Now this is the way of his own devising,
the fruit and effect of his own wisdom. Wherefore, sinner, please
him, please him in that wherein he is well pleased; come to the
waters, cast thyself into them and fear not drowning; let God alone
to cause them to carry thee into his paradise, that thou mayest see
his throne.
Let us take notice of the carriage of God to man, and again of man
to God, in his conversion.
First, of God's carriage to man. He comes to him while he is in his
sins; he comes to him now, not in the heat and fire of his jealousy,
but in the cool of the day, in unspeakable gentleness, mercy, pity,
and love--not in clothing himself with vengeance, but in a way of
entreaty, and meekly beseecheth the sinner to be reconciled unto
him. 2 Cor. 5: 19, 20.
It is expected among men, that he who gives the offence, should be
the first in seeking peace; but, sinner, betwixt God and man it is
not so: not that we loved God, not that we chose God; but God was in
Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their
trespasses unto them. God is the first that seeketh peace; and in a
way of entreaty, he bids his ministers pray you in Christ's stead:
"As if God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be
ye reconciled to God.
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