A Call to the Unconverted

IN that short acquaintance I had with that Reverend, Learned servant of Christ, Bishop Usher, he was oft from first to last importuning me to write a directory for the several ranks of Professed Christians, which might distinctly give each one their portion: beginning with the Unconverted, and then proceeding to the babes in Christ, ⟨image 5⟩and then to the strong: and mixing some special helps against the several sins that they are addicted to. By the suddenness of his motion at our first congress, I perceived it was in his mind before: And I told him, both that it is abundantly done by many already; and that his unacquaintedness with my weakness, might make him think me fitter for it then I was. But this did not satisfy him, but still he made it his request. I confess I was not moved by his Reasons, nor did I apprehend any great need of doing more then is done in that way: nor that I was likely to do more. And therefore I parted from him without the least purpose to answer his desire. But since his death, his words oft came into my mind: and the great Reverence I bore to him, did the more incline me to think with some ⟨image 5⟩complacency of his motion. And having of late intended to write a Family Directory, I began to apprehend how congruously the forementioned work should lead the way; and the several conditions of mens souls be spoken of, before we come to the several Relations. Hereupon I resolved by Gods assistance to proceed in the order following. First, to speak to the impenitent Unconverted sinners, who are not yet so much as purposing to Turn, or at least are not setting about the work. And with these I thought a wakening Persuasive was a more necessary means then mere Directions. For Directions suppose men willing to obey them: but the persons that we have first to deal with, are wilful and asleep in sin, and as men that are past feeling, having given themselves over to sin