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BE it known to every one of you that hath confes∣sed his sins with an humble, lowly, Penitent and obedient heart, that [Almighty God] Supreme King of Heaven and Earth, whose Royal Prerogative it is ful∣ly to acquit or finally to condemn, being [the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ] who assumed our nature and suffered for our sins, this great God (by his Merits) is of an angry Judge become a tender Father,
and hath solemnly sworn he is one [who desireth not] neither taketh pleasure in [the death] or damnation [of a sinner] though never so justly deserving it [but rather] chuseth to have opportunity to shew mercy, and therefore he useth all possible means [that he may turn from his wickedness] which will bring the sinner into condemnation, that by leaving these paths of death, he might be forgiven [and live] in ho∣liness and comfort here, and in everlasting glory here∣after. [And] to confirm this his good will, and keep penitent sinners from despair, he [hath given] and in holy Scripture communicated [Power] by vertue of his Supreme Authority [and Commandment] for the exercise of this power, for when poor sinners need comfort he hath given special charge [to his Ministers] lawfully chosen by himself (and those he appoints) to be his Ambassadors, [to declare] at all times his wil∣lingness to pardon all [and pronounce] Absolution more particularly and plainly (to those that by return∣ing and obedience do own him even) [to his People being Penitent] for all their offences, as you now from your hearts seem to be: Know ye therefore that we are Authorised in Gods name to bring to such the message of [the Absolution] from the guilt [and Re∣mission] of the punishment [of their sins.] And by vertue of the power, and in obedience to the Com∣mand given to us by God, we do now proclaim, that not we, but [He Pardoneth] that can do it by his own right [and Absoldeth] both from guilt and Punish∣ment [all them] be they never so many, and their sins never so great, that are qualified for a Pardon, by those conditions which are by him required, even them [that truly Repent] and heartily grieve for all their evil ways, longing to be delivered from them, and seri∣ously purposing to amend them; these shall never be condemned, if they will trust in his mercy [and Vn∣feignedly believe] and are firmly perswaded of the ex∣cellency of the precepts, and the truth of the Promi∣ses of [his holy Gospel] and if they particularly accept this message of his Love therein manifested [wherefore]
since God is so able and willing to pardon, and hath sent us his Ministers to offer a Pardon if you repent and believe, oh let us not loose the benefit of so gra∣cious an offer, but [let us] all, since all are sinners, go together to the Throne of grace upon this courte∣ous summons, and [beseech him] earnestly, who sent it to us of his favour and bounty [to grant us true Repentance] such as he can work in us, and such as he will accept, so as to forgive us thereupon, and having thereby cleansed us from by-past sins, let us most hearti∣ly beg the help of his grace [and his holy Spirit,] to purifie our hearts, strengthen our Faith, and bless our indeavours of reformation, so constantly that we may have all our desires accomplished; which petition if God shall grant the blessed event will be [that those things] even all the duties which you shall now per∣form, and the Absolution now pronounced, which is the office of the Minister [may please him] so as that he hear your Prayers, and seal your Pardon, and bless all [which we do at this present] when he hath cleansed us from iniquity and quickened us by his spirit, the fruit shall be present acceptance [and that the rest of our lives hereafter] which formerly have been so sin∣ful [may be pure] from wickedness, sanctified and righteous [and holy] full of all well-pleasing, and that we may persevere all our daies in this happy course [so that at the last] when Death puts an end to the tedious sorrows, and short contents of this mortal life [we may come to his eternal joy] that is unconceivable and endless, without mixture or diminution, and which is so much above our deserts that we could not hope ever to obtain it but [through Iesus Christ our Lord] who by his Death purchased this Pardon, by his interces∣sion prevaileth for grace, and at his Ascension took pos∣session of this eternal joy for all that are truly Absol∣ved; to which we all say [Amen.] Lord be it so unto us. Amen.