CHAP. 39. Of Repentance and the fruits thereof.
FRom sanctification, Repentance is deriued, because no man can earnestly repent, except he, denying himselfe, doe hate sinne, euen from his heart, and embrace righteousnes. This no man either will, or can performe, but such an one as is in the sight of God regenerated and iustified, and indued with true faith. Therefore albeit in such as are conuerted, repentance doth first manifest it selfe, yet regarding the order of nature, it followeth both faith and sanctifi∣cation. Hence also is it euident that this repentance, legall contrition beeing some occasion, and, as it were, a preparation to true conuersion, is begotten by the preaching of the Gospel.
Repentance is, when a sinner turneth vnto the Lord. Act. 26.20. He shewed first vnto them of Damascus, and at Ierusalem, and through all the coasts of Iudea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turne to God, and to doe workes worthie amendment of life. 1. Ioh. 3.3. Euery man that hath this hope in him, purgeth himselfe, as he is pure.
This is performed, when as any one, by the instinct of the holy Ghost, doth purpose, will, desire, and endeauour to relinquish his former sinnes, and to be∣come a new man. Psal. 119.112. I haue applied my heart to fulfill thy statutes al∣way, euen vnto the ende. 1. Ioh. 3.3. Act. 11.23. Who when he was come, and had seene the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted all, that with purpose of heart, they would cleane vnto the Lord.
The fruit of Repentance is, a Christian conuersation, wherein are brought forth fruits worthie amendment of life. Matth. 3.8. Bring yee therefore forth fruits worthie of repentance.
A Christian conuersation, is such a course of life, whereby we, following Christs example, doe by him, performe new obedience to God. Math. 11.29. Take my yoke on you, and learne of me, that am meeke and lowly in heart: and ye shall finde rest vnto your soules. 1. Pet. 4.1. For as much as Christ hath suffered for vs in the flesh, arme your selues likewise with the same minde, which is, that he which hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sinne. 1. Pet. 2.21. For hereunto are ye called, for Christ also suffered for vs, leauing vs an ensample that we should follow his steps. 1. Pet. 3.10, 11. If any man long after life, and to see good daies, let him refraine his tongue from euill, and his lippes that they speake no guile. Let him eschew euill and doe good, let him seeke peace and follow after it.
There are two parts of new obedience: the deniall of our selues, and the profession of Christ. Math. 16.24. If any man will follow me, let him forsake him∣selfe, take vp his crosse, and follow me.
The deniall of our selues, consisteth partly in Christian warrefare, partly in the patient bearing of affliction.