EZEK. 33. 11.
THe subject of the Text, viz. Conversion, is vast and large, like a living fountain that alwaies sends forth fresh streams: We have spoken of the particular difficulties in some mens conversions rather then others: not that they were to be without hope, but to awaken them out of their security. Now motives and grounds for our turning unto God, are in the next place to be considered. For in our Exhortations to be converted, we do not speak as men destitute of reason, and forsaken of truth: But it is even a wonder when all the Arguments out of Gods word shal be propounded, if every one do not say, Arise, let us go hence from our sins.1
And first, The possibility of thy conversion may make thee set about it. It is not with thee as with the damned, and divels in hell. Being thou art not yet in the Grave and Hell, there may be hopes for thee. Although the last day I shewed how difficult and unlikely some men were to turn to God, yet that was onely in respect of visible second causes; otherwise as when our Saviour said, It was as impossible for a rich man to be saved, as a Camel to go through the eye of a needle; the Disciples then cryed out, Who then can be saved? But our Saviour said, With man indeed it is impossible, but with God all things are possible; So sinners, and wicked men under those Characters thus described, are no more likely to turn to God, then a Camel with its bunch-back to go through the eye of a needle: but with God all things are possible. An absolute impossibility of turning to God is onely in those that have sinned against the Holy Ghost, or are for ever delivered up by God to an impenitent and a hard heart. But who they are, is rather a secret in Gods councel, then a mystery discovered to us: so that no wicked men under any Characters whatsoever (unlesse those excepted) may conclude in despair, That it is not possible they should ever be converted. God doth here invite the sinners of Israel in what quality soever, to turn to God; now this is a great encouragement, the very possibility of turning to God. Ah, How justly might God strike thee dead in thy sinnes, send thee with thy goar blood to hell, and leave thee hopeless and helplesse? But he hath not shut the dore against thee: He hath not yet bid thee depart into everlasting fire, He knoweth thee not. It should be like oyl in thy bones to think such a thing may be. O Lord, Is not my condition desperate? Is there any hope left for me? Am I not past all favour? Is not my time spent? Oh, What a mercy is this? But […]ing the possibility is uncertain, thy life is so short, time is so quickly run out, that it may be thy conversion is not possible for any longer then a day more, or a night more; then what inexcusable folly and madnesse will it be to defer it? It is many times Satans temptation to hold men a long while in sin, and then to perswade them it is too late to turn to God. At first any time is soon enough, and afterwards every day is too late; but never believe that suggestion. Oh then, as the Husbandman ploweth in hope, which nourisheth all actions; so thou maist hear in hope, pray in hope, set onwork of reformation in hope; for God never bid a people seek his Name in vain.
Secondly, Not onely the possibility, but the probability may much prevail with thee. For on Gods part it seemeth more probable thou maist be converted, then millions2 in the world. So that howsoever many men by abuse of the means, may make their condition far worse then that of Heathens and Pagans: yet if we speak strictly in respect of the means themselves, it is far more probable thou that hast the means of conversion, shouldst be converted, rather then those that enjoy them not. The greatest part of the world sits in horrible darknesse without any light: to them the word hath not come, which yet is the ordinary means of conversion; so that on Gods part, and the means, it is far more likely that God wills thy conversion, rather then those to whom he sends no Prophets at all. It is true, the word is sometimes sent to harden men, and it becomes the savour of death; but this is after men have horribly abused it: and it is not the proper and genuine effect of the word, but accidental through the indisposition and obstinacy of the hearers. Well then, let this encourage thee to turn to God, God hath not withdrawn, or denied the means to thee; yet he sends his Prophets, and ministers to call thee to him: Why doth God vouchsafe all this to me? who should turn if I do not? Oh it is intollerable shame if any in the world turn to God, and thou dost not who art so often exhorted. Doe any in the world repent, grieve for, and forsake their sinnes? and doest not thou who enjoyest the powerfull means of Grace.