FIFTY REASONS. 21S needs say, both that they were very few indeed, and I had reason to believe, that they were such as had sinned before in ignorance, and did not wilfully put off repentance, when they were convinced that they must t urn. Though I doubt not but God may convert even these if he please, yet I cannot say that I have ever known many, if any such, to be converted. Sure I am that God's usual time is in childhood, or youth, before they have long abused grace, and wilfully delayed to turn when they were convinced. Some considerable time, I confess, may have elapsed, before their first convictions and purposes be brought to any great ripeness of performance: but 0 how dangerous it is to delay! 21. Consider also, Either conversion is good or bad for you ; either it is needful or unnecessary. If it be bad, and a need less thing, then let it alone altogether. But if you are convinced that it is good and necessary, is it not better now than to stay any longer? Is it not the sooner the better? Are you afraid of being safe or happy too soon? If you are sick, you care not how soon you are well; if you have a bone out, you care not how soon it is set; if you fall into the water, you care not how soon you get out; if your house be on fire, you care not how soon it be quenched; if you are put in fear by any doubts or ill tidings, you care not how soon your fears be over. And yet are you afi·aid of being too soon out of the power of the devil, and the danger of hell; and of being too soon the sons of God, and the holy, justified heirs of heaven? 22. Consider also, Either you can turn now, or not. If you can and yet will not, you are utterly without excuse. If you cannot to-day, how much less will you be able hereafter, when strength is less, and difficulties greater, and burdens more? Is it not time, therefore, to apply to Christ for strength; and should not the very sense of your inability dissuade you from delay? 23, Gonsider~ How long you have stayed already,
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