The Soul's Preparation for Christ

Answ. For the answer of this question, I will handle three things, First, the work is the same in all, Secondly, the manner is different in the most; Thirdly, many have it in them and yet perceive it not how or when it was wrought.

Answ. For the answere of this question, I will handle three things, First, the worke is the same in all, Secondly, the maner is different in the most; Thirdly, many have it in them and yet perceive it not how or when it was wrought.

First, this work of contrition of heart is wrought in every one in this work of preparation, before he is, or can be planted into Christ: for the truth of this and the substantial nature of it, Scripture is plain, and reason is pregnant; Scriptures are many, I will only name three, as that in Luke, our Lord Jesus Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. ¹We may observe two things, first, the qualification of that party whom Christ will seek and save, ²he must be a lost man in his own apprehension: secondly, see the certainty of salvation of such a one, Christ came for this end; he came to seek up and save that which was lost. Now Christ will not miss of his end; he came for the lost sheep, then the lost sheep he will have; & though the lost sheep cannot seek nor save them selves, yet Christ will save them.

First, this work of contrition of heart is wrought in every one in this worke of preparation, before he is, or can be planted into Christ: for the truth of this and the substantiall nature of it, Scripture is plaine, and reason is pregnant; Scriptures are many, I will only name three, as that in Luke, our Lord Jesus Christ came to seeke and to save that which was lost. ¹We may observe two things, first, the qualification of that party whom Christ will seeke and save,