I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

Thirdly: Though there be much evil in this Sin, Christ will not cast you off for it. For,

It is an honour to a man to pass by infirmities (saith Solomon) much more is it for the honour of Christ to pass by the infirmities of his People.

It is an honor to a man to pass by infirmities (saith Solomon) much more is it for the honor of Christ to pass by the infirmities of his People.

The Saints and People of God, are in Covenant with God by Jesus Christ,¹ and that Covenant is a Conjugal Covenant; but what Husband will put away his Wife, for her infirmities? That Covenant is a Paternal Covenant, and what Father will thrust his Child out of doors for his infirmities? A Child, though deformed, is more pleasing to the Father, because the Child is his own, than another beautiful Child that is not his own: Yea, that Covenant, is a Covenant of Grace; now in the Covenant of Works, the least sin breaks the Covenant, but in the Covenant of Grace, the greatest sin doth not break the Covenant between God and the soul; in the Covenant of Works, the least sin provokes God to hatred; in the Covenant of Grace, the greatest sin provokes, and moves God to pity. If a Master should turn away his Servant for every failing and weakness, who would serve him? But God hath many Servants in the world, who do serve him with cheerfulness; ⟨p. 395⟩surely therefore he doth not, and he will not cast men off for their Infirmities.