A summons to the grave, or, The necessity of a timely preparation for death…

Secondly, Labour to get Brokenness of heart, oh strive to melt in the sight and sense of your iniquity. Sinner what hast thou done, wilt thou sin away thy mercies, sin away thy Ministers? Gods hand is lifted up, we are under sore rebukes of the Almighty, though I fear few are sensible that it is the fruit of their transgressions. May we not say with the Prophet, No man repenteth him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? Jer. 8. 6. God expects and looks for tears of Repentance, A broken and a contrite heart is a sacrifice that he will not despise. If you are not broken in the sense of the odious and abominable nature of sin, broken into pieces now, you are like to be broken with horror under the weight of the punishment hereafter. Oh! Is it not better to be smitten and broken in a ⟨p. 41⟩way of mercy, in order to healing; then to be broken in a way of wrath and judgement, when there will be no help nor cure for you.

Thirdly, Labour so get an interest in Jesus Christ. Oh that this opportunity might have some tendency this way! Unless ye believe that I am he,saith Jesus Christ, you shall die in your sins. Soul never rest and be satisfied, till thou canst say with Thomas, My Lord and my God, John 20. 28. Can you still stand it out against such precious patience and offers of grace? Will you not yet open to Christ? Shall he call and cry to you and will you give him no entertainment? Can you close in with a better friend? How long hath he stood knocking at the doors of your hearts? Was he not graciously calling upon you the last Lords day? and now in mercy he is giving you another knock. Oh ⟨p. 42⟩fear lest he depart! Is he not ready to take his farewell of you? Have you not let him stand till his head was wet with the dew, and his locks with the drops of the night? Sinner, sinner, hasten to him, and open the door, dost not hear that lovely voice that was spoken to the blind man, Be of good comfort, rise, he calleth thee,