A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

For the second branch of this second Argument: The season of grace is also called Sect. 16 the day of Salvation. But why doth this second branch put us upon the ⟨p. 105⟩present improving of the season of grace? For answer, take these considerations.

1. It is a day of Salvation; and Salvation is a work that must be regarded: 'tis a matter of absolute necessity. Other things are may-be s, at the best matters of mere conveniency; but Salvation is a business of peremptory and indispensable necessity. A fair day is convenient to ride in; but the journey it self being of life and death is absolutely necessary. You may be excused at the day of judgment for leaving any thing in the world undone besides the getting of Salvation. You may be excused, if you never had time to get the riches or honours of the world, or great endowments, or employments: but what shall excuse you, if you have not looked after Eternal life? Can you say we had another employment more, or as necessary? can you say we were taken up about something more needful, more useful? no you cannot. Now remember, that which must be done, should be most done and first done. First attend necessaries, and then look after circumstantials, first seek the Kingdom of God. Here 'tis no measuring cast whether you should obtain Salvation: it is a must-be, Tempus perdimus dum aeternitatem non •quaerimus: You lose all that time that is not spent in looking after a happy Eternity: First get bread for thy starving Children, and then, if thou hast time, look after rattles for them. A work of necessity must not be put off to a time of uncertainty. If thou delayest, delay in looking after riches and honour, and the vanities of the World; Oh! but now, now, now pursue Salvation. It is a must-be, and if the present time be gone, you may be undone for ever.

1. It is a day of Salvation; and Salvation is a work that must be regarded: 'tis a matter of absolute necessity. Other things are may-be s, at the best matters of mere conveniency; but Salvation is a business of peremptory and indispedsible necessity. A fair day is convenient to ride in; but the journey it self being of life and death is absolutely necessary. You may be excused at the day of judgment for leaving any thing in the world undone besides the getting of Salvation. You may be excused, if you never had time to get the riches or honours of the world, or great endowments, or employments: but what shall excuse you, if you have not looked after Eternal life? Can you say we had another imployment more, or as necessary? can you say we were taken up about something more needful, more useful? no you cannot. Now remember, that which must be done, should be most done and first done. First attend necessaries, and then look after circumstantials, first seek the Kingdom of God. Here 'tis no measuring cast whether you should obtain Salvation: it is a must-be, Tempus perdimus dum aeternitatem non quaerimus: You lose all that time that is not spent in looking after a happy Eternity: First get bread for thy starving Children, and then, if thou hast time, look after rattles for them. A work of necessity must not be put off to a time of uncertainty. If thou delayest, delay in looking after riches and honour, and the vanities of the World; Oh! but now, now, now pursue Salvation. It is a must-be, and if the present time be gone, you may be undone for ever.