The Doctrine of Repentance

—Pectore ab imo suspiria—

Quest. Whether have all the same degrees of sorrow?

Answ. No; sorrow doth recipere magis & minus. In the new birth all have pangs, but some have sharper pangs than others. 1. Some are naturally of a more rugged morose disposition, of higher spirits, and are not easily brought to stoop; these must have greater humiliation: As a knotty piece of timber must have greater wedges driven into it. 2. Some have been more heinous offenders, and suitable to their sin must their sorrow be. Some Patients have their sores let out with a needle, others with a lance. Flagitious sinners must be more bruised with the hammer of the Law. 3. Some are designed and cut out for higher service, to be eminently instrumental for God; and these must have a mightier work of humiliation pass upon ⟨p. 21⟩them. Such as God intends to be Pillars in his Church, must be more hewn. Paul the Prince of the Apostles, who was to be Gods Ensign-bearer, to carry his Name before the Gentiles and Kings^*, was to have his heart more deeply lanced by Repentance.

Answ. No; sorrow doth recipere magis & minus. In the new birth all have pangs, but some have sharper pangs than others. 1. Some are naturally of a more rugged morose disposition, of higher spirits, and are not easily brought to stoop; these must have greater humiliation: As a knotty piece of timber must have greater wedges driven into it. 2. Some have been more hainous offenders, and suitable to their sin must their sorrow be. Some Patients have their sores let out with a needle, others with a launce. Flagitious sinners must be more bruised with the hammer of the Law. 3. Some are designed and cut out for higher service, to be eminently instrumental for God; and these must have a mightier work of humiliation pass upon