a man whose heart is full of filthines , it will cost him much paines and difficulty and heart-smart , before the Lord will bring the soule to a right set againe . Manasses humbled himselfe mightily before the Lord , because he had bin a mighty proud rebellious man , the Lord made his humiliation as miraculous as his sinnes had beene , and so David when he had given his sinnes ease in bedding with them , the Lord brake all his bones and did awaken him with a witnesse .

Lastly , you must resolve to bestow the utmost of your endeavour to get this mercy at the hands of the Lord : It is not a dipping of a foule cloth in water will cleanse it , but it must be soaked and rinced in it : so you must not thinke to have the foule staines of sinne washed away with a few teares ; No , no ; you must rub your hearts over & over , and awake your consciences againe and againe ; it is not a little examination , nor a little sorrow will serve the turne ; the Lord will pull downe those proud hearts of yours , and ( it may be , ) let you goe a begging for mercy all your dayes , and well you may have it at your last gasp when all is done .

The maine point in hand is this , It is for the first part of contrition for the sight of sinne ; This hearing is not barely the sound of a mans words , but the sense and meaning of the words , by which the mind is inlightned , and he begins seriously to ponder the nature of his sinnes , that were so layed open unto him : thus hearing they came to be pierced .

The first doctrine is this : Doctrine . There must be a true sight of sinne before the soule can be broken ; for the text saith , They did first heare and then apprehend the evill that was done by them ; & thus they were brought to a saving remorse for their sinnes : Ezek. 36.31 . Ezek: 36.31 . the text saith , Then shall you remember your owne evill waies & your doings , that were not good , and shall loath your selves for your abominations . First , they shall remember their works , and then loath themselves ; it is the course that Ephraim takes in Ieremiah , Ierem. 31 . 29● After that I was instructed , I smote upon my thigh ; and after I was turned , I repented , I was ashamed and confounded , because I did beare the reproach of my youth . And it is Gods Course which he takes with his , Iob. ●● as in Iob. When the Lord had once gotten his people into fetters , he shewed them their Wickednesse , and makes their eares open to discipline . And in another place the Prophet shewed the ground & reason why the people repented not , Iere● 〈…〉 they understood not the ground and reason of their sinne , For no man saith , What have I done ? As a horse rusheth into the battaile and feareth nothing , so a wicked man continues in a sinfull course , never considering what he hath done ; the drunkard doth not say , How have I abused Gods creatures ? and the despiser of Gods ordinances doth not say , How have I rejected the Lord Jesus Christ ? And therefore no wonder though he be not affected with that he doth .

Now for the better clearing of this doctrine , I will handle these three things : First , I will shew what this true sight of sinne is : Secondly , I will shew the reason why there must be a true sight of sinne , before the soule can be broken for it : thirdly , I will make use of the point .

First , it is not every sight of sinne will serve the turne , nor every apprehension of a mans vilenesse ; What the true sight of sin is . but it must have these two properties in it , First , he must see sinne clearely ; Secondly , convictingly . First , he that will see sinne clearly , must see it truly and fully , & be able to fadome the compasse of his corruptions and to dive into the depth of the wretchednesse of his vile heart , The property of i● . otherwise it will befall a mans sinne as it doth the wound of a mans body , when a man lookes into the wound overly , and doth not search it to the bottome , it begins to fester and rancle , and so in the end he is slaine by it ; so it is with most sinners , we carry all away with this , We are sinners ; and such ordinary confessions ; but we never see the depth of the wound of sinne , and so are slaine by our sinnes : it is not a generall , slight , & confused sight of sinne that will serve the turne : it is not enough to say , It is my infirmity , and I cannot amend it : and we are all sinners , and so forth . No , this is the ground why we mistake our evils , and reforme not our waies , because we have a slight and an overly sight of sinne : a man must prove his wayes as the goldsmith doth his gold in the fire , a man must search narrowly , and have much light to see what the vilenesse of his owne heart is , and to see what his sinnes are , that doe procure the wrath of God against him , as the prophet David saith : Psal. 119.36 . opened . I considered my waies , and turned my feet into thy testimonies : the phrase in the originall is thus much ; I turned my sinnes upside downe ; he looked all over his waies . And as Zachary saith : Zach. 11 , 10. When the people shall looke unto him whom they have pierced , and consider the nature of their sinnes , then shall they mourne : Note , that this clear sight of sin may appeare in two particulars .