Useful instructions for a professing people in times of great security and degeneracy delivered…

1. Consider how many more provocations God hath had from you, then he hath had from this poor creature; how many more Ordinances and Providences have attended upon you, then ever did upon her; think how long you have lived in Gods world, and yet have done him little or no service since you came into it: and therefore let this awaken you to see how it stands with you, how the matter goes between God and your Souls, whether you are secure under his wings, and at peace with him. When you see one so much younger then you thus visited, Oh think upon what ground you stand, fear ⟨p. 36⟩the like or worse, if you are yet in an uncertain state. Let it in a special manner awaken old ones to make their calling and election sure, considering how much danger you are in.

2. Let it teach you how much you have had of the patience of God exercised towards you, that God hath born with and forborne you so long; you have lived a great while longer in the world, and it may be have been more enormous and flagitious in your lives-than ever this poor creature was: possibly you have lived in scandalous sins, and grievous pollutions: if you should consider, and ask a Reason why God hath taken her and not taken you, you may see and say, that if God had gone according to outward appearance, or extremity of rigour, there had been transcendently more ground why he should have come upon you. Oh then, when you see one so young, and one not observed to be guilty of any flagitious crimes taken, while you are by Gods goodness spared, learn to admire at, and worship the patience of God towards you.

2. Let it teach you how much you have had of the patience of God exercised towards you, that God hath born with and forborn you so long; you have lived a great while longer in the world, and it may be have been more enormous and flagitious in your lives-thenever this poor creature was: possibly you have lived in scandalous sins, and grievous pollutions: if you should consider, and ask a Reason why God hath taken her and not taken you, you may see and say, that if God had gone according to outward appearance, or extremity of rigour, there had been transcendently more ground why he should have come upon you. Oh then, when you see one so young, and one not observed to be guilty of any flagitious crimes taken, while you are by Gods goodness spared, learn to admire at, and worship the patience of God towards you.