God's call to England, for thankfulness after gracious deliverances

Because this merciful method is most agreeable to the nature of man. The most powerful Engine to attract the will of man, is the good will and mercy of God. Man being of a generous spirit, is more easily drawn than driven, persuaded than forced. Murdering severity may force a slavish fear, but never produce any loving obedience. Dipping in the sweetest oil of mercy, is most effectual to soften the hardened hearts of men. Parisiensis relates a History of a stubborn sinner, that nothing would reclaim; but God heaping up favours upon him, at last he cries out, Vicisti benignissime Deus indefatigabili bonitate: Oh kindest God, thou hast conquered me with thy unwearied goodness. Were a man to relieve an inveterate enemy in a perishing condition, it could not but effect a change, and make him become an intimate and constant friend. Sullen, peremptory, and imperious commands, have little influence to sway obdurate Enemies. The kindness of conscientious David in sparing Saul his mortal Enemy, melted ⟨p. 17⟩his stony heart, and made him promise eternal friendship, 1 Sam. 26.21. I have sinned, says Saul, I will do thee no more harm, seeing my life was precious in thy sight. And will not the most refractory sinner be ready to come to terms of peace, at the receiving such kindness from the hand of God? will he not say, Ah Lord, I have been an ungodly Enemy, and impudent Rebel against thee; thou hadst me in thy hand, and mightest have suffered my bloody Enemies to have cut me off; thou mightest have dispatched me to eternal Torments: but since thou hast been so gracious to spare and deliver me thy Enemy, henceforth I shall ever be thy friend, and never offer to rebel any more.