A26701:235
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.
What shall I say; I could spend my self in this argument. Oh that you would but hearken to me! that you would presently set upon a new course! will you not be made clean? When shall it once be? What, will no body be persuaded? Reader, shall I prevail with thee for one? Wilt thou sit down and consider the forementioned arguments, and debate it, whether it be not best to turn? Come and let us reason together. Is it good for thee to be here? Wilt thou sit still, till the tide come in upon ⟨p. 84⟩thee? Is it good for thee to try whether God will be so good as his word? and to harden thy self in a conceit, that all is well with thee, while thou remainest unsanctified?
What shall I say; I could spend my self in this argument. Oh that you would but hearken to me! that you would presently set upon a new course! will you not be made clean? When shall it once be? What, will no body be perswaded? Reader, shall I prevail with thee for one? Wilt thou sit down and consider the forementioned arguments, and debate it, whether it be not best to turn? Come and let us reason together. Is it good for thee to be here? Wilt thou sit still, till the tide come in upon ⟨p. 84⟩thee? Is it good for thee to try whether God will be so good as his word? and to harden thy self in a conceit, that all is well with thee, while thou remainest unsanctified?
But I know you will not be persuaded, but the greatest part will be as they have been, and do as they have done. I know the drunkard will to his vomit again, and the deceiver will to his deceit again, and the lustful wanton to his dalliance again. Alas, that I must leave you where you were! in your ignorance or looseness, or in your lifeless formality and customary devotions! However, I will sit down and bemoan my fruitless labours, and spend some sighs over my perishing hearers.
But I know you will not be perswaded, but the greatest part will be as they have been, and do as they have done. I know the drunkard will to his vomit again, and the deceiver will to his deceit again, and the lustful wanton to his dalliance again. Alas, that I must leave you where you were! in your ignorance or loosness, or in your lifeless formality and customary devotions! However, I will sit down and bemoan my fruitless labours, and spend some sighs over my perishing hearers.