2. A real sense of Qod's displeasure, and the approach of deso- lating judgments. It is not enough that we have a conviction and sense of our own sins, but we must have them also of the sins of the nation, whereby God is provoked to anger; and apprehensions of his displeasure are to influence our minds in all that we go about herein. Unless these abide and dwell in our minds, — imless they accompany us continually in all our ways and occasions, — rise and lie down with us, — we shall not cordially engage in this duty.
3. Keal reformation, in an abstinence from all known sin, and the avowed fruits of a reformed conversation, are required hereunto, Matt. iii. 10.
4. That it be persisted in, Heb. vi. 1.
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THE DESIGN OF IMPENDENT JUDGMENTS. G37
On these supposition.?, that this repentance is useful unto the end proposed is made fully evident in the instances of Nineveh and of Ahab, 1 Kings xxi 27-^29, Ahab, in his repentance and humiliation, manifested a deep sense of the guilt of sin and divine displeasure. " Seest thou/' saith God to Elijah, " how he humbleth himself?" It might easily be known and taken notice of. There is a humiliation described by the prophet Isaiah, chap. Iviii. 1-5, which God abhor- reth, and which shall be profitable for nothing. Such have been the humiliations among us, for the most part. But although it be the duty of every man to endeavour that his repentance and reformation do consist in a sincere, internal, cordial conversion unto God, — which the divine calls do intend, — without which it will not be of advantage itnto his own soul, as unto his eternal condition ; yet as unto the turn- ing away of temporal calamities, at least as to the suspension of them, such a public repentance and reformation as evidence them- selves in their fruits to proceed from a real sense of sin and judgment, may be useful and prevalent. In brief, the repentance which God requireth with respect to his covenant, — that the souls of men may be saved, unto the glory of his grace by Jesus Christ,— is internal, spi- ritual, supernatural, whereby the whole soul is renewed, changed, and turned unto himself. But as God is the supreme governor of the world, in temporal things, with respect unto the dispensation of his providence in mercies and judgments, there may be a repentance and reformation wherein his glory is vindicated, in a visible compliance with his calls and warnings, and an acknowledgment of him in his righteous judgments, which may be of use unto the end proposed. Besides, wherever there is a general reformation of life sincerely at- tempted, it is to be believed that in many it is spiritual and saving.
5. The repentance and reformation required must be suited unto the state and condition of those who are called thereunto. All are to consider what is amiss in them, as unto their own state and con- dition, Isa. Iv. 7, " Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrigh- teous man his thoughts;" — every one his own way and thoughts in their present condition.
Wherefore the persons intended in this call are of two sorts : — ■
(1.) Such as are wicked, as unto their state and condition,' — persons unconvei-ted, unregenerate, — not bom of God ; and, (2.) Such as are sincei^ believers, really converted unto God.
The call of God is unto both sorts,— repentance and reformation are required of them both ; and they are so in a suitableness unto their different conditions.
In each of these sorts there are various degrees of sin and provo- cation. Some of the first sort are openly flagitious, — public, habitual sinners, — such as whose sins " go beforehand unto judgment," as the
638 THE DESIGN OF IMPENDENT JUDGMENTS.
apostle speaks, 1 Tim. v. 24 ; and some are more sober in their out- ward conversation. The call of God respects them in all their several degi'ees of sinning : " Let the wicked forsake his way, and the un- righteous man liis thoughts;" — those which are his own, Avhich are proper to him. None doubts, unless it be themselves, that the first sort ought to reform themselves; — the generality of men cry out against them, and fear that for their sins, especially if they be per- sons in high places, the judgments of God will come upon the land.
But if those of the other sort also, who are apt to justify them- selves because they run not out unto the same excess of riot Avith them, do not apply themselves unto the repentance and reformation wliich are proper unto their state and condition, the will of God is not answered in his warnings. Yet it is the impenitency of -this sort of men that is the most dangerous symptom at this day in the nation. Their unshaken security keeps all that truly fear God in a trembling posture.
Thirdly. It is so with churches peculiarly refonned, and true be- lievers in them; as also all other true believers who walk more at large. They also are called unto repentance and reformation, and that according to their state and their respective degi'ees therein; for some are more guilty than others in decays of faith, love, zeal, holi- ness, and fruitfulness in obedience, with conformity to the world. And if there should be a public reformation m the nation as to out- ward provoA;i?i5' sins, yet if these of this sort do notrefonn themselves, according as their condition doth require, the desired deliverance would scarcely be obtained. And woe be to such persons, if, through their neglect of their duty, the whole nation should be exposed to ruin ! Wherefore, —