The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

6. Take heed of presuming of thy own strength, I can, and I mean to repent, I can when I will, and I will when time serves:¹ I trust I am not so bad, that God hath not given me over; many have gone further then I, why may I not repent at last hour?

1. 1Qui promitt•t poenitenti veniam, non promittit pecc•nti poenitentiam.

7. Take heed of a mock-repentance, saying, I cry God mercy, God forgive me, I sin daily and repent daily, when I have sworn or been drunk, I am heartily sorry. Is not this repentance? I answer no, Repentance is quite another thing: the burnt child, we say, dreads the fire. Thou hast smarted for suretyship and hast repented of it: thy friend comes again and desires thee to be bound with him once again, thou repliest, I have paid dear for suretyship already, I have repented of my folly, I have resolved to come into bonds again no more, no not for the best friend I have, thou art importuned by many arguments, but, peremptorily refusest: urge me no more, I have vowed and resolved against, and have made an oath, I would never be taken in that fault again. Now I believe thee, that thou hast truly repented of suretyship, why dost thou not thus, when thou art enticed unto sin again? why dost thou not say? I have smarted, confessed, bewailed, been heartily sorry for my former folly: now speak no more of it,¹ I have sworn and will perform, it, to keep Gods commandments. Away from me ye wicked, I must keep the Commandments of my God. This would be somewhat like true repentance. But take heed of a mock-repentance, lest as true repentance meets with a true pardon, thy mock-repentance should be answered with a mock-pardon, as Tertullian excellently saith, There be some that say (saith he) their heart is good,