Chap. 9.] THE SAINTS' REST. 141 for their ruin; the flesh is still pleading for its delights; their old companions are increasing their dislike of holi- ness. And if nobody be diligent in helping them to heaven, what is like to become of them ? Consider how deep the neglect of this duty will wound when conscience is awakened. When a man comes to die, conscience will ask him, " What good hast thou done in thy lifetime ? The saving of souls is the greatest goodwork; what hast thou done toward it ? Howmanyhast thou dealt faithfully with ?" I have often observed that the consciences of dying men very much wounded them for this omission. For my own part, when I have been near death, my con- science bath accused me more for this than for any sin; it would bring every ignorant, profane neighbor to my re- membrance, to whom I never made known their danger; it would tell me, " Thou shouldst have gone to them in private, and told them plainly of their desperate danger, though it had been when thou shouldst have eaten or slept, if thou hadst no other time." Conscience would remind me how, at such or such a time, I was in company with the ignorant, or was riding by the way with a wilful sinner, and had a fit opportunity to have dealt with him, but did not; or at least did it to little purpose. The Lord grant I may better:obey conscience while I have time, that it may have less to accuse me of at death ! Consider what a sea- sonable time you now have for this work. There are times in which it is not safe to speak; it may cost you your liber- ties or your lives. Besides, your neighbors will shortly die, and so will you. Speak to them, therefore, while you may. Consider, though this is a work of the greatest charity, yet every one of you may perform it; the poorest as Ivell as the rich : every one bath a tongue to speak to a sinner. Once more, consider the happy consequences of this work where it is faithfully done. You may be instrumental in saving souls, for which Christ came down and died, and in which the angels of God rejoice. Such souls will bless you here and hereafter; God will have much glory by it; the church will be multiplied and edified by it; your own souls will enjoy more improvement and vigor in a divine life, more peace of conscience, more rejoicing in spirit. Of all the personal mercies that I ever received, next to the love of God in Christ to my own soul, I must most joyfully
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