The Bibles Abstract and Epitome, Part 37
Gods mercies Mans iniquities.
GOds merciemercy i… Gods meere good will, and readie affection to forgive a penitentPsal. 103. 8. sinner, notwithstanding all his sins and ill deserts, and is nothing else but his Essence, which is One, and by which he is Wise, Just, and Mercifull altogether:Tit. 3. 4, 5. He then that will be a searcher of his MercieMercy shall be overwhelmed with his Glorie: Now his Mercy proceedeth from his free Love towards us, whichProv. 25. 27. although it be extended towards all men in Misery, yet it is otherwise extended towards the Elect, then towards others; but yet it is so great to all, that it can neither be expressed, nor comprehended by us.
Salvation and all the parts thereof are from the Mercy of God, his Mercy from his free Love, and his Love from his Goodnesse. So that there is nothing in us to move God to Mercy, but that it proceedeth wholly from his meere Love and Goodnesse, which is unspeakeable in that he forgetteth not his MercieMercy, neither will continue his MercieMercy in wrath, and yet he forgetteth our iniquities.Psal. 77. 9.
By his MercieMercy he ministreth food to the hungry out of the earth: Beasts skins to the cold and naked to clothe them: Herbes and fruits out of the earth for medicinePsal. 104. for the sick: Thaweth things frozen in winter by the Suns heat: Moderateth things too hot in the day, by the coldnesse of the night; so that whatsoeverPsal. 147. good thing is in the world, the same dependeth wholly on the MercieMercy and GoodnesseMatth. 5. 45. of the Lord; by which then it is plain and manifest, that all our merits and worthinesse are excluded, so as that no other thing can be in us, but things miserable and sinfull.
There is a seven-…old MercieMercy in God:
A Preventing MercieMercy: By which the Lord preserves the Elect from grosse sin.
A Forbearing MercieMercy: Whereby the Lord waiteth for the sinners Conversion.
An Altering MercieMercy: Which makes a man setled in resolution of Holinesse.
An Imbracing MercieMercy: Whereby God assureth the Convert of his Mercies.
A confirming MercieMercy: Which strengtheneth the Righteous in his Goodnesse.
A Hopefull MercieMercy: Which sets man in Glories Expectation.
A Crowning MercieMercy: Wherein is Livery of the Kingdome, and Possession.
Note.
After this life, notwithstanding the great MercieMercy of God, there is no place for MercieMercy in God left by which sinnes are remitted: For that Justice, whereby every one receiveth according to his deserts, doth possesse all things there at the end of the world, both in them that are saved and destroyed.
Adam and Eve
disobeyed Gods Commandement, being but one only, in eating; and having eaten fled from God calling them, and in stead of confessing their sin, the one laid it upon the Serpent, the other as it were on God himselfe, saying, The woman thou gavest me, gave me, &c. The serpent gave me, &c. and I did eat. Such yet was Gods MercieMercy towards them, that he clothed them, being naked in body; and promised them the Righteousnesse of Christ Jesus to clothe their naked soules.
Abraham
By the perswasion of Sarah his wife lay with Hagar her hand-maid,Gen. 16. Chap. 25. Chap. 12, Chap 20. 9. Chap. 11. kept divers Concubines, denyed his wife two severall times: was the son of an Idolater among the Caldeans, proceeding from the Hittites and Amorites. Such yet was Gods MercieMercy towards him, as that he was the Father of the Faithfull called, and the man in whose seed all Nations of the earth should be blessed.
Aaron
committed Idolatrie by making the molten Calfe, spake against Moses, Exod. 32. Numb. 12. Ch. 10. 10. &c.and beleeved not the Lord at the waters of Meribah. Such yet was Gods mercy towards him, that he was made the High Priest unto the Lord, and so his posteritie succeeded.
Ahab
That wicked King consented to the death of Naboth, took his Vineyard from his posteritie, said the prophets prophesied not good unto him, called them his enemies, reared up an Altar for Baal, followed1 Kin. 21. idolatrie as the Amorites and Heathens: sold himselfe to doe wickednesse in the sight of the Lord, angring the Lord more1 King. 22. 1 King. 16. then all the kings of Israel did before him. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, that humbling of himselfe, the Lord with-held his plagues threatned.
The Apostles
Forbad those that brought children to Christ, were hardened inMatth. 19. 13. Luk. 18. 15. Matth. 16. 5. Ioh. 6. Matt. 26. 40. Mark 9. 38. Matth. 28. 17. Act. 1. 6. their hearts, not considering Christs miracles: were of little saith: some disdayned the sons of Zebedem, others reasoned who should he greatest, some demanded what they should have for following Christ, shewing their covetousnesse; others forbade them that in Christs Name cast out devils, shewing their envie; some could not watch when he was betrayed, all forsooke him, when he was apprehended, all made question for preferment, most of his resurrection doubted. Such yet was Gods merciemercy that they were all again received by Christ.
The Corinthians
Some of them were fornicatours, others Idolaters, some Adulterers, others wantons, some buggerers, others theeves, some drunkards,1 Cor. 6. 10, 11, &c. 1 Cor. 6. 5. others covetous persons, some railers, others extortioners, and such like; not a wise man to be found almost among them, saith Saint Paul. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards them, as that they were in Christ sanctified, and justified by the Spirit of the Lord.
David
1. Made a Lye to Ahimelech the Priest, took Shew-bread, and Goliah's 1 Sam. 21.sword, by meanes whereof Ahimelech with fourescore and five others that wore the … Ephod were put to death by Saul. HeChap. 22. 14. companied with men of all sorts, being captain over them in his trouble. He feigned himself to be mad unto king Achish, lying unto1 Sam. 27. him, and living with him being an Idolater, dissembled with him in his pretence to goe to battle against the Israelites: He distrusted God, saying, he should dye by the sword of Saul: He swore1 Sam. 29. Chap. 27. 1. he would not leave one of Nabals house to pisse against the wall.
Such yet was Gods mercy that he delivered him out of the hand of Saul, and made him King over all Israel.
2. He committed Adulterie w…th Ʋriahs wife, caused Ʋriah to be made drunk, thinking thereby that he would have layen with his wife, and so his shame should have been covered: He caused Ʋriah to be slain, by commanding him to be placed in the forefront of the battell,David &c. Being slain, he dissembled the same to the Messenger that brought him tidings thereof, saying, The sword devoureth one as well 2 Sam. 11. 25.as another.
Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, that he no sooner said to2 Sam. 12 13. Nathan, I have sinned: but Nathan said, The Lord hath put away thy sinne, thou shalt not dye.
3. He was angry with the Lord for slaying Ʋzzah: He gave the land of2 Sam. 6 8. 2 Sam. 19. 30. 2 Sam. 24. 2 Sam. 15. 16. Psal. 30. 6. Psal. 116. 11. Psal. 31. 22. Psal. 77. 10. Mephibosheth unto Z…ba Mephihosheths servant without just cause: He numbred his people in his pride, and said he should never be moved: He had ten Concubines besides severall wives: He said in his affliction that all men were lyars, and that he had cleansed his heart in vain: and in his haste that he was cast out of Gods sight, and that God had forgotten to be mercifull, &c. yea so, as he said in despaire, This is my death, &c.
Such yet was Gods mercy towards him, as that he never took his loving kindnesse from him.
Elijah
Being sought after by Iezebel, impatiently said that It is now enough: Oh Lord, take my Soul, I am no better then my fathers; as also wrongfully condemned many of Gods children, saying, I only am lest and 1 King. 19. 4. 10.they seek my life to take it away; whereas God himselfe confessed to have many thousands, &c. and so desiring to dye. The Lord in merciemercy sent his Angell to relieve him, and by his owne voice and presence, shewing himself, comforted him.
Hezekiah
Gave all the silver that was in the Lords house unto king Ashur, with the gold that the doors and pillars were overlaid withall;2 Kin. 18. 15. shewed in his pride all his treasures to the king of Babels Messengers:Chap. 20. 13. was restored to his health, and was not thankfull having fifteen yeares added to his dayes.2 Chron. 31. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, that God threatning his Treasures and posteritie should be carried into Babel, promisedIsai. 39. that there should be peace in his dayes.
Iacob
Lyed three times to his Father, saying, he was Esau, changed hisGen. 27. garments, dissembled with his Father, and by deceit got the blessingChap. 31. from his brother, stayed twentie yeares from his Father undutifullyChap. 29. without visiting him: had two wives, besides his wivesChap. 30. handmaids. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, that he made choice of himRom. 9. before Esau his elder brother before he was born,Mal. 1.
Ioseph
Undutifully stayed from Iacob his Father twentie yeares, forgetting his fathers houshold, he dissembled with his brethren, making asGen. 31. 38. though he knew them not, he termed them Spies: he imprisonedChap. 41. 51. them three dayes: he swore again and again by the life of Pharaoh (forgetting God) he dealt deceitfully with his brethren, by causingChap. 4…. his silver cup to be put into Benjamins sack: He accused them of Theft: he said he could divine by his Cup: he was angry withChap. 44. his father for blessing his younger son before the elder.Chap. 48. 17. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, as that he lived and dyed in …gypt land, a man in great favour and reputation.
Iudah
Lay with Tamar his daughter in law, judging her to be a whore, by whom he had Pharez: from whose descent Christ by the greatGen. 38. merciemercy of God unto mankinde descended.Matth. 1.
Ioshua
Envied Eldad and Medad, because they prophesied: he rent hisNumb. 11. 27. clothes, impatiently demanding of the Lord, why he had brought the Israelites over Jordan to deliver them into the hands of the Amorites: and wished that he had been content to have dwelt on the other side of Jordan; such was his infideline, that he questioned if the Lord would give the Israelites, as he had promised, the land of Canaan.Iosh. 7. Such yet was Gods mercy that he encouraged him to go over Jordan, and gave him courage to prove a valiant captain.
Ionah, and Ionahs Marriners
Fled from Gods presence to Tarshish, for which being cast into the sea; the Lord in his merciemercy provided a Fish to save him, and inIonah 1. Chap. 2. time of heat, a Gourd to shadow him. Being heathens, calling on their idoll god in the storme to help them;Chap. 4. 2. 11. Ionah 1. The Lord yet in his merciemercy saved them.
Iob
Cursed the day of his birth, desired God to destroy him, and to cutIob 6. 9. him off, wished that he had perished, so that no eye had seen him,Chap. 7. 15. complained against God, as having too much laid on him, yea, asChap. 3. though he would have sued him upon an action of Battery, in thatChap. 10. 3. he said, Oh that one might plead with God, as a man pleadeth for his Chap. 13. 23.neighbour. He said that God was his enemie, charging him injustly.Chap. 16. 21. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, as that he blessed his latterChap. 3…. 21. Chap. 32. 2. Chap …4 5. Chap. 4…. dayes, more then the first.
Ieremiah
Complained that the Lord had filled him with indignation, and that he was unto him as a lyar, and as waters that faile, said that God had deceived him, and that he was deceived, and that he wouldIer. 15. make no more mention of the Name of the Lord: He cursed the day wherein he was borne, and the man that told his father thatChap. 20. 7. a man-child was borne unto him: He wished that his motherChap. 38. might have been his grave, and her wombe a perpetuall conception. And lyed unto Zedekiahs princes as Zedekiah willed him.Ch 39. 11. &c. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, as being in Captivitie he continued a Prophet, and was well intreated by the enemie.
Iehoahaz
The son of Iehu wrought evil in the sight of the Lord, and followed 2 King. 13.the si…s of Ieroboam. Yet such was Gods merciemercy unto him, as being in Captivitie, he no sooner called on him, but he delivered him.
The Israelites
Were continually murmuring against God: They caused Aaron toIer. 3. 1, 13, &c Ezek. 16. 8make them a golden Calfe to worship, which they worshipped:Exod. 23. Isai. 4…. 3.Se…ved the gods of the Heathens and Zidonians, daily provokingIudg. 2. Isa. 10. 25. & 43. 24.the Lord by their abominations.Chap. 3. 10. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards them, that whensoever they wereIer. 31. 3, 4. Ier. 3. 1. 5. 7.in Tribulation, calling upon him, he delivered them, yea, and saidIudg. 10. 16. that his soul was grieved for them.Psal. 78. …0.
The Jews
Persecuting Christ, mocking, reviling, and crucifying him. Such yet was his Love and MercieMercy towards them, that he prayed hisLuk. 23. Father in his passion to forgive them.
Jerusalem
Stoned the Prophets, and slew them that were sent unto her, was full of iniquitie and sin: Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards her, that if one man had been found therein that did execute Judgement,Ier. 5. 1. and seek after the Truth, he would have spared it.Ezek. 22. 30. And Being foreseen by Christ that it should be destroyed, yea so, as that the enemie should not leave a stone upon a stone: Such was his mercyLuk. 19. 41. towards it, that he wept for it, and gave them forty yeares, to see if they would repent, before it was destroyed by Titus and Vespasian.
Cain
Being wroth with his brother, because his deeds were good: being admonishedGen. 3. from heaven to take heed of sinning, regarded not the word of the Lord, but slew his brother, denying, being demanded1 Ioh. 3. …2. of the Lord, that he knew what was become of him. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, as that he spared his life, having for his …act deserved present death, accusing God to have …aidChap. 4. 24. more on him then he could beare, his punishment was but such as that wicked Lamech boasted of Gods sufferance towards him.
Miriam
Speaking against Moses, became leprous. Such yet was Gods merciemercy that Moses no sooner intreated God, but sheNumb. 12. was cleansed.
Magdalene
Was a sinfull woman possessed with seven devils. Such yet was Christs compassion, that he cast them all out, and madeLuk. 8. 2. her the first witnesse of his Resurrection.Ioh. …0. 14.
Moses
Excused himself three times to the Lord, as one unwilling to go toExod. 3. 11. Pharaoh, as the Lord commanded him: neglected to circumciseChap. 4. 10. his son: impatiently demanded of the Lord, why he had so sentChap. 6. 30. him to Pharaoh &c. complained that the Lord vexed him, and thatChap. 4. 24. he found no favour in his sight. Believed not that God shouldChap. 5. 22. feed the people with flesh, as he had promised, or that he couldNumb. 1…. 11. bring waters out of the rocks, as he had said.Chap. 20. 10. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, as that he had eye-sight cleare to behold all the land of Canaan from the top of NeboDeut. 34. mountain: with naturall strength at his end not abated: and so dyed, and was by an Angell buried.
Manasseh
Did evil after the abomination of the Heathen, who worshipped the hoste of Heaven: Caused his sonnes to passe through the fire: gave himself to witchcraft and to Sorcerie, caused the people to do2 King. 21. 2 Chron. 35. more wickedly then the Heathens: Shed much innocent bloud, replenished Jerusalem from corner to corner, making Judah to sin besides his own sinne. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him being in Captivitie, that he2 Chron. 33. no sooner humbled himselfe for his sinne, but the Lord heard him, and restored him to his KIngdome againe.
Matthew
A publicane at the receipt of Custome, was by Gods merciemercy called byMatth. 9. Luk. 5. Luk. 19. Christ to be an Apostle, and Zacheus another PUblicane had by Christ Salvation brought unto him.
Nebuchadnezzar
Did set up a golden image to be worshipped: caused the three children to be cast into a fiery fornace for not worshipping his image: In his pride boasted of great Babel that the had built: & proudly demande,Dan. 3. Chap. 9. 9. Chap. 4. 24. who was that God that could deliver out of his hands, &c. Such yet was Gods MercieMercy towards him, that being cast out of his Kingdome to live with the beasts for a time, the Lord at seven yeares end restored him to his kingdome again.Dan. 4.
Naaman
By the merciemercy of God was of all the Lepers in Israel cleansed.2 King. 5.
Nineveh
By the merciemercy of God had fortie dayes given, and they repentd.Ionah 2.
The Old World
By the merciemercy of God had 120. yeares to repent, ere he brought the floud.Gen. 7.
The Prodigall
Consumed his goods ritously on harlots; yet no sooner returned,Luke 15. but that he was by his Father met, embraced, received and enterteyned.
The Patriarchs
Hated Ioseph casting him into a pit; sold him to the Midianites;Gen. 38. Chap. 37. Chap. 34. Chap. 39. perswaded their Father that he was slaine by some wilde beast: Reuben the eldest lay with his fathers Concubine: Iudah with his daughter in law: Simeon and Levi slew the Shechemites, and the rest of their Brethren consented thereunto carrying away their goods. Such yet was the merciemercy of God towards them, that hee chose them to be the heads of all the Tribes of Israel.
Pharaohs
Heart being hardened, so as he would not let the Israelites depart, havingExod. 8. severall plagues brought on him: Questioning to Moses, Who was the Lord? Such yet was the merciemercy of God towards him, as he no sooner said, heChap. 9. Chap. 10. 19. had sinned, requesting Moses to pray for him, but the Lord took away the plagues brought upon him.
Peter
Rebuked Christ, foretelsing of his death: denyed him, swore thatMatth. 14. 28. Chap. 26. 56. he knew him not againe and againe. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, as that Christ prayed that his faith might not faile him.Luk. 22.
Paul
Persecuted the Christians, shutting them up in prison, punished them throughout the Synagogues, compelled them to blaspheme Christ, was a blasphemer, a persecuter, an oppressour; breathed out threatningsAct. 22. 4, 19. & 26. 11. Act. 26. 101 1 Tim. 1. 13. Tit. 3. 3. Act. 9. Chap. 8. 3. Chap. 9. 1, 2. Gal. 1. 23. 1 Tim. 1. 16.and slaughters against the Disciples of the Lord; made havock of the Church that followed God; Gave sentence against many that were put to death for the Gospels sake, as also consented to the death of the Martyr Saint Steven. Such yet was the MercieMercy of God towards him as that Christ from Heaven called him, converted him, and of a bloudy persecutour, made him a faithfull Preachet.1 Tim. 1. 13, 16.
Publicans and Sinners
By the MercieMercy of God were permitted to sit and eat with Christ,Luk. 9. 11. Luk. 15. 2. though the Pharisees were offended thereat with him: Christ coming to call them.
Rahab
A common harlot was of all Jericho with hers preserved.Iosh. 6.
Rachel
Stole her fathers idols, hid them, made a lie in concealing them: gaveGen. 30. Chap. 31. Chap. 35. her handmaid unto her husband: to whom she said, Give me children, or else I dye: boasted of her evil in giving her handmaid unto her husband, &c. The Lord in mercy yet gave her children, after that she had been a long time barren.
Sodome and Gomorrah
Abounded in fulnesse and idlenesse, burning in lust one with theEzek. 16. other, of which Saint Paul saith, that the men left the naturall use of the women, and man with man wrought filthinesse, so thatRom. 1. 27. their cry went up to Heaven. Such yet was the mercy of God, that he would goe down and set, if they had done according to the cry that came up unto him, before he would destroy them: As also heard Abrahams request seven times for them, so that if ten righteous persons had been foundGen. 19. therein, the Citie had been spared, and not destroyed.
Salomon
Had many outlandish women to his wives of nations that God had forbidden the Israelites to take in marriage, to the number of seven hundred, with three thousand concubines: his heart was not perfect with God as was David his fathers: He followed Ashteroih the god of the Zidonians, and Milcom the god of the Amorites:1 King. 11. Chap. 12. He wrought wickednesse in the sight of the Lord in building high places for the god of the Zidonians and Ammonites. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, that he promised that he would not rent his kingdome from him in his dayes; neither2 Sam. 7. 14. would rent all the kingdome from his son that succeeded him.
Samson
Kept company with a whore called Delilab: to whom he revealed where his strength lay, whereby the vow of a Nazarite made by him was broken. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, being fallen into the hands of the Philistines, as that he heard his prayer, and increased hisIudg. 16. strength, so as he pulled downe the house on the Philistitues his enemies.
Thomas
Forsook Christ when he was betrayed: beleeved not that he was risen from death, unlesse it might be on condition, that he mightMatth. 26. 69. put his finger into the prints of his nailes. Such yet was Gods merciemercy towards him, that Christ granted the ConditionsIoh. 20. 24. made by him, to save him.
The Thiefe
On the Crosse no sooner said, Lord, remember we when thou commest into thy Knogdome: but Christ in mercy answered, This dayshalt Luk. 23.thou be with me in Paradise.
The Vineyard
That yeelded not fruit, albeit all was done to it, that could be done, yet the Lord in Mercy would forebeare yet three yeares more, toLuk. 13. see if it would bring forth, …re he would pluck it up, and destroy it.
The Woman
Taken in adulterie, and brought before Christ by many, who accused her, thereby to have moved Christ to have condemned her.Iohn 8. 3. In mercy Christ put all her accusers to silence, and sent her away without condemning her.
Zacharias
Beleeved not that his wife should beare a son, as he was told by the Angel of the Lord. And yet God in mercy according to the time appointed, gave him a son called Iohn.Luke 1.
All Mankinde
Having deserved death and damnation by the fall of Adam. Rom. 8. 32. Ioh. 3. 16. Gal. 3. 13.& 4. 4 1 Tim. 1. 13.1 Iohn 3. 1 Ioh. 4. 9.Such yet was the unspeakable merciemercy of God and love towards man, that when nothing could make satisfaction for the sin of Man, he sent his own only Son to dye to tendeem mankind, who also mostTit. 3. 3. willingly in compassion of man took death upon him to save all those that would beleeve in him.Lam. 3. 22.
Use.
1. The merciemercy of God is from his free love towards us; then by no merit.
2. We should not grieve at any calamitie, seeing God hath a care of our miserie.
3. Seeing the name Mercy is given to God, none can be more mercifull then God.
4. It should teach us in our calamitie, to flie to no other but to God.Iob 33. 27.
5. Our Salvation is to be ascribed to Gods love as the Fountaine of MercieMercy.
6. Seeing his MercieMercy is from his Love, we should never despaire in our sinnes; which men would not, if they did but perceive his goodnesse unto them.
1. By his hearing of them before they cry: I will answer, saith the Lord.Isai. 65. 24. Ezek. 18. 31, 32.
2. By making …s though he saw not the sins of men, that they might amend.
3. By his unwillingnesse in striking: He taketh no pleasure in the death of a sinner.
4. Lastly, seeing his MercieMercy is but for this life to the pardoning of si…s, we ought not to abuse the same by deferring our Repentance: The spring of Repentance may be dryed up, the hand of Faith may be withered, the …ye of hope blind,Isa. 55. 6 … H…b. 3. 15. the foot of Charitie lame: To day hear his voice, and make him thine: Y…sterday is lost, to day may be gotten, but that once gone, and thou with it, when thou art dead and judged, it will be too late.
Use.Ioel 2. 14.
God Is a mercifull God, slow to anger, and of great kindenesse, abundant inJoel 2. …. Exod. 34. 7. Deut. 4. 31. Psal. 86. 14. goodnesse, repenting for the evil that he threatneth to bring upon sinners that turn unto him.
Reade of Gods Love.
Reade of Gods Patience.
Be ye then mercifull as your Father is mercifull: for he will have MercieMercy and notRom. 2. 4. … …. …. H… Matth 9. 13.Sacrifice.
Gods mercies
Are over all his works shewed to thousands to them that love him.…
Are reserved for thousands: forgiving transgressions and sins.
Are his paths to such as keep his Testimonies, induring for ever.
Are everlasting, and reacheth unto the very heavens.
Are so great to them that fear him, as the heavens are high above the earth.
Are such as he would have no man to perish, but all to repent.
Are unspeakable in quickning those that are dead in sins.
His wrath indureth but the twinckling of an eye, &c.
Gods merciemercy appeareth, saying,
As far as the East is from the West, so far have I removed thy sins.
As a Father hath compassion on his children, so have I on them that fear me.Psal 103. 1…. Ezek. 18. 3…. … Matth. 12. …. Isai▪ …. 24. Isai. 49. 15. Ezek. 33. 11.
As I live, I desire not the death of the wicked.
A bruised Reed will I not break, nor quench the smoaking flax.
B…fore they call, I will answer; and whilst they speak, I will hear.
…an a wo… forget her child? yet will I not forget thee.
Cast away your transgressions, &c. For why will you dye?
For
a little while I have forsaken thee, but with great compassion will I gather thee; for a moment in mine anger I hid my face from thee,Isai. 54. 7. but with everlasting mercy will I have compassion on thee.
I have put away thy transgressions like a cloud, and sins as a mist.Isai 44. 2…. Ezek. 18. …1.
I have no desire that the wicked should die: he shall live, if he return.
If
One say, I have sinned and perverted righteousnesse: God will deliver his s…ul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo▪ allIob 33. 27, 28, 29. these things will God work once or twice with a man (that is, as often as a sinner doth repent) for that the Lord maketh as though heWi…d. 11. …. … 3…. …. saw not the sins of men▪ because they should amend.
Oh that there were in you a heart to feare me, and to keep my Commandements,Deut. 5. 29. Isai. 48. 18. Isai. 1. 16. that it might go well with you, and yours.
Wash you, make you clean, take away the evil from your works, cease to do evill, &c. though your sins were as crimson, they shall be made white as snow.
The mountaines shall remove, and the hils shall fall down, but my mercyIsai. 54. 10. shall not depart from thee.
If plagues come upon thee: if thou return, I will have merciemercy.Deut. 4. Ezek. 18. …1. Isai. …. 18. A… 2▪ ….
If the wicked turn from his sinnes, &c. he shall live.
Yet therefore will I wait, that I may have compassion on thee.
It is the Lords merciemercy that we are not consumed, because his compassionsLam. 3. 2…. 31, 32. Isa. 26. …0. Jo…l 2. 13 Micah 7. 18, 19▪ 10. faile not: yet let mercies be shewed to the wicked he will not learne Righteousnesse.
Christ
Healed corporally, Lame, blinde, lunatique, leprous, &c.Matth. 14. 14.
He cleanseth leprous men by contagion of sin, by the merits of his death.
He clotheth poore needy and men want of help with his grace.
He enableth lame men by imperfection: by the strength of Hope.
He illuminateth blinde men by ignorance: by the light of Faith.
Hee corporally fed the multitude with bread and fishes.Matth. 15. 32.
He spiritually feedeth Hungerers after Righteousnesse with his Body.
He willeth all that are thirstie, to take of him the water of life freely.
He stands and knocks, if any will open, he will sup with him.
He knockes
Christ is in
By his
Mercies, but they are abused.
Words, but they are contemned.
By his
Judgements, but they are misconstrued.
Motions, but they are choaked.
Who to the unspeakeable Comfort of sinners is found in his
Person most excellent,
…tience most neerlesse,
Impo…tunity most affectionate,
Demand most …quall,
Promise most liberall,
being the Lord of life, then feare not.
expecting our amendmēt, then deferre not.
waking us out of our sins, then sleepe not.
that we should open unto him, then exclude it not.
assuring us his favour, then despise it not.
He hath born our infirmities, and carried our sorrowes: He was wounded for our transgressions, and broken for our infirmities; the chastisement of Peace was upon him, with his stripes we are healed.
His Love and MercieMercy, in a word, was such towards man, as that his pitie was ever pardoning, his wisdome ever teaching: His Liberality ever giving: and his Compassion ever helping. And therefore saith,
Come unto me all ye that are laden, &c. and I will ease you.Matth. 11. 28. Chap. 29. 10. Luk. 19. 10.
I will have merciemercy not sacrifice: I came to call sinners, &c.
I came to seek and to save that which was lost.
Man altered was by sinne from Man to beast:Eph. 5. 2.
Beasts food is hay: Hay is all mortall flesh:
God was made flesh, who lay in manger prest,
As hay the bruitish sinner to refresh.
Oh happie field, wherein this fodder grew,
Whose taste doth us from beasts to men renew.
Isai. 48. 9. Chap. 5 1. 6. Chap. 55. 7. Chap. 57. 16. Chap. 61. 1. Chap. 63. 9 Ier. …. 1. Chap. 15. 19. Ch. 24. 7. Lam. 3 31. Ier. 31. 20. Iob 33. 27. 2 Sam. 7. 13 Cha. 9. 1. Exod. 33. 19. Psal. 30. 5. Psal. 94. 18. Psal. 103. 8, 9. Psal. 136. Ioel 2. 12. Luk. 1. 50. Rom. 11. 30. Heb. 13. 5. Ecclus. 35. 19. Deut. 30. 1.
Reade of Gods Patience. Wisdom. 11. 23, …4.