2dly. Divine Forgiveness extends to Sins of all kinds and degrees, habitual and actual. Tho no Sins are absolutely small, being committed against the Majesty of God, yet comparatively, with respect to their Quality and Circumstances, there is a manifest Difference between them. Some are of a weaker Tincture, some are of a deeper Die: Some slightly wound the Conscience; some waste it, and let out its vital Blood: ⟨p. 57⟩Some do as it were whisper against the Sinner, some cry for Vengeance. Sins of Ignorance and Infirmity, Sins of sudden Surreption, that steal upon us without observing, Sins by surprise of the Passions, when there is no time to deliberate, have extenuating Circumstances: but Sins against Light, wherein there is more of the Nature of Sin; Sins against Mercies, which in the Language of the Apostle, are a despising of God's Goodness; Sins against solemn Vows, wherein Men break double Bands, the Law of God and their sacred Engagements; Sins committed habitually and presumptuously, as if God were ignorant, or indifferent and unconcerned, or impotent and without Power to punish Offenders: These Sins derive a greater Guilt, and expose to a more terrible Punishment. Now a gracious Pardon is offered in the Gospel to all Sinners, whatever the Quality and Circumstances of their Sins be, if they apply and address themselves to the Father of Mercy through the compassionate Mediator, and forsake their Sins. Of this we are assured from the most solemn Declaration of God to Moses, The Lord is merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in ⟨p. 58⟩Goodness and Truth, keeping Mercy for thousands, forgiving Iniquity, and Transgression, and Sin. The Promise is comprehensive of all sorts of Sins, how manifold and mighty soever. Besides, to encourage us to repent and believe, God promises Pardon for Sins of the fiercest Provocation. Judah had violated the Marriage-Covenant with God by their impure Idolatries, yet he offers to receive them. Thou hast played the Harlot with many Lovers, yet return again to me, saith the Lord. Relapses into rebellious Sins argue a strong Propensity to them, and exceedingly aggravate their Guilt; yet God promises Pardon for them: Return ye backsliding Children, and I will heal your Backslidings. There are eminent Instances of God's pardoning Mercy recorded in the Scripture.
2dly. Divine Forgiveness extends to Sins of all kinds and degrees, habitual and actual. Tho no Sins are absolutely small, being committed against the Majesty of God, yet comparatively, with respect to their Quality and Circumstances, there is a manifest Difference between them. Some are of a weaker Tincture, some are of a deeper Die: Some slightly wound the Conscience; some waste it, and let out its vital Blood: ⟨p. 57⟩Some do as it were whisper against the Sinner, some cry for Vengeance. Sins of Ignorance and Infirmity, Sins of sudden Surreption, that steal upon us without observing, Sins by surprise of the Passions, when there is no time to deliberate, have extenuating Circumstances: but Sins against Light, wherein there is more of the Nature of Sin; Sins against Mercies, which in the Language of the Apostle, are a despising of God's Goodness; Sins against solemn Vows, wherein Men break double Bands, the Law of God and their sacred Ingagements; Sins committed habitually and presumptuously, as if God were ignorant, or indifferent and unconcern'd, or impotent and without Power to punish Offenders: These Sins derive a greater Guilt, and expose to a more terrible Punishment. Now a gracious Pardon is offer'd in the Gospel to all Sinners, whatever the Quality and Circumstances of their Sins be, if they apply and address themselves to the Father of Mercy through the compassionate Mediator, and forsake their Sins. Of this we are assured from the most solemn Declaration of God to Moses, The Lord is merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in ⟨p. 58⟩Goodness and Truth, keeping Mercy for thousands, forgiving Iniquity, and Transgression, and Sin. The Promise is comprehensive of all sorts of Sins, how manifold and mighty soever. Besides, to encourage us to repent and believe, God promises Pardon for Sins of the fiercest Provocation. Judah had violated the Marriage-Covenant with God by their impure Idolatries, yet he offers to receive them. Thou hast played the Harlot with many Lovers, yet return again to me, saith the Lord. Relapses into rebellious Sins argue a strong Propensity to them, and exceedingly aggravate their Guilt; yet God promises Pardon for them: Return ye backsliding Children, and I will heal your Backslidings. There are eminent Instances of God's pardoning Mercy recorded in the Scripture.
