The truly blessed man

3. There is no other way for Sinners to enjoy, or Saints to recover this Communion but by Repentance. Whiles the cause abides, the effect is not like to cease; it was sin which brake the peace between ⟨p. 462⟩God and man, and while that reigns, there is no repairing i•; it is sin that makes God stand off from his Children; and whiles they hold that fast, they must expect that he will do so still, Josh. 7.12. Now the only way to break off from sin, is by Repentance: this therefore Gods calls for, and is the design of all the m••ns, Lam 3.40.

4. Henc• if ever God bring them to enjoy this favour, he will give them Repentance. Herein God discovers his eternal purpose concerning men; means are no further profitable to any, than as they help forward the end for which they are used: if God have thoughts of mercy for men, and resolves to make them partake in pardon, peace and salvation, he will give them Repentance; & when he so doth, his purpose now breaks out and discovers it self: Christ was Exalted for this very end, Acts 5 31. I• then he leave men under impenitency, after all means, it speaks awfully.

4. Henc• if ever God bring them to enjoy this favour, he will give them Repentance. Herein God discovers his eternal purpose concerning men; means are no further pr•fitable to any, than as they help forward the end for which they are used: if God have thoughts of mercy for men, and resolves to make them partake in pardon, peace and salvation, he will give them Repentance; & when he so doth, his purpose now breaks out and discovers it self: Christ was Exalted for this very end,