DISCOURSE XIII: 279 quire whether the sentence of punishment could not be reversed or the terror of it relieved, or some new state of trial proposed. Let it be added in favour of the criminal, that we do not find through all the book of God the actual practice of true repent- ance beginning among men, but it has been always followed with proportionable degrees of compassion from God : But on the other side, when there is nothing found in the heart of a sinner but obstinacy, and malice, and revenge, cursing and blasphemy against the Almighty, without the least moving or melting into a genuine penitence or holy sorrow, without any meek submission to the majesty and justice of God, or humbly imploring his mercy, what reasonable hope can such wretches have, that their chains of darkness should be broken, and the prisoners released from the vengeance ? When they shall curse his justice, because it punishes their crimes, when they shall curse his mercy, because it did not save their souls, and curse and blaspheme the blood of the blessed Jesus, because it has not washed away their sins, what possible excuse can be made for such creatures ? Or what possible expectation can there be for such criminals, but an ever- lasting continuance of the fiery indignation ? Here it will be replied, but why should we suppose, and much more, why should we affirm, the damned will never re- pent ? Are they not free in the other world from this flesh and blood, wherein there are so many unruly passions and appetites ? Are they not far remote from all the temptations of flesh and sense, of intemperance, ambition, and covetousness ? Have they not understanding to see divine truths more clearly than in this world? Have they not reason to distinguish good and evil, and free- will to chuse that which is good ? Will they not hate all sin, since they have been so long taught the mischief of sin by their suf- ferings? And is there any thing fitter than their agonies and tor- ture by fire, to make men know and feel the dreadful evil of sin- ning against God, and awaken them to repentance ? To this I answer, let us judge a little concerning the sinners in hell, by the practice of sinners on earth. How many wretched creatures are there who have been long imprisoned, and perhaps punished for crimes against the state, and yet persist in their rebellious temper, and are never convinced they were in the wrong, so far as to change their treason into sincere submission, repentance and obedience ! Was not Pharaoh, king of Egypt, an instance of the stubbornness and impenitence of human na- ture, when in opposition to ten dreadful plagues he would still pursue the flying Israelites, and destroy a people beloved of of God ? Is not hardness and enmity against the governor often increased by the severe punishments that criminals lie under t Have these punishments any sufficient power to soften their hearts_ into true repentance ?
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=