The saints everlasting rest

2. It will torment them to think of the possibility that once they were in of obtaining it. Then they will remember, the time was, when I was in as fair a possibility of the kingdom as others; I was set upon the stage of the world; if I had played my part wisely and faithfully, now I might have had possession of the inheritance; I might have been amongst yonder blessed saints, who am now tormented with these damned fiends! The Lord did set before me life and death, and having chosen death, I deserve to suffer it: the prize was once held out before me; if I bad run well, I might have obtained it: if I had striven, I might have had the mastery: if I had fought valiantly, I had been crowned.

3. It will yet more torment them to remember, not only the possibility, but the great probability that once they were in, to obtain the crown. It will then wound them, to think: why, I had once the gales ⟨p. 98⟩of the Spirit ready to have assisted me. I was fully purposed to have been another man, to have cleaved to Christ, and to have forsook the world; I was almost resolved to have been wholly for GOD: I had even cast off my old companions, and yet I turned back, and lost my hold, and broke my promises, and slacked my purposes; almost GOD had persuaded me to be a real christian, and yet I conquered those persuasions. What workings were in my heart! when a faithful minister pressed home the truth. O how fair was I once for heaven! I had almost had i•, and yet I have lost it; if I had but followed on to seek the LORD, and blown up the sparks of desire which were kindled in me, I had now been blessed among the saints.

4. Yet further, it will much add to their torment to remember that GOD himself did condescend to entreat them: how long he did wait, how freely he did offer, how lovingly he did invite, and how importunately he did solicit them! how the Spirit did continue striving with their hearts, as if he were loth to take a denial: how Christ stood knocking at the door of their hearts, sermon after sermon, and one sabbath after another; crying out, open, sinner, open thy heart to the Saviour, and I will come in and sup with thee and thou with me. Why dost thou thus delay? What dost thou mean, that thou dost not open to me? How long shall it be till thou attain to innocency? How long shall thy vain thoughts ledge within thee? Woe to thee, Oh unworthy sinner! Wilt thou not be made clean? Wilt thou not be pardoned and sanctified, and made happy? When shall it once be? Oh that thou wouldst hearken to my word, and obey my gospel! Then should thy peace be as th […], and thy righteousness as the waves of the sa: though thy sins were as red as crimson, I would mak them as white as the snow: O that thou were but wise to consider this! and that thou