Use 1

For information in two particulars;

1. That a place in the visible Church is a dangerous station. It is indeed a great privilege; they that are here are nearer to Salvation than others: but if they are under such a curious observation, and such an exact account be taken of all their receipts and returns, needs must their hazards be very great. Is all charged upon them, and are their deportments under it set down to their score? Does God write down every thing? It will then be a large scroll that all such will have to be called to an account for: and O that careless sinners would think much of this; it might serve greatly to put the awe of God upon their hearts.

2. Hence see the great folly and danger of all such as boast of their privileges, and regard not the improvement of them. How many are there who talk high of what they enjoy? They are placed in God's House, they are favored with all the benefits of the Gospel: but in the mean while, they are regardless to themselves, and to their lives; they take no heed to themselves how they live under these liberties; and yet they value themselves according to these things: and what multitudes are there who have found that this kind of computation has proved their undoing? These must needs run a fearful risk and will be sadly disappointed, when after they have boasted and bragged of their great enjoyments, they shall be summoned to answer for all, and a fearful scroll shall be drawn up against them, of their horrible neglect, contempt and unprofitableness under all? When they shall sadly be convinced, that it had been better for them to have grown in any other soil in the world, than to have had a place in the Vineyard?

And therefore,