ThePriejlhoodof Chriji. e1Diresmsomessi0 11.41.1.0.1MalP fo foule;furely the bloudofChrifl is more acceptable to my foule, and much more honourable and pretious in it felfe, when it covereth a multitude of finnes. Paul was a perfecutor, a Bla1Phemer, and injurious, thegreatefl of all'finners, and yet beeobtained mercy, that bee might be for a patterneofall long-fuffering to thole that fhouid after beleeve in Quill. If I had as much finne uponmy foule as thou hail , yet faith could unlade them all upon Chriti,&Chrifl could fwallow themall up in hismercy. But thou hall fill nothing to doe with him, bccaufe thou concinuef in thy finne. But doth hee not call mee, invite rile, befeech mee,command me tocome unto him? lichen I have a heart to anfwer his call, heepath a hand to draw me to himfelfe, though all the gates ofHell,and powers ofdarkneffe , or finnes of the world flood be- tweene. But thouobeyefl not this call. True indeed and picti full it is , that Iam dull ofhearing, and Row of fol- lowing the voice of Chrifl, I want much faith : but yet Lord thou doll not ufe, to quench the frnoaking flax, or tobreake the bruited reed; I beleeve, and thouart able to helpe mine unbeleefe. I am refolved to venture my fouie upon thy mercy , to throw away all mine own loading , and tocleave onely to this planck offalvation. But faith purifieth the heart, whereas thou art uncleane flill. True indeed,andmiferable man I am therefore,that themotions of finne doe worke in my members. But yet Lord I hate every falfe heart; I delight in thy Law with mine innerrnan,I doe that which I would not,but I con- fent to thyLavv that it is good,' defire to know thy will, to fcare thy name, & to follow thee whitherfoever thou kadefl mee. But thefe are but etnptie velleities , the igiihingsand wouldings ofan evil! hearr.Lord to inebe- !mirth the flume of my failings but to thee belongeth the Onry of thy mercy and forgiveneffe. Too true it is that Idiot, not all I but doe Iallow my felfe in any thing that I load not?doe I makeufeofmine infir- G g a mities 453 VE S E 4
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