The USE of this discourse is of EXHORTATION, to labour to be converted Conversion is a glorious change, and will issue in eternal Glory. You may observe many men striving with all their might to add to their worldly comforts: they spare no pains, but are laying out themselves indefatigably to mend their accommodations, and increase their enjoyments here; but it will turn to better account for you to labour after a work of Regeneration. I do not advise you to effect it, for it is beyond your power. When the Prophet said, Make ye a new heart and a new Spirit, for why will ye die O house of Israel, he intends that the nation should get a disposition to reform. But though you cannot effect this your selves, yet you can labour in it: You may not indulge your selves in negligence, excusing yourselves from your impotency: God expects that you should strive to enter into the strait gate, Luk. 12.24. That you press into the kingdom of God, and be violent that you may obtain it. It is well worth your while to be engaged in this matter, and to give yourselves no not until you are converted. If God gives you many outward comforts, let not them satisfy you; ⟨p. 86⟩cry out, that one thing is wanting: What will it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own Soul, Mat. 16.21. Some content themselves with the reputation of being converted; but it is not the name but the thing, that you must crave. Some things are to be sought with a great deal of indifferency; this must be sought with agony of Spirit; you must cry for wisdom, and lift up your voice for understanding, you must seek it as silver, search for it as for hid treasures, Prov. 2.34. This is a thing of such necessity, that you may not delay to strive after it; and whatever occasions you have, you must allow of no excuse; and whatever difficulties you meet with, you must never be discouraged. If others should faint, you must hold out. Avoid every thing that has a tendency to hinder Success: Shun all things that will stupefy or divert, or discourage; and practice every thing that is proper and serviceable to your conversion Do not think much to deny your pleasures, to forego lawful Liberties, to let slip worldly opportunities, to endure hardship, to endure terrors: Spare no cost, no pains, so you may be converted.
The USE of this discourse is of EXHORTATION, to labor to be converted Conversion is a glorious change, and will issue in eternal Glory. You may observe many men striving with all their might to add to their worldly comforts: they spare no pains, but are laying out themselves indefaticably to mend their accommodations, and increase their enjoyments here; but it will turn to better account for you to labour after a work of Regeneration. I do not advise you to effect it, for it is beyond your power. When the Prophet said, Make ye a new heart and a new Spirit, for why will ye die O house of Israel, he intends that the nation should get a disposition to reform. But though you cannot effect this your selves, yet you can labour in it: You may not indulge your selves in negligence, excusing yourselves from your impotency: God expects that you should strive to enter into the strait gate, Luk. 12.24. That you press into the kingdom of God, and be violent that you may obttain it. It is well worth your while to be engaged in this matter, and to give yourselves no not until you are converted. If God gives you many outward comforts, let not them satisfy you; ⟨p. 86⟩cry out, that one thing is wanting: What will it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own Soul, Mat. 16.21. Some content themselves with the reputation of being converted; but it is not the name but the thing, that you must crave. Some things are to be sought with a great deal of indifferency; this must be sought with agony of Spirit; you must cry for wisdom, and lift up your voice for understanding, you must seek it as silver, search for it as for hid treasures, Prov. 2.34. This is a thing of such necessity, that you may not delay to strive after it; and whatever occasions you have, you must allow of no excuse; and whatever difficulties you meet with, you must never be discouraged. If others should faint, you must hold out. Avoid every thing that has a tendency to hinder Success: Shun all things that will stupify or divert, or discourage; and practice every thing that is proper and serviceable to your conversion Do not think much to deny your pleasures, to forego lawful Liberties, to let slip worldly opportunities, to endure hardship, to endure terrors: Spare no cost, no pains, so you may be converted.
