Exhorted them to prepare for the Dutys of the Lords Day, because it was likely to be the 1sst Sabbath they would enjoy on Earth.

After this, and other Counsel given them, they seemed very sensible of the Heinousness of their Crimes, and were desirous that I would often visit them; I replyed, that It was my Duty, and that I would not fail, by Divine Assistance to fulfil my Office to the utmost, in Compassion to their Souls: And they promised me, that they would take pains with their own hearts in my Absense, to fit themselves for a future Happy State.

I told them, they ought to help forward each others Repentance, considering, how by their bad Counsel and Example, they had miss-led others into sinful Practices, and so with Prayer I dismist them.

On the Lords Day in the Forenoon, there was a Sermon on this Text, viz. The fifth Chapter of St. Matthews Gospel, the sixth Verse. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after Righteousness, for they shall be filled or satisfied.

In the Afternoon, the Ordinary Preached on the 11th. Verse of the 33d. Chapter of Ezekielz Prophesie, Say to them, As I live faith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the Death of the Wicked, but that he turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye, from your Evil ways, for, why will ye Dye O House of Israel. Whence he drew forth these Observations.

First, That it is a great Condescension in God, to treat on Terms of Mercy and Reconciliation with sinners, standing out in their Rebellion.

Secondly, Inasmuch as the Lord directs Offers of Peace to sinners, under the form of a solemn Oath, to obtain Credit of his willingness to save them. Observe, it is very difficult to convince such who are sensible of Guilt, yet the Lord God will not Arm his Justice to destroy them. Sinners naturally entertain low and hard thoughts of God, as if he studyed to Tryhumph in their Ruin.

Thirdly, The only proper way, for any Man to enjoy himself happily, is to turn from a course of sinning to the Lord [Let the wicked turn from his way and live.]

Fourthly, As a Relation to God, aggravates the Evil of departing from him, so it ought to be a moving Obligation and Encouragement to return unto him Turn O House of Israel, though very much degenerate, because I am your God, by special Covenant of free Grace, having chosen you to be my peculiar People, in the publick profession of my Name.

Fifthly, Sinners often-times Judge Gods way or providential dealing with them to be unequal and severe, when their own ways were evil and perverse, to draw heavy Judgments upon themselves. Turn ye from your own Evil ways.

Sixthly, Converting Grace is necessary and difficult: Therefore the Exhortation is repeated with the greater Pathetical Expression. Turn ye, turn ye.

Seventhly, There is spiritual Death contracted, by sinning against God, which should provoke us to hate it, and turn from it.

Eighthly, Sinners unwilling to turn to God, are self-cruel, and in love with Death. Turn ye, why will ye Dye?

Most of these Propositions were illustrated and practically improved: The Conclusion of the Sermon, was directed to the Condemned, with Arguments to turn from their Evil course to the Lord, demonstrating the misery of spiritual Death, and the Happiness of spiritual Life, in a sincere Conversation, stating the Nature of it, with Rules and Directions how to Expedite it.

On Monday I visited them again, and after Prayer, whilest they retained tho?e relentinig impressions, which were upon them the day before. I asked them what hope they had that God was Reconciled to them in Christ: They said that they prayed & did what they could to obtain the pardon of their sins, that they might be saved. I assured them, that if they were willing to be happy on Terms viz. If they desired sincerely to be holy, as much as to be delivered from the wrath of God, by whose frowns sinners Dye Eternally, then Christs sanctifying spirit would become their Comforter.

The Ordinary took an Account of their fitness fortheir approaching death, and most of them readily complyed with his desires.