An Alarm to Unconverted Sinners

Dearly beloved, would you rejoice the heart of your Ministers? Why then, embrace the counsels of the Lord by me: forgo your sins: set to prayer: up with the worship of God in your families: keep at a distance from the corruptions of the times. What greater joy to a Minister, than to hear of souls born unto Christ by him, and that his children walk in the truth? 2 I•h. 4.

Brethren, I beseech you suffer a friendly plainness and freedom with you in your deepest concernments. I am not playing the orator to make a learned speech to you, nor dressing my dish with eloquence, wherewith to please you. These lines are upon a weighty errand indeed, viz. to convince, and convert, and save you. I am not baiting my hook with Rhetoric, nor fishing for your applause, but for your souls. My work is not to please you, but to save you: nor is my business with your fancies, but your hearts. If I have not your hearts, I have nothing. If I were to please your ears, I would sing another song. If I were to preach my self, I would steer another course. I could then tell you a smoother tale; I would make you pillows, and speak you peace, for how can ⟨p. 5⟩Ahab love this Micaiah, that always prophesies evil concerning him? 1 King. 22. 8. But how much better are the wounds of a friend, than the fair speeches of the harlot, who flattereth with her lips, till the dart strike through the liver, and hunteth for the precious life? Prov. 7. 21. 22, 23. & Prov. 6. 26. If I were to quiet a crying infant, I might sing him into a pleasant mood, or rock him asleep: but when the child is fallen into the fire, the parent takes another course; he will not now go to still him with a song or trifle. I know, if we speed not with you, you are lost: if we cannot get your consent, to arise and come away, you perish for ever. No Conversion, and no Salvation. I must get your good will, or leave you miserable.