The wells of salvation opened, or, Words whereby we may be saved

5. Ministers must preach the words of salvation Compassionately. The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians with many tears, 2 Cor. 2.4. and he preacheth to the Ephesians with many tears, Act. 20.19. O what tender bowels of compassion should Ministers have towards poor souls in preaching the Gospel of salvation to them! how should they pity sinners that lie weltering in their blood, that have no pity for themselves, that are cruel to their own Souls, that are wounding themselves, as being more distracted than the man we read of, who tore his own flesh, and cut himself with stones? Mark 5.5. How should they commiserate sinners ⟨p. 77⟩that are wounding their Consciences by sin, not knowing what they do, and are posting on in the broad way unto destruction and eternal misery, not knowing whither they go, that are running against a rock, which will dash them to pieces, and ready to leap into flames, where they must burn for ever? Ministers should weep and bleed over such, and with the greatest tenderness tell them of their danger, and show them the inevitable ruin which is before them, and beseech them to turn from their evil ways, that iniquity may not be their ruin, and accept of Jesus Christ, by whom they may attain salvation. Ministers should be ready to beseech sinners upon their knees (if that would do) that they would not destroy themselves: O Turn ye, turn ye, why will you die? and be ready to lay their hands under their feet, (if that would move them) to put their feet into the narrow way of salvation.

5. Ministers must preach the words of salvation Compassionately. The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians with many tears, 2 Cor. 2.4. and he preacheth to the Ephesians with many tears, Act. 20.19. O what tender bowels of compassion should Ministers have towards poor souls in preaching the Gospel of salvation to them! how should they pity sinners that lie w•ltring in their blood, that have no pity for themselves, that are cruel to their own Souls, that are wounding themselves, as being more distracted than the man we read of, who tore his own flesh, and cut himself with stones?