If no promise belongs to any but to those that 1turn; then this follows, that if any have provoked the eyes of Gods glory by any sin, let him not think to take up the matter by offering sacrifice, that is, by prayers, and confessions; for God requires this absolutely, Except ye turn, I will not be merciful; do what you will, humble your selves, fast, pray, seek my face, &c. GOD will be satisfied ⟨p. 220⟩with nothing, unless there be a real turning. Therefore let no man say, I have sinned, and I am sorry, and confess it &c. but I am not able to leave it, and yet I hope GOD will pardon me. No, know that stoppage is no payment. God requires all this, humiliation, and these purposes, and an act of turning beside. All is lost labour, unless there be a divorce made from your sins. Well therefore might Daniel say to Nebuchadnezzar, Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquity by showing mercy to the poor Daniel 4. 27. Daniel doth not exhort Nebuchadnezzar, 2to prayer only, &c. (though this is likewise to be done) but to break off his sins by righteousness, that is, whereas he was an oppressor, now he must give alms and take off their burdens, that is, take the contrary course: This is the counsel GOD gives to Joshua, Joshua 7. 8. when he was humbling 3himself and praying, Get thee up, take away the accursed thing from among you, &c. that is, this is not the way to fast, (though this is to be done too) that which I most look after, is taking away the evil that hath provoked me. Though this be a truth acknowledged, yet look into mens hearts, there is a false conceit lurking there, that hearing the word, receiving the Sacrament, &c. is enough to save them. Men would think their estates absolutely bad, if they should perform none of these duties, and wholly neglect them: but if they come to Church, give some alms, &c. then they think that all is well. But know, that except you actually turn from all evil ways, all these performances are in vain.
If no promise belongs to any but to those that 1turne; then this followes, that if any have provoked the eyes of Gods glory by any sinne, let him not thinke to take up the matter by offering sacrifice, that is, by prayers, and confessions; for God requires this absolutely, Except yee turne, I will not be mercifull; do what you wil, humble your selves, fast, pray, seeke my face, &c. GOD will bee satisfied ⟨p. 220⟩with nothing, unlesse there be a real turning. Therfore let no man say, I have sinned, and I am sorry, and confesse it &c. but I am not able to leave it, and yet I hope GOD will pardon me. No, know that stoppage is no payment. God requires all this, humiliation, and these purposes, and an act of turning beside. All is lost labour, unlesse there bee a divorce made from your sinnes. Well therefore might Daniel say to Nebuchadnezzar, Breake off thy sinnes by righteousnes, and thine iniquity by shewing mercy to the poore Daniel 4. 27. Daniel doth not exhort Nebuchadnezzar, 2to prayer onely, &c. (though this is likewise to be done) but to breake off his sinnes by righteousnesse, that is, whereas he was an oppressor, now he must give almes and take off their burthens, that is, take the contrary course: This is the counsell GOD gives to Ioshua, Ioshua 7. 8. when he was humbling 3himselfe and praying, Get thee up, take away the accursed thing from among you, &c. that is, this is not the way to fast, (though this is to be done too) that which I most looke after, is taking away the evill that hath provoked mee. Though this bee a truth acknowledged, yet looke into mens hearts, there is a false conceit lurking there, that hearing the word, receiving the Sacrament, &c. is enough to save them. Men would thinke their estates absolutely bad, if they should performe none of these duties, and wholly neglect them: but if they come to Church, give some almes, &c. then they think that all is well. But know, that except you actually turne from all evill wayes, all these performances are in vaine.
- 1Use 2. Other duties will not serve without turning.Vse 2. Other duties will not serve without turning.
- 2•an. 4. 27.
- 3Joshua 7. 8.Ioshua 7. 8.
