2. The second help to Repentance,1 ⟨p. 170⟩is, a prudent comparison: Compare the penitent and impenitent condition together, and see the difference: Spread them before your eyes, and by the light of the word see the impenitent condition most deplorable, and the penitent most comfortable. How sad was it with the Prodigal before he returned to his Father! he had spent all; he had sinned himself into beggary, and he had nothing left but a few husks; he was fellow-commoner with the Swine; but when he came home to his Father, then nothing was thought too good for him. Then the Robe was brought forth to cover him, and the Ring to adorn him, and the fatted Calf to feast him. If the sinner continues in his impenitency, then farewell Christ and mercy; but if he repent, then presently he hath an Heaven within him; then Christ is his, then all is peace. He may sing a requiem to his soul, and say, Soul, take thy ease, thou hast much goods laid up. Upon our turning to God, we have more restored to us in Christ, than ever we lost in Adam. God saith to the repenting soul, I will clothe thee with the Robe of Righteousness, I will enrich thee with the jewels and graces of my ⟨p. 171⟩spirit, I will bestow my love upon thee, will give thee a Kingdom; Son, all I •ave is thine*. O my friends, do but compare your estate before Repentance, •nd after Repentance together. Before •our repenting, there are nothing but •louds to be seen and storms; clouds in Gods face, and storms in conscience; but •fter repenting, how is the weather altered! what sun-shine above! what se•ene calmness within! a Christians soul •eing like the Hill Olympus, all light and •lear, and no winds blowing.
2. The second help to Repentance,1 ⟨p. 170⟩is, a prudent comparison: Compare the penitent and impenitent condition together, and see the difference: Spread them before your eyes, and by the light of the word see the impenitent condition most deplorable, and the penitent most comfortable. How sad was it with the Prodigal before he returned to his Father! he had spent all; he had sinned himself into beggary, and he had nothing left but a few husks; he was fellowcommoner with the Swine; but when he came home to his Father, then nothing was thought too good for him. Then the Robe was brought forth to cover him, and the Ring to adorn him, and the fatted Calf to feast him. If the sinner continues in his impenitency, then farewel Christ and mercy; but if he repent, then presently he hath an Heaven within him; then Christ is his, then all is peace. He may sing a requiem to his soul, and say, Soul, take thy ease, thou hast much goods laid up. Upon our turning to God, we have more restored to us in Christ, than ever we lost in Adam. God saith to the repenting soul, I will clothe thee with the Robe of Righteousness, I will enrich thee with the jewels and graces of my ⟨p. 171⟩•pirit, I will bestow my love upon thee, will give thee a Kingdom; Son, all I •ave is thine*. O my friends, do but •ompare your estate before Repentance, •nd after Repentance together. Before •our repenting, there are nothing but •louds to be seen and storms; clouds in Gods face, and storms in conscience; but •fter repenting, how is the weather al•ered! what sun-shine above! what se•ene calmness within! a Christians soul •eing like the Hill Olympus, all light and •lear, and no winds blowing.
- 12.
- *Tua sunt & aeterna & temporaria, haec ad utendum, illa ad fruendum, Brugens.
