The Soul's Preparation for Christ

The reasons are these: First, because the word thus applied hits sooner then otherwise it would.¹ A master commands a servant to do such a thing, & because he names him not; one thinks it is not he, and another it is not he, only because he is not named: So when a minister saith, in many things we sin all, he hits no man, and so none are affected with it; But now particular application brings every mans part and portion, and not only sets the dish afore him, but cuts him meat, and carves for him, and we do in this cause as the nurse doth with the child; she not only sets the meat before it, but she minceth it, and puts it into the child's mouth: the steward doth no• only say, There is meat enough in the market, but he buys it, and brings it home, and ⟨p. 66⟩sees it prepared, and gives direction what is for every one. The words of a faithful minister are like arrows, which if they be shot a cock height they fall down again and do nothing: but when a man levels at a mark, then, if ever, he will hit it. So, many ministers can tell a grave fair tale, and speak of sins in general, and these common reproofs, these intimations of sin, are like arrows shot a cock height, they touch no man▪ but when a minister makes application of sin in particular, and saith, O all you drunkards and adulterers, this is your portion, and let this be as venom in your hearts to purge out your lusts. When our Saviour Christ lapped up the Pharisees all in one speech,² it is said, that they heard the parable and knew that he meant them.

The reasons are these: First, because the word thus applyed hits sooner then otherwise it would.¹ A master commands a servant to do such a thing, & because he names him not; one thinkes it is not he, and another it is not he, only because he is not named: So when a minister saith, in many things we sinne all, he hits no man, and so none are affected with it; But now particular application brings every mans part and portion, and not only sets the dish afore him, but cuts him meat, and carves for him, and we doe in this cause as the nurse doth with the child; she not onely sets the meat before it, but she minceth it, and puts it into the childs mouth: the steward doth no onely say, There is meat enough in the market, but he buyes it, and brings it home, and