A26701:188
The way to true happiness in a serious treatise /
The way to true happiness in a serious treatise / by Joseph Alleine.
London : Printed and are to be sold by Nevil Simmons, 1678
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Application. And is this, that we have described, the Conversion that is of absolute necessity to salvation? then be informed, 1. That strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto life. 2. That there be but few that find it. 3. That there is need of a Divine power savingly to convert a sinner to Jesus Christ.
Again, then be exhorted, O man, that readest, ⟨p. 57⟩to turn in upon thine own self. What saith conscience? Doth it not begin to bite? Doth it not twitch thee as thou goest? Is this thy judgement, and this thy choice, and this thy way? that we have described? If so, then 'tis well. But doth not thy heart condemn thee, and tell thee, there is such a sin thou livest in against thy Conscience? Doth it not tell thee, there is such and such a secret way of wickedness, that thou makest no bones of? Such or such a duty, that thou makest no conscience of?
Doth not conscience carry thee to thy closet, and tell thee how seldom prayer, and reading is performed there? Doth it not carry thee to thy family, and show thee the charge of God, and the souls of thy children and servants, that be neglected there? Doth not conscience lead thee to thy shop, thy trade, and tell thee of some mystery of iniquity there? Doth it not carry thee to the Ale-shop, or to the Sack-shop, and round thee in thine ear for the loose company thou keepest there, the precious time thou misspendest there, for the talents of God which thou throwest down this sink, for thy gaming, and thy swilling, &c. Doth it not carry thee into the secret chamber, and read thee a Curtain Lecture?
Doth not conscience carry thee to thy closet, and tell thee how seldom prayer, and reading is performed there? Doth it not carry thee to thy family, and shew thee the charge of God, and the souls of thy children and servants, that be neglected there? Doth not conscience lead thee to thy shop, thy trade, and tell thee of some mistery of iniquity there? Doth it not carry thee to the Ale-shop, or to the Sack-shop, and round thee in thine ear for the loose company thou keepest there, the precious time thou mispendest there, for the talents of God which thou throwest down this sink, for thy gaming, and thy swilling, &c. Doth it not carry thee into the secret chamber, and read thee a Curtain Lecture?