A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

Next consider, who it is that gives this time of repentance: neither man nor Angel hath this time in his hands, but the power of appointing it belongs unto Christ alone.

Next consider, who it is that giues this time of repentance: neither man nor Angell hath this time in his hands, but the power of appointing it belongs vnto Christ alone.

Hereby then all persons whatsoever are to be admonished, without delay to repent. The young man will take his pleasure in his youth, and repent when he is old: but hereby he robbeth Christ of his honour, who only hath power to point out the time of repentance. Use therefore the time present while thou hast it, and defer not repentance: for how knowest thou that thou shalt live to be old? And though thou doest, yet how canst thou tell whether God will give thee repentance, considering thou diddest refuse, while he called for it? Men think, that if they die quietly and peaceably, all is well, they go to heaven straight: but herewith many are deceived; for unless they have truly repented, they go straight to the devil, let their manner of dying be what it will. A quiet death is a comfortable thing, but no sure sign of grace, because it may come by reason of some easy▪ lingering sickness. Considering therefore we have no title unto this grace of repentance, to claim it at our pleasure, it being the rare gift of God▪ nor any lea•• of our life, but be mere tenants at will▪ let us seek to turn to God with full purpose of heart, while […] is called to day: and if we have begun, let us daily renew this grace to the end of our life▪

Hereby then all persons whatsoeuer are to bee admonished, without delay to repent. The young man will take his pleasure in his youth, and repent when he is old: but hereby he robbeth Christ of his honour, who onely hath power to point out the time of repentance. Vse therefore the time present while thou hast it, and deferre not repentance: for how knowest thou that thou shalt liue to bee old? And though thou doest, yet how canst thou tell whether God will giue thee repentance, considering thou diddest refuse, while he called for it? Men thinke, that if they die quietly and peaceably, all is well, they goe to heauen straight: but herewith many are deceiued; for vnlesse they haue truely repented, they goe straight to the deuill, let their manner of dying be what it will. A quiet death is a comfortable thing, but no sure signe of grace, because it may come by reason of some easie lingering sickenesse. Considering therefore wee haue no title vnto this grace of repentance, to clayme it at our pleasure, it being the rare gift of God nor any lea of our life, but bee meere tenants at will let vs seeke to turne to God with full purpose of heart, while is called to day: and if we haue begun, let vs dayly renew this grace to the end of our life