112 THIRD SERMON after so holy a manner, for whom they despise all out- ward and sinful pleasures, is a holy and blessed God, infinitely able to comfort, satisfy, and reward all those that so conscionably and constantly give themselves up unto him, Psa. 1. 23. Deut. iv. 6, 7. Matt. xxii. 16. 2 Cor. ix. 13. 1 Pet, xii. Second. The other particular in their covenant is, amendment of life, and a more special care against those sins of carnal confidence, and spiritual adultery, whereby they have formerly dishonoured and pro- voked God. From whence there are two observations which offer themselves. I. That true repentance and sound conversion, as it makes a man thankful for the pardon of sin past, so it makes him careful against the practice of sin for the time to come, especially those particular sins, whereby he had formerly most dishonoured God, and defiled his own conscience. This doctrine consisteth of two parts which we will consider asunder. And first, of this care and purpose of amendment in general. When the poor converts who had been guilty of the most precious and innocent blood that ever was shed, began to be convinced of that horrible sin, and found those nails wherewith they had fastened the Lord of glory to a cross, pricking and piercing of their own hearts, with what bleeding and relenting affections did they mourn over him ! with what ear- nest importunities did they inquire after the way of salvation, wherein they might serve and enjoy him ! Never were their hands more cruel in shedding that blood, than their hearts were now solicitous to be bathed in it, to be cleansed by it, Acts ii. 37. The poor prodigal, who is the emblem of a penitent sinner, when he came to himself again, or bethought himself,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=