A64979:462
Christ's certain and sudden appearance to judgment
Christ's certain and sudden appearance to judgment by Thomas Vincent ...
London: printed for George Calvert, 1667
Christ's certain and sudden Appearance to Judgment. › Chapter 13
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
I answer, 1. That this place which speaks of Esau's rejection, hath not a reference to his rejection by God (though that may be included in it) but his rejection by his Father Isaac, in reference to the Blessing, which his younger brother Jacob had by a wile got before him. 2. That Esau there did not seek to God for repentance, but he sought to his Father for his blessing. 3. That he did not seek repentance for himself, but he sought with tears to his Father, that he would repent his giving the blessing to Jacob, and give it unto him. Such as with tears seek repentance of God, it is a sign they have some measure of this Grace.
I answer, 1. That this place which speaks of Esau's rejection, hath not a reference to his rejection by God (though that may be included in it) but his rejection by his Father Isaac, in reference to the Blessing, which his younger brother Iacob had by a wile got before him. 2. That Esau there did not seek to God for repentance, but he sought to his Father for his blessing. 3. That he did not seek repentance for himself, but he sought with tears to his Father, that he would repent his giving the blessing to Iacob, and give it unto him. Such as with tears seek repentance of God, it is a signe they have some measure of this Grace.
3. Consider, the worth and excellency of this Grace; though it be difficult, yet it is excellent, Pulchra sunt difficilia, the best things are not obtained without difficulty; had you this grace, you would not be without it for a world, you would not change your tears and sorrow for sin, for all the sweetness and pleasure that others find in the commission of it; if you did but truly repent, you would not think it so grievous a thing to be bourn, but the more you had of it, the more you would desire, and be best pleased, when you could act this grace most strongly.
3. Consider, the worth and excellency of this Grace; though it be difficult, yet it is excellent, Pulchra sunt difficilia, the best things are not obtained without difficultie; had you this grace, you would not be without it for a world, you would not change your tears and sorrow for sin, for all the sweetnesse and pleasure that others finde in the commission of it; if you did but truly repent, you would not think it so grievous a thing to be bourn, but the more you had of it, the more you would desire, and be best pleased, when you could act this grace most stronglie.