Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

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 Acts 3. 19. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your Sins may be blotted out, when the Times of refreshing ⟨p. 269⟩shall come from the Presence of the Lord. And he gives Testimony of the Resurrection of Christ, Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give Repentance to Israel, and Forgiveness of Sins. According to this unalterable Tenor of the Gospel, Repentance is the Condition that qualifies the Subject, without which no Man is pardoned. Some are strangely scrupulous of using this word Condition, tho 'tis authorized by the full Current of the Reformed Divines, and I know none more convenient to express the necessity of it in a pardoned Person. Our Saviour tells his Disciples, Ye are my Friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you: Are not those words a Conditional Assertion, upon what Terms they possess that inestimable Privilege of being his Friends? Thus when God invites Men to come out from the Pollutions of the World, and to ⟨p. 270⟩