The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

Yea, I have observed others, who in their sickness have had their Consciences awakened, and now they were convinced, Hell and damnation were no fancies; at this time we might talk with them: if ever Christ be in mens ⟨p. 96⟩mouths, one would think it should be now: but this I have observed hath been the common language; If God spare my life, I will not live as I have done, I shall not frequent such company, I will take a new course, and many such words. But here are two Questions. First, Grant it be so, that you do as you say, yet who shall answer for the old score of guilt, who shall pay for that? Nay, for that God may well set off, and quit scores, if they turn new men. Secondly, But for this new leaf which you will turn, may one believe you? Will you promise it? Yes. Will you vow it? Yes. Will you swear it? Yes, Any thing now they can do. When it hath been told them, your heart is deceitful, you promise a great thing, you have need of a great power from Christ to help you do this; if you get into Christ, then there will be ground to hope what you say and promise will be performed, else not; alas, they can do all this without Christ. So far as I could judge by their countenance and speech, they have seemed to be displeased with me, for doubting of the truth of what they say, and telling them they will be as bad, if not worse, if God should raise them up again, unless being got into Christ, he undertakes the performance of what they promise. Men are very confident of their own strength at this time, while sickness debilitates nature, and fears of hell together keep down lusts so, that they do not now act as before; they measure themselves by what they feel now, and by this state and temper they are now under, engage for the future: One of our great Men being very sick, sent for a very godly Minister, a man of prayer indeed: Who but this man now? Must hardly stir from him: What promises and engagements did he make to this Minister of reforming: the Minister told him, as I said before, what he would prove: with great earnestness he would multiply his promises, yea, and you shall see it, said he: Moreover, he wished the Minister, if he did recover, and did not answer what now he had promised, that he should tell him of it:

Yea, I have observed others, who in their sickness have had their Consciences awakened, and now they were convinced, Hell and damnation were no phansies; at this time we might talk with them: if ever Christ be in mens ⟨p. 96⟩