The true Repentant sinners encouragement, notwithstand∣ing all his former wickedness. [ 1264]
IT is very observable in the Genealogy of Christ, that there are but four women mentioned (it being not usuall to mention any) and the blessed Spirit of God sets a mark of infamy upon them all;* 1.1 The first is Thamar, Mat. 1. 3. She was an incestuous Woman, for she lay with her Father in law, Gen. 38. 38. The second is Rahab, vers. 5. she was an Harlot, Heb. 11. 31. The third is Ruth, vers. 5. she came of Moab, the Son of Levi by incest, begotten of his own Daughter, Gen. 19. 37. The fourth is Ba••hsheba, vers. 6. she was guilty of Adultery: And why was this so done,* 1.2 but for the comfort of the most infamous Sinners to come in to Christ, and to take notice for their better encouragement, that though they have been above measure sinfull, yet by their conversion to God, and aversion from Sin by a serious and hearty Repentance, all infamy of their ••ormer wayes is quite taken away, and their names entered in the book of life and eternall Salvation.