Directions and persuasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation…Directions and perswasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation…

1. Consider to whom it is that you are commanded to Turn: and then tell me whether there can be any Reason for delay. It is not to an empty deceitful creature, but to the faithful All-sufficient ⟨p. 382⟩God: To him that is the cause of all things; the Strength of the Creation; the Joy of Angels; the Felicity of the Saints; the Sun and Shield of all the Righteous; and Refuge of the Distressed; and the Glory of the whole World. Of such Power, that his Word can take down the Sun from the Firmament, and turn the Earth and all things into nothing; for he doth more in giving them their being and continuance. Of such Wisdom, that was never guilty of mistake, and therefore will not mislead you, nor draw you to any thing that is not for the best. Of such Goodness, as that evil cannot stand in his sight; and nothing but your evil could make him displeased with you; and it is from nothing but evil that he calleth you to Turn. It is not to a malicious Enemy, that would do you a mischief, but it is to a gracious God, that is Love it self: Not to an implacable Justice, but to a reconciled Father; not to revenging Indignation, but to the embracement of those Arms, and the Mercy of that compassionate Lord, that is enough to melt the hardest heart, when you find your self as the poor returning ⟨p. 383⟩Prodigal, Luk. 25. 20. in his bosom, when you deserved to have been under his feet. And will the great and blessed God invite thee to his favour, and wilt thou delay and demur upon the Return? The greatest of the Angels of Heaven are glad of his favour, and value no Happiness but the light of his countenance: Heaven and Earth are supported by him, and nothing can stand without him: How glad would those very Devils be of his favour, that tempt thee to neglect his favour: And wilt thou delay to turn to such a God? Why man, thou art every minute at his mercy: If thou turn not, he can throw thee into Hell when he will, more easily then I can throw this Book to the ground; And yet dost thou delay? There are all things imaginable in him to draw thee: There is nothing that is good for thee but it is perfectly in him; where thou mayest have it certain and perpetuated. There is nothing in him to give the least discouragement: Let all the Devils in Hell, and all the Enemies of God on Earth, say the worst they can against his Majesty;

1. Consider to whom it is that you are commanded to Turn: and then tell me whether there can be any Reason for delay. It is not to an empty deceitfull creature, but to the faithfull All-sufficient