344 DIRECTIONS AND PERSUASIONS you see, if it may be whether you are converted or not? It undoes many thousands, that they think they are in the way to salvation, when they are not ; and that they are converted, when it is no such thing. And then, when we call to them daily to turn, they think this concerns not them ; for they are turned already, and hope they shall do well enough in the way that they are in, when, alas ! all this while they live to the world and flesh, and are strangers to God and eternal life. And all this, because we cannot persuade them to spend a few hours in the examining of their states. Are there not many self - deceiving wretches that hear me this day, who never bestowed one hour in all their lives, to examine their souls, and try whether they were truly converted or not ? O merciful God, who will care for such wretches, that care no more for them- selves ? If all that are in the state of damnation did but know it, they durst not continue in it. The great- est hope that the devil has of bringing you to damna- tion without a rescue, is by keeping you blindfold, and making you believe that you may do well enough in the way that you are in. If you knew that you were lost for ever if you should die as you are ; durst you sleep another night in the state that you are in? Durst you live another day in it? Could you laugh, or be merry, in such a state? What! and not know but you may be snatched away to hell in an hour ! Sure it would constrain you to forsake your former company and courses, and to betake yourselves to the ways of holiness. Sure it would drive you to cry to God for a new heart, and to seek help of those who are fit to counsel you. There is none of you, sure, that cares not for being damned. Well then, I beseech you, . presently make enquiry into your hearts, and give them no rest, till you find out your condition ; that if it be (rood, you may rejoice in it, and go on ; and if it be bad, you may presently look about you for recovery, . as men that believe they must turn or die. What say you? Will you resolve, and promise to be at so much labour for your own souls? Will you fall upon this self - examination when you go home? Is my request
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