God's terrible voice in the city

2. The vicious and profane have been guilty of slighting the Gospel, how many such persons have there crowded, and are still crowding out of London into Hell, when the light of the Gospel shined upon them, which would have guided them in the way to Heaven: because this light hath been too troublesome in its discovery, and reproof of their dear and sweet sins; they have hated it, and endeavoured to fly as far as they could from it, or to shut their eyes as hard as they could against it.

2. The vicious and profane have been guilty of slighting the Gospel, how many such persons have there crouded, and are still crouding out of London into Hell, when the light of the Gospel shined upon them, which would have guided them in the way to Heaven: because this light hath been too troublesome in its discovery, and reproof of their dear and sweet sins; they have hated it, and endeavoured to fly as far as they could from it, or to shut their eyes as hard as they could against it.

3. The civil persons also have been guilty, there have been many sober Citizens, and Matrons, civil youths, and virgins, who have been free from the gross pollutions, which are in the World through lust, who have been diligent in their calling, just in their dealings, courteous, and sweet natured in their demeanour, and yet without the least degree of the power of godliness, without which it is impossible they should be saved, alas! none of these have given any ⟨p. 91⟩warm welcome unto the Gospel in their hearts, which hath been so long preached in the City; the kindness of a friend hath been esteemed by them, but the kindness of God hath not been regarded: if a Messenger had come and told them how they might save their estates, when in danger of loss, or how to save their relations when in danger of death; O how welcome would such a messenger and tidings have been? but when Ministers have preached the Gospel unto them, which tells them how they should save their souls, in danger of death and hell, such tidings have had no relish with them, as if they had no souls, or were in no danger: the light hath shined before them, but there hath been a cloud in their eye, they could not discern it; or they have looked upon it afar off, they have not drawn near, and brought it home, and set it up in their bosoms, that they might order themselves, and whole conversations, according to its guidance and direction.