A03611:396
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.
The last thing expressed is a sequestration of the soul from this sin, the soul falls off from them, and bids farewell to all cursed courses.
The last thing expressed is a sequestration of the soule from this sinne, the soule falles off from them, and bids farewell to all cursed courses.
First, I come to the three things presumed; ⟨p. 205⟩and because I shall have occasion afterward to handle the two former, Therefore now I come to the last of the three, which is this, Men and brethren, What shall we do? Surely there is some course to be taken. Is there not? you that are Gods Prophets tell us, if there be any hope for such poor distressed sinners as we are.
First, I come to the three things presumed; ⟨p. 205⟩and because I shall have occasion afterward to handle the two former, Therefore now I come to the last of the three, which is this, Men and brethren, What shall we doe? Surely there is some course to bee taken. Is there not? you that are Gods Prophets tell vs, if there be any hope for such poore distressed sinners as we are.
So the Doctrine is this,1 there is a secret hope of mercy, wherewith God supports the hearts of those that are truly broken hearted for their sins; howsoever these men did see themselves miserable, yet they did not throw off all, & say, Men and brethren there is no hope for us, therefore we will hear no more; but, seeing we must go to hell, we will take our pleasure while we live here in the world, while we may, and if we must be damned we will be damned for some thing; No, these people had some hope that they should find mercy, the Lord bruised the heart, but he did not break it; the Lord will not quench the smoking flax, but kindles it further, and the Lord draws on the work of the soul and plucks it to himself, and makes it look up to him and wait upon him for help and mercy.