The wells of salvation opened, or, Words whereby we may be saved

1. He lets them know how gracious God was in being willing to accept of men, of any men, without respect of persons, whatever their sins had been, so that they did turn from them, in his fear, and wrought righteousness for the future. This is needful for sinners to know, that they might be encouraged to seek after salvation: For if they apprehend God only as he is holy, and just, and jealous, if they are told only that he is powerful and furious, and a sin-revenging God; when they reflect upon their guilt, they will be ready to fly away from him, under a slavish fear of punishment, and in discouragement and despair go on in the practice of sin as long as they can: Therefore Ministers must represent God unto sinners as gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, pardoning iniquity, transgression and sin, as he sets forth himself to Moses, Exod. 34.6, 7. they must tell sinners, that God is gracious, and ready to accept of all those that fear him, and turn from their evil ways, and resolve to work righteousness for the time to come, and that he will be found of, and give a reward unto all such as diligently seek him, Heb. 11.6. He that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek him. O that you who are going on in sin, were persuaded of this, how gracious and merciful the Lord is, whom you do so highly offend by sin, and how ready he is to accept of you, if you would but turn from sin: He hath given us Ministers commission to tell you, that there is an accepted time, and a day of salvation for your souls, which he yet lengthens out unto you: Yea, we are sent as his Ambassadors to entreat and beseech you that you would be reconciled unto God, 2 Cor. 5.20. ⟨p. 42⟩And when God declares by us that he is so willing to accept of you, that he desires you to accept of his salvation, and beseecheth a reconciliation, when he can so easily avenge himself upon you, and glorify his justice and wrath in your destruction, and standeth in no need of you, only for your own sake entreats you to be reconciled, that you might not be destroyed, that you might not even force him to punish you, which he will do with a witness, and with a vengeance, if you refuse: