TO A SOUND CONVERSION. 391 saved, labour to understand the necessity and nature of conversion. --- Consider ,what a lamentable con- dition you are in till your conversion, that you may see it is not a state to be rested in. You are under the guilt of all the sins that ever you committed, and under the wrath of God, and the curse of his law ; you are bond - slaves to the devil, and daily employed in his work, against the Lord, yourselves, and others; you are spiritually dead, as being void of the holy life, and nature and image, of the Lord. You are unfit for any holy work and do nothing that is truly pleas- ing to God. You are without any promise or assur- ance of his protection, and live in continual danger of his justice, not knowing what hour you may be snatch- ed away to hell ; and most certain to be damned, if you die in that condition ; and nothing short of con- version can prevent, it.. Whatever amendments are short of true conversion, will never procure the sav- ing of your souls. Keep the true sense of this natural misery, and of the necessity of conversion, on your hearts. And then you must understand what it is to be converted : it is to have a new heart or disposition, and a new conversation. Quest. 1. For what must we turn Ans. For these ends following, which you, may attain : 'You shall hereby be made living members of Christ, and have an interest in him ; and be renewed after the image of God, quickened with a new and heavenly life, and saved from the tyranny of Satan, and the dominion of sin ; awl be justified from the curse Of the law, and have the pardon of all the sins of your whole lives ; and be accepted of God, and made his sons, and have liberty with boldness to, call' him Father, and go to him; by prayer in all your wants, with a promise of acceptance; you shall have the Holy Ghost to dwell in you, to sanctify and guide you; you shall have part in the communion and pray- ers of the saints : you shall be fitted for God's ser- vice ; and shall have the promise of this life, and that which is to come.
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