The pattern of perfection exhibited in Gods image on AdamThe paterne of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam

Ob. But some will say, they will have them; but lay them by yet, and afterward they will bargain.

Ob. But some will say, they will have them; but lay them by yet, and afterward they will bargaine.

Answ. But defer not the time: Now, what will you give for them? Me thinks I hear mens souls say, O mercy, mercy is worth a thousand worlds. Oh, what avails it to be rich and miserable? honourable ⟨p. 283⟩and accursed? You little ones, what say you? Do not you wish for mercy? O mercy, mercy; without mercy we are for ever wretched; oh, it is mercy that we live, and are not sent quick to hell. But now, will you buy it? you shall have it cheap enough. What will you give? (Now we come to the main) You must give as the market goes, and on Gods terms, for you must not think that God will save you with wishing: Oh, no, no, he will not. But now, Will you buy them? Then bid fair: you must part with all your sins; away with the proud heart, and away with the world and the pleasures thereof. Now see how the world replies. First young ones reply, We have no wit, ⟨p. 284⟩nor understanding; well, you must believe, else you must perish. The old man says, I am weak and feeble; well, you must get faith, or else you must perish too. Now you know the price of it, you must provide to pay it. Mat. 13.44. There it is said, The wise merchant, when he found the pearl, went and sold all that he had to buy it: That was a great price. Thou must sell all to buy this: if thy lust be as dear to thee as thine eye, thou must part with it; if thou hast a proud heart, thou must down with it; if a man have a fair estate, and so many hundreds, and such lands, and such and such wares in his shop, if God require it, he must part with it all. The drunkard must part with his cups, and the whoremonger ⟨p. 285⟩