The Doctrine of Repentance

4. In true confession a man doth particularize¹ sin. A wicked man acknowledgeth he is a sinner in general; he confesseth sin by whole-sale; his confession of sin is much like Nebuchadnezzars dream, Dan. 2. 3. I have dreamed a dream; but he could not tell what it was, vers. 5. The thing is gone from me. So saith a wicked man, Lord, I have sinned, but he doth not know what the sin is, at least not remember: whereas a true convert acknowledgeth ⟨p. 30⟩his particular sins. As it is with a wounded man, he comes to the Chirurgeon, and shows him all his wounds; here I was cut in the head, there I was shot in the arm: So a mournful sinner confesseth the several distempers of his soul. Israel drew up a particular charge against themselves, Judg. 10. 10. We have served Baalim. The Prophet Daniel recites the very sin which drew a curse along with it, Dan. 9, 6. Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the Prophets which spake in thy Name. By a diligent inspection into our hearts we may find some particular sin indulged, point that sin with a tear.

4. In true confession a man doth particularize¹ sin. A wicked man acknowledgeth he is a sinner in general; he confesseth sin by whole-sale; his confession of sin is much like Nebuchadnezzars dream, Dan. 2. 3. I have dream'd a dream; but he could not tell what it was, vers. 5. The thing is gone from me. So saith a wicked man, Lord, I have sinned, but he doth not know what the sin is, at least not remember: whereas a true convert acknowledgeth ⟨p. 30⟩his particular sins. As it is with a wounded man, he comes to the Chyrurgion, and shews him all his wounds; here I was cut in the head, there I was shot in the arm: So a mournful sinner confesseth the several distempers of his soul. Israel drew up a particular charge against themselves,