A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the…A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the…

Shall not his favour superabound to the sense of faith, where sin hath abounded to the wounding of Conscience? It matters not what the wound is, so Christ be the Physician.¹ The blood of Christ cleanseth us from all sin. Nothing but the blood of Christ can wash away the guilt of the least sin; and his blood is sufficient to purge the most polluted Conscience. But they have felt no extraordinary measure of sorrow for sin, they are rather dull and senseless? Are they weary of sin? have they sorrowed to self-denial and to renounce their interest in whatsoever might separate betwixt Christ and them? To such is the word of Reconciliation sent. But they have often slipped into the same sins. There is a difference of offences. There be sins of ignorance, infirmity, forgetfulness, and sudden passion, whereunto the heart yieldeth not advised consent, and from which the faithful by reason of their frailty can never be free in this life, in some degree or other. Now unto these God of his mercy is pleased to grant a pardon of course,² notwithstanding his servants step oft into them through weakness, provided they humble themselves, seek mercy, and labour the mortification of their infirmities. ⟨p. 236⟩Abraham twice denied Sarah to be his wife, saying, Sh• is my Sister. Of David it is recorded, that though he were a man after Gods own heart in all things, except the matter of Uriah, yet of frailty he offended many times in the same particular. There be foul, enormous notorious sins, which wound the conscience, and stop and hinder the lively operation of grace; and these m•st be repented of, and advisedly left and forsaken, before we can believe to the pardon and forgiveness of them. Nevertheless, if a man have often fallen into these offences, he is not to despair, but seriously to confess, and to forsake hi• sin, that he may obtain mercy. For the Lord inviteth the obstinate and rebellious to repent, and by word and oath assureth them of forgiveness, if they will return. And if we look upon examples, we shall find many such, who upon humiliation and earnest prayer have been received unto mercy. But they have fallen grievously since conversion. So did David and Peter, who yet recovered by grace, and upon repentance were forgiven. A foul offence after grace received is not unpardonable.