Of Repentance. 71 were not unactive, they produced a multi - S E R M. tude of tranfgreffions, not in thought only, III. but in word and deed ; and fhall not his now contrary repenting difpofitions, inclinations, and purpofes, exert themfelves in the con- trary works ? But, let us lay ever fo great firefs on all thefe particulars which are ingredients in r:.- pentance, or rather preparations for it, and tendencies towards it, on forrows for fin, deep contrition, confeffions and pious dif- pofitions, religious inclinations and purpo- fes, let us even make the fuppofition, that the effence of repentance were in them, this important queflion will remain, how does their fincerity appear ? It is an acknowledg'd principle, that nothing called religion can be acceptable to the Deity, let it be faith, re- pentance, obedience, charity, or whatfoever virtue or good work fo called, it cannot, I fay, be acceptable without being fincere. Now, let any one judge whether there can be in the nature of the thing any evidence, without good works, or fruits meet for the amendment of life, as the fcripture calls them, of thefe inward difpofitions and of feEtions, religious inclinations and purpofes, or of godly forrow for fin, or any fatisfying F 4 evidence
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