Mercy magnified on a penitent prodigal, or, A brief discourse

3. Let others beware of irregular applications to such as are mourning for Sin, and full of sorrow by reason of it: Do not take pains to dry up those tears; be not troubled at them, but rejoice: It is a very pleasant sight, an heart-comforting fight, to see any truly mourning for Sin. to give wise relief against despair, is prudence, but rather help and encourage godly sorrow. Though fair weather be pleasant, ⟨p. 328⟩yet showers may be more suitable, and make the earth more fertile: Paul repents not to have been instrumental to so good a work, 2 Cor. 7. 9, 10.

3. Let others beware of irregular applications to such as are mourning for Sin, and full of sorrow by reason of it: Do not take pains to dry up those tears; be not troubled at them, but rejoyce: It is a very pleasant sight, an heart-comforting fight, to see any truly mourning for Sin. to give wise relief against despair, is prudence, but rather help and encourage godly sorrow. Though fair weather be pleasant, ⟨p. 328⟩yet showers may be more suitable, and make the earth more fertile: Paul repents not to have been instrumental to so good a work, 2 Cor. 7. 9, 10.

3. Here we see a reason why those that have tasted most of the love of God, and manifestations of his grace to their souls, are most low and vile in their eyes: The reason is, because the more a soul hath had experience of the wonderful undeserved love of God, it feels the more sensible convictions of its own unworthiness and vileness. God's large expressions to David, made him reflect upon himself, and lay himself very low, 2 Sam. 7. 18, 19