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The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion
The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion; the true methods of making all men happy in this world, and in the world to come Seasonably discoursed, and earnestly pressed upon this licentious age. By J.F. a sincere lover of his native country, and the souls of men.The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion; the true methods of making all men happy in this world, and in the world to come Seasonably discoursed, and earnestly pressed upon this licentious age. By J.F. a sincere lover of his native countrey, and the souls of men.
London: printed for Thomas Cockerill, 1691
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
SECT. IX.
Temptations and Discouragements in the way of Conversion.
BUT here I expect to be encountered by all the policy and power of Hell. Satan and your own Lusts are in confederacy to turn away your minds from such Counsels and Persuasions as these. They will tell you, this is no proper season to mind your Conversion: 'tis either too soon, or too late. You have not yet had pleasure enough in sin, or so much as hath put you beyond all hope of mercy: That Religion is a melancholy thing, and if once you look that way, you'll never have a merry day or hour more, With a thousand such damps and discouragements.
BUT here I expect to be encountered by all the policy and power of Hell. Satan and your own Lusts are in confederacy to turn away your minds from such Counsels and Perswasions as these. They will tell you, this is no proper season to mind your Conversion: 'tis either too soon, or too late. You have not yet had pleasure enough in sin, or so much as hath put you beyond all hope of mercy: That Religion is a melancholly thing, and if once you look that way, you'l never have a merry day or hour more, With a thousand such damps and discouragements.
But pray, Gentlemen, do so much at least for your Souls before you turn away your ear from the instructions of life, as to hear these matters examined. If they be not worth that, they are worth nothing.