A03611:456
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.
Lastly, if a man have been guilty of common open sins, and it is known abroad that he hath been an open swearer and adulterer, if God hath broken his heart thoroughly for his sins, and he lies (it may be) upon his death-bed, and now enjoys the company of a faithful Minister, or some holy Christian, he is bound to acknowledge his sins, that as God hath been dishonoured by him, so now he may honour God, and shame himself, and discourage the hearts of those wicked wretches that have shared with him in the sin: if ever he be truly broken, and if God throw him on his sick-bed, and these things be laid to his charge, he will cry out of himself, and say, Oh I have hated the light of Gods truth, I did persecute the cause of godliness, I was a persecutor and blasphemer, saith Paul: so it will be with your proud and rebellious hearts, if ever God open your eyes and awaken your consciences, as they must be either here or in hell.
Lastly, if a man have beene guilty of common open sinnes, and it is knowne abroad that he hath beene an open swearer and adulterer, if God hath broken his heart thorowly for his sins, and he lies (it may be) upon his death-bed, and now enjoyes the company of a faithfull Minister, or some holy Christian, he is bound to acknowledge his sinnes, that as God hath beene dishonoured by him, so now hee may honour God, and shame himselfe, and discourage the hearts of those wicked wretches that have shared with him in the sin: if ever he be truly broken, and if God throw him on his sicke-bed, and these things be layed to his charge, he will cry out of himselfe, and say, Oh I have hated the light of Gods truth, I did persecute the cause of godlinesse, I was a persecutor and blasphemer, saith Paul: so it will be with your proud and rebellious hearts, if ever God open your eyes and awaken your consciences, as they must be eyth•r here or in hell.
Therefore when your companions come about you, cry shame of your selves, and say, The Lord knows, and all the country knows, that I have been a drunkard, and an adulterer; it is the gall ⟨p. 230⟩