The Soul's Preparation for Christ

Now that I may the better prevail with you,¹ consider these three motives, first, it is the only old way to heaven, for God never revealed any other but this way in the old law: the only way for the leper to be cleansed was to come out into the congregation and to cry, I am unclean, I am unclean. This leper was every sinner; this means of curing was the sight of his sin; and as he did, so must every sinner confess his sin, take shame to himself, and say, It is my proud heart, and this my loose life, &c. This true sight of sin is the only door to life and salvation, who would not go that way which is the right & the ready way, if ever you receive mercy at the hands of ⟨p. 58⟩the Lord, it must be by this way, or not at all. I pray you take heed, and do not find a shorter cut to heaven; the further you go the contrary way, the further you must return back again; this hath cozened many a man more then he doth imagine.

Now that I may the better prevaile with you,¹ consider these three motives, first, it is the only old way to heaven, for God never revealed any other but this way in the old law: the only way for the leaper to be cleansed was to come out into the congregation and to cry, I am uncleane, I am uncleane. This leaper was every sinner; this meanes of curing was the sight of his sinne; and as he did, so must every sinner confesse his sin, take shame to himselfe, and say, It is my proud heart, and this my loose life, &c. This true sight of sinne is the only doore to life and salvation, who would not goe that way which is the right & the ready way, if ever you receive mercy at the hands of ⟨p. 58⟩the Lord, it must be by this way, or not at all. I pray you take heed, and doe not find a shorter cut to heaven; the further you goe the contrary way, the further you must returne back againe; this hath cozened many a man more then he doth imagine.

1. 1Motive 1.