The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…

Ans. 1. The Text affirmeth no such thing; but only, that whosoever truly turneth from all his sins, and sincerely endeavoureth to walk in all the ways of Gods Commandments, ⟨p. 32⟩he shall surely live, and not die. So that the place truly understood, giveth no encouragement to any to put off their repentance to their old age, or death-bed; for what time have they then to express the sincerity of their repentance by their godly lives and conversations? If the conditions of the Text be well weighed and considered, they would fright men from that folly and madness.

Ans. 1. The Text affirmeth no such thing; but only, that whosoever truly turneth from all his sins, and sincerely endeavoureth to walk in all the ways of Gods Commandments, ⟨p. 32⟩he shall surely live, and not die. So that the place truly understood, giveth no incouragement to any to put off their repentance to their old age, or death-bed; for what time have they then to express the sincerity of their repentance by their godly lives and conversations? If the conditions of the Text be well weighed and considered, they would fright men from that folly and madness.

2. Although it be true, that whensoever a wicked man truly repenteth, he shall be pardoned; yet he cannot truly repent whensoever he will; Repentance not being in his own power, but the free gift of God, which he seldom bestoweth on those in their old age, who have neglected it all the former part of their lives: And he that refuseth to turn when God calleth him, provoketh God to give him over to the hardness of his own heart, so that he cannot turn.

11. Another encouragement is taken from the Mercy of God. God, say they, is merciful and gracious, yea rich in mercy, whose arms are ever open to receive all poor sinners who come unto him; and therefore we hope to find mercy at last, though we never sought it before.