THE CHRISTIAN RACE.
They that will go to heaven must run for it, because, as the way is
long, so the time in which they are to get to the end of it is very
uncertain; the time present is the only time: it may be thou hast no
more time allotted thee than that thou now enjoyest: "Boast not
thyself of to-morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring
forth." Do not say, I have time enough to get to heaven seven years
hence; for I tell thee the bell may toll for thee before seven days
more be ended; and when death comes, away thou must go, whether thou
art provided or not; and therefore look to it--make no delays--it is
not good dallying with things of so great concernment as the
salvation or damnation of thy soul. You know, he that hath a great
way to go in a little time, and less by half than he thinks of, he
had need to run for it.
They that will have heaven must run for it, because the devil, the
law, sin, death, and hell, follow them. There is never a poor soul
that is going to heaven, but the devil, the law, sin, death, and
hell make after that soul. "Your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour." And I will assure
you the devil is nimble; he can run apace, he is light of foot, he
hath overtaken many, he hath turned up their heels, and hath given
them an everlasting fall.
Pages:
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300