gtILMiN XXXÏX. 559 name into fife guilty and unclean, and am now upon the borders ..of death unclean and guilty still. I was born a child of wrath, and am a son or daughter of wrath still. I was by nature an enemy to God, and I am an enemy to God still, and have no in- terest in his love. Life was given me that I might seek reconci- liation and grace ; but I have neglected and abused offered grace, and am not yet reconciled to my almighty and offended Maker. The Judge is just at hand, methinks I hear the sound of his chariot-wheels, and a dismal account have I to give of all my wasted life. I have done no real service for God, nor have given an example of holiness to men : but alas ! I have been a pattern of iniquity, or at least, I have followed a multitude to do evil : Every year have I heaped up to myself new treasures of wrath in hell, instead of securing a crown in heaven, and advan- cing my station andmy joy there. Is there any hope for me in the poor remains of life that may yet be allotted me ? Is the grace of the gospel sufficient to save such a wretch as I am ?" " Yes, O sinner, it is sufficient, for Jesus Christ came info the world to save sinners, even the very chief of them. There is grace intheheart ofthe Fatherto receive thee; there is sufficient virtue in the blood of Christ to cleanse away all thy guilt ; there is influence enough in the blessed Spirit to soften thy heart, and renew thy nature, though thou art an old hardened rebel, and a transgressor from thy very infancy. Lose not a moment more, but set about the work in good earnest; trifle no longer with grace, thouwho art on theborders of the grave ; fly to the hope that is set before thee; beg salvation of God with daily and nightly tears, and give him no rest till he hath heard thee. Such an importunity is like to be successful ; and then, though thy tem- poral life hath been no benefit to thee hitherto, yet the last mo- lnents of it may possibly be accepted, andprevent thy everlast- ing death. God who is rich in mercy, may bestow on thee some humble place in heaven, but thou canst not expect to shine amongst the brightest saints. Thou mayest be blessed among the dead who die in the Lord, and rest from thy sorrows and thy sins ; but thou hast scarce any good works to follow thee. Thy works in all the sprightly years of thy life, have been matter of guilt and shame, and it is infinite mercy, that they shall be remem- bered no more, But if thy heart be broken for sin, and healed by the blood of Christ, thyhumble repentance, and thy holy faith in the fewremaining days ofold age, and death, shall be accepted through the abounding grace of the gospel. The dying thief on the cross forbids thee to despair utterly, though thou hast run a terrible risk, and ventured on the borders of destruction : Vo,.. ,. 0 o
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