The Soul's Conflict with Itself

Certain it is, the condition is most lamentable, that yielding unto sin brings men unto. Men are careful to prevent dangerous sicknesses of body, and the danger of law concerning their ⟨p. 360⟩estates; but seldom consider into what a miserable plight their sins which they so willingly give themselves up unto, will bring them in. If they do not perish in their sins, yet their yielding will bring them into such a doleful condition, that they would give the whole world, if they were possessors of it, to have their spirits at freedom from this bondage and fear.

Certaine it is, the condition is most lamentable, that yeelding unto sinne brings men unto. Men are carefull to prevent dangerous sicknesses of body, and the danger of law concerning their ⟨p. 360⟩estates; but seldome consider into what a miserable plight their sinnes which they so willingly give themselves up unto, will bring them in. If they doe not perish in their sins, yet their yeelding will bring them into such a dolefull condition, that they would give the whole world, if they were possessours of it, to have their spirits at freedome from this bondage and feare.

To such as bless themselves in an ill way upon hope of mercy, we dare not speak a word of comfort; because God doth not, but threatens his wrath, shall burn to hell against them. Yet ¹because while life continues there may be as a space, so a place, and grace for repentance, these must be dealt withal in such a manner, as they may be stayed and stopped in their dangerous courses, there must be a stop before a turn.

To such as blesse themselves in an ill way upon hope of mercy, we dare not speake a word of comfort; because God doth not, but threatens his wrath, shall burne to hell against them. Yet