The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being…

4. To those that have lain long in Sin, and multiplied rebellion against him: That have been stiff, refractory, and refused to return; have stopped their ears at calls and counsels, and run on in their obstinacy, Manasseh also was such an one, 2 Chron. 33. 10. And let us well weigh that wonderful ⟨p. 259⟩Text, Isa. 43. 22, &c Verse 25. Though they have tired him with their provocations.

4. To those that have lain long in Sin, and multiplied rebellion against him: That have been stiff, refractory, and refused to return; have stopt their ears at calls and counsels, and run on in their obstinacy, Manasseh also was such an one, 2 Chron. 33. 10. And let us well weig• that wonderful ⟨p. 259⟩Text, Isa. 43. 22, &c Verse 25. Though they have tired him with their provocations.

6. In the great patience with which he waits on men, though they neglect these offers. When they bid him depart, and turn their backs upon him, he doth not presently issue out the Oath against them, and say they shall never have another offer made them; no, but when they have been breaking of the treaty, he reneweth it again, he cometh afresh, and tarrieth to see if it will not repent them. How long did he wait on the Old World, in the days of Noah? He tells us that he waits to be gracious, Isa. 30. 18. And in this waiting he trieth all courses with them, he useth fair and foul means, Promises, Threatenings, Mercies, Judgments, and all to see if their hard hearts may be wrought over to a compliance with his offers of grace, and when all means fail, he is at a stand, and deliberates what to do with them,