A03611:382
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.
Quest. Now it may be some poor soul will say, How shall I bring my heart to this sound work indeed.
Quest. Now it may be some poore soule will say, How shall I bring my heart to this sound worke indeed.
Answ. For answer to this, I will show three means whereby the Lord works this sound conviction,
Answ. For answere to this, I will shew three meanes whereby the Lord workes this sound conviction,
First, when the Lord begins first to work upon ⟨p. 201⟩you, and you begin to see your corruptions, then possess your souls with the apprehension of the ticklishness of your condition wherein you are: this work is great and marvellous inward, and you may be easily deceived, and the danger is great if you be deceived: it is in this case with the soul, as it is with a ship on the sea, when the mariners pass by and see the rocks where such and such ships have been split; and the men and all lost; they are very wary to steer aright and to direct their compass aright; but near sands and rocks they will not come: So it is with this humbling of the heart, many have been cozened and deceived therein: therefore now hold this rule, Let that soul whose eyes God hath opened, and brought under his blows (let such I say) rather fear he is not sound in the work, then fear that he shall not have ease; for every man saith, I pray you (Sir) comfort and refresh me, and will God never give me comfort? Oh now you go wrong; many perish because they go off from this work so soon; but never did any perish because he received the work soundly. Therefore reason thus with thy own heart; and say, Good Lord be merciful to me, my condition is very tickle; If now I be deceived, then farewell comfort.