Directions and persuasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation…Directions and perswasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation…

1. In respect of Christ, it is equal, that he should dwell in such Souls only as are fit to entertain him. Neither his person, nor his business, are such as can suit with the unhumbled heart. Till Humiliation make a sinner feel, his sin, and misery, it is not possible that Christ, as Christ, should be heartily welcome to him, or received in that sort as his honour doth expect. Who cares for the Physician that feels no sickness, and fears not death? He may pass by the doors of such a man, and he will not call him in: ⟨p. 142⟩But when pain and fears of death are on him, •e will send, and seek, and bid him welcome. Will any man fly to Christ for succour, that feeleth not his wants, and danger: Will they lay hold on him, as the only refuge of their Souls, and cleave to him as their only hope, that feel no great need of him? Will they lie at his feet, and beg for mercy, that feel themselves well enough without him? When men do but hear of sin, and misery, and superficially believe it, they may coldly look after Christ, and Grace; and feel the worth of the later, in such a manner as they feel the weight of the former. But never is Christ valued and sought after as Christ, till sorrow have taught us how to value him: Nor is he entertained in the necessary honour of a Redeemer, till Humiliation throw open all the doors: No man can seek him with his whole heart, that seeks him not with a broken heart.

1. In respect of Christ, it is equal, that he should dwell in such Souls only as are fit to entertaine him. Neither his person, nor his business, are such as can suit with the unhumbled heart. Till Humiliation make a sinner feel, his sinne, and misery, it is not possible that Christ, as Christ, should be heartily welcome to him, or received in that sort as his honour doth expect. Who cares for the Physician that feels no sickness, and feares not death? He may pass by the doores of such a man, and he will not call him in: ⟨p. 142⟩But when paine and feares of death are on him, •e will send, and seek, and bid him welcome. Will any man fly to Christ for succour, that feeleth not his wants, and danger: Will they lay hold on him, as the only refuge of their Souls, and cleave to him as their only hope, that feele no great need of him? Will they lie at his feet, and beg for mercy, that feel themselves well enough without him? When men do but hear of sinne, and misery, and superficially believe it, they may coldly look after Christ, and Grace; and feel the worth of the later, in such a manner as they feel the weight of the former. But never is Christ valued and sought after as Christ, till sorrow have taught us how to value him: Nor is he entertained in the necessary honour of a Redeemer, till Humiliation throw open all the doores: No man can seek him with his whole heart, that seeks him not with a broken heart.