Heavenly merchandiseHeavenly merchandize

I have read the story of a Christian, who bound over all his estate to a Heathen for security, assuring him that if he would embrace the Truth, it should never repent him, but that he should be enforced to say there was unspeakably more of soul satisfaction in at than in the whole world beside: nor was it long before he returned him his Bond cancelled, assuring him that he had enough in hand for his acquittance, and better security for that which was remaining; and why will not you try too?

2. Listen to such as have the Truth offered to them, and they have been so imprudent as to refuse to come to the price of it, and hear how they bewail it. The Wise man brings in such an unhappy wretch thus bewailing and bemoaning himself, Prov. 5. 12, 13. How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof? and have not obeyed the voice of my Teachers, nor inclined mine ears to them that instructed me? Did you never take a turn with some forlorn creature, that had so long despised the Gospel offers, till he was forsaken of God, and given up to the rack of a tormenting conscience? or did you never stand by the bedside of a profligate Prodigal, that had spent his market day in buying trifles, in following of his lustful pleasures, and in hording up of earthly treasures, and perceived his parting Soul stand trembling upon his quivering lips, and groaning out this its last ejulation? Oh how wretchedly have I outstood the happy advantage of Truths Market? how seriously, how solemnly, how frequently did God offer it to me? at how easy rates might I have been made the blessed owner of it? how long did he stand waiting upon me, and knocking at my door? what pathetical and heart melting arguments did he use with me to have persuaded me? and oh how happy had I ⟨p. 72⟩now been, had I but accepted of it? but I slept out that precious harvest; I loitered out that opportunity of the Market; I despised the offer that was made unto me; I entertained a vile and low opinion of the Truth, and took delight in scoffing at counsels, and quenching of the strivings of the blessed Spirit with me: and now the day is over, the time is gone, the opportunity is lost: and I for this vile neglect of mine am lost for ever: Oh for one of those Sabbaths, those Lectures, those precious seasons of grace! That I had but known those things of my peace in the day of them! but they are hidden from me; and because I despised them whilst I did enjoy them, I must have them no more; and for want of that slighted Truth, which once I might have been owner of, I am undone and must perish everlastingly. And what impression doth this make upon your hearts? let me tell you these are no fancies, nor Romantic Stories, but realities;