strange it is to say, that they will even quote the word of God, as countenancing their ways ; and, without once considering the true import of the passages they adduce, they will cry, " The law of the Lord is with msV But let them bring forth their strong reasons ; let them shew us from the word of God, that no " difference shall be put between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth the Lord and him that serveth him not :" let them prove to us, that a course of sin and impenitence, and an unconcern about our future state, are innocent, or at most only trifling faults, which will not be regarded in the day of judgment. Let them shew us these things from the word of God ; and then we are prepared to say, " In vain has God made it, and the pen of the scribes (who have either recorded or expounded it) is in vain." Certainly, if they succeed in that attempt, the Bible is the most worthless book in the universe ; for men could live in sin and neglect God, without any book to direct or encourage them in such ways.]
That our expostulation may not fall to the ground, we entreat you to listen to a few words of salu- tary advice —
1. Consider your ways —
[This is a reasonable duty ; and can do you no harm : if your conduct have been conformable with the will of God, you will have great comfort in ascertaining that it has been so : if, on the contrary, it has been such as God decidedly con- demns, you will have an opportunity of altering it before it be too late ]
2. Renounce your sins —
[This must be connected with the former, and indeed must result from it1. You cannot but know that there has been much amiss, both in your heart and life : search it out there- fore, and, whatever it may be, put it from you : if it be useful as a right hand, or precious as a right eye, spare it not, but cast it uttterly away. Attempt not to justify or extenuate it ; but acknowledge your criminality and danger; and cast over- board the goods that would sink the ship ]
3. Obey the Gospel —
[Sinful as your state has been, the Gospel proposes to you an infallible remedy : it sets forth a Saviour ; and invites you to come to him. Obey the call : come to him, who bought you with his blood : and accept the salvation which he freely offers to the chief of sinners At the same time " Be wise
k They will quote Prov. iii. 17. and Mic. vi. 8. 1 Ezek. xviii. 28.