Christians we deliver our message, and we are called home to give an account to him that sent us, men turn their backs upon the Word, and run away from it, and are never to seek for an excuse, why they do no more regard it, but all this will not serve their turn; dye they must, and be judged they must, according to what they have heard, and how they have lived, and therefore it will be your wisdom to turn to God, and make use of Ministers while you have them. Alas, my Brethren, you may use us at your pleasure (I do not mean you may lawfully do it, but you may really do it) and if your rejecting of our message could but shake off your obligation, or fright your Judge from meddling with you, you might vapour ⟨p. 5⟩over us, and count it a piece of Gallantry to out-face poor Ministers, and to out-brave their message; but how long will you be able to carry it? How soon may a burning Fever cool your courage? and the King of Terrors change your thoughts? now is your hour, (alas, 'tis but an hour, a little while) and the power of your darkness, that will not endure the light. But, Sirs, be it known to you, your sleepy consciences shall be awakened, and your self-flattering dreams shall have an end, then that Word which you counted as wind, shall kindle upon you as fire, and there will be no standing before it. Jer. 5.13, 14. Christ told his hearers, Luke 11.49. That the wisdom of God said, I will send them Prophets and Apostles; and some of them they shall slay and persecute, &c. Here's unsearchable wisdom, which we cannot fully know the reason of, till we come to Heaven. In Jer. 26. you have an account of Gods Commission to Jeremiah, the Spiritual Rulers entertainment of it, and the Prophets pressing of them to a better reception of his message, for their own sake. Verse 2. Thus saith the Lord, stand in the Court of the Lords house, and speak unto all the Cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lords house, All the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word. The substance of his message was the same with ours, [the same in all Ages] Repent, or perish. We have no authority to abate any thing; our Commission allows us not to alter a word, by way of indulgence to sin, or dispensation from duty; if you like not the terms, quarrel not with us. Verse 8.
Christians we deliver our message, and we are called home to give an account to him that sent us, men turn their backs upon the Word, and run away from it, and are never to seek for an excuse, why they do no more regard it, but all this will not serve their turn; dye they must, and be judged they must, according to what they have heard, and how they have lived, and therefore it will be your wisdom to turn to God, and make use of Ministers while you have them. Alas, my Brethren, you may use us at your pleasure (I do not mean you may lawfully do it, but you may really do it) and if your rejecting of our message could but shake off your obligation, or fright your Judge from medling with you, you might vapour ⟨p. 5⟩over us, and count it a piece of Gallantry to out-face poor Ministers, and to out-brave their message; but how long will you be able to carry it? How soon may a burning Feavor cool your courage? and the King of Terrors change your thoughts? now is your hour, (alas, 'tis but an hour, a little while) and the power of your darkness, that will not endure the light. But, Sirs, be it known to you, your sleepy consciences shall be awakened, and your self-flattering dreams shall have an end, then that Word which you counted as wind, shall kindle upon you as fire, and there will be no standing before it. Jer. 5.13, 14. Christ told his hearers, Luke 11.49. That the wisdom of God said, I will send them Prophets and Apostles; and some of them they shall slay and persecute, &c. Here's unsearchable wisdom, which we cannot fully know the reason of, till we come to Heaven. In Jer. 26. you have an account of Gods Commission to Jeremy, the Spiritual Rulers entertainment of it, and the Prophets pressing of them to a better reception of his message, for their own sake. Verse 2. Thus saith the Lord, stand in the Court of the Lords house, and speak unto all the Cities of Judah, which come to worshiop in the Lords house, All the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word. The substance of his message was the same with ours, [the same in all Ages] Repent, or perish. We have no authority to abate any thing; our Commission allows us not to alter a word, by way of indulgence to sin, or dispensation from duty; if you like not the terms, quarrel not with us. Verse 8.
