The Doctrine of Repentance

O that it might be encompassed with a third Ocean, namely, repenting tears. If the Book of the Law chance to fall upon the ground, the Jews have a custom presently to proclaim a Fast. England hath let both Law and Gospel fall to the ground, therefore had need fast and mourn before the Lord: The Ephah of wickedness seems to be full, Good reason tears should empty apace, when sin fills so fast: Why then do not all faces gather paleness? Why are the Wells of Repentance stopped? Do not the sinners of the Land know they should repent? Have they had no warning? Have not Gods faithful Messengers lifted up their voice as a trumpet, and cried to them to repent? but many of these Tools in the Ministry have been spent and worn out upon rocky hearts. Hath not God lighted strange Comets in the Heavens, as so many Preachers to call men to Repentance, but still they are settled on their lees, Zeph. 1. 12. Do we think God will always put up our affronts? Will he endure thus to have his name and glory trampled upon? The Lord hath usually been more swift in the process of his justice against the sins of a professing people▪ ⟨p. 86⟩God may a while reprieve this Land by Frerogative, but if ever he▪ save it without Repentance, he must go out of his ordinary Road: I say therefore with Mr. Bradford, REPENT O ENGLAND. Thou hast beleaper'd thy self with sin, and hadst need go and wash in the spiritual Jordan. Thou hast kindled Gods anger against thee, throw away thy weapons, and bring thy holy Engines and Water-works, that God may be appeased in the blood of Christ. Let thy tears run, lest Gods roll of curses fly^*. Either men must turn, or God will overturn: Either the fallow ground of their hearts must be broken up, or the Land broken down. If no words will prevail with sinners, it is because God hath a purpose to slay them^*. Among the Romans, he who was for his capital offence forbidden the use of water, was thereby concluded to be a condemned person. So they who by their prodigious sins have so far incensed the God of Heaven, that he denies them the water of Repentance, may look upon themselves as condemned persons.