EXHORTATION TO BELIEVE. 265 1. That you would diligently consider to what ends and purposes you have received and do make use of this gospel -forgiveness. Hath it been to make up what was wanting, and to get quiet in your ownconsciences i that, whereas you could not answer your convictions with your duties, you would seek for relief from for- giveness. This, and innumerable other ways there are whereby men may lose their souls when they think all is well with them. Whence is that caution of the apos- tle, " Looking diligently, lest any one should seem to fail, or come short of the grace of God." Heb. 12 : 15. Men come short of it, when they pretend themselves to be in pursuit of it; yea, to have overtaken and possessed it. Now, if any of these should prove to be your con- dition, I desire, 5. That you would consider seriously whether it be not high time for you to look out for a way of deliver- ance and escape, that you may save yourselves from this evil world and fly from the wrath to come. The Judge stands at the door. Before he deal with you as a judge, he knocks with a tender of mercy. Who knows but this may be the last time l Be you old or young, you have but your season, but your day; it may perhaps be night with you when it is day with the rest of the world. Your sun may go down at noon; and God may swear, that you shall not enter into his rest. If you are then resolved to continue in your present condition, I have no more to say. I am pure from your blood, in that I have declared to you the counsel of God; and so I must leave you to an exposed trial between the great God and your souls at the last day. Poor creatures ! I tremble even to think how he will tear you in pieces, Forgiveness. 12
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