10
The Saint's Duty in Evil Times.
law, and as many as are of the works of the law, are under the curſe, for it is written, Curſed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the law, to do them. A penknife can take away the Life as well as a broad ſword: Indeed, I think the caſe of the wicked and profane is more hopeful than thy caſe,
becauſe they will be ſooner gotten convinced of the neceſſity of repentance than thou wilt.
Fourthly, Theſe come not unto Chriſt, who, becauſe they meet with favourable diſpenſations, and great proofs of the Lord's general providences, and thereupon conclude all is well with them. Think upon what David ſays, Pſal. xvii. 14. From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portions in this life, and whoſe belly thou filleſt with thy hid treaſure: they are full of children, and leave the reſt of their ſub-ſtance to their babes. None knoweth love or hatred by all that is before him, Eccl. xi.
Fifthly, Theſe come not to Chriſt, who think all is right with them, becauſe they are not challenged in their conſcienccs. O mad fools, whoſe hearts are ſcaled with obduration, the ſaddeſt place in all the ſcripture holds forth your caſe, Hoſ.iv. 17. Ephra-im is joined to his idols : Let him alone. Then ye drop into hell, the fire thereof will ſoon burn up that thick ſkin that is
grown upon your Conſciences.
Sixthly, Theſe come not onto Chriſt, who reft upon their apprehended ſorrow for ſin. O, ſay they, I am not fuch a fool as to think all is well, becauſe I want challenges, but becauſe I have them: Remember Eſau, remember Judas: your building upon your ſorrows and tears, is like a man that builds upon a ſlow-moſs.
Seventhly, Theſe come not unto Chriſt, who fall off the common road of ſin, unto duty, and reſt there: Mind what our Lord ſays of the conceity Phariſee, Luke xviii. 11, 12, 13, and 14. That tho' he was not an extortioner, unjuſt, nor an adulterer, and faſted twice a week, and pay'd tythes of all he poſleſſed, yet
he went not down to his houſe ſo juſtified as the poor publican did; yet he will ſay, I am far from ſwearing, drinking, &c. and have betaken myſelf to the ſociety of the people of God; and I read, and pray, , &c. therefore all is well. O poor fool, thy caſe is now worſe than ever. O we tremble to think upon the multitude that prays themſelves into hell; This is David indeed,
who kills his ten thouſands. What ſhall I liken you to? Ye are like a man that digeth deep down, and caſts out the old earth, but brings new earth of his own mould, but goes not the length of the rock.
Eightly. Theſe come not unto Chriſt, who even goes that length as to aſſent to the ſpiritual meaning of the Law, and reſts there. This is much indeed, this is a great length; yea a greater length than the moſt part of you, who are hearing me this
day
