Chap. 9.] THE SAINTS', REST. himself into. Teach him his need of a Redeemer ; how Christ did mercifully interpose, and bear the penalty ; what the new covenant is; howmen are drawn to Christ; and what are the riches and privileges which believers have in him. If he is not moved by these things, then show him the excellency of the glory he neglects ; the extremity and eternity of the torments of the damned; the justice of enduring them for wilfully refusing grace the certainty, nearness, and terrors of death and judgment ; the vanity of all things below ; the sinfulness of sin ; the preciousness of Christ; thenecessity of regeneration, faith, and holiness, and the true nature of them. If, after all, you find him entertaining false hopes, then urge him to examine his state; show him the necessity of doing so; help him in it; nor leave him till you have convinced him of his misery and remedy. Show him how vain and de- structive it is to join Christ and his duties, to compose his justifying righteousness. Yet be sure to draw him to the use of all means; such as hearing and reading the word, calling upon God, and associating with the godly : persuade him to forsake sin, avoid all temptations to sin, especially evil companions, and to wait patiently on God in the use of means, as the way in which God will be found. But, because the manner of performing this work is of great moment, observe therefore these rules: Enter upon It with right intentions. Aim at the glory of God in the person's salvation. Do it not to get a name or esteem to thyself, or to bring men to depend upon thee, or to get thee followers ; but in obedience to Christ, in imitation of him, and tender love to men's souls. Do not as those who labor to reform their children or servants from such things as are against their own profit or humor, but never seek to save their souls in the way which God hath appointed. Do it speedily. As you would not have them delay their return, do not you delay to seek their return. While you are purposing to teach and help him, the man goes deeper in debt; wrath is heaping up; sin taking root; custom fastens him; temptations to sin multiply; conscience grows seared; the heart hardened ; the devil rules ; Christ is shut out; the Spirit is resisted; God is daily dishonored; his lawviolated ; he is without a servant, and that sere ice from him which He should have ; time runs on ; death
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