The saints everlasting rest

2. Another hinderance, is, a secret infidelity prevailing in men's hearts: Alas, sirs, we do not sure believe men's misery; we do not believe sure the threatenings of GOD are true. Did we verily believe that all the uregenerate and unholy shall be eternally tormented, oh how could we hold our tongues when we are among the unregenerate: how could we chose but burst out into tears when we look them in the face, as the prophet did when he looked upon H•zael? Especially when they are our kindred or friends that are near and dear to us? Thus doth secret unbelief consume the vigour of each grace and duty. Oh christians, if you did verily believe that your poor neighbour, or wife, or husband, or child, should certainly lie for-ever in the flames of hell, except they be thoroughly changed, before death doth snatch them hence, would not this make you cast off all discouragements, and lie at them day and night till they were persuaded? How could you hold your tongue, or let them alone another day, if this were soundly believed? If you were sure that any of your dear friends that are dead, were now in hell, and persuading to repentance would get him out again, would not you persuade him day and night if he were in hearing? And why should you not do as much then to prevent it, while he is in your hearing, but that you do not believe GOD'S word that speaks the danger? Oh were it not for this cursed unbelief, our own souls and our neighbour's would gain more by us than they do.

3. This faithful dealing with men for their salvation, is much hindered also by our want of compassion to men's souls. We are hard-hearted and cruel toward the miserable; and therefore (as the priest and ⟨p. 216⟩the Levite did by the wounded man) we look on them and pass by. O what tender hearts could endure to look upon a poor, blind, forlorn sinner, wounded by sin and captivated by Satan, and never once open their mouths for his recovery! What though he be silent, and do not desire thy help? yet his misery cries aloud; misery is the most effectual suitor to one that is compassionate: if GOD had not heard the cry of our miseries before he heard the cry of our prayers, and been moved by his own pity, before he was moved by our importunity, we might have long enough continued the slaves of Satan. Alas, what pitiful sights do we daily see! The ignorant, the profane, the neglecters of Christ and their souls: their sores are open and visible to all; and yet we do not pity them. You will pray to GOD for them, in customary duties, that GOD would open the eyes, and turn the hearts of your friends and neighbours: and why do you not endeavour their conversion if you desire it? and if you do not desire it, why do you ask it? Doth not your negligence convince you of hypocrisy in your prayers, and of abusing the most high GOD with your deceitful words? Your neighbours are near you, your friends are in the house with you, you eat, and drink, and work, and walk, and talk with them, and yet you say little or nothing to them. Why do you not pray them to consider and return, as well as pray GOD to convert and turn them? Have you as oft begged of them to think on their ways, and to reform, as you have taken on you to beg of GOD that they may so do? What if you should see your neighbour fallen into a pit, and you should presently fall down on your knees, and pray GOD to help him out, but would neither put forth your hand to help him, nor once persuade or direct him to help himself, would not any man censure you to be cruel and hypocritical? What the Holy Ghost saith of men's bodily miseries, I may say much more of the misery of their souls; If any man