The Soul's Preparation for Christ

¹Secondly, it is a word of reproof, suffer me to deal plainly in this kind, if particular application be so powerful, and so profitable, let me speak a word of my self, and to my fellow-brethren. It falls heavy on us that are not willing to practice the same, but rather oppose it in others that desire to do it, this plain and particular application, ⟨p. 71⟩is accounted a matter of silliness, and want of wisdom, and rashness, and a thing which befits not a pulpit, but a mans words must be sweet, and toothsome, and he must have a tender hand over men whosoever they be, be they never so profane. Nay, I dare say, if the Devil himself were here, he […] not be troubled, ministers must lay bolsters under mens heads, and sow pillows under their elbows, that they may sit easily, and not trouble drunkards, and adulterers, but let them be still in their sins, and so let them go down to hell, this is that which the Devil loves and takes much content in. And it is certain, if he could prevail, no other course should be taken up: if a great man be present, or a patron that we look for a living from, (if my ears had not heard it, I could not have believed it) it is strange to think how they daub this over. If their sins be so gross that all the Congregation would cry shame, if he did not reproof them, what will they say? reprove you we will not, we dare not, but beseech you and desire you as every man hath his infirmity, a word to the wise is sufficient, &c. I blame my self so far as my base fear possesseth me, but brethren, what will become of preaching in conclusion, if this may take no place in the hearts of people; and yet notwithstanding all this, there is one thing to be considered, if there be but any upright hearted minister, or sincere Christian that is more exact then ordinary, what will the carnal ministers do, though they have no reason ⟨p. 72⟩in the text, no ground in the word, to warrant them? though they cannot condemn a poor Christian upon good grounds, yet they will invent new ways, and wrest the Text to dishonour Gods name, and then in all bitterness they can vent themselves against faithful Christians, and conscionable ministers: and hence the hands of the wicked are strengthened, and the hearts of Gods people are much daunted; and the Gospel of Jesus Christ prevails not in the heart of such as it is preached unto.