154 , A C.\.LL TO whether people think a man in the pulpit is in good earnest or not, and means as he speaks; for I think _I have few neighbours, but, if I were sitting familiarly with them, and telling them what I have seen and done, or known in the world, they themselves shall see and know in the 'world to come, they would believe me, and regard what I say; but when I tell them, from the infallible word of God, what they themselves shall see and know in the world to come, they show by their lives, that they do either not believe it or not much regard it. If I met any one of them on the way, and told them yonder is a coal-pit, or there is a quicksand, or there are thieves lying in wait for you, I could persuade them to turn by; but when I tell them that Satan lieth in wait for them, 'and that sin is poison to them, and that hell is ;not a ma'tter to be jested with, they go on as if they did not hear me. Truly, neighbours, I am in as good earnest with you in the pulpit as I am in my familiar discourse; and if ever you will regard me, I beseech you let it be here. I think there is not a man of you all, but, if my own soul lie at your wills, you would be /willing so save it, though I cannot promise that you would leave your sins for it. Tell me, thou drunkard, art thou so cruel to me, that thou wouldst not forbear a few cups of drink, if thou knowest it would save my soul from hell? Hadst thou rather that I did burn there for ever than thou shouldst live soberly as other men do? If so, may I not say, thou art an unmerciful monster, and not a man? If I came hungry or naked to one of your doors, would you not part with more than a cup of drink to relieve me? I am confident you would. If it were to save my life, I know you vwuld, some of you, hazard your own; and yet will you not be entreated to part with your sensual pleasures for your own salvation? Wouldst thou forbear a hundred cups of drink, to save my life; if it were in thy power, and wilt thou not do it to save thy own soul? I profess to you, sirs, I am as hearty a beggar with you this
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