iar infirmities, according to their several causes and symptoms, as we
shall find them distressed and complain.

The main matter which terrifies and torments most that are troubled in
mind, is the enormity of their offences, the intolerable burthen of their
sins, God's heavy wrath and displeasure so deeply apprehended, that they
account themselves reprobates, quite forsaken of God, already damned, past
all hope of grace, incapable of mercy, _diaboli mancipia_, slaves of sin,
and their offences so great they cannot be forgiven. But these men must
know there is no sin so heinous which is not pardonable in itself, no crime
so great but by God's mercy it may be forgiven. "Where sin aboundeth, grace
aboundeth much more," Rom. v. 20. And what the Lord said unto Paul in his
extremity, 2 Cor. xi. 9. "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my power is
made perfect through weakness:" concerns every man in like case. His
promises are made indefinite to all believers, generally spoken to all
touching remission of sins that are truly penitent, grieved for their
offences, and desire to be reconciled, Matt. ix. 12, 13, "I came not to
call the righteous but sinners to repentance," that is, such as are truly
touched in conscience for their sins. Again, Matt. xi. 28, "Come unto me
all ye that are heavy laden, and I will ease you." Ezek. xviii. 27, "At
what time soever a sinner shall repent him of his sins from the bottom of
his heart, I will blot out all his wickedness out of my remembrance saith
the Lord." Isaiah xliii. 25, "I, even I, am He that put away thine iniquity
for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." "As a father" (saith
David Psal. ciii. 13) "hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord
compassion on them that fear him." And will receive them again as the
prodigal son was entertained, Luke xv., if they shall so come with tears in
their eyes, and a penitent heart. _Peccator agnoscat, Deus ignoscit._ "The
Lord is full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, of great kindness,"
Psal. ciii. 8. "He will not always chide, neither keep His anger for ever,"
9. "As high as the heaven is above the earth, so great is His mercy towards
them that fear Him," 11. "As far as the East is from the West, so far hath
He removed our sins from us," 12. Though Cain cry out in the anguish of his
soul, my punishment is greater than I can bear, 'tis not so; thou liest,
Cain (saith Austin), "God's mercy is greater than thy sins. His mercy is