The saints everlasting rest

Yet I will add a few more words to good men in particular, to show them why they above all men should be laborious for heaven; and that there is a great deal of reason, that though all the world sit still, yet they should abhor that laziness and negligence, and lay out all their strength on the work of GOD. To this end, I desire them also to answer soberly to these few questions.

Yet I will add a few more words to good men in particular, to shew them why they above all men should be laborious for heaven; and that there is a great deal of reason, that though all the world sit still, yet they should abhor that laziness and negligence, and lay out all their strength on the work of GOD. To this end, I desire them also to answer soberly to these few questions.

1. Quest. What manner of persons should those be, who have felt the smart of their negligence, in the new birth, in their several wounds and trouble of conscien•• in their doubts and fears, in their various afflictions: they that have groaned and cried out so oft, under the sense and effects of their negligence, and are like enough to feel it again, if they do not reform it? Sure one would think they should be slothful no more.

2. Quest. What manner of persons should those be who have bound themselves to GOD by so many covenants as we have done, and in special have covenanted so oft to be more painful and faithful in his service? At every sacrament; on many days of humiliation and thanksgiving; in most of our deep distresses and dangerous sicknesses; we are still ready to bewail our neglects, and to engage ourselves, if GOD will but try us and trust us once again, how diligent and laborious we will be, and how we will improve our time, and reprove offenders, and watch over ourselves, and ply our work; and do him more service in a day, than we did in a month? The LORD pardon our perfidious