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Evangelical  Repentance 

/ff'  UNTO     %&**€& 

SALVATION 

Not  to  be  Repented  of, 

Id      Upon  2  Cor.  7.  10.    'l/3*rAs 

jMnd  as  moft  Seafonable5/3, 

Short  Confiderations  on  that  Great 
Context  Hebr.  12.  26.  Tet  once 
more  I /bake  not  only  Earth ,  &rc. 

Upon  the  Solemn  Occafion  of  the  Late  Dreadful 
Earthquake  in  Jamaica  ;  and  the  Later  Monito 
ry  Motion  ..of  the, Earth  io  London,  and  other 
Parts  of  the  Nation,  and  beyond  the  Sea. 

W  hereunto  is  Adjoined  a 
DISCOURSE    on 

Deatl)-2i5eD  Repentance, 

On  Luc.  12.  ;?y. 

Now  God  commandetb  every  one  every  -xhsre  to 
Repent.    Ads  xvii.  20. 

T5l 


By  %¥  IdtUKlty. 


London :  Printed  by  R.  Smith,  for  IV.  Miller  at  the  Gilded 
Acorn  in  Si. Paul's  Church-yard, where  Gentlemen  and 
others  may  be  furnifhed  with  Bound  Books  of  moil 
Sorts,  Ads  or  Parliament,  ^Speeches,  and  other  forts 
of  Difcourfes,  and  State-Matters;  as  alfo  Books  of  Di- 
vinity, Church-Government,  Humanity,  Sermons  on 
moil"  Occaiions,  &c.  M  DC  XC  III. 


licenfed  and  Entred 

According  to 

ORDER- 


THE 

Epiftle  Dedicatory 

TO     THE 

KING  and  ^VEEK 

TO  Their  Majefties  is  mofi 
Humbly  prefented  Tbefe 
Difcourfes  of  Repentance,  exten- 
ding to  National  Reformation, 
in  order  to  the  Kingdom  of 
Chrift.  Into  which  are  inserted 
Confederations  upon  the  late 
Earthquake  in  Jamaica,  and  the 
later  Motion  of  the  Earth  in  Lon- 
don, and  other  Parts  in  the  Nor 
A  2  tion, 


The  Epiltle  Dedicatory. 

tion,  and  beyond  the  Seas :  And 
all  this  on  greatefl  Right  and 
Due.  For  who,  as  Religious  Prin- 
ces, are  fo  concerned  in  Public^ 
Reformation  according   to  all 
the  Precedents  of  Serif  ture  ?  Who, 
as  Protefiant  Princes,  are  Intereft- 
ed  in  the  Kingdom  of  Chriit  ? 
of  which  the  Proteftation  againft 
Papal  and  Antichriftian  Abo- 
minations,   and  Usurpations, 
was  a  Preparation  $  even  for  that 
Kingdom  of  Chrifl:  5  tho  at  the 
diftance  0/180  Tears,  fly  led  in 
Prophecy,  Half  Time,wew  exp- 
ring  into  the  Succejfion  of  that 
Kingdom  5    when    Reformed 
Princes, '  truly  fo,  Jhall  not  lofe, 
hit  highly  gain  in  Glory  3  Who, 


. 


as 


The  Epiftle  Dedicatory. 

as  Goocfy  and,  indeed  Gracious 
Princes,  arefo  deeply  afefled  in 
public^  udgments,  unhappy  Re- 
volutions 5  or  general  Mercies 
and  happy  Revolutions  -^foreboded 
by  Earthquakes  or  Gentle  Moves 
of  the  Earth  ?  For  they  tfreNur- 
iing  Fathers  and  Nurfing  Mo- 
thers of  their  People.  And  of 
what  Princes  can  we  hope  or 
promife  our  felves  better  than  of 
their  fo  United  Majefties,  Two- 
One  in  True  Religion  ?  As  there- 
fore the  Suprcam  Majefty  was 
pleas  d  to  give  particular  Dire- 
ctions to  Them/elves  of  thofe 
Tremblings  of  Earth  ;  whether 
for  Judgment  a?id  Repentance  3 
or  for  Mercy-,  in  their  Port  in 

Jamaica 


The  Epiftle  Dedicatory. 

Jamaica  ;  ftyld  Royal;  and  in 
thk  their  Capital  City ;  and  not 
only  fo ,  but  peculiarly  in  the 
Camp  Royal  in  Flanders 5  So 
All  thefe  Difcourfes  upon  All,  are 
moft  Humbly  and  with  profound 
Obfyfance  fir  ft,  laid  at  their  Ma- 
jelties  Feetj  as  having  the  fir  ft 
National  EpifcOpacy  committed 
to  them  from  God  in  Succeffion 
to  Conftantine  the  fir  ft  Chriftian 
Prince  ;  in  much  greater  and  tru- 
er Right,  than  the  Popes  have 
their  Primacy  from  Peter;  or  his 
Hicrarchv  their  Epifcopacy, 
fom  the  Ape  itles ;  And,  next  it 
is  Prefented  10  the  National 
■ifcopacy  fo  Conft'ruted  by 
their  hte^Cvs^vena*  an  Ev  an- 
gelica! 


The  Epiftle  Dedicatory.' 
gelical  Miniftry,  is,  /  hope,  more 
immediately  committed  to  them 
by  Chrijij  wherein  being  near 
to  Chrift  5  as  in  their  National 
Epifcopacy  to  their  M  ajefties  5 
they  can,  and  I  doubt  not,  will 
Represent  to  them  what  is  accor- 
ding to  his  Gofpel  by  this  Mi- 
niftration.  For  wherein  have  we 
in  the  Hifiory  of  Scripture  found 
a  greater  Configuration  of  the 
happinefs  and  {lability  of  Times  ? 
than  when  David's,  and  Na- 
than's 3  Jehofaphat's,  Micaiah's, 
and  Jehaziel's  3  Joafh's  and 
Ichoiadah'sj  Zerubbabel's,  a?id 
Jofhuah's  3  Nehemiah's  and  Ez- 
ras have  been  conjoin  d!  And  in 
Church  Hiftorv,    than  when 

Conftan- 


The  Epiftle  Dedicatory, 

Conftantine's  and Athanaflus's  3 
Theodofe's  and  Ambrofes  5  the 
Proteftant  Princes  and  Luther's 
&c*  and  in  our  Nation  5  than 
when  fuch  as  K.  Edw.  VI.  and 
Cranmer.,&v.  or  ^.Eliz.^  Jewel, 
&c.  have  been  United  in  Pub- 
lick  Reformation.  And  oh  that 
at  fuch  a  time  as  this,  General 
Reformation  by  Both  might  be 
tintlurd  with  the  Knowledge  of 
the  Kingdom  of  Chriit  5  when 
{by  the  Sure  Word  of  Prophecy 
(  deeply  to  be  fearch'd,  )  it  is  fo 
near  3  How  great  Honour  would 
be  return  d  from  hence  I  All 
which  is  mofi  Humbly  Prayed  by 

Their  Majelties  molt  Humble  and  Obedient 
Subject  and  Servant  in  the  Kingdom  of 
Chrilt, 

T.    BEVERLT. 


TO  THE 

R  E  ADER, 

B  Y     A 

Friend  of  the  Authors. 

WE  live  in  an  Age,  where* 
in  lS[ames  and  fcrofefft- 
ons  ate  many  Ihoufands  ;  and  ten 
Thoufands  are  dijlinguijhed  thereby, 
every  one  faying  Lo,  here  is 
Chrift,<*wiLo,there  -}  that  thou 
haft  a  Name,  that  thou  liveft, 
may  be  [aid  to  the  Rational  Qhurch, 
and  to  all  the  Diffenting  Lhurchesa- 
mong  us  j  the  Temple,  the  Tern* 
pie,  faith  the  owe,  and  faith  the  o- 
ther  j  yet  may  it  not  be  J "aid  to  the 
mofl  of  theje  Churches  j  But  thou 
J  3  ate 


To  the  Reader. 

art  dead,  be  watchful  and 
strengthen  the  things,  that  re- 
main, that  are  ready  to  Dys, 
(^ev.  5  2,3,4.  God  hath  (lam  per* 
(waded)  a  few  "Names  in  all,  and 
every  the  [aid  Qmrcbes,  who  have 
not  defiled  their  Garments ,  but 
do  indeed  repent*  and  turn  to  the 
Lord  ;  who  are  bom  not  of  Fleflh, 
nor  of  Blood,  nor  of  the  will 
of  man,  but  of  God  ;  fitch  to 
whom  the  kindnefs  and  love  of 
God  ourSaviourn'ath  appeared, 
not  by  works  of  Righteoufnefs, 
tehkbthey  have  done,  but  according 
to  his  mercy  he  hath  fwedthem 
by  the  warning  of -Regeneration, 
and  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghoft  j  and  for  others,  let  them  be 
of  thelomft,  or  of  the  hi^efl  form, 
fuel?  tint  luye  made  the  frfl flip  to 


To  the  Reader. 

fy  formation,  or  higher  andgreater 
Jleps  thereto  j  they  are  but  the  leaves 
of  the  Fig  Treee  that  is  curfed 
of  Chrift,  and  fhall Toon  wither  a- 
way :  It  is  no  matter  what  name  you 
have  ( 1  would  there  were  not  any 
JSfatne  aniong  us  but  Chriflian)-y  It  is 
thelSLature  and  Tower  of  Chrijiiani' 
ty  :  What  is  the  Chaff  to  the  Wheat  S 
It  is  f aid  in  the  Throphefies  o/Ifaiah 
and  Micah,  that  the  Mountain  of 
the  Lord's  HoufeyM  fo  exalted 
to  the  top  of  the  Mountains,  and 
all  NaticnsyM  flow  unto  it  -y  1 
do  not  think  by  Mountain  in  theft 
places  is  meant  any  one  particular 
Qmrch,  by  what  ]S(ame  joeVer  they 
be  dignified  or  diflinguified  :  'But 
the  true  Living,  Miftick  and  Qatbo- 
lick  Church  -Juch,who  having  been  in 
the  Jpojlacy,  with  others ?  do  <]{epent, 

and 


I  o  the  Keader. 

and  turn  to  the  Lord  •    and  that  you 
may  the  better  know  them,. you  have 
the) 'e  following  Vifcourfes  to  help  you 
in  fo  great  a  work  ;  fome  Dejpije 
this  great  Grace y  and  jlumble  at  this 
mighty  work  of  God  upon  the  Heart, 
as  too  high,  too  hardyand  too  difficult 
a  work  ;  hut  God  hath  his  Fire  in 
Zi  >ny  and  his  Furnace  in  Jerufa* 
lem   and  he  will  throwly  purge 
his  Floor  :  There  muft  he  a  cut" 
ting  off  a  right  Hand,  a  pluck- 
ing out  a  right  Eye  }  and  it  is 
letter  going  to  Heaven  with  one 
By e,<w d  with  one  Hand,  maimed 
and  Halt,  than  to  go  to  Hell  with 
both.     Others  fay,  Pvepentance  is 
n  legal  worky  fit  only  for  old  Tefta* 
t$ent  Saints  5  There  is  indeed  a  for* 
row ,    a  rapentance  that  worketh 
Death  <3  hut  the  Repentance  here 

called 


l  o  tne  reader. 

called  for,  and  exhorted  to ,  isfuch^ 
that  is  never  to  be  Repented  of; 
That  which  bnngs  the  Soul  poor  and 
naked,  trembling,  and  melting  to 
Qmft,the  Prince  and  Saviour,  that 
gtVes  Repentance  to  Ifrael,  and  For- 
givenefs  of  Sins  5  And  bhffedyou : 
For  ever  ileffed  are  they,  whoje  fins 
are  forgiven,  and  whofe  Iniqui* 
ties  are  pardoned  ;  here  are  the 
Gtjvers  of  the  Waters  of  Life,  the 
Tree  in  the  midjl  of  the  Paradice  of 
God  ;  Jejus  Cbrifl  thus  %eyeakdy 
and  thus  received,  and  heartily  em* 
braced,  will  put  an  end  to  all  dijjferen* 
cits,  debates  and  controversies ;  He 
that  hath  this  Anointing  from  a* 
boVe  j  this  well  of  Life  fpringing 
up  in  him  unto  EverlaftingLife  -, 
will  not  Blefs  himfelf  in  an  Idol , 
nor  be  pleajed  with  any  pompous  Wor- 


To  the  Reader. 
pip,  knowing  the  King's  Daught- 
er is  all  glorious  within,  and  Cir* 
cumcifion  is  that  of  the  Heart ; 
lie  knows  not3nor  acknowledges  anyyas 
Lords,  over  God's  Heritage  • 
lm  is  affured^that  the  Son  of  Man 
cam  not  to  be  Minifter'd  tg,  but  to 
Minifter.  The  things  contained 
herein  are  the  true  fayings  of  God, 
according  to  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
making  the  man  of  God  perfect, 
throughly  furnifhed  to  every 
good  work  •  Did  all  men  that  ha"Ve 
the  worthy  JSfjime  of  Qmflian, 
profefs^  and  praclife,  what  is  herein 
preffed  to,  and  called  for,  wefhould 
fee  Jerufalem  a  quiet  Habitati- 
on, a  Cure  Dwelling  Place  ;  for 
none  p? all  then  indeed  harm  us,  if  ws 
are  followers  of  that  which  is  good: 
Here  are  plain  Oof  pel  Truths,  that 

whofo- 


To  the  Reader. 

who foeyer  Rumbles  thereat,  it  is,he~ 
caufe  Chnjl  ts  to  him  a  {tumbling 
ftone^«^  ro:k  of  offence^  and  yet 
mifterious  and  deep,  that  one  canneVer 
find  the  bottom  ;  a  ^jver  that  win 
may  jwimin  :  0  Chrtjiian  .'  when- 
ever thou  art  fo  conyerfant  in  theft 
things,  let  thy  profiting  appear  to 
all  men  •  let  the  Dead  bury  the 
Dead  •  but  go  thou  and  follow 
Chri&,as  joon  as  ever  he  callsthee- 
ISleruergo  to  tlyy  Father's  Ho  life, 
and  bid  them  there  rarewel  ;  go  to 
Chrtft,  whenfoerver  in  the  Go/pel  be 
calls  thee,  or  J  peaks  to  thee  by  any 
private  irhi/pering-Goin all  thy  fSgi* 
fay  with  the  Prodigal,  Tho  I  have 
fpent  all  upon  Harlots,  and  am 
Starring,  halving  ftd  upon  Husks  • 
I  know  in  my  Father's  Houfe, 
there  is  Bread  enough,  and  to 

fpare 


To  the  Reader. 

ipare,  and  here  I  perijh  with  bun* 
ger  ;  I  will  arife,  and  go  to  my 
Father,  and  will  fay  unto  him, 
Father  I  have  finned  againft 
Heaven,  and  before  thee^  yet 
Take  me  into  thy  Family,  tho 
I  be  but  as  one  of  thy  Hired 
Servants  :  to  whom  the  Father 
will  fay  •  Don't  fland  Doubting^ 
come  in ,  come  in  to  my  Houjey 
bring  forth  the  beft  Robe  and 
put  it  on  him,  <?c.  1  think  no- 
thing too  good  for  thee  (my  Son) 
now  thou  art  returned,  not  a  word 
what  thou  hajl  been,  now  thou  art 
returned,  1  will  receive  thee  ;  tho 
thou  haft  not  a  penny  in  thy  Turfe, 
nor  any  good  quality  in  thee ,  but 
this  thy  coming  back  to  me  •  Thou 
muji  ftar\>e  if  thou  keep  wandring 
from  thy  Father's  Houfe  ;  If  1 

dont 


To  the  Reader.' 

don't   feed    thee,    thou   perifieft  I 
thou  haft  be-thought  thy  felf  at  laft, 
and  art  come  home  -,  ftand  not  at  the 
door  any  longer  ftar<ving  in  the  cold, 
and    for  hunger  -y   Away,  Awayy 
with  th\  previous  "Difpofitions,  and 
good    qualifications    before    coming 
Welcome, Welcome  ,come  in,  come  m, 
do  not  ftand  at  the  door,  I  am  glad 
thou  art  come  ;  Who  e<ver  thought  to 
have  feen  thes  returning    again  * 
'Bring  hither  the  Fatted  Calf,  kiU 
it,  and  eat,  and  be  merry  ;  How 
merry  (ftnner)  canjl  thou  be  ?  And 
they  now  begin  to   be  merry ,  yeay 
and  all  the  Angels  ftand  by,  and  re- 
joyce:  0  !  here  is  a  Feaft  indeed. 
But  this  makes  the  Elder  Bro» 
ther,  the  proud    Pharifee,    to 
ftand  off  powting    and  grum- 
bling }  And  he  will  never  more 
\  come 


To  the  Reader. 

come  into  his  Father's  Houfe  j  For 
be  was  never  fo  kindly  dealt  with, 
yet  never  Trafgreffeditf  anytime, 
he  iv as  qualified,  and  deferred  En- 
tertainment ,  he  lyad  done  many  4 
good  Work,  he  had  bore  the  Bur- 
then and  Heat  of  the  Diy,and 
therefore  expelled  to  harve  received 
more  than  they  that  came  at  the 
Eleventh  Hqurej  to  whom  God 
willfay,  Is  thine  Eye  evil  be- 
eaufe  mine  is  good  .?  Let  us 
then  all  be  deligent  to  lay  up  for  our 
felloes  a  Treafure  in  Heaven- 
we  feef  or  may  fee,  Ml  things  here 
(Perijb  with  the  uiing.  1  his  is  a 
fluking  time,  God  in  now  flick- 
ing all  Nations,  and  it  is,  that 
the  defire  of  all  Nations  may 
come.     He  that  Bpifioli^s  this,  is 

4  Friend 


To  the  Reader. 
a  friend  to  the  Author,  and  well  ac* 
quainted  with  his  endeavours  to prefs 
after j  (a?id  Witnejpng  for  him,  <*? 
well  skilled  in)  the  truth  and  the  in  fids 
of  (RjligionfTbat  he  is  a  man  taught 
of  God,    and  wiping  well  to  all 
that  are  gone  beyond  him-t  and  hoping 
theLord  will  not  defpife  the  day  o£ 
(mail  things  \  knowing,the  hum- 
ble he  will  teach  his  way,  and 
the  meek  he  will  guide  in  Judgs 
ment.     J  hatve  preffed  the  Author 
to   permit  thefe  things  to  come  to 
light,  which  at  laji  is  condescended 
to  :  if  God  blefs  it  to  they  Edificati* 
on,  Conlterfion,  deformation y  fay, 
It  is  not  in  him  that  willeth,  nor 
in  him   that  runneth,  but  in 
God  that    fhews  mercy , ;  for 
neither  is  he  that  planteth  any 

thing, 


To  the  Reader^ 

thing,  nor  he  that  watcreth  Any 
thing  ;  but  God  that  giveththc 
Increafe  ;  to  him  be  glory, and 
praifc  for  ever,  and  ever, 
Amen, 


A 


To  the  moft  Reverend, 
THE 

EPISCOPACY 

O  F    T  H  E 

Church  of  ENGLAND. 

I  Do  not  arrogate  to  my 
felf  (Moft  Reverend  in 
our  Lord  )  in  Preferr- 
ing to  your  Hands  this 
following  Diicourfe,  to  offer 
you  any  thing  but  what  you 
have  before  received  from  the 
moft  Excellent  JM after ,  and 
Teacher,  the  Holy  Spritt  ki  the 
i  A  Scriptures, 


The  Epiflle  Dedicatory. 

Scriptures,  and  Word  of  God  • 
Given  by  the  Great  High  Priejl, 
aud  Jpoflleof  ourVrofejfionjhu 
One  Shepherd,  the  Chief  Shepherd, 
and  !BtJJ?op  of  our  Souls,  Chrifl 
Jefus^  and  what  -youyour  (el<ves 
have  often,  I  have  greateft  Rea* 
fon  to  hope,  and  believe,  Dif- 
cours'd,  with  cleareft  Evidence 
to  the  Under  [landings,  and  Conyi- 
Bions  upon  the  Confciences  of  them, 
that  heard  you. 

This  notwithstanding  I  have 
very  great  Reafons ,  for  ma- 
king this  Hu?nbleft  Offer ture  to 
you. 

i.  That  by  difcourfing  and 
arguing  a  point  fo  acknow* 
ledgly  Great,  fo  Fundamental 
and  Eflential,not  only  toChri* 

ftiani- 


The  Bpiftk  Dedicatory. 

ftianity,  but  to  Natural  Religi- 
on,and  ail  Morality  :  If  it  fliall 

be  acceptable  to  you,  as  I  can- 
not but  truft  it  will,  becaufe 
it  is  fo  agreeable  to  Scripture  j 
I  may  reconcile  my  feir*  to 
your  more,  not  only  Favour- 
able, but  Deep  Qon federation  in 
fo  great  T  obits  of  the  jure  Word 
of  Prophecy,  as  I  nfve  hereto- 
fore prefented  to  you  ;  and 
have  made  Tome  Reference 
unto,  in  this  very  Doctrine  of 
Repentance,  as  mofl:  Coriaatu* 
ral  to  it. 

For  though  I  know  there  is 
a  Difference  between  Inch  z 
piairi, and  uncontedable  Truth 
of  Scripture,  as  Repentan 
is  5  and  what  lie:  in  the  darl 

A   2  Folds 


The  Bpijlle  Dedicatory. 

Folds  and  Plaits  of  Scripture, 
in  the  ZZieroglypkick  Figures,  and 
Prophetical  ^timbers  or  it  ;  and 
it  may  feem  therefore  impoffi- 
Het  or  highly  improbable,  that 
1  especially  fhould  attain  the  Cer- 
tainty of  the  Words  of  Truth,  to 
anfwer  and  apologize  the  Words  of 
Truth  ,  in  the  great  dependencies  of 
Prophecy,  to  them  that  fend  to  me 
for  them- 

But,  as  it  is  well  urged  a- 
gainft  the  enemies  of  the  Natu- 
ral Religion,  as  well  as  (Revealed  ; 
that  though  there  cannot  be 
^Mathematical  Demonjlration  of 
thofe  Great  Truths,  as  of  Eu- 
clid's Propofitions  ;  yet  there 
iiiay  be  as  QonYittw  Proofs,  in 
their  kmd.  and  as  fatisfatlory  to 
■3  true 


The  Mpiftle  Dedicatory* 

rue  Underflanding  :  Even  Co  I 
affirm,  that  the  Prophetick  Ima- 
ges, and  T^umberSy  if  they  are 
attently  eyedy  and  compared^  may 
be  as  certainly  Afford  .  and  In- 
tellectual enquiries  even  fatia* 
ted  with  the  evidence  of  them ; 
Though  they  are  not  under 
fuch  Proofs,  as  the  plain  Do- 
ctrines and  Precepts  of  Scrip- 
f«re,yet  by  fuch  a  (probation's  is 
moft  proper  to  them,  they  are 
certain  in  their&iwhAs  the  proof 
of  fo  plain  a  point  in  its  kind, 
as  Repentance  is,  is  as  cer* 
tain  in  its  kind,  as  the  proof  of 
Natural  $eligiony  in  its  Kjnd  - 
which  is  as  certain,  as  a  Mathe- 
matick.  (Proportion,  in  its  kind  : 
So  fnre  is  Trophecy  v  In  the  Good- 
A  3  nefs 


the  Epflle  Dedicatory. 

nefs  of  onr  Creator  ^ndMedidtor  ^n 
giving^  and  fuflaining  our  Faculties 
in  the  true  u{$  or  themfelves  • 
fo  fure  are  each  of  theft  ^  and  each 
of  them,  in  their  kind,  as  lure 
the  one,  as  the  other;  even  the 
Word  of  Trophecy,  lure  as  any.  i 

For  as  i  have  often  faid,  e- 
ven  theie  ULnigmaikal  parts  of 
Scripturey  arc  mod  certainly,  as 
will  be  eafily.  allowed,  infallibly 
tf ue  in  th e i r  o  w a  (e n fe :  They 
are   therefore   to    be    under- 

odj   For  fo  is  all  Truth: 

i»ey  are  Revealed  ;  and 
therefore    it   is    intended    by 

,d,  they  fltoidd  be  unch flood. 
%  to  be  under  flood,  they  may  be 
httymjlhey  are  truly  under  flood,  by 
x&Rr'Conjcmlnejs  to  ones  ftlf  of 

the 


The  Epiflle  Dedicatory; 

the  evidence  of  thofe  Critierions, 
and  Marks  of  Truth ,  mod  Con* 
natural  to  them  j  that  All  Tarts 
anfwer  one  to  another  •  that 
they  anfwer  to  what  muit  be 
moft  apparently  the  main  Scope 
and  Intention  ofc  the  whole  ;  and 
that  Hijlorical  Matter  of  FaSl 
anfwers  all  along  j  which 
makes  all  certain  ;  As  he  that 
hath  a  f\ey  to  a  Cyphar,  or  to  tii- 
Jlory  in  <PiElure  or  Emblem,  may 
beajfur'dhe  hath  itphenhe  Finds 
all  agree,  one  part  with  ano- 
ther 5  and  the  whole  with 
what  was  reafonable  to  be 
expected,  and  fuppofed  to  be 
the  Vefign. 

And  if  any  one  fliould  fay, 
Why  fhould  this  he  Revealed  to  me 

A4  f9 


Tk  Bpijlle  Dedicatory. 

jo  unworthy  •  fo  little  prepared  with 
all  the  advantages  of  Learning 
<nd  'Books. 

I  do  moil  humbly  Achnoiv* 
ledg  the  Dint  of  this  Prejudice  • 
and  can  only  Anfwer,  as  I  have 

done     KtCiS     iyiviro    evjjteidtt  I     So 

it  pleafed  him,  and  to  humble 
me  to  loweft  Abajement  (How* 
ever  I  mod  humbly  Qonfefs 
wholly  by  my  own  fin,  and 
guilt)  as  in  a  lolitary  Patmos  for 
it  -  And  1  cannot  but  hope, 
now  I  look  upon  my  Tefli- 
mony  as  near  finijhed ,  and  that 
things  are  juft  now  upon 
their  Component,  he  may  be 
pleas'd  alio  to  Vifconfine  me 
when  Lis"'!  Witneffes  are  fo 
near  ,    Camming   out    of    their 

Sack* 


The  YLpijlle  Dedicatory. 

Sackcloth,  and  that  I  (hall  in 
their  ^{wg,  rife  out  of  this 
Civil  Death :  But  not  my  will, 
but  his   will  be  done. 

I  have  therefore,  I  fay,  up- 
on the  whole,  prefented  this 
Difcourfe  ,  as  upon  one  ^ea- 
jon  j  that  by  it  you  may  look 
upon  my  ether  1'reatifes,  as 
not  the  Performances  of  a  Fana- 
tick  or  (Pbantaflicki  or  one  that 

WOLlld  *i;0V£^,51n*?  °  <*^M  but    lis    TO  C&- 

<P%ov<ccj.  Much  IcCs^^oyly^onrnm^ 
or  what  is  Written j  but  to  [peak 
forth  the  words  of  Sobernejs  and 
Truth ,  as  well  in  the  one,  as 
the  other. 

2.  That  from  the  Cotijuncti* 
m  of  the  one  part  with  the  o- 
ther,   the  Tropbettck  with  the 

DotlrinaL 


The  YLpiJlle  Dedicatory. 

TtoBrind^  you  may  be,  (as 
however  I  Hope }  and  am  Ter* 
f waded  you  are)  more  excited \ 
and  may  move  more  Vtgorouf* 
ly  and  Tjedmfy  in  the  Promot> 
ing  TSfatimd  Repentance  and  (Re- 
formation •  as  I  have  alfo  in  the 
Inferences  of  the  difcourfe.p'ejs'd-y 
ieeing  therein  is  raoft  certain* 
ly  the  greateft  Magnification  of 
your  Rational  Office ,  or  Epijco- 
pacy ;  that  as  having  greateft 
nearnefs  to  the  Ajfairs,znd  Per- 
fons,  that  are  at  the  Top  •  and 
who,  as  Springs,  move  what  is 
below  them  ;  you  do  therein 
*$*&&  minifter  in  Offering  them 
up  to  God-f  F-r  not  Worldly  Gran- 
dieurt  nor  any  of  the  Cathedra- 
lilies,  of  your  State,  nor  an 

Animal 


The  Epiflle  Dedicatory. 
Animal  or  Senfitive ,    (however 
not    Senfual)     Hofpitality   will 
fujlain  you  i  but  this  is   the 
beft  Account  that  can  be  given 
of  fuch.  a  Pre  eminence ;  when 
it  is  indeed  of  National  Super'u 
ority  in  an  Elijah  Like  Fervor, 
and    Influence     for    Rational 
Reformation  •  feeing  it  is  certain 
in  an  Union  in    true  Religion  ; 
a  Rational  Epifcopacy  Devoted 
to  its  true  ends,  tho  in  it  felf 
but  Civil ,  may    be  fervice- 
able  to  Rational  Godlinefs. 

He.  n  Ihavefet  my  Foot 
in  this  Dedication  to  you,  and 
Acknowledgment  of  you  j  that  it 
you  are  indeed  for,'  and  with 
God  in  your  ^relations -t  you 
will  be  (Blejfedj  not  only  with 

Gocd 


The  Bpiftle  Dedicatory. 

Good  Withes ,  and  Endeavours  > 
but  with  hapfy  Succeffes  ;  not 
only  ia  Wwd  ,  but  in  Power, 
in  luch  your  Characler  and  Sta- 
tion. For  all  Wife  and  Good 
Mens  Eye;  are  now  upon  you,  to 
know  not  yoxtftfams  or  Titles  y 
or  Speech ,but  your  Power  in  £7o» 
ifjf  Influences  upon  the  Ration 
from  you. 

But  the  very  «wtf  of'Bleffing 
from  Heaven  and  Suctejs  t herein , 
andt  o  find  that  National  Vices , 
and  Irre/Jgion  furmount  your Sphere  3 
and  grow  up  ahoy>e  it  to  HeaVen)  is 
red/on  for  great  Humiliation,  and 
even  Jealoufy  over  your  Con[litu* 
tion  •   tho  without  jtf«r  £«*/f. 

But  this  will  bear  you  in  fo 
£>*£4t  4  Revolution  t  fonear,  as 

I 


The  fyijlk  Dedicatory. 

I  declare  to  you.  For  even  as 
that  Building  call'd  ftm/s,  that 
is  rifivgfo  Sumptuous,  e*re  it  aimo 
to  its  top,  fhall  only  ftand,  if  it 
can  be  any  way  Serviceable  in 
that/^'wgdow'j  Succefjion  fo  nigh, 
fb  it  m^y  £e  fupported ;  elie  its 
^ood/j;  Stone;  and  Building  will 
not,  at  kaft,  to  fuch  an  ufe,  as 
Cathedral  only,  be  one  Stow  left  up* 
on  another,  with  how  magnificent 
a  Zeal  foever  it  be  carried  on  : 
It  is  begun  too  late  to  fuch  a  p«r- 
f  o/e,  if  it  be  fo  intended :  Even 
Jo  a  Rational  Epifcopacy  fuffer- 
ing  the  Lofs  of  all  that  is  but 
Hay  and  Stubble  in  if,  as  byiiire, 
may  yet  be  SaVd,  or  Continue  in 
its  2{ational  Preftdency  ,  if  it 
can  be  found  rs  fuch.  Service- 
able 


the  TLpiftle  Dedicatory. 

able  for  Offering  up  whole  2^- 
tions  more  ipeedily  to  God,  and 
Cbrift  ;  elfe  it  will  yanijb  away 
as  Froth,  and  empty  Bubbles  •  For 
let  us  all  be  fure,  the  Kingdom 
of  God  is  coming  upon  us,  which 
is  not  Word  but  Power  ; 
Although  therefore  ,  you 
do  not  J  mite  the  menferVants,  or 
^Maidservants,  or  eat  and  drink 
with  the  Drunken  5  Yet  I  humbly 
b'feech  you  to  take  heedt  that  as 
Wife,  a.nd  good  Stewards  fet  over 
the  ffloujkold,  you  <g\\t  diligently 
that  portion  of  Meat  in  due  Seafon, 
all  the  moft  efficacious  Terfwa- 
fions^and  Influences  for  Repentance, 
and  even  National  Reformation, 
And  herein  what  can  be  Co 
mighty  to  per/wade,  as  if  with 

Vnited 


The  TLpifik  Dtdicatory. 
United  applications  to  it,  You 
would  fearchj  and  encourage  all 
that  do  fearcbj  and  hold  out  that 
jure  Word  of  (prophecy^  that  hath 
fhonefo long, and  yet  Jbines  in  the 
Dark  place  of  this  Jftojlacy,  till 
the  very  day  dawn,  and  the  day 
Star  arife;  Becaufe Imoft  Hum- 
bly Jjfure  you  in  the  Name  of  the 
Great  Matter  of  the  Family,  he  will 
no  longer  delay  his  Qnn'tng,  but 
he  is  'Very  near  at  hand.  I  hope 
Providence  hath  introduced  you 
to  fuch  a  purpofe.  and  as  1  humbly 
hope,  this  Voflrine  of  (Repentance 
is  presented  to  your  Hands,  to- 
gether with  fo  many  Difcour- 
les,  that  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  is 
nigh  at  Hand  j  that  upon  that 
very  Confederation  you  may  be 
•  rnoft 


The  Epiftle  Dedicatory. 

moft  Zealous  in  it :  So  I  earned* 
ly  Pray,  you  may  be  'Blejfed  in 
your  Lord  finding  you  fo  doing  : 
Verily,  I  fay  unto  you,  he  [hall 
make  you  greater  Rulers  in  a  truly 
Evangelical  Senfe,  than  nowyou 
are :  And  as  to  the  black  and  dark 
fide  I  make  no  mention  of  it  5  be- 
cause I  am  perfwaded  better 
things  of  you,  andfuch  as  Ac- 
company the  Salvation,  and 
Glory  of  that  Kingdom. 

Herein  I  am 

Your  mojl  Humble  and 
Ajfetlionate  Orator^ 

T.  BEVERLEY. 


THE 

INTROD  UCTION 

T  0    THE 

Following  Pifcourfe. 

TH  E  great  Context  of  the  Apoftlej 
upon  which  the  Firft  of  thefeDif- 
courfes  is  Founded,  arofe  from  the 
fcandalous  5  and  loud  founding 
Defilement  foTtoc/'AWttTM.) 
of  the  Church  of  Chrift,  at  Corinth  by  the  E* 
normous  fin  of  the  Jnceftuous  perfon,  that  Mar 
ried  his  Father's  Wife%  a  Fornication  not  paraf- 
eird,as  the  Apoftle  faith,  among  the  Heathen,  i  Cor. 

This  fin,  the  Perfon  Guilty,  and  offending  had 

no  Penitent  itemorfe  for,  nor  fenfe  of,  nor  difc 

a  char 


The  Introduftion. 

that  Church  in  general  lie  under  fuch  an  Holy 
forrow  and  Mourning  for  it,  as  they  had  fo  great 
obligation  to  do  \  that  fo  grofs  an  Impurity,  and 
Scandal  might  be  Caft  out  by  their  gathering  toge- 
ther in  the  hpoffotical  Spirit,  or  Fowtr  •,  that  fuch  ati 
evil  might  not  ferment ,  but  the  very  Flefhoi  the 
Offender  might  be purg'd  off;  or  deftroy'd,  and  pro- 
bably by  fome  Miraculous  Bodily  Infliction  call'd 
Delivery  of  him  to  Sathan,  that  the  Spirit  might 
be  faved  in  the  Vnj  of  Chrrfl  •,  and  all  this  was 
to  be  performed  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord  Jefus, 
in  the  folemn  Avouching  his  great  Judica- 
ture. 

Upou  this  the  Apoftle  wrote  fo  feverely  con- 
cerning it  in  his  former  Epiftle,  as  we  find  ?  and 
ithadfo  good  Effect  through  the  grace  of  God  5 
that  the  particular  Perfon,  who  had  given  the 
Scandal,  was  fo  deeply  humbled ,  and  Difiblv'd 
into  fo  great  a  Penitential  Sorrow,  and  Mourning  5 
that  the  Apoftle  in  the  fecond  Epiftle  takes 
greateft  care  on  the  other  fide ;  that  he  might 
not  be  (wallowed  up  of  too  much  forrow,  c.  2. 
and  the  Church  it  kK  gave  thofe  great  Eviden- 
ces of  Repentance,  the  Apoftle  Expreffes  in  this 
chap.  7th,  and  appears  in  this  Context. 

From  thefe  evil  manners,  and  the  fo  bfefled 
Repensmce^rii-s  this  admirable  Ihftru&ion  of  the 
Apoftles  concerning  rh*  nature  of  true  Repen- 
tance ;  and  the  forrow^  after  God  that  wor\s  it; 
and  the  vehement  Afte&ions,  and  Emotions^  of 
thind  towards  God,  and  Holinefs ,  and  againft 
fin  \  that   always   attend    and  accompany ,   and 

Minifter 


lhe  Introduction. 

Minifter  to  Repentance,  and  Godly  Sorrow  5  and 
the  Blefied  iflue  and  eflecl:  of  it  •,  that  it  is  to  Sal- 
vation, and  fo  never  to  be  Repented  of 

This  I  have  Difconrfed  efpecially  in  the  plain, 
and  univerfally  acknowledged  Doctrine,  Grace, 
and  Duty  of  this  Repentance  ;  but  having  a  Dif- 
penfation  committed  to  me  of  Miniflry  concerning 
the  Kingdom  of  Chrifi,  and  thefcvidenee  of  Scrip- 
ture of  its  near  approach?  X&  WES^&^kv, 
I  would  not  decline  or  back-Aide  from  the  TefH- 
mony  of  it;  according  to  the  vifftsoky  the  fo  ge- 
neral drawing  back  of  Chriftians  from  the  Declara- 
tion of  it  j    becaufe    the    Apoftafy  Hovers  with 

its  Darknds  over  them,  and  obfeures  this  Atto 50^ 
or  the  ApoMical  Dottrine  concerning  it ;  but  I  have 
given  open  Teftimony  of  this  Kingdom  >  in  this 
Do&rineof  Repentance. 

And  indeed  the  very  whole  cafe  of  the  (inner, 
and  his  fin  ,  that  was  the  occafion  of 
this  Context ;  the  Apoftles  fevere  Reproof  of  the 
Church  of  Corinth  about  it  \  the  wonderful  grace 
of  God  in  this  extraordinary  Repentance^  and  for- 
row  after  God,  in  both  the  Particular  Offender, 
and  the  Church,  confequent  upon  it ;  may  make 
a  very  admirable  Symbol  or  Reprefentation 
of  that  Repentance,  and  Mourning  that  fhali 
be  at  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift,  in  preparation  of 
l  its  Appearance. 

For  that  Foul  Apoftafy  of  the  Chriflian  Church 
i  into   Anticbriflianifm,   fo  often  flyled  ^Fornication, 
a  2  Adultery  , 

I 


The  Introduction. 

Adultery,  Whoredom,  the  great  Whore)  may  very 
much  be  likened  to  that  unparalell'd  Fornication 
of  the  Incestuous  Corrinthian.  The  infenfiblenefs  of 
not  only  the  kritichrfflians  themjelves,  but  of  all  the 
Chriftian  Churches,  and  not  Mourning,  that  it 
might  be  caft  out  j  but  having,  and  fuffering  it  in 
the  Churches  of  Pergamus,  and  Thyatyra,  may  be 
much  fhadowed,  and  Typed  out  by  the  Corinthi- 
an Church  not  Mourning,  that  the  Incefluous  Perfon 
might  be  caft  out  ;  the  little  Leaven  Leavening  the 
whole  hump,  was  too  much  Full- filled  in  Ephefus, 
or  the  very  Primitive  Church  of  the  Ape  files 
times,  leaving  the  firfl  Love  ;  the  Apoftafy  becom- 
ing a  Synagogue  ,  a  Throne  ,  an  antient  Kingdom 
of  Sathan  having  his  Depths,  in  following  Time  ; 
even  throughout  T; me,  Times,  and  half  Time. 

But  when  God  fhall  pour  out.  a  Spirit  of  Grace, 
how  great  fhall  be  the  Mourning  ol  Penitent  offen- 
ders ;  even  in  that  Remnant,  affrighted,  and  giving 
Glory  to  the  God  of  Heaven,  in  whom  the  Flefo 
is  Dejiroyed  by  a  Miracle  of  Grace,  that  the 
Spirit  may  be  faved  in  that  day  of  Chrifl,  Rev, 
1 1. 1 3.  How  Univerfal  a  Repentance  and  cafiing  ont 
Antichrifiiantfm  by  the  whole  Church  of  Chrift 
fhall  then  be,  and  a  return  to  higheft  Purities  5  and 
to  Salvation,  in  the  Glory  of  Chrift**  Kingdom, 
I^eentance  never  to  be  Repented  of  I  this  fhall  be  in 
his  Name  at  his  Comming,  by  the  Apoftolic  Spirit 
and  Power. 

And  how  much  this  very  Reprefentation  might 
fce  Intended,  as  an  Allegory  by  the  Holy  Spirit  , 
I  will  not  dare  to  affirm  ;  but  I  know,  Scripture 
Siath    defignations  beyond  what  we  are  able  to 

Finds 


*the  Introduftion. 

Find,  till  particularly  Revealed,  or  that  day  de- 
clares them ;  and  fo  this  may  be  an  Holy  Difpofe 
of  God,  that  this  Impurity  fhouid  be  Permitted  in 
the  Church  of  Corinth^  and  the  folemn  Repentance 
fhouid  become  an  Emblem,  as  hath  been  now  fee 
out. 

And  fo  I  am  very  propenfe  ta  think, 
the  Cafe  of  Eating  things  offered  to  Idols  with 
€onfcience  of  the  ldol\  under  the  obligation  to  con- 
form to  thofe,  who  pretended  to  do  fo  without 
any  fuch  Conscience  of  the  Idol;  was  given,  as  a 
great  Parable  of  the  Cheat  of  Transforming 
Heathen  and  Pagan  Idolatry  into  Antichriftian  Ido- 
latry under  the  Difguife  of  Chnftian  Liberty  and 
Honour  to  Martyrs  ;  and  fo  the  Epiftlesto  Pergamus 
andThyatjra  import  concerning  eating  things  Offered 
to  Idols,  Rev.  2.  compared  with  i  Cor.  8.  and 
chap,  i  c. 

Of  the  fame  Kind  are  Viftinflion  cf  Meats, 
and  Days  ,  that  obtained  fo  n  uch  under  the 
Synagogue  of  Sathan  ,  under  gloffy  pretences  of 
Valfe  Jews,  as  fome  way  ferving  the  Honour  of 
Chriftianity  j  and  that  sre  yet  retained  by  thofe, 
who  in  the  Reformation  are  the  They*  or  who 
are  on  the  fide  of  that  Synagogue,  as  the  Vene- 
rators of  Antiquity,  for  the  three  firft  Centuries 
at  Ieaft  ;  not  confidering,  how  early  the  Myflery 
of  Iniquity  wrought  even  in  the  Apoflles  days 
Rev.  29.  compared  with  Rom.  14. 

And  laftly,  Thofe  great  Scriptures, 2  Pet.  c.3.  the 
Epift.of  Judejini  fome  paflages  intheEpifiles  of  the 

Apoftle 


'the  Introduction* 

ApofHe  John,  however  their  immediate  occasi- 
on, and  ground  were  fome  foul ,  and  impure 
Nerefies ,  whether  of  the  Gmjlicl>s ,  or  o:hers, 
Herefies  properly  fo  cilled  *.  yet  they  give  the  great 
Types  of  the  AntichriftUn  Impurities,  as  is  plain 
by  thofe  Deeds  and  Dottrine  of  ihe  Nicolations , 
We  meet  with  fo  Branded ;  Deeds,  Canonized 
into  a  Do8riney  Rev.  2.  d,  1  $, 

All  this  will ,  I  hope  %  jnftify  my  joyning 
the  Do&rine  of  the  Kingdom  to  the  Dodrine 
of  Repentance* 

How,  even  Providentially ,  I  was  fummoned 
to  the  Publication  of  thefe  two  Treatifes,  al- 
thongh  it  is  of  great  Remark,  and  Obfer- 
vation  to  my  felf  *,  yet  I  think  not  necellary 
to  give  an  open  Account  of*,  but  hope,  this 
Doftrine  of  Repentance,  was,  as  I  may  mod 
Humbly  fay,  called  for  by  God  in  my,  how- 
ever mofl  unworthy  ,  Nlinittracion  of  it  *,  that 
all  might  be  moved  to  it  at  this  very  fea- 
fon,  when  /  declare  the  Kingdom  of  God  fo 
nigh  at  //and;  and  wherein  /  acknowledg, 
/  my  felf  ought  to  be  the  Principal  Audi- 
tor 9  Reader  and  Learner,  and,  as  /  may  fay, 
Chief  Mourner* 

And  /  cannot  but  hopej  that  through  the 
Grace  of  Chrift  ;  and  his  good  Hand  upon  this 
Difcourfe  ;  it  will  make  that  Prejudice  againft 
the  DoSrine  of  the  Kingdom^  and  efpecially  of 
a  Line  of  Time  to  it,  in  fo  many  good  Perfons, 
in    fome  m:afure  to  Abate  5   when    they    find 

it 


*tht  Introdu&ion* 

it  fo  clofe  conjoyned  with  the  Dilcourfe  o! 
fo  acknowledged  a  Point,  as  this  of  Repentance, 
Treated  with  all  ferioufflefs  of  Heart)  and  fober- 
nefs  of  Judgment ;  as  /  have  good  hope  through 
Grace,  God  hath  herein  Enabled  me  \  and  fee- 
ing fuch  Commotion  ef  Nations  ,  fuch  Earth- 
Shakes  in  Divers  places,  and  So  gentle  an  Admo- 
nition in  this  very  City,  fo  juft  now  agree  with  my 
Line  of  Time-,  and  that  the  moving  of  the  Earth  is  fo 
cenftant  an  umbrage  of  Preparatories  for  the  King- 
dom of  Chrifly  I  hope  all  this  will  perfwaae. 

1  am  as  cautious,  ss  any  one  can  defire,  of  laying 
too  much ftrefs  on unufual Events:  fuch  may  be  tra- 
ced back,  pofiibly,  to  their  Natural  Canfes>  by  Great 
Philofofhers.  But  as  this  does  not  leffen  God,  the 
Supream  Caufe  *  fo  it  does  not  leflen  their  Vreditlive- 
tiefa  or  Fitnefs  to  Foretel  Events.  For  he  who  had 
the  whole  Scheme  of  all  hii  Works  lying  before 
him,  knew  how  to  lay  fuch  Caufes,  fuch  Admo- 
nitions by  Prodigies,  and  the  Great  Events  toge- 
ther, into  an  admirable  Harmonioufnefs  to  his 
Ends. 

1  know  too,  Thefe  Prodigies  have  been  in  all 
Times  and  Places:  But  feeing  they  are  fcretold 
near  Chuffs  Kingdom,  and  Coming  ;  and  that  by 
the  Sure  Word  of  Prophecy,  much  furcr  indeed  Fore- 
telling it,  than  fach  Appearances  ;  the  Kingdom  of 
Chrift  is  near  ;  Thit  Warning-piece,  fliould  much  a- 
waken  us  to  Repentance. 

For  how  much  better  is  it  for  us,    that  God 
fliould  be  own'd,    as   the  Supream   Lord  of  All9 
than  fuch  a  Foolifh  impertinent  Caufe  as  Chance  5 
or  fo  fullen  a  one  as  Nature,  who  have  no  gra- 
cious 


The  IntroduStiQiil 

rious  End  in  what  they  do ,  nor  are  to  be  ap« 
plied  to  by  Prayer  and  Repentance,  to  prote&us 
in  the  Danger,  or  give  a  good  iflue. 

Now  feeing  all  this,  /  hope  this  Difcourfe  of  Re- 
pentance ,  together  with  the  great  motive  of  it, 
The  Kingdom  <f  Chrifi  at  Hand,  will  move  all  to 
Repentance,  and  Expe&ation  of  that  Kingdom, 
and  make  Acceptable  the  Difcourfe  it  felf,  as  in 
itsSeafon  ;  for  all  which,  I  day ly  bow  my  Knees  to 
the  Father  of  Glory. 

M.  7th,  D.  12, 

1692. 


T.  BEVERLEY. 


Evange- 


A  Difcourfe  upon  Evangelical  Re- 
pentance to  Salvation^  not  to  be 
Repented  of,  and  the  Godly  Sor- 
row working  it. 


2  Cor.  7.  10.  For  Godly  Sorrow  mrketb 
Repentance  to  Salvation  not  to  be  Repented 
0^  but  the  Sorrow  of  the  World  mrketh 
Death. 


TH  E  R  E  is  no  more  Univerfal  Noticn 
in  the  Soul  of  Man  in  thofe  Things, 
wherein  he  hath  to  do  with  God,  or 
even  with  v. an,  or  with  Himfelf,  then 
to  Repent;  that  is,  to  be  ibrry  for  what  he  hach 
done  Amifs,  and  wherein  he  harh  Offended  :  and 
to  Refolve,  and  Profiife  to  Amend,  and  to  do  the 
Evil  he  hath  done,  no  more  ;  It  is  fitted  as  a 
great  Inftrument  of  Reconciliation,  and  a  fecond 
fiate  of  Innocency  *,  a  Referve  after  the  Ruin  and 
Shipwrack  of  cur  Firft  Innocency,  a  Remedy,  a 
Reparation  after,  the  firffc  Advantages  of  doing  well, 
are  loft:  And  it  is  the  infinite  Grace  of  God  in  a 
B  Medi- 


%        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance'. 

Mediator,  that  there  is  fuch  a  Notion  in  the  Worlds 
It  preferves  it:  from  being  a  Hell  in  regard  either  of 
the  extremity,  and  utmoft  Rages  of  Wickednefs; 
or  of  the  Horrors,  and  Fury  of  Defpair.  It  is  the 
infinite  Grace  of  God  in  a  Redeemer,  That  there 
is  a  F lace  of  Repentance^  as  the  Apoftle  calls  it,  Heb. 
12.  that  is,  place,  and  room  for  it  in  mans  Heart, 
and  that  there  is  place  for  it  in  the  Acceptance  of 
God  \  char  God  does  not  fcorn,  and  utterly  reject 
it,  againft  him,  that  hath  once  finned;  That  he  is 
not  inexorable,  and  nor  to  be  intre.ated  concerning 
it  \  For  how  woful,  and  even  Hellifliiy  Miferable 
would  man  be  without  it?  That  the  Nature  of 
Man  is  inclin'd  to  offer,  and  accept  fuch  Repen- 
tance, one  towards  another,  and  (o,  that  there  are 
mutual  Forgiveness  among  men,  and  not  unap- 
pealable hatreds ;  and  ,that  there  is  in  a  rnkteWn 
Confciehce  a  prcpitrednefs  to  acquiefce,  to  be  fatif- 
fied,  to  Reft,  and  to  te  Appealed  upon  finding  in 
the  Soul  ,  and  Adion,  a  farrow  for  fin,  and  Refor- 
mation from  it :  All  this  keeps'  the  World  from  be- 
ing, abiolutely  Hell, 

3 ,  ,For  Sorrow.  Diflike;,Tf Cubje,  Remorfe,  for  what  a 
Man,,  hath  done  evi!,  move  ft  man  to  review,  to 
acknowledgment  ,  to  bewailing,  to  confedion,  to 
chan£e;'anrf  refo'rmatitfstyq  a  newcourfeof  Life,  and 
Mtk>n.    ■  I         ....*.. 

boiflg  tlk&Mgn  j$jfrfl>a -fallen,  fuch  a  Peccant, 
1  and:"jDtrending.Natufev;'U  is  infinite  grzee  in  God, 
-that  tlirr£  is  fuch  a  Nation,  fuch  Action  in  mans 
•  Soul,  as  Repentance ;  and  that  UiCic  is  not  an  utter 
'irreconcilablenefs,  an  iinpardonablenefs  afrer  Offenfe 
committed:  jneither;  Jn  Heaven  nor  on  Ejrth  ;  not 
In  the  Court  gf  Heaven,  nor  in  she  Court  of  Human 

Nature 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance^.         3 

Nature  one  towards  another ;  nor  in  the  Court  of 
a  mans  Confcience  within  himfelf.  If  it  were  not 
fo,  every  fin  would  be  like  the  Elafpbemy  ag.wift 
the  Holy  Spirit ,  Matt,  12.  Unpardonable;  and  be- 
caufe  Unpardonable,  Impenitable,  or  not  to  be  %- 
pemed  of;  and  that  not  only  in  this  World,  but  in  that 
which  it  to  come;  the  World  would  become  a  Theater 
of  fin,  and  damnation*,  even  a  Hell,  without  any 
Chsrncery,  any  Appeal  to  Grace,  to  Mercy;  or 
Helenrmg  of  Repentance  from  the  hopes  of  Mercy, 
the  reverence  and  awes  of  Goodnefs,  and  Forgive- 
,  nefs 

Now  that  which  lies  loofeand  fcartered,  or  dif- 
feminated,  fowfl  through  the  whole  human  Creati- 
on;  That,  the  word  of  God,  efpccially  in  the  Gof- 
S'ei,  iftfac  New  Testament;  that  the  Spirit  of  God 
nth  colle&ed  into  a  more  full,  and  folemn-Docl> 
rine,  and  bpen'd  the  Foundarion3ind  hid  bare,  and 
in  view  die- root,  or  the  greatpiace  of  it  ;  Howie 
,:hrath  room,  and  reception  ;  what  are  the  Sources, 
fpriqgs  of  Efficacy,  from  which  it  Rifes:even  iti 
the  Sacrifice,  Blood,  and  Redemption  of  Chrifl; 
and  the  mighly  Efficacv,  and  Grace  of  the  Divine 
.Spirit  j  what  is  t\m  godly  forrcw,  which  is  given  tty 
God,  as  the  Elaboratory  or  the  Inftrument  of  God 
for  the  Operation  of  it;  what  are  the  Laws  and 
Rules  of  it;  the  true  form  and  confiitution  of  ]ry 
what  are  the  motives,  and  inward  con  fide  rat  ions 
mooving  to  it ;  what  are  the  figns,  and  evidences 
of  its  Truth;  what  is  the  proper  time,  and  fpace 
tor  it ;  Icrefolves  the  Scruples  or  Cafes  of  Con- 
fcience, that  may  arife  in  the  ^oul  Gf  Man  concern^ 
ingit;  itfhews  the  great'  Fruir^  certain  Benefit, 
and  Advantage  of  it. 

B  2  And 


4        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentanccl 

And  all  thefe  are  either  moil  innately  refidkig 
or  fome  way  reducible  to  this  great,  and  excellent 
Context  of  the  Apoftle ;  in  which  regard  I  have 
chofenit,  and  fhall  endeavour  t3  bring  Light  ac- 
cordingly to  it ;  and  according  to  thefe  1  eads,  I 
will  by  the  grace  of  God  endeavour  to  Difcourfe 
it, 

i.  In  regard  it  is  Repentance  to  Salvation,  and  that 
Salvation  k  no  ether,  but  in  Chrifl  alone,  Ads  4. 12. 
it  plainly  (hews,  That  the  whole  Redemption  and 
Salvation  of  Chrffi,  is  the  proper  Bafif,  and  Foun- 
dation of  it;  the  whole  Area,  Court,  Space  and 
mod  proper  place  of  it ;  and  that  the  whole  Notion 
and  Spirit  of  ir5  as  any  way  Commenfurate  to,  or 
extended  upon  the  whole  human  Nature,  hath  its 
Rife,  and  Original*,  flows  from  fome  Communicati- 
on to  the  human  Nature  from  Jefus  Chrift,  the  Re- 
deemer; and  that  yet  the  word  of  God  and  his 
Gofpel  only  Reveals  it  fully  and  genuimly  5  and  his 
fpirit  is  the  fupreme  Operator  of  it. 

2.  Here  is  plainly  laid  down  to  us  the  Elabora- 
tory,  or  Inftrument  God  hath  prepared  in  infinite 
Wjfdcm,  and  Grace,  and  inlay  d  the  Soul  with,  in 
order  to  Repentance.  Firit,  as  it  is  a  Natural  Af- 
fe&ion  fubfervient  to  it;  and  then  as  it  is  Sanctified 
by  God  to  fo  great  an  end.  Godly  forrow,  or  forrow 
after \  and  accoraing  to  God  worketh  down  Repentance, 
or  brings  it  forth ;  a  forrow  oppofed  to  the  forrow  of 
the  W$rld9  that  wor^eth  Death. 

3.  In  that  it  is,     1.  Repentance  to  Salvation,  ef- 
fectual to  it. 

2.  Repentance  not  to  be  Repented  of 

u  Not  I 


Of  an  Evangelical  Refentance*        $ 
r.  Not  as  a  falfe  counterfeit  Repentance  to  be 
Repented  of. 

2.  Always  to  be  carried  on,  and  promoted  j  and 
not  recall»d,repeard,  or  revers'd,  but  confirm'dby 
progreflive3repeated  A&s,and  renewed  after  Falls. 

3.  In  that  it  is,  to,  or  lays  held  of  Salvation. 

4.  In  that  it  rifes  not  from  an  earthly  fpring,  or 
anv  farrow,  not  after  God. 

In  all  thefe  Regards,  ityeilds  juft  reafon  toDif- 
courfe  the  true  Laws,  and  Rules  j  the  Frame,  and 
true  conftitution ;  the  motives,  means  and  confede- 
rations for-,  tliefigns,  and  evidences  of  fincere  Re- 
pentance. 

4.  The  admirable  Fruit  and  Benefit  of  it  is  mofl 
vifibly,  and  illuftrioufly  fet  forth  before  us  in  thofe 
words,  It  k  Repentance  to  Salvation^  not  to  be  repented 
of. 

i.  It  is  to  Salvation',  It  is  a  great  and  certain  fe« 
curity  againft  Ruin,  Damnation,  Perifhing  for  ever. 

2.  It  fhall  not  only  be  a  fecurity  from  Damnati- 
on, but  an  a.lurance  of  a  ftate  of  Life,  Glory, 
Bleflednefs. 

g.  There  fhall  never  bethe  Ieaft  caufe  to  Repent, 
to  look  back  wirh  Sorrow,  or  Regret,  that  we  have 
Repented.  For  we  fhall  find,  we  have  loft  no  good, 
we  have  run  upon  no  evil,  in  having  Repented. 

4.  It  fhall  give  us  Reafon  of  everlaflin^  Joy, 
Rejoycing,  Triumph,  Eleffing  and  Adoring  God  in 
Chrift,  we  have  fo  by  his  grace  Repented  to  Sal- 
vation. 

$.  I  will  Reduce  to  the  Do&rin  of  Repentance 
the  fjruplcs,  and  Cafes  of  Conference  that  may 
ajrife  concerning  either  thejtrue  Dodrinal  State  of  it, 
or  the  grace  of,  or  pradife  it  felf  of  repentance, 

B  3  Thefe 


6        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance. 

Thefe  are  the  heads,  I  Fropofe  by  Divine  Grace? 
and  Affiftance,  to  Difcourfe  the  Do&rin,and  grace  of 
Repentance  upon  j  but  I  find  it  is  in  the  firft  place 
necefiary  to  give  fome  fhorc  defcriptions  of  the 
thing,  I$epentdnc>,  according  to  the  very  impor- 
tance  of  the  word-,  and  of  the  General  Importance, 
and  Narure  of  the  Notion,  or  rhe  thing  it  ftJf. 

The  word?  us'd  by  the  Spirit  of  God  in  rhe  Old 
Teffament,  are  either  that  ft  rid  word  DP  J,  a 
word  tlut  alfo  (ignifies  Confolating  a  mans  felf  y 
(hewing,  after  fin,  and  oflFenfe  reflected  upon,  vi%. 
with  Grief,  and  Trouble  fuppofed  j  the  greatefl con- 
solation is  recovery  of  a  mans  felf  by  Repentance: 
Or  elfc,  it  is  3  word,  that  fignifies  Turning  from  what 
a  man  has  be  en  Turnd  and  Pofited,  and  fe\  himfelf 
to  before.  On  this  Account  we  meet  fo  often  with 
the  words  of  Turning  in  the  Old  Teftament,  and 
being  Converted,  and  Turning  in  the  New. 

The  moft  proper  and  flrid  words  in  the  New 
Teftament,  are  either  an  After  Care,  a  Reflection 
with  farrow,  and  follicitoufnefs  upon  what  a  man 
hath  done,  with  Trouble  ,  He  did  fo  ;  and  a  care, 
a  caution  not  to  do  fo  any  more  for  the  time  to 
come  ;  or  an  after-mind,  an  after-wit,  an  after  un- 
(ierftandin*,  a  tranfmentatton,  a  new  Mind,  a  new 
Heart  andSprit. 

To  fpeak  of  it  therefore  in  the  general  5  Repen- 
tance  -is  given  by  Go 3,  as  a  mighty  Spiritual  Inflru- 
ir.enr.,  or  Engine  in  the  hand  of  his  Grace,  in  rhe 
Arm  of  God  made  Bare  ,  by  which  the  finful  Ni- 
rurc,  in  every  true  Penitent,  is  unhing'd,  uncen- 
tefd  from  fin,  and  corruption.  It  is  a  return  of 
rhe  Soul  home  to  it  felf,  after  a  Spiritual  Phrenfy, 
aadMtttaeiss  The  Prodigal  isfaid  to  come  to  him- 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.         ft 

fclf:  /c  is  a  return  to  its  Fathers  Houfe,  after  a  long 
bevvildred  State  \  This  my  Son  was  lo]l,  and  is  found. 
But  beyond  all  this,  it  is  a  Spiritual  Refurreftion, 
a  return  from  Death  to  Life  j  This  my  Son  was  Deady 
and  is  A  Live>  Luke  1 5. 

And  indeed,  as  there  is  no  notion  of  Scripure, 
that  is  more  fuited  to  expre/s\he  corrupt  Nature  of 
Man,  than  Death  ;  fo  the  firft  Threat 
Ran,  In  the    day  thm  eatejl  thereof    Gen.  2.  17; 
thou  ft  ah   dye  the  Death  .  Death  hy  Jin 
pajji'd   urcn  all.     Dead  in   TrefpaJJes,     Rom.  5.12. 
and  J  ins.     Vmverfal  Death.     And   fo     Ephef.  2,  1. 
in   the  Lexituai  Lawy  there  was  no 
greater  uncleannefs  than  the  Touch  of  a  Dead  Body, 
Accordingly  when  the  Apoflle,/&£.  d.names  Repen- 
tance among  the  grand  Fundamentals.or^n/iop/er  of 
tie  Dollrin  of "  Cbrffi  ,  He  calls  it  Repentance  from 
Dead  Worlds,  or  Re-enPiating  the  Soul  in  Life  after 
tip,  or  Works,  as  Unclean  ,  and  Loa-hfome,  as  a 
Dead  Body  removed  from  the  fight  of  the  Living, 
Or  as  a  Dead  feoriy  was  in  the  Eye  of  God  under 
the  Leiitical  Law . 

This  is  the  general  Notiou  of  Repentance  \  buc 
it  may  be  further  Explained  in  thefe  three  Particu- 
lars, and  yet  in  a  general  way. 

1.  Repentance  is  an  inward,  fincere,  habkual 
Change  of  the  Heart,  and  of  the  def:gn,  and  pur- 
pofe  5  and  fo  of  the  outward  Action,  and  Courfe  of 
Life,  and  Conduct  of  a  mans  ways  •,  arifing  from 
an  utter  difiike  of  his,  former  Counfel,  Purpofe 
andDefign,  arid  the  courfe  of  Corv/e  nation,  Life, 
and  A&ion  proceeding  from  it  \  fo  that  it  becomes 
wholly  New :  This  is  the  g:nerel  Nature  of  Re- 
B  4  pentance 


#        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance. 

pentance,  as  it  looks  to  the  government  of  a  man9 
felf,  and  of  his  Actions  :  Now  this  in  Scripture* 
and  Evangelical  Repentance  is  the  change  from  (in 
to  Holinefs,  from  a  worldly  flare,  and  conversion 
to  an  Heavenly  •,  and  from  the  Creature,  to  God,  and 
toChrift*,  an  utter  diflike  o-f,  and  trouble  at  the 
former  Regiment,  and  fleerage  of  a  mans  courfe,  fo 
ss  utterly  to  forfake  it;  and  with  forrow,  fhame, 
2nd  ailoniflimenr,  to  fay  to  his  finful  ways,  fo  con- 
trary to  the  Rules  of  Holinefc,  Righteoufnefs,  and 
Purity,  Get  ye  her,ce%  and  what  have  1  to  do  any  more 
with  you  *  I  will  now  guide  my  felf  by  the  wordof 
my  God,  and  hate  every  falfe  way,  Pfah  i  ip.Thisis 
that,  0/ which  Scripture  is  full  every  where*,  the 
through  amending  tye  ways,  and  doings^  which  were 
not  gouty  the  wicked  man  forj al^eth  his  way,  and 

the  unrighteous  man  his  thoughts,  and 
Jcrem.7.  5.  returns  to  the  Lord ;  Chrift  bleffes  in 
£fay.  55.  7.  Turning  us  every  one  from  our  Iniquities. 
.Acts  3.  26.  Cleanfeyour  Hands ,  you  fanners  *,  and 
James  4,8.  Purify  your  Hearts^  you  double  minded. 
Rom.  6. 2  r .    Wlxtt  profit  had  you  in  thefe  thingsjwhere- 

of  you  are  now  afhamed  ?  For  the  end 
I  Cor.  6. 1 1.    of   thoje  things  is  Death  s  fucb  were 

fome  of  you.  But  now  ye  are  waflied. 
&c. 

2.  Repentance,  as  it  looks  to  an  offended  Perfon, 
is  full  of  forrow,  that  it  hath  offended  5  moves  ear- 
neftly  to  Pardon,  ar.d  Reconciliation  j  and  is  rea* 
dy  to  make  ufe  of  any  powerful  Mediator,  in  order 
to  Reconciliation ;  end  defires  ever  after  to  pleafe, 
and  to  offend  no  more  *,  and  herein  the  Affections 
are  all  mov'd  according  to  the  degrees  of  obligation. 
Now  in  Scripture  and  Gofpel  Repentance,  the  of- 
fending 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentanci.        9 

fending perfon,  the  {inner,  hath  to  do  with  God, 
the  offended  perfon,  in  and  through  •  .nriftj  and  fo 
bewails  offence*  and  move,  carncti)  to  Pardon, 
and  Reconciliation  with  Go  i  by  the  "led  uion  of 
Chrift,  and  with  Cjbrift  for  his  own  Names  fal?ef 
I  bed.  ?ch  thee,  O  Lord  i  Tabe  away 
the  Iniquity  of  thy  Servant.  Takeaway  Mof.  14.  3. 
ail   Iniquities;    Receive  us  graciy^fly. 

And  here  aifo  rifes  an  ingenuous  forrow,  (hame, 
and  confuiion.,  that  we  jjave    offended  a  God  fo 
Good,  fo  Holy,  fo  Wife,  fo  Tender,  and  Compaf- 
fjonatea  Father,  and  dcfpisU  fo  gracious  av.d  oblig- 
ing a  Redeemer.     David's  Heart  (mote  him  ;  and  he 
jaid  to  the  Lord,  I  have  filmed  in  that  1  have  done  ;  / 
have  done  very  foolifhly,  2  Sam.  24.  10.     I  was  a* 
fijamedy  yea,  even  confounded.    I  [mote 
on  my  thigh,  becaufe  I  did  bear  the  i^e-    Jerem.  3  u 
f  roach  -f  my  youth.     We  are  afljamed,     19. 
andblufh  to  li\t  up  our*  Facet.     They     Ezra.9^. 
fhall  under  a  Iprit  of  Grace,  and  melt- 
ing  fenje  of  God,  looh^  upon  him  whom    Zach.12. 
they  have  peirced,  and  mourn.     It  is     10. 
meet  to  be  [aid  to  God,  If  I  have  offend-     Job.34.3i; 
ed,  I  will  do  fo  no  more.     Oh  foolifh  pe>    Deuteron. 
pie,  and  unmfe,  do  you  ihus  requite  the     31,6. 
Lord  our  God.    This  is  a  faithful  f^ing     1  Tim,  1,15, 
and  worthy  of  all  Acceptation,  that  J e- 
fus  Chrisl  came  into  the  World  to  favefmnerst  rfwhom 
I  am  chief.  The  deep  and  duly  ^feeding  confede- 
ration of  God,  and  of  Chrift,  the  infinite  excel- 
lency of  their  Nature,  their  fo  great  Benefactions 
and  loving  kicdnefs  towards  us  *  and  that  God  pro- 
fefles,  He  is  Grieved,  Vexed,  Provoked,  prejjed  with 
our  fins,  as  a  Cart  with  /waves  5  wearied,  made  to 

ferve  > 


10       Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance* 

fervc'i  that  he  cries  out,  as  one  that  would  move 
companion ',  Oh !  do  not  that  abominable  thing  that 
I  hate,  Thefe (o enkindle  allche  Aflfe&ionsof  (hame, 
forrow,  gratitude,  holy  defire,  zeal,  revenge  upon 
our  felves,  that  there  is  fuch  a  change  wrought,  as 
is  always  found  in  true  Repentance. 

3.  In  Repentance  in  general,  there  is  found,  as 
motives  and  pcrfwafives  of  it;  felf- prefervation  -,  a 
defire  of  happinefs,  and  an  avoidance  of,  and  fly- 
ing from  mifery  ;  Men,  dearly,  as  we  fay,  Repent 
it,  when  the  folly  of  their  own  ways  is  feeninthe 
bitter  Fruits',  the  lofs  of  their  Health, 
Prov.  5. 1 1%    lofs  of  Eitate,  lofs  of  Friends,  of  Re- 
putation, and  of  all  Enjoyment  -,  and 
c.  I.  24.    when  they  fee  all   manner  of  diftrefs, 
Marc,  9.        anguifh,  and  mifery,come  upon  them  ; 
43-  &c.  then  they  mourn  at  the  laft,  when  they 

fee  allconfumed,  and  fay,  How  have  we 
hated  Inftrttfiion ,  and  defpfid  Reproof !  Thus  in 
Scripture,  and  Evangelical  Repentance  ,  there  is  a 
fear  of  Hell,  and  an  Eternity  of  Mifery  *,  A  cutting 
eff  the  right  hand,  and  Fo3t,  a  pulling  out  the  right 
Eye,  when  any  of  them  are  underftood  in  Repen- 
tance, to  have  offended,  and  to  continue  to  offend  \ 
under  the  fenfe  *,  It  is  better  to  enter  into  Life,  blind, 
halt, than  having  two  Hands, Eyes, Feet:  maimed  jather 
than  to  be  caji  into  Hell  whole ;  where  their  Worm 
dyeth  not,  and  their  Fire  is  not  quenched.  There  is  a 
jeelgng  Honour,  Glory  and  immortality ,  By  ingagtng 
in  Repentance  into  a  patient  continuance  in  well  doing;, 
on  tbe  other  Mc  tribulation,  and  anguifb>  indignation, 
find  .wrath,  vehemently  Agitate  the  Spirit,  and 
'Thoughts,  againft  a  continued  courfe  of  doirg  evil. 
What  j}:  all  ir[rofit  a  Man  if  be  gain  the  whole  World, 

a::d 


Of  an  Evangelical  K  epcritance*        1 1 

and  loofe  his  own  Soul  i  or  what  frail  a  man  give  in  ex- 
change for  his  Soul  I  J  fay  unto  you,  my  ^reinds  ,  fear 
not  than  that  Kill  the  Body,  and  have  no  msre  that 
they  can  do  ;  but  I  will  forewarn  you,  whom  you  (l)all 
fear ,  fear  him,  who  after  hath  killed,  hath  power  to 
caftinto  Hell,  yea,  I  fay  unto  ym,  fer.r  him:  Ob  !  that 
they  were  wife,  that  they  under  (hod  this,  that  they 
would  coufder  their  latter  era  :  /  jay  unto  you,  repent^ 
elfeycu  fhall  HJ(ewijeperiJfj  5  who  hath  forewarned  you 
to  fly  from  the  wrath  to  come;  God  hath  commanded 
al!  men  every  where  to  Repent ;  becaufe  he  hath  ap- 
pointed a  day  ,  in  which  he  will  Judg  the  World  :  Re- 
pentance unto  Life :  Repent x  and  turn  your  felves,  that 
Iniquity  may  not  be  your  ruin;  Repent,  andbeConvcrted% 
that  your  1ms  may  be  blotted  out,  when  the  times  of  Re- 
frefl)ingf\)all  come  forth  from  the  prefence  of  the  Lord  ; 
Repent,  for  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  is  at  hand.  Thus 
Scripture  having  thefe  two  handles  of  the  Soul, 
Fear  of  Evil,  and  defire  of  happinefs,  mightily 
moves  it  to  Repentance  by  them  ;  it  holds  theie 
two  great  Globes,  the  World  of  Happinefs,  and 
the  World  of  Mifery,  both  prefent,  and  to  come  ; 
and  fo  with  a  Scepter  fo  Forent,  it  fways  the  Spirits 
of  Men  'j  as  the  Divine  Spirit,  that  dwells  in  it,  plea- 
fes. 

I  have  thus  far  given  the  Nature  of  Repentance  in 
general,  that  it  maybe  the  better  underflood,  whac 
we  are  now  to  Difcourfe  :  I  begin  therefore  with 
the  firft  Head:  that  Repentance,  which  is  fo  Com- 
municated to  the  very  inward  fenfe  of  mankind, 
fprings  from,  and  hath  its  whole  place  in  the  Re- 
demption of  Chrift.  The  Apoftle  fpeaks  of  Efau, 
sbat  he  fund  no  place  for  Repentance  >  there  is  a  pro- 
per 


i%  •  Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance^ 

per  place  for  Repentance.  And  this,  I  fay,  is  the  Re- 
demption of  Chrift,  that  hath  laid  the  Bafts,  the 
Foundation  of  Repentance  ;  that  hath  fpread  over 
Human  Nature,  the  notion  and  fenfe  of  Repentance, 
And  where  it  is  truly  wrought,  the  Spirit  of  Chrift 
takes  it  from  Chrift,  and  gives  it  to  the  Soul,  and 
It  is  accepted  qplyin,  and  through  Chrift. 

It  is  therefore  to  be  underftood,  that  there  had 
no  Place  been  Found  for  Repentance,  had  it  not 
been  for  the  undertaking  of  Chrift  *,  For  Repen- 
tance being  a  rational  Aft,  it  muft  have  a  Rational 
Foundation,  and  Encouragement.  If  there  were 
then  no  Mercy,  no  Forgivenefs,  no  Salvation ;  there 
could  be  no  Repentance  but  that  of  fruitlefs  forrow, 
Iiorror,  and  defpair:  the  Repentance  of  wailing  and 
Gnafhing  the  Teeth:  that  is,  the  Repentance  that  is  in 
Hell,  a  Repentance  without  being  chang'd  or  made 
better.  Seeing  then  Salvation,  Forgivenefs,  Mercy 
are  all  bound  up  in  the  Name  of  Chrift  ;  For  they 
are  no  where  elfe  5  the  Redemption  of  Chrift  is  the 
only  foundation  of  Repentance ,  fuch  a  Repentance 
as  hath  in  it  a  change  from  fin  to  Holinefs :  David 
gives  us  this  great  Inftru&ion,  Pfal.  130.  There  is 
forgivenefs  with  thee,  that  thou  maifi  be  feared,  that 
thou  maieft  be  feared  with  the  Awes,  with  the  Re- 
verences of  Repentance,  there  is  Forgivenefs  with 
thee ;  there  had  been  no  place  for  fuch  Fear  of  thee, 
if  thou  hadS  been  fo  extreme  to  mar\what  is  done  a- 
mf,  as  that  there  had  been  no  Forgvenefs  with 
thee. 

And  this  isrnoft  evident  alfo  in  that  Dodrinof 
the  Apoftle  before  mentioned,  concerning  the  Re- 
pentance in  the  cafe  of  Efau:  When  he  had  defpif 
ed  mdfold  his  Birth-right,  anc|  would  after  Inherit 


Of  an  Evangelical  Kefentance.       I£ 

the  Bkfling,  he  was  Re)eUed,  or  Reprobated  from  it  i 
and  he  found  no  place  of  Repentance,  tho  he  fought  it, 
that  is,  the  blejjing  carefully  with  Tear s'y  Heb.  12.17, 
He  found  no  Place  of  Repentance,  becau fe  he  was  re- 
jefled.  Whether  we  underfland  it  of  IfaacQs,  or 
of  Efatfs  Repentance,  ic  is  much  at  one  :  If  we  un- 
derhand it  of  Efaus  Repentance,  finding  no  place  in 
himfclf  ;  fo  ic  hath  this  fenfe;  Thac  Repentance 
flies  into  Defpair,  if  it  be  not  accepted,  when  we 
tender  it :  Or  if  we  underfland  it  of  Ifaac  not  Re- 
penting, when  Efau  wept  to  procure  if,  butftill 
fixed  the  bleffing  00  Jacob,  it  is  flill  the  fame  thing  5 
for  if  God  did  not  pleafe  to  accept  our  Repentance, 
or  himfelf,  to  Repent  in  a  fenfe  worthy  of  him ;  our 
Repentance  would  be  to  no  more  purpofe,  than  Efaus 
Tears ,  or  than  the  weeping  in  Hell ;  we  fhould  be 
Re)efted,  and  Reprobated  mour  Repentance. 

The  Law,  that  fays,  curfed  is  every  one  that  hath 
not  continnedin  all  things,  to  do  them,  Gal.  3.  and  Dj 
this  in  the  firfl  A&,  and  Live,Ieaves  no  room  for  Re~ 
pentancefcut  the  bringing  in  a  better  hope  even  pardon 
of  Sin,  Attonement,and  Recottciliarion  in  the  Blocd 
of  Chrift,  does,  by  this  we  draw  nigh 
to  God  in  Repentance,  and  are  not, Re-  Heb.  7.  'ill 
jefled  but  Accepted. 

Here  then  there  is  Rational  Fonndation,  and 
Encouragement  for  Repentance;  becaufe  it  fhall  not 
be  thrown  upon,  and  into  Defpair  ;  there  is  Hope 
concerning  this  thing  in  the  Gq/prfj.  lee  us  therefore 
by  Repentance  prefs  home,  and  return  ro  God  in 
Chrift. 

2.  Again,  Repentance  is  the  gift  of  God,  a  Grace 
given  by  him  j  If  God,  peradventur*>  will  give  Re- 
pentance, and,  then  hath  God  granted  unto  thiGentiles 

Re* 


14      Of  m  Evangelical  Repentance* 

Repentance  unto  Life  ;  Chrift  is  a  Prince 
zTim,2.2$.  and  Saviour  raifed  up  by  God  to  give 
4&3  5.31.  Repent  ance )  and  Remifjion  of  Sins.  So 
Repentance  is  a  Gift  or  a  Grace  j  ft 
cannot  be  Educed,  it  cannot  be  drawn  out  by  anv 
Powers  of  Narure  \  It  is  not  of  Man,  or  of  the  Will 
cf  Man,  R  is  not  of  Bloods :  It  is  not  by  Derivation, 
or  Dcfcent  from  Adam;  It  does  not  run  in  the  Chan- 
nel of  Human  Blood.  God  therefore  does  not  give 
fuch  Grace  in  Vain  \  but  when  he  hath  fettled  a 
Fund  of  Pardon,  Reconcilement,  and  Salvition: 
He  firft  fettled  that ;  elfc  Repentance  had  been  in 
Vain,  as  the  Eye  would  have  been,  if  God  had  not 
firft  made  Light ;  Light  is  alone  in  Chrift :  He  dots 
not  .give  Grace  that. /hall  be  to  no  purpofe,  he  gives 
no  man  the  Repentance  he  will  hot  Accep:  and  Par- 
don upon  :  Tie  does  not  expofe  Ins  own  Grace  to 
Damnation,  or  to  ^he  Fiames  of  Hell  ;  fior  does  he 
give  any  Grace,  but  in  the  Mediator  ,fn  die  Redeem- 
er :  So  the  /Redemption  of  Chrift  muft  needs  be 
the  Foundation  of  Repent? ice  ;  there  had  never 
been  elfe  the  Motion  the  poffibility  of  Repentance ; 
there  had  never  been  the  found,  or  report  of  ir 
heard  in  the  World. 

This  then  being  the-Foundation,  Jet  us  take  the 
true-degrees  of  the  ftate  of  Repentance  in  two  Fa? 
fnims% 

Po/rf.  i;  God  hath  written  in  the  yefy  Heart  of 
Man  the  excellency  of  this  Grace,  and  Duty  of  Re- 
pentance ;  that  it  is  not  far  from  him, 
Rom.  10.      that  he  fhoMgo  up  into  Heaven,  or 
down  into  the  S>#£  or  bzyond  the  Sea 
fir  it  5  It  kin  his  Heart:  So  the  Knowledg  of  it  is 

very 


Vf  an  evangelical  heptntaxce*       t$ 

very  near  him:  God  hath  alfo  put  aTefldernefK 
towards  it,  a  Flexiblcnefs ,  he  hath  made  the  Sau! 
of  Man,  the  Confcieoce,  and  AftecYions  plyable  to 
it :  And  this,  we  fhall  fee,  is  from  the  Mediator* 

I  confefs,  this  may  feem  hard  to  be  undefftbtfd ; 
Teeing  Repentance  is  fitted  and  prepared  foi"  4  fin- 
Ful  fallen  Creature  :  Now  in  that  man  wasatfirft 
Created  upright,  and  perfect,  and  good ;  attd  what 
vras  mitten  in  mans  Hearty  w*s  written  ttere  it* 
his  Creation  ;  what  place  could  there  be  for  Re- 
pentance ?  Adam  was  fo  righteous  a  perfon  he  could 
need  no  Repentance,  why  then  fhould  refentance . be 
watt etiin  his  Heart  ? 

And  yet  norwitManditfg  ,  we  find  by  *Kpefi*» 
ence,  and  univerfal  Obfervation ,  It  is  a  m$&h 
very  intimate  to  every  mans  Sou!,  and  even  in- 
dear'd  to  his  Thoughts:  Every  man  feemstobfc 
glad,  ttiefe  is  fuch  a  notion,  fuch  an  Idfea  in  his 
Soul ;  and  they  that  hear  of  it,  and  know  it  from 
Scripture,  acknowledg  immediately  tfte  goddnefs 
and  reafbftablenefs  of  it,  and  rejbyce  in  it:  And 
thoa  man  do  not  fall  down  right  upon  the 'fcfcr&ife 
of  it,  yet  lie  is  pteaTed !  wirhthe  promife  to  ifth- 
felf,  he  .will  at  fome  time  repent,  and  reforra,anti 
grow  better  5  and  there  is  proportionally  a  general 
Faith,  Repentance  will  be  accepted,  atattfte  relent- 
ing Offender  Pardoned.  If  men  are  told,  they  muft 
of  neceffity  change,  repent  and  reform  from  their 
finful  courfes :  If  they  are  perfwaded  to  beeothe  o« 
thefrfieti,  they  are  not  fo  apt  to  be 
Angry,  but  rather  fay,  They  will  take  Afis 24.35. 
a  convenient  time  jor  it ;  tho  Temptati- 
on carry  them  away,  yet  they  heartily  'Embrace 
'the -thing  it  felf,  as  to  the  aftnt,  *nd Tttbmfffion, 

and 


10       uj  an  jbvangeiicai  txcfentancc: 

and  acknowledgment,  chat  nought  to  be  fo.  Men 
are  convinc'd,  that  while  they  defer  to  enter  inco 
the  Pra&ife,  that  yet  they  ought  to  repent. 

This  I  aiTert  is  through  the  Grace  of  the  Redeem- 
er 5  X  would  therefore  endeavour  to  find  our,  how 
this  notion  of  repentance  conies  to  be  fo  very  inti- 
mate and  connatural  to  mans  Soul j  and  with  fuch  a 
Engraven,  Engrafted  Hope,  and  belief  of  Pardon 
upon  it  ?  How  it  comes  to  pafs,  that  the  demands 
of  Natural  Confcience  do  fo  wonderfully  lead  to 
Repentance^  and  are  like  thofe  of  Natural  juftice, 
and  common  Honeftyj  of  Sober nefs,  sndiTemper- 
ance~of  Trut^  Mercy,  and  Ccmpuffion,  or  what- 
ever is  accepted  in  the  World  as  morally  good  and 
excellent ;  and  even  as  the  deep  impreffions  of 
natural  Religion,  feifeof  God,  and  obedience  to 
him  ?  All  thefe  give  an  honour  to  Repentance, 
exert  and  urge  the  Soijl  to  it.  By  the  fame  fenti- 
raents  of  Soul,  we  allow  the  one,  we  allow  the  other 
alfo:  If  the  remains  of  natural  Confcience  call  a 
man  out  to  the  one,  they  fummon  him  to  the  other 
alfo  .•  And  yet  all  this,  I  affirm,  is  from  the  Grace  of 
the  Redeemer.  And  this  I  would  make  out  by  two 
things. 

I.  The  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  the  one  Mediator,  be- 
tween the  one  God,  aH  man  \  who  is 
I  Tim.  2.$.  the  Light thtf  Lt&ltct  eii/y  Manthat 
John  i  >  p.  cemmeth  into  the  rr/orldy  h^th  natural 
Heb.  i.  3.  Confcience  nderhis  ha  id,  and  uphold- 
eth  all  things,  even  as  Redeemer,  by 
the  nor  A  of  his  Power:  He  then  bears  up  that  Law  of 
Hoiinefs,  engraven  on  mans  Heart  in  Creation ;  he 
holds  up  that  rational  Moral  I'umc  \  he  keeps  that 

Light, 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*       17 

Light,  that  Candle  or  Taper  of  God  in  mans  Spirit* 
that  it  may  not  be  a  Lamp  put  out  in  obfcure  Darknefs ; 
Through  him  therefore,  there  are  remains  of  that 
excellent  Image,  wherein  Man  was  firft  Created  , 
even  in  that  Knowledge  Right eoufne ftj  and  true  Ho/i- 
nefs ;  fo  that  Man  does  not  fink,  either  inro  thac 
blacknefs  of  darknefs,  an  utter  Ignorance  of  God, 
and  infenfiblenefs  of  him;  or  into  an  extreme  ha- 
tred, and  enmity  to  God,  and  all  Goodnefs  ,  as 
damned  Spirits  do:  Here  is  the  great  Efficacy  of 
the  Mediator,  that  he  fhoresup,  and  ftaies  this  Law 
of  Original  Goodnefs  and  Holinejs  in  Mans  Heart% 
that  it  does  not  Aide  utrerly  away,  nor  fink. 

2.  Through  the  Redeemer,  there  is  yet  fo  graci- 
ous an  Adminiftration  of  the  Government  of  the 
World  ;  the  Vengeance  of  God,  his  juft  Indignati- 
on and  Fury  againft  a  finful  World,  and  againft 
particular  Sinners,  is  retrained ',  God  Refrains  him- 
felf  in,  and  through  Chrift  ;  and  does  not  fpeedily 
execute  Judgment :  He  Exercifes  an  ad- 
mirable Patience  and  long  Suffering,  and     Jere.  9.24, 
loving   Ktndnefs  in    the    Earth.     The 
Earth  is  full  of  his  Goodnefs  in  rhe  midft  of  much  Pro- 
vocation ;  It  is   of  his  tender   Mercy    , 
weare  not  Confumed,  and  becaufe  hi*    Ka IJlcn ** *2* 
Companions  fail  not.     I  am  the  Lord,  J    WJIiac•  ?#  6# 
change  not  \  therefore  you  the  Children  of  Men  <Lrk 
not  Confumed:  t\ie  Lord    is    gracious, 
merciful,  longfujfering,  flow   to  rcrath,     Exod.34.tf. 
and  of  great  mercy  \  And  all  this  is 
very    Vifible,  exeiy    Man  may  fee  it,    Job  2,5.2  $• 
Man  may  behold  it  afar  off.     The  Hea- 
ven and  the  Earth,  the  Sun  and  the  Moon,  and  the 
Stars  Proclaim  it  >  every  motion  of  Nature  wichia 
C  and 


i&       Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance] 

PfaJ.  135.  and  without  us,  tell  us,  that  hk  mercy 
endurethfor  ever. 
Now  thcfc  two  bid  together,  explain  ro  us  how 
Repentance  is  through  the  Grace  of  the  Mediator, 
written  :  even  as  all  natural  Religion,  and  Morality 
in  the  very  Heart  of  Man,  and  difcernable  by  that 
Light :  For  when  the  firft  Commands  and  Emoti- 
ons of  Natural  Conference  are  to  do  the  things  that 
are  Holy,  and  Righteous,  and  Good  j  and  wc  find, 
that  tho  we  have  violated  and  perverted  the  thing 
t)m  is  rioht ;  yet  we  retain  a  love  to  thofe  Laws  of 
Eternal  Right eoufne ft  and  Goocfneft;  we  have  not  loft 
all  fenfe  of  them  ,  of  defire  of  hkenefs  to,  and  a- 
greement  with  them  $  thus  we  find  a  forrow  in  and 
trouble  within  us,  that  we  have  offended  ;  and  that 
the  wrath  and  juftice  of  the  fupreme  Ruler  ,  and 
Governor,  and  Judgof  all  the  World  is  not  fo  fud- 
den  and  immediate  in  his  Revenges  upon  us  $  but 
that  we  have  fpace  and  time  for  return  to  God,  and 
to  Holinefs :  There  is  by  the  very  fame  Authority 
of  natural  Confcience,  that  requifd  Holinefs  in  our 
firft  Acts,  and  thereby  to  pleafe  God  :  a  clofe  obli- 
gation to  return  to  him  by  Repencance,  and  to  a- 
mend  what  we  have  done  of  evil  againft  him,  and 
to  befeech  Pardon  and  Reconciliation  with  offended 
juftice :  Afow  when  on  the  other  fide,  the  Patience 
\nd  long- fiffemig  of'  God  gives  encouragement,  and 
even  A durance,  he  will  accept  Repentance  by  his 
giving  fcope,  fpace  and  opportunity  for  it  :  Here  is 
great  ground  for  Repentance: For  the  Soul  and  Mind 
if  Man  finding  (till  in  it  fdfthat  Primitive  Love  to, 
reverential  fenfe  of  Righteoufnefs,  and  that  it  cannot 
bid  defiance  to  it,  as  loft  Spirits  do  ;  there  imme- 
diately rifes  in  it  an  earned  endeavour  to  Self  re- 

flim- 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.         ig 

fiitution,  to  refiore,  and  recover  ones  felf  by  Repen* 
tance,  thus  that  Light  given  to    a  Man  in  his  firft 
Creation,  and  the  (late  of  Tnnocency  ('"the  grace  of 
Chrift  fuftaining  it  by  an  Ur.iverfal  Grace  to  human 
nature  J  does  not  Joofe  it  felf  by  fin;  but  as  ir  points 
and  directs  it  felf,  firft  to  H  linefs  without  finning 
or  falling  from  it ;  fo  it  now  points  and  direfts  it  felf 
to    Repentance ,  when   it  hath  fallen    by  Iniquity  5 
and,  as  firft,  it  mooves  it  felf  to  the  Favour  of  God 
by  not  offending,  or  finning  againft  him  •,  fo  after- 
iin  finding  him  not  presently   executing  wrath, 
and  taking  vengeance  ,   it  befeeches 
him  to  Receive  it  Grackufly%  and  to     Hofea  14. 1. 
talte  way  its  Iniquities,  tlu'.L   may     See, 
not  Die  :  For   that  God  is  a  moft 
good,  and  gracious,  and  merciful  Being  in  himfelf 
is  a  clear  principle  in  the  Law  of  Natural  Religion ; 
even  where  ever  God  hath  not  awaketvd  that  Na- 
tural  Confidence,  to  find  it  0  If  in  the  Chains  of 
everlafiing  Difpleafure,  as  the  Devils  and  Damned 
are  j  againft  whom  he   bath  in   Anger  ffjut  up  for 
ever  his  Tender  Mercies',  when  therefore  a  man  finds, 
notwithstanding  the  fo  great  degeneracy,  and  bold- 
nefs  in  fin,  thac  every   where  Testify  to  our  very 
Faces,  and  that   we  fo  well  know  ,  yet  that  God 
leaves  not  himfelf  without   fo   great 
Witnefsot  his  goodnefs,  giving  fruit-     Ads  14.  £* 
ful  Times    and  feafms  ;  {Ming   mens 
Hearts  with  Food  and  Gladnefr,  and  that  in  Rela- 
tion to  himfelf  in  particular,  he  hacb  fpared,  and 
fori  orn,  it  draws  out   Natural  Cmcience  to  rerurn 
to  him  by  Repentance ;  For   the  tubes  of  Goodnefs, 
the  long  Suffering    and  forbear mce    of  God  lead  to 
Repentance,  Rom.  2. 4. 

C  z  Thus 


^0       Of  -M  Etfimgtlkd  Rtfenun'ce] 

"fhtfs  the  King  vf  Niwveh  by  Natural  Light  re£* 
Yotfd,  even  when  God  had  pofitively  declared, 
Ta  forty  Days,  and  Ninevfch  {hall  bedefireyed:  Sure- 
ly in  iliac  there  are  forty  Days  allowed,  they  are 
-rzfiowed  as  a  (Quarantine,  as  a  time  of  Trial  and 
Probation  whether  t\\cy  would  ^ptenr,  or  not; 
■die  whyrrotprcfemly  Destroyed  ?  Why  forty  Day* 
delay,  if  there  were  not  Hope  of  Pardon  in  fuch 
■a  -Repentance  j  fo  they  humbled  themselves  in  that 
extraordinary  manner,  and  turned  to  God  by  ffc- 
pevtta*.ice  $  and  God  {aw  it  and  Repented  of  the  evHf 
the  bad  {aid,  he  would  d$  wnto  them>  and  he  did  it 
*wr,  Jonah  3.  $.  Ifcc. 

H)w  much  more  have  the  generality  of  Man- 
kind, 2gainft  whom  no  fuch  pofitive  Denounci- 
ation  hath  gone  forth  from  God,  and  to  whom 
the  time  of  Patience  rs  not  fo  limitted  and  de- 
ia'd :  How  great  reafon  have  they  to  look  upon 
the  time  of  Gori^s  forbearance,  as  a  mod  gracious 
Call,  and  Opportunity  and  fpace  for  Repentance* 

Thus  we  fee  Repentance,  in  fome  light  and  ibnfe 
concerning  it  ,  runs  through  the  whole  World, 
fb  that  the  very  Heathen,  who  have  not  had,  nor 
fo  much  as  heard,  many  of  them  of  Scripture,  yet 
have  great  fenfe  of  fome  vray  of  expiating  fin,  and 
turning  from  evil  3  and  the  very  feeing,  God  hath 
made  Repentance  and  Forgivenefs  a  moft  neceffary 
and  ufeful  expedient  of  mutual  Conversion  of 
Men  one  with  another;  without  which  Human  So- 
dety  could  not  fupport  it  felf ;  ic  (hews  very  plainly 
there  is  a  Mediator  between  God  and  Man,  a  Re- 
derner  of  loft  Man,  that  hath  for  the  great  pur- 
pofesof  his  Redemption  inlay'd  the  Saai  of  Man 
$ith  the  intimate  and  inward  notices  of  Repen- 
tance 


Of  art  EvangelicdReptntatzr*  21 
tance*,and  that  men  (hew  the  wor\  of  it  written  inthep 
Hearts,  and  that  their  Confidences  accordingly,  either 
Accufe,  or  Excufe  >  to  allude  to  /ty/w»  cv  2. 14,  &<U. 
and  hath  given/  affurance  from  Providence,  and  the 
manner  of  God's  Government  of  the  World  v  That 
Repentance  fliall  be  accepted  >  and  therefore  hath 
given  the  feme  motions  of  Natural  Confcience  to 
Repentance,  when  a  man  hath  finned,  as  taHolmeS 
and  Righteoufnefs  before  fin  >  and  hath  manifested! 
them,  both  alike)  within  many  and  hadifhewedt 
to  them ;  and  by  the  vifible  things  of  Human  Pre- 
fervatton  hath  made  clearly  Jejtown  the  eternal  Goed^ 
nefs  and  Mercyy  that  pardons  fin  through  the  Re* 
deemer>  to  allude  again  to  -J^m*  *.  20* 

Thus  we  read  in  the  Book  of  Jobr  a  Book  treat- 
ing much  of  Natural  Religion»afliftedl>y  fuch  mca~ 
fures  of  Divine  Revelation  concerning  Cbrift>  as 
God  had  vouchfafed  to.  /j&and  to  his  Fmends^ 
veiy  high  expreflions  on  this  great  point,  c*  33*  27* 
God  loofah  upon  man,  and  if  any  fay,  I  have  fumed* 
and  perverted,  that  which  is  right,  and  it.  profited  me 
not  \  he  will  deliver  his.  Scul  from  going  down.  yito> 
the  fit,  for  he  will  fay,  I  have  found  &  ranfpmfor 
bim,  and  his  life  Jhall  fee  the  Light x  A  man,  a&y  of 
mankind  have  >uft  reafon  to  fay  thus,  have  gpeac 
occafion  to  &y  fo  j  /  have  finned,  and  perverted 
that  which  is  tight,  and  do  .find*  it  hath,  not  Profit- 
ed* It  is  very  near  to  any  man  to  fay  Coy  and  if 
this  take  place  in  them>  and  they  do  from  their 
Hearts  fay  fo,  and  ratify  it  by  Action ;  Godloo^s- 
Apori  them,  he  beholds  them  with  Acceptance^  D^U 
vers,  through  the  great  Ranfom^  Jefxs  {ChriS^  <&c.  Ir 
is  repentance  to  Salvation;  fo  c.  34,  :jf|  32,  ferity 
it  h  mm  to  be  fmi  to  God,  I  haxt  bomchaflife*. 
€  5  siftt! 


22        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance. 

ment  *,  /  xvill  not  offend  any  more  ;  That  which  I  fee 
not,  teach  thou  me\  If  I  have  done  Iniquity ,  I  mil  do 
tm  more .  Even  according  to  the  fenfe  of  Natural 
Religion,  and  natural  Cnnfcicnce,  It  is  meet  to  be 
jo  fatdto  God  ;  All  this  is  meet  to  be  done.  This 
is  even  the  Drfctpline  of  Natural  Conference,  as  God 
is  faid  to  open  the  Ear  to  Difciphne,  and  to  fed  In- 
flruflim^c.  33,  16. c.  g5.  10. 

This  is  that  earneft  morion  of  Natural  Conference  ; 
to  take  faft  hold  of  Repentanee,  to  return  all  it  can, 
after  it  hath  loft  its  Inocency,  Purity  and  i:erfe£tions 
of  Rlghteoufnefsand  Obedience*,  even  as  it  fhould 
have  mov'd,  firft  powerfully  and  efFe&ually  againfi: 
fin,  and  to  good  :  and  the  fame  motion  of  Natural 
Cor,fcience9  that  is  to  the  one,  is  to  the  other  alfo  ; 
when  it  is  ftirrM  up  by  further  G*ace  from  the  Spi- 
rit of  Gcd ;  and  there  are  generally  fuch  motions 
as  argue  this  work  in  the  Heart,  when  the  Confer- 
ence is  not  deprivV!  of  fenfe,  Feeling,  Vigor,  not 
twice  Dead,  puli'd  up  by  the  roots,  delivered  up  to  a 
reprobate  ferfe  ;  and  when  God  hath  given  Co 
treat,  and  gracious  Auflrance,  that  Repentance 
mall  find  Place "for  it  felf*,  That  this  ftate  is  not 
Ddl,  either  in  regard  of  the  height  of  Wicked- 
rYefs  or  unpardorjablenefs  ;  it  is  an  eafy  and  very 
le  Declination  of  Confcience  from  the 
fyttth,  thr  higheft  point  of  Tnnocency  to  the 
next  point,  Repentance:  which  by  the  righteouf- 
nefs  and  obedience  of  the  Redeemer  (hall  tranfeend 
the  very  firft  heighth ;  But  that  indeed  is  known 
by  Revelation,  and  not  by  Natural  Light:  But  take 
Repentance,  as  it  is  the  neceffary  referve  after  fm, 
and  tha  G  d  hath  provided  it  a  Place  j  fo  it  is  near  > 
and  even  m^x  to  Natural  Conference* 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance]       23 

Toft.  2.  The  fecond  poficion  I  lay  down  con- 
cerning  Repentance,  and  that  gives  the  trueft  de- 
gree of  its  Elevation  through  the  Redeemer,  is  i 
That  the  word  of  God  in  the  Old  and  New  Tcfla- 
ment  gives    the   cleareft  and  fulleft  knowledg  of 
Repentance,  and  of  the  Divine  Spring  of  it  j  the 
grace  of  God  in  Chrift,  and  the  blefled  operation 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  through  his  Redemption ;  Re- 
pentance therefore  is  found  to  be  one  of  the  prin- 
cipal Doctrines  of  Scripture,  whein  it  is  conveyed 
unto   us  under  all  the  variety  ,  and   complex  of 
Notions,  that  can  exprefs  fo  great  a  point  to  us,  viz, 
remembring^beth'mking,  turnings  converting,    renewing^ 
amending,  feaiching  and  Trying  our  way  spurning  to  the 
Lord,  bringing  forth  fruits  meet  for  Repentance*    The 
Revelation  of  the  word  of  God  beyond  all  expref- 
fion  excells  Natural  Knowledg  concerning   it:  It 
opens  to  us  the  great  Frince,  the  Redeemer  and  Me' 
diator,  who  gives  it  a  place,  a  poflibility  ;  he  is 
the  Prince,  whom  God  hath  raifed  up 
to  make  this  fupreme  Donation,  Ye-    Aftsc.$.3$« 
pentance,  and  forgiveness  of  Sins,  and     c.  3.  26. 
blefles  in  turning  us   away  from  every 
one  of  our  Iniquities  :  Scripture  opens  to  us  that  great 
and  blefled  Spring,  and  efficient  of  it,  x^.the  true 
grace  of  God}  and  the  blefled  Spirit  is  the  effici- 
ent of  if,  It  Jays  before  us  the  great  motives  of  ir, 
the  fenfe  of  the  favor  and  goodnefs 
of  God  who  will  have  mercy,  and  a-     Efa.  $$♦  7, 
bundantly  Vardon ;  fcal'd  to  us  by  fo     Heb,  c.  1 2. 
great  an  Attornment,  as   the  Blood  of    24.  v.  29, 
J  ejus  [peaking    better  things   than  the 
Mood  of  Abel ;  and  on  the  other  fide,  a  dread  of 
him,  whv  ii  a  con  faming  fire  ;  the  living  Gd>  into 
C  4 


54        Of  an  Evangelical  Refentance. 

whofe  hands  in  his  wrath  and  difpleafure ,  It  is  a 
dreadful  thing  to  fall',  the  wrath  that 
iThef.i.  10     it  to  come,  and    ever    to    come;  it 
gives  us  all  the  qualifications  of  it, 
Repentance  with  the  whole  Heart,  turning  from  all 
our  evil  waysy  and  all  the  evil  in  our  evil  ways  •,  it 
moves  us  with  all  manner  of   Applications,  that 
may  ftir    us    up  to  it ;  commands,   exhortariors, 
counfek,   Threats ;    it   never  leaves 
Ezek.  18,30    fpeaking,  and  crying  out  to  us,   Re- 
pent -,  it  fays  to   us,  Repent,  and  turn 
Matt.4. 1 7.      your  felves  ;  fo  Iniquity  (hall  not  be  your 
Ruin:  It   preaches,  Repent,    for  the 
Ezek.18.3c    Kingdom    of  Heaven    is   at  hand  \  ic 
even  weeps  over  us,  that  we  would 
Luke  19.42.   doit  ;  Turnyou,  turn  you,  for  why  will 
ye  Die  ?  It  weeps,  when  we  have  not 
known,ft/^»  we9  in  our  day  the  things  of  our  peace ;  It 
offers  it  as  the  only  remedy  againft  Eternal  Mife- 
ry  ',  Repentance  is  advifed  exprefly  to  five  of  the 
[even  Churches,  Revel,  c.  2.  c.  3.  to  (hew  the  univer- 
fality  and  neceflity  of  its  ufe  :  It  js  one  of  the  great 
principles  of  the  Dotfrine  of  Chritt,   Heb.  6.    1. 
and  thus  Repentance  is  the  moft  Native,  Domeftick 
Docttin  of  the  Word  of  God,  and  of  theGofpelof 
Jefus  ChriS }  fo  that  what  is  found  in  the  Light  of 
Nature,  ferves  to  thefelower  purpofes   only  . 

1.  It  ferves  to  the  purpofe  of  Human  Order,  Go- 
vernment, and  prefervation  of  the  World  from 
falling  into  a  perfect  Hell ;  for  were  there  not 
fome  fentiments  of  God,  of  his  Mercy,  and  reacji- 
hefs  to  forgive,  tending  to  make  men  better  -, 
were  there  not  a  fenfe  of  the  goodnefs  of  Righteouf- 
aefs ,  Temperance  ,  Mercy,  and  of  all  Virtue ; 

not 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.       'i$ 

not  only  as  what  wefhould  firft  be,  but  alfo,  what 
we  fhould  endeavour  to  return  to,  when  we  have 
Fallen ;  were  there  not  (uch  a  thing,  as  Vicious 
Men  being  reftrain'd  from  running  into  utmoft  ex- 
cefs  and  extremity  \  and  as, being  reclaimld,  cor- 
rected, reform 'd,  moderated,  and  culrivated  by- 
precepts  of  Natural  Religion,  Wtfdorr,  add  Morali- 
ty ;  all  which  flow  from,  and  are  fptcimensof  the 
Scripture  Doclrin  and  grace  of  Repentance  ;  the 
World  would  be  a  ftye  of  fenfualifls  and  im- 
pure CreaturcSjWallowing  in  bruitifh,and  worfethan 
Swinifh  Lufts '.  And  did  not  this  Notion  fwceten 
men  cne  to  another,  the  World  would  be  a  Defer  t 
or  Wildernefs  of  Savage,  and  Wild  Beafls,  rear- 
ing in  peices  one  another ;  and  both  wa\s  a  Hell  of 
a  World. 

2.  Hereby  God  will  juftify  himfelf  in  the  con- 
demnation of  the  Pagan  World',  that  they  have  not 
only  the  Law  Written  in  their  Hearts,  but  fo  much 
of  the  Gofpel  alfo,  as  this  great  notion  of  Repen- 
tance Teaches  \  For  when  the  Refpit  of  forty  "Days 
imported  it  to  the  King,  and  City  of  Nineveh,\\hy 
fhould  not  that  Patience,  wherewirh  God  governs 
even  the  Pagan  World ,  Preach  Repentance  to  it  •? 
Why  fiiould  they  not  be  led  to  Repentance  by  the  Wit- 
nefs  they  have  of  God,  and  of  his  goodntfs  in  giv- 
ing them*  fruitful  times  andfeafons,  and  fil Imp.  their 
H  rarts  with  food  and  gladnefs*,  which  he  would  not 
leave  himfelf  without  in  his  great  Wifdom,  and 
Righteoufnefs,  as  well  as  Mercy  and  Grace  ?  How 
does  this  riches  of  Goodnefs,  Long- 
{offering,  and  Forbearance,  if  not  lead  Rom,  2.5.4. 
them  tj  Repentance^  juftify  their  Con- 
demnation', who  after  their  hardnefs  andlmpemter: 

-Hearts 


%6      Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance* 

Hearts  Treafure  up  to  themjelves  wrath,  again!}  the 
da)  of  wrath  ?  So  that  as  Niniveh  (hall  rije  up  in 
Judgment  with  thofe,  who  repented  not  at  the  Preach- 
ing of  Chrifl,  the  greater  than  Jonah;  fo  it  fhal! 
rife  up  in  Judgment  with  other  Heathen  Nations, 
Cities  and  People,  who  might  by  the  fame  propor- 
tion have  been  argued  to  Repentance  ',  fo  that  tho 
God  hath  in  his  fupreme  Dominion  and  Juftice, 
thought  fit  to  deny  them,  what  Ciirift  fays,  They 
would  have  repented  in  Sackcloth  and  Afhes  upon ; 
yet  even  by  the  ftandard  of  Nineveh's  Repentance, 
theyV  not  Repenting  by  that  Light  they  have,  will 
be  Condemned  at  the  manifeflation  of  that  righteous 
Judgment  of  Gd  the  Apoftle  fpeaks  of  in  that  fore- 
nam^Rom.  2. 

5.  The  great  Goodnefs  of  God,  in  Chrift,  giving 
the  Notion  of  Repentance  into  the  Heart  of  Man  ; 
(feeing  the  Original  of  whatever  is  worthy,  or  Ex- 
cellent in  Matty  is  but  a  tranfcripty  or  Copy  taken 
from  ihe  fjp:eme  Excellency  and  G)odnefs  ) 
hath  thereby  dlfpos'd  the  Hem  of  M  n  to  a 
I(zadinefs  to  forgive  ^  one  man  to  forgive  amther,  and 
thereby  to  be  engaged  to  an  Acknowledgment  of  Of 
fences  one  againJ:  ano:her:  todefire  Pardon^md 
to  offend  no  more:  Wherein  much  of  the  Peace 
and  Happinefs  of  Humane  Nature,  in  this  pvefent 
.  is  fupported  and  preferv»d;  And  herein,  and 
by  thefe  very  mutual  Repentances  toward,  and  For- 
ces one  of  another,  is  there  a  greater  Illuflrati- 
oa  of  the  Grace  aad  Goodnefs  of  God,  in  Fardon 
and  Forgivenefs  upon  Repentance^  and  thereby  an 
Invitation,  Encouragement,  and  hading  to  Repentance 
towards  God.     For  in  that  rhe  Gofpel-Command,  to 

l$ve  themy  who  having  tvefpajfed  againft  ur>  tho 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*       27 

[even  times  a  day,  turn  again,  and  fa\,  1  repent:  and 
chat  if  we  forgive  not  men  their  trefpajjl'*.  neither 
will  our  Heavenly  Father  forgive  us  :  Our  Lord 
both  appeals  to  the  Senfe  oj  Mankind,  and  excites 
and  encourages  unto  Repentance  toward  God,  in 
hope  of  Korgivenefs ;  as  well  ab  to  mutual  Repent an- 
ces,  and  Forgivenefs  for  the  Perfce  and  Good  of  /Han- 
Qnd\  to  which  our  Lord  had  great  Regard  in  all  he 
faid,  and  did. 

4.  The  Natural  Light  God  hath  given  concern- 
ing Repentance,  and  the  Scnfe  in  Man's  Soul  con- 
cerning the  Goodnefs  and  Reafonablenefs  of  that  Grace 
and  Duty  ;  upon  which  the  Redeemer  hath  pointed 
the  Law  written  in  the  Heart ',  is  as  a  Ground,  and 
Rude  Draught,  that  the  Knowledge  of  Repentance,  by 
the  Word  of  God,  and  Divine  Revelathn,  ace  m« 
pliflies,  and  fills  up ;  and  that  the  Spirit  of  God 
plants  his  Supreme  Operations  upon  ',  even  as  San- 
ttification  is  engrafted  into  that  Senfe  of  Good  and 
Evil  that  is  fonnd  in  the  Soul  of  Man  ;  and  thofe 
Irritations,  and  Provokingsof  Natural  Confcience, 
to  do  the  Good,  and  fly  from  the  Evil. 

For  thus  JefusChrift  hath,  as  our  Creator  and 
Redeemer,  our  Preferver  and  Mediator  in  one,  ta- 
ken Care  to  feenre  a  Remnant,  and  Remainder,  of 
whatever  was  excellent  in  his  firft  Creation;  thatie 
may  be  taken  hold  of,  and  beapplied  to  in  Redemp- 
tion* 

And  thus  \  have  endeavoured  to  difcourfe  the 

Ground-voor^  and  Foundation  of  this  Grace,  Duty  and 
Dottrine  of  Repentance;  That  it  is  all  fetled  in  the 
Grace  and  Mercy  of  God  in  the  Redeemer,  without 
which  it  had  been  an  utter  Impoflibility  ,  and  there 

had 


aS      Of  m  Evangelical  Repentance* 
had  been  no  more,  nor  any  other  Repentanoe,thm 
what  is  ia  HelL,    I  come  therefore  to  the  Second 
i£ad  a 

Head  2.  Here  is  plainly  laid  down  to  us  the  great- 
Elaboratorj,  or  Inftritment  God  hath  prepared  in  in- 
feme  Wifdom,  and  Grace,  and  in-laid  the  Soul  with 
in-order  to  Repentance*.  Godly  Sorrow,  or  Sorrow  af 
UT,  and  according  to  God,  worketh  down,  or  brings 
into  Effcd  this  Repentance  :  This  God  hath  prepared 
as  a  Natural  Affection  of  it  felf,  and  in  its  own  Ge* 
s&eraland  Original  Form,  fit  tofuch a  purpofe  ;  and 

then  God  fan&ifks  k  to  rhis  Great 
&£ts  4.  12-    Purpofe,  to  worl^  thk  Repentance:  t* 

Salvation,  not  to  be  repented  of    It  is  - 
am  immediate  Instrument  in  the  Hand  of  God,  to  ope- 
rate under  his  Spirit,  to  fo  great  an  Effect:  Qf  diia 
1  ffcali  difcoufffe  m  Three  Generals : 

General  1.  I  begin  therefore  with  a  Defcription  of 
Sorrow,  firft,  as  it  is  a  Natural  A&ftion,  or  Paffion 
of  the  Humane  Nature;  and  then  as  it  is  faja&ifted 
by  God ,  or  as  it  becomes  a  Sorrow  after  God,  and  is 
feted  ta  fo  great  an  End  and  Purpofe;  and  as  it 
is  fo,k  is  counterdiftinguifbM  to  worldly  Sorrow,  that 
•motketfe  Death. 

General.  2.  I  will  confider  the  excellent  life  and 
Service  of  godly  Swore,  to  fo  great  an  End  and  Puj- 
pofe,  as  the  wiring  Repentance  to  Salvation. 

General  3*  I  will  open  the  Wifdorra  of  God,  and 
$h£  Reafonabfeneft  of  his  making  ufe  of  Sorrow,  actd 
gktingu  as  after  himfelf  or  according  tohimfelf  to  fa 
$?z&  an  End  and  Purpofe ;  ani  that  according  to 
lbs  very  Reafyn  and  Nature  of  TjMiJi  it  could  n^t 


Df  an  Evangelical  Refentancel       29 

be  otherwife,  but  that  gedly  fomwmaft  be  fo  made 
yfe  of  above,  and  before  any  other  Affeflion  s  and 
thatit  becomes  him,  by  whom,  and  for  whom  aw  ail 
things  fo  to  make  ufe  of  it. 

General  r.  For  the  Defcription  of  this  Affetihn  of 
godly  Sorrow  :  Firft,  as  it  is  a  Natural  Affe£lie*y  or 
Paffion  of  the  Humane  Nature  ;  and  then  as  it  is 
fan&ified  by  <jod,  or  becomes  Sorrow  o ft  er  God  >sm& 
is  -counter-diftinguifh'd  to  the  forrow  pf  the  World, 
that  werlgth  Death. 

Sorrow  theft,  as  it  is  an  AffeZlim,  or  Vajjion  of  the 
Humane  Nature,  muft  be  confidered  Two  ways  $ 
and  each  of  them  muft  be  applied  to  the  Sorrow 
that  worlds  Hepentance^  or  to  Sorrow  according  to  Go&j 
and  fo  a  different  and  oppofite  Sorrow  to  the  forrow 
of  ibis  World. 

i .  Sorrow,  that  is  a  Humane  PafTton,  or  Affedioo, 
ntufl  either  begin  in  the  Body,  and  fo  paffeth  from 
the  Soul,|and  afcends  up  to  the  Spirit  of  a  Man}  or 
it  begins  in  the  higher  Region,  the  Spirit,  and  de- 
fcends  by  the  Soul  iHto  the  Body,  and  makes  \m* 
preffiens  fuitable  to  its  own  Nature  there  •,  and  the 
Body  is  govern'd  according  to  this  A  ffedion,  and  to 
its  Place,  Eftimation,  Power  with,  and  Intereft  is 
the  Spirit. 

Now  indeed  all  AffeBion^nd  even  F.t///(m,tofpeak 
mod  ftri&Iy  and  properly,  is  in  the  Spirit ;  For  it 
is4ll  one  to  matter,  how  it  be  ufed  ;  cr  into  what 
Form  it  is  made  to  pafs :  or  out  of  what,  or  in  di£ 
^ira&ion  from  what  Form  it  is  fore'd  to  move  •  So 
that  AH  we  feel,  by  way  of  fuffering,  or  Enjoyment, 
isbythe  Spirit's  having  a  Pleafing,  or  an  Affii&iqg 
Scofe  of  Things :  But  this  I  ware,  as  notfo  irtceffa- 


30       Oj  an  Evaugelkal  Repentance** 

ry  to  the  Praftical  Difcourfeof  Repentance  I  intend. 
It  is  plain  and  certain,  the  fenfe  of  fome  things  be- 
gins in  the  Spirit ;  vi^.  thofe  things  which  are  pro- 
per to  the  Narureof  a  Spirit,  and  which  are  (^pro- 
per to  a  Spirit,  whether  it  dwelt  in  a  Body  or  not: 
But  yet  when  the  Spirit  isaffe&ed  with  them,  be- 
caufe  it  inhabits  a  Body,  the  Affe&ion  of  the  Spirit, 
even  whether  the  Spirit  will  or  not,  works  upon  the 
Matter  and  Frame  of  that  Body  ;  and  thereby  the 
Truth,  and  Reality  of  the  Spirit's  being  aftcded,  is 
difcovered  to  it  felf-,  and  it  may  alfo  be  thereby  dif- 
covered  to  others :  On  the  other  fide,  there  are  Paf- 
fions,  or  AfTe&ions,  that  the  Spirit  is  affefted  with,as 
finding  it  felf  mov'd  and  concerned ;  as  that  Frame 
of  Body,  wherein  it  dwells,  is  either  more  or  lefs  fit- 
ed  for  its  Enjoyment  of  it  felf  in  that  Body;  or  put, 
quite  out  of  Order ;  or  is  in  pain,  and  afflicted  fo, 
as  to  afflift  'he  Spirit :  And  both,  and  each  of  thefe 
is  in  fome  D-gree  tev\ctib\e  to  godly  forrow,  though 
the  hrft  is  the  Chief  and  Principal  in  godly  }or~ 
row. 

i.  The  Spirit  of  Man  afte&ed  with  the confidera- 
tion  of  fin,  as  it  hath  all  the  Reafons  §f  for row  in  it,  as 
it  is  a  foul,  and  impure,  and  (liameful  thing  ;  and 
as  it  is  an  Offence  agaimi  the  Holy,  and  only  Wife 
and  gracious  Majefty  of  God  s  and  as  it  brings 
Wrath,  and  Ruine,  and  Condemnation  upon  it  5 
contemplates,  confiders,  and  weighs  thofe  Reafons* 
and  therebv  finds  it  felf  affedied  with  forrow  and  af- 
flillttm,  as  if  it  were  after  the  manner  of  a  broken 
Bone9  or  brut  fed  Flefh :  Thus  we  read  of  a  broken  and 
antrite  Spirit'-,  and  of  thofe  who  are  bruifed  in  Spi- 
rit, and  grieved  in  Spirit;  and  of  a  wounded  and  a 
troubled  Spirit  j  and  of  a  forrowful  Spirit :  And  this 

when 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*       3 1 

when  it  eyes  God,  as  a  Father  in  Chrift,  Gracious, 
and  Good,  and  ready  ro  be  Reconciled,  and  to  for- 
give, is  a  true  godly  Sorrow,  or  a  Sorrow  after  God: 
For  it  is  in  the  True  Region  of  godly  forrow,  theSpi- 
ric ;  and  it  hath  the  Right  Stnfe  and  Affeftion,  even 
fuch  an  apprehenfion  of  God:  And  fuch  a  Sorrow  the 
Spirit  communicates  to  the  Body  in  which  it  dwells, 
fo  as  to  make  the  Appearance  of  it  Solemn,  Hum* 
ble,  and  Lowly  :  It  denies  it  thofe  Ornaments  or 
Refreftments,  that  it  feJf  at  other  Times  defires  for 
it ;  it  bridles,  and  curbs  if*  own  appetites  and  dejares 
of  pleafure  and  faxisfntlion  in  it ;  it  humbles  ic  by 
Fafjing,  it  lays  it  in  the  Duft,  it  keeps  it  waking,  ic 
difiblves  it  into  Tears  j  and  if  it  be  very  great,  as 
fome times,  it  dries  up  the  Benign  Juices  of  ity  and 
it  carries  ^11  the  Marks  of  the  Spirit  foafttded.  And 
becaufe  thefe  arife  from  a  forrow  within,  after  God, 
God  is  pleafed  with  them,  and  accepts  them9  asfgns 
of  fuch  forrow,  and  calls  for  them. 

2. The  Sic^neffes,  or Wants,  or  Pains,  or  Notes  of 
Difgrace,  that  the  Wife,  and  Holy  Providence  of 
God  fends  fometimes  upon  the  Body,  that  make  ic 
an  uneafie,  or  a  di  (honour  able  Habitation  of  the  Spirit: 
Thefe  the  Spirit  takes  Notice  of  with  troublesome  and 
unquiet  thoughts  j  the  thoughts  being  in  a  Motion^  a 
Conflict,  and  Agony,  if  by  the  Grace  of  God,  diey 
are  guided  to  fearch  the  Caufes  of  thefe  Strops  on  the 
Body  \  and  finds  them  to  be  an  offended  Juslice^  afro* 
voiced  and  difpleafed  Holinefs,  upon  the  account  of 
Sin  and  Iniquity  ;  and  that  it  apprehends  Thefe  are 
but  the  Beginnings  of  Sorrows  ;  and  that  they  are 
Indications  and  Fore- bodes  of  Wrath  to  come9  aod  of 
further  Judgments  from  Heaven,  even  at  the  prelent, 
upon  both  Body  and  Spirit,  if  there  be  not  that  courfe 

taken 


ji        vj  an  tLvangeiicaL  Repentance; 

taken,  of  feekjng  Pardon  and  Reconcilement  in  Chrifl, 
and  turning  from  Iniquity :  Thcfe  thoughts  fanftified, 
and  conduced  by  God  upon  himfelf  thus,  upon  the  oc- 
cafion  of  outward  affliction,  become  that  forrow  after 
God,  of  which  the  Apoftlefpeaks,  and  often  works 
that  Repentance  to  falvation,  never  to  be  Repented 
of. 

Thus  Scripture  very  often  (peaks  of  Outward  Af- 
flictions, made  ferviceable  to  Converfion^  to  returns  to 
God:  Famine,  and  Peftilence,  and  War,  and  Capti- 
vity in  the  Land  of  Enemies,  are  Reprefented  in  the 
Prayer  of  Solomon,  as  great  Motives,  and  even  procu- 
ring, and  exciting  Caufes  of  Humiliation ,  Bethinking 
our  felves,  turning  to  the  Lord,  Tbe  Afflictions  of 
Men  are  often  fpoken  of  by  God,  and  ufed  as  Argu- 
ments to  fuch  Refentments  as  call  to  Selfjudging, 
3nd  fo  to  reforming :  Even  often  not  only  in  the  Old 
but  in  the  New  Testament :  We  are  Chatterid  of  the 
Lord,  that  we  might  not  be  condemned  with  the  World  j 
Affliction  yieldeth  the  peaceable  Fruit  of  Righteoufnefs 
rothem,  who  are  exercifed  thereby  y  i  Cor.  u.  31; 
Hcb.  12.  11. 

Both  thefe  Operations  of  godly  forrow,  feem  to 
be    Reprefented   with  a  great  Ele- 

V.  14.  gancv,  and  Holy  Eloquence,  Job  33. 
the  firft ,  when  this  Sorrow  begins 
in  the  Spirit  of  a  Man,  and  Thoughts  arifing  therein. 
God  fpeaks  once,  and  twice  ;  in  a  Dream,  in  a  V't- 
fion  of  the  Night  ;  He  opens  the  Ears  of  Men,  and 
fealeth  their  Uflrutfion  •,  That  he  may  withdraw  Man 
from  hkpurpofe,  and  hide  Vride  from  \Aan  :  He  brings 
him  to  fuch  Humiliation,  as  keeps  him  from  going  on 
in  his  former  purpose. 

Again 


uj  an  tLvangeatai  i\ef>eniance+       3$ 

Again  when  for  row  begins  in  the  Body,  v.  19. 
He,  a  man,  any  man  upon  whom  the  methods  of 
God  for  Repentance  are  fo  laid ;  is  chaflen'd  with 
■pain  upon  his  Bed,  ana  the  multitude  of  his  Bones  mth 
ftrong  Pain ;  fo  that  hit  Life  abhorreth  Breads  and  hk 
Soul  dainty  meat  -,  hk  Fleflj  is  confumed  away,  that  it 
cannot  be  feent  and  hk  bones  that  were  notjeenfticl^  out ; 
yea  hk  Soul  draweth  near  unto  the  Grave,  and  hk 
Life  to  the  Deftroyers'}  if  there  be  a  MeJJenger  with 
him,  an  Interpreter  one  among  athoufandytofhew  to 
man  hk  uprightnefs,  then  he  k  gracious  unto  him,  and 
faith,  d  eliver  him  from  going  down  to  the  Pit  j  I  have 
found  a  Ranfom  5  hk  Flefl)  (halt  be  frefier  than  a 
Cbilds;  He  (hall  pray  unto  Gtd,  and  he  will  be  fa- 
vourable unto  him  j  and  hefliallfee  hk  Face  with  Joy9 
he  will  Render  unto  man  hk  Righteoufrejs. 

Aud  now  thk  forrow,  thus  after  God,  fan&ified 
thus,  to  have  Refpeft  to  God,  and  carried  out  after 
him,  is  Counter  diftinguiflffd  ;  it  is  mod  different 
from  the  forrow  of  the  Wtrld,  that  worfceth  Death. 
The  forrow,  that  hath  no  higher  fpring,  than  this 
World,  workj  Death  ;  that  is,  however  the  Mind, 
or  the  Body  be  Aftefted  j  when  it  does  not  mount 
up  to  a  confideration  of  Gxl,  offended  for  fin  y 
when  it  does  not  feek  pardon  of  him,  and  Recon- 
ciliation to  him  in  Chrift j  when  it  only  pores  upon 
the  things  of  this  World,  and  agitates  it  felf  about 
them  ;  it  runs  down  into  the  dead  Sea  of  Sorrow, 
that  weeping,  and  wailing  ,  and  gnaffring  of  Teeth 
tha:  is  in  Hell,  It  is  an  Idolatrous  Sorrow  ,  arifing 
from  an  Heart  deeply  fet  on  this  World,  and  glew- 
cd  to  it ;  and  fo  goes  down  into  the  Vault  and  Pit 
of  eternal  Sorrow  :  It  tends  to  the  Death  of  the 
Body  3  it  brings  down  the  Head  u  the  Grave :  Tc 
D  tends 


3  s-        Uf  an  Evangelical  Repentance, 

tends  to  wear,  and  grind  bodily  Nature  to  the 
Drift  *,  every  fuch  forrow  not  after  God,  that  hath 
tio  rin&ure  from  him  on  it ;  IF  it  be  not  Antidoted 
by  forrow  after  God,  and  by  Repentance  to  Salvati- 
on, It  tends  to  eternal  Death  ,  and  is  the  Inlet  un- 
to it  ;  For  it  is  certain,  all  forrow  here,  that  comes 
from  Heaven,  afcends  up  to  Heaven,  as  Water  af- 
cends  as  high  as  its  Spring;  But  that  which  is  of  a 
terrene,  earthly  Nature,  fmks  down  to  the  Center, 
which  is  the  neathermoft  Hell. 

I  come  now  to  the  fecond  Hea:I,  to  (hew  the  ex- 
cellent ufe  and  fervice,forrow  after  God,yei Ids  in  this 
wife,  and  holy  preparation  of  it  by  God  to  that  Re- 
pentance  to  falvation,  not  to  be  Repented  of. 

i,  In  that,  fo  great,  and  principal  an  Affection  of 
the  Soul  is  given  up  to  God ;  It  hath  an  ufe,  and  a 
fervice  to  fleer  the  Soul  to  God  ;  For  rhe  Affecti- 
ons are,  as  the  Rudder  of  the  Soul,  as  the  Helm 
of  it,  guided  by  the  judgment,  as  by  a  Pilot :  And 
thefe  affections  are  all  in  a  Linck,  and  in  a  chain: 
If  any  one  of  the  principal  Affections  are  mov'd , 
that  mighty  Yeffel  of  the  whole  Soul  isturn'd  this 
way,  or  that  way  by  a  very  fmall  thing,  as  it  may 
feem;  even  by  one  Affe&ion,  becaufe  all  are  joyn'd 
and  united  with  it;  F:>r  where  Sorrow  goes,  Love 
goes,  becaufe  forrow  is  for  the  wantof  fome  good, 
the  Souls  defires  ;  If  then  forrow  be  after  God, 
and  for  Holinefs ;  It  aflures,  the  Soul  hath  a  fpring- 
ing  Love  for  God  and  Holinefs,  and  in  thediftance 
it  apprehends  it  felf  from  thefe,  itlaments.  Where 
forrow  goes,  there  hatred  alfo  goes :  For  forrow 
arifes  from  fome  evil  that  the  Soul  hates  and  abhors, 

that   ! 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.       35 

that  prefks  in  upon  it :  In  forrow  after  God,  fin, 
and  the  wrath,  and  difpleafure  of  God,  is,  what 
the  Soul  hates  ;  and  it  finding  thefe  near,  and 
clofing  upon  it,  if  forrows  and  laments  that  they  may 
be  caji  out  and  removed.  And  how  do  thefe,  the 
Love  of  God,  and  hatred  of  fin  rvorl^to  Repentance  ? 
And  thus  alfo  it  might  be  fhewn,  How  Fear9  Hope, 
Joy,  Delight  move  as  forrow  moves.  The  Apoftle 
knowing  with  what  a  ftrength,  and  force,  and  pre- 
fence  the  Affe&ions  move,  writes  to  the  Coloflians% 
c.  2,  To  fet  their  Affeftions  on  things  above  :  For  if 
the  Affections  are  fo  fet,  the  Spirit  and  Soul  will 
be  fo  fet,  and  therefore  the  whole  man  will  be  fo  ftn. 
O  i  the  contrary,  the  forrow  of  the  If or Id  carries  the 
ftrength  of  the  Soul,  the  Affections  on  the  World; 
which  not  able  to  fuflain  and  bear  up  an  Immortal 
Spirit,  it  often  deftroysthe  Body  by  Violence  -,  and 
leaves  the  Soul  to  fink  alfo  ,  the  Spirit  to  fall 
down  from  God,  which  is  the  Death  of  it. 

2.  The  Affedion  of  forrow,  is  the  Affection  that 
is  mod  properly  converfant  about  fin,  and  the  con- 
(equences  of  it  ;  the  wrath,  and  difpleafure  of  God, 
the  curfe,  and  evil.  Now  then,  as  fin  is  a  depar- 
ture from  God  the  fountain  of  Life,  and  happinefs, 
the  fupreme  good,  and  fo  ufhers  in,  and  introduces 
all  unhappinefs :  fo  forrow  that  is  after  Cfod,  begins 
in  the  apprehenfion  of  God,  and  of  his  Law  j  and 
fo  defcendson  all  the  evil  confequential,  or  follow- 
ing on  the  lofs  of  God  :  But  the  forrow  of  the  World, 
not  beginning  with  God,  fetters  it  felf  with  the 
Evils  which  prefs  upon  k,  with  relation  to  the  pre- 
sent World*,  which  can  never  be  well  removed  with- 
out removing  the  principal  caufe,  fin,  and  the  dif- 
D  2  pleafure 


36        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance ; 

difpleafureof  God  fork:  But  to  this  thcjorrow  ofthk 
World  hath  no  regard,  and  fo  is  never  cured,  but 
becomes  of  a  peice  with  the  forrows  of  the  fecond 
Death  :  For  fo  all  forrow  here  not  Healed  by  the 
repentance  to  Salvatim,  mt  to  be  repented  of,  (which 
Heals  the  forrow  after  God)  becomes  one  with  the 
forrows  of  Hell,  and  everlasting  wailing  :  Bv  god- 
ly forrow  therefore ,  forrow  is  made  to  be  its  own 
Death,  and  Plagues.  For  wording  repentance  to  Sal- 
vation,  never  to  be  repented  of]  when  it  is  forrow  cjter 
God,  it  U  the  Dejlruttion  of  all  forrow.  For  it  can 
be  no  longer  ,  but,  as  Scripture  fpcaks,  forrow  and 
ftghing  fhall  fee  away,  and  there  (hall  be  no  more  jor- 
row.  As  it  came  in  by  fin,  fo  by  fin  Repented  of, 
and  Pardoned,  it  for  ever  ceafes,  and  vanishes  a- 
way :  So  forrow  is  converfant  about  its  proper  ob- 
ject, and  caufe,  and  it  hath  the  great  efteci  of  re- 
moving it  felfi  and  of  it  felf  loofing  it  felf  in  that  Joy, 
that  follows  upon  the  Salvation  of  that  Repentance 
it  felf  hath  wrought}  which  mud  needs  make  an 
end  of  Sorrow,  or  Perfects  it  info  it  felf  never  to  be 
Repented  of 

3.  T&fc  ferviceablenefs  of  godly  forrow  to  Repen- 
tance, is,  that  this  Aflfe&ion  of  all  the  Affections, 
or  Pafliotfs  of  the  human  Sou!,  is  that  which  makes 
it  wife,  and  confiderative  j  feeing  Repentance  then^ 
that  is  to  Salvation,  is  a  molt  Wife,  and  prudent 
grace  ;  This  Affection  of  forrow  is  mofl  prepara- 
tory, and  contributary  to  it.  The  forrow  after 
God  is  no  Ignorant,  or  unreafonable  Paflion,  or 
Aftedionj  caird  Attrition  ;  no  fuperftitious  Pen- 
nance,  or  ceremony  of|  Sorrow ,  not  a  mere  foft- 
nefs,  and  diflbiving  into  Tears ;  not  any  defultory 
Paffion,  that  falls  into  fome  morning  Dew,  or  as  it 

were 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*       37 

were,  heat  Drop  ;  but  a  deep  inward  trouble,  that 
we  have   offended  God,  and  (inn'd  againft  him, 
and  endangered  our  (lives  to  Eternity  by  our  fins  : 
And  however,  there  may  be  at  flrft  Tome  fudden 
ftroke,  or  Impreflion,  and  a  Paffion  upon  ir,  that 
may  gooff;   vet  1:  is  indeed  a  fpring  that  dif-em- 
bogues  it  felf  through  the  whole  ccurfe  of  a  Chri- 
ftuns  Life  :  There  is  a  forrow.  and  a  relenting  of 
Soul,  that  is  a  foftDew,  or  Diftillation  from  the 
Soul  upon  it  felf,  that  makes  it  very  tender,  hum- 
ble, and  Apprehenfweof  the  Evil  of  Sin  j  of  the 
Ingratitude,  and  unrhankfulncfs  of  having  finned 
againft  God,  and  given  Offence  to  the  Eyes  of 
his  Holinefs,  and  of  hisGIory.     And  as  this  arifes 
from    underftanding,  fo  ic  begets  underftauding, 
and  clofe  Confideration  j  h  is  obferv'd  in  Niture, 
that  forrow  and  fadnefs  encline  to  Wifdom,  and 
attentnefs  of  Mind ;  fixation  gives  underftanding, 
is  a    faying  :    And    hereuuro    the 
wife  King  Solomon  agrees,  forrt»  x     Ecclef.  7, 
better  than  laughter.  \c  is  better  to  go  to     3.  fyc. 
the  houfe  of  Mourning  ,  than  to  the 
houfe  of  Feafiing  *  for  the  Living  will  lay  it  to  Heart. 
And  by  the  fadnefs  of  the    Countenance,  the  Heart  is 
made  better.     In  the  day  of  Adverfity  confider,  thar 
is  the  proper  feafon  of  ir;Gcner2lly,our  Mirth  and 
Rejoycing  is  to:  lighr  and  rWliv  ;  it  fcjtters,  and 
fets  the  Spirits  in  wandring  5  I  fiid  of  Laughter y  it 
it  Mad,  and  of   Mirth,  v  hat  does  it?  As  the  crack- 
ing «f  Thorns  under  a  Pot,  fo  the  Laughter  of  Fools  is 
Vanity.     Sbrtow  is   like  a  fbade  that    ongregate?, 
rhvrs    up  the  Spirits  to  think,  2nd  weigh, 
and  p  )iz:  filings,    borrow  loves  folitude,  and  fo 
the  Repenting  Ferfon  is  defcribed  -y  he  fittetb  ahney 
D  3  and 


38        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance. 

and  keeper!)  (lence  ,  becaufe  he  hath 
Lam.  2.  born  it  upon  him.     Vanity,  and  folly, 

28.  the  pleaftres  offm,  that  are  but  for 

a(ea(on,  cannot  endure  the  tediouf- 
nefSj  and  melancholly  of  an  Hour  alone  :  And 
this  is  the  unhappinefs  of  mankind,  they  cannot 
endure  to  be  alone,  and  to  fpeak  with  themfelves ; 

I  ht.tr ken d  and  heard,  but  no  man 
Jerem.8.6.    (pake  aright,  or  (aid ,  What  have  I 

done?  We  are  fo  naturally  for  Diver- 
fion,  They  that  are  not  fo  mad,  as  to  to  be  for.  the 
roar,  and  madnefs  of  Company;  yet  they  cannot 
be  content,  without  what,  we  call  Divertifement 
and  Merryment,  and  cannot  endure  forrow  and  fad- 
nefs. 

Let  us  now  but  ask  our  felves,  whether  we  think 
Sohmon  was  a  Wife  Man,  or  not ;  and  whether  he 
was  not  incircumftances  of  greateft  advantages  to 
rejoyce  in  all  the  Pleafure,   Mirth,  and  Enjoyment 

of  this  World?  which  he  calls,  Laying 
Ecclef.2. 1.  hid 'on folly  ;  while  yet  he  acquaint- 
t&c*  ed  hit  Heart  with  Wtfdom  to  under- 

ftand,  what  was  the  utmoft  amount, 
or  to  be  had  from  all  the  Entertainments  of  thac 
kind:  And  when  he  afiiires  us,  as  he  does,  that 
Mirth  is  but  Madnefs  and  the  Laughter  of  this 
World  fo  unrcafonable  j  that  no  Man  can  tell,  what 
it  ferves  for,  or  to  what  purpofe  it  is ;  and  that 
he  io  much  commends  forrow  to  us ',  let  us  then 
take  Counfel  with  our  felves,  whether  he  fpake 
wifely,  or  not?  And  what  (hall  we  think  of  the 
words  of  our  Lord,  Luke  6.  21.  Slefcd  are  you  that 
Weep,  and  you  that  Mourn ;  and,  woe  to  you  that 
Laugh.     Now    i?   is  not  to  be  fuppofed  thatfp 

Good 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentanci.         59 

Good,  and  fo  Merciful,  and  fo  Gracious  a  Saviour, 
as  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  is  ,  fhould  envy  to  man 
any  thing,    that  could  be  to  the  Good,  and  Wel- 
fare of  his  Nature.    But  he  knew  how  much  the 
Carnal  Joy,  and  Mirth,  that  is  fo  common,  and  fo 
much    valued    among    Men,  lavifhes    out    thofe 
Thoughts,  and  Spirits ,  and  that  Time,  that  fhould 
be  laid  out  upon  fo  ferious,   and  great  things,  as 
Reconciliation    to  God,    Pardon  of  Sin  9  Newnefs  of 
Heart,  and  Life',  and  that  Sorrow,  and  Mourning, 
and   Weeping  are  prepared  by  God,    as  fitted  ia 
their  Nature  to  make  us  more  Grave,  and  Pon- 
dering of  Things ;  and  that  being  Sanctified,  and 
in  the  Hand  of  his  Grace,  are  made  ufeof  to  bring 
us  home  to  himfelf :  For  when  men  are  under 
(Sdncfs,  finding  the  prinrs  of  the  Wrath,  Juftice, 
and  Difpleafure  of  God  upon  them,  they  enquire 
after  the  Reafon;  Their  fins,  as  to  Jofepfrs  Brethren, 
come  to  their  Remembrance  ;  They  are  provoked 
to  move  to  God  by  Humiliation,  Confejfion  of  Sin? 
Prayer  for  Pardon,  Defre  of  hk  Grace,  and  Spirit  ta 
enable  them  to  Reform',  they  enquire  into  his  word, 
how  they  may  cleanfe  their  way,  order  their  Convey- 
fation  aright  to  pleafe  him ',  they  are  moved  to  con- 
fid  er. by  thefe  drops ,  and  Touches  of    Sorrow, 
what  that  flate  of  forrow  without  Banks  or  Bounds 
or  Bottom  is,  where  there  is  weeping,  and  wailing, 
and  gnafhing  of  Teeth :  They  are  taken   off  from 
that  Pride,  and  Self-  Conceit;  they  find  fo  little  in 
all  things  here  below,  and  in  rhi?  prefent  State, 
that  they  enquire    for  thofe  better,  and  greater 
Things  that  are  Above,    and  in  Eternity:  When 
farrow,  ttardiff>ofes  toftrong,  and  fcrious  enqui- 
ries beccm^  j'jrrow  after,  and  according  to  God;  Oh  ! 
D  4  how 


40        Of  an  Evangelical  Refentance. 

how  excellently  does  it  work  ?  How 
lam.  3.  40.     do  men  (earcb,  and  try  their  ways  that 

they  may  turn  to  God. 
Now  becaufe  of  the  Order,  that  God  hathplac'd 
forrow  in  to  all  thefe  great  Eftefts ;  therefore  our 
Lord  pronoune'd  a  Biefling  upon  Weeping*  and 
Mourning,  For  elfe  he  loves  our  Joy,  when  it  is 
Spiritual  ',  he  command*  to  Repycc  in  the  Lord  all 

way,  and  again  he  fays,  I{ejoyce:  He 
Johm5.11.     fpoke   many  great    things,    that  our 

Joy  might  be  full',  that  he  might  fill 
our  Mouths  with  Laughter,  and  our  Tongues  with 
Singing.  But  our  carnal,  our  fenfual  joys,  he  knows, 
are  our  Death,  and  Deilru&ion  *,  he  knows  we  are 
in  no  better  cafe  in  our  prophane,  foolifh,  finful 
Laughter,  than  they  who  are  flung  with  the  Tar  an* 
tula,  and  Dye  Laughing :  Thus  we  have  §reateft 
reafon  in  the  midfi  of  fuck  Laughter  to  be  Sorrowful^ 
and  the  end  of  that  Mirth  will  be  heavinefs: 
Thus  it  will  be  bitternefs'm  the  latter  end>  therefore 
he  warns  us  of  it  before  ,  and  in  greateft  Love  to 
us,  declares  a  Woe  on  fuch  Laughter. 

But  now  to  conclude  this  particular,  The  forrow 
of  the  World,  How  different  a  thing  is  it  ?  For  tho 
it  caufes  Thoughts  and  Enquiries,  yet  it  is  only 
how  to  be  rid  of  the  Worldly  Caufes  of  Sorrow^ 
and  it  turns  only  to  Worldly  Remedies;  And  it  is 
very  often  in  a  rage  at  the  caufes  it  finds  *,  and 
when  either  the  Remedies  are  not  to  be  found,  or 
fail  in  their  Succefs,  ic  is  in  a  Rage,  and  flies  out 
too  often  againft  God ,  and  Providence ,  and  fo 
it  wor\s  Death :  It  begins  that  Hatred  of  God,  that 
Blafphemy,  and  Rage,  that  is  in  Hell ;  or  if  ic 
does  net  thus,  it  is  a  fallen,  defpondent3  unadive 

itate 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.       4 1 

(late  of  Mind,  that  (huts,  and  fealsupall  A&i\ 

like    the  Night  wherein  no  Man  can 

Worl>j  and  fo  goes  down  into  utter    John  p.  4. 

Darlyieff .  Tt  eirher  fay  ,  ihticLilu 

of  the  Lord,   why  flmdd   I   )vait  any     i  Kings  6. 

longer?     Or  like  Cain,  My  Iniquities     33. 

are  greater,,  than   can  be    Forgiven ; 

and  fohattehs  out  from  the  FrefenccfGnd  -,  or  it 

recoyls  upon  it  felf,  as  Saul,  Achilophel,  Judas  -,  or 

the    Heart  under  the  Power  of  it  Dies  as  a  ftone 

within  k  felf,  as  Nabals  Heart  <>ied 

within  him*     Thus  it  every  way  worlds     1  5am.  25. 

Death,  becaufe  it  hath  nothing  to  do     27. 

with    him,  who    is  the  fountain  of 

Life: 

For  the  Being  of  God  is  infinitely  happy,  and 
blefled  ,  and  all  lighr,  and  luftre  5  and  in  him  is 
no  Darfyiefs  at  all  of  forrow  as  not  of  Sin  ;  he 
therefore  when  forrow  is  after  him ,  fprings  a 
Light  into  it  *  that  whereas  ,  the  Dark  and 
Black  part  arifes  from  fin ,  and  the  finful 
Creature  j  yet  becaufe  it  is  after  him,  it  fhall  ne- 
ver fet  in  the  darkuefs  of  Death,  and  Hell;  It 
receives  from  him  as  a  Tin&ureof  Holinefs,  fo  a 
Tinciureof  Life,  a  Ray  and  Beam  of  it  j  It  works 
Repentance  unto  Life  and  to  Salvation,  and  fo  ic 
fprings  up  after  into  Joy  in  his  Favour,in  the  Light 
of  his  Countenance,  in  the  aflurance  of  his|Love. 

But  the  Sorrow  of  the  World  is  like  a  Night,  that 
no  kind  of  Light  at  ail  Enlightens-  Like  the  Night 
Job  Curfed,  it  does  nor  turn  to  the  Light,  becaufe  ic 
is  not  turn'd  to  God  ;  and  fo  is  a  (hade  of  Hell,  be- 
fore Hell  it  feU">  a  valley  of  the  fhaddow  of  Death  : 
and  the  horrors  of  it  arc  the  beginnings  of  the  hor- 
rors 


42       Of  an  Evaugelical  Kepentancel 

rorsof  Hell;  As  therefore  Car nal^  Joys  ixe  [parks  of 
curwn  kindling,  Efay.  50/ notwithftanding  which 
we  fhall  lye  down  in  forrow,  even  (6  is  for  row  not 
after  Gody  as  a  black  fhade  of  our  own. 

4.  The  fervice  of  (orrow  after  God  to  Repentance 
unto  Salvation,  is,  that  it  breaks,  and  forces  a- 
iunder  that  finful  Frame  in  our  Hearts,  of  fin,  and 
contrariety  to  God,  and  to  Holynefs:  The  very 
Natural  Affc&ion  of  forrovv  Ioofens,  and  Divides 
the  Heart,  from  that  which  is  the  Caufe  and  occa- 
fion  of  fuch  forrow  :  Becaufe  that  great  Self-love, 
the  force  of  that  Law  of  Self- prefer vation  is  fo 
firong  upon  us ;  that  feeing  forrow  is  an  Affedion3 
that  (lands  in  an  enmity  to  our  Peace,  Comfort, 
and  Enjoyment,  and  to  our  Life  it  felf  \  if  it  be 
extreme,  or  too  long  continuing  \  we  therefore 
come  off  from  what  is  the  occafion,  or  that  gives 
reafon  to  our  forrow ;  though  we  had  exceedingly 
lov'd  it  before.  This  we  find  in  all  Cafes,  and 
through  the  whole  Nature  of  Things*,  when  there- 
fore fin,  and  lofs  of  the  favour  of  God  .becaufe  of 
it,  is  made  by  the  grace  of  God  the  jufl  Reafon, 
and  moftfenfible,  and  prevailing  reafon  of  our  for- 
row ;  h  diflblves  the  Frame  of  fin  in  our  Heart, 
that  had  been  before  compaft,  as  the  Adamant,  and 
as  the  neither  Mill-ftone  ;  Now  this  forrow  divi- 
ding, and  feparating  between  fin,  and  the  ioul  \ 
it  brings  forth  that  broken  and  contrite  Heart,  that 
QoimU riat dejpife. 

Again,  This  forrow  is  a  fpiritual  melting,  fofr- 
ning  and  dillblving  Thing.  It  feparatesthe  Sou! 
every  particle  as  it  were  from  other;  (6  that  it  is 
fofr,  and  ready  to  t<  k  *  **rW  figm^tha 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*       43 

would  have  it  take *,  Ic  brings  the  Joul  to  quick, 
and  lively  fenfe,  which  is  as  it  were  taking  the  fionc 
out  of  the  Vlejh,  and  giving  a  Heart  ofFlefii  It  is 
that  Spirit  of  Grace,  ot  Ingenuous  fen(e  of  our  In- 
gratitude ,  and  unworthy  carriage  towards  God9 
mentioned  before  out  of  Zech.  i  2.  ai.d  £?e£.  36. 

Hereupon    the  Apoftle  James   pre  Iks  to  a  grf  at 
Mourning   after    God,    or   exercife  cf  Godly  jonon\ 
•James  4.  2.  Draw   nigh  to  God,  and  he  will  draw 
nigh  to  you  ;  clean \e  your  hands  you  finners,  purify  your 
hearts  you   double  minded  :  How  fhould  this  great 
Self- Purification  be  ErTeded  ?   By  being  Afflifad, 
by  mourning  and  weeping  *,  by   having   the  Laughter 
turned  to  Mourning  *,  and  the  Joy  to  Heavinefs;  This 
Godly  Sorrow,    like  warning  and  rubbing  the  Hands 
with    Water,  and    the    clofe  Application  of    k, 
foftens  and  loofens  the  Filth  that  cleaves  fo  clofe, 
adheres  and  (ticks  fo  faft  to  the  Hands.     And  it 
arifes  from   that   Love,  and  Compaflion,  that  is 
feated   towards  our    felves  in  our  own  Natures, 
which,  when  it  is  by  the  Hand  of  Grace  pointed 
aright*,  Ic  is  made  a  mighty  Inflrument,  a  mighty 
Efficacy  for  Converfion,  and  Repentance ;  becauie 
when  our  great  Difguft,  our  Sorrow  and  Self- Af- 
fliction is  pitch 'd  upon  fin,  wecaft  it  off,  as  that, 
which  is  the  reafon  of  our  farrow,  and  that  fiands 
in  our  Eye,  as  iiareful,  Joathfome  filth,  and  impu- 
rity, that  we  can  by  no    means    endure  ;    and 
therefore  we  fay  to  it,  get  ye  hence,  Oh  /  you  Foul 
and  abominable  Lufis,  what  have  I  any  more  to  do 
with  you  ? 

Bui  more  particularly,  two  ways  this  Godly  for- 
row  works  to  Converfion,  Repentance,  Self-Purifi- 
cation. 

ic  By 


44      Of  An  Evangelical  Repentance. 

r.  By  being  fo  prevailing  upon  the  Soul,  as  to 
drink  up  all  the  impure,  and  unholy  Affe&ions  in 
our  Hearts.  God  giving  it  therefore  by  that  his  Spi- 
rit of  Gracey  and  ingenuous  fenfe,  an  afcendency,  a 
fuperionty  over  all  other  Affe&ions  in  the  Heart, 
at  this  time,  he  is  working  Repentance  ;  it  drinks 
up  all  thepleafurable  fenfual  Affeftions  in  a  Man  : 
vihcnaman  k  in  bitternefs,  as  one  k  in  bitternefsfot 
bisfirfl  Borny  and  for  an  only  Begotten  Child;  He 
hath  no  more  Appetite  nor  Emotion  of  his  Spirits 
toLufl,  and  Stenfuality,  and  finful  Pleafures,  than 
fuch  a  one  hath  to  do  the  ufual  Encertainments, 
and  Pleafures  of  life;  when  God  therefore  calls 
for  this  farrow,  he  looks  upon  it  as  a  great  Of- 
fence ;  when  there  is  flaying  of  Oxen, 
Efay.2i.15,  and  drinQng  of  Wine,  lying  upon  beds 
Amos  6.  3.  of  Ivory ,  C haunting  to  the  found  of 
&c.  Viols,  Inventing  Inftruments  of  Maficl^ 

like  David  ;  when  there  is  putting 
on  Xpparel,  and  the  Furniture  of  Pride :  Por  then 
he  commands  us,  as  he  did  the  Children  of  Ifrael 
cfcer  the  fin  of  the  Golden  Calf  to  put 
Exod.  3  3. £  off  their  Ornaments ,  that  he  might  know 
what  to  do  to  them,  whether  they 
fhould,  as  true  Penitents,  be  fpar'd,  or  deftroyed  in 
their  Impenitency,  And  indeed  when  any  are  un- 
der the  power  of  thxsGidly  Sorrow,  in  fuch  a  po- 
ilure  to  Repent ancefcll  fuch  Ornaments  are  nothing; 
All  fuch  pleafures  are  quite  out  of  Taft.  The  Soul 
hath  no  relifli*of  them. 

2:  Godlv  farrow  thus  made  an  Infirumentin  the 
H  md  <*f  Grace  for  working  Repentance,  hath  by 
that  its  afcendency  and  foperiority  5  an  engagement 

upon 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.       4  5 

upon  all  the  other  Affections  withitfelf,  to  the 
wording  Repentance  Mo  \  this  the  Apoftle  fhews  in 
the  very  next  words  to  thefe,  we  are  Difcourfng 
upon,  2  Cor.  7.  11.  For  this  ve>y  jelf  fame  things 
that  ye  for f  owed  after  a  Godly  fort ;  what  c are f nine fs  it 
imitght  inyouf\o\v  great  is  the  care  and  fcllicitude  it 
works  in  all,  that  fo  forrow,  to  get  out  of  their 
Sins,  and  to  return  home  to  God  ?  What  Apology 
for  flolpefs,  for  God,  andagainft  Sin  ?  what  Judg- 
ment againfl  fin  ?  What  Fear  and  Awe  of  God 
finking  to  the  very  Heart  of  fin  ?  what  vehement 
defire  after  God,  after  true  Grace,  and  perfect  He- 
formation  i  and  this  boyling  up  to  Zeal,  or  the 
heigth  of  Defire  ;  that  Powerful  Religious  Affe&i- 
on,  under  the  Operation  of  which  a  Man  cannot 
bear  Evil,  no,  noc  for  a  moment.  And  laflly, there 
is  an  holy  Revenge  upon  fin,  Sathan,  luft,  even  a 
man's  finful  feif;  by  which  the  Irreconcilable  Hatred 
to  every  fia  is  Difcovered,  and  a  Monument  of  that 
Hatred  fet  up  in  the  Soul. 

Thus  works  godly  forrow  to  Repentance  ;  but  the 
forrow  of  the  World  having  nothing  to  do  with  God, 
withfenfeof  his |Difpleafure  for  fin,  with  fin,  asfo 
great  a  reafon  of  forrow  and  trouble ;  the  Spirit  re- 
mains in  all  irs  former  Frame  of  union  to  the 
world,  and  to  fin  ;  and  fo  with  the  whole  flare  of 
fm,  and  of  die  World,  and  of  forrow,  it  finks  dowa 
to  the  center,  to  the  place  of  forrow  for  ever  ; 
For  when  forrow  that  is  the  Infirument  cf  God  in 
working  Aepeoidnce,  does  not  prevail  to  that  God's 
end  \  it  more  certainly  finks  down  to  its  Center* 
and  that  with  great  Violence  ^  as  we  fee  in  thofc 
fore-nam'd  Examples  of  Cain,  Efauy  Saul,  A^tfo- 
phel,  Jada^  who  not  fmming  to  Repentance  went 

down 


46      Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance* 

«fown  with   greater    violence  to  the  Chambers  of 
J>eath  aud  Sorrow,  even  everlafting  farrow. 

$.  The  efficacy  of  godly  for  row  to  ^epnntance,  is, 
tint  it  makes  the  So*d  very  humble  before  God  ; 
the  natural  effect  of  forrow  is  to  meeken,  and 
bow  the  Spirit ;  heavinefs  in  the  Heart  of  Manmal^ef 
it  tfoop,  Prov.  1 2.25  the  guife  and  mein,or  Pofture  of 
forrow*  is  to  bow  down  the  head  like  a  Bullruflu 
The  Hipocritkal  mourner  does  fo,  to  imitate  true 
forrow,  Efay.  58.  5.  Now  this  indeed ,  excepc 
it  turn  to  God,  and  have  Relation  to  him,  is  tha 
meannefs  and  pufilanimity  of  a  Man  ;  but  it  is  the 
true  greatnefs^of  Mind  to  lye  down  before  God,and 
Tremble  in  his  Prefence,  as  the  melted  Metal  trem- 
bles and  quivers  before  the  Founder :  This  dif- 
folving,  melting  Efficacy  of  godly  forrow  is  that, 
which  turning  to  God  nukes  the  Heart  fubmit  it 
felf  as  the  Apoftle  James  fpeaks  in  the  fame  Con- 
text, c.  4.  10.  Under  the  mighty  hand 
A<Xsc.  9. 6.  of  God,  that  he  may  lift  it  up',  it  fays 
c-i5.  30.  to  God,  Lord  what  wilt  thou  have  me 
to  do*  It  fays,  what  fhall  I  do  to  b: 
feud  ?  What  fhall  I  do,  what  fhall  I  do  in  obedi- 
ence to  God  ?  It  treads  foftly  before  God,  as  if  it 
faid  to  him ,  Lord,  which  way  wilt  thou  have  me 
ro  go  ?  Which  khab  doing,  tho  not  with  a  per- 
fect H-art,  received  fome  degree  of  Favour  by, 
X  Kings  21.  27,  29. 

Now  this  Humility,  how  acceptable  is  it  to  God! 
How  yeilding  to  his  Command  !  God 
Efay.  66.  2.    gives  grace  to  if,  God  looks  off  from 
G  <7t  1 5.        Heaven  and  Earth  to  loo\  to  that  man 
that  is  of  a  contrite  Spirit,  and  trem- 
bles 


Uf  an  zvangeuccu  neyemance*       <\j 

ties  at  his  word  ;  He  that  is  the  high  and  lofty  one, 
that  dwells  in  the  high  and  holy  P lac t^nd  Inhabits  E- 
temtyjNlW  Dwell  alio  with  the  hum- 
ble fph it  to  revive  the  Spirit  of  the     Job  33.  17, 
Humble.     This    jorro^v  hides    Pride 
frtmman,  as  the  expreffion  is  in  Job,  and   fo  firsk 
to  all  holy  returns  to  God  by  Repentance  :  It  with- 
draws man  from  his  purptfe :  It  chan- 
ges the  purpofe  of  Man  ;  that  which     Ads  u.12. 
was  the  full  purpofe  of  the  Heart  be- 
fore, was  to  cleave  to  fin,  and  the  world,  now  the 
heart  cleaves  to  God  with  us  full  purpofe. 

This  humble  broken  Spirit  is  the  Sacrifice  of  God* 
the  Sacrifice  he  will  not  defpi]e,bec<iufe 
it  is  ready  to  jeild  up  it  felf  in  all     Pfal.  51.17- 
obedience  to  him. 

But  the  jorrow  of  the  World,  not  eying  God,  nor 
having  regard  to  him,  never  changes  the  Heart, 
nor  Life  into  obedience  to  him  s  and  fo  leaves  a 
man  in  the  fameloft  undone  ftatej  and  fo  becomes 
defperate  Sorrow  and  Anguiff),  as  the  Scripture  calls 
ityEfay  8.22. and  may  be  moft  fitly  defcribed  by  Jer. 
c.  4.  28.  They  are  all  greivous  Revolt er s ;  they  an 
Brafs  and  Iron,  they  are  all  Corrupter s  -,  the  Bellows 
are  burnt,  the  Lead  is  confumed  of  the  Fire  ;  the 
Founder  melteth  in  vain',  for  the  Evil  of  the  Heart  h 
mt  pulled  away  *,  reprobate  fdver  fhall  men  call  them^ 
becaufe  the  Lord  hath  rejetted  them.  When  God 
therefore,  as  the  great  Founder,  Cafting  men  as  in- 
to the  Furnaceoi  forrow,  they  are  not  purged  horn 
Evil*  the  Melting  is  in  vain,  and  they  are  therefore 
Hejefled  by  God,  as  Reprobate  Silver.  When  Sor- 
row and  Affliction,  which  are  as  the  Qhirurgery^ 
or  Blood- Letting  of  the  gracious  Hand  of  God, 

Effect 


45       uj  an  Evangelical  Repentance: 

Efifeds  nothing  of  Good  •,  it  is  as  the  Corruption 
of  the  whole  Mafs  of  Blood,  and  is  certainly  to 
Death. 

<5.  When  forrow  is  placed  upon  offence  againfl 
d  Pcrfon,  and  upon  unthankful,  and  difingenuous 
Treaty  of  him,  there  arifes  a  Love  and  Compaf- 
iion  to  thatPerfon,  a  fliame  to  offend  further  -,  a 
refolution  ro  make  him  a  1  the  reparations  we  are 
able,  and  the  greater  the  Bitternefs,  the  greater 
the  Effetf :  And  though  thefe  cannot  be  properly 
placed,  as  ififuing  from  the  Creature  towards  the 
Creator^  yet  Scripture  reprefenting  God,  as  hath 
been  faid,  Grieved,  Peirced,  prefs'd  with  Sin,  it 
reprefents  the  grieved  forrowing,  relenting  finner, 
fo  Affecled,  as  if  there  were  an  Ingenuous,  even 
Companion  and  Love  towards  God  the  Creator  ; 
and  unwillingnefs  fo  to  grieve,  and  provo'c  any 
further ;  It  reprefents  therefore  the  higheft  degrees 
of  fiitternefs,  and  a  forrow  as  for  a 
Zech.  12.  Firft  Born,  and  for  an  only  begotten 
io.  Child)  or  Son ;  or  like  that  mod  com- 

paflionate  Lamentation  for  the  excel- 
2  Chron.25.  'ent  ^ince  Joiiah,  (l«in  at  Megiddo, 
25.  that  was  fo  continued  a  forrow,  as 

to  be  fpoken  of  in  Lamentation  to  that 
daym  as  Scripture  ufes  to  fpeak ,  now  feeing  Re- 
pentance it  felf,  as  hath  been  (hewn  in  the  general 
Nature  of  it,hath  fo  muchof  this-,  The  forrow,  rhar  is 
Affected  likeir^is  mod  fitted,  and  prepard  to  work 
k  \  and  it  isfo  blefled  by  God  to  work  it  5  whereas 
the  forrow  of  the  World  is  like  Clouds  wirhouf  this 
Rain  of  Heaven,  and  Wells  without  thh  Water  of  Sal- 
vation,  and  therefore  fettles,  as  into  the  La^e  of  the 

fecond 


Of  art  Evangelical  Repentance*      4$* 

fecond    Death  ,    and  fmells    of    its    Brimttone. 

And  thus  far  7  have  proceeded,  to  make  out  the 
ferviceablenefs  of  godly  forrow,  or  forrow  after  Godf 
that  worlds  Repentance  to  Salvation  never  to  be  i^e- 
pentcd  of 

General  3d.  I  come  now  to  the  third  General, 
concerning  forrow  for  Sin,  vt%*  To  (hew  the 
Wifdom  of  God,  and  the  Reafonablenefs  of  his 
making  ufe  of  forrow ;  and  fitting  it,  as  off-  »m- 
felf,  or  according  to  himfelf,  to  fo  great  an  en  nd 
purpofe  •>  and  that  according  to  the  very  He .  ^n, 
and  Nature  of  Things,  it  could  not  be  other  <*;{>  3 
but  that  godly  forrow  mud  be  fo  made  ufe  of  a- 
bove,  and  before  any  orher  AffcSion  j  and  that  ic 
becomes  him,  by  whom  are  all  things,  and  for  whom 
are  allthings,  Co  to  make  uf<  of  it, 

1.  There  can  be,  according  to  what  the  Apoftle 
fays,  no  other  objeft  of  Rational,  Intellectual  Sor- 
row, but  only  thelofs  of  che  Favour  of  GH«  or 
his  difpleafure  for  fin,  or  fubordinjred  ro  k  5 
which  makes  it  frrow  after  dd.  For  if  on  one 
fide  the  forrow  fo  plac'd.  and  fix'd ,  harb  fo  blefled 
Eflfe&s,  that  he  that  fofoi  rows,  receives  noiniury 
by  it,  bur  fo  great  good,  at  Repentance  toSalvatu 
6n,  never  to  be  Repented  of \  that  iris  nor  fo  much 
Loft,  as  chang'd  into  Fulnefs  of  Joy,  and  fo  per- 
fe&ed ;  and  on  the  other  fide,  that  forrow  hid  ouc 
on  any  other  objeft,  ("which  is  forrow  after  the 
World)  mr^s  Death:  Then  it  muft  needs  oecqme 
the  wife,  and  gracious  God,  of  whom,  by  whom  are 
all  things  in  bringing  many  Sons  to  Glory,  to  bring 
them  tfi  Jfcrfeflion,  by  fiich  a  forrow  as  this, 

E  For 


5°        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance'. 

For  if  God  was  pleas'd  to  make  fuch  a  Rational, 
Intellectual  Nature,  as  man,  that  might,  though 
made  Holy,  fall  inro  fin*,  It  mud  needs  be,  thac 
it  muft  have  a  fitnefs  to  turn  it  felf  with  forrow  up- 
on fuch  an  evil,  and  reafon  of  forrow,  as  God  of- 
fended and  difpleas'd  for  fin  ;  fuppoiing  a  man,  by 
that  fin  had  not  loft  either  the  ufe  of  his  Uader- 
ftanding,  or  not  loft  the  fenfeof  God,  Holinefs, 
and  Goodnefs  ;  feeing  if  it  did  not  lye  Dead,  and 
Benummed,  or  ftrongly  diverted  and  turned  off 
from  itsObjed-or  that  God  does  not  appear  an  Irre- 
concileable  Judg,  and  Revenger,  and  give  up  man 
to  the  wickednefs  and  rage  of  Death.lt  muft  fo  turn. 
Whenever  therefore  God  by  his  grace  in  Chrift, 
and  by  his  Spirit,  turns  any  finner  to  himfelf,  and 
ftirs  up  thofe  Powers  of  underftanding,  and  Ccn- 
fcience  after  himfelf ;  The  very  order  of  the  Cre- 
ation of  God  Requires,  that  the  underftanding  and 
Natural  Confcience,  and  Afte&ion  of  Man  fhonld 
be  turn'd  upon  him,  difpleas'd  by  Sin,  by  this  hum- 
ble forrow  of  Love;  even  as  upon  his  wrath,  and 
Vengeance,  with  a  forrow  of  Pain,  Fear,  and  Ter- 
ror; fo  that  both  the  Bondage  of 
Heb.  2.  15.  Fear  of  Death,  and  the  Reverence  of 
godly  Fear,  and  Love  move  to  this 
forrow  ,  and  the  wife  order  of  Things  fettled  by 
God,  cannot  allow  it  otherwife. 

On  the  other  fide,  if  the  turn  of  the  Rational 
Nature,  and  Affe&ion,  be  drawn  out  upon  the 
fenfe  of  any  evil  with  trouble,  and  diflike,  and  re- 
lie&ion  on  its  difagreeablenefs  and  inconveniency, 
and  vet  its  preflure  upon  ir,  which  is  forrow,  grief, 
and  fadnefs ;  it  mnft  either  be  turn'd  upon  God  of- 
fended, and  difpleas'd  by  fin;  or  ic  is  to  no  pur- 

pofe 


Of  an  Evangelical 'Repentance*.       5* 

pofe  of  good,  that  there  is  fuch  a  Paffion  or  Af* 
fe&ion  in  man :    For  if  it  be  plac'd  on  any  other 
objeft,  it  is  but  forrow  of  tbis  World,  how  juft 
fo  ever,  in  regard  of  any  evil  of  fuffr ring,  it  may 
feem  to  be:   It  is  but  forrow  to  Death,  and  fo  of  no 
good  at  all  to  us,  but  evil ,  till  it  be  deriv'd  into 
a  higher  and  more  excellent  Channel  :  So  that  ic 
may    be  faid    of    this  forrow ,  as  Solomon  fays  of 
Laughter.  It  is  madnefs,  and  what  doth  it?  And  ia 
place  of  Thorns  crackling  under  a  Fot  5 
It  is  as  the  flow  Fire,    of  too  near  a-     Ecclef.  7. 
greement  with  that  of  BrimHone  of    2.  fyc. 
the  Lal^e :  It  is  not  of  any  merciful 
or  gracious  ufe,  but  for  the  manifeftation  of  the 
wrath,  and  difpleafure  of  God  againft  fin. 

2.  Let  us  conf  der  ferioufly,what  Jefus  Chrifl  ouf 
Lord  fuffered  under  the  fcnfe  of  fin  j  and  then 
think  vvhether  it  be  re_Xonable*  that  the  whole 
fhould  fall  on  him,  and  none  of  the  drops,  and 
end  of  ic,  come  to  us,  and  fo  be 
fiWd  up  by  us  *  We  fhould  never  Col.  T.  24. 
read  that  part  of  Sacred  Hiftory  t  f 
the  Agony  of  Chrifl)  but  we  fhould  deeply  take  it 
to  Heart,  Luke  22.44.  He  being  in  an  Agony \Prayed 
more  earneftly,  and  hisfweat  was  as  it  were  drops  of 
Blood :  Chrift  was  not  at  this  time  feiz'd  upon,  and 
in  the  hands  of  thofe  that  Crucified  him,  but  was 
in  perfect  Meditation,  in  an  entire  folitude  of 
Thoughts :  He  was  in  Contemplation  of  the  great 
evil  of  fin,  and  of  the  wrath  and  juf  rice  of  God 
upon  it  : 

We  may  then  fay,  Dyed  Chrifl  as  a  Fool  ?  Or  wa$ 

ChriSl  in  an  Agony,  as  a  Fool,  or  as  a  weakperfon? 

E  *  Did 


54        Of  an  Evangelical  Refentancel 

Did  he  not  purfue  the  true  Reafon  of  Things  ?  Did 
he  nor  follow  fin  by  his  holy  and  wife  confideration 
of  it  from  its  beginning  to  its  end  ?  Did  he  not  fee 
it,  as  God  looks  upon  ir,  and  as  the  Nature  of  fin 
requires,  it  fhould  be  looked  upon  ?  Did  he  not 
behold  it  in  the  ruin,  and  damnation  of  mankind, 
in  the  everlafting  horror  of  Confcience  in  Hell  i 
Jf  nor,  vvhy  this  Agony  ?  Did  he  not  behold  our 
fins  in  all  the  aggravations  of  them  ?  Elfe  why  was 
our  Lord  under  a  forrow,  that  no  ones  forrow  was 
like  to  it :  He  might  juftly  fay,  to  all  that  Read  of 
it,  behold,  was  any  mans  forrow  like  to  mine  ? 
Ought  we  not  therefore,  though  we  cannot  fuffer, 
as  he  did  ,  nor  to  fuch  an  effect  of  Suffering  ? 
Yet  ought  we  not  to  be  Conformed  to  our  Head? 
If  thefe  things  were  done  in  the  green  Tree,  ought 
there  not  to  be  a  Conformable  Senfe  of  them,  upon  us, 
who  are  as  the  dry  Tree,  and  much  more  reafon- 
bly  to  be  foaifeded7 

g.  The  great  difadvantages  that  come  upon  the 
profeffionof  Chriftianity,  in  the  want  of  this  godly 
forrow  >prefs  for it. 

i.  Either  Men  reft  and  center  in  afalfe  Repen- 
tance :  The  fallow  ground  of  the 
Jerem.  4: 3:  Heart  is  not  truly  broken  up,  fo  that 
they  forv  on  the  Ityck,  or  among  Thorns, 
and  build  in  the  Sand\  and  their  Repentance  is  not 
this  Repentance,  the  Apoftle  fpeaks  of;  they  do 
Rot  go  down  to  the  bottom  of  the  Heart ,  nor 
dig  deep  to  find  the  Springs  of  true  Repen- 
tance: 
■ 

2:  Or, 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*       53 

2.  Or,  2dly,  Suppofe  the  Repentance  not  Falfe ; 
fuchareyetin  Danger  of  Falls  after  Conversion; 
for  no  man  is  fo  truly,  and  continually  afraid  of 
fin,  as  he  that  hath  found  the  fmart  and  evil  in  pro- 
founded  forrow  for  it. 

2,.  There  is  Danger,  when  godly  forrow  hath  not 
had  its  perfeft  worl^ ,  there  fhould  arife  after  per- 
plexities of  Confcience,  either  upon  the  furprifal 
of  outward  Afflictions,  or  on  the  Death  Bed,  and 
fometimes  with  great  Agonies,  becaufe  we  have 
not  gone  through  the  exa&  courfe  of  Repentance 
in  forrow  for  Cm>  and  after  God. 

4.  Oftentimes  God  leads  through  outward  Cha- 
ftifements,  to  bring  us  through  a  more  folemn 
fenfe  of  fin,  and  the  evil  of  it  *,  and  to  clofer  a&s  of 
felf  Judging^  and  more  exacl:  Reformation  of  our 
Hearts  and  ways, 

4.  That  we  may  be  under  the  full  efficacy  of 
godly  forrow,  God  hath  made  that  gracious  promifc, 
EZek*  3$*  25*  That  he  will  tal^e  away  the  Heart  of 
Stone,  and  give  the  f/ea*t  of  Flefh:  Thus  that  Ada- 
mantine  <md  nether  Millfione  Temper  is  removed, 
ani  a  fofc  tender  Heart,  that  fears  the  firft  ap- 
proach of  fin,  is  JnrroducM. 

It  may  feem  an  objection  againft  this  Doftrine 
cf  forrow  for  fin,  as  if  the  prefhng  of  it  is  a  De- 
rogation from  the  Blood  of  Chrif},  and  the  fuinefs 
of  his  Redemption;  as  if  his  j uffe rings ,  fa  en fee,  and 
fat isfaclim  were  not  enough,  without  our  forrow, 
as  a  kind  of  Penance. 

E  3  But 


54        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentancel 

But  this  I  fhall  endeavour  fully  to  remove  here- 
after, as  the  fame  ODjecYion  may  feern  to  lye  againft 
the  whole  Doftrine  of  Repentance. 

I  will  therefore  conclude  this  part  of  the  Dif- 
courfe,  vi^.  concerning  forrow  for  fin  by  giving 
fame  pra&kal  inferences  by  way  of  Application  from 
it. 

Infer,  r.  Let  us  be  content  to  fuffer  in  the  Fie  fa 
as  the  Apoftk  Peter  fpeaks,  i  Feter  4.  4.  by  deep 
forrow  tpr  fin  and  after  God,  as  it  were  the  Death  of 
the  Flefh,  and  of  the  corrupt  part ;  that  we  may 
Liv°  according  to  God  in  the  Spirit  \  arm  your  f "elves 
with  the  fame  mind^  that  was  in  Chrijl :  Be  willing 
to  &e  as  Condemned,  and  put  to  Death  in  the  fenfe 
of  fin*,  deiire  to  know  Hell,  and  everlafling  Mife- 
rys  as  he  did,  in  your  own  fenfe  of  v ;  he  wene 
down  to  Hell  in  the  Contemplation  of  it,  though 
not  Locally  :  Let  us  be  in  the  Y.otvmicty  in 
the  Communion  in  the  Fellowship  of  hi* 

Phil.  $.10.     Sufferings:  It    is   better  to  know  it 
now,  and  here,  while  it  may  be  ef- 

cap'd,  than  to  know  it  hereafter;  when  there  will 

be  a  gulf  between  it,  and  the  ftate  of  Life,  that 

cannot  bepaffed. 

Infer.  2:  Let  us  pofTefs  our  felves  with  the 
mighty  Reafons  and  Arguments  of  godly  jorrow*, 
the  Motives,  and  inward  operative  Influences  of 
it  j  the  ferious  consideration  of  the  great  evil  of  fin, 
the  foulnefs  of  it,  the  difhonour,  the  neglect,  the 
contempt  of  God,  that  is  found  in  it;  the  unrea- 
fonable  ingratieude,  and  unkindnefs  of  it  to  the  Lord 
our  God>  and  to  Jefus  Chrijl  the  Saviour,  and  Re- 
deemerj 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance".        55 

deemer;  but  efpecially  let  us  earneftly  beg  that 
Spirit  of  Grace,  and  Ingenuous  fenfe,  that  may 
caufe  us  to  be  in  bitternefs,  as  he  that  is  in  bitternefs 
for  his  Fir  si  Born;  that  we  may  thus  forrow  after 
God. 

Infer,  3.  Let  us  fweeten  to  our  felves  ,  that 
which  may  feem  very  harfh,  and  contrary  to  Fkfh 
and  Blood  ;  this  forrow  after  God;  with  the  confi# 
deration  of  this ;  that  Chrift  hath  eftablifhed  a 
BlefTing  upon  it,  the  bleffing  of  an  everlafling 
Confutation,  Luke  6.  21,  25.  Blefed  are  you  that 
Mourn,  and  that  Weep  j  for  you  fl;all  be  Comforted: 
And  on  the  other  fide,  there  is  a  Woe  on  them  that 
Laugh  now ;  Confider  \  Chrift  the  Captain  of  our  Sal- 
vation, and  all  the  Saints  of  God  h.ve  pafled 
through  the  Vally  of  Baca,  this  Valley  of  weeping, 
the  way  to  the  Heavenly  Jerujalem,  while  the  mad 
roaring  merry  World  are  going  that  broad  way 
down  to  Deiiru&ion:  This  works  that  Repentance 
to  Salvation  never  to  be  Repented  of 

Head  3d.  I  come  now  to  the  Third  Head  in  the 
Dottrin  of  Repentance,  and  that  is  to  Difcourfe  the 
true  Laws  and  Rules  of  Repentance,  the  Frame, 
aid  the  true  conftitution  of  Repentance ;  the  Mo- 
tives ,  and  confiderarions  for  it  j  the  figns  and 
evidences  of  true  Repemarce;  all  which  muft 
n^eds  be  very  great  \  in  that,  ic  is  Repentance  to  Sal- 
vation, not  a  falfe,  or  counterfeit  Repentance,or  but 
to  be  Repented  of  ;  not  to  be  recalFd,  revers'd,  or  re- 
pented, but  to  be  coufirm'd  by  progreflive,  repeated 
Ads,  and  renewals  after  Falls,  even  till  it  lays  hold 
of  Salvation* 

E  4  Genera 


5^        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentar.ce. 

General  i.  Iu  the  opening  the  grand  Doftrin  of 
Repentance,  as  on  this  head,  I  (lull  endeavour  to 
guide  the  Difcourfe  of  it,  by  keeping  to  the  Oriel:, 
proper  and  precife  Nature,  and  notion  of  Repen- 
tance ;  For  I  know  it  does  not  really,  and  fub- 
flantially  differ  from  other  grand  Evangelical  No- 
tions of  a  through  change  of  Heart,  and  Life  *,  as 
Regeneration,  tbenewCteation;  a  new  Heart,  anew 

Spirit  ;  the  Laws  of  God  pit  into  our 
Jerem.  31.  Hearts,  and  writ  in  our  minds,  that 
Ezek.  56,       we  way  never  depart  from  him  \  the 

Heart  of  Stone  tal^en  out  of  our  Flefb^ 
and  having  Hearts  of  Fk(h\  a  being  cau^d  to  wall^ 
in  his  ftatutes  and  judgments,  and  to  do  them  :  Uif 

fear  put  into  cur  hearts  and  his  (j/Sr/f; 
rial.  19.12.  within  us;  It  is  Mortification,  and 
19.  Sanctification;  Ic  is  Converfion,   ard 

turning  to  the  Lord  ;  a  being  cieans'd 
from  fecret  fms  and  Ice-pt  bacl^from  prefumptuousfms, 
acleanfing  cur  way y  by  ta\ing  heed  thereto  according 
)e  word  of  God  ;  the  ordering  our 
Ffal.  lie.  ftcps  in  his  word^  that  no  Iniquity  may 
133.  have  dominion  over  lis  i  Nay,  It  dif- 

fers nor  from  Fairh  in  the  Blood  of 
Ghrift  by  any  Effential  Difference;  from  feeking 
Pardon  and  Reconciliation  by  Fairh  in  that  great 
Attonemenr,  and  Sacrifice  ;  nor  from  the  Love  of 
Chrift)  constraining  all  thofe,  who  Lives  that  is,  have 
their  Lives  given  to  them,  through  his  Death,  to 
Live  to  him,  who  dyect  for  them\  All  thefe  are,  as 
I  havefaid,  Eflemially,  and  fubftanrially  the  fame: 
Gut  yet  there  is  a  very  Diftind,  and  even  Critical 
confideration of  Repentance,  that  I  fhall  apply  to 
la  the  prefent  Treaty,  under  thefe  three  heads. 

Fartu 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.        57 

Particular  ift  »  Repentance  carries  always  a 
Notion  of  fevere,  and  rigorous  Afte  in  relation  to 
our  felves  upon  account  of  our  Sins,  and  high  Of- 
fences agai  nil  God  : 

PaAticular  2.  Repentance  imports  very  clofe, 
and  particular  Ngotpnons,  and  TranfacYions  with 
God  in  Relation  to  F.rgivenefs;  and  fuch,  asex- 
prefs  our  particular  ihame,  and  forrow,  that  we 
have  offended  him  *,  and  earned  defrres,  that  he 
would  fhewto  us,  that  he  is  at  Peace  with  us,  and 
hath  Pardon'd  ail,  that  is  part  in  Chrift: 

Pantcular  5.  Repentance  is  a  hearty  an  univer- 
fal  Change  of  our  inward  Thoughts,  Ccunfel,  Pur- 
pofe,  and  Defign  5  and  of  our  outward  Convei ra- 
tion, out  of  a  true,  and  real  Hatred,  and  difiike 
of  what  we  have  been,  done,  and  chofen  ;  and  a 
Love,  Choice,  and  Delight  in  what  we  have  not 
been,  and  have  not  done,  nor  delighted  in. 

Particular  r.  Repentance  confifts  of  many 
great,  and  fevere  Acts  in  Relation  to  our  ftlves  •,  up- 
on Account  of  our  fins,  and  High  Offences  againft 
God  ;  under  uhich  [  will  in  every  one  of  them, 
fhew  the  great  excellency,  and  ufefulnefscf  this 
duty,  and  the  acceptablenefs  of  it  to  God. 

1.  The  feriou  ft,  and  moft  dec^>   exa- 

mination of  our  Hears,  and  Thoughts,  and  Lives, 
fo  as :o  know  them,  and  to  fit  in  Judgment  upon 
them,  is  found  in  true  Repentance .  This  is  a  won- 
derful Power,  and  grace  tha:  G^d  gives,  when  he 
gives  Repentance  ;  that  a  Man  (hall  be  made  to  fit 
upon   himfelf,  and  to  dall  himieif  to  an  Account, 

to 


58       Of  an  Evangelical  Repent ancel 

to  fearch  himfelf  as  it  were,  with  Candles^nd  to  fay, 
what  have  I  done  ?  To  fearch,  and  to  try  his  ways,  and 
to  turn  to  the  Lord,  ro  think  of  his  ways,  and  to  turn 
hit  Feet  to  God's  Teftimonies$  to  declare  hit  ways  in 
God's  hearing  j  and  becaufe  his  own  fearch  cannot 
be  clofe,  and  exaft ;  to  cry  oat  to  God, 
Pfalm  139.  to  fearch,  and  to  try  him,  and  to  lead 
23,24.  him  into  the  way  everlasting:    And 

this  is  performed  by  laying  a  mans 
Actions  to  the  Line  and  F^ule  of  the  Law  of  God, 
and  entring  into  the  particulars  of  every  Com- 
mand 5  of  every  Age,  and,  as  much  as  may  be, 
every  great  and  remarkable  Action. 

Now  this  is  evidently  a  very  fapernatural  effi- 
cacy  j  for  we  fee  how  afraid  we  are  all  of  it  j  3 
Man  in  this  way  of  Inquifition,  and  Vifuation  of 
himfelf,  is  in  a  manner  v  as  afraid  of  himfelf,  as 
he  is  of  God;  and  hides  himfelf  from  himfelf, 
even  as  from  the  Eyes  of  God ;  it  is  true,  when 
men  are  in  the  cariere  of  fin,  they  are  bold  enough 
with  themfelves  %  they  devife  mifchief  upon  their 
Bed,  the  fecret  Thought  and  Heart  of  every  one  of  us 
is  very  deep  in  fin  $  and  we  know  it,  and  are  willing 
enough  to  know,  we  know  it ,  when  all  is  of  a 
Peice  i  to  go  on  in  fin ;  But  when  a  Man  finds  him- 
felf coming,  as  a  Judg  upon  himfelf;  he  is  pre- 
sently aware  of  himfelf,  and  defirousto  hide  him- 
felf from  himfelf,  and  toftartaway  from  himfelf ; 
when  any  therefore  come  to  fay  to  themfelves,  I 
will  find  out  all  the  fecret  ways  of  my  own  fin- 
ful  Heart,  of  my  Pride,  of  my  Luft,  of  my  Hi- 
pocrify,  of  my  Deceit ,  of  my  Formality,  and 
vain  (hews  in  Religion,  and  the  worfhip  of  God ; 
that  I  may  Reform  all,  and   caft  out  all  that  is 

evil 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*        59 

evil :  I  will  be  known  ro  nr  (elf,  even  the  worft 
of  mv  felf  I  will  make  known  to  my  felf,  to  nace 
and  to  loarh  ir  j  we  may  certainly  fay,  Ic  is  very 
hopeful,  God  is  giving   Repentance  to  Life  :   For 
I  would  not  walk    in    Difguife  ,    under  a  Vizor^ 
and  3  Mask  to  my  felf ;  we  hear  therefore  fo  often 
this    Vc  ice    of    Scripture,    Examin 
your  feltes.  prove  yovr  own  fell es&norv  ye     2  Cor. 
not  your  own  Jelves  ?  except  we  are  in 
a  ftate  that  as  to  its  prefent,  is  reprobated  by  God> 
So  let  a  man  Examin  himfelf  let  him  prove  his  owp» 
work.  Gal  6, 

Tht  rr  are  certainly  many  Truths  of  God,  and 
parrs  cf  Beligion,  and  of  the  Action,  and  Duty 
of  k,  that  a>e  more  fmooth  and  agreeable  ro 
Men  of  Reafon.  and  ingenious  Temper  5  that  do 
not,  though  feemingly  complyed  with,  fearch  the 
carnal  unre generate  Heart  to  the  bottom:  Thefe 
therefore  will  not  give  fuch  Evidence  of  the  Truth 
of  Grace,  and  of  the  mighty  Operation  of  the 
Pivine  Spirit :  But  this  Durv  of  Selt-examination, 
itcanferve  no  Carnal  Interefr;  fo  far  as  a  man  is 
led  in  it,  he  is  led  by  rhe  mighty  Hand  and  Power 
of  God:  For  in  this  Poinr,  he  is  elfe  ready  to  be 
Merciful  to  himrelf  to  (pare  himfelf. 

When  God  caufes  a  man  to  fearch  himfelf,  that 
what  is  loweil,  and  at  the  bottom  in  him,  may 
rife  up;  when  he  makes  a  Man  purfue  himfelf,  and 
all  his  fins,  till  he  can  find  none  that  he  hath  not 
had  his  Eye  and  his  Search  upon;  furely,  there  is 
nothing  that  more  allures  a  fincere  work  of  God 
upon  a  mans  Heart,  nor  nothing,  more  than  the 
want  of  this,  Difcovers  Infinceriry, 

2.  lu 


So        Of  art  Evangelical  Repentance! 

2.  Id  true  Repentance  there  is  an  Authoritative 
and  down  right  Self-Judgding,  a  Condemnation  of 
what  is  Evil,  and  contrary  to  the  Word  of  God, 
and  the  Laws  of  Holinefs,  and  Rules  of  the  Gofpel 
of  Chrift  y  In  Repentance,  a  man  muft  plainly 
fay  with,  and  in  the  Authority  of 
2  Sam.  12.  God  upon  himfelf,  Thm  art  the  Man, 
i.fyc.  Thou  art  fuch  a  finner,  fuch  an  un- 

clean, fenfual  ,  voluptuous  Perfon : 
Thou  art  fuch  a  Covetous,  Worldly,  Griping,  Ex- 
torting Perfon:  Thou  art  fuch  a  deceitful,  unjufc 
Cheat,  or  Lyar :  Thou  art  fuch  a  Hipocrite,  that 
arc  more  afraid  of  the  Eye,  of  the  judgment  of 
the  cenfure  of  Man,  than  of  God  :  Thou  art  he, 
that  choofeft  any,  or  fuch,  and  fuch  a  Sin,  rather 
than  Affliction :  This  plainly,  and  in  the  Name  of 
God,  and  of  Confcience,  that  is  made  a  Judg  with- 
in a  Man,  and  the  Soul  hearing  it  with  Terror,  and 
Awe  upon  it,  is  the  true  Work  of  Repentance: 
This  is  a  fever e  Difcipline,  a  day  of  Terror  in? 
deed  u;»cn  the  Sou1,  when  it  is  carried  home  by 
the  Hand,  and  Finger  of  God. 

Now  this  Scripture  calls  a  Judging  our  Selves, 
and  this  Self  examination,  and  Self-judging  are  re- 
commended to  us,  as  what  would  fave  Gods  Judg- 
ing us :  If  we  would  judg  our  [elver, 
I  Cor.  1 1. 3 1  we  fhoulJ  not  be  Judged  of  the 
Lord',  and  furely  if  it  be  done  to 
the  purpofe,  and  fo  as  ftronglv  to  afTeft  the  Heart  ; 
icisa  very  grea  the  Spi  it  of  God,  and 

.rilt,  convincing  of  Sint  and 
John  1 6.  of  Right  eoufnefs,  and  of  Judgment ; 
8,  &c4  And  I  fhould  rather  crtoofe  it,  as  ar* 

Evidence  of  the  Grace  of  God,  chap 

fotae 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.       61 

fome  fair  appearances,  that  corrupt  Nature  can  bet- 
ter bear. 

3.  In  Repentance  there  is  a  real  Trembling,  and 
Affli&ing,  and  Grieving  ,  and  Shaming  a  Mans 
felf  j  a  fmicing  on  a  Mans  Thigh,  a  being  Afmrrid 
and  Confoundedly  bearing  the  Reproach  of  our  trays.  ; 
a  loathing  our  [elves,  an  abhorring  our  [elves  in  duftand 
ajhes ;  a  not  opening  of  $ur  Mouths  \n  any  [elf  Apology  * 
or  Jujiification ,  but  a  fmiting  on  our  Bretitt,  as  fo 
great  Jinners,  as  the  chief  of /inner  s.  This  is  the  true, 
and  real  work  of  Repentance  in  this  part  of  it: 
This  is  a  truly  Spiritual  Penance,  in  comparifonof 
which  all  impofed  Bodily  hardfhips  are  nothing; 
and  yet  if  God  lays  Affliction  upon  us,  though  it  be 
very  fevere  j  there  is  an  Accep- 
tance of  the  Fmmflithent  of  our  Ini-  Lev.  26.41. 
quities. 

Oh  !  that  God  would  enable  us  to  thefe  fecret 
Afts  upon  our  corrupt  felves,  to  rend  our  Hearts, 
and  not  our  Garments,  to  Sacrifice  to  Gxd  broken 
Hearts,  and  contrite  Spirits,  to  Tremble  at  his  word, 
to  humble  our  [elves,  and  to  lye  down  before  him, 
with  our  very  Souls  and  Spirits  as  well  as  to  roll 
our  Bodies  in  the  Duft.  Oh  \  that  God  would 
give  us  thefe  proofs  of  true  unfejgn  d  Repentance. 

4.  There  follows  in  a  true  Repentance,  a  real  ex~ 
ecucion  upon  our  corrupt,  impure 
felves,  a  cutting  off  the  Right  Hand,  Mark  9. 43, 
and  the  Rjght  Foot,  a  pulling  out  the 
Right  Eye  ,  a  true  Spiritual  being  put  to  Death,  a  flay- 
ing,  a  crucifying  our  jelves  in  the  Flefh,  that  we  may 
live  to  God  in  the  Spirit  \  a  fuffering  the  Spirit  of 

Judgment 


6%      Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance* 

Judgment ,  and  of  Burning,  a  faking  the  Saorifice,  not 
only  with  Salt,  but  with  Fire. 

Now  All  thefe  Things  are  of  great  ufe,  as  they 
arc  Acknowledgments  of  the  Righteous  Judgment 
«f  God,  due  to  us  in  our  Eternal  Condemnation, 
as  they  are  Judging  our  felves  to  the  very  Fire  of 
Hell ;  As  they  declare  the  exceeding  Evil  of  Sin, 
and  the  Foulnefi  of  it  *,  as  they  fhew  us  the  ahfo- 
late  Neceffiry  of  a  Redeemer  ,  as  they  lay  a  Foun- 
dation of  feparatittg  our  felves  from  fin,  and  of  the 
fitter  Hatred  of  iu  And  laflly,  They  are  fuch ,  as 
rm.fi  needs  refult  from  Rarional  Nature,  endued 
with  molt  powerful  Principles  of  the  Law  of  Righ- 
teoufttefs,  Knowledge  of  God,  and  of  his  Righte« 
<©us  judgment,  written  in  the  We  arts  and  the 
Thoughts  he  hath  made  %  the  Confcienee  he  hath 
created,  eirher  for  Accufing  or  Excufing  ;  and  efpe- 
ciaily  all  thefe  mightily  fet  home  by  the  power  of 
the  Spirit  of  God  ;  that  fo  he  may  have,"  though 
toozReal  Satkfdlion  from  the  Sinner  \  for  that  is  *- 
tone  from  Chrtft,  Yet  fuch  an  Honorary  fatisfaUhn% 
and  Acknowledgment ;  as  is  due  from  a  finner,  even 
is  his  very  Soul,  and  from  the  bottom  of  his  Heart ; 
in  the  Daft  wherein  rhe  Lord  is  pacified  towards 
bhm,  that  files  for  Refuge  to  the  hope  fet  before 
him* 

Particular  2.  The  jecond  Particular  in  this  Head, 
concerning  Repentance,  in  the  SriS  confider ation  of 
It,  is>  That  it  imports  very  clofe  and  particular  Negoti- 
ation, and  Tranfattions  with  God,  in  relation  to  For- 
givenefs\  and  fuch,  as  exprefs  our  particular  fhame9 
and  forrow>  that  we  have  offended  him  *•>  and  earneji 
Defires,  that  he  muld  fftew  U4>  that  he  is  at  peace 

with 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*      6$ 

with   us%  and  hath   pardon!  d  all  that  is  pafs'd   in 
Cbri8. 

Under  this  I  willDifcourfe  thefe  following  Parti- 
culars . 

I.  In  Repentance :  The  Humble,  Repenting  Soul 
cafts  it  felf  down  in  the  moil  lowly,  and  SeJf-aba- 
iing  Acknowledgment  of  fin,  and  confdlion  of  it. 
Scripture  therefore  points  fo  much  at  Confejjion  :  He 
that  confejjeth,  and  firfa\eth  :  He  mud  firft  confefsy 
and  then  for  fake  his  fins,  and  he  (hall  find  mercy 9 
Prov.  28.  13.  And  David  defcribes  a  Penitent,  as 
one ,  in  whofe  Spirit  there  is  no  guile :  that  is,  he  makes 
an  open,  fmcere,  hearty  Confeflion.  This  is  one 
Branch  of  the  Defcription  of  the  Blefled  Man, 
whofe  Iniquities  are  forgiven,  and  whofe  fins  or?  co- 
vered; and  to  whom  the  Lord  mil  not  impute  Iniqui- 
ty: And  after,  it  follows,  I  acknowledged  my  Iniqui- 
ty unto  thee,  and  my  fm  have  I  not  hid:  I  [aid,  I  will 
vonfefs  my  tranfgreffion  unto  the  Lord,  and  thou  forga- 
vefl  the  Iniquity  rf  my  fn.  But  before  I  did  this, 
and  while  /  kept  filence,  thy  hand  was  heavy  upon 
me  5  fo  that  my  moifture  was  turned  inio  the  drought 
offummer,  Pfalm  32.  1,  &c.  I  acknowledge  my  tnanf- 
grefjion,  and  my  fin  is  ever  before  me,  Pfalm  $  i.^E^ra 
thus  made  confejjion,  c.  9.  So  Kehemiah,  c.  9.  So 
Daniel,  c.  9,  And  the  Apoftle,  John^  Ep.  1.  c. 
1. 0.  fays,  If  we  confefs  our  fins,  he  is  faithftl  and 
}ufl  to  forgive  us  our  fins,  and  to  clean fe  us  from  all  un- 
righteoufneft.  Thus  we  fee  how  much  Scripture  puts 
upon  Confejjion  throughout. 

Now  Confejjion  of  fm  is  not  accepted  of  God  for 
it  felf:  For  what  can  we  fuppofe,  the  Relation  of 

our 


6f      Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance^ 

our  fins  can  be  to  God,  the  Eyes  of  wfiofe  Holinefs% 
and  Glory,  are  foprovol£d  by  our  fins  ?  But  he  hath 
only  Regard  ro  us,  that  we  fhould  in  hatred  of  our 
fins,  and  of  our  rinful  felves,  expofe  them  with  ha- 
tred, and  abhorrence  of  our  felves  ;  and  becaufe  we 
are  refolved  co  have  rm  more  to  do  with  them,  we 
difcover  and  dered  them,  without  any  thing  of 
Guile,  without  any  Referve:  For,  as  the  Expref- 
fion  is  in  Job,  when  we  [pare  our  fins*  weroiltkem 
under  our  Tongues.     The  more  therefore  we  con- 
fefs  them  with  trouble  of  Mind,  and  in  bitternefs 
of  Spiric,    and    with    Refolutions   of  having  no 
more  to  do  with  them,  the  more  acceptable  is  our 
Confeffion  to  God  ;  becaufe  thereby  our  Confeffion 
the  more  attains  God's  Ends,  and  what  he  is  mod 
pleas'd  with  in  our  Confeffion.    For  therein  is  our 
iiicerky,  when  weconfefs  fin,  becaufe  it  is  Reafon- 
able  to  expect  we  will  not  be  reconcil'd  to  the  fins 
we  confefs :  For  that  is  for  the  Dog  to  return  to  his 
Vomit.    Confeffion  of  our  fins,  with  Loathing  and 
Abhorrence,  is  vomiting  themout  of  our  mouths.  And 
sherefore  to  return  to  them  again,  is  to  return  to  our 
V'vmt :   and  Confeffion  is  like  Wafhing  and  Purify- 
ing our  felves :  To  retturn  therefore  to  the  fins  we 
have  confefs'd  is  wallowing  our  [elves  in  the  mire,  af- 
ter wafhing.     This  feems  fo  Reafonable,  and  ev^n 
NeceiTary,   that  when  it  is  firft  (aid,  He  that  hideth 
and  cover  eth  his  fins,  (hall  not  profper  :  Then,  he  that 
eonfejjeth,  and  forfa^eth,  (liall  find  mercy.     It  is  fup- 
pofed,  if  any  Man  does  not  confefs,  he  will  not  for- 
p%;  but  if  he  confefles,,  he  does  it  in  order  to  for- 
JaJ^ing.    But  yet  becaufe  Men  are  fo  apt  to  deceive 
themfelves  with  Formality,  and  to  think,  God  may 
be  fa  put  off,  and  pleased,  he  adds)  lie  that  not  on- 
ly 


Of  an  'Evangelical  Repentance*      6$ 

Iy  confefl.'th,  but  does  that  which  is  fo  neceflary  with 
Confeflion  ftrfa1>es  *,  {hall  find  mercy. 

Thus  Solomon,  all  along  his  Pray-  i  Kings  8. 
ei\  joyns  manv  Expreilions,  that 
are  the  undoubted  Afts  of  fincere  Repentance,  to- 
gether with  the  Confeffion  of  fin  And  if  Confeflion 
be  thus  joyn'd  with  Sorrow,  Shame,  Trouble,  Ha- 
tred of  (ins  and  urtcr  reparation  from  them  *,  ic 
couJd  not  defervedly  fall  under  that  Ridicule,  and 
Contempt,  that  prophane  men  put  upon  it;  as  if 
it  were  the  telling  God  only  the  Story  of  our  wick„ 
ed  Hearts,  or  Lives  :  But  without  other  fincere, 
effective  Powers  of  Repentance,  i:  too  juftly  falls 
under  that  Reproach  *,  but  any  fuch  Reproach, our  Lord 
will  return  upon  us,  and  our  Confeflion. 

2.  Fn  Repentance  there  is  an  earned  and  moft  ve- 
hement, butalfo  mod  humble  Application  to  the 
Throne  of  Grace,  in  Jefus  Chri  t,  for  Pjrdon  and  Re- 
conciliation*, and  with  fuch  a  Continuance  and  Per- 
feverance,  as  till  there  be  fome  Anfwer,  that  God  is 
our  Gracious  Father  in  Chrift ;  that  we  hear  the 
Joyful  found,  that  our  fins  are  forgiven  us.  It  is  not 
only  that  common  and  formal  way  of  asking  Pardon, 
whether  we  mind  it  or  not;  but  to  make  it  our  Bu- 
finefs,  the  Aim  and  D^fign  of  our  Souls,  till  we  re- 
ceive fome  gracious  aiTurance,  that  our  Defires  are 
anfwered,  and  our  Pravers  heard.  The  truly  Re- 
penting finner  fitteth  alone,  and  Igepeth  fi/ence  ;  that 
is,  he  is  in  a  waiting*  and  earnefUy  expelling  poflure ; 
He  pntteth  his  mouth  in  the  dufi,  if  there  may  be  hope} 
He  faith  of  God,  He  is  my  portion ;  he  hath  pro- 
mifed  pardon,  therefore  will  I  hope  in  him  :  For  in- 
deed the  Lord  \s  good  to  all  that  thus  wait  for  him  , 
te  the  foul  that  thus  fee^eth  him  :  It  is  good  therefore 
F  fir 


00        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance! 

fir  a  man,  that  he  both  hope,  and  quietly  wait  for  the 
falvation  of  the  Lord ',  It  it  good  for  a  man  to  bear  the 
T  l>e  in  hti  youth  :  Till  G  d  is  pleas'd  to  fay  to  him, 
Be  of  good  cheer ,  J  am  thy  falvation  :  Fear  not,  I  have 
blotted  out  thy  Tranf/reffions  as  a  cloudy  and  thy  fins 
as  a  thicl^  chui :  Wnen  they  are  fought  for,  there 
(hill  be  mne\  and  though  they  are  fearch'd fir>they 
fl) all  not  be  found.  For  thus  the  truly  repenting  (in- 
ner follows  hard  after  God  :  Repentance  is  a  Grace 
on  purpofe  for  the  Cuing  out  Pardon  and  Reconci- 
liation. \ni  bccauie  it  is  moved  and  a&ed  by 
Faith,  it  feeks  this  Pardon  in  Chrift,  and  through 
the  Mediator ,  by  whom  alone  [(epzntance  bath 
place,  and  from  whom  alone  the  Notion  of  it  fprings,  as 
hath  been  fhewn  :  Thus  David  in  his  Repentance 
renewed,  through  the  whole  Pfalm  51.  repeats  and 
redoubles  hi*  prayer  for  pardon  \  as  if  he  would  not 
ceafe,  nor  be  quiet,  rill  he  had  the  ajurance  of  it: 
He  turns  himfelf  therefore  everyway  to  God,  and 
all  the  Efficacies  of  his  Grace  for  Pardon,  and  with 
a  Refpect  to  the  Blood  of  Chrift,  under  the  Hy- 
fop. 

Particular  5,  In  true  Repentance,  the  Soul  makes 
Full  and  Firm  Refolutions  of  New  Obedience,  and  j4- 
mtndment  of  Life ;  and  fuch  as  are  ready  to  ifTue 
out  into  A&ion;  and  this  through  the  Grace, 
and  Power,  and  affiftance  of  the  Divine  Jpi- 
rir. 

And  herein,  indeed,  is  the  very  great  Point  of 
Repentance,  and  that  gives  Evidence  to  the  Truth 
of  all  that  goes  before  ;  When  there  is  fuch  a 
HlToc{Aihei0Ci  fuch  an  after  jollicitkde}itid  ferious 

afflu 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance^       6y 

affli&ive  Qoncernednefs  for  the  fmfulnefs  and  unholi- 
fiefs  of  our  former  Aclions  and  Uf\  that  we  can  no 
longer  endure  that  Scare,  or  Courfe,  in  regard  of 
the  very  anguifh,  and  trouble  of  Thoughts  upon  us^  as 
it  alfo  iflues  into  a  drift  Care  and  Government  over 
all  our  Future  Aftions,  to  keep  them  within  the 
Holy  Rule  and  Government  of  the  Word  of  God 
the  Laws  of  Holinefs,  and  of  Obedience  to  him: 
And  herewith  is  joyneda\|cT^;oia  .  fuch  an  Af 

ter-mind,  fuch  an   After -counfeU  fuch 
Second  Thoughts  as  change  the  whole    Matt.  3.  £• 
Purpfe  and  Manner  of  Life  :   fuch  an 
engaging  the  Heart  to  approach  to  God,  Jere.30.2  r. 
So  that  the  True  Penitent  is  prepared, 
and  actually  brings  forth  Fruits  meet    Ads  26.20. 
for  Repentance,  and  amendment  of  life. 
There  is  a  turning  from  Dar^nejs ;  that  is,  from  the 
whole  Night  of  Ignorance,  Injudicious  Mind,  Un- 
holinefsof  AcYion,  Sinfulnefsof  Life,  under  a  con- 
tinued Night,  and  Dunknef>\  to  Light  $  that  is,  to 
a  true  found  Judgment  and  Mind,  even  the  Spirit  of 
a  \ound  Mind,  and  rightlv  Informed  Vnderftanding', 
to  an  high  and  perfefl  fenje  of  things,  and  to  an«- 
mverfal  Holinefs,  Purity  and  <  leanjednefs  from  allfil- 
thinefs  of  Fit 'fh  and  Spirit,  and  fo  a 
perfecting  of  Holinefs    in   the  fear  of    2  Cor.   7. 
God:    a  juft  Account  of  the  Time     1. 
pajt,  as  that  which  may  have  much 
more  than  fufficed,  to  have  wrought  the  Will  of  the 
Gentiles,  and  to  have  fpent  in  the  Lufls  of  onr  lg« 
mrance  3   and  now  we  are  wholly  Dedicated   to 
God. 

F  2  This 


68         Of  an  Evangelical  Refentancel 

This  is  the  Noble  Grace  of  Repentance,  that  is, 
indeed,  to  falvation,  and  never  to  be  repented  of:  So 
wonderful  and  admirable  a  Contrivance  of  the 
Grace  of  God,  and  fuch  an  liluitftration  thereof, 
that  Angels,  even  the  whole  Heaven,  Reioyceth  over 
one  pinner  that  repents,  more  than  over  Ninety  Nine 
jufl  perfons  that  need  no  Repentance :  That  is,  there 
is  a  greater  Refplendency,  and  fhining  out  cf  the 
Glory  of  the  Divine  Companion,  and  Efficacious 
Power  of  hisSpirit  in  Repentance,  than  even  in  an 
innocent  State.  It  is  the  joyful  Aftonifhment  of 
Angels  and  Saints :  They  adore,  and  throw  their 
Crowns  before  God,  even  the  Crowns  of 
Luke  1 5.  Angelical  Perfetlion  -,  and  adore  the 
io.  Infinite  and  Incomprehenfible  My  fie- 

ry of  the  Divine  will  ',  that  when  the 
ilnning  Angels  had  no  allowance  of  after,  or  fecond 
thoughts;  of  after-care-,  or  judging  better,  of  an  af- 
ter-mind, but  are  under  Final  Impenitency,  and  in 
Chains  of  Darfyiefs,  to  the  Judgment  of  the  Great 
Day,  when  Repentance  to  Life  is  grant ed  to  men. 

The   Lord    hath  been  pleas'd  to 
Jerem.&go.    bring  out  of  that  Reprobate  Silver  in 
it  felf  fuch  Veffels  of  Mercy,  which 
2  Tim.  2.2 1     he  had  before  Prepared  to  Glory ;  mak- 
ing them  by-  Repentance  Veffels  meet 
for  the  matters  ufe,  prepared  to   every  good  TVorl& 
and  who  herein  yeild    this  great  Glory  to  Righ- 
teoufnefs,  and  Holynefs,  that  upon  full  Judgment 
and  Experiment  made  $  They  imcomparably  pre- 
fer Holynefs  to  alkthe  Pleafuresof  Sw*  that  are  but 
for  zfeafon-,  and  choofe  even  the  bitter  Draught, 
it  I  may  fo  fpeak,  the  bitter  Waters  of  Repen- 
tance, 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance \       69 

tance,  before  the  Intoxicating  Cup  of  the  Vleafnrcs 
of  Sin  that  are  but  for  a  feafon;  and  ftand  for  ever 
obliged  and  deeplyeft  indebted  to  true  Grace,  that 
not  only  their  after  thoughts,  and  Judgment  in 
Repentance  are  accepted  ;  but  that  they  are  Re- 
trieve by  the  Er.  carious  Operations  of  it  to  New- 
nefs  of  Life. 

General  2d,  I  have  thus  far  open'd  the  Nature 
of  Repentance,  by  confidering  the  ft  rift,  and  pre  - 
cife  Notion  of  ir,  and  (hewing  how  excellent,  ad- 
mirable, and  even  noble  aGrace,  this  Evangelical 
Grace  is,  even  in  that  ftrift  and  preciie  Notion  : 
I  will  now  go  on  to  confider  it  in  the  excellent 
motives,  and  Incentives  to  it;  that  will  further 
(hew  the  excellency  of  its  Nature,  and  then  the 
fignesof  irs  Truth,  that  it  i;  Repentance  of  the 
true  Allov  •,  the  truly  excellent  Nacure  under  that 
great  fign,  It  U  Repentance  to  Salvation,  and  that  is 
never  to  be  Repented  of,  which  is  the  Second  Gene- 
ral under  this  Third  Head  in  the  Do&rin  of  Re- 
pentance. 

Particular  1.  I  begin  with  Motives  to  this  true 
Repentance,  wherein  I  Record  thefe  following, 
of  which  I  will  but  briefly  fpeak,  having  already 
comprehended  much  of  them  :  And  as  they  are 
motives ,  fo  they  are  to  be  Iook'd  upon  as  the 
highefr  means,  arid  inflru&ion?,  fitted  by  God  for 
Repentance  }  and  the  Soul  accordingly  is  to  apply 
and  ftretch  forth  it  felf  in  the  ufe  of  them. 

r.  The  principal,  not  Motive,  but  Mover  is  the 

Supreme  Grace  and  Operation  of  the  Divine  Spi- 

S  F  3  ric, 


lo        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance. 

rit,  who   firs  as  a  Refiners  Fire,  and 
Mabc.  4,  2.     Fullers  $ddp  within  the  Temple  of  the 
Zcch.i  2.10     Siul'j  is  a  5/>/r*f  of  Grace,  and  of  Sup- 
Efay  4.  4.       plication,   a   Spirit  of  Judgment    and 
Burning,  wafting  away   the  Vilthinefs 
of  the  Flefi,  and  of  the  Spirit ;  The  divine   Spirit 
is  the  great  Superintendent  of   the   Grace  ,  and 
Work  of  Repenrance,  by  his  inward  Morives,  and 
Ovcrfhaddo  wings  of  the  Soul  -,  For 
Afts  ir.  18.     feeing   Repentance  is  the  Gift   and 
2Tim.2.2$.     Grant  of  Gody  the  Divine  Spirit,  that 
Luke  1 1.20.     is  the  Power  and  Finger  of  God,  muft 
needs   be    the  Supreme  Operator  : 
What  the  Love  of  God  is  the  Fountain  of  in  the 
Divine  Operation^  that  the  Spirit  of  God,by  whom, 
the   laft  Operarion,  and   Irfed  is  in  every  thing 
perfe£Ud,  is  the  immediate  Hand  and  Finger  that 
brings  i;  to  pafi;  and  fo  what  Jefus  Chrift  is  a 
Prince  to  Give;  that  which  is  his,  the  Riches,  the 
Purchafe  of  his  Redemption,  his  Spirit 
John  1 6. 15*    is  fent,  he  fends  him  in  the  Fathers 
Name,  to  ta\e  of  it,  and  to  give  it  to 
his  ^deemed.    Repentance   therefore    being  the 
Purchafe  of  the  Redemption  of  Chrift,  he  gives 
it  as  the  Fruit  of  that  Redemption ,  and  whence 
elfe  fhould  Repentance  arife  <*    For  except  by  ver- 
tue  of  the  Redemption  of  Chrift,  it  were  Created 
and  Born  with  us ,    It  is  not  in  any  Created  Power 
co  raife,  or  to  bring  it  forth  ;  That  belongs  to  the 
all  Creating  Power :  That  Chrift  hath  fhored  up 
the  Moral  Faculties  fo  far,  as  to  preferve  the 
polTibilitks  of  Repentance  is  Evident;  and  to  his 
Glory  be  it  declared-,  That  by  him  the  fame  mo- 
tions and  endeavours^  that  Natural  Conscience  hath 

to 


Of  an  Evangelical  Refentanctl        71 

to  Holynefs ,  and  Righteoufnefs  before  fin  ;  the 
fame  it  hath  to  Repentance  after  fin  ;  and  fo  even 
as  in  finning,  fo  in  not  Repenting  the  Impenitent 
.Sinner  is  moft  righteofly  Condemned. 

But  even  as  a  Man  cannot  exert,  nor  put  forth 
his  Faculties  to  Holinefs,  and  Righteoufnefs  be- 
fore fin  without  a  Regeneration,  and  new  Creati- 
on j  even  fo  can  he  not  afccr  fin,  either,  as  it  is 
habitual  in  his  Nature,  or  as  he  is  fallen  by  innu- 
merable Actual  Sins,  return  by  Repentance,  except 
by  the  fpecial  Afliftances  of  Divine  Grace,  and 
Almighty  Power. 

For  furely,  as  nothing  lies  for  ever  in  a  ftate  cf 
nothing,  except  an  almighty  moover  gives  Being 
from  himfelf  j  fo  Impenitency  lies  for  ever  in  a 
ftate  of  Impenitency,  except  an  infinire  Spirit 
of  Grace  give  Repentance  to  Life;  which  fhcws, 
that  mankind  Hands  in  no  other  ftate  for  Repen- 
rance,  than  it  does  to  Holinefs,  and  Righteoufnefs; 
There  is  that  preferv'd  in  him  ,  that  fhews  the 
goodnefs  of  both,  and  moves  him  to  both;  but 
how  to  Perform  in  either  he  finds  not,  but  as  he 
is  Affifted  by  Infinite  Grace,  and  by  an  Infinite 
Spirit :  And  this  fhews  Supremacy  of  Grace,  di- 
ftinguifhing  between  thofe,  to  whom  it  gives  Re- 
pentance unto  Life,  and  to  whom  it  does  not  give  ; 
evenasir  dtftinguifhr's  between  thofe,  to  whom  it 
gives  Regent ration,  Renovation,  new  Creation  to 
Holinefs,  and  Righteoufnefs  and  to  whom  it  does 
not  give. 

For  except  thefe,  even, Repentance,  new  Crea- 

rti,  Regeneration,  were  (o  by  Chrift  communicated 

to  our  very  Natures;  that  every  man  had  them  by 

the  very  Grace  of  continuing  Creation ;  except  he 

1 4  toft 


J i         Of  an  'Evangelical  Repentance. 

Loft  it  for  himfelf  (as  Adam  did  Original  Righre- 
oufuefs  for  himfelf,  and  his  Pofterltv)  which  no 
man  will  daretoatiert  \  ic  is  fo  evident  to  the  con- 
trary ;  elfe  what  is  not,  never  will  be;  and  whatis 
at  Reft  will  never  move,  except  an  Almighty 
Mover  give  it  Motion. 

For  though,  ic  is  true ;  the  Engrafted  Notions 
ot  Righteoufnefs,  and  Hoiinefs,  firft;  and  then  cf 
Repentance  in  cafe  of  f<n,or  Fall  have  a  Reildcnce 
in  the  very  Spiricof  Man,  or  Human  Nature;  ex-, 
cept  utterly  quencrfd  by  a  Malice  even  Diabolical 
as  in  the  fin  againft  the  Dhine  Spirit ;  yet  they  can- 
not rife  beyond  themfelves  to  true  Repentance, 
without  a  new  Donation  from  God  and  Chrift  by 
the  Holy  Spirit  *,  and  only  fhew  the  exceeding 
firft  Corruption,  and  Degeneracy  of  Human  Na- 
ture and  aggravate  Condemnation,  in  that  they 
reach  not  that  end,  they  mould  reach  to,  nor  in- 
deed to  their  own  utmoft  poffibilityj  but  men  are 
condemn'd,  and  depriv'd  of  further  Grace  by  noc 
improving  the  T^nt  given  to  them,  fo  far  as  they 
inJeed  might. 

But  from  all  this  it  arifes,  that  the  Supreme 
Mover  in  true  Repeatance,  is  tht  Holy  Spirit  of 
Grace  j  and  if  there  be  any  appeai  jnce  of  Repen- 
tance, that  is  not  a  Repentance  given  from  the 
Divine  Spirit ;  it  is  not  the  Repentance  to  Salvation, 
not  to  be  Repented  of,  but  a  fernblance  and  Counter- 
kit  only  of  ic. 

Now  in  this  point,  I  have  been  the  larger,  be 
eaufe  I  had  not  before  fpoken  to  it;  I  fhaii  but 
juft  name  thefc  following,  becaufe  I  have  before 
comprehended  them  in  former  Particulars,, 

2.  The 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.       73 

2.  The  ferife  of  our  own  loft  condition  without 
Repentance  is  generally  the  firit  motive  to  Re- 
pentance ;  in  which  regard  our  Lord  pronounces 
once,  and  again  j  except  ye  Repent ,  you  frail  all 
ferilby  Luke  1 3.  3.  5«  Repent,  and  turn  your  felves> 
fo  iniquity  (hall  not  be  your  ruin:  Caj\  away  your  Tr<,nf- 
greffionSy  triage  you  a  new  Heart  and  a  new  Spirit ; 
for  why  will  you  Die  ?  Implying  this  as  the  great 
motive  to  Repentance  ;  that  without  it  we  mutt 
needs  Die,  Lzek.  18.  5c.  Ads  17.gr.  Gcd com- 
mands all  Men  every  where  to  Repent ;  because  he 
hath  appointed  a  day,  wherein  he  will  Judg  the 
World  :  The  confederation  of  a  Judgment,  to  wit, 
of  Condemnation  upon  an  Impenitent  Perfon  is 
one  great  motive  to  Repentance. 

God  is  pleas'd  therefore  generally  to  ufher  in 
Repentance  by  a  fhaking,  an  Earthquake  in  the 
Soul,  fhewing'  it  the  Honors  of  Wrath  and  erer- 
nal  Punifhment  ,  which  is  call'd  the  Spirit  of  Bon- 
dage, Rom.  8.  15.  For  that  Law  of  Self-prefervati- 
on  being  feated  fo  deep  in  Man  j  the  fear  of  an 
evil  fo  Defiruftive  to  our  Beings,  as  wrath  to  comey 
and  the  eternal  Difpleafure  of  the  Supreme  Being  5 
Nothing  moves  (a  Itrongly  and  powerfully,  nothing 
makes  fo  violent  concuflions  in  the  Heart  of  Man, 
as  thefe  deep  apprehenfions,  or  tears  up  the  very 
Roots  of  that  old  finful  Frame  ,  and  make  it  fly 
every  way,  to  change  its  Scituation,  and  Pofture 
for  the  avoiding  of  that  Difpleafure  :  Thus  Nine- 
veh a$rightned  with  that  preient  dreadful  Denuncia- 
tion of  Judgmentjturn'd  it  feif  every  way  to  Attorn- 
ment with  God  j  although  the  Judgment  then  De- 
nounc'd  did  not  reach  to  Everla  fling  Punnifhment  ; 
how  much  mote  do  the  Apprdienfions  of  Wrath 

70 


74       Of  an  Evaugelical  Repentance*. 

tocome^  and  ever  to  come,  as  was  before  obferved 
of  it,  move  ?  And  though  this  is  not  the  high- 
eft,  and  nobleft  Kind  of  Motive  ;  yet  it  is  fuch  as 
our  Lord  earneftiy  ,  and  doubly  recommends 
to  his  Friends.     I  fay  unto  you  my  Freinds,  fear 

not  them  that  l>jll  the  Body,  and  have 
Luke  12.  no  more  that  they  can  do  ;  but  I  will 
1 4.  forewarn  you  whom  you  (hall  fear  ;  fear 

him  that  after  he  hath  kjWd ,  hath 
power  to  ca§t  into  Hell,  yea,  I  fay  unto  you>  fear 
him. 

3.  The  fo  great  Affiirance  God  hath  given  in 
Jefus  Chrift  the  Mediator,  and  Redeemer,  that 
our  fins  fhall  be  Pardoned  upon  our  Repentance,  , 
is  a  mofl  excellent  motive  to  Repentance,  and 
follows  the  former;  as  that  dill  Voice^  wherein  God 
is,didthe  Earthquake.,!  Kings  c  19a  2.ThisAfTurance 
is  that,  which  gives  Life,  and  Spirit  to  Repentance, 
and  alfo  the  true  Evangelical  Sweetnefs,  and  Di- 
vine Temper  to  it ;  which  elfe  would  turn  into 
the  Horrors  of  Cain  and  Efau,    which  afterwards 
relaps'd  into  a  Wordly  fecurity,  fenfelefnefs,  and 
fenfuality  ;  for  Cain  went  Ohtfrom  the 
Gen*  4.  1 5.     Vrefenee  of  the  Lord,  and  dwelt  in  the 
c.56.  15.         Land  of  Nod,  and  fell  to  Building  : 
Efau  became  a  great  Earthly  Prince, 
and  Father  to  many  Du^es,  without  any  further 
thought  of  the   Birthright,  or  Blejjing,  or  elfe  the 
horrors  arifing  from  the  fenfe  of  fio,  and  Divine 
Difpieafure   turn  into  the  Dcfpair  of  Saul ,  and 
Judas ,  that  are    but  the  forecafts  of  Hell,  and 
e'verlafting  reparation  from  the  prefence  of  God, 
and  the  light  of  his  Countenance.    This  fenfe  of  the 

Love, 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*        75 

Love,  and  Favor  of  God  in  Chrift,  is  that  which 
draws  the  Soul,  by  the  melting  ,  and  diflblving 
that  Stony  Heart,  and  making  that  Slijf  Neckj,  ind 
Iron  Svmew  to  be  ready,  and  pliant  to  all  Holy 
Rules,  and  Heavenly  Motions ;  and  fweetens  fear, 
forrow  ,  and  horror  into  Love,  and  Reverence , 
and  filial  difpofirions  to  Obedience;  while  there 
are  any  beginnings  of  foedding  abroad  the  Love  of 
God  in  the  Heart,  and  when  the  Love  of  Chrift  begins 
to  Conftrain  us:  This'  glance  of  the  Eye  of  Chrift 
on  Peter  with  Love,  and  Grace,  made  him  go  out 
and  weep  bitter!} ;  this  fenfe  of  Mercy  humbled 
David,  and  Diftilfd  into  all  thofe  Heavenly  Peni- 
tential Expreflions,  we  have  Pfal.  51. 

4.  When,  by  the  grace  of  God,  the  Heart  is 
deeply  Affefted  with  the  fight  of  the  great  Evil, 
abominable  Foulnefs,  and  Harefulnefs  of  fin  ;  and 
wirh  the  Beauty  of  Holineji  j  this  is  a  »~?  oft  efle&ive 
motive  to  Repentance;  when  we  are  ftruck  with 
the  fenfe  of  the  Intrinf  ck  fhamefulnefs  of  every 
evil  way,  the  falfenefs  of  thofe  appearances  of 
good,  that  are  found  upon  fin,  but  wen  an  Inheri- 
tance of  Lies  ;  it  makes  us  hate  every  falfe  way,  and 
caft  away  the  Things,  that  can  yeild  no  true  good 
or  profit  •,  and  of  which  we  have  reafon  for  ever 
to  be  afl)amcdy  the  end of  which  is  Death,  Rom.  6\ 
Through  the  word  of  thy  Lips  I  keep  my  felf 
from  the  Paths  of  the  Deflroyer.  Pfal.  17.4.  Through 
thy  Precepts  I  get  underft anding  ,  therefore  J  hate 
every  falfe  way.  Thy  word  is  very  pure,  therefore  thy 
fen  ant  hveth  it.  lhave found  thy  precepts  concerning 
all  things  to  be  right*  and  I  hate  every  falfe  way. 
The  righteo^fnefs  of  thy  Teflimomes    is  everlaSiing, 

give 


y6       Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance! 

give  me  understanding,  and  I  (hall  live,  Pfalm  1 1  pi 
The  Ltw  of  the  Lord  it  right,  converting  the  foul  \  the 
testimony  of  the  Lord  U  fure,  making  wife  the  fimple^ 
the  Statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right,  re)oycing  the  heart. 
How  fweet  are  thy  words  to  my  tafte7.  fweet  er  than  ho- 
ney to  my  mouth.  Moreover,  by  them  u  thy  fervant 
warned,  and  in  the  peeping  of  them  there  U  great  re- 
ward, Pfalm  19,  All  thefe  are  Expreflions  of  the 
mighty  Power  of  Holinefs  moving  to  Repentance; 
from  the  Beauty  and  Amtablenefs  of  it  lelf,  and  the 
Odioufnefs  of  Contrary  Sin  and  Evil. 

?.  The  Word  of  God,  throughout  all  thefe,  is 
the  Inftrument  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  and  with  the 
Variety  of  its  Divine  Reprefentations,  Collects,  and  . 
BirTufcs  into  the  Soul,  and  Univerfal  Spirit  of  a 
Man,  being  fuiced  to  every  Faculty  and  \ffeftion, 
the  fteafons  and  mighty  Efficacies  both  of  Fear 
and  Hope  ;  vi^  the  Wrath  and  Indignation  a- 
gainft  fin;  of  Grace  and  Mercy  in  Chri  it  to  the  tru- 
ly Repenting  (inner,  and  together  with  them,  the 
Beauty  of  Holiuefs,  and  the  Hatefulnefs  of  Sin.  For 
the  Word  of  God  is  the  Sword  of  the  Spirit,  execu- 
ting Vengeance  on  fin,  and  yet  fparing  the  Humble 
Returning  finner,  and  effectually  movinghim  by  it  to 
Repentance. 

6.  The  fixth,  and  laft  Motive  I  fhall  ufe,  is  the 
true  Consideration  of  the  Gofpel  ftate,  both  as  it 
is  now,  and  as  it  fhall  be  in  its  Glorious  Manifefta- 
tion  :  For  that  being  a  flare  fo  New,  and  fo  diffe- 
rent from  theprefent  ftate  of  Sin,  and  Flefti,  and 
Corruption,  we  can  never  be  fuued  toitbutbyihis 
great  Change,  by  Repentance  for  it :  the  pmting  off 
■  the 


Uf  an  Evangelical  Repentance,      .  >/ 

the  Old  Man %   which  it  corrupt,  accord- 
ing to  it  j  deceitful  Lufls,  and  put  tin?  on     Ephef.  4. 
the  New  Km,  which  is  renewed  after     22,  23. 
God,  in  Knowledge,  Righteoujnefs,  and 
true  Holinefs  ,  is  mod  abfolutely  necefTary  to  enjoy 
this   Kingdom:  And   this  is  the  Truth  of  Repen- 
tance ;  It  is  the  having  fuch  an  Eve 
upon  him,  who    is    Rifen  from    the     2  Cor.  $. 
Dead,  and  to  the   Refurreflion  of  the     15. 
Dead  it  felf,  as  to  know  neither  Per- 
fons,  nor  Things,   as  we  knew  them  before,   after 
the  Fief}).     On  this  account  our  Lord  fent  John  as 
an  Herald  before  him,  preachings    and  faying,  /^e- 
pent,  for  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  k  at  hand.     And  as 
foon  as  John  had  finifh'd  his  Miniftry   of  Repen- 
tance, to  (hew  it  was  not  only  the  MeJJage  of  the 
Forerunner,  but  of  the  Lord  himfelf,  whofe  way  he 
was  to  prepare,    Jefus  himfelf  from  that   time,  be- 
gan to  preach,  and  to  fay,  Repent  ;  for  the  Kingdom 
of  Heaven  U  at  tam/,Matth.  3.  1.  c.  4.  17.  he  (hewed 
to  us,  this  New  ftate  requires  New  Perfons,  New 
Hearts  and  Spirits,  New  Lives  and  Actions,  to  lay 
the  Foundations  and   Beginnings  of  it  here,  and 
now ;  and  that  it  may  breakout  into  Salvation,  and 
Glory,  at  the  Glory  of  that  Kingdom  :  That  it  may 
be  fo  tryed  now,  as  to  be  found  unto  Honour ,  Fraije, 
and  Glory,  at  the  appearance  of  Jefm  Chrift. 

I  come  now  to  the  fecond  part  of  this  Genera), 
vi^  to  difcourfe  the  fignsof  the  fincericy  of  this 
Repentance,  under  that  great  Note,  and  rnoft  fig- 
nal  Character  of  it,  That  it  is  Repentance  to  falvati- 
on,  never  to  be  repented  of  Which  gives  thefe  Four 
great  Characters  as  flgns  of  it. 

1.  Re- 


78      Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance* 

1.  Repentance  th.it  is  not  to  be  Repented  of,  muft 
Seave no  known  evil  or  fin  unrepenred  of:  For  then 
that  fin  fo  ears  into  the  very  heart  of  fuch  Repen- 
tance, that  it  needs  to  be  begun  a -new,  and  to  be 
entred  upon  a-frelh,  being  not  through,  and  fin- 
cere,  and  therefore  falfe  and  counterfeit  :  This 
makes  Scripture  to  often  infifl  upon  the  through  a- 
mending  our  ways  and  dungs  ;  and  re- 
Jerera.  7.  turning  to  God,  not  fignerfly,  but  with 
5.  the  whole  heart.     And  Chrift  bleffes 

Ads  5.  25.     in  turning  away  from  every  one  of  our  L 
Pfal.  65. 1 8  «     niquities.     If  I  regard  Iniquity,  viz.  z- 
ny  Iniquity,  in  my  heart,  the  Lord  md 
n&  hear  me.    The.  leaving  of  one  fin  unrepented 
of,  makes  a  man  double -mm  Jed,  and 
James  1.8     fo  unft able  in  all  his  ways,  who  can  ob- 
tain nothing  of  the  Lord,     He  mifles 
that  Great  Wifdom,  that  after-mind,  or  Wifdm  of 
True  Repentance:   David  in  the  fenfe  of   this  fo 
earneftlv  prays ;  Search  me,  Oh  God, 
Pfal.  139.       Try  my  Reins,  and  my  Thoughts  ;  and 
fee  if  there  b?  any  evil  way  in  me,  and 
lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting  :  And  to  (hew  his  fin- 
cerity,  he  fiys,  All  my  ways  are  before 
thee:    As  he  therefore  that  breaketh 
one  Command,  is  Guilty  of  all  ;  fo 
he  that  repents  not  of  all,  truly  re- 
pents of  none :  He  that  breads  one  of 
thefe    leafl,    Commands,    and  teacheth 
men  fo,  fljall  be  caWd  leafl  in  the  King* 
dem  of  Heaven.     I  was  upright  b?jore 
him,  and  Jt>ept  my  J elf  from  my  Iniqui- 
ty.   By  all  thus  ^nxi  many  more  fuch  like  5crip- 
tures>  it  is  molt  evident,  a,  Repentance  not  to  be  Re* 

pented 


James 

2. 

xo. 

Matrh. 

5- 

19- 

Pfalm 

18. 

23. 

vj  m  Hvangeucai  Kepentance*      79 

pentedof,  requires  Vniverjality:  For  willfully  mif- 
fing in  one  fin,  or  Duty,  it  betrays  it  felf  infincere 
throughout,  every  way  *,  it  hath  forgotten  it  felf,  if 
it  negleft  any  one  known  Grace.  Such  a  Repen- 
rance  is  blind,  and  cant  lool^  affar  off  and  fee  every 
way. 

2.  It  is  a  perfevering  continuing  Repentance, 
that  is  never  to  be  repented  of     It  mud  go  on j  it 
Renews  and  repeats  it  felf*  but  never  is  fo  tobe  re- 
pented of,  as  to  be  revers'd,  repented,  orrecaird. 
It  goes  on  even  till  it  touches,  and  even  enters  in- 
to falvation  it  felf:  For  it  u  better  not 
tohxvekpsvonthewaysof  Right  eottfne fs ,     2  Peter  2. 
than  having  knmn  them,  to  depart  from     21,  22. 
the  holy  Commandment  given  to  m.     For 
tofuch  it  happens,  according  to  the  true  Proverb:  The 
Dog  it  returned  to  hit  Vomit,  and  the  Swine  that  was 
wafhed,  to  her  wallowing  again  in  the  mire. 

He  that  hath  truly  repented,  finds  fnch  fatisfa&i- 
on  in  his  Repentance,  that  as  the  up- 
right man,  he  holds  on  hit  way, and  grows    Job  1 7.  9* 
fironger  and  ftronger  in  it.    And  in  cafe 
of  any  Falls  or  Returns  to  former  fins,  there  is 
both  a  daily  Renewal,  and  perfe&tng  of  Repen- 
tance for  lefrer  Failings,  and  fecret  Faults-,  and 
more  folemn  for  greater  Sins  and  Falls,     The  true 
Repenting  Soul  is  as  the  Light  that 
flnnes  more  and  more  to  the  perfeft  Day.    Prov,4. 1  o„ 
But   the  falfe    Penitent  walketh   in 
Darl^nefs,  and  knows  not  at  what  he  Humbles. 

Thus  true  Repentance  knows  nor,  finds  not  any 
Reafon  of  calling  tack,  or  Repenting  of  it  felf,  ei- 
ther as  if  there  had  not  been  Reafon,  or  greateft 
advantage  in  Repenting  in  General ;  or  as  if  it  had 

not 


So       Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance. 

nor  been  true,  of  the  right  kind,  /%  precious  Re- 
pentance <pis  the  Apoitle  fpeaks  of  Faith  J  with  that 
of  all  Saints. 

Th:re  nny  be  indeed  in  the  fincere  Servants  of 
God,  fome  Fears,  Mifgivings,  Sufpicions  arifmg 
from  Godly  Jeakufies  but  in  fuch  Tryals  fincere  Re- 
pemmce,  afrer  foirfe  time,  comes  for:h,  as  Silver 
oat  of  the  Furnace,  more  pure  and  refined.  Or 
thefe  Doubts  may  arife  from  Temptation,  or  Gods 
feemingforfaktng,  or  Defertion,  or  from  the  Weak- 
nefs  of  Repentance  in  irs  Beginnings.  But  this  is 
but  as  thc\fmoalejng  Flax,  or  the  Brwfed  Reed, 
which  Chrif}  will  not  quench,  nor  brea\,  but  will  fend 
forth  Judgment  to  Vi&ory,  in  the  behalf  of  fuch  his 
Servants. 

So  this  Repentance  is  not  to  be  begun  again,and 
tobe  repented  r/,as  a  falfe,  infincere  Repentance  is  ; 
but  to  be  vindicated  and  cleared,  as  the  Sun  covered 
with  a  Cloud,  that  is  yet  the  true  Light  of  the 
World ;  however  it  have  been  fhaded,  or  obfeu- 
red;  and  as  the  true  Fire,  that  mail  never  be  put 
out,  or  reputed  Falfe,  as  a  Glow-worm  Light,  or 
Foohfli  Fire,  however  it  may  be  hidden  fomeumes 
as  under  the  fmoik- 

3.  Repentance  not  to  be  repented  of,  is  effective,  and 
produces  that  great  Change  *  that  as  heretofore  men 
yeilded  ud  their  Members,  as  Instruments  of  Vn- 
rigbtewfntfs  to  unbolinefs,  and  unclean- 
ttefs,  and  to  Iniquity  un>o  Iniquity;  fo  Rom.  6.16. 
mwthev  yeild  their  Members,  as  Inifru- 
m?nts  cf  Holiness  unto  Right eoufnefs  :  and  as  hereto- 
fore they  were  Free  from  fyghtebufnefs ,  as  being  tbe 
Servants  of  Sin  5  fo  now  they  are  free  from  fin,  and 

be- 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*      8r 

fecome  the  Servants  of  Highteoufnejs:  Such  an  effe- 
ctual Repentance,  of  which,  net  the  Speech,  and 
Word,  and  Profeffion,    but  the  Power  is  known  \ 
needs  not  to  be  begun,  but  to  be  proceeded  in,  to 
beconfummated.     But  a  Repentance  that  can  do 
nothing,  that    cannot  change  a  man's  Way,  nor 
Courfe,  but  he  remains  under  the  fame  fins  j  fo  that 
he  hath  forgotten  (hecan/orgent,)chat 
he  was  purg'd  from  his  old  fins:  fuch     2  Peter  1. 
Repentance  needs  indeed  to  have  the     9. 
Foundations  laid  anew :  and  as  a  great     Heb.  6.  u 
Error,  a  great  fin  in  Repentance,  to 
be  repented  of  indeed  ',  as  moft  Ruinow,    Pfalm  7  $« 
as  well  as  moft  Falfe  and  Deceitful,  and     57. 
fiarting  from  its  End,  as  a  broken  Bow 
from  the  Mark. 

4*  The  Repentance  not  to  be  repented  of,  gives 
fome  of  the  F  ^retafts,  and  happy  Dawns  of  falva- 
tion  it  felf;  frilling  the  Soul  with  the  Joy  unfpeak* 
able,  and  full  of  Glory. 

F}r  when  tie  Apoftle  defcribes  Repentance  unto 
Salvations  it  does  not  only  fhew  thebleficd  Fruic, 
and  confequence  of  Repentance  -,  but  it  alfo  de- 
fines and  diftinguifhes  Repentance,  that  is  true, 
I  and  fincere,  from  what  is  Falfe  and  Counterfeit: 
Now  feeing  Repentance,  tho  it  be  to  Salvation* 
cannot  be  known  to  be  fo,  till  it  lay  a&ual  hold  of 
Salvation  ;  except  it  have  fome  what  of  the  Joy 
of  Salvation  5  except  there  be  a  Life  in  the  Hope  it 
gives-,  except  there  be  a  Witnefs  riling  from  it: 
Therefore  herein  there  muft  needs  be  a  diftiniuifhr* 
ing  Character  of  true  Repenrance,  and  a  fign  of 
it,  that  contrary  to  the  forrow  of '  tbeJVwld,  that 
G  worJ^eth 


8x       Of  m  Rvsngzlxtd  KepenUm^ 

s8$$#i  Tmtk,  md  cafts  a  fhade  of  Death  s  &?- 
femunce   m  Salvation  liath  fome  Precursory,  or 
gift  Hand-Rayes,  and  Dawns  of  that  Salvation?, 
rite  Ef.zU  of  the  Right eoufnefs  ofRc- 
i%y32.  t7«    pemance  is  that  particular  Fruit  of 
}.a.n,     Hightetttfnefc  f  even  Fr^e  drtrf  /*]}*<- 
rance  for  ever.     There  is  forne  For- 
troa  of  the  hidden  Muma,im&  caft  of  the  white  Stone, 
forne  of  the  #rrrff  of  ifte  Tree  of  Zi/e  in  the  midfi  ef 
Paradife  (f'God^  and  even  in  any  of  thefad- 
*3elles  tsf  the  Servants  of  God,  by  reafon  of  Af- 
fiidion%  Temptations,  any  Agonies  of  Confcience, 
Defertions^  there  is  Light  m  the  midft  of   that 
Dtrfyefii  whereas  in  thetalfe  Joys  of  counterfeit 
Repentance  ,  there  are  fudi  either  prefumptuous 
feafua'Hmei  mixtures,  orfuch  a  want  of  true  Spi- 
ritual  Lights-hat  the  midft  if  that  Joy  is  Heavineft. 
But  the  Fruk  of  this  Repentance  is 
Will.  4. 7*       that  Peace  of  God  that  fajjeth   all  un- 
derstanding 1  guarding  the  Heart  and 
Mmdthrwgh  Jefus  Chrijl. 

5,  To  all  tliefe,  both  Motives,  Means,  and 
Signs-of  Repentance,  irmft  be  always  added,  Grayer* 
«ven,  aU  Prayer^  and  Supplication  with  Perfeverance, 
&rJ  continuance  therein^  even  to  extraordinary  Watch- 
ings  and  F aft  ings,  as  occafion  requires,  Ephef.  6V 
18.  Colof.  4.  2,  Liik?  1  r.  9  For  2s  the  Soul  in 
Wrayer  and  Implication  feels  the  ftrong  motions, 
and  excitations  of  Repentance  by  *,  fecting  before 
vm  fdves,  and  making  clofc  Applications  of  our 
ft- Ires  to*,  the  great  confiderations  of  God,  of 
thrift,  of  Sin,  of  Holinefs,  -of  Eternal  Hippinefs, 
«rd  Ni&ry?  fv'htczm  istheearnefinefsef  Suppli- 
cation 


Of  an  hvangelJcal  Repentance;        8 j| 

cation,  asking,  feekjng,  and  knocking,  for  the  Holy 
Spirit,  engaged,  and  employ *d  •->  as  knowing  him  the 
fupreme  Mover,  Principle,  and  efficient  of  Re- 
pentance ;  and  the  Divine  Spirit,  coming  down 
ta-Dwell  in  the  Spirit  of  the  true  Penitent,  and 
fhedding  its  efficacies,  and  operations  irt  it,  as  a 
Spirit  of  Grace  ,  and  Supplication ,  feab  to  the  Soul 
the  truth  of  Repentance ,  and  becomes  a  fpiritual 
vifiblefign,  and  evidence  of  the  Truth  of  it  5  as 
Chrift  fays  of  Vaul  upon  Repentance,  behold  he 
Prayetb,  Afts  9.  ir. 

6.  Some  Great,  and  Heroick  Ads,  and  Effefts 
of  Repentance  according  to  the  Ability,  and  Op- 
portunity of  Pcrfons ;  and  according  to  the  Sins, 
pcrfons  have  been  guilty  of,  before  Repentance, 
are  fometimes  abfolutely  neceflary  Evidences  of 
the  Truth  of  Repentance;  and  fometimes Uluftri- 
ous,  and  extraordinary  Signals  of  the  mighty 
Power,  and  Force ,  and  largenefs  of  Efficacy  in 
this  grace  of  Repentance  ;  where  it  meets  with 
Sub  je&s, .  whom  God  by  outward  enablements  of 
Providence,  as  well  as  inward  Grace,  and  Power 
hath  fitted  hereunto.  Such  are  in  cafes  of  great 
Scandal,  and  publick  Offence  publick  and  open 
Confeflions  of  fin  *,  endeavours,  and  elofe  Applica- 
tions upan;  Perfons,  that  have  been  of  the  knor, 
and  feiiowfhip  of  our  fins,  or  private  Parties,  and 
confederates  in  them,  moving  them  by  all  the  Sen- 
timents of  our  Minds,  and  the  Affc&icns  of  our 
Hearts  to  Repentance  j  follemn  Faftmgs  and  Humi- 
liations ,  with  ufual  Thatchings,  not  only  for  the 
Taming,  bringing  Down,  and  Abafmgof  our  fe Ives , 
and  by  the  acknowledgment  of  onr  own  unwortbi- 
G   2  B*f* 


84         Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance! 

nefs  of  the  leaftof  Mercies ;  and  that  we  are  wor- 
thy of  Wrath ,  and  Judgment  only  ,  and  to  be 
ftrip'd  of  all  Enjoyments  •,  but  becaufe  the  Heart 
is  fo  taken  up,  and  engag'd  ,  that  it  can  mind, 
nor  attend  ,  nor  be  at  leifure  for  the  mod  ne- 
ceflary  Refrefhing  of  Bodily  Nature;  which  is 
made,  and  taught,  and  difciplin'd  ?  as  heretofore 
to  ferve  fin  }  fo  now  to  cry  out  fcr  Mercy,  and 
Pardon,  and  to  undergo  the  feverities  of  Repen- 
tance j  and  to  be  brought  under  to  them  in  extra- 
ordinary Weepings  according  to  the  moll  Affe&i- 
onate  Emotions  of  the  Soul,  and  fuitable  Tem- 
per of  Body. 

And  fuch  as  thefe  are  alfo  the  A&s  of  juft  Re- 
ftitution  to  perfons  injured  according  to  our  ut- 
moft  Abilities*,  or  great  Alms-givings  and  afts  of 
Mercy  ;  of  which  Zaccheus>  Luke  19.  is  a  great 
Example.  Great  Ads  of  Service  to  Jefus  Chrftin 
the  Salvation  of  Souls,  either  by  our  own  perfonal 

Miniftry,  as  Vaul  jo  qeahufly  Preach- 
Gal.  1.  25.  ing  the  Faith,  he  once  destroyed  ;  or 
Pfal.66. 1 5.    private    endeavours,  by   Holy  Dif- 

courfes ,  and  Declaring* ,  what  God 
hath  done  for  our  Souls  \  by  Exhortations  and  good 
Counfels ,  by  Holy  Examples,  by  great  Liberali- 
ties for  the  promotion  of  Chriftianity,  and  the 
Powers  of  it  in  Repentance,  and  general  Reformati- 
on, and  bringing  in  Souls  to  the  moft  publick, 
open,  and  notorious  renunciations  of  former  fins, 
and  the  very  inftruments  of  them  \  of  which  we 
have  a  great  example  in  the  burning  their  Magical 
Boo\s  of  fo  great  valew,  Ails  19.  19.  ]ob.  34. 

Thefe 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*       g  j 

Thefe  are  not  to  be  Bound,  as  heavy  Burdens  to 
the  entanglement,  and  enchralment  of  Confidence, 
upon  All ;  but  according  to  the  opportunicies,  and 
advantages  Perfons  have,  their  flare  of  Body,  tem- 
per of  Mind,  freedom  of  Time,  abilities  of  E~ 
ftate*  and  leaving  to  fupreme  Grace,  the  giving  of 
various  degrees  of  Grace,  and  making  among  the 
Pleiades,  the  watry  Weeping  Stars  of  Repentance, 
one  Star  to  differ  from  another  in  Glory.  But  when 
there  is  a  meeting ,  and  concurrence  of  all  thefe, 
or  an  eminency  in  any,  they  who  can  (hew  forth  the 
truth  of  Repentance  in  thefe  Fruits,  job  28,  '4.1. 
purchafe  to  xhemfelves  good  Degrees,  in  j  Tim. 2  12* 
the  Academy,  or  School  of  Repen-  ". 

ranee,  and  bring  great  Honour  to  Chrift,  and  to  it; 
and  according  to  our  Talents  recciv'd,  fmcerityin 
each  of  them  is  eflential  to  the  truth  of  our  i^e- 
pentance  'y  and  if  they  are  in  us ,  and  abound,  they 
make  us  to  be    neither  Barren,  nor  Vnfruitful  in 
this  great  Gofpel   Grace,  given  from  the  Lord 
Jefus  j  but  without  any  trurh  of  them  we  are  as  a 
Well  without  Water ,  Clouds  without  Rain,   frothy 
Waves,  driven   of  fome  Imaginary, 
or    Earthly    Winds  and  Vapors,  and     Epift.  Jude 
tolled  ;    and    in    great    danger    of    v.  12. 
prooving  falling    Stars ,  for    whom 
is  refervd  the  blankpefs  of  darknefsfor  evert 

4th,  I  come  now   to  the    Fourth  Head  in  this 
Head  of  the  Djftrine  of  Repentance,  vt%9  The 
great    faving  benefit,  the  bleffing  of  this  Grace, 
and  Gift  of  Repentance  5  which  hath 
the  upper  ,  and   the  neither  Spings  ;    Jofli.    1 5. 
from  the  neither  Springs  all  gracious     19. 
Aflfr&ions,  and  Fruits  of  a  follemn, 

G  3  2nd 


S£  to  Evangelical  Repentance. 

and  fcrious  Refipifcency,  or  growing  Wife  upon 
fad  Afflicting  Remembrances,  and  reviews  of  fin- 
ful  ways;  and  the  upper  Springs  of  Joy,  Peace, 
Happinefs,  and  Bieffednefs  for  ever  ,  and  etenul 
ikjoyc'rogs,  we  have  fo  Sorrowed,  fo  Repented  : 
Of  this  I  will  give  but  a  very  fhort  Reprefentati- 
OR,  becaufe  the  enlargement  upon  it  more  pro- 
perly belongs  to  another  grand  principle  in  the 
Doctrine  of  Chrift  *  and  yet  what  I  do  fay,  I  will 
<£t?deavor  diftinguifhingly  to  Difcourfe  it  to  the 
Doctrine  of  Repentance,  and  with  a  peculiarity  to 
it. 

i.  In  that  it  is  Repentance  to  Salvation,  wrought 
by  4  (arrow  after  God  ;  it  is  ordain' d  by  God,  as  a 
fecurity,  and  prefer vative  by  his  efpecial  Grace  in 
Chrift  from  everlafting  Weeping ,  Wailing,  and 
gnajhing  of  Teeth  :  a  Repentance  without  any 
Fruit,  or  Effect  but  a  continual  Circulation  of 
Ic  felf  in  Horrors,  and  fruitlefs  renewals,  without 
cafe,  or  remedy,  without  poflibility  of  Amend- 
ment, of  recovery  to  God,  and  Holinefs ;  For  in 
Hell  there  is  no  fuch :  Woe  therefore  to  you  that 
Laugh  nm,  without  this  true  Repentance  ;  For 
you  (hall  weep,  and  weep  for  ever  ;  it  is  the  ft  ate 
of  utter  Darbnefs,  extremity  of  Darlgiefs  ,  and  to 
extremity  of  Duration  ,  even  Eternal  Duration  : 
But  true  Repentance  hath  had  its  Proportion  here 
in  this  World,  of  forrow  that  God  Accepts  in 
Chrift  and  through  his  Agonies  for  fin. 

2.  Ic  is  not  only  a  fecurity  from  Damnation, 
but  an  affurance.  of  a  ftate  of  Life,  Glory,  and 
Ekfledaefi  j   For  apoa  this  very   reafoo,  becaufe 

God 


Uf  an  nj/cmgeitcauxe^m&zce* 

God  hath  ^an&ifted   Repentance  to-    Diner. 
and  feparate  his  Servants  by,  from  ai'ltiielon. 
perifhing,  Repentance   is  Co  eminently  caiTd  i£?~ 
pemance  unto  Salvation  ;  and  Repentance'  znto  Liy- ; 
For  when  the  miferable,  and  undone  matt  tern  - 
plain ,  and   endeavour   to   Impeach    i\\t    V:  ■ 
juftice,  with  the  Salvarion  of  Sinners^  as  great, 
or  greater  than  themfelves,  Publicans  and  Hus, 
luch  as  the  Apoftle  fpeaks  of,  i  Cor.  6, 

When  many  fobes  moral  Men,  both  Heathens, 
Jews,  and  Chriftians  are  fhut  out 
from  Heaven  ,  Salvation,  Life,  and  Matt*  £.  t  ? . 
H.mpinefs ;  and  fall  into  the  Condem- 
nation of  Hell;  God  justifies  and  Vindicates  him* 
feif  by'the  vaft  Diftance  between  the  one,  and  the 
other,  Repentance  hath  made  ,  which,  as  ir  fhonid 
engage  our  Thoughts  in  deep  fearcb,  what  kind  oi 
Repenrance  we  have,  whether  it  can  make  fticha 
Difference ;  fo  it  afiures  us,  there  is  a  great  excel- 
lency and  Dignity  in  true  Repentance ;  ivhen  it 
fhall  be  feen  in  the  Glory  of  the  Righteoufnefs  of 
Chrift,  wherein  it  fhall  bedifplay'd,  as  in  its  chief 
Light,  Life,  and  Luftre, 

3.  There  fhaJI  never  be  any  caufe,  the  Jeaft  eaafe 
to  look  back  with  forrow,  cr  regret,  that  we  hti 
any  of  the  pleafures  of  Senfe,  or  of  this  World  * 
or  that  we  pafs'd  through  the  Severities,  or  Ri- 
gors or  Sadnefs  of  Repentance,  or  thai  forrow  after 
God,  by  which  it  was  wrought!  And  which  ex- 
preffes  the  EtefTednefs  and  Grace  of  this  Repen- 
tance much  more  ;  we  fhall  nor  look  back  upon 
any  of  the  [roperfe&ions,  and  impure  Allays  of  it% 
the  Vacuities  >  and  Empnnefes  of  ir,   ih-as  mttt 


88  '  Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance. 
nor  fiird  up  now.  For  it  (hall,  in  every  regard  be 
filled  up  to  the  Hjgheft  Complement  of  Perfection, 
becaufe  it  is  (unrounded  with  the  Righteoufnefs  of 
Jefus  Chrift,  and  AdornM  with  its  Rays,  and  Per- 
fections 5  and  the  mighty  Operations  of  the  Spirit  of 
Chrift,holds  them  faft  in  that  very  moment  wherein 
his  fervants  go  out  of  this  World;  He  apprehends  them, 
he  holds  them  in  his  mighty  Hand,  and  Arm,  to 
perfect  them  to  the  Mark,  both  in  their  Repen- 
tance, and  in  all  other  Graces. 

4.  There  (hall  be  Everiafling  Joy,  Rejoycing 
and  Triumph  in  the  Acceptance  of  our  Repen^ 
tance  by  Chrift  :  So  that  all  truly  Repenting  Su- 
pers fhall  fay  with  everiafling  Hatlalujahs  ;  blef- 
fed  be  God,  who  hath  given  us  P^epentance  to  the  , 
Acknowledging  of  the  Truth  *,  whereby  we  recovered 
our  felves  from  the  fnare  of  the  Devil,  when  we  were 
taken  Captive  by  him  at  his  Will. 
sTim.2.26.  Bleffed  be  God,  who  hath  granted  us 
Repentance  unto  Life,  Bleffed  be  the 
Lamb,  who  hath  loved  and  wajhed  us  from  our  fins  % 
and  even  our  Repentance  from  fin  in  his  own  Bloody 
that  it  might,  how  ere  Imperfect,  be  accepted  be- 
fore him,  why  fits  on  the  Throne:  Blefl'ed  be  he 
who  as  a  Prince  and  Saviour  hath  given  us  Repen* 
tance  and  j^emiffion  of  fins,  Revel.  5.6.  Bleded  be 
the  Erernal  Spirit,  who  as  [even  Spirits  before  the 
Throne  hath  DirYus'd  his  Graces,  and  among  them 
this  Grace  of  Repentance,  as  the  Spirit  of  Gr^ce9 
md  Supplicatim  \  Bleffed  be  the  word  of  his  Grace, 
ehat  held  out  Repentance  in  its  whole  Circumfer- 
ence and  Center:  Blefled  be  God  for  all  the 
Vreachers  and  Miniftersof  Repentance ;  andB!efr 

P  fed 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.       89 

fed  of  God  are  our  Spirits,  and  all  the  Faculties 
God  hath  given  them,  that  Miniftred  each  in 
their  courfes  to  this  great  Grace,  and  exercife  of 
Repentance*,  Hallelujah,  for  ever,  and  ever. 

Head  $th,  I  come  now  to  the  Fifth,  and  lafl 
Head  in  the  Do&rine  of  Repentance ,  that  is, 
to  reduce  the  Difcourfe  of  the  Scruples,  and  Cafes 
of  Confcience,  concerning  Repentance  \  that  have 
not  yet  fallen  under  any  proper  refolution ;  to  this 
great  Do&rine,  as  I  have  now  laid  it  down  : 

Herein  I  fhall  prcpofe  only  thefe  three  as  necef- 
fary  to  be  more  fully  Debated  ,  any  other,  that 
have  Reprefented  themfelves  to  my  thoughts  I 
heve  already  laid  in  Provision  for  the  fatisfying 
them,  in  the  plain  Doctrine  of  Repentance  \  eafing 
the  fciup!es,  without  exprefs  naming  them. 

Querm  1.  Whether  Repentance,  wrought  by  for- 
ror?  after  God,  be  not  either  unneceffary  •,  feeing 
there  is  full  fatisfacYion  for  fin,  and  Redemption  for 
it  in  the  I  bod  of  Chrift  :  Or,  2dly,  If  it  muft 
be  acknowledged  neceflary,  whether  it  does  not 
derogate  from  the  Freenefs  of  Grace,  and  the  Ful- 
nefs  and  Perfection  of  Redemption  m  that  Blood; 
and  fo  entrench  upon  Faith  alone  in  it. 

Quer.  2.  Whether  our  Repentance  is  not  made 
jubjefl;  to  Human  Judgment  in  two  Cafes? 

1.  To  the  Judgment  of  Minifters,  or  (as  men 

fpeak  of  the  Church)  feeing  (o  many  expreflions  of 
thrift   feem   to  fufpend   it    there  >  whofe  fins  fo 

eier 


<go     Of  cm  Bvavgelkal  Repentatice* 

Mativi&ip*  ever  yon  remit,  they  are  remitted 
€.  1 8.  18*  and  whofe  fins  you  retain  ,  they  are 
John  20*25    retained* 

2.  When  our  fins  are  Trefpajjes,  and  Injuries  n- 
gainft  .\  en,  whether,  if  they  do  not  forgive  us,  ic 
be  not  a  prejudice,  and  Bar  to  Divfne  Forgivenefn 
yea  though  we  have  bur  grieved ,  fcandali^d ;  or 
f  ipectally  drawn  them  into  fin  by  our  example  ^ 
or  even  follickation,  and  temptation  to  fin,  feeing 
fbme  Scriptures  command  us  to  Agree  with  our  Ad- 
vevfarkt,  &c.  To  leave  our  gift  before  the  Altar ,Matr. 
5*  25,  24,  c*  i8»  15.  &c. 

Anfwer  i„  Sorrow  for  fin,  and  Repentance  are 
by  no  means  to  be  look'd  upon  as  feparate  from 
the  Blood  and  Redemption  of  the  Lord  Jefus  *,  but 
as  Sowing  from  it,  and  Ordain  d  by  God,  in  the  hand 
9§  the  Mediatory  who  truly  gives  it,  n>a(hes  it  in  hk 
vmt  Blood,  and  as  the  great  High  Priefly  Offers  ic 
with  the  Incenje^  Optments,  zn&rich  Perfumes  of  his 
own;  Holinefs,  Righteoufnefs ,  and  Purity.  He 
Promotes,  Advances,  and  gives  Grace  of  a  conti- 
nual Renewing  of  it.  And  this  is  the  true  account 
of  the  room  and  place  all  Graces  have  in  the  Co- 
venant of  Grace  ;  fo  that  though  they  are  required 
oi  us,  as  indifprr/fable  Duties,  and  even,  as  it 
were,  Conditions  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace  on  our 
parts  j  and  we  are  fpoken  to  in  a  way  of  Rational 
and  Intelledual  manner  of  Exhortations,  Counfels, 
Reproofs  Promifes,  Threatnings,  yet  the(e  are  a# 
but  inftrumental  Conveyances  of  the  Efficacies  of 
the  Spirit  of  our  great  Melchifedec,  who  blejjes  hi? 
People  in  turning  them  every  one  from  their  'Iniquities. 

Even 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*      9l 

Even  from  every  one  of  their  own  Iniquities-  and 
makes  up,  whatever  is  wanting  in  tte  feverities, 
or  Powers  of  Holinefs  in  Repentance,  by  his  own 
Sufferings  and  Obedience.  And  thus  the  weight  of 
the  Covenant,  that  fhall  never  be  found  fault  wit b% 
becaufe  the  Covenantees  brake  it,  is  fufpended 
upon  him,  that  is  mighty  -,  the  Nail  fattened  in  a 
place  fo  fur e,  that  the  weight  of  not  only  Cups,  but 
Flagons,  Veffels^  of  all  Quantities,  both  the  Jffue, 
zwdthe  Off-firing,  reft  fecure  upon  him,  even  to 
Eternity,  Ejfay  22. 23.  And  thus  Difcourfmg  of  Re- 
pentance, it  can  be  no  derogation  ,  either  in  the 
forrowing,  nor  the  Reforming  Parts  of  it. 

Anfw.  2.  The  Adminiflration  of  the  Church,  or 
of  the  Patter,  or  Elders  (who  are  alfo  the  Evan- 
gelical Bifhops,)  hath  no  other  Power  but  of  Mi- 
niftry  in  the  Declaring,  and  Applying,  as  they 
find  juft  occafion,  all  the  Prcmifes  to  the  True 
and  fincere  Repenters;  and  the  Denunciations, 
and  threatnings  to  the  Obdurate,  Obftinate  and 
Impenitent  Sinners,  and  on  Infincere  Repentance  ; 
and  if  they  do  this  Errame  Clave,  not  according  to 
the  Truth  of  the  GoipeJ,  it  neither  Binds  on  Earth, 
nor  in  Heaven  ;  elfe  the  Power  of  the  Church,  or 
the  Minifters  were  Defpotic ,  and  Lordly ;  they 
would  Exercife  Authority  to  purpofe,  which  Chrift 
fays,  They  fhall  not ;  nor  be  accounted  Everget& 
Indulgers  of  a  Repentance,  however  but  Counter- 
feit, or  Infincere  3  or  on  the  other  fide  Dominate 
over  trne  Repenranc,  Lu\e  22.25.  They  have  no 
Dominion  ever  their  Faith,  no  more  have  they  over 
their  Repentance  ;  but  are  helpers  of  their  Joy,  or 
Godly  forrow ;  and  the  Fublifhers  of  the  Wrath  to 

come 


92        Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance! 

come  on  all  obSinate  Sinners,  or  Hypocritical  Re- 
peaters, 2  Cor.  i.  24.  c.  io.  6. 

Anfw.  3.  Although  it  is  indeed  the  Duty  of  a 
fincere  Penitent  to  Ask  Forgivenefs  of  thofe,  whom 
they  have  offended,  either  by  Injury,  or  Scandal  *, 
and  to  make  ali  the  Spiritual  Reparations,  they  can 
in  cafe  of  Scandal ;  and  in  and  by  thk  Worlds  goods, 
as  they  are  able,  in  cafe  of  that  Kind^of  Injuries ', 
Yet  it  is  alfo  the  Duty  of  thofe,  who  are,  orhave 
been  fo  Trefpafs'd  upon  either  way,  to  Forgive  and 
under  that  higheft  Obligaiion ;  that  except  they 
fo  forgive,  as  They  are  Commanded,  their  Heaven- 
ly Father  ml?  not  forgive  them  their  Trefpajfes. 

But  whether  they  do  according  to  their  Duty,  or 
do  not ;  God  retains  thofe  fupreme  Keys  of  Par- 
don of  fin,  and  Abfolution  of  ihe  Penitent  in  his 
own  Hand  ;  and  he  hath  the  right,  and  juft  Title 
fotodo  j  For  he  is  the  nDt  only  Law-Giver  Pa- 
ramount, and  if  there  be  no  Law  of  his  broken, 
there  is  no  Tranfgreffion  -,  but  if  he  Pardon^,  and 
Juftifies*  none  can  condemn  ;  Tranjgrejjion  is 
Covered,  and  taken  away,  whether  men  forgive,  or 
not;  dfe  they  could  not  be  Blejfed,  to  whom  he 
imputes  not  fin,  if  men  had  power  flill  to  Impure  it: 
And  hftly  he  is  the  Sovereign  Proprietor  s  the  Of- 
fender, and  the  Ofended  are  alike  his :  They 
are  both  not  only  his  VaiFals,  but  have  Forfeited 
themfelves  and  their  All,  to  his  Juftice  ;  upon  all 

thefe  Accounts,  David  faid,  againfl 
JPfaJ.  $*.  4.     thee,  thee  only  have  I  fmned,  and  not 

againfl  Uriah  ;  but  in  fuchan  Inferi- 
ority, as  that  my  offence  againft  him  is  Bound  or 

Loofed 


Uf  an  hvangdical  Kefentdncc.      93 

Lcofed,  as  thon  Pardoneft  ;  fo  then  if  God  Pardon?, 
though  Vriah\  Family,  or  Pofterity,  or  himfelf 
(if  he  could  >have  furviv'd)  had  not  Pardon'd  ; 
yet  God  wculd  be  Justified  in  Speakjrg,  cr  de- 
daring,  David  a  Pardon'd  Sinner  ;  arid  clear  in 
Judging  him  fo,  in  fo  taking  awaj  hU  Iniquity,  that 
he  fhould  not  Dye  for  ir.  And  this  is  the  true 
fenfeof  that  great  Penetential  acknowledgment  of 
David,  and  not  any  intention  of  fetting  himfelf  up 
in  his  Royal  Dignity,  as  above  the  general,  and  or- 
dinary Rank  of  Sinners ,  or  Offenders.  He  had 
fomething  elfe  to  do,  when  he  was  thus  humbling 
himfelf  before  God,  and  befeeching  mercy,  than  to 
Magnify  himfelf  above  his  fellow  Creatures :  He  was 
laying  fail  hold  of  Infinite  Power,  and  Grace,  and 
Pardon  5  and  from  which  there  was  no  Appeal : 
For  unto  thee  Lord,  beUngs  Mercy  uncontrollable, 
who  haft  the  Ultimate  Judicature  of  t{endring  to 
the  2refpaJJor9  and  Trefcajjed  according  to  their 
Works. 

Now,  Seeing  the  generality  of  Chriftians,truft  to 
Death-Bed'Repentance,  I  fhould  give  a  Refolution  to 
that  great,  and  concernful  Queftion ;  whether 
there  be  a  poffibility  of  a  Sinner,  and  faving  Death- 
Bed-Repentance.  But  in  anfwer  to  that  there  is 
added  unto  this  Treatife  of  Repentance  a  Dif- 
courfe  Printed  feveral  years  ago  of  the  fame  fen fe 
and  Spirit  with  this  Doctrine  of  Repentance,  and 
is  therefore  under  review,  and  as  in  fecond  Editi- 
on prefented  wkh  it ;  I  will  therefore  conclude 
this  with  feme  few  and  fhort  Pra&ical  Inferences, 
the  whole  being  compos'd  to  life  and  Praftife. 

Infer, 


94      Of  an  Evaugelkal  Repentance* 

Infer,  r.  How  admirably  Wife,  and  Holy  is  God 
irthis  Grace,  Mercy,  and  Pardoning  Goodnefs!  He 
is  not  Loofe,  or  Prodigal  in  his  Forgivenefs,  but 
hath  provided  this  Admirable  Grace,  and  Duty  of 
Repentance,  to  (hew ;  that  as  he  does  no;  cat  off 
Awes  of  him,  and  Reverential  Returns  to  him, 
by  offering  no  Mercy,  but  giving  up  to  Defpair  5 
fo  he  does  not  turn  Wild  the  Hearts,  and  Con- 
fciences  of  them,  whom  he  Pardons,  by  Licentious 
Forgivenefs,  but  fo  fiated,  and  bounded  that  his 
Grace  may  not  he  turned  to  JVantcnnefs. 

And  this  is  the  Name  of  God  in  the  Redeemer, 
he  is  a  Holy,  and  wife  Redeemer  ;  he  does  not 
Redeem  without  Repentance,  he  hath  upon  him 
the  Spirit  of  IVifdom,  and  Vnderftanding,  and  of  the 
Fear  of  the  Lord ;  he  is  quicl^  of  Vnderftanding  in 
the  Fear  of  the  Lords  he  does  not  judg  after  the  fight 
of  the  Eyes-,  nor  Reprove  after  the  hearing  of  the  Ears. 
But  right eoufnefs  is  the  girdle  of  his  Loyns  ,  and 
Faithfulness  the  girdle  of  hk  Reines,  Efay  11.  2. 
Let  us  then  aright  undemanding  this  Wife  Grace 
of  the  Gofpel,  as  not  take  Sacritegioufly  out  of 
it  thefe  Richeft  Jewels  of  its  Wifdom,  and  Holy- 
nefs;  denying  Repentance  in  eirher  our  DocTrine^ 
and  Principles,  or  in  onr  Lives  and  Pra&ife. 

Infer.  2.  5eeing  God  hath  not  only  in  his  Gof- 
pel, but  by  the  very  Law,  and,  as  1  may  call  ir, 
Gofpel  of  Natural  Confcience,  Commanded  all  Men 
every  where  to  Repent;  and  Bccaufe,  that  is,  not 
full  enough,  clear  enough  to  lead  to  true  fav'mg 
Repentance  5  he  hath  therefore  written  it  to  us 
with  the  Sun-beam  of  his  Gofpel  j  let  us  therefore 

think 


Cf  sn  EvangelkaiBjQetiamx*       9* 

thank,  If  it  be  Inferable  for  Tyremd  fj^ 
Vagans,  and  Indies,  in  the  Vay  of  3^™™\ 
How  much  more  *iH  k  be  for  ™™^^ 
For  if  thev  are  Condemned,  who  have  not  Com- 
ported wi?h  fo  dear,  fo  abfolutely  *f*g*g 
Wife,  fo  Holy,  fo  every  way  *«™/V^2 
Inviting  Doarine,  made  known  to  be  fo,  by  a  much 
dimmer  Light,  what  will  be  done  tc >  us, who 
have  not  been  drmn'  and  led  to  it  by  fo  Gknm 
Rayes  of  the  S»n  of  Righteous ;i *«»» '  fucn 
Riches  of  Gocdnefs  have  not  kd  to  Aqen- 
Jvmce  ? 

7/i/er.  a  How  A&m&fe  is  the  Grace  ofGodm 
JefusChrill  .who  hath  not  only  given  us  the  DoSrm 
of  Repentance,  but  by  his  Sprirgws  the  very 
GrJit  felf/  He  hath  put  no  Trf  m  our w« 
Fwer*  of  Vnderftanding,  Will,  ^elhon^mMtal 
Conkier.ce,  Reafon,  or  Morality,  but  only >  w i  rns 
own  Stirir,  and  Grace  in  his  'Sob  -5  nor ,  doth  te 

Accept  our  I{ep™tance  "P011.  "\  W°rT9PVS 
perfection  5  but  wraps  it  up  hi  Ae  wfcAofcJ-a 
the  RighteoufnefsofJeSusCbrifl,  and  fo  it  isipha- 
fing  in  hisfight  ;  fo  he  does  not  leflen,  nor  ^ 
rogate  from  the  gracioufnefs  of  his  Off?/  by  to 
poling  fuch  a  Duty  5  But  he  magnifies  it  by  .giv- 
ing fohigh,  and  admirable  a  &m  and  Bra* 
Fobw  within  us. 

Infer,  4.  Seeing  TfcpoiMna  is  a  Gwcof  focte 
truly  Evangelical  Excellencies  ;  fo  agreeaole  10  -mt. 

A/fetf;  W#m,  and  Hofine/*.  as  wdl  aS  ?^'£2 
Cmtafmoi  theSftfemer*  let  us  trie  <his  Go/am 
«he  f  ke  of  fevereft  fcaidi,  and  caaiainauon  by  gp 


$5       Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance^ 

Gofpel  Light,  that  we  may  not  be  pleafed,  and 
contented  with  a  Counterfeit ,  with  any  other 
Repentance,  than  that  unto  Salvation,  not  to  be  Re- 
pentedof\  Lead  we  for  ever  Repent  of  our  Re- 
pentance, in  H-ll,  where  there  is  no  place  of  Evan- 
gelical, faving  Repentance  $  but  of  that  only,  which 
is  a  barren  Fiery  Horror,  and  Defpaire  fcorching 

the  Confcience  for  ever,  and  not  al- 
Luke  16.24.     laying  it  with  a  Drop  of  Water  to 

Cooll  outragious  Tongue  ;  Blafphem- 
ing  at  the  fame  time  God,  and  Chrift  ;  and  our 
impenitent  felves,  who  would  not  Repent,  while 
we  had  fpace,  and  place  for  our  Repentance. 

Infer.  $.  Let  us  by  all  the  mod  moving  Confide- 
rationsof  the  Evil  of  fin,  the  hatefulnefs  and  un- 
reafonablenefs  of  it;  the  fenfe  of  the  Goodnefs, 
and  Grace  of  God  in  Chrift  ;  all  his  Judgments, 
all  his  Mercies;  the  fenfe  of  an  Eternal  Mifery,and 
Punnifhment  from  his  Prefence ;  be  ftrongly  mov'd, 
excited,  ftirr'd,  and  led  to  Repentance. 

Infer.  6.  Let  us  rejoyce  in  the  fweet  Repofes  of 
Confcience,  when  we  have  truly  Repented ;  in  the 
infinite  Power,  Authority,  and  Supreme  right  of 
God  to  Pardon  upon  Repentance ;  not  dependent 
upon,  Man,  nor  upon  the  Will  of  Man  ;  Who  is  a 
God  like  unto  him,  who  Pardons  Iniquity,  Tranf- 
grejjiin,  aad  Sin,  and  catfs  it  into  the  depth  of  the 
Sea;  who  ma\es  by  his  Pardon  ,  fins,  as  Scarlet, 
and  Crimfon  to  be  White  as  Snowy  and  Wooll,  that 
blots  out  Iniquity  as  a  Cloud  ,  and  a  thic\  Cloud 
with  the  fame  Potency,  and  Eafe,  that  the  Sun 
does  off  a  Cloud ;  and  with  infinitely  greater. 

Let 


vj  an  jivangeucai  wjieniance+      97 

Lee  us  Rcjoyce   in  the  great  Efficacies  of  the 
Redeemer,  Pardoning  fm    upon  Earthy  as  the  great 
High  Pried  of  our  Profejjion,  and  the  Bifhop  of  our 
Souls;  Abfolving  rruly  Repenting  Sinners,  by   the 
Witnefs   of  his  Blood ,  [printing    the  Heart  from  an 
evil  Conference,  and  jpealgng    better   things  than  the 
Blood  of  Abel  j  The  Blood  as  of  a  Lamb  without  fpoty 
Offered  by  the  Eternal  Spirit,  Purging    the  Conference 
from  dead  worlds,  together  with,  and  even  as  the 
Author^ndFiniffjer  of  faith  and  repettarci  f  oai  dead 
TvorleSyto  ferve  the  Living  God>  H;b.  9.  c.    10.  c»  12. 
Lee  us  rejoyce  in  the  Witnefs  of  the  Divine  Spi- 
rit, Sealing,  and   Witnejjing    to  us    by   Repentance^ 
vpaflnng  the  Body,  che   whole  Gonverfaticnjas  with 
pure  water. 

Let  us  rejoyce  in  ail  the  BLefled  Promifes,  and 
Aflurances  of  the  Word  of  God,  made  by  it  to 
fincere  Penitents ,  which  are  yea  and  Amen  in 
ChrifL  „v.r 

For  all  thefe  are  o!"  far  greater  Authority,  Truth, 
Certainty,  than  All  Bindings  •>  or  Loofxtgs  on  Earthy 
whether  by  the  Ecclefaftical,  as  we  call  it  ,  Ad- 
miniftrarion  of  the  Kcyes\  or  by  Men  forghing  oye 
Another^  however  necetfary  theTe  may  be  in  their 
place. 

^Jnfen,  nth.  Seeing  the  Kingdom  of  God  y  andcf 
Heaven  is  the  greac  Motive  to  Repentance!  as  hath 
been  before  on  great  Reafon  made  out  j  The  high 
Reafon  we  have,  to  believe,  chat  by  the  Apoftlcs 
calling,  it  the  LaVt  timixjhe  laft  hoary  the  ends  of 
the  Woddy  fo  many  Hundreds  of  Years  ago  j  we 
muft  needs  be  now  uoon  the  very  la  ft  iQue,  and 
determination  of  that  Time  •,  when  the  Kingdom 
(hall  appear  in  Glorv,  and  all  other  kind  cr  tine 
H 


So        Vf  -an twang  elical  KejentanQe. 

Jbali  be  no  more }  How  great  a  Cloud  does  therefore 
Eucompafs  us,  that  we  fliould,  by  no  means,   be 

willing  or  able,  to  Rend*  to  Engage, 
Heb.  12.  r.     us  to  run  with  Patience  the  Race  of 

Repentance  fet  before  us$  and  to  that 
End,  to  lay  a  fide  every  weight,  and  the  fin  that  doth 
fo  eajlly  be  fet  us  j  looking  unto  J  ejus,  the  Author  and 
Finfjfber  of  our  Repent  ance,thzt  it  may  be  to  Salvation, 
and  -never  to  be  Repented  rfy  Hearing  him  who  in 
the  days  of  his  Flejh,  becaufe  the  offers,  and  firft 
appearances,  and  Firji  Fruits  of  his  Kingdom,™ txc 
then  begun,  Preached  faying,  I^epent,  for  the  King- 
dom of  Heaven  is  at  hand:  fo  the  full  Harvefi  of  that 
Kingdo w,being  now.  ready  to  appear, he  does  by  the 
Voices  of  all  his  Vrophets  in  the  Old,  and  New  Tene- 
ment, inftantly  Preach  to  us ;  Repent  for  the  King- 
dom of  Heaven  is  at  Hand. 

And  of  how^ftrong,  and  tlofe  Connexion  the 
Kingdom  of  God ,  and  of  Chrift,  and  Repent- 
ance, are,  I  fhall  more  fully,  and  largely- .at  this 
time  Reprefent,  as  a  mod  folemn  Conchifion  of 
this  Difcourfe. 

There  is  a  fixed  fpace  given,  and  a  peculiar 
Interval  Appointed :  Lying  between  the  time  of 
the    Apoflacy,  call'd,  the  Time  ,  Times ,  and  Half 

■Time,  or  the  1260  Days,  and  the  Time  of  the 
Viak  And  iris  30  years  making  the  136c,  1290 
Years,  Dan.  ri.  if.  even  as  the  45  Years  of  the 
Vials  to  the  Abfolutely  blejjedflate  of  the  Kingdom 
i)f  'Chrift  in  Gkry,  when  the  Saints  fhall  allftand 

■in,  cheir  tots,    fill  up  to   that    very  Fulnefs  of 

-Times, 

Now 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance!        y$ 

Now  at  rhisfpace  of  the  Thirty  Tears,  the  Spirit 
fhaU  be  powred  oat  from  on  Wigh  :  The  Song  of  the 
Lamb,  which  hath  been  Co  long  out  of  ufe,  thac 
it  becomes,  as  it  were,  a  new  Song ,  and  can  be  ac 
fitft  learnt  only  by  the  144000  fhall  be  Taught  by 
them  immediately,  and  the  Ever  lading  Gofpelfh^l 
be  without  delay  upon  tq  Preacfrd  to  every  Nation^ 
Tongue^  and  Feople  under  Heavens  and  then  there 
fhall  be  as  in  preparation  to  the  Glory  of  the  King- 
dom of  Chrtjl,  but  under  the  Influence  of  that 
Kingdom  in' Succefion,  a  mighty  Spirk  of  Godly 
Sorrow  wording  Repentance  to  Salvation,  never  then 
indeed  to  be  Repented  of  poured  oat  upon  all 
Flejh 

Now  becaufe  this  is  a  point  of  great  moment 
to  the  Doctrine  of  Repentance,  and  fees  forth  much 
of  the  Excellency  of  Repentance :  I  fhall  give 
very  great  Scriptures,  ztid  argue  upon  them  for  the 
truth  of  ir.  ♦    ■       • 

Scripture  1.  The  firft  Scripture  I  would  infrfl 
upon,  fhall  be  from  a  consideration  of  thac  great 
Ordinance  of  God  concerning  the  Day  of  Attone- 
ment  among  the  Children  of  Ifrael:  This  Ordinance 
lie  fir.d,  Levr.  22.  27.  In  the  tenth  day  ef  the  (e- 
venthy  the  Sabbat tkal  Month,  there  fhall  be  a  day 
cf  attonement  :  It  frail  be  an  Holy  Convocation  to  yon  : 
find  you  (ball  a ffii II-  your  Souls :  And  you  (hall  do  ni 
worl^in  that  fame  day:  For  it  is  a  day  of  Atwement 
to  mahj  bttonement  for  you  before  the  Lord yrnr  God: 
for  what joever  Soul  it  be,  that  fl)all  not  be  ajylt:fedin 
that  fame  Day,  he  fbali  be  cut  off  from  among  his 
Veople:  And  wharf -ever  Soul  it  be  that  doth  anywor\ 
■t  fame  day,  the  jams  Soul  mil  I  deilroy  from 
H  2  among 


10O      Of  an  Evangelical  Repentances 

6mong  his  People  :  It  (fjall  be  a  flame  for  ever  through- 
Out  your  Generations  in  all  your  Dwellings  :  It  fljatt 
be  to  you  a  Sabbath  of  Reft,  andyoufhall  Afflittyour 
Souls.  And  on  that  day  there  were  the  great  rites 
of  Sacrifice  *,  the  Bullocl^,  the  fin  Offering  *,  the 
Blood  of  which  was  carried  into  the  Holy  of  Ho- 
lies, to  make  an  attonement  for  the  Vncleannejjes 
of  the  Triers  and  People,  and  to  reconcile  the 
Holy  of  Holies,  and  the  Mercy  Seat,  and  the  Ta- 
bernacle of  the  Congregation ,  and  the  Goat  that 
was  to  be  Iiili'ed  in  the  fame  Manner  *,  and  the 
fcape-Goat,  throughout  c<  i6t 

Now  that  which  I  lay  in  the  Foundation,  is, 
That  God  never  appointed  any  of  thefe  great 
Rites,  but  they  had  a  Solemn  fignification;  a  fig- 
nifieation,  as  follemn,  as  the  Type  was:  So  that 
there  muft  be  fome  great  fenfe  of  rhis  day  of  attone- 
ment ,  I  know  it  had  a  great  fulfilling  in  Chrift; 
and  in  him,  as  an  Offering  once  for  all,  that  imme- 
diately Entred  into  the  Holy  of  Holies,  with  his  own 
Blood  to  appear  in  Heaven  for  us ,  It  had  very  great 
parts  of  its  accomplifhment :  But  there  are  other 
great  Parts  that  are  to  be  fulfill'd  in  his  Saints  and 
for  them,  as  in  themfelves :  And  efpecially  in  this 
folemn  Afflitlion  :  So  that  as  if  any  did  not  afflitf 
their  Souls,  they  were  to  be  cut  off  fo  now. 

And  in  thefe  things,  this  day  had  many  very 
remarkable  Lines  of  the  follemn  afflitfion  and  attorn- 
ment, that  fhall  be  in  the  very  lart  parts  of  Time  , 
and  near  the  ftate  of  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift. 

I.  It  was  an  Ordinance  throughout  the  Generations 
of  both  Natural,  and  Adopted  Jjrael.  A  Statute 
for  ever,  that  is,until  the  ver}  Kingdom  of  Chrift. 

2.   It 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*       101 

2.  Ic  was  in  all  parts  of  it  Sabbattical -,  prepaid 
for  the  great  Sabbatifm  of  the  Kingdom  of 
ChriSt. 

3.  ft  was  when  the  Holieft  of  all,  and  the  Taber- 
nacle of  the  Congregation,  and  even  the  Mercy  feat , 
and  Altar,  were  Purified  and  ^cconcWd',  not  in 
themfelves  ;  for  they  were  feparate  and  pure, 
efpecially  the  Holy  of  Holies;  much  more  the  Hea- 
venly Antitypes:  But  in  regard  of  theVncleannefsot 
the  Children  of  1 jrael:  For  with  relation  to  all  the 
Saints,  and  Servants  of  Chrift,  even  to  the  very 
laft  of  them  in  this  corrupt  World  of  the  Firjl 
Adam,  they  muft  be  Purified  and  Reconciled;  that 
fo  God  aud  the  Lamb  coming  down  with  the  Holy 
of  Holies  *  and  Tabernacle  to  bz  with  Men,  and  to 
dwell  among  them,mzy  appear  in  vifible  Glory. 

4.  That  peculiar  Sacrifical  Rite  of  the  Scape 
Goat  on  this  day  fent  away  into  the  TVildernefs,  was 
a  mod  lively  fignification  of  the  final  aft  of  Obli- 
vion, and  acl:  of  Amnefty  upon  all  fin,  and  the  Curfe 
for  it  born  away  into  the  Land  of  Forgetfnlnefs% 
and  fo  perfeel:  attonement  made,  and  all  former 
Evils  of  the  Curfe  Forgotten,  Efay6  $.  16,  17. 

$.  It  was  followed  immediately  by  the  Feafl  of 
Tabernacles  5  So  great  a  Type  of  the  Kingdom  of 
Chrift,  in  the  Trees  of  Paradije,  and  the  Paradifiac 
Branches^  when  the  Tabernacle  of  God  is  with  Men^ 
as  before. 

When  thus  the  Glory  of  the  Attonement  and  Re- 
demption of  Chnft  fhall  come  into  open  View,  and 
the  Holy  State  fully  purified  from  all  Vncleanneffes 
of  the  Saints,  and  perfectly  reconciled,  above,  ma- 
uiktt,  and  reveal  it  felf'.  Eefore  chat,  there  (hall  be 
H    3 


loi       Of  an  EvangelicalRelpentdn 

a  geverzyAffliZtitigths Soul,  the  mod  folcmn,  Peni- 
tential, chat  ever  was  in  the  world. 

-Script,  2.    The  Second  Scripture  r  urge  to  this 
purpofe,  is-,  Pfalm  84.  &  Who  faffing  through  the  Val- 
ley  of  Baca,  or  weeping  maty;  it  a  Well.     The  Psam 
d\o  filleth  the  Pool*  :  They  go' from  Jhengrh  to  ftfttogth  : 
every  one' of  them  in   Zhn  afpsareth  befre  God.     So 
Jenni.  50.  4,  5.    Tn  tkofc  Days,  faith   the  Lord,  the 
Children  of  lyael  foal!  come,  they  and  the  Children  cf 
together :  Gehg,  and   Weeping  •,  theffhil!  g^ 
ecli  the  Lord  their  God  ;  they  fljall  at\the  way 
^n:  with  their  Faces  thitherward.     This  fpeaksa 
solemn  weeping  and  mourning Aramed\nc\y  before  the 
up  to  Zion:  as  if  the  Rivers  overflowed  in  this 
Day  of  Mowrni:.i  with   He  Tears  of  the  Servants  of 
God,  as  after  fome  great  (laughter,  with  Blood  ;  or 
Che  Battel  of  Armageddon  ftull  come 
up  to  the  ffirfe-Bridlesofchrift',  and  of  hu  SV.* 
.-,   their  Vlrhite  Horfes  of  Triuvvh:  So  be 
tfefey  th't  Pools  and  Wells  fhsll  be  fllFd  titift  tne 
Tears  of  feints  in  their  Day  of  Great  Mourning  and 
Repsntafosi 

;   3.  A  Third  Great  Scripture  I  infiftupon9 
1 1-    ii.    In  that  Day  there  fh all  he  a  great 
■-■ling  in  Jerufalemy  as  the  mourning  of  Hadadrim- 
ram,  in  the  Valley  of  Megiddo :   And  the  Land  (hall 
Ttiyrrfrnl  every  Family  apart ,  and  tbe  Families  thai  re* 
apzrt.     This  Prophecy  is  molt  apparently,  by 
:e.fore,  and  follows  atrer,  a   Frofkeey 
Rrn'gfiohi  of  Chrift  *,  and  for  that  king  dm  4? 
:  K  rhere  is  fo  great  a  mourning,  as  in  prepira  ti- 
ra  Chill  be  a  ityim  0/  Gfrfofe  *frd[<  $*jH 
■ 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance.     103 

plication j  an  admirable  univerfal  Grace  of  Repent- 
ing, in  all  parts  of  Repentance,  poured  out  upon  the 
Ifraelof  God  in  Jerusalem,  looking  on  him  whom  thef 
have  peircd,  and  fo  long  Rejected  ;  and  a  joyn* 
mourning  of  Convert- Gentiles,  reprelented  by  the 
Mourning  of  Hadad-Rimmon, or  of  the  very  glory  of 
Affyria-,  known  by  the  name  of  their  God  ^rmmon, 
and  their  Dedication  to  hh  Glory  ;  this  Mourning 
of  the  Gentiles -fhall  be  in  Megiddo,  as  in  Ifrael 
for  all  their  Idolatries,andCrta7#/w£V1f  Chrift  in  his 
Witneffes  flain  in  Spiritual  Egypt ,  of  which  that 
excellent  Prince  Jtfiak  flain  in  the  Caufe  of 
Affyria,  by  Vharoah  King  of  Egypt  was  a  Type,  and 
fo  lamented  by  both  Ifrael,  and  Affyria'.  Ifraelites 
by  Nature,  and  Adoptive  Jf)\d,  in  that  great  day 
fhall  mourn  >  and  it  fhall -be  lb  deep,,  and  fineere 
that  all  families  fhall  Mourn,  not  only  together, 
but  apart:  They  fhall  not  Mourn  for  fhew,  form, 
and  Company,  or  need  that  Natural  Excitation  of 
Mourning,  the  feeing  one  another  Mourn  ;  but  they 
fhall  Mourn  apart.  The  Royal  family,  fignified  by 
the  Houfe  of  David  -,  the  Prophetic^  Families,  figni- 
fied by  the  Houfe  of  Nathan',  the  Prieflly  Family 
fignified  by  the  Houfe  cf  Levi,  and  Scribal  Families 
fignified  by  the  Uonfeof  Shimei ;  and  the  converted 
Gentiles,  fignified  by  the  Families  that  remain  ',  the 
ufual  Character  for  the  Heathen  Nations  :  Becaufe 
Ifrael,  in  God's  account,  is  the?  principal  -,  The 
Remnant,  whom  the  Lord  our  God  flmU  call,  Joel  c 
1.  51,  and  theRefidue  of  Men,  even  all  the  Gen- 
tiles, as  the  Apoftle  James,  Ads  15.  17.  interprets, 
Amosy.  ir. 

Nc*w  in  this  Day  of  the  great  mourning,  and  ajfli- 

cling  the  Soul,  this  Day  of  attonement,  there  fhall  be 

H  4  an 


IQ4       Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance. 

an  opening  the  Fountain  for  S?w,  and  for  Vncleannejs  5 
for  the  wafbing  of  the  Robes  of  all  Saints ,  and  ma* 
Ming  them  white  tn  the' Blood  of  the  Lamb  :  that  as  k 
!5  granted  to  themy  they  may  be  arrayed  in  Linen 
white  and  clean  \  which  is  the  Right eou fnefs  of  tbe 
Sarptsy  Rev.  7. 14.  c.  1  c.  8. 

4.  The  lafl  Scripture,  wherein  I  will  draw  up, 
and  fum  this  Point,  is  Revelations  14.  6,  1  faiv 
another  Angel  fly  in  the  midji  of  heaven  ,  having  the 
tverhfitng  Gofpel  to  preach  to  all ,  &c.  fa}> 
mg?  Fear  God,  and  give  glooyto  him,  by  Confctiicn, 
Humiliation,  and  Repentance.  At  which  time  the 
Gentihs  fh all come  from  the  ends  of  the  Earthy  and  fay, 
Our  Fathei  s  have  inherited  Lies,  and  things,  wherein 
there  it  no  profit :  Shall  a  man  make  bimjelf  Gods  of 
them  who  are  noGods  ;  who  have  not  made  the  Hea- 
vens, nor  the  Earth,  the  Sea,  nor  the  Fountains  of  Wa- 
ter. This  fhall  be  when  God  this  once  ^that  once, 
when  he  is  jufr  ready  to  foal^e  Heaven  and.  Earth  J 
and  thU  otfcefignifies  the  doing  it  fo,  that  it  ihali  ne- 
ver need  to  be  done  any  more  ',  and  thev  (hall  know 
that  his  Name  is  Jehovah  \  that  he  U  the  true  God. 
and  all  other  Gods  flmll  perifl)  from  the  Earth,  and 
frcmvnderthefe Heavens,  Jcrem.  io8  11.  c.  id.  19, 
2  c,  21. 

Tnus,  as  at  the  firil  preaching  of  the  GofpeJ5 
there  were  fo  great  Conversions*  pricings  in  the 
).  \irt,  and  Repentances,  Afls  2,  (&c.  Becaufc  that 
was  the  jullnefs  of  time :  So  there  fhall  be  much 
greater,  when  the  folinefs  of  times ,  even  of  All 
Time  fhall  be  :  For  whatever  was  done  by  way  of 
Inehoation,  and  Beginning,  in  the  fulkefs  of  time, 
ill  be  much  more  done  at  the  fullness  of  times,  or 

of 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*       I0£ 

qS  all  time:  For  That  Gofpel  ,  that  was  alway- 
the  everlafting  Gofpel,  fhall  then  appear  in  that 
ftile,  and  be  known  by  it.  The  everlafting  Gofpel, 
and  therefore  its  Force,  Effeft,  and  Succefs,  fhall 
be  much  greater  than  ever. 

And  it  immediately  follows  upon  this  Preaching 
the  Everlasting  Gofpel,  another  Angel  proclaim "d  with 
a  loud  Voice  ;  Babilon  U  fallen,  is  fallen  *,  before  this 
jc  could  not  be  done.  The  Church  of  Perga- 
mus  was  blarrui  for  having  them,  that  held  the 
Dofirine  of  Balam  ;  and  who  taught  to  eat  things 
Sacrificed  to  Idols  -,  and  Thyatyrafor  Juffering  them  ; 
They  had  not  Mourned,  that  they  might  be  caU  out^ 
as  the  Apoftle  fpeaks,  i  Cor.  5.  2.  and  therefore 
they  were  Commanded  to  Repent,  and  draw  to 
Repentance  all  fuch  among  them,  that  belonged  to 
the  Election  of  Grace,  Rev.  c.  2.  and  here  is  that 
great  Repentance,  by  which  Babylon  is  utterly  caS 
out,  and  fallen,  as  it  follows  in  the  nextThimder, 
or  Voice  from  Weaven,to that  of  the  euerlaftingGof- 
pel:  And  then,  as  it  was  in  that  Apoftolic  time, 
phey  brought  out  their  Books  of  curious  arts,  and 
burnt  them  publickly,  even  to  the  value  of  50000 
Peices  of  Silver,  fo  fhall  the  curious  arts  of  Ido- 
latry, Sorcery  and  Impurity  be  expos'd  and  for  ever 
devoted  at  that  time  to  the  Flames,  hfts  19. 
19. 

Now  how  does  this  Recommend  to  us  the 
Doctrine  of  Repentance  throughout  all  our  Genera- 
tions, and  through  the  whole  courfe  of  our  Lives  , 
feeing  the  World  of  the  Savd  fhall  be  thus  Bap- 
ilfeclmth  the  Baptifmoi  Repentance  for  the  Remrf- 
non  of  S'msy  juft  before  Salvation. 

And 


10$     Of  art  Evangelical  Repentance* 

And  into  rhis  Treafury,  all  ages  of  Saints  in  the 
World, before  this  time, have  cart  by  Mourning,God~ 
ly  Sorrow,  and  Repentance:  For  have  not  their  Tears 
been  put  into  Godys  Bottle ,  and  are  they  not  in  his 
Boo^s?  And  at  what  time  are  they  more  likely  to 
be  Produced  to  their  Etternal  Account,  and  Ad- 
vantage, ihaq  in  fuch  a  day  of  Attonement,  and 
Reconciliation  ?  When  the  days  of  P^efrcjlnn?,  that 
Bkjjed,  and  Happy  Age  fljall  come  forth  from  the 
prefence  of  the  Lord,  his  immediate  Appearance, 
even  the  fame  Appearance  that  fhall  utterly  abarifi) 
the  man  of  fin,  2  Thef.  2.8.  and  I  re- 

enliventhe  Saints,  that  have  Dyed  and    ;    i  in  Je- 
ftts,  into  the  Fir]}  Refurreclion,  upon  '-(Ted' 

nefs  is  then  Proclaimed  ;  when  'all  fins/hall  be  perfeff- 
ly  blotted  out,  and  their  holy  Worlds  alone  ttia}\  fellow  - 
them  (among  which  Repentance  is  one  of  rhe  Prin- 
ch  nj  in  the  Day  of  the  Reftitution  *f  ail  things, 
in  the  day  of  Salvation  when  it  fhall  >opear,  'rue 
Evangelical  Repentance  is  never  to  be  Repented  of 
Ads  5.  19,  2io   Rev.  14.  13. 

And  io  move  us  therefore  all,  and  to  provoke 
us  to  either  the  fir  ft  Repentance,  if  we  have  not 

yet  Repented;  or  to  Renewed  and 
Rom.  13. 1 2.    advanced  Rep:nnnce  *,  let  us  con- 

nder,  how  far  the  Night  of  the 
Apofiafy  is  pafsYf,  and  the  Day  of  Salvation  is  at 

hand  ?  How  very  near  it  grows  ;£ 
Heb,  10.  How  much  more  we  fee  the  Day  ap- 
24,  25.  proaching  ?     For  we.  are  now  in  the 

1255th  day  of  the  Witncffes  \i.6^> 
days  of  Tears  ,  of  their  Mourning  and  Sackcloth  ; 
and  upon  the  25th  day  of  the  Laft  Month  of  the  42 
Moons  of  hpoflacy :  and  when  rhey  end,  the  Kingdom 

of 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*     107 

cf  Chritt  (hall  be  immediately  Proclaim'd  :  How 
near  then  is  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  at  Hand  1* 

Infer.  8.  Becaufc,  I  know,  there  is  fo  great  an 
unwillingnefs  to  believe  fuch  an  Approach  of 
the  Kingdom  of  Chrift  5  Let  us  rake,  as  we  ftand 
in  the  National  Community,  whereof  we  are,  this 
great  Doctrine  of  Repentance  into  deepefl  and 
clofeft  cormdera  tion.  For  we  find  Scripture,whcn- 
ever  it  fpeaks  to  a  Community,  as  to  the  Kingdom 
of  Judah,  and  Ifrael>  in  the  Prophets  it  ftill  fpeaks 
to  them,  as  fuch  Communities,  as  in  the  Language, 
and  Doclrine  of  Repentance  j  and  when  it  fpeaks 
to  the  Churches,  as  in  the  fecond  and  third  Chap- 
ters of  the  Revelation,  it  fpeaks  to  them  as  fuch 
Communities,  and  commands  them  to  Repent^  as 
was  before  obferv'd. 

How  necellarv  therefore  to  the  National  Body  is 
the  Doctrine  of  Repentance  ,  taken  as  relating  to  a 
Community^  How'  neceffary  muft  it  needs  be  to 
every  one  of  us,  not  only  as  for  our  own  Immor- 
tal Souls,  but  as  Farts  and  Members  of  the  Nati- 
onal Community  3  and  to  the  Church,  or  Church- 
es of  thisNavon  ;  that  of  the  Church  of  England, 
cr  the  National  Church,  as  fo,  many  love  to  fpeak '* 
or  to  rfcc  Churches  ,  that  are  in  England ,  or 
Churches  of  England,  as  others  agreeably  enough 
with  Scripture,  fpeak  as  of  the  Churches  of  fa- 
de* $  of  Qalatia',  and  thus  undoubtedly  ther£ 
is  a  tmth  in  both  ways  of  fpeaking. 

For  when  God  hath  given  a  Nation  an  iiniver- 

fal  confent  in  the  Profeflion  of  the  Name  of  God, 

of  Chrift,  and  of  the  Gofpel ,  they  do  in  many 

ac  Regards,  and  Accounts  of  Scripture,  come 

under 


io8    Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance. 

under  fuch  ao  Obligatory  reprefentation,  as  a  Na- 
tional Cburch\  zbjudah  and  Ifrael  in  the  times  of 
the  Old  Teftament  came  under.  And  all  particu- 
lar ChwrcheSy  wherein  fo  ever  they  differ  in  many 
particulars,  and  make  diflind  Affociationsof  them- 
felves,  may  be  iook'd  upon,  as  particular  Churches ; 
and  fo  Scripture  vouches  for  them  ;  becaufe  they 
dp  in  a  Particular  Union  give  them  felves  to  the 
Lord  ,  and  to  one  another  ;  yet  notwithftanding, 
they  cannot,  what  ever  thev  may  think,  put  off 
their  Relation  to  the  whole  Nation,  whereto  they 
are  United  as  pares ;  nor  to  it,  as  United  with 
them,  in  the  futftantial  Effential  Points  of  Chrifti- 
anity,  not  fo  Adulterated  ,  bnc  that  fuch  Church 
is  look'd  upon  as  a  true  Church,  by  God,  and  by 
Chrift. 

Nor  can  the  more  general  or  National  Church 
Dif-intereft  ic  felf  in  any  of  the  more  particula  r 
and  DiJJenting  Churches  j  feeing  in  God's  account 
they  are  within  ie;  even  thofe  that  are  pureft, 
and  have  molt  of  the  Spirit,  and  Power  of  Chri- 
ftianity,  and  truly  Purer  than  it  felf,  as  in  the  ge- 
neral 5  as  the  more  general  Church  oj  Sardls  had 
within  it  (elf,  the  few  purer  Names 
Rev.  3.  i.  that  had  not  Defiled  their  Garments, 
t&c.  This  is  when  a  more  general  Church 

is  pure  in  fuSfiantials.of  Doctrine, 
Worfhip,  and  Laws  of  Holy  Converfation  ;  it  is 
other  wife  when  what  is  calFd  a  Church  *  is  Antu 
christian  and  Idolatrous  in  its  fubflancials  j  as  in 
thofe  of  the  Papacy  i  and  have  no  more  Right 
to  the  Name  of  a  Churchy  than  that  Idolatrous 
affembly,  that  cried  up  Diana  of  the  Eohefians, 
Ms  iQ.though  it  be  there  caifd  by  the  farae  Name 

of 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance,      log 

of  a  Churchy  or  Ecclefia,  that  the  Churches  of  the 
Saints  are.  v.  32.  41. 

Now  this  I  have  Premif'd,  to  (hew,  how 
neceflary  the  Do&rine  of  Repentance  is  to  be  Of- 
fered,  and  (o  be  Received  by  the  generality  of  the 
Church,  Churches^  and  People  of  this  Nation;  ac- 
cording to  the  Do&rine  of  both  the  New  and  Old 
Teftamenty  even  that  Repentance  that  hath  been 
Difcours'd  *,  the  Repentance  to  Salvation^  never  to 
be  Repented  of  and  to  be  wrought  by  a  Godly  forrorp> 
or  a  forrovp  after  God, 

It  may  look  like  a  Difficulty  5  how  a  Nation 
Compofed  of  fuch  Variety  of  lefler,  aad  diftinct 
Communities,  one  from  another  ;  and  much  more 
fo  many  fingie  perfons ,  fhould  be  brought  to 
Unite  in  Repentance  ;  or  a  Church,  that  hath  fo 
many  lefler,  and  different  Churches;  or,  How 
fuch  a  Repentance  can  be  a  Repentance  to  Salvation ; 
feeing  Nations  are  not  fo  much  fev'd  as  Nations, 
but  particular  Perfons,  of  thofe  general  Commu- 
nities are  the  Saved. 

This  may  be  three  ways  Reconciled. 

1.  By  considering,  there  is  the  Face  of  2  Nati- 
on, and  of  a  National  Profeffion  of  Chriftianity , 
in  the  Princes,RuIers,and  Counceis  of  it :  and  When 
thefe  fee  themfelves  to  Repentance,  of  Refor- 
mation :  How  greatly  neceflary  therefore  is  it  to 
Reprefent  with  greateft  Efficacies  of  Perfwafion  to 
them  the  duty  to  Reform  themfelves;  and  to  be  ex- 
amples of  the  fame  to  the  Nation  :We  find  therefore 
Umverfally  inScriptnre,  there  is  fo  much  applica- 
tion to  the  Kings,  and  Nobles,  the  CbunfeIlors% 
and  Judges  of  IJrael ;  and  Remonftrances  againft 
their  fins,  and  not  Reforming. 

And 


110       Of  au  hvangehcal  Repentance"! 

And  this  lies  with  efpecial  Obligation  upon 
thofe,  who  are  Exalted*  into  the  mod  publick 
Stations  of  the  Chriftian  Miniftration  ;  thofe,  who 
are  the  moft  pubiick  Seers.  So  we  find  Nathan, 
the  King's  Seer,  was  chofen  out  by  God  to  fpeakto 
David,  in  thofe  two  great  fervices  of  fhewing 
David  his  fin,  and  moving  him  to  Repentance, 
2  Sam.  1 2.  When  he  had  fo  fallen ;  God  fenc  to 
more  him  to  Repentance  by  bis  own  Seer,  or,  as  I 
may  Exprefs  it,  Bifhop.  And  fo  in  the  Cafe  of 
Numbring  the  People  j  God  fent  to  David  by  Gady 
another  of  his  Seers,  2  Sam.  24.  11. 

Again,    when    God    declared    to  David  the 
Building  the  Temple,  not  by  himfelf,  but  by  his 
Son  Solomon-,  to-  encourage    his  Preparation  for 
it  5  but  to  Countermand  his  Building  it;  he  did 
it  by  the  fame  Nathan,  his  Seer,  1  Chron.  17.  g. 
And  thus  when  God,  by  his  Providence,  Ex- 
airs  any  to  a  Precedency,  or  Presidency  in  the 
Gofpel  JVtinittry,  fo  as  to    be    near    Princes,  and 
Councels,  and  Senates  in  that  high  Adminifrra- 
tion  ;  when  they  are  Zealous,  and  Succefsful  in 
their    Preaching    Repentance  j   and    fuch    Higher 
Powers  are  mov'd   by  it:    This  generally    goes 
down  from  fuch  Heads  of  a  Nation,  to  the  shirts 
of  the  Garment,  viz.  The  fubordinated  Miniftry  of 
a  Nation,  and  its  Magiftracy,  and   fo  to  the  ge- 
nerality of  the  People :  And  it  becomes  in  God's 
gracious   acceptance    through  Chrift,    and    Ac- 
count,   a  National  Repentance,  though  there  may 
be    many  particular' Perfons,  both    in    Miniftry 
and  Magiftracy  negligent    of    their    Daty,  and 
much  more  many  unreformed  Perfons  among  die 
Multitude. 

And 


And  fuch  Repentance  may  be  called  Repentance 
to  Salvation  ,  Foi  it  does  not  only,  as  in  the  King 
of  Nineveh's  Cafe,  give  a  Reprieve  from  prefer* 
Judgments,  and  bring  in  p.reat  Ele flings ,  and 
profpericy  to  a  Nation  at  the  prefer^  but  thtro 
is  very  great  Feafon  to  believe  in  the  visible 
Glory  of  the  Kingdom  cf  Ckrisi  :  There  are,  as  I 
may  fo  fpeak,  Constellations  of  Saints,  who  have 
joyn'd  together  in  the  fame  Nation,  and  time  in 
Repentance,  and  earned  Endeavours  for  Reforma- 
tion j  for,  as  Daniel  fay?,  The  Wife,  and  they  that 
turn  many  to  Righteoiifnefs,  fl>ati  (hine  as  the  Stars% 
and  as  the  brighttie\s  of  the  Fnmam&it  fet  ever,  and 
ever,  Dan,  12.3. 

Now  how  does  the  prefent  flate  of  the  Afatioa 
require  the  joyning  of  all  that  fear  God,  to  re- 
trench that  boldnefs,  and  bfoleney  of  wickednefs 
rhac  rages  throughout  the  Nation }  aad  to  necessi- 
tate the  Vices  and  Prophaneifes  of  Men,  who  have 
no  fear  of  God,  to  keep  within,  and  not  to  fhevv 
themfelves,  as  they  do  openly,  and  abroad!  and 
in  the  mean  time,  to  give  fuch  an  Honour  to  God- 
tinefS)  Righteoufnefs,  and  Sobemeft^  that  the  con- 
trary to  thefe  may  not  be  charged  as  Afetional  fins; 
and  therefore  herein,  thofe.  that  are  principal 
Seers  of  the  Action,  2nd  have  opportunity  to  do 
it  to  Princes,  and  Councels,  are  under  greateft 
obligations  of  Duty.  Love,  Honour,  and  Service 
to  God ,  and  our  Lord  Jefos  (thrift  *,  to  move 
with  light,  and  Heat  in  their  Orb,  and  Sphere  ; 
to  make  due  remonftrances  of  the  absolute  necei- 
fity,  that  there  is,  to  difcharge  tire  Action  of  that 
great  weight  of  Publick  GuK  th*c  lies  upon  ic 
by  the  Enormities,  that  not :  being  reftrain'd,  and 

Punifli'd. 


Punifli'd  ,  Redouh'd  from  particular  Offenders 
(whom  they  have  firfl  inverted,  and  covefd  all 
overj  upon  the  Communky,  to  which  they  be- 
long -,  and  to  incite,  and  greatly  to  encourage  all 
whatever  denomination  ,  or  dfftin&ion  foever 
they  are  of,  to  Unite  in  this ;  to  give  a  (lop  to  the 
overflowing  wickednefs,  that  there  be  not  wrath 
againfl  the  Royal  Family,  the  fupreme  Powers  of  the 
Nation ,  the  fuperior  Epifcopacy  of  it  ;  and  againfl 
the  whole  Nation  ,  which  Epifcopacy  above  all, 
ought  to  cry  aloud,  and  not  to  [pare,  but  to  fhevv 
to  the  Court  afcd  Cbuncels  of  it ,  the  fin:  and 
tranfgreflions  of  the  A/ation;  which  they  make 
their  own  by  not  turning  their  whole  Power  a- 
gainfl,  and  to  exhort  all  to  joyn  with  one /boulder 
againfl  them. 

For  the  prefent  flate  fo  Uhreformed,  fo  Lux- 
urious in  Wickednefs,  fhews,  that  according  to  all 
the  word  of  God,  and  the  general  courfe  cf  his 
Providence,  that  hath  ever  been  in  the  world ; 
fome  one  of  thefe  three  things  mufl  needs 
be. 

r.  That  there  mufl  bean  Univerfal,  National 
Reformation  from  thofe  fins,  that  being  of  a  pub- 
lick,  andfenfible  appearance;  fins  that  may  be 
felt ,  and  that  are  fo  palpable  to  the  common  fenfe 
of  Natural  Conference f  and  fo  cognifable,  and 
ought  to  be  taken  notice  of  by  the  Courts  of 
Human  Judicature ,  may  be  refcrain'd;  and  kept 
from  Dying  the  Afation  info  Crimfon,  and  Scarlet 
a  Guilt,  fuch  a  Purple  Hiew  by  the  abominations, 
flow  it  is,all  over  ftain'd  with*,  the  horrid  Oaths,  or 
Swearing,  for  the  great  commonnefs  of  which, 

even 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*     ll  J 

even  on  teeming  better  accounts,  Lands  mourn  ve- 
ry often  ;  the  noife  of  which  bellows  in  all  ftreets, 
and  publick  places,  as  well  as  in  private  Families; 
the  dvezd{\ACur{mgs  andtoamwings  t\uz  every  where 
rcfound}  the  fearful  Sabbath-breakings ,  that  turn  ic 
nor  only  into  a  Day  of  Idlenefs  and  floarh,  but  of 
leifure  to  all  manner  of  Wickednefs  ;  the  Excefs 
of  Pride,  and  Vanity  in  apparel,  which  the  very 
Prudence  of  fumptuary  Laws  fhould  reform  •  the 
Impudence  and  Outrage  of  Luft  and  Luxury,  de- 
claring, and  not  hiding  it  felf  as  in  Sodom  of  Old  3 
the  Great  Vnmercif nine fs  to  the  Poor,  of  all  Kinds, 
and  not  ftrengthning  their  hands  to  fuch  profitable 
fervice,  and  employment  in  their  Places,  as  might 
abound,  not  only  to  their  own  private  (which  oughs 
to  be  J  but  to  publick  Good. 

Thefe  things,  with  all  Cafe  and  Z<?al,  &6I  only 
ought,  but  mult  be  redue'd  and  redrelVd  in  Towns 
and  Cities,  and  in  all  our  Villages  ,  and  moft  parti- 
cularly  in  our  Camps-  and  Navies,  where  they  more 
than  any  where  elfe  (if  poftible)  abound  ;  and 
where  there  ought  to  be  greater  Guard,  and  Watch 
againft  them,  than  anywhere  elfe  5  according  to 
that  Great  Precept,  Dent.  23.  if* 

1.  If  this  be  not  done,  Itcannot  be,  except 
God  hath  left  the  Earth  more  than  ever  yet  he  hatrr 
done  •,  andforfakenit;  and  walks  in  the  Galleries 
of  Heaven,  without  Regarding  ;  but  that  there 
mud  be  a  Vifiting  for  thefe  things;  and  that  his 
Soul  mufl  be  avenged  of  fuch  a  Nation  zs  this;  Jer. 
51  9.  whether  by  Plague,  or  Famine,  or  War,  or 
cv.il  and  noifome  Beafb,  or  by  a  Complication  of 
triefc  Four  :  yea,  though  it  be  by  a  Fire  yet  un- 
I  bJowiti 


i 1 4      Of  an  Evangelical  Refentancel 

blown,  that  is  ready  to  flame  out •,  or  by  an  Ar- 
my of  Wounded  Men,  that  our  Deftru&ion  muft 
come-,  and  much  the  more  becaufe  the  Light  of 
his  Truth  is  fo  open  and  clear  among  us  j  be- 
caufe his  Mercies  and  Deliverances  have  been  fo- 
Great,  and  the  Methods  of  his  Providence  fo  un- 
ufual  ;  in  his  unhinging  for  us  the  General  Laws  of 
Nature,  in  D  ethroning,  and  fetting  on  the  Throne 
for  our  prefervation.  Now  if  Thefe  his  Great 
.Ads  and  Wonderful  Doings  do  not  work  to  Re- 
formation ,  They  certainly  fhall  juftifie  God  in 
our  Definition.  And  yet  we  daily  fee  our  fins 
and  Tranfgreflions  Growing  up  to  the  very  Hea- 
vens :,  fo  that  that  our  Destruction  cannot  but  be 
fpecdy. 

3.  Except  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift  be  as  I  have 
declared,  very  near  us  j  And  that  we  are  not  yet 
under  fome  mod  dreadful  Judgments,  it  is  an  ar- 
gument to  me,  it  is  certainly  fo  ,  that  the  King- 
dom of  Chrift  is  very  near  us  *  when  he  will  take 
to  himfelf  his  own  great  Power,  and  Reign,  and  Re- 
form by  a  through  Vurging  his  Floors  either  by 
pouring  out  hi*  Spirit ,  and  perfwading 
Malach.4.1.  by  his  everlafiingGofpel,  and  fitting 
as  by  a  Refiners  Fire,  and  Fullers  Soap, 
throughly  to  purifie ;  that  Baptijm  with  Fire:  or  by 
the  Day,  that  flail  burn  as  an  Oven,  and  confume  the 
W?ct>ed,  Root  and  Branch  ;  and  becaufe  of  this,  not- 
withstanding our  great  Tranfgreflions,  and  mighty 
provocations-^  even  though  he  hath  lifted  up  hit  handy 
that  he  would  deSroy  m ,  yet  he  hath  wrought  for 
his  Great  Names  fake ;  that  is,  his  Kingdom's  fake 
and  harh  dene  nothing  yet  fo  remarkable  againft 
us.  Let 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentance*       1 1 J 

Let  us  then,  that  fear  the  Lord,  fpeal^  often  one  ro 
another^  that  a  Bool^  of  Remembrance  may  be  writ  for 
ys,  as  for  them  that  have  feared  the  Lord,  and  thought 
on  hi*  Name  ,  and  that  we  may  he  /pared  in  the  day, 
when  he  ma\es  up  hi*  Jewels ;and  gathered  as  Wheat 
into  his  Garner,  when  he  (hall  burn  up  the  Chaff  with 
fire  unquenchable,  Mai.  3. 16.  Matth.  3.  12. 

Infer.  9.  Seeing  Nations  and  Perfons  are  under 
foftrift  Commands  to  Repent  with  that  Repentance  to 
Salvation  -,  the  contrary  whereof  is  exprefled  by 
Death. 

There  is  therefore  in  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift  a 
City  of  Life,  and  under  it  a  City  of  Death  ;  a  Ci- 
ty of  Salvation,  whofe  Walls  and  BullwarJ^s  are  Sal- 
vation ;  and  a  City  of  Definition,  diftind  from  it, 
and  oppofiteto  it,  Efay  19.  18.  c.  26.  1.  The  one 
is  the  Refidence  of  thole  who  have  Repented  with 
that  Repentance  to  Salvation,  not  to  be  Repented  of 
The  other  is  the  dark  and  difmal  Receptacle  of 
thofe%  who  have  either  been  wholly  diflblved  into 
the  worldly  Laughter  and  Mirth;  or  been  Sorrow- 
ers only  after  the  worldly  Sorrow,  that  wor^eth 
Death. 

The  New  Jerusalem  is  the  City  of  life  gndSaU 
nation  ;  the  City  that  hath  the  Tree  of  Life  ,  and 
the  River  of  the  Water  of  Life  ;  and  the  Nations  of 
the  Saved  w  all-in  the  Light  of  it;  and  are  healed 
from  any  poffibility  of  Dying  by  the  Leaves  of  the 
Tree  of  Life ;  and  the  Living  are  written  in  it  3 
Whatever  liveth  in  it,  fiall  live,  even  for  perpetu- 
ity: The  Second  Death  hat h  no  power  over  them,  Efay 
4.   3,    Revel,  c.  20.  6.  c.  21.  24,  c,   22,  1,  2. 

I  2  On 


\iC      Gf  an  Evang elical  Repentance. 

On  the  other  fide,  there  is  the  City  of  Dettrutti- 
on,  Efay  19.  18.  when  Five  Cities  fl)all  fpeal^  tk; 
Language  of  .Canaan,  being  of  the  Natiws  of  the 
Saved'.  There  is  one  City,  that  fhail  be  called,  the 
Chy  of  Deftruflion;  the  contrary  to  Salvation  s  being 
ol  thole  appointed  to  Death. 

This  is  the. Congre.gati.-n  of  the  Dead,  Prov.  gj. 
16.  This  is  the  City  of  Gog?,  that  Is,  of  the  dead, 
fkdn  with  the"  Jmrd  of  Chriihs  imuth,  who  hath  a 
f'lace  of  Graves,  the  Valley  of  Hamon  Gog,  of  the 
Multitude  of  Gog.  £zek.  39.  11,    fyc. 

Thefe,  thongh  they  are  the  dead,  that  is  flaiq 
with  the  (word  of  Chuffs  mouthy  yet  they  are  as 
in  a  Community,  in  a  Polity  ;  for  though  they  are 
condemned  by  the  Word  and  Sentence,  of  Chrift, 
rJiey  are  yet  the  Wicked  rais'd  to  Condemnation  ; 
and  fo  are  in  the  State  of  Living,  but  of  a  Living 
Death:  Therefore  thefe  deadhwc  a  City,  and  the 
Nam?  of  it  is  ttammonah  j  as  the  Name  of  the  New 
Jerusalem  is  Jehovah- Shammah,  the  Lord  is  there  ; 
fo  the  Name  of  this  City  is  nj^On,  its  multi- 
tude, ox  a  multitude  is  then  *,  For  broad  is  the  way, 
and  wide  is  the  Gate  that  leadeth  to  this  City  of  He- 
res,  to  deftruflion  j  and  many  there  be  which  go 
fa  thereat,  Matth.  7.  13.  Thefe  are  the  multitudes 
that  aje  gathered  together  to  the  Battel  of  Arma- 
geddon', the  Day  of  God  Almighty, (haded  by  a  Bat- 
tel; t'ne  multitudes  in  the  Valley  of  Jehofliaphat ;  the 
galley  of  the  Judgment  of  ]chovah',  rhe  Valley  of  De~ 
cifion^  cf  the  Doom  and  Sentence  of  Chrift,  as  the 
"Sword  of  his  MoAth ;  and  the  Valley  of  Excifioii,  of 
ptftruFtiQn,  Joel  3.  74.  Revel,  c,  16,  14,  i<5, 
5  Now  thefe  dead%  in  their  City  of  ths  dead,  Jye 
hmd  during  the  TboufUid  Tears,  bound  HancT  and 

Fogs; 


Of  an  Evangelical  Repentances       *  1 7 

Foot  for  that  fpace ;  The  Refl  of  the  Dead,  [lain 
with  the  Sword  of  Chrijfs  mouth.  But  when  the 
Thousand  Tears  are  expired,  they  are  let  loofe  into 
the  Appearance  of  Life,  Motion  and  Action :  They 
whofe  multitude  are  as  the  Sand  of  the  Se<u  under 
their  Name  Gog  Magog,  come  up  againft  the  Belo- 
ved City,  and  ,the  Camp,  or  Tower,  and  Cattle  of  the 
Saints,  and  caver  the  breadth  of  it ',  fhewing  them- 
felvcs  the  fame  Impenitent s  they  were,  and  had  been 
before  the  Ihoufand  Tears  began*  the  Never-Repen- 
ting Enemies  of  God,  and  of  Chrift,  and  of  his 
Kingdom  :  So  they  are  finally  judg'd »  E  y  Qo 
cafl  withSathani  who  had  alway  de-  xr  Stc.* 
ceived  them,  with  Death  and  Hell,  in-  ^^ 
to  the  Lal^e.  This  is  the  fecond  2i*c.2o.\. 
Death>  to  the  end.' 

Thus  in  the  opening  this  dark  Scripture,  Be- 
hold in  thefe  two  Cities  the  Repentance  to  Life  and 
Salvation  never  to  be  repented  of,  the  Impenitency 
to  Death  and  Deftrudion,  never  alio  to  be  repented 
of,  that  we  maychufe  the  firft,  perfwaded  by  Eter- 
nal Grace  and  Love ;  and  abhor. the  other,  as  the 
Black  Mark  of  being  the  Efau  hated  by  God,  who 
found  no  place  for  Repentance',  as  the  Veftds  of  his 
Wrath,  the  Border  of  Wic^ednejs,  againft  whom  he 
bath  Indignation  for  ever,  Malach.  iy  4. 

Infer.  10.  Upon  all  this,  I  conclude  whh  that  great 
Scripture,  Ifofea  10.  12.  Sow-  we  to  our  jelves 
in  Rj-ghteoufnefs,  the  Righteoufnefs  of  Repentance* 
fpnnging  from  Faith  in  the  Blood  of  ]efw  :  Let  m 
breal^  up  all  our  F allow  Ground r.  For  the  Tuft  and 
proper  time  is  near  for  an  tuvuerfal  feeing  Gid  j  m 

he 


Ii8    Of  art  JLvangelkal  Repentance? 

he  come,  and  rat*  Righteoufnefs,  upon  us,  upon  all  the 
Earth. 

Tflis  is  indeed  prepaid  peculiarly  for  Ifrael,  the 
Ten  Tribei  at  their  Converfion,  after  the  fo  long  Cap- 
tivity; fhadoved  under  riding,  ploughing,  breaking  the 
Clods ,  till  the  [owing  in  right  euufnefs.  at  their  reftora- 
tion.  It  is  now  near,  that  they  who  have  been  fo 
long  loft ,  that  it  fhaii  be  faid  of  them,  Thefe-  where 
have  they  been?  (hail  with  the  whole  Gentile  World, 
feef^  the  Lord.  Let  as  count  which  way  we  can,  the 
time  mufl:  be  near,  exceeding  near.  IVhofo  is  wife, 
and  he  (hall  understand  the  Scriprure  concerning 
thefe  things ;  prudent>  and  he  (hall  know  them :  For 
the  ways  of  the  Lord  are  all  righteous  and  true  con- 
cerning them.  Vp right  men  fhall  know  how  to 
wall^  in  them,  while  tranjgreffors  fall  mod  difho" 
nourably  and  finally  therein. 

And  when  this  is,  there  fhall  be  a  great  jRaw,  a 
Rain  of  Rigbteoufnejs,  that  (hall  come  down  upon  the 
World,  This  (hail  make  a  mighty  Change,  as  the 
Earth  is  changed  by  a  mighty  coming  down,  a  pour- 
ing  dawnsf  Rain,  after  a  long  Drought :  fo  this  Rain 
(hall  refrefh  the  Inheritance  of  God,  that  hath  been 
fo  long  weary  :I{ighteoufnefs  (hall  come  down,  as  /bow- 
ers upon  theGrajs,  and  as  the  foft  F{ain  upon  the  mow'n 
Grafs }  as  the  former  and  latter  Rain  in  their  feafons. 
It  isprophefied  of  Jefus  Chrifl  coming  in  his  King- 
dom, he  fhall  come  down  fo,  PfaL  72.  <5,  &c.  So 
that  in  his  day-  Righteoufnefs}  For  the  Righteous  fhall 
flmrifh,  and  abundance  of  peace,  fo  long  m  the  Moon  en- 
dumb:  and  then,  asPfa/.  8$.  9,  10,  1 1.  His  falvatu 
on  (hall  be  nigh  all  them  t bat  fear  him,  that  Glory  may 
dwell'in  all  the  Earth.  Mercy  and  Trwh  (hall  meet 
together  ',  Jtighteoufnefs  and  Peace  fhall  kjft  each  other  \ 

'     Rigk- 


Of  an  Evangelical  RefentancF.     1 19 

%igkteoufnefs  fiall  lool^down  from  beaven;ot  as  the  Ram 
from  heaven,  (hone  upon  with  the  healing  wings  of  the 
Sun  of  Righteoufnefs  ,  It  (hall  reprefent  the  bow  of 
the  Covenant  in  the  Clouds,  in  theD*y  of  this  Rain, 
Ezek.  1.  28.  Rev.  10.  1.  and  Truth  (hall  then  fpring 
out  of  the  Earth  in  abundance. 

This  State  (hall  be  as  irrefiftable  as  the  Rain  *,  a- 
gainft  which,  tho  Princes,  Powers,  Councils,  and 
all  their  Armies  fhould  confpire,  they  cannot  help 
it;  yea,  the  Heavens  themfelves,  commanded  by 
God,  cannot  withhold,  or  reftrain  their  flowers,  any 
more  than  they  can  give  them,  till  the  time  appoin- 
ted by  God.  So  it  (hall  bring  into  the  ways  oj  Rigb- 
teoufnefs9  when  Righteoufnefs  (hall  come  down  thus 
from  Heaven.  All  the  prophanefs,  and  wickednefs 
that  is  at  this  time,  (hall  not  be  able  to  hinder  it,  a- 
ny  more  than  we  can  hinder  the  Rain.  It  will  not 
flay,  nor  tarry  for  the  children  of  men. 

All  the  Promifes  and  Prophecies  (hall  come  to  paft 
at  this  time,  that  God  hath  appointed,  and  (hall  tar- 
ry no  longer :  the  windows  of  heaven  fhall  he  opened, 
the  waters  above  the  Firmament  (hall ccme down')  the 
deep  fhall  be  broken  up.  And  whatever  (hall  not  then 
be  rained  upon,  fhall  be  given  to  fait  for  ever.  And 
This  fhall  be  fudden  as  Elijah's  Rain,  fudden,  and  ac 
an  Inftant;  beginning  in  a  Cloud,  about  as  big  as  a 
man's  hand,  and  fo  covering  the  whole  heaven. 

But  it  cannot  be,  till  after  the  Ap$acy,  till  the 
droughty  Moons  if  the  0  entiles  ,^x\do{  the  Beafl,  are 
expir'd.  I:  cannot  be  while  the  Days  of  the  Wit- 
neffes  Sackcloth- Prophecy  Jaft  ;  For  they  have  pow- 
er to  (hut  heaven,  that  it  rain  not  in  the  days  of  their 
Prophefe  ;  That  is,  it  is  determined  by  God,  It  (hall 
notrainm  thofe  Days.  Rcv.ii.6. 

There 


i2o     Of  <m  Evangelical  Repentance? 

\  There  was  fome  of  this  Rain  in  the  very  beginning 
of  the  Reformation,  when  the  Thunders  uttered  their 
Voices:  But  it  flopped  at  their  feal'ingj  yet  the  Ef* 
feds  remain  to  this  Day,  in  fo  much  enjoyment  of 
the  Gofpel  as  we  have.     The  heavens  opened  fo  far, 
becaufe  it  was  the  Morning  of  half  time:  It  ftopp'd, 
becaufe  it  was  but  half  time  begun,  and  not  run  out: 
At  the  end  of  half  time,ov  1 597,  there  fhall  be  a  full 
and  efte&ive  Thknder^    and  a  much  greater  Rain  of 
JXighteoufnefs  ,   even    preparing   for    ihcUarvefl% 
Then  he  who  fits  upon  the  white  (hining  Cloud,  fhall 
bring  forth  even  the  harvefl  it  felf  in  the  Glory  of 
his  Kingdom;  when  he  will  weary,  as  the  ExpreiTi- 
on  is  in  Job  c.  37.  11.  the  thick  Cloud  of  Right e- 
oufnefS)   by  fo  abnndant  a  watering  the  Earthy  and 
fcatter  the  bright  Cloud,  by  difperfing  Righteoufnefs 
in  fo  great  an  abundance.     And  it  fhall  be  turned  a- 
bout  by  his  Counsel,  to  do  whatsoever  he  commandetb 
upon  the  face  of  the  world  in  the  Earth.    He  caufeth 
it  to  come,  whether  for  correction,  or  for  his  Land} 
Judgment  upon  his  Enemies,  Mercy  for  his  Kingdom  : 
Hearken  unto  this,  Oh,  whoever  we  are  thatprofefs  the 
Name  of  Chr'fli  Stand  ft  ill,  and  confider  thefe  wondrous 
works  of  God,  as  held  out  to  us  in  the  Prophecies  of 
Scripture.     And  then  (ball  be  held  that  great  Feaji  of 
thcThoufand Years  tQ  theLord,'m  which  all  the  Feafts 
of  the  Lord,  that  were  the  Types,  fhall  concur,  meet 
and  unite  :  theFeafi  of  Wee^,  or  Harveji  \  the  Fea& 
of.  Paffover,  the  Day  of  Trumpets  and  Attonement  j 
the  great  Feait  of  Tabernacles. 


Brief 


Brief  Confederations 

OF  THE 
Late  Trepidation  of  the  Earthy  fo 
fenfible  in  this  City ,  and  other 
Parts  of  this  Nation ;  and  beyond 
the  Sea,  particularly  in  the  KJngs 
Camp : 

TOGETHER 

.  With  that  Tremendous  Judgment 
on  our  Englijb  Plantation  in  Ja-  . 
maica^  and  fo,  as  upon  our  Selvesy 
by  an  Edrtbqudke;  as  both  an 
earneft  Perfuafive  to  Repentance^ 
and  Prognojtick  of  the  KJngdoni 
cfChrHt. 

UPON 

Hebr.xii.  25,  &C  See  that  ye  refufe  not  Him 
that  fpeaketh,  &c.  Whofe  Voice  then  {hook 
the  Earthy  but  now  he  hath  promts  d± 
Tet  once  more,  I  Jhake  not  only  the  Earth, 
but  Heaven  alfo>   &c. 

IHope  it  will  not  be  thought  impertinent,  if  I 
take  advantage  of  the  frefh  Providences,  that 
have  given  an  Alarm  to  this  Nation  by  the 
late  Concuifion  of  the  Earth,  molt  gently  and  by 

K  7W 


I  ii  Trepidatwis  of  the  Earth , 

way  of  Acftlrohkior* Oft  itetfcf  C&^the  %a/ 

C^/\,-and rwlth  fo  much  dread 

Wherein  2000     and  terror  in  tnat  Ctffonv  of  it  felf, 

fgfefheft  ucc&t-  gffay *»«wi«.'.ftecaafetlle  Things 

ding  to, the  mo  ft  are- very,  great,  as  %hey,  reveal 
pcrfttl  'Account  'from  Heaven  either  the  Pjqwer 
Pmitfed'h  M\  \ffl  Wrrth  of  God  Jn$&  Defo- 
Miller  w  $3  J  hrrian  be  made  by  the  Jaft  taen- 
Gilded  Acron  tioned;  and  of  his  Power  *nd 
in  St.  Paul's  Goqdnefs  in  the  fif  ft  Mention- 
Church  -  Yard.  e&  K/vithin'o'ur  felves  immediate- 
ly'^ z  d.  i-y  ;  that  -he  did  fo  much,  ,and  no 
more-;  aru3  fo  both  ways  move 
to ^MiUrK^^ndmS^rW^m  mtbhwe  Heed- 
tnking  df  him  ;  with  'Reverencv  and  Godly  £eary 
as  being  a  oonfummg  Fire.  \And  alfo  becaufeithis 
Warning 'God  hath  hereby  given  in  (Yds  Nation, 
an?l  its  tflftftfe  and  the  Ml  Accounts  of  that  Oe- 
folafcon  in  jamaioa  and  'Borf-'J^oyal  wfere  fo  :ju(t 
upon  the  Finifhing  the  foregoing  Difcourfe  of 
Repentance,  as  to  give  leave  to  take  a  very  tfhort 
notice  in  the  Introduftio7i,  "Printed  laft,  and  no 
more.  But  it  is  of  fo  great  Concern  -and  -I«t£r4ft 
to  a  National  and  Perjonal  S^epentance^  and  %e~ 
formation  •  that  it  could  not  in  fuch  a  Difcoiirle  be 
pflfted  wer,  without  a  great  difregardtotheWorks 
of  the  Lord  imd  to  the  Operation  of  his  bands, 
which  is  fo  branded  an  Evil  in  Scripture-Account, 
PfaL  28.  5.  EJay  5.  12.  that  an  Appendix  con- 
cerning >it  was  even  demanded.  And  laftiy,  be- 
caufe  £arthi]ual{ies,  >the  Shal^ng^  Trembling,  arid 
Moving  the  Earth  is  us'd  as  fo  conftant  ^Symbol 
or  Emblem  of  the  [\ingdom  cf  God  and  Chriit; 
6wi>g  the  Hcavcnj^  Coming  down^  and  making 

a  change 


XJrgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance,    i  I ; 

:  a  change  in  the  Heaven  and  Earth  that  now*  arey 
:  and  in  their  whole  State  and  Adminiftration,  as 
appears  by  this  Context,  I  have  therefore  chofen 
to  difcourfe  upon :  And  feeing  as  I  have  all  man- 
ner of  ways  endeavoured  to  demonftrate,  and  do 
not  doubt  I  have  by  divine  Afliftance,  according 
to  Scripture  attain'd  to  do  it ;  that  that  Kingdom 
of  Chrift  by  Computation  upon  Times  given  by 
the  moft  Sure  Word  of  Prophecy  is  nigh  at  hand; 
Thefe  Motions  of  the  Earth  in  any  parts  of  the 
World ,  and  more  particularly  relating  to  our 
I  felves,  and  in  this  City,  where  fuch  a  Symptom  fo 
generally  obferv'd,  as  to  be  unconteftable,  is  very 
fare ;  ought  to  be  taken  notice  of,  as  calling  aloud 
to  m  to  Repent,  becaufe  the  Kjngdom  of  Heaven 
is  at  hand,  and  a  Forerunner  of  the  changd  that 
Kingdom  is  to  make. 

That  therefore  which  I  defign  in  this  Difcourfe 
Upon  this  Text,  is  to  fhew,  That  the  great  Sym- 
bol or  Reprefentation  of  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift 
in  this  fo  great  Text  of  the  Kingdom,  is  the  Uni- 
verfal  Shake,  Concuffion,  and  Convulfion  of  Hea- 
ven and  Earth  -P  and  that  therefore,  all  the  Shakes 
of  this  Earth  ought  to  betaken  notice  of,  as  par- 
I  eels  and  pieces  of  that  Greateft  and  Lalt  Shake, 
and  as  Pledges  and  Aflurances  of  it ;  and  efpeci- 
i  ally  when  by  the  Sure  Word  of  Prophecy,  and 
1  the  concurrent  Judgment  of  molt  fober  thinking 
Men  concerning  this  matter,  (who  will  not  yet  pitch 
upon  the  Time, )  it  is  concluded  it  cannot  be  far 
off  j  It  as  known,  that  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift  is 
fo  near. 

I  will  therefore  endeavour  to  comprife  this  fhort 
Difcourfe  in  thefe  Heads : 

Ki  i*  To 


124        Trepidations  of  the  Earth , 

i.  To  obferve  how  throughout  this  Text  the 
Kingdom  of  Cbriji  is  fhaded  by  the /having  Hea- 
ven and  Earth  once  for  all. 

2.  From  thence  to  make  Remarks  upon  the  na- 
ture of  fuch  Motions,  or  Trembles  of  the  Earth, 
and  their  fitnefs  to  be  fuch  a  Shade  of  the  King- 
dom of  Chrifi,  and  wherein  they  are  fo  according 
to  the  Light  of  Scripture  concerning  thefe  things. 

3.  To  obferve  the  holy  ufe  that  is  to  be  made 
upon  fuch  Motions  of  the  Earth  in  general,  and 
particularly  in  thefe  proposed  to  our  Obfervation 
now  ;  and  that  with  relation  to  Ckrift's  Kingdom. 

To  begin  with  the  firlt :  The  occafion  of  this 
Context  is  thus ;  The  Apoftle 
Tou  are  come  to    having  given  the  Defcription 
Mount  Zjon,  &c.    of  the  New  or  Heavenly  J e- 
vcr.ii.&c.  rufalem-flate  in    the   former 

Verfes,  he  makes  that  great 
practical  Application  ;  See  that  ye  refufi  not  him 
that  fpeaketh  in  order  to  the  fetting  up  a  King- 
dom ;  for  fo,  by  what  follows,  mutt  needs  be  in- 
tended, that  the  Speakjng  is  in  order  to  the  fet- 
ting up  a  Kingdom:  For  if  they  efi  aped  not,  who 
rcfufid  the  fame  great  Prince  when  he  would 
form  a  Kingdom  on  Earth  among  the  People  of 
Ijrael,  to  be  a  Type  of  much  a  greater  Kingdom  ; 
flow  (hall  tve  efcape%  who  refufe  him,  who  now 
fpolic  from  Heaven  in  the  EfTufion  of  his  Spirit, 
.is  a  Firft-Fruits  of  his  Kingdom  ?  and  who  is  to 
be  the  Great  Prince,  and  who  will  appear  in  the 
Glory  of  his  Kingdom,  the  Lord  from  Heaven^ 
3s  he  is  called  1  Cor.  15.  and  then  will  fet  up  a 
isingdom  in  the  New  Heaven  and  the  New  Earth, 
in  a  far  greater  Glory.    For  though  Chrift  came 

in 


Urgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    1 2  J 

0  great  State  then,  the  Chariots  of  God  were 
then  twenty  thoufand,  &c.  As  great  Princes  come 
with  mighty  Retinue,  of  Horfes,  and  Chariots ; 
fo  did  Chrift  on  Mount  Sinai :  yet  that  was  but 
Chrilt,  as  on  Earth;  this  from  Heaven.  Pfal.  68. 

For  his  (  even  the  fame  Lord's  )  Voice  Jhool^ 
the  Earth;  Mount  Sinai,  and  the  Parts  about  it, 
did  exceedingly  /hake.  But  now,  as  he  is  fetting 
up  a  Kingdom  both  in  the  New  Heavjn  and  the 
New  Earth,  fo  he  hath  promised;  I  fhake  not  on- 
ly the  Earth,  but  the  Heaven  alfo. 

It  may  feem  ftrange,  an  Earthquake  (hould  be 
given  in  promife ;  it  is  rather  a  Threatning,  and 
Denunciation :  but  becaufe  it  is  a  clofe  Forerun- 
ner of  the  Redemption  of  the  Servants  of  Chrifi, 
and  even  of  the  whole  Creation ;  therefore  it  is 
given  in  promife.  And  becaufe  fo  blefled  a  State 
is  not  in  prefent,  and  immediately,  but  to  come  ; 
therefore  alfo  it  is  promifed,  as  a  thing  future, 
and  to  come;  I  will  (hake.  And  becaufe  this 
whole  frame  of  Nature  is  defiled  with  Sin,  and 
Apofiafie,  up  to  the  very  Heaven  of  God  and  his 
Saints  ;  therefore  Chrilt  promifes  to  fhakg  not  on- 
ly the  Earthy  but  the  Heaven.  For  there  arc 
fpiritualWtckedneffes  in  High  Places,  or  Heaven- 
lics,Sathan,m&  his  Hoft yvrho>  are  the  Princes  under 
him  of  the  Power  of  the  Air,  as  well  as  the  Id- 
lers of  the  Darknefs  of  this  World ;  and  fo  the 
Heavcnlies,  or  Heavenly  Places  are  more  defiled 
than  all  the  wicked  Men  on  Earth  can  defile  the 
Earth,  though  they  defile  it  fo  much ;  but  then 
Sathan  (hall  fall  as  Lightning  from  Heaven  ; 
All  mud  be  diflodged,  and  difmounted  ;  For  that 
Heaven  ihall  be  the  Refidence  and  Palace  of 
K  3  Chrik 


1 16        Trepidations  of  the  *Earth, 

Chrift  and  his  Saints,  and  fhall  fhine  down  into 
the  new  Earth  beneath,  purified  by  Fire  from  the 
Defilements  of  Men ;  fo  Heaven  and  Earth  mult 
both  be  fhaken.  And  therefore  the  /baking  of 
Heaven  and  Earth  may  well  be  by  -prcmife,  fince  a 
new  Heaven  and  Earth  rife  from  hence  by  promife. 

And,  Becaufe  all  this  is  fulfilling  of  Promife, 
therefore  the  Servants  of  Chrift  at  fo  great  a/hake 
of  the  Powers  of  Heaven  and  Earth  ,  (hall  be 
lefs  afraid  than  they  are  of  a  fmall  Earthquake 
now  ;  they  fhall  receive  it  with  Triumph,  and  re* 
joycing,  they  fhall  fay,  Oh  bleffed  Day !  Oh  blef- 
fed  Appearance !  They  fhall  lift  up  their  Heads 
with  joy,  becaufe  their  Redemption  draweth  nigh. 
Let  us  not  therefore  fay,  That  Day  will  be  fo  ter- 
rible, how  fhall  we  endure  it!  It  fhall  be  gi- 
ven us  in  that  Day  to  Rejoice,  who  are  his  Re- 
deemed, 

And  this  Chrift  will  do  once  more,  even  at  his 
KJ?igdom,  as  if  he  fhould  fay,  1  have  fhaken,  or 
permitted,  or  ordered  the  (baking  of  the  Earth 
many  Times,  in  various  Places,  and  on  fundry 
Accounts,  I  have  fhaken  Nations  and  Kingdoms  -y 
but  now,  faith  he,  I'll  do  it  once  more,  and  once 
for  all:  And  we  may  be  fure,  this  /baking  hath 
never  been  yet ;  for  there  hath  not  yet  been  a  [ha- 
ting  fo  univerfal,  and  things  have  never  yet  been  fo 
floaken,  but  they  have  gotten  again  into  their  old 
pofture,  date,  and,  as  we  fay,  wont,  fo  as  to  need 
to  be  fioaken  again.  But  this  once  is  like  the  Ex- 
preffion  Jerem.16.  21.  Behold,  I  will  for  this  once, 
J  will  caufe  them  to  know  my  might :  I  will  do  it 
fo  at  the  Great  Converficn  of  the  Gentiles  then 
fpcken  of  3  It  fhall  never  need  to  be  done  any 

more  j 


XJrgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    127 

more,;  They  (hall  know  by 

that  <mcex_foc  ever,  that  my  Eve??  as  it  (hall 

name  is  Jehovah.     God  harh  be  hjwtrn  to  my 

done  thefe  things  in  a  Degree,  People  IfraelJ  <$ 

ajjd  in  fome  meafure  a  Hun-  #20/4.  13.  For  in 

dretl  and  a  Hundred  Times,  this Kingdom  that 

But  now  they  (hall  be  done  Afawe    7;    Iqiown 

once  for  all.  indeed  ,       r/^/r.A 
jjktf  /yzn/w;  fa/f  jra  7>/e,  Exod.  6.3. 

I  am  fully  allured,  we  (hall  All  be  at  thisyfe 
filing  of  the  Earth :  You  may  think  you  may  be 
in  your  Graves ;  but  you  (hall  certainly  be 
brought  forth,  to  fee,  and  feel  God's  doing  this 
thing  once.  The  Earth  floall  cafl  out  its  Dead 
by  the  beginnings  of  it,  that  all  may  fee  it  in  its 
Fulnefc. 

Now  this  Doing  the  Thing  (hall  make  a  gi-cai 
Change,  a  Tranjpofe  of  the  Things,  that  are,  or 
have  been  made,  or  done.  The  Word  Metathe- 
fis  fignifies  a  Difpofe  of  Things  out  of  the  Places 
where  they  had  been,  into  Places  where  they  had 
not  been  before ;  or  into  a  different  Order  pr  State. 
And  it  is. of  very  great  importance,  becaufe  ic 
may  be  a  TranfpoTe  for  the  better,  or  for  the 
worfe ;  Enoch  was  thus  Tran[pos*d ;  the  fame. 
Word  is  qs'd  feveral  times  concerning  him,  Bel. 
11.  5.  and  it  was  highly  for  the  better,  he  was 
Tranjlated  to  Heaven  without  Dying;  So  Jranf 
fosd.  It  is  ufed  for  the  Galatians  being  Re- 
moved to  another  Gqfpel,  and  that  was.  for  the 
worfe,  Gal.  1.  5.  This  [hake  of  the  Earth  (hail 
make  a  great  Tranjpoje  of  Things  ;  Many  poor 
Perfons,  that  have  feared  God,  and  yet  embraced 
K  4  Dang- 


}  l8        Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 

Dunghils,  who  have  been  forc'd  to  lye  on  the 
Earth,  in  the  Duft,  and  in  the  filth  of  Things, 
fliall  be  Tranjpos'd;  for  they  (hall  Inherit  the 
lhr$ne  of  Glory \  i  Sam.  ch.  2.  The  Bodies  of 
Saints,  that  lye  in  the  Earth,  or  wherever,  in  the 
Dark,  the  Duft  of  Death,  (hall  be  Tranjpos'd  ; 
they  (hall  (hine  above :  But  on  the  other  fide, 
the  Great,  the  Rich,  and  the  Brave,  and  the  Ho- 
norable, that  have  been  High  and  Honorable,  they 
will  be  vtofnlly  Tranjpos'd;  they  (hall  be  turned 
down  into  a  State  of  Everlafting  Contempt.  And 
fo  there  (hall  be  a  Tranflation,  a  Tran/poje,  of  the 
very  Creation ,  out  of  this  Earth,  as  under  the 
Curfe  and  Defilement,  into  a  new  Earth,  and  of  the 
Heaven  into  a  new  Heaven ;  not  where  Spiritual 
IVtcktdneffes,  but  Chrift  and  his  Saints,  (hall  in- 
habit. Things  (hall  not  ceafe  to  be,  but  (hall  be 
changed,  and  removed,  fomc  for  the  better,  fome 
for  the  worfe,  as  to  themfelves. 

But  all  Things  of  this  World  (hall  then  be 
chang'd  and  remov'd ;  All  the  Things  that  have 
been  made  or  done,  T^TmwysiVcL.  There  are 
great  Things  m  the  World  of  all  kinds  made  or 
done,  Great  Palace?,  great  Cities,  great  Temples 
or  ( as  we  call  them )  Churches,  Great  Caftles, 
Fortifications,  Navies.  There  are  other  great 
Things  made  and  done.  There  are  the  feveral 
Laws  and  Conftitutions  of  Government,  great 
Volumes  of  Books,  great  Furniture  of  Palaces 
and  Houfes,  Bravery  of  Equipage  and  Apparel,  ex- 
quiiite  Engines  and  curious  Pi&ures ;  all  thefe  are 
Things  that  have  been  made,  or  done.  There  are 
the  heaps  of  Gold,  and  Silver;  fo  imprefled,  fp 
minted,  fo  coined  :  All  thefe,  and  an  unexprefiible 

yariety 


Urgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    1 19 

variety  more ,  fhall  be  Tranjpos'd ,  for  the  Day 
ef  the  Lord  (hall  be  upon  them  all,  Efay  chap.  2. 
It  (hall  be  upon  the  High  and  Lofty,  every  one 
that  is  lifted  up  fhall  be  brought  low :  It  (hail  be 
upon  all  the  Cedars  of  Lebanon ,   and  upon  all 
the  Oaks  ofBafhan,  both  in  a  natural  and  figu- 
rative Senfe ;  and  upon  all  the  High  Mountains , 
the  mountainous  Towers,  and  piles  of  Building ; 
upon  all  great  Ships,  thofe  floating  Palaces ;    the 
f^oftinef  of  Men  fhall  be  brought  low ,   and  the 
Haughtinefs  of  Men  fhall  be  humbled,  and  the 
High  Looks  fhall  be  bowed  down.    And  they  fhall 
caft  their  Images  of  Gold,  and  Silver  •  he  means 
not  only  their  Idolatrous  Images,  but  their  mint- 
ed Gold  and  Silver,  bearing  the  Images  of  Princes, 
which  Gold  and  Silver  they  commit  Idolatry  with 
alfo ;  to  the  Bats  and  the  Moles ;  to  go  into  the 
Caves,  and  the  i\ocks,  and  the  Tops  of  the  rug- 
ged Rocks  *,  for  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  for  the 
glory  of  his  Majejiy ;   and   all  this  in  the  Day 
when  he  rifes  tojhake  terribly,  once  for  all,  the 
Earth.    Oh  how  grear  will  this  Iranfpofe  then 
be! 

And  then  all  the  Religion  that  Men  have  made 
(hall  become  a  perfedt  Tranfpofe  into  a  Nullity ; 
and  indeed,  there  is  not  a  greater  Poema  or  more 
made  thing,  than  Falfe  Religion,  and  particularly 
the  Religion  of  Popery :  it  is  a  ftrange  kind  of 
Fabrick,  a  ftrange  kind  of  Frame ;  fo  indeed  is 
Mahomet anifm,  and  fo  was  Paganijm  heretofore, 
but  none  like  that  of  Popery.  Bat  yet ,  what- 
ever hath  been  of  the  Subfrance  of  either  true 
Natural  or  Revealed  Religion  in  any  Falfe  Religi- 
on adulterating  it  9  fhall  "be  then  Travjbofd  back 

into 


1 5  o        Trepidations  of  the  Earth y 

into  Truth  ;  and  all  elfe  (hall  be  abolished. 
And  laltly,  That  Heaven  and  Earth  that  are 
now,  viz.  fince  the  Flood,  to  which  Flood  tlpis 
once  more  may  refer,  (hall  be  changed  and  tranf 
fofed  by  Fw ;  all  fhall  be  removed  by  Fire,  as 
I  remember,  that  mod  Learned,  and  Ingenious, 

and  Chriftian  Philofopher  Dr.Bur- 
Theory  of  the  net  of  the  C  barter  houfe  fhews  ; 
Earth,  j ft  and  How  much  the  State  of  our  Hea- 
zd  Parts,  ven    and    Earth,  as  before  the 

Flood  was  chang'd,  and  Tran/pos'd 
by  the  force  of  Water,  the  Water  of  the  Flood, 
for  the  worfe  ;  But  they  (hall  by  the  force  of  Fire 
be  Purified,  and  Renewed  and  Refcituated  for 
Beauty  and  Glory ;  as  he  alfo  aflerts :  All  (hall 
be  Tranfpos'd  ;  All  (hall  come  under  a  new  Make : 
It  is  called  min^a,  the  Work  of  God  j  it  is  ts- 
TwmuivoVy  What  hath  been  already  ?nade;  It 
fhall  be  chang'd  by  him,  that  will  fay  from  the 
Throne  upon  which  he  fits,  Behold,  1  make  all 
new,  Rev.  21.  5.  They  had  been  made  before; 
but  faith  he,  Now  I  come  to  make  All  over  anew. 
I  will  bring  them  to  that  Excellent  State,  wherein 
they  (hall  continue,  till  God  be  All  in  All. 

For  only  the  Things  that  cannot  be  fhaken  fhall 
Remain :  Now  what  are  thofe  Things  that  cannot 
be  (haken?  They  are  the  Blood,  Sacrifice,  and 
Redemption  of  Chrift ;  his  Redemption  and  Inter- 
ceffon,  thefe  are  for  ever.  They  remain  in  his 
Priefthood  for  ever  after  the  Order  of  Mdchife- 
dech,  after  the  Power  of  an  Endlefs  Life,  The 
Spirit  of  God  in  his  Grace  upon  his  Servants,  in 
Qonverfion,  Faith,  Repentance,  Hoiinefs,  (hall  re- 
main as  in  the  Glory  and  Salvation  they  are  un- 
to. 


Urgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    t$l 

to.  This  is  an  incorruptible  Seed  from  the  Word 
and  Truth  of  God,  that  abide th  for  ever  ;  He 
that  doeth  the  Will  of  God  abideth  for  ever  ;  No 
Saint  fhall  be  Jranfyojed  out  of  his  Saintfhip ;  He 
that  is  Righteous ,  let  him  be  Rjghteous  ftiU  \  He 
that  is  Holy,  let  him  be  Holy  ft ill.  Thefe  Things 
arc  Afaluta,  not  to  be  fhaken. 

And  then  on  the  other  part,  it  muft  be  fadly 
faid,  that  Wickednefs  fhall  not  be  Tranfpos*d ;  in 
regard  of  its  Guilt ;  in  regard  of  its  Filth ;  If  not 
removed  in  this  World  by  Faith  and  Repentance  ; 
not  in  the  World  to  come ;  Wickednefs  fhall  be 
Wickednefs  ftill;  it  fhall  have  a  Houje  builded ; 
it  fhall  be  eftablifhed,  7[ech.  5.  11.  and  it  fhall 
befetled  on  its  own  Bafe,  and  wicked  Men  fhall 
be  wicked  Men  ftill :  When  once  it  is  come  to 
that  Time,  there  fhall  be  no  Tranfpofal  5  He  that 
is  Unrighteous,  let  him  be  "Unrighteous  ftill;  He 
that  is  Filthy,  let  him  be  Filthy  ftill,  Rev.  21. 1 1. 

Now  feeing  all  this  great  Doctrine  of  the  Apo- 
ftle  is  conveyed  to  us  under  this  Symbol  or  Re- 
prefentation  of  an  Earthquake,  or  the  Shaking  of 
the  Earth,  and  not  only  of  the  Earth,  but  of  the 
Heaven  alfo  ;  let  us  enquire  into  the  Scripture- 
Accounts  of  an  Earthquake,  and  apply  it  to  the 
prefent  Occafion,  that  it  may  bring  us  to  a  ferious 
holy  fenfe ;  and  that  what  we  have  feen  in  a  hand 
breadth,  may  move  us  to  confider,  what  we  fhall 
fee,  and  feel,  as  in  the  whole  Heaven  and  Earth, 
in  large  and  in  full :  For  if  what  we  have  been 
fenfible  of,  as  in  a  Glance,  or  in  Paflage,  hath  af- 
fetited  any  with  Fear ;  efpecially  what  was  done 
in  a  part  of  our  Nation  beyond  the  Sea,  which  is 
but  a  very  little  Thing,  yea  a  Nothing  in  corn- 

parifoq 


\yi        Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 

parifon  of  what  fliall  be  in  its  own  Times,  in  its 
proper  Times ;  How  much  more  ought  we  to  be 
affe&ed  with  the  Afliirances  God  hath  given  us 
of  a  Change  fo  much  greater  ?  For  as  it  may  be 
/aid  to  us,  If  we  have  run  with  the  Foot-men, 
and  they  have  wearied  us,  How  (hall  we  contend 
triih  Horfes  ?  If  in  the  prefent  State,  which  is  as 
a  Lav  A  of  Peace,  and  wherein  we  truft,  we  have 
been  fo  affrighted,  What  /hall  we  do  in  the /wel- 
ling of  Jordan  I 

I  come  therefore  to  the  fecond  Head ;  vi%.  To 
make  Remarks  upon  the  nature  of  fuch  Motions 
and  Trembles  of  the  Earth,  and  their  Fitnefs  to  be 
a  Shade  of  the  Kingdom  ofChrift;  and  wherein 
they  are  fo.    And  herein  I  propofe  three  things : 

i.  To  confiderthe  ftri&  nature  of  Earthquakes 
according  to  the  Scripture  Foundations  of  Dif- 
courfe  concerning  them. 

2.  To  enquire  into  the  Caufes,  why  God  is 
pleas'd  to  make  fuch  Concuffions,  and  Convulfi- 
ons  in  Nature. 

3.  To  obferve  upon  the  great  Metaphorical  or 
Figurative  Earthquakes,  that  is,  Changes  in  the 
prefent  State  of  the  World,  that  have  been  iince 
the  Death  and  RefurreHion  of  our  Lord ;  and 
how  the  Obfervation  of  them  may  be  made  fub- 
lervient  to  the  due  Improvement  of  our  Thoughts 
in  regard  to  the  late  Earthquakes,  we  have  heard 
of,  or  been  at  all  fenfible  of  more  of  late. 

I  begin  then  with  the  firft  Head ,  in  Four 
Points. 

Point  I.    The    Scripture  teacheth   us,   This 

.  great  Globe  of  Earth  and  Water  is  hung  by  the 

mighty  Wifdomt  Skill,  and  Power  of  the  great 

Geometer 


Urgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    133 

Geometer  of  Heaven  and  Earth,  The  Earth  being 
as  a  Ball  in  the  Air  :  So  we  Rounds  is  on  eve- 
read  Job  26.  7.  He  flretcheth  ry  fide  encompaf- 
out  the  North  over  the  empty  fed  with  Air  and 
Place,  ( for  fo  to  our  eye  and  Slye,  as  they  who 
motion  the  meer  Air  feems  to  Jail  it  round find^ 
be  )  and  he  hangeth  the  Earth  as  well  as  by  I{ea- 
upon  nothing.  I  know  this  is  fin  it  is  demon- 
a  Point  proper  to  Philofofhical  firated. 
Difcuflion,  that  it  may  go  as 
far,  as  it  can,  upon :  But  thofe  Queftions  God 
asked  Job  38.  4.  &c.  would  pofe  the  wifeft  of 
the  World ;  Declare,  if  thou  hall  under  (landing, 
iVto*  hath  laid  the  Meafures  of  the  Earth  ?  If  thou 
kjiotoefl,  who  hath  fir  etched  the  Line  upon  it  fo, 
that  it  is  in  juft  number,  weight,  and  meajurc. 
Whereupon  are  the  Foundations  thereof  faftned> 
or  who  laid  the  Comer  fione  thereof?  There  may 
be  handfome  and  phufiblc  folvin^  the  Phenomena 
(  as  they  fpeak )  before  Men,  who  know  as  little, 
the  belt  of  them,  one  as  another ;  but  before  God, 
all  is  but  darkning  Qounftl  by  Words  without 
Knowledge.  Now  when  it  is  fo,  that  the  Earth 
hangs  thus,  How  muft  it  needs  be,  that  God  as 
he  pleafcs  may  (hake  the  Earth  out  of  its  place 
with  a  touch  of  his  hand,  and  all  the  Inhabitants 
thereof,  and  his  Enemies  particularly  be  fhaken 
out  of  it,  or  off  from  it,  or  whither,  or  how  he 
pleafes :  For  if  that  bold  Man  of  Mathcmaticks 
durft  fay,  Give  me  where  to  fit  my  foot,  and  I 
mil  remove  the  Earth,  what  can  infinite  Under- 
Handing  and  Power  do?  or  if  he  docs  but  flzckea 
his  hand  from  holding  the  Ballancc  even,  keeping 
the  Scales  of  Earth  and  Air  juit ;  or  if  there  be  fuch  a 

oae* 


1^4         Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 

one ;  as  with  great  Reafon  hath  been  thought ;  the 
Poize  of  the  Central  Fire,  Even,  all  would  be  in 
immediate  Confnfion. 

On  this  Confideration  then,  any  kind  of  Earth- 
quakes is  no  wonder ;  the  wonder  is,  they  are  not 
every  day,  and  not  to  the  utmoih  The  only  fe- 
curity  is,  the  unchangeablenefs  of  Divine  Ordina- 
tion for  fuch  a  time  as  he  hath  decreed  J  fince 
the  Flood  ;  wherein,  in  all  appearance  of  Reafon 
as  well  as  Scripture,  there  was  even  in  this  regard 
a  Jog,  2&©ne  may  fay  of  it. 

2.  The  Ballance  is  in  this  regard  yet  fo  Even, 
and  juft,  that  nothing  we  account  moft  furely 
founded,  ftands  fo  fait,  fo  firm,  and  fecure ,  as 
the  Earth,  that  it  cannot  ,be  moved  :  So  that  al- 
lowing it  to  have  a  Diurnal^  or  every  days  Revo- 
lution from  Eaft  to  Weft ;  yet  it  is  with  fuch  e- 
quahty,  that  it  difturbs  all  upon  it ,  no  more, 
than  a  Fly  fitting  it  felf  faft  on  a  Globe,  is  lhi- 
fettled  by  its  being  turn'd  round.  Notwithstand- 
ing this  motion,  the  Earth  is  founded  on  the 
Seas,  and  Eftabiifloed  on  the  Floods  ;  that  is,  the 
Waters  are  fo  every  way  compacted,  under,  and 
about,  and  over  it,  that  it  is  as  it  were  founded 
upon  it,  as  on  Pillars  of  Marble,  which  may  have 
been  tinderitood,  firft  according  to  the  excellent 
fcrementioned  Theory  of  the  Earth  :  2.  As  the 
Cement  and  Fixation  of  the  upper  Parts  of  the 
Earth  is  the  moiflure  it  receives  from  the  Waters: 
3.  As  the  ambient  or  round-about  Air  hath  a  more 
immediate  force  upon  the  Waters  to  crowd  and 
keep  them  clofe  to  the  Earthy  than  the  Air  it 
felf  could  h.ive  upon  the  Earth,  the  Water  being 
a  middle  Body  between  Air  and  Earth,  even  as 

the 


Vrgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance,    135 

the  Air  is  between  that  fubtile  Matter  we  call 
Ether,  and  Air.  So  that  the  Earth  hath  Foun- 
dations ,  Pillars,  Corner  [tone  in  Scripture- Lan- 
guage. And  this  is  indeed  abfolutely  neceffary 
for  fuch  kind  of  Bodies,  and  Works,  ^s  are  w 
move  and  reft  upon  this  Earth;  which  is  as  aSta 
in  regard  of  the  variety  of  Creatures  in  it,  where- 
in are  Things  creeping  innumerable  and  both 
great  and  [mall  Beaflj  ;  and  Man  the  highell  Or- 
der of  Animals.  Nqw  thefe  require  fuch  a  folid 
Floor  and  Pavement  to  move  upon,  fuch  a  Bed 
to  reft  upon :  Upon  this  Earth  is  the  whole  Ve- 
getative Nature ,  both  nourifhed  and  fupported , 
as  in  a  Nurfery ;  even  from  -die  Cedar  in  Leba- 
non to  the  Hyfip-ihdi  grows  in  the  TVaS  :  Hereon 
have  all  the  Great  Buildings,  the  Palaces,  Caftles, 
Towers,  multiplied  into  Cities  and  Towns  their 
Foundations. 

Now  feeing  all  thefe  have  their  Order,  their 
Quiet,  their  Safety  by  the  fteddine'fs  of  the  Earth  ; 
whenever  it  is  moved,  there  is  an  immediate 
Shatter  ,  Confufion ,  Diforder ,  t)efolation,  an  A- 
maze,  a  Horror  upon  all  Creatures  of  Senfe,  and 
elpecially  of  Reafon ;  an  Afrrightment  and  Ter- 
ror upon  Nature  it  felf;  becaufe  hereby  the  great 
Laws,  and  Sanctions  of  Creation,  and  Providence, 
are  violated.  For  concerning  the  Earth,  God 
jpake,.and  it  was  done  ;  he  commanded,  and  it 
jhadfaft,  Pial.  33.  9. 

3.  The  Earnrh  is  ftufPd  with  variety  of  Matter, 
Humours,  and  Vapors  in  its  Bowels;  Fire, Water, 
Vapor,Air,Minerals,  Sulphur,  Piceous  Matter.  Now 
itrfelf  is  fomade,  as  to  lye  clofe,  and  to  lye  ft  ill; 
every  clod  of  Earth  compa&s  itfelf,  and  wdrila 

lye 


I  ;6       Trepidations  of  the  Earth , 

lye  in  as  little  room  as  it  can.  It  is  heavy,  ancj 
fluggifh,  and  unapt  to  move;  whereas  all  the  reft 
of  its  Inmates  are  for  Motion  and  A&ion,  fome 
of  them  of  very  earned  and  vigorous  Motion,  and 
for  Propagation  and  Enlargement  of  themfelves : 
The  Earth  will  not  move,  but  on  fome  great  vio- 
lence and  force;  fo  when  thofe  working  and 
adlive  Parts  find  they  are  fettered,  and  imprifbned, 
and  cramp'd,  they  grow  furious  and  outragious, 
and  rend  and  tear  every  thing,  to  make  and  force 
their  way  ;  and  all  on  the  fudden  and  at  once  ve- 
ry often ;  for  being  either  gather'd  together  iri 
great  Caverns  and  Hollows  of  the  Earth;  their 
Room  grows  too  ftrait  and  little,  and  fo  they  are 
forc'd  to  tranfplant  themfelves  ;  or  having,  as  one 
may  fay,  very  often  a  Spirit  of  Contradiction  one 
to  another,  they  fall  into  Feuds  and  Wars  on$ 
with  another,  and  they  that  are  overcome  and 
fall  under  the  Mattery  of  others,  are  forc'd,  and 
driven,  and  made  to  fly,  out  with  great  violence: 
^nd  the  very  fame  thing  may  fall  out  in  divers 
lefTer  Veins  and  Tnbular  Paffages  or  Pipes  in  the 
Earth  ;  where  though  the  Stores  of  thefe  Vapors 
Or  Mineral  Spirits  are  lefTer  ;  yet  if  it  be  in  many 
of  them  together,  the  Conteft  may  be  very  great, 
and  the  Fury  very  difcompofing  to  the  Earth. 

Thus  there  are  within  the  Earth  thofe  Bombs 
and  MOrtars,  thofe  Cannon  and  Ordnance,  thofe 
Battering  Rams  and  Engines,  thofe  Mines  oft 
fprung,  and  natural  Gun  powder  and  fiery  Bul- 
lets, thofe  lefler  Screwed  Guns :  all  which  are  the 
Ammunition  of  Nature,  or  rather  of  the  God  of 
Nature :  Thus  when  they  are  difcharg'd,  and  let 
off,  it  is  with  great  Noife,  Dread,  and  Aftonilh- 

ment^ 


XJrgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    157 

ment,  and  oftentimes  Deftru&ion  to  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Earth.  Who  almoft  hath  not  heard 
of  ALtna  and  Vefuvius,  and  other  the  Mountains 
fpouting  Fire  in  feveral  Parts  of  the  World  ?  And 
as  there  are  fuch  conftant,  known,  and  open  E~ 
ruptions  in  Nature,  fo  are  there  fee  ret,  fudden, 
and  extemporary  ones. 

And  thus  in  the  Heavens  over  us  there  are  like 
Gontefts  and  Collifions  ,  falling,  and  clapping  of 
Clouds,  Thunders,  Lightnings,  fiery  Meteors,  and 
flaming  Balls,  and  thefe  often  correfponding,  and 
as  it  were  holding  Intelligence,  with  the  fame  in 
Earth,  And  thefe  are  certainly  often  Gaufesone 
of  another  by  the  Tone  or  Link  of  Air  being 
broken  ,  and  the  Eiaftic  Force  or  Spring  of  it 
flying  this  way  and  that  way  ;  as  lately  in  Ja- 
maica according  to  the  molt  prudent  Accounrs 
from  thence :  Every  thing  then  .mult  needs  be 
torn  and  havock'd ,  as  thole  Motions,  hurry  this 
way  or  that  way,  Perfons,  Animal  Creatures, 
and  Things,. at.  fuch  times. 

And  as  thefe  are  in  the  World  of  Nature ;  fo 
are  they  in  the  Political  World  ;  when  Nations  or 
People  are  too  full  for  their  Place,  and  tranfplant 
themfelves  by  forcing  into  other  Nations  ;  when 
Wars ,  thole  great  Difputes  of  Nations  arife  $ 
when  People  or  Armies  fall  into  Mutiny ;  thefe 
are  Political  Earthquakes ;  and  when  Men  ar e  op- 
preffed  in  Religion  by  domineering  Superiiiuoi^ 
and  Laws  of  Vniformity,  and  impofing  on  the 
Gonfciences  and  Faith  of  Men;  There  are  Religious 
Earthquakes:  The  Pfalmift  puts  them  altogether* 
PfaL  65.7,8.  Which  jmeto  faji  the  Mountains 
being  gur.ded  with  Power ;  whicb-Jh\li?]l\the  tfoife 
L  0/ 


I  3  8        Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 

of  the  Sea's,  the  noife  of  their  Waves,  and  the 
■multitude  of  tiye  People.  This  God  does  in  Mer- 
cy, when  he  keep3  all  quiet  5  but  there  are  Times 
when  all  thefe  being  in  Hubbub  and  Mutiny,  the 
Mountains,  fbahe  and  roar  together  with  the  Seas 
and  Waves ;  and  the  Multitude  of  People  in  their 
Strivings  1  who  are  therein  emphatically  called 
the  Mobile ;  that  They  that  dwell  in  the  utter- 
moft  Parts  are  afr#id  of  thefe  Tokens  ;  thus  from 
one  end  of  Nations,  or  even  of  the  World,  to 
another,  there  arife  dreadful  Fears  at  the  Tokens 
of  God,  Unhinging  the  World;  called  therefore 
Prodigies  and  Portents  :  For  what  Intereft  God 
hath  in  thefe,  fllall  be  fpoken  in  the  next  Parti- 
cular. 

I  only  obferve  further,  There  are  in  the  Little 
World  by  the  wreitling  of  contrary  Humours  in 
the  Bodies  of  Men,  fuch  Spoutings  of  Fire,  as  in 
Fevers ;  fuch  Deluges  of  Water,  as  in  Dropfies ; 
fuch  Earthquakes  in  violent  Difeafes ;  fuch  fulphu- 
reous  Vapors  in  horrid  Melancholies  or  Fits ;  or  in 
the  Arteries  and  Sinews,  as  in  Gouts  and  Rheuma- 
tifas ;  in  thofe  Arrhritical  Pains  in  the  ftrait  and 
clofe  Tubes  of  the  Body;  fuch  Swimmings  of 
the  Head,  as  refemble  what  hath  been  fpoken  of 
in  rhe  outer  World ;  but  above  all  in  Confciences. 

4.  Let  all  thefc  things  be  trae'd,  as  much  as 
they  can  to  their  natural  Caufes ;  yet  Scripture 
afcribes  all  to  God,  Pfal.  148. 8.  Fire,  Hail,  Snow, 
Vapor,  all  fulfil  his  Word:  He  workgth  his  Signs 
and  Wonders  amwig  the  Armies  of  Heaven  and 
the  hihabitants  of  the  Earth,  and  none  can  ft  ay 
his-  hand,  (  for  ail  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Earth 
me  reputed 49'fwkwg in  fuch  a  Cafe, Dan. 4. 3 5.) 

except 


Urgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    139 

except  he  pleafes  to  ftay  it  himfelf ;  or  can  fay  to 
him,  What  doft  thou?  As  if  they  ihould  fay 
What  doft  thou  mean,  who  halt  made  Heaven 
and  Earth,  and  preferveft  it,  to  put  it  into  thefe 
Diforders  ?  But  he  gives  no  Account  of  his  mat- 
ters in  thefe  Things.  And  feeing  he  holds  all 
natural  Caufes  in  his  hand,  and  ballances  them 
every  moment ;  what  is  it  to  fay,  Ail  thefe  Things 
have  their  proper  Caufes ;  but  to  fay  in  true  fenfe, 
that  God  does  all  Thefe ;  for  all  Nature  is  indeed 
Miracle,  conitant,  and  as  we  fay  in  ordinary. 

But  God  indeed  does   in  more  lofty  Style, 
and  Elegancies ,   and    Eloquences  of  Language , 
afliime   to   himfelf  the    Government  of    thefe 
affrightful  Motions  in   Heaven,  or  Earth  ;  Thun- 
der:, Lightnings,  Earthquakes  throughout  Scri- 
pture ;  as  if  they  were  immediately  done  by  his 
own  hand,  as  if  he  took  this  Globe  of  Earth  and 
Sea,  which  he  hath  Hung  upon  nothing,  andjhool^ 
it  out  of  its  place ;  or  as  if  he  immediately  (hot 
off  his  great  Pieces  either  in  the  Bowels  of  the 
Earth,  or  in  the  Skies,  or  fprung  a  Mine  in  the 
Earth:  And  it  muft  needs  be  fo;  if  all  natural, 
voluntary  and  fortuitous  ("as  we  Poreblind  think 
them  J  Caufes  work  in  and  out  of  his  hand.    For 
if  in  the  Killing  Kjng  Ahab  a  man  drew  a  Bom 
at  a  venture ;  or  as  in  the  Margin  out  of  the  He* 
brew ;    In  his  Simplicity,  without  Defign,  with- 
out Aim ,   and  yet  it  was  dife&ed  to  Ahab,  as 
by  God's  immediate  Hand  to  fulfil  his  Word  up- 
on him,  How  much  more  are  all  natural  Caufes 
directed  by  him  !   1    Kjngs  22.  3d.     And  thofe 
Things  which  he  knows  will  with  fuch  extraordi- 
nary Amazes  change  the  World  j  he  afcribes  them 
L  2  moie 


1 40  Trepidations  of  the  Eart  b, 

more  emphatically  toHimfelf;  His  Thunder,  his 
Lightnings ;  IJhake  Heaven  and  Earth. 

Let  us  then  conficler,  Why  God  does  thus  dif- 
order  Nature  ;  And  I  fhall  initance  in  thefe  fol- 
lowing Reafons. 

1 .  That  when  wre  fee  thefe  Contefts,  and  Jars 
in  Nature,  we  may  adore  and  praife  the  infinite 
Wifdom,  Power,  and  Goodnefs  of  God,  who  keeps 
All  (o  much  in  Peace  and  Quiet:  For  as  great 
Engines  or  Machines,  that  have  various  and  crofs 
Wheels  and  curious  Works  in  them ;  it  requires 
as  great  Art,  to  harmonize  them  at  firft,  fo  great 
care  to  keep  them  in  order ;  and  as  vaft  Armies 
call  for  the  higheft  Spirit,  Wifdom,  and  Conduct 
of  the  Genera  iffnno,  as  Men  fpeak,  to  infpire  them 
with  Order,  Peace,  Regular  Aftion,  in  their  feve- 
iv.l  Stations;  fo  it  is  (aid  of  God,  Job  25.  2.  Do- 
minion and  Fear  are  with  him.  He  maketh  Peace 
in  his  high,  ( and  in  his  Deep  )  Places  alfo.  Is 
there  any  number  of  his  Armies  ?  All  which  he 
yet  keeps  in  Peace,  as  he  pleafes.  Oh  therefore 
that  (as  in  that  Song  of  Praife,  Pfal.  107.) 
Men  confidering  All  thefe  Things 
\\  Glory  to  God.,  well,  would  make  it  |j  the  Foot 
of  every  Thing  !  Oh  that  Men 
would  praife  the  Lord  for  his  wonderful  Works 
to, the  Children  of  Men  I  For  we  fee  by  a  little 
what  gceit  Things  he  can  do.  Whofo  therefore 
is  u>!je}  and  will  obferve  thefe  Things,  even  he 
(hall  under fwhd  the  loving  kjndnefs  of  the  Lord. 
For  indeed,  That  on  which  the  Pride,  and  Pro- 
plianei^jsi  and  Infolency  of  Men  is  grounded,  is, 
T]  ijj  God  will  ftul  from  Time  to  Time  keep 
Tilings  m  :he  Qule;  and  Peace  he  generally  does: 

And 


Urgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    141 

And  if  he  does  not,  they  fall  clown  into  Death 
and  Ruine  immediately  in  his  doing  otherwife : 
He  therefore  (hews  fometimes  by  fuch  Diforders, 
what  he  always  does,  how  he  exercifes  Longjtrfi- 
fering,  Loving  kindnefs  in  the  Earth ;  for  if  he 
did  otherwife,  Nature  would  be  always  cracking 
in  pieces;  and  if  it  were  fo,  What  could  the 
greateft  Monarchs  fay  to  it  ?  Would  they  flay 
his  hand,  or  would  they  render  him  a  Recornpence 
for  not  doing  as  they  think  he  fhould  and  ought 
to  do?  Their  fycompence  he  would  Jpecdcly  re- 
turn upon  their  cwn  heads.  God  therefore  fhews, 
How  all  the  World  is  bound  and  beholden  to  him 
by  fliewing  at  fuch  Times,  what  he  can  do  with- 
out any  Controul,  and  yet  does  not  ;  and  what 
he  does  in  maintaining  Order  and  Peace  when 
none  can  compell  him  to  it,  if,  He  did  not  pleafe 
to  do  fo. 

2.  That  he  may  give 
Witnefles  and  Demon  It  ra- 
tions of  his  Wrath,  Jultice, 
and  Power  to  ;  either,  as 
he  pleafes ;  puni(h,.and  ex- 
ecutejudgment  from  Hea- 
ven ;  or  move  to  Repen- 
tance :  For  as  he  gives 
Fruitful  Times  and  Sea- 
fins  that  he  might  not 
leave  himfelf  without  wit- 
ri'efii  of  his  Goodncfs  lead- 
ing to  Repentance ;  fo  of 
his  Wrath  and  Jultice  to 
neceilitate  Men  that  way  ; 
Forallthcfe  Things  Preach  Repentance,  and  Re- 
L  3  formation 


Men  loath  what  they 
have  conftantiy,  as  if 
it  were  no  Argument 
for  fear  of  God  :  as  if 
God  were  tied  to  do 
Jo  ;  but  thinly  at  leafi, 
fuch  Wonders  of  ex- 
traordinary Potter  5 
which  the  j  do  not  fie 
every  day,  would,  like 
one  from  the  Dfcid, 
move  to  l{°p°ntance  : 
Butcvm  tins  depends 
on  Grace. 


1 4!         Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 

formation  aloud ;  and  far  that  End  I  have  thus 
fuperadded  to  the  Difcourfe  of  Repentance. 

3  .That  God  may  give  notice  of  any  great  Chan- 
ges he  will  make  in  the  World,  that  are  near  at 
hand,  and  which  within  any  little  Time  he  will 
make  in  it,  he  gives  Warning  by  Earthquakes 
and  other  unufual  Things :  For  fo  in  fpight  of  al! 
that  can  be  (aid  to  the  contrary,  God  hath  ge- 
nerally ufher'd  in  any  great  Changes,  he  hath 
made  in  the  World,  by  fuch  Signs  and  Wonders 
in  Heaven,  and  Shakings  of  the  Earth  beneath: 
and  therefore  with  great  Right  he  cloaths  his  De- 
nunciations and  Threats  of  fuch  great  Judgments 
ip  fuch  Language  of  Thunder  and  Lightnings, 
and  Earthquakes*  A  very  remarkable  Inftance 
we  have  of  this  in  the  Prophet  Amos.  When  God 
was  about,  as  it  were  to  Ride  a  Circuit  in  Judg- 
ment upon  the  Nations  for  Three  TranJgreJpons9 
and  for  Four  even  upon  each  fingle  Nation  or  Peo- 
ple, Amos  dates  his  Prophecy  two 
Amos  i.  !•  Tears  before  the  Earthquake  in  the 
Days  o/Uzziah.  How  general  that 
was,  is  not  known  to  us.  But  there  is  plain  im- 
portance, God  firft  began  to  give  notice  of  hi$ 
Judgments  by  Amos  his  Prophecy  in  his  two  firft 
Chapters.  That  not  prevailing  to  Repentance, 
he  gave  a  loud  Alarm  by  the  Earthquake  ^  which 
it  is  moll  probable,  was  as  general  as  thofc  Na- 
tions thr earned  by  Amos.  Then  follows  the 
judgment  it  felf  on  the  feveral  People  nam'd  and 
executed  by  the  Ajjyrian  and  Babylonian  Con- 
quefts.  And  why  was  there  a  mention  of  the 
Earthquake  two  Tears  after  ;  if  God  had  npt 
jleafed  to  give  that  Intimation,  that  an  Earth- 
quake 


urg  a  as  srrgummi  s  iv  R.eyemance.    i  ^5 

quak?  was  a  fit  Forerunner  of  i hat  Judiciary  Pro- 
grefs,  that  follows  in.  thofc  two  Chapters  of  Amos; 
fo  our  LokI  Matt.  14*  makes  Earthquakes  in  Di- 
vers Places^  the  certain.  Forerunners  of  the  Def- 
lations of  J*erufal.em. 

4.  The  Lord  Jehovah  is  pfcafcd  to  fuffer  Earth- 
quakes, becaufe  he  hath  determined  upon  rhisorje 
Earthquake,  wherein  lie  wiH  fkakg  not  only  the 
Earthy  but  the  Heaven  alfo ;  a  great  Earthquake  y 
fuch  as  hath  not  beenfwee  men  were  upon  earth ; 
fo  migltiy  an  Earthquake,  and  Jo  great ;  wherein 
every  Ifland  fhall  flee  away,  and  the  Mountains 
/hail  not  be  founds  Revel.  16.  18.  z-o.  Aiyd  of  this 
God  foretold  Hogg.  2.  6.  Tet  once  1  mil  fhakc 
Heaven  and  Earth,  Sec.  And  in  this  Text,  let 
once  more  I  fbake  not  only  the  Earthy  hut  the 
Heaven  alfo.  Where  though  the  Apolile  oppo- 
fes  the  once  more  to  the Jhaking  of  the  Earth  at 
Mour^.-  Smai,  becaufe  that  was  to  his  prefent 
purpofe;  yet  it  leaves  room  for  that  moit  facti- 
ous Interpretation  of  Dr.  Burnet,  m  the  fore- 
named  Difcourfes,  That  it  is  -oppos'd  to  the  fha- 
king  not  only  the  Earth,  but  the  Heaven  alfo,  in 
ana  by  the  Flood ;  for  in  that  he  fays  once  more, 
it  fuppofes,  that  not  only  the  Earth,  but  the 
Heaven ,  had  been  fhaken  before  :  And  when 
could  chat  be,  but  in  the  Flood  the  -on  purpofe- 
Type>of  this,  as  appears  by  what  that  excellent 
Perfon  hath  faid  on  2  Pet.  3.  Although  This  fhall 
be  greater,  and  to  far  greater  purpofe  in  the  new 
Heaven,  and  the  new  Earth  to  perfection: 
Whereas  ThatEW  brought  forth  -a.  Heaven  and 
Earth  for  phe  worfe  ;  and  Men  grew  as,  and  more 
wicked  j  but  here  fyghteovjntft  fhall  dwell,  and 
I-  a  This 


1 44  -  repaanom  or  roe  aartv, 
This  (hall  be  the  greateft  fince  Man  was  on  Earth. 
This  is  the  Time  of  Trouble,  of  deep -Tribulation 
and  Temptation,  fuch  as  none  ever  tvdi  before,  to 
MP,  but  the 'Servants  of  God  and  Chritt,  Dan. 
12.  i-  Mat.  24.  21.  Rgv.  3.  10.  c.7.  14. 

Now  therefore,  It  becomes  him;  by  w*hom  are 
All  Things,  and  for  whom  are  All  Things ;  feeing 
he  hath  determined  fo  great  an-  Earthquake  at 
laft,  to  give  fuch  Tcrellaes  of  it  ;  fuch  little  Parts, 
Pieces,  and  Models  of  it,  that  might  Inlighten, 
Awaken,  and  Affiire  the  World  concerning  it ; 
and  to  have  fet  up  fuch  a  Pyramid  of  it  by  the 
Flo&d,  in  general  to  all  the  World ;  and  to  Sodom, 
and  <  the  Cities  about  it  in  more  particular,  in  the 
Beginning  of  the  World  ;  and  to  fpeak  in  the  Elo- 
quence of  what  he  will  do,  on  every  occalion  of 
a  greater  Judgment  on  any  Na'rion  or  People; 
and  to  joyn  with  it  the  Thunder  and  Lightnings 
of  his  Power  arid  Voice,  that  are  as  the  Shakings 
of  Heaven  ;  and  generally  fall  in  with  the  Sha- 
king of  the  Earth* -■  And  thus  we  find  all  along 
the  Scripture,  and  with  great  Relation  to  this  ve- 
ry Earthquake  ufhering  in  the  Kingdom  of  Qhrifl, 
and  the  Deftruclion  of  Babylon,  the  great  Symbol 
of  his  Enemies;  fo  PfaL  18.7.  Efy  r 3.  13.  with 
very  many  Pieces  more.  And  this  is  to  make 
the  Thoughts  of  it  familiar  to  Men,  and  to  ac- 
quaint them  throughly  with  God's  great  purpofe 
herein ;  for-  hereby  a  fhort  Work,  will  God  make 
r,n  Earth ;  yet  every  Man,  Woman,  and  Child, 
fhall  be  rais\i  on  purpofe  to  fee  this  great  Sight, 
and  to  feel  it ;  The  Earth  fhall  caji  out' her  dead 
for  it,  and  nd  more  cover  them.  This  is  that 
ilartbqual\c  in  which  God  arifes  xo  Jhake  terribly 

the 


Urgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    145 

the  Earth,  Efay  2.  wherein  it  (hall  be  indeed  as  a 
chafed  Roe,  and  as  a  Sheep  no  man  cares  to  take 
up,  tho  now  they  are  (b  greedy  of  it.  Then  the 
Lord  will  make  it  empty  and  under  the  great  De- 
flation overthrowing,  and  turning  upjide  down 
Perfons  and  Things,  and  all  dittiniHon  of  Ser- 
vants, Mafters,  and  Miflreffcs,  Purchasers,  Sel- 
lers, Lenders,  Borrowers-,  as  is  defcrjb'd  Efay  24. 
which  fhall  end  in  the  Suns  being  confounded^ 
the  Moon  a  [ham  d,  when  God  comes  to  Reign  be- 
fore his  Ancients  in  Glory, 

And  in  the  New  Teflament ;  we  find  at  the 
Death  of  our  Lord  JefSis  Chrift,  Mat.  27.  50. 
when  he  gave  up  that  mighty  Breath,  and  with 
that  loud  Voice  commended  that  immortally  blefc 
fed  Spirit  into  the  Hand  of  God;  There  was  a 
Great  Earthquake,  and  the  Rocks  rent,  and  the 
Graves  opened ;  and  after  his  RefurrejAion,  many 
Bodies  of  Saints  came  forth,  and  appeared  to 
many  in  the  Holy  City-,  a  mo  ft  admirable  Type 
of  the  La  ft  Great  Earthquake.  At  the  Refurre- 
tlion  of  Chrift  there  was  again  an  Earthquake, 
Matth-  28. ; 2..  At  the  pouring  0  it  af  the  Spirit, 
Adts  2.  r.  There  was  from  Heaven  a  mighty 
rujhingWind^  that  'fttifijhi  Houje,  and  fo  malt 
needs  jhake  it,  and  as  the  Appearance  of  Fioy 
Tongues:  when  the  Apoftles  Pray'd  after  that  fo- 
lemn  Conference  with  the  Elders  of  the  Jews,  the 
Houfe  fhook,  c.  4.  When  Paul  and  Silas  had  prai- 
fed  God  in  Prifon,  there- was  an  Earthquake,  and 
the  Foundations  of  the  Prifon  were  fhaken,  the 
Doors  opened,  and  the  Chains  of  every  one  were 
loofed,  Ads  16.  25.  All  thefe  were  real  Hiftorl- 
(al  Earthquakes,  or  Matters  of  Fact  ;   and  they 

are 


146        Trepidations  of  the  Earth s 

are  alfo  great  Types,  and  Emblems  with  Relati- 
on to  what  fliall  be  at  the  Kingdom  of  Cbrift, 
and  even  Predi&ions  and  lively  AfTurances  there- 
of. 

In  the  Revelation,  that  moft  Auguft  Prophecy 
of  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift,  we  read  of  Four  great 
Earthquakes,  that  were  fb  many  Advances  of  the 
'Kingdom  of  Chrift. 

1 .  That  grand  Deturbation  of,  or  difmounting 
Paganifin,  or  the  calling  down  the  Dragon  or 
Devil  inhabiting  it  from  Heaven,  who  was  wor- 
shipped in  Paganifin  as  a  God ;  and  all  his  Ho  ft  in 
the  Fourth  or  Roman  Empire,  were  call  down  with 
him,  when  that  Empire  in  Conftantme  became 
Chriftian.  And  this  was  celebrated  by  thofe  lof- 
ty Expreffions  concerning  it,  as  a  great  Shaking 
even  of  Heaven  and  Earthy  Rev.  6.  12,  c.  12.  5. 
as  (hall  be  at  the  Kingdom  of  Chri si. 

2.  The  final  Extirpation  of  Paganifin,  or  Root- 
ing it  out  >  though  with  that  unhappy  Revolution 
of  Antichnjltanifm,  ready  to  come  in  with  the 
Barbarous  Nations  into  that  Empire,  and  fo  un- 
dermining the  Kingdom  of  Chrisl.  This  was  at 
the  famous  Vidlory  of  Theodojiw ;  And  this  was 
ns  Church  Hiftorians  tell  us,  with  a  very  great 
Temp  eft  of  Thundring  and  Lightning  and  motion 
of  the  Earth  in  the  Letter,  as  well  as  the  Pro- 
phetic Reprefentation  of  the  Thunder,  Lightnings^ 
Voices  and  Earthquake,  the  great  Emblems  of  the 
Kingdom  of  Chrift. 

3.  The  Earthquake  that  (hall  be  at  the  fyjwg 
of  the  Witneffes,  when  that  Great  City,  whofe 
Emblem  is  Ten,  or  Tenth ;  in  regard  of  the  Ten 
!\ings,  who  give  their  Kingdom  to  the Beaft,  that 

carries 


Urgd  ai  Arguments  to  Repentance.    1 47 

carries  it,  fhall  fall.         Rev.   ir«  cap.  17. 

4.  The  whole  Time  of  the  Seventh  Trumpet, 
fhall  in  regard  of  the  mighty  Effedfe,  and  Events 
be  a  continual  Earthquake ;  even  till  the  great 
and  real  Shake  of  Heaven  and  Earthy  the  once 
more  in  the  Text ;  that  what  cannot  be  fhaken 
may  remain,  as  hath  been  explained.  I{ev.  16. 
18.  20.  compared  withe  11. 

Now  that  Earthquake  nam'd  laft,  but  this  laft, 
vi%.  the  Fall  of  the  great  Antichriftian  State, 
I  affirm  to  be  fo  near  as  1697.  approaching; 
wherein  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift  (hall  be  in  itsSuc- 
ceffion. 

Now  what  arifes  from  all  this,  Inference: 
but  that  it  may  both  urge  the  Ne- 
ceffity,  and  give  all  Invitations  and  Incitements  to 
Repentance;  which  cannot  be  higher  exprefs'd 
than  in  the  Apoftle's  own  Words,  as  'tis  us'd  in 
this  Context.  Let  us  have  Grace,  or  rather  Take 
Hold,  lay  earned  Hold  of  Divine  Grace,  and  Pow- 
er in  Ghrift;  that  we  may  ferve  him  with  Reve- 
rence, or  all  Holy  Awes  of  Modefty  and  Shamefa- 
cednefs,  as  the  Angels  that  cover  Faces  and  Feet, 
left  we  give  diitafte  ;.  and  with  good  Heed-taking, 
as  the  Israelites  that  kept  within  bounds,  left  God 
fhould  have  broken  out ;  And  this  Service  of  God 
with  holy  "A/</l©-  Modefty  and  ftiame  of  our 
own  Unworthinefs  and  horrid  Nakednefs ;  This 
Good  Heed-taking  not  to  run  into  God  as  a 
Confirming  Fire,  is  moft  fhewn,   exercis'd   and 

Era&is'd  in  timely  Repentance.  For  all  at  that 
>ay  of  Earthquake ,  Thunders  and  Lightnings, 
once  for  All,  All  muft  be  near ;  for  God  will 
come  near  to  them,  as  a  fwift  Witnefs  ->  and  to 

All 


148        Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 

All  not  Repenting  and  Reconciled  in  Chrift,  he  will 
be  a  Confaming  Fire,  MaL  3.  5.  With  this  Heb.  1 2. 

And  to  this  purpofe,  Let  thefe  very  late  Moti- 
ons of  the  Earth  be  confider'd  in  all  the  forego- 
ing Difcourfe  ;  for  I  cannot  but  be  perfwaded, 
they  are  Pledges  of  that  great  Change,  that  (hall 
fuddenly  be  in  the  World  in  the  Fall  of  the  whole 
Papal  and  Antichriftian  State;  befides  their  ge- 
neral ftrong  Motive  to  Repentance,  as  they  fpeak 
God,  both  in  his  Divine  Power,  and  Ability  to 
execute  Wrath  ;  as  alfo  in  his  Goodnefs ,  Long- 
fuffering,  and  Patience^  leading  to  Repentance  ; 
and  how  much  more,  if  the  Approach  of  his 
Kingdom  it  (elf,  the  greateft  Motive  to  Repen* 
tance  be  by  it  decfar'd  (b  near. 

That  I  may  therefore  improve  fo  remarkable 
a  Providence  upon  the  Englijh  Plantation  in  Ja- 
maica, ( which  is  therefore  to  be  reputed  a  part 
of  Engl  and  it  felf )  and  the  fo  gentle  and  tender 
Admonition  of  that  Motion  of  the  Earth  among 
our  Selves  ( as  alfo  on  other  Parts )  I  would  dif- 
courfe them  nnt,  as  an  Argument  to  Repentance, 
and  then,  that  they  are  a  Prediction  of  a  great 
Change  on  the  World. 

1.  tfijft  cpniider  that  of  Jamaica,  which,  we 
muft  needs  acknowledge  a  part  of  our  Selves; 
2nd  therefore  it  is  to  be  looked  upon  as  Eng- 
land, though  beyond  the  Se3 ;  and  fo  we  are  all 
equally  therein  concerned,  particularly  that  many 
of  t'S'had  Inrereirs,  and  Relations  that  fuffered  in 
it  5  we  sre  therefore  nearly  concern'd;  'and  fo 
prre  itrongly  called  upon  to  Repentance  by  it; 
an*  the  more,  that  it  fell  fo  particularly  upon 
j&t  Town  or  Port,  that  bore  the  Enligns  of  So- 
vereignty 


TJrgd  as  Arguments  to  RtpentMce,    149 

vereignty  and  Government,  called  Port  fyyal ; 
that  was  the  Key  of  the  I/land  and  Plantation, 
the  Port  and  Harbor,  the  Seat  of  the  Kpigs 
Houfe,  and  of  the  Houfes  of  the  mod  confidera- 
ble  Merchants  and  Traders ;  and  of  the  Defence 
and  Strength  of  the  Place,  by  its  Baftions  and 
Fortifications. 

2.  I  confider,  that  the  Judgment  bears  a  very 
great  Refemblance  to  the  Judgment  on  Sodom 
and  Gomorrah ;  For  the  Thunder,  and  I  ightning, 
and  Balls  of  Fire  that  came  down  from  Heaven  ; 
according  to  the  moft  credible  Accounts  of  Eye- 
witnefles ;  though  the  Town  was  not,  that  I  have 
heard,  touched  by  the  Fire,  carry  the  Signatures 
of  Sodom's  Judgment  after  a  ferene  fifing  of  the 
Sun,  which  muft  be  by  an  Earthquake  and  In- 
undation ;  for  the  Earthquake  and  Inundation 
was  in  the  Suddennefs,  and  dreadful  Defolation, 
and  Deilrudiion  that  it  made,  How  like  to  that 
which  turn'd  Sodom  into  a  Lake  or  Dead  Sea  to 
this  day !  And  herein  what  was  (hort  of  Sodom's 
Judgment  in  the  Fire,  was  made  up  in  the  Dread 
of  the  Earthquake  :  and  fo  many,  about  20  ~  o 
Perfons  perifhed,  ^s  by  that  newly  fjber  publish- 
ed Account  before  nam'd  appears ;  A  Shade  of 
the  Place,  and  of  the  Parts  on  which  the  EartJj- 
quake  had greatefi  Power  is  given  in  it. 

From  hence  then  I  argue ; 

1.  That  it  is  not  to  be  afcrib'd  ro  natural  Cm- 
fes  any  other  way,  than  as  the  fupreme  Counfel 
and  Being  hath  all  Caufes  in  his  Hand,  and  at  his 
Difpofe.  If  it  had  been  only  an  Earthquake  and 
Inundation,  there  had  appeared  lefs  of  God,  and 
of  his  Supream  Dominion ;  But  when  there  was 

a  tor- 


150        Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 

a  Correfpondence,  and  as  it  were  Intelligence  be- 
tween Heaven,  and  Earth,  and  Sea,  above  and  be- 
low ;  It  leads  us  to  confider  Him ,  Who  does 
whatever  he  pleafes  in  Heaven  and  in  Earth,  and 
in  all  Deep  Places*  He  caufeth  the  Vapors  to 
afcend  from  the  Earth,  He  maketh  Lightnings 
for  the  Rain,  He  bringeth  the  Wind  out  of  his 
Treafures,  PfaL  135.  6,7.  Were  not  Men  refol- 
ved,  as  Pharaoh,  to  ft  and  up  like  fycl^  againft 
God,  they  muft  needs  acknowledge  Him  in  this: 
The  Works  of  God,  his  Judgment  on  Sodom  of 
old,  is  an  Enfample  to  all  After- Ages ;  How  much 
more  This  fo  upon  our  own  Times,  on  whom  the 
Ends  of  the  World  are  come  ;  though  we  had  no 
fhare  in  it,  but  it  was  upon  another  People;  How 
much  more  when  fo  upon  our  Selves,  though  in 
another  Climate  ! 

2.  I  confider,  as  a  further  Argument  to  Re- 
pentance herein  that  great  Scripture  Amos  4.  6* 
That  it  comes  upon  this  Nation  in  a  Train,  and 
Connexion  of  Judgments;  all  within  lefs  than 
half  the  Age  of  a  Man  at  Mofes's 
Or  jo  lears,  Computation :  The  Peftilence  and 
Pfal.  9c  10.  Dreadful  Plague  in  the  Year  1665. 
The  Fire  on  this  City  in  1666* 
The  feveral  Inteftine  Commotions,  and  Wars  a- 
broad :  And  now  it  is  come  to  this  Judgment, 
though  but  on  fome  of  us ;  yet  it  was  but  fo  up- 
on Ijrael,  v.  11.  J  have  overthrown  fome  of  you^ 
as  God  overthrew  Sodom  and  Gomnrrah.  And 
this  is  the  laft,  till  God  come  to  a  Judgment  fo 
great,  he  would  not  name  ;  Therefore  will  I  ao 
T/:/o,  or  this,  unto  thee.  Therefore  prepare  to 
meet  thy  God,  Ob  Ifrael,  in  his  fevereil  Judgment 

if 


Urgdas  Arguments  to  Repentance.    I  5 1 

if  thou  return  not.  And  fo  according  to  the  ge- 
neral courfe  of  the  Word  and  Dealings  of  God, 
efpecially  with  a  People  under  fuch  a  clearnefs  of 
Divine  Revelation  as  we  are  :  It  mult  needs  be, 
whether  Men  will  Hear  or  Forbear.  It  mult:  end 
in  utter  Definition,  if  upon  this  we  do  not  Re- 
turn to  God,  according  (I  fay )  to  the  General 
Rules,  and  Standards  of  his  Word. 

3.  That  great  Admonition  of  our  Saviour's  is 
an  utter  Prohibition  of  our  (heltring  our  felves 
under  fuch  an  Imagination,  that  they  were  greater 
Sinners  than  we  are  $  for  he  hath  folemnly  de- 
nounced, That  whoever  does  not  Repent,  lhall 
not  only  Perifh,  but  (hall   Perifh    mo&vtw   in 
like  manner  with  thofe,  who  have  Perijtid  by 
extraordinary,  and  moft  eminent,  and  remarkable 
Judgments,  Luc,  13.  3,  5.  So  that  without  Repen- 
tance we  are  always  under  the  Impendency,  the 
hanging  over  of  fo  great  Judgments  upon  us;  as 
came  indeed  upon  the  Jews  in  the  Roman  Desola- 
tions foon  after  ;  and  muft  upon  this  Nation  ac- 
cording to  ordinary  Rules,  and  Standards  of  the 
Word,  and  Providence  of  God,  as  I  have  faid : 
But  if  not ;  feeing  that  Word  of  Chrift  (hall  be 
true,  that  we  (hall  likewifi  perifh,  if  we  do  not 
Repent ;   We   muft  be  raifed  to  that  Greatpft 
Earthquake,  Thunder,  and  Lightning,    and  the 
Dreadful  Jempeft,  the   Snares,  Fire\wA  Brim* 
ftone  God  will  then  Rain,  and  the  Horrible  Tem- 
fefl,  that  (hall  be  the  Portion  of  every  wicked 
aad  impenitent  Perfon's  Cup,  Pfal.  1 1 .  6.  at  that 
Time,  that  Day,  that  (hall  burn  as  an  Oven,  and 
confume  the  Wicked  Root  and  Branch ;  at  that 
Battel  of  the  Great  Day  of  God  Almighty  in  thr 

Valley 


I  5^         Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 

Valley  of  Jehofaphat  and  Armageddon,  when  he 
will  go  through,  and  bum  up  all  together  ;  What 
Caufe  have  we  therefore  to  look^dih gently,  we  may 
be  found  of  him  in  Peace  at  that  Day,  and  not 
in  a  State  of  War,  of  that  War,  that  is  a  War  in 
^ighteoufnefs  or  a  Jf^r  of  Jusl  and  Righteous 
Judgment  in  the  D47  0/  Judgment. 

4.  I  obferve  from  fo  many  Perfons,  taken  away 
fo  fuddenly  in  Jamaica  ;  How  great  an  Argu- 
ment it  makes  againft  Truit  to  a  Death-Bed-Rc* 
fentance,  when  the  very  Poflibilities  of  a  Death- 
Bed  to  Repent  upon  may  be  fo  fnatch'd  from  us  : 
and  therefore  with  how  great  Force  and  Evidence, 
and  with  what  a  jult  Timoufnefs,  the  Obfcrvati- 
ons  on  thefe  Providences  There,  and  Here,  are  to 
be  ad  jult  ed  to  thefe  Difcourfes  on  the  general  ne- 
ceility  of  Repentance ,  and  the  great  Hazard  of 
committing  our  ielves  to  the  Adventure  of  a 
Deatb-Bea-Repentance ;  when  fo  fuddenly  Provi- 
dence, that  is  as  in  a  Courfe  of  Earthquakes , 
and  hath  given  us  fuch  Warnings,  may  take  us 
array  livng,  and  7  if  we  Repent  not ,  in  his 
Wrath.      , 

5.  As  between  thefe  two  Difpenfations  of  Provi- 
dence ;  the  Dreadiul  Earthquake  m  Jamaica,  and 
that  here;  I  confider  with  what  a  Goodnefs,  and  yet 
with  a  Faithfulnefs  to  move  to  Repentance,  God 
hath  (hewn  us  both  the  Tendernefs  and  the  Skill 
of  h:s  Hand  in  the  Morion  of  the  Earth  we  were 
feniible  of.  For  as  in  the  molt  admirable  Know- 
ledge of  his  Almighty  Hand,  he  took  up  our 
Earth,  and  poiz'd  it ;  ima  in  the  Doing  of  it,,  did 
as  k  were  fay,  Hoir  jhaii  I  give  thee  u\\  London  ? 
Howfcall  I  nuke  thee  04  Aihnah  and •Zeboim,*/^ 

Citits 


XJrgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    155 

Cities  the  Lord  overthrew,  as  Jamaica,  or  Port- 
Royal  ?  My  Heart  is  turned  within  me,  my  Re- 
fentings  are  kindled  together ;  I  will  not  execute 
the  fiercenejs  of  my  Wrath;  I  am  God,  and  nop 
Man;  I  will  not  enter  into  this  City,  Hofea  ii. 
8,  9.  as  into  Jamaica.  Behold  then  on  Them 
Severity,  to  Us  Goodnefs,  if  we  Turn  to  him  in 
his  Goodnefs,  and  fo  abide  in  it ;  or  elfe  recor- 
ding to  ordinary  Rules  we  mult  be  cut  ifFalfo* 

And  there  is  indeed  molt  of  the  Power  and 
Wifdom  of  God  in  doing  fo  much,  and  no  more  ; 
For  a  rude  and  unskilful  Hand  can  Throw  Down, 
Sp^il  and  Deftroy;  but  only  an  Underftanding 
and  Almighty  Hand  could  weigh  the  Earth  as  in 
Scales;  and  as  in  a  Ballance,  lift:  up  and  ki  down 
in  the  very  fame  place  and  ftate.  And  how  much 
more  of  Love  and  Grace  to  melt  and  (often  us! 
as  if  he  had  (aid,  Behold  what  I  am  able  to  do, 
to  Ruin  you  in  a  moment!  Bat  I  will  only 
fliew  what  I  can  Do,  and  I  will  Do  you  ne  hurt. 
Oh  that  this  Rich  as  of  Goodnefs,  Lorgfuffering 
and  Patience,  might  lead  us  to  Repentance.'  who" 
himfefiftaid  his  own  Hand,  and  (aid  to  Himfelf^* 
TViiat  am  I  doing  ?  {  when  none  elfe  could  )  and 
He  did  it  not. 

I  come  now  to  the  Second  Head  I  propos'd,  for 
the  Improvement  of  our  Thoughts  00  thefe 
Earthquakes  in  general,  but  particularly  of  that 
but  juft,  a  Motion  of  the  Earth  in  this  City,  and 
the  Royal  Camp,  and  other  parts  beyond  the  Sea^ 
That  it  is  predidlive,  and  foretelling  of  a  great 
Change  in  the  World  :  And  of  this  I  give  thefc 
following  Arguments. 

U  It  is  beyond  all  denial  moil  evident,  that 
Scripture  makes  ufe  of  Earthquakes,^  the  Con- 
veyance of  its  Defcription  of  the  great  Works  and 
M  '.   a  &$ 


154  Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 
Changes  God  will  make  for  the  Kingdom  cf 
Chrift,  till  it  appears :  That  courfe  of  Earthquakes 
Providence  hath  been  in  of  late  years,  is  furely  a 
Declaration  or  thofe  great  Changes  he  is  about 
to  make,  firit  by  the  Succealon  of  that  Kingdom, 
and  then  by  iis  own  Appearance:  For  if  firlt 
Chrilt  convey  his  Kingdom  by  Earthquake sy  as 
Types  and  Pledges ;  it  is  but  reafonable  to  expedt, 
when  he  alarms  the  World  with  Earthquakes,  he 
has  fomething  to  do  more  than  ordinary  in  the 
Advancement  of  it ;  elfe  his  fo  great  ufe  of  them 
in  his  Word  would  be  but  as  the  foundi?ig  of 
the  Mountains*  2nd  Amufe  in  vain.  By  the  fo 
often  ufe  of  Earthquakes  he  teaches  us  to  expedt 
by  them  ;  Seeing  as  on  one  iide  he  ufes  Edrth- 
makes  in  his  Word  to  exprefs  great  Things  for 
his  Kingdom  by;  fo  on  the  other  fide  he  ufes 
Earthquakes,  that  are  fo  in  Fadt  to  and  in  his  Pro- 
vidence, to  foretell  fome  Changes  for  his  King- 
dom following  them,  according  to  his  Word. 

2.  The  Nations,  and  Places,  where  this"  Moti- 
on of  the  Earth  came ,  are  fuch,  as  are  clofely 
concerned  in  the  Change,  that  God  is  about  to 
make ;  being  either  of  the  Protefiant  Profeilion, 
or  of  the  Ten  Kings,  that  yet  give  their  King- 
dom to  the  Beaft. 

That  God  was  p!e2s'd  therefore  to  guide  the 
Motion  of  unquiet  Vapors  over  fo  many  Coun- 
tries and  Cities,  it  was  like  the  fending  the  Cup  and 
xhke  in  Jeremy  to  fo  many  Nations,  on  whbm  he 
would  execute  his  Dilpleafure  by  Nebuchadnez- 
zar, Jerem.  c.  25.  c  27.  fo  now  he  hath  fent  by 
this  Earthquake,  ?.s  it  were  by  a  Meffenger,  to 
make  known  to  the  Nations  his  kingdom  fo  near. 
For  fo  mild  and  gentle  a  Motion,  that  had  no- 
thing of  Wrath,  and  execution  of  Vengeance 

in 


Urgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    155 

in  its  CommifTion,  feems  entruited  only  with  fo 
great  a  Notice.  And  I  cannot  but  hope,  and  am 
even  afliired.  That  this  City  is  to  bear  fo  happy 
a  Part  in  the  Kfngdom  of  Chrisl,  that  it  fhall  be 
freferved  for  his  Servant  David V  fake,  and  that 
God  in  Chrift  is  the  Hoy  one  in  the  midft  of  it* 
3.  That  which  above  all  affaires  me  fo,  is  That 
Sure  Word  of  Prophecy  ;  that  Time  is  fo  near 
for  the  SuccefTion  of  the  Kingdom  of  Chrijty 
(which  is  by  Prophecy  defcrib'd  by  a  great  Earth- 
quake)  that  I  can  underftand  nothing  by  this  Move; 
but  that  Introducing  ,  or  Bringing  it  in  with 
the  Call  of  the  Witneffes,  and  the  Fall  of  the 
Tenth  of  the  Great  City  :  For  I  cannot  underftand 
that  there  is  Space  or  Room  for  any  other  Change 
but  of  That  to  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift,  entnng 
into  its  SuccefTion  ;  wherein  all  (hall  have  the  Ad- 
vantages of  Repentance  and  Reformation  by  the 
pouring  out  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  Preaching  of 
the  everlaflirig  Gojpel;  even  to  all  the  World  ; 
2nd  the  Converts  of  that  Time  fhall  be,  as  the 
Drops  of  Dew  from  the  Womb  of  the  Morning : 
A  Change  of  fo  great  advantages  to  the  World, 
that  none  have  any  reafon  to  be  offended,  or  to 
complain  of  the  Tydings  ;  except  They,  who  hate 
to  be  Preform  d.  I  defire  no  other  Beauty  of  Fcer 
or  Face  than  to  bring  and  pub'.ijh  it.  It  js 
all  holy,  pure,  fpiritual,  benign,  and  beneficent,  to 
thofe  who  have  but  any  Ddires  after  God  Chrift, 
and  Goodnefs,  both  in  inward  and  outward  Boun 
ties:  There  is  greater  reafon  it  (hould  bt.  daily 
frayed  for,  and  daily  it  is  to  be  praifed ;  Verily \ 
It  may  be  faid ,  Many  Kjngsy  Prophets,  and 
Righteous  Mc 72  have  de fired  to  fee  the  Things 
that  fhall  then  be  feen  ;  and  have  not  feen  them  ; 
and  ro  hear  the  Things  that  /hall  then  be  heard, 
M  2  and 


156        Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 

and  have  not  heard  them.  Oh  therefore ,  that 
this  may  be  what  this  gracious  Heave  of  the 
Earth  does  prefage ;  (  as  1  have  great  Aflurance  it 
does,  )  That  there  is  no  more  danger  by  it,  than 
this.  That  we  (hould  take  notice;  This  Earth 
wirh  great  Sedatenefs  gave  a  Morion  with  joy,  as 
John  Baptifi  in  the  Womb,  to  foretell ;  It  is  with 
all  its  Kin?;  oms  focri  to  become  the  Kingdom 
of  the  Lord  and  of  his  Chrift,  wherein  fyghtecnf- 
nefs  fioall  dwell :  That  foon  after,  upon  a  Purifi- 
cation from  all  Defilements,  the  Heavens  over  it, 
and  it  felf,  may  become  a  New  Heaven  and  a 
New  Earth;  and  the  Will  of  God  done  al  in 
parallel,  as  in  that  Heaven,  and  upon  Earth* 

But  though  I  have  endeavoured  to  make  good 
my  way  all  along ;  yet  I  would  in  the  Conclusion 
give  a  more  folemn  Anfwer  to  the  chief  Objecti- 
ons. I  have  taken  notice  of. 

ObjH.  i.  Some  of  the  fagacious  Obfervers  of 
Nature  have  fo  trac-d  extraordinary  Events  to  their 
Caufes,  that  they  have  foretold  particularly  Earth- 
quakes, byobferving  the  Ripenefs  of  natural  Cau- 
ses for  them. 

Anfw.  i.  Whatever  Obfervations  the  wifeft  of 
Mankind  have  made,  they  are  not  able,  fo  far  to 
penetrate  the  Screws  of  Natural  Caufes,  fitted  to 
tlih  nece/iitating  one  another  to  fuch  Effects ; 
v  but  that  fupernatural  Agents  may  give  a  Lift  to 
the  Wheels  of  Second  ■  Caufes,  that  UfififllJ  move^ 
but  en  Earthy  viz,  in  a  natural  way ;  to  move 
much  above  Earth,  that  is,  Supernaturally -:  and 
5H  the  fame  manner  to  fet  Bars  to,  or  [hinder  their 
Morions.  E?e!{.  i.  19.  10. 

Now  that  there  are  fuch  Supernatural  Agents; 
the  very  Evidences  of  rational  and  evjn  fenfible 
£:rperiir,ents  compel  the  itoutelt  Gainfayers  to 

c  onfefs, 


XJrgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    ijj 

confefs,  bat  as  they  "bid  defiance  to  all  Thing* 
for  the  fake  of  their  Atheiftic  Sentiments. 

Anftv.  2.  He  that  Knoivs  all  his  Works  from 
the  very  Foundation  of  the  World,  and  forefees  All 
Caufes  and  EfFeifrs,  could  with  the  fame  Eafe 
ballance  them  for  their  juft  Time,  both  as  to  par- 
ticular Perfons,  and  Nations  with  their  Sins,  filling 
up  their  meafure  ;  and  fo  that  All  fbould  roll  down 
to  their  higheit  Effects  at  that  time  when  he  will 
once  mote  floak?y  not  only  Earth  but  Heaven  alfo  * 
even  at  that  Time  of  Trouble,  and  Day  of  Battel 
and  War,  as  it  is  moft  Prophetically  callM  Job 
38.  22.  23.  compar'd  with  Dan.  17.  1.  Mat.  £4. 
21.  and  Revel.  16.  14.  the  fame  Spirk  that  dicta- 
ted All  ,  Fitting  the  very  Words  one  to  another  in 
thefe  Scripture*. 

Object.  2.  But  ftill,  If  this  be  allowed,  that 
fuch  natural  Caufes  and  Effedts  are  adjulted  for  the 
Purpofes  of  Divine  Judgment,  and  even  for  that 
Diffolution  of  this  prefent  Frame,  Why  at  this 
Time  ? 

Anftv.  1.  Such  a  Time  according  to  all  Scripture 
and  Reafon  mult  be  at  fomeTirne;  and  why  may 
it  not  be  now  fo  near  ? 

Anftv.  1.  The  very  Time  fince  the  Coming  of 
Chrift  firit  in  the  Flefh  being  almoft  1700  Years 
ago,  was  call'd  the  Fulnefs  cfTime;  what  then 
can  be  after  it,  but  the  Ends  of  the  World,  the 
Lvft  Day,  the  Laft  Hour,  running  apace  to  the- 
Fiilnefof all  Times  ?  Gal.  4,  4.  and  Ephef.  1.  10. 

Anftv.  5.  Mens  Heats  in  all  the  ftafincfi  of  this; 
World,  Buying,  Selling,  PLmting,  Building;  the 
Little  Faith  on  Earth,  it  is  near;  are  no  Argu- 
ments it  is  not  near;  for  thefe  are  foretold  to  be 
even  at  thfc  n'eareit  Approaches  of  that  Day. 

Anftv.  4.  But  in  fumj  The  Sure  Word  of  Pro- 

phew. 


158        Trepidations  of  the  Earth, 

fhecy,  and  Line  of  Time  according  to  Scripture, 
in  full  Agreement  with  Hiftory,  as  I  have  fo  of- 
ten affirm'd,  is  my  Grand  AflTurance. 

ObjeB.  3.  But  thofe  Words  of  our  Lord's 
Marc.  13.  32.  Of  that  Day  and  Hour  knoweth 
7ione,  Sec.  contradict  any  fuch  Calculation  making 
known  that  Time. 

Anfw.  I  affirm  upon  greateft  Evidences  of 
Scripture  Reafon  5  The  Son  having  all  Judgment 
committed  to  him,  and  the  Spirit  refting  upon 
him  without  meafure;  did  know  oFthat  Day,  and 
of  that  Hour  ;  but  in  that  Par  bolical  Speech 
Chriit  acknowledges  the  Supreme  Donvriion  of  the 
Divine  Being,  which  is  fo  often  ia.d  to  have  rhe 
Panto- Cratorate,  the  Almighty  Ordinarion  of  that 
Day,  and  the  fo  unfathomable^  up.ndious  Pro- 
cefsofit;  As  the  Heveianon,  or  Bringing  All 
Things  to  pafi  in  order  to  it,  is  faid  to  be  given 
by  God  to  J  ejus  Chrift  to  (hew  to  his  Servants : 
and  the  Condudt  of  them,  originally  in  God,  is  gi- 
ven to  him  5  even  fo  the  Knowledge  of  the  Time 
and  the  Adminiiiration  of  that  Day. 

Objert.  5.  But  the  contrary  Prevalencies  of  that 
Trench  Prince,the  fo  great  Enemy  of  the  Witneffes, 
who  keeps  them  no w  from  i^z/Jflg^fliews/That  Time 
is  not  fo  near. 

Anfw,  As  God  gives  in  all  Ages  fuch  Dominion 
and  Greatnefs  to  fome  Princes,  that  no  Confede- 
racies can  withiiand  it ;  as  to  Nebuchadnezzar, 
Alexander,  Cafar,  Mahomet ;  fo  hath  he  given 
much  Greatnefs  to  that  Monarch :  but  when  fuch 
Time  of  thofe  Princes  came,  and  fo  of  this  Prince, 
that  they  mail  have  End;  At  that  very  Time,  as 
they,  fo  he  muit  end  ;  and  none  (hall  help  it  j 
nor  any  precedent  Greatnefs  flay  him  up. 

Amw.  2.  An  iiniverfal  Monarchy  is  Embarraf- 

fed 


Urgd  as  Arguments  to  Repentance.    I  $9 

fed  to  him ;  He  (hall  never  be  more  than  one  of 
the  Ten  Kjwgs<>  till  he,  or  his  Succeflbrs  with  the 
Relt  (hall  hate  the  Whore.  As  Prophecy,  fo  Pro- 
vidence hath  Embarraifed  him,  as  with  a  Band 
of  Iron  ;  and  fo  far  the  Confederacy,  or  fome  O- 
ther  certain  Interpofal  lhall  prevail,  till  then. 

An/w.  3.  We  are  not  earneft  enough  in  Prayer, 
we  curtail  the  Time  of  Humiliation,  and  feeking 
God ;  efpecially,  in  that  itrongelt  Argument  of 
his  Kingdom.  Oh  that  this  Conn/el  might  be  *o 
cef  table  to  the  Kjnp,  and  to  the  Counjels  of  the 
Nation,  and  the  Miniitry  of  all  Names !  that  we 
might  by  earnefteit  and  loudeit  Prayers  of  a  Win- 
ters Humiliation,  and  feeking  him  by  Failing 
and  Supplication  prepare  for  a  Summers  Action, 
and  not  grurch  God  the  Time 

Anfw.  4.  He  hath  had  the  ufual  Space  allowed 
to  fuch  notorious  Enemies  of  the  People  of  God  ; 
And  give  me  leave  to  ufe  it  as  an  Emblem,  tho 
not  as  a  Forebode ;  As  Divine  Providence  com- 
manded fo  great  a  Leviathan  or  Whale;  which  he 
calls  King  over  the  Children  of  Pride; from  Play- 
ing  in  the  Ocean,  where  he  had  room  enough  in 
the  purfuit  of  his  Prey ;  to  come,  and  ftrand  him- 
felf,  and  dye  on  the  Shore  of  Scotland,  the  Twin 
Ifland  of  our  Great  Britain ;  even  fo  he  will 
ihortly  work  his  Signs  and  Wond.rs  in  Heaven 
and  Earth,  that  he  may  abafe  fuch  Tyrannic'^ 
Leviathans  ivaikitg  in  Pride. 

For  the  Time  is  near,  and  AIL,  however  it 
feems  otherwife,  fhall  be  ready.  A  Kjng  fhall 
Heign  in  flight  eoujhefs  ;  and  Perfons  comparM  to 
the  Bafelt,  Vileft,  lhall  no  more  be  called  Moji 
Christian,  mo  ft  Serene,  Magnificent,  Beneficent, 
But  there  fhall  be  a  Breaking  out  of  the  Glo- 
ry of  the  Gofpel  ?   The  Tongue  of  the  Stam- 


merers 


t6o     Trepidations  efthe  Earth,  &a 

merer s  (hall  fpeal^  plain,  The  Lame  fhall  leap  ai 
an  Hart.  The  Ears  of  the  Deaf  fhall  hear ;  The 
Efay.  19.  c.  32  c  35.  £w  <?f  */?<r  Blind  fhall 
fee  out  of  objcurity;  The  very  Ears  of  the  Deaf 
Jhall  hear  the  Words  of  that  Bool^  of  Prophocyy 
which  the  Learned  will  not  now  meddle  with, 
becaufe,  fay  they,  It  is  Sealed;  nor  the  Vnlearned, 
becaufe  they  are  not  Learned*  •  Abundance  of 
Converts  (hall  be  brought  in ;  Foolifh  Virgins 
ihall  be  made  Wife,  and  not  Err  in  the  way 
called  the  may  ofHolinefs ;  and  no  ravenous  Be  aft 
fhall  bt  there  any  more  for  ever. 

Lei  us  then,  to  fum  up  all,  Seek 
Amos  5*  8.      him  who  made  the  Seven  Stars  and 
Orion,    who  makes  the  Day   darl^ 
with  Night,  and  yet  turns  the  fhadow  of  Death 
into  Morning,  who  calls   for  the  Waters  of  the 
Sea,  commands  them  out,  and  pours  them  on  the 
face  of  the  Earthy  who  rends  the  I{ocly  widi  his 
mighty  Wmds,  ard  Jhakes  the 
I  Sam.  chap.  2.      Earth  out  of  its  place,  and  Thun- 
ders down   with  his  Fire  upon 
1  Kings  19. 11.     the  wicked ';  and  comes  himfelf 
in  the  Still  Voice  of  his  Kingdom. 
And  hereof  he   hath  given  notice,  as  he  faw 
good,  with  dread  or  Wrath  en  Jamaica,   as  an 
Emblem  of  the  Day  of  'judgment  von  the  World 
ofVngody  ;  which,  as  it  (hould  ftir  up  the  Rem- 
nant that  ore  there  ejeaped,  even  as  our  Selves,  to 
deep  Repentance;    fo  it  fhould   excite  us  to  all 
Ads  of  Mercy  to  them,  and  Prayers  for  them. 

To  us  he  hath  ferit,  as  it  were  the  Still  Voice,  to 
let  us  kno-.v  he  is  coming  himfelf  ;  to  which  the 
£u£h  inov'd  it  felf,  in  token  of  Obeifance. 

F    I    N    I     S. 


THE  GENERAL 

INEFFICACY 

AND 

INSINCERITY 

Of  a  Late,  Or 

tot^mr*  a&epettf  attce* 

WITH 

Earnefteft  Diflliafives  from  committing 
our  Eternal  Condition  to  that  Un- 
Ipaakable  Hazard, 

AND 

A  full  Refolution  of  the  Cafe,  how  far  a  Death, 
Bed  Repentance  is  poflible,  to  be  Sincere  and 
Efiedtual. 


By  %¥  1dmxltV+ 


SH'MEPON^f'^ri  SH'MEPGN  MkhtdJt. 

Jo  Day,  whilftitis  called,  to  Day  ;  Left  any  one 
be  hardned  through  the  Deceitfulneft  of  Sin7 
Heb.  3.7, 13. 


LONDON. 

Printed  by  R.Smith,  for  William  Miller  at  the  Gilded 
Acorn  in  St.Paul's  Church-yard.where  Gentlemen  and 
others  may  be  furnifhed  with  A&s  of  Parliament,Spee- 
ches,  and  other  forts  of  Difcourfes,  and  State-Matters ; 
as  alfo  Books  ofDivinity,  Church-Government,  Huma 
nity,  Sermons  on  mod  Oecafions,  &c.  M  DC  XC II. 


THE 

PREFACE 

TO   THE 

READER 

IT  may  feem  unfeafonable,  and  mo- 
ro/e,  to  deny  the  value  of  any 
kind  of  Repentance,  in  fuch  an 
Age  as  this ;  wherein  there  is  a 
Generation  arifen,  Oh  how  lofty  are 
their  Eyes ,  and  their  Eye-lids  lifted 
up  with  Scorn  and  Difdain  of  all  Reli- 
gion !  An  Age  fo  irreligious,   that  it 
feems  necejfary  to  gather  up  all  the  Frag- 
ments, tho  but  of  a  feeming  Piety,  and 
j  make  the  moB  of  them,  rather  than  to 
call  things  to  fo  flrioi  a  Ballance  :  A 
thinner,  and  more  diltite  Repentance, 
than  would  formerly  have  admitted  a 
Man  into  a  vifible  Church  ,  may  at 
A  2  fuch 


The  Preface 

fuch  a  time  as  this,  hope  for  Heaven. 
To  all  this  I  mufi  anfwer,  Firft  7 
7.  he  Loofenefs  of  an  Age  does  not  jlac- 
ken  er  dijfolve  Eternal  Laws',  Wif- 
dom  abates  nothing  of  its  price,  of 
that  timely  and  early  fearch  after  ity 
whether  Men  think  good  to  give  it7 
or  whether  they  will  forbear.  It  hath 
no  meaner  Efieem  of  it  felf  becaufe 
Folly?  that  is,  fimple,  and  knoweth 
nothings  fitteth  upon  the  high  places 
of  the  City,  full  of  Noife  and  Clamor y 
and  entices  to  its  Entertainments  the 
Multitude,  and  Grandeur  of  the  World. 

All  the  Severities  of  Scripture,  that  \ 
make  the  way  to  Heaven  narrow,  and 
the  Gate  fir  ait,  fiand  like  a  Rock,  ] 
from  Generation  to  Generationy  alike 
in  all  times.  Nothing  that  is  prodi- 
gally loofed  on  Earth,  in  compliance 
with  a  licentious  Age,  will  be  there- 
fort  loofed  in  Heaven. 

The  goodly  price  of  a  Death-Bed 
Repentance,  at  which  God  is  prized  by 
Men,  even  then,when  Religion  u  at  the 
I  owe ft,  is  rejected  oft  eft  with  Indigna- 
tion, j 


To  the  Reader. 

tion,  and  the  everlafiing  State  pur* 
chafed  by  it,  may  be  fadly  called  ail 
Aceldama,  a  Field  of  Blood. 

//  this  Severity  of  Divine  Truth 
offend  any  one,  The  Refolution  is  that 
of  our  Saviour.  \  Every 
Plant,  whether  Perfon  or  t  Man  5. 17. 
Things  that  our  Heavenly 
Father  hath  not  planted,  (hall  be 
rooted  up. 

2 .  It  is  no  improbable  way  of  Con- 
tefting  again B  Atheifm,  and  general 
Ir  religion,  by  the  flritf  T)oElrins  of 
Chrifiianity ,  as  well  as  by  Argu- 
ments of  Reafon  :  Nay,  Authorita- 
tive Applications  of  the  Truth  of 
God,  often  (Irike  the  Confcience  with- 
in the  Reafon,  fooner  and  quicker  than 
indufirious  Attempts  upon  the  Reafon  : 
as  Lightning  melts  the  Steel,  and  neg- 
lects the  Scabbard.  Preffings  of  Faith, 
Repentance^  Holinef,  Eternal  Judg- 
ment make  Men  (  even  Unbelievers  ) 
\fall  down  upon  their  faces,  when  the  Se- 
crets of  their  Hearts  are  difcovered, 
[andconfefGod  is  there 

A  ?  For 


The  Preface 

For  the  Soul  of  Man  is  mere  eafily 
wrought  upon  by  tkofe  dome  [tick  Re- 
bukes,  God  gives  it  by  hii  Word,  than 
by  more  folemn  Treaties. 

Especially ,  corrupted  Reafon  takes 
upon  it  felf  to  be  a  lawful  Authority , 
when  an  honourable  War  is  comment 
ced  againjt  it  by  the  better  Reafon  on 
the  other  fide  ;  It  contemns  haws  of 
Difcourfe,  as  precarious,  and  makes 
account,  it  gives  Reafon  for  Reafon. 
But  the  Rod  of  God  fbaken  over  it 
makes  it  tremble,  and  confefs  it  felf 
a  Slave  :  Thus  the  Slaves  in  the  Sto- 
ry were  more  eafily  reduced  by  the  fer- 
vile  Chafifements  they  were  acquainted 
with,  than  by  the  force  of  Armies. 
Atheifm  grows  the  prouder  generally 
for  being  reafoned  with  :  It  does  but 
diffemble,  while  it  pretends  its  difeafe 
to  be  in  the  Head,  which  it  knows  in* 
deed  to  be  in  the  fenfual  Heart.  And 
therefore  is  pleafed  to  be  ftruck  in 
the  Head\  but  cannot  endure  to  be 
-wounded  in  the  Heart,  which  the 
Word  of  God  efpecially  aims  at. 

Not, 


To  the  Reader. 

Not,  but  that  it  is  indeed  a  mofi 
generous    and   honourable   Atchieve- 
\  ment  to  [hew  Religion  to  be  the  high- 
'  efi  Reafon  ;  and  to  detetf  thofe  pre- 
tending Sons  of  Reafon,  of  the  great- 
efi  Irrationality.     But  it  is  flill  to  be 
acknowledged ,   the  plain  preaching  of 
the  Gofpel,  which  the  Apofile  calls  the 
Foolijhnefs  and  Weaknefs  of  God.,  is 
alone  wifer  and  fironger  than  Men : 
The  Reafon  of  thaty    couched  under 
an  Heavenly  Authority  of  Truths  car- 
ries thofe  T£  ^0,  SWAT*,  thofe  migh- 
ty Weapons,  whereby  every  high  Ima- 
1    gi nation  and  Reafoning  is  to  be  fub- 
dued ,    that    lifts    up  it  felf  againfi 
God. 

*Vpon  this  occafion,  I  cannot,  but 
bewail  thofe  unhappy  Divifions,  that 
have  feparated  the  Preachers  of  the 
Gofpel  one  from  another,  and  there* 
by  opened  a  Lane  for  that  Black  Troop 
to  advance  in,  and  made  the  Trum- 
pet of  the  Gofpel  to  found  Jo  in  certain- 
ly, that  it  hath  rather  fcattered  Men, 
than  prepared  them  to  the  Battel. 

A  4  Our 


ihe  rretace 

Our  Saviour  fortfeeing  the  Confe- 
rences hereof,  according  to  that  great 

Maxim  of  his,  ||  Every 
ii  Mat.  12.25.   Kingdom  divided  againft 

it  felf  is  brought  to  Defo- 
laxion,  did  fo  earnefily  command  Unity 
and  Love  of  one  another  to  his  Difci- 
fles  in  general^  and  more  -particularly 
to  the  Miniflers  of  his  Word,  as  the 
nzofi  effectual  Demonstration  \  \  Me 

was  fent  from  God y  and  his 
fjqh.17.a1.    Doctrin     from     Heaven* 

From  whence  it  follows, 
where  ever  this  Union  is  broken,  Chri- 
flianity  is  liable  to  the  Imputations  of 
being  a  great  Cheat  and  Fraud.  Upon 
which  advantage,  loath fome  Irreligion 
enters,  and  Jpreads  it  felf  in  thofe 
empty  (paces,  begotten  by  our  Diflan- 
ces,  and  removes  from  one  another  : 
All  divifions  in  Chrifvianity  are  Scan- 
dals to  it,  and  weaken  it.  This  we  fee 
verified  in  our  days ,  the  differences  in 
Religion,  and  the  prophane  fcorn  or 
ftupid  neglect  ofity  being  alike  vifible% 
and  notorious  throughout  the  Nation. 

7et 


To  the  Reader. 

Tet  upon  jujl  Accounts  :  the  Irreli- 
gion  confequent  upon  Divisions  in  Re- 
ligion, turns  to  the  advantage  of  Chri- 
stianity, that  thus  it  mufi  be,  elfe  how 
fhould  the  Scriptures  be  fulfilled?  But  this 
abates  nothing  of  the  Sinfulnefl  andVn- 
happinefs,  or  Neceffity  of  Amendment. 

To  guide  us  then  into  that ;  It  is  ve- 
ry obfervable,  the  venom  of  this  Di- 
ft  emper  falls  not  fo  much  upon  thefeve- 
ral  Parties  in  Religion,  as  upon  Reli- 
gion it  (elf;  while  we  wound  one  ano- 
ther. Religion  is  the  Martyr,  lies  a 
bleeding,  and  even  dying.  And  while 
good  Men  lament  it,  the  Enemies  of  it 
make  merry  and  fend  \ 
gifts  one  to  another,  in  to-  t Rev- 1 *  •  i  °- 
ken  of  Triumph. 

The  method  of  Cure  therefore,  is 
not,  for  every  Party  to  weigh  up  it  f elf, 
and  pre  ft  down  others, but  to  buoy  up  Re- 
ligion itfelf;  and  that  is  be  ft  done,  by 
Preaching  and  living  the  very  Thing, 
without  diftinction  of  Names.  If  we 
did  but  yield  it  its  own  Integrity  and 
Univerfal  Goodnefs,     it  would  foon 

ufe 


The  Preface 

rife  into  that  Honour  it  hath  lofiy  by 
being  captivated  to  Opinions. 

For  as  our  human  Nature  would 
be  much  more  beautiful  and  happy y 
if  cemented  by  that  Philanthropy,  or 
general  love  of  Mankind,  fo  indear- 
inglj  charged  upon  us  by  our  Saviour  ; 
who  demonjlrated,  that  he  embraced 
within  his  own  Immenfity,  the  whole 
Utitude  of  our  Nature ;  without  con- 
tracting it  into  the  narrownefi  of  a 
human  Per/on,  by  the  great  care  he 
took  \  That  this  Nature  jhould  not 
be  difhonoured,  abufed,  and  torn  by 
it  f  elf  through  that  bitter  Qenforiouf 
nefsj  Revenge j  and  Contempt^  Men 
exercife  upon  one  another,  even  there 
where  Chrijl  is  profeffed. 

So  would  our  Chriflianity,  that  is 
now  evil  fpoken  of,  appear,  as  it  is  in 
it  felf  Acceptable  to  God,  and  appro- 
ved of  Men,  if  we  could  unite  in  thofe 
comprehensive  Inter ejls  of  Right eouf- 
nefs,  Peace7  Joy  in  the  Holy-Ghofi 
that  fubflantial  Chriflianity  ;  Thofe 
healing  Wings  of  the  Sun  of  Righ- 

teoujnefs, 


To  the  Reader. 

ttoufnefs,  in  the  Rays  of  which  our 
little  differences  about  Meat  and  Drink 
would  piay  up  and  down,  as  fmalleft 
Motes  of  Human  Frailty ,  eafily  ob~ 
taining  *  mutual  Pardon  \  and  that 
black  and  mo(t  abhorred  Vapor  of  Ir- 
religion,  be  fenced  to  diflodge  at  fo 
Illuftrious  a  Presence. 

If  there  be  any  Inter eft  to  keep 
afoot  thefe  Divisions,  it  is  an  Inte- 
reft  of  Di (honour,  that  dares  not  name 
it  felf;  it  is  not  only,  «/W,W  JttdSS*?/  ;  but 
?»  koikia-  It  is  not  barely  to  ferve  an 
Opinion,  (much  lefs  the  Lord  Jefus  ) 
but  the  Belly. 

3.  But  to  return  from  whence  I 
have  digrejfed,  upon  fo  great  a  Caufe. 
La/lly,  we  may  find,  in  the  <very  No- 
tion of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance,  e- 
nough  to  defend  the  Jeafon  able  nefi  of 
this  Difcourfe,  noiwivhftanding  ft  read- 
ing Irreligion.  For  it  imports  a  de- 
fign  to  Dye  well  :  and  we  fee  very 
Few,  and  thofe  Few  deprived  of  the 
common  IsAodefty  and  Sobriety  of  Man- 
kind)  and  who  thereupon  become  an  hor^ 

rid 


The  Preface 

rid  Story j  but  dye  at  leafi  in  a  fair 
and  calm  Temper  towards  Religion. 
Now  if  we  join  to  this,  that  of  mmy 
Millions  for  one,  every  one  dies  as  he 
lives ,  not  only  as  the  Tree  falls ,  fo  it 
lies ;  but  as  it  hath  inclined  along  its 
growth ],fo  it  falls.  How  great  is  the  ne- 
ceffity  then  of  living  welljhat  we  may  dye 
welll  For  this  Death-Bed  Repentance, 
that  rifes  andfets  at  the  fame  time, 
generally  proves  but  a  falling  Star. 
That  Repentance  only  wheels  orderly 
into  a  higher  Orb,  that  hath  given 
proof  i  it  was  a  true  Light,  by  fhining 
here  for  fome  c on fi  der  able  f pace. 

A  good  Death  receives  Being  from 
<t  holy  Life,  elfe  there  is  not  fuch  a 
thing  in  Nature,  no  not  in  Grace,  ex- 
cept by  Miracle  of  Grace. 

Thus  far  I  have  made  Apology  for 
the  Seafonablenefi  of  this  Difcourfe. 
In  the  Difcourfe  it  J  elf*  I  am  not  con- 
fcious  of  having  wandred  from  the 
Univerfal  Doclriu  of  Divines  in  this 
Point  \  except  it  fhould  feem  too  high 
a  flrain    to  place    this    Repentance, 

(when 


To  the  Reader. 

(when  true )  among  Miracles.  To 
jujlifie  that j  I  have  the  warrant  of 
Sacred,  Story,  the  Dying  Convert, 
which  being  the  only  Example  of  fuch 
a  one  in  Holy  Writ,  was  in  the  days 
of  the  Meffias,  that  great  Period  of 
Miracles,  Jingled  out  upon  that  greats 
eft  occafion,  viz.  To  difplay  the  power 
of  the  dying  Mediator,  to  forgive  Sins, 
not  only  upon  Earth,  but  in  his  loweft 
Humiliation,  his  very  defcent  into 
Hell;  which  argues  it  a  very  great  Mi- 
racle. 

Tet  I  have  not  trutted  the  weight 
of  the  Difcourfe  to  any  thing  that 
looks  like  a  private  Opinion ;  but  to 
moft  avowed  Principles,  and  have 
therefore  referved  my  particular  Senfe 
as  the  Conclufwn  of  the  whole. 

I  have  only  to  add,  there  is  a  Na~ 
tional  late  Repentance,  as  appears  by 
the  Vnfuccesfulnefs  of  that  unparal- 
lelPd'\  Reformation  of  Jo- 
fiah  ;  fincere  indeed  in  t  *  Kings 
him,  and  of  full  Effect :  but  jgj  j£  h  ^ 
not    in  the    Body  of  the 

Jemjb 


The  Preface  to  the,  &c. 

Jervi/h  Nation,  as  appeared  by  their 
Relapfes  under  the  following  I^/ngs  ; 
and  therefore,  uotw  it  h  Banding  that 
feeming  Return,  the  Lord  turned  not 
from  the  Fiercenef  of  his  Wrath^ 
wherewith  his  Anger  was  kindled 
againtt  Judah,  for  its  guilt  in  the 
Sins  of  Manaffeh ;  which  the  Lord 
would  not  Far  don,  and  therefore  would 
not  give  a  true  Repentance  of  thofe 
Evils,  they  had  fo  long  continued  in, 
againtt  all  the  early  Admonitions  of 
the  Prophets  :  This  is  the  juft  Paral- 
lel of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

The  due  Application  of  all  thefe 
Considerations,  to  every  one,  into 
whofe  hands  they  may  fall,  is  the 
earmU  and  affectionate  Prayer  of, 


T.    B, 


(I ) 

THE   GENERAL 

INEFFICACY 

AND 

INSINCERITY 

O  F    A 

Death-bed  Repentance,  tec. 


Luk.  25.  59,  40,  41  ^  42,  43.  And  one  of  the 
Malefactors  that  were  hanged  with  himy 
railed  on  him  j  faying,  if  thou  he  the  Chrifty 
fave  thy  felf  and  m.  But  the  other  anjwer- 
ing  j  faid,  doft  thou  not  fear  God?  Seeing 
that  thou  art  in  the  fame  condemnation.And 
we  indeed  juftly,  for  we  receive  the  due  re- 
ward of  our  deeds,  but  this  Man  hath  done 
nothing  amifs.  And  he  [aid  unto  Jefus7  Lord 
remember  me,  when  thou  comeft  into  thy 
Kmgdom.  And  Jefusfaidunto  him ;  verily 
I  fay  unto  thee,  this  dayfoah  thou  be  with 
me  in  Paradife, 

TH  E  generality  of  Men  that  have  been  at  all 
acquainted  with  the  name  of  Repentance, 
and  underftood  in  any  Meafure  the  im- 
portance and  fignification  of  the  thing,  acknowledge 
it  beyond  all  difpute  neceffary  :  Yet  they  allow 

them- 


£     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

themfelves  a  leifure  for  the  Performance  of  it, 
and  fuch  a  leifure  as  fwallows  the  whole  time  of 
Life,  and  leaves  only  the  laft  and  loweft  part  of 
it,  for  the  difcharge  of  fo  great  a  Bufinefs  ;  fo  that 
their  Repentance,  if  any  at  all,  falls  out  to  be  a 
Death-bed  Repentance. 

The  inconyeniencies  of  which  are  tmexpreflibiy 
great,  becaufe  the  lives  of  Men  are  left  naked  of 
that  Holinefs  and  Purity,  that  fhould  adorn  them, 
and  all  over  blotted  with  Sin  and  Vanity.  Their 
Conversion  wants  that  light  of  good  Workj^  that 
(houldpoine  before  Men,  andglortfie  God  in  Heaven. 
Their  Life  is  without  form,  and  void,  and  darl^nejs 
is  upon  the  face  of  it.  And  in  the  end  they  are  caft 
upon  the  great  Sea  of  Eternity,  as  in  a  Veflel  of 
Paper,  a  thin  and  fuperficial  Repentance. 

It  is  therefore  molt  neceffary  to  ufe  all  means, 
to  (hew  the  Infufiiciency  of  this  Refuge,  which 
moftofthofe,  that  live  in  common  under  the  Pro- 
ieffion  of  Chriftianity,  defign  while  they  live  to  fly 
to  when  betimes  they  dye.  To  demolifh  this  Houfe 
upon  the  Sand;  that  Men  may  not  by  hopes  of  jfhel- 
ter  at  it,  conceived  long  before  hand,  be  kept  off 
from  laying  their  Foundation  upon  a  fycl^;  which 
poffibly  they  would  do,  if  thefe  hopes  were  cut 
off. 

And  becaufe  this  piece  of  Sacred  Story  hath  been 
generally  taken,  as  an  Inftance  of  great  Favour  to 
a  late  Converfion,  not  that  it  is  indeed  fo,  but  that 
iC  feems  to  be  fo,  let  it  be  the  Ground  of  the  pre- 
fent  Difcourfe. 

Fori  obfeive  Divines,  in  their  Do&rin  concern- 
ing the  danger  of  a  Dying  Repemance,  are  careful 
to  wreft  out  of  the  hand  of  pyefuming  Imagina- 
tion, 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance,      j 

don,  this  Example,  and  to  allay  the  vain  Confidence 
built  upon  it. 

Indeed  the  Miftake  of  it  is  very  fatal,  feeing  if  it 
be  duly  confidered,  there  is  nothing  more  forcible 
againft  what  it  is  pretended  for,  than  it.    It  is  true, 
it  is  a  Relation  of  a  dying  Man  returning  from  great 
Sins  to  God;  but  fo  circumftantiated,  fo  defended 
on  all  hands  againft  Boldnefs  upon  it,  that  there 
might  have  been  more  reafon  to  hope  well  of  Laft- 
Breath-Penitencies ,  if  there  had  not  been  a  Pat- 
tern of  fuch  a  one  in  all  Points,  as  much  above 
the  imitiarion  of  thofe  of  our  days,  as  the  Heaven 
is  above  the  Earth.    It  is  fuch  a  one,  zs  if  God 
hadfaid  of  it,  if  I  accept  a  Dying  Repentance ;  be- 
hold this,  confider  it  every  way, 
and  take  notice  by  it,  what  a  one       Ante  mihifc 
I  will  have  it.     God  putting  the    dem  latronis 
Cafe,  and  refolving  it  thus,  hath     oftende,&  tune 
given  a  much  more  pofitive  De-    tiki  latronis 
termination  concerning  it,    than    beatitudinetn 
if  the  Cafe  had  never  been  put.  folicere* 

The  End  therefore  I  aim  at,  is    Auguft. 
to  make  it  evident  upon  general 
Reafons,     and  particularly  from  this  Inftance. 

That  a  Death-bed  Repentance  is  a  hazard  fo  uri- 
fpeakably  great,  that  no  Man  can  without  Folly  ex- 
treamly  prodigious  commit  to  fo  much  adventure  an 
affair  of  lb  great  importance  to  an  eternal  condition. 

Hereunto  I  will  raife  this  Treaty  by  thefe  degrees. 

i.  By  obferving  the  Judgment  of  Divines  con- 
cerning this  Cafe,  and  ballancing  the  molt  favour- 
able with  the  more  fevere. 

2*  By  detecting  the  Follies  that  have  given  a  Re- 
putation to  a  Death-Bed  JRepentance* 

B  ±*1 


4     Of  &  Beath~Bed  Repentance. 

'3.  By  examining  themoft  hopeful  Appearances 
of  this  kind  of  Repentance,  and  fhewing  there  arc 
plain  Caufes  of  them  very  much  below  the  Nature 
of  true  Repentance,  wherewith  I  will  compare 
them. 

4.  By  obferving  the  Extraordinaries,  of  which 
the  Repentance  of  this  Dying  Malefa&or  was  com- 
pofed,  becaufe  of  which  it  can  hardly  be  drawn 
into  a  Precedent. 

To  all  thefe  I  will  fubjoin  prefling  Confiderations 
on  every  fide ;  that  Men  ihould  not  delay  their  re- 
turn to  God,  to  the  latter  Times  of  Life. 

For  the  Firft,  the  Judgment  of  Divines  in  the 
Point,  I  begin  with  that  feverer 

Dr.  TaylorV  one  ;  yet  built  upon  great  Piety 
Invalidity  of  a  and  Reafon,  that  afferts  it  a  plainly 
late  Qfpen-  impoflible  thing  ,  a  Man  on  his 
tance.  Death-Bed  ihould  Repent  with  that 

Repentance,  the  Scripture  fo  oft 
DifcoUrfes  of,  and  promifes  Pardon  to ,  and 
threatens  the  negledt  of,  with  Perifhing;  and  there- 
fore concludes,  a  Dying  Man  that  hath  not  already 
repented,muft  needs  fall,  not  into  the  Sin  of  Defpair: 
For  who  is  bound  to  hope,  that  hath  not  the  reafons 
of  his  hope  given  him  by  God  ?  but  into  the  Mifery 
of  Defpair :  For  how  miserable  is  he  whom  God  hath 
left  to  the  boiling  Sea  of  his  own  Horrors,  and 
thrown  him  out  no  Anchor  of  Hope  ? 

However  this  Sentence  feem  rigorous,  yet  when 
we  confider  the  ponderous  Arguments  it  ufe$ ,  it 
may  rather  amaze  us,  than  provoke  our  Cenfure  t 
For  Firft,  it  is  very  irreconcileable  with  the  Glory 
of  God,  that  Men  who  have  had  the  knowledge  of 
Gods  and  been  called  upon  ail  their  Laves  to  give 


Of  a  Death- Bed  Repentance*      $ 

|  up  themfelves  to  him,  fliould  be  accepted,  when 
they  pour  out  to  him  the  Lees  and  Dregs  of  Life, 
inftead  of  the  generous  Spirits  of  it.    That  he  that 

'  hath  had  in  his  Flock  a  Male,  fhould  vow,  and  Sa- 
crifice to  the  Lord  a  corrupt  Thing,  and  yet  efcape 
the  Curfe  of  the  Deceiver,  The  Expreffions  of 
Scripture  are  innumerable  in  which  God  Difavows 
fuch  Proftitutions  of  his  Grace,  (  as  is  hereafter  to 
be  urged  )  but  feals  fuch,  e're  they  are  aware,  un- 

'  der  Hardnefs  of  Heart,  and  a  Reprobate  Senfe,  to 

;  Deftru&ion. 

2.  It  appears  impoflible,  there  fhould  be  a  dis- 
charge of  the  Duties  of  Repentance,  when  Men  are 
a  Dying;  that  they  fhould  draw  within  the  hollow  of 
that  little  Span,  that  is  alfo  otherwife  incumbred, 
thevattnefs  of  that  Adtion,  that  is  neceflary  to  take 

I  off  the  Brawn  of  a  long  Impenitency. 

That  a  Man  fhould  live  the  life  of  Holinefs  that 
is  juft  a  Dying ;  that  the  Tree  that  hath  been  al- 
ways barren,  fhould  bring  forth  good  fruit,  now 
it  is  a  hewing  down  :  Thefe  things  are  very  con- 
tradi&ious;  how  can  Repentance  plant  itfelf  in  the 
Soul,  and  fettle  gracious  habits  there  in  fo  fhort  a 
fpace  ?  Or  in  an  mltant  by  Mortification  root  oat 
thofe  Lufts,  and  finful  Affections,  that  have  been 
many  years  eating  into  the  Heart  ?  Repentance  muffc 
have  a  time  for  fruits,  and  thofe  Fruits  for  Ripening 
and  Concoction,  which  a  Death-Bed  will  not  afford  : 
So  that  it  cannot  be  that  Repentance  of  the  Gojpel, 
but  at  the  belt,  only  fome  firftftrokesofit. 

3.  There  mult  be  a  living  to  God  before  a  Man 
dyes  to  God.  It  is  the  Supream  Law,  every  one 
rnuit ghrifie  kirn  here  on  Earth,  andfimjh  the  tvor\ 
he  hath  given  them  to  do  in  the  World*    Ihey  muft 

B  I  wo)  t 


: 


6      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

Work,  the  tvorhj  of  him  that  Jent  them  while  it  is 
day,  before  the  night  cometh,  in  which  no  Man 
can  work.  After  this  Men  are  received  into  the 
glory  of  God. 

4'  In  Repentance,  we  muft  be  in  the  fame  Cir- 
cumftances  of  Temptation  we  were  in,  in  the  time 
of  Sinning.  But  it  will  be  hard  to  find  in  what  the 
ftate  of  a  Dying  Man  differs  from  that  of  him,  that 
is  already  dead,  as  to  this  bufinefs  of  Repentance  ; 
but  that  he  may  as  well  be  allowed  to  Repent,  that 
is  entred  into  Eternity,  as  he  that  ftands  on  the 
very  brink  of  it. 

This  Cenfure  cannot  be  injurious  to  Men  living, 
and  in  their  full  Opportunity ;  fuppofe  in  Specula- 
tion, it  ft  retches  Principles  of  great  weight  and 
truth  too  far,  yet  it  recompenfes  for  it  felf  by  the 
wholefomnefs  of  it  to  practice ;  for  who  can  fuffer 
by  being  neceffitated  to  an  early  Repentance,  fo 
much  his  Duty,  fo  much  his  Safety  ? 

Further  it  is  moft  Prophetick,  moft  undoubtedly 
true  of  moft  Mens  late  Repentance  ;  That  it  is  too 
fudden,  too  Mufhrom  a  Birth  to  have  any  worthi- 
nefs  in  it.  This  Repentance  almoft  univerfally  wi- 
thers afore  it  grows  up,  and  proves  an  Abortion ; 
whether  it  comes  to  the  tryal  of  a  longer  Life,  where- 
in it  vanifties  as  a  Cloud,  and  former  Impiety  re- 
turns; or  whether  it  pafs  immediately  into  Eter- 
nity, where  it  finks  down  into  Mifery ;  for  attempt- 
ing the  Regions  of  Life,  and  wanting  the  Purity  that 
rifes  thither,  it  is  beaten  back  with  all  its  Preten- 
tions, as  a  Foggy  Exhalation,  that  would  climb  to 
Heaven,  but  is  forced  down,  and  made  to  reft  be- 
low; fo  that  for  the  Univerfality  of  Death-Bed  %e- 
fentances  this  judgment  is  truly  calculated. 

If 


Of  n  Death-Bed  Repentance.      y 

If  it  ihouJd  feem  too  Cruel  to  the  dying  Condi- 
tion, to  fmother  Men  alive  with  the  fecond  Death, 
( as  Ha-(ael  fpread  upon  the  dying  King  a  thick 
Cloath  dipped  in  Water )  to  ftifle  and  benum  at 
once  all  motions  towards  God,  let  us  confider  what 
advice  it  offers  againft  the  Stupidities  of  Defpair. 

When  we  are  fallen  into  fo  unhappy  a  Condition, 
that  the  whole  weight  of  Eternity  depends  upon  a 
very  little  Moment ;  it  perfwades  Men  would  do  all 
they  can  in  return  to  God,  though  that  allmuft  be 
trailed  with  the  Prerogative  of  Mercy;  for  that 
Mercy  which  is  ftated  in  the  Promifes  of  the  Gof- 
pel,  and  is  in  ordinary,  cannot  help  them  in  the  great 
point  of  Salvation,  however  it  may  alleviate  their 
Condemnation,  and  leilen  their  Torment. 

I  mad  add,  if  that  which  appears  a  Meflenger  of 
Death  fhould  have  fecret  reprieve  in  its  Inftrucfci- 
oris,  and  what  feems  a  Death-bed,  prove  only  a  Dis- 
cipline :  It  may  be  a  happy  beginning  of  a  true  Re- 
pentance to  him,  who  lives,  after  his  being  near  the 
Grave,  to  perfed:  it,  according  to  that  of  Job,  33. 
ver.zi,  23. 

Thus  this  Opinion  doth  not  cut  off  the  Adtion  of 
its  defperate  Perfon;  and  if  by  that  Adtion,  he  pals 
the  needles  Eye,  and  get  through  the  fir  ait  Gate  of 
Repentance  and  Regeneration^  it  cvill  be  able  to 
give  him  no  Refiftance :  For  thofe  to  whom  the  wid- 
leaved, Gates  of  Faith  and  Repentance  open,  this 
Air  of  Difcourfe  cannot  bar,  that  they  fhould  not 
enter  into  life. 

But  on  the  other  fide,  they  that  are  confident, 
and  make  themfelves  fure  of  Repentance  and  Mer- 
cy ;  cannot  when  they  -meet  the  folid  Obstacles  af 
things,  force  their  way  by  the  Breath  of  their  Mouth; 
B's  bui 


8       Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

but  they  and  their  intended  Repentance  are  together 
locked  up  in  the  clofenefs  and  compa&ednefs  of 
thofe  Decrees;  Firit ;  They  cannot  Repent,Then  they 
cannot  be  Saved,   i 

To  conclude ;  let  fuch  a  Decifion  of  this  Cafe  be 
never  fo  auftere,  it  is  a  thoufand  times  more  Juft 
than  the  delay  of  our  return  to  God  in  the  Contem- 
plation of  doing  it  at  the  latt  can  be ;  and  the  Rea- 
sons upon  which  it  is  planted,  are  fuch,  that  though 
they  may  not  reach  the  height  defigned,  yet  do 
they  exclude  thoufands  from  Eternal  Happinefs; 
and  although  they  may  not  make  good  the  Comple- 
ment of  .the  Cenfure,yet  are  they  of  fo  awful  a  regard , 
and  fo  worthy  of  all  Obfervation,  that  they  aremoft 
vehemently  to  be  prefTed  to  the  main  ftjope ;  that 
Men  would  by  no  means  truit  to  this  Extreme  Re- 
pentance, to  which  purpofe  I  fhall  hereafter  take 
further  advantage  of  them.  . 

But  kt  us  come  to  that  tenderer  apprehenfion  of 
the  generality  of  Divines,  with  which  I  will  con- 
cur, that  ail  things  of  Opinion  and  Difpute  may 
be  taken  away  in  fo  great  a  Point.  Let  it  then  be 
allowed,  that  a  Death-Bed  Repentance  is.  no  im- 
poffibiiity. 

Firit,  in  regard  of  infinite  Mercy,  that  cannot  be 
limited,  but  by  it  felf:  Now  long  Impenkency, 
though,  it  be  often  doomed  irrevocably  by  God  in 
particular  Generations  of  Men,  or  Perfons  ;  yet  is 
nor  that  Sin,  that  fhall  never  be  forgiven*.  Nor  is 
it  upon  that  account,  that  the  Scripture  faith  or 
feme ;  It  is  wipofjible  to  renew  them  to  J^ePentance* 
So  that  though  there  be  many  Examples  of  fuch  Im- 
penitency, that  have  proved  in  the  Event  unpardon- 
able,   yet  not  from  the  precife  Nature  of  the  thing 

it 


Of  <t  Death-Bed  Repentance.      9 

it  felf :  We  may  rather  believe,  that  as  the  unmea- 
furable  Being  or  God  hath  delighted  it  felf  in  fo  ma- 
ny varieties  and  gradations  of  the  Creatures  down 
from  Angels  to  the  darkeft  foot-ftepsof  himfelfin 
the  World ;  fothe  unfearchable  Riches  of  his  Grace 
are  made  known  in  all  kinds  of  Pardons.  As  there- 
fore it  hath  chofen  fome  of  the  worft  of  Sinners 
for  the  forts  of  their  Sins,  chiefeft  of  Sinners,  and 
brought  them  home  ;  fo  fome  that  have  made  the 
utmott  adventure  of  continuance  in  Sin,  that  in 
thefe  manifold  GlafTes  it  might  be  feen,  Where  Sin 
hath  abounded,  Grace  hath  abounded  much  more. 

2.  Though  the  time  of  this  Repentance  be  fhort 
and  narrow,  and  the  Duties  of  Repentance  exceed- 
ing long  and  broad  ;  yet  where  there  are  found  the 
true  fignatures  of  Repentance  unfeigned ,  God  be- 
holds the  Fruit  in  the  Seed  and  Root,  he  knows 
the  Perfe&ion  of  his  own  Creation,  though  Infant, 
or  we  may  conceive  fuch  Ik]§v{julI&  in  Repentance, 
Repentance  born  out  of  due  time,  as  Paul  was  in 
the  Apofilefhip,  fuddenly  accomplifhed,  though 
they  had  not  the  regular  time  of  forming,  like  a 
Nation  brought  forth  in  a  day.    * 

a  Thus  thou  Lord  anointeft  in  a     *  Cyprian 
"  Moment  Herdfmen    into  Pro-     de  ccena  Do- 
"phets,   Shepherds  into    Kings,     mini. 
"  Publicans  thou  ordaineft  Apo- 
"  ftles,  nor  doth  their  Difeafe  take  leifure  to  remove, 
'  ■  whom  thou  recovereft,  but  in  that  very  Moment 
<c  thou  makeft  them   every  whit  whole,   wherein 
'"  they  have  thee  for  their  Phyfician. 

3.  Although  there  be  according  to  the  general 
Rule,  a  neceffity  of  living  to  God  here  in  the  World ; 
yet  God'  may  difpenfe  with  the  Continuation,-  or 

B  4  drawing 


io     Of  a  Death-feed  Repentance. 

drawing  out  of  the  Action  of  it  in  thefe  late  Peni- 
tents, as  we  eafily  allow  in  the  cafe  of  Infants,or  Men 
dying  within  fhort  fpace  after  a  Repentance  begun 
upon  fad  Confederation,  and  not  in  the  Exigency  of 
a  Sicknefs. 

In  the  mean  time,  it  is  not  at  all  fuppofed,  that 
God  difpenfes  with  the  fincere  Preparations  and 
Refolvednefs  of  the  Mind  to  that  A<5tion ;  but  that 
they  muft  be  molt  true,  found  and  unfeigned,  and 
the  very  A&ion  it  felf,  according  to  the  time,  high, 
full  and  molt  fignificant ;  and  as  extraordinary  as 
the  Repentance  it  felf. 

4.  Although  the  Condition  of  a  Dying  Man  do  in 
many  regards  nearly  refemble  the  ftate  of  him,  that 
is  already  in  Eternity,  as  he  is  under  a  neceflity  of 
leaving  Sin  and  the  World,  and  fet  at  a  diltance  front 
Temptation  j  yet  it  differs  in  that  great  Circumftance, 
that  he  is  not  in  Termino,  he  is  not  fixt  upon  his  un- 
changeable Point,  he  hath  not  undergone  that  Sen- 
tence that  immediately  paffes  upon  the  Soul  removed, 
and  10  may  not  either  have  flittered  that  more  fecret 
one,  conceived  by  God  upon  long  Provocation.The 
whole  time  of  Life  may  be  a  time  of  Grace,  and  he 
that  hath  not  yet  been  concluded 
*  guando  ifk-  by  the  incommutability  of  Eterni- 
hinc  exceffum  ty  may  hear  the  Voice  of  Chrift, 
fuerit,  nullus  and  enter  into  his  Reft.  *  Cyprian, 
yccniten-  who  is  pofitive,  "  That  whenever 
tite  Iccus.  Libr.  "  a  Man  is  launched  into  another 
ad  Demetri-  "  World,  he  finds  no  room  for  Re- 
anum.  a  pentance  ;  he  is  out  of  the  cli- 

"  mate  of  Repentance,  who  is  be- 
"  yond  the  line  of  Time.  All  kinds  of  Penitencies 
cc  which  are  a  fecondary  Satisfaction  under  theSuf- 

ci  ferings 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     1 1 

*  ferings  of  Chrift  are  then  dcfperate  and  fruitlefs. 
Yet  he  allows  the  greateft  liberty  to  Repentance  in 
this  Life ;   For  he  fays,  *  "  No 
"  Repentance  is  late,  that  is  ear-     *  In  ifto  adhuc 
"  lier  than  the  Grave.     He  fays,     mundo  manen^ 
"  Here  a  Man  takes  hold  of  Life,     ti  nulla  pccni- 
"  or  lofes  it  for  ever.  Yea  he  grants,    tentiafera  eft, 
"  f  It  is  poffible  by  Repentance,     &c. 
<c  though  we  arejuft  a  Dying,  to    t  Adimmorta* 
Cl  be  fafely  landed  in  a  blefTed  Im-     litatemfuh  ip- 
"  mortality.  And  +  when  the  Soul   fa  morte  tran- 
c*  hath  left  its  inward  Refidences,    fitur.  De  casna 
"  and  is  now  fitting  upon  the  dy-     Domini. 
"  ing  Lips,  before  its  laft  farewel     +  In  eodem  ar~ 
u  to  the  Body,  and  when  in  hafte    ticulo  temforis 
tc  to  be  gone,  yet  even  then  infinite     cum  jam  anima 
<c  Clemency  difdains  not  Repen-    feftinet  ad  exi- 
"  tance,  nor  accounts  that  late  that    turn,  ($c, 
"  is  true,  nor  deprives  that  of  par- 
cc  don,  which  hath  the  free  and  full  a&  of  the  Soul 
ct  in  return  to  him.    Et  quxcunque  necejfitas,  &c. 
"  Yea  though,  as  he  goes  on,  this  Repentance  had 
cc  its  firft  rife  from  Neceffity,  yet    neither   that, 
c<  nor  the   Immenfenefs  of  Guilt,    nor   Straitnefs 
"  of  Time,   nor  the  Latenefs  of  the  Seafon,   nor 
cc  the    Foulnefs    of    former    Actions     fore- prize 
"  from  Pardon  when  the  Humiliation  is  fincere, 
"  and  the    Soul  exchanges    impure   Delights    for 
cc  thofe  of  Holinefs,   without  Counterfeit  or  DiC: 
tC  fimularion.     It  may  feem  in  all  thofe  Difcourfes, 
that  he  had  forgot  to  enter  a  Caution  againft  Pre- 
fumption ;  but  it  is  to  be  coniidered  while  he  thus 
frankly  pours  out  himfelf,  he  was  one  while  inviting 

Perfe- 


12     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

*  In  Libr.  ad  *  Perfecutors  of  Chriftianity  into 
Demetrianum,  the  Confeffions  of  it,  whom  he 
Qredite  G>  vi-  would  not  have  debarred  with 
vite&  qui  no s  the  fenfe  of  fo  great  paft  Offen- 
ad  tempmper-  ces  againft  it.  Another  while  de- 
fequimmi  in  Signing  againft  the  Novatian  He- 
aternum  tyu-  refie,  which  took  upon  it  to  tie 
dete  nobifcum .  up  the  freenefs  of  Grace,  as  he  (ays, 
f  Velit  nolit  "  fin  fpight  of  the  HeretickNa- 
Novatus  Hare*  a  vatus,  the  Throne  of  Grace  is 
ticusjmni  tern-  "  early  and  late  acceflible  to  true 
-pore  Dei  gratia,  "  Repentance.  This  therefore  is 
recipit  pcniten-  not  to  be  preiTed  beyond  the  de- 
tes.  fign   of  the  excellent  and    holy 

Writer,  but  will  very  well  agree 
with  all  that  I  am  prefently  to  add  a$  a  Ballanceto 
this  favourable  Judgment  for  fuch  a  Repentance. 

r>ail!e  ^or  as        mo^  Pru^ent  Difcourfe  of  the 

right  ufe  of  the  Fathers  leaches  us ;  we  muft 
always  attend  their  fcope,  in  rhe  purfuit  of  which  they 
were  often  tranfported  towards  the  other  extreme. 

But  that  a  dying  Repentance  in  the  nature  of  the 
thing  is  no  IncompotTibility,  we  have  fulleft  Aflu- 
rancein  the  Example  of  the  Text,  wherein  we  fee 
one  in  a  moment  conceived,  brought  forth,  and  even 
a  grown  Man  in  Repentance,  one  palling  through 
fome  fhort  Initants  of  holy  Adlion,  and  entring  into 
Paradi(e,like  Aaron's  Rod  budding,  bloflbming,  and 
bringing  forth  ripe  Almonds  in  a  Night,  and  laid  up 
in  the  Sanduary  for  ever. 

That  it  was  moft  probably  the  firft  Call  he  had  to 
Repentance,  agrees  fully  with  the  Intention  of  my 
Difcourfe,  which  granting  fo  much  as  a  Poflibility, 
would  yet  take  all  advantage  againft  the  eafie  Con- 
fidence 


Qf  a  Death-Bed  Repentance,     i  j 

fidence  of  thofe,  that  living  daily  under  the  offers 
of  Grace,  and  yet  defpifing  them,  commit  themfelves 
firft  to  the  Intentions,  and  at  lalt  to  the  faint  moti- 
ons of  a  late  Repentance.     To  whom  that  Admoni- 
tion of  Auftin  is  moft  feafonable  concerning  the 
Inftance  we  have  in  hand.     *  If 
we.reffeB  his  Opportunities  for     *Ad<2onfequen- 
attaining  Faith,  his  Repentance     dam  fidem  non 
w<n  not  late,  but  early  and  foon,    fuit  iili  extre- 
he  tool^  the  very  firft  Seafon ;  as     ma  hora,  fed 
fom  as  ever    he  defcried   Chrift    prima.  Nee  Re- 
and  Religion,  he  embraced  them%     ligionem  ante, 
He  did  not  wretchedly  cheat  him-     nee  Chriftum 
felf  ef  the  Remedies  of  his  mi-    fcivit,  non  re- 
ferable   Condition  by  adjourning     mediaftatusfui 
the  Vfe  of  them   to  a  late  and    in  momenta  ul- 
incertain  Futurity,  which  feldom     tima  infoelici 
or  never  fucceeds  well.  fraude  pofuit. 

Serm.  120.  de  Temp. 

This  Confederation  leads  me  therefore  from  the 
moft  favourable,the  light  fide  of  this  milder  Sentence, 
to  the  black  and  dark  part  of  it. 

That  is  to  fay,  There  is  an  Extreme  peradventure, 
whether  God  will  give  Repentance  at  the  lalt  or  not; 
for  this  Grace  being  acknowledged  extraordinary,  if 
it  were  common,  it  would  ceafe  to  be  extraordinary. 

It  is  moft  undoubted  in  Scripture,  God  is  often 
provoked  againft    Men  to  fwears 
they  fhatt  never  enter  into  his     Heb.  3.8,9.  &c. 
reft,    when  they  have  long  tem- 
pted him,     and   Erred  from   his    ways. 

The  Heart  is  daily  hardened  by  the  deccitfal- 
nefs  of  Sin,  till  it  grow  to  that  the  Apoftle  calls 


14      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

ML?<h'd.-  dutJeLv'onl&i.  i  Heart  that 
I{om.  4.  2.  islrrepentabte,  or  that  cannot  be 

repented  of:  Cuftoms  in  Sin  long 
Jerem.  13.23.  fetled  become  like  the  Ethiopi- 
ans Skin,  and  the Leopards  Spots, 
that  cannot  be  changed.  And  though  it  is  true,  the 
Spirit  of  God  is  not  hindered  in  its  Infpirations,  but 
that  it  bloweth  where  it  liiteth ;  yet  the  courfe  of  it 
is  fo  attemper 'd  to  the  ftate  and  motion  of  the  Soul 
it  felf,  that  it  moil:  ufually  takes  the  opportunity  fo 
generally  requiiite  to  the  fetling  a  Constitution  and 
Temper  in  us;  that  is;  the  freeft  and  mod  unpreju- 
diced, and  larger  fpaces  of  a  Man's  Life:  So  that 
whenever  it  works  upon  Dying  Men,  I  mean  thofe 
that  have  had  the  free  ufe  of  the  means  of  Grace  of 
old ;  It  works  by  fuch  a  Prerogative,  that  a  Man- 
may  as  well  expedta  Prerogative  of  Providence  to 
bear  him  walking  upon  the  Sea,  becaufe  it  did  once 
(b  to  Peter ,  as  this. 

Molt  even  of  the  faireft  Appearances  of  this  kind 

of  Repentance  mifcarry,  having  no  -true  Virtue  in 

them;  and  though   in  regard,  of  their  vehemency 

they  are  called  early  Seekings  of  God,  yet  (  which 

is  horrible  to  be  fpoken )  they  are  as  it  were  prepa-* 

red  for  the  Triumphs  of  the  Jultice 

Prov.  1.28.         and  Indignation  of  God  over  thofe, 

who    would  have    none   of  his 

Counfel  in  former  times,  but  defpifed  all  his  reproof. 

Lailly,  Whoever  feeing  and  knowing  calls  him- 

felf  with  defign  upon  Repentance  at  Death,  is  like 

to  fa'i  headlong  by  tempting  God,  and  expecting 

he  fhould  ftand  ready  for  him  with  that  Grace  at  lait, 

he  hathfo  long  refitted  and  refufed. 

And 


Of  *>  Deatb~Bed  Repentance,      i  5 

And  now  when  this  Judgment  of  Divines  with  this 
Ballance  upon  it  is  compared  with  the  former,  the 
refult  will  be  only  this,  the  kindeft  Divinity  in  the 
point,  and  that  feems  to  do  the  moft  favor,  is  very 
dreadful,  and  leaves  fuch  Men  in  a  Condition  next  to 
defperate,  which  is  but  an  Aggravation  of  the  dan- 
ger, when  what  Men  would  choofe  to  appeal  to,  fo 
fir  condemns  them. 

It  is  then  agreed  on  all  hands,  that  for  any  Man  to 
live  fo  as  if  he  did  contrive  and  fbrecaft  a  Dying  Re- 
pentance (altho  it  be  yielded  him,  it  is  no  impoffibi- 
lity)  as  the  fafe  expedient,  firft  of  an  Irreligious  Life, 
free  from  the  troublefome  Thoughts  of  a  prefent 
Amendment,  and  then  of  a  fecure  Paflage  into  Eter- 
nityjlt  is  firft  an  exceeding  Irreligion  and  Immorality 
in  it  felf ;  and  then  to  run  fo  defperate  a  Rifque  and 
Adventure  for  an  Immortal  Soul ;  that  he  is  a  par- 
donable Mad-man,  in  comparifon  of  fuch  an  one,  that 
drinks  a  deadly  Poyfon,  becaufe  he  hath  heard  there 
is  a  certain  Antidote  in  the  World,  that  will  expel  it, 
though  he  cannot  tell  whether  he  can  have  it  at  all, 
much  lefs  whether  time  enough  for  his  neceffity  ; 
and  laftly,  whether  the  Endeavors  he  ufes  for  it  wiil 
not  be  deluded  with  the  Counterfeits  of  it,  it  being 
fuppofed  they  are  thoufands  for  one  of  the  true  kind ; 
and  he  thereby  perifh,  pleafing  himfelf  with  the 
hopes  he  hath  it,  when  he  hath  indeed  but  a  like- 
nefs  of  it. 

2.  Head.  I  come  now  to  the  fecond  Propofal, 
which  is  to  make  inquiry,  feeing  the  Cafe  is  thus, 
as  it  every  way  appears  to  be,  How  the  name  or 
notion  of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance,  as  fuch  an 
univerfal  Reftige,  came  up  in  the  World ;  for 
U  is  a  new  Repentance,  ( much  like  *h*fe  vctv~ 

ccme- 


id      Of  a  Death~Bed  Repentance. 

come-up  Gods  Mofes  fpeaksof,  Beut.  %%*  17.  )  that 
Chriftianity  and  theGofpel  know  not*  The  Scrip- 
tures that  treat  moft  profefledlyof  Repentance,  al- 
ways infift  upon  it  as  a  reformed  courfeof  Life,  to 
be  undertaken  even  now,  while  the  Propofals  of 
Grace  and  Reconciliation  are  made  to  us ;  and  only 
by  very  filent  Intimations,  the  track  of  which  is  hard- 
ly difcerned,  leave  it  pofltble,  that  God  fhould  by 
miracle  fave  fome  very  few  out  of  the  Fire,  and  pull 
them  as  Brands  out  or  the  Burning,  by  giving  them 
Repentance  at  the  laft.  Whereas  this  is  now  become 
the  only  Repentance  in  ufe,  and  hath  devoured  the 
other;  as  if  to  prefi  Men  upon  it  were  to  torment 
them  before  their  rime,  and  to  leflen  the  Validity  of 
this  were  to  take  away  the  Merty  of  God,  and  deny 
the  Grace  that  is  fo  free  and  univerfal.  Let  us  fearch 
therefore  how  this  fort  of  Repentance  hath  come 
into  fuch  Repute*  And  if  we  obferve,  we  fhall  find 
it  firft  riling  from  the  intimate  Senfe  the  Confcience 
hath  of  the  neceffity  of  Repentance  ;  For  were  it 
not  fo  clear  and  evident  a  Duty,  a  Death-Bed  Repen- 
tance had  never  been  heard  of;  moft  would  choofe 
to  go  out  of  the  World  as  they  have  lived  in  it,  not 
fuffering  any  degree  of  the  trouble  of  Confcience,  or 
vexing  thcmfelves  with  Reflections  upon  an  unholy 
and  ill-fpent  Life.  As  Men  have  chofe  to  live  freely 
and  uninterruptedly  in  forgetfulnefs  of  God,  and  an 
Eternal  Condition  days  without  number ,  Jen  2.  32. 
fo  would  they  choofe  to  die,  were  there  not  a  Law 
within,  that  however  it  hath  Iain  covered  with  the 
Duft  of  Senfuality,  yet  is  now  reftored  to  its  Autho- 
rity, and  urges  the  Soul  with  the  Terror  of  Punish- 
ment for  to  long  Difobedience* 

And 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.      ij 

And  fecondly,thisneceflity  of  Repentance,though 
fecretly  underitood,  yet  was  not  fufficiently  confi- 
dered  in  the  time  of  Health,  for  had  it  been  equally 
regarded,  it  had  not  been  now  to  begin.  He  that 
had  rightly  mcafured  it,  would  not  for  a  thoufand 
Worlds  fo  have  adjourned  it. 

Thefe  two  things  then  meeting  fo  oft  together, 
wfcfi  The  neceflity  of  Repentance;  and  the  neglecft 
of  it  all  along  our  Life :  the  neceflity  it  (hould  be 
performed  fome  time,  ere  Men  go  out  of  the  World; 
and  the  negledfc  of  it  in  the  freer  Opportunities  of 
Life;  Thefe,  I  fay,  bring  forth  hafty  motions  of  it 
at  laft :  For  it  lofing  nothing  of  its  neceflity  by  its 
delay,  it  muft  be  done,  as  well  as  it  may  be  at  that 
lime;  even  as  the  laft  Moments,  wherein  Buftneffes 
of  great  Confequence  are  to  be  difpatched,  prefs  for 
Expedition  the  more  earneftly,  becaufe  they  muft: 
be  done  then  or  never,  though  it  often  falls  out,  the 
time  is  fo  far  paft,  they  fufFer  not  only  much  difad- 
vantage,  but  even  defeat  by  the  delay: 

The  Notion  of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance  then  we 
may  perceive  rifing  from  the  great  Indifpofition  to 
Repent,  while  the  Pleafures  of  Sin  are  in  their  Sea- 
fon,  and  flourifli,  and  Men  in  Health  and  Strength  to 
enjoy  them ;  and  from  the  neceflitics  of  Repentance 
falling  upon  them  at  the  laft,  and  wringing  from 
them  fometimes  very  high  Acknowledgments  of 
God  and  an  Eternal  Condition,  paflionafe  Expreflions 
of  the  folly,  evil  and  vanity  of  former  Life,  defires  of 
Mercy,  Profeflions  of  ftrong  Refolvednefs  to  fervc 
God,  and  if  they  had  many  Lives  to  give  God,  they 
would  give  them  all.  All  which  being  fo  unufual  to 
hear  formerly  out  of  fuch  Mouths,  and  coming 
from  Dying  Men,  for  whofe  Sayings  we  have  a  na- 
tural 


1 8      Of  a  Death-Btd  Repentance. 

rural  regard,  Charity  towards  them,  and  willingnefs 
to  hope  well  of  them,  gives  thefe  Semblances,  the 
Reputation  of  Repentance.  To  which  may  be  ad- 
dedj  That  thofe  who  are  Guides  and  Seers  in  Reli- 
gion too  often,  err  ante  Clave  ^  by  too  Liberal  an  Ab- 
folution  open  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  to  fuch,  and 
taking  the  Inftruments  of  a  foolifh  Shepherd  to 
themfelves,  heal  the  hurt  of  their  Souls  flighcly  ;  fo 
that  their  Repentance  is  faindied  here,  and  though 
it  mifcarry  in  the  other  World,  yet  the  mifcarriage 
is  hid  alfo  in  that  other  World. 

From  all  this  hath  arifen  a  down-right  Opinion  of 
this  kind  of  Repentance,  as  the  only  <ro<ph  $a.%[JULKW 
the  Prudent  Expedient,  that  compounds  two  fo  dif- 
ferent Interefts,  firft  that  of  a  worldly  Con verfation, 
to  which  it  gives  no  hinderance ;  then  that  of  Eter- 
nal  Life  in  appearance,  becaufe  it  aflumes  the  Pro- 
rnifes  of  Mercy  to  it  felf,  efpecially  thofe  gracious 
Affurances  in  E^ek*  1 8.  Chap.  33.  it  reckons  as  made 
on  purpofe  for  it.  All  which  argues  a  very  vileSenfe 
both  of  the  Juftice  and  Mercy  of  God;  of  his  Juftice 
as  if  it  had  no  authority,  of  his  Mercy  as  if  it  had  no 
fenfe  of  Honour. 

And  laftly  it  is  grown  into  a  general  Expectation, 
rhat  however  ill  and  carelefly  of  God  Men  have  lived 
here,  yet  they  (hould  go  out  of  the  World  with  good 
words  of  him  and  Religious  Profeffions,  as  an  In- 
baltn  to  their  Memory  and  a  Dirge  to  their  Souls  in- 
to the  Happinefe  of  an  Everlafting  Condition. 

Thus  they  call  Repentance  and  Heaven  after  their 

own  name.  This  their  way  is  their 

Pfal.  49.  1 1*      folly  ',  yet  their  Pcfterity,   men  of 

13,  14,  &c.        like  Inclinations,   approve  their 

fayingSy    becaufe  fuch  Men  (as 

they 


Of  d  Death-Bed  Repentance.     19 

theyffeak.)  go  away  like  Lambs,  but  as  the  Serif  - 
turefaySy  likefenflefs  S beef  are  laid  in  the  Grave ^ 
and  Death  feeding  upon  them ,  the  Error  is  not 
difcovered  till  the  morning :  when  the  upright  have 
dominion  over  them ;  that  is,  infinitely  excel 
them,  and  their  counterfeit  Repentance,  which  can- 
not ft  and  in  judgment ,  nor  they  in  the  congregation 
of  fincere  Penitents,  Pfal.  1.  verf  5. 

Now  this  account  I  have  given  of  a  Death-Bed 
Repentance  obtaining  among  us,  is  too  comprehen- 
five ;  yet  I  muft  acknowledge,  that  there  are  many 
whofe  Judgments  are  more  enlightned,and  the  Senti- 
ments of  their  Confciences  quicker  than  to  be  fatisfi- 
ed  at  fo  eafie  a  rate,  who  yet  fall  into  the  common 
unhappinefs  of  not  having  repented,  till  they  come 
to  die :  I  will  therefore  enquire  further,  why  many 
who  are  able  to  feel  before-hand  the  neceffities  of  a 
fpeedy  Repentance,  and  alfo  to  draw  their  Death  fo 
hear  them,  as  to  die  daily  in  the  fenfe  of  Death  ;  and 
thereby  further  perceive  thofe  Neceffities,  do  not 
yet  Repent  daily,  but  betray  themfelves  to  an  Even- 
ing or  Twilight  Repentance. 

The  Refolution  of  this  lies  not  only  in  the  immo- 
derate love  of  Sin  and  its  Pleafures,  and  the  too  low 
apprehenfion  of  God  and  Eternal  Things,  (thbugh 
thefe  are  always  prefent  in  the  cafe  )  but  chiefly  it 
lies  in  the  great  Confidence  fuch  Men  have  in  the  pre- 
fent time,  notfenfible  of  the  continual  wafte  ot  it; 
Under  the  favour  of  which  they  put  away  the  evil 
day  far  from  them,  and  fir  etch  themfelves  upon  this 
memento/wo*  6.3.  Gfc.  that  they  may  take  their  full 
Eafe  and  Satisfaction :  In  the  mean  while  ftifling  the 
Thoughts  of  Dying  and  Judgment.  Were  it  not  for 
this,  no  other  Reafon  would  encourage  them  to  de-. 
C  lay 


20  Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

lay  their  Repentance;  for  when  this  Fails,  all  others 
generally  fail  alfo,  and  therefore  none  are  fo  paflio- 
nately  moved,  as  fuch,  when  they  come  to  die. 

This  Cloud  that  is  but  as  big  as  a  Man's  hand  (our 
days  are  as  an  hands  breadth,  Pfal  39.  6.  )  yet  looks 
like  the  whole  Heaven;  It  Hands  as  a  Firmament 
over  their  heads,  It  looks  like  an  Eternity  to  Men.  In 
this  time  Repentance  finds  as  little  place  with  them, 
as  it  is  like  to  do  with  God  in  the  Evening  of  Life. 

In  this  occafion  the  wild  Affes  of  the  TVildernefs 
fnuffup  the  wind  at  their  fie  afar  ey  and  none  can 
turn  them,  Jer.  2.  24.  The  luft  of  the  Flefh,  the 
luft  of  the  Eye,  and  the  fride  of  Life  fwallow  all 
and  canfpare  nothing  ;  Yet  in  the  midft  of  all  this 
the  Soul  promifes  it  felf,  it  will  ere  long  take  a  Sea- 
fon  of  recollecting  it  felf,  and  that  it  will  do  it  time 
enough,  fo  timely  as  to  leave  fpace  fufficient  for  a 
large  Exercife  of  Repentance;  for  although  it  is  but 
upon  the  edges  and  skirts  of  Time,  yetitfeems  to  it 
felf  to  be  upon  the  Center,  and  in  its  Imagination 
commands  the  future*-  as  if  it  were  in  its  own  hand  ; 
fo  that  through  the  endlefs  returns  of  Pleafure  and 
Buiinefs,  through  Indifpofednefs  to  holy  and  ferious 
Action,  through  Intentions  and  Purpofes  of  being 
better  hereafter,  it  flips  down,  e're  ever  it  is  aware, 
into  the  lowed  of  Life,  and  hath  the  bufinefs  of  Re- 
pentance lying  whole  and  undiminiflied  upon  its 
hand :  Tet  a  little  flee f,  a  little  (lumber,  a  little  fold- 
ing of  the  hands  to  (leef,  deceives  men,  till  their 
iaft  end  comes  as  an  armed  man,  Prov.  24. 1 2.  The 
hopes  that  to  morrow  will  be  as  to  day,  and  much 
more  abundant,  Ifa.  56.  12.  fo  as  to  leave  enough 
for  fodder  Thoughts,  befools  Men,  till  the  very 
Courfc  of  Time  rows  them  before  they  think  of  it 
upon  Ecerniry.  Of 


Of  a  Death- Bed  Repentance.     21 

Of  great  moment  therefore  it  is  to  number  our 
days  rightly ',  that  we  may  know  how  frail  we  are, 
Pfal.39.4.  And  to  apply  our  Hearts  to  VVifdom,  Pfal. 
90.  12.  For  this  time  of  Life  though  it  be  but  little, 
yet  it  boajls great  things,  Jam.  3.  5.  This  Vapor 
ftretches  out  it  felf  as  far  as  it  can  :  It  rejoices  in 
its  own  boaflings  which  are  evil,  Jam.  4,  1 6.  In 
the  mean  while  the  Moments  of  it  are  winged,  and 
fly  from  us  ;  they  glide  away,  and  we  cannot,  ex- 
cept we  bring  them  to  ltridt  Account,  take  hold  of 
them  to  graft  any  thing  upon  ihem :  How  does  to 
day  like  an  Egale,  or  Poafi,  orfwift  Ship,  or  Arrow 
get  from  us,  leaving  no  path  ?  Wifd.5.  9,  G»c.  And 
if  we  offer  to  take  the  Account,  how  many  things 
foatch  it  from  us,  as  an  impertinent  Difturber  from 
him  that  is  catching  ilippery  numbers?  HereisWif 
I  dom,  let  him  that  hath  it  count  the  number  of  Life, 
for  it  is  the  number  of  a  Man,  Rev.  13.  18.  A 
ftort  number.  It  is  all  but  Dying  Man,  Ecel.  6. 10. 
And  yet  it  requires  great  Ingenuity,  The  Ingenuity 
of  a  Man,  that  is  indeed  a  Man,  to  find  it  t  But 
he  that  mifles  it ,  is  found  at  the  end  of  his  days  a 
Fool,  and  finds  that  dreadful  reward  of  a  Fool,  Jer. 
I  17.11.  That  the  great  God,  that  formed  all  things, 
gives  to  the  Fool  as  well  as  to  the  TranJgreJforJ?vov. 
26.  1  o.  But  thofe  that  are  wife  fhine  as  the  Sun  in 
the  Firmament,  Dan^  12.  3. 

Thus  far  I  have  infifted  upon  the  Accounts,  how 
this  Baptifm  of  Repentance  for  the  Dead,  1  Cor. 
15.29.  came  in  upon  Chriftianity,  that  is,  How  it 
comes  to  pafs  that  Men  will  not  be  baptifedwith  this 
Baptifm  till  they  are  given  over  for  dead  Men,  like 
thofe  Clinici  of  the  firft  Times,  that  delay  'd  their 
Baptifm  to  their  laft  Bed,  of  whomfome  Expound 
C  %  *hac 


22     Of  &  De/itk~Bed  Repentance. 

that  place,   I  Cor.   15.  29.    Vid.  Eftium  i*  fo- 
cum* 

But  the  Miftake  in  this  Cafe  (  though  that  paffed 
not  without  fome  note  of  Difgrace  )  is  in  a  point  of 
much  higher  Confequence,  and  fo  far  more  dange- 
rous, and  hath  alfo  iefs  of  reafonable  Pretence ;  for 
while  they  thought,  Baptifm  waited  away  all  pad 
Sins,  and  was  but  once  to  be  done ;  it  feemed  a  ne- 
ceflary  Providence  to  take  the  full  Benefit  of  it  at 
the  laft,  upon  which  account  Tertullian  even  Ex- 
poftulates,  Quorfum  feftinat  innocens  <etas  ad  re- 
mijjionem  peccatorum  ?  while  he  Difcourfes  of  In- 
fant-Baptifm. 

Whereas  the  Water  of  Repentance  is  never  for- 
bidden, A&s  10.  47.  but  may  be  both  evenly 
drawn  through  the  whole  courfe  of  Life,  and  often 
renewed  to  fupply  the  Defeds  of  it  felf ;  which  is 
one  Signification  of  that  [jtI\&voi&  ce^A^txi/J©-, 
zCor.  7. 10.  that  Repentance,  which  is  always  pro- 
moted, but  never  retracted.  Nor  do  I  indeed  doubt, 
but  the  Water  of  Baptifixi,  wherever  it  hath  efFe&, 
as  a  Spring,  that  from  the  firft  Moment  wherein  it 
is  truly  received,  runs  down  with 
%.Operaturin  a  free  Current  upon  the  whole 
Baptifmopceni-  Courfe  of  Life,  and  is  therefore 
tcntia,  tan^  univerfally  *  to  be  applyed.  And 
quam  in  fun-  wheneverGonverting  Grace  works, 
damento.  Au«  it  leads  back  the  Soul*  though 
gnA.Expof.Ef.  through  many  Years  paft,  to  the 
ad  Roman.  Virtue  of  that  Sacramental  Foun- 

tain. 

But  to  return:  Although  thefe Accounts  I  have 
now  given  of  a  Death-bed  Repentance,  obtaining 
among  us,  infold  the  whole  Multitude  of  dying  Pe- 
nitents, 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     12.^ 

nitents,  yet  according  to  the  former  ftate  given  I  do 
not  deny,  but  that  fome  very  rare  Example  there 
maybe,  giving  abetter  Senfe  to  this  fort  of  Repen- 
tance; Examples  of  the  Grace  of  God,  adling  in  a 
way  of  Prerogative,  as  hath  been  faid,  and  working 
effedhially  the  truth  of  Repentance  in  fome ;  upon 
whom  he  lays  the  hand  of  his  Salvation  and  Refcue, 
while  they  ftand  upon  the  very  laft  minutes  of  the 
Seafon  of  Grace,  and  are  juft  dropping  down  into 
Hell ;  and  guides  them  to  take  their  Lateft  fteps  in 
the  ways  of  Life,  wherein  they  had  hitherto  been 
ftrangers ;  upon  whom  a  great  Miracle  is  wrought, 
that  they  fhould  in  their  almoft  perfected  motion  to 
endlefs  Ruin  be  ftopt,  and  when  they  had  juft  finifh- 
ed  their  Courfc  thither,  they  lhould  yet  be  tranf- 
planted  into  the  way  Everlaiting. 

But  I  proceed  to  the  Third  Head.  To  examine 
the  mod  hopeful  appearances  of  this  kind  of  Repen- 
tance, and  to  (hew  there  are  plain  Caufes  of  them, 
much  below  the  nature  of  true  Repentance. 

Andfirftinthe  general:  It  is  no  wonderful  thing 
to  find  Men  in  a  Paroxyfm,  in  a  high  Paffion  of 
feeking  after  God,  when  they  are  a  Dying.  It  is  in- 
deed more  ftrange  to  find  any  fo  fotted,  fo  fear'd, 
That  their  ffiritsfeem  only  to  go  downward:  They 
are  Beajis  while  they  live,  and  as  fuch  they  go  down 
to  the  dead,  Ecclef.  3.  18,  &c.  There  are  no  bands 
in  their  Death,  Pfal.  73.4.  They  go  down  in  a  Mo- 
ment, Job  21.13.  There  is  nor  a  Moment  between 
the  firlt  and  fecond  Death  of  the  Soul,  not  a  Moment 
of  Life  between,  not  fo  much  as  of  the  Life  of  na- 
tural Confcience.  They  are  twice  dead,  Jude  12. 
dead  in  the  common  Corruption  of  Nature  wherein 
they  are  born.  Dead  in  thelofs  of  Natural  Principles : 
C  3  fid- 


24    Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

fulled  up  by  the  roots,  there's  nothing  to  quicken  or 
move  in  them.  This  is  amazing  Stupor :  They  die 
like  a  fto?ze,  Exod.  15.  5.  1  Sam.  25.  37.  they 
plunge  down  with  the  whole  weight  and  force  of 
Impenitency. 

This  way  of  Dying  hath  certainly  greater  Punifh- 
ment,  and  heavier  Condemnation;  and  though  it 
feem  more  choofeable  than  a  fruitlefs  Repentance, 
yet  doubtlefs  Eternity  makes  a  difference,  though 
not  fuch  an  one,  as  fhould  give  any  one  Confidence 
to  imbarque  into  it  in  a  Coffin- Repentance. 

But  whether  it  be  rather  to  be  chofen  or  not,  this 
is  paft  queition ;  It  is  unavoidable  to  fome ;  whether 
they  will  or  no  they  are  furprized  with  Thoughts, 
what  will  become  of  them  for  ever,  and  few  Men  but 
have  thoughts  this  way  at  fuch  a  time  above[ordinary. 

But  I  intend  to  fpeak  of  the  faireft  and  beftfpread 
Repentance  that  is  found  upon  a  Death-bed.  That 
which  gives  the  liveliest  Hopes  of  it  felf,  that  it  is 
true  and  fincere ;  not  fuch  an  one  that  to  a  feriousOb- 
ferver  betrays  it  felf ;  not  either  that  forced  compo- 
fure,  to  the  Expectation  of  the  World,  which  looks 
for  a  folemn  Profeffion  of  God  from  every  one  that 
dies  ;  nor  an  ignorant  and  formal  Repentance;  but 
a  Repentance  that  hath  much  of  Vigor,  and  inward 
Affection,  and  is  driven  on  by  great  knowledge  and 
light;  that  is  accompanied  with  much  Sorrow,  and 
very  confiderate  Apprehenfions  of  Eternal  Things  : 
And  if  fuch  an  one  be  fo  queftionable,  what  can  be- 
come of  others? 

There  is  no  reafon  any  Repentance  fhould  be  the 

.  better  efteemed  becaufe  Men  are  Dying,  but  much 

the  lefs.    Now  while  Men  are  living  a  thoufand  of 

thefe  feeming  Changes  for  the  better,  are  evidently 

confu- 


Apud  ilium 
Cordis  Inter- 
pretem  Arsnon 
admit  titur  ad 
falutem. 
Auguit. 
Serm.  \lz. 


Of  *  Death-Bed  Repentance.     25 

confuted  without  more  ado,  by  after  returns  to 

Wickednefs ;  and  they  that  have  to  do  with  fuch 

(hews  of  Reformation,  have  no  regard  of  them, 

nor  of  the  Perfons  for  them.  Now 

God,  who  is  the  exacft  Searcher  of 

Hearts,  can  much  lefs  be  impofed 

upon  by  the  faireft  appearances ; 

nor  can  Men  wife  according  to  the 

Rules  of  Scripture  be  eafily  well 

perfwaded  of  them,  and  when  they 

arebeft  perfw  aded,  there  muftneeds 

bea  very  tremblingConfideration  of  fo  great  a  hazard. 
But  to  come  more  particularly  to  what  I  have  pro- 

pofed,  vivfc  To  fhew  that  Repentance  is  a  Height, 

to  which  thefe  general  Motives  of  -this  late  Repen- 
tance can  never  mount  the  Soul.  In  which  I  will 
begin  with  the  Defcriptions  of  true  Repentance,  in 
that  wherein  it  is  moft  difficult  (  not  to  fay  impoiTi- 

ble  )  to  rife  to  it  upon  a  Dying  Bed. 

Repentance  in  all  the  parts  of  it,  is  the  fulleft, 
cleared  acfl  of  the  Soul  and  judgment,  wherein  it  is 
moft  perfectly  it  felf.  Remove  a  Man  never  fo  tar 
from  all  kind  of  Fears,  from  the  Appearances  of 
Death,  if  he  were  to  live  Ages,  he  would  be  of  the 
fame  Senfe.  He  that  truly  Repents,  doth  not  fnatfch 
up  Repentance,  as  an  Expedient 
for  a  prefent  Extremity,  bur  choo- 
{es  it  as  an  entrance  into  the  bed 
itate  of  Life,  and  lives  always,  and 
refts  himfeif  in  this  choice.  For 
however  this  may  be  introduced 
by  very  troublefom  and  tumultu- 
ous Motions,  yet  it  is  it  felf  the 
eaiie  fitting  down  of  the  So  j]  with 
C  4 


<STf«TJ)   m£?r 

7K<£t{h  Hieroc. 
Carm.Pjth  Pu- 
td  v's 
vnutariG*  Cyp;. 


26     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

abundant  Pleafurc  and  Satisfaction  in  the  abhorrence 
of  Sin,  and  love  of  Holinefs,  in  the  diflike  of  Vani- 
ty and  Senfuality,  in  the  Approbation  of  heavenly 
Purity  of  Heart  and  Life.  It  is  not  a  Trance  where- 
in Sin  lies  dead,  and  a  Man  is  in  a  Rapture  of  Good- 
nefsfor  a  time,  but  a  moftfetled  State.  Godly  for- 
row,  that  workcth  Repentance,  worketh  Careful- 
nejs,  Fear,  Revenge,  Defire,  z  Cor.  7.  11.  and  by 
thefe  accomplifheth  a  Repentance  to  Salvation,  that 
hath  no  after-pain  or  trouble,no  yt£\dLyjihudL.  Verf.  1  o. 
Thefe  Affections  are  Preparations.  Repentance  en- 
ters as  a  Soul  into  thefe,  which  is  a  ftill,  folid,  clear 
AdtofReafon  renewed,  and  a  Mind  which  gives  an 
uniform  Vote  at  all  times.  A  Change  that  is  never 
changed  back  again,  no  more  than  things  can  put 
off  themfelves,  or  evil  it  felf  become  good.  It  is 
therefore  upon  fulleft  Deliberation  to  choofe  with 
Jofhuah,  I  andmyhoufe,  thofe  whom  I  can  govern, 
will  ferve  the  Lord,]o(h.  24. 15.  It  is  Engaging  the 
Heart  to  approach  to  God,  the  joining  our  fe Ives  to 
him  by  an  everlafting  Covenant,  never  to  be  forgot- 
ten, Jer.  30.  21.  and  50.  5.  The  cleaving  to  him 
with  full  purpofe  of  Heart,  Adb  1 1.  23,  When  all 
forerunning  Affe&ions  are  laid  and  quiet,  or  worn 
out,  this  Judgment  ftill  remains,  and  raifeth  other 
Affe&ions  like  it  felf,  that  ever  remain  with  it; 
into  which  the  Spirits  of  the  former  are  extracted, 
and  wherein  they  exercife  all  the  true  power  they 
had.  But  now  on  a  Death-bed  there  is  often  a  great 
Commotion  raifed,  a  loud  bluftre  of  Paffion  never 
arriving  at  this  point,  at  this  Settlement:  But  if  a  Man 
fhould  live  after,  it  would  go  off,  as  Clouds  and 
Storms,  that  when  they  have  fpent  themfelves,  va_ 
nilh  and  lie  down :  And  when  a  Man  dies,  it  is  to 

be 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     27 

be  fear'd,  that  as  they  were  raifed  by  approach  to 
the  unappeafable  Tempefts  of  Darknefs,  fo  they  are 
hurried  with  their  Violence. 

2.  It  is  carefully  to  be  obferved,  that  there  is  in 
true  Repentance  a  due  Proportion  betwixt  the  con- 
trite Indignation  of  the  Soul  againft  paft  Sin,  and  the 
love  and  zeal  it  hath  for  Holinefs :  whereas  in  Death- 
bed Repentances,  it  is  ofteneft  found,  that  there  is 
either  a  terrifying  Prefence  only  of  former  Sins,  ap- 
pearing to  the  affrighted  Confcience,  without  a  more 
hopeful  Indication  of  the  Soul  truly  compofed  to 
Righteoufnefs :  or  elfe  fome  high  flying  Refolutions 
of  better  Life  afterward,  offered,  as  a  kind  of  Bribe 
to  the  Patience  and  Mercy  of  God,  in  hopes  of  pre- 
fent  Deliverance,  or  at  beft,  as  a  Ranfom  from  Hell 
and  Eternal  Damnation ;  but  without  a  deep  fenfe 
of  the  guilt  and  evil  of  paft  Sins,  or  the  juftappre- 
henfion  of  that  continually  running  ifliie  of  Corrup- 
tion, that  is  ftill  defiling  anew  :  Either  of  thefe  is 
a  main  Error,  and  pernicious ;  For  if  on  the  one 
fide  the  Heart  in  a  Rage  be  forced  to  call  out  fome 
Sins  for  the  turbulency  of  them,  if  it  be  not  imme- 
diately filled  with  better  Gu&s,Scvcn  other  Spirits 
are  ready  to  enter,  and  make  the  loft  ft  ate  of  that 
Man  tvorfe  than  thefirfl,  Mat.  12. 43.  For  Repen- 
tance is  no  void  fpace,  no  fiient,  or  unadtive  ftate, 
but  when  it  hath  diflodged  Lufts,  furnifhes  and  fills 
the  Soul  with  the  beft  things,  and  carries  the  vigor 
of  a  Mans  Action  to  the  beft  efled:;  When  by  re- 
pentance a  Man  ceafes  to  do  evil,  he  learns  to  do 
Well,  Ifai.  1.16,17.  And  brings  forth  fruits  meet 
for  repentance,  and  amendment  of  life,  Mat.  9.  8. 

On  the  other  fide,  he  that  feems  to  make  a  haity 
motion  to  Holinefs  without  due  fenfe  of  Sin,  firlt 

thinks 


28     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

thinks  to  overrule  the  method  God  hath  fet,  who 
requires  Humiliation,godly  Sorrow,  Anger,Revenge, 
Fear,  as  preparing  to  Repentance :  And  further,  he 
conceits  a  freedom  to  himfelf,  when  he  is  fetter'd 
and  bound  ;  without  a  power  given  him  from  God, 
he  offers  to  caft  out  Devils  with  eafe^  that  cannot  be 
caft  out,  but  by  fafting  and  prayer,  Mark  9.  29. 
(that is)  fevere  courfesofSelf-abafement,  andlow- 
lieft  dependences  together  with  earnefteft  Applica- 
tion to  the  Grace  of  God.  Thefe  unclean  Spirits 
therefore,that  diflemble  a  retreat,return  immediately, 
and  make  a  Prey  of  the  deluded  Soul^Acis  1 9. 1 4,S?c. 

3.  Although  Heaven  and  Hell,  Happinefs  and  Mi- 
fery,  take  up  the  thoughts  of  a  true  Penitent,  yet 
not  feparated  from  God  and  Chrift,  but  as  it  were 
compounded  into  the  Senfe  of  God  angry,  and  the 
defire  of  Attonement  with  him  in  Jefus  Chrisl.  Hap- 
pinefs and  Mifery  confidered  apart  are  not  the  ob- 
ject of  the  gracious  Soul :  But  God  and  Chriit  con- 
sidered apart  are  an  infinitely  fufficient  Reafon  of 
Repentance.  The  clear  love  of  God  towards  the 
Soul,  as  a  Father  in  Chrift  without  Reflections  upon 
Happinefs,  is,  though  not  the  fingle,  yet  the  para  - 
mount  Confederation  in  Repentance  unfeigned.  But 
Men  a  Dying  are  generally  fo  over-poffeffed  with  the 
Terrors  of  an  Eternal  Suffering,  and  meer  defires  of 
Freedom  from  pain ;  and  of  well-being,  and  fo  in 
hafte,  that  they  generally  mifs  thefe  higher  Confe- 
derations, which  being  further  off,  not  only  from 
corrupt  Nature,  but  even  from  natural  Confcience, 
are  not  commonly  efpied,  but  therefore  argue  great- 
er Sincerity,  and  truth  of  Heart. 

4.  The  trueft  Repentance  lies  in  the  bofom  of 
Faith ?  the  apprehensions  of  the  Love  and  Goodnefs 

of 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     29 

of  God  in  Chrift  melt  the  Soul,  and  give  it  moft 
perfect  Separation  from  Sin,  the  moft  effe&ual  Pu- 
rification of  the  Heart  ;  all  which  exprefs  the  height 
of  Repentance.  Upon  the  foft  Fire  of  the  pardoning 
Goodnefs  of  God,  the  Soul  moft  kindly  diftils  into 
repentant  Tears.  Here  flows  that  Spirit  of  Grace, 
and  ingenuous  Goodnefs,  which  bringeth  forth  the 
clearelt  and  holieft  Affe&ion  towards  God. 

But  at  the  time  we  are  now  fpeaking  of ;  It  is  very 
feldom,  that  either  Horror  or  Preemption  do  not 
fwallow  all:  Prefumption,  where  there  is  little  Senfe 
or  Judgment  of  the  Cafe  ;  Horror,  where  the  Judg- 
ment is  clearer  and  the  Senfe  quicker;  for  evey  thing 
difpofes  now  rather  to  Fear,  and  to  the  Spirit  of  Bon- 
dage, Rom.  8:  15.  and  a  Man  naturally  does  all  he 
does  under  a  fervile  dread  of  God,  and  his  Eternal 
Juftice.  And  though  there  may  be  much  mention 
of  Chrift,  and  defire  of  Mercy  through  him ;  yet  it  is 
but  as  a  Malefactor  convi£ted,befeeches  the  Mercy  oft" 
the  Judge,  no  otherwife  than  as  of  a  Judge  : 
So  fuch  call  out  for  the  Mercy  of  God  to  par- 
don them,  but  ftill  as  a  Judge,  not  with  the  Spi- 
rit of  the  Son  fent  into  the  Heart,  the  Spirit  of 
Adoption  crying  Abba,  Father.  Nor  with  that  love 
that  cafieth  out  unworthy  Fear,  Gal.  4.  6.  And  in- 
deed how  can  it  be  otherwife,  there  having  been  ?w 
acquaintance  with  God  in  the  way.]ob  22.21.  but  a 
long  Enmity ;  and  the  time  now  too  ftrait  for  a  free 
and  full  Confederation  of  the  riches  of  Grace,  fuch 
as  may  ftill  an  awakened  Confcience :  Fear  preffes  in 
every  way,  and  Ihuts  out  Faith.  What  can  now 
redeem  the  Soul  from  this  hellifh  Terror,  but  a  light 
from  Heaven  immediately  darting  into  it,  a  Grace 
above  that  Grace,  that  ordinarily  laves  Men  ?  For  a 

well 


30      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

well  fetled  Truft  and  Confidence  in  Mercy  according 
to  the  general  Rule,  is  not,  bur  after  fome  fad  de- 
bates, and  experimental  Confutations,  that  have 
pafled  between  the  fenfe  of  Sin,  and  the  affiancing 
Ads  of  the  Soul  upon  Chrift.  This  Repentance 
then  is  in  great  danger  of  miffing  the  Spirit  of  the 
Gofpel,  and  falling  into  the  Rank  of  thofe  Repen- 
tances of  Cainy  EJau,  Judas. 

This  I  have  endeavoured  to  (hew,  that  though  we 
fuppofeaDying  Man  to  fpread  his  Soul  and  Thoughts 
everyway,  and  to  all  the  parts  of  Repentance;  yet 
it  is  extremely  to  be  fufpeited,  there  will  want  the 
true  and  right  quality  of  them  ;  in  regard  of  the  ve- 
ry difadvantageous  Circumftances,  wherein  fuch  an 
one  is  found ;  and  the  great  unfitnefs  of  the  Soul  at 
that  time,  to  begin  to  do  any  thing  worthy,  to  which 
it  hath  not  been  before  inured ;  or  if  it  did  begin,  it 
would  be  much  more  unlikely  to  bring  forth  fruit 
(  as  our  Saviour  fpeaks )  to  perfe&ion,  Luke  8. 14. 

I  add  nothing  of  the  Exercifes  of  a  full  and  well 
grown  Repentance,  whereby  it  is  daily  efpying  the 
rifings  of  Sin,  and  fuppreffing  them,  and  filling  up 
the  Defedte  of  Holinefs  and  Obedience;  becaufe  they 
are  not  to  be  thought  poffible  in  the  point  I  am  now 
fpeaking  of,  and  I  have  already  given  a  Refolution 
in  that  Cafe. 

I  (hall  now  fet  my  felf  to  find  out  the  low  Caufes, 
that  are  alway  to  be  fufpedted  to  have  the  great  In- 
fluence upon  fuch  a  Latter-end  Penitency. 

In  general  therefore,  we  muft  take  notice,  that 
there  are  feveral  vapors  of  mifapprehenfion,  rifing 
upon  the  Soul,  when  we  are  a  Dying,  that  do  fo 
difguife  it  to  it  felf,  and  disfigure  the  true  face  of  it, 
that  from  thence  arife  dangerous  Miftakes  concern- 
ing a  Mans  Condition  towards  God.  We 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.      3 1 

We  fee  into  how  many  (hapes  upon  ordinary  Oc- 
currences we  change,  and  how  eafily  we  exchange 
them  for  quite  different,  without  any  good  Caufe  ; 
what  continual  Ebbs  and  Flows  there  are  of  the  Hu- 
mours, and  how  do  thefe  caft  the  Ballance  of  the 
Superiour  Soul  ?  One  Man  is  every  hour  fome  feveral 
forts  of  Men. 

How  much  more  do  great  Accidents,  and  removes 
out  of  one  Condition  into  another,  alter  us  ?  Which 
yet  are  but  the  fudden  and  juft  now  ftate  of  our 
Minds  upon  fuch  Alterations,  which  not  continuing 
we  return  to  our  former  Figure,  Vnftable  and  weal^ 
as  water.  Gen.  49. 3.  we  take  the  form  of  every 
Veflel  we  are  put  into.  Who  knows  then  whetherjhis 
Dying  Repentance  be  any  more  than  the  Mould,  not 
of  his  Mind,  but  of  his  Dying  Condition  approaching 
him  big,  with  fo  great  a  Change  ?  We  know  many 
things  befal  us  in  our  Lives,  which  put  a  greater 
fenfe  of  Religion  upon  us,  than  we  find  at  other 
rimes ;  and  yet  how  variable  are  we  ?  our  goodnefs  at 
fitch  times  is  as  the  Morning  Dew,  and  as  the  early 
Dew  it  goeth  away^  Hofe.  6. 4*  How  often  are  we 
from  the  occafions  of  Mercies,  Affli&ions,  Fears, 
Hopes,  good  Difcourfes,  carried  into  high  Apprehen- 
fions  of  God  ?  And  we  lofe  them  again  we  know  not 
how:  Now  out  of  doubt  a  Dying  Condition  of  any 
thing  we  meet  with  in  the  World  is  moft  apt  to 
move  us  upon  God,  and  a  Senfe  of  him.  But  can 
we  think,  Thofe  fleeting  Shoots  of  the  Soul,  that 
have  no  certainty,  are  accepted  for  Repentance  ? 

How  ftrangely  doth  Melancholly^and  Oppreflions 
of  that  transform  Men  ?  which  when  it  falls  upon 
the  Motions  of  Conference,  gives  us  ftrong  Imagina- 
tions of  Eternal  Things  j  which  yet  being  nothing 

but 


5  %      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

but  the  caft  of  that  Melancholly  upon  the  Thoughts; 
when  that  is  removed,  they  are  quite  of  another  hue. 

It  is  evident  the  Mind  fees  much  through  the  Bo- 
dy, and  the  Reprefentations  are  coloured  by  its 
Temper.  As  the  Eye  {ees  through  yellow  or  green 
Glafs,  differently  from  the  things  themfelves  :  So 
the  Serenity  or  Cloudinefs  of  the  Humours  makes  a 
different  Reflection  of  things  upon  the  Mind,  arid 
the  livelinefs  or  heavinefs  of  the  Spirits  incline  us  to 
very  varying  Apprehenfions. 

Now  what  time  is  more  like  to  be  fo  incumber'd 
with  thefe  Clouds  and  Vapours  than  a  Dying  Hour  ? 
When  every  thing  is  ready  to  contribute  them,  and 
nothing  to  fcatter  them  ?  If  then  Natural  Confcience, 
and  implanted  Senfe  of  God  together  with  the  No* 
tions  given  us  from  Scripture  pafs  through  thefe,they 
become  very  impreffive,  and  affedting  for  the  time; 
and  yet  he  much  miftakes  Repentance,  who  thinks 
it  no  more,  than  a  fit  of  Religious  Melancholly. 

But  let  us  enquire  after  fome  more  fetled,  and 
conftant  Caufes  of  thefe  Penitential  Motions  near 
Death,  and  we  (hall  find  many  very  likely  to  be  fo, 
that  are  not  yet  worthy  of  true  Repentance,  and 
therefore  what  Iprings  from  them,  is  not  accepted 
before  God. 

i.  When  Men  find  all  their  Being  in  the  World 
at  an  end,  and  feel  themfelves  falling,  they  know 
not  whither;  It  is  no  ftrange  thing  they  fhould  catch 
at  God,  and  that  they  may  take  hold  of  him,  at  Ho* 
linefs  alfo;  Seeing  ingrafted  Principles  together 
with  general  Difcourfe  teach  every  one,  how  dear 
Holinefsis  to  God. 

If  God  and  Goodnefs  were  no  more  than  Imagina- 
ry things :  It  would  be  no  wonder,  if  they  who  are 

tolled 


Of  a  De nth-Bed  Repentance.      33 

tolled  off  the  World,  and  thrown  over-board  from 
it,  fliould  (hatch  at  them  ;  if  there  were  no  more  in 
the  Cafe  than  this, that  every  one  hath  heard  fo  much 
fpeech,  and  talk  of  them  among  Men.  For  to  him 
that  hath  nothing  in  reality,  even  a  Shadow,  a  Plian- 
cy are  valuable.  Men  that  are  dropping  through 
the  Air,  or  finking  under  Water,  without  Confalta- 
tion  offer  at  every  thing  they  meet  with. 

In  great  Extremities  fhort  of  Death,  they  that  are 
bereft  of  all  worldly  Afliftance,  fly  to  the  Divine 
Succours,  though  as  Jonah's  Marriners  they  pray 
to  an  Idol  inftead  of  the  true  God,  and  their  Devoti- 
on is  no  better  than  Superltition,  which  is  but  a 
Phancy  in  Religion.  What  ftrange  thing  then  is  it, 
for  nature  to  cry  out  for  God,  and  Chrilt,  for  Par- 
don of  Sin,  to  be  delivered  from  Hell,  and  to  have 
Heaven  for  an  everlafting  Reft,  when  all  things  elfe 
evidently  fail  as  they  do  in  Death  ;  and  when  not 
only  Phancy,  and  general  Opinion,  but  moft  fub- 
ftantial  Reafon  inlightned  by  the  Scripture  provoke 
up  a  Man  to  it,  even  for  Self- prefer vation? 

Yet  this  differs  but  little  from  bowling  upon  our 
Beds  for  Corn,  andWine,  and  Oyl,  Hof.  7. 14.  for 
though  the  things  differ  much  in  their  Nature,  yet 
the  Efteem  Men  have  of  them,  and  the  defire  they 
have  after  them  is  much  upon  the  fame  ground;  for 
thefe  Spiritual  things  appear  to  that  natural  Senfe  of 
Self-prefervation,  as  neceffary  in  Death,  as  the  other 
do  in  Life  and  Health. 

But  if  the  approaches  of  Death  happen  to  be  again 
drawn  off,  the  value  of  Spiritual  things  removes 
with  them,  and  the  things  of  this  World,  with  all 
the  fenfual  and  finful  Delights  of  it,  return  to  their 
former  price :  which  argues  the  ineffe&ualnefs  of 

this 


$4      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance] 

this  caufe  of  Repentance,  and  the  Unacceptablenefs 
of  the  Repentance  it  felf  to  God,  that  flows  from 
it  ;  God  difclaims  Men,that  have  never  come  to  him 
before  their  Extremity,  and  come  then  only  becaufe 
of  it.  In  the  time  ef  their  trouble  they  will  fay, 
Arije,  andfave  us  ;  But  where  are  thy  Gods  that 
thou  madcfl  ?  Let  them  arife  if  they  can  fave  thee^ 
jer.  2.  27,28.  Thus  to  fitch  Dying  Men  crying  out 
ro  him,  God  fays,  Let  your  former  Lulls  and  Plea- 
fures  now  be  your  Happinefs.  Fools  and/corners, 
that  would  not  be  warned,  call  upon  God  in  their 
calamity,  andfeeli  him  early,  when  the  whirlwind, 
of  their  deftruBions  hurries  them,  but  cannot  make 
him  hear,  cannot  find  him^  Prov.  1.  14. 

2.  Suppofe  the  defires  after  God,  and  Eternal 
Happinefs,  with  all  the  Retinue  of  thofe  Defires  rife 
not,  fo  much,  from  the  Neceflities  of  remove  from 
this  Life,  and  fenfible  Supports,  but  immediately 
from  the  fight  of  Eternal  things  themfelves:  yet  will 
not  this  conclude  the  Repentance  fincere.  For  we 
may  eafily  pitch  upon  feveral  fo  plain  reafons  of  thefe 
quick  Apprehenfions  of  another  World,  that  it  is 
much  more  ftrange,  if  any  Man  be  notftruck  with 
them ;  and  they  that  are,  are  not  in  greater  Extafies 
of  thefe  Confiderations,  than  that  moft  die  in  fome 
fair  inclinable  Temper  towards  them,  and  others  are 
extraordinarily  furprized  with  them,  yet  without 
true  Repentance. 

For  Firft,  If  it  were  no  more,  but  the  leifure,  and 
unintereftednefs  of  the  Mind  in  all  worldly  things, 
that  Death  brings :  It  is  no  wonder  that  the  Action 
of  it  fhould  immediately,  and  necefTarily  flow  upon 
God  j  for  it  being  always  in  a<5tion,and  motion  from 
its  very  Nature,  and  God  having  made  it  for  himfelf ; 

and 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     35 

and  the  manner  of  its  living  here  in  the  World  being 
a  flavery  willingly  undertaken  for  the  Service  of  the 
Body,  and  the  Enjoyment  of  this  prefent  Life,  in  its 
being  fallen  from  God :  It  is  nothing  itrange,  that 
that  Drudgery  being  now  at  an  end,  and  the  chains 
wherein  it  was  held,  juft  a  breaking,  it  fhould  fall 
upon  God,  and  Spiritual  Objects,  whither  the  itream 
of  it  was  prepared  to  run,  and  which  are  mod  truly 
its  own  bufinefs.  For  the  dittance  being  (b  wide, 
and  irreconcilable  between  Man,  and  this  Earth  iri 
Death  ;  the  very  having  nothing  elfe  to  do  mult  car- 
ry him  upon  the  Future  State;  feeing  his  Soul  is 
fuch  a  Being  as  cannot  naturally  lie  fall,  and  that 
State  is  all,  that  it  hath  to  work  upon,  and  further 
than  that,  it  is  fo  nearly  allied  to  it* 

Secondly,  The  very  loofening  and  uncementing 
the  Soul  from  the  Body,    wherein   it  dwelt,  and 
wherein  the  Motions  of  it  were  re- 
ftrained,  hath  heen  thought  very     Multi  mum 
probably  to    give  Men  leffer  de-    <fuum  remiffi 
grees  of  thofe    Advantages   near     &  liberi  junt 
their  Death,  which  naked  and  free    futura  projpi- 
Spirits  not  inclofed  and  pent  up  in     ciunt^  ex  quo 
Bodies  have,  whereby  they  have     inteltigitur 
been  able  to  make  Conjectures  of    qualesfuturi 
future   things,  and  to  fpeak  pro-   Jim  qiiumje 
phetically.     The  lefs   the  Soul  is    plane  corporis 
bound  to  work  by  the  Body,  the     vinculo  relax- 
higher  are  its  Operations.     All  ex-     aver  int.  Cic* 
traordinary  Motions  of  the  Soul  are     de  Sencclut. 
a  kind  of  Ravifhment  from  Senie. 


Thofe  great  Prophetick  Bleifings 
of  Jacob  and  Mojes  were  near  their 
Dyir.g.    It  is  therefore  very  eafie 
D 


Gen.  49. 
Dait.  iz  c.33. 


to 


36  Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

to  be  thought,  that  when  the  Soul  and  Body  are 
ready  to  cleave  afunder,  and  the  Spirit  to  be  fepara- 
ted  from  Flefh,  that  it  (hould  make  an  higher  flight 
towards  Eternal  Things. 

The  nearer  every  thing  is  to  its  own  Refidence^the 
more  vehement  is  its  motion  faid  to  be  thither.  So 
there  may  very  well  be  quick  Tallies  of  the  Soul  to- 
wards Eternity,  before  it  enters  into  it,  when  it  is  fo 
near  that  everlafting  Receptacle  of  it  felf. 

Thirdly,  We  may  obferve  in  the  Experience  of 
all  times,  every  appearance  of  the  other  World  hath 
ft  range  effects  of  Fear,  and  affrightment  upon  Mens 
Minds :  When  any  one  is  entring  then  into  that 
whole  World,  it  may  well  put  him  upon  purifying 
himfelf,  more  than  they  that  fall  upon  Leviathany 
Job  41 .  25.  When  Men  are  juft  upon  that  Region  of 
Spirits,  what  appalements  of  Mind  and  ftrong  work- 
ing of  Thoughts  muft  there  needs  be  ?  Much  more 
if  the  Soul  have  any  fenfe  of  its  approach  to  the  in- 
finite Holinefs  of  God,  at  whofe  rebuke  the  Pillars 
of  Heaven  tremble  ;  whofe  prefence  aftonifhes  the 
purer  Spirits  of  Angels,  and  beats  down  the  Souls 
of  good  Men  to  the  Duft,  as  of 
Heb.  12.  21.  Mofes,  Job,  Ifaiah,  Gfc.  in  his 
Ifai.  6.  5.  interviews     with     them.      How 

Job  42.  6.  much   more  of  thofe  that   have 

Dan.  j  o.  8.  never  thought  of  God,  and  now 

muft  come  near  his  Seat? 
Nothing  fo  compofes  the  Soul  to  this  amazing 
change  of  Condition  and  Converfe,  as  long  continu- 
ed Treaties  with  God  through  Chrift :  when  though 
Men  change  their  place,  they  do 
Job  24.  1 7.  not  change  their  company  :Others, 

Job  38.  15.  when   this   great    light     ftnkes 

them  3 


Qf  a  Death- Bed  Repentance.     $  7 

them,  are  in  the  very  terrors  of  the  floadow  of  death, 
andfhaken  out  of  their  place,  out  of  all  the  Security, 
and  quiet  Senfuality  they  lived  in. 

Let  us  now  take  the  eftimate  or  avail  of  thefe 
things  to  true  Repentance,  and  we  (hall  find,  when 
the  Soullies  thus  uncovered  to  the  things  of  Eternity, 
it  hath  natural  Reafons  for  all,  it  may  feem  to  do  like 
return  to  God  ,  and  fo  that  all  argue  nothing  of  the 
true  Grace  ot  God ;  but  if  a  Man  were  again  in  his 
former  State  he  would  be  the  very  fame  he  was :  For 
firft,  as  one  thing  ftrikes  upon  another  with  a  na- 
tural Eftedt,  Light  upon  the  Eye,  Sound  upon  the 
Ear,  fo  Erernal  Things  upon  the  Immortal  Spirit, 
when  there  is  nothing  between  to 
intercept  the    ftroke.     Further,    1  John  2.1 5. 
when  the  luft  of  theflejh,  the  luft 
of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life  are  as  a  Scene  remo- 
ved, and  a  Play  at  an  end;   and  initead  of  them 
another  World  drawing  near,  juit  as  Men  defeated 
in  all  their  attempts  for  Riches,  and  Honours,  and 
beaten  off  from  them  to  a  private  Life,  call  all  thefe 
things  Cheats ;  not  out  of  true  Reafon,  but  becaufe: 
they  cannot  reach  them :  on  the  other  fide  they  praife 
Retirement  and  a  Cloyfter,  not  that  they  like  it,  but. 
becaufe  they  muft  live  fo,  which  begets  fome  kind 
of  Contentednefs  fo  to  live.    Thus  and  no  orherwife 
do  many  Dying  Men  call  all  this  World  Vanity,    and 
profefs  an  highElteem  for  all  things  pertaining  ro 
that  to  come. 

Cauje  3.  There  is  yet  a  more  preffing  Account  of 
the  molt  notable  motions  that  were  ever  found  in 
any  of  their  Repentances,  .vi^.  The  awakenirigS  of 
Conference  ufual  at  this  time,  becaufe  of  the  Serife 
of  a  Judgment :  while  common  Experience  tells 
D  i  Men. 


3  8     Of &  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

Men,  It  is  appointed  to  all  Men  once  to  die,  Heb. 
9.  27.  and  finking  Nature  gives  notice,  This  is  the 
time :  Confcience  lifts  up  to  the  next  thing.  After 
that  the  Judgment. 

Now  no  Man  fees  Judgment,  a  Judgment  Omni- 
fcient,  Omniprefent,  Eternal,  without  great  lhakes  of 
Soul,  efpecially  that  hath  done  nothing  ferioufly  to 
agree  with  the  adversary  in  the  way,  Luk.  12.  i'8. 
Confcience  then  rifing  up  with  the  Awe  of  a  Tribu- 
nal upon  it,  ftirs  up  all  the  Powers  to  fly  from  the 
Wrath  that  is  to  come,  by  defires  of  Pardon,  and 
Refolutions  of  Amendment.    The  very  hearing  of 
Judgment  made  fuch  a  one  as  Fce- 
JABs  24.  25.         Ux  tremble.      When  Judgment 
feems  to  us,  at  the  other  end  of 
Heaven,  all  is  quiet ;  but  when  Death  brings  us  to 
the  very  (eat  of  it,  how  loud  may  be  the  cries  for 
Mercy  ?  The  bewailing  che  former  evils  of  Life  ? 
Now  Men  pour  out  their  Complaints  for  the  want  of 
God,  the  mifimprovement  of  former  time :  Now 
they  make  large  offers  of  a  ftridfcand  fevere  Mortifi- 
cation, and  Devotion  to  Religion.  Now  they  would 
give  the  thoufand  Rams,  the  ten  thousand  Rivers 
of  Oyls  their  firft  bom  for  their  Trajgrejjion,  the 
fruit  of  their  Body  for  the  fin  of  their  Soul,  Mic  6. 
6,  7.    And  yet  all  but  the  Eye  opened  to  fee  the 
flaming     Sword   of  Jultice ,    that    makes    even 
a     Balaam    wifh    to     die     the 
Klum.  22.  32.      death  of  the  Righteous,  and    to 
cap.  23.  10.        have  a  latter  End,   Sober,  Jult, 
Religious. 
The  very  Sufpition  of,  a  Judgment  inclines  Men 
thus  far  univerfally  almoft?  that  hardly  any  choofe 
to  die  in  a  Rant,  in  a  Madnefs  $  but  had  rather  by 

virtue, 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.,     ^  9 

virtue,  and  Religion  be  configned  over  to  another 
World  ;  and  have  their  Eyes  clofed  by  Mercy,  and 
Grace  in  Chrift :  They  would  fee  the  Salvation  of 
God,  and  fo  depart  in  Peace. 

Objett.  1.  But  it  may  be  objected :  Seeing  thefe 
granted  to  rife  from  true  Convidtion,  and  not  to  be 
Diilimulation,  or  counterfeit  Pretence,  Why  may 
not  they  have  the  worth  of  true  Repentance  ? 

Anfw.  1 .  To  anfwer  this :  Let  me  confider,  pure 
Conviction,  and  enlightned  Apprehenfion,  and  the 
AffeCtions  begotten  of  them,  are  no  Argument  of 
true  Goodnefs  ,  where  the  Light  hath  not  a  benign, 
and  free  Operation  upon  the  Judgment,  an  Allure- 
ment  upon    the  Will,  an  Indearment    upon  the 
AfTe&ions  ,  to  turn  them  to  a  full  Delight,  and  Sa- 
tisfaction in  God  and  Holinefs,  and  to  a  diflike  and 
abhorrence  of  Sin.     For  elfe,  the 
Devils,  who  believe  and  tremble,    Jam.  2.  1  <?♦ 
muft  be  thought  Converts.    For 
who  have  clearer  fight  of  things  than  they  ?  Balaam, 
whofeEyes  were  opened,  and  fpoke  fo  great  things 
of  God,  and  his  People,  muft  be  concluded  a  good 
Man.     Efau  and  Judas,  who  had 
fo  fad  apprehenfions  of  Sin,  and     Mdtth.  2j.  4* 
their  lofs  by  it,  muft  be  affirmed     Heb.  12.  7. 
to  be  Penitents.     Nebucadne^ar's    Dan.  4.  17. 
and  Darius  his  acknowledgments    and  6.  26. 
of  God  muft  be  taken  for    true    Luk-  6.  20. 
Grace.     Herod  his  hearing  John    Acts  24.  25. 
Baptift  gladly.     Felix  his  trem- 
bling at  Pam's  Difcourfe,  may  be  thought  Eviden- 
ces of  true  Repentance. 

Objeft.  2.  But  Secondly  it  may  befuppofed,  be- 

caufe  thefe  very  Convictions  and  Attentions  are  not 

D  3  univerfalj 


40     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

univerfal ;  but  we  fee  multitudes  go  out  of  the 
World  without  them,  carrying  little  better  than  a 
decent  and  civil  Refpecft  to  Religion,  that  therefore 
there  is  fomething  of  God,  fomething  Heroick  in 
them,  that  have  them. 

Anjit*.  2.  This  indeed  may  be  no  other,  than  the 
wife  arid  good  Government  of  God  over  the  World  ; 
whereby  he  takes  care,  there  fhould  be  Teftimonies 
of  himfelf,  and  the  Goodnefs  of  his  ways ;  that  Athe- 
ifm,  and  Wickednefs  may;  not  carry  it,  as  if  all  were 
their  own,  as  if  there  were  an  unexceptionable  Con- 
currence on  their  fide  againft  God  and  Holinefs.  For 
as  he  receives  witnefs  from  the  conltant,  gracious  and 
religious  Lives  of  good  Men,  fo  he  conftrains  fome 
of  them,  that  have  lived  contrary  to  him  all  their 
lives,  to  give  him  glory  at  laft,  for  the  good  of 
others,  though  without  faving  benefit  to  themfelves. 
Which  he  may  juftly  do,  and  without  any  injury  to 
them.  Seeing  all  the  Service  every  Creature. can  do 
to  him,  is  infinitely  due,  he  may  make  ufe  of  that 
which  is  his  own,  fo  far  as  he  pleafes.  And  becaufe 

what  the  word  God  puts  in  their 
Num.  23.  5,  mouth  js  not  their  own,not  arifihg 
■'Matth.  12.35.     out  of  the  good  treajure.  of  their 

hearts  ( as  appears  in  Balaam  ) 
therefore  their  everlafting  Condition  is  not  determi- 
ned by  it,  but  by  their  cbnftant  Courfe  of  the  for- 
mer Life,  the  true  Image  of  their  Hearts,  as  we  fee 

in  the  fame  Balaam^  who  after 
Num.  3  r ,  8.       died  by  the  Israelites  hard,  whofe 

greatnefs  he  had  prophefied.  Yet  I 
will  not  deny, but  they  may  have  their  reward  in  miti- 
gation of  Punifhment  for  any  Service  done  to  God. 
If  God  did  not  interpofe  thus  fometimes,  he  might 

feem 


Uf  a  Death-tied  Kepemance.     41 

feem  wanting  in  fomething  that  concerned  him,  at 
leaft  as  a  gracious  Ruler  of  the  World.  He  therefore 
over-rules  fome,who  have  lived  fo,  as  to  make  a  con- 
Itant  Argument  againft  him,  and  a  future  Srate  (fo 
far  as  Wickednefs  could  do  it  )  to  retradt  the  whole 
Courfe  of  their  Life,  and  give  their  Vote,  for  what 
they  had  fo  long  withstood. 

I  will  yet  further  add  another  Caufe  of  a  Death- 
Bed  Repentance^  that  fometimes  falls  out  to  have  a 
mod  powerful  Influence,  and  yet  the  Repentance 
that  fprings  from  it,  is  very  unfafe  to  confide  in. 

Caufe  4.  Dying  Men  are  oft  under  the  play  and 
force  of  other  Mens  Reafon  and  Religion.  For  it  is 
a  general,  and  neceflary  Charity  of  Men  affedied  to 
Religion  themfelves,  to  offer  the  fenfe  of  it  to  others, 
in  a  time  when  they  think  it  likely  to  be  accept- 
ed, and  fo  infinitely  neceflary  ;  which  Practice  how- 
ever needful,  and  molt  commendable  in  it  felf,  yet 
by  accident  may  have  railed  higher  the  opinion  of  a 
Death- Bed  Repentance,  and  is  often  the  occafion  of 
great  Error  in  the  thing  it  felf. 

For  fuppofe  a  Man  followed  with  found  and  affe- 
ftionate  Perfwafions,  to  do  all  that  may  be  done 
for  his  Soul  in  this  exigent  ;  how  conceiveable  is  it, 
that  Man  may  be  fo  far  wrought  upon,  as  to  enter- 
tain a  prefent  fenfe  of  Religion,  and  yet  have  no 
true  Life,  no  Life  that  arifes  from  a  true  intimate 
Principle.  But  as  thofe  Bodies  of  Air  taken,  and 
moved  by  Angels  feem  to  perform  the  Functions  of 
living  Bodies,  yet  do  but  feem  to  do  fo,  for  they 
have  no  Principle  of  Life  natural  to  them  ;but  as 
foon,  as  they  are  forfaken  by  the  Spirits  that  made 
ufe  of  them,  they  fly  abroad,  and  difperfe  themfelves. 
Thus  that  general  fenfe  of  Confcience,  that  liesfcat- 
D  4  tered 


42     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

tered  through  the  Soul,  and  unable  for  adtion,  being 
gathered  together  and  united  by  good  and  holy  Ap- 
plications, and  adled  thereby,  may  have  force  fo 
long,  as  that  Union  continues ;  but  that  Difcourfe 
that  holds  it  together  ceafing,  it  immediately  falls 
afunder,  and  lofes  its  Efficacy. 

The  Stone  that  receives  motion  from  the  Hand, 
that  throws  it,  goes  en  whilft  that  motion  lafts, 
when  that  is  fpent,it  falls  to  the  ground :  fo  the  force 
of  Exhortation  ceafes  too  often,  when  he  that  gives 
it,  leaves  thofe  to  whom  it  was  given. 

The  Inftrument  to  which  the  Mufician's  Hand 
gives  tune  and  voice,  lies  dead  when  he  deferts  it : 
Mans  Soul  is  made  by  God  capable  of  religious  tune 
and  motion,  and  while  a  skillful  hand  plays  upon  it, 
it  may  give  that  found  very  diftindtly,  and  yet  have 
no  Life  in  it  felf. 

The  linking  of  Confidence  makes  the  Sparks  fly 
cur,  yea  and  fometime  kindle  in  a  flame,  and  yet  it 
prelently  dies,  becaufe  not  fupplied  with  a  continual 
Oyl  to  feed  it. 

The  Mind  of  one  Man  is  very  apt  to  receive  Im- 
prefTions  from  another;  we  fee  what  PafTions  and 
Motions  are  raifed  by  an  Eloquent  Speaker ;  how  the 
ll'xieritanding  is  carried  captive,  while  the  Orator 
works  upon  it :  and  yet  all  the  Affediion  thus  blown 
up  falls  flat  again,  when  the  Breath  that  fwell'd  it 
lies  ftill,  and  is  apt  to  be  carried  the  contrary  way  by 
crofs  Perfwafions  equally  inhnuated. 

How  much  more  may  this  be  in  religious  things  ? 
Conference  being  fo  eafily' furred  by  fuch  Applicati- 
ons, as  we  fee  in  Felix  ^  though  it  is  as  eafily  be- 
calmed, when  finful  Lufts,  through  the  Efficacy  of 
Temptation,  are  loud  and  high. 

And 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     45 

And  all  this  is  certainly  much  eafilier  done  near 
Death,  when  Men  are  fo  fofr,  that  they  are  apt  to 
take  any  ftamp;  fo  melting,  as  to  be  gathered  into 
any  mould. 

It  ispoffible  for  one  Man's  Spirit  to  carry  another 
for  fome  confiderable  fpace  of  time,  as  we  fee  in 
Jehoiadas  influence  upon  Joafhy  who  was  not 
yet  all  that  time  pofleffed  with 
the  things  themfelves,  whereunto  2  KJng.  12.  r. 
he  was  directed. 

But  true  Repentance  is  a  Frame  fet  up  by  the  Spi- 
rit of  God  in  the  Heart,  fubfifting  by  that  Spirit  up- 
on it  felf,  and  makes  ufe  only  of  all  Helps  fubordi- 
nated  to  it,  by  the  Wifdom  of  that  Spirit ;  but  doth 
not  live  from  that  Help,  but  from  it  felf  through 
that  Spirit,  its  fupreme  Life. 

To  draw  thefe  things  therefore  to  a  Sum,  It  will 
appear,  after  all  thefe  Caufes  have  done,  what  they 
can,  thefe  great  Errors  following  are  generally 
found,  and  always  to  be  fufpe&ed  in  a  Death-Bed 
Repentance. 

1 .  In  a  Death-Bed  Repentance,  There  is  only  a 
Judgment  made  of  the  Cafe  of  Eternity,  confidered 
by  it  felf,  and  without  a  Conterpoife :  The  Excel- 
lency of  God  and  Eternal  Things  are  minded,  as 
they  ftand  out  of  the  Air  of  Temptation.  Now 
though  this  be  a  good  Opportunity  for  the  fir  ft  con- 
(ideration,  yet  that  Consideration  ;  muft  grow  fo 
ftrong,  as  to,  retain  the  fame  fenfe,  in  the  midftof 
all  Pretences  from  the  World  and  Sathan-  Elfe  in 
the  time  of  Temptation  this  Re- 
pentance falls  away.  *  "  For  *  Dt  Jackfon, 
fr  there  may  be  many  true  Appre-  Book,  10.  Chap. 
Ci  henfions,  which  may  make  deep    23.    Sect.  3. 

«  Iin- 


44     Of  &  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

a  Impreflion  not  only  in  the  Brain  and  Phancy,  and 
"  upon  our  Affe&ions,  whileft  theft  are  calm,  and 
"  unprovok'd,  and  yet  both  the  Apprehenfion  and 
"Impreflion  quickly  vanifh  upon  the  ftarting,  or 
a  provocation  of  contrary  Fancies  or  Affedbons. 

When  the  Blood  cools  in  the  Veins,  and  the  Spi- 
rits are  ready  to  ftand  ftill,  when  a  Man  is  no  lon- 
ger to  live  in  the  World,  thefeafon  of  the  fleafiires 
of  Sin  is  over ,  then  to  caft  out  his  Lufts,  What 

excellent  thing  does  he  ?  does 
Aiatth.  5,  46.       not  even  ?zature,  whether  he  will 

&r  no,  the  fame?  True  Repen- 
tance encounters  Temptation,  and  refifts  unto 
Blood  ,  when  thofe  Pleafures  of  Sin  are  at  the  height, 
and  the  tide  of  Corruption  from  within  fwells  moft. 
As  Moles  chofe  to  fuffer  affliction  with  the  people  of 
God  rather  than  to  enjoy  the  pleafures  of  Jin  for  a 
feafon,  Heb.  ii;  25.  although  they  were  in  their 
growing,  and  afcending  Morning.  Repentance  will 
not  worfhip  that  Sun  in  theEaft.lt  is  a  very  fmall  thing 
to  defpife  it  in  the  Welt,  and  juft  a  fetting ;  to  choofe 
Religion,  when  there  is  nothing  to  vie  with  it. 

2.  It  is  not  a  Consideration  of  heavenly  Things  in 
their  true  worth,  but  only  as  recommended  by  the 
prefent  NecefTity.  For  who  would  not  die  the 
Death  of  the  Righteous  ,  and  have  his  latter  end 
like  his  ?  Every  Man  at  that  time  would  be  glad  to 
rind,  he  hath  lived  well;  and  he  that  hath  lived 
worft,  except  he  be  outrageous  in  Prophanenefs, 
will  wifti  he  had  lived  better.  Eternity  at  hand 
gives  value  to  all  Holinefs  and  fenfe  of  God,  in 
fpight  of  the  World  ;  and  leffens  all  tilings  dk  to 
a  nothing,  and  lefs  than  nothing',  imprints  a 
Ghaftlinefs   and  Horror  upon  all  Wickednefs  and 

Senfo- 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     4  5 

Senfuality.     The  thirty  -pieces  are 
nothing  worth,  and  the  innocent    Mat.  27.  3. 
blood  above  all  value,  when  Men 
fuffer  in  the  Agonies  of  Confcience,  and  Fears  of 
the  approaching  Judge.     A  Houfe  full  of  Silver  and 
Gold  will  not  buy  a  Man  to  refift  God,  when  in- 
deed he  appears  to  him  ;  when 
the  terrible  Maje'fty  opens  it  felf,     Numb.  22.  18. 
what  is  fo   precious,    that  Men 
will   not  fling  to  the  Bats  and    Ifai.  2.  20.1 
Moles  P  When  the  Breath  is  go- 
ing out  of  the  Noftrils,  how  precious  is  Repentance, 
Faith,  a  Pardon  in  Chrift,   a  happy  Eternity,  to 
thofe,  who  have  heretofore  flighted  them,  as  the 
off-fcouring  of  all  things? 

But  thefe  things  are  always  fo  rich,  Wifdom  is 
always  fo  precious,  that  it  difdains  to  borrow  Efteem 
from  a  minute  of  Extremity  ;  and  therefore  it  mod 
often  falls  out,  that  thofe  who  would  none  of  its 
counfel,  but  defpifed  all  its  Reproof,when  they  come 
to  feek  it  early,  cannot  find  it,  but  it  laughs  at  their 
Calamity,  as  Men  laugh  at  the  unhappinefs  of  Fools, 
that  would  not  be  corrected  in  their  Folly,  till  their 
Mifery  confute  their  Confidence. 

3.  From  hence  it  follows,  That  this  Repentance 
is  a  Choice,  when  there  is  no  other  Choice :  If  a 
Man  loved  his  Sins,  or  the  World  never  fo  paffion- 
ately,  he  muft  leave  them  ;  if  he  difliked  God,  and 
his  Holinefs,  and  an  everlalting  Abode  with  him,  to 
the  utmoft ;  yet  he  is  even  forced  upon  them,  or 
dafhed  upon  an  Eternal  Mifery,  and  Unhappinefs , 
which  it  is  impoflible  to  choofe:  And  therefore 
though  he  would  not  choofe  the  holy  ways  of  God, 
if  he  might  ftill  enjoy  former  Vanity,  yet  chat  being 

out 


46      Of  a  Death-Tied  Repentance. 

out  of  his  reach  and  way,  he  muft  take  what  is  to 
be  had.     The  Senfe  therefore  is  no  more  than  this, 
All  thefe  things  are  good,  when  a  Man  is  juft  a  Dy- 
ing ;  but  while  he  lives,  and  can  have  the  World, 
they  are  troublefom  and  unprofitable  l  Death  makes 
them  good,  upon  this   account  only,  becaufe  elfe 
there  would  be  fomenting  worfe,  nasi  there  can  no 
longer  be  any  thing  better.     A  Man  is  now  willing 
to  offer  a  Life  he  hath  not  to  give,  hqft  Eternal  Life 
is  not  worth  any 'par:  of  that  Life,  he  thinks  in  his 
power  to  do  any  thing  elfe  with.     Let  us  then  ob- 
serve at  what  rate  it  is  fet;  for  to  ufe  Tertullians 
words  in  another  Cafe,  we  may 
*  Quale  bonum    thus  Reafon.     *  "-What  a  mean 
hoc  eft,  quod        "fort  of  good  is  this,  that  only 
melius  ejh,pce-      " .  excels Punilhment,-  which  needs- 
na,    quod  non       u  the  worn:  of  States  for  a  Foil  to 
■pot  eft  videvi         c"  it  felf,  that  it  may  be  thought 
bonum,  nifi         ft  Good?  It  is  good  ta repent,  and 
feffimo  ccmpa-      a  be  faved,  becaufe  who' can  dwell 
ratwn-y  tit  ideo    "  with  everlafting  Burnings  ?  But 
bonUm  fit  reft-  j  "if  it  muft  purchafe  -  the  Reputa- 
fifcerey  quia        :c  tion  of   being  Good  from  Evil, 
detenus  est  ar-    "  it  is  not  fomuch  a  Good,  as  a 
dere.   Cceterum     u  lower   degree  of  Evil  -y    which 
fi per. mali  col-.      a  while  the  greater  Evil  Eclipfes  it 
lationem  cogi-      u  is  compelled  as  it  were  to  accept 
tur  bonum  diet,     §  the  name  of  a  good,  being  dri- 
7;  on  tarn  bonum-  "  ven  upon  the  confines, of  Good- 
eft,  quam  ge-      "  nefs  by  the  Violence  o£  greater 
nus  malt  infe-      "  Evil. 

nor  is,  quod altiori rn/tio  obfeuratum  ad nomen  boni 
lmfcllitur.     Tertul.  De  Monogamia.  Chap.  3. 

4.  This  Repentance  is  not  the  Free,  butinflaved 
■Judgment  and  Choice  of  the  Soul 3  as  Men  call  out 

Goods 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.      47 

Goods  in  a  Storm,  and  receive  a  Power  ro  Rule  over 
them,  that  they  cannot  endure,  but  that  it  is  too 
ftrong  for  them.  Men  are  afraid  what  God  will  do 
to  them,  therefore  they  fubmit.  His  Enemies  in 
Heart  are  found  Lyers  to  him,  they  Matter  him  with 
their  Mouth,  as  Julian  oppreffed  by  the  Almighri- 
nefs  of  Ghrift,  is  itoried  to  have  cried  out,  Vicifli 
Galilcee,  Thou  halt  overcome  me,  Galilean.  Thus 
they  are  overcome  by  Death,  and  the  apprehenfion 
of  Judgment.  In  the  fight  and  view  of  the  Danger 
Men  refolve  to  part  with  their  Sins.  Let  but  that  re- 
move, they  call  for  their  Sins  again,  as  Mariners  wifli 
for  their  Goods  after  the  Storm.They  throw  up  their 
Lufts  in  their  ficknefs,  but  drink  them  in  when  their 
trouble  is  paft,  as  the  Dog  returns  to  bis  vomit ,  2 
Pet.  2.  22.  In  all  this  there  is  nothing  of  the  love 
of  God. 

5.  In  this  Repentance,  the  Soul  of  it  is  generally 
a  pitiful  mean  Self-love,   even  the  meaner!  kind 
imaginable,  wherein  a  Man  confiders  himfelf  as  a 
Creature  in  being,  and  likely,  or  at  leaft  poffible  to 
be  for  ever  ;  without  any  apprehenfion  of  himfelf,as 
a  rational  Creature  made  for  God,  and  the  Enjoy- 
ment of  him,  in  conforming  with  whom  his  Happi- 
nefs  confifts,  and  in  the  retting  for  ever  in  bis  love. 
Of  this  part  he  hath  no  diitin»it  apprehenfion,  only  he 
would  be  happy  though  he  knows  not  what  it  is,  or 
rather  he  would  not  be  miferabie  ;  yet  even  that  he 
truly  under  Hands  not.     Bat  as  the  Jews  faid   to 
Chrift,  when  lie  fpake  to  them  of  the  Bread  of  Life, 
Lord  ever  more  give  us  this  bread, 
and  yet  were  fcandalized   at  his     John  6.  34. 
Explanation  of  himfelf  to  be  that 
Bread,  fo  far  as  to  leave  him.    .And  the  Pharifees 
hearing  af the  Vineyard  to  be  let  out  to  other  Hus- 


48      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

Luk>  20-  J6.  band-men,  and  the  Judgment  up- 
on themfelves  to  be  executed, 
Cried  out,  God  forbid^  yet  run  on  in  the  Sin,  that 
brought  it  upon  rhem. 

This  little  point  of  Self-love  into  which  all  is 
crowded  is  ennobled  with  no  fight  of  the  Excellency 
of  the  things  themfelves,or  a  due  Eftimation  of  them, 
as  the  true  pleafure,  and  joy  of  an  Immortal  Spirit. 

This  is  not  that  allowable  love  of  a  Man's  felf, 
which  incircles  it  felf  within  the  love  of  God,  as  the 
lefler  Circle  is  comprehended  by  the  greater,  but 
this  either  leaves  out  that  love  wholly,  or  debafes  it 
tobafeftfelf. 

Let  us  now  Compare  both  fides  together,  and  fee 
how  much  true  Repentance  differs  from  that,  which 
is  always  to  be  feared,  left  it  fhould  be  the  height  of 
the  Death  Bed :  And  of  that  which  hath  been  fpoken, 
this  is  the  Sum, 

True  Repentance  is  the  moft  free  Election  of  the 
Soul  inabled  by  the  Grace  of  God,  upon  a  clear, 
and  jult  Dictate  of  the  Judgment,  attended  with  fin- 
cereit  Affection,  to  give  up  it  felf  to  God  through 
JefusChrift,  and  when  it  is  moft  it  felf,  not  under 
any  irregular  fear  or  constraint,  and  ( at  Ieaft  would 
be  the  fame)  in  a  time,  when  it  hath  all  the  probabi- 
lity that  can  be  to  lay  hold  upon  things  prefent. 

The  other  Repentance  arifes  from  a  Soul  all  trou- 
bled, and  difcompofed  with  the  throws  of  Death, 
the  fears  of  Hell,  the  Doubts  what  will  become  of  it 
in  another  World,  the  Uproars  of  a  guilty  Confci- 
ence  ;  when  it  fnppofes  it  felf  neceflarily  at  the  full 
itop  of  its  former  Courfes,  by  being  cut  oft*  from 
longer  Life,  in  the  midft  of  all  which  arife  vehement 
Reiolutions  to  turn  from  Sin  to  God?  and  poflibly 

with 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     49 

with  many  fair  Apparences,  but  without  opportuni- 
ty to  give  proof  of  themfelves. 

Let  any  one  Judge  between  thefe  two  Repentan- 
ces, and  accordingly  even  counfel  himfelf  concern- 
ing them. 

Yet  I  muft  acknowledge  this  Difcourfe  fubjedl  to 
thefe  following  Limitations. 

1.  That  the  Arguments  I  have  infifted  upon  pre- 
vail not  only  againft  a  Death-Bed  Repentance^  but 
againft  all  Repentances,  that  have  no  higher  Spirit 
to  move  them,  than  what  I  have  now  reprefented; 
from  hence  therefore  we  may  take  the  trial  of  our 
Repentance  in  general,  for  though  a  Death-Bed  is 
moft  fubjecft  to  thefe  miltakes,  yet  whatever  Re- 
pentance falls  under  them,  is  by  reafon  of  them  in- 
valid ;  and  the  later  any  Repentance  is,  or  the  more  it 
is  occafioned  by  any  Extremity,  which  it  doth  not 
out-live,  the  more  fubjed:  it  is  to  them. 

2.  What  I  have  faid  is  not  at  all  to  be  underflood 
of  the  perfecting  and  confummating  Repentance,  by 
higher  and  fuller  Adts  towards  God  at  Death,though 
enforced  by  the  prefent  Circumltances  of  the  Cafe. 
For  true  Repentance  running  through  the  whole  life, 
takes  advantage  of  every  thing,  much  more  of  fo  con- 
fiderable  an  Opportunity  to  unite  all  our  ftrength  for 
God,as  a  Death-bed  brings  with  it.  All  that  hath  been 
fpoken  is  defigned  againlt  milling  to  the  Extreme 
Unciion  of  a  dying  Repentance,  juft  then  begun. 

3.  I  have  before  relolved  upon  that  tendereit  Do- 
&rin,  that  it  is  poflible  among  all  the  unhappy  Cir- 
cumltances of  a  Dying  Bed,  there  yet  may  be  this 
true  Ad:  of  the  Underltanding,  Will,  and  Aftedtions- 
turning  to  God  ;  and  if  there  be  this,  it  would  bv 
the  fame  and  alike,   however  thefe  CitfcumTtahces 

alter. 


50      Of  a  Death -Bed  Repentance] 

alter,  and  then  it  excels  thofe  temporary  Amend- 
ments undertaken  in  the  freeft  times  of  Life.  But 
becaufe  it  is  but  poffible  and  fo  almoft  impoflible, 
fo  unhappy  a  Cafe,  (  as  not  to  have  repented  till  juft 
we  die )  fhould  fall  out  fo  happily,  the  Intention  of 
this  Difcourfe  ftands  good  notwithstanding. 

A  •  I  acknowledge, the  choice  of  the  Soul  can  never 
be  fo  free,  but  it  muft  be  fubjedl  to  infinitely  the 
mod  worthy  and  preponderating  confiderations  of 
the  love  and  goodnefs  of  God,  the  Redemption  of 
Ghrift,the  greatnefs  of  eternal  Happinefs  molt  indear- 
ing  on  one  fide ;  of  the  fear  and  terror  of  the  Lord, 
thelofsofa  Soul,  everlafting  perdition,  moft  per- 
fwafive  on  the  other  fide;  fo  that  if  a  Man  cannot  be 
free  in  his  choice  of  Religion,  except  he  choofe  it 
without  the  force  of  any  fuch  confederation,  he  can 
never  be  at  all  free,  for  thefe  are  on  all  fides  of  him : 
And  further,  there  is  always  the  fupream  motion 
of  the  Grace  of  God,  which  does  not  leffen,but  Iteer 
and  exalt  the  freedom  of  the  Will  towards  God. 

The  difference  then  between  true  and  falfe  Re- 
pentance in  this  particular  is  the  fame,  that  is,  be- 
tween juft  and  rational  confederation  of  all  the  mo- 
tives of  Hope  and  Fear ;  and  the  hurry  of  them 
moving  us  not  intellectually,  but  as  a  Tempeft,  or 
with  the  force  of  a  meer  Engine.  2.  Between  the 
higheft  reafons  carrying  the  chiefelt  force,  and 
leading  along  with  them  the  lower  ones,  and  the^ 
lower  doing  all  without  the  higher,  for  want  of 
which  they  are  Senfual  or  Hellifh.  3.  Between  the 
government  of  meer  Providence,  and  of  the  Spirit 
of  God.  4.  Between  the  Repentance  of  Cain^Efau, 
San/,  Judas,  and  the  Repentance  of  David.Manaf 
feh7  Pctci-,  and  ?avJ< 

r       1 


Of  &  Death-Bed  Repentance.     5 1 

5.  I  acknowledge  the  firft  Preparations  of  the  Soul 
by  God  for  himfelf,  may  be  with  a  great  deal  of  noifc 
and  confufion  ;  Clouds  and  Darknefs  are  the  Dufl  of 
his  Feet,  Storms  go  before  him  to  prepare  his  way  ; 
while  thefe  laft,  there  cannot  be  a  ferene  calm  Adt  of 
the  Soul,  and  he  that  doth  not  live  till  he  hear  that 
fiill  Voice,  in  which  God  is,  is  in  great  danger  of 
being  loft  in  the  Storm.  But  if  out  of  this  Darknefs 
and  Confufion,  a  holy  and  gracious  Settlement  pro- 
ceed,  it  is  not  the  worfe  for  being  fo  introduced,  but 
is  agreeable  with  the  ufual  method  of  God. 

The  fourth  Head  I  propofed,  is  to  weigh  the  Re- 
pentance of  the  Crucified  Malefactor  againft  our 
common  Death-  Bed  I{efentances;  which  duly  per- 
formed will  be  of  great  force  againft  Prefumption, 
rather  than  minifter  it  any  Confidence. 

For  we  (hall  find  fo  much  gathered  together,  and 
prefled  down  into  it,  that  as  Jewels  have  their  Rich- 
es in  a  little  room,  fo  his  fhort  Life  of  Penitency 
had  an  Age  of  Repentance  in  it. 

It  is  fo  compofed  of  Extraordinaries,  that  it  can 
give  very  little  encouragement  in  ordinary  Cafes, 
except  jult  thus  much ;  that  Repentance  at  Death 
is  no  abfolute  impoiribility. 

1.  Let  us  obferve  how  his  Repentance  look'd  to 
the  feveral  parts  of  Repentance  ;  for  though  it  had 
but  little  time  in  this  World  to  breath  in,  yet  with 
extraordinary  diligence,  it  was  bufieinallthe  great, 
and  moit  concerning  Points.  Yet  I  account  this 
of  the  leaft  Remark  in  the  Hiftory  of  his  Repen- 
tance, becaufe  it  is  eafily  imitable,  That  in  which 
it  Excelled,  was  the  Evidences  of  Sincerity  it  car- 
ried, 

E  j.  Yet 


5  2     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

I.  Yet  take  notice  of  his  Senfe  and  Acknowledg- 
ment of  Sin,  which  was  'not  only  a  Confeffion  of 
Words,  but  of  his  very  Soul ;  for,  deliberating  things 
in  a  Moment,  he  pronounced  him- 
Magnum  eft  felf  worthy  of  the  Condemnation 
$amitenti<2  fig-  and  Punifhment  he  endured.  I 
mim  in  poena  confefs  this  is  not  fo  infrequent  in 
fuaacquiefcere.  thofe,  who  forfeited  their  Lives 
Grot,  in  locum,  tojufiice,  but  how  oft  is  it  rather 
a  Formality,  than  the  inward  fenfe 
of  the  Mind  condecently  affedted  ?  and  poflibly  if 
we  look  upon  the  out-fide  of  things,  we  can  find 
no  great  difference  between  him  and  others.  Yet 
it  is  a  neceffary  part  of  Repentance,  Thejacrifice  of 
God  is  a  broken  and  contrite  heart,  Pfal.  51.  17. 

2.  In  his  Repentance  lay  a  lively  Faith  in  Chrift; 
firlt  refting  upon  the  principle,  And  truth  of  the 
thing  ;  That  Chrift  was  ajufi  Per/on,  that  he  had 
a  Kjngdom;  and  then  a  particular  Application  to  him 
for  Mercy,  Lord  remember  me  when  thou  comejl  in 
thy  Kingdom. 

3.  A  quick  fenfe  of  Eternity  fupplied  Vigor  to 
his  Repentance,  an  evident  fight  of  fomething  be- 
yond this  world.  For  what  more  excites  the  Soul, 
and  (hews  it  the  neceiTity  of  a  gracious  Change,  than 
an  everlafting  Condition  appearing  to  it  ?  To  this 
end  hath.  J  ejus  Chrift  brought  life  and  immortality 
to  light,  2  Tim.  1.  10.  of  which  this  Penitent  made 
a  very  full  Confeffion ;  Lord  remember  me  when 
thou  comeft  m  thy  Kjwdom.  He  faw  a  Kingdom 
beyond  the  Crofs  and  Death. 

4.  An  earneft  defire  to  promote  and  propagate  a 
fenfe  of  God  into  the  Hearts  of  others  was  the  im- 
mediate fruit  of  this  Malefactors  Repentance.    He 

admo- 


Of  a.  Death -Bed  Repentance,      53 

admonifhes  the  Impendent  Thief  on  the  other  fide, 
Dofi  t'bau  not  ft  air  Gid  :  He  had  fuch  a  Reverence 
of  God.  that  he  expoitulates  the  want  of  it  in  the 
other  as  inonilrous  and  horrid.  His  defign  wasalfo 
exceeding  Compaffionatc  as  well  as  Pious  :  For 
it  was  an  Endeavour  full  of  Charity,  defirous  his 
guilty  Fellow- fufferer  lhould  be  brought  into  the 
fame  Condition  with  himfelf.  We  v  ant  much  of 
the  Compailion  due  to  the  Souls  of  others,  becaufe 
we  are  fo  infenfibJe  of  the  mifery  of  our  own  ;  and 
tafte  but  little  of  the  fweetnefs  of  Reconciliation  and 
Grace :  But  when  we  drink  largely  out  of  thefe 
Fountains,  we  derive  the  Streams  upon  orhers,  that 
have  flowed  upon  our  feives. 

All  thefe  things  were  evidently  much  to  the  pur- 
pofe-  if  we  look  upon  thernfelves  :  Yet  were  there 
nothing  more  extraordinary  in  them,  we  might 
doubt  whether  they  were  any  more  than  the  good 
Mood,  into  which  Principles  of  Confcience  excited 
by  the  unhappinefs  his  Condition  might  put  him  : 
Let  us  then  confider  the  Evidence,  that  all  this  was 
truly  Supernatural;  for  I  account  it  no  Injury  to  fa 
memorable  a  Repentance  to  fuppofe,  that  as  great 
and  fur  an  out- fide  may  have  fail'd  ofParadife,  into 
which  he  enrred.     But, 

2.  The  acknowledgment  he  made  of  Chriit  gives 
teftimony  to  him  in  two  things. 

r.  That  ic  was  made,  when  Ghrift  was  under  all 
the  Infamy,  and  Miiery  of  a  (hameful  and  painful 
Death,  and  nothing  to  make  fuch  a  Greatnefs,  as  he 
afcribed  to  him  probable.  Among  us  that  in  gene- 
ral Language  fpeak  honourably  of  Chrilt,  Profeffi- 
onsof  him  are  cheap,  and  prove  nothing  :  But  if  one 
bred  in  Turcjfm,  or  Judaifm,  ftould  confefs  him, 
E  %  ** 


54     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

h  would  argue  much  more;  yet  not  fo  much  as  in 
this  Malefactor,  who  faw  him  in  fo  defpicable  a 

Srate:  Whereas  now  fo  great  a  part 
AHs  i.  9.  of  the  World  acknowledging  him, 

hath  carried  him  up  to  Heaven, 
as  it  were  in  that  Cloudy  wherein  he  ascended  long 
ago,  and  hid  the  reproach  of  his  Crofs  in  fo  high  a 
Glory,  efpecially  among  us. 

To  confefs  him  in  his  worft  eftate,  and  before 
any  thing  of  the  Confequence  was  known,  was  very 

great :  *  Chrifl  was  revealed  to 
Mat.  16.  17.  him,  not  by  Flefh  and  Blood ;  but 
*  Extrema  fi-  by  God  himfelf.  Such  an  Heroick- 
des,  fed  non  nefs  is  indeed  neceiTary  to  allure 
minima.  Aug.  a  Death-Bed  Repentance,  which 
Serm.  122.  had  need  be  as  great,  as  it  is  late, 

de  Temp.  when  Men  do  not  live  to  fee  the 

ordinary  fruirs  of  it. 
He  that  could  fee  Chrift,  and  his  Glory,  through 
fo   dark  a  Vail  ,     had   his  Eyes  anointed  with 

that  Eye-Salve  ,  Chrift  fpeaks 
f  Ad  rem  ere-      of.  f 

dendam  a  fenfibus    rtmotiffimam  excitatus  eft. 
Grot. 

We  find  the  Apoftles,  who  had  feenhis  Miracles, 
heard  his  Divine  Difcourfes,  made  long  Acknow- 
ledgments of  him,   were  fearfully  fliaken  by  this 

Aflault  of  the  power  of  Oarknefs 
JRcv.  3.  18.         uPm  him  ;  even  toaDefpair,  that 

he  was  the  Chrift.  But  while 
Stuandopajfus  rneY  were  *n  a  fwoon  of  Faith, 
eft,  omnes  difcipuli  defperaverunt  quod  ipfi  effet 
Cbriftus.  A  latrone  viclifunt  Apoftoli,  qui  tunc  cre- 
didit,  quando  illi  defecerunt.  Aug.  in  Pfal  68. 

this 


Of  &  Death-Bed  Repentance.      5  5 

this  Faith  with  Chrift  triumphed  over  Principalities 
and  Powers,  even  on  the  Crofs. 

We  looking  upon  the  things  of  Chriftianity  in  the 
common  Profeifion  of  the  Nation,  It  is  a  hard  thing* 
for  us  to  fee  them  other  wife  than  that  cads  them  ; 
as  it  would  be  for  thofe  that  have  known  nothing 
but  the  Religion  of  Mahomet  ^  Paganifm,  or  the 
Jewifli  Synagogue,  to  take  up  upon  the  fudden  the 
Docirinof  Cnriitianity  againlt  their  own. 

We  believing  not  with  our  own  Faith,  but  Vul- 
gar Opinion,  eafily  make  a  Confeflion  of  Chrift  ; 
yet  oftentimes  the  Power  and  faving  Effedt  of  it  is 
far  from  us,  as  from  thofe  that  are  Strangers  to  him: 
fometimes  they  that  come  from  the  Ealt,  and  from 
the  Weft,  fit  down  in  the  Kingdom  of  God,  when 
the  Children  of  the  Kingdom  are  thruft  out. 

The  Acknowledgment  of  Chrift  in  thofe  Times, 
was  a  much  fairer  Evidence,  than  it  can  be  now  ;  yet 
without  inward  Grace  was  nothing  then  ;  much  left 
mult  it  needs  be  to  us,  who  have  it  made  ready  to 
our  hands  by  Education  and  common  Confent  in  it ; 
we  muft  therefore  the  more  narrowly  obferve,  what 
Characters  the  Truth  of  Chrift  imprints  upon  our 
Hearts. 

2.  This  Acknowledgment  was     Tanto  namqae 
made  without  any  manner  of  In-    ponder e  appcn- 
ducement,  or  Temptation  to  it,    fumefi^tantum- 
from  outward  advantages,  it  could     que  valuit  apud 
poffibly  afford  ;  but  rather  an  in-     eum,  qui  mint 
creafe  of  Shame  and  Scorn  was  to     hxc  appenderc, 
be  expected  from  it ;  and  that  if    quod  confejjus 
it  were  poffible,  he  fhould  fuffer    eft  Dominum 
Crucifixum,  quantum  fi  fuiffet  pro  Domino  Cruci- 
fixus.   Aug.  Dc  Anima  &  ejus  Origine. 

E  3  the 


56     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

the  fecond  time  for  fuch  a  Confeflion,  and  become 
of  a  Malefactor  a  Martyr.  Nay  further,  there  was 
no  Dictate  of  Natural  Confidence,  that  could  in- 
cline him  to  it ;  for  that  runs  not  into  the  Confeffion 
of  Chrift,  nor  is  any  way  quieted  concerning  former 
Sins  through  fuch  a  Confeflion ;  but  ey^s  God  only, 
and  Moral  Righteoufnefs :  Lalily,  no  general  Tra- 
dition prompted  him  to  it,  the  Jews  at  that  time 
condemning  him.  But  in  us,  all  Applications  to 
Chrift  are  fecuring  our  felves  in  the  common  Barque, 
and  keep  us  from  being  cenfured,  as  prophane,  and 
irreligious  Perfons.  For  to  die  without  any  addrefs 
to  Chrift,  is  accounted  very  ungodly,  and  fenflefs 
pf  a  Future  State  ;  but  to  deny  him,  monitrous  and 
defperate.  Further,  Chriftianity  is  incorporated 
with  our  natural  Principles,  fo  that  they  never  move, 
or  heave  themfelves  in  us,  but  that  alfo  rifes  with 
them. 

Now  it  is  of  great  Importance  in  the  tryal  of  Sin- 
cerity, upon  what  Grounds  and  Motives  we  do, 
what  do  ;  and  the  more  we  can  clear  it  from 
inferiour  Springs,  the  more  certainly  it  is  Grace 
defending  from  above^  and  refting  upon  us^  Jam* 

Every  one  therefore  that  would  juftifie  a  Death- 
Bed  mppeffifnce,  rnuft  exceed  all  common  forts  of 
Repentance,  elfe  he  cannot  enter  into  the  Kingdom 
of  Heaven.  Nay  he  muft  do  fomething,  that  in  the 
little  fpace  of  time,  he  hath  to  do  it  in,  muft  equal 
a  Courfe  of  amendment  of  Life ;  muit  be  as  great 
in  him,  cs  this  Repentance  of  the  Thief. 

And  do  but  think?  if  our  Faith  were  to  cut  thofe 
waves,  his  was  to  pafs,  to  row  againft  fuch  a  Stream, 
tp  remove  fuch  mountains^  among  how  many  thou- 

fands 


Of  &  Death-Bed  Repentance.      57 

finds  there  would  be  found  a  Faith  to  do  it ;  we 
fhould  immediately  be  ftopp'd ;  or  funk,  and  caft 
away,  and  loft.  Yet  fuch  are  they  we  are  to  pafs 
through  into  Eternal  Life,  though  of  different  Cir- 
cumttances  from  his. 

But  after  all  I  will  allow  it  poffible,  there  might 
be  a  fecret  flaw  in  this  whole  Penitent's  Deportment, 
we  now  infill:  upon ;  and  that  it  far'd  with  him  as 
with  fome  among  us,  who  after  a  wicked  and  de- 
bauched Life  fly  to  the  San&uary  of  the  Romifh  Re* 
ligion  (  as  Joab  to  the  horns  of  the  Altar,  1  King. 
2.  &8.)  To  Reconciliation  wherewith  Hopelefnefs 
of  any  good  from  that  they  have  fo   long  finned 
againit,  and  natural  Superftition   hurry  them.     So 
this  Perfon  hearing  a  great  Fame  of  Chrift,  and  ob- 
ferving  his  pretence  high,  might  lay  hold  upon  him 
in  a  defperate  Cafe,  if  peradventure  any  thing  of  good 
might  follow  on  it '  It  being  very  incidental  to  the 
Nature  of  Man  to  caft  himfelf  upon  Religion,  when 
all  elfe  fails,  and  upon  one  new  to  him,  when  he 
hath  offended  againit  the  old  one,  beyond  hope  of 
Pardon ;  whence  Men  generally  receive  this  Recom- 
pence,  that  Confcience  is  put  into  amufe,  having 
nothing  at  prefent  to  fay  againft  it. 

And  had  this  been  the  top  of  his  Cafe,  that  it  had 
been  thus,  could  it  have  been  faving  ?  Nay,  that  it 
might  pofTibly  have  been  thus,  though  indeed  it  had 
been  otherwise,  yet  this  very  liablenefs  to  fuch  a 
miitake  had^  unfpeakably  abated  the  rational  Secu- 
rity, and  fafety  of  his  Condition ;  fo  that  there  had 
remained  good  caufe  for  Confcience  to  have  mi- 
ftrulted  which  way  his  Condition  would  have  fallen 
to  Eternity. 

E4  3.  The 


58     Of  *  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

3.  The  Third  thing  therefore,  that  gave  him, 
and  gives  to  all  Ages  undoubted  Teftimony  of  the 
Truth  of  his  Converfion,  is  the  immediate  atten- 
tion to  that  Truth  and  Sincerity  of  it,  This  day  [halt 
thou  be  with  me  in  Paradife.  Now  that  Repen- 
tance which  enters  into  Heaven,  that  pafles  into  Pa- 
radife, not  hinder'd  by  thofe  flaming  Cherubs  of 
Divi/te  Truth  3  that  which  is  within  the  Door,  be- 
fore the  Mafter  of  the  Houfe  is 
Luke  13.25.  rifen  up  and  hathjhut  it  to,  that  is 
true  Repentance  and  profperous, 
and  fuccefsful,how  late  foever.  But  to  know  that  it  is 
true,  when  it  is  fo  late,  needs  a  Voice  from  Heaven, 
or  fomething  proportional  to  it?  to  verifie  it,  as  is 
after  to  be  urged. 

The  laft  thing  I  take  notice  of  in  this  Repentance, 
is  the  unparalleilable  Circumitance  of  time  wherein 
it  was  accepted. 

1.  It  was  in  the  time  of  a  pub- 
Joh.  3.  16.  lick  adl  of  mercy  to  the  World, 

God  was  in  love  to  Mankind giv- 
Eph.  5.25.  trig  his  only  begotten  Son.    Chrifi 

was  giving  himfelf  at  this  time. 
Therefore  that  there  fhould  be  an  Inftance  and  Mo- 
nument of  this  Mercy,  feem'd  condecent  to  fo  great 
and  folemn  a  time. 

2.  This  Penitent  flood  clofe  to  that  Sacrifice,  that 
was  offering  it  felf  up  to  God :  He  ftood  within  the 
Savour,  the  Odor,  the  Incenfe  of  it :    That  Sacrifice, 
that  fur  chafes  men  from  a  vain 
1  Pet.  1 8.  converfation  ;  that  draws  down  all 

the  BieiTings  of  Salvation;  that 
therefore  the  force  of  it.  fhould  reach  fo  near  it  felf, 
15  not  ftrangc :  I  know  no  nearnefs  of  place  figni- 

fies 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.      59 

fies  at  all.  How  many  faw  his  Miracles,  heard  him 
Preach,  look'd  upon  him  Dying  without  benefit  ? 
yet  was  his  Prefence  alfo,  as  he  pleafed,  full  of 
Divine  effects.  That  therefore  there  fhould  be  an 
experiment  of  fo  great  a  Balfom,  jult  as  it  was  pre- 
paring, was  molt  fuitable. 

3.  It  was  in  the  time  that  Chrift  was  triumph- 
ing over  Principalities  and  Powers,  and  mailing  a 
/hew  of  them  Openly  upon  the  very 
Crops.  *  That  he  Ihould  bear  off  *Vicem  v  erf  am 
in  the  Field  the  prey  taken  out  of  reddidit  Chri- 
the  mouth  of  the  proud  Foe,  was  ft  us  Diabo/o; 
very  agreeable  to  the  expectation  quemadmodum 
fo  great  a  Conqueror  raifes.  Coiof  Diabolus  depra- 
z.l^.  vando  hominem 

abftulerat  de  Paradifo,  ftc  Chriftus  latronem  confi* 
tentem  erueret  de  inferno  :  Vie  de  inter  dicio  ligxo 
frafumentem  decepit ;  Isle  pendentem  de  poenali 
ligno  re  demit.  Aug.  Serm.  122.  De  Temp. 

But  whoever  confiders  the  Thief  on  the  other  fide 
not  converted,  or  faved,  will  find  Caufe  to  obferve; 
The  Salvation  of  Chrift:  doth  not  fweep  the 
World,  but  is  rarelier  vouchfafed  than  we  think ; 
That  a  man  may  die  without  going  to  Heaven ; 
That  the  mercy  of  the  Gofpel  is  moft  arbitrary 
and  fovereign ,  chufing  and  leaving  ;  That  it  de- 
pends not  on  humane  Expectation,  or  any  Super- 
ftitious  phancies ,  that  have  been  raifed  about  the 
Crofs  of  Chrift  ;  for  fo  much  appears  by  one  only 
taken  here,  the  other  left,  though  upon  the  Crofs 
together  with  Chrilt,  and  near  him  in  the  great 
and  mediatory  Acfl ;  who  that  confiders  will  not 
tremble  to  think  of  one  left  iu  his  £ns,  filling 

down 


6o     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

down  into  Hell  from  fuch  a  Heaven  as  Chrift  in  his 
great  A6t  of  Redemption. 

And  although  it  may  be  truly  faid,  it  was  the  fault, 
and  negligence,  and  obttinacy  of  the  Unconverted 
Malefactor,  that  he  did  not  ufe  aright  the  Grace  of- 
fered, or  the  Light  vouchfafed  him  •>  yet  it  doth  not 
alleviate  the  danger,  for  it  full  remains  very  uncer- 
tain to  whom  God  will  give  a  Heart  to  ufe  Oppor- 
tunities aright,  though  they  have  them  from  God 
with  an  equal  Liberality,  as  thofe  that  do  fo  improve 
them. 

But  indeed,  the  Supremacy  of 
Grace  is  here  very  much  acknow- 
ledged by  all,  that  a  Ray  of  the 
Divinity    of  Chrift    with  infinite 
kindnefs  fmote  his  Soul.    *  I  infer 
nothing  from   that  increafe,    the 
Evangelift  Match,  c.  27.  44.  gives 
the  Miracle,  That  he  was  Convert- 
ed after  he  had    joined  with  the 
other  Malefadtor  in  reproaching 
Chrift ;  Becaufe  t  fome  Interpre- 
ters que  it  ion  it. 
Upon  the  whole  then  of  this  Example,  let  Men 
that  would  be  befriended  by  a  Dying  P^epentancexx- 
amine  whether  thefe  things  found  in  this  Example, 
are  like  to  meet  upon  them.  I  will  not  fay,  till  there 
be  a    tim^.     a  fulnefs   of   time, 
wherein  Chrift  fhali   again  die  for 
Sinners,  fuch  a  Repentance  is  not 
to  be  expedted  ;  bat  I  may  fafely 
fay,    he  that  in   the  Obfemtion 
of  this  Example  trufts  himfelf  to 
a  B;ir>g  I^Pcmance  fliould  ftarcle 


*  Nova  &  in- 
folita  quadam 
diving  virtutis 
efjicacia^  in  ex- 
emplum  omni- 
bus fee  ulis  me- 
moYabile,  &c. 
Grot.  In  locum* 


f  Hieron 
locum. 


In 


Benef : 

muhis  moiis 

\ 
0 
toners  tra 

diinconfevi.cn- 

tias  cxenipti. 

Grot.  Lilt 


his 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     6 i 

his  Prefumption  with  this  Interrogation,  Will  there 
ever  be  fuch  a  Conjunction,  as  was  here,  again, 
while  the  World  endures  ? 

I  come  now  to  the  lad  Head  of  down-right  Argu- 
ments againtt  committing  our  Eternal  State  to  a 
Death- Bed  Repentance. 

i.  It  is  againft  all  the  Prudence  and  Providence 
pf  a  MUn,  feeing  no  Man  knows  what  kind  of  Death 
he  (hall  die ;  whether  it  will  afford  him  the  polnbili- 
ties  of  Repenting  :  How  many  die  fuddenly,and  in  fo 
fhort  a  Breath,  that  they  have  not  time  to  defire 
Mercy  in  general .;  How  many  of  Apoplexies  feizing 
upon  the  very  Top  of  Senfe  at  firft?  Many  by  Phren- 
fies  have  no  rational  Motions  of  themfelves  ;  innu- 
merable Accidents  (and  oft-times  made  dreadful 
by  the  Wickednefs  wherewith  they  have  been  accom- 
panied )  have  fnatch'd  away  Men  in  a  Moment, 
Such  are  taken  away  living  and  in 
his  wrath  before  the  F 'ots  can  feel  Pfal.  58.  9. 
the  Thorns i  before  ever  thofe  ha- 
fty  flames  of  Motion  towards  God  blown  up  for 
fuch  an  Extremity  can  be  raifed.  Such  are  taken 
in  the  very  manner  without  fo  much  time  as  to  put 
off  the  Every-Day  Habit  of  Sin,  like  thofe  that  were 
carried  out  dead  in  their  Coats,  Lev.  10.  5. 

And  though  from  the  ordinary  manner  of  Dying, 
we  may  hope  for  the  warning  ordinarily  given ;  yet 
we  fee  others  furprized,  who  have  had  the  fame 
reafons  of  Hope  with  our  felves.    We  cannot  then 
without  madnefs  truft  our  felves   to  accident,  or 
bo  aft  our  felves  of  to  morrow  ^  of 
which  we  know  not  what  is  with-    Prov.  27.   r. 
in   it,  feeing  the  future  is  wholy 
concealed  from  us:  They  that  ma!{c  a  Covenant 

with 


62      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

with  death,  and  are  at  an  agreement  with  Hell, 
meet  with  nothing  but  Perfidioufnefs,  when  the 
overflowing  Scourge  approaches  them,  and  the  fiorm 
of  Hail  rends  their  refuge  of  lies,  I(a.  28.  18.  &c. 
If  we  were  provided  againft  all,  but  one  (ingle  Ac- 
cident, even  that  may  fall  upon  us  with  the  ruin, 
that  all  the  reit  could  bring. 

Let  a  Man  examine,  whether  he  can  choofe  his 
Death,  and  defign  the  Circumftances  of  it,  and 
place  every  thing  juft  as  he  would  have  it,  and  there- 
by afford  himfelf  the  Seafon  he  thinks  neceffary  for 
fuch  a  purpofe.  But  who  is  fo  foolifh  as  to  under- 
take this  ?  He  that  builds  upon  Ground  that  is  none 
of  his  own,  is  like  to  have  all  his  Frame  overturned 
at  the  pleafure  of  another  :  God  derides  this  Folly, 
who  hath  all  things  in  his  own  hand,  and  difpofes 

them  without  our  knowledge : 
Jam.  4.  13*  Go  too  ye  that  fay,  To  day  or  to 

morrow  we  will  go  to  fuch  a  place, 
Pfal.  1 04.  3.       and  buy,  and  fell,  and  get  gain: 

But  oh  miferable  is  he  that  thinks, 
as  God,  to  lay  the  Beams  of  his  Chambers,  that  he 
builds  for  Eternal  Reft  in  the  Waters,  the  flowing 
inccrtainty  of  future  Time  ,  where  he  hath  nothing 
to  do  ;  and  overfecs  the  proper  Reft  appointed  him 
by  God,  feeing  both  his  Prefumption,  and  his 
prophane  Negligence  are  likely  to  be  punilhed 
together.  For  indeed  he  that  is  wickedly  prodigal, 
of  what  God  affords  him,  as  his,  and  is  bold  to 
entrench  upon  the  future  which  is  Gods,  when  he 
comes  to  it,  finds  it  full  and  poffelfed  already, 
with  what  God  hath  provided  for  it ;  fo  there  is  no 
room  for  his  Projedt,  but  he  perifhes  for  ever  in 
the  Difappointmenr. 

2.  It 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.      6$ 

2.  It  is  againft  our  Duty,  and  all  the  Obligations, 
that  lie  on  us ;  For  it  is  as  if  a  Man  (hould  fay  to 
God,  I  know  it  is  my  Duty,  and 
the  end  of  my  Life,  and  the  Pro  Odibi'ee/i  apud 
vidence  thou  exercifeft  towards  Deum,  quando 
me,  that  I  (hould  now  ferve  thee,  homo  Jub  fidu* 
and  give  up  my  felf  to  thee  ;  But  cia  fcenitcnti<e 
I  beg  of  thee,  that  while  I  live,  I  in  feneciutem 
may  live  in  my  Lufts  and  Senfua-  refer  vat  <e  libe- 
lities,  and  when  I  am  to  die  and  riusfeccat.kwr 
go  out  of  the  World,  and  fhall  guft.Serm.izo. 
have  no  more  time  and  leifure  for 
any  thing  elfe,  I  (hall  then  have  nothing  to  do,  but 
to  look  towards  thee,  and  befeech  thy  Favour,  and 
leave  my  Sins :  I  defire  thee  therefore  to  Hay  for  my 
Repentance  till  then,  and  when  I  can  no  longer 
enjoy  the  World,  then  to  grant  me  a  Kingdom 
with  thy  felf,  and  the  Fruition  of  thy  own  Happi- 
nefs :  For  though  I  (hall  diflionour  thee  in  the  tracfl 
of  my  Life,  yet  I  will  retradt  it  all  in  a  Breath. 
How  horribly  contemptuous  of  God  doth  this  ap- 
pear, how  Affronting  and  Blafphemous  ?  and  yet 
this  is  the  very  fenfe  of  Deferring  Repentance, 
till  Death. 

This  is  the  greateft  Immorality  and  Irreligion  ; 
for  it  deftroys  the  reafon  of  our  Being  on  Earth, 
which  is  tojerve  our  Generation, 
or  the  courjc  of  our  Life  accord-      A(5h  13.  36; 
ing  to  the  Will  of  Gody  to  glorifie 
him  here  on  Earth.     It  deftroys    John  17.4. 
the  Service,  yet  flies  upon  the  Re- 
ward ;  as  if  God  were  bound  to  make  Men  happy, 
becaufe  he  had  made  them,  and  that  he  had  made 
them,  firit  to  take  the  Delights  he  molt  abhors,  en 

diflionour 


64      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

difhonour  him,  by  deforming  his  Workmanfhip\ 
and  violating  his  Laws,  and  the  good  order  he  hath 
fet  in  the  World ;  and  yet  after  all  becaufe  he  had 
made  them,  to  give  them  a  BleiTednefs  fo  infupera- 
bly  great,  that  he  could  find  no  greater;  and  by  no 
means  to  hurt  or  punifli  them  for  Sin,  though  all 
the  Juftice,  that  ever  was  known  to  Man,  requires 
Punifhment  of  Offenders,  as  much  as  the  reward  of 
Defert ;  elfe  all  Government  would  be  loft. 

Thus  therefore  to  imagine  of  God  is  to  bring 
down  in  our  own  Thoughts  thofe  great  Attributes 
of  Juftice  and  Wifdom,  into  a  foolifh  and  unreason- 
able Pity,  and  only  for  this  end,  that  there  may  be 
a  Licentioufnefs  in  Wickednefs  and  Impiety. 

And  feeing  upon  the  fame  account,  all  the  Men 
in  the  World  may  adjourn  their  Love  and  Obedi- 
ence to  God  to  their  going  out  of  it ;  it  might  come 
to  pafs,  that  this  State  fhould  have  been  prepared 
only  as  a  Stage  for  the  Vices  and  Exorbitancies  of 
Men  to  have  a&ed  themfelves  upon,  and  then  they 
to  have  removed  to  Heaven ;  when  as  though  thefe 
have  large  fcope  indeed  now,  as  things  are,  yet 
their  Licentioufnefs  is  daily  rebuked  by  the  threats 
of  the  Gofpel,  by  the  holy  Conventions  of  thofe, 
that  have  left  their  Sins  by  Repenrance,  and  punifh- 
ed  by  an  Eternal  Judgment  hereafter. 

But  who  chat  coniiders  the  infinite  Goodnefs  and 
Greatnefs  oi  God,  that  in  his  hand  is  our  life,  and 
breath,  and  all  our  ways,  can  think  it  equal,  that 
God  fhould  have  only  the  feint  and  feeble  Services 
of  a  Death-Bed,  for  all  the  Prefervation  and  Mercy 
vouchfafed  through  the  courfe  of  our  lives  ? 

Or  who  can  think  it  confident  with  his  Honour 
to  give  Men  Laws,  that  point  upon  the  Government 

of 


Of  &  Death-Bed  Repentance.      6$ 

of  themfelves  here,and  that  he  fhoukl  at  fo  general  a 
rare,  as  the  neceflity  of  Mens  manner  of  living  re- 
quires, accept  offuch  a  Commutation,  or  exchange 
for  the  Obedience  due  to  them,  as  a  Death-Bed 
Repentance  ? 

Or  leaft  of  all,  who  can  believe  ?  thatjefus  Chrift 
fhould  come  a  Redeemer  into  the  World,  a  Redeem- 
er from  all  Iniquity,  a  fur  chafer  from  a  vain  Con* 
verfation,  that  he  might  have  a 
peculiar    People    jealous  of  good    Tit.  2.  14, 
works y    who  fhould  look,  for  f^e 
great  day,    and  his  glorious  ap-    Rom.  2.  7. 
pearance,  by  a  patient  expeclation 
and  continuance  in  well-doing^ ;  to  which  he  hath 
alfo  tied  them  by  the  molt  ltridt  Obligations,  that 
created  Nature  is  capable  of,  and  yet  that  this  in  a 
manner  Ihould  be  wholly  fruftrated,  even  in  thofe 
fuppofed  to  be  redeemed  by  him  ? 

How  fhall  fuch  a  Man  then  be  able  to  look  God 
or  Jefus  Chrift  the  Saviour  in  the  face,  that  hath  but 
jult  begun  to  acknowit  fge  him  by  fome  weak  De- 
votions to  him,  extorted  even  of  neceffity,  and  gi- 
ven the  bulk  of  his  time  to  Sin ; 
that  hath  facrified  the  Mkle  of  his    Mai.  1.  14. 
Flock  to  Luft,    and  dven  with 
impious  delign  kepi  the  con  upt  thing  for  God? 

3.  If  we  truly  undents  n  J  the  nature  of  Repen- 
tance, and  that  it  is  die  Gift  and  Grace  of  God  : 
It  is, 

1.  A  great  Preemption  upon  that  Grace,  to  think 
we  can  call  it  down  from  Heaven  at  our  own  need, 
who  have  offered  fo  much  Injury  to  the  motions  of 
it,  vouchfafed  in  the  time  of  our  Life  ;  we  do  not 
confider,  that  this  Grace  defigias  its  own  Glory, 

and 


66      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

and  teaches  to  live  Godly,  right  eoufly,  foberly,  now 

in  this  -present  World,  and  there- 
Tit.  2.  13.         in  to  wait  for  the  Manifeftation 

of  e verla (ling  Glory ;  and  thus  we 
Rom.  2.  7.         are  feel^  for    honour,  glory,  and 

immortality. 
Now  that  they  that  have  bidden  defiance  to  this 
Grace  fo  long,  fhould  bring  it  down  from  the  Clouds 

in  their  Dying  Moments,  to  con- 
Uo^ais  y&  4*>-  veY  tnem  to  Happinefs  ,  is  to 
yais  wflavoict  make  fo  cheap  of  that  infinitely 
%pw<S-«t#  #kAm-  precious  Goodnefs,  that  whoever 
Stiauts  ix.  \m-  aright  confiders  the  Cafe,  muft 
7%i<\.iv  oStbt  needs  infinitely  abhor  the  thoughts. 
dtiC  £><T7nf  &w  Yet  this  is  the  neceflity  of  fuch 
<mhtppoict$  in  Mens  Condition,  that  they  muft 
r&p7ra.Kova.n-  either  think  themfelves  worthy 
<X<&Zv\oa.v.  Phil,  thus  to  becken  the  Grace  of  God, 
in  Aiiego.  or  they  muft  perifli    for    ever. 

They  enter  then  a  conteft  of  Pre- 
cedency and  Superiority  with  this  Grace,  and  de- 
cide againft  it :  That  it  is  lit  for  that  to  ftoop  and 
humble,  yea  to  proltitute  it  felf,  rather  than  they 
fhould  be  for  ever  Miferable  :  yea  rather  than  they 
fhould  have  been  obliged  to  a  Holy  Life. 

2.  It  is  for  a  Man  to  defire  God,  to  Mif-time  his 
Grace,  for  the  Seafon  of  it  is  the  prefent  offer  in  the 

Gofpel.  Now  is  the  time  accep- 
2  Cor.  2.  9.  ted,  now  is  the  day  of  Salvation* 

It  is  to  defire  God  to  give  him  a 
Spring  in  Autumn,  or  Winter  $  when  the  time  of 
the  Patience  of  God  is  over,  to  expedk  the  Salva- 
tion of  God,  now  God  who  hath  with  infinite 
Wifdom    and  Equality  weighed    out  Times  and 

Seafons, 


Of  A  Death-Bed  Repentance.     6y 

Seafons,   and  made  every  thing    Ecclef.  3.  11. 
beautiful  in  its  time,  doth  not     and  9.   12. 
reverfe  his   own  Appointments  to    Luke  19.  42. 
ferve  the  Folly  of  Man,  who  have 
not  known  their  times,   and  the  things   of  their 
peace  in  their  day. 

For  can    it    feem  reafonable ,    that  Mountains 
fhould    remove  out  of  their  places  ?  and  Rocks 
wander  from  their  Situation  ?  That  Man  more  unin- 
telligent, than  the  Swallow   and 
Crane  that  obferve  their  appoint-    Jer.  8.  7. 
ed   times ,  might  not  be  injhared 
by  the  evil  times  that  fall  judden-     Ecclef!  9.   12. 
ly  upon  them  :  He  that  trufts  then 
to  fuch  a  Repentance,  doth,  as  it  were  ;  refolve  to 
be  faved  by  Miracle,  or  elfe  perilh. 

3.  Men  do  not  confider  theJealoufieofGod,  nor 
are  afraid  of  his  Oath  againlt  them,  that  harden 
their  Hearts  and  do  not  hear  his 
voice  to  day  ;  fo  that  fome,  who    Heb. 3. 9,10,1  r* 
have  trifled  with  the  Grace  of  God, 
[eekjoim  early  and  do  not  find  him*    The  Israelites 
that  faid,  Woither  Jhall  we  go  up,  when  they  were 
commanded  to  go  up,  and  pojjejs 
the  land  j  when  they  would  have    Deut.  1.  28. 
gone  up  afterwards  and   fought 
for  it,  were  reje&ed  by  God.  [So  in  %echary,  God 
gives  account  of  that  great  Judgment  of  their  Cap- 
tivity, concerning  which,  though  Mofe  s,  Samuel  and 
Job  had  interceded,  he  would  not  have  heard.     As 
when  I  cried  they  would  not  hear,  fo  it  came  to  pafs 
that  they  cried,  and  I  would  not  hear,  Zech.  7.  13. 

Many  fail  of  the  Grace  of  God  that  frophanely 

(ell  their  Birth-right  for  a  tranfitory  Satisfaction, 

F  ancl 


68     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

Heb.  12. 16,17.  and  find  no  place  for  their  Re- 
pentance^ or  of  Gods  Repentance 
m  favour  towards  them,  though  they  feek  it  care- 
fully, and  with  Tears.  While  Men  are  bufie  in  ful- 
filling the  corrupt  Defires  of  their  finful  Flefli,  and 
make  flight  of  the  Mercy,  that  fo  freely  prefents  their 
Souls;  a  filenc  Decree  pafles  againft  them;  that 
though  it  makes  no  noife  in  their  Ears,  yet  feals 
them  in  blindnefs,  and  hardnefs,  fo  that  their  Souls 
are  for  ever  clofed  therein :  For  who  can  open  what 
is  (hut  by  fo  powerful  and  awful  a  Hand  ? 

4.  It  is  impoffible  to  a  Man  to  die  with  good  com- 
pofureof  Mind,  that  trufts  to  a  Dying  Repentance; 
for  let  the  Cafe  be  thus  ftated,  That  Repentance, 
which  will  not  inable  a  Man  to  a  holy  Life,  is  not 
faving  ;  fuppofe  a  Man  then  in  a  Dying  Sicknefs,  ma- 
king great  acknowledgment  of  Sin,  full  of  Refolu- 
tions  of  leaving  Sin,  and  this  Man  recovering  and 
peforming  nothing,  but  Aiding  back  into  the  for- 
mer Wretchednefs  of  Life ;  this  Repentance  how- 
ever ferious,  and  earned  it  feemed,  would  not  have 
favedhim,  if  he  had  died;  he  had  periihed  in  his 
Sins,  and  his  falfe  Repentance  together :  For  that 
his  Repentance  was  truly  inferior  to  his  Sins,  appears, 
in  that  as  foon  as  ever  that  is  over,  which  gave  it  a 
feeming  Advantage,  his  Sins  throw 
Rev.  2.  7,  C?c.    off  that  Repentance ;    but  true 
Repentance  always  overcomes ;that 
Repentance  therefore  could  nor  be  true. 

And  if  Repentance  be  falfe  and  counterfeit,  there 

is  no  amendment  of  it  in  Eternity ;  when  once  the 

Mafter  oj  i  k  Houfi  is  rifen  upy 

Luke  13.  25.       and  hath  jhut  to  the  Door \  there 

is  no  entrance :  While  the  foolifh 

Virgins 


Of  a  Death- Bed  Repentance.     69 

Virgins  too    late   underftanding    Mat.  25.  ^GSV. 
the  Error   of  Oyl  in  their  Lamps 
only,  and  not  in  their  VeJJels,  went  to  corred:  it,  by 
buying  Oyl,  They  were  fhut  out,  and  no  kriocking 
powerful  enough  for  their  Admiffion. 

Yea  though  a  Man  may  feem  to  be  well  quieted, 
and  comforted,  and  to  have  the  Teftimony  of  the 
Spirit  of  God,  yet  all  this  may  be  but  a  Delufion, 
and  Satan  in  an  Angel  of  light  ;  for  though  they 
that  have  truly  this  Teftimony,  may  be  fuppofed  to 
know  it  is  that  true  Spirit;  yet  they 
that  have  it  not,  may  have  fome-  2  Cor.  It*  14. 
thing,  they  fo  ftrongely  imagine 
to  be  it,  that  thereby  they  may  be  deceived.  This 
Teftimony  therefore  muft  be  proportionable  to  the 
affurance,  this  Dying  Man  had  from  Chrift^  elfe 
even  a  Man  that  dies  fafe,  muft  die  in  fuch  an  un- 
expreffible  Torment  of  Mind,  that  it  had  been  much 
better  he  had  enjoyed  no  fuch  feafons  of  Sin,  than 
only  endure  that.  And  who  can  prefume  fo  upon 
God,  as  to  promife  himfelf  fuch  a  train  of  Miracles 
to  carry  him  not  only  to  Heaven,  but  without  thofe 
Agonies  of  Horror  that  are  like  Hell,  after  fo  Jong 
Impenitency  ? 

Thus  on  all  fides  it  is  moft  neceflary  for  every  one 
to  Repent  while  he  may  behold  the  Truth  of  his  Re- 
pentance in  the  ordinary  Fruits  of  a  holy  Life ,  and 
fee  himfelf  in  alltheCircumftances  of  Temptation, 
change  of  Condition,  Varieties,  which  Life  and  the 
Courfe  of  it  carry  along  with  it :  For  that  is  often 
by  leng  h  of  time  cait  up,  and  appears  upon  the 
Surface,  that  lay  concealed  at  the  bottom,  till  fuch 
a  Concurrence  of  things  gives  it  the  advantnge  to 
rife. 

F  2  I 


yo     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

I  underftand  nothing  that  can  be  objedred  to  this 
laft  Argument  I  have  ufed  to  difable  the  Confidence 
of  fucii  a  Repentance,  except  this. 

It  may  be  (uppofed,  the  Repentance  thai:  is  full  of 
paflionaite  and  arfe&ionate  Motions  towards  God, 
though  amidit  the  fears  of  Death,  may  be  good,  till 
it  be  blotted  out  by  returns  to  Sin,  and  therefore  if 
it  be  taken  in  the  juft  time,  while  it  is  good ;  that 
is,  if  a  Man  dies  before  it  be  reverfed,  it  may  ferve 
the  great  purpofe  of  Eternity. 

This  Supposition  I  muft^-confefs  hath  a  feeming 
Countenance  from  that  particular  place,E^.33.i2. 
The  righteoufnefs  of  the  righteous  Jhall  not  deliver 
him  in  the  day  of  his  tranfgrefjion ;  as  for  the  wick: 
ednefs  of  the  wielded,  he/hall  not  fall  thereby  in  the 
day  that  he  turneth  from  his  wickednefs. 
But  if  the  fcope  of  Scripture- Difcourfe  in  general, 
or  the  very  fenfe  of  Morality  be  taken  in  the  Cafe, 
no  Man  may  truit  fo  great  a  weight  here  ;  For 
Chrift  looks  upon  the  fiony  ground  with  the  fame 

Eye,  while  it  receives  the  word 
Mat. i. 3-20,2 1,      with  joy,  as  when  by  and  by  it  is 

offended;  and  it  was  therefore 
Mat.  7.  26.  truly   no  better  at  firft  than  at 

laft.  The  Houfe  that  is  not  foun- 
ded upon  the  J$oc^  is  as  ill  founded  in  the  Calm,  as 
in  the  Storm,  only  the  Storm  difcovers  what  it  was. 
Morality  it  felf  requires  a  better  rooting  of  virtuous 
Habits,  than  that  they  fhould  be  fet  only  in  loofe 
Ground,  thrown  up  by  Extremity  of  Condition, 
and  not  in  the  Soil  it  (elf. 

That  Repentance  which  will  not  bear  the  trial  of 

time,  will  much  lefs  fuftain  the  Teit  of  Eternity, 

wherein  everything  that  ftands,  muftbe  folid  and 

*  fob- 


Of  &  Death-Bed  Repentance.     71 

'ubftantial :  Things  that  fuffer  the  lofs  of  themfelvrs, 
when  they  are  tried  by  mans  day,  will  fuddenly  be 
confumed  by  the  hotter  Beams  of  God    1  C6rl$.  ^ 

That  hath  need  of  good  Founding,  that  mu!v  im- 
dergo  an  Eternity,  and  have  all  advantage  of  Con- 
coction, that  mult  be  laid  up  for  fev  th  th<?- 
Ihort  Moments  of  a  Death -Bed  without  a  miraculous 
Affiftance  will  not  allow.     The  Fruit  of  it  general- 
ly,  like  that  Hajly^ripe,  ferifhcs 
while  it  is   in  the  Hand:  This    Ifai.  28-4. 
Repentance  gives  up  the  Gholt, 
as  foon  as  it  is  born. 

Now  as  for  that  place  in  Eicl'Jel,  fo  much  vexed 
with  Controverfie,  I  do  not  think  it  convenient  for 
me  to  intangle  a  Difcourfe  intended  wholly  for  pra- 
ctice with  the  Perplexities  of  it. 

Only  I  am  concerned  to  (hew,  that  it  doth  not 
aiford  the  favour  fuppofed  to  this  kind  of  Repen- 
tance. For  firit,  We  mult  not  mi  (lake  the  day  it 
fpeaks  of,  ^s  if  it  fignified  fo  ftrait  a  compafs  of 
Time,  as  a  Day;  but  that  Seafon  wherein  either  the 
righteous  Man  wafts  and  deitroys  his  Righteoufnefs  > 
or  a  Sinner  over  comes  his  Vittous  Cuitoms  and  In- 
clinations, neither  of  which  are  ufually  done  on  the 
fudden.  Secondly,  The  turning  from  IVickednej s 
intended  is  certainly  a  fincere  and  impartial  one,  and 
not  fuch  as  we  have  rendred  this  Dying  Repentance 
fufpicious  to  be.  Thirdly,  It  mult  be  jultified  by 
a  walking  in  the  Statutes  and  Judgments  of  God, 
and  doing  that  is  right ;  that  is,by  a  continued  Re- 
formation, which  will  leait  agree  to  this  Repen- 
tance, and  therefore  this  place  of  Scripture  will 
not  protedl  this   Suppoiition,   but  rather  damns 

F  3  Haying 


j  2     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

Having  now  in  the  foregoing  Difcourfe,  in  a  pra- 
ctical and  pcrfwafive  way,  endeavoured  to  engage 
Men  to  a  timely  Repentance,  by  fetting  out  the 
hazard  of  a  late  one :  I  have  thought  it  neceflary, 
to  make  the  ftate  of  the  whole  Dodtrin,  as  exacit 
as  I  can,  by  confidering  whatever  might  with  fair 
appearance  of  Scripture-Reafon  call  into  queftion 
and  fcruple,  what  I  have  grounded  my  Perfwafions 
upon. 

I  will  therefore,  as  a  Supplement  to  all  I  have 
faid,  Firft  recoiled  what  I  have  intended  all  along. 
And  then  caft  all,  I  can  poffibly  fuppofe  againft  it, 
into \  Objections  and  Anjwers^  that  by  clofer  atenti- 
on  to  the  Cafe  it  felf,  every  one  that  will  be  at  the 
coft  to  confider  it,  may  be  convinced  to  the  main 
End,  vi%>  A  prefent  Religious  Life. 

i.  Firft  then  I  make  it  not  the  queftion,  Whe- 
ther a  true  Repentance,  how  late  foever,  be  a  Re- 
pentance to  Salvation  ? 

2.  Nor  Secondly,  Whether  God  hath  refer ved  it 
ro  the  Prerogative  of  his  Grace,  to  give  a  true  Re- 
pentance a:  la  it  ? 

3.  Nor  Thirdly,  Whether  a  Repentance  that  is 
true  and  fincere,  though  but  in  the  Seeds,  being 
furprized  with  a  Death- Bed,  may  not  then  break 
out  and  fhew  it  felf  more  fully  ? 

4.  Nor  Laftly,  Whether  a  Man  that  hath  the  light 
of  the  Gofpel  brought  to  him,  but  juft  before  his 
Dying  Condition,  may  not  expedt  the  Grace  .of 
God  working  with  it  then,  even  as  in  the  freer 
rimes  of  Lite  ? 

All  theje  J  do  with  great  Confidence  acknow- 
ledge: The  Subftance  of  what  I  have  faid  againft  a 
L)zatb-Bed  Rgpentame,  will  be  comprifed  in  thefe 

following 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     73 

following  Affertions,  which  I  reftrain  wholly  to 
Men,  that  have  lived  under  the  Light,  and  Exhor- 
tations, and  Applications  of  the  Word  of  G:xl,  with 
all  ufual  Freedom ;  and  yet  have  not  begun  fin- 
cerely  to  Repent,  till  they  come  to  die. 

The  Firft  is,  That  a  Death-Bed  Repentance  how 
fair  foever,  it  may  appear,  hath  yet  the  greateft 
Doubt  imaginable  upon  it,  whether  it  be  true. 

The  Second,  There  is  greateit  Reafon  of  Fea% 
God  will  not  give  his  Grace  to  fuch  a  Dying  Man, 
to  Repent. 

The  Third,  That  a  Repentance  at  Death  is  not 
that  general  Repentance,  the  Scripture  Difcourfes 
of,  makes  promifes  of  Pardon  upon,  offers  the  Af- 
iiftances  of  the  Spirit  to,  enjoins  the  Duty  of,  with 
fo  many  preffing  commands.  For  that  Repentance 
immediately  to  be  begun  is  fuppofed  to  govern  a 
following  Life.  It  mud  therefore  be  an  extraordi- 
nary, and  miraculous  Repentance,  if  true. 

Laftly,  That  it  is  therefore  againit  all  rules  of  Pie- 
ty and  Prudence,  by  mifpending  Life  to  call  our 
felves  upon  the  neceffity  of  Repentance  at  Death. 

This,  I  fay,  is  the  Subftance  of  what  I  have  de- 
figned  all  along,  and  which  I  would  now  further 
clear,  and  vindicate  from  thefe  following  Objections. 

ObjcRion  1.  Doth  not   the   Parable  of  calling 
fome  Labourers  into  the  Vineyard  at  the  Eleventh 
Hour,  imply,  That  God  doth    in 
ordinary  Convert. fome  at  the  laft    Mat.2cy.i.{^c. 
Hour,   as  well  as  fooner  ? 

Anfwer*  The  main  fcope  of  Parables  is  only  argu- 
mentative, andj^  far  as  the  fcope  of  that  Parable 
relates   to  this  Cafe:  It  is  no   more,  than  what  I 
acknowledge,  That  God  gives  Eternal  Life  ro  true 
F  4  Repeat 


74     Of  a  Death- Bed  Repentance. 

Repentance,  if  true,  at  laft,  even  as  to  the  firft  and 
earlieft  Repentance.  The  reward  being  to  all  of 
Grace,  and  not  of  Debt.  It  is  alfo  to  be  considered, 
there  remained  an  Hour  of  working,  reprefenting 
rather  old  Age,  than  a  Death-Bed,  if  the  colours  of 
a  Parable  prove  any  thing,  and  fo  are  rather 
againft  this  Repentance,  than  for  it. 

In  the  Second  Objection,  I  fuppofe  Men  taking 
Sandtuary  at  infinite  Mercy  and  Power  in  this  man- 
ner. 

Although  no  thought  of  Man  can  reach  the  Mercy, 
that  accepts  or  gives  Repentance  at  the  laft:  yet 
Mercy  being  as  much  above  our  Thoughts,  as  the 
Heaven  above  the  Earth,  what  can  we  define  con- 
cerning it?  And  though  there  are  fo  many  Circum- 
itances  of  Impoflibility,  according  to  our  meafure 
of  things ;  Yet  the  things  that  are  impofTible  with 
Men,  with  God  are  poffible ;  for  with  God  all  things 
are  pofTible :  How  can  we  then  determine  in  this 
Gafe  ?  Can  we  by  fearchrng  find  out  the  Almighty 
in  his  Mercy  and  Power  ?  Can  we  find  him  out  to 
perfe&ion  ?  It  is  high  as  Heaven,  what  can  we  do  ? 
It  is  deeper  than  Hell,  what  can  we  know  ?  The 
tneafure  thereof  is  longer  thayi  the  Earth,  and  broa- 
der than  the  Sea. 

Anfwer.  Now  becaufe  in  this  Objection,  the  fi- 
news  of  all  Hope  and  Expectation  from  this  late  Re- 
pentance meet ;  I  will  endeavour  to  give  the  moft 
punctual  Anfwer  to  it.  And  though  I  know  after 
all,  that  is,  or  can  be  faid,  Men  will  not  quit  it: 
Yet  I  fhall  reft  upon  this  Anfwer,  as  my  lait  Refo- 
lution  of  this  Cafe  -9  and  by  it  raife  the  diflwafions 
fromatruftin  fuch  a  Repentance  to  the  height;  the 
greatnefs  of  the  hazard  appearing  moft  fully  from 
it.  \n 


Of  a,  Death-Bed  Repentance.     7  5 

In  general  therefore  it  hath  been  noted ,  The  que- 
ftion  is  not  whether  God  accepts  a  true  Repentance, 
how  late  foever;  but  whether  God  will  give  a  true 
Repentance  fo  late;  and  herein  the  queftion  is  npt  of 
the  limits,  the  abfolute  limits  of  infinite  Mercy  and 
Power ;  But  what  limits  it  hath  fet  to  it  felf  ?  and 
what  Seafonsit  hath  limited  to  us?  and  whether  ac- 
cording to  thefe  a  Death-Bed  Repentance  be  not 
almoft,  if  not  altogether  an  Impoffibility  ?  I'll 
therefore  lay  down  feveral  degrees  of  Impoffibility, 
notwithftanding  infinite  Mercy  and  Power,  that 
muft  neceflarily  abate  the  Irregular  Confidence  of 
fuch  a  Repentance,  and  under  one  of  them  I  fhall 
be  bold  to  place  it. 

r .  The  highelt  degree  of  Impoffibility  is,  of  thofe 
things,that  are  utterly  and  abfolutely  imfojjible  with 
Gody  becaufe  they  are  irreconcileable  with  his  Na- 
ture, and  fuch  wherein  if  they  were ,  he  muft  deny 
himfelf ^  which  he  cannot  do.  For  though  there  is 
nothing  above  God,  not  fo  much  as  any  Goodnefs, 
or  Righteoufnefs  abftra&ed  from  himfelf,  that 
fliould  give  him  Law ;  Yet  he  being  himfelf  that  fu- 
preme  Goodnefs  and  Righteoufnefs,  He  is  a  Law  to 
himfelf ;  His  Nature  is  his  fupreme  and  inviolable 
Law ;  And  his  Will  Hands  always  even  with  his  Na- 
ture :  For  his  Will  is  himfelf  reciprocal  with  his  Na- 
ture; And  all  his  Actions  keep  perfed:  Correfpon- 
dence  with  his  Will.  Upon  this  immutable  Reafon 
God  cannot  lye,  he  cannot  do  any  thing  weak,  or  that 
argues  Imperfedion :  He  cannot  but  be  righteous 
in  all  his  ways,  and  holy  in  all  his  works.  Upon 
this  Reafon  alfo  he  cannot,  he  will  not  acquit 
the  guilty.  He  cannot,  he  will  not  fave  or  make 
Men  happy  in  their  Sins.    God  himfelf  fpeaks  this 

Senfe, 


7  6     Of  a  Death-  Bed  Repentance. 

Senfe,  E\ek;  18.  31,  32.  and  c.  33.  n.  As  Hive 
faith  the  Lord,  1  have  no  pleafure  in  the  Death  of 
him  that  dieth,  why ;  will  ye  die?  Turn  your  [elves 
and  live  ye.  As  if  he  fliould  fay,  except  ye  turn, 
all  my  Mercy  can  do  you  no  good.  For  fuch  a  Mer- 
cy as  God  the  Father  of  Merciesy  will  not  give, 
would  not  be  a  Mercy,  but  either  a  foolifh  Softnefs, 
or  loofe  Indulgence  to  Sin.  Such  a  Power  were  not 
a  Power,  but  an  Impotency,  or  turning  all  things 
to  Confufion.  Thefe  therefore  are  as  inconfiftent 
with  God,  as  Folly,  Imperfection,  Sia.  The  Gof- 
pel,  the  higheft  difplay  of  Mercy  refts  upon  this 
Principle,  being  not  a  Salvation  of  Men  in  Sin,  but 
amolt  effedual  Redemption  of  Men  from  Sin.  Of 
all  that  God  can  be  fuppofed  to  do  for  Men,  there 
is  nothing  more  impoflible  than  this,  more  repug- 
nant to  all  the  true  Senfe  of  Man,  more  overthrow- 
ing of  the  undertaking  ofChrift,  more  contrary  to 
the  Nature  of  true  Happinefs.  An  Opinion  of  the 
damned  in  Hell  being  annihilated,  or  recovered  to 
Holinefe  and  Happinefs  after  fome  Ages  of  Torment, 
were  a  high  Probability  compared  with  this.  He 
that  can  tempt  himfelf  to  believe  this,  may  believe 
any  thing,  and  needs  no  Confutation,  but  his  own 
Unreafonablenefs.  Again  It  this  I  have  been  thus 
large,  becaufe  it  fecretly  lurks  in  Mens  Hearts,  that 
God  may  fave  them  without  fo  much  ado  about 
Faith  and  Repentance,  though  being  afraid  to  fpeak 
a  thing  fo  monn  rous,  they  difguife  it  under  the  Pre- 
tence of  a  faint  Repentance  at  laft. 

But  from  what  I  have  faid,  It  is  plainly  to  be  in- 
ferred, Firit,  That  fome  things  which  God  cannot, 
will  not  do,  are  nor  the  reproach  either  of  his  Mercy 
or  Power,  buc  the  Glory  and  Greatnefs  of  both. 
And  this ,  that  He  neither  can,  or  will  fave  Men 

without 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance,     jf 

without  fincerc  Faith  and  Repentance  (that  is  with- 
out a  recovery  to  Holinefs  )  is  one  of  thefe  things. 
The  Death-Bed  Repentance  then,  that  is  unto  Sal- 
vation^  muft  without  all  difpute  be  a  llncere  Change 
from  Sin  to  Holinefs. 

2.  There  is  an  Impoflibility,  that  arifes  from  the 
peremptory,  and  abfolute,  and  irrepealable  determi- 
nation of  the  Will  and  Council  of  God  concerning, 
any  thing.  In  this  degree  of  things 
I  account,  *  the  unpardonablenefs     *  I  cannot  ac- 
of  the  Sin  againft  the  Divine  Spi-     quiefce  in  the  • 
rit.    Tlye  unrenewablcnefs  of  total    Expofition  of 
Apostates  from  Qhriftianity    to     the  Learned 
Repentance.     The  impojfibility  of    Dr.  Hammond 
Repentance  after  this  Life  :  Now     in  his  Anno  t  a- 
though  thefe  carry  not  their  own     tions  concern- 
Evidence    of  being    inconfiftent    ing  thefe  two 
with    the  Divine  Nature,  as  the     Cafes. 
former  ;    yet  the  Declaration  of 
fupreme  pleafure  againft  them  is  fo  effectual,  that 
we  muft  needs  look  upon  them,  as  impoiTible.  And 
we  may  fee  a  great  confent,  a  high  Congraity  be- 
tween the  things  themfeiveSj,  and  the  Determination 
of  God  concerning  them,   which  Reafons  are  yet 
clearer  with  God.     For  in  the  Sin  againft  the  Holy 
Ghoft  there  is  fo  mature,  fo  perfect,  fo  concodted 
a  Wickednefs,  fo  high  a  contumely  againft  the  God- 
head it  felf,  that  it  is  very  irreconcileabie  with  Re- 
pentance, and  fo  with  Pardon.     The  total  Apofta- 
*cy  from  Chriftianity,  and  the  Evidences  of  it  men- 
tioned Heb.  6.  from  the  very  Nature  of  the  Cafe  ap- 
pears irreparable,  becaufe  there  is  no  other  or  high? 
er  Grace,  than  that  of  theGofpel,  for  theApoftates 
%o  remove  to  ;  no  more  Jacrifice  for  finy  nor  are 

there 


7S      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

there  any  higher  Evidences  of  that  Gofpel,  than 
thofe  he  is  fuppofed  to  revolt  from;  and  no  more 
perfed  A6ts  of  Contrariety  to  the  Gofpel,  than  the 
crucifying  the  Son  of  God  afrejh  and  putting  him  to 
an  of  en  foame^  the  doing  defpite  to  the  Spirit  of 
Grace,  the  treading  underfoot  the  Son  of  God,  and 
counting  the  Blood  of  the  Covenant  an  unclean  thing, 
in  the  Parallel  place.  Heb.  ro.  29. 

Befides  all  other  Reafons,  the  unchangeable  State 
of  Eternity  is  fo  confolidate  with,  fo  fixed  into  our 
very  Being,  that  the  Perpetuity  of  it  is  very  account- 
able to  our  Reafon ;  fo  that  there  can  be  no  Change 
after  this  Life. 

From  hence  then,  we  derive  thus  much  farther 
againft  a  Death-Bed  Repentance :  Firft  that  fome 
things,  wherein  we  cannot  find  an  exprefs  Impoflibi- 
lity  in  their  Nature,  are  yet  made  fo  by  Gods  abfo- 
lute  Refolution concerning  them;  into  the  Reafon 
of  which  he  alfo  is  pleafed  to  give  us  fome  light : 
And  that  many  Expreffions  of  Scripture  (  as,  They 
fhall  fiel^me  early  but  fhall  not  find  me,  the  Parable 
of  the  foolifli  Virgins,  with  many  others  )  make 
this  Repentance  very  dangerous,  with  which  alfo 
the  very  Reafon  of  the  Cafe  concurs ;  Yet  not  a- 
mounting  to  this  kind  of  ImpoiTibility, 

3.  There  are  fome  things  impodible  according 
to  the  Rules,  and  general  Laws  of  the  Creation, 
and  Government  of  the  World,  which  we  call  Na- 
ture, and  which  Rules,  infinite  Wifdom  and  Power 
hath  fo  prefcribed  to  it  felf,  that  he  hath  yet  referved 
to  himfelf  freedom  to  fhew  himfelf  above  them,  as 
Founder  and  Lord  of  Nature. 

Thus  it  is  impofTible  for  the  Sun  to  ftand  ftill,  to 
raife  the  Dead,  that  the  Fire  flnuld  not  burn :   That 

is, 


Of  a  Death-Be  A  Repentance.      79 

is,  It  is  impoffible  at  all  times,  but  when  infinite 
Power  is  pleafed  to  be  feen  riding  in  the  Heavens, 
far  above  all  Nature,  that  is,  when  he  is  pleafed  to 
work  Miracles :  fuitable  to  thefe  Laws  of  the  firft 
Creation,  there  are  alfo  Laws  of  the  new  and  fecond 
Creation,    n&  the  Redemption  of  Chrift. 

It  is  true,  the  new  Creation,  compared  with  the 
old,  is  fo  far  as  it  is  new,  All  Miracle.    Such  is 
Righfihufnefs  without  Wor\s,  Re- 
generation; Such  is  the  Incarna-    Rom.  4.  6. 
tion,  the  Refurredtion.    Even  as 
the  firft  Creation  and  daily  Prefervation  are  Miracle* 
compared  with  that  nothing,  out  of  which  all  things 
were  drawn,  and  are  ftill  upheld. 

Yet  this  very  miraculous  Frame  of  the  Gofpel  is 
bounded  with  certain  Laws  and  Rules,  and  when 
thefe  are  tranfcended,  it  is  a  Miracle  in  this  miracu- 
lous ftate  of  things. 

Now  all  Inftances  of  miraculous  Power  are  rare 
and  extraordinary,  and  the  Reafons  of  them,  when 
they  have  been,  have  always  been  great  and  fo- 
lemn;  and  when  they  have  been  more  plentiful  in 
any  Age,  the  Reafons  have  been  great  for  that  alfo. 
And  in  Miracle  it  felf,  there  hath  been  always  regard 
to  the  natural  ftate  of  things.  Miracle  hath  for  the 
moft  part  lifted  up  Nature  only,  wherein  it  was  ei- 
ther decayed,  or  not  planted  fo  high,  as  the  very 
effed:  to  be  wrought,  and  juft  then  defigned ; 
not  minding  the  ftourifli  of  it  ielf,  but  the  main  In- 
tention only :  We  read  of  no  other  Circumftances 
but  thofe  of  ordinary  Mortality,  into  which  they 
that  were  raifed  from  the  Dead  in  Scripture  were 
exalted  ;  only  that  they  were  raifed  to  Life. 

In  the  new  Creation,  fo  much  of  the  old,  as 
would  ferve  in  it,  is  generally  taken  in  ;  and  the 

Con- 


So      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

Conftitutions  that  will  agree  with  the  defign  of 
Grace  are  upheld  for  the  moft  part ;  as  were  eafie 
to  manifeft.  Divine  Infpiration  did  not  difannul  the 
natural  Temper  of  the  Prophets  or  Apoftles;  but 
they  are  eafily  obfervable  in  their  Writings.  Con- 
version doth  not  deftroy,  but  fandlifie  and  renew 
Nature.  For  what  doth  all  this  ferve,  but  to  fhew, 
God  does  as  little  as  may  be,  decline  from  the 
firft  Model  of  things,  His  Wifdom  fo  deepiyH:on- 
trived  ? 

Further,  the  new  Creation  in  all  things  excelling 
the  old ;  as  the  whole  State  of  it  is  never  antiquated 
by  a  higher  Revelation,  fo  the  Laws  of  it  are  fel- 
dom  exceeded  by  any  thing  extraordinary ;  yet  I 
acknowledge,  Initances  there  are  of  Extraordina- 
ries,  even  herealfo. 

The  Apoftleihip  was  in  a  manner  wholly  mira- 
culous,  yet  the  calling  of  the  Apoftle  Paul  was 
fomething  higher  than  that ;  for  whereas  the  Twelve 
were  trained,  and    educated  in  the  Difcipline  and 
Convention  of  Chriit ;    and  exprefs  care  in  the 
Surrogation  of  one  into  the  place 
Adls  i.n,22.     of  Judaic  was  had  of  fuch  a  Pre- 
paration,   yet  the   Apoftle  Paul 
was  fua'denly  born  into  that  high  Fundtion  and  Au- 
thority, into  which  they  were  gradually  admitted. 
But  the  reafon  alfo  was  very  high,  That  there  might 
be  fo  great  a  Proof  of  the  Power  of  the  Gofpel, 
as  a   Perfecutor  and  Blafphemer 
Ads  9.  20,  Preaching  thatFaith,he  had  fo  no- 

21,  22.  31-        torioufly   perfecuted;  and  on  the 
Gal.  1.23,24.      fudden,  that  it  might  be  without 
the  Sufpicion  of  a  Confederacy. 

His 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.      81 

His  very  Converfion  was  a  Su- 
perabundance of  Abundant  Grace:     I  Tim.  I.  14. 
He  was  not  only  in  a  deep  Humility    <sSpTrh&v&n 
of  Expreflion,  but  in  the  thing  it     «  %£$ /*. 
felf,  one  of  the  chief  eft  of  Sinners 
faved  by  Chrift:  His  Sin  had  been     1  Tim.  1.  15, 
the  unpardonable  Sin,  had  not  Ig-    verjZ  13. 
nor  once  abated  it. 

But  upon  that  Iblemn  account  he  obtained  mer- 
cy ;  That  in  Him  Jefus  Chrift  might  [hew  forth  & 
Pattern  of  all  long-fuffering,  1  Tim.  1.  verf.  16. 

This  of  the  Dying  Malefa&or,  I  Efteem  of  the 
fame  kind,  and  the  Reafon  was  extraordinary,  as  I 
have  before  obferved. 

I  have  now  thus  folly  difcourfed  this  Particular, 
becaufe  it  brings  me  to  the  ultimate  Refolution,  I 
can  make  of  this  Cafe;  that  is, 

A  Death-Bed  Repentance  whenever  it  is  true,  is 
a  Grace  and  Favour  vouchfafed  to  the  Soul,  in 
which  it  is  found,  above  the  ordinary  and  general 
Grace  that  gives  Repentance.  For  it  is  above  thefc 
four  great  Rules  of  the  Gofpel,  wherein  alfo  the 
fundamental  Nature  of  things  much  confpires. 

1.  That  God  is  jealous  of  the  Glory  of  his  Grace, 
and  gives  it  by  the  fame  rule,  he  prefcribes  to  us. 
To  day,  while  it  is  called  to  day,  hear  his  Voice. 

2.  God  attempers  his  Grace  to  the  ftate  of  Man's 
Soul,  fo  as  not  to  permit  to  fuch  a  long  hardning, 
and  accultomednefs  in  Sin,  thofe  whom  he  intends 
to  Convert. 

3.  The  Ingenuity  and  Freedom  of  the  Soul  ne- 
ceifary  to  Repentance  is  not  ordinarily  poirxble,amidft 
the  Fears  and  Neceiiity  of  Death, 

4.  Fruits 


82      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance^ 

4.  Fruits  meet  for  Repentance,  and  amendment 
&fe,  and  rhc  glorifying  God  upon  Earth,  by  a  ho- 
ly Converfation  are  univerfally  required.  Such  a 
Repentance  then  muft  be  proportionable  to  a  Mira- 
cle, a  Miracle  in  Grace.  Now  Miracles  are  feldom, 
and  not  but  upon  fuch  Reafons  as  exceed  the  value 
of  thofe  Rules  ( at  leaft  )  in  that  Cafe,  wherein  they 
are  over-ruled  ;  Reafons  of  greater  Eminency  than 
what  daily  fallout ;  but  it  is  a  daily  Reafon,  that  Men 
mult  either  Repent  or  Perilh.  Such  Repentances 
therefore  are  very  rare,  and  doubtlefs  when  they 
are,  God  gives  a  luftre  to  the  Reafons  why  they  are; 
I11  fuch  a  meafure,  that  Men  may  fay,  Here  is  the 
finger  of  God,  ingraving  his  Wifdom  upon  his  Work. 
And  with  fuch  a  Freedom  as  our  Saviour  exprefTes, 
Luke  4.  25,  26,  27. 

The  practical  Conclufion  then  from  hence  is  this, 
It  is  as  prefumptuous  a  Boaft  for  a  Man  to  think, 
He  fhali  Repent  when  he  comes 
Prov.  27.  1.  to  die,  becaufe  the  Mercy  and 
Power  of  God  are  infinite;  as  for 
him  upon  the  fame  accounts,  to  leap  into  Seas,  or 
roll  himfelf  in  Flames,  without  fear  of  danger. 

Nay,  It  is  fuch  a  kind  of  prophane  Infolency,  as 
fome  Interpreters  give  that  of  Lamech  to  be,  Though 
Ifhouldjlay  a  Man  in  my  anger, 
Gen.  4.  23.  or  a  Young-man  in  my  Senfe  of 
Parous  in  an  Injury  :  Tet  if  Cain  notmith* 

locum.  /landing  his  Murther,    was  fecu- 

red  by  a  fevenfold  Vengeance  from 
God  upon  him,  that  fhouldjlay  him,  I /hall  befecu- 
red  in  mine,  by  a  Vengeance  feventy  fevenfold.  Thus 
Men  fay,  if  ever  any  one  for  all  an  irreligious 
Life,  was  preferved  from  Hell  by  a  Repentance  at 

laft, 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     8^ 

laft,  I  need  not  fear,  but  I  (hall :  Both  agree  in  a 
bold  claim  of  the  Sovereign  actings  of  God  for  their 
own  fafety  in  Sin. 

4-  Below  all  thefe  ImpofTibilities;  as  in  Nature 
there  are  great  difficulties,  that  are  not  ufually  over- 
come, and  yet  in  things  poffible  without  a  Miracle ; 
fo  there  are  alfo  in  Grace.     Our  Saviour  tells  us,  It 
is  eajierfor  a  Camel  to  go  through 
the  eye  of  a  needle \  than  for  a  rich     Mat.  r  9.23,  &Ck 
man  to  enter  into  the  Kingdom 
of  Heaven.     His  prejudices  and  prepojfejfwns  are 
fo  many,  his  temptations  and  intanglements  are  fo 
great.     The  Prophet  fays,  Can  a 
Blackamore  change  his  skin?  or    Jer.  13.   23. 
a  Leopard  hisffots  ?  then  ye  that 
are  accuflomed  to  do  evil,  may  learn  to  do  well.  All 
delay 'd  Repentances  are  very  uneafie  ;  fome  Divines 
obferving  few  Converfions  after  the  fortieth  Year  of 
Life.     But  of  thefe,  though  all  Men  ought  to  ap- 
prehend the  danger ;  I  Ihould  fay,  ( that  no  Man 
might  be  infnared  )  as  our  Saviour  fpeaks  in  thefe 
Cafes,  The  things  impoffibk  with  Men,  with  God 
are  poffible. 

Objection?.  But  according  to  this  ftate  of  the 
Cafe,  What  (hould  a  Dying  Man  do,  that  hath  not 
yet  repented  ?  Should  he  expedl  a  Miracle,  or  do  no- 
thing through  defpair  ? 

Anfwer.  Have  ye  not  read,  what  David  did  when 
he  was  an  hungry  and  had  need  ?  He  adventured 
over  Laws,  and  was  blamelefs :  If  any  Man  feel  the 
neceflities  of  a  Soul  perifliing,  let  him  lay  hold  upon 
Mercy  and  Grace  to  help.  There  is  a  Faith  in  this 
Cafe,  like  the  Faith  of  Miracles,  that  removes  Moun- 
tains, and  divides  Seas.  He  that  can  receive  it,  let 
G  fr»fl 


84     Qfa  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

him  receive  it,  Mar.19.1z.  But  let  every  Man  take 
heed  how  he  falls  into  thefe  NecefTities  ;  For  mul- 
titudes not  having  the  right  Faith,  like  the  Egyptians, 
Effay.this,  and  are  drowned,  Heb.  11.29. 

.  It  is  a  very  hard  thing  to  diftinguifh  between  mi- 
rum,  and  miraculum,  a  Wonder,  and  a  Miracle ;  fo 
is  it  between  a  faving  Fakh,and  Repentance  that  may 
have  wonderful  effects,  through  the  Conviction  of  a 
Death-Bed,  and  this  true  faving  Faith,  this  Faith  of 
Miracles;  and  for  any  thing  I  know,  Eternity  only 
can  make  a  Man  fafe  concerning  it,  and  fure  that  he 
had  it.  Doubtlefs  many  like  Joab  perifh,  catching 
hold  of  the  Horns  of  the  Altar. 

Objection  4.  But  what  ?  If  Men  having  made  a 
Profe/Tion  of  Religion,  have  done  many  things  reli- 
gioufly  and  foberly,  and  yet  through  the  prevalency 
of  fome  Lufts,  it  appears  they  have  not  truly  repent- 
ed ?  May  not  the  Converfation  they  have  had  with 
Religion,  fo  prepare  things,  that  their  Repentance 
may  bedifpatched  inthelnftants  of  Death  ? 

Anfwer  1.  It  is  dreadful  to  confider,  how  the  un- 
happy pleas  of  fome  upon  fuch  kind  of  accounts  reci- 
ted by  Chrift,  are  alfo  rejected  by  him.  Many  (hall 
fay  in  that  day.,  Lord^  Lord,  have  we  not  eaten  and 
drunk.  i>n  thy  frefence,  and  thou 
Luk.  1 3 .z63&c.  haft  taught  in  our  ftreets  ?  In  thy 
Name  have  we  caft  out  Devils,and 
Mat.  7.  22.  in  thy  Name  done  many  wonderful 

Works.  Tet  he  [hall  frofefs  unto 
them,  1  never  knemyou^  Depart  from  me  ye  work: 
crs  of  iniquity. 

Bpfides  all  the  Doubts  already  infilled  upon,  fuch 
Men  have  made  a  Cuitom  of  deluding  Religion,  and 
have  great  caufe  to  fear  they  (hould  do  fo  at  Iaft. 

God 


Of  &  Death-Bed  Repentance.     8  5 

God  alfo  is/b  provoked  by  fuch,  as  have  loyig  tempt- 
ed him,  proved  him,  and  feen  his  workj,  and  yet  err 
from  him  in  their  hearts,  and  do  not  know  his  tray;, 
that  he  comes  to  his  oath  againft  them,  Heb.3  9,ic. 

Anfw.  2.  But  left  this  fliould  difcourage  and  fuffo- 
cate  all  motions  after  God,  either  in  Lite  or  at  Death; 
and  they  feem  in  as  good  condition,  that  never  mind 
Religion,  as  thofe  that  do :  I  add, 

Any  good  thing  found  in  Men,  either  in  their  Life 
or  Death,  though  it  have  not  the  worthinefs  of  Re- 
pentance to  Salvation,  yet  fhall  certainly  have  its  re- 
ward in  mitigations  of  Punifhment ;  which  Coniide- 
ration  fully  explained  at  the  Day  of  Judgment  will 
aflbyl  many  of  this  fort  of  Doubts  concerning  the 
ways  of  God.  I  believe  thofe  very  early  feekings  of 
God,  notwithftanding  which,  he  is  (aid  to  laugh  at  the 
Deftruttion  of  thofe,  fiom  whom  they  come,  when 
they  have  firft  ferved  the  gloryings  of Juftice,  obtain 
lefTenings  of  Pain  :  as  conquered  Enemies,  after  they 
have  been  led  in  Triumph  to  wait  on  the  Conqueror's 
Glory,  may  have  even  that  Service  recompenfed  wirh 
a  more  compaffionate  Captivity. 

Anjwer  3.  If  there  have  been  folidity  and  linceriry 
in  any  religious  Exercifes  in  the  time  of  Life,  where- 
by the  Heart  by  the  Grace  of  God  is  prepared  for 
further  Grace  ;  as  very  often  Conversion  is  by  de- 
grees :  It  is  hopeful  God  may  ufe  Death,  as  a  Sea- 
Ion  ofcompleating  his  Work  ;  yet  this  is  to  be  regi- 
ftred  among  the  feldomer  difpofes  of  God,  and  both 
thofe  Preparations,  and  the  Complement  of  them  is 
under  the  caution  of  our  Saviour  :  Strive  to  evter 
in  at  the  ftr  nit- gate,  for  many,  Ipy  unto  you,  fbat 
fee \  to  enter ,  and  fhall  not  be  ab!c7  Luke  13.  24* 

G  %  Obje?>- 


$6     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

Ob j  eft  ion  5.  Is  it  not  at  all  times  a  great  Folly,  to 
promife  a  to  morrow  to  Repentance,  how  long  foever 
we  may  live  after  that  to  morrow  ?  becaufe  we  daily 
harden  through  the  deceit fulwfs  of  fin.  Is  itnotalfo 
always  a  curious  Point,  and  that  requires  a  great  jea- 
louiie  over  it ,  whether  our  Hearts  are  at  any  time 
iincere  in  returns  to  God  ?  Is  it  not  laftly,  always  to 
be  fearedjeft  our  to  day,  the  time  of  Grace  flip  from 
us  ?  Why  then  are  the  dangers  placed  fo  induftrioufly 
upon  this  Repentance  at  Death  ? 

Anfwer  1.  Firft  as  concerning  the  time  of  Repen- 
rance,  It  is  to  be  acknowledged ;  Every  Man,  that  is 
come  to  the  lirength  and  fixednefs  of  his  Under- 
f  landing,  to  the  poize  and  inclination  of  his  Will  and 
Affedtions,  to  the  habit  and  cuftom  of  his  Life  and 
Adiions,  and  hath  not  determined  for  God,  hath 
great  reafon  to  fear;  left  as  there  is  a  deep  print  of  the 
high  hand  of  Nature  upon  his  unconverted  ftate,  fo 
there  (hould  be  a  Seal  of  Juftice  alfo,  and  this  Doubt 
increafes  every  day. 

Notwithstanding  this ;  All  Doubts  and  Scruples, 
that  have  an  appearance  of  infnaring  and  intangling 
the  minds  of  Men  with  fears,  they  begin  too  late, 
are  to  be  avoided;  if  it  be  not  fo  late,  that  it  is  juft 
now  dar^and  their  feet  ftumbling 
Jer.  13.  j6.         upon  the  darl^  mountains;  And 
thefe  things  being  written  efpecially 
ifa.  38.    19.        for  the  living,  who  have  in  ordina- 
ry probability  time  to  lofe,  the  dan- 
ger is  beft  placed  here,where  it  takes  them  every  way. 
By  the  way  of  Encouragement ;  that  the  time  is 
net  yet  pa  ft,  while  they  have  the  fpaces  of  Life,  and 
of  the  Patience  of  God ;  which  is  not  a :  jlackpefs  of 
3ujticig%  but  a  dcfigned  Salvation.    By  the  way  of 

Cau- 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     87 

Caution,  becaufe  they  know  not  how  foon  they  may 
be  caft  upon  a  Death-Bed,  and  this  Patience  be  at 
an  end :  With  Dying  Men  the  cafe  is  otherwife,who 
are  already  in  the  thickeft  of  the  Danger,  and  muft 
work  themfelves  out  in  that  moment,  or  peri  fh  for 
ever ;  without  any  Injury  therefore  to  them  7  the  liv- 
ing are  thus  to  be  warned.  Ifa*  38.  19. 

Further,  It  is  evident,  all  delays  of  Repentance 
roll  down  hither,  however  Men  propofe  a  Itop ;  yet 
hither  the  generality  come  at  lalt :  So  that  in  effedt, 
it  is  all  one,  whether  Men  are  difTwaded  from  truft- 
ing  to  a  Dying  Repentance,  or  from  delaying  their 
Repentance.  For  if  they  are  given  to  delay ;  It 
comes  to  this,  They  repent  and  die  together.  But 
ifa  Man  be  afraid  to  venture  Eternity  upon  his  la  ft 
Breath,  he  will  repent  prefently. 

2.  For  the  difficulty  of  being  fincere  in  Repen- 
tance, I  place  it  here,  becaufe,  though  every  Man 
Ihould  by  drawing  the  parallel  lines  of  Delufion,  and  t 
mul ake  upon  himfelf,  try  his  Repentance  when  ever 
it  is ;  yet  thefe  Errors  fall  in  greatest  numbers  upon 
that  point  of  Extremity,  and  with  lead  poffibility  of 
rectifying  them  :  But  feeing  there  are  at  all  times 
fuch  deceits  in  this  Cafe,  there  is  nothing  fo  necef- 
fary,  as  to  repent  in  a  clear  light,  and  full  leifure. 

3.  For  the  feverity  of  God  in  denying  his  Grace, 
though  I  acknowledge  his  Indignation  condemns 
many,  who  have  dallied  with  him  and  their  own 
Souls  to  be  fuck'd  in  again  by  the  whir  pool  of 
their  Lufts,when  they  would  luve  rifen  out  of  them ; 
yet  this  Indignation  is  never  fo  certainly  at  the 
height,  as  when  Men  have  provoked  it  as  long  as 
they  could  :  It  is  moft  mifcrable  therefore  to  make 
our  laft  morions  within  the  command  of  fuch  a  hor- 
G  i  riblc 


88     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

riblePit,  left  they  prove  only  the  ftruggles  of  fink- 
ing Men  :  yet  this  .we  muft  do,  if  we  are  not  before 
got  out  of  it.  There  is  much  greater,  hope  (how  bad 
foever  their  Condition  may  be)  to  them,  who  are  yet 
in  the  hand  of  patience  lifting  and 
Rom.  2.  4.  leading  them  to  Repentance,  and 

2  Pet.  3.  9.  do  net  defpifi  it^  but  account  it 

Salvation. 

Objection  6  ThisDoclrin  does  not  favor  enough 
of  the  Grace  of  the  Gofpel,  that  would  have  all  Men 
come  to  Repentance. 

Arifw.  To  difcourfe  the  Severities  of  the  Gofpel, 
to  the  ends  of  the  Gp.fpel,  is  moft  Evangelical  Dif- 
courfe. For  as  the  Gofpel  doth  with  all  clearnefs 
declare  irs  own  Rigors,  that  Men  might  not  miftake 
it,  for  a  loofe  and  carelefs  Dodtrin,  and  fo  mifs  the 
Salvation  of  it ;  fo  have  I  difcovered  the  great  ha- 
zird  of  a  Dying  Repentance,  that  Living  Men  might 
be  perfwaded  not  to  calf  themfelves  upon  it,  and 
Dying  Men  excited  to  an  Action  fuitable  to  the  ex- 
tremity of  their  Cafe. 

And  this  is  indeed  preaching  the  Gofpel ;  and  to 

be  moved  upon  it  tvitbfearjo  prepare  an  Ark^to  the 

favmg  our  Souls  before  the  flood 

tiib.  n.   7.         come,  is  as  true  an  effed  of  Faith, 

as  to  be  cor:frainedby  love  to  live 

2  Cor.  5.14.         to  him,  that  hath  died  for  us.     I 

fay  as  true,  and  gives  us  a  Title  to 

the  Inheritance,  of  the  Rjghtcoujnejs,  which  is  by 

F.-rr2  together  with  the  other.     For  the  Prudence 

of  Fait!)  makes  us  appreheniive  of  the  Reafons  of 

Danger,  and  fo  to  Fear,  even  as  the  Gratitude  of  it 

r:es  us  with 'the  Obligations  of  Love.  This  is  not  that 

Fear  that  Love  caft*  out,  but  that  it  fclf  quickens, 

and 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     89 

and  is  alfo  both  quickncd  and  guarded  by  ir :  nor  is 
it  the  bondage, but  the  wifdem  of  Fear*  Rom.  8.  I  5. 
Job  28.  28. 

Objection  7.  But  is  the  general  Judgment  of  Di- 
vines thus  ? 

Anfwer.  All  judicious  Divines  are  very  tender  of 
binding  the  Prerogative  of  Grace,  or  clipping  off 
the  Araon  of  Men  towards  God, 
even  at  this  time;  in  Obfervation     See,  be  fides  the 
whereof  I  have  defired  to  be  cau-    concurring 
tious  herein  alfo :  But  in  their  cau-    Jud^yncnt  of 
tions  againlt  Prefumption,   their    t/je  faticnts 
Expreflions  amount  to  the  utmolt    Bifoop  An- 
I  have  fpoken.  drews  Sermons 

on  Repentance.     Dr.  Hammond  and  Dr.  Taylor  in 
their  Ireatifes  of  this  Point.  Bolton,  Dyke,  &c. 

Infer.  1.  Butfetting  afide  the  whole  danger  of 
a  Death-Bed  %epentance^  Let  me  now   lallly  thus 
reafon,  and  thus  expoltulate  ;  Why  fhould  we  de- 
fire  to  Repent  fo  late  ?  It  is  good   to  be  betimes  do- 
ing that  which  is  mod  comporting  with  our  trueit 
Happinefs  ;  Reconciliation  with  God,  return  to  Him, 
his  Favour,  to  obey  Him  ;  thefe  are  the  trueit  Free- 
dom and  Peace  of  a  Man  at  all  times  :  Great  Peace 
have  they  which  love  thy  Law.and 
nothing Jlo all  offend  them.  He  lives     Pfal.  119.  T65. 
in  the  leaft  pain,  that  lives  holieit ; 
I  made  hafte  therefore  and  delayed     Pfal.  119.  60. 
not  to  keep  thy  Commandments ;  I 
feized  upon'  fo  great  an  Enjoyment,  as  foon  as  I 
could,  afraid  to  be  ktpt  off  from  it  too  long. 

To  fear  God  and  keep  his  Commandments  is  the 

whole  duty  of  Mm^  Ecclef.  \%.  13.  When  a  Man 

G  4  confi- 


go     Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

confiders  Life,  and  that  he  hath  but  a  Moment  of  it, 
and  that  therefore  he  would  live  that  Moment,  as 
much  as  may  be  he;fhall  find  the  higheft  of  Life,  the 
top  of  Life  to  be  Godlinefs,  which  hath  all  the  promi- 
fes  of  this  life ,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come^  i  Tirrv 

To  purfue  this  World,  and  the  Vanities  of  it  is 
not  only  with  greateil  folly,  and  impertinency  to 
J^nch  our  felves  in  a  great  Veflfel,  the  Greatnefs  of 
our  Affedtion;  and  with  folemn  Preparations,  our 
ftrongeft  Adiion,  into  the  low  water,  the  (hallow  of 
Life  ;  which  becaufeit  cannot  carry  fo  great  a  bulk, 
mcreafes  theToyl  and  Vexation,  as  wellasenhanfes 
the  Vanity  and  Folly  of  doing  nothing  at  fo  great 
an  expenfe :  But  worfe  than  this,  it  is  the  loading 
our  felves  with  guilt  under  a  delufion  of  Fleafure  ; 
that  gives  us  fecret  difquiet  and  torment,  while  we 
are  laying  it  on;and  cannot  be  laid  down  as  we  pleafe; 
but  with  more  fenfibleand  induftrious  Anguifh,than 
we  heap'd  it  upon  us,  I  mean,  the  fenfe  of  our  mif- 
doings,  and  Contrition  for  them,  fo  neceffary  to 
svorl^  Repentance. 

To  conclude,  Seeing  £0  die  is  the  end  of  all  Men, 
Ecclef.  7.  2.  Repentance  is  to  be  chofen  whi'e  we 
live,  that  we  may  die  with  the  greateft  quiet;  with- 
out thofe  Agonies  of  Confcience,  thafe  cold  Sweats, 
thofe  linking  Eyes,  and  fainting  Spirits  ;  for  he  dies 
with  mod  eafe,  that  molt  furveys  Death,  and  looks 
into  all  the  Retirements  of  it  before-hand;  that 
knows  it  perfe&ly,  and  all  its  ftrength  ;  fuch  an 
pnQ  governs  himfeJf  in  it,  as  in  a  molt  important 
Action  with  Decency  and  Freedom.  He  is  not  hal'd 
by  Death,  but  received  by  it :  into 
JLuke  23,  46^  thy  hands  I  common  my  fpirit;hp 
X  lays 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.     91 

ays  himfelf  orderly  into  the  (hade  of  Death:  Where- 
as fo  long  adherence  to  the  Pleafures  of  Sin  gives 
Death  a  Violence.    It  makes  Men  both  unwilling, 
?md  afraid    to  die.     This    night  thy   Soul    {hall 
be  required.    Life  is  exadted  of  a     Luke  1 2.  20. 
Senfualift,  and  torn  from  him,  that 
is  refigned  by  a  Spiritual  and  Mortified  Man  ;  Good 
Men  die  in  an  active  Senfe,  they  know  Jiow  to  die  ; 
others  die  paffively,  they  are  forced  to  die. 

This  great  difference  prefers  to  us  Dying  daily, 
before  that  forcible  Dying  at  once. 

The  wifdom  of  Dying  was  accounted  by  Heathens 
one  of  the  worthy  Bufinefles  and  Imployments  of 
Life,  and  that  required  much  ftudy.     Chriftianity 
gives  us  the  true  Rules  of  it,  and  they  lie  in  waiting 
till  our  change  come ;   Time  is 
fhort,  they  therefore  that  ufe  this     1  Cor.  7,  29. 
World,  fhould  not  ufe  it  down  to 
the  Bran,  fenfually  ;  but  only  take  the  advantages 
of  it  to  a  higher  Life :  Elfe  being  met  on  the  fudden 
by  Death,  they  are  like  thofe  that  fall  off  from  Life 
\vith  Violence,  that  is,  Headlong;  but  they   that 
live  in  the  Senfe  of  God,  and  an  Eternal  Condition, 
alight  with  care  and  eafe. 

It  is  therefore  not  only  grenteft  Safety,  but  trueft 
Frugality  and  Improvement  of  Life  to  Repent  be- 
times; and  when  we  come  to  die,  the  eaheft  and 
fweeteitway  of  dying.  Not  indeed  a  Dying,  bur  a 
Tranflation  into  Immortality  and  Bleffednefs. 

Inference  2.  Seeing  the  Wife,  and  their  works  are 
all  in  the  hand  of  God  ;  and  that  he  giveth  Wifdorn 
to  the  Wife  Man's  Heart,  to  difcem  both  Time  and 
judgment ;  and  not  to  be  taken  as  Fifhes  in  an  evil 
Net,  and  as  Birds  in  a  Snare,  when  it  fills  fudden- 


92      Of  a  Death-Btd  Repentance. 

upon  them,  having  not  kjiown  their  time ;  Let  us 
molt  humbly  commit  our  feives  to  Him  by  earned 
feeking  his  Grace  in  the  Redeemer,  in  whom  all  his 
Grace  is  Treafur'd  up  ;  Thus  by  the  Efficacy  of  his 
Spirit  we  fhall  know  in  our  day,  the  things  of  our 
Peace,  that  they  may  not  be  for  ever  hid  from  our 
Eyes;  we  fhall  feel^  the  Lord,  while  he  is  to  be 
found,  and  call  upon  him  while  he  is  near  :  And  fo 
fhall  be  fecured  from  having  the  Door /hut  upon  us. 

Infer.  4.  This  m~y  be  to  us  a  clofe  and  determi- 
native Teft  in  this  point  of  Death  Bed  Repentance ; 
If  our  Repentance  be  fuch,  and  fo  real ;  that  it  is 
not  aL^pofProfeiliononly,  but  Oyl  in  thcVef- 
fel,  that  will  bear  up  the  going  forth  to  meet  the 
Bride-Groom  ;  and  that  we  are  ready,  and  have  not 
our  Oyl  to  Buy,  but  can  enter  with  Him  into  the 
Wedding,  before  the  Door  be  flout  $  This,  how  late 
foever  it  may  feem,  is  Repentance  to  Salvation, 
and  not  to  be  Repented  of,  and  fhall  be  with  Chrifi 
an  Paradife: 

Such  a  Repentance,  when  the  Spirit  goes  out  of 
the  Body,  will  be  before-hand  entred  into  that 
within  the  Veil  ;  whether  the  fore -runner  being 
for  us  entred  Minifters  in  the  Holy  of  Holies,  not 
made  with  Hands ;  in  that  Sanctuary,  which 
the  Lord  hath  pitched,  and  not  Man ;  in  that 
more  perfect  Tabernacle  >  that  is  to  fay,  not  of 
this  Building ;  a  High-Prieft  for  ever,  after  the 
Order  of  Melchifedec  ;  a  Saviour  to  the  utmofl, 
or  to  All  Perfection*  He  fills  up  with  the  valew 
of  his  own  Sacrifice  and  Interceffion,  and  by  the 
Power  of  his  Endlefs  Life,  whatever  is  wanting 
in  the  Repentance,  He  hath  given  ;  either  in  re- 
gard of  its  Valew  as  being  fo  Late,  and  in  the  Re- 

fufe 


Of  a,  Death-Bed  Kefentxnce.      93 

fufe  ofLife;orofthe  deep  Rooting  and  Habituation, 
or  of  the  abundant  Fruits  :  and  having  Apprehend- 
ed, the  Spirit  He  enables  it  in  a  Moment,  in  the 
-twinkling  of  an  Eye,  every  way  enables  it  to  Ap- 
prehend that  ftate  of  Holinefs,  which  agrees  to 
the  Refurrection  of  the  Dead;  firit  in  the  Life  of  Spi- 
rits with  Himfelf ;  then  in  the  Raihng  the  Body 
Incorruptible.  For  this  appertains  to  his  Melchi- 
fedecian  Priefl-hood,  wherein  He  is  now ;  and 
wherein  He  is  King  of  Righteoufnefs,  Kj*£  °f 
Peace,  a  Prieft  fet  down  on  the  Right  Hand  of  the 
Majefty  on  High. 

If  therefore  the  Repentance  be  fuch,  as  He,  as 
this  Great  Prince  hath  given  ;  There  is  in  it  a  Com- 
ing to  God  by  Him,  and  then  his  Solvation  is  to 
all  Perfection  to  it ;  For  as  going  into  the  Heavens 
in  his  Spirit,  He  took  in  his  Paffagethis  Prey,  the 
Dying  Malefaclor  out  of  the  Mouth  of  the  Lyon; 
So  as  Hepleafes,  out  of  the  fame  Power,  the  power 
of  the  Dog ,  He  refcues  thofe  Souls  that  he  h.uh 
made  dear  to  Himfelf;  for  He  living  ever,  quickens 
whom  He  will,  and  He  can  by  his  Spirit  (eal 
this  his  Grace  in  a  Moment. 

For  this  Great  High  Priefl-Hood,  being  the 
Eternal  Priefl-Hood  of  Chrift ;  whatever  is  faid 
of  Him,  as  a  High-Priefl,  muil  be  faid  of  Him, 
as  tin's  High-Priefl,  which  He  is  alvvay,  or  with- 
•out  leait  Intenniffion :  And  as  fuch  an  High-Priefl 
therefore  it  is,  that  Wtfuccours  the  Tempted ,  be- 
ing in  Alh  things  Tempted,  as  we  are,  yet  with- 
out Sin  ;  now  even  as  his  Great  Temptation  was 
at  Death ;  yet  without  the  Sin  of  having  defer- 
red his  flro>rr  Cries  and  Supplications  to  Death, 
though  then"  He  was  moft  Earneft:  He  can  there- 
fore 


94     Qfa  Death-Bed  Repent  awe. 
fore  Succour,    and  be   infinitely   Companionate, 
even  to  thofe  who  are  Tempted,  though  with,  and 
in  this  Sin  of  having  delayM  Repentance  to  the 
laft.    They  therefore,  whom  He  gracioufly  moves 
to  it,  may  come,  even  then,  boldly  to  the  Throne 
of  Grace,   and    obtain    Mercy,   and  find  Grace, 
even  in  this  juft  Seafon,  and  as  it  were  indi/ifible 
Point  of  Time  :  Thefe  Things  I  write,  that  we 
may  not  Sin  this  Great  Sin  of  Delaying  our  Re- 
pentance to  the  laft ;    But  if  any  Man  do  fo  Sin, 
we  have  this  Great  High-Prieft  over  the   Hottfe 
of  God;  an  Advocate,   and  a  Propitiation;    and 
if  fuch  a  one  be  under  his  Charge,  and  given  to 
Him  by  God,  He  is  a  Faithful  and  a   Merciful 
High-Prieft :  He  is  therefore  Faithful,  becaufe  Mer- 
ciful to  make  Reconciliation,    and    to   Succour 
in  fo  great  a  Temptation,  as  even  This  is :  This 
He  can  do,  becaufe  He  is  a  Fore  runner  within 
the  Veil;  and  by  his  Blood  appears,  as  he   that 
hath  obtained  Eternal  Redemption,  a  Redemption 
always  ready. 

This  is  the  great  Security  and  Cordial  againft 
the  Fear  of  Death  in  general,  to  the  Saints  and 
Servants  of  Chrift ;  and  if  by  its  Hyfcr-Pleonafm, 
its  exceeding  Abundance,  and  Affluence,  it  may 
and  does  over-flow  to  fome,  upon  whom  the 
Grace  of  Chrift  Abounds,  much  more  where 
Sin  hath  fo  much  Abounded:  How  great  is  this 
Miracle  of  Grace !  But  who  ?  How  few  are  they 
who  (hall  thus  Live  ?  whom  God  and  Chrift  will 
pleafe  to  make  thus  to  Live ,  When  it  is  come 
to  this ;  for  if  they  are  Few  that  are  Saved,  how 
much  feve*  are    tht?   Saved,   at  this  laft  Point. 

Strive 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance.      95 

Strive  then  to  enter  betimes  at  the  flrait  Gatetfor 
many  (hall  then  Jeek;  at  la  ft  of  any  lime  ffo 
enter  in,  and  (hall  not  be  Able. 

There  is  too  much  of  ( efpecially  the  Death- 
Bed  )  Repentance ,  at  is  Repentance  of  the 
Lamp  only,  that  makes  a  (hew  only ;  that  is  but 
only  of  this  World,  and  from  beneath ;  which  is 
able  for  once  to  give  or  yield  a  fair  and  lightfome 
Fla(h  at  parting  with  the  World :  But  becaufe 
without  a  Treafure  to  Enter  into  an  Eternal  Du- 
ration ,  That  which  is  but  a  Lamp,  fails  in  the 
very  time  of  Tryal,  and  becomes  a  Lamp  put 
out  in  obfcure  Darknefs.  Let  your  Lamps  be 
always  Shining,  and  your  Lights  Burning,  fuch 
as  are  Able  to  be  always  fo,  and  fo  to  Shine  even 
into  Eternity. 

Infer.  5.  From  what  hath  been  fpoken  con- 
cerning the  Great  Mourning  and  Repentance,  that 
fliall  be  before  the  End  of  this  ftate  of  the  World; 
even  before  the  pouring  out  of  the  Vials,  in  that 
Miraculous  ftate  of  Things,  that  (hall  be  after  the 
Apoftacy  ended,  and  the  Kingdom  of  Chrift  in  Sue- 
ceffion  ;  I  conclude  there  ftiall  be  a  Death-Bed  Re- 
pentance of  the  World,  if  I  may  fo  call  it;  but  after 
that,  vh(*  in  the  time  of  the  Vials  we  read  of  no 
Repenting,  but  a  Repenting  not ;  no  more  than  in 
the  ftate  of '  Everlafting  Vunijhment,  in  oar  ge- 
neral Apprehenfion  of  that  State  :  even  as  He  that 
is  Righteous,  (hall  be  Righteous  ftili,  that  is,  for 
ever  Righteous,  and  in  no  poflibility  of  for  ever 
Falling  from  it ;  any  more  than  from  the  Glory, 
and  Happinefs- -of  Eternity,  in  our  General  No- 
tion of  that  State* 

And 


()6      Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance. 

And  this  ftrongly  Argues  to  us  the  Poflibili- 
ties  of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance  ;  feeing  all  the 
Prejudices  that  lie  upon  and  againft  a  Death-Bed* 
Repentance  now,  lie  againft  that  late  Repentance 
of  the  World;  but  yet  it  limits  and  guards  againft 
the  Ordinarinefs  and  Eafinefs  of  a  Death-Bed 
Repentance  in  General;  in  as  much  as  this  late 
Repentance  is  in  a  miraculous  ftate  of  things, 
vtify  of  the  Sprit  poured  out ;  of  fuch  a  Glori- 
ous Kingdom  of  Chrift  come  into  its  Succefli- 
on ;  and  at  the  time  when  our  Lord  fhall  immedi- 
ately Come  in  his  Kingdom* 

But  then  at  the  fame  time  is  cut  off  all  poffibi- 
lity  of  Repentance  after  this  Seafon  of  Repen- 
tance ;  For  as  foon  as  the  time  of  the  Vials  en- 
ters, all  poflibility  of  Repentance  is  fore-doom'd, 
as  hath  been  faid. 

Now  this  Late  Repentance  fhall  be  ex- 
cited and  ftirred  up  to  by  the  Preaching  of  the 
Everlafling  Go/pel ;  and  of  this  there  were  two 
great  Symbols  or  Figures  given  in  the  very 
firft  Appearance  of  the  Gofpel,  w%f  the  Apoftle- 
Jhip  of  Paul,  who  was,  as  hath  been  obfer- 
vcd,  Born  out  of  due  Time  into  that  High 
MiJJioni  agreeable  to  which  is  the  Preaching  of 
the  Everlafting  Gojpel:  and  the  Repentance  of 
the  Dying  Malefatlor,  juft  as  Chrift  was  en- 
iring  into  his  KJngdom ;  And  they  are  each 
a  Hypotypofis,  or  Pattern  for  them  who  (hall 
Hereafter  Believe  on  Him  to) Life  Everlafting; 
and  Repent  with  the  Repentance  to  Salva- 
tion, 


Of  a  Death-Bed  Repentance,     7  5 

tion,  never  to  be  Repented  of;  and  efpecially 
at  that  Great  Futurity  of  the  Coming  and  King- 
dom of  Chrift,  or  the  Coming  of  Chrifi  in  his 
Kingdom. 


FINIS. 


Books  Vrinted  for,  and  Sold  by  William 
Miller  ^  at  the  Acorn  in  St.  Paul'i 
Church-yard,  where  Gentlemen  or  others 
way  be  furnijhed  with  the  befi  Collections, 
either  in  whole  or  in  part,  taking  all  the 
State-Matters,  Church-Government,  Ser- 
mons, Divinity  or  Humanity. 

In  Folio. 

Assemblies  Annotations,  in  two  Vol, 
Ainfworttis  Annotations. 
Book  of  Martyrs,  in  three  Vol. 
Ben.  Johnfins  Play,  Bartho!omefV-¥a\r. 

. His  Sraple  of  News. 

.    ■    -Devil  is  an  Afs. 
Boyle's  Wall- Flower. 

Charlton  s  Phifiologia,  oraFabrick  of  Science,  Na- 
tural upon  the  Hypothecs  of  Atom?. 

Down* 


(  9«) 

Dotvnham  of Juftification. 

Extravagant  Shepherd,  the  Anti- Romance. 

Elton  on  the  ColoJJians* 

Gufinan's  Life. 

Goad's  Aphorifms  and  Difcourfes  of  the  Bodies  Ce- 

leftial. 
Spanifh  Baud.    < 
Herbert's  Travfefe. 
Heylin's  Cofmography. 
Heywood  of  Angels. 

-His  Love  and  Revenge,  a  Romance* 

Jones  on  the  Hebrews. 

* His  Reports. 

pellet's  Mifce.Uanies  of  Divinity 

Lloyd's  Memoirs. 

Orlando  Furiofo. 

Partem  on  the  Revelations. 

Pryn's  Hiftory  of  King  John. 

Hamfeys  Attrology. 

Reconciler  of  the  Bible. 

Violet's  Propofals. 

Venn's  Military  Difcipline. 

Ward  on  Mathew. 

Bifliop  JVilkjns's  Real  Charaders. 

Wilkt's  Sinopjis  Papifmi,  on  Gene fis  and  Exdouu 

In  Quarto. 

Allin's  Scripture  Chronology. 
Arraignment  of  the  whole  Creature. 
Barclay's  Argenis,  with  the  Cuts. 
Ball  againft  Cam  of  Separation. 
Bolto?i's  Works. 
Bslmon's  Pieces. 

Baxter's 


(99) 

Baxters  Works. 

Brisket's  Difcourfe  of  a  Civil  Life. 

Blunfs  Voyage  to  the  Levant. 

Lord  Bacons  Effays. 

Cradock's  Knowledge  and  Pra&ice. 

Clark's  Life  of 'William  the  Conqueror. 

Black  Prince. 

Sir  Francis  Drake. 

Cooler's  Heaven  Opened^  Rom.  8. 

■ Life  and  Death. 

Carpenters  Pragmatical  Jefuit,  a  Comedy. 

Declaration  ot  Nufances  in  Cities/Towns 
and  Corporations,  by  Four  Famous 
Sages  of  the  Common-Law,  Mounfon^ 
Vlo7vden>MamvGod\  with  the  Refbluti- 
on  of  the  Judges  of  Affize. 

Dod  on  the  Commandments. 

■ On  the  Sacrament. 

On  the  Lord's  Prayer. 

Dike  on  the  Heart. 

Digges  Te&onicon,  or  the  Art  of  Mea- 
suring. 

Eupbues  Anatomy  of  Wit. 

Englijh,  Spanijh,  Pilgrim,  by  Wadfworth. 

' Second  Part  or  further  Obfervations. 

EJfexs  Ghoft. 

Englift  Villain. 

Extravagant  Shepherd,  a  Comedy. 

H  Galllnnas 


(   ioo  ) 

Gullimeas  Midwifry. 

Goftj  or  the  Woman  wears  die  Breeches. 

Heywood\  Life  of 'Henry  die  Fourth. 

■ Life  of  Edward  the  Sixth. 

Hooker's  Souls  Preparation  for  Chrift. 

■ Souls  Humiliation. 

Souls  Ingrafting  in  Chrift. 

Souls  Exaltation. 

Hiftory  of  King  Arthur. 

Hiftory  of  Precious  Scones. 

Jackfons  Concordance  to  the  Bible. 

Kilhgreivs  Confpiracy,  a  Tragedy. 

Leigh's  Saints  Reft. 

Meretoris  Sermon  before  die  King.     76 

Me  dice  cur  a  teipfum,  or  the  Apothecaries 

Plea  againft  Dr.  Christopher  Merret. 
Du  Moulin s  Moral    Reflections  on  the 

Number  of  the  filed. 

Appeal. 

Conformity  of  the  Difcipline  and 

Government  of  Independents,  to  that 

of  the  Ancient  Primitive  Chriftians. 
* Account  of  the  feveral  Advances 

the  Church  of  Eniland  hath  made  to- 

wards  Rome. 
Papifts  Younger  Brother,  or  the  Vilenefs 

of  Quakers  dete&ed. 
Syuier  oil  the  fhejjalonians. 

Strut  her, 


c 1CI  ; 

^Struther,  on  King  David's  Choice. 
Sibbs  his  Fountain  opened. 
Thomas  of  Reddings  Hiftory. 
Tarhons  Jells. 
Fifliing-Tables. 

Sir  Hen.  Vanes  Retired  Mans  Meditations. 
Voyage  of  the  Wandring  Knight. 
Weemes  Works. 

Webft.er,  The  Judgment  Set,  the  Books 
Opened. 

15795.  A  CotteBion  of  State-Matters,  in 
all  Volumes,  as, 

C  T  S  of  Parliament.  Anfwers  for 
and  againft  one  another.  Advices. 
Apologies.  Army  for  and  againft.  Ap- 
peals. Animadveifions.  Articles  of  War 
and  Peace.  Allarms.  Accounts.  Addref1 
fes.  Agreements.  Arguments.  Almanacks. 
Billiops  for  and  againft.  Charges  of 
High-Treafbn.  Confiderations.  Collecti- 
ons of  Papers.  Chara&ers.  Conferences. 
Commiffions.  Cafes.  City  Affairs.  Ca- 
talogues of  all  forts.  Decrees.  Declarati- 
ons. Defires.  Difcourfes.  Difcoverers. 
.  Dialogues.  England,  ieveral  fores  Englifb. 
Fights,  divers.    France. 

H  z  Good 


( ■  102    ) 

Good  Old  Caufe.  Grand  Cafes.  Great 
Britain.  Hue  and  Cries.  Hiftories.  Im- 
peachments. Jnftrudions.  Ireland.  Inte- 
reft:.  Divers  Informations.  Kings.  Knights. 
Lifts.  Levellers.  Letters.  Majeities.  Me£ 
"(ages'  and  Anfwers.  Lilbome^  Trads. 
Mercuries.  Monarchy.  Myfteries.  Me- 
morials. Murders.  News  of  moft  forts, 
as  alio  to  fupply  Gentlemen  that  want 
any  New-Year  s-Gifts.  Needhams  Trads, 
Narratives.  New  England,  no  Proteftant 
Plot.,  all  the  Grants,  Obiervations,  Or- 
ders^ Ordinances. 

Parliament.,  for  and  againft.  Procla- 
mations. Plots.  Protections.  Plain  Eng- 
lijh  Proverbs.  Problems,  Politick  Powers. 
Propofitions.  Pleas.  Prefent  States.  Pro- 
ceedings. Papery  Petitions.  Peace.  Princes. 
Trads/  Queitions.  Queries.  Relations.Re- 
ply.  Realbns.  Reprelent^tions.  Royalifts 
Defence.  Refolutions.  Replications.  Re- 
monftrances. 

SedgjinchStrafford.  StztesStubbs.  Speech- 
es. Tiya's."  Travels  and  Voyages.  Trea- 
dles, Tnnfadions.  Triumphs,  Treafon. 
Tefts  for  and  againff  Votes  of  Parliament. 
Vox  tofuli,  Cceli)  Regis D  Dei.  CivitasVlebis 
tilitis  Cidmantis.  Vindication.  Victories. 
War.  Warnines.  •' 

3578. 


( -io*   ) 

357^-  Church-Government  and  Divinity. 

Articles  of  Religion.  Vlficatiori.  Bag-  , 
flaws.  Burtons.  Baxters.  Bayly.  Baptifm  for 
and  againft  ir.  Callings.  Cotton.  Craftons. 
Cannes.  Confeflions  of  Faith  isveral. 
Church  Affairs.  Cafes.  Bifcourfes.  Dia- 
logues. Duties.  Exhortations.  Ecclefiafti- 
cal  Difcipline.    Edward's  Epifcopacy. 

Forms  of  Church-Government.  Forms 
of  Prayer.  Gallajpie.  Gilbert.  GerrejGauden. 
Goodwins.  Heylins.  Hammonds.  Hall.  Inde- 
pendency. Indigencies.  King   James. 

London  -Minifters,  Liberty   of  Confci- 
ence.  Liturges  for  and  againft.    Mother. 
Marten.  Majefties.  Non-Conformift.  New- 
England.  Owens  Ordination,  for  and  a- 
gainft.  Tear  [on.  Pleas.  Presbyter}'.  Propo- 
T<ds."Pagitt.  Tenington.  Injur cclons.  Queries. 
Queftions.  Reformation.  Reafon.  Replies. 
Synod  of  Don.  Articles.  Sacrament/  SnteEfc 
ymnus.  Smith.    Sherlock.     Sprat.  Sufferaga 
of  the  Divines  of  Great  Britain.  Stewart. 
Scandalous  Minifters,. Saltmarfl.  Sabbath, 
for    and  againft.     Taylors   Teftimonies> 
Toleration,    Tythes  .  for    and    againft, 
Vindications.    Uflers.  Vicfars.     Whitfield. 
Wickens.  Warmfiry.  Wilkms.  \V '  thficr.  Wal- 
ker. Several  Tradts. 

H  3  3472- 


(  *°4  ) 

5471,  Sermons  on  mo  ft  Occafions,as,  Affizes, 
Anilleiy.,  Chriftmafs,  Paflion.,  Reiiirre- 
dion,  Funerals,  Feafts,  Fifths  of  No- 
vember, Confecration,  Thirtieth  of  Ja- 
nuary^ Twenty  ninth  of  May,  Latine 
Vificatiori,  Weddings.,  &c. 

Ails  bury  y  Andrews,  Abbot ,  Adams,  AJhe, 
Arrowfmith,  Alefry,  Annefiley,  Baxter,  Bur- 
net ,  Burroughs,  Bould,  Beveridge,  Burgefs, 
Boiide,  Bridge,  By  field,  Burton,  Barker:  Brin- 
fey,  Bagnes,  Bolton,  Bagjhaw,  Benefield, 
BgwIcs,  Bayley,  Brookes,  Barnes. 

Calamy,  Cleynell,  Cooper,  Clarke,  Caryl, 
Cafe,  Cotton,  Carter,  Carpenter,  Coleman, 
Bifhop  of  Chefier,  Cawdrys.  Dod  and  Cla- 
ver,  Dells j  Downame,Duglas , Duppa,  Donne, 
Dike  Durham.  EJhiicke,  Edwards,  Ellis , 
Elborrcugh,  Bifhops  of  Ely,  Exeter. 

Father s :Fair cloth,  Feat ly ,  Fuller,  Fullwood, 
Ford,  Fawkner,  Farmer,  Freeman,  Flower. 
Goodwins,  Gatakers,  Gouges,  Gores,  Gee, 
Glanvill,  Gardiner,  Griffeth^  Gauden,  Gelly 
Gregory,  Geree,  Gilbert,  Good,  Gillajpie, 
Homes,  Holdfworth,  Hiring,  Hodges,  Hor?res, 
Hickeringalls,  Hefketh,  Hughes,  DcXn  Har- 
dysy  Hcnderfn,  Herle?  HortonT  Bifliop  cf 
Hertford. 

jfoynes, 


C  105  ) 

Joynes,  Jackfon,  Je/fop,  Jenkins,  Ja- 
combs,  John/on ,  J  earns,  Knell,  King,  Ken- 
tiflj,  Kidder.  Love,  Lawrence,  Laud,  Lojid, 
Littleton^  Lincoln,  Locker,  Lyford,  Bifhop 
of  London,  Light  foot.  Marjhall,  Mede, 
Maynard,  Mocket,  Maine,  Merit  en,  Ma- 
fin,  Moore,  Meggott,  Neivcomen,  Ne<vill, 
Owen,  Prefion,  Palmer,  Tierce,  Toole,  Pa- 
trick,  Reynolds,  Reading,  Ramfey,  Rich- 
ardfon,    Randol,    Rutherford.  ■ 

Sutton,  St  ought  en,  S  terry,  Scott,  Spur- 
flow,  Bifhop  Stillingfeet ,  Strong,  Smith, 
Sibbs,  Bifhop  Sheldons  Sermons  for  Fire., 
and  Ninth  of  September  $  Slat  or,  Staunton, 
Seaman.  Taylor,  Temple,  Turner,  A.  Bifhop 
Tillotfon,  Bifhop  Uflier,  Valentine,  Vinnes, 
Vennings  Vifitation.  IVheatley,  Whitaker, 
Wat  Jon,  Wilkinfon,  Woodcocks,  Walker,  War- 
ren, Ward,  White. 

5695.  Humanity  of  Several  Sorts,  as, 
Hufbandry,  Hi/lories,  Laiv^  Lilly,  L"'Eftrang, 
Thyfick  and  Surgery,  Playes.  Poetry,  Pcpery 
for  and  againft,  Prophefies,  Schools, :  Sea, 
Trade,  UJury  and  Witchcraft  Books,  &C. 

158.  Catechifms  of  fevcral  Sorts. 

H  4  Otla-vo 


(  io6  ) 

OBavo  Large  and  Small. 

ARcana  of  Aftrology , 
Archer's  every  Man  his  own  Dod- 
A  New  Light  to  Alchymy. 
Ball's  Catechifm. 

Burroughs  Spots  of  the  Godly  and  Wicked. 
Bernard's  Seven  Golden  Candlefticks. 
Bctekrs  Art  of  War. 
Bagfiaws  Rights  of  the  Crown. 
Bumvorth  of  the  French  Difeafe. 
Bradlefs  Grounds  of  Chriftian  Religion, 
Br  am  hall's  Loyal  Prophet. 
Enfeoffs  Life. 
Bafire  of  Sacrilege. 
Baxters  Cain  and  Abel. 
Betto  de  Ortu  &  Natura  Sanguinis. 
Beverly's  Great  Sotd  of  Man. 
Countels  of  Arundel's  Secrets. 
Childrens  Dictionary,  Latin  and  English 
Continuaticnof  hhThilip  Sidney's  Arcadia. 
CGtton  on  the  Covenant. 
Bi/hopZW«Ws  Abftrad  on  Command, 
Drake  Revived. 
Dent  on  the  Revelations. 
■ — —  of  Repentance. 
Drake's  Bar  to  Sacrament. 
Daphnis  and  Chloe,  a  Romance. 
Bn'iblems  Divine,  Moral.,  Natural  and 
HtftoriQaJ,  Ench- 


(  i<>7  ) 

Enchiridion  of  Fortification. 

Epcuruss  Morals. 

Elboroiv  on  the  Common-Prayer. 

Feme  on  the  Romans. 

Fenariuss  Epiftlcs. 

Fort  Royal  of  the  Scriptures. 

Franclin's  Orthologia. 

Grace  leading  to  Glory. 

Gouge's  Word  to  Sinners  and  to  Saints. 

— >-  Catechifm. 

Gundebert,  a  Poem. 

Government  of  the  Tongue. 

How's  Delighting  in  God. 

— Bleffednefs  of  the  Righteous. 

— Marks  of  Salvation. 

Ho  f  tons  Concordance  of  Years.   , 

Holiday's  Satyr  on  Juvenal. 

Hoofer  on  the  Commandments. 

Heywood's  Dialogues  and  Dreams. 

Hill's  Cateches  or  Principles  of  Religion, 

Hiftory  of  the  Great  Mogul. 

Hipocrates  Aphorifms. 

Herbert's  Child  bearing  Women. 

Hume's  St^dhH  Chriftian  :  Being  a  Per- 
ivvafive  to  Conftancy  in  the  True  Fro- 
teftant  Religion,  againft  all  Objedions3 
Temptations^  Oppofitions  and  Sollici- 
•pations  to  the  contrary. 

Harringtons 


(  io8) 

Harringtons  Art  of  Law-giving. 

Heath's  King  Charles  the  Second's  Glory. 

« Loyal  Englifh  Martyrs. 

Hiftory  of  Dapbms.  and  Cbloe,  Thorny. 

Juan  de  L/^Spanifh  and  Engliih  Gram- 
mar. 

Jufiini  Hiftoria. 

Jewel's  Golden  Cabinet  of  Treafure. 

Idol  of  the  Clowns:  Or  Wat  the  Tyler. 

Janua  Linguarnm  Refer  at  a. 

Knotty  s  Rudiment  of  the  Hebrew  Gram- 
mar. 

■ —  Parable  of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.  \ 

Kerhuel  Eloque  Rbetorick. 

Lower  de  Corde. 

Latin  Apprentice  made  Free-man. 

Loves  Dominion. 

Lucius  Florus  in  Englifh. 

Lefpnes  Three  Treatifes  of  Comfort  to 
the  Sick  againft  the  Fears,of  Death,  of 
the  Refurre<9ipn. 

Ladies  Calling. 

Merry  Drollery  Compleat :  Or,  a  Col- 
lection of  Jovial  Poems,  Merry  Songs 
and  Witty  Drolleries. 
Monarchy  Afferted,  in  a  Conference  at 
White-hall,  with  Oliver  late  Lord  Pro- 
te&or^  and  a  Committe  of  Parliament. 

Moral 


(  i°9  ) 
Moral  Philofophy. 
Moriforis  Everlafting  Gofpel. 
Matthews  s '  Miflia  Magnified. 
Ttiomenclatura  Grammar,  Lat.  and  Engl. 
Natural  and  Artificial  Conclufions. 
Nafmith's  Divine  Poem. 
Ovidii  Epifiola'y  Lat. 

■ Art  of  Love,  Englifh. 

De  TriflibW)  Englifh. 

Ramfey  of  Poyfon. 

Ranfbm  of  Time,  being  .Captive. 

Roxana  Tragadia. 

Solomons  Proverbs,,  Latin  and  Englifh. 

Scudders  Chriftians  daily  Walk  in  Holy 

Security  and  Peace. 
Smittis  David's  Bleffed  Man. 
— —  David's  Repentance: 
School  of  Vertue. 
Shake/peer's  Rape  of  Lucrece. 
Shepheard's  Office  of  Conftable, 
Sharp's  Art  of  Midwifery, 
Sheltoris  Tachygraphy.,  Latin.- 
Syntaxis  Erafmiana. 
Touch-ftone  of  Truth. 
Tallei  Rhetorick. 
Times  Silver  Watch-Bell. 
Tymme's  Defcrfption  of  Jerufalem. 

Templum 


(no) 

Temflum  Muficum :   Or  the  Mufical  Sy- 

nopfis. 
Ward  of  Wit,  Wifdomand  Folly ^defcrib- 

ing  the  Nature,  Uie  and  Abufe  of  the 

Tongue  and  Speech. 

Twelves  Large  and  Small. 

ARiftotles  Art  of  Rhetorick. 
Bifhop  Andrews  s  Pattern  ofCate- 
chiftica.  DoeLrin. 

Abbot's  Young  Klans  Warning-piece. 

Ars  Aulica  or  Courtiers  Art. 

Amejius  ds  Ccnjcientia. 

Coronis. 

' —  Medulla  Theohgia. 

Bellarmine's  Enervatus. 

Abernethie's  Dignity  and  Duty  of  a  Chri- 
ftian. 

Bolton  s  Prayers/— Helps  to  Humiliation. 

Bradfliaw  and  Hilderfham  on  the  Sacra- 
ment. 

Barclai  Foemata. 

Euphorm  — Argems. 

Brinjlefs  Rule  of  Life. 

St.  Bernards  Meditations. 

Lord  Bacon  of  Life  and  Death. 

Qorbefs  Self  Implbyment.  " 

Corbjns 


(Ill) 

Corbyns  Call  to  the  Unconverted. 
Bifhop  Coopers  Two Treadles. 
Dialogues  between  the  Lord  and  the 

Soul. 
Carpenter's  Wicked  Politician. 
Cottons  None  but  Chrift. 
Capel  of  Temptations. 
Coral  and  Steel  their  Vertue. 
Cato  Major  of  Old  Age. 
Clark's  Looking-glals  for  Perfecutors. 
. Duty  of  every  one  that  intends  to  be 

Saved. 

Comfort. 

Life  of  Mrs.  Clark. 

-Phrafes. 

Formula  Oratorio. 

Combachii  Metaphyficorum. 

Dent's  Path- way  to  Heaven. 

Do&rin  of  the  Bible. 

Englifh  and  French  Cook,  Compleat. 

— Didionary. 

Father's  Bleffing. 

- — ;  Legacy. 

Fettiplaces  Chriftian  Monitor. 

— His  holy  Exerciies  of  Heavenly  Graces. 

— Sinners  Tears. 

Fullers  good  Thoughts  in  bad  Times. 

Granada  of  Prayer  and  Meditation. 

Golden  Mean. 

Garden 


(112) 

Garden    of   Spiritual    Meditations,,    or 

Flowers 
Gar  butt  on  the  Refurre&ion. 
Help  to  Prayer. 
Hinfiaw's  Meditations. 
Holy  Sinner. 
Hiftory  of  the  Bible. 
Heavenly  Academy. 
Herfo  Wifdom's  Tripos. 
Help  to  Prayer.  T.  V. 
Hiftory  of  Thieves. 
Inftru&ions  for  Noblemen. 
Jtfferies  New-Years  Gift 
Ignoramus. 

Countefs  of  Kent's  Manual. 
Kings  Works  in  French. 
Lzacb's  Grammar  Qiieftion. 

Grain  of  Salt. 

Lucius  Servius's  Serious  Paftima 

Lucius  Florii  Stadii. 

Lejfiuss  Right  preferving  Life  and  Health 

"to  Old  Age. 
Martial's  Epigrams^  Busbey. 
Mothexs  Bleffing. 

• Legacy. 

Midnight's  Trance. 

Moral  Pradice  of  the  Jefuits. 

Meditations  Divine  and  Moral.  Tuck. 

Nordens 


(II?) 

Nordens  Poorman's  Reft. 

Penfive  Mans  Pradice. 

Oxford  Jefts. 

Owens  Epigrams. 

Practice  of  the  Faithful. 

Tarrs  Abba  Father. 

Pra&ice  of  Piety. 

YinKs  Tryal  of  a  Chriftian  Growth. 

Yrefion  on  the  Sacrament. 

Dodrin  of  Saints  Infirmity. 

Yacii  Lcgica  'Rudiment a. 

Pelhams  Meditations. 

Yetter's  Legacy  to  his  Daughter. 

The  Tryal  of  Sheriff  Cornifc  in  Folio. 

18956.   Broad  Sheets. 

Rich's  Pen's  Dexterity  in  Short  hand. 
Divine  Examples  of  God's  Severe 
Judgments  upon  Sabbath-Breakers.,  in 
their  Unlawful  Sports :  Collected  out  of 
feveral  Divine  Subje&s,  w&.  H.  B.  Mr. 
Beard \  and  the  Tract  ice  of  Yiety.  ATfic 
Monument  for  our  prelent  Times. 

A  Brief  Remembrancer, :  Or,  The 
right  Improvement  of  Cbrifk's  Birth-day. 
^  A  Second  Sheet  of \)ld  Mr.  Dodis 
Sayings :  Or,  Another  Poiie  gather'd  out 
of  Mr.  Dodd's  Garden. 

Hunting 


(H4  ) 

Hunting  for  Money,  the  Firft  Part. 
< — Match  for  Money.  The  Second  Part. 

Vennings  Allarm  to  Unconverted  Sin- 
ners. 

Mufe's  Fire-works  upon  the  Fifth  of 
November :  Or,  The  Proteftant  Remem- 
brance 

Perkins's  Whole  Duty  of  Man. 

Mr.  Richard  Baxter's  Serious  Sayings 
concerning  the  great  duty  of  Charity. 

Bifhop  Hall's  Sayings  concerning  Tra- 
vellers to  prevent  Popilh  and  Debauched 
Principles. 

R/irrhyiM/jlja  Cahfta :  A  Poem  in  praife 
of  Punch. 

21459.  Other  Broad  Sheets3and  Sheets 
on  feveral  Subjects. 

12796 — As  alfo  in  Half  flieets. 


FINIS.