The Soul's Conflict with Itself

God is so ready to mercy, that he delighteth in it, and delighteth in Christ, through whom he may show mercy notwithstanding his justice, as being fully satisfied in Christ. Mercy is his name that he will be known by. It is his glory which we behold in the face of Christ, who is nothing but grace and mercy it self. Nay, he plead• reasons for mercy, even from the sinfulness and misery ⟨p. 536⟩of his creature, and maintains his own mercy against all the wrangling cavils of flesh and blood, that would put mercy from them, and hearken more willingly to Satan's objections, then Gods arguments, till at length God subdues their spirits so far, as they become ashamed for standing out so long against him. How ready will God be to show mercy to us when we seek it, that thus presseth upon us, when we seem to refuse it? If God should take advantage of our way wardnesse, what would become of us? Satan's course is to discourage those that God would have encouraged, and to encourage those whom God never speaks peace unto, and he thinks to gain both ways. Our care therefore should be, when we resolve upon Gods ways, to labour that no discouragement fasten upon us, seeing God and his word speak all comfort to us.

God is so ready to mercy, that he delighteth in it, and delighteth in Christ, through whom hee may shew mercy notwithstāding his justice, as being fully satisfied in Christ. Mercy is his name that he will be known by. It is his glory which we behold in the face of Christ, who is nothing but grace and mercy it selfe. Nay, he plead• reasons for mercy, even from the sinfulnesse and misery ⟨p. 536⟩of his creature, and maintaines his owne mercy against all the wrangling cavills of flesh and blood, that would put mercy from them, and hearken more willingly to Sathans objections, then Gods arguments, till at length God subdues their spirits so farre, as they become ashamed for standing out so long against him. How ready will God be to shew mercy to us when we seeke it, that thus presseth upon us, when we seeme to refuse it? If God should take advantage of our way wardnesse, what would become of us? Sathans course is to discourage those that God would have encouraged, and to encourage those whom God never speakes peace unto, and hee thinkes to gaine both wayes. Our care therefore should be, when we resolve upon Gods wayes, to labour that no discouragement fasten upon us, seeing God and his word speake all comfort to us.