650 TII$ ETVANAL DUEATION, [DISC. XIII.' snares of the devil, and to 'enlarge his own heavenly kingdom. But I answer further, Ans. II. It must begranted that the tempers amen are various, and it is possible that some may be of so inge- nuous and refined a disposition, that the Words of love' and grace, witholtt any terror, might reach their hearts, and through the influences of heaven, touch them effec- tually : but as. for the bulk' of mankind, while they con- tinue in their sins, daily experience convinceth us, that they are best awakened by the terrors of the Lord, by a representation of the,gnawing "worm which never dies, . and the fire which shall not be quenched." I never knew but one 'person in the whole course of my ministry who acknowledged; that the first motions of religion in his own heart arose from a sense of the goodness of God, end that he was gently and sweetly led at first to this inquiry, " What shall I render to the Lord who bath dealt so bountifullywith me ?" Ps. cxvi. 12. But I think all besides, who have come within my notice, have rather been first awakened by the passion of fear to fly from the wrath to come. If, therefore, we will practise according to the ex- ample of Jesus, the greatest and the wisest prophet of his church, and his 'holy apostles, and the best of preachers in all ages who have followed him ; if we would obey the dictates of long experience, and our best observations on the methods of converting grace, I think we must proceed to denounce these eternal terrors, of the Lord against the transgressors of his law and the despisers of his gospel. This seems to be the appointed and most effectual way to rouse their consciences to seek a deliverance from the curses of the law, which carry in them everlasting punishment. This appears to be the first spring of religion in sinful men, and the first motive to receive the glad tidings of salvation which are displayed in the New. Testament. This spurs on their passions to escape the vengeance of God, by flying to his gospel, where there is rich and abundant grace to encourage the hope of rebellious creatures in their re- turns to God by Jesus Christ, the Saviour. To Jesus, who is the awful messenger of his Father's terrors, and the prime minister of his love, be glory and honour to everlasting ages. Amen. END OF THE SECON D VOLUME.
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