Useful instructions for a professing people in times of great security and degeneracy

Reas. 2. Of the second; Because partial Repentance is but a mockery: We owe God all, and therefore in every thing wherein we have offended him, we ought to repent and return, and seek to make it up. He that doth not repent seriously of every sin, doth not repent truly of any sin; he that doth not return unto God, doth not in truth turn away from his sin: a half repentance therefore is no repentance at all.

Reas. 3. Of the third:

1. Because this is the last means, and therefore if this do it not, what hopes are there remaining of such a peoples Reformation. God takes not the Rod in his hand till he be enforced to it, Lam. 3. 37. he useth all other means first, Convictions, Reproofs, Warnings, Threatenings, and waits to see if these will not reach his ends, and work repentance; when all these fail then he begins to afflict a people: now if this will not effect it, nothing will, such a people are beyond hopes obstinate in rebellion, whom Judgements will not awaken to repentance, and therefore, God hath little encouragement to use any long delays with such a people.

1. Because this is the last means, and therefore if this do it not, what hopes are there remaining of such a peoples Reformation. God takes not the Rod in his hand till he be enforced to it, Lam. 3. 37. he useth all other means first, Convictions, Reproofs, Warnings, Threatnings, and waits to see if these will not reach his ends, and work repentance; when all these fail then he begins to afflict a people: now if this will not effect it, nothing will, such a people are beyond hopes obstinate in rebellion, whom Judgements will not awaken to repentance, and therefore, God hath little encouragement to use any long delayes with such a people.