First, I observ?d to them the reason which the Apostle here assigns, of the Long-Suffering of God towards Sinners, viz, That he is not willing that any should Perish, but that all should come to Repentane.

Secondly, I shew?d that this Goodness of God ought to win them to Repentance, by laying before them the irresistable Power God is arm?d with, and his absolute Dominion over the whole Creation: and how, that (notwithstanding Men?s great and repeated Provocations against him) he still exercises his Patience towards them; cuts them not off in the Acts of those many damning Sins they have committed, but, for a long time, forbears his Judgments that their Amendment might prevent the Execution of his Justice.

For the truth of this Observation, I appeal?d to themselves.

You are living and signal Instances of God?s great Forbearance and Long- Suffering; and now that at length, Vengeance has laid hold of you, and your Sin found you out; God even still waits for your Repentance, and upon a deep Sorrow and Humiliation for your Transgressions, is ready to reach out the Arm of his Mercy to save you.

I earnestly then press?d them not to neglect this their Day, for now was the accepted time, now, now, (in the most emphatical Sense) was their Day of Salvation, for their Night hasted swistly on, wherein it was impossible for them to work: and therefore, that it was of the utmost Importance for them instantly to think on this, to fly to the Merits of a crucisy?d Saviour; and with a holy Vehemence, nd Importunity, bg the good Spirit of God, (the Purchase of his most precious Blood) to work in them a hearty Contrition for their Sins, that their Souls might be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus.

I proceeded, in the Third Place to shew the infinite Danger and Hazard Men run, in standing out against the many Overtures of Grace and Mercy ; that abus?d Goodness wou?d at length turn into Fury; and that every despis?d Call of the holy Spirit, and the rejected Admonitions of God?s Ministers would, in the great solemn Hour of Accounts, aggravate their Guilt, and enhance their Punishment.

On Fryday, the Day of Execution, pursuant to an Order from the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, and Court of Aldermen, I went about Nine in the Morning to Newgate, where I found the Reverend Mr. Skerret in Mr. Matthews?s Chamber, and desired him, as he had constantly attended Mr. Matthews from the time of his Condemnation, so he wou?d be pleas?d to continue his Attendance to his Execution. He answer?d me, That he was very ready to do Mr. Matthews all the Service that lay in his Power, and came then to visit him, with a Resolution to be with him in his last Moments. I then left Mr. Skerret with him (who was so well