The danger of prosperity discovered in several sermons upon Prov. I. 27 /

Lastly, The Prosperity of Sinners is the great temptation to delay repentance till their state is desperate. Nothing fills Hell with so many lost Souls, as the putting off Repentance till hereafter. How many Diseases would be cured in time, if they threatened present Death? but their Malignity being of a slow operation, they are despised as not worth the trouble of a Cure, till they are desperate. 'Tis in Spiritual Diseases, as 'tis in those of the Body: for Sin that is a sickness unto Death, might be prevented by speedy Repentance; but many, not apprehending present Danger, neglect the precious Remedy till they are desperately ruined. To day if you will hear his Voice, harden ⟨p. 122⟩¹not your Hearts. The Command respects the Season as well as the Duty: As our Obedience must be entire without reserves, so it must be present without delay, even in our early Age, and continued in the whole tenor of our Life. The Worm of Conscience sometimes nips Security, and there is a strange union of Contrarieties in the Breast of a Sinner, that makes him inexcusable and incurable. He complains of the bondage to his Lusts, yet takes pleasure in it: he is convinced 'twill be destructive, yet voluntarily continues in that sweet captivity. If Conscience be troublesome, he pacifies it with an intention to reform hereafter, and thinks that a future Repentance will be sufficient to prepare for a future Judgment. And none are ⟨p. 123⟩so easily and willingly deceived to their everlasting ruin by this pretence, as those who enjoy the present World. Prosperity makes them forgetful of the Grave, and humane Vicissitudes, and hardens them in deep Security. 'Twas the Divine Prayer of Moses, So teach us to number our days, as to apply our hearts unto Wisdom; implying, that the great Cause of Mens destructive folly, is from not reflecting upon the shortness and uncertainty of their Time here. Death is certain to the Old, and Life uncertain to the Young. There are many back Doors to the Grave, and Men are led surprisingly thither. The time of their residence here is fixed by the Divine Determination, and concealed from their Eyes. How many in their Youth and Prosperity ⟨p. 124⟩have presumed upon a long Life, yet unexpectedly have returned to their Earth; as a Wall covered with Ivy, that falls on a sudden with its green Ornaments, by its weight and weakness. The Hour of Death, is the hour of mens Destiny for ever.