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

Or canst thou pretend, though thou hast no preassuming promise, thou hast no hope? Is it nothing to have heard so much of Gods gracious Nature? Is it suitable to the reports, and discoveries he hath made of himself, to let a poor wretch perish at his feet, that lies prostrate there expecting his mercy? Didst thou ever hear he was so little a lover of souls? Do his giving his Son, his earnest, unwearied strivings with sinners, his long patience, the clear beams of Gospel-light, the amiable appearances of his Grace, give ground for no better, no kinder thoughts of him? yea, hath he not expressly styled himself the God hearing prayers, taken a name on purpose to encourage ⟨p. 288⟩all flesh to come to him. Wilt thou dare then to adopt those profane words,¹ what profit is it to pray to him? ²and say, 'tis better sit still, resolving to perish, then address to him, or seek his favour, because he hath not by promise assured thee of the issue, and that, if he suspends his grace, all thou dost, will be in vain?

Or canst thou pretend, though thou hast no preassuming promise, thou hast no hope? Is it nothing to have heard so much of Gods gracious Nature? Is it suitable to the reports, and discoveries he hath made of himself, to let a poor wretch perish at his feet, that lies prostrate there expecting his mercy? Did'st thou ever hear he was so little a lover of souls? Do his giving his Son, his earnest, unwearied strivings with sinners, his long patience, the clear beams of Gospel-light, the amiable appearances of his Grace, give gro•nd for no better, no kinder thoughts of him? yea, hath he not expresly stiled himself the God hearing prayers, taken a name on purpose to encourage ⟨p. 288⟩all flesh to come to him. Wilt thou dare then to adopt those profane words,¹ what profit is it to pray to him? ²and say, 'tis better sit still, resolving to perish, then address to him, or seek his favour, because he hath not by promise assured thee of the issue, and that, if he suspends his grace, all thou dost, will be in vain?