The Doctrine of Repentance

1. It must be voluntary^*; it must come² as water out of a spring, freely. The confession of the wicked is extorted, like the confession of a man upon a rack. When a spark of Gods wrath flies into their conscience, or they are in fear of death, then they will fall to their confessions. Balaam, when he saw the Angels naked sword, could say, I have sinned, Numb. 22. 34. But true confession drops from the lips, as myrrh from the tree, or honey from the comb, freely, Luk. 15. 18. I have sinned against Heaven and before thee. He charged himself with sin, before his Father charged him with it.

1. It must be voluntary^*; it must come² as water out of a spring, freely. The confession of the wicked is extorted, like the confession of a man upon a rack. When a spark of Gods wrath flies into their conscience, or they are in fear of death, then they will fall to their confessions. Balaam, when he saw the Angels naked sword, could say, I have sinned, Numb. 22. 34. But true confession drops from the lips, as myrrhe from the tree, or honey from the comb, freely, Luk. 15. 18. I have sinned against Heaven and before thee. He charged himself with sin, before his Father charged him with it.

1. *Est actus animi elicitus. •ltingst.
2. 21.