2. It is possible that in the use of 1means we may arrive at happiness. Impossibility destroys endeavour: but here is a door of hope opened. The thing is feasible. It is not with us as with the damned in Hell; there is a tomb-stone rolled over them. But while we are under the sound of Aaron's Bell, and the Silver Trumpet of the Gospel is blown in our ears, while the Spirit of Grace breaths on us, and we are on this side the grave; there is great hope that by holy violence we may win Paradise. An absolute impossibility of salvation is only for them who have sinned the sin against the Holy Ghost, and cannot repent, but who these are is a secret sealed up in God's Book: else here is a great encouragement to all to be serious and earnest in the matters of eternity, because they are yet in a capacity of mercy, no final sentence is already passed; God hath not yet taken up the drawbridge of mercy. Though the gate of Paradise is strait, yet it is not shut. This should be as Oil to the wheels, to make us lively and active in the business of salvation. Therefore as the Husbandman ⟨p. 136⟩ploughs in hope, James 5. So we should pray […] hope; do all our work for Heaven in hope; for the white flag of mercy is yet held forth. So long as there was Corn to be had in Egypt, the Sons of Jacob would not sit starving at home, Gen. 42. 3. So there is a Kingdom to be obtained; therefore let us not sit starving in our sins any longer.
2. It is possible that in the use of 1means we may arrive at happiness. Impossibility destroies endeavour: but here is a door of hope opened. The thing is feasible. It is not with us as with the damned in Hell; there is a tomb-stone rolled over them. But while we are under the sound of Aaron's Bell, and the Silver Trumpet of the Gospel is blown in our ears, while the Spirit of Grace breaths on us, and we are on this side the grave; there is great hope that by holy violence we may win Paradise. An absolute impossibility of salvation is only for them who have sinned the sin against the Holy Ghost, and cannot repent, but who these are is a secret sealed up in God's Book: else here is a great encouragement to all to be serious and earnest in the matters of eternity, because they are yet in a capacity of mercy, no final sentence is already passed; God hath not yet taken up the drawbridge of mercy. Though the gate of Paradise is strait, yet it is not shut. This should be as Oyl to the wheels, to make us lively and active in the business of salvation. Therefore as the Husbandman ⟨p. 136⟩plows in hope, James 5. So we should pray 〈…〉 hope; do all our work for Heaven in hope; for the white flag of mercy is yet held forth. So long as there was Corn to be had in Egypt, the Sons of Jacob would not sit starving at home, Gen. 42. 3. So there is a Kingdom to be obtained; therefore let us not sit starving in our sins any longer.
- 1Motive. 2.
