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

1. Because this is the last means, and therefore if this do it not, what hopes are there remaining of such a peoples Reformation. God takes not the Rod in his hand till he be enforced to it, Lam. 3. 37. he useth all other means first, Convictions, Reproofs, Warnings, Threatenings, and waits to see if these will not reach his ends, and work repentance; when all these fail then he begins to afflict a people: now if this will not effect it, nothing will, such a people are beyond hopes obstinate in rebellion, whom Judgements will not awaken to repentance, and therefore, God hath little encouragement to use any long delays with such a people.

1. Because this is the last means, and therefore if this do it not, what hopes are there remaining of such a peoples Reformation. God takes not the Rod in his hand till he be enforced to it, Lam. 3. 37. he useth all other means first, Convictions, Reproofs, Warnings, Threatnings, and waits to see if these will not reach his ends, and work repentance; when all these fail then he begins to afflict a people: now if this will not effect it, nothing will, such a people are beyond hopes obstinate in rebellion, whom Judgements will not awaken to repentance, and therefore, God hath little encouragement to use any long delayes with such a people.

2. Because God delays till he be indeed provoked, and therefore ⟨p. 79⟩there is need to make haste. God in this exalts his Patience to wait a long time upon a rebellious people, but if Patience be worn out, we had need have a care now to our selves, Isa. 27. 4.

2. Because God delayes till he be indeed provoked, and therefore