Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

Consider also, who ever have been sinners formerly of a deeper note; Might not God have struck a man in the embraces of his Harlots, and choked him in the moment of his excessive and intemperate healths, or on the sudden have spurted Fire and Brimstone into a blasphemers mouth? What if God had snatched you away, when you had been sleeping in some great iniquity, or sent you, while burning in lust, to the fire it merited? Might he not have cracked the string, that linked your souls to your bodies, in the last sickness you had? And what then had become o• you▪ What could have been expected to succeed your impenitent state in this World, but howlings in another? But he reprieved you upon your petitions, or the solicitations of your friends; and have you not broke your word with him? Have your hearts been steadfast, hath he not yet waited, expecting when you would put your vows and resolutions into Execution? What need had he to cry out to any so loud and so long, Oh you fools, how long will you love foolishness? Prov. 1.22. when he might have ceased his crying to you, and have by your death prevented your many neglects of him? Did he do all this, that any of us might add new sins to our old, or rather, that we should bless him for his forbearance, comply with the end of it, in reforming our lives, and having recourse to his mercy?

Consider also, who ever have been sinners formerly of a deeper note; Might not God have struck a man in the embraces of his Harlots, and choaked him in the moment of his excessive and intemperate healths, or on the sudden have spurted Fire and Brimstone into a blasphemers mouth? What if God had snatcht you away, when you had been sleeping in some great iniquity, or sent you, while burning in lust, to the fire it merited? Might he not have crackt the string, that linkt your souls to your bodies, in the last sickness you had? And what then had become o• you▪ What could have been expected to succeed your impenitent state in this World, but howlings in another? But he repriev'd you upon your petitions, or the sollicitations of your friends; and have you not broke your word with him? Have your hearts been stedfast, hath he not yet waited, expecting when you would put your vows and resolutions into Execution? What need had he to cry out to any so loud and so long, Oh you fools, how long will you love foolishness?