A 173 Perfect Love gives Boldnefs SEAM: tence of God ; fince it is fo, nothing can be VIII. of greater importance than to know, if it is `'1^°' to be known, what foundation we have of hope or of boldnefs, as the text expreffes it, in the day of judgment. Many, however, of mankind, even of chiiflians, give them- felves very little trouble about this matter; not that they are fatisfied on any rational grounds their condition is fafe, and it fhall be well with them hereafter ; but they pafs away their time in a ftupid inattention, their thoughts are wholly employed about the bu- finefs, the cares, and enjoyments of the pre - fent life, and for what Mall come hereafter, they fet it at a great diftance, and therefore are little affe ted with it, or build uncer- tain hopes on general unexamin'd pretences, fuch as that God is merciful, that Chrift is the Saviour of finners, of them among others, that they profefs a pure and true reli- gion, and pay a refpeet to its inflitutions, that their fins are not very heinous, or if they be, 'tis their purpofe to repent fome time be- fore they die, and apply themfeiv -s dili- gently to the work of their falvation. But, how unworthy is this of reafonable crea- tures? I may juftly apply here the words of the 'I. iï
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