The Drunkards Character, Section 143
§ 143
IT is Sathans method, first,VVicked men are altogether in e…treames either God is so mercifull that they may live how they list, or so just, that be will not pardon them upon their repentance. to make men so senselesse, as not to feele their sins at all; and then so desperate, that they feele them too much. In the first fit, men live, as if there were no Hell; in the last, they dye, as if there were no Heaven. While their consciences are asleepe, they never trouble them; but being stirred by Sathan, (who, when he sees his time, unfolds his Ephemerides, and leaves not the least of all theit sinfull actions unanatomized, but quoats them like a cunning Register, with every particular circumstance, both of time and place) they are fierce, as a mastive Dog, and ready to pul out their throats. This Serpent may bee benummed for a time, through extreamity of cold, but when once revived, it will sting to death.
The Divell is like Dalilah, who said to Sampson, the Philistims be upon thee, when it was too late, and she had taken away his strength, Iudges 16.
Wicked men are altogether in extreams; at first, they make question, whether this or that be a sin; at last, they apprehend it such a sin, that they make question whether it can bee forgiven: either God is so mercifull, that they may live how they list; or so just, that hee will not pardon them, upon their repentance: no meane with them, betweene the Rocke of presumption, and the Gulfe of despaire: now presumption encourageth it selfe, by one of a thousand; and despaire, will not take a thousand for one. If a thousand men be assured to passe over a Foord safe, and but one to miscarry, desperation sayes, I am that one; and if a thousand Vessels must needs miscarry in a Gulfe, and but one escapes, presumption sayes, I shall be that one…as we read of but one sinner, that was converted at the last howre, of millions that had lesse iniquity, yet have found lesse mercy.
But see further the strength of their argument.Objection of the thief upon the crosse answered. The Thiefe was saved at the last howre; and therefore, I shall. Thou maist as well conclude, the Sunne stood still in the dayes of Ioshua; therfore, it shall doe so in my dayes: for it was a miracle, with the glory whereof, our Saviour would honour the ignominy of his Crosse: and wee may almost as well expect a second crucifying of Christ, as such a second Thiefes conversion at the last howre. Hee were a wise man that should spurre his Beast till hee speake, because Baalams Beast did once speake: yet even so wise, and no wiser is hee, that makes an ordinary rule, of an extraordinary example.
Againe, the Thiefe was saved, at the very instant of time when our Saviour triumphed on the Crosse, tooke his leave of the world, and entered into his glory. Now it is usuall with Princes, to save some heinous malefactors at their Coronation, when they enter upon their Kingdomes in triumph; which they are never knowne to doe afterwards. Besides, the Scripture speaks of another, even his fellow in that very place, and at that very instant, which was damned. There was one faith S. Augustine, that none might despaire; there was but one, that none should presume. That suddaine conversion of one, at the last howre, was never intended, in Gods purpose, for a temptation; neither will any, that have grace, make mercy a Cloak or warrant to sinne; but rather a spurre, to incite them to godlinesse; well knowing, that to wait for Gods performance, in doing nothing, is to abuse that Divine providence, which will so worke, that it will not allow us idle: and yet by Sathans policie, working upon wicked mens depraved judgements, and corrupt hearts, in wresting this Scripture, it hath proved, by accident, the losse of many thousand soules.
The flesh prophesies prosperity to sin, yea, life and salvation, as the Pope promised the Powder traitors, but death and damnation (which Gods Spirit threatens) will prove the crop they will reape; for God is true, and all flesh is a lyer.