Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

The Discourse of a Preacher should directly go to the Heart: it should be so framed as to prove and illustrate the Subject, and work on the Understanding and Affections. We have the Pattern of this in Scripture, where the Love and Mercy of God to his Children, and his Justice and Power against his Enemies, are represented in the most pathetical manner. I will produce an Instance of both: Can a Woman forget her sucking Child, ⟨p. 358⟩¹that she should not have Compassion on the Son of her Womb? yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee. What can be more supporting and comforting? The other Instance is as terrible. God is angry with the Wicked ²every day. If he turn not, he will whet his Sword; he hath bent his Bow and made it ready. He hath also prepared the Instruments of Death. This Description of God's righteous Displeasure is more powerful to shoot through the Conscience of hardened Sinners, than the bare threatenings that Justice will surely punish them.

The Discourse of a Preacher should directly go to the Heart: it should be so fram'd as to prove and illustrate the Subject, and work on the Understanding and Affections. We have the Pattern of this in Scripture, where the Love and Mercy of God to his Children, and his Justice and Power against his Enemies, are represented in the most pathetical manner. I will produce an Instance of both: Can a Woman forget her sucking Child, ⟨p. 358⟩¹that she should not have Compassion on the Son of her Womb? yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee. What can be more supporting and comforting? The other Instance is as terrible. God is angry with the Wicked ²every day. If he turn not, he will whet his Sword; he hath bent his Bow and made it ready. He hath also prepared the Instruments of Death. This Description of God's righteous Displeasure is more powerful to shoot through the Conscience of hardned Sinners, than the bare threatnings that Justice will surely punish them.