The Doctrine of Repentance

A man that is afflicted may have his¹ conscience quiet^*. When the Ark was tossed on the waves, Noah could sing in the Ark. When the body is afflicted and tossed, a Christian can make melody in his heart to the Lord, Ephes. 5. 19. But when a ⟨p. 60⟩man commits sin, conscience is terrified; witness Spira, who upon his abjuring the Faith, said, he thought the damned spirits did not feel those torments which he inwardly endured.

1. 14.
2. *Nihil sentit crus in nervo quando animus est in Coelo. Tertu•.

In affliction one may have the love of¹ God^*, Rev. 3. 19. If a man should throw a bag of money at another, and in throwing it should hurt him a little, and raise the skin, he would not take it unkindly, but look upon it as a fruit of love: So when the Lord bruiseth us with affliction, it is to enrich us with the golden graces and comforts of his Spirit; all is in love. But when we commit sin, God withdraws his love. When David had sinned, he felt nothing but displeasure from God, Psal. 97. 2. Clouds and darkness are round about him. David found it so; he could see no Rainbow, no Sun-beam, nothing but clouds and darkness about Gods face.