Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

and the World, to satisfy their Affections. They will rest on him as a Redeemer, but reject him as a Lord: they would enjoy his Salvation, but will not endure his Dominion: they will come to partake of the Festival-Entertainment, the Pardon of their Sins, but not for the Honour of the Bridegroom. As if the Gospel were a free Charter to Sin, and gave an impure Indulgence to the vicious Affections; which is as inconsistent with it, as the Darkness of the Night with Noonday in the same Hemisphere: for then it would foil it self, and frustrate its own End. Our Saviour first redeems from Sin, from the vain Conversation, then from Hell. ⟨p. 267⟩¹There can be no regular saving Trust on his Death, without an unfeigned Resolution to live within the Compass of his Laws. He is the Author of Eternal Salvation to all that obey him. 'Tis a blasphemous Conceit, that he will save Men with their Sins. If they will die in such a pleasing Dream, who can prevent it?

1. 11 Pet. 1. 18.

2. Men are miserably deceived about Repentance. This is indispensably required not only by the Command, but as a Disposition that qualifies the Sinner for pardoning Mercy. For although the Majesty and Supremacy of God be illustriously visible in pardoning Sinners, and 'tis most evident that his Authority is above the Rigour of the Law, and his Mercy is infinitely free; yet they are always exercised correspondently to his essential and unchangeable Perfections, his ruling Wisdom, his ⟨p. 268⟩unspotted Holiness, and governing Justice: From hence it follows that a Sinner remaining in the Love, and under the Power of his Sins, is not a capable Object of pardoning Mercy. Who can conceive that a wise Prince should send forth a Proclamation of Pardon to Rebels, without their Consent to return to their Allegiance? John the Baptist, the Forerunner of the Rising Sun of Righteousness, the Morning-Star of the Gospel, preached the Baptism of Repentance for the Remission of Sins. Even our Saviour begins his preaching the Gospel with this, Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. St. Peter directed those who were anxious and inquiring about their Salvation, Repent, and be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the Remission of Sins. He repeats this Doctrine in