The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /

Men are easier of acquaintance towards one another, they slide insensibly into each others bosoms; even the most churlish, morose natures are wrought upon by assiduous repeated ⟨p. 219⟩kindnesses (gutta cavat lapidem, &c.) as often falling drops at length wear and work into very stones. Towards God their hearts are more impenetrable then Rocks, harder then Adamants. He is seeking with some, an acquaintance all their days: They live their whole age, under the Gospel, and yet are never won. They hearken to one another, but are utterly unpersuadable towards God; as the deaf Adder that hears not the voice of the Charmer, though charming never so wisely. The clearest Reason, the most powerful Arguments, move them not, no nor the most insinuative allurements, the sweetest breathings of love.¹ How often would I have gathered thee, as the Hen her Chickens under her wings, and ye would not. ²God draws with the cords of a man, with the bends of love; but they still perversely keep at an unkind distance.³

Men are easier of acquaintance towards one another, they slide insensibly into each others bosomes; even the most churlish, morose natures are wrought upon by assiduous repeated ⟨p. 219⟩kindnesses (gutta cavat lapidem, &c.) as often falling drops at length wear and work into very stones. Towards God their hearts are more impenetrable then Rocks, harder then Adamants. He is seeking with some, an acquaintance all their days: They live their whole age, under the Gospel, and yet are never wonne. They hearken to one another, but are utterly unperswadable towards God; as the deaf Adder that hears not the voice of the Charmer, though charming never so wisely. The clearest Reason, the most powerful Arguments, move them not, no nor the most insinuative allurements, the sweetest breathings of love.¹ How often would I have gathered thee, as the Hen her Chickens under her wings, and ye would not.