Vol. 2

!CHAPTER I. 7This is a baptism which is to begin with the castingofF of sin, and the renouncing our evil inclinations;but it must not stop there. To enter into the water,isto enter upon the practice of works of atonement,such as are mortifying, and capable of allaying theheat of concupiscence, and of purifying our heartsfrom dead works." 5. And there went out unto him all the landof Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptizedof him in the river of Jordan, confessing theirsins."The first step toward conversion, is to seek anenlightened guide. The second is, to open ourhearts to him, by acquainting him with our mannerof life. The third, to receive directions concerningrepentance from him. The fourth, to baptize ourselves,as it were, by his advice, in tears and works ofmortification.as itIt is an instinct, and a duty which is,were, natural, for a man to confess his sins, andto humble himself for them, when once he is touchedwith a true contrition ; but to do this, is not at allnatural to human pride. Repentance is a pool, orrather a river, which carries our impurities far fromus, so as never to be resumed again. Lord, thouart the only person who canst put us into it" 6. And John was clothed with camel's hair, andwith a girdle of a skin about his loins ; and he dideat locusts and wild honey ;"The fifth step toward conversion is, to observe ameanness, or at least modesty and humility, in ourdress* The sixth is, to mortify the flesh. Theseventh, to cut off all occasions of sin.to employ ourselves in good works.The eighth,The ninth, to