ALL TEXTS FROM THE GROSART-EDITION OF ROBERT GREENE, LONDON 1881, REPRINT NY1974 THE REPENTANCE OF R.G.VOL.12,P.157,L.4 TO P.181,L.J WHEN I CONSIDER (KINDE CUNTRIMEN) THAT X22810 YOUTH IS LIKE TO THE SPRING TIME OF MANS AGE, X22820 READIE IN THE BLOOM +TO BE NIPPED WITH EVERY MISFORTUNE, 322830 AND THAT A YONG MAN IS LIKE TO A TENDER X22840 PLANT , APT +TO BE WRESTED BY NURTURE EITHER TO GOOD OR X22850 EVILL, AS HIS FRIENDES LIKE GOOD GARDENERS SHALL WITH X22860 CARE INDEVOUR HIS EDUCATION: =SEEING IN THE PRIME OF X22870 OUR YEARES VICE IS MOST READY +TO CREEPE IN, AND THAT X22880 WANT OF EXPERIENCE COMMITTETH SUNDRIE WANTON DESIRES X22890 I THOUGHT GOOD +TO LAY BEFORE YOU A PRESIDENT OF SUCH X22900 PREIUDICALL INCONVENIENCES, WHICH AT THE FIRST =SEEMING X22910 SWEETE UNTO YOUTH, AT THE LAST GROWE INTO FRUITS OF X22920 BITTER REPENTANCE: @ FOR A YONG MAN LED ON BY SELFE X22930 WILL (=HAVING THE RAINES OF LIBERTIE IN HIS OWNE HAND) X22940 FORESEETH NOT THE RUTH OF FOLLIE, BUT AIMETH AT PRESENT X22950 PLEASURES, FOR HE GIVES HIMSELFE UP TO DELIGHT, AND X22960 THINKETH EVERIE THING GOOD, HONEST, LAWFULL AND X22970 VERTUOUS, THAT FITTETH FOR THE CONTENT OF HIS LASCIVIOUS X22980 HUMOUR: HEE FORESEETH NOT THAT SUCH AS CLIME HASTELY, X22990 FALL SODAINELY, THAT BEES HAVE STINGS AS WELL AS X23000 HONIE: THAT VICES HAVE ILL ENDES AS WELL AS SWEETE X23010 =BEGINNINGS: AND WHEREOF GROWES THIS HEEDLES LIFE, X23020 BUT OF SELFE CONCEIT, =THINKING THE GOOD COUNSELL OF AGE X23030 IS DOTAGE: THAT THE ADVICE OF FRIENDS PROCEEDS OF X23040 ENVIE, AND NOT OF LOVE: THAT WHEN THEIR FATHERS X23050 CORRECT THEM FOR THEIR FAULTS, THEY HATE THEM: WHEREAS X23060 WHEN THE BLACKE OXE HATH TROD ON THEIR FEETE, AND THE X23070 CROWES FOOTE IS SEENE IN THEIR EIES, THEN TOUCHT WITH X23080 THE =FEELING OF THEIR OWNE FOLLIE , THEY SIGH OUT HAD X23090 I WIST, WHEN REPENTANCE COMMETH TOO LATE.@ OR LIKE X23100 AS WAXE IS READY +TO RECEIVE EVERIE NEWE FOURME, THAT X23110 IS STAMPED INTO IT, SO IS YOUTH APT +TO ADMIT OF EUVRY X23120 VICE THAT IS OBIECTED UNTO IT, AND IN YOUNG YEARES X23130 WANTON DESIRES IS CHEEFELY PREDOMINATE, ESPECIALLIE THE X23140 TWO RINGLEADERS OF ALL OTHER MISCHIEFES, NAMELY PRIDE X23150 AND WHOREDOME: THESE ARE THE SYRENS THAT WITH THEIR X23160 =INCHANTING MELODIES, DRAWE THEM ON TO UTTER CONFUSION: X23170 FOR AFTER A YOUNG MAN HATH SUCKT IN THAT SINNE OF X23180 PRIDE, HEE GROWETH INTO CONTEMPT, AND AS HE INCREASETH X23190 PROWDE IN HIS ATTYRE, SO HE IS SCORNFULL IN HIS LOOKES, X23200 AND DISDAINES THE WHOLSOME ADMONITION OF HIS HONEST X23210 FREENDS, WHOSE ADUVCE HE SUPPOSETH +TO BE DOONE OF X23220 MALICE, AND THEREFORE ESTEEMETH HIS OWNE WAIES BEST, X23230 AND HAD RATHER HAZARD HIS LIFE , THAN +TO LOOSE AN INCH X23240 OF HIS CREDIT.@ PRIDE IS LIKE TO FIER, THAT WILL DIE AND X23250 GOE OUT IF IT BEE NOT MAINTAINED WITH FEWELL, AND YET X23260 LAY ON NEVER SO BIGGE LOGGES , IT CONSUMES THEM ALL TO X23270 ASHES, SO PRIDE CRAVES MAINTENANCE, OR ELS WILL FADE: X23280 AND HAD A YOUNG MAN NEVER SO GREAT REVENUES, PRIDE X23290 AT LAST WILL REDUCE IT +TO BEGGER YOU: FOR IT IS SUCH X23300 A SINNE, AS ONCE GOT INTO THE BOANE IT WILL STEP INTO THE X23310 FLESH: HE THAT ONCE IETTETH IN HIS BRAVERIE, IF HE HAVE X23320 NO MEANES +TO MAINTAINE IT, WILL LEAVE NO BAD COURSE X23330 OF LIFE UNATTEMPTED, BUT HEE WILL HAVE CORNERS +TO X23340 UPHOLDE HIS FOLLIE.@ HEEREOF GROWES COOSSENAGES, THEFTS, X23350 MURTHERS, AND A THOUSAND OTHER PETTIE MISCHIEFES, AND X23360 CAUSES MANY PROPER PERSONS +TO BEE TRUST UP AT THE X23370 GALLOWES, =PURCHASING THEREBY INFAMY TO THEMSELVES, X23380 AND HART =BREAKING SORROW TO THEIR FRIENDS AND PARENTS X23390 FOR EVER .@ X23400 COMPANION TO THIS VICE, IS LUST AND LECHERIE, WHICH X23410 IS THE VIPER, WHOSE VENOME IS INCURABLE, AND THE ONELY X23420 SINNE THAT IN THIS LIFE LEADETH TO SHAME, AND AFTER DEATH X23430 UNTO HELL FIRE: FOR HE THAT GIVETH HIMSELFE OVER TO X23440 HARLOTS, SELLETH HIS SOULE TO DESTRUCTION, AND MAKETH X23450 HIS BODIE SUBIECT TO ALL INCURABLE DISEASES.@ THESE TWO X23460 VICES DO NOT ONLIE WASTE A MANS SUBSTANCE, BUT ALSO X23470 CONSUMETH HIS BODIE AND SOULE, AND MAKETH HIM ATTEMPT X23480 +TO DO ANY MISCHIEFE FOR HIS MAINTENANCE THEREIN.@ IF X23490 HAPPELY THE YOUNG MAN HATH ANY GRACE , AND IS LOTH X23500 +TO TAKE ANY UNLAWFULL WAYES, THE ORDINARY COURSE OF X23510 HIS COPESMATES IS STRAIGHT +TO CALL HIM COWARD, AND X23520 CAST HIM OUT OF THEIR FAVOUR, OR ELS BY SVVEETE PERSWASIONS X23530 AND =FLATTERING VVORDES, MAKE HIM FORSAKE GOD X23540 AND ALL GOOD MEANES OF LIFE VVHATSOEVER: THIS IS THE X23550 MANNER, LIFE, AND COURSE OF SUCH AS VVIL NOT LISTEN TO X23560 THE GRAVE ADVICE OF THEIR PARENTS, BUT SEEKE THERBY X23570 +TO BRING THEIR GRAIE HAIRES VVITH GREEFE UNTO THEYR X23580 GRAVES .@ X23590 THIS =ENSUING DISCOURSE, GENTLE READER, DOOTH LAY X23600 OPEN THE GRACELES ENDEVOURS OF MY SELFE, VVHO ALTHOUGH X23610 I VVERE FOR A LONG TIME GIVEN OVER TO THE LUST OF MY X23620 OVVN HART, YET IN THE END, GODS GRACE DID SO FAVOURABLIE X23630 VVORKE IN ME, THAT I TRUST HEEREIN THOU SHALT PERCEIVE X23640 MY TRUE AND UNFAINED REPENTANCE.@ ACCEPT IT IN GOOD X23650 PART, AND IF IT MAY PROFIT ANIE I HAVE MY DESIRE.@ X23660 AS THERE IS NO STEELE SO STIFFE , BUT THE X23670 STAMP WILL PIERCE; NO FLINT SO HARDE, X23690 BUT THE DROPS OF RAINE WILL HOLLOWE: X23700 SO THERE IS NO HEART SO VOIDE OF X23710 GRACE, OR GIVEN OVER TO WILFULL X23720 FOLLIE, BUT THE MERCIFULL FAUVUR OF GOD CAN MOLLIFIE..@ X23730 AN INSTANCE OF THE LIKE CHAUNCED TO MY SELFE, =BEING X23740 A MAN WHOLY ADDICTED TO ALL GRACELESSE INDEVORS, X23750 GIVEN FROM MY YOUTH TO WANTONNES, BROUGHT UP IN RIOT, X23760 WHO AS I GREW IN YEARES, SO I WAXED MORE RIPE IN X23770 UNGODLINES, THAT I WAS THE MIRROUR OF X23780 MISCHIEFE, AND THE VERY PATTERNE OF ALL PREIUDICIALL X23790 ACTIONS: FOR I NEITHER HAD CARE +TO TAKE ANY GOOD X23800 COURSE IN LIFE, NOR YET +TO LISTEN TO THE FRIENDLY X23810 PERSWASIONS OF MY PARENTS.@ I SEEMED AS ONE OF NO X23820 RELIGION, BUT RATHER AS A MEERE ATHEIST, =CONTEMNING X23830 THE HOLY PRECEPTS UTTERED BY ANY LEARNED PREACHER.@ X23840 I WOULD SMILE AT SUCH AS WOULD FREQUENT THE CHURCH, X23850 OR SUCH PLACE OF GODLY EXERCISE , AND X23860 WOULD SCOFFE AT ANY THAT WOULD CHECKE MEE X23870 WITH ANY WHOLESOME OR GOOD ADMONITION: SO X23880 THAT HEREIN I SEEMED A MEERE REPROBATE, THE CHILD X23890 OF SATHAN, ONE WIPT OUT OF THE BOOKE OF LIFE: X23900 AND AS AN OUTCAST FROM THE FACE AND FAVOR OF GOD, X23910 I WAS GIVEN OVER TO DRUNKENNES, SO THAT I LIGHTLY X23920 ACCOUNTED OF THAT COMPANY THAT WOULD NOT INTERTAINE X23930 MY INORDINATE =QUAFFING.@ AND TO THIS BEASTLY X23940 SINNE OF GLUTTONIE, I ADDED THAT DETESTABLE VICE X23950 OF =SWEARING, =TAKING A FELICITIE IN =BLASPHEMING AND X23960 =PROPHANING THE NAME OF GOD, =CONFIRMING NOTHING X23970 IDLELY BUT WITH SUCH SOLEMNE OTHS, THAT IT AMAZED X23980 EVEN MY COMPANIONS +TO HEARE MEE.@ AND THAT I X23990 MIGHT SEEME +TO HEAPE ONE SINNE UPON ANOTHER X24000 I WAS SO ROOTED THEREIN, THAT WHATSOEVER I GOT, I X24010 STIL CONSUMED THE SAME IN DRUNKENNES.@ X24020 =LIVING THUS A LONG TIME, GOD (WHO SUFFERETH X24030 SINNERS +TO HEAPE COLES OF FIRE UPON THEIR OWNE X24040 HEADS, AND +TO BEE FED FAT WITH SINNE AGAINST THE X24050 DAY OF VENGENCE) SUFFERED ME +TO GO FORWARD IN X24060 MY LOOSE LIFE: MANY =WARNINGS I HAD +TO DRAW ME X24070 FROM MY DETESTABLE KIND OF LIFE, AND DIVERS CROSSES X24080 +TO CONTRARY MY ACTIONS: BUT ALL IN VAINE, FOR X24090 THOUGH I WERE SUNDRY TIMES AFFLICTED WITH MANY X24100 FOULE AND GREEVOUS DISEASES, AND THEREBY SCOURGED X24110 WITH THE ROD OF GODS WRATH, YET WHEN BY THE GREAT LABOR X24120 AND FRENDSHIP OF SUNDRY HONEST PERSONS, X24130 THEY HAD (THOUGH TO THEIR GREAT CHARGES) SOUGHT X24140 AND PROCURED MY RECOVERY, I DID WITH THE DOG X24150 %REDIRE IN%VOMITUM% I WENT AGAIN WITH THE SOW X24160 +TO WALLOW IN THE MIRE, AND FELL TO MY FORMER X24170 FOLLIES AS FRANKLY, AS IF I HAD NOT TASTED ANY IOT X24180 OF WANT, OR NEVER BEEN SCOURGED FOR THEM.@ %CONSUETUDO X24190 %PECCANDI%TOLLIT%SENSUM%PECCATI , ; MY DAILY X24200 CUSTOME IN SINNE HAD CLEANE TAKEN AWAY THE FEELING X24210 OF MY SINNE: FOR I WAS SO GIVEN TO THESE VICES X24220 AFORE SAIDE , THAT I COUNTED THEM RATHER VENIALL X24230 SCAPES AND FAULTS OF NATURE , THAN ANY GREAT AND X24240 GREEVOUS OFFENCE: NEITHER DID I CARE FOR DEATH, X24250 BUT HELD IT ONELY AS THE END OF LIFE.@ FOR =COMMING X24260 ONE DAY INTO ALDERSGATE STREET TO A WELWILLERS X24270 HOUSE OF MINE, HEE WITH OTHER OF HIS FRIENDES X24280 PERSWADED ME +TO LEAVE MY BAD COURSE OF LIFE, WHICH X24290 AT LENGTH WOULD BRING MEE TO UTTER DESTRUCTION, X24300 WHEREUPON I =SCOFFINGLY MADE THEM THIS ANSWER.@ X24310 TUSH, WHAT BETTER IS HE THAT DIES IN HIS BED THAN X24320 HE THAT ENDES HIS LIFE AT TYBURNE, ALL OWE GOD X24330 A DEATH: IF I MAY HAVE MY DESIRE WHILE I LIVE, X24340 I AM SATISFIED, LET ME SHIFT AFTER DEATH AS I MAY.@ X24350 MY FRIENDS =HEARING THESE WORDS, GREATLY GREEUVD X24360 AT MY GRACELESSE RESOLUTION, MADE THIS REPLY.@ IF X24370 YOU FEARE NOT DEATH IN THIS WORLD, NOR THE PAINES X24380 OF THE BODY IN THIS LIFE, YET DOUBT THE SECOND X24390 DEATH, AND THE LOSSE OF YOUR SOULE, WHICH WITHOUT X24400 HEARTY REPENTANCE MUST REST IN HELL FIRE FOR EVER X24410 AND EVER.@ X24420 HELL (QUOTH I) WHAT TALKE YOU OF HELL TO ME ?@ X24430 I KNOW IF I ONCE COME THERE , I SHALL HAVE THE X24440 COMPANY OF BETTER MEN THAN MY SELFE , I SHAL ALSO X24450 MEETE WITH SOME MADDE KNAUES IN THAT PLACE , AND X24460 SO LONG AS I SHALL NOT SIT THERE ALONE , MY CARE IS X24470 THE LESSE .@ BUT YOU ARE MAD FOLKS (QUOTH I) FOR X24480 IF I FEARED THE IUDGES OF THE BENCH NO MORE THAN X24490 I DREAD THE IUDGEMENTS OF GOD , I WOULD BEFORE X24500 I SLEPT DIVE INTO ONE CARLES BAGGES OR OTHER , AND X24510 MAKE MERRIE WITH THE SHELLES I FOUND IN THEM SO X24520 LONG AS THEY WOULD LAST .@ AND THOUGH SOME IN THIS X24530 COMPANY WERE FRYERS OF MINE OWNE FRATERNITIE X24540 TO WHOME I SPAKE THE WORDES YET WERE THEY SO X24550 AMAZED AT MY PROPHANE SPEECHES , THAT THEY WISHT X24560 THEMSELVES FOORTH OF MY COMPANY .@ WHEREBY X24570 APPEARETH THAT MY CONTINUALL DELIGHT WAS IN SINNE , X24580 AND THAT I MADE MY SELFE DRUNKE WITH THE DREGGES X24590 OF MISCHIEFE .@ BUT =BEEING DEPARTED THENCE UNTO X24600 MY =LODGING , AND NOW GROWN TO THE FULL , I WAS X24610 CHECKED BY THE MIGHTIE HAND OF GOD : FOR SICKNES X24620 ( THE MESSENGER OF DEATH ) ATTACHED ME , AND TOLDE X24630 ME MY TIME WAS BUT SHORT , AND THAT I HAD NOT X24640 LONG +TO LIVE : WHEREUPON I WAS VEXED IN MIND , X24650 AND GREW VERY HEAVY .@ AS THUS I SATE SOLEMPNLY X24660 =THINKING OF MY END , AND =FEELING MY SELFE WAXE X24670 SICKER AND SICKER , I FELL INTO A GREAT PASSION , AND X24680 WAS WONDERFULLY PERPLEXED , YET NO WAY DISCOUERED X24690 MY AGONY , BUT SATE STILL =CALLING TO MIND THE LEWDNES X24700 OF MY FORMER LIFE : AT WHAT TIME SODAINLY =TAKING X24710 THE BOOKE OF RESOLUTION IN MY HAND , I LIGHT UPON X24720 A CHAPTER THEREIN , WHICH DISCOVERED UNTO MEE THE X24730 MISERABLE STATE OF THE REPROBATE , WHAT HELL WAS, X24740 WHAT THE WORME OF CONSCIENCE WAS , WHAT TORMENTES X24750 THERE WAS APPOINTED FOR THE DAMNED SOULES , WHAT X24760 UNSPEAKABLE MISERIES, WHAT UNQUENCHABLE FLAMES , X24770 WHAT INTOLERABLE AGONIES , WHAT INCOMPREHENSIBLE X24780 GRIEFS ; THAT THERE WAS NOTHING BUT FEARE , HORROUR , X24790 VEXATION OF MIND , DEPRIVATION FROM THE SIGHT AND X24800 FAVOUR OF GOD , =WEEPING AND =GNASHING OF TEETH , X24810 AND THAT AL THOSE TORTURES WERE NOT TERMINED OR X24820 DATED WITHIN ANY COMPASSE OF YEARES, BUT =EUVRLASTING , X24830 WORLD WOTHOUT END ; =CONCLUDING ALL IN THIS X24840 OF THE PSALMES : %AB %INFERIS %NULLA %EST %REDEMPTIO . @ X24850 AFTER THAT I HAD WITH DEEPE CONSIDERATION X24860 PONDERED UPON THESE POINTS, SUCH A TERROUR STROKE X24870 INTO MY CONSCIENCE , THAT FOR VERY ANGUISH OF MINDE X24880 MY TEETH DID BEATE IN MY HEAD , MY LOOKES WAXED X24890 PALE AND WAN, AND =FETCHING A GREAT SIGH , I CRIED X24900 UNTO GOD , AND SAID .@ IF ALL THIS BE TRUE, OH WHAT X24910 SHALL BECOME OF ME ?@ IF THE REWARDE OF SINNE BE X24920 DEATH AND HELL , HOW MANY DEATHS AND HELS DO I X24930 DESERVE , THAT HAVE BEENE A MOST MISAERABLE SINNER?@ X24940 IF DAMNATION BE THE MEED FOR WICKEDNES , THEN X24950 AM I DAMNED : FOR IN ALL THE WORLD THERE NEVER X24960 LIVED A MAN OF WORSER LIFE.@ OH WHAT SHALL I DOE?@ X24970 I CANNOT CALL TO GOD FOR MERCIE ; FOR MY FAULTS X24980 ARE BEYOND THE COMPASSE OF HIS FAVOUR : THE X24990 PUNISHMENT OF THE BODY HATH AN ENDE BY DEATH , X25000 BUT THE PAINES OF THE SOULE BY DEATH ARE MADE X25010 =EVERLASTING .@ THEN WHAT A MISERABLE CASE AM I IN X25020 IF I DIE] YET IF MY DEATH MIGHT REDEEME MY X25030 OFFENCES, AND WASH AWAY MY SINNES , OH MIGHT I X25040 SUFFER EVERY DAY TWENTIE DEATHES WHILE SEAVEN YEARES X25050 LASTETH , IT WERE NOTHING ; BUT WHEN I SHALL END X25060 A CONTEMPT TO THE WORLD , I SHAL ENIOY THE DISDAINE X25070 OF MEN , THE DISPLEASURE OF GOD , AND MY SOULE (THAT X25080 IMMORTALL CREATURE ) SHALL =EVERLASTINGLY BEE DAMNED .@ X25090 OH WOE IS MEE , WHY DOE I LIVE ? NAY RATHER WHY X25100 WAS I BORNE?@ CURSED BE THE DAY WHEREIN I WAS X25110 BORN , AND HAPLESSE BE THE BRESTS THAT GAVE ME X25120 SUCKE.@ WHY DID GOD CREATE ME +TO BEE A VESSELL X25130 OF WRATH?@ WHY DID HEE BREATH LIFE INTO ME, X25140 THUS +TO MAKE ME A LOST SHEEPE?@ OH I FEELE A X25150 HELL ALREADY IN MY CONSCIENCE : THE NUMBER OF X25160 MY SINNES DO MUSTER BEFORE MY EIES, THE POORE X25170 MENS PLAINTS THAT I HAVE WRONGED , CRIES OUT IN X25180 MINE EARES AND SAITH , ROBIN GREENE THOU ART X25190 DAMNED : NAY , THE IUSTICE OF GOD TELS MEE I CANNOT X25200 BEE SAVED .@ NOW I DO REMEMBER (THOUGH TOO X25210 LATE ) THAT I HAVE READ IN THE SCRIPTURES , HOW X25220 NEITHER ADULTERERS , SWEARERS , THEEVES , NOR MURDERERS X25230 SHALL INHERITE THE KINGDOME OF HEAVEN .@ WHAT X25240 HOPE THEN CAN I HAVE OF ANY GRACE , WHEN ( GIVEN X25250 OUER FROM ALL GRACE ) I EXCEEDED ALL OTHER IN THESE X25260 KINDE OF SINNES ?@ IF THUS UPPON EARTH AND ALIVE X25270 I FEELE A HELL, OH WHAT A THING IS THAT HELL , WHERE X25280 MY SOULE SHALL =EVERLASTINGLY LIVE IN TORMENTS ]@ I AM X25290 TAUGHT BY THE SCRIPTURE +TO PRAY ; BUT TO WHOME X25300 SHOULD I PRAY ? TO HIM THAT I HAVE BLASPHEMED , X25310 TO HIM THAT I HAVE CONTEMNED AND DESPISED , X25320 WHOSE NAME I HAVE TAKEN IN VAINE ?@ NO , NO , X25330 I AM IN A HELL .@ OH THAT MY LAST GASPE WERE X25340 COME , THAT I MIGHT BE WITH IUDAS OR CAIN , FOR X25350 THEIR PLACE IS BETTER THAN MINE ; OR THAT I MIGHT X25360 HAVE POWER WITH THESE HANDS +TO UNLOSE MY SOULE X25370 FROM THIS WRETCHED CARCASSE , THAT HATH IMPRISONED X25380 SO MANY WICKED VILLAINIES WITHIN IT .@ OH I HAVE X25390 SINNED , NOT AGAINST THE FATHER , NOR AGAINST THE X25400 SONNE , BUT AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST : FOR I PRESUMED X25410 UPON GRACE , AND WHEN THE SPIRIT OF GOD X25420 CRIED IN MY MIND AND THOUGHT , AND SAID , DRUNKENNES X25430 IS A VICE , WHOREDOME IS A VICE : I CARELESLY X25440 ( IN CONTEMPT ) RESISTED THIS MOTION , AND AS IT WERE X25450 IN A BRAVERY , COMMITTED THESE SINNES WITH GREEDINES .@ X25460 OH NOW I SHALL CRIE WITH DIVES +TO HAVE ONE X25470 DROP OF WATER FOR MY TONGUE , BUT SHALL NOT BE X25480 HEARD .@ I HAVE SINNED AGAINST MY OWNE SOULE , AND X25490 THEREFORE SHALBE CAST INTO UTTER DARKNESSE : AND X25500 FURTHER I SHALL NOT COME TILL I HAVE PAID THE UTTERMOST X25510 FARTHING , WHICH I SHALL NEVER BE ABLE +TO SATISFIE .@ X25520 OH HAPPY ARE YOU THAT FEELE THE SPARKS OF GODS X25530 FAVOUR IN YOUR HEARTS , HAPPY ARE YOU THAT HAVE X25540 HOPE IN THE PASSION OF CHRIST , HAPPY ARE YOU THAT X25550 BELEVE THAT GOD DIED FOR YOU , HAPPY ARE YOU X25560 THAT CAN PRAY .@ OH WHY DOTH NOT GOD SHEW THE X25570 LIKE MERCIE UNTO MEE ?@ THE REASON IS , BECAUSE X25580 IN ALL MY LIFE I NEVER DID ANY GOOD .@ I ALWAIES X25590 GLORIED IN SINNE , AND DESPISED THEM THAT IMBRACED X25600 VERTUE .@ GOD IS IUST , AND CANNOT PARDON MY X25610 OFFENCES ; AND THEREFORE I WOULD I WERE OUT OF X25620 THIS EARTHLY HELL , SO I WERE IN THAT SECOND HELL , X25630 THAT MY SOULE MIGHT SUFFER TORMENTES : FOR NOW X25640 I AM VEXED BOTH IN SOULE AND BODIE .@ X25650 IN THIS =DESPAIRING HUMOR , =SEARCHING FURTHER INTO X25660 THE SAID BOOKE OF RESOLUTION , I FOUND A PLACE X25670 THAT GREATLY DID COMFORT MEE , AND LAID BEFORE ME X25680 THE PROMISES OF GODS MERCIE , =SHEWING MEE THAT X25690 ALTHOUGH THE IUSTICE OF GOD WAS GREAT +TO PUNISH X25700 SINNERS , YET HIS MERCIE DID EXCEEDE HIS WORKS : X25710 AND THOUGH MY FAULTS WERE AS RED AS SKARLET , X25720 YET WASHT WITH HIS BLOUD , THEY SHOULDE BEE MADE X25730 AS WHITE AS SNOW : THEREIN WAS LAID BEFORE MINE X25740 EYES , THAT DAVID (WHO WAS CALLED A MAN AFTER HIS X25750 OWNE HEART ) DID BOTH COMMIT ADULTERY AND SEALDE X25760 IT WITH MURTHER : YET WHEN HEE DID REPENT, GOD X25770 HEARD HIM , AND ADMITED HIM TO HIS FAVOUR .@ X25780 THEREIN WAS LAID BEFORE ME THE OBSTINATE SINNE X25790 OF PETER , THAT NOT ONELY DENIED HIS MAISTER CHRIST X25800 BUT ALSO FORSWORE HIM SELFE : YET SO SOONE AS X25810 HEE SHED TEARS, AND DID HARTILY REPENT HIM , HIS X25820 OFFENCES WERE PARDONED .@ THEREIN WAS LAID OPEN X25830 THE THEEFE THAT HAD LIVED LICENTIOUSLY , AND HAD X25840 SCARSE IN ALL HIS LIFE DONE ONE GOOD DEED , AND X25850 YET HEE WAS SAVED BY HOPE IN THE MERCIES OF GOD .@ X25860 THEREIN WAS ALSO LAIDE OPEN HOW THE SEVERITIE X25870 OF THE LAW WAS MITTIGATED WITH THE SWEET AND X25880 COMFORTABLE PROMISES OF THE GOSPELL , INSOMUCH X25890 THAT I BEGAN +TO BE SOMEWHAT PACIFIED , AND A LITTLE X25900 QUIETED IN MIND , =TAKING GREAT IOY AND COMFORT X25910 IN THE PITHIE PERSWASIONS AND PROMISES OF GODS X25920 MERCIE ALLEADGED IN THAT BOOKE .@ AND YET I WAS X25930 NOT PRESENTLY RESOLVED IN MY CONSCIENCE , THAT X25940 GOD WOULD DEALE SO FAVORABLY WITH ME , FOR THAT X25950 STIL THE MULTITUDE OF MY SINNES PRESENTED ME WITH X25960 HIS IUSTICE : AND WOULD THEREFORE REASON THUS WITH X25970 MY SELFE .@ WHY , THOSE MEN ( BEFORE MENTIONED ) X25980 WERE ELECTED AND PREDESTINATED +TO BE CHOSEN VESSELS X25990 OF GODS GLORY , AND THERFORE THOUGH THEY DID FAL , X26000 YET THEY ROSE AGAINE , AND DID SHEW IT IN TIME , WITH X26010 SOME OTHER FRUITS OF THEIR ELECTION .@ BUT CONTRARIWISE , X26020 I (THE MOST WICKED OF ALL MEN ) WAS EVEN X26030 BROUGHT UP FROM MY =SWADLING CLOUTS IN WICKEDNES , X26040 MY INFANCY WAS SIN , AND MY RIPER AGE INCREAST X26050 IN WICKEDNES : I TOOKE NO PLEASURE BUT IN ILL , X26060 NEITHER WAS MY MINDE SETTE UPON ANY THING BUT X26070 UPON THE SPOYLE : THEN =SEEING ALL MY LIFE WAS X26080 LEAD IN LEWDNES , AND I NEVER BUT ONCE FELT ANY X26090 REMORSE OF CONSCIENCE , HOW CAN GOD PARDON MEE , X26100 THAT REPENT RATHER FOR FEARE THEN FOR LOVE ?@ YET X26110 =CALLING UNTO MIND THE WORDS OF ESAY , THAT AT WHAT X26120 TIME SOEVER A SINNER DOTH REPENT HIM FROM THE X26130 BOTTOME OF HIS HEART , THE LORD WOULD WIPE AWAY X26140 ALL HIS WICKEDNES OUT OF HIS REMEMBRANCE .@ X26150 THUS =BEEING AT A BATTAILE BETWEENE THE SPIRITE X26160 AND THE FLESH , I BEGANNE +TO FEELE A GREATER COMFORT X26170 IN MY MIND , SO THAT I DID WITH TEARES CONFESSE AND X26180 ACKNOWLEDGE , THAT ALTHOUGH I WAS A MOST MISERABLE X26190 SINNER , YET THE ANGUISH THAT CHRIST SUFFERED ON THE X26200 CROSSE , WAS ABLE +TO PURGE AND CLEANSE ME FROM X26210 ALL MY OFFENCES : SO THAT =TAKING HOLD WITH FAITH X26220 UPON THE PROMISES OF THE GOSPELL , I WAXED STRONG X26230 IN SPIRITE , AND BECAME ABLE +TO RESIST AND WITHSTAND X26240 ALL THE DESPERATE ATTEMPTS THAT SATHAN HAD GIVEN X26250 BEFORE TO MY WEAKE AND FEEBLE CONSCIENCE .@ WHEN X26260 THUS I HAD CONSIDERATLY THOUGHT ON THE WRETCHEDNES X26270 OF MY LIFE , AND THEREWITHALL LOOKED INTO THE X26280 UNCERTAINTY OF DEATH , I THOUGHT GOOD +TO X26290 WRITE A SHORT DISCOURSE OF MY LIFE , X26300 THE SAME WHICH I HAVE IOYNED X26310 TO THIS TREATISE , =CONTAINING X26320 AS FOLLOWETH .@ X26330 I NEEDE NOT MAKE LONG DISCOURSE OF MY X26340 PARENTES , WHO FOR THEIR GRAVITIE AND X26350 HONEST LIFE WERE WELL KNOWNE AND X26360 ESTEEMED AMONGST THEIR NEIGHBORS ; NAMELY , IN THE X26370 CITTIE OF NORWITCH , WHERE I WAS BRED AND BORNE .@ X26380 BUT AS OUT OF ONE SELFE SAME CLOD OF CLAY THERE X26390 SPROUTS BOTH =STINKING WEEDS AND DELIGHTFULL FLOWERS : X26400 SO FROM HONEST PARENTES OFTEN GROW MOST DISHONEST X26410 CHILDREN ; FOR MY FATHER HAD CARE +TO HAVE MEE X26420 IN MY NON-AGE BROUGHT UP AT SCHOOLE , THAT I X26430 MIGHT THROUGH THE STUDIE OF GOOD LETTERS GROW X26440 +TO BE A FREND TO MY SELF , A PROFITABLE MEMBER TO X26450 THE COMMON-WELTH , AND A COMFORT TO HIM IN HIS X26460 AGE .@ BUT AS EARLY PRICKS THE TREE THAT WILL PROVE X26470 A THORNE : SO EVEN IN MY FIRST YEARES I BEGAN +TO X26480 FOLLOWE THE FILTHINES OF MINE OWNE DESIRES , AND X26490 NEYTHER +TO LISTEN TO THE WHOLESOME ADVERTISEMENTS X26500 OF MY PARENTES , NOR BEE RULDE BY THE CAREFULL X26510 CORRECTION OF MY MAISTER .@ FOR =BEING AT THE X26520 UNIVERSITIE OF CAMBRIDGE , I LIGHT AMONGST WAGS X26530 AS LEWD AS MY SELFE , WITH WHOME I CONSUMED X26540 THE FLOWER OF MY YOUTH , WHO DREW MEE +TO TRAVELL X26550 INTO ITALY , AND SPAINE , IN WHICH PLACES I SAWE AND X26560 PRACTIZDE SUCH VILLAINIE AS IS ABHOMINABLE +TO X26570 DECLARE .@ THUS BY THEIR COUNSAILE I SOUGHT +TO X26580 FURNISH MYSELFE WITH COINE , WHICH I PROCURED BY X26590 =CUNNING SLEIGHTS FROM MY FATHER AND MY FRIENDS , X26600 AND MY MOTHER PAMPERED ME SO LONG , AND X26610 SECRETLY HELPED MEE TO THE OYLE OF ANGELS , THAT X26620 I GREW THEREBY PRONE TO ALL MISCHIEFE : SO THAT X26630 =BEEING THEN CONVERSANT WITH NOTABLE BRAGGARTS , X26640 BOON COMPANIONS AND ORDINARY SPEND-THRIFTS , THAT X26650 PRACTIZED SUNDRY SUPERFICIALL STUDIES , I BECAME AS X26660 A SIEN GRAFTED INTO THE SAME STOCKE , WHEREBY I X26670 DID ABSOLUTELY PARTICIPATE OF THEIR NATURE AND X26680 QUALITIES ,@ AT MY RETURN INTO ENGLAND , I RUFFELED X26690 OUT IN MY SILKS , IN THE HABIT OF MALCONTENT , AND X26700 SEEMED SO DISCONTENT , THAT NO PLACE WOULD PLEASE X26710 ME +TO ABIDE IN , NOR NO VOCATION CAUSE MEE +TO STAY X26720 MY SELFE IN : BUT AFTER I HAD BY DEGREES PROCEEDED X26730 MAISTER OF ARTS , I LEFT THE UNIVERSITIE AND AWAY X26740 TO LONDON , WHERE (AFTER I HAD CONTINUED SOME X26750 SHORT TIME , AND DRIVEN MY SELF OUT OF CREDIT WITH X26760 SUNDRY OF MY FRENDS ) I BECAME AN AUTHOR OF X26770 PLAYES AND A PENNER OF LOVE PAMPHLETS , SO THAT X26780 I SOONE GREW FAMOUS IN THAT QUALITIE , THAT WHO X26790 FOR THAT TRADE GROWNE SO ORDINARY ABOUT LONDON X26800 AS ROBIN GREENE .@ YONG YET IN YEARES , THOUGH X26810 OLDE IN WICKEDNES , I BEGAN +TO RESOLVE THAT THERE X26820 WAS NOTHING BAD THAT WAS PROFITABLE : WHEREUPON X26830 I GREW SO ROOTED IN ALL MISCHIEFE , THAT I HAD AS X26840 GREAT A DELIGHT IN WICKEDNESSE AS SUNDRIE HATH X26850 IN GODLINESSE : AND AS MUCH FELICITIE I TOOKE IN X26860 VILLAINY , AS OTHERS HAD IN HONESTIE .@ X26870 THUS WAS THE LIBERTIE I GOT IN MY YOUTH , THE X26880 CAUSE OF MY LICENTIOUS =LIVING IN MY AGE , AND X26890 =BEEING THE FIRST STEPPE TO HELL , I FIND IT NOW THE X26900 FIRST LET FROM HEAVEN .@ X26910 BUT I WOULD WISH ALL MY NATIVE COUNTRYMEN , X26920 THAT READE THIS MY REPENTAUNCE ;@ FIRST +TO FEARE X26930 GOD IN THEIR WHOLE LIFE , WHICH I NEVER DID .@ X26940 SECONDLY , +TO OBEY THEIR PARENTS , AND +TO LISTEN UNTO X26950 THE WHOLESOME COUNSAILE OF THEIR ELDERS : SO SHALL X26960 THEIR DAYES BE MULTIPLIED UPPON THEM HEERE ON X26970 EARTH , AND INHERITE THE CROWNE OF GLORIE IN THE X26980 KINGDOME OF HEAVEN .@ I EXHORT THEM ALSO +TO LEAVE X26990 THE COMPANY OF LEWD AND ILL LIVERS : FOR =CONVERSING X27000 WITH SUCH COPES-MATES , DRAWES THEM INTO X27010 SUNDRY DANGEROUS INCONVENIENCES : NOR LETTE THEM X27020 HAUNT THE COMPANY OF HARLOTS , WHOSE THROATES ARE X27030 AS SMOOTH AS OYLE , BUT THEIR FEET LEAD THE STEPS X27040 UNTO DEATH AND DESTRUCTION : FOR THEY LIKE SYRENS X27050 WITH THEIR SWEETE =INCHAUNTING NOTES , SOOTHED ME X27060 UP IN ALL KIND OF UNGODLINES .@ X27070 OH TAKE HEED OF HARLOTS ( I WISH YOU THE X27080 UNBRIDLED YOUTH OF ENGLAND ) FOR THEY ARE THE X27090 BASILISKES THAT KILL WITH THEIR EYES , THEY ARE THE X27100 SYRENS THAT ALLURE WITH THEIR SWEETE LOOKES : AND X27110 THEY LEADE THEIR FAVORERS UNTO THEIR DESTRUCTION , X27120 AS A SHEEPE IS LEAD UNTO THE SLAUGHTER .@ X27130 FROM WHORDOME I GREW TO DRUNKENNES , FROM X27140 DRUNKENNES TO =SWEARING AND =BLASPHEMING THE NAME X27150 OF GOD , HEREOF GREW QUARRELS , FRAYES , AND CONTINUAL X27160 CONTROVERSIES , WHICH ARE NOW AS WORMES IN MY X27170 CONSCIENCE =GNAWING ME INCESSANTLY .@ AND DID I X27180 NOT THROUGH HEARTY REPENTANCE TAKE HOLD OF GODS X27190 MERCIES , EVEN THESE DETESTABLE SINNES WOULDE DRENCH X27200 ME DOWNE INTO THE DAMNABLE PIT OF DESTRUCTION ; X27210 FOR %STIPENDIUM%PECCATI%MORS% .@ X27220 OH KNOWE ( GOOD COUNTRYMEN ) THAT THE HORRIBLE X27230 SINS AND INTOLLERABLE BLASPHEMIE I HAVE USED AGAINST X27240 THE MAIESTIE OF GOD , IS A BLOCKE IN MY CONSCIENCE , X27250 AND THAT SO HEAVY THAT THERE WERE NO WAY WITH X27260 ME BUT DESPERATION , IF THE HOPE OF CHRISTS DEATH X27270 AND PASSION DID NOT HELPE +TO EASE MEE OF SO INTOLLERABLE X27280 AND HEAVIE A BURTHEN .@ X27290 I HAVE LONG WITH THE DEAFE ADDER STOPT MINE X27300 EARES AGAINST THE VOICE OF GODS MINISTERS , YEA X27310 MY HEART WAS HARDENED WITH PHARAO AGAINST ALL X27320 THE MOTIONS THAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD DID AT ANY TIME X27330 WORKE IN MY MIND, +TO TURN ME FROM MY DETESTABLE X27340 KIND OF =LIVING @ X27350 YET LET ME CONFESSE A TRUETH , THAT EVEN ONCE , X27360 AND YET BUT ONCE , I FELT A FEARE AND HORROUR IN X27370 MY CONSCIENCE , AND THEN THE TERROUR OF GODS IUDGEMENTES X27380 DID MANIFESTLY TEACH ME THAT MY LIFE WAS X27390 BAD , THAT BY SINNE I DESERVED DAMNATION , AND THAT X27400 SUCH WAS THE GREATNES OF MY SINNE , THAT I DESERVED X27410 NO REDEMPTION .@ AND THIS INWARD MOTION I RECEIVED X27420 IN SAINT ANDREWS CHURCH IN THE CITTIE OF NORWICH , X27430 AT A LECTURE OR SERMON THEN PREACHED BY A GODLY X27440 LEARNED MAN , WHOSE DOCTRINE , AND THE MANER OF X27450 WHOSE =TEACHING , I LIKED SO WONDERFULL WELL : YEA ( IN X27460 MY CONSCIENCE ) SUCH WAS HIS SINGLENES OF HART , AND X27470 ZEALE IN HIS DOCTRINE , THAT HEE MIGHT HAVE CONVERTED X27480 ME THE MOST MONSTER SINNER OF THE WORLD .@ X27490 WELL , AT THAT TIME , WHOSOEVER WAS WORST , I X27500 KNEWE MY SELFE AS BAD AS HE : FOR =BEING NEW X27510 COME FROM ITALY , (WHERE I LEARNED ALL THE VILLANIES X27520 UNDER THE HEAVENS ) I WAS DROWNED IN PRIDE, X27530 WHOREDOME WAS MY DAILY EXERCISE , AND GLUTTONY X27540 WITH DRUNKENNES WAS MY ONELY DELIGHT .@ X27550 AT THIS SERMON THE TERROUR OF GODS IUDGEMENTES X27560 DID MANIFESTLY TEACH ME , THAT MY EXERCISES X27570 WERE DAMNABLE , AND THAT I SHOULD BEE WIPTE OUT X27580 OF THE BOOKE OF LIFE , IF I DID NOT SPEEDILY REPENT X27590 MY LOOSENES OF LIFE , AND REFORME MY X27600 MISDEMEANORS .@ X27610 AT THIS SERMON THE SAID LEARNED MAN ( WHO X27620 DOUBTLES WAS THE CHILD OF GOD ) DID BEATE DOWNE X27630 SINNE IN SUCH PITHIE AND PERSWASIVE MANNER , THAT X27640 I BEGAN +TO CALL UNTO MIND THE DAUNGER OF MY X27650 SOULE , AND THE PREIUDICE THAT AT LENGTH WOULD X27660 BEFALL MEE FOR THOSE GROSSE SINNES WHICH WITH X27670 GREEDINES I DAILY COMMITTED : IN SO MUCH AS X27680 =SIGHING I SAID IN MY SELFE , LORD HAVE MERCIE UPON X27690 MEE , AND SEND ME GRACE +TO AMEND AND BECOME X27700 A NEW MAN .@ X27710 BUT THIS GOOD MOTION LASTED NOT LONG IN MEE ; X27720 FOR NO SOONER HAD I MET WITH MY COPESMATES , X27730 BUT =SEEING ME IN SUCH A SOLEMNE HUMOUR , THEY X27740 DEMAUNDED THE CAUSE OF MY SADNES : TO WHOM X27750 WHEN I HAD DISCOVERED THAT I SORROWED FOR MY X27760 WICKEDNESSE OF LIFE , AND THAT THE PREACHERS WORDES X27770 HAD TAKEN A DEEPE IMPRESSION ON MY CONSCIENCE , X27780 THEY FELL UPON ME IN =IEASTING MANNER , =CALLING X27790 ME PURITANE AND PRESIZIAN , AND WISHED I MIGHT X27800 HAVE A PULPIT , WITH SUCH OTHER =SCOFFING TEARMES , X27810 THAT BY THEIR FOOLISH PERSWASION THE GOOD AND X27820 WHOLESOME LESSON I HAD LEARNED WENT QUITE OUT X27830 OF MY REMEMBRANCE : SO THAT I FEL AGAINE WITH X27840 THE DOG TO MY OLDE VOMIT , AND PUT MY WICKED X27850 LIFE IN PRACTISE , AND THAT SO THROUGHLY AS EVER X27860 I DID BEFORE .@ X27870 THUS ALTHOUGH GOD SENT HIS HOLY SPIRIT +TO CALL X27880 MEE , AND THOUGH I HEARD HIM , YET I REGARDED X27890 IT NO LONGER THAN THE PRESENT TIME , WHEN SODAINLY X27900 =FORSAKING IT , I WENT FORWARD OBSTINATELY IN MY X27910 MISSE .@ NEVERTHELESSE SOONE AFTER I MARRIED A X27920 GENTLEMANS DAUGHTER OF GOOD ACCOUNT , WITH WHOM X27930 I LIVED FOR A WHILE : BUT FOR AS MUCH AS SHE X27940 WOULD PERSWADE ME FROM MY WILFUL WICKEDNES X27950 AFTER I HAD A CHILD BY HER , I CAST HER OFF , =HAVING X27960 SPENT UP THE MARRIAGE MONEY WHICH I OBTAINED X27970 BY HER .@ X27980 THEN I LEFT HER AT SIX OR SEVEN , WHO WENT INTO X27990 LINCOLNESHIRE , AND I TO LONDON : WHERE IN SHORT X28000 SPACE I FELL INTO FAVOR WITH SUCH AS WERE OF X28010 HONORABLE AND GOOD =CALLING .@ BUT HEERE NOTE , THAT X28020 THOUGH I KNEW HOW +TO GET A FRIEND , YET I HAD X28030 NOT THE GIFT OR REASON HOW +TO KEEPE A FRIEND : X28040 FOR HEE THAT WAS MY DEAREST FRIEND , I WOULD BEE X28050 SURE SO +TO BEHAVE MY SELFE TOWARDS HIM , THAT HE X28060 SHOULDE EVER AFTER PROFESSE +TO BE MY UTTER ENEMIE , X28070 OR ELSE VOWE NEVER AFTER +TO COME IN MY COMPANY .@ X28080 THUS MY MISDEMEANORS ( TOO MANY +TO BEE X28090 RECITED ) CAUSED THE MOST PART OF THOSE SO MUCH X28100 +TO DESPISE ME , THAT IN THE END I BECAME FRIENDLES , X28110 EXCEPT IT WERE IN A FEWE ALEHOUSES , WHO COMMONLY X28120 FOR MY INORDINATE EXPENCES WOULD MAKE MUCH OF X28130 ME , UNTIL I WERE ON THE SCORE , FAR MORE THAN EVER X28140 I MEANT +TO PAY BY TWENTY NOBLES THICK .@ X28150 AFTER I HAD WHOLY BETAKEN ME TO THE =PENNING X28160 OF PLAIES ( WHICH WAS MY CONTINUALL EXERCISE ) I X28170 WAS SO FAR FROM =CALLING UPON GOD , THAT I SILDOME X28180 THOUGHT ON GOD , BUT TOOKE SUCH DELIGHT IN X28190 =SWEARING AND =BLASPHEMING THE NAME OF GOD , THAT X28200 NONE COULD THINK OTHERWISE OF MEE , THAN THAT I X28210 WAS THE CHILD OF PERDITION .@ X28220 THESE VANITIES AND OTHER =TRIFLING PAMPHLETS X28230 I PENNED OF LOVE , AND VAINE FANTASIES , WAS MY X28240 CHIEFEST STAY OF =LIVING , AND FOR THOSE MY VAINE X28250 DISCOURSES , I WAS BELOVED OF THE MORE VAINER SORT X28260 OF PEOPLE , WHO =BEEING MY CONTINUALL COMPANIONS , X28270 CAME STILL TO MY =LODGING , AND THERE WOULD CONTINUE X28280 =QUAFFING , =CAROWSING , AND =SURFETING WITH ME ALL THE X28290 DAY LONG .@ X28300 BUT I THANKE GOD THAT HEE PUT IT IN MY HEAD , X28310 +TO LAY OPEN THE MOST HORRIBLE COOSENAGES OF THE X28320 COMMON CONNY-CATCHERS , COOSENERS , AND CROSSEBITERS X28330 WHICH I HAVE INDIFFERENTLY HANDLED IN THOSE X28340 MY SEVERALL DISCOURSES ALREADY IMPRINTED .@ AND X28350 MY TRUST IS THAT THOSE DISCOURSES WILL DOE GREAT X28360 GOOD , AND BEE VERY BENEFICIALL TO THE COMMONWEALTH X28370 OF ENGLAND .@ X28380 BUT OH MY DEARE WIFE , WHOSE COMPANY AND X28390 SIGHT I HAVE REFRAINED THESE SIXE YEARES : I ASKE X28400 GOD AND THEE FORGIVENESSE FOR SO GREATLY =WRONGING X28410 THEE , OF WHOME I SELDOM OR NEVER THOUGHT UNTILL X28420 NOW .@ PARDON MEE ( I PRAY THEE ) WHERESOEVER X28430 THOU ART , AND GOD FORGIVE MEE ALL MY OFFENCES .@ X28440 AND NOW TO YOU ALL THAT LIVE AND REVELL IN SUCH X28450 WICKEDNESSE AS I HAVE DONE , TO YOU I WRITE , AND X28460 IN GODS NAME WISH YOU +TO LOOKE TO YOURSELVES , X28470 AND +TO REFORME YOUR SELVES FOR THE SAFE GARD OF X28480 YOUR OWNE SOULES : DISSEMBLE NOT WITH GOD , BUT X28490 SEEKE GRACE AT HIS HANDES ; HEE HATH PROMIST IT , X28500 AND HE WILL PERFORME IT .@ X28510 GOD DOTH SUNDRY TIMES DEFERRE HIS PUNISHMENT X28520 UNTO THOSE THAT RUNNE A WICKED RACE ; BUT %QUOD X28530 %DEFERTUR %NON %AUFERTUR% , THAT WHICH IS DEFERDE IS X28540 NOT QUITTANST , A DAY OF =RECKONING WILL COME , WHEN X28550 THE LORD WILL SAY :@ COME GIVE ACCOUNT OF THY X28560 STEWARDSHIP .@ WHAT GOD DETERMINETH , MAN CANNOT X28570 PREVENT : HE THAT BINDS TWO SINNES TOGETHER , CANNOT X28580 GO UNPUNISHT IN THE ONE : SO LONG THE POT GOETH X28590 TO THE PIT , THAT AT LAST IT COMES BROKEN HOME .@ X28600 THEREFORE ( ALL MY GOOD FRIENDS ) HOPE NOT IN 028610 MONEY , NOR IN FRIENDS , IN FAVORS , IN KINDRED : THEY 028620 ARE ALL UNCERTAINE , AND THEY ARE FURTHEST OFF , WHEN 028630 MEN THINK THEM MOST NIGH .@ OH WERE I NOW 028640 +TO BEGIN THE FLOWER OF MY YOUTH , WERE I NOW IN 028650 THE PRIME OF MY YEARS , HOW FAR WOULD I BEE 028660 FROM MY FORMER FOLLYES : WHAT A REFORMED COURSE 028670 OF LIFE WOULD I TAKE : BUT IT IS TOO LATE ; ONLY 028680 NOW THE COMFORTABLE MERCIES OF THE LORD IS LEFT 028690 ME +TO HOPE IN .@ 028700 IT IS BOOTLESSE FOR ME +TO MAKE ANY LONG DISCOURSE 028710 TO SUCH AS ARE GRACELESSE AS I HAVE BEENE .@ ALL 028720 WHOLESOME =WARNINGES ARE ODIOUS UNTO THEM , FOR 028730 THEY WITH THE SPIDER SUCKE OUT OF THE MOST 028740 PRECIOUS FLOWERS , AND TO SUCH AS GOD HATH IN HIS 028750 SECRETE COUNCEL ELECTED , FEWE WORDS WILL SUFFICE .@ 028760 BUT HOWSOEVER MY LIFE HATH BEENE , LET MY REPENTANT 028770 ENDE BE A GENERAL EXAMPLE TO ALL THE YOUTH 028780 IN ENGLAND +TO OBEY THEIR PARENTS , +TO FLIE WHOREDOME , 028790 DRUNKENNES , =SWEARING , =BLASPHEMING , CONTEMPT 028800 OF THE WORD , AND SUCH GREEVOUS AND GROSSE 028810 SINS , LEAST THEY BRING THEIR PARENTS HEADS WITH 028820 SORROW TO THEIR GRAVES , AND LEAST ( WITH MEE ) THEY 028830 BE A BLEMISH TO THEIR KINDRED , AND TO THEIR POSTERITY 028840 FOR EVER .@ 028850 THUS MAY YOU SEE HOW GOD HATH SECRETE TO 028860 HIMSELFE THE TIMES OF =CALLING : AND WHEN HEE WILL 028870 HAVE THEM INTO HIS VINEYARD , SOME HEE CALLS 028880 IN THE MORNING , SOME AT NOONE , AND SOME IN THE 028890 EVENING , AND YET HATH THE LAST HIS WAGES ASWELL AS 028900 THE FIRST :@ FOR AS HIS JUDGEMENTES ARE INSCRUTABLE , 028910 SO ARE HIS MERCIES INCOMPREHENSIBLE .@ AND THEREFORE 028920 LET ALL MEN LEARNE THESE TWO LESSONS ; NOT 028930 +TO DESPAIRE , BECAUSE GOD MAY WORKE IN THEM 028940 THROUGH HIS SPIRIT AT THE LAST HOURE ; NOR +TO 028950 PRESUME , LEAST GOD GIVE THEM OVER FOR THEIR PRESUMPTION , 028960 AND DENY THEM REPENTANCE , AND SO THEY 028970 DIE IMPENITENT : WHICH %FINALIS %IMPENETENTIA IS A 028980 MANIFEST SIN AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST .@ 028990 TO THIS DOTH THE GOLDEN SENTENCE OF SAINT/AUGUSTINE 029000 ALLUDE , WHICH HEE SPEAKETH OF THE THEEFE =HANGING 029010 ON THE CROSSE .@ THERE WAS ( SAITH HEE ) ONE THEEFE 029020 SAVED AND NO MORE , THEREFORE PRESUME NOT ; AND THERE 029030 WAS ONE SAVED , AND THEREFORE DESPAIRE NOT .@ AND +TO 029040 CONCLUDE , TAKE THESE CAVEATS HERE AFTER =FOLLOWING .@ 029050