§ 5. But because the manner of performing this work is of great moment, observe therefore these rules. Enter upon it with right intentions. Aim at the glory of God in the person's salvation. Do it not to get a name, or esteem to thyself, or to bring men to depend upon thee, or to get thee followers, but in obedience to Christ, in imitation of him, and tender love to men's souls. Do not as those, who labor to reform their children or servants from such things as are against their own profit or humor, but never seek to save their souls in the way which God hath appointed. Do it speedily. As you would not have them delay their return, do not you delay to seek their return. While you are purposing to teach and help him, the man goes deeper in debt; wrath is heaping up; sin taking root; custom fastens him; temptations to sin multiply; conscience grows seared; the heart hardened; the Devil rules; Christ is shut out; the Spirit is resisted; God is daily dishonored; His law violated; He is without a servant, and that service from Him which He should have; time runs on; death and judgment are at the door; and what if the man die, and drop into hell, while you are purposing to prevent it? If in the case of his bodily distress, you must _not say to him, Go, and come again, and to-morrow I will give, when thou hast it by thee_;[285] how much less may you delay the succor of his soul? That physician is no better than a murderer, who negligently delayeth till his patient be dead, or past cure. Lay by excuses then, and all lesser business, and _exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day; lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin_.[286] Let your exhortation proceed from compassion and love. To jeer and scoff, to rail and vilify, is not a likely way to reform men, or convert them to God. Go to poor sinners with tears in your eyes, that they may see you believe them to be miserable, and that you unfeignedly pity their case. Deal with them with earnest humble entreatings. Let them perceive it is the desire of your hearts to do them good; that you have no other end but their everlasting happiness; and that it is your sense of their danger, and your love to their souls, that forceth you to speak; even because you _know the terrors of the Lord_, and for fear you should see them in eternal torments. Say to them, "Friend, you know I seek no advantage of my own: The method to please you, and keep your friendship, were to soothe you in your way, or let you alone; but love will not suffer me to see you perish, and be silent. I seek nothing at your hands, but that which is necessary to your own happiness. It is yourself that will have the gain and comfort, if you come to Christ." If we were thus to go to every ignorant, wicked neighbor, what blessed fruit should we quickly see!—Do it with all possible plainness and faithfulness. Do not make their sins less than they are, nor encourage them in a false hope.