The truly blessed man

4 Hence the exhibition and offer of this pardon is made to the greatest Sinners; the Gospel invites all without exception, whatsoever they have been or done. See how God invites, and what an argument he useth to back this invitation, Isa. 55.7, 8, 9. q. d you may think your Sins to be so many and great, that there is no hope for you; but remember, I have other manner of thoughts about it, and I can do that which you cannot so much as think, hence he useth that encouragement, Isa. 45.22. I am God. Hos. 11.9 I am God and not man; yea, he promiseth that, upon their accepting of his offer, he will not remember one of their sins against them any more, Jer. 31.34. but pardon them all. Chap. 33.8. and the reason is, because he doth it for his own name sake, Isa. 43.25. and what more heeds to be said for clearing of this truth?

USE I. For Caution: Be we advised to beware of abusing this precious Doctrine, by encouraging ⟨p. 39⟩our selves to live and lie in Sin. Such is the baseness in the heart of sinful men, and so ready is Satan to insinuate himself into it, that they are exceeding apt to take encouragement to Sin, from that which should be the most heart breaking incentive of them to hatred against it. Oh! say they, is there forgiveness for all Sin, then there is no danger, Let us follow the sight of our eyes, and the way of our hearts; let us sin that grace may abound: as the Apostle brings them in with abhorrence, Rom. 3.8. & 6.1. How many Drunkards, Swearers, Whoremasters, Profane Wretches harden themselves in their wickedness by this? and if we tell them of their vileness, they have a ready answer, there is forgiveness, and they fear not; but let such consider.