I think every one that will but seriously reflect upon the Providences ⟨p. 104⟩of his own Life will find himself furnished with instances of this kind, both in the things of this Life and a better. Some speak peremptorily, that every one hath, some time of his life some providential offers of worldly advantage which if it be let slip, they never have a second offer like it. Nay more, they say, there's never any one under overwhelming pressures, but if he had complied with some hints of Providence, he might have prevented it: I will not divert strictly to examine this assertion, because 'tis not my business to preach a worldly Lecture. But observe it therefore in Spirituals. There's not any one now perisheth under the Gospel, but if he had, or would comply with the strivings of the Spirit he might be saved. You will say, 'tis only the Elect shall be saved. I say so to. But add then; There is not any one in ⟨p. 105⟩the World ([…] can prove he is not elected. I grant 'tis easy to prove that they are not yet effectually called, but who can prove they never shall be. Though Salvation be of Grace, yet Damnation is only for Sin. There's not any one in the World, ever was, or shall be damned, only because he was not elected. Do you therefore catch at the offer of Salvation, and let not one offer slip: Perhaps you'll say, this Counsel is too late, you have let many slip. Well, but be entreated to slip no more, cast thy self at the feel of Christ in a way of Duty, and there humbly resolve to live and die. I do once more in the name of my Master invite and adjure thee to accept of this offer, do not neglect it, it may be thy last; thou canst not of thy self close with it, call in help from the Spirit of God, take ⟨p. 106⟩Provocation and Encouragement from the Apostles way of urging it. 1Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do, of his good pleasure.
I think every one that will but seriously reflect upon the Providences ⟨p. 104⟩of his own Life will find himself furnished with instances of this kind, both in the things of this Life and a better. Some speak peremptorily, that every one hath, some time of his life some providential offers of worldly advantage which if it be let slip, they never have a second offer like it. Nay more, they say, there's never any one under overwhelming pressures, but if he had complied with some hints of Providence, he might have prevented it: I will not divert strictly to examine this assertion, because 'tis not my business to preach a worldly Lecture. But observe it therefore in Spirituals. There's not any one now perisheth under the Gospel, but if he had, or would comply with the strivings of the Spirit he might be saved. You will say, 'tis only the Elect shall be saved. I say so to. But add then; There is not any one in ⟨p. 105⟩the World (〈…〉 can prove he is not elected. I grant 'tis easie to prove that they are not yet effectually called, but who can prove they never shall be. Though Salvation be of Grace, yet Damnation is onely for Sin. There's not any one in the World, ever was, or shall be damned, onely because he was not elected. Do you therefore catch at the offer of Salvation, and let not one offer slip: Perhaps you'll say, this Counsel is too late, you have let many slip. Well, but be intreated to slip no more, cast thy self at the feel of Christ in a way of Duty, and there humbly resolve to live and die. I do once more in the name of my Master invite and adjure thee to accept of this offer, do not neglect it, it may be thy last; thou canst not of thy self close with it, call in help from the Spirit of God, take ⟨p. 106⟩Provocation and Encouragement from the Apostles way of urging it. 1Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do, of his good pleasure.
- 1Phil. 2.12,13.
