1 ,-0 'Ihe Saints fore I ·nraughts,Shadowes,and refemblances premifed~ · before a PiCture can be done to the Life, or a full proportion and lively reprefentation pourrrayed or prefented to the eye; how much more ought the ground of our hearts to be fitted and prepa– red , that by the preaching of the Word 1 the Image ofChrift Iefus maywith alivelyand freih impreflion be framped upon them? Were a man the next day to goe about a buft– ne!fe that mainely concerned eyther his life, or livelyhood; the fl:ateof his Lands, or danger of his life: Would not his minde be troubled be.. · fore-hand ? Would it not breake his 11eepe the night before? Would he not be mu ling, and plotting, by what meanes he might worke out his deliverance, and fafetie? what behaviour and carriage might be fittell:, to winne favour and grace in fo weightiean affaire? Howmuch more ought wee, before wee intrude into the Houfe of God, where mat_ters of our greatell: and ·highefl:, interefi: 3 are propofed,hand!ed,and debated by the Minifrer of the Word; even life eternaii, and everlafting eftate inanother World ? I fay, how ought wee to thinkcwithour feives,how weemay make ourfouies fittefr to underft:an~ and accept the Covenant ofGrace, to receive the Seale of the Spirit, and to get affurance of that glorious and royall Inheritance i,n the Heavens ? Nay,yet further,even in matters ofcomplement and enterview, there is wont to be pr-eparation, efpecially if tl1e prefence and perfons were rhe greater. l ofeph,
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