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The work of the Law preceding the Work of the Gospel. [ 1621]
IF a Man have a corrupt and dangerous sore in his Flesh,* 1.1 if he will be cured, or prevent the danger of a Gangrene, he must prepare himself both for trou∣ble, pain, and many other inconveniencies; as first the lancing of it, then the cutting and squeezing out the filthy and corrupt matter, then corrosives to eat out the proud Flesh; and lastly, (if need be) searing and cauterizing, before any healing plaister be applyed: Even so in the spiritual healing of our Sins, the work of the Law must precede the work of the Gospel:* 1.2 First, that of the Law to humble us; then that of the Gospel to comfort us, before there be any obtaining of pardon, any comfort in the hope of Redemption, the Law must take ••s in hand, search our frailty, lance our Sins, squeeze out the Corruption of our Natures, make us cry and roar again with the smart of our wounds. And then it is that the gentle Cataplasms of the Gospel may be applyed, and the comforts of Remission ministred unto us from the Physitian and Surgeon of our Souls, Christ Iesus.