The Doctrine of Repentance

12. This is the end of all the afflictions¹ God sends, whether it be sickness in our bodies, or losses in our estates, that he may awaken us out of our sins, and make the waters of Repentance flow. Why did God lead Israel that march in the wilderness among fiery Serpents, but that he might humble them? Deut. 8. 2. Why did he bring Manasseh so low, changing his Crown of Gold into fetters of Iron, but that he might learn Repentance? 2 Chron. 33. 12, 13. He humbled himself greatly before the God of his Fathers; then Manasseh knew that the Lord was good. One of the best ways to cure a man of a Lethargy, is to cast him into a Fever. So when a person is stupefied, and his conscience grown lethargical, God to cure him of this distemper, puts him to extremity, and brings one burning calamity or other, that he ⟨p. 111⟩may startle him out of his security, and make him return to him by Repentance.²

12. This is the end of all the afflictions¹ God sends, whether it be sickness in our bodies, or losses in our estates, that he may awaken us out of our sins, and make the waters of Repentance flow. Why did God lead Israel that march in the wilderness among fiery Serpents, but that he might humble them? Deut. 8. 2. Why did he bring Manasseh so low, changing his Crown of Gold into fetters of Iron, but that he might learn Repentance? 2 Chron. 33. 12, 13. He humbled himself greatly before the God of his Fathers; then Manasseh knew that the Lord was good. One of the best waies to cure a man of a Lethargy, is to cast him into a Feaver. So when a person is stupified, and his conscience grown lethargical, God to cure him of this distemper, puts him to extremity, and brings one burning calamity or other, that he ⟨p. 111⟩