USE. IV. Learn we hence not to be d• couraged from using means for the Salvation […] ⟨p. 45⟩others notwithstanding their grievous Sinning against God. There is in every gracious Soul an earnest desire after the good and welfare of others; their Children, Friends, Neighbours; which puts them upon endeavours with and for them, longing that they may be freed from Condemnation, and obtain forgiveness of God: but when they have used all means, and waited with much patience, and find all to work contrary with them, and they grow worse under all, and are now fallen into more horrible and scandalous Sins, and habituated to them, and it may be to despise Counsel, and hate to be reproved; they are ready to give them up for gone, and abandon all farther endeavours for them, reputing them hopeless. But here is that which may prevent such desperate conclusions, and put you upon renewing your endeavours again: Remember there is forgiveness with God even for such as they are; they are not gone so far, but that God may still turn them at last and have mercy upon them. Their Sins are astonishing, but not beyond the line of forgiveness; their hearts are hardened, but not beyond the ability of God to soften them; they have provoked him to cast them off for ever, but who knows but that he may yet come and exalt his infinite Grace in giving them a pardon? Let this hope then revive your Spirits, and, though you do it with fear and trembling, yet be the more ardent and earnest with and for them: Counsel them affectionately, warn them with greatest Solemnity, and pray for them with all importunity: plead Gods ⟨p. 46⟩Power, and his Grace too, and how much he can show it forth to his eternal praise in extending i• to them: and put him in mind of the infinit• virtue and value of the Sacrifice of Christ, le• him not alone; who knows but you may prevail• and either in this life, or when you are gone t• Heaven, see a joyful return of your endeavour to your eternal satisfaction?
USE. IV. Learn we hence not to be d• couraged from using means for the Salvation 〈…〉 ⟨p. 45⟩others notwithstanding their grievous Sinning against God. There is in every gracious Soul an earnest desire after the good and welfare of others; their Children, Friends, Neighbours; which puts them upon endeavours with and for them, longing that they may be freed from Condemnation, and obtain forgiveness of God: but when they have used all means, and waited with much patience, and find all to work contrary with them, and they grow worse under all, and are now fallen into more horrible and scandalous Sins, and habituated to them, and it may be to despise Counsel, and hate to be reproved; they are ready to give them up for gone, and abandon all farther endeavours for them, reputing them hopeless. But here is that which may prevent such desperate conclusions, and put you upon renewing your endeavours again: Remember there is forgiveness with God even for such as they are; they are not gone so far, but that God may still turn them at last and have mercy upon them. Their Sins are astonishing, but not beyond the line of forgiveness; their hearts are hardned, but not beyond the ability of God to soften them; they have provoked him to cast them off for ever, but who knows but that he may yet come and exalt his infinite Grace in giving them a pardon? Let this hope then revive your Spirits, and, though you do it with fear and trembling, yet be the more ardent and earnest with and for them: Counsel them affectionately, warn them with greatest Solemnity, and pray for them with all importunity: plead Gods ⟨p. 46⟩Power, and his Grace too, and how much he can shew it forth to his eternal praise in extending i• to them: and put him in mind of the infinit• vertue and value of the Sacrifice of Christ, le• him not alone; who knows but you may prevail• and either in this life, or when you are gone t• Heaven, see a joyful return of your endeavou• to your eternal satisfaction?
