The fourth (and last) volume of discourses, or sermons, on several scriptures

Fourthly and Lastly, If you would work for Salvation successfully, then work speedily without delay, and constantly without cessation.

First, Work speedily without delay. Delays in all Affairs are dangerous, but in Soul Affairs usually they are damnable. For,

First, The longer you procrastinate and delay, the greater and more difficult will your Work be at last; Corruption will be grown more tuff, ill Humours ⟨p. 225⟩will be grown more stubborn, your Heart will be more hardened, your Affections being more habituated will be more firmly engaged to Sin, the Devil will plead right to you by Prescription, and it is hard keeping an Enemy out that hath had long Possession.

First, The longer you procrastinate and delay, the greater and more difficult will your Work be at last; Corruption will be grown more tuff, ill Humours ⟨p. 225⟩will be grown more stubborn, your Heart will be more hardned, your Affections being more habituated will be more firmly engag'd to Sin, the Devil will plead right to you by Prescription, and it is hard keeping an Enemy out that hath had long Possession.