bed_n repentance_n viz._n the_o labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n who_o come_v in_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n and_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o as_o preparatory_a to_o my_o enlargement_n on_o these_o particular_n whereby_o it_o will_v be_v more_o distinct_a and_o instructive_a i_o must_v first_o premise_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n now_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n denote_v two_o thing_n 1._o a_o finish_v that_o great_a work_n of_o repentance_n which_o we_o begin_v in_o our_o health_n and_o take_v some_o care_n to_o carry_v on_o amid_o the_o business_n and_o diversion_n of_o this_o world_n but_o do_v now_o more_o solemn_o complete_a at_o our_o death_n by_o review_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o perfect_v our_o account_n with_o god_n this_o kind_n of_o deathbed_n repentance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mistake_n that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o be_v the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o good_a and_o pious_a men._n but_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o vulgar_a notion_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n viz._n when_o a_o man_n then_o begin_v to_o repent_v when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v when_o a_o man_n have_v spend_v all_o his_o life_n in_o the_o gratify_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o have_v follow_v his_o own_o vicious_a inclination_n when_o he_o have_v deny_v himself_o no_o carnal_a satisfaction_n but_o have_v take_v his_o fill_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o man_n when_o his_o body_n be_v disable_v and_o death_n approach_v so_o that_o he_o have_v neither_o time_n nor_o inclination_n to_o sin_n any_o long_o will_v pretend_v to_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o repent_v this_o we_o call_v a_o deathbed_n repentance_n now_o how_o unsafe_a and_o uncomfortable_a such_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n be_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o by_o examine_v the_o formentioned_a particular_n i._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o true_a repentance_n the_o vulgar_a and_o common_a notion_n of_o repentance_n be_v evident_o this_o when_o a_o man_n have_v commit_v a_o fault_n and_o have_v do_v something_o amiss_o and_o be_v then_o sorry_a for_o it_o be_v grieve_v and_o trouble_v that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o and_o do_v hearty_o wish_v it_o have_v not_o be_v do_v such_o a_o man_n we_o usual_o say_v do_v repent_v of_o such_o a_o action_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o full_a adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o gospel-repentance_n of_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o shall_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n this_o be_v but_o the_o repentance_n of_o malefactor_n at_o the_o gallow_n nay_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o repentance_n of_o cain_n and_o judas_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o most_o profligate_v condemn_v wretch_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v will_v be_v very_o sorry_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v he_o will_v be_v much_o ashamed_a and_o will_v have_v great_a indignation_n against_o himself_o to_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o fool_n to_o part_v with_o his_o precious_a life_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o world_n in_o such_o a_o vile_a ignominious_a manner_n to_o be_v tie_v up_o like_o a_o dog_n perhaps_o for_o the_o take_n of_o a_o few_o sheep_n how_o will_v such_o a_o fellow_n fawn_v upon_o and_o flatter_v the_o judge_n that_o if_o he_o will_v but_o spare_v he_o o_o what_o a_o honest_a man_n he_o will_v then_o be_v and_o yet_o do_v but_o procure_v his_o pardon_n and_o let_v he_o loose_v and_o he_o be_v quick_o at_o the_o old_a trade_n nay_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o you_o have_v he_o again_o by_o the_o next_o assize_n now_o will_v any_o one_o pretend_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o there_o be_v true_a repentance_n which_o yet_o be_v more_o evident_a from_o those_o scripture-instance_n of_o cain_n and_o judas_n it_o seem_v very_o probable_a from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o story_n that_o cain_n do_v repent_v of_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o brother_n my_o punishment_n say_v he_o be_v great_a than_o i_o can_v bear_v gen._n 4.13_o but_o because_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n this_o be_v rather_o a_o instance_n of_o despair_n than_o repenting-sorrow_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o insist_v upon_o this_o of_o cain_n but_o as_o to_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o judas_n it_o be_v express_a and_o undeniable_a you_o read_v his_o story_n matth._n 27.3_o 4_o 5._o then_o judas_n which_o have_v betray_v he_o when_o he_o see_v that_o he_o be_v condemn_v repent_v himself_o and_o bring_v again_o the_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n say_v i_o have_v sin_v in_o that_o i_o have_v betray_v the_o innocent_a blood_n and_o they_o say_v what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o see_v thou_o to_o that_o and_o he_o cast_v down_o the_o piece_n of_o silver_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o depart_v and_o go_v and_o hang_v himself_o here_o be_v as_o signal_n instance_n that_o judas_n do_v sincere_o repent_v of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v for_o beside_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o plain_a term_n tell_v we_o he_o do_v repent_v and_o that_o he_o himself_o declare_v he_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v the_o innocent_a blood_n he_o further_o give_v this_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o earnest_n he_o not_o only_o restore_v the_o thirty_o piece_n but_o in_o horror_n and_o consternation_n of_o mind_n he_o go_v and_o hang_v himself_o here_o be_v i_o say_v in_o this_o instance_n as_o much_o grief_n and_o trouble_v and_o vexation_n for_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o sin_n and_o as_o note_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o it_o as_o can_v possible_o be_v suppose_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o this_o repentance_n of_o judas_n be_v not_o a_o evangelical_n repentance_n such_o a_o repentance_n as_o be_v accept_v by_o almighty_a god_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o have_v pass_v this_o decree_n upon_o he_o woe_n unto_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v betray_v it_o have_v be_v good_a for_o that_o man_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v matth._n 26.24_o it_o appear_v from_o these_o premise_n that_o there_o be_v more_o require_v to_o a_o save_a gospel-repentance_n than_o trouble_n of_o mind_n when_o a_o man_n have_v commit_v a_o salt_n he_o may_v be_v sorry_a for_o it_o he_o may_v grieve_v and_o mourn_v that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o may_v hearty_o wish_v it_o have_v not_o be_v do_v he_o may_v make_v restitution_n of_o his_o ill-gotten_a good_n all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v thus_o far_o he_o may_v proceed_v and_o yet_o his_o repentance_n be_v but_o imperfect_a and_o shall_v never_o find_v acceptance_n with_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n but_o here_o you_o will_v say_v if_o man_n may_v proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o yet_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o true_a and_o save_a how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v true_a repentance_n and_o wherein_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v god_n only_o can_v instruct_v we_o what_o be_v true_a repentance_n that_o be_v it_o be_v very_o agreeble_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n to_o prescribe_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o appoint_v his_o creature_n what_o they_o must_v do_v how_o they_o must_v behave_v themselves_o to_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o now_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v inform_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o to_o consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v sufficient_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v of_o we_o and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n we_o be_v express_o admonish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12.14_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8.13_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v for_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o his_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a gal._n 6.7_o 8._o for_o the_o son_n of_o
a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o deathbed_n repentance_n by_o william_n assheton_n d.d._n rector_n of_o beckenham_n in_o kent_n and_o chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n the_o duke_n of_o ormond_n london_n print_v for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n mdcxcvi_o to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n may_v it_o please_v your_o majesty_n to_o accept_v of_o this_o treatise_n part_n of_o which_o be_v preach_v in_o your_o royal_a chapel_n before_o the_o late_a queen_n your_o majesty_n dear_a consort_n of_o bless_a memory_n that_o i_o do_v not_o then_o present_v it_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o excellent_a princess_n be_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o work_n i_o have_v design_v some_o further_a enlargement_n upon_o that_o subject_a otherwise_o i_o shall_v most_o cheerful_o have_v comply_v with_o some_o approve_v intimation_n then_o give_v in_o order_n to_o a_o command_n for_o the_o publish_v of_o it_o the_o whole_a be_v now_o finish_v be_v most_o humble_o submit_v to_o your_o majesty_n censure_n by_o your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a subject_n and_o servant_n william_n assheton_n the_o preface_n have_v make_v myself_o a_o debtor_n to_o the_o public_a for_o a_o plain_a method_n of_o devotion_n for_o sick_a and_o die_a person_n and_o one_o chief_a part_n of_o that_o devotion_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n for_o the_o minister_n who_o visit_v the_o sick_a person_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o examine_v whether_o he_o repent_v he_o true_o of_o his_o sin_n lest_o man_n shall_v from_o hence_o be_v encourage_v to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n to_o a_o sick_a and_o die_a bed_n as_o if_o they_o may_v safe_o enjoy_v their_o sin_n in_o their_o health_n because_o they_o be_v admonish_v to_o repent_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v i_o have_v therefore_o very_o faithful_o examine_v that_o matter_n and_o have_v endeavour_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o though_o repentance_n as_o all_o other_o grace_n must_v be_v exercise_v and_o improve_v upon_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n for_o our_o lamp_n must_v be_v trim_v when_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v yet_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n be_v neither_o comfortable_a nor_o safe_a the_o content_n the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o shall_v be_v eternal_o either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a page_n 1._o this_o life_n the_o only_a time_n to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o our_o future_a eternal_a state_n page_n 2._o the_o vicious_a sensual_a and_o impenitent_a shall_v be_v miserable_a ibid._n but_o such_o as_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v happy_a page_n 3._o hence_o it_o be_v both_o our_o interest_n and_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o provide_v for_o eternity_n ibid._n but_o this_o general_o neglect_v and_o why_o ibid._n the_o case_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n strict_o examine_v and_o in_o what_o method_n page_n 5._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n page_n 6._o what_o by_o true_a repentance_n page_n 7._o the_o vulgar_a notion_n of_o repentance_n ibid._n which_o yet_o as_o be_v show_v be_v no_o gospel_n repentance_n ibid._n what_o repentance_n be_v save_v page_n 11._o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n a_o sick_a and_o die_a sinner_n can_v be_v able_a to_o repent_v page_n 13._o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v may_v remember_v their_o sin_n page_n 16._o they_o may_v also_o be_v very_o sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n ibid._n they_o may_v earnest_o beg_v pardon_n for_o their_o sin_n page_n 18._o they_o may_v make_v very_o serious_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n page_n 19_o they_o may_v make_v restitution_n page_n 20._o whether_o all_o this_o will_v amount_v to_o true_a repentance_n page_n 21._o of_o the_o labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n page_n 43._o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n page_n 49._o the_o close_a page_n 61._o a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o deathbed_n repentance_n it_o be_v the_o faint_a dictate_v even_o of_o natural_a reason_n but_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o revelation_n that_o when_o we_o die_v when_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v separate_v from_o our_o body_n when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n we_o shall_v not_o then_o perish_v like_o the_o brute_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v but_o shall_v subsist_v and_o continue_v in_o another_o state_n and_o capacity_n either_o of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o we_o be_v further_o instruct_v from_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o this_o present_a life_n this_o short_a and_o uncertain_a time_n of_o continuance_n in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a space_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o our_o future_a eternal_a state_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o repentance_n in_o the_o grave_a but_o as_o death_n shall_v seize_v we_o in_o the_o same_o capacity_n we_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v then_o be_v dispose_v of_o in_o a_o irreversible_a unalterable_a state_n either_o of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n those_o who_o make_v their_o own_o will_v their_o law_n and_o who_o be_v guide_v and_o act_v by_o their_o own_o vicious_a sensual_a inclination_n they_o shall_v be_v eternal_o miserable_a or_o according_a to_o our_o blunt_a way_n of_o express_v it_o in_o our_o english_a language_n they_o shall_v be_v damn_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o that_o state_n of_o misery_n which_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v prepare_v to_o be_v the_o sad_a lot_n and_o portion_n of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o divine_a conduct_n and_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o person_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o preserve_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o shall_v be_v place_v in_o that_o happy_a state_n and_o capacity_n where_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v free_v from_o misery_n but_o shall_v further_o be_v secure_v in_o the_o unalterable_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o unexpressible_a happiness_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o these_o consideration_n you_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v both_o your_o interest_n and_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o provide_v for_o eternity_n but_o the_o sad_a mistake_n be_v this_o and_o it_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o thousand_o you_o fancy_v it_o be_v time_n enough_o hereafter_o to_o entertain_v such_o thought_n you_o have_v so_o much_o diversion_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o world_n that_o you_o have_v little_a or_o no_o time_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o you_o have_v settle_v your_o affair_n and_o dispatch_v this_o or_o that_o when_o you_o have_v improve_v or_o clear_v your_o estate_n when_o you_o have_v take_v in_o this_o mortgage_n finish_v that_o purchase_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o hurry_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v over_o and_o that_o you_o can_v call_v your_o thought_n your_o own_o than_o you_o promise_v yourselves_o to_o be_v very_o religious_a that_o be_v when_o you_o have_v do_v with_o this_o world_n you_o will_v provide_v for_o the_o next_o when_o your_o body_n begin_v to_o be_v crazy_a and_o your_o strength_n to_o decay_v when_o you_o be_v lay_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o have_v lose_v the_o relish_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n than_o you_o fancy_v you_o shall_v have_v both_o leisure_n and_o inclination_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n and_o to_o beg_v pardon_n for_o they_o and_o whenever_o you_o do_v repent_v though_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o your_o deathbed_n god_n who_o be_v very_o merciful_a have_v promise_v to_o accept_v you_o i_o appeal_v now_o to_o your_o own_o conscience_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o very_a language_n of_o your_o heart_n but_o know_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o be_v further_o harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n that_o i_o may_v therefore_o awaken_v your_o consideration_n and_o convince_v you_o of_o your_o danger_n in_o trust_v to_o a_o break_a reed_n that_o i_o may_v make_v you_o sensible_a how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o depend_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n i_o shall_v very_o distinct_o examine_v that_o matter_n by_o show_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o true_a repentance_n 2._o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n a_o sick_a and_o die_a sinner_n can_v be_v able_a to_o repent_v 3._o i_o shall_v desire_v such_o person_n sad_o to_o consider_v what_o small_a hope_n there_o be_v that_o such_o kind_n of_o repentance_n shall_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n 4._o i_o shall_v examine_v those_o two_o note_a scripture-instance_n common_o mention_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o death_n
man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o angel_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n matth._n 16.27_o and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o heb._n 5.9_o and_o st._n paul_n do_v plain_o admonish_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thes_n 1.7_o 8._o from_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o omit_v many_o other_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o actual_a holiness_n and_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v only_o sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n to_o be_v trouble_v that_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o unless_o this_o sorrow_n do_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n that_o be_v unless_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o actual_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a and_o evangelical_n repentance_n such_o a_o repentance_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o accept_v 2._o i_o be_o to_o examine_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n a_o sick_a and_o die_a sinner_n can_v be_v able_a to_o repent_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v best_o perform_v by_o a_o plain_a representation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n whilst_o i_o faithful_o remind_v you_o how_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n you_o may_v happen_v to_o die_v 1._o you_o may_v die_v sudden_o this_o have_v be_v many_o a_o man_n case_n and_o you_o have_v no_o assurance_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o it_o may_v be_v you_o if_o some_o hide_a distemper_n do_v not_o thus_o extinguish_v the_o lamp_n of_o life_n your_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n may_v then_o puff_v it_o out_o you_o may_v happen_v in_o some_o private_a quarrel_n unexpected_o to_o die_v at_o the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n and_o so_o may_v fall_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o your_o lust_n to_o your_o malice_n or_o revenge_n but_o whatever_o may_v occasion_v your_o death_n if_o it_o be_v sudden_a it_o be_v then_o impossible_a for_o you_o to_o repent_v upon_o your_o deathbed_n and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o take_v care_n in_o your_o life-time_n to_o perform_v that_o great_a work_n then_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n you_o be_v utter_o lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o for_o except_v you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v 2._o you_o may_v die_v rave_v mad_a or_o stupid_o senseless_a there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mass_n of_o vicious_a corrupt_a humour_n or_o as_o physician_n phrase_v it_o of_o morbific_n matter_n in_o any_o of_o your_o body_n as_o may_v occasion_v these_o sad_a symptom_n and_o dismal_a effect_n and_o if_o this_o be_v your_o case_n where_o then_o be_v your_o deathbed_n repentance_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o repentance_n even_o in_o the_o vulgar_a notion_n of_o it_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o only_o remember_v your_o sin_n but_o shall_v also_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o but_o now_o suppose_v your_o distemper_n be_v either_o a_o frenzy_n or_o a_o lethargy_n or_o in_o any_o other_o instance_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o shall_v whole_o deprive_v you_o of_o your_o memory_n and_o understanding_n your_o repentance_n be_v then_o impossible_a but_o 3._o suppose_v it_o be_v neither_o thus_o nor_o thus_o with_o you_o but_o that_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n give_v you_o a_o slow_a and_o easy_a passage_n out_o of_o this_o world_n suppose_v your_o distemper_n be_v so_o gentle_a that_o it_o neither_o distract_v you_o with_o pain_n nor_o disorder_v your_o faculty_n but_o that_o as_o we_o phrase_v it_o you_o have_v your_o sense_n to_o the_o last_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v i_o will_v now_o examine_v how_o far_o any_o man_n who_o have_v spend_v the_o time_n of_o his_o health_n in_o sin_n and_o vanity_n can_v be_v able_a to_o repent_v 1._o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v may_v remember_v their_o sin_n which_o they_o seldom_o think_v on_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o design_n of_o this_o world_n that_o they_o have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o inclination_n to_o think_v of_o the_o next_o in_o what_o a_o hurry_v such_o man_n do_v spend_v the_o day_n be_v very_o obvious_a to_o observe_v and_o at_o night_n be_v load_v with_o wine_n and_o business_n they_o sleep_v over_o their_o care_n and_o their_o sin_n together_o but_o when_o some_o linger_a disease_n shall_v confine_v they_o to_o their_o chamber_n or_o nail_v they_o to_o their_o bed_n when_o their_o sleep_n be_v depart_v from_o they_o and_o that_o they_o lie_v roll_a and_o tumble_v and_o wish_v for_o the_o day_n then_o they_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o consider_v their_o way_n and_o to_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o to_o recollect_v the_o former_a passage_n of_o their_o life_n 2._o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v may_v not_o only_o remember_v but_o also_o may_v be_v very_o sorry_a and_o much_o trouble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o may_v likewise_o make_v a_o penitent_a confession_n of_o they_o this_o evident_o appear_v from_o the_o former_a instance_n of_o judas_n who_o be_v not_o a_o little_a trouble_v for_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o as_o free_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o fault_n i_o have_v sin_v in_o that_o i_o have_v betray_v the_o innocent_a blood_n and_o this_o be_v undeniable_a even_o from_o daily_a observation_n those_o who_o visit_v sick-bed_n and_o hear_v the_o die_a groan_n of_o depart_a sinner_n be_v best_o able_a to_o tell_v you_o how_o they_o will_v lament_v their_o former_a life_n and_o what_o wretched_a sinner_n they_o have_v be_v and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n they_o will_v be_v very_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a in_o their_o confession_n with_o a_o thus_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o do_v and_o withal_o they_o may_v mighty_o judge_v and_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o it_o if_o ever_o you_o have_v be_v lay_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n with_o the_o terror_n and_o apprehension_n of_o another_o world_n before_o you_o than_o i_o appeal_v to_o your_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v 3._o wicked_a man_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n may_v not_o only_o make_v a_o sorrowful_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o also_o they_o may_v earnest_o beg_v pardon_n for_o they_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n in_o the_o most_o vicious_a carnal_a man_n which_o prompt_v he_o to_o be_v solicitous_a for_o deliverance_n from_o a_o imminent_a danger_n a_o note_a instance_n of_o this_o you_o have_v in_o seaman_n such_o man_n especial_o the_o common_a sailor_n be_v not_o usual_o overzealous_a in_o religion_n and_o yet_o in_o a_o dangerous_a storm_n or_o in_o a_o leaky_a sink_a ship_n those_o who_o seldom_o name_v god_n unless_o in_o oath_n and_o execration_n will_v now_o fall_v to_o their_o prayer_n and_o thus_o the_o most_o graceless_a sensual_a worldly_a person_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o have_v the_o prospect_n of_o another_o world_n immediate_o before_o he_o when_o he_o see_v the_o infernal_a pit_n open_a to_o receive_v he_o o_o with_o what_o earnestness_n will_v he_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n how_o passionate_o will_v he_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o spare_v he_o to_o be_v gracious_a to_o he_o to_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v he_o nay_o even_o those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o careless_a and_o unconcerned_a that_o they_o can_v never_o in_o their_o whole_a life-time_n be_v persuade_v to_o remember_v our_o bless_a saviour_n passion_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n yet_o these_o very_a person_n on_o their_o deathbed_n will_v pretend_v to_o remember_v it_o they_o will_v then_o plead_v his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o will_v beg_v god_n pardon_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o likewise_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v undeniable_o evident_a 4._o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v may_v further_o make_v very_o serious_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o in_o such_o case_n this_o be_v the_o note_a language_n of_o a_o deathbed_n o_o what_o a_o wicked_a wretch_n have_v i_o be_v i_o have_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o but_o if_o god_n will_v now_o please_v to_o spare_v my_o life_n and_o restore_v i_o to_o my_o health_n i_o will_v become_v a_o new_a man._n i_o will_v no_o more_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o intemperance_n i_o will_v be_v wanton_a and_o lascivious_a no_o more_o i_o will_v take_v heed_n of_o lie_v and_o
urge_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n be_v the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n you_o read_v his_o story_n luke_n 23._o from_o verse_n 39_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v crucify_v between_o two_o thief_n one_o of_o they_o rail_v on_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o be_v christ_n save_v thyself_o and_o we_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o thou_o be_v what_o thou_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o christ_n a_o saviour_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n save_v thyself_o and_o we_o but_o the_o other_o answer_v rebuke_v he_o say_v do_v not_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n and_o we_o indeed_o just_o that_o be_v we_o be_v just_o condemn_v and_o we_o just_o now_o suffer_v the_o sentence_n of_o our_o condemnation_n for_o we_o receive_v the_o due_a reward_n of_o our_o deed_n but_o this_o man_n have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o that_o be_v he_o be_v a_o innocent_a person_n who_o the_o jew_n and_o roman_n do_v thus_o barbarous_o murder_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o jesus_n lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o these_o contemn_v and_o revile_v thou_o as_o mean_v and_o despicable_a yet_o i_o acknowledge_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o great_a lord_n and_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o kingdom_n to_o dispose_v on_o and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n that_o be_v immediate_o after_o thy_o death_n thou_o shall_v go_v to_o a_o place_n of_o happiness_n and_o there_o abide_v with_o i_o as_o a_o member_n of_o that_o my_o kingdom_n which_o thou_o owe_v ask_v for_o this_o be_v the_o story_n of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n from_o who_o example_n carnal_a licentious_a person_n do_v thus_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o their_o extravagant_a practice_n we_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o we_o do_v as_o full_o resolve_v some_o time_n or_o other_o to_o repent_v but_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o disturb_v our_o pleasure_n and_o neglect_v our_o business_n as_o to_o do_v it_o now_o since_o we_o may_v repent_v hereafter_o at_o better_a leisure_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o divert_v as_o not_o to_o repent_v till_o our_o death_n yet_o we_o have_v here_o a_o encourage_v example_n we_o shall_v then_o be_v accept_v this_o thief_n have_v be_v very_o notorious_a and_o extravagant_a a_o offender_n of_o the_o first_o rate_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o call_v for_o mercy_n though_o it_o be_v with_o his_o last_o breath_n he_o lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n be_v comfortable_o answer_v with_o a_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n like_o this_o thief_n be_v may_v have_v be_v spend_v in_o sin_n and_o vanity_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v but_o say_v lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o with_o our_o last_o breath_n we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v accept_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o presume_v on_o god_n mercy_n and_o so_o provoke_a be_v such_o presumption_n that_o if_o the_o bare_a say_n of_o these_o word_n lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o will_v save_v thy_o soul_n it_o may_v so_o happen_v through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o thou_o may_v die_v sudden_o or_o thou_o may_v die_v stupid_a or_o raving-mad_a but_o suppose_v thou_o have_v both_o breath_n and_o the_o use_n of_o thy_o reason_n to_o say_v these_o word_n here_o be_v very_o slender_a encouragement_n from_o the_o example_n of_o this_o thief_n that_o a_o die_a sinner_n who_o never_o repent_v till_o his_o death_n shall_v then_o find_v mercy_n for_o to_o prove_v the_o validity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n from_o the_o example_n of_o this_o thief_n two_o thing_n be_v suppose_v 1._o that_o this_o thief_n be_v a_o very_a wicked_a man._n 2._o that_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o do_v not_o repent_v till_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n now_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o two_o can_v be_v prove_v than_o the_o case_n of_o this_o thief_n be_v not_o parallel_v nor_o a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o the_o validity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n 1._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o thief_n be_v a_o very_a wicked_a man._n he_o be_v call_v indeed_o a_o thief_n and_o die_v as_o a_o malefactor_n but_o now_o a_o good_a man_n and_o who_o be_v so_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n may_v by_o surprise_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o temptation_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o very_a bad_a action_n of_o which_o he_o afterward_o do_v sincere_o repent_v the_o very_a case_n of_o david_n and_o peter_n but_o further_a he_o be_v call_v indeed_o a_o thief_n in_o our_o translation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a latro_n in_o the_o latin_n but_o what_o these_o word_n do_v proper_o signify_v we_o must_v further_o examine_v it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o barrabas_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o robber_n so_o we_o translate_v it_o john_n 18.40_o but_o what_o kind_n of_o person_n he_o be_v may_v be_v infer_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o this_o barrabas_n that_o for_o a_o certain_a sedition_n make_v in_o the_o city_n and_o for_o murder_n he_o be_v cast_v into_o prison_n luke_n 23.19_o and_o st._n mark_n tell_v we_o chap._n 15._o ver._n â—_o there_o be_v one_o name_v barrabas_n which_o lie_v bind_v with_o they_o who_o have_v make_v insurrection_n with_o he_o that_o be_v at_o his_o instigation_n and_o procurement_n he_o be_v it_o be_v probable_a the_o ringleader_n and_o captain_n of_o the_o rebel_n the_o which_o conjecture_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o story_n of_o this_o barrabas_n in_o st._n matth._n 27.16_o they_o that_o be_v the_o jew_n have_v then_o a_o notable_a prisoner_n call_v barrabas_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sigfy_v a_o eminent_a person_n a_o man_n of_o note_n and_o quality_n this_o barrabas_n than_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o party_n who_o as_o zealot_n for_o their_o nation_n and_o religion_n have_v make_v a_o rise_n against_o the_o roman_n in_o which_o attempt_n be_v unsuccessful_a they_o be_v punish_v as_o malefactor_n and_o yet_o this_o barrabas_n though_o the_o captain-general_n of_o a_o party_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d latro_n a_o thief_n and_o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o i_o must_v further_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o word_n latro_n which_o be_v now_o a_o term_n of_o ignominy_n and_o reproach_n and_o be_v usual_o translate_v a_o thief_n or_o a_o robber_n do_v ancient_o signify_v no_o more_o as_o the_o best_a author_n inform_v we_o than_o a_o hire_a soldier_n and_o latrocinari_fw-la pro_fw-la militare_fw-la be_v note_v language_n in_o plautus_n so_o that_o this_o penitent_a thief_n as_o great_a a_o malefactor_n as_o he_o be_v usual_o suppose_v be_v no_o worse_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a than_o a_o soldier_n who_o happen_v to_o be_v on_o the_o wrong_a side_n be_v punish_v as_o a_o malefactor_n but_o now_o suppose_v 2._o that_o this_o thief_n have_v be_v a_o very_a wicked_a man_n which_o be_v more_o than_o be_v ever_o yet_o prove_v against_o he_o yet_o how_o do_v we_o know_v that_o he_o do_v not_o repent_v even_o long_o before_o he_o die_v and_o if_o so_o if_o he_o have_v former_o repent_v than_o his_o case_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n nor_o can_v his_o example_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v urge_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n but_o suppose_v 3._o that_o this_o thief_n be_v 1._o a_o very_a wicked_a man_n not_o a_o soldier_n as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v but_o a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n and_o suppose_v 2._o that_o he_o do_v not_o repent_v till_o his_o death_n yet_o i_o shall_v show_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la that_o his_o example_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v urge_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n as_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o examine_v the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o thief_n be_v conversion_n 1._o it_o be_v possible_a he_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n till_o his_o crucifixion_n if_o he_o be_v a_o gentile_a and_o not_o a_o jew_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a he_o never_o do_v for_o christ_n at_o first_o be_v not_o send_v but_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o commission_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n be_v not_o enlarge_v till_o the_o day_n of_o his_o ascension_n if_o this_o be_v his_o case_n how_o can_v he_o believe_v on_o he_o of_o