Page 390
[ 1381] Men to be willing to have their Sins reproved; And why so.
THere was a foolish (it may be said cruel) Law among the Lacedemonians,* 1.1 That none should tell his Neighbour any ill news befallen him; but every one should be left, in processe of time, to find it out themselves: And it is to be supposed, that there are many amongst us, that would be content, if there were such a Law, that might tye up Ministers mouths from scaring them with their Sins, and the miseries that attend their unreconciled estate; The most are more carefull to run from the discourse of their misery,* 1.2 then to get out of the danger of it; are more offended with the talk of Hell, then troubled for that sinful state that shall bring them thither: But alas, when then shall the Ministers shew their love to the souls of Sinners? When shall a loving Man have a fitting time to tell his Friend of his faults, if not now, in the present time? And why? be∣cause that hereafter there remains no more offices of Love to be done for them; Hell is a Pest-house,* 1.3 there cannot be written so much on the door of it, as, Lord have mercy on them, that are in it: Nay, they, who now pray for their salvation, and weep over their condition; must then with Christ vote for their damnation, and rejoyce in it, though they be their own Fathers, Husbands and Wives, they shall see there tormented.