408 vfe a. Vfe 3. Of Converfonsor Turning ante God. S i3 c r.IX. him, fo eafily inflame. As fome Heathens have iniputed their mifcarriages to I knownot what, Fate, andthe confiellation of Stars ; fo manyChriftian peo. pie, put their iniquities off either to Godor the Devil : What would youhave them to do ? they cannot help it; How could God pundit and damn thee fer thefe fins, if he canted them in thee ? God indeed bath a juft and terrible pro. vidence about the fins of men, he is not an idle fpelftator of them, but yet he slothnot infufe any wickednefs intomen ; that they have of themfelves, onely Godmay guide and order it towife ends, and caufe it to run downwhat chan- nels he pleafeth. Oft 2. The aggravationof the wickednefs of thofe (inners, who Rand out wilfully against the goodnefs and patienceof God, that would lead them to repentance; For how (hall any mouth be opened for thee? who tball plead for thee ? What excufe haft thou ? Confider, that God defireth thy converfion,' who doth not need thee, who canbe honored though thou art damned inhell : he can mile up children to Abraham out of (tones: When therefore God (}tall thus invite thee for thy good and advantage onely, he is not bettered by thee, not made themore happy, then thy forehead muttbe brats, that doth not blufh at fuch ingratitude; cryout, Who am J, Lord ? what am I , that I fhould be regarded? wilt not thouhave praife, and honor, and glory, though I be a tall- away ? why (hould my life and falvation be fo dear to thee, who am naturally a curled enemyto thee? vfe3. Of confolation to brokenand tempted Chriltians, who fit down like fobupon the dunghill, abhorring themfelves ; they areloathfom in their own eyes, and becaufe fo, therefore they think God will not receive fuch Monfters into bis prefence : Oh, they fay, though God takepleafure in thelife and falva- tionof others, yet be will not furely do fo tome : But O this Text, fbenld 6e fweeter then the honey or honey comb to thee ; God faith, As he liveth, he deligbeeth nct in thy damnation : Art thou therefore wearyofthy fins?doeft thourenounce thy lufts? Then be not afraid to come, Thofe that come to him, heWillis no Ways caf off e God faith, WhyWi/lye dye, 0 :heufe of Ifrael? Do thou turn the Text, and fay, Why ¡hall Jdye, OGadof Ifrael? let hisScripture againft Hell, Devil, and all accufations of confcience, God doth not delight to bruife and break thee with thofemany temptations, that are worfe then deathit felf. vfe 4. Of dire/tionnato Chriftians, under all their miferies and troubles, not to repine at God, but to blameand humble themfelves. The Jews here, had the devouringfword comeupon them, which didcut themofffather andSon toge- ther ; nowthey thought Gods ways were not equal herein : And 'thus So- lomon, TheWickednefs or foolilhnefs of a man, perverteth bas own Ways, and then bù heartfretteth againft the Lord, Prov.19.3,As God bath nopleafure in the death of a manrepenting; foneither inthe troubles, calamities, and fad of !ibtionshe lieth under: Hedoth not aflift willingly; Were it not our rebellionand un- towardnefs,we(hould not have fo many (tripes and fcourges from him Oh this is an excellent way to humble our (elves in the duff; why thou Id a living mancomplain for the punithment of his fins? Lam. 3. 40,414441A4A444AttittattotAA4p,444
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