The Soul's Preparation for Christ

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.

First, when the Lord begins first to worke upon ⟨p. 201⟩you, and you begin to see your corruptions, then possesse your soules with the apprehension of the ticklishnesse of your condition wherein you are: this worke is great and marvelous inward, and you may be easily deceived, and the danger is great if you be deceived: it is in this case with the soule, as it is with a ship on the sea, when the marriners passe by and see the rockes where such and such ships have beene split; and the men and all lost; they are very wary to steere aright and to direct their compasse aright; but neare sands and rockes they will not come: So it is with this humbling of the heart, many have beene cozened and deceived therein: therefore now hold this rule, Let that soule whose eyes God hath opened, and brought under his blowes (let such I say) rather feare he is not sound in the worke, then feare 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 goe wrong; many perish because they goe off from this worke so soone; but never did any perish because he received the worke soundly. Therefore reason thus with thy owne heart; and say, Good Lord be merciful to me, my condition is very tickle; If now I be deceived, thē farewell comfort.