The Soul's Preparation for Christ

Secondly, if God be so mighty (say they) that ⟨p. 51⟩he knows all, Object. and will call us to an account for all; then it is but sorrowing so much the more; and that we will do afterwards, and this will make all well enough; it is but repenting. Answ. To this I answer, Do you make a but at it; be not deceived God is not, nay, cannot be mocked, and therefore delude not your own souls, every repentance will not serve the turn; thou mayest have remorse of heart, and repent, and cry to God for thy sins, and this tormenting of thy heart will be but a forerunner of thy everlasting damnation hereafter: the Lord may deal with thee as Moses said of the people of Israel, ¹You returned and wept before the Lord, but he would not hearken to your voice. So the time may come that all weeping and wailing will not serve the turn. You see Judas wept and brought back the thirty pieces of silver, ²he had marvellous horror of Conscience, he took shame to himself, and made restitution; and yet a damned creature for ever.

Secondly, if God be so mighty (say they) that ⟨p. 51⟩he knowes all, Object. and will call us to an accompt for all; then it is but sorrowing so much the more; and that we will doe afterwards, and this will make all well enough; it is but repenting. Answ. To this I answer, Doe you make a but at it; be not deceived God is not, nay, cannot be mocked, and therefore delude not your owne soules, every repentance will not serve the turne; thou mayest have remorse of heart, and repent, and cry to God for thy sinnes, and this tormenting of thy heart will be but a forerunner of thy everlasting damnation hereafter: the Lord may deale with thee as Moses said of the people of Israel, ¹You returned and wept before the Lord, but he would not hearken to your voice. So the time may come that all weeping and wailing will not serve the turne. You see Iudas wept and brought backe the thirty pieces of silver, ²