BAXTER'S FTFTï' REASONS. 553 though I have known some very few converted when they were old, yet I must needs say, both that they were very few indeed, and that I had reason to believe, that they were such that had sinned before in ignor- ance, and did not wilfully put off repentance when they were convinced that they must turn. ' ihough 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 perform- ance: 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 needless 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 but in fears by any doubts, or ill tidings, you care not how soon your fears be over. And yet are you afraid of being too soon out of the power of the Devil, and the danger of hell; and being too soon the sons of God, and the holy, justified heirs of heaven? 22. Consider also ; eithe% you can turn now, or no ; 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 burthens more? Is it not time therefore to make out to Christ for strength ; and should not the very sense of your inability dissuade you from delay ? 23. Consider how long you have stayed already, and put God's patience to it by your folly : have not the Devil, the world, and thé flesh, had many years' time 18 4 A
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