The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

1. That it is a work of great advantage. It is convenient to say something of this, because I take it to be a common mistake of many ⟨p. 112⟩persons, they are apt to think; that sick-bed applications are in a manner useless and ineffectual: it may be a discouragement which the Devil proposeth to Ministers or others to make them neglect this work, or be formal in it, especially when the persons are ignorant or profane: the Devil may suggest the invalidity of a sick-bed repentance, the customariness and hypocrisy of sick-bed desires, &c. now to obviate such suggestions, consider these things.

1. That it is a work of great advantage. It is convenient to say something of this, because I take it to be a common mistake of many ⟨p. 112⟩persons, they are apt to think; that sick-bed applications are in a manner useless and ineffectual: it may be a discouragement which the Devil proposeth to Ministers or others to make them neglect this work, or be formal in it, especially when the persons are ignorant or profane: the Devil may suggest the invalidity of a sick-bed repentance, the customariness and hypocrisie of sick-bed desires, &c. now to obviate such suggestions, consider these things.

1. That the instruction of sick persons is Gods institution, so you see in the Text —a messenger, i. e. one sent of God, to this purpose: now Gods institutions are not in vain: every institution of God carries a promise in its bowels to him that doth not ponere obinem, that doth rightly use it: Ministers or Christian friends may go about it with much comfort, for it is Gods work, as he said, Have not I commanded you, &c. it is one of those ways (as you see in the Chapter) which God ordained to reclaim sinners: and when you attempt it, you may expect Gods concurrence. You may pray in faith for Gods assistance in his Ordinance.