The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…

First, Make preparation for the day. There is scarce any work which admits of any considerable ⟨p. 342⟩perfection, but require some previous preparation. In works of nature, the ground must be dunged, dressed, ploughed, harrowed, and all to prepare it for the seed. In works of Art the Musician tuneth his Viol, screwing up some of his strings higher, letting some down lower, as occasion is, and all to prepare it for his lesson, and indeed without this he would make but sad Music. Truly Friend thus it is with us in matters of higher moment; hearts, like soil, must be prepared for the seed of the Word (how many a Sermon hath been lost, because this was wanting!) and the Viols of our souls must be tuned to praise God, or otherwise they will sound but harshly in his ears.

First, Make preparation for the day. There is scarce any work which admits of any considerable ⟨p. 342⟩perfection, but require some previous preparation. In works of nature, the ground must be dunged, dressed, plowed, harrowed, and all to prepare it for the seed. In works of Art the Musitian tuneth his Viol, screwing up some of his strings higher, letting some down lower, as occasion is, and all to prepare it for his lesson, and indeed without this he would make but sad M•sick. Truely Friend thus it is with us in matters of higher moment; hearts, like soil, must be prepared for the seed of the Word (how many a Sermon hath been lost, because this was wanting!) and the Viols of our souls must be tuned to praise God, or otherwise they will sound but harshly in his ears.

The Priests were to wash in the Laver, when they went into the Tabernacle, and when they came near to the Altar to Minister upon pain of death, Exod. 30.19, 20. Signifying that to holy performances there is required holy preparation; Suitable to which is Davids speech, I will wash my hands in innocency, so will I compass thine Altar,