A sermon directing what we are to do, after strict enquiry whether or no…

Therefore that I may proceed by steps, this is requisite in the first place; that is, that we make one Judgment of our case or another; that is, that we bring the matter some way to a Judgment, not let so great a thing as this hang always in suspense: It's very plain, (a little to press this:) That,

Therefore that I may proceed by steps, this is requisite in the first place; that is, that we make one Judgment of our case or another; that is, that we bring the matter some way to a Judgment, not let so great a thing as this hang always in suspence: It's very plain, (a little to press this:) That,

First, While the case hangs thus in suspense, it suspends the proper subsequent Duty too that should follow hereupon: What canst thou do that is certainly fit and proper for thy own Soul, when thou dost not understand the state of its case? How canst thou guide thy course, or tell which way to apply or turn thy self? And,

First, While the case hangs thus in suspence, it suspends the proper subsequent Duty too that should follow hereupon: What canst thou do that is certainly fit and proper for thy own Soul, when thou dost not understand the state of its case? How canst thou guide thy course, or tell which way to apply or turn thy self? And,

Secondly, (to press it further) consider, That the not bringing, or omitting to bring this matter to a Judgment, if it proceed from indifferency and neglect, speaks the greatest Contempt that can be, both of God and thine own Soul, the greatest that can be: That is now, supposing the Question be asked, dost thou love God? or dost thou not? And thou unconcernedly answerest, I can't tell, I don't know: Why, what to be carelessly ignorant whether thou lovest God, or lovest him not: There could not be a more concluding medium against thee, that thou dost not love him. It speaks thee at once to despise both God and thy self: What, to have this matter hang in indifferency through neglect! whether thou lovest God, or lovest him not? It shows that neither regard to God, nor a just value of thy self makes thee care whether thou art an holy Man or a Devil. For know, that the loving God, or not loving him, does more distinguish a Saint from a Devil, than wearing a Body, or not wearing it, can do: A Devil if he did love God were a Saint A Man that doth