Remains of that reverend and learned divine, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in…Remaines of that reverend and learned divine, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in…

Thirdly, their repentance comes from the beauty, sweetness, and excellency a carnal man may find in Gods ways, which may make him amend and turn unto God for a while: as in the time of John Baptist, they confessed and turned to him (but it was but for a while;) the reason was, because he was a burning and a shining light, and they rejoiced in his light. So the second ground found a sweetness in the Word and left all, but yet returned, as 2 Pet. 2. latter end. Some in the excellency of Preaching may see a sweetness, and rejoice a while, but yet return again to their sins.

Thirdly, their repentance comes from the beauty, sweetnesse, and excellency a carnall man may finde in Gods wayes, which may make him amend and turne unto God for a while: as in the time of Iohn Baptist, they confessed and turned to him (but it was but for a while;) the reason was, because he was a burning and a shining light, and they rejoyced in his light. So the second ground found a sweetnesse in the Word and left all, but yet returned, as 2 Pet. 2. latter end. Some in the excellency of Preaching may see a sweetnesse, and rejoyce a while, but yet returne againe to their sinnes.

Fourthly, Their repentance may arise from a good Family, company, or Ministry: Thus Joash, (2 Chro. 24.) good, while Jehojada lived, which seems to be thirty years; so Uzzia, 2 Chro. 26 ⟨p. 22⟩was good all the days of Zacharia; so many are good while they are under careful Governors, and in good company; so long as good means last they will be good. I cannot compare such men better then to the Swine, which whilst they are in fair meadows keep themselves clean (which is no thank to them, but the place) but as soon as they come to the mire they tumble in it; so will these men, so soon as opportunity is given them.