The Doctrine of Repentance

O but I have relapsed into sin after pardon, and sure there is no ^*mercy for me! I know the Novatians held, that after a relapse there was no renewing by Repentance: But doubtless that was an error. The children of God have relapsed into the same sin. Abraham did twice equivocate. Lot committed incest twice. Asa, a good King, yet sinned twice by creature-confidence. Peter twice by carnal fear, Matth. 26. 70. Gal. 2. 12. But for the comfort of such as have relapsed into sin more than once, if they solemnly repent, a white flag of mercy shall be held forth to them. Christ commands us to forgive our trespassing brother seventy times seven in one day, in case he repent, Mat. 18. 22. If the Lord bids us do it, will not he much more be ready to forgive upon our Repentance? What is our forgiving mercy to his? this I speak not to encourage any impenitent sinner, but to comfort a despondent sinner, that thinks, tis in vain for him to repent, and that he is excluded from mercy.

O but I have relapsed into sin after pardon, and sure there is no ^*mercy for me! I know the Novatians held, that after a relapse there was no renewing by Repentance: But doubtless that was an errour. The children of God have relapsed into the same sin. Abraham did twice equivocate. Lot committed incest twice. Asa, a good King, yet sinned twice by creature-confidence. Peter twice by carnal fear, Matth. 26. 70. Gal. 2. 12. But for the comfort of such as have relapsed into sin more than once, if they solemnly repent, a white flag of mercy shall be held forth to them. Christ commands us to forgive our trespassing brother seventy times seven in one day, in case he repent, Mat. 18. 22. If the Lord bids us do it, will not he much more be ready to forgive upon our Repentance? What is our forgiving mercy to his? this I speak not to encourage any impenitent sinner, but to comfort a despondent sinner, that thinks, tis in vain for him to repent, and that he is excluded from mercy.