A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

But you will say, Who are those Contemners of this Salvation offered in the Gospel? The Gospel is the Remedy; and contemning the Gospel, may be explained, by refusing the Counsels of Physicians. You know some are utter Enemies to Physic, and cannot endure any thing that is bitter and tart: and so Carnal Men, given up to Pleasure, cannot endure the Severities of the Gospel, which are God's Counsels and Receipts for sick Souls; if a few good Hopes and Wishes will carry them to Heaven, that's all they mind. Some see that the Endeavours of Physicians do not always succeed, and that there is great uncertainty in that Art, therefore slight all: Thus do Men slight the Gospel out of pure Unbelief. Every one that hears the Word are not saved; there are but few to whom it is manifested in Power: and so they contemn it, having no such high Thoughts of the Word of God. Some, out of Pride, refuse Physic, they know as much as the Physician; and so they throw away themselves by depending upon their own Counsel. So some, out of mere Pride and Conceit, slight the Gospel, they know as much as can be taught them; they think themselves alive, and need nothing, when they are stark dead. Others, out of negligence, they are sick, but are not at leisure to take Physic, do not mind the Condition of their Body till it proves deadly. Thus it is in the sickness of the Soul, some are slighters, Matth. 22.5. They made light of it, [Greek or Hebrew]: others distrust, others cannot endure God's Terms, others are self-conceited; but all neglect this great Salvation, and contemn the greatest Gift God ever offered to Men; therefore they shall meet with the greatest Judgment.

But you will say, Who are those Contemners of this Salvation offered in the Gospel? The Gospel is the Remedy; and contemning the Gospel, may be explained, by refusing the Counsels of Physicians. You know some are utter Enemies to Physick, and cannot endure any thing that is bitter and tart: and so Carnal Men, given up to Pleasure, cannot endure the Severities of the Gospel, which are God's Counsels and Receipts for sick Souls; if a few good Hopes and Wishes will carry them to Heaven, that's all they mind. Some see that the Endeavours of Physicians do not always succeed, and that there is great uncertainty in that Art, therefore slight all: Thus do Men slight the Gospel out of pure Unbelief. Every one that hears the Word are not saved; there are but few to whom it is manifested in Power: and so they contemn it, having no such high Thoughts of the Word of God. Some, out of Pride, refuse Physick, they know as much as the Physician; and so they throw away themselves by depending upon their own Counsel. So some, out of meer Pride and Conceit, slight the Gospel, they know as much as can be taught them; they think themselves alive, and need nothing, when they are stark dead. Others, out of negligence, they are sick, but are not at leisure to take Physick, do not mind the Condition of their Body till it proves deadly. Thus it is in the sickness of the Soul, some are slighters,