The Sincere Convert

Fifthly, the way of presumption, §5whereby men having seen their sins, ⟨p. 152⟩catch hold easily upon Gods mercy, and snatch comforts, before they are reached out unto them. There is no word of comfort in the Book of God intended for such as regard iniquity in their hearts, though they do not act it in their lives. Their only comfort is, that the sentence of damnation is not yet executed upon them.

Fifthly, the way of presumption, §5whereby men having seene their sins, ⟨p. 152⟩catch hold easily upon Gods mercy, and snatch comforts, before they are reached out unto them. There is no word of comfort in the Booke of God intended for such as regard iniquitie in their hearts, though they doe not act it in their lives. Their onely comfort is, that the sentence of damnation is not yet executed upon them.

Sixthly, the way of sloth, whereby men lye still, and say, God must do all; If the Lord would set up a Pulpit at the Ale-house door, it may be they would hear oftener. If God will always thunder, they will always pray; if strike them now and then with sickness, God shall be payed with good words and promises enow, that they will be better if they live; but as long as peace lasts, they will run to Hell as fast as they can; and if God will not catch them, they care not, they will not return.

Sixthly, the way of sloth, whereby men lye still, and say, God must doe all; If the Lord would set up a Pulpit at the Ale-house doore, it may be they would heare oftner. If God will alwaies thunder, they will alwaies pray; if strike them now and then with sicknesse, God shall be payed with good words and promises enow, that they will be better if they live; but as long as peace lasts, they will run to Hell as fast as they can; and if God will not catch them, they care not, they will not returne.