A03611:347
The Soul's Preparation for Christ
The souls preparation for Christ. Or, A treatise of contrition Wherein is discovered how God breaks the heart and wounds the soul, in the conversion of a sinner to Himself.The soules preparation for Christ. Or, A treatise of contrition Wherein is discovered how God breaks the heart and wounds the soule, in the conversion of a sinner to Himselfe.
London: printed by M. Flesher for Robert Dawlman, 1632London: printed by M. Flesher for Robert Davvlman, 1632
THE SOULS PREPARATION FOR CHRIST.THE SOVLES PREPARATION FOR CHRIST.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Now there was much work to bring this man home; when the Apostles were singing Psalms there came an earth-quake which made the Prison doors to fly open and the prisoners fetters fall off, but yet the Jailers heart would not shake, at last the Lord did shake his heart too, and he came trembling and was ready to lay violent hands upon himself, because he thought the prisoners had been fled; but the Apostles cried to him,1 Do thy self no harm: for we are all here; with that he fell down before them and said, Men and brethren, what shall I do to be saved?
Now there was much worke to bring this man home; when the Apostles were singing Psalmes there came an earth-quake which made the Prison doores to fly open and the prisoners fetters fall off, but yet the Iaylors heart would not shake, at last the Lord did shake his heart too, and he came trembling and was ready to lay violent hands upon himselfe, because he thought the prisoners had beene fled; but the Apostles cried to him,1 Doe thy selfe no harme: for we are all here; with that he fell downe before them and said, Men and brethren, what shall I doe to be saved?
I conclude this; naturally all men are locked up under infidelity, now the Lord opens their hearts severally, you know some locks are new and fresh, and therefore an easy key may open them, but some locks are old and rusty, and therefore must be broken open by force of hand; so it is with some mens hearts, howsoever sin prevails over the hearts of civill men, and they are full of pride, and the like; and yet their hearts are kept clear from rusting, by restraining grace; now the Lord will draw that man by the key of his spirit, and kindly withdraw him from his sin. But if a man have been an old rusty drunkard, or adulterer, no key can open his heart; alas, it is not a little matter will do the deed, it is not now and then a gracious promise that will break his heart: But the Lord must come down from heaven, and break open the door by strong hand, by awaking his conscience, that all the country rings of him.