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Reader!
TIS an Argument of sufficient strength, to prove that Man has lost his understanding by his sin, that he is so unconcern'd about Him∣self, so fearlesse of Eternal Ruine, so negligent of Everlasting Salvation; though prudent in secular and smaller matters, yet he is perfectly phrantick in the greatest and most weighty con∣cerns of another World. If a man have a trial at Law is he thoughtful of the issue.
The Malefactour who is to be tried for his Life, is sollicitous about the Judges sen∣tence. But though All must be tried and judged at the great Tribunal of the Lord of Heaven and Earth, yet few, ve∣ry few regard it, or think before hand what is like to be their unalterable Doom.
How truly lamentable is it, that Souls should be thus drown'd in flesh and sen∣suallity! So blinded by the Prince of Darkness, as not to consider what is like∣ly to become of themselves: What must be their next Home, when once they leave their present Tabernacle which is continually decaying, and must fall down quickly, may fall down suddenly.
To prove thy self is certainly thy Wise∣dom. Ignorance of sins evil, makes sin damnable; ignorance of Satans wiles and devices makes them successful to de∣struction;
ignorance of a bad estate makes it so much the worse because 'tis not pro∣bable it should be changed; and not dis∣cerning the Grace that is in us keeps the Conscience, and Heart upon the Rack: Satan is gratified, and the Comfort of the Spirit is refused.
Reader!
Converse with thy self will be very advantagious. Why should Thou and thy self be perfect Strangers any longer? Commune often with thy own Heart, and reflect more upon thy Life, this would be an excellent means to make both better.
I did not think when first I began to Preach upon this subject, to have been so large upon it, much less had I thoughts to make the discourse publick; but the con∣current desire of a considerable number made me hope it had been already profita∣ble
unto many, and might be useful unto more.
Reader! Whether thou art to be reckon∣ed among the Righteous or the Wicked, be not unwilling to examine thy felf: For if thou art serious in this matter, the effect will be either a profitable fear and sor∣row; or good Hope, and Peace, and Joy.
Nathanael Vincent.