IN this verse Salomon setteth out vnto vs the summum malum , as I may terme it , the miserie of miseries , that can in this life fall into the sense of man . A misery , which who so feeles in extremity , hee would , I dare say , exchange it with the extreamest of tortures , that mans cruelty can devise to inflict .

A wounded spirit . And he amplifies it in a comparison of vnlikes . Protasis ; the spirit of a man will sustaine his infirmity ; that is , all other miseries conscience pacified can solace , and sustaine . Apodosis : But a wounded spirit , is an evill intollerable ; who can beare it ?

The spirit of a man ; that is , Conscience , setled in peace thorough feeling of Gods loue , will sustained . affords solace , and support to all other afflictions . It s saide of Gods people , they endured a a Heb. 10.34 . with ioy the spoyling of their goods , viz. having conscience assuring them of Gods favour , and promised recompence ; of the Macchabees , b b Heb. 11.37 . they were stoned hewen a sunder , slaine with the sword , banished , famished , and yet endured . Our home Martyrs with what chearefulnes bare they the violence of fire ? So mighty a supporter of mans weaknesse , is a pacified conscience .

But a wounded spirit , that is , Conscience it selfe distressed ; when that that should solace all other afflictions , is it selfe discomforted : that hell who can beare ? that is to say , none without speciall , and even extraordinary grace sustaining . Of it consider we two things . 1. The nature of it ; what a wounded spirit is . 2. The attribute here given it ; Intolerablenes ; Who can beare it ?

A wounded spirit , is a conscience distressed thorough feare , or feeling of Gods wrath due for sin . The wound is distresse ; the sword , Gods wrath : piercing , sometimes by feare , more then feeling ; sometimes by feeling , and then the wound is bleeding . The degrees of it are three . 1. That which is called c c Act. 2.37 . Compunction , or the pricking of the heart ; in comparison but as the pricke of a pin to the gash of a sword : a lighter distresse , if any of this nature may be light , according as the Lord is pleased to respect our infirmity . And with this , it may be , some enter into Gods kingdome . A second degree , is that which is here called , the wounded spirit ; when conscience is plunged into a deeper distresse , thorough more fearful apprehension of the terrors of the Almighty .

The last degree , is that which the Psalmist cals , the d d Psal. 51.17 . Contrite , or broken heart . A heart as it were ground to powder with the weight of Gods wrath pressing it . And these different measures might be all exemplified in Gods children , if daily experience did not evidence them the same man feeles sometimes lesse , sometimes more , remorse being not alwaies in like measure in any .

From which different degrees of this wound , something may be inferred by way of reproofe of sundry of Gods children . As some yee shall finde of Gods children that thinke this their misery , that they can in no greater measure feele the burthen of Gods wrath , due for sin , in their Conscience . Now if this were their griefe , that they can in no greater measure grieue for their sinnes : such griefe I should cherish : But whiles they wish for a greater wound , then the Phisition thinks expedient for their strength , I say as our Saviour to the sonnes of Zebedee ; e e Mat. 20.22 . they know not what they aske . For can yee drink of the cup ? &c. Canst thou beare the burthen of thy sins ? This wound intolerable , as Salomon thinketh it , art thou able to endure ? We are not ignorant of f f 2. Cor. 2.11 . Satans Wiles ; & we haue great cause to feare , if the Lorde should farther presse vs , least we should be swallowed vp of sorrow . Luther speakes excellently to this purpose ; God many times keepes from his servants the horrible , and gastly aspect of their sins , in wonderfull mercy ; least the horror of them , and Gods wrath due for them , should overwhelme vs . And this remember , if you endure the least pricke of this sword , it is meerely from grace , not from any strength that is in Nature .

An other sort there are , & they as heavily complaine of the depth of their wound ; as the Church in Ieremie , g g Lam. 1.12 . See if there be any griefe like mine , wherewith the Lorde hath afflicted me in the day of his wrath : was ever any so far plunged in distresse ? And here often begin almost to quarrell with God himselfe , and murmur at his hand vpon them , that when he leaues other miscreants in vtter senslesnes of their spirituall estate , he thus heavilie presseth , and only not oppresseth them . To whom let this advise suffice . 1. Let them consider that the cause of their wound is in and from themselues ; h h Gen. 3.8.10.11 . their sins procured it ; God only as a iust iudge inflicts it . 2. Let them weigh withall , that not only extremity , but even eternity of this horror they haue deserved ; even that which I say , hath i i Isai. 66 24. the worme that never dieth , & the fire that never goes out . And thinke they much , if the Lord for a moment chasten , that he may for ever haue mercy ? 3. Tell me thou that murmurest ; whither thinkest thou rather to be chosen ? A conscience wounded , or a conscience seared ; a hart ground to powder , or a heart past feeling of sin , or wrath ? Certainely , though it be true that Salomon speaks , a wounded spirit is an evill intolerable ; yet if thou hast any rectitude of iudgement , thou wilt easilie acknowledge , the state of a man wounded , farre better , then the state of one hardned ; in these respects at least : k k Act. 16.30 . 1 That sense of the wound driues to seeke remedie .

Yea 2 l l Isai. 61.1 . prepares , & makes fit to be cured . 4. Let such remember what the Lord speakes to the Apostle , m m 2. Cor. 12.9 his grace is sufficient , and he perfects his power in our weaknes , and hath promised , n n 1. Cor. 10 , 23. not to suffer his to be tempted aboue strength , &c.

Lastly , let it not be forgotten , that vsually comforts are o o 2. Cor. 1.5 . proportioned to afflictions : the lesse the wounde , the lesse the comfort ; the more the trouble , the more plentifull the consolation , when God is pleased to grant it . And of the nature of this wounded spirit , thus farre . Whereto I will adde one thing of some consequence , before I proceed to the attribute , that is , touching the subiect , or persons into whom it is incident ; And thus propound the question :

Whither this misery may fall into Gods children ; or whither it be peculiar only to the vessels of wrath ? To this the answere is , that not only castawaies or men vnreconciled to God , but even vessels of election , yea the dearest of Gods Saints actually partakers of adoption , are subiect vnto it . Yea more , All Gods children , except these only in whom the Lord workes extraordinarily , as Infants , &c. sooner or later , in one measure , or another are thus wounded .

Gods children therefore consider in a double time , 1. In the act of their calling . 2 After their effectuall vocation .

In the act of their calling , when God is bringing them out of the power of darknesse , it is generally true of al , they feele it or else are never truly called . And this is evident , not only by instance , but by generall doctrine . Elihu describing the Lords proceedings with his children in their first conversion , thus sets it out , p p Iob. 33.14.16.17.18.19.20.21 . God speakes once and twice , and men heare it not , &c. Then opens hee the eares by his corrections which he hath sealed , &c. by this especially here mentioned , as appeares by effects thereof described in the processe of that Text. Our Savior professeth q q Mat. 9.12.13 . he heales not the whole ; but the sicke ; came not to call the righteous , but sinners , that is that feele their sinnes and grone vnder the burthen of them , to repentance . And therefore this once I dare avow ; none ever had conscience truly pacified , that first felt not conscience wounded .

Now whether a man , after he is in state of grace , may feele this wound bleed a fresh : is a greater question with some thorough their weaknesse ; though if we consult with Scripture , and experience , the question is out of question . r r Iob. 33.29 . All these things ( saith Elihu truly ) will God , worke twise , or thrise with a man , that he may turne backe his soule from the pit . Examples are frequent ; see David complaining that hee had s s Ps. 32.3 , 4. no rest in his bones by reason of his sinne , his moisture and marrow consumed with the extremitie of this anguish .

Compare Ps. 77. Iob. 13. that place especially is eminent . 2. Cor. 12. there was giuen me ( saith the Apostle ) a pricke to the flesh , &c. many interpret it of concupiscence and the stirrings of lust ; but impertinently , and against the circumstances of the place : for stirrings of lust are no gifts of God ; neither are in any respect to be reckoned amongst infirmities , which Paule would reioice in : rather vnderstand it of this sting of conscience which he felt , pressing him downe to the nethermost hell in his sense , that was erst taken vp to the highest heaven .

If any demand reasons why the Lord is pleased thus to deale with his children , these may be assigned , whiles we set downe the diverse kinds of this wound , according as the ends of inflicting are diverse . The kindes are fiue . 1. Penall , inflicted for punishment properly so called ; such was that of t t Gen. 4.13 , 14 Mat. 27.4.5 . Cain , and Iudas , meerely penall , & a beginning of their hell , wherevnto castawaies many enter even in this life . 2. Castigatory ; for chastisement of some particular disobedience ; such u u Psal. 32. that of David , a chastisement for his sinnes ; the like of many of Gods children : so long as they hold on their course of obedience without interruption , so long * * Gal. 6.16 . mercy is vpon them , and peace , as vpon the Israell of God ; but if once they shal turne their liberty into license , when once that peace of God ceaseth x x Philip. 4.7 . to keepe their hearts within the bounds of obedience , farewell then their peace till repentance be renued ; y y Iob. 13 26. God then writes bitter things against them ; and makes them possesse the sinnes even of youth . 3. Probatory ; for triall ; such probably was that of Iob , chiefly for triall ; and such perhaps is that of Gods children sometimes most strict in obedience . 4. For prevention of some future sin ; so Paul , z z 2. Cor. 12 7. Least I should bee exalted aboue measure . God in mercy before hand letting vs feele the smart , that he may affright from practise of sinne . Saith Bernard , Quandoque ei , qui peccato quovis obligatus tenetur , Bern. de tripl . misericord . piè immittit Dominus amaritudines quasdam , quae mentem occupant hominis , & expellunt perniciosam delectationem peccati . God often in his loue , seeing vs intangled in some sinne , casts into our soules some bitternesse to possesse the minde , and to expel the pernicious delightsomenesse of sinne . The last is of mixt nature ; partly for chastisement , partly for triall , partly for prevention . And of one of these foure kinds is the distresse that any of Gods children feele .

If any would knowe how to put difference betwixt this wound as it is felt of Gods children , & that which is meerely Penall in aliens ; let him consider , the different effects , or consequents thereof according as the persons differ .

1 Thus workes it vpon Gods servants in the first feeling of it : glad they are to advise with any that is able , or likely to afford them comfort ; and resolue what ever the prescription be , to giue way to it in their practise ; a a Luk. 3.12 , 14. what shall we doe , say souldiers , people all affrighted with Iohn Baptists thundring sermon ? b b Act. 2.37 . what must we do to be saved , say the distressed Iewes , & c ? as if they had said , prescribe what thou wilt , be it never so harsh to flesh and blood , never so crossing to profit , pleasure , reputation , any thing ; we are resolved to do it , that we may obtaine comfort , that a castaway ever comes to so peremptory , or steddy resolution thou shalt hardly finde .

2 To a child of God , c c Iob 33.23.24 the Interpreter , that one of a thousand that declares to a man thus perplexed Gods righteousnesse , wil be for ever welcome , d d Rom. 10.15 his feet beautifull that brings the tidings of peace , & reconcilement with God . Is it thus with an alien , longer then he hath vse of a minister ?

3 The wound once felt makes for ever feareful to offend ; Gods children once scortcht with the flame of Gods wrath , for ever e e Heb. 12. vlt. dread that consuming fire ; from others , whiles they are vpon the rack , we may hear some good speeches ; seldome see performance when Gods hand is removed .

4 Such yee shall see wonderfull f f Mat 5.3.7 . compassionate towards others in like miserie , what they haue felt themselues they cannot but commiserate , & pitie in others by experience of sorrowes they learne compassion .

5 Such , yee shall see , of all others men of strictest practise ; and those little sinnes ( as some tearme them ) which others swallow without scruple , they carefully fly from , as odious in the sight of God . More might bee annexed ; but this shall suffice for explaning the nature of this evil ; A wounded spirit .

The attribute followes , which is intolerablenes . Who can beare it ; that is to say , none without speciall , and extraordinary grace sustaining . The intolerablenes of this evil I meane not at large to amplifie ; hearts , that feele it , easily acknowledge it , and I am loath to multiply their feares ; those that never felt it , till they feele , will not beleeue . Only take taske ; 1 by the fearefull extremities it hath driven many into , g g Mat. 27.5 . Iudas was not alone in his discomfortable end , but hath had ( alas for pitty ) and hath daily many followers ? h h Iob. 2.4 . skin for skin , & all that a man hath he wil giue for life , but life yea if it were ten thousand liues , men that feel this wound in extremity with out hope of release , wil prodigally cast away to be rid of this torture .

2 The feares it affrights withall are strange i i Prov. 28.1 . They flie , saith Salomon , when none pursueth ; even k k Levit. 26.37 at the noise of a leafe shaken , tremble at their owne shadow ; yea are l l Ier 20 4. a terror to themselues . Affraid ( saith David ) and affrighted , m m Psal. 53.5 . where no feare is .

3 Yea what extremities hath it brought Gods deare Saints vnto ? Iob , the mirrour of patience , yet vnder this cross so impatient , so vnlike himself , that n n Iob 6.8.9 . he wisheth for death . o o Ps. 77.8 , 9. David , the man after Gods own hart , it draue , if not to blasphemy , yet to some thing neer of kin to blasphemy . The like or greater might be instanced of others .

Heathens to expresse the horrour of it , set it out in that fiction of hellish furies following the flagitious , with burning firebrands , and torturing with all extremities . It may perhaps seeme strange , this evill shoulde be so intollerable : paines of the body many by fortitude haue outborne ; yea paines of fire , some , not only Martyrs ; but miscreants haue endured ; other griefes of the minde , time , or counsell , or necessity , or something digests . What should be in this point of conscience to make the wound so intolerable ? Respon. There are in this evill two things eminent , more then in other . First , whereas in all other afflictions , man hath to doe with man , or at worst with Devils ; in this man conflicteth immediatly with God himselfe , fraile man with the Almighty God , sinfull man with the holy God , p p Hab. 1.13 . whose eies are pure , and can endure no vncleane thing to stand before him ; that is in his wrath q q Heb. 12.29 . a consuming fire .

2 Whereas in all other evils a man is still a friend to himselfe : in this he is at warre with himselfe , a scourge to himselfe , r r Ier. 20 4. a terrour to himselfe . And whatsoever he is , or hath , all conspire to work his torture ; vnderstanding , memory , senses , members , whatsoever is within him , with out him ; what he thinks of , remembers , sees , hears , all turnes to his torment : and therefore no marvell if it be so intolerable .

To draw now to conclusion of these generals ; thus applying , & making vse of this attribute of intolerablenes given to this evill . We haue a company of gallants in the world , men for the present , as Paule speakes , s s Eph. 4 19. past feeling , and given over to worke wickednes even with greedinesse ; that laugh at the sheepishnes of Gods children , who of scruple abstaine from idle , yea from profane speech , yea from lewdest and most vngracious actions , oathes , periury , whoredome , so do my , bloud , any thing alike to them ; heaven , and hell , God , and Devill , peace , and trouble of conscience , all are with them but fables . They talke of Hell ( say they ) and torments thereof , as preachers will haue them intolerable ; the t t Mar. 9.43 , 44 worme never dies , and the fire never goes out . Now if this be al their hel , the gnawing of a worme , &c. who would be so foolish , as for it to barre himselfe of the pleasures of this life ?

Now Lord , that thou wert pleased to grant such Atheists , but one houres sense of that worme which they so much scoffe at : I am perswaded it s neither poverty , nor prison , nor sword , nor fire , nor any other torture , but they would choose to make exchange for it ; al the world said one once , for a good conscience ; wonder we at the wish ? The wound of conscience ( saith Salomon ) who can beare ?

Let vs all therefore be admonished to take heed how we wound conscience , and bring on our selues this vnsufferable evill . Of all blessings of God incident to this life , pray for this , the peace of a good conscience ; u u Phil. 4 7. it passeth ( saith Paule ) all vnderstanding : of all mischiefes , keepe thy selfe from this , a torturing , and accusing conscience ; saith Salomon , who can beare it ? Wouldest thou knowe what makes it ? It is sinne , any sinne , be it but a scruple , or dram , never so little it frets like poison in the bowels . It may be indeed , custome of sinning , as a callum , or brawny skin , makes conscience senslesse for the time : but , that callum once removed , no flesh so tender . But especially beware of sinnes against Conscience ; that is sins against knowledge , a and recoyled against by conscience : these are the torturing sins indeed , that racke conscience , when God is pleased to awake it : when men * * Iac. 4.17 . know they do evil , and perhaps heare the voice of conscience , as another Lot admonishing , x x Gen. 19.7 . oh deale not so wickedly ; or as Ioseph to his Mistris , y y Gen. 39.9 . how canst thou do this great wickednes and sin against God ? and yet breake out to enormities : these feare ; they turne in their issue , into gall and wormewood . And herein , alas , how desperat are many ? running to practise of the grossest enormities , which nature it selfe condēns ; as whoredome , drunkennes , &c: and never considering ( conscience being thorough custome of sinning stupified ) how deadly they wound it , and what horror they lay vp for themselues , against when God shal be pleased to enter iudgement with them . Oh that they would but consider the lamentable ends of such sinners , that this z z Gen. 4.7 . Lyon of an evill conscience once rowsed , thorough horrour , driues many vnto . How many ( alas ) how many every day heare we of running with Iudas to the halter , to be their owne hangmen , or cut throats , and posting as it were , out of the hell of an evill conscience , to the hel of fire , & brimstone , burning for ever before the throne of God ? And why should any living in the same sins , secure himselfe from like iudgement ? But of the wound this farre ?

3 Let vs see now what that balme is , so soveraign , that hath vertue to cure it : or in plainer tearmes , what course is to be holden of such as are distressed , that they may finde comfort . Two principall Ingredients wee haue in S. Peters prescript to his patients at Ierusalem . a a Act 2.38 . Amende your liues , & 2 be baptized for remission of sinnes : salues soveraigne indeed for a wounded soule , we can finde none better then repentance 2 and faith , and whatsoever is a meanes to assure vs that our sinnes for Christs sake are forgiven vs . This do therefore , when the Lords hand shall in this kind be vpon thee : search thy heart diligently for whatsoever is amisse in thee ; leaue neither sinnes of age , no nor of youth , sinnes of life nor of nature vnsifted : for all these humble thy selfe vnder Godes mightie hande , b b Is. 1.16 , 17 , 18. cease to doe evill , learne to doe well ; then though thy sins be red as scarlet , the Lord shall make them white as wooll . But this be assured , never to haue this wound soundly cured , till thy sinnes , those especially thou feelest most galling , be repented .

2 This done ; goe on in thy prescript , vsing all holy meanes to obtaine faith in the blood of Christ ; c c Heb 9.14 : Rom. 5.1 . that blood , and it only , infused hath vertue to cure the bleeding wounds of conscience . The meaning is ; thou must labour to see , and beleeue thine owne share in Christs death , and satisfaction , that thou maist be able to say as Paul from sound experience , d d Gal. 2.20 . Christ loved me , and gaue himselfe for me . This perswasion once vpon sound evidence obtained ; whatsoever Devill , or conscience can suggest for discomfort , is easily removed ; and till that assurance in some measure be gotten , never looke for solid peace in thy conscience . And therefore ( by the way ) heare not them that teach , you can never be assured of your salvation , or pardon of sinnes in this life ; what e e Iob. 16.2 . Iob speakes of his friends in his affliction , is true of such teachers ; miserable comforters are they to distressed consciences . No racke is so torturing to the body , as is their doubtfull suspense to a wounded conscience .

3 And as a meanes to obtaine it , carefully f f Heb. 10 25 frequent the assemblies and gatherings together of the Saints ; where God hath appointed his interpreters , those ones amongst thousands , to declare vnto man his righteousnesse : though it may be , some little ease may bee obtained by other privat helpes , yet sure they forsake their owne mercy that forsake our assemblies .

Hetherto ioine Christian prudence , in fitting thy meditations to thy present estate . The law is indeed a good g g Iac. 1.23 . looking glasse , wherein we may behold the many blemishes , and ouglie deformities of our life , & nature ; an excellent h h Ier. 23.29 . hammer to breake the stone of the heart : but consider , the heart broken needs rather i i Isai. 61 , 1. binding , then breaking ; the spirit wounded , rather lenitiues then corasiues . In this case therefore , Repentance & faith once in any measure obtained , that comfort of the Apostle is fittest to be meditated ; k k Rom. 6.14 . we are not vnder the law , but vnder grace : he meanes in respect of iustification . And therefore though the law condemne thee for remainds of sinne : yet grace acquits and accepts thee for thy faith in Christ .

Lastly beware of hellish courses , which many take ; as merry company & sports , to driue away qualmes of conscience , as some profanely tearme them : the l l Dan. 5.4 , 5 , 6 hand writing on the wall makes Belshazzar tremble in midst of his iollitie : they are but as a draught of cold water in a fever , mitigating the fervour for the present , yet so as it after exasperateth the griefe .

Having thus handled the generals ; it remaines now that we proceed to some particulars : the rather , for that the weaknesse of most is such in this misery , that except their owne particular ( and the particulars are almost infinit ) bee salued , little , or no ease is brought to the distressed . Our order shall be this ; First consider we the severall occasions out of which this distresse ariseth . 2 ( For that my purpose is to speake of it only as it is in Gods children , for chastisement , or prevention ) see wee what these speciall sinnes are , which by the severall distresses God would correct , or prevent in his servants . Lastly , as the Lord shal enable , proceed we to remedies such as either Scriptures , or experience hath approved for soveraigne .

Let no man require exact method , or curious sorting them to their heads ; no nor enumeration of all particulars , which are almost infinite . It shall suffice to propound those only that occasioned this paines , and that in the same order , which the sicke soule , for whose sake this paines was first vndertaken , confusedly kept in vttering her distresses .

And in the forefront , place we that that ariseth from supposed vnpardonablenes of sinne . This is the general that most affrights ; opinion that the Lord either cannot or will not pardon transgressions committed : so long as , but that principle of the Leper is holden , m m Mat. 8.2 . Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me cleane , anguish of heart is never so great .

The sinne the Lord would by this distresse chasten , or prevent in his children , seemes probably this . A former conceit they haue had in the daies of their vanitie , that of all things pardon of sinnes is easiest obtained at the hands of God ; a stroke on the breast , & I cry God mercy , thou hast thought perhaps sufficient to purchase a pardon .

The Lord would now teach thee , it cost more to redeeme a soule , and that pardon purchased with the price of his own sonnes blood , is not so prodigally bestowed .

Now this first distresse is vsually strengthned by three other particulars . 1. Greatnesse of transgressions . 2. Long continuance in a course of sinning . 3. Our own indisposition to partake forgiuenesse . For greatnesse of sinne we haue n n Gen. 4.13 . Cains instance . And though the issue be better in Gods children , then in the brood of Cain , yet the distresse it selfe is incident to Gods dearest servants . And herein alas how wittie , and even Rhetoricall are Gods children to aggravate theire infirmities ? still they will be finding out somewhat , wherein their sinnes haue exceeded the sinnes of others , to which the Lord hath granted pardon . It is true , they confesse , o o 1. Tim. 1.13 Paule a blaspheamer , a persecutour was receaued to mercy ; but what he did be did ignorantly through vnbeleefe : I against my knowledge , and conscience . Peter sinned grievously p p Mat. 26.75 . but wept bitterly ; my heart is so hardned that not one teare can be wrung out for my many sinnes . Manasses shed much blood , but in his tribulation , q q Par. 33.12.13 he prayed earnestly and humbled himselfe greatly before the Lord God of his Fathers : I besides a few cold wishes , and a little hanging downe the head after the guise of those Hypocrites , Isa. 58. find no such thing in my selfe . The sinne which the Lord would hereby chasten , and prevent , is our former extenuations , and sleight esteeme of the offence of God . we were wont to say of our sins as Lot of Zoar , r r Gen. 19.20 . are they not little ones ? and our soule may liue . Oathes , say profane men ( & perhaps we haue said too ) what are they but words ? and words , but winde ? Scoffing and fabling & wanton speech ; but merry talke ? Profane sports , honest recreations ; grosser enormities , humane frailties . The Lord would now teach thee otherwise to esteeme sins ; to weigh them in the ballance of the sanctuary , not of thine owne fancy : and perhaps the sins thou formerlie thoughtest little , are nowe felt as a burthen too heavy for thee to beare .

The remedies are these . First humble thy selfe before the great God , whose offence thou hast so lightly esteemed ; pray God to forgiue this thought of thy hart , that ever thou hast thought any sin little ; and resolue hereafter to make conscience as well of smaller , as of greater sins , knowing that thou art s s Mat. 12.36 . countable for the least , even to an idle word .

When thou hast this done , consider then the endlesnes of Gods mercy in Christ Iesus ; view the t t Eph 3.18 . height and depth , and length , and breadth , those immense dimensions of Gods grace and loue in Christ . Heare the Lord himselfe describing himselfe to Moses ; u u Ex. 34 6 , 7. The Lord , the Lord , strong , mercifull , and gracious , slow to anger , abundant in goodnesse and truth , reseruing mercy for thousands , forgiuing iniquitie and sin , &c. So many attributes of mercy and grace , so few of power and iustice , what argue they ? but almost a greater propension to shew mercy then to execute iudgement .

Heare the Apostle . * * 2. Cor 1.3 . God the father of mercies ; againe , God which is rich in mercy . Heare Isay , x x Isai. 55.7 . He is very readie to forgiue ; heare S. Iames , y y Iac. 5.11 . of much bowels and tender commiseration . And reiect that saying of Cain z z Gen. 4 13. my sin is greater then can be forgiven : Mentiris Cain , saith S. Augustin ; thou lyest Caine ; for greater is Gods mercy then al mans iniquitie .

When thou hast thus dwelt a while vpon meditation of the endlesse mercy of God ; see then the a a 1. Pet. 1.18 , 19. price paide to expiate not only little , but even greatest sins . Is there any thinkest thou so great , which the b b Heb. 9.14 . 1. Ioh. 1.7 . blood of the sonne of God , a person so excellent , cannot expiate ?

Nimirum Deus meus ( saith Augustine ) si aequa lance delicta peccantis hominis & redimentis gratiâ librentur Authoris ; non tantum oriens ab occidente , sed inferior separatur infernus à summo Coeli cardine . Now surely my God ( saith S. Augustine ) if the offences of man sinning , and the grace of God redeeming be piezed in even ballance , the East hath not so far difference from the West , nor the lowest hell , from the highest heaven , &c. Ad vnto these , those sweete promises propounded in the word of God . c c Isai. 1.17 , 89 Cease to doe evill , learne to do well , &c. Though thy sins were red as scarlet , they shal be white as wooll . And out of them frame this comfortable & sound conclusion . There is no sinne capable of repentance , but the same is also capable of pardon .

Lastly consider examples of great sinners received to mercy , d d 2. Par. 33.12 13. Manasseh , Peter , e e 1. Tim. 1.13 , 16. Paul , &c. and know Gods dealings are exemplary , in them the Lord sheweth what al might expect , that by their example shoulde in after times beleeue and repent .

A seconde particular strengthening this distresse is long continued practise of sin with contempt of grace offered . This is that that more exasperates the wound , and makes it bleed a fresh . I know ( saith the distressed soule ) Gods mercies are infinite ; Christs merit , endlesse : but I haue long dwelt in practise of sin , neglected many a gracious invitation , foreslowed repentance ; that now I am perswaded , the iudgement threatned by the Prophet hath seized on me ; f f Ezec. 24.13 . because the Lord would haue purged me and I was not purged , therefore I shall never bee purged .

The sin the Lord would hereby chasten and prevent is procrastination : & those prophane resolutions ; time enough yet ; repent when we are old : and those hellish speeches , young Saints old Devils ; youth must haue his swinge ; and let vs be merry , we can neuer do it younger . The Lord would by this distresse teach thee , that , it is g g Lam. 3.27 . good to beare the yoake in youth ; that repentance the sooner it is performed , the more comfortable ; and that grace must be accepted when the Lord offers it , not when we shal be at leasure . And now I dare say , thou wishest , thou hadst bin sooner wise for thy soule , and even in youth laid the foundation of thine endles comfort .

For remedy , this doe : first bewaile delaies , now so discomfortable in sense ; & pray God to pardon , that presumptuous neglect of his gracious invitations . And now purpose to h h Ephe. 5.16 . redeeme the time , and i i 1. Pet. 4.2.3 . as much time as remaines in the flesh , consecrate wholly to the service of God .

This done , build thy selfe vpon perswasion of this truth : that promise of pardon is made without limitation to any time , person , or number of offences , repentance being once performed . Ierusalem had long weltered in the blood of the saints : yet heare our Saviour ; k k Luk. 19.42 . oh if thou hadst known but in this thy day , the things that belong to thy peace : that is to say , notwithstanding all the blood of the Prophets , and cruelty that hath passed from father to son along so many generations , yet now had repentaunce turned away the iudgements prepared for thee . And the Lord by his Prophet ; From the daies of your fathers ye haue gone astray , yet returne and I will heale your rebellions . There is l l Ephes. 3.18 . a length as well as a breadth of Gods pardoning mercy . It is as long as large , to every one in any time seriously repenting .

A third occasion of this distresse is , that ariseth from our owne indisposition and disability to performe the conditions of pardon , faith and repentance . This is that that especially woundeth conscience . The former principles after some pawse wil be granted : God can pardon , and no time past for such as can repent . But for me , alas I feele nothing but hardnes of hart and security : nor can I , as I should , in any measure of godly sorrow , bewaile my fowle sins so long continued . God cannot pardon a sinner impenitent and vnbeleeving .

The sin the Lord would by this distresse chasten , is our former prowd opinion of free will , and conceited ability in our selues to beleeue and repent at pleasure . How oft haue those speeches rashly passed from vs , we will repent in old age , or when the Lorde summons vs by our last sicknes ; as if we had repentance at command , & could at our pleasure performe it . The Lord woulde now teach thee ; that it is not in man to convert himself , or to turne from his sins . And that it is as m m Ier. 13 23. easie for a Blackemore to change his skin , or a Leopard his spots , as for a sinner accustomed to do evill to learne to do well , without a supernaturall worke of Gods spirit turning vs that wee may be turned .