Page:Black book of conscience, or, God's great and high court of justice in the soul (2).pdf/8

8 Ah! my conſcience told me ſeveral times that I was but an hypocrite, a mere painted ſepulchre, fair without and ſoul within. O! but I would not hear conſcience then, but neglected him. Ah! now my conſcience makes me fear him whether I will or not; therefore, Lord, do with me what thou pleaſeſt: True and righteous art thou in all thy doings towards me; be they ever ſo harſh they are but the juſt rewards of my iniquities  And ſaith the covetous man’s conſcience, the gripping, cruel extorting uſurer’s conſcience, Lord, I confeſs, I have been a covetous wretch; but I have not coveted after heaven. It hath been my whole trade to cheat and cozen others, and to grind the faces of the poor; all that I could do to undo others; but alas for me! what have I done? I have quite and clean undone my own ſoul, and that to all eternity. I have been very cruel and unmerciful to others; I would not forgive my poor brethren in the leaſt. O Lord! I deſerve no mercy at thy hands, the hotteſt place in hell would be too cold for me.

What have you done with all your wealth, ſaith God to rich men, all theſe great eſtates and poſſeſſions which I lent you, or rather entruſted you with as ſtewards? How have