22. As for the _motives_ to repentance, which make up the third head, they are thus expressed by the prophet: “Turn unto the Lord, _for_ he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:12, 13. He lays down in these words, a gradual display of the manifold mercies offered to returning sinners. As if he had said, “If you think it a small thing that I am _gracious_, then know that I am _merciful_ also: if this be not enough, I am likewise _patient_ and _slow to anger_: if this will not yet suffice, then I am, moreover, of _great kindness_. If, after all, you still require something more, then understand, that I easily _repent_ of intended punishments; yea, even when my avenging hand is lifting up, I am ready to let fall the rod, upon your serious repentance.” 23. First, then, the prophet calls God _gracious_ (Ps. 103:8); that is, ready to be entreated and reconciled. God is easy to be prevailed with, forgives offences, deals not in strict justice and the rigor of the law, according to what we have deserved. And all these marks of mercy should lead us to repentance. There are many admirable promises, all tending to the same end. “If thou afflict them, they will cry unto me, and I will surely hear; for I am gracious.” Ex. 22:23, 27. “Therefore will the Lord wait that he may be gracious unto you. Thou shalt weep no more; he will be very gracious unto thee, at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.” Isa. 30:18. That is, the Most High is so rich in grace, that he waits for you. In him there is _expecting grace_, by which he readily receives those that truly return: _prevenient grace_, expressed by the Psalmist—“Let thy tender mercies speedily prevent (_that is_, meet, _or_ anticipate) us” (Ps. 79:8): _protecting grace_, noticed by the same prophet; “He that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about” (Ps. 32:10): _preserving grace_; “Surely,” says David, “mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Ps. 23:6. Of this we have given examples in the preceding chapter. With this agree also the words of Scripture: “With the Lord there is mercy; and with him is plenteous redemption.” Ps. 130:7. Wherefore, let the divine clemency and grace move thee to sincere and unfeigned repentance.