2. Are not the considerations with which the duty is enforced sufficient encouragements to the perform- ance of it ?
[I might have enforced the duty with far different argu- ments, and " persuaded you rather by the terrors of the Lord " to turn unto him. But I greatly prefer the views of God, as he is exhibited in the text. It is in this light that he is revealed to us in the Gospel; even as coming down to this earth to seek and save us, and to reconcile us unto himself in the person of his dear Son. And these considerations have a far greater tendency to humble the soul ; which, if terrified for a moment by the threatenings of the law, is ready, like fused metal, to return in a little time to its wonted hardness. "Let, then, the riches of his goodness and long-suffering and forbearance be duly regarded by you ; and let the goodness of your God lead you to repentance f."]
3. Will not the mercies offered you amply compen- sate for all the efforts which you may make to obtain them?
[Truly, if there were but a "peradventure" that you should find mercy, it were worth all the labour of ten thousand years to obtain it. Think only what it must be, to be monu- ments of God's righteous indignation to all eternity ; and what it must be, on the other hand, to be everlasting monuments of his grace and love. Can you contemplate this alternative, and duly estimate its importance ? No : you must go down to hell, and taste the misery of the damned, and be exalted to heaven, to enjoy the blessedness of the saints in glory, before you can form any just idea of what is before you, either to be suffered or enjoyed, according as your state shall be found before God. I pray you not to trifle with your souls; but now, while the opportunity is afforded you, " flee from the wrath to come, and lay hold on eternal life." Could you ask of Manasseh, or David, or Peter, or any of the saints, whether they wept too much ; you can easily conceive the answer that would be re- turned you by them. To every one amongst you then, I say, "Begin, without delay, to sow in tears; and then expect, without a doubt, to reap in joy."]
f Rom. ii. 4.