Here let us close, with one obvious reflection —
Do ye not see from hence how excellent repent- ance is ?
[Whether it be viewed in its nature or its consequences, surely it is a most inestimable blessing. What can be more desirable than to be delivered from those base lusts and idola- trous affections, which rob us of our happiness, and God of his glory ? If we had discarded all our idols, and were determined to have nothing more to do with them, we should have a very heaven upon earth ; especially if we found the grace of Christ sufficient for us ; as we certainly should do, if we sought it humbly, and depended on it simply. God will never disappoint our expectations which are founded on his promises. If indeed we presume to limit him with respect to the time and manner in which he shall deliver us, we may be disappointed ; but if we commit ourselves to him, to carry on his work in the time and manner that he sees fit, we shall never be disappointed : he will assuredly cover our defenceless heads, and make fruitful our withered branches : he will perfect that which concerns us, and fulfil in us all the good pleasure of his goodness ; nor will he ever leave us till he has accomplished all the good things which he has spoken concerning us. And is this the nature, is this the consequence, of repentance ? Shall every contrite soul have an experience of these things ? O that God may grant us all, " repentance unto life, even that repentance which is not to be repented of!" May we thus experience the power and grace of Christ, and find everlasting rest unto our souls !
But let not those whose hearts are yet cleaving to their idols conclude themselves penitent. What repentance has the world- ling, who is minding nothing but his earthly business ? Surely Mammon is his God ; and, till this idol be put away, there is no repentance, no salvation to his soul. Nor has the proud, •passionate, carnal, worldly-minded professor any pretensions to repentance ; for what repentance has he, when he is yet har- bouring idols in his heart? No, professor, thou must be delivered from thine idols; thy besetting sin in particular must be lamented, lothed, and mortified : nor, till this be thine experience, wilt thou have any defence against the impending wrath of God : thou mayest talk of Christ, and have a clear head-knowledge of the truth ; but knowledge will not serve instead of repentance : thou must be divorced from thy lusts, thine evil tempers, and every thing else to which thou hast been glued. Christ gave himself to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works ; and therefore, if thou wouldst ever dwell under the shadow of God in heaven, see that this fruit be found on thee