Chonoyterion he Sion. The refinement of Zion: or, The old orthodox Protestant doctrine justified, and defended against several exceptions of the Antinomians, methodically digested into questions, wherein many weighty and important cases of conscience are handled, concerning the nature of faith and repentance, or conversion to God: of his eternal love, and beholding of sin in his dearest children: of justification from eternity, of of [sic] preparations to the acceptance of Christ, of prayer for pardon of sin, and turning to God: of the gospel covenant, aud [sic] tenders of salvation, on the termes of faith and repentance. For the establishment of the scrupulous, conviction of the erroneous, and consolation of distressed consciences. By Anthony Warton, minister of the word at Breamore in Hampshire.

SECT. I. The Children of God do, and ought to pray for the pardon of their sins

I Have taken occasion to discusse this question, in regard of those many giddy Sectaries, that do perti∣naciously [Reaso.n 1] deny it. And first I reason thus, David was the Child of God in high favour with him, as that Testimony, which the Lord giveth of him doth bear witnesse, I have found David the Son of Jesse a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.* 1.1 Not∣withstanding he prayed heartily, not only for the pardon of those two heynous sins, of adultery and murther, when he had been overtaken with them; but of those other sins, whereof he had repented, and which were forgiven him long before. For Psal. 25.6, 7. he cryeth unto the Lord, and saith, Remember O Lord thy tender mercyes and thy lov∣ing kindnesse: for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. And in many other Psalmes, doth he petition the Lord for the pardon of his sins. Daniel also a most worthy and re∣nowned Servant of God, one that was greatly beloved, maketh confession of his own sins, as well as of the sins of the people, and prayeth most heartily, for the pardon of them, saying, O Lord hear, O Lord forgive.* 1.2 Thus did these holy men, pray by the inspiration and instigation of Gods holy Spirit; it followeth necessarily therefore, that the Children of God both may, and ought to pray for the pardon of their sins. For I hope none now living will dare to say, that they are holier then David, or Daniel were,

or that they are in higher favour with God, or have more [Reaso.n 2] assureance of his love and favour. Again, our Saviour taught his disciples (whom all do acknowledge for Gods Children; nor will any dare to say, that they were the Children of the Devill) to pray for the pardon of their sins. For when they upon a time came unto Jesus Christ, and said, Master teach, us to pray, as John taught his Disciples,* 1.3 he said unto them, when ye pray say, Our Father which art in Heaven, —forgive us our sins. It is manifest and most evident from hence, that it is our blessed Saviours will and appointment, that those who are the true Children of God (as his disciples were) should pray for the pardon of their sins.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Acts 13.23.
• * 1.2

  Dan. 9.10.20, 23.
• * 1.3

  Luk. 11.4.