we_o by_o our_o baptism_n he_o who_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v this_o inward_a principle_n infuse_v into_o he_o and_o stir_v with_o his_o fear_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v but_o a_o abortive_a christian_a and_o have_v neither_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o regeneration_n nor_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o he_o 4_o the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v too_o severe_a and_o will_v tend_v to_o make_v we_o judge_v over-hard_o of_o other_o and_o to_o throw_v die_v sinner_n into_o despair_n as_o be_v in_o a_o hopeless_a state_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o hinder_v their_o repentance_n at_o that_o time_n as_o be_v insufficient_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o severe_a than_o the_o gospel_n be_v which_o shut_v every_o wilful_a sinner_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o pronounce_v damnation_n upon_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o live_v a_o good_a life_n at_o least_o after_o a_o bad_a one_o which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o must_v make_v a_o new_a gospel_n if_o we_o abate_v of_o this_o and_o come_v low_a than_o be_v any_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o government_n and_o with_o secure_v virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o not_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n rather_o than_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o they_o i_o believe_v indeed_o it_o be_v more_o out_n of_o pity_n and_o tenderness_n than_o any_o good_a ground_n in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n that_o the_o other_o doctrine_n have_v take_v place_n but_o we_o must_v not_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a tenderness_n and_o by_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o god_n be_v or_o have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o it_o be_v i_o doubt_v the_o great_a cruelty_n to_o our_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n thus_o to_o deceive_v they_o into_o ruin_n by_o give_v they_o hope_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o account_v it_o the_o great_a charity_n to_o forewarn_v man_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o to_o free_v they_o from_o such_o a_o fatal_a mistake_n it_o do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v we_o to_o judge_v other_o man_n and_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n to_o they_o as_o to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v their_o proper_a judge_n to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o leave_v they_o and_o to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o shall_v stand_v or_o fall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o it_o be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o assume_v a_o sort_n of_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o our_o pretend_a charity_n and_o to_o give_v a_o relaxation_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o undue_a piety_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o blame_v and_o condemn_v god_n and_o think_v he_o deal_v more_o hardly_o with_o sinner_n than_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o then_o we_o ourselves_o will_v do_v when_o he_o pronounce_v damnation_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o bad_a life_n and_o will_v not_o save_v they_o for_o their_o die_a repentance_n out_o of_o this_o principle_n of_o pity_n other_o have_v go_v far_o and_o deny_v the_o eternity_n of_o hellish_a torment_n and_o have_v think_v it_o too_o hard_a that_o god_n shall_v punish_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o short_a life_n with_o never-ending_a pain_n and_o have_v therefore_o think_v good_a in_o their_o great_a pity_n to_o release_v all_o the_o damn_a and_o even_o the_o devil_n themselves_o out_o of_o hell_n within_o so_o many_o year_n but_o this_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o measure_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n better_o than_o god_n himself_o to_o prescribe_v new_a one_o to_o he_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o to_o set_v up_o a_o court_n of_o equity_n upon_o he_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o fix_a rule_n and_o declare_v measure_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n with_o some_o other_o of_o our_o own_o which_o sure_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v as_o to_o the_o drive_a sinner_n into_o despair_n by_o this_o doctrine_n this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v time_n before_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o live_v better_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o and_o nothing_o will_v more_o strong_o excite_v they_o and_o more_o immediate_o put_v they_o upon_o this_o than_o the_o faithful_a and_o open_a tell_v they_o the_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o all_o hope_n and_o trust_n of_o a_o die_a repentance_n which_o have_v destroy_v so_o many_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o die_a sinner_n himself_o however_o i_o pity_v he_o i_o dare_v not_o give_v he_o hope_n far_o than_o i_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o gospel_n which_o no_o minister_n can_v have_v to_o assure_v he_o of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n from_o a_o mere_a late_a and_o deathbed_n repentance_n he_o can_v only_o advise_v such_o a_o one_o to_o do_v all_o he_o can_v at_o that_o time_n which_o may_v help_v if_o not_o whole_o to_o remit_v his_o punishment_n yet_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o abate_v and_o mitigate_v it_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a thing_n and_o commend_v he_o to_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o uncovenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o limit_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o recitude_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n to_o which_o we_o must_v leave_v some_o great_a case_n not_o know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o ourselves_o but_o as_o to_o the_o ordinary_a and_o covenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v limit_v and_o which_o ought_v not_o be_v stretch_v or_o extend_v any_o more_o than_o narrow_v or_o confine_v to_o any_o other_o bound_n than_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o repentance_n have_v no_o title_n to_o it_o by_o any_o promise_n there_o that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n venture_v my_o soul_n upon_o it_o nor_o will_v have_v any_o man_n else_o to_o do_v so_o for_o beside_o all_o other_o hazard_n of_o a_o sudden_a death_n and_o the_o like_a that_o attend_v such_o a_o repentance_n it_o be_v venture_v whither_o god_n will_v not_o break_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o least_o abate_v they_o and_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o he_o have_v there_o promise_v to_o be_v which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v but_o rather_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o question_v whether_o he_o can_v be_v let_v none_o of_o we_o therefore_o trust_v to_o such_o a_o late_a and_o deathbed_n repentance_n which_o will_v expose_v we_o not_o only_o to_o infinite_a danger_n but_o to_o inevitable_a and_o certain_a ruin_n nor_o let_v we_o believe_v any_o such_o doctrine_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n either_o from_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n or_o from_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v rely_v on_o but_o however_o severe_a the_o other_o doctrine_n be_v let_v we_o consider_v it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o shall_v full_o prove_v it_o be_v and_o i_o know_v no_o mischief_n of_o its_o severiry_n but_o this_o which_o be_v the_o plain_a consequence_n of_o it_o that_o we_o must_v not_o delay_v our_o repentance_n but_o take_v care_n to_o live_v a_o good_a life_n if_o we_o hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n sect_n iii_o the_o invalidity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n show_v from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n have_v examine_v and_o answer_v the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n on_o behalf_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n i_o shall_v show_v its_o invalidity_n and_o insufficiency_n by_o such_o plain_a and_o positive_a proof_n as_o shall_v take_v away_o that_o common_a error_n and_o fatal_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o full_o confirm_v and_o establish_v my_o opinion_n against_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o shall_v be_v that_o excellent_a parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n matth._n 25._o especial_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o at_o the_o 10_o 11_o 12._o verse_n for_o i_o shall_v not_o represent_v it_o entire_a in_o all_o the_o part_n but_o only_o what_o be_v more_o full_a and_o home_o to_o my_o purpose_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v afterward_o come_v also_o the_o other_o virgin_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v very_o i_o know_v you_o not_o parable_n be_v a_o eastern_a and_o jewish_a way_n of_o instruction_n very_o frequent_o use_v by_o their_o wiseman_n and_o so_o make_v customary_a
heaven_n though_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n be_v a_o reward_n too_o and_o shall_v be_v exact_o proportion_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o to_o the_o deserve_n and_o action_n and_o behaviour_n of_o men._n the_o main_a foundation_n then_o of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o efficacy_n or_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n must_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n i._n e._n the_o history_n or_o relation_n of_o a_o man_n who_o die_v as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o yet_o certain_o go_v to_o heaven_n for_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o it_o now_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o hundred_o such_o malefactor_n have_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o many_o thousand_o sinner_n that_o be_v once_o bad_a man_n but_o yet_o have_v they_o never_o repent_v till_o they_o come_v to_o die_v i_o do_v as_o very_o believe_v that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o have_v go_v thither_o but_o to_o another_o place_n where_o man_n shall_v for_o ever_o repent_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o most_o man_n do_v who_o have_v not_o do_v so_o before_o that_o time_n to_o ground_n and_o establish_v this_o doctrine_n upon_o this_o historical_a case_n and_o it_o be_v i_o believe_v the_o only_a doctrine_n that_o have_v such_o a_o foundation_n we_o must_v examine_v whether_o it_o certain_o and_o exact_o come_v up_o in_o all_o the_o particular_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n live_v a_o very_a ill_a life_n till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o then_o only_o repent_v of_o it_o we_o must_v then_o inquire_v whether_o it_o plain_o and_o certain_o appear_v from_o the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o 1._o whether_o he_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a man_n in_o the_o whole_a or_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n 2._o whether_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o do_v not_o repent_v long_o before_o he_o come_v to_o die_v for_o if_o these_o two_o be_v not_o certain_o know_v nor_o do_v appear_v from_o scripture_n the_o case_n may_v be_v very_o different_a and_o no_o way_n suit_n or_o answer_v the_o late_a and_o die_a repentance_n of_o a_o very_a wicked_a man_n and_o 3._o suppose_v those_o two_o yet_o how_o can_v we_o tell_v whether_o this_o may_v not_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o no_o other_o sinner_n whatsoever_o 1._o whether_o it_o do_v appear_v from_o the_o account_n scripture_n give_v we_o of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a man_n in_o the_o whole_a or_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o inquiry_n be_v this_o that_o a_o general_a habit_n of_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n put_v he_o into_o a_o more_o wretched_a and_o dangerous_a and_o deplorable_a state_n than_o any_o particular_a act_n of_o sin_n or_o then_o any_o one_o sin_n whatsoever_o for_o that_o like_o a_o leprosy_n spread_v over_o and_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a mind_n lay_v the_o whole_a conscience_n waste_v and_o root_n up_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o put_v man_n in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o who_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v so_o far_o go_v not_o be_v a_o sinner_n of_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n but_o may_v be_v a_o imperfect_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o fall_v into_o a_o wilful_a sin_n by_o the_o suddenness_n or_o greatness_n of_o the_o temptation_n by_o surprise_n and_o inconsideration_n and_o laxness_n of_o thought_n by_o a_o remissness_n in_o religion_n and_o not_o be_v due_o upon_o his_o guard_n and_o by_o the_o struggle_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n between_o this_o world_n and_o another_o which_o make_v the_o one_o now_o and_o then_o get_v the_o better_a of_o the_o other_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o borderer_n upon_o virtue_n and_o life_n between_o the_o confine_n of_o that_o and_o wickedness_n and_o sometime_o he_o be_v govern_v and_o bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o one_o and_o sometime_o be_v overcome_v and_o make_v a_o prey_n by_o the_o other_o now_o though_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n till_o he_o come_v whole_o off_o from_o every_o wilful_a sin_n and_o be_v more_o under_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n yet_o he_o be_v near_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o may_v soon_o by_o repentance_n and_o become_v a_o good_a man_n fit_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o so_o enter_v into_o it_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v in_o scripture_n from_o the_o history_n of_o this_o penitent_a thief_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v a_o very_a ill_a man_n or_o no_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n only_o that_o he_o be_v a_o thief_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o denominate_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o suffer_v as_o he_o himself_o own_v just_o and_o receive_v the_o due_a reward_n of_o his_o deed_n luke_n 23.41_o but_o who_o know_v what_o abatement_n his_o sin_n may_v have_v either_o by_o extreme_a necessity_n or_o some_o other_o circumstance_n which_o god_n may_v fair_o consider_v and_o allow_v for_o though_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o infamous_a death_n here_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o humane_a law_n even_o a_o good_a man_n who_o be_v so_o in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o habit_n of_o his_o life_n may_v fall_v into_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o wilful_a sin_n as_o we_o see_v in_o david_n moses_n and_o st._n peter_n and_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v 1_o cor._n 10.12_o for_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_o out_o of_o danger_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o this_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o infirmity_n and_o though_o every_o such_o sin_n break_v a_o man_n good_a state_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o ill_a one_o till_o he_o recover_v himself_o by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n for_o man_n state_n of_o grace_n and_o damnation_n be_v no_o way_n fix_v here_o but_o be_v alterable_a in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o behaviour_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o recover_v from_o a_o single_a act_n than_o a_o long_a habit_n as_o it_o be_v to_o cure_v a_o green_a wound_n than_o a_o old_a ulcer_n or_o a_o chronical_a disease_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o habitual_a soundness_n within_o where_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o vitiate_v with_o habitual_a corruption_n and_o evil_a principle_n and_o irreligious_a habit_n and_o custom_n but_o have_v a_o pretty_a good_a sense_n of_o religion_n though_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v overpowred_n with_o a_o temptation_n there_o it_o will_v soon_o recover_v itself_o and_o throw_v off_o the_o disease_n and_o the_o corrupt_a matter_n by_o its_o own_o inward_a strength_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n there_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n will_v unfold_v and_o expand_v themselves_o by_o the_o power_n of_o restitution_n since_o though_o they_o have_v be_v press_v down_o and_o overpowr_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o be_v quite_o break_v and_o destroy_v the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a sense_n will_v revive_v again_o in_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o whole_o extinguish_v though_o very_o much_o damp_a and_o choke_v and_o weaken_v and_o thus_o they_o plain_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o thus_o penitent_a thief_n by_o his_o carriage_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v by_o and_o by_o by_o his_o rebuke_v the_o other_o thief_n who_o be_v rail_v at_o christ_n with_o that_o most_o sober_a reprimand_n do_v thou_o not_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n ver_fw-la 40._o and_o by_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o full_a persuasion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o state_n and_o his_o devout_a and_o religious_a prayer_n to_o christ_n to_o remember_v he_o when_o he_o come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n these_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o very_o profligate_v or_o ill_a man_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n but_o rather_o such_o a_o good_a one_o who_o live_v not_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o many_o great_a sin_n but_o fall_v into_o a_o particular_a act_n by_o a_o temptation_n that_o may_v great_o lessen_v it_o before_o god_n though_o it_o make_v he_o a_o example_n before_o man_n but_o 2._o whatever_o his_o sin_n be_v however_o great_a and_o however_o sinful_a a_o man_n he_o have_v be_v yet_o who_o know_v how_o long_o he_o have_v repent_v and_o how_o sincere_o and_o what_o fruit_n he_o have_v show_v of_o his_o repentance_n we_o know_v not_o when_o the_o theft_n be_v commit_v and_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o immediate_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o make_v
baptism_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v upon_o baptism_n though_o he_o be_v not_o a_o good_a man_n be_v not_o allowable_a but_o if_o he_o die_v just_a upon_o it_o god_n will_v judge_v he_o according_a to_o the_o present_a temper_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o past_a course_n of_o his_o action_n allow_v he_o the_o gracious_a term_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v now_o a_o right_a to_o by_o his_o baptism_n but_o to_o think_v he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o any_o actual_a goodness_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o in_o his_o life_n be_v i_o think_v very_o false_a though_o a_o less_o degree_n may_v save_v he_o that_o know_v not_o baptism_n or_o christianity_n than_o he_o that_o do_v but_o as_o for_o the_o baptism_n of_o blood_n or_o allow_v martyrdom_n the_o privilege_n of_o baptism_n this_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o ordinary_a right_n but_o presumptive_a equity_n and_o salvation_n be_v allow_v to_o they_o because_o no_o man_n but_o must_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a man_n and_o have_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o actual_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n who_o die_v a_o martyr_n and_o prefer_v religion_n before_o every_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n even_o his_o very_a life_n and_o without_o this_o in_o some_o high_a measure_n than_o mere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n and_o mere_a sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o not_o have_v it_o i_o deny_v that_o any_o baptism_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o will_v save_v a_o man._n this_o i_o say_v to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n that_o it_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v which_o be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o baptism_n will_v send_v a_o wicked_a and_o unqualify_v soul_n to_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o mere_a die_a repentance_n without_o any_o degree_n of_o actual_a holiness_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n why_o may_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o eucharist_n do_v the_o same_o by_o the_o like_a die_a repentance_n or_o according_a to_o the_o roman_a principle_n the_o grace_n of_o penance_n and_o absolution_n or_o of_o extreme_a unction_n which_o have_v all_o the_o same_o superstitious_a error_n at_o the_o bottom_n sect_n ii_o the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n on_o behalf_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n answer_v have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o support_v or_o justify_v the_o validity_n and_o efficacy_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n i_o shall_v now_o examine_v the_o other_o plea_n and_o pretence_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o it_o and_o show_v how_o weak_a and_o ungrounded_a they_o be_v so_o that_o no_o man_n may_v believe_v such_o a_o dangerous_a and_o mistake_a doctrine_n nor_o venture_v his_o soul_n not_o only_o upon_o such_o a_o uncertain_a hazard_n but_o such_o a_o certain_a danger_n and_o inevitable_a ruin_n as_o that_o will_v bring_v upon_o he_o if_o he_o presume_v upon_o it_o and_o trust_n to_o it_o i_o shall_v consider_v and_o rectify_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v about_o it_o which_o be_v chief_o these_o follow_v first_o that_o at_o whatsoever_o time_n a_o sinner_n repent_v he_o shall_v find_v mercy_n second_o that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v so_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o resolve_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n that_o god_n see_v if_o he_o shall_v live_v he_o will_v make_v this_o good_a than_o this_o will_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o the_o deed._n three_o that_o god_n may_v turn_v and_o change_v a_o man_n heart_n on_o a_o sudden_a four_o that_o by_o deny_v the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n we_o throw_v man_n into_o despair_n and_o take_v away_o the_o argument_n that_o shall_v persuade_v they_o then_o to_o repent_v and_o limit_n god_n mercy_n and_o restrain_v his_o grace_n and_o the_o like_a first_o that_o expression_n whensoever_o or_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v he_o shall_v find_v mercy_n now_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v and_o in_o so_o many_o word_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a will_v not_o full_o bear_v such_o a_o translation_n ezek._n 18.21_o and_o some_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o as_o give_v too_o much_o encouragement_n to_o the_o doctrine_n i_o be_o oppose_v it_o be_v leave_v out_o of_o the_o sentence_n begin_v our_o morning-prayer_n yet_o if_o we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o utmost_a and_o full_a sense_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o when_o and_o whensoever_o or_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o yet_o it_o no_o way_n avail_v to_o the_o maintain_v the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n for_o all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v then_o do_v do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o true_a repentance_n such_o a_o repentance_n as_o have_v pardon_n and_o salvation_n promise_v to_o it_o by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o man_n may_v then_o be_v very_o sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o hearty_o trouble_v and_o concern_v for_o they_o but_o this_o sorrow_n alone_o be_v it_o upon_o never_o so_o good_a reason_n be_v not_o repentance_n but_o that_o which_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v that_o feel_n the_o smart_n of_o a_o wound_n be_v heal_v it_o as_o mere_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v true_a repentance_n few_o sinner_n and_o few_o malefactor_n but_o be_v thus_o sorrowful_a when_o they_o come_v near_o the_o place_n of_o punishment_n and_o execution_n they_o be_v sorry_a they_o must_v suffer_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o their_o suffering_n make_v sin_n very_o bitter_a to_o they_o but_o if_o that_o be_v remove_v they_o will_v love_v they_o and_o commit_v they_o perhaps_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o if_o sorrow_n alone_o for_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o deep_a and_o grievous_a be_v true_a repentance_n than_o cain_n and_o judas_n be_v as_o great_a penitent_n as_o any_o and_o so_o will_v all_o the_o damn_a be_v to_o all_o eternity_n who_o will_v thus_o sorrow_n and_o thus_o repent_v for_o ever_o of_o their_o sin_n but_o without_o any_o amendment_n and_o they_o will_v wish_v also_o a_o thousand_o time_n that_o they_o have_v be_v wise_a and_o live_v better_a and_o have_v not_o by_o their_o foolish_a and_o wicked_a course_n bring_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a condition_n and_o will_v god_n but_o let_v they_o live_v over_o their_o life_n again_o oh_o how_o much_o better_o will_v they_o be_v how_o much_o otherwise_o will_v they_o live_v and_o how_o hearty_o will_v they_o purpose_v and_o resolve_v to_o leave_v all_o their_o sin_n and_o lead_v a_o very_a good_a life_n will_v god_n but_o give_v they_o opportunity_n and_o space_n and_o try_v they_o once_o more_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o sinner_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o too_o when_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n be_v over_o when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o do_v all_o this_o which_o they_o now_o wish_v they_o have_v do_v but_o will_v not_o do_v it_o when_o god_n give_v they_o time_n and_o so_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o only_a opportunity_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o retrieve_v will_v god_n grant_v either_o the_o sinner_n that_o be_v damn_v or_o the_o sinner_n that_o be_v a_o die_a opportunity_n to_o live_v again_o they_o will_v both_o be_v better_a perhaps_o but_o since_o he_o do_v not_o he_o will_v judge_v they_o not_o according_a to_o what_o they_o will_v be_v but_o what_o they_o have_v be_v not_o according_a to_o what_o they_o wish_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v but_o what_o they_o actual_o have_v do_v since_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o their_o wish_n their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n but_o according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o action_n whether_o they_o have_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o 2_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o determination_n which_o have_v be_v often_o give_v about_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n n_o that_o if_o a_o man_n purpose_n be_v then_o so_o sincere_a that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o good_a if_o he_o live_v that_o then_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o his_o salvation_n have_v god_n give_v he_o time_n to_o make_v they_o good_a and_o from_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o have_v become_v a_o good_a one_o which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a notion_n i_o know_v of_o repentance_n than_o indeed_o he_o have_v fall_v under_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o god_n have_v declare_v pardon_n to_o all_o man_n that_o repent_v and_o amend_v but_o no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v
which_o we_o can_v never_o enjoy_v the_o true_a happiness_n we_o be_v make_v for_o and_o to_o which_o our_o mind_n be_v fit_v virtue_n alone_o can_v give_v that_o and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n peace_n and_o joy_n that_o result_n from_o it_o whereas_o wickedness_n will_v necessary_o not_o only_a corrupt_a and_o impair_v the_o mind_n and_o spoil_v its_o faculty_n but_o disorder_n and_o wound_n and_o corrode_v it_o and_o make_v it_o very_o painful_a and_o uneasy_a and_o a_o hell_n and_o torment_n to_o itself_o 2._o as_o none_o but_o good_a man_n shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n so_o none_o can_v be_v make_v good_a on_o a_o sudden_a those_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v or_o attain_v immediate_o in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a hurry_n as_o be_v intimate_v here_o by_o the_o virgin_n want_v oil_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o procure_v or_o buy_v it_o in_o their_o present_a distress_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v a_o come_n we_o must_v be_v prepare_v and_o provide_v with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o future_a happiness_n before_o death_n come_v and_o put_v we_o on_o a_o sudden_a hurry_n and_o alarm_n we_o with_o its_o unexpected_a approach_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v sad_o disappoint_v and_o unprovided_a if_o we_o expect_v to_o procure_v or_o attain_v they_o then_o if_o we_o think_v to_o borrow_v of_o another_o virtue_n and_o merit_n to_o help_v out_o our_o own_o defect_n and_o want_n at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n imagine_v something_o like_o these_o foolish_a virgin_n or_o as_o other_o that_o the_o bridegroom_n himself_o shall_v supply_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n out_o of_o his_o stock_n though_o they_o have_v no_o oil_n at_o all_o in_o their_o own_o vessel_n no_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o all_o these_o vain_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o idle_a and_o careless_a and_o foolish_a sinner_n will_v then_o deceive_v and_o disappoint_v they_o and_o make_v they_o miserable_a if_o man_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o religion_n nor_o any_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n all_o their_o life_n and_o think_v to_o acquire_v they_o now_o on_o a_o sudden_a when_o they_o be_v near_o die_v they_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v that_o a_o tree_n that_o have_v bear_v no_o fruit_n all_o the_o year_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a when_o it_o be_v just_a to_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o it_o sprout_n and_o bud_n and_o blossom_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit._n this_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a miracle_n and_o it_o must_v be_v as_o great_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o have_v a_o wicked_a man_n on_o a_o sudden_a become_v a_o good_a one_o and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n and_o repentance_n all_o our_o virtue_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o the_o growth_n of_o all_o plant_n and_o tree_n be_v to_o the_o rain_n and_o warmth_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o to_o think_v that_o god_n grace_n which_o can_v not_o work_v upon_o a_o man_n all_o his_o life_n before_o will_v now_o in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n change_v and_o convert_v he_o on_o a_o sudden_a as_o to_o make_v he_o immediate_o become_v a_o good_a man_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o saint_n make_v as_o adam_n be_v in_o full_a growth_n and_o perfect_a flature_n the_o first_o day_n he_o live_v without_o pass_v through_o the_o degree_n of_o youth_n and_o childhood_n as_o god_n think_v not_o fit_a to_o make_v mankind_n so_o now_o but_o produce_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a and_o appoint_a way_n of_o his_o providence_n so_o he_o make_v good_a man_n by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o influence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v form_v by_o degree_n and_o grow_v into_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n agreable_o to_o their_o nature_n in_o a_o manner_n indiscernible_a from_o its_o own_o proper_a operation_n enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o incline_v the_o will_n gentle_o and_o kind_o by_o the_o thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o religion_n offer_v they_o clear_o and_o imprint_v they_o strong_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n beget_v right_a apprehension_n and_o affection_n in_o it_o and_o so_o alter_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o frequent_a act_n and_o repeat_v practice_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o new_a habit_n and_o thus_o convert_v he_o from_o bad_a to_o good_a not_o in_o a_o instant_n but_o by_o long_a strive_n and_o gradual_a operation_n upon_o he_o no_o very_o bad_a man_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o good_a one_o on_o a_o sudden_a nor_o can_v any_o more_o be_v so_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o a_o child_n over_o night_n become_v a_o man_n the_o next_o morning_n by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n or_o seed_n sow_o in_o the_o ground_n spring_v up_o and_o ripen_v and_o bear_v fruit_n in_o a_o few_o hour_n such_o mushroon_n convert_v and_o penitent_n have_v no_o good_a root_n but_o die_v away_o and_o wither_v as_o sudden_o and_o instantaneous_o as_o they_o come_v up_o with_o the_o first_o heat_n and_o trial_n of_o a_o temptation_n till_o religion_n shoot_v deep_a into_o their_o heart_n and_o get_v better_a root_n in_o their_o soul_n like_o the_o seed_n that_o fall_v on_o stony_a ground_n it_o be_v quick_o go_v and_o do_v not_o grow_v at_o all_o nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n as_o the_o scripture_n emphatical_o speak_v i._n e._n with_o due_a continuance_n good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n and_o such_o like_a good_a principle_n of_o action_n must_v continue_v some_o time_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o exert_v their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o it_o by_o proper_a act_n and_o trial_n and_o experiment_n or_o else_o they_o be_v but_o like_o false_a conception_n that_o produce_v nothing_o like_o cloud_n without_o rain_n blossom_n without_o fruit_n and_o abortive_a cause_n without_o any_o effect_n a_o sudden_a sorrow_n upon_o a_o wicked_a mind_n will_v no_o more_o make_v it_o good_a nor_o bring_v forth_o the_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n than_o a_o sudden_a shower_n upon_o the_o sand_n of_o arabia_n or_o rock_n of_o caucasus_n will_v make_v they_o become_v fertile_a and_o good_a ground_n there_o must_v be_v long_a cultivation_n and_o great_a labour_n and_o pain_n take_v with_o such_o barren_a ground_n before_o it_o will_v be_v a_o fruitful_a soil_n and_o bring_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o all_o the_o shower_n and_o influence_n of_o heaven_n upon_o it_o a_o harden_a sinner_n who_o have_v live_v many_o year_n in_o the_o wretched_a course_n and_o habit_n of_o wickedness_n must_v by_o long_a time_n and_o great_a care_n and_o many_o method_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o goodness_n have_v his_o heart_n change_v and_o his_o life_n mend_v and_o his_o old_a vicious_a habit_n pluck_v up_o and_o new_a virtuous_a one_o plant_v in_o their_o place_n and_o these_o take_v root_n and_o grow_v up_o and_o bear_v fruit_n in_o his_o life_n before_o he_o can_v become_v such_o a_o good_a man_n as_o be_v fit_v for_o heaven_n such_o a_o one_o can_v never_o be_v make_v so_o in_o a_o little_a time_n just_a before_o death_n but_o it_o must_v require_v at_o least_o a_o good_a part_n of_o his_o life_n to_o become_v such_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v indeed_o the_o business_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n to_o make_v ourselves_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v thus_o fit_a for_o heaven_n to_o think_v that_o great_a work_n can_v be_v do_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n when_o we_o be_v just_o a_o die_a and_o may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n all_o on_o a_o sudden_a be_v as_o idle_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a day_n journey_n to_o take_v to_o lie_v loiter_v and_o never_o mind_n it_o till_o the_o sun_n be_v near_o down_o and_o night_n be_v come_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o to_o set_v out_o and_o think_v to_o reach_v it_o by_o a_o sudden_a start_n or_o by_o some_o unaccountable_a way_n to_o fly_v thither_o or_o be_v magical_o transport_v and_o set_v down_o he_o know_v not_o how_o at_o his_o journey_n end_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v the_o case_n more_o exact_o parallel_v to_o a_o old_a sinner_n like_o one_o who_o have_v travel_v almost_o all_o the_o day_n in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o spur_v and_o drive_v on_o very_o furious_o in_o his_o vicious_a course_n and_o be_v now_o to_o turn_v back_o and_o begin_v to_o take_v the_o right_a way_n when_o