The Doctrine of Repentance

THE two great Graces essential to a Saint in this life, are Faith and Repentance. These are the two wings by which he flies to Heaven. Faith and Repentance preserve the spiritual life, as heat and radical moisture do the natural. The Grace which I am now to discuss, is Repentance.

THE two great Graces essential to a Saint in this life, are Faith and Repentance. These are the two wings by which he flyes to Heaven. Faith and Repentance preserve the spiritual life, as heat and radical moisture do the natural. The Grace which I am now to discuss, is Repentance.

Chrysostom thought it the fittest subject for him to Preach upon before the Emperor Arcadius. And Austin caused the Penitential Psalms to be written before him as he lay upon his Bed, and he did often peruse them with tears^*. Repentance is never out of season; it is of as frequent use, as the Artificers Tool, or the Soldiers weapon. If I am not mistaken, practical Points are more needful in this Age, than Controversial and Polemical. I had thought to have smothered these ⟨image 3⟩Meditation▪ in […] De•k, but […] […] to be of great concern in thi• […] of time, I have rescinded my first resolution, […] have exposed them to a critical view. Repentance is Purgative; fear not the working of this Pill. Smite thy •oul (saith Chrysostom) smite it, it will escape death by that stroke. How happy were it if we were more deeply affected with sin, and our eyes did swim in their Orb. The waters of Repentance though they are troubled, yet Pure, where we may clearly see the Spirit of God moving. Moist tears dry up the rheums of sin, and quench the wrath of God^*. Repentance is the Cherisher of Piety, the Procurer of Mercy