Page:Awful memorial of the state of Francis Spira (1).pdf/13

[13] At which he broke out into a lamentable diſcourſe of the paſſages formerly related; and that with ſuch paſſionate elocution, as cauſed many to weep, and moſt to tremble. They contrarily, to comforrt him, propounded many examples of God's mercy.

"My ſin," ſaid he, "is greater than the mercy of G."

Nay, anſwered they, the mercy of G is above all ſin; God would have all men to be ſaved. "It is true, (quoth he), He would have all that he hath elected to be ſaved; he would not have damned reprobates to be ſaved: I am one of that number, I know it; for I willingly and againſt my knowledge, denied Chriſt; and I feel that the hardens, and will not ſuffer me to hope." After ſome ſilence, one aſked him, Whether he did not believe that doctrine to be true, for which he was accuſed before the Legate?

He anſwered, "I did believe it, when I denied it; but now, I neither believe that, nor the doctrine of the Romiſh Church: I believe nothing, I have no faith, no truſt, no hope.- I am a reprobate, like Cain or Judas, who caſting away all hope of mercy, fell into deſpair; and my friends do me great wrong, that they ſuffer me not to go to the place of unbelievers, as I juſtly deſerve." Then they began ſharply torebuke him, requiring and charging him, that in any wife he did not violate the mercy of God. To which he anſwered, "The mercy of God is exceeding large, and extends to all the elect, but not to me, or any like to me, who are ſealed up to wrath. I tell you I deſerve it; my own conſcience condemns me, what need is there for any other judge?"