3. The Suspicion that is upon a late Repentance: 'Tis seldom sound, and therefore always questionable. That is no true Repentance which ariseth merely from horror, and the sense of Hell. This sensible work that men have upon them, may be but the beginning of everlasting despair. All men seek the Lord at length, but the wise seek him in time. This was the great difference between the wise and foolish Virgins; one sought him in time, the other out of time: They would covet his favour at last. Upon a Death-bed the most profane would have God for their portion: When they can sin no more, and enjoy the World no longer, then they cry and howl for mercy and comfort, and a little well grounded hope of Heaven or eternal life: But who can tell whether this sensible work that is upon them, be not merely an act of self-love, and the fruit of those natural desires which all the Creatures have after their own happiness; or a mere retreat others have when they can hold the World no longer. We cannot say this Repentance is true, nor affirm the contrary, that 'tis false; but 'tis doubtful. There is but that one instance of the Thief on the Cross, that truly repented when he came to die. The Scriptures contain an History of four thousand years, or thereabouts; and yet all that while we have but this one instance of a true Repentance just at death; and in that Instance there is an extraordinary Conjunction of Circumstances, which cannot reasonably be expected again. Christ was now at his right hand, in the height of his love drawing sinners to God: Never such a season as then, and 'tis more than probable, he had never a call before then. Well then, let us put this necessary work of Preparation for God out of doubt betimes; yea let the Children of God, if they have not yet prevailed against such a Lust, or lived in the neglect of such a Duty, could not bring their hearts to it hitherto, make speed, left they be surprised, and this defect in their preparation make their death uncomfortable. A good Christian is always converting, yet not fully converted: The first work is often gone over, and he is still getting nearer to God by a more affectionate compliance with his whole will.
3. The Suspicion that is upon a late Repentance: 'Tis seldome sound, and therefore alwayes questionable. That is no true Repentance which ariseth meerly from horrour, and the sense of Hell. This sensible work that men have upon them, may be but the beginning of everlasting despair. All men seek the Lord at length, but the wise seek him in time. This was the great difference between the wise and foolish Virgins; one sought him in time, the other out of time: They would covet his favour at last. Upon a Death-bed the most prophane would have God for their portion: When they can sin no more, and enjoy the World no longer, then they cry and howl for mercy and comfort, and a little well grounded hope of Heaven or eternal life: But who can tell whether this sensible work that is upon them, be not meerly an act of self-love, and the fruit of those natural desires which all the Creatures have after their own happiness; or a meer retreat others have when they can hold the World no longer. We cannot say this Repentance is true, nor affirm the contrary, that 'tis false; but 'tis doubtful. There is but that one instance of the Thief on the Cross, that truly repented when he came to die. The Scriptures contain an History of four thousand years, or thereabouts; and yet all that while we have but this one instance of a true Repentance just at death; and in that Instance there is an extraordinary Conjunction of Circumstances, which cannot reasonably be expected again. Christ was now at his right hand, in the height of his love drawing sinners to God: Never such a season as then, and 'tis more than probable, he had never a call before then. Well then, let us put this necessary work of Preparation for God out of doubt betimes; yea let the Children of God, if they have not yet prevailed against such a Lust, or lived in the neglect of such a Duty, could not bring their hearts to it hitherto, make speed, left they be surprized, and this defect in their preparation make their death uncomfortable. A good Christian is alwayes converting, yet not fully converted: The first work is often gone over, and he is still getting nearer to God by a more affectionate compliance with his whole will.
